THE RAMBAM RECORD
The eNewsletter of Rambam Mesivta High School
June 16th, 2006 / 20 Sivan

Senior Trip: A Traditional Great Time

The Seniors of the Class of 2006 enjoyed their turn at the traditional senior trip on June 4 - 7. As always, this trip was chock full of fun and adventure and a fitting way to cap off the good times they have enjoyed together as friends and classmates.

After davening an early schacharis, Day One featured whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania. The seniors tried to get the best of our new Associate Principal Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum by capsizing his raft, but he turned the tables and ended up with the last laugh.

Much of the davening on the trip was particularly moving because it was conducted outdoors and led by the seniors.

On Day Two, the boys gave each other welts at Skirmish USA, in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, one of the largest paintball facilities in the country. As if that wasn't enough fun, that evening after a scrumptious barbeque, the boys went out for a night of bowling and arcade games.

The trip climaxed the following day with an outing at Dorney Amusement Park. Though it rained a good part of the day, it just seemed to add to the fun, and made it another memorable Senior Trip - this time for the Class of 2006!

Medical Halacha: Past, Present, Future

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, Professor of Emergency Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center, gave a fascinating shiur entitled: "Medical Halacha: Past, Present and Future" on Tuesday, June 6th. This special shiur was sponsored by Rambam science teacher Mrs. Jane Schiff who dedicated the event to the memory of her mother, Annette Renick, A'h.

Dr. Reichman's stated goal was to make the connection between the morning Torah studies and the secular science study in the afternoon.

"They are not separate studies; they are a unified field of study," he said.

Dr. Reichman discussed the halachic issues related to the fields of medicine and health. He started with an investigation into the halachic issues involved in vaccinations, using the historic case of smallpox as an example. Is it in accordance with Jewish law to vaccinate someone from a disease such as smallpox, even though the vaccination itself could possibly kill the person?

Dr. Reichman then discussed the halachic issue of "Live Organ Donation in Jewish Law." Is it in accordance with Jewish law to donate a kidney to help save someone's life? What about donating both kidneys?

He then brought the issue right up to current time and presented the various halachic aspects of stem cell research in his segment called "Stem Call Research in Jewish Law."

(Click here to read Dr. Reichman's complete halachic analysis of these issues...)

The talmidim were clearly energized by the presentation and asked incisive, engaging questions.

Rambam Marches In Israel Day Parade

The Rambam talmidim joined in the celebration of support in New York's 42nd Annual Salute to Israel Day Parade on Sunday June 4th. The boys marched proudly down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, carrying the flags of Israel and the United States, as part of an estimated million participants and spectators in what is one of the largest shows of support for Eretz Yisroel anywhere in the world.

"This will be the last time I will be able to march in the parade together with my classmates," said Rambam senior Raffi Holzer, "so the day had a special significance for me personally."

Photos by senior Zoli Honig

On Tuesday, May 30th, Rambam's College Night offered Rambam families valuable information on how to maximize the college application process.

College Guidance Counselor, Professor Lisa Korman, also introduced those in attendance to the PrepHQ online college guidance program which can be accessed via the rambam.org website.

One of the featured speakers for the evening was Lynda Forster, Vice President of the Collegiate Capital Corporation, who introduced her "Dollar$ for College" program. She advised parents about the importance of filling out the variety of financial forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile), and encouraged everyone attending to tap into the scholarship money that is available.

Ms. Forster offers a free consultation for Rambam parents who call her at (516) 742-4600.

Congratulations to Freshman Dani Schwab for making a siyum on meseches Shekalim, Tuesday, June 13. The talmidim enjoyed the Divrei Torah, and, of course, the donuts afterward so that everyone was able to "partake" of the siyum.

Schwab is a part of a group of Rambam talmidim who has taken on the dof yomi.

Asher Klein ('98) and his wife Jennifer on the birth of their baby boy.

Jonathan Burg ('01) on his engagement to Rina Davis.