Author: Shayna Rosenberg

A Taste of Torah – Purim

Purim and Jewish Exceptionalism

Our holidays are laden with meaning and themes and Purim is certainly no exception.  Purim highlights our relationship with Hashem whose watching eye is upon us even when it isn’t apparent in the depths of galus (exile). He is receptive to our sincere prayer even when all seems lost. There is another theme that should be highlighted as well and that is that we need to understand and appreciate our exceptional status as Jews. Hashem expects us to do this and will force us to appreciate it even if we choose to ignore it.

Let us begin with our nemesis, Amalek, who attacked us a short time after the Exodus. The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Taitzai) explains that although Amalek knew he wouldn’t prevail, he still wanted to blunt the tremendous impression and respect that had been created by the miracles of the Exodus and the splitting of the Red Sea. His point was that there is nothing special about the Jewish people and that their existence didn’t differ than that of any other nation. When Amalek’s descendent Haman slandered the Jews to Achashverosh, he began with the word “ישנו” which means “there is.” However, the Gemara (Megillah 13b) interprets this word as “they’re asleep.” The Gemara explains that Achashverosh, who was aware of the history of the Jews and their resiliency, feared that there would be serious repercussion from Hashem if he would allow the annihilation of the Jews. Haman reassured him by saying, ”Don’t worry; they’ve fallen asleep in their commitment to mitzvos,” and don’t deserve Hashem’s special protection and favor.

It seems that Haman had something going there. In fact, there really was a decree in heaven against the Jewish people which Haman had tapped into. The Gemara relates that Eliyahui HaNavi told  Mordechai that there was a decree of annihilation which was sealed with clay, not with blood. This signified the decree’s reversibility and this knowledge spurred Mordechai to muster the Jews to pray and fast to avert the decree. What misdeed did we do to deserve this decree? In Megillah (12a), the Gemara tells us that one of  the Jewish failures that brought on the decree was the fact that we enjoyed the feast that Achashverosh threw as described in the opening scene of the Megillah. Another cause for the decree is that we had bowed to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue during the Babylonian exile which preceded the story of Purim. It is interesting that the Gemara (Sanhedrin 93a) says that when the three Jewish heroes – חנניה, מישאל, ועזריה – who did defy Nebuchadnezzar and refused to bow to his image,  emerged from the furnace, the other nations said to the Jews, “You have such a mighty G-D and yet you bow to a statue?” The Jews were shown that they are different and that much more is expected of them. This inability to feel proud and strong as Jews was obvious both when they agreed to capitulate to Nebuchadnezzar and when they joined Achashverosh’s feast.

When we don’t believe in ourselves and understand our specialness, Hashem will confront us with this reality. We celebrate Purim as a reminder that we rejoice in Hashem’s closeness with all of its attendant responsibilities. We must raise our children with this proud tradition and sense of responsibility by showing them that we look at all of our interactions with the world around us through the Torah lens.

A Taste of Torah – Vayikra/Zachor

Written by: Rabbi Mordechai Raizman

All for One and One for All

As we approach the holiday of Purim, we can sense in the air a feeling of camaraderie and friendship that this holiday teaches us. The acts of giving Shaloch Manos (giving gifts to people) and taking care of the poor are designed to create a feeling of Achdus (unity) among us. Yet, we find a puzzling Halacha (law) related to the observance of this holiday.

The Talmud (oral law) in tractate Megillah states that one reads the Megillah on different dates depending on one’s location. Most of us celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar. However, individuals who live in a walled city celebrate Purim on the 15th and in some cases, the Talmud tells us at different times in history there were people who even read the Megillah on the 11th, 12th, or 13th of Adar. It makes one wonder why a holiday that represents Achdus does not have everyone celebrating the holiday at the same time.

Rabbi Zev Leff, (the Rav of Moshav Mattityahu and Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah Mattityahu) a renowned lecturer and educator, explains the true understanding of being a unified people. Achdus does not mean that everyone does the same thing at the same time. Rather, Achdus means that I am happy for you with what you are doing, and you, in turn, are happy for me with what I am doing.  Achdus is respecting each other’s differences and appreciating people for whom they truly are. We are all created in the image of G-d and have something to contribute to society. Thank G-d, we are fortunate to live in a wonderful unified community. Let us all strengthen our respect and admiration for our fellow Jews. We must transmit this message to our children, and G-d willing, we will merit the ultimate reward of the final redemption and rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdosh (Temple) in our times.

TEACHERS EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE – February 21, 2022 20 Adar I 5782

Audio Recordings available only for those classes highlighted in red.

SESSION 1           9:00 am – 10:00 am

Explore Some More of the Best Hands-On Science Activities – Kark, Gavriel

Fostering Grit in Classrooms: Pursuing Goals with Passion, Perseverance, & Resilience – Schiffman, Rabbi Dr. Mordechai

Fun and Engagement in the Classroom – Johns, Ms. Beverley, MS

Is Your School the “Happiest Place on Earth?” – Sadigh, Rabbi Yaakov, MEd

Language Processing and Its Effects on Instruction and Classroom Behavior  Gr 9-12 – Kamin, Rabbi Reuven, MA

More Effective Games for the Secondary Math Classroom – Alkhovsky, Daniel

Stars, Slurpees, and Stickers: The Myths and Merits of Motivation – Shames, Mrs. Tamar, MEd

Using Task Verbs and Writing Evidence-Based Claims – Gleicher, Ruth, MA

SESSION 2          10:15 am – 11:15 am

Building Relationships and Collaboratively Engaging with Families – Reed, Mollie, MED and Bennett, Rachel, MSW, LCSW

Building Relationships that Improve Student Academics and Behavior – Sadigh, Rabbi Yaakov, MEd

Don’t Color Within the Lines – Roth, Dr. Shira and Fleischer, Bari

Language Processing and Its Effects on Instruction and Classroom Behavior Gr K-4 -Kamin, Rabbi Reuven, MA

Sefatai Tiftach: Opening the Door to Successful Acquisition of Language and Memory Skills – Shahak, Rabbi Yair, MA, MM

Strategies to Enhance Student Responsiveness and Participation in Language Arts and Social Studies – Gertz, Mrs. Sharon, MA

Taking Part in the World of Our Children to Ensure that They Take Part in Ours – Schonfeld, Rabbi Ari

Teaching Next Generation Science Standards through Storylines – Gleicher, Ruth, MA

Teaching Students with ADHD: A Guide – Felt, Rabbi Dr. Nachi, PhD

Teaching Your Students to Take Notes – Spotts, Mrs. Amy, MEd

SESSION 3          11:30 am – 12:30 pm       

21st Century Goals for Our 21st Century Thinkers – Charnoff, Mrs. Ashley, JD, MEd

Building Capacity in Teens: Guiding Them to Independence – Fein, Marc

Chinuch with Love – Miller, Rabbi Gershon

Don’t Lose Your Marbles: Self-Regulation in the Elementary School – Koslowitz, Dr. Tziporah, PhD

Language Processing and Its Effects on Instruction and Classroom Behavior Gr 5-8 – Kamin, Rabbi Reuven, MA

Making Art to Read Literature – Robinson, Dr. Ariela, EdD

Neuropsychological Evaluations in Relation to School Functioning – Hauser, Dr. Meir, PsyD

REACH Team Meeting – REACH

Social Thinking 101 – Tarshis, Nancy

Spiritual Resistance During the Holocaust – Schreiber, Miki Jona and Hasten, Laurie

Supporting Anxious Children in the Classroom – Berman, Josh, LCSW and Bennett, Rachel, LCSW

The Dynamic Duo: Anxiety and Depression in Teens – Loew, Edward, MA, LCPC, CCHP, NCC

What’s the Big Idea – Unlocking the Power of Deeper Questions to Promote Greater Understanding  – Rabinovich, Dr. Deena S., EdD

SESSION 4          1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

The Rebbe as a Mashpia: Part 1 – Miller, Rabbi Gershon

SESSION 5          2:20 pm – 3:20 pm

The Rebbi as a Mashpia: Part 2 – Miller, Rabbi Gershon

TEACHERS EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE – February 21, 2022 20 Adar I 5782

Video Recordings available only for those classes highlighted in red.

SESSION 1           9:00 am – 10:00 am

Explore Some More of the Best Hands-On Science Activities – Kark, Gavriel

Fostering Grit in Classrooms: Pursuing Goals with Passion, Perseverance, & Resilience – Schiffman, Rabbi Dr. Mordechai

Fun and Engagement in the Classroom – Johns, Ms. Beverley, MS

Is Your School the “Happiest Place on Earth?” – Sadigh, Rabbi Yaakov, MEd

Language Processing and Its Effects on Instruction and Classroom Behavior  Gr 9-12 – Kamin, Rabbi Reuven, MA

More Effective Games for the Secondary Math Classroom – Alkhovsky, Daniel

Stars, Slurpees, and Stickers: The Myths and Merits of Motivation – Shames, Mrs. Tamar, MEd

Using Task Verbs and Writing Evidence-Based Claims – Gleicher, Ruth, MA

SESSION 2          10:15 am – 11:15 am

Building Relationships and Collaboratively Engaging with Families – Reed, Mollie, MED and Bennett, Rachel, MSW, LCSW

Building Relationships that Improve Student Academics and Behavior – Sadigh, Rabbi Yaakov, MEd

Don’t Color Within the Lines – Roth, Dr. Shira and Fleischer, Bari

Language Processing and Its Effects on Instruction and Classroom Behavior Gr K-4 -Kamin, Rabbi Reuven, MA

Sefatai Tiftach: Opening the Door to Successful Acquisition of Language and Memory Skills – Shahak, Rabbi Yair, MA, MM

Strategies to Enhance Student Responsiveness and Participation in Language Arts and Social Studies – Gertz, Mrs. Sharon, MA

Taking Part in the World of Our Children to Ensure that They Take Part in Ours – Schonfeld, Rabbi Ari

Teaching Next Generation Science Standards through Storylines – Gleicher, Ruth, MA

Teaching Students with ADHD: A Guide – Felt, Rabbi Dr. Nachi, PhD

Teaching Your Students to Take Notes – Spotts, Mrs. Amy, MEd

SESSION 3          11:30 am – 12:30 pm       

21st Century Goals for Our 21st Century Thinkers – Charnoff, Mrs. Ashley, JD, MEd

Building Capacity in Teens: Guiding Them to Independence – Fein, Marc

Chinuch with Love – Miller, Rabbi Gershon

Don’t Lose Your Marbles: Self-Regulation in the Elementary School – Koslowitz, Dr. Tziporah, PhD

Language Processing and Its Effects on Instruction and Classroom Behavior Gr 5-8 – Kamin, Rabbi Reuven, MA

Making Art to Read Literature – Robinson, Dr. Ariela, EdD

Neuropsychological Evaluations in Relation to School Functioning – Hauser, Dr. Meir, PsyD

REACH Team Meeting – REACH

Social Thinking 101 – Tarshis, Nancy

Spiritual Resistance During the Holocaust – Schreiber, Miki Jona and Hasten, Laurie

Supporting Anxious Children in the Classroom – Berman, Josh, LCSW and Bennett, Rachel, LCSW

The Dynamic Duo: Anxiety and Depression in Teens – Loew, Edward, MA, LCPC, CCHP, NCC

What’s the Big Idea – Unlocking the Power of Deeper Questions to Promote Greater Understanding  – Rabinovich, Dr. Deena S., EdD

SESSION 4          1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

The Rebbe as a Mashpia: Part 1 – Miller, Rabbi Gershon

SESSION 5          2:20 pm – 3:20 pm

The Rebbi as a Mashpia: Part 2 – Miller, Rabbi Gershon

A Taste of Torah – Parshas Pekudei

Written by: Rabbi Avrohom S. Moller

In the past few weeks, the Torah discusses the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). In this week’s Parsha, Pekudai, we learn that the Mishkan was dedicated on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. However, the Midrash explains that although the dedication occurred on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the Mishkan was actually ready to be used Chanukah time, more than three months earlier. The question then arises: Why was it necessary for B’nei Yisroel to wait an additional three months to use the Mishkan?

The commentaries explain that the building of the Mishkan is a symbol of Hashem’s forgiveness to B’nei Yisroel for the sin of the Golden Calf. Close examination of the construction of the Golden Calf reveals that its cause was due to the B’nei Yisroel’s impatience. When Moshe did not come down from the mountain at the expected time, the B’nei Yisroel panicked. Their need to have a physical liaison between Hashem and themselves propelled them to act impetuously resulting in the Golden Calf. Hindsight teaches us had B’nei Yisroel taken a few moments to step back, reflect, and think things through, a different conclusion might have ensued. They could have come to the realization that they should have considered the consequences of their actions before acting so quickly.

Hashem established a three month waiting period to teach B’nei Yisroel an important lesson. He makes them wait to emphasize that it is not enough to acknowledge the sin, but in order for it to be a true learning experience, it is necessary to determine the problem’s root and learn from that. As parents, it behooves us to teach this valuable lesson to our children. We must model reflective behavior and not jump to conclusions, and when we do, we must first understand the cause of the problem in order to solve it completely.

A Taste of Torah – Parshas Vayakhel

Written by: Rabbi Mordechai Raizman

Coming Together as a People

In this week’s Torah portion Vayakhel, the Bnei Yisroel are gathered together to build the Mishkan. Rashi tells us this happened right after Yom Kippur when Moshe came down from the mountain receiving the second Luchos (tablets). We as a people sinned with the egel hazahav (golden calf), and now it was time to rebuild. The second Luchos were given and the building of the Mishkan would begin. It was time to recognize the goal of serving G-d alone and for the Divine Presence to rest amongst us in this world. It was a time to rededicate ourselves to the values that were given to us at Sinai. It was a time to become united as a people.

A few years ago, I was part of the JUF Shimshon Mission that traveled to Poland and Israel. More than 20 day school leaders participated in this mission as we connected to the past in ways that none of us could have imagined beforehand. Walking through Auschwitz, Birkenau, Majdanek and Treblinka was extremely emotional. One could only grasp a bit of the horrors that our ancestors went through. In Auschwitz and Birkenau, it was a rainy, cold day. All of us were dressed warmly, in coats, gloves, boots, hoods, and after three hours of walking, we were shivering as we got back to the bus. We all asked, “How could they possibly survive such conditions?”

We were trying to relate but couldn’t quite connect to that reality. The enormity of the devastation and destruction hit us as we walked through the death camps. Three million out of 3.3 million Jews in Poland were killed. One participant commented, “In our group of 25 people, two or three would have made it based on those numbers.”

One person asked, “What is our take away from this experience? Communities that were vibrant and alive were destroyed and they are gone. Rabbis, scholars, laymen, religious, secular, parents, grandparents, children – it didn’t make any difference, if you were Jewish, you were persecuted. How do we relate  to this?”

It is a heavy question; there is much to say and many lessons to draw from it. I would like to focus on one take away. The fact that more than 70 years later we are visiting these sites, praying and connecting to our people, reinforces the important lesson of Vayakhel – gathering together for eternity. These 6 million kedoshim are not gone. They live within every one of us.

All Jews throughout all periods of time are eternally connected. We feel that responsibility to rebuild and to replenish what was lost. We are one people with one mission with one G-d and a value system that has kept us going for thousands of years. We are connected to the past and its memory inspires us to do more for our people in the future.

Vayakhel is the gathering of Jews throughout time. We continue to build from the past and rebuild the future. We have much to be proud of in our community as we see tremendous growth in our day schools, synagogues and Jewish life. We have dedicated Rabbis, lay leaders, and volunteers living daily by the values handed down to us. We have dedicated organizations such as the JUF with committed staff to work on behalf of the community of Jews here and abroad. We are one people gathered together over time.

Let us continue to strengthen our commitment to each other in the memory of those lost, to continue to build the legacy of the Jewish people until the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdosh (Temple). May it come speedily in our times. Amen.

A Taste of Torah – Parshas Ki Sisa

Written by: Rabbi Avrohom S. Moller

Holiness – A Charge from Previous Generations

Parshas Ki Sisa contains the commandment of creating the שמן המשחה – the anointing oil. Rashi comments on the verse of “שמן משחת קדש יהיה זה לי לדרתיכם – This shall be anointing oil for me for generations” that there was a miraculous characteristic to the שמן המשחה. The oil regenerated itself after it was used, and it was always the same amount that Moshe made initially. It simply never had to be replaced.

The question is why this special property was necessary? Couldn’t the שמן המשחה be reproduced as were many other parts of the Temple vessels and supplies? We know that  Hashem does not change nature’s course unless there is a necessity.

Perhaps one can suggest two possible insights into this phenomenon. The שמן המשחה‘s purpose was to activate the holiness of each person and vessel it was used on. Without anointing, these vessels would not “function” as כלי שרת – vessels of service. The reason the oil never was depleted served as an importance lesson about holiness in the Torah perspective. Holiness is based on the traditions from previous generations as it was communicated to them by Hashem. It is not updated or changed by the mores and norms of the time.

A second message is that holiness is eternal. Hashem will always have holiness and righteousness in this world no matter where humanity decides to go. Hashem’s  master plan is that there will always be a segment of holy people that pursue and conduct themselves in this role.

We convey values to our children about their Jewishness. We should stress the אלקי אבי – my father’s G-D as part of that message. We didn’t invent our way of life; we inherited it, and we cherish the mission of bearing this torch for all times.

A Taste of Torah – Parshas Tezaveh

Written by: Rabbi Mordechai Raizman

It’s Not About Me

In this week’s Torah portion, Tezaveh, the name of Moshe is omitted. Commentators wonder why his name is omitted. The next question they ask is why in this specific Torah portion is his name absent since it appears in every other portion since his birth.

The understanding of many is that when Moshe in pleading on behalf of the people to G-d, one of the times they sinned, he said, “Erase me from your Torah.” Those words had an effect; his name needed to be removed from the Torah as a fulfillment of that statement. That only explains why his name had to be erased somewhere but why in this specific Torah portion?

There is a beautiful lesson that is being taught here. Moshe never wanted to be the leader. He begged for Aaron, his older brother, to take the position. However, G-d appointed him and although He gave Aaron a role as well in the process of the redemption, Moshe was clearly the leader. Aaron’s role was that of the Kohen Gadol and his responsibility was being the leader in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).  This week’s portion deals with the vestments of the Kohen and is about Aaron and his descendants that would inherit the priesthood after him. In a way, G-d grants Moshe’s request for Aaron to be the leader by not mentioning him when it is time to put the spotlight on Aaron. This was the week that focuses only on Aaron as Moshe truly wanted to show respect for his brother.

It is a great lesson in life to be able to step aside and give the proper respect to those around us when that respect is due. We should all be able to look for ways how we can think about others first like Moshe who throughout his life lived by the principle it’s not about me.

A Taste of Torah – Parshas Terumah

Written by: Rabbi Avrohom S. Moller

In Parshas Terumah we begin the section of the Torah that deals with the building of the MishkanI, the Tabernacle. When the Torah ends the description of the Mishkan, it goes on to describe the laws of the service in the sanctuary and the ritual laws of purity. This is followed by the special laws of the Kohanim. A full third of the Chumash deals with the construction, rituals and history of the Mishkan.

This requires some analysis since we know that the Torah puts great emphasis on man’s internal thoughts and connection to Hashem. The prophets decry the empty gesture of ritualism.  In several weeks (Parshas Zochor) we will read Shmuel HaNavi’s admonition of:

הנה שמוע מזבח טוב להקשיב מחלב פרים
Why does the Torah attach so much importance to the pageantry and pomp of the sanctuary and the service?

This question has been generalized by many who don’t understand the function of the מצוות מעשיות – the practical mitzvos. Isn’t it sufficient to love Hashem and practice his moral ways without eating matzoh or wearing teffilin? If I meditate on the Creator and his world, do I still need to keep all of the minutiae of hilchos Shabbos, the laws of Shabbos?

The answer to these questions are found in the passuk of ד’ חפץ למען צדקו יגדיל תורה ויאדיר – Hashem desired to give it (the Jewish people) virtue and so he enlarged the Torah and made it (or them) mighty” (Yeshayahu 42:21). This important passuk is explained in several ways:

  1. Hashem wants us to succeed in this life as well as the eternal life. As the architect and planner of this world, he gave us mitzvos that will help harmonize our lives with the cosmic and the practical aspects of this world. This wisdom is known only to him, and as Jews who serve Him, we trust his superior knowledge.
  2. Mitzvos provide us with the opportunity to show our allegiance to Hashem, especially when we do things that aren’t intuitive to us. It is our way of surrendering our will to Him. It is the foundation of our relationship with Him, and He provides us with the opportunity to connect to him through mitzvos.
  3. We want to earn our keep and since Hashem doesn’t “need” anything from us, He wanted us to have an opportunity to earn a reward by obeying him.
  4. There are many dimensions to the world beyond the reach of our senses. These spiritual realms are impacted by our observance of mitzvos. Since we cannot comprehend what these worlds are, we also cannot comprehend how our actions effect the real “Tikkun Olam.”

We are entering a period in the Jewish calendar which is rich with ceremony and practical mitzvos. We should embrace these mitzvos as a great gift that allows us to contribute to the world’s perfection, achieve eternity for ourselves and to build our relationship with Hashem.

A Taste of Torah – Mishpatim

Written by: Rabbi Mordechai Raizman

Two for One

In this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, we find many detailed laws regarding moral and ethical behavior between our fellow human beings and ourselves. One of these mitzvos relates to the sensitivity that one has to have for orphans and widows.  The Torah states, “Every widow and orphan, one should not pain them.” In the next verse it continues, “Im aneh saaneh oso” (If one does pain him) G-d will listen to their cries. The Klei Yakar (commentator from the 1700’s) asks why the redundancy of aneh saaneh. Wouldn’t it be sufficient to say it once? Secondly, the word oso means him. Why is that said in a singular vein when we are referring to orphans in general? Wouldn’t it be better to say if one pains them?

The repetitive use of oso is teaching us a powerful lesson about the effects of our actions. One may think when one is being insensitive to the needs of an orphan or a widow it is only effecting that one person. G-d is telling us that He listens to their cries. We are affecting Him as well. G-d takes a special interest in those that are downtrodden and can be taken advantage of. He is hearing their pleas and cries. The Torah is stressing the effects that we are having on G-d as well. Therefore, mistreating those that are already in pain creates a double pain.

In every community we come across people in these situations. It is our obligation to heighten our sensitivity towards them to give them the strength to carry on.