SHABBATON. CALENDAR Candle Lighting times for November 2010 DVAR TORAH BY RACHEL ANISFELD. Issue Number 9 Volume Number III

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1 November Kislev 5771 SHABBATON Issue Number 9 Volume Number III CALENDAR Candle Lighting times for November 2010 Friday, Nov. 19th - Light 4:12pm Saturday, Nov. 20th - End 5:14pm Friday, Nov. 26th - Light 4:07pm Saturday, Nov. 27th - End 5:10pm Monday, November 22 Tuesday, November 23 Wednesday, November 24 3:15 Band Thursday, November 25 Thanksgiving No School Friday, November 26 No School DVAR TORAH BY RACHEL ANISFELD The parsha begins with a reunification the meeting between Esav and Yaakov after 20 years of estrangement but its theme is actually separation. After the two brothers hug and kiss and make up, Esav suggests that they continue their journey together. But Yaakov thinks otherwise. Using his children as an excuse, he says he ll catch up to Esav in the land of Seir. He never does. Instead he goes to his own land, the land God had promised him. Yaakov and his family are becoming a nation, a separate nation with its own identity. Yaakov s descendants will no longer return to the family home in Padan Aram as he did. Last week s parsha ends with a peace treaty between Yakov and Lavan -- the representative of that Aramean family -- as they agree to part ways amicably. And this peace treaty, a pile of stones, is significantly named by each in a different language - - Yegar Sahaduta in Aramaic and Gal Ed in Hebrew -- the different languages helping to demarcate the new boundary between the two families and nations. This week s parsha completes that separation from the Aramean family and its idol-worshipping legacy as Yaakov instructs his household to get rid of their idols, burying them under a tree. Nahum Sarna suggests that the death and burial (also under a tree!) of Devorah, Rivkah s nursemaid (35:8) -- a detail which seemingly has no place in the narrative is, like the purging of idols, a symbol of the final severing of contacts with Mesopotamia. Amidst all this, the Dinah story appears with its own theme of separation. The story begins in the city of Shechem with Dinah going out to hang with benot ha aretz, the local girls. She is trying to assimilate, become part of the gang. When she is raped by the local chieftain s son, the chieftain and his son offer Yaakov and his family a chance at just such assimilation and integration into the local population. We will marry your daughters and you will marry ours, and we will become am ehad, one nation. For Yaakov and his sons such integration is an impossibility; they are appalled at the sexual immorality that took place an outrage had been committed in Israel -- and are certainly not about to join such a society. Their use of circumcision -- they demand that all males in the city be circumcised and then attack them in their weakness -- is in this respect more than a ploy; circumcision is indeed a sign of the difference between them and their fellow Canaanites, and it is this distinction which Yaakov s sons wish to uphold. And so Yaakov and his family--on the verge of becoming a nation -- move away first from Esav/Edom, then from Mesopotomia and finally from the local Canaanites in their own land. Their destiny is to be a nation that dwells apart. Apart, yes. But to what end, the Torah seems to ask? For, soon after this incident in Shechem where the sons of Yaakov condemn the local populace for their sexual immorality we hear that Reuven, Yaakov s eldest son, sleeps with his step-mother Bilhah. And then, in next week s parsha, we begin the painful saga of Yosef, with all the terrible deeds done to him by his brothers. Living apart is not enough. More than separation is required to create a nation that adheres to high moral standards. The Torah and its laws are needed. Maybe this is what Moshe learned, much later, in Exodus, when he went out of the palace that second time. The first time he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite, and understood that salvation from outsiders was needed, but the second time, Moshe saw an Israelite hitting an Israelite, and must have understood that salvation from ourselves is also required. The Torah is that salvation. Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy Of The Capital District Receives Substantial Support From

2 Administrators Corner The Case for P.R.E.P. Work Mr. Miller Middle School Principal There have been provocative books written in the past decade criticizing the concept of homework. I read and took to heart a couple of them including The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn and The Case Against Homework by Sara Bennett. I experimented with the idea of limiting homework and having our middle school teachers, students, and parents keep diaries of how much time was spent weekly on work outside of class. My conclusion is that some teachers and classes demanded more outside work, but that homework is a necessary and important part of building lifelong learners. During the past couple of years when I went through my experimentation stage and assigned little work to be done outside of class, I made some discoveries. It was true that students liked the classes (and maybe the teacher) better when they did not have to complete assignments outside of class. It was also true that the teacher could monitor the students work more closely when the students were doing their work in the classroom. But, two things bothered me. One was that there was not as much information or skill-building occurring during the course of a school year. The other was that students and parents placed more of the burden of teaching and learning on the teacher, and the students were taking less responsibility for their own learning. They were expecting the teacher to convey information and draw higher-level thinking out of the student, all in the course of forty minutes a day. So, this year I became more of a traditionalist again. And, I was honest with my students, right from the beginning. I explained that they would be better off, despite heavy backpacks and free time being spent on assignments, if they did some of the preparation work outside of class and left the processes of application and synthesis to our tie spent together. I told my students that I view homework as having one (or more) of four purposes: practice, reinforcement, extension, and preparation. So, on the board in my room, students can view their P.R.E.P. assignments. They are not fooled into thinking that this is not homework. I just hope that they see that there is a purpose for the assignments, that learning does not and should not stop when they leave the school building, and that we can do more together if they take more responsibility for their learning inside and outside of the classroom.

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4 First and Second Graders welcomes Student teacher! Nancy Crom Beginning in October, the first and second grades welcomed Miss Deborah Umina from the College of Saint Rose. She is working on double teaching certification in both regular and special education. Miss Umina has been Student Teaching with me and learning from her time at HACD. This week she has been completing her solo week of Student Teaching in second grade. Miss Umina introduced the story of Thanksgiving as it is usually taught. She has also pointed out some information that doesn t fit into the conventional picture. I will build on that next week. Miss Umina has been combining thoughtful inquiry with creativity and fun, too. It was fascinating to watch the students try to work themselves free from the Human Knot, without letting go of each other s hands. The students also studied a cut-away model of the Mayflower and saw the types of items that the Pilgrims brought with them to America. Then they drew what would be important to them on a long voyage onto a blank cut-away model of the Mayflower. Some very interesting items were included! One of the things that is rewarding to me is to see some new ideas in education. Working with Miss Umina also enhances the students experience in school. I have had many positive experiences with student teachers from the College of Saint Rose, and look forward to many more!

5 THE KINDERGARTNERS EXPLANATION OF THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING IS. Giving cards (Matthew) Going to people s houses (Avi) Eating dinner (Chava) All day you celebrate so you don t forget your family (Izzie) Giving treats to people (Nesanel) Celebrate the thing of the Indians (Max) Eating turkey (Yechiel) Spending time with family (Maya) Raising turkeys (Elior) Giving cards with hearts on them (Noa) You eat chicken (Mya) I can t think of anything (Julia) Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

6 Shabbat Sponsor November 12, 2010 Deb and Tsvi Gold In Honor of Kira Gold s Birthday Shabbat Sponsor November 19, 2010 Karen and Gavin Setzen In Honor of Sean Setzen s Birthday HACD would like to thank everyone for their generous donations of fruit cups for the 41st Annual Equinox Thanksgiving Dinner. Because of you we were able to meet our goal of collecting 300 cups and help the Equinox volunteers be able to serve 9000 meals to our homeless, homebound and needy neighbors. Looking for families to light Hanukkah candles at area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Instructions, blessing and song sheets available. Some days at Daughters of Sarah (around 3:30 or 4:00); other possibilities in Rensselaer or Schenectady Counties. Contact Rabbi Bev Magidson, ravbev5760@yahoo.com or , ext. 228

7 Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy Participates in the 18 th Annual Chanukah Toy Drive The annual Chanukah Toy Drive, a unique opportunity to bring the joy of Chanukah to Jewish children less fortunate than our own, is underway. Presents are distributed at Chanukah parties held by organizations such as Tomorrow's Children Institute, Jewish Family Services, Project Ezrah, Tomchei Shabbos, UJC, Bikur Cholim, Bris Avrohom, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, Ohel Children's Home, OTSAR, Tikva-Odessa, The Ukraine, Sharsheret, Emunah, Chai Lifeline, Shelter Our Sisters, Shaare Tzeddek Hospital. WHAT WE'RE COLLECTING: New, unwrapped items that fit in your car, or within your budget! Electronic and board games Arts and Craft Supplies Books and Dolls Sports Equipment Toys with Jewish themes and content Hebrew music tapes are especially appreciated for all age groups Remove all price tags and, please, no used items! Our deadline is November 22 nd so that they can be delivered to the children in time for Chanukah. We thank you in advance for participating in this Mitzvah. If you have any questions, please contact Chava Weisstuch at chava.weisstuch@gmail.com

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10 Cub Scout Pack 18 begins Capital Campaign for Pinewood Derby Track The HACD Cub Scout Pack 18 is looking to purchase a new 42-foot, four-lane Pinewood Derby Track to continue the longtime Scout signature event into the future. The estimated cost of the new track, including a finishing line and software to track cars, is $1,500. The Scouts have begun this capital campaign to raise funds for to purchase the new track, and donations are gratefully accepted. Pack 18 traditionally holds its Pinewood Derby in March. According to the BSA Museum Web site, the first-ever Pinewood Derby took place in Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California gathered at the Manhattan Beach Clubhouse and made Cub Scout history. Cubmaster Don Murphy had been looking for an activity that his 10 year old son Donn could participate in after being too young for a soap box derby. Remembering the cars and airplanes he used to carve as a child he decided his Cub Scouts could work with their fathers and carve their own race cars. He felt this activity would foster a closer father-son relationship and good sportsmanship through competition. Murphy approached his Cub Scout committee who eagerly took on the project. A car and track design were quickly worked out. The racing kit consisted of a block of pine wood, two wood axles, four nails, and four wheels. The track was 32 feet long with a declining four foot down ramp for the gravity propelled cars. The electric finish line was built with door bell coils powered by batteries to signify the winner. The first race day was set for May 15, Contestants raced in three classes: Class A: 10 years old, Class B: 9 years old, and Class C: 8 years old. The race was a hit from the second the first group of cars started down the track. News of the Pinewood Derby quickly spread. A city wide Pinewood Derby was sponsored by the Herald Express newspaper and the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks department in When word reached the national office of the Boy Scouts of America they decided to promote the race nationwide. A race car kit was even included in the Boy Scouts of America's supply catalog. Today, most of the rules and regulations of the Pinewood Derby remain the same. Cub Scouts and their parents look forward to the race each year. Don Murphy, the father of the Pinewood Derby, still takes great pride in the event he started more than 50 years ago.

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13 ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS ON SALE NOW! Funds raised help support each grades 8th grade trip to Israel The Albany Book is $30 Chanukah is right around the corner! We have extended the deadline until Monday November 22, 2010 Please send your orders in! (make checks payable to HACD) All books not sold must be returned by 11/22/10 (HACD Families) To order online (prices vary by region and include shipping cost) Liz Goldstein at or

14 Community Event Calendar November 20, 2010 Friendship Circle invites the community to Parents Night Out, with RDI Therapist, Educational Therapist and Special Education teacher, Lisa Frankel. This Motzei Shabbat (Saturday evening) 7:30pm. JERNY 199 New Scotland Avenue, Albany. Refreshments will be served, suggested donation $ For more information about this event please contact Mrs. Liba Andrusier at or November 21, 2010 Jewish Girls Unite Presents: Light up the Night Star Show! for girls in grades 3-8 (Yaldah, BMC, TLC Clubs) 1-3 pm. Discover the Power you have to be a STAR! Enjoy a fascinating Star show with Carol Ann Margolis at the Henry Huson Planetarium in Albany, NY. $8 for JGU member - $12 guest JGU membership & YALDAH magazine subscription: $48.00 Looking forward to seeing you there! RSVP: Nechama Laber by or call December 2, nd Annual Israel heroes Dinner, hosted by The Israel Center/JERNY Congregation Beth Israel, 2195 Eastern Parkway, Schenectady, NY Recognizing those who have provided outstanding service to the State of Israel and its people. Honorees: Bernie and Reeva Norwitz, Rabbi paul and Faye silton, Josie Kivort and Jack Lauber (of blessed memory). Please join us, $75.00 per person, for information contact Alex Hallenstein at alexhallenstein@gmail.com or December 5, 2010 The Coalition for Tomorrow presents, JFed Mitzvah Day Connecting Through Social Action, 1:00pm 5:00pm. at the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York 184 Washington Ave. Ext. Albany. Projects will include assisting at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, an opportunity to help out in the secular community, an interactive project for young families with seniors at the Massry Residence. Questions please call Leah at Federation, ext.222 or lgolby@jewishfedny.org. Make your reservation now register online at or call December 12, 2010 The Community Coalition for Jewish Education invites all 6th graders to Gather Us Together: The Ethiopian Jews Come Home at The Golub Center 184 Washington Ave Ext. Albany, NY from 10:00am-11:30am. Please RSVP to your education director, Questions? Call Marci Gainkin, or mgalinkin@jewishfedny.org. To put a community wide event in our e-shabbaton, please a text only version to klinehan@hacdalbany.com by Wednesday.