קול “רמבם oqip-`ייSPRING 2016 eŠryz x KOL ­ RAMBAM

Students Hone Skills in Writing Lab Did you ever need a little bit of help to get a writing project started? A term paper? A lab report for science? Or maybe a poem you were motivated to write? The good news for Middle and Upper School stu- dents at is that expert help is at their fingertips. English Department Chair Lora Gibbens has set aside time four days a week to help students improve their writing skills one-on-one in the Writing Lab. Writing will always retain paramount importance in a Maimonides education, and Ms. Gibbens sees it as her mission to help students find their voice and express themselves. “Everyone can benefit from a conversation about writing,” she asserted. Students in Grades 6-12 meet individually with Ms. Gibbens for 15-minute sessions. She requires them to bring a hard copy of the writing they want to discuss — po- English Department Chair Lora Gibbens reviews a writing assignment with Grade 11 student Shira Ellenbogen. etry, prose, a letter, fantasy, remarks for delivery in shul — and, when available, the Scott Mattoon, Middle and Upper School “It’s always helpful to have that second pair rubric their teacher will be using to assess principal for general studies, is a huge fan. of eyes,” Ms. Gibbens said. their work. Last year Baruch-Lev Kelman “The sky's the limit for ways in which the A wide variety of students have taken ’17 brought passages from Ivdea Libera, a Writing Lab can support students on their advantage of the opportunity, and Ms. book of essays he subsequently published writing journeys, and in increased partner- Gibbens says she knows her customers himself. ship with the teachers who want to guide are happy because “I see them smiling in them,” he declared. the halls when they have a final product of Most often, Ms. Gibbens said, students are which they are really proud." In This Issue: looking for feedback on assignments for Ms. Gibbens is asking classroom teachers to Chidon Finalists...... 2 English or history. Her consultation can encourage students to visit the Writing Lab, take place any time during the writing and always contemplating how to further 5th Grade Moves Up...... 3 process, from the brainstorming stage to expand the number of students who ben- the polishing of a final draft. In addition, efit from it. Retiring Teachers...... 4 Ms. Gibbens noted that “I often review grammar concepts with writers as we edit Mr. Mattoon pointed out that the Writ- Alumni Giving...... 5 their work." ing Lab could focus on certain topics in a workshop-style format. "‘The Anatomy of Class Notes...... 6 This is the third year of Writing Lab, which an Effective Introduction’ or ‘The Differ- Ms. Gibbens launched shortly after she 1,000 Points...... 7 ence between Evidence and Analysis’ could began teaching here in the fall of 2013. offer students at various levels meaningful Students can schedule multiple sessions reinforcement of what they learn in class, News Briefs...... 8 and return on multiple days. continued on page 7 1 Chidon HaTanach finalists, from left, Elad Jeselsohn, Elan Traum, Josh Schoenberg and Dina Cohn. Quartet Competes in National Bible Contest Four Maimonides School students com- ary and early March. The national winners Rabbi Jaffe has a unique perspective on peted in the national finals of the annual compete in the world finals in Jerusalem the Chidon HaTanach. Not only was he the Chidon HaTanach on May 15, continuing next Yom Ha’Atzmaut. national winner in 1996, when he was a the school’s sterling record of participation Limudei kodesh teacher Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe student in New York, but also his wife Yael and success. has mentored contestants for several years. won the following year. (They didn’t know Grade 10 student Elad Jeselsohn’s score This year, he explained, the books of Bamid- each other at the time.) was tops in the Greater Northeast Regional bar, Shmuel Bet, Yeshayahu and Ezra were Rabbi Jaffe has served as Chidon coordina- Round for the second consecutive year. designated for the content of the contest. tor and coach since the fall of 2008. His em- The region includes New England and the Test organizers try to choose questions phasis, he said, has been on depth as well Philadelphia-Washington corridor, south to in which there’s a significant reason why as breadth. The program is now categorized Tennessee. the students should remember important as an extracurricular activity. phrases and details of the Tanach. There’s Regarding his pedagogical approach to the "The Chidon cultivates a difference between “something that’s Chidon, Rabbi Jaffe said, “I try to do two totally trivial” and “depth based on some of things, to constantly balance between two a passion and love for this detail. There are moral lessons that our goals. It’s an opportunity to teach them the Tanach, along with the sages learned based on some of these de- material, to learn parts of Tanach that they tails,” Rabbi Jaffe explained. may otherwise never learn.” actual study of our holy “The Chidon HaTanach supports multiple He also teaches the participants how to texts.” goals, which are also part of the mission of prepare for the exam, including the types of Maimonides School,” Rabbi Jaffe continued. questions that could be asked, and the best —Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe “There’s a very strong goal of identifying way to study. “If you are just using the time with the State of — David Ben Gurion as test prep, you haven’t learned anything. Also for the second year in a row, Dina started the Chidon — and they always try But if you just teach the content, how are Cohn, a junior, and Josh Schoenberg, a to ask questions that relate to the State of you going to prepare to succeed?” he asked freshman, qualified for the national finals. Israel. The Chidon cultivates a passion and rhetorically, to explain the need for balance. They were joined by a high scorer in the love for Tanach, along with the actual study Chidon’s division, Elan Traum. Rabbi Jaffe noted that the eligibility for the of our holy texts.” Israel competition became more restricted The Chidon, sponsored by the Jewish Two of Maimonides School’s recent national about 15 years ago. The top three finishers Agency, is the U.S. National Bible Contest, champions — Menachem Schindler ’11 and in the Diaspora used to qualify; now it’s only held in two divisions covering grades 6-11. Alexander Kahan ’13 — now live in Israel. the champion who travels to Israel for the Day school students take exams in Hebrew. Two others are still in the U.S — Yechiel final round. There were three rounds of qualifying tests, Robinson ’01 and Yochanon Stein ’94. held at Maimonides in December, Febru- 2 Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”tl Fifth Graders Ready to Move Up Founder "The theme of the fifth grade is leadership," ac- a question-and-answer session. Sixth graders also Rabbi M.J. Cohn, z”l cording to Rabbi David Saltzman, Elementary held a panel discussion. Principal Emeritus School principal. And there are many opportuni- The fifth graders are ready to move up. "Sixth Abraham Levovitz, z”l ties for students to develop that trait. During the grade will be so different — I'm already starting President Emeritus year the fifth graders are in charge of the Chesed to feel independent," declared Dina Nemirovsky. Chaverim groups. They read passages at assem- Rachel Naggar expects Middle School to be "hard Sam Wald ‘92 Chairman, Board of Directors blies, assist at recess, and run activities inspired at first — but we'll get used to it." Tamar Ruderman by the fall Teva environmental program. Special is anticipating the change to a bigger building, end-of-the-year activities include leading Color Jeffrey Swartz which she already knows from gym and science Chairman Emeritus War and field trips to Boston attractions. classes. Yael Bar-Or said it will be nice to be the The promotion from Grade 5 to Grade 6 — from youngest for a change. Nathan Katz ’73 Head of School Elementary to Middle School — is a special mo- Since the Middle School was established at ment in every child’s education. Facilitating the Maimonides eight years ago, the transition from Barry Ehrlich transition to Middle School at Maimonides is the fifth grade has been celebrated and commemo- Director of Curriculum and Instruction school’s 15-year academic span, with caring teach- rated with special ceremonies and activities. ers and experienced administrators who know the Robin Meyerowitz "These events are the culmination of their years in Early Childhood Director academic route their students will travel and help Elementary School," Rabbi Saltzman said, "and a their young charges prepare for what will come chance to reminisce on the good times, the learn- Frederique Smits next every step of the way. ing, and the wonderful friendships." Director of Institutional Advancement New sixth graders “will enjoy more freedom,” said The fifth grade students and teachers are currently Faun Zarge Associate Principal Reena Slovin. “I think they look preparing for the annual Siyum, the joyous cer- Director of Strategic Engagement Chidon HaTanach finalists, from left, Elad Jeselsohn, Elan Traum, Josh Schoenberg and Dina Cohn. forward to that. The transition is a really big deal.” emony that formally completes their elementary Rabbi Saltzman adds, “They are excited about education. Working in small groups, the fifth grad- Chantal Lawrence Director of Admissions meeting new teachers, learning new subjects, and ers are assembling a slide show featuring "people Quartet Competes in National Bible Contest even about moving to a new school building.” and activities that provide models for leadership Mike Rosenberg “Our students are undergoing a shift in identity,” as they move into Middle School," Rabbi Saltzman Editor said Zippy Portman, fifth grade general studies said. teacher. “They will learn to budget their time and Naomi Ribner Another important component of the transition is Designer handle a wider range of teachers and subjects.” the annual fifth grade yearbook, featuring tributes Rabbi Dovid Reisman, Judaic studies teacher, said and photos of each of the 38 classmates. "The kids MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL fifth graders are “looking forward to the privileges work on all the sections, setting aside 45 minutes Rabbi Dov Huff '00 of Middle School, including use of the vending each Friday," he said. "The kids love their yearbook." machines and their own personal lockers.” Interim Principal, Judaic Studies "The door is open to a smooth transition," Rabbi Recently, Middle School administrators briefed Saltzman said. Scott Mattoon Grade 5 on what to expect in the fall, and hosted Principal, General Studies

Brian Cohen Associate Principal, Middle School

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Rabbi David Saltzman Principal

Reena Slovin Associate Principal

Kol Rambam is published quarterly by the Maimonides School Office of Alumni and Community Relations.

Comments, questions, and suggestions should be addressed to:

Maimonides School 34 Philbrick Road Brookline, MA 02445 (617) 232-4452 x405 [email protected]

Grade 5 students, from left, Jeremy Grossman, Shmuel Herzberg, Dina Nemirovsky and Asher Nikfourouz reflect on their upcoming transition to Middle School. 3 New Award faculty profiles Honors Junior Dr. Jerry Halpern Who Excels in Dr. Jerald Halpern, Maimonides School science teacher since 1996, grew up in Brooklyn. And this summer he is retiring and , Middot heading back to be closer to his children and grandchildren. “I look back with great fondness and really appreciate that I was able to be here,” Dr. Halpern said. “It really has been a wonderful experience.” The grandchildren of one of Mai- monides School’s earliest families Dr. Halpern began teaching in 1970, first at the college level have established a new annual before moving to high schools. Before his two decades at award for a Grade 11 student who Maimonides, the longest he had stayed with one position was excels in Torah and middot. five years. Although he will be remembered primarily as a biology teach- The prize honors Herman and er, Dr. Halpern also occasionally taught chemistry, and during Frieda Abelow Cooper, who de- his first few years two math courses. voted their lives to their family and Jewish education. It was presented “I’ve been really happy here and am definitely sad about leaving,” he reflected. “The students along with university-sponsored here are really fabulous.” Among his hundreds of students, he noted that Andrei Levin ‘04, prize books at the annual junior a finalist in an Intel science fair, named Dr. Halpern as his mentor. “And I have an asteroid class meeting in May. named after me as a result,” he laughed. Dr. Halpern also was the faculty advisor for Model UN, accompanying the Maimonides The Coopers immigrated with their delegation to the annual competition in Stamford, CT for 17 years. “Nobody else wanted to respective families to the U.S. from do it,” he laughed. “It has been fun working with kids outside the classroom. It’s a different Europe as young children. They experience; I learned slowly and got to know what it was all about, and seeing how pre- were married in 1933. In 1948 they pared they were and how hard they worked…just riding in the van with them — they were enrolled their daughter Barbara still quizzing each other and working on strategies right up to the last minute.” (Radinsky ’61) in what was then the Maimonides Educational Institute. That’s when the Coopers became Rabbi Roy Rosenbaum devoted to the school and its principles. Mr. Cooper was involved Rabbi Roy Rosenbaum has held a number of significant posi- in the founding of the Friends of tions in development and public affairs over a long and distin- Maimonides, a men’s counterpart guished career. But as he prepares to retire after more than to the Auxiliary. Mrs. Cooper was a decade on the Upper School faculty, he reflects that “my involved in the Ladies Auxiliary and previous work was important and satisfying, but no compari- PTA, raising money, selling raffle son to teaching the kind of kids we have at Maimonides.” tickets, planning programs, hosting Rabbi Rosenbaum moved downstairs from the Rabbi Joseph meetings, attending school func- Soloveitchik Institute to a half-time Upper School position in tions, and encouraging others to do the fall of 2004. “I was always equipped to be a teacher, with the same. higher education and semicha, and I always liked the idea of teaching,” he said. “When I got this opportunity to fill in for an Mrs. Cooper, who passed away extended period, I really liked it.” last year at the age of 104, was the sister of Rabbi Leo Abelow, z”l, a The rabbi began full-time teaching the following year. As a close friend and ally of Rabbi Dr. Talmud teacher for all the Upper School grades, “One of the things I am very pleased about Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, revered is I was one of the key teachers in the renewed Ivrit B’Ivrit program.” He is also “especially founder of Maimonides School. proud to be the first and so far the only teacher to teach political science” as a Grade 12 elec- Rabbi Abelow was a member of tive. the committee of the Chevra Shas “It’s not all that common in day schools,” Rabbi Rosenbaum said. “It was my field as an un- that recruited Rabbi Soloveitchik to dergraduate and graduate student. There’s always something of great interest going on in come to Boston in 1933. the American political scene — you have a sense of tremendous freshness. There are peren- nial themes and issues but always a new take, as fresh as the morning newspaper.” He also The Coopers’ nephew, Joseph taught an Israel advocacy class. Abelow, lives in Israel but is still a member of the Board of Direc- “In almost every job I’ve had, the assignment itself was worthy. It gave me a feeling I was tors. His wife, Greta Abelow, was doing good for the Jewish community,” Rabbi Rosenbaum commented. “This is much more a Maimonides Elementary School individualized. It’s a great pleasure to see students from earlier years as they make their teacher for many years. contributions — a lot of nachas.” 4 4 Dozens of alumni attended a reunion hosted by former teacher Rabbi Zalmen Stein and his wife Freydie in Baltimore, including (left) Jennifer (Pick) Sultan '01 and Janet (Bernstein) Eisenberg '86; and (right) Shraga Green '82, retired Principal Rabbi David Shapiro and Rabbi Chaim Wecker '00. Graduates’ Generosity Boosts Campaign Every year, more alumni are directing their “Maimonides played a large role in shaping Ada (Greenwald) Jacobowitz, one of five generosity toward their alma mater, and me as a person,” Sarah commented. “I feel members of the first graduating class of building a strong foundation for the Mai- strongly that my approach to and 1953, is the most senior of all alumni monides annual campaign. community were shaped by my experi- donors. As the 2016 campaign accelerates into its ences at Maimonides, and for that I'm very “I am grateful for the foundation our teach- final month, the school is expressing grati- grateful.” ers gave us in knowing Jewish tradition tude for donations from across the spec- “I feel a strong connection to the larger and values,” Ada said. “Living in Phoenix, trum of the community. The percentage of Maimonides community,” she said, “and my background from Boston enabled me graduates who are donors has increased hope that, through donations, current stu- to supplement our children's education.” dramatically, more than doubling between dents are able to thrive from the opportu- She gives to show appreciation of the 2007 and 2015, and heading for an even nities provided through Maimonides.” school’s “helping make me aware of our larger increase before this year’s campaign David Schiff ’85 agreed that “contributing rich and healthy Jewish tradition.” closes on June 30. to Maimonides is a token acknowledge- A more recent graduate described a Much of the impetus for the increase ment of the school’s positive impact on my personal “commitment to the school” that comes from the establishment of Chevrat world.” inspires his charitable response. HaLapid, the society for alumni donors. David was chair of the School Committee “It's not simply that I went to Maimonides Chevrat HaLapid is structured to accom- before moving from Brookline to Teaneck and now I'm an alumnus,” said Meron Amar modate graduates’ expanding capacity to several years ago. “My family’s history in ’10, who graduated from Boston University give, with a threshold that begins at $18 the community extends back multiple and now works in finance in Manhattan. and grows over 15 years to an annual gift generations,” he said. “One important way “The school, and particularly the teachings of $180 or more. Indeed, there are mem- that I can help to ensure the continued vi- of the Rav, shaped my thinking and direc- bers of the society who are among the brancy of the Jewish community is to help tion of life. I would want nothing more most generous donors to the school. the school prosper.” than to see the school continue to succeed The name of the society reflects a common The youngest of three brothers to gradu- with its students and impact the Jewish denominator for all alumni: HaLapid, the ate, David said his parents, Dr. Seymour people positively.” senior yearbook. and Judith Schiff, “were singularly commit- “I can point to so many episodes in my life There are many ways that the school ted to providing a strong Jewish education — as a college and graduate student, and benefits from the community's generos- for all of their children and they worked as an adult – where I say to myself, ‘Thank ity. Especially important to alumni are very hard to help the school thrive.” G-d for that Maimonides education,’” David professional development opportunities “The school faced many challenges then reflected. “It imbued me with the foun- for teachers, accessibility to families who (as now) and their dedication to Torah edu- dational tools, perspective and religious require financial assistance, and growth in cation in a nurturing day school environ- conviction to desire to lead a life and raise extracurricular activities. ment left a deep impression on my siblings a family in a fashion consistent with Torah Sarah (Lamport) Lee ’03 of Los Angeles, a and me. Contributing to Maimonides is and mitzvot while comfortably and confi- member of Chevrat HaLapid, was co-pres- but a small and subtle measure of tribute dently engaging society at large.” ident of Student Council her senior year. to them,” David continued.

5 CLASS NOTES

Contact your class secretary (see listings below) to share your news. If you would like to serve as a class secretary, contact Mike Rosenberg (617) 232-4452 x405, [email protected] to volunteer. 1968 1981 2002 2011 Mazal tov to Reva (Levovitz) and Harvey Mazal tov to Chana (Weglein) and Dr. Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Avishai Alge on his engage- Gertel on the birth of their granddaugh- Shmuel Goldstein on the birth of their ment to Shira Marmor. Parents are Sharon Eva (Fenton) and Hillel Broder on the ter, Malka Aliza. Parents are Shuli (Gertel) granddaughter. Great-grandparents are and Merv Alge. birth of their son, Baruch Yehuda. Grand- ’97 and Rabbi Avi Bossewitch. Helen and Ernst Weglein. mother is Dr. Ann Fenton. David and Michelle (Singer) Osband on 2012 1971 1994 the birth of twin sons. Grandparents are Mazal tov to Jessica Shrayber on her en- Contact Rabbi Dr. Ed Goldstein, (516) Mazal tov to Shoshana and Rabbi Elliot Rebecca and Jeffrey Singer and Barbara gagement to Daniel Lazarev. Jessica is the 295-4118, [email protected]. Moskowitz on the bar mitzvah of their Osband. daughter of Inga and Alexander Shrayber. son, Moshe. Grandmother is Deborah Mazal tov to Ryna (Gindsberg) and Prof. Esther (Vishniavsky) and Doniel Mill- Moskowitz. Mordechai Kedar on the birth of their man on the birth of their daughter, 2013 grandson. Nechama Tzipora. Grandparents are Ruth Mazal tov to Shoshana Stitcher on her and Nahum Vishniavsky. 1995 engagement to Yaakov Jacobs. Shoshana 1972 Mazal tov to Ayala and Rabbi Dani Rock- is the daughter of Emma and Andrew off on the birth of their son, Binyamin Stitcher. Contact Marilyn (Zicher) Kramer, 2003 Nadiv. Grandparents are Shuli and Dr. Avi [email protected]. Mazal tov to Rockoff. Jodi and Eitan Rosenberg on the birth of 1973 their son, Michael Robert. Grandparents 1997 are Tzila and Shmuel Rosenberg. IN MEMORIAM Mazal tov to Amy and Naty Katz on the Mazal tov to engagement of their son Eitan ’08 to Sara (Gale) and Keith Weinberg on the Ayelet Warshawsky, and the birth of their Shuli (Gertel) and Rabbi Avi Bossewitch birth of their son, Itamar Zachary. Grand- granddaughter, Olivia Maya. Parents are on the birth of their daughter, Malka Aliza. parents are Drs. Vicki and David Gale. Shari and Ari Katz ’99. Grandparents are Reva (Levovitz) ’68 and Harvey Gertel. 2007 Elka (Stokar) Troutman z"l Lisa and Ethan Lebowitz on the birth of The Maimonides School community mourns 1974 Mazal tov to their daughter, Sophie Emma. Grandpar- the passing of a 1981 graduate, Elka (Stokar) Contact Jay Solomont (917) 522-8383, ents are Barbara and Dr. Elliot Lebowitz. Elana (Kesselman) and Adam Arroyo on Troutman, z"l, beloved sister of Faith Stokar ’86. [email protected]; or Dani- the birth of their daughter, Annabelle Ka- Elka and her husband Jeffrey lived in Ashland ella (Peyser) Teutsch, (201) 379-5408, lanit. Grandmother is Tamara Kesselman. with their two sons, Joshua, 14, and Jake, 12.. [email protected]. 1999 Dena Katz on her engagement to Benjie Esther (Greenburg) Simon on the birth Mazal tov to Frieling. Dena is the daughter of Susan of her grandson, Benzion Adler. Blair (Chaletzky) and Joshua Dorfman and Alan Katz ’79. on the birth of their daughter, Avery. CONDOLENCES Abby (Vishniavsky) and David Marks on Grandmother is Sandra Chaletzky. 1976 the birth of their son, Levi Yosef. Grandpar- Contact Judy Thaler-Lev, judylev@ Talia and Hillel Katchen on the birth of ents are Ruth and Nahum Vishniavsky. ymail.com, (972) 050-753-3158. their daughter, Eliora Shira Sara. Grandfa- Leia Poritz on her engagement to David ther is Aaron Katchen. Mazal tov to Judy Thaler-Lev and Yitzhak Mendelovitz. Leia’s parents are Ruth Lev on the birth of their first grandchild, Shari and Ari Katz on the birth of their (Abromson) ’77 and Dr. Andrew Poritz. Joel Chefitz ’68, Rachel (Chefitz) Kurtz ’70, Harry Ofir. daughter, Olivia Maya. Grandparents are Chefitz ’80, Daniel Chefitz ’86, David and Allen Amy and Naty Katz ’73. Chefitz on the loss of their beloved father, 2008 Melvin Chefitz, z”l. Hila and Elon Malkin on the birth of their 1977 Mazal tov to daughter, Noa. Grandparents are Ruth and Contact Amy (Schultz) Margolis, (561) David Adler ’75 on the loss of his beloved Alexander Malkin. Davida (Wolfson) and Shimon Fried on 789-2500, [email protected]. father, Jerry Adler, z”l. the birth of their son, Joseph. Grandpar- Mazal tov to 2000 ents are Joy and Barry Wolfson. Dr. Brian Hoch ’75, Dr. David Hoch ’76 and Ruth (Abromson) and Dr. Andy Poritz on Eitan Katz on his engagement to Ayelet Joseph Hoch ’80 on the loss of their beloved Mazal tov to Alyson (Singer) and Shamir the engagement of their daughter Leia Warshawsky. Eitan is the son of Amy and father, Rabbi Yehoshua Hoch, z”l. Seidman on the birth of twin sons, Aaron ’07 to David Mendelovitz. Naty Katz ’73. Tzvi and Zachary Isaac. Grandparents are Valerie (Kaufman) Farber ’77 on the loss of her David Weinberg on the engagement of Rebecca and Jeffrey Singer. Mike Mintz on his engagement to Lea beloved son, Moshe Chaim, z”l. his daughter Yardena to Eli Katz. Grandfa- Abraham. Mike is the son of Sharon Groh- Ilana Waxman and Paul Margulies on the ther is Dr. Jack Weinberg. Mintz and Howard Mintz. birth of their son. Grandparents are Sheila Phyllis (Kranz) Corn ’77 and Joanne (Kranz) and David Waxman. Zayat ’80 on the loss of their beloved father, 1979 2009 Solomon Kranz, z”l. Mazal tov to Susan and Alan Katz on the 2001 Mazal tov to Hanna Flesh on her mar- Sara (Morgenstern) Jay ’78 on the loss of her engagement of their daughter Dena ’07 riage to Yoram Eini. Hanna’s parents are Mazal tov to Avigail (Applbaum) and beloved father, Morton Morgenstern, z”l. to Benjie Frieling. Grandparents are Helen Holly and George Flesh. Aharon Charnov on the birth of their and Bert Katz. daughter, Noa Chaya. Grandparents are Janet (Bramson) Spector ’80 on the loss of Diana and Dr. Paul Applbaum. 2010 her beloved father, former student Arnold Bramson, z”l. 1980 Aviva (Cheses) and Scott Wasserman on Mazal tov to Rachel Renz on her engage- Contact Amy Levenson, amy.leven- the birth of their son. Grandparents are ment to Jacob Slutsky. Rachel is the Michael Aaronson ’81 and Jeffrey Aaronson [email protected]. Nechama and Aryeh Cheses. daughter of Cathy and George Renz. on the loss of their beloved father, Dr. Gerald Aaronson, z”l. 6 Yoni Gelb drives toward the basket in the opening game of this year’s Sarachek Tournament.

Yoni Gelb Latest to Join 1,000-Point Club IN MEMORIAM During a regular-season game in Janu- “One of the most important things in a noted that Yoni “worked on his game both ary, Yoni Gelb took a pass from team- team sport is you’ve got to make your in season and throughout the year. He mate Noah Hoffman and laid it in for two teammates better,” Yoni commented. He made himself into a highly effective high points. Then the game stopped andThe it wasMaimonides said School he worked community hard mourns to reconcile that school player through this work announced that Yoni had become thethe passingsev- of witha 1981 Coach graduate, Gelb’s Elka (Stokar) system, as plays were and his deep understanding of the game.” enth Maimonides varsity basketballTroutman, player z"l. Elkadesigned and her husbandfor the Jeffreyscorers. “Yoni is the most to score 1,000 career points. lived in Ashlandprolific with their three-point two sons, Joshua, scorer 14, that I have ever The seniors on the 2015-16 team formed and Jake, 12. coached,” Coach Gelb commented. “This a special bond, Yoni said. “Since the day “I really had no idea,” said Yoni, an M-Cat year he added much stronger basket- is so long, you don’t really have as much starter for four years. attacking skills and became a much better time out of school to be with those people. creator for his teammates.” He scored 529 Playing a sport is a better way, because Yoni’s coach is his father, Rabbi Ed Gelb, points this season — 318 of those from you’re going for a common goal and that but the player maintains that there was outside the three-point arc. makes it more meaningful.” never any pressure applied to play. He played recreation basketball in Sharon be- There are special challenges on a Mai- Yoni finished his high school career with ginning in fourth grade and moved up to a monides student-athlete because of the 1,268 points. He hopes to play intramu- travel team in Grade 8. He also competed demands of the academic schedule. ral or club basketball at the University at Solomon Schechter Day School against of Wisconsin, and he may try to become some of his future Maimonides team- “You have to find a couple of hours to work a manager for the intercollegiate team mates. Summer basketball at Camp Ramah on your own,” Yoni said. “And you have to because “one of my dreams is someday to was a big opportunity. work during the off- season. That was why get into coaching. I like the X’s and O’s as camp was so huge for me.” Coach Gelb well as playing.” Writing Lab hone their voice as writers and thinkers.” The Writing Lab is "evolving in proportion Ms. Gibbens would like to see students to the solidifying identity of our writing continued from page 1 curriculum in grades 6-12,” Mr. Mattoon and in a way that reaches students' under- “who identify as writers share their strate- gies and love for writing with their peers.” said. “Given the personal nature of writ- standing through a more focused, ‘hands- ing and student voice, the way in which on, minds-on’ experience,” he said. She would also like to see opportunities for writing advocacy through the develop- students' writing is supported sequentially Teachers from English and history depart- ment of a creative writing club. In general, through our Middle School and Upper ments and guest lecturers will enrich such the peer-to-peer experience can be one of School curricula, both in class and in the opportunities, he continued. “And just as the most powerful ways in which students Writing Lab, has endless possibilities for important as anything the faculty offer, test and shape their perspectives and students' college preparation, up to and students themselves can play a vital role refine their expression. including the very essays that comprise in shaping topics and workshops as they their college applications.” 7 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Brookline, MA 34 Philbrick Road Permit No. 59990 Brookline, MA 02445 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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NEWS BRIEFS

ore free time Upper School abandoning the notion that science courses General Hospital. Dr. Fisher, the father of a current students and parents have reacted serve as isolated islands of knowledge. Instead, Maimonides student and three alumni, heads the positively to a revised Monday- fundamental scientific principles, such as energy, hospital’s Department of Dermatology and is also M Thursday dismissal time of 5:00 p.m. are investigated in each science course, beginning director of the MGH Cutaneous Biology Research beginning in September. “This earlier dismissal is with physics, finding connection and meaning in Center. designed to provide our students with more free chemistry, and finally with biology.” Mathematics time and balance in their lives,” according to Upper classes are also being resequenced, with geometry eer tutoring initiative Up- School General Studies Principal Scott Mattoon. moving to 9th grade and Algebra I and II to 10th per School students now have oppor- “The new schedule is the result of shaving minutes grade. These enhancements are not only derived tunities to learn from fellow students here and there throughout the day without any from the overall math trajectory but also in align- P at any point during their four years of reduction in classroom instructional time,” added ment with the new science sequence. math, biology, chemistry and physics. The so- Rabbi Dov Huff, interim Judaic studies principal. called peer tutoring program was the brainchild of “We are thrilled to be able to dismiss students at eyond maimonides The Mai- senior Yarin Trabelsi. It allows students to sign up a time of day that allows for earlier athletics, after- monides Upper School Science Depart- for one-on-one sessions with a fellow classmate to school activities, and commutes home.” ment has selected junior David Kotler receive extra support in their school studies. Tutors B as the first participant in a new, innova- were nominated by their respective teachers, and estructuring science tive science internship program. The program, were vetted by both faculty and Yarin through an sequence The traditional science called Beyond Maimonides, was developed with application process that included interviews and sequence for Upper School students the goal of providing students between junior and teaching model lessons. “This stringent process R is being restructured so that students senior year with advanced experiences in research, was devised to guarantee that the tutors solidly will take physics in ninth grade, chemistry in Grade medicine, and science-based and technology- understood the material in which they were 10 and biology in 11th grade. Science Director based businesses, said Brian Palm, science director. tutoring and had the ability to teach it as well,” ex- Brian Palm explained that “this is much more This summer, David will be working at the research plained Amy Rosen, head of the Student Life Team. than a reshuffling of science classes. It entails laboratory of Dr. David Fisher at

8 The annual Grade 7 daglanut unfolds on the Saval Campus courtyard, a highlight of Yom Ha’Atzmaut.