SKAppenings
 Erev Sukkot
         14 Tishrei  5770
 
October 2, 2009
In This Issue
Teshuvathon!!
Rally Against Iran
Mr. Richard Hagler Speaks at SKA
Open Beit Midrash
Mrs. Shifra Rabenstein
Rabbi Heshy Kleinman at SKA
Seniors Visit Gymnasia
Mayor of New York Responds
Fast Day at the Nursing Home
G.O. Corner
Freshmen Layl Hoshana Raba Learning at Rabbi Rothman's House
October Test Schedule
Join Our Mailing List!
A Message from Mrs. Spirn
 
It seems that we just began the new school year, transitioned to our new schedules and new teachers, and then prepared for the Yomaim Noraim.  We are grateful that we were able to bring in phenomenal speakers like Rabbi Feiner, Mrs. Rabenstein and our own Richie Hagler, who inspired us to reach our potential, to feel a sense of hakarat hatov for all that Hashem does for us and to recognize Hashem's presence in our everyday lives.  Many thanks to Rabbi Zak, Mrs. Storch, Mrs. Kaminetsky and the many teachers who helped plan and run thoughtful sessions on teshuva and hakarat hatov before Yom Kippur at our Teshuvathon.  We were proud to raise over $5,000 for Project Eliezer and our local families who need extra assistance during these challenging economic times. Kudos to the 10th and 11th graders who attended grade level melave malka programs to help prepare for a more meaningful Yom Kippur!

Tryout fever was the rage these past weeks!  Production dance, choir, and drama....Mock Trial...Basketball....JV Volleball....Varsity Volleyball....Softball....Hockey....Debating....College Bowl....Torah Bowl....Math Team....Our girls keep trying out with enthusiasm and skill!  Some of the lists have already been posted....more to follow upon our return from Sukkot vacation.  It looks like the various groups for Production will total approximately 175 students.  We are thrilled that so many students want to be part of the action and develop their personal talent!

We wish everyone a meaningful, spiritual and joyful Sukkot and hope that you will all enjoy the opportunity to spend time with your families and friends!  Chag Sameach!
Teshuvathon!!
 
On Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur we recite the following phrase numerous times: "Teshuva, Tefilah, U'Tzeddakah Ma'avirin es Roah haGezeira" - "Teshuva, Tefila, and Tzeddakah have the power to annul an evil decree." During the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, the students and faculty at SKA were given many opportunities to explore   these three aspects and apply them . The students heard from several speakers in order to inspire them in the Teshuva process: Rabbi Eytan Feiner and Mrs. Shifra Rabenstein. The students also heard from Mr. Bari, the executive director of the  Eliezer Project  who told the girls of the needy situations that many local residents are unfortunately facing. SKA raised over $4000 for the organization in just a few days, money which  will go to people in the nearby neighborhoods in order to purchase food for the upcoming chag. To work on  Tefilah, the students participated in workshops to better understand the paragraph of "modim" in the amidah in a personal way  , so they would feel a greater sense of Hakarat Hatov towards Hashem for everything He does. Special thanks to Rabbi Zak and his team for coordinating such inspiring and effective programs during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva. Also, Kol Hakavod to the students who collected money for the Eliezer Project - their efforts truly paid off!


Rally Against Iran

 The seniors attended the Freedom in Iran Rally in New York City on Thursday, September 24, 2009.  The students made signs and held balloons as they chanted along with the crowd in support of civil rights for the Iranian people. The rally attracted Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all united to fight for one purpose: To free Iran and stop nuclear weapon production!   Thank you to Rabbi Eisenbach, Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Rothman, Mrs. Kobre, and Mrs. Ralbag for accompanying the Seniors.  

          By: Rachel Friedman
Mr. Richard Hagler Speaks at SKA

 

 On Friday September 25th, Mr. Richard Hagler addressed the Juniors, Seniors, mothers, and alumnae. Referring to the SKA theme of the year of "Hakarat Hatov, he explained how heavily the idea has permeated his recent life. With both seriousness and humor, he spoke about his recent illness , his appreciation to the community and  to all those who prayed for his refuah shelemah, and ultimately, his Hakarat Hatov to Hashem. His speech  was a truly inspirational piece that helped everyone focus more on the essence of Yom Kippur.  We wish him a continued refuah shelemah and thank him for sharing his personal thoughts and insights with us.

           By: Daniella Shaestefrouz
Open Beit Midrash
 
























 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As SKA was closing its doors for the Rosh Hashanah break,  over 50 students  opted stay in school to attend the first Open Beit Midrash for some Torah learning and dinner. The theme of the night was  "The Essence of Teshuva: Preparing for the upcoming Yomim Noraim." The students were privileged to hear a great speaker   about her experiences in becoming a baalat Teshuva and  then the girls learned  sources and stories pertaining to Teshuva with SKA madrichot.. Thank you to Ms. Borg for coordinating a great first Open Beit Midrash. Special thanks to the madrichot for taking time out of their busy schedules to come learn with the girls. Shana Tova! 

         By: Miriam Khukashvili 
 
Mrs. Shifra Rabenstein Speaks at SKA

Mrs. Shifra  Rabenstein .came to SKA to speak to the students during the Aseret Yimay Teshuvah.  With tremendous power and touches of humor, she shared the story of her husband's terrible accident that left him with a significant brain injury. She told how she has come to live with this new reality and , rather than letting this horrible ordeal defeat her and cause her to feel anger towards Hashem, how she has found a way to strengthen her bitachon in HaShem. She learned that everything is meant to be; whether one views it as good or as bad. She stated that one should be comforted by the thought that everything that happens is because Hashem planned it to be so and it is for the best. The students and faculty were greatly moved by Mrs. Rabenstein's story and the perspectives she shared, and greatly appreciated her coming up from Baltimore to relay her powerful message. May we all be zocheh to be as strong as Mrs. Rabenstein, may we appreciate what we have  and be able to lift ourselves up when we are in  difficult situations.

          By: Tamar Goldberg, Elisheva Goldberg and Jessica Wernick


Rabbi Heshy Kleinman at SKA
Mothers, students and alumna joined together at the first SKA Evening  Lecture to gain an insight in prayer with Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, author of the book Praying With Fire.
 
Rabbi Kleinman began with a mashal about a radio contest winner who won ten minutes in a bank vault. Before the man went into the bank vault he came up with three strategies: The first was not to let anyone or anything distract him, because then he would lose precious time. The second was to grab the high  bills only, and not to waste his time with the smaller bills. The third strategy was that no matter how tired he got, he would not stop collecting money.
 
Rabbi Kleinman explained that this idea is parallel to that of Tefilah. Firstly, one should not let anyone or anything distract her because then she may lose precious time with G-d. Secondly, one should strive to pray with kavana because mindlessly saying the words is equivalent to collecting only small bills. And lastly, no matter how tired or drained one is, one shouldn't stop praying for even one moment because who knows how many more brachot and merits one could have acquired in those moments?
 
Special thanks to Rabbi Kleinman for sharing his beautiful words with us and helping us with  our Tefillah before Yom Kippur.

          By: Esther Klapholz 


Seniors Visit Gymnasia

 The 12th grade headed off to Gymnasia for a pre Yom Tov  program. The  SKA seniors  worked with the Gymnasia students  on an art project, a trivia game, and fun facts, all related to Succoth. Everyone had a great time and the seniors cannot wait to return to their new little friends.  Special thanks to GLAs Mrs. Kobre and Mrs. Ralbag for organizing such a wonderful trip.

Mayor of New York Responds
  The students of SKA  have received a letter from Mayor Michael Bloomberg thanking them for the letters that they wrote last year commending the New York Police Department in preventing a terrorist attack in Riverdale.
 
The Mayor thanked the students for taking the time to write about this important issue and commented that he and the police department   remain vigilant in their efforts " to keep New York the safest large city in the nation."
Fast Day at the Nursing Home
Many SKA students took advantage of a special opportunity on Tzom Gedaliah,  to do some chessed by visiting the Woodmere Nursing Home. The girls made Succoth decorations with the residents and talked personally with many of them as the members shared stories about their families and hobbies. It was so nice to see the smiling faces on both the students and the residents. The visit truly brightened the residents' day and made Yom Kippur more meaningful for the students. 

          By: Ruthie Glass
G.O. Corner
 
  
The G.O. brought the students of SKA a fun and exciting activity to get pumped for the upcoming Succoth.  The G.O. prepared marshmallow fluff, graham crackers, and pretzel sticks and the girls were able to make miniature succahs with pretzel sticks acting as schach. Muffins were also sold this week, courtesy of the G.O.,  however due to Yom Kippur, "Muffin Monday" became "Muffin Tuesday." Be sure to bring in $1 on the first Monday back at school for the next "Muffin Monday!" The G.O. wishes everyone a Chag Sameach!  
 
Freshmen Layl Hoshana Raba Learning at Rabbi Rothman's House


 



Rabbi David Friedman on the birth of a grandson

Tova Marell '07 on her engagement to Yehuda Bleiberg

Jackie Ostreicher Ehrlichman '06 on the birth of a baby girl
 
 


 


SKAppenings Staff

Writing Editors:
Erica Leibman
Shayna Nordlicht
Michal Schulman
Elana Schreier
Esti Chesner
Tova Hammer
 

Technology Editors:
Mrs. Estie Bryk
Ariela Bortz
Shoshana Kaminetsky
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