A MESSAGE FROM RABBI KRAUSS. Chadashot Parshat Toldot November 16, Kislev Mazal Tov. Dear Parents,

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Sylvia Burian <sburian@saracademy.org> Chadashot 11.16.12 chadashot@saracademy.org <chadashot@saracademy.org> To: sburian@saracademy.

1 Sylvia Burian Chadashot To: Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 1:09 PM CHADASHOT Shabbat Parshat Toldot November 16, Kislev 5773 Candle Lighting: 4:18 pm Havdalah: 5:21 pm Click here for PDF version of the Chadashot A MESSAGE FROM RABBI KRAUSS Dear Parents, Our thoughts and tefillot this Shabbat are with the citizens of Medinat Yisrael, and the soldiers of the IDF who are putting their lives at risk for the protection of our brothers and sisters. At the same time, we continue to seek meaningful ways of supporting members of Mazal Tov To Sarah Gabay and Jamie Feder on their recent Bat Mitzvahs. To Adir Landes on his recent Bar Mitzvah. our local communities who

A special thank you to our staff for putting in a six day work week this week, and for a meaningful day of conferences last Sunday.

2 our local communities who continue to be effected by the hurricane. Thank you to all of those who have helped to connect us with volunteer opportunities, and suggestions for relief that our school community can be involved with. A special thank you to our staff for putting in a six day work week this week, and for a meaningful day of conferences last Sunday. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night at the SAR Auction, an evening where our community will come together to enjoy, while supporting our Scholarship fund, which allows all students to benefit from an SAR education. Thank you to Michal Abehsera and Mindy Luxenberg and for their tireless efforts over many months to ensure that this event will be a success. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss In this Issue: ~ Veterans Day ~ Pink Day ~ Enrichment Clusters ~ Electives ~ Math Olympiad ~ Chesed Club ~ D'var Torah ~ That Kind of Week And much more! ACADEMY NEWS Veterans Day The front of Rabbi Krauss's office was decorated with bunting and the front of the teachers room became a veterans "Wall of Honor" as the entire academy gathered on the steps to commemorate Veterans Day. The program began with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Albert Levy, grandfather of 4th grader Daniella Symonds. Private Levy served in WWII. Rabbi Krauss said a few words --explaining that today was a day of "hakarat hatov" --thanking those who have served in order to protect us and defend our freedoms.

Beverly Wolfer Nerenberg introduced Colonel David Everett who has not only served in Afghanistan and Iraq, but was instrumental in establishing a shul serving Jewish members of the armed forces in

He emphasized his interactions with the children in Afghanistan and how he enjoyed being able to give them candy and school supplies--things they just don't have.

3 Beverly Wolfer Nerenberg introduced Colonel David Everett who has not only served in Afghanistan and Iraq, but was instrumental in establishing a shul serving Jewish members of the armed forces in Baghdad, Iraq. The Colonel addressed the students and spoke of his experiences. He emphasized his interactions with the children in Afghanistan and how he enjoyed being able to give them candy and school supplies--things they just don't have. He also spoke about how his Jewish background has helped him stay grounded. Colonel Everett was impressed with our students and told them that they are getting an invaluable education. Yitzy Richter read a Veterans Day poem and everyone sang God Bless America. 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 show support for those struggling with breast cancer. 8th grade organizers Rebecca Hyman and Liana Katz wanted to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness. With the help of Mrs. Stavsky and 7th graders Ayelet Kalfus and Noa Mintz, 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 Krauss gave us the "go ahead" to create this amazing program. My inspiration was my mom, Rena Hyman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in third grade. Her courage, strength, and belief in Hashem kept my whole family positive. The amazing community support that we received from SAR and the members of our shul helped us through a very challenging time in our lives. We dedicated the theme 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 who helped 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 and guidance.

Click here to see pictures from "Pink Day".

Jim from the Maritime Aquarium brought some visitors to the 2 nd grade

Mollusks, crabs, clams, oysters and snails are all intertidal animals".

Jim explained how the animals use what they have to protect themselves

The children were most excited to have the opportunity to touch the

4 Click here to see pictures from "Pink Day". Click here to see the "Pink Day" video. Under the Sea Mr. Jim from the Maritime Aquarium brought some visitors to the 2 nd grade this week. Mollusks, crabs, clams, oysters and snails are all intertidal animals".they all need oxygen, food, shelter and water. Mr. Jim explained how the animals use what 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. Just keep your fingers away from the pinchers! Mr. Jim warned! Chesed Club in Action This week, the Chesed Club was busy helping others in need. On Wednesday, they helped sort and pack medical supplies bound for Africa through the

Next week, the club will be serving a pre-thanksgiving meal to elderly members of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway.

Tet is for Toast Learning the alef-bet is hard work, but in the first grade the hard work pays off!

5 efforts of the AFYA Foundation. Thursday, they assisted the staff at the Riverdale Y sort and bag clothing that has been donated for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Next week, the club will be serving a pre-thanksgiving meal to elderly members of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway. We are so proud of our students! Tizku l'mitzvot! Tet is for Toast Learning 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 treated the children to something that begins with that letter toast. Yes, toast is a Hebrew word and the children had toast with jelly or cream cheese or butter or even all of the above. It was a delicious lesson. Putting the Spirit in Spirit Wear! Who wants to be in school on a Sunday? Apparently some of our Junior High school students!

Junior High school students! Organized by Mrs. Stavsky, a group of students came to school on parent teacher conference day to man (or woman) the table selling SAR spiritwear.

6 Junior High school students! Organized by Mrs. Stavsky, a group of students came to school on parent teacher conference day to man (or woman) the table selling SAR spiritwear. The kids did such a great job selling SAR related items that they made over $1000. Proceeds go to 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 Grade SAR first graders are learning about community, not just the communities they live in, but also the SAR community. As this is their first year in the big building, the teachers are trying to familiarize the first graders with all that goes on in the Academy. This week members of the SAR Business office were invited to visit 1W in an effort to educate the eager young minds about how SAR runs on a day -to-day basis. 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 and hugs. Each gave a short presentation on what they do for the school. Sylvia brought down 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 handles contracts and is the link between the school and the parents, and Rachel works in the Development Office and helps to raise money for the school that helps to purchase chairs, desks, and markers that students use every day. Students had really great questions: "What's the auction?"..."what are box tops?"..."what's inside the business office?"

Sylvia, Debra, and Rachel had a great time getting to know the 1st graders and look forward to seeing these now familiar faces when they come up to the business office!

7 Sylvia, Debra, and Rachel had a great time getting to know the 1st graders and look forward to seeing these now familiar faces when they come up to the business office! Enrichment Clusters Enrichment Clusters have been filled with guest facilitators over the past few weeks. Professional baker, Amy Wasserman visited the "Cupcake-and-Ideabake Culinary Arts Institute and this week the group worked with diligence and care in making cupcakes that were given to Con Ed workers in appreciation of their hard work and loyalty in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The Enrichment Cluster's facilitator, 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 Ed workers were a happy, smiley group. Mission accomplished by our cupcake aficionados! Doug Shepord the inventor of the i-hangr spoke to the "Invention Convention. The group "Skype, Sticks, and Strings Do Good Things" started skyping with a group of Israeli children in a group home in Northern Israel. We also welcomed HS Math teacher, Alon Krausz. He presented "mindbending" lateral thinking challenges to our "Mindbenders" Enrichment Cluster and really had the children thinking out of the box. Alum, professional magician, and master illusionist, Elliot Zimet, visited "The Magic of Magic Academy" and wowed our budding magicians with his masterful magic skills. His impressive sleight of hand and dynamic delivery had our students enraptured.

Pop artist and author Michael Albert shared his vision of American popular culture when meeting with four of our Enrichment Clusters: "Graphic Design Institute", "Photojournalism Group", "Still Life

He has created a signature line of artwork in which his materials are derived from consumer packaging, old photographs, and discarded cardboard. The children are totally engaged and learning so much.

8 Pop artist and author Michael Albert shared his vision of American popular culture when meeting with four of our Enrichment Clusters: "Graphic Design Institute", "Photojournalism Group", "Still Life Studio", and "Torah, Paper-Making, and Collage" to share his unique art style with his recycling philosophy. He has created a signature line of artwork in which his materials are derived from consumer packaging, old photographs, and discarded cardboard. The children are totally engaged and learning so much. Ask them about their enrichment cluster experiences! "Send in the Clowns" a Middle School Elective Each semester middle school students are able to choose from a wide variety of electives. Electives meet once a week and offer the students opportunities in learning and chesed. One of the more popular electives is mitzvah clowning. Mitzvah clowning is the brainchild of Areyvut, an organization which has created innovative and meaningful programming for Jewish youth and run by Daniel Rothner. This elective has the students dressing up like clowns and visiting hospitals, senior centers, and schools to raise the spirits of those who are ill or lonely. 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.

Glazer came to third grade with his guitar in tow on Thursday morning.

He has been teaching the third graders some of the most famous Hallel tunes and they sounded great as they belted out the now familiar

Most of the 6th graders and all of the 5th grade math enrichment students challenged themselves to try the first Math Olympiad of the

9 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 Hallel Mr. Glazer came to third grade with his guitar in tow on Thursday morning. He came to play and to sing Hallel with the children for a very festive Rosh Chodesh tefila. He has been teaching the third graders some of the most famous Hallel tunes and they sounded great as they belted out the now familiar songs. Most of the 6th graders and all of the 5th grade math enrichment students challenged themselves to try the first Math Olympiad of the season. SAR belongs to the international Mathematical 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 News The SAR boy s hockey team is off to a great start with two big wins this past week. In their first game of the season, the Sting defeated Ramaz 3-1 at Ramaz. 7 th grader Gordie Kolb scored two goals and 8 th grader Josh Lieman scored one goal.

On Wednesday night at SAR high school, the team celebrated Homecoming Night.

SAR swag. The Sting played Moriah and came out on top with an overtime win of 4-3!

10 On Wednesday night at SAR high school, the team celebrated Homecoming Night. Coordinated by Rav Ari Mattityauhu, students from the academy came out to cheer on the Sting and show their school spirit. There were yellow and black striped donuts for all who attended and a raffle was drawn for SAR swag. The Sting played Moriah and came out on top with an overtime win of 4-3! Gordie Kolb scored the tie breaking goal as well as two other goals. Efraim Herstic scored as well. 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 to take the opportunity to thank the parents who volunteered their time and look forward to next year!

11 Hurricane Sandy had other plans for our chesed tent this year, but we would like to take the opportunity to thank the parents who volunteered their time and look forward to next year! A special thanks to our committee, Rena Sichel Rosen, Rebecca Wolf, Dana Jason and Stephanie Minkove. To Anna Pocius, Emilia Basseches and Debbie Greenwald who decorated the tent. To Bonnie Katzenstein who bought art supplies, Stacy Berrin who delivered items, and to Laura Michaeli who 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 Herszaft experienced that kind of week this week as they volunteered to help the victims of hurricane Sandy.

They brought batteries and flashlights to a small church also in Far Rockaway and then spent the day at Congregation Beth El in Belle Harbor. They thought they would be handing out food.

They worked for hours and did not complain. The membership of the shul is active but aging, so they weren't there to help, instead it was mainly just good Samaritans of all faiths helping out.

12 THAT "KIND OF WEEK" Eighth graders Jacob Wasserman, Kai Chizzali & ninth grader Nathan Herszaft experienced that kind of week this week as they volunteered to help the victims of hurricane Sandy. SAR parent Stacy Berrin took the boys and a vanload of items SAR collected to Shor Yashuv in Far Rockaway. They brought batteries and flashlights to a small church also in Far Rockaway and then spent the day at Congregation Beth El in Belle Harbor. They thought they would be handing out food. Instead, they found the shul completely ravaged. The boys helped pull siddurim, kiddush cups and tallitot out of sludge. They also carried bags and bags of garbage out of the shul. They worked for hours and did not complain. The membership of the shul is active but aging, so they weren't there to help, instead it was mainly just good Samaritans of all faiths helping out. They really appreciated the help. Jacob Wasserman noted how the Rabbi of the Far Rockaway shul still seemed to be in shock. Elie Herszaft, who went a day later, said that he was happy he got to help people 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 cause as well as the magnitude of the recovery effort. The boys walked in sand blocks from the shore, saw remnants of burned houses and cars. Streetlamps were all twisted and the shoreline greatly shifted. The boardwalk was ripped up and the

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

14 At the end of Parshat Toldot, Yitzchak wants to give Esav a bracha. Yitzchak says to Esav Hunt for me delicacies the way I like them so that I may bless you before I die. Why did Yitzchak ask for food before he could give Esav a bracha? Earlier in the parsha it says how Yitzchak loved the meat Esav hunted for him. Did Yitzchak only love Esav because of the food he brought him? Chazal say that Esav showed an extraordinary amount of Kibud Av. It is also talked about 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 to Lavan s house for 20 years and was punished for being away from his father for all those years. So why was it so important to Yitzchak that Esav was showing Kibud Av while he was receiving his bracha? Chaim Shulman suggests that there is a connection between the bracha Esav received (for objects) and Kibud Av. The mitzvah of Kibud Av is rewarded with a long life. It makes sense that the one who honors life by honoring their parents would be rewarded with long life. Yitzchak believed Esav deserved the blessing of his inheritance as a reward for Esav s respect. So Yitzchak felt it was important for Esav to be involved in this mitzvah while receiving the bracha in order for the bracha to take effect. Shabbat shalom. Not to keep my father awake." - Ethan Burian 5Z DEVELOPMENT NEWS

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

Listening the first time they ask me to do something. - Keren Stulbach 2Z PTC NEWS Upcoming PTC Events -- Save the Dates! Please join us for an evening of food and fun!

16 Listening the first time they ask me to do something. - Keren Stulbach 2Z PTC NEWS Upcoming 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 If you have not yet made your annual contribution to support PTC programs and events, please click here. Thank you for your generosity!

17 *ALSO -- Sunday, January 6, Family Fitness and Fun Day If you have not yet made your annual contribution to support PTC programs and events, please click here. Thank you for your generosity! "Help with my younger siblings." - Zevi Siegal 7Z MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOVEMBER 2012 Monday, November 19th Tuesday, November 20th 8th grade trip to Washington, DC Wednesday, November 21st No Sessions for 8th grade Wednesday, November 21st Noon Dismissal Break Thursday, November 22nd Friday, November 23rd Thanksgiving Tuesday, November 27th Matan Bat Mitzvah Program

18 Tuesday, November 20 th, :00-9:00 AM SAR Academy New Parent Breakfast Surprise them with coffee before it s time to leave to school. - Leah Stern 4X COMMUNITY EVENTS As 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, NY lamelle.ryman@gmail.com for more information about Stella or the event. "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 1-9 Register online at or come in to the Y in person. Don t miss out! 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 to publication 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 ~ Unsubscribe from this enotice.

A MESSAGE FROM RABBI KRAUSS. Chadashot September 21, Tishrei Mazal Tov

A MESSAGE FROM RABBI KRAUSS. Chadashot September 21, Tishrei Mazal Tov Beverly Wolfer-Nerenberg Chadashot 9.21.12 chadashot@saracademy.org To: beverly@saracademy.org Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 2:35 PM CHADASHOT Shabbat Parshat