Dvar Torah
Parsha Ki Tisa
Candle lighting- 5:16
Havdala-6:17
In the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe’s mortality is transformed to immortality as he gets G-d to change his mind.
Hashem, who had threatened to destroy Klal Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf, finally assures Moshe that His presence will accompany them on their sojourn. Yet, Moshe, it seems, is still not satisfied. In what appears as a daring move, he asks Hashem for more. Not only does he want assurance of the accompaniment of the Divine presence, Moshe now asks Hashem to “show me Your face” (Exodus 33:18). It is not enough that Hashem forgives the Jews for the most audacious sin of their young history. It is not enough that he assures them that he will guide them in the desert. Moshe wants more! He asks for a mortal existence despite an immortal act. He wants to connect to the corporeal with the Omnipotent in a way never done before. He wants to feast his soul on the most spiritual meal ingested through human vision. He wants to see G-d.
Hashem explains that it is impossible to see Him and live. Thus, the answer is, “No. You may however, see my back” (cf. Exodus 33:20-23). Of course the world of G-d’s face as opposed to his back has many great commentators and kabbalists explain the difference. However, the interest here is Moshe’s persistence. Why was he dissatisfied with G-d’s first offer? What propelled him, after almost losing Klal yisrael to ask for the greatest show of G-d’s bond to His creation’s?
Lou Maidenbaum, former President of Met Foods was sick in a hospital bed.
A week before he passed away, he was in his hospital room and was experiencing some discomfort. He pressed the button for a nurse, but no one came. Five minutes later he rang again. Still no response.
He therefore picked up the telephone and dialed 9-1-1. “Emergency services, came the woman’s voice, “what is the problem?” “I’m having difficulty breathing” gasped Lou. “Where are you calling from?” “Mount Sinai Hospital, Room 321,” came the response. “Mount Sinai Hospital?” Repeated the incredulous dispatcher, “what are you calling us for? You are in the Hospital already!” Lady,” he shouted to the operator. “This is my life we are talking about. And If this is the way I’ll get the best response, then I’m calling 911!
Moshe Rabeinu knew that he was — on Sinai — with G-d — receiving the Torah. However, that was not enough. He was not complacent about his accomplishment. He was not content with being the transmitter of eternity. He wanted more! He wanted to attain the highest possible level of mortal achievement. He wanted to see G-d. He wanted to spiritually feast on the face of the Omnipotent. Moshe was only concerned, to attain the greatest degree of spirituality that he possibly could reach. There was nothing else on his mind or in his soul. Hashem responded that if that level is attained, the soul will flee from its mortal constraints and refuse to re-enter a corporal being. “No man shall see Me and live” (Exodus 22:20). So Moshe had to concede with the highest level the physical body could endure. Moshe’s quest to go higher than Sinai taught us a great lesson. No matter what level you think you are on, you must reach for the stars.
Good Shabbos
Chana Uzhansky, Ed.D.
Head of School
Chana Jane Uzhansky Ed.D
Head of School
SIHA
(718)987-9700 (ext 3)
sihebrewacademy.org
Special Announcement
Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a wonderful week at SIHA!
We began the Adar contest, spreading the Adar joy around by including others.
Lots of times, it can be rough to include others, when we just want to do something/hang out with our best friend etc.
Every time a student includes another friend/neighbor/classmate/cousin/sibling etc. (even when it’s rough..) either at home or at school, they can add a paper clip to their class’s chain.
At the end of the month of Adar (Adar 2), the winning class with the longest chain will have an epic ice cream party
Look out for the exciting details of Siha Purim celebrations ’22!
Shabbat Shalom U’mevorach!
Have a wonderful and relaxed extended weekend!
Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz
Mrs Ferber
Judaics
Second Grade
We had another amazing week in 2nd grade. On Tuesday we celebrated Purim Koton. Purim Koton only comes around when there is a leap year in the Jewish calendar. We played a game of Purim Bingo. Congratulations to our winners Seth, Ari and Chava. The children are learning the Purim Story and enjoy drawing and coloring pictures of the Purim Story. We reviewed how to say the names of family members in Hebrew. In Parsha this week we learned about the Chet Hoaigail, the sin of the golden calf. Hashem and Moshe were upset because of this and when Moshe came down after 40 days he broke the tablets of the 10 commandments, Moshe went back and begged Hashem to forgive the Jewish people for committing this sin, the Jews did Teshuva, Hashem forgave the Jews. The day Moshe came back down from the mountain the second time became known as Yom Kippur from that time on. Since the Jews were forgiven at that time, every year we repent, do Teshuva and hope that Hashem forgives us for our sins before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Shabbat Shalom!
Third Grade
Another week flew by in Third grade. We are trying to pack it in as we get closer to the Holidays.
We learned new Milim- words and are reviewing them. In Dikduk we are continuing to practice pronouns.
We sing and chant the Chamisha Chumshei Torah,the Five books of Torah. That means that the third grade will know all the Parshiot and in the correct order!
The Kriah level is really advancing! Please continue to practice Kriah. Any page in Tehillim is fine. It is so Important for the skill.
This week Meir Yakobzon will be taking home the Third grade Siddur. We’ve added so much already to the Davening! We even added something to say on Friday evenings! Lecha Dodi- to welcome the Shabbat queen.
Have a peaceful Shabbat and enjoy Monday.
Morah Ferber
Fourth Grade
Dear Parents,
It was a very accomplishing week in class.
In Tefilla class we learnt the Beracha of Ashrei. We spoke about how in every generation we thank Hashem for everything. We also discussed that in this beautiful Tefilla every line starts with another one of the Aleph Bet. The children were amazed to know that.
We had the great joy learning Chumash. The children were very involved in the Chumash. We learned that when Avram came to Egypt, they gave him a lot of cattle. Lia and Jacob said the Pesukim really well.
Of course we had much Kriah practice. The children switched off saying the second part of Shema that they are not very used to.
Alivia Clift and Zohar Zadok are the “Students of the week.”
Our Play practice was tons of fun to practice. We hope you are as excited as we are.
Can’t wait to see everyone.
Have a Shabbat Shalom,
Stay healthy and well.
Rabbi B.
5th and 6th Girls
Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a wonderful week.
The girls presented their Ani Maamin #3 projects. They did a great job!
We learned the first Perek (chapter) of Megillat Esther. The Megillah (scroll) of Esther is the story of Purim.
After every lesson, the girls answered the questions on it, as well as colored the pictures of that day’s story in their Megillah booklets.
We learned the after-blessing of Borei Nefashot, which we say after all foods which are not from the 5 grains (wheat, spelt, rye, oat, barley), not from the Shivat Haminim (7 special fruit of the land of Israel) and not wine or grape juice.
So, drinks, meat, chicken, candy, yogurt, eggs, etc. all have the after-blessing of Borei Nefashot.
We had an awesome celebration because the girls finished their Davening keys. The lesson of the keys is that Hashem has so much blessing set aside for every one of us. When we daven, it’s the key that is opening up our personal storehouses of blessing so it can shower our lives.
Mazel tov to our wonderful girls for using this magical key of talking to G-d and completing the contest!
Shabbat Shalom U’mevorach!
Enjoy your extended weekend!
Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz
5th and 6th Boys
As I write this blurb, I am sitting at home recuperating from today’s surgery.
My students and their accomplishments are close to my heart.
This week Mr Kaufman reviewed the Parasha after we went over Parashat Kisisa and covered many of the fascinating details of the Parasha. One of them is about the half a shekel . Each jew [man over 20 years of age] was responsible to donate a half shekel coin 3 times. This time, the half shekel, was for the korbanot-sacrifices that will be brought throughout the year. I once heard the reason for only a half is to show that each of us Jews are not complete on our own, we are all one nation. The sin of the egel hazahav the golden calf, which our forefathers did. Hashem teaches Moshe How to pray. The tremendous light that would shine from Moshe after learning Torah directly from G-d.
In Mishna, we moved on to learn about the interesting cases of one who would drape a sheet over the s’chach of a suka, or under it. We also learned about having a canopy over different types of beds and their Halachot.
We began M’gilat Esther with the back story . How and why did Achasveirosh make this grand party?
We ate delicious baked ziti which Rebbie brought for all boys to enjoy, while learning and practicing the Brachot of M’zonot and Al Ha’michya.
The week ends without Rebbie Kuritsky physically in the classroom, but his heart and soul are with his boys.
Shabbat Shalom
7th and 8th Girls
As I write this blurb, I am sitting at home recuperating from today’s surgery.
My students and their accomplishments are close to my heart.
I am extremely fortunate to have such wonderful students who were praying forme/doing a mitzva on my behalf; Mia Portman, Saying Sh’ma in my merit others davening, Noah and Doron putiing on their T;filin in my merit. Leora M. wishing me well,and Noga sending me a nice “get well and come back soon” email.
These are just some examples. All of my wonderful students are rooting for me. Thank you!
The girls covered many of the fascinating details of the Parasha. One of them is about the half a shekel. Each jew [man over 20 years of age] was responsible to donate a half shekel coin 3 times. This time, the half shekel, was for the korbanot-sacrifices that will be brought throughout the year. I once heard the reason for only a half is to show that each of us Jews are not complete on our own, we are all one nation. The sin of the egel hazahav the golden calf, which our forefathers did. Hashem teaches Moshe How to pray. The tremendous light that would shine from Moshe after learning Torah directly from G-d.
We began M’gilat Esther with the back story . How and why did Achasveirosh make this grand party? We studied how in earlier times even non Jews were well aware of the fact that our G-d, the one and only G-d, the G-d of us Jews is real! The wicked king Belshatzer knew of the prophecy that after 70 years of the Jews in exile , the Jews would be redeemed. He made his calculations, but they were wrong! He died. Now, a few years later Achashveirosh is sure that his calculations are correct. He brazenly takes out the holy vessels taht were used on the first Beit Hamikdosh-Temple and uses them for his party.
The girls reviewed and were quizzed on Halacha in our speciial Halacha for Girls book. We learned that it is important not to have anything in our mouths while saying a Bracha, to be dressed respectfully, and noy even to motion to someone while saying a Bracha. We also learned that it is important to know which Bracha we are about to say prior to beginning the Bracha, as we need to know, before saying Hahem’s name wht we are about to praise Him for.
The week ends without Rebbie Kuritsky physically in the classroom, but his heart and soul are with his boys.
Shabbat Shalom
7th and 8th Boys
Dear Parents,
It was another great week in class.
In our opening lesson we spoke about the 12 Shevatim. It was very interesting to see the names especially being that our Asher is one of the names. We also discussed the fruits and grain that Eretz Yisroel is blessed with. The students were really amazed at all the fruits.
In Biur Tefilla class we spoke about the Beracha of “Ahavah Rabah” that we say right before Shema. We discussed how Hashem loves us. We also spoke about how we ask Hashem to learn, teach, and to keep the Holy Torah.
In our Gemara class we learnt a fascinating concept. Rabba says that you learn a lot from your Rabbis, more than that from your friends, and the most from your Students. I really have to thank my wonderful Students for giving me the opportunity. A different Gemara we spent much time on, is that the Gemara says, who gives the army to fight in war, it is the people that are learning Torah. I explained to the class how much our Torah is accomplishing in the world.
In Halacha class we started learning about the laws of Purim We learnt about the fast of Esther. We are very excited for the upcoming Chag.
Asher Hecht and Leam Bilik are the “Students of the week”
A big Happy birthday to Oren Dery. We wish you a long happy life. Also thank you the delicious Dunkin Doughnuts.
Topics from the Parsha:
Hashem told מֹשה to collect a מחצית השקל from every man over the age of 20.
The תּוֹרָה now tells us what happened right after מַתַּן תּוֹרָה. The following day, ז’ סִיוָן, משה רַבֵּינוּ told the Yidden that he would be going back up onto הַר סִינַי for 40 days and nights to learn the whole תורה.
The Yidden started to count right away, waiting for משה to return and teach them the Torah.
They counted 40 days until טז’ תַּמוּז and when משה didn’t return they became nervous. The שָׁטָן started to trick them to believe that משה wasn’t going to come back.
The עֵרֶב רַב started (and the rest of the Yidden followed) asking אהרן for a new leader, an עַבוֹדָה זָרָה.
אהרן realized that he had no other choice, so he agreed to help them. He secretly was thinking of a way to push it off, hoping that משה would return before any עַבֵירוֹת were done.
He first told them to go collect all their jewelry and bring it to him. He thought that they wouldn’t give it away so fast. He was wrong – they came back very quickly with piles of gold.
שֵׁבֶט לֵוִי was the only שׁבט that did not join in.
When they threw the gold into a fire, it melted, and the ערב רב used magic to turn it into an עֵגֶל הַזָהָב – a real עבודה זרה.
אהרן tried another plan: “I will build a מִזְבֵּחַ to bring קָרְבָּנוֹת, tomorrow”, hoping that משה would return before then. Again he was wrong, the שטן got the Yidden to wake up early, and they started dancing and singing with the עבודה זרה.
Hashem told משה what the Yidden were doing, and how angry He is. The Yidden deserved to be destroyed.
משה started to Daven, asking Hashem to be מוֹחֵל the Yidden and not to destroy everyone.
משה רבּינו went down from הר סיני and when he saw the עגל הזהב he threw down and broke the לוּחוֹת: the Yidden don’t deserve the Torah right now.
משה רבינו went back up הר סיני for the third time on א’ אֶלוּל to learn the תורה again and receive a new set of לוחות. He stayed for 40 days and nights again, and returned on י’ תִּשְׁרֵי- יוֹם כִּיפּוּר.
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Berelowitz
Elementary School
Kindergarten
This week kindergarten learned how to read and spell ALL words. They learned a song to help them identify the literary elements in a story. They can now identify the characters, setting, problem, and solution in a story. They also read a nonfiction story about animals in a park. In math they learned how to solve addition word problems by drawing pictures, using ten frames, and filling in bar models. They also learned how to count by 2s and use mental math to add plus two to a number from 0 to 30. In science they reviewed force and motion and listened to a story from The Magic School Bus all about force and motion. In social studies they continued working on their social studies project and they practiced their parts for the Social Studies Fair.
Second Grade
This week 2nd grade completed the 2A Singapore Math books! On to 2B! We are now learning how to find missing numbers in addition and subtraction equations, and working on our mental math skills. We are continuing our unit on poetry, and continuing to read Charlotte’s Web. In grammar, we are fully prepared for our test on verbs. In social studies, we are continuing to work on our parts for the upcoming social studies fair. —
In science, students learned what happens when Earth rotates around its axis; the cause of the seasons. Students were able to understand and discuss basic facts about the moon.
Mrs. Belli wants to mention Brianna Sanders for her excellent participation during the science class discussions.
Mr. A. Ferrera B.S.Ed
Generalist Teacher, 2nd grade
SIHA
Third Grade
This week Grade 3 finished their class novel, The Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. They are very excited to work on their Cereal Box Book Report for Tuesday. During Math lessons they continued to develop their problem solving skills using all four operations. Students also solved for perimeter. During their Grammar lessons students practice modifying nouns into their singular and plural possessive form. During the Social Studies students continued to work on their Fair presentations and reports.
In science, students learned and understood how life on Earth changed over time.
Describe three types of fossils; the importance of why scientists study fossils.
Miss Sasha
Fourth Grade
This week in ELA we continue to prepare for the State test. Completing reading comprehension, short response questions and writing essays.
In math we are continuing to work on decimals. Adding, subtracting, converting fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. Also prepare for math state test and practicing for noetic math contest.
In science, students sorted rock specimens according to their properties; described the rock cycle; identified that many processes of the rock cycle are consequences of plate dynamics.
Fifth Grade
Greetings and salutations!
This week the 5th graders continued their vocabulary study.
They also continued reading their class novels. We focused on learning about perspectives as people and applying them to our characters.
We also kept our writing skills sharp by working in our ready workbooks. The 5th graders had a lot of fun reading the plays in the workbooks- some children really did a great job with acting out the plays!
5th Grade Social Studies
5th Graders are working very hard on their play and we are rocking and rolling. One group will be completing their tri-fold board on The Declaration of Independence and the remaining 3 skits will be performed via classroom. I want to give a special shout out to all the students in 5B these students are working so hard and it is evidenced by their participation in their play. Excellent job Brandon, he has had all of his lines remembered since Monday, way to go Brandon. Benjamin is doing a great job at projecting his voice and memorizing his lines. Abby and Ethan, excellent job, all lines remembered by Wednesday. WOOHOOO, keep up the great job and excellent team work.
5A is working very hard on their plays as well. The Declaration of Independence students are working hard on putting together their tri-fold board presentation. Fantastic job to Elior, all lines remembered by Monday, WOOHOO! Great job to Oren, Izzy for remembering their lines as of Wednesday.
Both classes are working very hard at participating and remembering their lines. They are learning how to work together in a different capacity as they must be mindful of each other and themselves, especially as they are waiting for their turn to speak. Very good 5th grade.
In math, 5th grade has been performing basic operations with decimals and incorporating mental math strategies.
In science, students identified types of water ecosystems and adaptations that allow them to survive in saltwater ; learned and identified characteristics in freshwater ecosystems.
Middle School
Middle School ELA and Social Studies
6th Grade
Sixth graders had a good week! They continued their novel study of Watsons go to Birmingham, and worked on their next vocabulary unit.
6th Grade Social Studies
Greetings and salutations!
This week has been all about the Social Studies Fair. The 6th graders have all been busily researching and writing their essays. I am looking forward to their presentations!
7th Grade
Seventh graders are busily preparing for their Fair! Students worked on finalizing their essays and started practicing for their debates. Naomi and Noam did an excellent job!
In ELA, students continued their novel study of Night. They also worked hard on state test prep and their next vocabulary lesson.
8th Grade
Eight grade is busily preparing for their Fair! Students have spent the week doing research and composing their informative speeches on American history and culture. I look forward to seeing what they can do next week!
In ELA, we continued our novel study of Fahrenheit 451. Students wrote and discussed one of the central themes of the novel: individuality and conformism.
Middle School Math
6th grade finished learning integer operations and applying it to the order of operations.
7th grade has learned how to compare unit rates and slopes of equations, tables, and graphs.
8th grade started learning about polynomials and how to combine like terms.
Middle School Science
6th grade
Students were able to explain how the Earth’s atmosphere protects and sustains life on Earth; understood that Earth’s atmospheres are divided into the layers which are classified according to temperature changes with altitude.
7th Grade
As students learn about the nervous system and the brain, they are conducting research. Each student was assigned an organ of the nervous system and/or a part of the brain that they had to investigate. Students researched the importance of their organ and identified the role of their organ, where it is located, what it’s special function is and how it interacts with other parts of the body. Once this was established, students had to investigate using two of the five questions, or create their own question. These were some sample questions provided: How does trauma affect the cerebellum? How does poor diet choices affect the cerebellum? How do toxins affect the cerebellum? What body systems or organs are affected if the cerebellum is damaged? Students plugged their part into the question and investigated various sources to complete a summary. Students then had to state their claim and provide evidence that supports their claim. As they continue to work hard, next week I will publish some of their results. Excellent Job, 7th Grade.
8th Grade Science
8th graders just completed their Diffusion Through Membrane state lab. Students investigated which molecules were able to diffuse through the membrane. Students created a model cell and filled it with glucose and starch solutions. They placed this cell into a beaker with water and iodine and waited 20 minutes to investigate exactly what took place. Students were able to make the conclusions that the iodine diffused into the cell and created a chemical reaction with the starch solution. This was evidenced by the color inside the cell, as it turned a blue/black color. Then students had to investigate even further to determine what happened to the glucose solution, if anything. Students had to undergo a few tests to determine if the glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell. They had to place water from the beaker into a test tube with Benedict’s solution and Iodine to determine if it did in fact diffuse, but they discovered that this was not the way to test for glucose. So, upon further investigation, they placed water from the beaker that the cell was placed in a test tube and added Benedict’s solution, then they placed their test tube into a bubbling beaker and waited five minutes to determine if glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell. Upon completion of their investigation they determined that glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell, as this was evidenced by the color change. Once the test tube liquid was heated in a water bath the color changed to green, then to orange which is indicative of the presence of glucose. This was the conclusion of their lab.
Jewish History
7th grade is learning about the life and times of Yosef HaTzadik and how everything that happened to the Jewish people depended on their actions!
8th grade learned about the sad times of the destruction of the Second Bais HaMikdash, how the destruction was caused by infighting, and how the Sages took measures to preserve the Torah throughout the hard times to come.