THE RAMBAM RECORD
The eNewsletter of Rambam Mesivta High School
February 08, 2005 / 29 Shevat

Project Mitnadvim IV in Israel

Eleven intrepid talmidim returned to Rambam on Wednesday, February 2nd from Project Mitnadvim IV in Israel where they assisted the Israeli Defense Forces at a communications base near Rishon L’tzion called Tzri Fin. Though tired and experiencing jet lag, the group was exhilarated by what they had seen and accomplished over the winter break in Israel.

This is the fourth year of Rambam Project Mitnadvim wherein Rambam students assist the Israeli defense forces through a program called Sar-el which takes volunteers from all over the world to assist in their mission of defending Eretz Yisroel. (Read More...)

Mazel Tov Rabbi Haar!!

The Rambam talmidim broke out into a spontaneous celebration on behalf of the announced engagement of Josh Haar, the son of long-time Rambam faculty member Rabbi Avi Haar.

After the dancing and singing, Rabbi Haar sat with the boys and shared a heartfelt message based on the Torah: obedience to G-d supercedes everything, Rabbi Haar counseled, even obedience to one's wife.

General in Israeli Army Speaks to Talmidim

Major General Elazar Stern spoke to the Rambam talmidim, and faced some tough questions in return, on Thursday, February 3rd. Stern, who is the highest ranking religious Jew in the Israeli Defense Forces, spoke about the challenges and rewards of being an observant Jew in the Israeli army.

In the past, Stern has been an outspoken advocate of integrating observant with reformed Jews in the military. He believes there is a positive value that observant Jews can have on fellow soldiers who are not observant.

He also made it clear that, whether he agrees or disagrees with the unilateral disengagement plan of the current Israeli government, his job, as a soldier, is to execute the plan.

"Even if we have to obey in tears," he said, "we will obey because it is coming from the only Jewish government in the world. I do it because of our history, our values, and our religion. I am a Soldier of Democracy in the Army of Israel."

"We know how to defend the State of Israel," Stern added, "We will give the new Palestinian government a chance. But we are ready in a moment if they try anything again."

Some students challenged the general with tough questions but Stern gently responded that, as a solider, it was not for him to discuss the geography of partition, but to enforce the will of the democratically elected Israeli government. He also cited some rabbinical authorities who supported this approach.

The Rambam Ravens Hockey lost a tough, hard fought game 4-2 against Davis Renov Stahler School (DRS) on Wednesday night, February 2nd. The game was tied 2-2 late in the third period but two late goals by the tough DRS squad sealed the victory for the opposition.

"It's a game we really wanted to win in front of our home fans," said senior team member Simcha Gross, "But it could be for the best because now we know what we have to do to beat them if we play them again in the playoffs."

The Ravens two goals were scored by Leon Mayer and Yoav Ehrenhalt.

"This was the best effort I've seen from the players all year, " said Coach Scott Firester. "I was really proud of them. They gave it everything they had."

The Ravens next game is on Wednesday, February 9th at Kushner.

C'mon out and root for the Ravens!

By freshman Gabi Weinberg

On Saturday night February 5th, the Rambam JV basketball team won 49-47 over the Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR).

This was a big win for the Ravens over one of the leading teams in their division. Rambam jumped ahead early and held a narrow lead for most of the contest. HAFTR came on strong at the end but the Ravens played tough defense and held off the charge.

Ikey Ben-Simhon (16 points) and David Zafarani (14 points) were the two stars of the game.

The Ravens JV team is now 4-5 and is looking forward to their next match on Saturday night, February 12th against Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC). They will need a big effort down the stretch to keep their playoff hopes alive.

C’mon out and root on the Ravens!

Mazel Tov to our comptroller, Rachel Werner, on the birth of her second child, a lovely baby daughter, Meira Devorah, born on Tuesday, February 1, 2005.

Also, the woman who really runs Rambam, Naomi Rosenblum, got a birthday present on Monday, February 7th, when the staff and talmidim, assembled for what was supposed to be a serious presentation, surprised her with flowers and a brief, funny video prepared by seniors Yehudah Polakoff and Eitan Novick.

Happy Birthday, Naomi!