THE RAMBAM RECORD
The eNewsletter of Rambam Mesivta High School
November 18, 2005 / 16 Cheshvan

Rav Lichtenstein Gives Shiur

Junior, seniors and faculty alike were honored to take part in a shiur given by Rav Lichtenstein on Tuesday morning, November 15th on the life of Avraham Avinu and what we can learn from it. Rav Lichtenstein is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Alon Shvut, Israel, and is world-renowned for is Torah scholarship.

Rav Lichtenstein related how Avraham Avinu was able to reach a high spiritual plane. Yet despite his level of attainment, he didn't feel that he was in any way "above" everyone else around him.

Even though we might have some spiritual or inspirational experience that we feel might elevate us, Rav Lichtenstein said, it does not mean the average person is "below us" on any level.

"As Jews," he said, "we have a remarkable challenge to serve Hashem and to interact and be a part of our community."

After his divrei Torah, an active question-and-answer session ensued with the talmidim asking a wide array of questions from chumash to halacha to the Torah view of the state of Israel.

Written by Stephen Goldman

Rambam Commemorates Veteran's Day

Principal Rabbi Yotav Eliach delivered a moving commemoration of Veteran's Day to the talmidim on Monday, November 14th, capped by a chilling video excerpt from the movie Black Hawk Down. The school is now raising money for to send care packages to U.S. soldiers currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan through anysoldier.com.

"This day has a special significance for us; one because we are Americans and two because we are Jews," Rabbi Eliach began. "Many of us would literally not be alive today if it wasn't for the courage and sacrifice of the American GI who helped defeat the Nazis and liberate so many of our people from the concentration camps in Nazi Germany."

With a reminder that 'there is no glory in war; fear, courage and comraderie, yes, but no glory," Rabbi Eliach then showed a powerful video excerpt from the movie Black Hawk Down to demonstrate what urban combat is like, precisely the kind of combat going on today in places like Fallujah and Ramadi.

When the lights went on again after the video was completed, the students had clearly been impacted by the experience.

"In true Rambam style," Rabbi Eliach said, "we're not just here to feel something but we're going to do something." With that, Eliach initiated the fundraising campaign to raise $600 to purchase care packages for a unit of 12 U.S. Marines currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan through anysolider.com.

"It may sound like a cliché, but it really is true that 'freedom is not free,'" Eliach reminded the assembly. "Most of the world is not free; the freedom that we take for granted comes at a price."

Israel Night

On Tuesday evening, November 15th, representatives from many yeshivas in Israel visited with parents and students to present the benefits of learning in Israel at their institution after senior year at Rambam.

Substantially all of our graduates continue in post-high school learning programs, most at Yeshivot Eretz Yisrael. Our graduates are actively recruited by these yeshivot, where they are known for their learning skills, outstanding midot and deep-rooted ahavat Eretz Yisrael.

Rabbi Friedman also leads an Israel Shabbaton each year in which students see first-hand the latest developments at the various yeshivot. These annual occasions are also a way to stay in close touch with our alumni.

"It's always nice to see so many of our alumni return to Rambam after studying in Israel and be a part of our Alumini Learning Program," said Rabbi Friedman.

Parent - Teacher Conferences

Parent - Teacher Conference Night at Rambam is on Sunday, November 20th from 6:00 - 10:00 pm.

Click here to reserve your appointment times with your son's teachers using our Parent/Teacher Conference Wizard Program.

This year, we have added additional features to the PTC Wizard based on your feedback.

By having conferences in one night as well as the opportunity to sign up in advance we hope to meet one of our objectives - conferences that run smoothly for both parents and faculty.

Please follow the steps below to sign up for Parent/Teacher Conferences:

1. Log onto http://rambam.ptcwizard.com

2. Sign on according to the instructions.

3. Follow the ‘Wizard’s’ step-by-step instructions on signing up for each teacher you would like to meet with. (It is truly simple!!)

Reminder: Parents whose sons receive grades of 75 or less in ANY subject are urged to attend to meet and discuss with your son’s teachers what strategies can be employed to help your son achieve.

Parents of talmidim who are doing very well (90 – 100) do not need to come, but are certainly welcome. Everyone else should use their judgment.

If you need help, please e-mail naomi@rambam.org.

The Rambam Varsity Hockey team continued its winning ways with a strong 2-1 win over North Shore on Wednesday night November 16th. The team's record is now 2 - 0.

"We were able to keep the play in their end for most of the game," said coach Tzvi Hershenov. "Hats off to their goalie for keeping it close."

Special kudos go to goal scorers Benjy Mayer and Aryeh Amsel and goalie Chaim Schiff.

"Mayer's goal was a real beauty," said assistant coach Chris Schnup. "It was definitely highlight-reel material."

The next game for varsity hockey is also against North Shore at home on Wednesday, November 30th in the back half of a home and home series.

Rambam's student-investors are busy buying and selling virtual stock equities as the school is once again participating in the nationwide Sy Syms School of Business $100,000 Stock Mark Challenge offered through Yeshiva University.

Each student team manages an imaginary $100,000 portfolio of stocks, mutual funds, bonds and commodities during the 10-week contest. The trades are executed online and the top three teams nationwide will share $3,000 in cash prizes.

The interest in the Stock Market Challenge has been intense among Rambam students and the contest is in full swing. Look for updates in future issues!

Check out these additional articles about the Rambam Kristallnacht rally on November 9th.

Rambam Mesivta Commemorates Kristallnacht - The Jewish Press

Two Nazis in Queens? - 5 Towns Jewish Times

Rallying Cry - The Jewish Star

Yeshiva Students Picket Homes Of Two Suspected Former Nazis - Queens Chronicle

Please join us for another thought-provoking Adult Education Lecture Series each Wednesday night from November 30th - December 21st.

Click here to download the detailed brochure.