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SKAppenings |
Parshat Chayei Sarah
21 Mar Cheshvan 5768
November 2, 2007 |
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Lilmod Ule'Lamed
Because of Open School Day in HALB on Tuesday, November 6th, our Lilmod
Ule'lamed shiur for mothers and alumnae will not meet this Tuesday, but will
continue the following Tuesday, November 13th, with Mrs. Feinberg's series on
"The Imahot as reflected in Parashat Hashavuah."
If you would like to reserve a date(s) to sponsor this year's Lilmod Ule'lamed,
please feel free to contact Mrs. Spirn at hspirn@skahalb.org
or at 374-7195, ext. 155. |
SKAppenings Staff
Editors:
Ariella Simpson
Alex Spitz
Naomi Weiss
Jordana Wernick
Photography Editors:
Mrs. Estie Bryk
Rachel Herzberg
Contributing Writers:
Mrs. Yafa Storch
Allyssa Brody
Liron Eiger
Ilana Eisenberg
Blima Fein
Sara Glikman
Miriam Kalter
Daniella Mael
Daniella Stein
Alana Trachtenberg
Tamar Weinstein | |
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A Message from Mrs. Spirn
It's Erev Shabbos Parshat
Chayei Sara and we here at SKA feel a deep connection with our brothers and
sisters who have gathered by the thousands in Chevron for this Shabbos where
we mark our deep connection to our Biblical roots in Chevron and other
places of kedusha.
What a zechut it was
for our SKA family to hear divrei Torah this particular morning from the Rav
HaRoshi, HaRav Yonah Metzger, Chief Ashkenazic Rabbi of Medinat Yisrael.
We all felt a sense of Kavod HaTorah and Kavod HaRav during our assembly.
The Rav's sense of nobility through Torah was almost tangible and
strengthened our kesher to Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael. May we be
zocheh to witness the Rav's bracha to our students be realized in the
future.
We were proud and
excited to send our Sophomore class to represent our school at the rally on
behalf of Israel's Missing in Action Soldiers. May Hashem hear our
tefilot and help resolve the situation for these boys and their families.
Our Freshman class had the opportunity to learn about and perform different
types of Chesed on Wednesday during their Chesed outing and our
Seniors are busy delivering home baked Challot to community members
who will appreciate their labor and their company. Our Junior
class will have the opportunity to perform a true Chesed shel Emet on their
Cemetery Restoration trip this Monday, iy"h.
We look forward to
our Shabbaton in two short weeks and are grateful that every grade had the
opportunity to experience a "get together" last week in place of our
postponed Shabbaton. The ruach at each grade gathering was amazing
and certainly bodes well for an outstanding Shabbaton experience for our SKA
community up in the Catskills.
May we all have a
meaningful and restful Shabbos as we reflect on the life and legacy of Sara
Imeinu a"h and our deep kesher to Eretz Hakedosha.
Shabbat Shalom! |
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Chief
Rabbi of Israel
Speaks at SKA
The Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel, HaRav Yona Metzger, came to speak at SKA
this past Friday. Mrs. Spirn welcomed HoRav Metzger to
SKA in Ivrit and called upon Rabbi Wakslak, the Rabbi
of the Young Israel of Long Beach to formally introduce the Rav
HaRoshi. As he looked out upon a sea of blue and white, he spoke about this
week's parsha and Eliezer's efforts to find a wife for Yitzchak. In meeting
Rivka, he was interetsted not only in her cleverness, which is a gift from
Hashem, but in her sensitivity and her abiliy to perform chesed. His
speech truly inspired everyone there. It was a great zechut to have him
speak at our school and we were honored to have him. This event was
sponsored by Jerry and Esther Williams in loving memory of Chava Besla Yehudis
bat R' Yosef, Mrs. Judy Williams, a"h. |
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Rabbi Jonathon Shippel Delivers the Community Lecture for Women
This past Tuesday night, SKA was privileged to have the Co-Director of
Gateways, Rabbi Jonathan Shippel, address the many women assembled in
our Auditorium. Many mothers and daughters, including SKA students and
graduates, attended and really enjoyed the topic he discussed. He spoke
about making "Life's Decisions" and how important it is to make the appropriate
ones.
When you switch the order of the letters in the word bachar (to choose),
many significant meanings are found within it. Firstly you have the word
rachav, meaning to widen or broaden. Secondly you have the word chaver,
to connect. And lastly it forms the word cherev, meaning destruction.
Each of the three words formed can potentially be the result of your decision.
We want to make a decision that will ultimately connect us to HaShem! The Latin
word cide (as in deCIDE!), means to kill.
We see from here that the best way to make a decision is to kill out all other
options. Another point he mentioned was how it's ok to ask for advice from
others in times of need. As it says in Tehillim, "Esa Einay El
He'HORIM" (parents), we should turn to our parents for they always
know what is best for us! If you break up the word SIMCHA, you get SHAM (there)
CHET HEY (13 attributes of HaShem), we see that when you make a decision
B'Simcha, HaShem will be there!! We hope that, B'ezrat
HaShem your decisions will be Matzliach and from
them should come a lot of SIMCHA!!!!
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Clubs Begin!
Clubs started last week with a bang! With so many choices of clubs, it was a
hard decision to make. But they are all fun clubs that break up the day in a fun
way so whichever one you are in, expect a great experience! Clubs give a chance
for students to pursue their interests and talents, for all grades to interact,
and for friends to hang out and spend time with one another. Everyone loves
Tuesdays! |
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10th Grade Attends Rally for MIA's
This week the Sophomores went to an exciting rally at Dag Hammersjold Plaza in
front of the United Nations. They rallied for the release of the MIA soldiers
from Israel. Rachel Lunzer delivered a powerful speech,
expressing the necessity of these soldiers returning to their families and
homes. Hundreds of enthusiastic people were there, chanting "Am Yisroel
Chai." Many signs were held, and many schools sent representatives to rally this
important cause. Hopefully the rallying created an impact amongst the nation.
We daven for and look forward to the release of Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev,
and Gilad Shalit, and the other Missing in Action soldiers. |
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9th Grade Chesed Trip to Otzar
and Bobby's Place
Wednesday's 9th grade Chesed Trip to Brooklyn was a meaningful
experience for everyone. In the days preceding the trip, we got to choose which
chesed opportunity we wanted to be involved in.
Half of the grade went to Bobby's Place - a gamach that services
over 3,000 children whose families cannot afford clothing.
As soon as we arrived, we were able to see that is unlike any gamach we had ever
seen. Set up like a beautiful boutique, Bobby's Place makes every possible
effort to ensure that their "shoppers" are not embarrassed and that they have an
enjoyable experience choosing clothing. Maintaining the gamach in such an
organized fashion is not an easy task and we were happy to do our share
unpacking clothing, sorting sizes, untangling hangers and expertly folding
shirts.
The other half of the grade headed to Otsar - a dayhab facility for adults with
special needs. We walked around and got aquainted, enjoying the enthusiastic
welcome we received. Then, together with our new friends, we did a fun,
autumn-themed project, sang songs and danced. It was a spirited, leibadik time
and we look forward to seeing our Otsar friends again soon.
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9th
Grade Seudat Shlishit in Woodmere
We were all
depressed when Skabbaton was delayed for three weeks because we were all looking
forward to having fun and spending time with our new grade. But Grade
Level Advisor Mrs. Leibtag came along and told us the exciting news: we were
going to have a Seudat Shlishit at the Schreiers' house in Woodmere. Mr. and
Mrs. Schreier's hospitality and welcoming was outstanding, the food was awesome,
and the singing could be heard from down the block! With Elana Schreier's D'var
Torah and the hysterical ABC's, we could not be beat. Sadly, the Seudah
was over, but now we have the real Skabbaton to look forward to! |
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10th
Grade Melave Malka in Lawrence
The 10th grade "Italiano" Melave Malka
was a great success and we thank the Weinstein family for their Hachnasat
Orchim. Grade Level Advisors Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Shmulevitz and the student
committee put a lot of work into making the night fun, and it was.
There was tons of food, cookie decorating, "pin the tail on luigi",
"Cup-pisa" (leaning tower of Pisa out of cups) and a spaghetti slurp. The
spaghetti slurp was especially fun when Mrs. Miller challeged a student, and
won! The Sophomores were also delighted at Mrs. Spirn's surprise
visit. The Melave Malka was a nice bonding opportunity for the grade and all
who attended had a great time. |
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11th Grade Sleepover at SKA
Sadly, the infamous Skabbaton was postponed for a few weeks due to a
cancellation by the Nevele Hotel. Therefore, the whole school was free for a
weekend, so each grade planned a special event and no one was without plans.
In two days, the Junior class put together an unforgettable
sleepover, Layl Iyun Number Two. Every year, the 10th
grade has a mandatory sleepover for a night of enlightenment on friendship.
We had so much fun last year that we wanted to do it again.
Giving everyone some time to go home and freshen up before a long night at
school, we began with dinner at 7:00 (it wouldn't be an SKA event if no food
was involved). A D'var
Torah with beautiful words of chizuk and a hilarious skit started off the
program. Then, since we had not eaten in about an hour, we had
sundae making! A Lights Out Scavenger Hunt, a slide show of our
journey through high school, an episode of I Love Lucy, and buzz sessions
with SKA madrichot all served to create a strong class bond and memories
that will last a life time. Then it was time for bed, yeah right! A
night of junk food, music, games, and just spending time with friends - what
more could you ask for?
Friday morning began with davening and breakfast, followed
by an art project and a trip to the Nursing Home where we delivered our
newly painted flower pots to the elderly residents.
Grade Level Advisors Ms. Esther Chambre and Mrs. Rivka Gross
organized an amazing night of fun and learning and a special day of chesed.
It was an awesome experience for all the Juniors and we are anxiously
looking forward to spending more time with our friends at Skabbaton '07!
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12th
Grade Learn to Make Pizza
at Pizza Pious
On Motzei Shabbat, the Seniors, along with Grade Level Advisor Mrs. Yudin,
enjoyed a night of pizza making!! The event took place at Pizza
Pious in Long Beach. Each girl received her own portion of dough and
was able to choose from a number of toppings. We had so much fun!!!
Thank you so much, Mrs. Yudin for planning a great night and to Pizza Pious for
teaching us how to make amazing pizza!!! We loved our kumsitz on the beach and
it added so much to our Senior get-together! |
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12th
Grade Learn How to Bake Challah
This past Thursday the 12th grade girls had the opportunity to learn
about the unbelievable mitzvah of baking Challah. The girls heard a
very inspirational shiur by Mrs. Fraidie Schwartz of the Ohr Nava
Institute, about the meaning behind each ingredient that is included in Challah.
They were taught that by baking Challah a woman can bring a tremendous amount of
Bracha into the home, including Parnassah, Emuna, and Simchah.
The girls baked and kneaded 60 loaves of Challah and had fun in the process. On
Friday, they delivered the Challah to homebound families in the community and
brought much happiness to the recipients.
Thank you to Mrs. Rena Emerson from Long Island NCSY, Jaimie Rothman, Ayelet
Brecher, and of the delivery girls for all of their hard work.
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On November 1st, Mrs. Segal introduced the Tzemach program to the 10th
grade. The Tzemach program teaches us how to be better people by focusing on one
important aspect of ourselves. The program this week talked about 'Gadlut
Haadam'- a person's self esteem. Mrs. Segal introduced the program as a 'How to'
find your potential in life. She talked of different ways to recognize
your own qualities and not to be affected by what others say about you.
After dividing into groups to discuss a special quality within ourselves, we
wrote those qualities on puzzle pieces and reconvened in the auditorium.
Mrs. Segal presented the tenth grade with the puzzle that was now put together
and finished. She said that our qualities as a whole create a beautiful person
and you have to find them in yourself in order to create a complete picture.
Special Hakarat hatov to Mrs. Segal for organizing such a wonderful program
and to Rachel Herzberg for all of her hard work on the beautiful slide show.
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Math Team Begins Competition
This past Tuesday, under the great coaching of Mrs. Budne, SKA's Math Team had
their first competition in DRS. There were 3 other schools there, DRS,
Rambam and HAFTR. The students were given 3 sets of 2 questions and had 10
minutes to complete each set. We enjoyed it very immensely and look
forward to our upcoming competitions. |
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Torah Bowl Off to a Great Start
After studying and preparing the parshiyot Bamidbar, Nasso, and Bahaalotcha,
the Torah Bowl team headed off on Wednesday to HANC in order to test out
their knowledge of these parshiyot. SKA competed against HAFTR,
North shore and HANC. The games were intense- and fun- as girls worked to
respond quickly to the questions. The SKA Torah Bowl team left HANC
having won the games against HAFTR and North shore. The team cannot wait to
learn the next parshiyot Shelach, Korach and Chukat. Go, Torah Bowl! |
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SKA
Receives AVICHAI Bookshelf Grant
for the 7th Year in a Row
SKA is pleased to announce that it is entering its seventh year as a
recipient of an AVI CHAI Bookshelf Grant. The AVI CHAI Foundation, a New
York-based private foundation dedicated to supporting and encouraging the
growing Jewish day school movement, developed AVI CHAI Bookshelf in an
effort to enhance libraries at Jewish high schools in the United States and
Canada. The program provides participating schools with the
opportunity to purchase print and non-print materials for their library
collection. "We are delighted to have been selected for the AVI CHAI
Bookshelf Grant. Through this grant, our library will be better equipped to
serve both our teachers and students effectively, helping to enrich the
classroom curriculum and develop the research skills our students will need
for seminary and college," said Mrs. Barbara Martin, SKA Librarian.
According to the guidelines of the grant, at least half of the money must be
used toward Judaic materials. SKA is one of 95 high schools
participating in the 2007-2008 program. |
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Mrs.
Rosalie Rafter and Mrs. Brenda Mirsky at the NCTE
National Convention
Mrs. Rosalie Rafter, 11th and 12th grade English teacher,
who also teaches the AP English Literature class, will speak at the National
Council of Teachers of English Conference.
She will be speaking at a session entitled
Literacy Across the Curriculum, which will address specific strategies to
help students become active readers in all classes.
At the same conference, Mrs. Brenda Mirsky, 10th grade English
teacher and teacher of the AP English Language class, will receive the Educator
of Excellence Award, given to teachers who are dedicated to their professions
and inspire their students and colleagues.
Congratulations to both Mrs. Rafter and Mrs. Mirsky on these wonderful honors! |
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SKA Teachers on the Move
SKA teachers are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge base and
bring new ideas into the classroom. This past summer, Mrs.
Ellen Lavner attended a conference on
Learning, Earning and Investing presented by the National Council on
Economic Education and sponsored by the Moody's Foundation. She will be
attending another such conference next week. Mrs. Sheila Leibtag became
better versed in Social Studies, the SMART Board, and Internet sites at the Long
Island Conference for Social Studies and
brought the information back to SKA for her colleagues. Mrs. Suzy Libin will be
attending the 59th New York State Art Teachers Association Annual
Conference and Mrs. Tammy Alter will be getting information on the new Earth
Science Regents exam at a BOCES Conference. Finally, Mrs. Sandi Pomerantz will
be attending a Middle States Workshop so that we can begin the Middle States
Evaluation Process which will culminate next year. Kudos to our teachers who are
always learning and growing. | |
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