THE RAMBAM RECORD
The eNewsletter of Rambam Mesivta High School
December 29, 2005 / 28 Kislev

Rabbi Efrem Schwalb at the Father - Son Learn-A-thon

On Erev Chanukah, December 25th, Rambam Mesivta once again held a special father-son learning program. Rabbi Efrem Schwalb was the guest magid shiur and spoke on the topic of "Bais Din or Secular Court – How Do You Choose?" Rabbi Schwalb is the Rav of Congregation Eitz Chaim in West Hempstead and a practicing attorney at Kaye Scholer.

After davening together at overflowing minyanim – fathers, grandfathers, brothers and sons were treated to a sumptuous breakfast courtesy of Rambam’s Women’s League, coordinated by president Mona Goldman. After feasting on lots of tasty kemach, mareh mekomos were distributed and preparation for shiur got into full swing. The gym was filled to capacity with what was, in many cases, three generations learning together.

Rabbi Schwalb underscored the Isur of going to secular court to resolve disputes. He cited the different approaches taken by Rashi and the Rambam in explaining the nature of this prohibition. The shiur, which was interactive, discussed practical differences between the two approaches.

Rabbi Schwalb cited the Rashba in explaining why dina d’malchusa can’t be used as a heter to go to erkaos. He expounded on the Rama and discussed the scope of dina d’malchusa and its potential application to speed limits and other ordinances designed for the ‘public good.’

The parameters of when one can go to secular court was outlined based upon the Igros Moshe. Rabbi Schwalb concluded by saying that he advises those that ask him to pursue the path of mechila and compromise for the sake of shalom whenever possible.

Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rambam’s Rosh HaMesivta said “Rabbi Schwalb’s shiur covered all the bases. He openly discussed the many facets of an issue that many Torah Jews confront in the course of their lives. He made it clear to all that if a compromise cannot be reached, the proper venue is not the ‘Supreme Court’ but a legitimate Bais Din – a halacha that is often overlooked.”

Rabbi Friedman also pointed out that, “Rabbi Schwalb also taught us a lesson in dedication to harbotzas Torah and the importance of Talmud Torah B’Rabim – he gave the shiur knowing that his wife could go into labor any minute. In fact, she gave birth to their eighth child a few hours after the shiur was over. MAZEL TOV!”

Chanukah Chessed – A Gift of Life

Talmidim were privileged to hear from Rabbi Steven Moskowitz, Youth Director at Great Neck Synagogue and Rebbe at North Shore Hebrew Academy (NSHA) Middle School, speak about his decision to donate a kidney to someone he didn’t know, one year ago on Chanukah. Rabbi Moskowitz is the father of freshman Chaim Moskowitz.

After seeing a “kidney donor needed” ad in a weekly Jewish newspaper, Rabbi Moskowitz responded with the “Gift of Life.” He underwent testing and was found to be a perfect match for two people in need. After consulting with physicians and staff at Montefiore Hospital, he decided to ‘share’ his life-saving organ with the one in greater need. The recipient, a scion from the Kalaver dynasty and Rabbi Moskowitz had never previously met. Rabbi Moskowitz, a musmach of Yeshiva University, brought home the point that when it comes to Pikuach Nefesh, there are no boundaries between Klal Yisroel.

He spoke poignantly about the issues he grappled with on both halachik and personal levels. There were family members who questioned him “how can you do this – what if one of your own children ever needs a kidney – you won’t be able to help them!” He replied, “I can’t – but you can!” His wife, Adina, a nurse, and children were supportive of his decision.

Talmidim of Rambam Mesivta sat mesmerized as they heard Rabbi Moskowitz explain that he viewed what he did in terms of Chessed, as a ‘one shot’ deal – but look at the chessed that others are doing day in and day out.’ He specifically pointed to the dedicated volunteers of Tomchei Shabbos who deliver meals to hundreds of families – week after week after week, in the rain, snow, sleet and heat; they have to worry about raising money, buying food, packing it and transporting it. “And what about the soldiers in Israel, who put their lives on the line to help save other Jews” – “those that do Chessed everyday are the true heroes,” said Rabbi Moskowitz.

A lively question and answer session ensued with questions that prompted halachik discussions about organ transplantations and pikuach nefesh to the mundane “would you do it again.” In Rabbi Moskowitz’s case, the answer was a resounding “YES.”

Spirited Kumzitz at Rambam

The Rambam talmidim and staff gathered on Thursday night, December 22nd for a spirited kumzitz led by Rabbi Moshe Yaakov Shur who entertained the crowd with songs of joy and fellowship. Rabbi Shur is the father of Rambam junior Mutty Shur.

Chanukah Fun at Rambam

Rambam is celebrating the Chanukah season with enthusiasm! To kick off the celebration, after school on Friday, December 23rd, students packed up their sleeping bags and headed to the homes of Rabbi Haar and Rabbi Ziskind for the traditional pre-Chanukah Shabbaton.

Then, on Wednesday and Thursday, December 28-29, students participated in the annual event of latkes at the home of Rosh HaMesivta Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman. As they do every year, the boys enjoyed latkes, ice cream, dreidel-spinning, learning and sufganiyot.

This year, Rambam even hosted its own in-house Torah Bowl (see article below).

Perhaps, best of all, Rambam celebrated with its annual Chanukah Chagiga. The ruach has been great and the spirit high for Chanukah 2005!

Chanukah Torah Bowl at Rambam

Rambam held its own in-house Torah Bowl with a special theme - Chanukah! On Monday, December 26th, all talmidim gathered in the shul to compete as teams for the title of Rambam Chanukah champion!

Rabbi Friedman led the competition by reading a series of challenging questions on halacha and other issues related to Chanukah. Each team was given 20 seconds to confer and come up with their answer. If they got the answer correct, they were awarded four points; if they got it wrong, the competing team got a chance to come up with the correct answer.

The students responded to the spirit of the competition with chants, applause, songs and even, at one point, a student-body "wave" rippling through the crowd.

"We want the boys to have fun while learning," said Rabbi Friedman, "This was a great opportunity for them to learn about the details of observing Chanukah while also having a blast."

On Tuesday, December 20th, the JV Raven basketball squad checked into the Heartbreak Hotel after they were stunned 41-40 by Ohr Chadash. The Ravens (1-4) controlled the game for almost the entire duration of the contest. But with the fourth quarter winding down, Rambam's momentum fell like a ton of bricks. Ohr Chadash mounted a fierce late game charge, climaxed by a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win it.

"It was a one-in-a-million shot from half-court," said sophomore Jeremy Siegel. "Swish. Game over."

The Ravens will try to right the ship in their next game against the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC).

Written by senior Shlomo Sprung

The Ravens varsity hockey team is now 5-3 after a recent 6-1 victory over Kushner and a 5-0 loss to the Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR).

In the loss against HAFTR, a tale of two defenses defined the outcome of the game. In the case of the Ravens, the defense didn't position themselves well causing numerous lost opportunities to save the ball. The Flames defense on the other hand absolutely shut down the Rambam forwards allowing them very few opportunities to put the ball in the net. Raven captain Aryeh Amsel could manage only a few wrist shots on net, and those at bad angles.

Coach Tzvi Hershenov is looking up, however. At this point in the season, the varsity squad is over .500 and hungry for more victories. Stay tuned as the Ravens go forward in this exciting campaign.

Written by senior Shlomo Sprung

On the 15th of December, the JV Hockey Ravens lost at the Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) 7-3. This drops Rambam's record to 2 wins, 3 losses.

Against HAFTR, Rambam failed to get off enough shots on net to adequately keep their club in this contest against one of the league's heavyweights. HAFTR took advantage of Rambam mistakes, as goalie Shlomo Yosef Simpser was rendered helpless defending a barrage of Flame attacks. He played well in net, given the fact that the Raven offense wasn't their usual potent self. Rambam seeks to regain its winning ways as they get ready for next Tuesday's showdown at Davis Renov Stahler (DRS).

Written by senior Shlomo Sprung

The hallway was overflowing with the generosity of the Rambam community for the American / Israel Gush Katif clothing campaign.

Rambam students, parents and staff responded overwhelmingly to the request for used clothing for the families of Gush Katif. Some of the evacuees have no access to their belongings because they have been packed in containers; others have been relocated to colder climates and need the warmer clothes that their American friends can offer them.

The drive is sponsored by the National Council of Young Israel and the Israel Education Institute of Los Angeles, CA.

Rambam was host to a blood drive run by the New York Blood Center on Wednesday, December 28th. Some 50 students and staff volunteered to donate a pint of blood each. Special thanks to senior Daniel Himber for helping to organize the event.

Article contributed to by sophomore Ezra Azizi.