SKAppenings
Parshat Bamidbar
28 Iyar 5769
May 22, 2009
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A Message from Mrs. Spirn
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As we are completing these last days of school before we
begin finals and then Regents, it has been a pleasure to work with our
Sophomores and Juniors on their schedules for next year. Dr. Meier and I
are enjoying our individual appointments with you and hearing your preferences
and goals, as you try to realize your dreams for the future. Hope you are
enjoying the cookies too!
We were so excited that two special programs were planned by
our new MACS organization at SKA. Both the Panel Discussion at the Beach
and the Inspiration Shopping Party at Annie Sez were an awesome
beginning for our new organization and we look forward to more exciting and
thoughtful programs in the future. MACS certainly made its mark at SKA
last week in a positive and upbeat way!
Mazel tov to the winners of this week's GO Elections for the
09-10 year! We were proud of all the girls who ran for office and they
did so with amazing creative and grace and displayed sensitivity toward their
fellow opponents. Congratulations to President Erica Liebman, Vice
President Talia Silverstein, Secretary Esther Klapholz, 12th Grade Treasurer
Rebecca Konigsberg, 11th grade Treasurer Ayelet Lerman and 10th grade Treasurer
Dana Weinstein. We look forward to a great year with our new GO
leadership!
Mazel tov to our Torah Bowl team who became regionalist finalists and
participated in the Championship Torah Bowl competition this week! We are
so proud of your performance and even though we are not the champions, we are
truly awed by all of the Torah you have learned in the process. Kol
hakavod!
Kol hakavod to Adina Fromowitz, Sara Kaszovitz, Sharoni Ozeri
and Beth Weinstein who worked on a special assembly
for our school on Safety Awareness and Driving. The program was sponsored
by Allstate Insurance. Remember, no texting when driving!
Although the building feels somewhat awry without our
Seniors, we are happy that they are growing from
and enjoying their work study internship program. We miss you
all and look forward to Senior Night, Senior Trip and of course, Graduation.
Mazel tov to Miss Esther Chambre on her marriage to Oren
Wachstock! It was beautiful seeing our girls at the wedding, wanting so
much to be m'samech our kallah. We were thrilled that the 11th graders
made a beautiful and spirited Sheva Brachot for the Wachstocks with dancing,
video and of course, divrei Torah! May our chatan and kallah be zocheh to
build a bayit neeman b'yisrael!
Today is Yom Yerushalayim and we were moved by the special
video presentation prepared by Rabbi Zak and the Herman Bros. We were
honored to host Rabbi JJ Schacter this Tuesday night, when he addressed our
audience about the significance of Yerushalayim from a Torah perspective,in a
pre-Yom Yerushalayim shiur sponsored by our Irving and Toni Rosen
Program. We look forward to distributing this year's Jerusalem Journal in
a completely different format! May we continue to be zocheh to have
Yerushalayim as the spiritiual center of our people and in our hands!
I hope you all enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend
break! Enjoy your Shabbos, rest up and start preparing for those
exams! See you on Tuesday, iy"h!
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Senior Honors Announced
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 Mazal Tov to Samantha
Selesny, the Valedictorian of the Class
of 09. Mazal Tov to Sarah Schnoll and
Shaindy Schiffmiller, the Salutatorians !
Mazal Tov to Yehudit Aidelson who
was chosen by her peers for the Keter Shem Tov Award!
We are so proud of your
achievements and of whom you have become!
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Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter Speaks at SKA
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Men and women were invited to hear inspiring words from
Rabbi Jacob Joseph Shachter, University Professor of Jewish History and Jewish
Thought, Senior Scholar at the center for the Jewish Future at Yeshiva University. Since Yom Yerushalayim is
this Friday, Rabbi Schacter spoke about our connection to Eretz Yisroel and
specifically, our connection to Yerushalayim. As religious Zionists, we always
understand that our connection to Israel
is intrinsic and no matter what situation we are in, we always have the land of Israel as our home. Rabbi Schacter noted
that R' Meir Simcha of Dvinsk, the Meshech Chachma, says that our connection to
the land of Israel is based on how much we put into
the land. When we follow the mitzvot and serve G-d, He'll place Himself among
us. However, when we stray from the correct path, Hashem will drift away and
the holiness will be gone. This Yom Yerushalayim, may we all realize our
responsibility to live in our beloved homeland, and then we can celebrate Yom
Yerushalayim in Israel
iy"h!
Written by: Elana Schreier
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G.O. Elections
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An extra special Mazel Tov to the incoming G.O. of '09-'10:
President - Erica Liebman
Vice President - Talia Silverstein
Secretary - Esther Klapholz
12th Grade
Treasurer - Rebecca Konigsberg
11th
Grade Treasurer - Ayelet Lerman
10th Grade
Treasurer - Dana Weinstein
Looking forward to a great year!
A super special thanks to the G.O. of '08-'09 for all their
hard work and dedication. You really enhanced the school year. You will sorely be missed.
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Torah Bowl Championships
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SKA's Torah Bowl team traveled to Flatbush for their
championship game. They played against schools including Shulamis, Bruriah and
Maayanot. They had a great game and enjoyed competing. Yosher Koach to Deena
Miller, Jennifer Strauss, Daniella Stein and Jenny Moskowitz who played an
amazing game. A special thanks to coach, Mrs. Menchel for a great year!
Written by: Yehudit Aidelson
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MACs
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MACS was introduced to the SKA student body with a big
splash last week! MACS, the Modesty Awareness Committee for Students, is a
committee created to raise a higher level of awareness in students on the
subject of modesty, tzniut. The program, which was set in a "beach summery
scene" in the library, involved a panel discussion in which a number of
Teachers, Grade Level Advisors, Madrichot and even a senior spoke about their
journey to tznius, what they like about it, and how they have overcome their
own struggles with it. The panel discussion was accompanied by a humorous video
presentation which portrayed how much dress really affects how people perceive
one another. Students gained much insight into the topic and were hopefully inspired
to start thinking about tznius more seriously and with a new appreciation for
it. The program culminated in the evening at an SKA-Annie Sez bash, where
students could purchase clothes at 20% off. Thank you to all of those who participated
in the panel discussion and to Mrs. Segal and Mrs. Kaminetsky who worked with
the MACS girls! We look forward to other MACS events in the near future! Written by: Aliza Gordon
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Allstate Driver Awareness Program
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On May 18th, the entire school participated in a
"driving safety" program, sponsored by Allstate. The various safety tips, which
were displayed through numerous video clips, included the importance of
seatbelts, not talking on the phone while driving, and warnings about driving
in stormy weather. Even though many of the students are not yet driving, they
still learned how to be better passengers and pedestrians. The program truly
helped the students realize the importance of abiding by driving laws and
regulations. A special thanks to Adina Fromowitz, Sarah Kaszovitz, Sharoni Ozeri, and Beth Weinstein for coordinating such a successful program!
Written by: Dana Weinstein
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Sheva Brachot at SKA
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Sheva Brachot were held for Mrs. Wachstock (formally known
as Ms. Chambre) and her new husband Oren on Tuesday, March 19th. The
eleventh grade had this unique opportunity to participate in a seudat mitzvah
in the middle of school! The auditorium was decorated beautifully
and the tables were set with pretty place settings and food platters.
After welcoming Mrs. Wachstock with lively music and dancing, everyone sat
down to eat the delicious meal, consisting of segulah challah, bagels, and
salads. The girls enjoyed hearing divrei Torah from Rachel Chaya Siman
Tov and Mrs. Wachstock herself, followed by a presentation from her students.
There was a slideshow with pictures and videos from the wedding, prepared by
the girls who attended. Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Wachstock and thank you
to all who participated in making the beautiful Sheva Brachot possible. A special thanks to Mrs. Shmulewitz, Mrs. Gelernter and Mrs. Sova for coordinating this seudat mitzvah.
Written by: Emily Feldman
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Tzemach Program
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"She was driving and then something fell on her head in
school after she woke up?"
In the most recent tzemach program, the 9th and
10th grade students learned all about "dan l'chaf zchus" (judging
someone favorably). As each group acted out excerpts from the book "It
Wasn't What it Seemed," the girls learned to refrain from jumping to
conclusions! Rather, everyone must always wait until they know the other side
of the story. A special thanks to Mrs. Segal for running this meaningful
program (and for her great acting skills to teach these lessons)!
Written by: Ariella Bortz and Eliana Lipsky
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OU Kashrus Lecture
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Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, a representative from the OU came to
SKA to talk to the Juniors about kashrut. After AP's and a long week filled
with tests, Rabbi Goldberg provided the girls with a comic, yet simultaneously
informative, relief. He related the importance of kashrut in an entertaining
way, with props and funny scenarios, and he didn't fail to leave a strong impression
on the students. Rabbi Goldberg provided some insight into previously
"mysterious" ingredients and refuted the common myth "a product
doesn't need a kosher symbol if the ingredients 'check.'" Rabbi Goldberg's
lesson provided the girls with invaluable information that will hopefully help
them in the future, whether it's in the supermarket or at home.
Written by: Leah Khukashvilli
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Discovery Seminar
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On Wednesday May 20th, the juniors were
privileged to hear Rabbi Daniel Mechanic of the Discovery Program. Rabbi
Mechanic taught the juniors about how to be mekarev other Jews and showed them various
proofs of Judaism. He delivered a beautiful lecture and inspired the girls
tremendously with his words. A special thanks to Rabbi Mechanic for taking time
out of his busy schedule to share a portion of his vast knowledge with the
Junior class.
Written by: Penina Wein
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BLACOUT
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The tenth grade had a special Bracha Party this week courtesy of BLACout (Brachot Loud
And Clear). The program was filled with food, brachot, and plenty of
ruach. The Sophomores were fortunate to hear about the deeper meaning of the
word "bracha" from a special visitor, Mrs. Hammer. The party ended with chulent
for everyone and a bean counting contest, won by Ayala Perlysky and Aviva
Mansbach. It was a delicious and inspiring program that the girls will never
forget! A special thanks to the BLACout heads, Mrs. Gross, and Mrs. Jacobs, and
our guest ,Mrs. Hammer!
Written by: Devora Najjar
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11th Grade Chesed Trip to Bobby's Place
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While a large percentage of the eleventh grade was taking
APs, those who were not testing enjoyed an amazing and fulfilling chessed trip.
The girls went to Brooklyn to a gemach called
"Bobby's Place," where clothing (donated or new) is given to the poor. The
Juniors were able to help out in the store, while they also cleaned the space
and hung up clothing. Following their visit to "Bobby's Place," the students enjoyed
lunch in Brooklyn before returning to SKA.
Written by: Esther Klapholz
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Seniors Start Work Study
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The senior hallway is quiet these
days because the seniors are gone...off to partake in their work-study
experience. Girls are working in a
variety of placements including law offices, schools, sheitel stores and small
businesses, while others are studying in the SKA Beit Midrash . On Fridays,
many seniors return to learn Torah at SKA.
The seniors report that they are
enjoying their experiences although many report that they miss school!!
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SHAC Visits the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation
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The SHAC committee went to the Chofetz Chaim
Heritage Foundation
Center in Monsey, along
with Mrs. Jacobs, where they met Mr. Rothschild and learned about the many
exciting projects that are done worldwide to promote SHAC awareness. The girls
told Mr. Rothschild about SHAC events that took place in SKA this year and the
committee's plans for the future. The students also gave Mr. Rothschild a
poster displaying all of the hard work put into SHAC this year. Mr. Rothschild
taught the girls the impact of words and how words have the ability to affect
numerous lives. What an eye-opening trip for the SHAC committee! A special
thanks to Mrs. Jacobs for chaperoning the girls during this meaningful
experience!
Written by Ariela Bortz and Jenny Konigsberg
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Morah Antman on the birth of her new grandson
Esther Chambre on her marriage to Oren Wachstock
Penina Gold '05 on her engagement to Avi Sipzner
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SKAppenings Staff
Writing Editors:
Liron Eiger
Rachel Klein
Erica Liebman
Shayna Nordlicht
Alex Spitz
Jordana Wernick
Technology Editors:
Mrs. Estie Bryk
Rachel Herzberg
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