ashreinews 2-26-16
Parshat Ki Sisa
17 Adar I 5776
Feb. 26, 2016
Candle Lighting 5:25 PM
ws
If One Does Not Own Land, He Need Not Go 'Up' for the Festival by Rabbi Yosef Bendrihem I saw a beautiful Dvar Torah from Rabbi Yissachar Frand Shlita. At the end of the Parsha, the pasuk says, "Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the L-rd, Hashem, the G-d of Israel." This is the command of "aliyah l'regel." On Pesach, Shavuos, and Succos the Jews were commanded to go up to the Beis HaMikdash to see and be seen by the Divine Presence of G -d. The pasuk continues, "...and no man shall covet your land when you go up to appear before Hashem your G-d, three times a year." We are guaranteed that we have nothing to fear while everyone is in Jerusalem. We might have been nervous about leaving no males at home, because it would be an open invitation to thieves and enemies. The pasuk tells us to have no fear - no one will covet our land while we go up to Jerusalem to see the Shechinah. The Talmud derives a halacha from this -- whoever does not own land is not obligated to go up to Jerusalem on the Festival [Pesachim 8b]. The whole halacha of going up three times a year was for one who owned land. The Kotzker Rebbe asked, "Why is it that someone who doesn't own land is excused from going up to Jerusalem?" The Kotzker Rebbe answered, "Because he doesn't need to." Only the person who owns land, who has a connection to this world, who is into materialism, needs to go up to Jerusalem to see the Shechinah. The person who is unencumbered by materialism does not have to go anywhere to see the Shechinah, because he sees it everywhere. (continued on p. 2)
Growing Kids… by Mrs. Donna Schaer, Principal of General Studies Do you believe that some children are smart and that others are not? Do you think how a child does on tests in school is determined by how hard the teacher made the assessment? Would you agree that some children are just not good at certain subjects? These and similar questions were discussed with ASHAR’s teachers during our recent professional development session. Under consideration was Carol Dweck’s study of fixed and growth mindsets’ impact on the outcome of learning in classrooms and in life. Individuals with fixed mindsets would give affirmative answers to those opening questions, attributing the ability to learn to factors outside an individual’s control. Educators, parents, and students with fixed mindsets are convinced that success is determined by luck, inheriting the right genes, and other such factors. Those with fixed mindsets believe mistakes must be avoided, “smart” people always know the right answers, and if something doesn’t come easily, they must not be capable. Having fixed mindsets causes people to get ”stuck,” disheartened, and give up easily. Those with open mindsets, however, believe that understanding stems from viewing mistakes as opportunities for growing; that learning follows overcoming challenges; that the more one tries or (continued on p. 4)
(Rabbi Bendrihem, cont. from p. 1) One who has property, a mortgage, a two-car garage, a Jacuzzi, etc., has to go to Jerusalem to see the Shechinah. But one who is free of the materialism of this world sees the Shechinah everywhere, so he is excused from the mitzvah of 'Reiyah,' going to see. I would like to share a true story with you involving the Chofetz Chaim and Rav Shimon Schwab. Rav Schwab once visited the Chofetz Chaim, and the Chofetz Chaim asked him if he was a Kohen, Levi or Yisroel. Rav Schwab answered that he was a Yisroel. We all know that the Chofetz Chaim was a Kohen. The Chofetz Chaim said to Rav Schwab, "You know what the difference is between me and you? Soon the Beis HaMikdash will be rebuilt. Everyone will go for the first time, crowding the doors to get into the Courtyard of the Beis HaMikdash. There will be a guard at the door who will ask the people whether they are Kohanim, Leviim, or Yisraelim. The Kohanim will get to go inside and perform the Service of the Temple. I will be one of those people. You, Rav Schwab, with all the other Yisraelim, will be left outside. All the Yisraelim will be terribly jealous of me. They are going to want to do the Service, but the Halacha will be NO! -- Kohanim inside; Yisraelim outside. The Yisraelim will be angry and upset and jealous." The Chofetz Chaim continued, "You know why, Rav Schwab, it's going to be like that? Because of something that happened thousands of years ago. Thousands of years ago there was something called 'the sin of the Golden Calf.' The Jewish people sinned with the calf. Only 3,000 people participated in that heinous act of idolatry. But when Moshe Rabbeinu called out and asked everyone else to come and put out the fire... When he issued those famous words, 'Whoever is for G-d, gather around me' [Shmos 32:26], do you know what happened? Only the tribe of Levi showed up. My grandfather came and responded to that call, and your grandfather sat there and did nothing. Therefore, the Kohanim who come from the tribe of Levi will go into the Beis HaMikdash. But you, Yisraelim, are going to be on the outside because you sat there and didn't respond." The Chofetz Chaim then looked at Rav Schwab and said, "What do you think? Am I trying to make you feel bad? Am I trying to rub your face in it? Chas V'Sholom! But I want to teach you a lesson. Many times in life you will hear a little voice go off in your head that will say 'Whoever is for G-d, gather around me.' There is going to come an event, there is going to come an issue, something, that everybody is going to be told, 'Stand up and be counted.' In whose camp are you? I want you to know that questions like that, and challenges like that, have implications not only for you, but for generations and generations after you. Because your grandfather did not answer, 'Yes,' in the affirmative, to 'Who is for G-d, gather to me,' you are excluded from the Temple Service. It was an act that has implications thousands of years later. Because my grandfather said yes, I am a Kohen now and I am going to do the Service." "Never forget," the Chofetz Chaim told Rav Schwab, "everybody has his moments of 'Who is for G-d, gather around me.' When you hear that voice, stand up and be counted!"
...חנוך לנער by Mrs. Debby Jacobson, Assistant Principal Mother-Daughter Breakfast: A Smashing Success! This morning our mothers and their daughters in grades 4-8 participated in
our
annual
Mother-Daughter
Breakfast. The theme of this year's breakfast was "Bat-Melech; Inside and Out." The girls wrote poems in both English and Hebrew about the gifts that Hashem has given them. They also illustrated silhouettes with things that are unique to each and every one of
them.
The
breakfast ended with a cupcake decorating class led by ASHAR's art
teacher,
Mrs. Amy Bruschansky. A wonderful time was had by all.
The second graders had an amazing learning experience this week. Budgeting their own money, they shopped at Wise-Buys prize store and then bought lunch at Chai Pizza.
They made a
real Kiddush Hashem, as they browsed the prizes, waited in line, ordered
for
themselves, and paid.
An
honorable
to
Itai
realized
he
Gershon,
mention who
received too much change, and returned cashier.
it
to
the
Thank you to Mrs. Ginsberg, Mrs. Schwartz, Morah
Daniella, Mrs. Schrieber, and Mrs. Taub for joining us and making our trip the success that it was.
Mrs. Tencic’s 5B and 5G Science classes dissecting owl pellets.
Security Update: Kudos to the Security Committee for coordinating the installation of our new back gate. The back play area and lot is now fully enclosed.
Thank you Rabbi Asher Bush, Rav of Ahavat Yisrael for his inspiring words to our students this Erev Shabbat.
Math Challenge: After Mr. Stingy died, his lawyer read the will to his family. He left half of his estate to his wife and $50,000 to his son. The remaining fortune was to be split in this way: half of what remained went to his caddy, half of what remained after that was set aside for the care of his pet iguana, and the remaining $8,000 went to his favorite charity. What was the value of Mr. Stingy's estate?
The answer: $164,000 Winners: Avi Blachman, Eitan Nissel, Shimshy Gordon, Goldy Zazon, Lani Fetman, Toby Volcovics, Eliana Meckler, Hallie Gordon
Reminder: Parent-Teacher Conferences, Sunday, March 6, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Growing Kids… (cont. from p. 1) practices, the easier tasks will become; and that there are steps that can be taken and things that can be done to help oneself learn and do better. Applying the theory of mindset to teaching and learning, ASHAR’s teachers discussed how to foster growth mindsets in their students through class discussions, exercises, encouragement, and the messages to be embedded in the daily lessons within and without our classroom settings. Examination of our own mindsets and teaching practices added to our knowledge of the power we as teachers hold to help students and parents understand the power of learning from mistakes, of believing that hard work in the face of challenges is crucial to learning, and that growth stems from persevering when confronted with difficult tasks rather than easily achieving good grades. (to be continued…)
The Coolest Thing we learned in school this week…. 1B We are working on preparation for the 100th day of school on Monday. 1G We had Braid Day when we read the story about how a girl remembered the days of the week. 2B/G On Wednesday, we had “Money Day.” We took a trip to Wise Buys and Chai Pizza. We used our own money in order to understand how to budget our wants (toys) and our needs (lunch). 3B We wrote biographies based ont eh people we are researching. 3G We learned about matter and solids, liquids and gases. We also experimented with food coloring. 4B We had our “Battle of the Cans” pizza party. 4G We typed our Native American essays based on the information we learned in class.
5B/G In Mrs. Tencic’s class, to truly understand the skeletal system, we dissected owl pellets and rebuilt skeletons of their prey. 6B We also had a pizza party for “Battle of the Cans.” We loved painting the tiles in the Art room ceiling. 6G We had a brochos contest—the first girls to get to 100 brochos with people answering amen during school hours win. 7G In Chumash, after learning the law of a Beit din, we convened into our own courts and were given different cases we needed to judge. 8B/G As part of our year-long Holocaust study, we chose our individual topics for our Holocaust research paper. We began editing our Names Not Numbers documentary interviews.
“I Am” Poems
Nechama Lapp 7G
Naomi Shechter 8G
I am a 7th grader
I am a gymnast
I wonder what I got on my test
I wonder how many times my hands will rip before I see bone
I hear the gossip in the hallways
I hear the rhythms of tumbles on the floor
I see my classmates raising their hands
I see the balance beam staring at me intimidatingly
I want to get perfect grades
I want first place
I am a 7th grader
I am a competitor I pretend I'm a model on picture day I pretend that nothing is impossible
I feel the stress from all the work
I feel my legs give out
I touch the paper and pen
I touch the clouds of chalk in the air
I worry I won't get into high school
I worry I will fail
I cry from all the fails
I cry when I do
I am a 7th grader
I am just a girl I understand I'm not the smartest I understand gymnastics isn’t easy I say I can do it
I say that if you got through middle school you can get through anything
I dream big
I dream of being a straight A student
I try to improve each time
I try to do my best
I hope to advance
I hope my friends now will stay my friends
I am a gymnast
I am Nechama Lapp
The school doctor will be scheduled for late March for the required outstanding physicals. As you know, for new entrants to ASHAR, and for students in K, 2nd, 4th and 7th grade, a physical (Health Appraisal) is mandated by NYS. If your child(ren) had a recent physical, please submit a copy as well as the immunization record to the Health Office. If your child is in one of the mandated grades and a physical has not been submitted, please Email me at [email protected] with the date of your child’s upcoming physical. Please note: Effective September 1, 2016, students entering grades seven and twelve in New York State (NYS) schools will be required to be fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease according to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As always, any questions, please call me at extension 508. Thank you, Patricia A. Geisel, RN, MS
17 Adar I 5776
Feb. 26, 2016
Candle Lighting 5:25 PM
ws
If One Does Not Own Land, He Need Not Go 'Up' for the Festival by Rabbi Yosef Bendrihem I saw a beautiful Dvar Torah from Rabbi Yissachar Frand Shlita. At the end of the Parsha, the pasuk says, "Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the L-rd, Hashem, the G-d of Israel." This is the command of "aliyah l'regel." On Pesach, Shavuos, and Succos the Jews were commanded to go up to the Beis HaMikdash to see and be seen by the Divine Presence of G -d. The pasuk continues, "...and no man shall covet your land when you go up to appear before Hashem your G-d, three times a year." We are guaranteed that we have nothing to fear while everyone is in Jerusalem. We might have been nervous about leaving no males at home, because it would be an open invitation to thieves and enemies. The pasuk tells us to have no fear - no one will covet our land while we go up to Jerusalem to see the Shechinah. The Talmud derives a halacha from this -- whoever does not own land is not obligated to go up to Jerusalem on the Festival [Pesachim 8b]. The whole halacha of going up three times a year was for one who owned land. The Kotzker Rebbe asked, "Why is it that someone who doesn't own land is excused from going up to Jerusalem?" The Kotzker Rebbe answered, "Because he doesn't need to." Only the person who owns land, who has a connection to this world, who is into materialism, needs to go up to Jerusalem to see the Shechinah. The person who is unencumbered by materialism does not have to go anywhere to see the Shechinah, because he sees it everywhere. (continued on p. 2)
Growing Kids… by Mrs. Donna Schaer, Principal of General Studies Do you believe that some children are smart and that others are not? Do you think how a child does on tests in school is determined by how hard the teacher made the assessment? Would you agree that some children are just not good at certain subjects? These and similar questions were discussed with ASHAR’s teachers during our recent professional development session. Under consideration was Carol Dweck’s study of fixed and growth mindsets’ impact on the outcome of learning in classrooms and in life. Individuals with fixed mindsets would give affirmative answers to those opening questions, attributing the ability to learn to factors outside an individual’s control. Educators, parents, and students with fixed mindsets are convinced that success is determined by luck, inheriting the right genes, and other such factors. Those with fixed mindsets believe mistakes must be avoided, “smart” people always know the right answers, and if something doesn’t come easily, they must not be capable. Having fixed mindsets causes people to get ”stuck,” disheartened, and give up easily. Those with open mindsets, however, believe that understanding stems from viewing mistakes as opportunities for growing; that learning follows overcoming challenges; that the more one tries or (continued on p. 4)
(Rabbi Bendrihem, cont. from p. 1) One who has property, a mortgage, a two-car garage, a Jacuzzi, etc., has to go to Jerusalem to see the Shechinah. But one who is free of the materialism of this world sees the Shechinah everywhere, so he is excused from the mitzvah of 'Reiyah,' going to see. I would like to share a true story with you involving the Chofetz Chaim and Rav Shimon Schwab. Rav Schwab once visited the Chofetz Chaim, and the Chofetz Chaim asked him if he was a Kohen, Levi or Yisroel. Rav Schwab answered that he was a Yisroel. We all know that the Chofetz Chaim was a Kohen. The Chofetz Chaim said to Rav Schwab, "You know what the difference is between me and you? Soon the Beis HaMikdash will be rebuilt. Everyone will go for the first time, crowding the doors to get into the Courtyard of the Beis HaMikdash. There will be a guard at the door who will ask the people whether they are Kohanim, Leviim, or Yisraelim. The Kohanim will get to go inside and perform the Service of the Temple. I will be one of those people. You, Rav Schwab, with all the other Yisraelim, will be left outside. All the Yisraelim will be terribly jealous of me. They are going to want to do the Service, but the Halacha will be NO! -- Kohanim inside; Yisraelim outside. The Yisraelim will be angry and upset and jealous." The Chofetz Chaim continued, "You know why, Rav Schwab, it's going to be like that? Because of something that happened thousands of years ago. Thousands of years ago there was something called 'the sin of the Golden Calf.' The Jewish people sinned with the calf. Only 3,000 people participated in that heinous act of idolatry. But when Moshe Rabbeinu called out and asked everyone else to come and put out the fire... When he issued those famous words, 'Whoever is for G-d, gather around me' [Shmos 32:26], do you know what happened? Only the tribe of Levi showed up. My grandfather came and responded to that call, and your grandfather sat there and did nothing. Therefore, the Kohanim who come from the tribe of Levi will go into the Beis HaMikdash. But you, Yisraelim, are going to be on the outside because you sat there and didn't respond." The Chofetz Chaim then looked at Rav Schwab and said, "What do you think? Am I trying to make you feel bad? Am I trying to rub your face in it? Chas V'Sholom! But I want to teach you a lesson. Many times in life you will hear a little voice go off in your head that will say 'Whoever is for G-d, gather around me.' There is going to come an event, there is going to come an issue, something, that everybody is going to be told, 'Stand up and be counted.' In whose camp are you? I want you to know that questions like that, and challenges like that, have implications not only for you, but for generations and generations after you. Because your grandfather did not answer, 'Yes,' in the affirmative, to 'Who is for G-d, gather to me,' you are excluded from the Temple Service. It was an act that has implications thousands of years later. Because my grandfather said yes, I am a Kohen now and I am going to do the Service." "Never forget," the Chofetz Chaim told Rav Schwab, "everybody has his moments of 'Who is for G-d, gather around me.' When you hear that voice, stand up and be counted!"
...חנוך לנער by Mrs. Debby Jacobson, Assistant Principal Mother-Daughter Breakfast: A Smashing Success! This morning our mothers and their daughters in grades 4-8 participated in
our
annual
Mother-Daughter
Breakfast. The theme of this year's breakfast was "Bat-Melech; Inside and Out." The girls wrote poems in both English and Hebrew about the gifts that Hashem has given them. They also illustrated silhouettes with things that are unique to each and every one of
them.
The
breakfast ended with a cupcake decorating class led by ASHAR's art
teacher,
Mrs. Amy Bruschansky. A wonderful time was had by all.
The second graders had an amazing learning experience this week. Budgeting their own money, they shopped at Wise-Buys prize store and then bought lunch at Chai Pizza.
They made a
real Kiddush Hashem, as they browsed the prizes, waited in line, ordered
for
themselves, and paid.
An
honorable
to
Itai
realized
he
Gershon,
mention who
received too much change, and returned cashier.
it
to
the
Thank you to Mrs. Ginsberg, Mrs. Schwartz, Morah
Daniella, Mrs. Schrieber, and Mrs. Taub for joining us and making our trip the success that it was.
Mrs. Tencic’s 5B and 5G Science classes dissecting owl pellets.
Security Update: Kudos to the Security Committee for coordinating the installation of our new back gate. The back play area and lot is now fully enclosed.
Thank you Rabbi Asher Bush, Rav of Ahavat Yisrael for his inspiring words to our students this Erev Shabbat.
Math Challenge: After Mr. Stingy died, his lawyer read the will to his family. He left half of his estate to his wife and $50,000 to his son. The remaining fortune was to be split in this way: half of what remained went to his caddy, half of what remained after that was set aside for the care of his pet iguana, and the remaining $8,000 went to his favorite charity. What was the value of Mr. Stingy's estate?
The answer: $164,000 Winners: Avi Blachman, Eitan Nissel, Shimshy Gordon, Goldy Zazon, Lani Fetman, Toby Volcovics, Eliana Meckler, Hallie Gordon
Reminder: Parent-Teacher Conferences, Sunday, March 6, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Growing Kids… (cont. from p. 1) practices, the easier tasks will become; and that there are steps that can be taken and things that can be done to help oneself learn and do better. Applying the theory of mindset to teaching and learning, ASHAR’s teachers discussed how to foster growth mindsets in their students through class discussions, exercises, encouragement, and the messages to be embedded in the daily lessons within and without our classroom settings. Examination of our own mindsets and teaching practices added to our knowledge of the power we as teachers hold to help students and parents understand the power of learning from mistakes, of believing that hard work in the face of challenges is crucial to learning, and that growth stems from persevering when confronted with difficult tasks rather than easily achieving good grades. (to be continued…)
The Coolest Thing we learned in school this week…. 1B We are working on preparation for the 100th day of school on Monday. 1G We had Braid Day when we read the story about how a girl remembered the days of the week. 2B/G On Wednesday, we had “Money Day.” We took a trip to Wise Buys and Chai Pizza. We used our own money in order to understand how to budget our wants (toys) and our needs (lunch). 3B We wrote biographies based ont eh people we are researching. 3G We learned about matter and solids, liquids and gases. We also experimented with food coloring. 4B We had our “Battle of the Cans” pizza party. 4G We typed our Native American essays based on the information we learned in class.
5B/G In Mrs. Tencic’s class, to truly understand the skeletal system, we dissected owl pellets and rebuilt skeletons of their prey. 6B We also had a pizza party for “Battle of the Cans.” We loved painting the tiles in the Art room ceiling. 6G We had a brochos contest—the first girls to get to 100 brochos with people answering amen during school hours win. 7G In Chumash, after learning the law of a Beit din, we convened into our own courts and were given different cases we needed to judge. 8B/G As part of our year-long Holocaust study, we chose our individual topics for our Holocaust research paper. We began editing our Names Not Numbers documentary interviews.
“I Am” Poems
Nechama Lapp 7G
Naomi Shechter 8G
I am a 7th grader
I am a gymnast
I wonder what I got on my test
I wonder how many times my hands will rip before I see bone
I hear the gossip in the hallways
I hear the rhythms of tumbles on the floor
I see my classmates raising their hands
I see the balance beam staring at me intimidatingly
I want to get perfect grades
I want first place
I am a 7th grader
I am a competitor I pretend I'm a model on picture day I pretend that nothing is impossible
I feel the stress from all the work
I feel my legs give out
I touch the paper and pen
I touch the clouds of chalk in the air
I worry I won't get into high school
I worry I will fail
I cry from all the fails
I cry when I do
I am a 7th grader
I am just a girl I understand I'm not the smartest I understand gymnastics isn’t easy I say I can do it
I say that if you got through middle school you can get through anything
I dream big
I dream of being a straight A student
I try to improve each time
I try to do my best
I hope to advance
I hope my friends now will stay my friends
I am a gymnast
I am Nechama Lapp
The school doctor will be scheduled for late March for the required outstanding physicals. As you know, for new entrants to ASHAR, and for students in K, 2nd, 4th and 7th grade, a physical (Health Appraisal) is mandated by NYS. If your child(ren) had a recent physical, please submit a copy as well as the immunization record to the Health Office. If your child is in one of the mandated grades and a physical has not been submitted, please Email me at [email protected] with the date of your child’s upcoming physical. Please note: Effective September 1, 2016, students entering grades seven and twelve in New York State (NYS) schools will be required to be fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease according to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As always, any questions, please call me at extension 508. Thank you, Patricia A. Geisel, RN, MS
