November 16, 2012 - SAR Academy

Sylvia Burian Chadashot 11.16.12chadashot@saracademy.org To: sburian@saracademy.orgFri, Nov 16, 2012 at 1:09 PMCHADASHOTShabbatParshat ToldotNovember 16, 2012 2 Kislev 5773Candle Lighting: 4:18 pmHavdalah: 5:21 pmClick here for PDF version of the ChadashotA MESSAGE FROM RABBI KRAUSSDear Parents,Our thoughts and tefillot this Shabbat arewith the citizens of Medinat Yisrael, and thesoldiers of the IDF who are putting their livesat risk for the protection of our brothers andsisters. At the same time, we continue to seekmeaningful ways of supporting members ofMazal TovTo Sarah Gabay and Jamie Federon their recent Bat Mitzvahs.To Adir Landes on his recent BarMitzvah.our local communities who

our local communities whocontinue to be effected by thehurricane. Thank you to all ofthose who have helped toconnect us with volunteeropportunities, and suggestionsfor relief that our schoolcommunity can be involved with.A special thank you to our staff for putting ina six day work week this week, and for ameaningful day of conferences last Sunday.I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night atthe SAR Auction, an evening where ourcommunity will come together to enjoy, whilesupporting our Scholarship fund, which allowsall students to benefit from an SAR education.Thank you to Michal Abehsera and MindyLuxenberg and for their tireless efforts overmany months to ensure that this event will bea success.Shabbat Shalom,Rabbi Binyamin KraussIn this Issue:~ Veterans Day~ Pink Day~ Enrichment Clusters~ Electives~ Math Olympiad~ Chesed Club~ D'var Torah~ That “Kind” of WeekAnd much more!ACADEMY NEWSVeterans DayThe front of Rabbi Krauss's office wasdecorated with bunting and the front of theteachers room became a veterans "Wall ofHonor" as the entire academy gathered onthe steps to commemorate Veterans Day.The program began with the singing of theStar Spangled Banner, followed by therecitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Mr.Albert Levy, grandfather of 4thgrader Daniella Symonds. Private Levy served in WWII. Rabbi Krauss said a fewwords --explaining that today was a day of "hakarat hatov" --thanking those whohave served in order to protect us and defend our freedoms.

Beverly Wolfer Nerenberg introduced Colonel David Everett who has notonly served in Afghanistan and Iraq, but was instrumental in establishing ashul serving Jewish members of the armed forces in Baghdad, Iraq. The Coloneladdressed the students and spoke of his experiences. He emphasized hisinteractions with the children in Afghanistan and how he enjoyed being able togive them candy and school supplies--things they just don't have. He also spokeabout how his Jewish background has helped him stay grounded. Colonel Everettwas impressed with our students and told them that they are getting an invaluableeducation. Yitzy Richter read a Veterans Day poem and everyone sang God BlessAmerica. It was a very special and meaningful morning.Click here for the pictures & click here for the video from the program.SAR was a sea of pink on Tuesday in honor of "Pink Day". Students,faculty and staff dressed in pink from head to toe in order to showsupport for those struggling with breast cancer. 8th grade organizers RebeccaHyman and Liana Katz wanted to highlight the importance of breast cancerawareness. With the help of Mrs. Stavsky and 7th graders Ayelet Kalfus and NoaMintz, the girls created a special video presentation shown to the Junior High.Students in the 7th and 8th grades also collected tzedaka by selling pink donuts!Proceeds will go to Sharsheret.Below, 8th grader Rebecca Hyman explains what "Pink Day" means to her.Pink Day at SAR academy this year was a very inspirational experience for me.Liana Katz and I came up with the idea last year. With a full heart Rabbi Kraussgave us the "go ahead" to create this amazing program. My inspiration was mymom, Rena Hyman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in thirdgrade. Her courage, strength, and belief in Hashem kept my whole family positive.The amazing community support that we received from SAR and the members ofour shul helped us through a very challenging time in our lives. We dedicated thetheme of Pink Day this year to kedusha and community. My co- chairs, Liana Katz,Noa Mintz, and Ayelet Kalfus and all of the amazing 7th and 8th graders whohelped us made for an amazing experience for the 6th 7th and 8th graders at SAR.Thanks to the administrators GLCs, and Mrs. Stavsky for all of their support andguidance.

Click here to see pictures from "Pink Day". Click here to see the "Pink Day" video.Under the SeaMr. Jim from the Maritime Aquarium brought some visitors to the 2 nd grade thisweek. Mollusks, crabs, clams, oysters and snails are all “intertidal animals".Theyall need oxygen, food, shelter and water. Mr. Jim explained how the animals usewhat they have to protect themselves and to survive with many predators around.The children were most excited to have the opportunity to touch the animals. “Justkeep your fingers away from the pinchers!” Mr. Jim warned!Chesed Club in ActionThis week, the Chesed Club was busy helping others in need. On Wednesday, theyhelped sort and pack medical supplies bound for Africa through the

efforts of the AFYA Foundation. Thursday, they assisted the staff atthe Riverdale Y sort and bag clothing that has been donated for thevictims of Hurricane Sandy. Next week, the club will be serving apre-Thanksgiving meal to elderly members of the Young Israel ofPelham Parkway. We are so proud of our students!Tizku l'Mitzvot!“Tet” is for ToastLearning the “alef-bet” is hard work, but in the first grade the hard work pays off!The children are up to the letter “tet” and in honor of that letter the morot treatedthe children to something that begins with that letter… “toast”. Yes, “toast” is aHebrew word and the children had toast with jelly or cream cheese or butter oreven all of the above. It was a delicious lesson.Putting the Spirit in Spirit Wear!Who wants to be in school on aSunday? Apparently some of ourJunior High school students!

Junior High school students!Organized by Mrs. Stavsky, a groupof students came to school on parentteacher conference day to man (orwoman) the table selling SARspiritwear. The kids did such a greatjob selling SAR related items thatthey made over $1000. Proceeds goto the PTC. Thanks to Naama Kobrin,Noa Mintz, Anna Jonas, Sara Morris,Zevi Siegel, Amit Ginzberg and Danielle Dorfman.Kol Hakavod!A Visit to the First GradeSAR first graders are learning about “community “, not just the communities theylive in, but also the SAR community. As this is their first year in the big building, theteachers are trying to familiarize the first graders with all that goes on in theAcademy. This week members of the SAR Business office were invited to visit 1Win an effort to educate the eager young minds about how SAR runs on a day -to-daybasis. Sylvia Burian (cousin of Alex Wolf, 1W), Debra Eis (Mom of Emma Eis, 1W),and Rachel Spinner (Mother of Gavi Spinner, 1W) were welcomed with smiles andhugs. Each gave a short presentation on what they do for the school. Sylvia broughtdown a sample of the Chadashot that is sent out to the whole school every week.Debra has a lot on her plate and does so much for the school; she handlescontracts and is the link between the school and the parents, and Rachel works inthe Development Office and helps to raise money for the school that helps topurchase chairs, desks, and markers that students use every day. Students hadreally great questions: "What's the auction?"...."What are box tops?"..."What'sinside the business office?"

Sylvia, Debra, and Rachel had a great time getting to know the 1st graders and lookforward to seeing these now familiar faces when they come up to the businessoffice!Enrichment ClustersEnrichment Clusters have been filled with guest facilitators over the past fewweeks. Professional baker, Amy Wasserman visited the "Cupcake-and-IdeabakeCulinary Arts Institute” and this week the group worked with diligence and care inmaking cupcakes that were given to Con Ed workers in appreciation of their hardwork and loyalty in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The Enrichment Cluster'sfacilitator, Joyce Kurz Raskas looked for some Con Ed trucks with crews at work,and told them about the SAR cupcakers who wanted to show gratitude.The Con Edworkers were a happy, smiley group. Mission accomplished by our cupcakeaficionados!Doug Shepord the inventor of the i-Hangr spoke to the "Invention Convention”. Thegroup "Skype, Sticks, and Strings Do Good Things" started skyping with a group ofIsraeli children in a group home in Northern Israel. We also welcomed HS Mathteacher, Alon Krausz. He presented "mindbending" lateral thinking challenges toour "Mindbenders" Enrichment Cluster and really had the children thinking out ofthe box. Alum, professional magician, and master illusionist, Elliot Zimet, visited"The Magic of Magic Academy" and wowed our budding magicians with hismasterful magic skills. His impressive sleight of hand and dynamic delivery had ourstudents enraptured.

Pop artist and author Michael Albert shared his vision of American popular culturewhen meeting with four of our Enrichment Clusters: "Graphic Design Institute","Photojournalism Group", "Still Life Studio", and "Torah, Paper-Making, andCollage" to share his unique art style with his recycling philosophy. He has createda signature line of artwork in which his materials are derived from consumerpackaging, old photographs, and discarded cardboard.The children are totally engaged and learning so much. Ask them about theirenrichment cluster experiences!"Send in the Clowns" – a Middle School ElectiveEach semester middle school students are able to choose from a wide variety ofelectives. Electives meet once a week and offer the students opportunities inlearning and chesed. One of the more popular electives is “mitzvah clowning”.Mitzvah clowning is the brainchild of Areyvut, an organization which has createdinnovative and meaningful programming for Jewish youth and run by DanielRothner. This elective has the students dressing up like clowns and visitinghospitals, senior centers, and schools to raise the spirits of those who are ill orlonely. This week the students went to visit with seniors at the Atria in Riverdale.

lonely. This week the students went to visit with seniors at the Atria in Riverdale.They are looking forward to more visits over the next few weeks.A Festive HallelMr. Glazer came to third grade with his guitar in tow on Thursday morning. Hecame to play and to sing Hallel with the children for a very festive Rosh Chodeshtefila. He has been teaching the third graders some of the most famous Halleltunes and they sounded great as they belted out the now familiar songs.Most of the 6th graders and all of the 5th grade math enrichmentstudents challenged themselves to try the first Math Olympiad ofthe 2011-2012 season. SAR belongs to the internationalMathematical Olympiad Organization which provides interesting,challenging non-routine problems for each month's contest,November to March. We are very proud of our young "mathletes"!Sports NewsThe SAR boy’s hockey team is off to a great start with two big winsthis past week. In their first game of the season, the Sting defeatedRamaz 3-1 at Ramaz. 7 th grader Gordie Kolb scored two goals and8 th grader Josh Lieman scored one goal.

On Wednesday night at SAR high school, the team celebrated “HomecomingNight”. Coordinated by Rav Ari Mattityauhu, students from the academy came outto cheer on the Sting and show their school spirit. There were yellow and blackstriped donuts for all who attended and a raffle was drawn for SAR swag. The Stingplayed Moriah and came out on top with an overtime win of 4-3! Gordie Kolbscored the tie breaking goal as well as two other goals. Efraim Herstic scored aswell. Congratulations to the entire team and coach Sruli Beitler!GO STING!!

Hurricane Sandy had other plans for our chesed tent this year, but we would like totake the opportunity to thank the parents who volunteered their time and lookforward to next year! A special thanks to our committee, Rena Sichel Rosen,Rebecca Wolf, Dana Jason and Stephanie Minkove. To Anna Pocius, EmiliaBasseches and Debbie Greenwald who decorated the tent. To Bonnie Katzensteinwho bought art supplies, Stacy Berrin who delivered items, and to Laura Michaeliwho helped with sandwich-making.QUESTION OF THE WEEK:In this week's Parsha, we see examples of Kibud Av Va'Em.What is one new way you can show respect to your parents this week?

THAT "KIND OF WEEK"Eighth graders Jacob Wasserman, Kai Chizzali & ninth grader Nathan Herszaftexperienced that “kind” of week this week as they volunteered to help the victimsof hurricane Sandy. SAR parent Stacy Berrin took the boys and a vanload of itemsSAR collected to Shor Yashuv in Far Rockaway. They brought batteries andflashlights to a small church also in Far Rockaway and then spent the day atCongregation Beth El in Belle Harbor. They thought they would be handing outfood. Instead, they found the shul completely ravaged. The boys helped pullsiddurim, kiddush cups and tallitot out of sludge. They also carried bags and bagsof garbage out of the shul. They worked for hours and did not complain. Themembership of the shul is active but aging, so they weren't there to help, instead itwas mainly just good Samaritans of all faiths helping out. They really appreciatedthe help.Jacob Wasserman noted how the Rabbi of the Far Rockaway shul still seemed to bein shock. Elie Herszaft, who went a day later, said that he was happy he got to helppeople who really needed the help. Kai Chizzali said he felt that the trip was a“must do”—that when someone is in trouble—you have to help them.The experience taught them a lot about the actual damage that a storm can causeas well as the magnitude of the recovery effort. The boys walked in sand blocksfrom the shore, saw remnants of burned houses and cars. Streetlamps were alltwisted and the shoreline greatly shifted. The boardwalk was ripped up and the

twisted and the shoreline greatly shifted. The boardwalk was ripped up and thewaves were actually at the point of the former boardwalk. There was a largemilitary presence, tons of trucks working to remove the sand, volunteers fromaround the country cleaning out people's homes, free hot food, churches andsynagogues with piles and piles of donations, and people from the batteredcommunities walking away with essentials for the day.All of the boys agreed that it was a very rewarding experience and they were happyto have helped the communities they visited."Prepare the candles for my mother so she can light Shabbat candles."- Raphy Jasper Brody 3WPICTURE OF THE WEEK“To help with setting the table or with cleaning the dishes.”-Emma Eis 1WDVAR TORAHParshat Toldot - by: Noa Mintz 7Z

At the end of Parshat Toldot, Yitzchak wants to give Esav abracha. Yitzchak says to Esav “Hunt for me delicacies theway I like them so that I may bless you before I die.” Whydid Yitzchak ask for food before he could give Esav abracha? Earlier in the parsha it says how Yitzchak loved themeat Esav hunted for him. Did Yitzchak only love Esavbecause of the food he brought him?Chazal say that Esav showed an extraordinary amount of Kibud Av. It is also talkedabout in the midrash about how much honor and respect Esav gave to Yitzchak.Yaakov did not show the same amount of Kibud Av. Yaakov actually ran away toLavan’s house for 20 years and was punished for being away from his father for allthose years. So why was it so important to Yitzchak that Esav was showing KibudAv while he was receiving his bracha?Chaim Shulman suggests that there is a connection between the bracha Esavreceived (for objects) and Kibud Av. The mitzvah of Kibud Av is rewarded with along life. It makes sense that the one who honors life by honoring their parentswould be rewarded with long life. Yitzchak believed Esav deserved the blessing ofhis inheritance – as a reward for Esav’s respect. So Yitzchak felt it was importantfor Esav to be involved in this mitzvah while receiving the bracha in order for thebracha to take effect.Shabbat shalom.“Not to keep my father awake." - Ethan Burian 5ZDEVELOPMENT NEWS

The SAR Live Auction is tomorrow night!We look forward to seeing you there!8:00 pm at LIFE, The Place to Be, Ardsley, NYClick here for directions.

“Listening the first time they ask me to do something.”- Keren Stulbach 2ZPTC NEWSUpcoming PTC Events -- Save the Dates!Please join us for an evening of food and fun!Our children are spending their days with friends, old and new.Now it's our turn too!Saturday night, December 1st at 8:00pm.Featuring a photo gallery of our children at play, with a short program to follow.Light dairy dinner and desserts will be served.Can't wait to see you there!Click here to RSVP*ALSO -- Sunday, January 6, 2013 -- Family Fitness and Fun Day

*ALSO -- Sunday, January 6, 2013 -- Family Fitness and Fun DayIf you have not yet made your annual contribution to support PTC programs andevents, please click here. Thank you for your generosity!"Help with my younger siblings." - Zevi Siegal 7ZMARK YOUR CALENDARSNOVEMBER 2012Monday, November 19th – Tuesday, November 20th – 8th grade trip toWashington, DCWednesday, November 21st – No Sessions for 8th gradeWednesday, November 21st – Noon DismissalBreakThursday, November 22nd – Friday, November 23rd – ThanksgivingTuesday, November 27th – Matan Bat Mitzvah Program

Tuesday, November 20 th , 2012 8:00-9:00 AM – SARAcademy New Parent Breakfast“Surprise them with coffee before it’s time to leave to school.”- Leah Stern 4XCOMMUNITY EVENTSAs you can see in the video below, the members of the "Paws for a Cause"Enrichment Cluster (2nd-4th grade) are working hard to train their class foster dog,Stella, who urgently needs a home. If your family is interested in adopting Stella,please come to the Paws for a Cause "Open Doghouse" on Sunday, November 18,from 11 am-12 pm, at the Ryman home, 3065 Henry Hudson Pkwy West, Bronx, NY10463. Email lamelle.ryman@gmail.com for more information about Stella or theevent. "Paws for a Cause" will also be visiting the Yonkers Animal Shelter on Dec.5 and will have a collection box in the lobby for old blankets, sheets, and towels;dog food; and sturdy, non-rawhide dog toys and treats. Thank you for your support!Click here to see the video.Riverdale Y’s - Stanley Lane Youth League Basketball for Boys & Girls Grades 1-9Register online at www.RiverdaleY.org or come in to the Y in person. Don’t missout! Registration is deadline is Dec. 23rd.Refer to our website for schedules and practice times. Click here to see flyer.Note: All Submissions to the Community Ev ents section are due to Chadashot@saracademy .org the Tuesday prior topublication in copy ready f ormat. The Chadashot reserv es the right to f urther edit submissions due to space constraints.SAR ACADEMY~Jesselson Campus~655 West 254th Street~Riverdale, NY 10471718.548.1717~www.saracademy.orgUnsubscribe from this eNotice.