THE RAMBAM RECORD
The eNewsletter of Rambam Mesivta High School
December 1, 2006 / 10 Kislev

STUDENTS COMMEMORATE PARTITION DAY

Wednesday, November 29th marked Partition Day, when, in 1947, the UN voted to partition mandatory Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state. Machon students recognized this turning point in Jewish history with informative assemblies throughout the day.

Rabbi Yotav Eliach educated Rambam students about the history and significance of the UN resolution. Rabbi Eliach explained the importance of Palestine from the Judean times, its destruction in 70 CE and again by the Assyrians in 600 BCE, through the British Mandate, the UN Partition, our recent withdrawal from Gaza and the situation as it exists today.

“Our students’ knowledge and understanding of Israel’s history is so important,” said Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman. “Students need to be informed so that they can defend and protect Eretz Yisrael.”

YU/MACHON HATORAH COMMUNITY BEIT MIDRASH PROGRAM UPDATE

This week, it is the Rambam rebbeim’s turn to lead the hugely successful YU/Machon HaTorah Community Beit Midrash Program. Monday and Tuesday night’s shiurim were given by Rabbi Avi Haar and Rabbi Shmuel Fink, respectively. Wednesday night’s alumni shiur was given by Rabbi Rothstein and Thursday night’s “Dougie’s and Drush” was given by Rabbi Avi Haar. All the shiurim were well attended and parents and students alike brought a great energy and enthusiasm to the night’s learning.

TZETCHEM L'SHALOM

Nobody was sadder than Machon’s Israel alumni to see Israel’s municipal strikes which shut Ben Gurion airport. The reason? The alumni annual Shabbaton, featuring none other than Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, who flies to Israel for this special occasion every year, was called for this Shabbat in Yerushalayim – and Rabbi Friedman’s scheduled flight on Wednesday night was cancelled. But with the strike’s conclusion, Rabbi Friedman was able to cajole his way onto a mid-day Thursday flight to the joy of all the alumni.

This Shabbat, Rabbi Friedman will meet with Rambam and HAFTR alumni currently studying in yeshivot in Israel for the alumni annualShabbaton. "It's a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our students," says Rabbi Friedman.

After spending Shabbat and Sunday with the boys, Rabbi Friedman will head to the girls' schools to spend some time with HAFTR graduates learning in the many womens' Yeshivot. Before his return, Rabbi Friedman will visit top American and Hesder yeshivot on behalf of all Machon students.

CHANUKAH TOY DRIVE

Chai Lifeline’s Chanukah Toy Drive began this week and our talmidim are eagerly donating their new toys to benefit sick boys and girls. The Toy Drive began on Monday and toys are being accepted through Wednesday, December 20. “We’ve collected quite a bit so far,” says Student Coordinator Eli Naghdi, “but there are still empty bins. We plan to fill them.”

Chai Lifeline provides crucial social, emotional and financial help to children diagnosed with serious illnesses.

COLLEGE GUIDANCE UPDATE

Essays are being edited and letters of recommendations collected as college application deadlines near. Early decision applications have already gone out and the non-binding early action application deadline is near.

Machon students enjoy a high level of acceptance to the top universities across the country and we know this year will be no exception.

RAVENS VARSITY HOCKEY

Monday night’s varsity hockey game against Frisch did not begin well for the Rambam Ravens. Frisch had the lead throughout most of the first period, but the Ravens were tenacious and managed to end the first period at a tie.

But, after a tough fight through the second period, it became clear in the third period that the Ravens were outmatched. The game ended with an 8-2 win for Frisch. The Ravens goals were scored by Elliot Tanzman and Dovi Hochbaum.

Monday night (December 4th) promises to be an exciting night as both junior varsity (7pm) and varsity (8:30pm) teams face off against cross-town rivals DRS (Davis Renov Stahler). Come out and cheer the Ravens.

RAVENS VARSITY BASKETBALL IN CLOSE MATCH AGAINST HESCHEL

It was a close game from beginning to end. Heschel shot very well from the outside, while Rambam players Jeremy Seigel and Eli Shulman exploited Heschel’s lack of size. Sruli Szpigiel hit two threes late in the first half to put Rambam up by four at the half. In the second half, Rambam pulled away with late free throws and solid defense. Jeremy Siegel ended with 16 points and Kivi Herschenov had 13 to lead the Ravens. Final score 48-46 Rambam.

Come out and cheer the Ravens at Saturday night’s game against HANC!!!

Turkeys Advance to Championship!

After a 2-2 season, the Rambam Turkeys went into the playoffs the #3 seed to take on DRS on Tuesday night. The situation did not look good for Rambam as the first game of the playoffs ended with Rambam trailing 10-3. But the Turkeys wouldn't quit, and came back to win 15-13! High Scorers were Sruli Szpigiel with a 201 and Naftali Gidon with 177.
Next Wednesday night, the Turkeys play the Brookdale Bulldogs (HANC) for the division championship at 9. "It was a great win, and I'm looking forward to taking on the #1 seed" said Ethan Soskel. GO TURKEYS !

Chess Club

Kulanu Students Join Rambam For Band During Club Hour

College Bowl Team Prepares for Upcoming Meet At Magen David

Debate Team Prepares for Upcoming Matches Against MTA and Flatbush

• Daniel Hirschel (Rambam, 96) on the birth of a son