MDS Messenger May 10, 2013

Candle Lighting Time - 7:42 PM Page 1

Volume 12, Issue 25 May 10, 2013 פרשת במדבר

בס"ד

Forever Our Jerusalem By Rav Chaim Gold, [email protected]

Today, Yom Yerushalayim, I am experiencing

ambivalent emotions. From one perspective, I am remi-

niscing and remembering a long time ago when the United

Nations acceptance of Israel as a state was in question.

My grandfather, Rav Zeev Gold, was a spokesman for

what would become the new State, addressing the United

Nations here in New York in May, 1948, pleading for

recognition of our ancient heritage. Because of this, he

was not in Eretz Israel when they signed the Declaration

of Independence. Out of respect for him, they decided to

leave the seventh space blank, which he signed upon his

return.

I remember listening to the vote for recognition.

We all rejoiced the moment when the vote turned in our

favor. We all hoped for peace, which tragically alluded us.

War broke out and although we eventually were victorious

we lost control over the “Ir Ha’atikah” of Yerushalayim.

Then, skipping over many other significant events, we

were attacked in 1967. We pleaded with the King of Jor-

dan not to enter the war against us. He didn’t listen and

went on to attack us. We are hopefully never a warring

nation; the mission of our soldiers should only be one of

defense. Based on Jordan’s attack, Tzahal, the Israel De-

fense Forces, therefore, entered Yerushalayim and fought

bravely, conquering the city. They endangered their lives

trying to be very careful not to damage any “mekomot

kedoshim”. The late general Mordechai Gur led the forces

and famously broadcast “הר הבית בידינו”. I had the zechut

(merit) to hear from him personally his recollection of this.

And now we arrive at the other perspective that

confronts me. I, as all of us, rejoice at our having this city

in our possession. However, how am I to really rejoice

over “having Yerushalayim”? The honest truth, as I

learned from my Rebbe, Rav Soloveitchik, is that there is

an Halachik definition of “Yerushalayim”. It is defined as

that specific area, considered to be an extension of the

kedushas Bais Hamikdash, within which one may eat Kodshim Kalim. (This area should be familiar to anyone who recites the fifth

chapter of Mishnayos of Mesechet Zevachim each morning). Therefore, the most important and distinguishing part of Yerushalayim

– the Bais Hamikdash- is still, unfortunately, in a state of destruction.

How then should I react today on Yom Yerushalayim? With mixed emotions! Happy that the geographical area is in our

hands. Supremely grateful that the city is populated with so many Yeshivos where Torah is learned day and night. And yet - sad

that we still do not have the Bais Hamikdash, and praying that we speedily merit, through loving kindness and good deeds, its re-

building.

Thank you to Rabbi Jeremy Litton and the TaShma Orchestra (Yakove Block, Yoni Stokar, and Meir Shubowitz) for lead-

ing a spirited musical Hallel for grades 1-8 in the lunchroom. Thank you to Rabbi Yehoshua Konig of Young Israel of Kew Garden

Hills for speaking about his experiences as a soldier in the IDF. Thank you to Leora Berkowitz Sulimanoff for her role in leading the

chagiga that followed. Finally, thank you to Aleta for the special Yom Yerushalyim blue and white cake!


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Yom Yerushalayim School-wide Hallel + Chagiga



Go Team MDS, Torah Bowl Victors Once Again! By Atara Neuer, Torah Teams Coordinator, [email protected]

Wait, we won AGAIN? Yes, that's right! This past Tuesday, May 7, MDS hosted a Torah Teams competition against Mori-

ah and led our team to victory once again.

"Accomplishments only come with team work", noted Avi Solomons, as he reflected on our latest success.

Indeed, everyone on Torah Team has his or her own area of scholarly expertise that he or she brings to the team. Sophie is

working on her doctorate thesis in Rashi at Harvard, while Sarina is pursuing her PhD in Mishna at Columbia. Cayla is a published

author on Bibilical exegesis, and Jacob is a professor of Halacha at Yeshiva University. Yair and Micha'el are the travelling Shloush

brothers, known for their broad range of excellence in Navi, Chumash and Mishna. Shmuel is Chief Rabbi of New York known for

his Talmudic brilliance, and Avi chairs the Judaic Studies department at Bar Ilan University.

And what were some of the gems we learned? In Navi, we encountered the famous miracle when Yehoshua stops the sun in

Givon and the moon in Ayalon. In Chumash, Korach rebelled against Aaron and Moshe when he wanted the Kehunah, and Rashi

warns us about having wicked neighbors like Korach who can easily influence us. The Mishnah teaches us the concept that we may

rise in Kedushah but never go down, and in Halacha we learned that Alot Hashachar (dawn) is a unique time because that is when the

first rays of light shine through the darkness, and therefore is considered in halacha as both night and morning.

As if last night’s win wasn’t enough, today the Torah Teamers showed tremendous hakaros hatov by throwing me a surprise

party! I was adorned with a necklace and tiara and received a beautiful card. There were streamers, there were cookies, and a rap

song. Yes, a rap song!:

Yah Ms.Neuer, we just wanted to say

Yah this is a thank you partay!

Thank you for the notes

Thank you for the meetings

Thank you for the fun

and the Oreo eatings!

Yah Ms. Neuer we are the Torah Teams

and you, you're the Torah Queen

Yah we've got Jacobi Jones, Sarina, Sophie and the

Shloushes, Avi, Shmuel, Cayla Muschel

And then you on top, cause you're the head of the joint,

Yah even though you don't play you're the top, you're

the point

You study with us when we don't comprehend

because of that WE WILL WIN IN THE END.

Yah we'll take the title just for you

because you taught us to be Torah Team Jews!

Go Shmeiga Teigas!

Once again, our MDS

scholars made me proud

by showing their midot of

greeting our guests from

Moriah with warm hellos

and friendly greetings. As

Sarina Kofman ex-

claimed, ”I love Torah

Teams! We get to meet

other kids that come and

it’s very interesting to

study new stuff!”.

Upwards and onwards to

the Championships! Go

Team MDS!



YUTeach Selects R. Ariel Cohen for Fellowship By Messenger Staff

The Institute for University-School Partnership’s Legacy Heritage YUTeach Fellow-

ship has been established to identify Judaic Studies teachers that have the desire and capacity

for professional development and provide them with the opportunity to leverage their own ex-

perience and collective learning with experts in the field. In doing so, the Legacy Heritage

YUTeach Fellowship paves the way for Judaic Studies teachers to cultivate their own vision of

educational excellence and gives them the framework and support to actualize that vision.

Through a highly selective and interactive program, Fellows build relationships with a

national cohort of growth-minded teachers who will challenge and support each other, interact

with leaders in the field, and engage in in-depth coursework directly related to a chosen area of

their teaching.

We are proud to announce that our very own Rabbi Ariel Cohen (Judaic Studies 6-8th

grade) has been accepted to the Legacy Heritage YUTeach Fellowship for the 2013-2014

school year. We look forward to his continued growth and the positive impact it will have on

our middle school students.

Play B.A.L.! By Rabbi Ariel Cohen, [email protected]

Our Play B.A.L. initiative

is up and running! We have been

promoting wonderful Middot that

are Bein Adam L’Chavero. The

boys and girls between 4th and 8th

grade have been displaying Re-

spect for office staff, kitchen staff,

maintenance staff, etc. Their Con-

cern for others in classroom,

sports, and other settings has im-

proved. They are Honoring Rab-

bis and Teachers by holding

doors, cooperating and helping

when needed. Finally they are

Respecting Torah and Tefilah by

not wasting time, exemplifying good decorum in class and Beit Midrash, and keeping rooms clean.

Here are a few examples of some of the wonderful Middos displayed:

Simon Wildes (4) Warmly offered to help someone carry a heavy load.

Yisroel Wolff (4) Gave up a chance to play a game so another student could play!

Tehilla Robinson (4) Held the door for Rabbi Yablok.

Leah Ashear (5) Switched skirt with a friend when water spilled all over her!

Rivka Melamed (5) Helped clean up her friend’s stuff that fell

Daniel Diamond (5) Held the door for the class

Chava Milo (6) Helps another girl in class with her homework

Noah Altman (6) Erased the board for Mrs. Dahan without being asked to.

Richie Siegal (6) Davened a sincere, fantastic Benching despite his class leaving and going to the roof Raphi Langer (7) Helped a fellow student do פתיחהwhen he was unsure of what to do

Elan Bettinger and Jacob Berkowitz (7) Helped Mrs. Posen pick up papers she dropped

Shmuel Adler (7) Continues to come on time to Tefilla and davens beautifully

Avi Berkowitz (8) Assisted different students complete their Chumash HW

William Ehrman (8) Helped a friend who got hurt during recess

There will be a mega raffle in a few weeks for an Ipod 5 touch, following some some mini raffles for smaller prizes that have

taken places over the past several weeks. In the picture above, Rabbi Yablok is distributing raffle tickets for the B.A.L. program.

Keep up the Great Middot!



What a Tasty Country! By 6B

Our Zionism Class is learning about the map of Israel. After taking

a quiz on 20 major cities, bodies of water and regions of Israel, Mrs. Leora

Berkowitz Sulimanoff divided us into groups and surprised us with a great

project. We were given cookie dough and had to make a map of Israel. It

was harder to do than we thought. Once our country was baked, we were

given frosting in different colors and lots of different colored toppings to

make our map. We used chocolate and red toppings for the desert, green for

the fertile areas, blue for the water and even green licorice for trees. Did you

know that Israel is one of the only countries to have more trees now than they

did 50 years ago?

After our map was made, we took toothpicks with labels and labeled

20 important areas in the country. After we finished, we got to eat our re-

sults. What a tasty way to learn the map of Israel. Special thanks to Mrs.

Leora Berkowitz Sulimanoff for coming up with such a fun project!

49 Good Middot for Sefirat HaOmer By Adina Laury, [email protected]

Room 301 has been keeping busy

during Sefirat HaOmer. The class created a

unique bulletin board of Har Sinai, with num-

bers up to 49. Students take turns crossing

off the days - we can't believe how close we

are to the top! In addition, the students drew

their own Sefirah Charts. The charts were

colorful, creative, and quite varied in design.

To further bring out the importance of work-

ing on Middot during Sefirat HaOmer, our

fourth graders have put together presentations

about the Middot emphasized by the MDS

B.A.L. (Bein Adam L'Chavero) program.

Each student wrote a Dvar Torah or story about his chosen Middah and presented it in front of the

class together with a creative project that fit in with the given Middah. The presentations blew us

away! Powerpoints, videos, posters, cartoons, well-researched stories, nicely written Divrei Torah -

each project was fantastic. What a great way to learn about the Middot we are all trying to work on!



The Value of a Moment: Siyum Bava Kamma! By Rabbi Avi Genack, [email protected]

Many months ago a special

learning session began. This was a

session where Torah would be stud-

ied for its own sake, תורה לשמה. We

learned the value of time, and how

little steps forward can bring huge

accomplishments. In the few

minutes before class begins, between

around 8 and 8:10, David Bauman,

Yehuda Marcus, Benji Feldmus, Sam

Korchnoy, Yehuda Shiffenbaur, Ari-

el Dubizh, and I) set out on our jour-

ney through the mishnayot in

Mesechet Bava Kamma. This past

Thursday, we finished the entire

mesechet!

We had a siyum after the

davening in the main Beis Medrash.

We learned a lesson. The story is

told about R. Bengis the head of the

Beis Din in Brisk, one day he gath-

ered the people in town around for a grand siyum…a siyum Ha-

shas. People joined as they saw the great enthusiasm of R. Ben-

gis in his accomplishment. However, they could not help but

wonder, why the fuss. R. Bengis was a world class Torah schol-

ar, he had finished Shas many times, and each time was a great

joy, but this time R’ Bengis was ecstatic. They soon came to

understand the source of R. Bengis’ excitement. At the siyum,

R. Bengis got up to speak and he explained that this siyum was

like no other; this siyum was the study of shas over the course of

a many years, during “down times”. This shas was the shas of

“waiting in line”, it was the “shas of not letting his time drift

away”.

This Thursday, David and Yehuda and Co. learned the

“Bava Kamma of not letting their time drift away”. After the siyum, there was dancing followed by a special breakfast for the entire

seventh and eighth grades. These boys who participated in the siyum on mishnayot Bava Kamma are a deep source of pride to us here

in Yeshivat Ohr Torah. May they continue growing and being a source of inspiration to us all.

Reunite with your lost items!

Visit our Lost & Found area

in the corridor below

the Lower Mezzanine



Do You Have What It Takes to be a Mashgiach? By Rabbi Ariel Cohen, [email protected], and Rabbi Avi Genack, [email protected]

The 7th grade boys have completed Parshat Shmini and have

all learned the laws of Kashrus on a very high level. They covered

topics like why we keep kosher, which land animals are kosher, which

fish and birds are kosher, and even learned about some kosher insects.

They created and presented some wonderful power point presenta-

tions and are now ready to become restaurant mashgichim! We will

be visiting the OU Kashrus center in downtown Manhattan on Mon-

day to further our understanding of how our food gets OU certified.

Learning Torah… Becoming Torah… By Rabbi Avi Genack, [email protected]

The Mishna in Avot states the world stands on three pillars: Torah, Avodah

(service), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness). The Vilna Goan explains that these

ideals represent the three jobs of every individual. Gemilut chasdim represents the catego-

ry of bein adam l’chavyro (dealings between man and his friend); Avodah is the symbol of

working on bein adam l’Makom (man’s relationship to Hashem), and finally Torah repre-

sents Bein Adam L’atzmo (man’s relationship with himself).

Torah works on beautifying the root of all action between man and his friend; it

develops the root of all service between man and his creator, the root being man himself. It

is with this in mind that in 6B we have rigorously begun a “Tzaddik report”. The idea is to

understand what our goal in Torah study is; it is to develop us into the highest class of per-

son---the tzaddik. Each student has their Tzaddik (e.g. R. Aryeh Levine, R. Lau, the

Steipler Gaon) and were asked to read a book about him in order to understand what made

their person so special, and how they developed into the great people that they became. We

should be reaching for the stars as we learn, for it is there to guide us to the stars.

It has always fascinated me that those who were most respected for their greatness

in torah were always most respected for their fine character, their integrity, their care for

their fellow Jew, and for the world at large. Why such a strong connection between these

two points—Torah study, and refined character? The secret has been let out long ago in

the words of the Vilna Goan: Torah is Bein Adam L’atzmo. The class hopes to create a

book from all the reports. It is our deep hope and prayer that our students develop in the

areas of Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim. The Vilna Gaon



Is Everything in Life Black and White? By Loren Elmann and Rebecca Roth, 6G; Pictures taken by Rivky Rendler, [email protected]

On Wednesday, the sixth grade girls explored the con-

cept of “black and white.” In other words, we learned about mak-

ing decisions. Since we are at bat mitzvah age, we need to know

how to make our own decisions. We first read a poem about

black and white. The poem taught us about different decisions we

make in our everyday lives now, and the decisions to come after

we have our bat mitzvahs. We then split up into groups that got

about 35 cards with character traits that are important to people.

We put the cards in order of what is most important to what is

least important to us. Some of the most important character traits

to us are responsibility and having a good heart, common sense,

and good manners. All of these character traits help us in life

with friendships and visitors. The character traits that we mostly

didn’t like were lack of self-discipline, being snobby, and show-

ing off. We feel that having fancy gadgets are not important in

our lives because we can survive without them. On Monday, we

are going to make black and white non-bake cheese cakes to re-

mind us of our “black and white” lesson.

Black and White

Each morning as I wake up, my day begins with decisions.

What should I wear, what color?

What cereal should I eat, regular milk or soy milk?

Should I walk to school or get a ride?

Will I smile today or frown?

My whole life is full of decisions!

Some decisions are easier, and some are harder!

How long is my skirt, will I say an extra chapter of tehillim?

That’s what black and white is all about

My decisions are not black and white all the time;

There are a lot of grey areas in my life!

As I come to the age of bat mitzvah,

I am now responsible for my decisions.

I and you have to think before we decide.

Good luck making the right decisions!



Navi Dioramas: Yehoshua, Perek 4! By Ariella Mero, Ariella Shloush, and Hannah Skydell, 4G; Pictures taken by Rivky Rendler, [email protected]

For Navi, in ten groups of three, the fourth grad-

ers created their own dioramas. They did it on Yehoshua,

Perek Daled. Together, each group assembled a part in

the Perek such as picking up the rocks for the monument

and placing them appropriately. The winners were: Ra-

chel Saad, Tehila Strulowitz, and Ruthi Gerber. The run-

ner ups were Ariella Mero, Daniella Schrieber, and Rachel

Debora. They all received special prizes. The dioramas

were extremely pretty! Every group worked very hard,

and everyone deserved to win. We all enjoyed making

dioramas. It was a fun experience for everyone. Our pro-

jects are now on display in the hallway. Students from

other grades like to look at them and learn all about Sefer

Yehoshua!

The Incredible, Edible Bigdei Kehuna! By Tzipora Kermier, Liana Goldstein and Mia Lubetski, 5G; Pictures taken by Noa Ehrenhalt, [email protected]

These past few weeks,

we have been learning about the

Mishkan and the Bigdei Kehuna.

When we completed the Parsha,

we decided to create a replica of

the Kohen Gadol out of candy.

This project helped us visualize

and understand in great detail

what the Kohen Gadol's clothes

looked like. We really enjoyed

this project. Thank you, Morah

Noa!



Challahs for Pinsk By Aviyail Karasick, ‘10

This past January together with a group of students from Manhattan

High School for Girls, we had the great privilege of volunteering to work for

the Jewish community in Pinsk, Belarus. We assisted in running programing

in the "Yad Yisroel" girls boarding school run by Rabbi and Rebbetzin

Moshe Fima. The time we spent in Pinsk was a "game changer." We were

inspired and humbled as we learned to appreciate all the Blessings that we

have and may take for granted. Whether it is the choice of clothes one has to

choose from in morning or the ability to open a fridge with food inside. The

poverty and life stories that the girls in Pinsk have experienced are non-

imaginable. In order to continue providing the services Yad Yisroel pro-

vides, they need our support.

As a project to assist in fund-raising for Yad Yisroel we have

launched launching a "Challahs4Pinsk" fundraiser on the Upper West Side.

On Friday afternoon, fresh homemade Challahs can be delivered to your

door. As all our ingredients are donated, the entire proceeds from the Chal-

lah sales, will directly assist "Yad Yisroel".

The best part of doing this project is that we know that the hard

work that we are putting in is worth it 100% because we are able to help

these children who are greatly suffering in Belarus. We knew exactly how

much they need the money because we actually had the direct experience of meeting them. We hope to continue this project until the

end of the school year.

Please help us in enabling Yad Yisrael to continue to do their amazing work, as they literally save the lives of Jewish children in Bela-

rus. Please email [email protected] with your order. Many thanks in advance, Avigayil Karasick ’10 and Chaya Sarah

Shippel

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti Visits MDS By Messenger Staff

Distinguished historian and educator Rabbi Jonathan Rietti visited MDS and gave our middle school students a whirlwind

tour through several thousand years of Jewish History. The presentation was interactive and greatly informative.

mailto:[email protected]



8G Devar Torah Project: Bamidbar Submitted by Bethany Strulowitz, [email protected]; Devar Torah written by Yonina Segal, 8G

When we were younger and we went on class trips

even now why did our teachers always count us? How much

do they love us? They loved us so much that they wanted to

make sure that we were all there.

In Parshat Bamidbar, Hashem speaks to Moshe at

Ohel Moed their usual meeting spot. Hashem told Moshe to

count all of Bnei Yisrael, by telling him,"All men 20 and up

must give a half shekel.” Hashem counts us all the time be-

cause He loves us so much. The reason they were told to give

a half shekel was so the people shouldn't be counted only the

coins. In perek alef pasuk daled it says, "And with you there

shall be man of every tribe everyone head of his father's household". This also means that every man should be in charge of their

house. Hashem told Moshe who the heads of each tribe were. One of the jobs was to collect the coins from the people. The total for

the shevatim, excluding Levi, was 603,550. The leviyim were not included because they were so holy that they were counted from

one month and up. The total count for the leviyim was 22,300.

Hashem then instructed each tribe where they should camp. Why were all the tribes placed in a certain order in the camp?

The Midrash explains that, when Yaakov was about to die, he told his sons how his coffin should be carried. He told them which she-

vet walked on each side, and Hashem decided to honor Yaakov's arrangements years later by telling Bnei Yisrael to cam the same

way. This way, no shevet could protest its given position because they all knew that this was pre-arranged by Yaakov. Hashem told

Moshe that each group of three shevatim should have a flag with three colors for the three shevatim in that group and the group should

march under its appropriate flag.

Hashem listed the kohanim, the sons of Aaron, who were then anointed. Hashem says what he will do in the future to

firstborns of Egypt. Moshe was told to count all firstborns from one month and up for a pidyon HaBen. It is only for a firstborn boy

of a Yisrael. The four contingencies for a pidyon haben are: Can't be kohen or Levi, Must be the first pregnancy for the mother (no

prior miscarriage), 30 days old, and no C-section. After all this, Aaron and his sons were finishing covering all the utensils. Each

part or thing was wrapped separately.

A meaningful lesson that we can learn from this week’s parsha is that Hashem loves us. If He did not love us, then he wouldn't

count us all the time to make sure that we were always there. It is especially important to remember that Hashem loves us when we

are going through hard times because Hashem is always there for us.

The Box Tops contest is coming to a close!

It’s time to bring in your box tops!

Final Box Tops Submission Date: May 28th.

Submit your box tops to Sharon Newman

in a bag clearly labeled with your child’s name and class.

Help your child’s class win an ice cream party!



Parsha Challenge: Bamidbar Submitted by Rabbi Binyamin Yablok, Associate Principal, based on questions from Congregation Rinat Yisrael in Teaneck, New Jersey

1. (a) Why does ספר במדבר follow Vayikra’s משכן laws? (b) Why does Bnei Yisrael’s census in במדבר follow the law of ויקרא

27:33 of not substituting a sanctified animal with another? (c) Why is פרשת במדבר always read before שבועות (2 views)? (d)

Why did ה‘ order בני ישראל’s census on ראש חדש אייר (5 views)? (e) Some must have reached age 20 and others died between

the census after the חטא העגל and this one – how could both counts have the exact same total (2 views)? ( 1:1,10,49במדבר)

1. (a) Having learned about the Mishkan’s kedusha, we learn how Bnei Yisrael in the midbar had to distance themselves from it, like

they distanced themselves from Har Sinai in Sefer Shemot (Ramban). (b) It shows that due to their pure lineage, He “shall not substi-

tute for [Bnei Yisrael]” by choosing another nation (Oznayim laTorah). (c) (1) It ensured that Bechukotai’s tochacha is separated from

Shavuot’s joy (Megilah 31b). (2) Counting Bnei Yisrael showed each Jew’s importance – each must re-accept the Torah each Shavuot

and learn it to his or her best ability (Darash Moshe). (d) (1) Permanent residence is shown after living somewhere 30 days – the She-

china inaugurated the Mishkan on Rosh Chodesh Nisan – its residence was permanent a month later – the census showed Bnei Yis-

rael’s families’ pure descent, so It could remain among them (Gur Aryeh). (2) The Shechina rests on a congregation of at least 22,000

Jews – Moshe showed this minimum for each sheivet (Kli Yakar). (3) Paralleling those of the angels, Hashem ordered Bnei Yisrael to

make degalim (banners) – Bnei Yisrael’s pure origin showed them worthy of degalim (Medrash Tanchuma). (4) Bnei Yisrael’s entry

into Eretz Yisrael, before the spies’ sin, was to be 20 days later on 20 Iyar – Moshe sought those qualified for the army to conquer the

land (Ramban). (5) By counting Bnei Yisrael again so soon, Hashem showed His love for each of them (Rashi). (e) (1) The census

year started on Rosh Hashana – those turning 20 between Tishrei and Iyar were not counted in that year’s census (Rashi), and during

the Mishkan’s construction, Bnei Yisrael were protected from death (Mizrachi). (2) The last census included the levi’im – this census

did not – the number of levi’im excluded in Iyar exactly equaled the number turning 20 or who died (Ramban).

2. (a) What determined each sheivet’s degel color? (b) Who determined the shevatim’s positions camping around the Mish-

kan? (c) When listing Aharon’s family, why does the Torah say, “These are Aharon’s and Moshe’s offspring” (2 views)? (d)

Which 6 tasks did the levi’im do under the kohanim’s supervision? (e) (1) Why are there dots above Aharon’s name when

describing the census? (2) Why was Aharon not included? (f) (1) Why was Levi’s population less than half of any other sheivet

(3 views)? (2) Levi’s sons’ censuses – Gershom (7,500), Kehat (8,600) and Merari (6,200), total 22,300 – why does the Torah

give the number of levi’im as 22,000? (Bamidbar 2:2-31;3:1,6,22-39)

2. (a) It reflected the sheivet’s gem on the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate (Targum Yonatan). (b) Ya’akov – the shevatim camped around

the Mishkan in the same positions Ya’akov ordered his sons to carry his coffin (Rashi). (c) (1) Moshe’s sons, not specifically named,

were in Kehat’s family (3:27) ( ן“רמב ). (2) After the cheit ha’eigel, “Hashem was angry with Aharon to annihilate him” (Devarim

9:20), meaning death for all his sons ( י“רש ). Moshe’s prayer, partially effective, saved 2 of Aharon’s 4 sons – Moshe’s saving them

made them like offspring (Ohr haChaim). (d) They (1) transported the Mishkan in the midbar; (2) sang while the kohanim offered

korbanot; (3) opened and closed the בית המקדש’s gates; (4) guarded the holy vessels from being touched by non-kohanim; (5)

surrounded the Mishkan and Beit haMikdash as honor guards; (6) served as the Mishkan’s and Beit haMikdash’s treasurers ( במדבר

) The levi’im’s count did not include Aharon (1) (e) .(רבה י“רש ). (2) The levi’im did not sin in the cheit ha’eigel, and substituted for the

firstborns – Aharon, who did participate, was not counted (כלי יקר). (f) (1) (i) Many levi’im carrying the aron died prematurely for not

honoring it; (ii) the levi’im, not enslaved in Mitzrayim, did not multiply miraculously (Shemot 1:12); (iii) Ya’akov’s curse of Shimon

and Levi reduced them – Shimon also declined in the midbar – while the other shevatim increased ( ן“רמב ). (2) The levi’im replaced

the bechorim (firstborns) to do the Mishkan’s avoda – one of the census’ roles was to “exchange” each levi for a bechor – since 300

.(5a בכורות) were bechorim, they were not exchanged for bechorim of other shevatim and were not in the levi’im’s total לוים

3. (a) When counting Kehat’s family, Hashem included “kol haba la-tzava” (all who come to the legion”) – when counting

Bnei Yisrael, why does He say “kol yotzai tzava” (all who go out to the legion)? (b) (1) When Bnei Yisrael traveled in the mid-

bar, what 4 objects in the Mishkan did Elazar carry? (2) How was he able to carry it all (3 explanations)? (Bamidbar 4:3,16)

3. (a) בני ישראל’s census counted each שבט’s army availability – in a military camp, some Torah laws were relaxed (17 ערוביןa-b),

allowing them “to go out” from תורה law. The לוים’s census counted those for the עבודה – they “came” for more mitzvot (אזנים לתורה).

(b) (1) The (i) menorah oil, (ii) קטרת (incense) supply, (iii) daily korbanot’s flour, and (iv) (2) ;שמן המשחה (i) he was extremely strong,

like משה and אהרן; (ii) it was a miracle; or (iii) he was responsible for these items, but others actually carried them for him ( ן“רמב ).

4. (a) (1) The Midrash says that when Bnei Yisrael “stood at the bottom of the mountain,” Hashem covered them with it,

threatening their deaths – why did He force their Torah acceptance, since they had said, “Everything that Hashem has spoken

we will do” (3 views)? (2) With a coerced acceptance, why are we punished for Torah violations (3 views)? (b) (1) How many

letters are in the Aseret haDibrot? (2) What does this signify? (Shemot 19:8,10,17; 20:1-14)

4. (a) (1) (i) מתן תורה’s blazing fire caused their souls to leave their bodies temporarily, and בני ישראל might have changed their minds

– force was required (תוספות). (ii) They had accepted only the Written Law, hesitating on the Oral Law that requires extreme effort

and discipline – the Oral Law needed coercion (מדרש תנחומא). (iii) The universe’s continued existence needed בני ישראל’s תורה

acceptance – ה‘ made its acceptance mandatory ( ל“מהר (9:27 אסתר – ”קימו וקבלו“) later accepted the Torah voluntarily (i) בני ישראל (2) .(

at the פורים victory (88 שבתa). (ii) voluntarily accepted the תורה at הר גריזים and (תוספות) עיבל. (iii) had to accept the תורה to merit

receiving ארך ישראל – once exiled, they might no longer have been bound – when Ezra returned, they accepted the תורה voluntarily

(Ran). (b) (1) 620; (2) it signifies that the עשרת הדברות incorporate the essence of the Torah’s 613 מצוה and 7 (מכילתא) מצות דרבנן.



8G Devar Torah Project: Shavuot Submitted by Bethany Strulowitz, [email protected]; Devar Torah written by Esther Seligson, 8G

Did you know that music can affect our mood?

Think about it; you are usually happy if you listen to

happy music and people who are sad listen to sad songs.

Even people who break up with their boyfriends listen to

break up music (ever hear of Taylor Swift?). Music is a

key to people. The thing about music is that there are so

many interpretations that only the writer only knows the

true meaning of the song. Just like music, Shavuot has

many moods and can be interpreted in many ways.

Shavuot is a time of joy and happiness, but what is it

really about? Today I will explain to you all the who’s,

what’s, why’s and how’s about Shavuot.

Shavuot came into existence a while back

(when the Jews got the Torah to be exact) to commemo-

rate the anniversary of the day Hashem gave us the To-

rah at Har Sinai. The connection between Shavuot and

celebrating the receiving of the Torah is a connection

that is never mentioned in the Torah, it is one of the

Shalosh Regalim (the Shalosh Regalim are Passover,

Sukkot, and Shavuot). Not only does Shavuot mark the

anniversary of Matan Torah, it also marks the conclu-

sion of counting the Omer. The Omer is the counting of

each of the forty-nine days between Passover and Shavuot. This mitzvah derives from the Torah commandment to count forty-nine

days beginning from the day on which the Omer, a sacrifice containing an Omer-measure of barley, was offered in the Temple in Je-

rusalem, up until the day before an offering of wheat was brought to the Temple on Shavuot. The Counting of the Omer begins on the

second day of Passover, and ends the day before the holiday of Shavuot, the 'fiftieth day.' The Torah is the relationship of Written and Oral laws and where it all comes from. The Torah is interpreted in four ways: 1)

Peshat (referring to the surface or literal meaning of a text) 2) Remez (meaning:"hints" or the deep meaning beyond just the literal

sense) 3) Drash (meaning: "inquire" ("seek") — the comparative Midrash meaning, as given through similar occurrences) and 4) Sod

(meaning: "secret" or the mystical meaning, as given through inspiration or revelation). My final question on the Torah is “how can

the Rabbis add to the Torah?” After all, don’t we know the story that Eve thought she should not eat from any tree so she would not

eat from the tree of forbidden fruit so she would not tempt herself, but instead of not tempting herself she tempted herself more!

That’s the reason Eve sinned from the Tree is because she added unwarranted additions to Hashem’s laws? In truth, the Rabbis do not

add to the Torah but actually explain the laws that the Torah gives. Think about it: Rashi and Rambam never add laws they just tell

you why we do them.

Some of our customs on Shavuot are to stay up all night to study Torah on the first night of Shavuot so that we will remem-

ber that when we got the Torah at Har Sinai we slept in late. Another custom is to eat dairy meals because when we got the Torah the

Jewish people did not know the correct way to do the ritual slaughtering (or Shechitah) that makes an animal Kosher to eat so they ate

easy foods to prepare - which are dairy foods. The last custom I will explain is decorating our homes and Shuls with flowers to re-

member Har Sinai because Har Sinai was beautiful and full of greenery. One interesting question is why is there a custom to eat dairy foods on Shavuot? One answer suggested by the Kol Bo (an

anonymous work containing both halakhic rulings as well as, at times, explanations of halakhot, arranged in accordance with the sub-

ject matter. The book was written at the end of the 13th or the beginning of the 14th century. The identity of its author and its relation

to the Orḥot Ḥayyim) is because the Torah is compared to Milk and Honey in Shir HaShirim. He says this connection is made because

the hidden parts of the Torah are as sweet as milk and honey.

But then the follow-up question on that is why compare the Torah to these products, if we know that eating Bees (some cul-

tures actually eat bees) are not Kosher, and Milk comes from a live animal that only becomes Kosher after Shechitah? The book Chag

HaShavuot by Nitei Gavriel , says that both Milk and honey come from animals that start off being not-Kosher, but they become Ko-

sher. So too, this teaches us that the torah can take someone impure and turn them pure.

Why do the other 2 Regalim (Pesach and Sukkot) last 7 days in Israel, when Shavuot, which is the third Regel, only lasts 1 or

2 days? The Chasam Sofer answers that Shavuot falls at the time of year of the harvest. At this same time is when you have to give

Leket, Shichechah and Pe’ah, donations from your field that go to the poor people. So if Shavuot was 7 days long the poor would

have to wait even longer to collect these donations. This teaches us the Torah believes that it is so important to give charity to the

poor. We do not want the poor to wait for the Tzadaka.

Shavuot only comes once a year. That is why it is important to appreciate and understand the holiday even more. I believe

that because I learned that Shavuot is all about charity I will want to give more charity at that time of year.



8G Devar Torah Project: Shavuot Game Submitted by Bethany Strulowitz, [email protected]; Game prepared by Esther Seligson, 8G



MDS Auction: Oh, What a Night! By Meryl Degen and Lenore Ades, Auction Chairs

Oh what a night! This past Sunday evening, May 5th, also

known as Cinco de Mayo, was the first annual MDS auction. We had a

wonderful turnout with over 200 attendees. Guests were serenaded by a

mariachi band as they entered the school and then feasted on an authen-

tic Mexican dinner, catered by Carlos and Gabby’s. To add to the fes-

tivities, two bars were replete with Coronas, margaritas, and wine. Peo-

ple spent the early part of the evening stuffing Chinese auction boxes

with raffle tickets in order to win jewelry, electronics like a TV and an

iPad mini, and special experiences with MDS faculty. Later, they pe-

rused the silent auction items and bid on a range of sporting events,

birthday parties, unique experiences and beautiful art projects created by

MDS students. The evening ended with an exciting and entertaining

live auction headed up by a professional auctioneer, Ric Cher-

win. Bidders won amazing prizes including, Be Rabbi Besser for the

Day, a trip to Israel, and even a beautifully handcrafted necklace and

earrings made by our very own student Jonathan Kloepfer. Yashar

Koach to the MDS community for donating the prizes, volunteering to

help, and showing their unequivocal support for our beloved school.

We are thrilled to announce that the evening was a tremendous success.



MDS Auction: Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

FIESTA

DataPrise IT Services Adele and Robert Dweck Debbie and Elliot Gibber Tamar and Eric Goldstein

Sharon and Sinclair Haberman Ann and Pinky Sohn

MARACA

Lenore and Maurice Ades City Winery, Dalia and Joseph Cohen Allen Davoudpour—Corocoran Group

Ilana and Ezra Dweck Laura and Jonathan Heller

Richard Kestenbaum Amanda Nussbaum and Daniel Laifer

Gitel and Nissim Louzoun Yael and Amnon Mandelbaum

Michelle and Eli Salig Gaby and Ilan Sobel

Graciela and Alberto Zordok

PINATA

Rena and Steven Ashear, Shoshana and Jordan Bergman, Deveaux Barron and Andrew Berkowitz, Jais and John Brennan, Café Roma,

Naomi and Josh Caplan, Carlos Oliveira Soccer Academy, Susan and Arthur Degen, Bari and Daniel Erber, Fairway Market,

Tova and Eli Feiler, Jennifer and Ari Feldman, Tracy and Sander Gerber, Eddie and Sarah Gindi—Century 21,

Shari and Josh Goldberg, Rena and David Jaroslawicz, Martin Kofman—American Package Company, Inc., Kosher Marketplace,

Rose and Morton Landowne, Posies, Miera and Alan Rechtschaffen, Robyn and Alan Samuels, Lisa and Joseph Scharf, Daniella and Aryeh Schwebel,

Seasons, Arezu and Steve Sohn, Nurit and Yehuda Srulowitz, Aviva and Marvin Sussman, Jill and Rabbi Mark Wildes,

Deborah Dayan and Bejamin Zalta



The MDS Parents Council extends a tremendous thank you to everyone who made our Cinco de Mayo Auction a huge success! We raised a generous amount of money that has far exceeded our expectations. The profits will help fund both school and Parents Council activities and events.

THANK YOU TO LENORE ADES AND MERYL DEGEN

ON AN AMAZING JOB AS AUCTION CO-CHAIRS. YOUR EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

YASHAR KOACH!

Thank you to all our donors who contributed over $130,000 worth of prizes! There are too many donors to name.

We are grateful for your generosity!

Yashar Koach on an Amazing Auction!



Thank you to Sabrina Rosen for coordinating our volunteers

and to everyone who helped make this event a success...

And super special thanks to Shari Goldberg Sussman for all her help.

Thank you to all the Early Childhood teachers for organizing the class projects and a

big thank you to Leyla Demirtas, our art teacher, for conceptualizing and

orchestrating the class art projects for the 1st

through 5th

grades.

Special thanks to Josh Caplan, Director of Development, for all his hard work in

pulling this event together, and to Daniel Solomons who helped with the technical

side and much more to make this event a huge success. We couldn’t have done it without either of you!

Thank You to our Auction Volunteers

Rande Price Mimi Prensky

Pia Rubin Dalia Schwalb

Daniel Solomons Rachel Solomons

Cara Stein Michael Sternbach

Rhonda Stober Julie Walpert

Emily Prawda Weiss Morey Wildes

Jessica Zmood

Andrew Ackerman Julie Gans Ackerman

Beth Halpern Shoshana Bergman

Naomi Caplan Deborah Malka Cohen Nancy Miller Elzweig

Limor Gutkind Cayle Hasson

Mayah Judovits Renata Kadoe

Ester Kelen

Lea Miller Kronenberg Dana Leibowitz Shara Lipson Sarah London

Albert Louzoun Morah Elisheva Malka Hasson

Karen Mashiach Mindy Gibber Pfefferman

Deborah Puterman Miera Rechtschaffen

Odit Oliner Lauren Presser



MDS Parents Council Thanks You!

The MDS Parents Council Thanks You!

ROSH CHODESH TEACHERS’ BREAKFAST FOR THE MONTH OF SIVAN IS SPONSORED BY…

Rebecca Dreisinger and Jose Melendrez in honor of Ziv's (N4B) and Sophia's (T.B) teachers: Morah Yona, Morah Lauren, Morah Elinor,

Morah Mira, Morah Raquel, Morah Orit, Morah Karen, and Teacher Charles

ROSH CHODESH TEACHERS’ COFFEE FOR THE

MONTH OF SIVAN IS SPONSORED BY…

Bruce and Hila Stern in honor of Jonathan's teachers (3A): Chana Rait-man, Neema Fishman, Yael Glatzer, Michelle Siegel, David Bernstein,

Leyla Demirtas, Chaviva Greenberg Skolnick, Michelle Lyons, and Rifkey Moskowitz;

and Mayah's teachers (N4A): Nitzan Cohen, Elizabeth Brinn, Karen Gurtman

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our children and all the students at MDS -

you are all doing holy work! Also to all the teachers who tend to our children --

Rosh Chodesh Tov!



Family Fun Days: Soccer Adventure, 5/14



SoulCycle Fundraiser, 5/19



Celebrate Israel Parade, 6/2



Family Fun Days: SI Yankees vs. Brooklyn, 6/17

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Watch the Staten Island Yankees in an epic

game against the Brooklyn Cyclones!

Monday, June 17th, 7 pm

At Richmond County Bank Ballpark,

Staten Island

$15/ticket: includes hot dog and drink, program,

hat, fireworks, and a chance to run the bases.

Game starts at 7 pm, but arrive early to eat and

get the goodies.

RSVP to Rachel, [email protected]



Order School Supplies through MDS!

Order School Supplies through MDS! Deadline: June 26th

You asked for it! We're implementing our school supplies program for

September 2013! Pre-order your school supplies for your child's specific class. Once you have purchased the supplies, they will be delivered to the

school by the first day in September and will be given to your child. Orders must be placed by June 26th. Link to purchase is:

www.shopttkits.com with the school account number 32347.

Grade 1 $19.00 Grade 2 $34.00 Grade 3 $46.00 Grade 4 Boys $40.00 Grade 4 Girls $49.00 Grade 5 $56.00 Grade 6 $69.00 Grade 7-8 $36.00 Special Ed Boys $24.00 Special Ed Girls $38.00 Special Ed Grades 1-2 $36.00 Special Ed Grades 3-4 $35.00 Special Ed Grades 7-8 $50.00

Contact: Jackie Dayton-Berman at [email protected] with questions.

http://www.shopttkits.com/

mailto:[email protected]



MDS Summer Camp



Manhattan Day School

310 West 75th Street

New York, New York

Tel: 212-376-6800

Fax: 212-376-6389

www.mdsweb.org

Tel: 212-376-6800

Fax: 212-376-6389

Email all articles and graphics

to Yehudit Robinson,

Director of

Educational Technology,

[email protected]

…

Thank you for keeping our school

a nut-aware environment.

Please join our daily parent

tehillim group which meets in the

library at 8:15 AM.

In the MDS Family...

Mazal tov to Hal Levy (Middle School

Faculty) on his upcoming marriage to

Rebecca Barnett (former MDS Middle

School Faculty).

Mazel Tov to Hila Gul (Lower School

Faculty) on her marriage to Leon Mayer.

Yashar koach to our Winning

Wednesdays raffle winners: Tiferet

Strulowitz (2A), Nathan Blum (4B), and

Max Cogan (7B)

Upcoming Events (all events are also posted on ParentLocker):

May 14-17 Shavuot Recess

Sunday, May 19th SoulCycle Fundraiser

Monday, May 20th Last day of Monday afterschool clubs

Tuesday, May 21st Memorial Day Program

Tuesday, May 21st Last day of Tuesday afterschool clubs

Tuesday, May 21st Chess 1-3 4:00 - 4:15 - Room 305:

Participants receive a trophy, parents are welcome

May 22-23 Grade 7 Boston Trip

Friday, May 24th Make up session for all Friday clubs: Soccer, Game

Programming, Guitar and Musical Theater

Friday, May 24th Musical Theater Improv K-5: Special presentation,

parents welcome: 1:50 - 2:05 - Room #209

Monday, May 27th Memorial Day—No Sessions

Tuesday, May 28th Make up sessions: Cooking K-3 & Girls BBall 6&7

Wednesday, May 29th Last day of Wednesday afterschool clubs

Wednesday, May 29th Karate K-8: 3:30 - 4:15 - Gym: Graduation/Belt

ceremony, parents, family and friends are invited

Wednesday, May 29th Yoga K-3: 3:30 - 4:15 - Room 204

Parents are welcome to observe the final class

Thursday, May 30th Sephardic Culture Day

Friday, May 31st Celebrating Kindergarten

Sunday, June 2nd Celebrate Israel Parade

Monday, June 3rd 6G, 7G, 8G Guest Speaker: Mrs. Slovi Jungreis

Wolff: The Power of Women

Monday, June 3rd Celebrating Toddler Alef and Bet

Tuesday, June 4th 7th Grade Parents High School Meeting, 7:30 pm

Wednesday, June 5th Make up session for Mixed Media Nursery

Thursday, June 6th Grade 3 Rashi Play

Friday, June 7th 4th Grade Play, 9:30 am

Monday, June 10th 7B Bar Mitzvah Program

Tuesday, June 11th 8th Grade Graduation

Friday, June 14th Last day of Preschool

Tuesday, June 18th Last day of school Grades 1-7

Documents

MDS Messenger May 10, 2013