august 2018 חעשת לולא · with the first blasts of the shofar, rosh hashana and aseres yemei...
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1 AUGUST 2018
Ateres Chai! By: Rabbi Aaron J. Fink, Dean
Boruch Shehecheyanu v’kiyimanu lazman hazeh! With the advent of the new term, Ateres will begin its 18th year of service to the Monsey community. It’s a milestone year of which we are so proud! 18 years of the Ateres ideal, educating our daughters with professional excellence, warmth, love and personal attention, crystalizing the potential of each tamidah. Indeed, we exclaim, Ateres Chai! - we are alive, proud, well and thriving. Though we have faced a variety of intense existential challenges these past two years, we have persevered, gained strength and grown ever
stronger.
Throughout Tanach and Talmud we are given snippets of insight into how we are to define chaim, life. And, as we celebrate Ateres Chai, we too, turn to the words of the Neviim and Sages to remain inspired and gain perspective on our goals and ambitions for a new year of blessing and success.
The Gemarah at the end of Maseches Makkos (24a)
discusses various formulae for keeping our connection to Torah and Mitzvos rock solid.
(Continued on page 8)
Although we are still basking in the warmth of the midsummer sun, the days of Av have come to an end, and we have ushered in the month of Elul. With the first blasts of the Shofar, Rosh HaShana and Aseres Yemei Teshuva come to mind, resonating with our plea of "zochreinu l'chaim, Melech chofetz b'chaim, v'chosveinu b'sefer hachaim, l'maancha Elokim chaim". Life. We ask for life, we refer to Hashem as the King Who desires life, we picture the Book of Life, wide open, the proverbial quill hovering over its blank pages.
But what is it that we are really asking for?
Are we simply imploring Hashem to grant us life in the plain sense of the term? Are we only hoping to once again "punch the clock" for another year, or to hang up our brand new calendar on the wall and be on our way? Of course not!
(Continued on page 7)
Have you ever experienced the Chai necklace phenomenon? You meet a person with no outward indications of being Jewish other than a Chai symbol on a necklace. When they notice your Jewishness, they are quick to point to their own Jewish symbol with pride. What is it about the Chai symbol that speaks so deeply to Jews? The number 18 or its multiples are often used for giving Tzedaka. Non-affiliated Jews sing Am Yisroel Chai together with the ubiquitous Hava Nageela. There is something about the number 18 that resonates strongly with us and our outlook on life as Yidden.
The passuk in Parshas Achrei Mos says, “You should keep my mitzvos…v’chai bahem, and live by them, I am Hashem.”
Feeling Alive By: Mrs. Sarah Salvay
"V'chai bahem" Hashem, in His infinite love for us, chose us as His special nation. He gave the Jewish people the Torah and mitzvohs. These precepts are not merely commandments, what to do and how to do them. Rather, the Torah dictates, "v'chai bahem." We are told to view our entire lives, no matter what it is that we are doing, through the lens of Torah.
It is our mission to not only be Torah Jews when we are fulfilling a particular mitzvah, like Shabbos or kashrus but rather to be Torah Jews in our every action.
In the Ateres general studies curriculum we cover math and science, English language arts and social studies. Each of these domains can be viewed as a distinct and separate subject, something that must be learned to ensure advancement to the next grade. However, in
(Continued on page 7)
The Lens of Torah By: Chava Devorah Kahn To Life! By: Mrs. Kayla Stimmel
School Opening Calendar
S M T W Th Fri Sh
September
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
October 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Welcome to the new term at Ateres Bais
Yaakov. The school year will אי"ה begin on
Tuesday, September 4th for grades 1–8
and Wednesday, September 5th for K/Pre1-A
and Kindergarten.
This edition of Ateres Paz contains valuable
school opening information. A handy school
policy pull out page is also included.
Please keep it for future reference.
Best Wishes for a שנה טובה ומתוקה.
200 Summit Park Rd, New Hempstead, NY 10977
(Continued on page 8)
The Parent Handbook of Ateres Bais Yaakov • Rabbi Aaron J. Fink , Dean • August 2018- אלול תשע"ח
September
3 Staff Development Day
4 First Day of School Orientation for Preschool
5 First Day of Transportation
First Day of School for Preschool
10-11 Rosh Hashana
12 Tzom Gedaliah–Early Dismissal 1:00 pm Junior High– No sessions 18-19 Yom Kippur– No Sessions 24-Oct 3 Elementary and Junior High Sukkos Vacation
October
4 Sessions Resume
8 Columbus Day, No Transportation 10 Back to School Night
Mrs. Sarah Salvay, Principal Mrs. Chava Devorah Kahn, Assistant Principal Mrs. Kayla Stimmel, Jr. High Principal
בס"ד
make
Don’t wait for
PERFECT MOMENT
Take the moment and make it
PERFECT!
Don’t wait for
PERFECT MOMENT
Take the moment and make it
PERFECT!
2 ATERES PAZ
Meet the Faculty
A teres is proud of the outstanding faculty that comprise the team of professionals that educate
our children. These individuals are appreciated for their experience, professionalism,
dedication, warmth and care. Our Limudei Kodesh staff is comprised of women who epitomize the
Ateres ideal of being able to suffuse our students’ ever growing ahavas haTorah and yiras shamayim
with a special blend of simchas hachayim. This is evident by the smiles that Ateres girls have on their
faces coming to school each day. Our general studies teachers are master educators and understand
children. We are so pleased to welcome back our veteran
staff members and extend a warm welcome to our new
colleagues, as well. Resource faculty complete the team of
mechanchos who are devoted to bringing out the very best
in each of our talmidos.
At every grade level, Ateres moros and teachers strive to
make the learning relevant and to imbue students with a
desire to set higher standards and goals for their learning.
Limudei Kodesh and general studies teachers work together
to integrate lessons throughout the day and transmit the
message to our students that all of their learning should
relate to and enhance their avodas Hashem. In addition, the
entire faculty works closely with the resource staff,
coordinated by Mrs. Jodi Warum. You can count on her to
oversee the unique learning needs of each student
requiring additional support to be successful.
What sets our staff apart is their professionalism, collective
experience and desire to grow that is evident in their
teaching style and constant desire to provide students their
every need, b’ruchniyus uv’gashmiyus. All share their
expertise with each other and, in turn, look for training and
new techniques to incorporate in their classrooms. Our
staff, as every Ateres parent knows, is our greatest asset.
Boachem L’Shalom! Back to School!
Whether their summer was jam-packed with
activities or filled with complaints about being
bored with nothing to do, children often have a
tough time making the back-to-school transition.
As with any new or potentially unsettling situation
— like starting school for the first time or entering
a new grade or new school — allow kids time to
adjust. Remind them that everyone feels a little
nervous about the first day of school and that it
will all become an everyday routine in no time.
Even, parents themselves can be a little nervous
about the first day of school, especially if they're
seeing their little one off for the first time or if
their child will be attending a new school.
Some helpful tips.
Emphasize the positive things about going back to
school, such as seeing old friends, meeting new
classmates and buying cool school supplies.
It's also important to talk to kids, especially
younger students, about what worries them and
offer reassurance: Are they afraid they won't make
new friends or get along with their teachers? Is the
thought of schoolwork stressing them out? Are
they worried about the bully from last year?
Consider adjusting your own schedule to make the
transition smoother. If possible, it's especially
beneficial for parents to be home at the end of the
school day for the first week. But many working
moms and dads just don't have that flexibility.
Instead, try to arrange your evenings so you can
give kids as much time as they need, especially
during those first few days.
To help ease back-to-school butterflies, try to
transition kids into a consistent school-night
routine a few weeks before school starts. Also
make sure that they get enough sleep and eat a
healthy breakfast
Most of all, whether it's the first day of school or
the last, make sure your kids know you're there to
listen to their feelings and concerns, and that you
don't expect perfection — only that they try
their best.
Welcome to the Family
The Ateres family wishes a heartfelt
Bruchim Habaim to the many new
members of the Ateres family.
We are so happy to welcome...
Mr. and Mrs. David and Alicia Altman (5)
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Hendy Baum (4, 6, 8)
Mr. and Mrs. Zev and Rivah Bukher (1,7)
Mr. and Mrs. Akiva and Nechama Deutsch (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Fishy and Devory Felberbaum (Pre-1a)
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Elisheva Gati (7)
Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok and Devoiry Globerman (8)
Mr. Yossi Gottesman (3)
Mr. and Mrs. Moshe and Yita Ruchy Grunfeld (1)
Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov and Shira Bracha Herman (K)
Mrs. Malkie Kohn (Pre-1a, 2)
Mr. and Mrs. David and Bella Ortner (Pre-1a)
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron and Shaindy Perlman (Pre-1a)
Mr. and Mrs. Duvid and Malka Rosenberg (Pre-1a)
Mr. and Mrs. David and Brana Schmelczer (K)
Mr. and Mrs. Moshe and Riki Schwartz (K)
Mr. and Mrs. Yoely and Yitty Szabovitz (Pre-1a)
Mrs. Chaya Tabak (3)
Mr. and Mrs. Nesanel and Shoshana Tkach (Pre-1a)
N’shei-Working For Our Children
Rounding out the team is our amazing N’shei. We salute our
N’shei heads, Mrs. Chany Silverman, Mrs. Aliza Mytelka and
Mrs. Sarina Kurtz and their wonderful dedicated team. We wish
them bracha and hatzlocha in all their endeavors and look
forward to their impact on all school activities. Without a
doubt, the creativity, enthusiasm and team spirit of our Ateres
mothers enhances the school experience. Many new special
events are being planned. Sponsorships are also available for
Rosh Chodesh treats and Yom Tov teachers’ gifts. Email
nshei@ateres.org.com to join us and get involved! Remember,
time spent working with N’shei counts toward your “Give and
Get” obligation.
Your Administrative Team
A devoted group of professionals comprise the heart of the
Ateres Bais Yaakov, Elementary division (P1A-8) management
team. Together, they assure a strong and vibrant executive
office upon which all of our academic and non–academic
activities derive support and thrive. Faculty, parents, students
and visitors can all count on the administrative team doing the
utmost to assure successful learning and growing at Ateres
Bais Yaakov.
Rabbi Aaron J. Fink, Dean
Mrs. Sarah Salvay, Elementary Principal
Mrs. Chava Devorah Kahn, Assistant Principal, General Studies
Mrs. Kayla Stimmel, Junior High School Principal
Rabbi Ariel Schochet, Executive Director
Mrs. Nechama Klugman, Business Office Administrator
Mrs. Chava Shiel, Receptionist
We are pleased to
present our faculty: New faculty members*
K, Pre-1 A
Morah Ahuva Berkowitz
Morah Ruchie Jacknis
Morah Rachelli Chaitovsky
1st Grade
Morah Tova Posluns
Mrs. Lauren Wingate
Miss Raizy Galandauer*
2nd Grade
Mrs. Yaffa Gluck
Mrs. Rene Baron
3rd Grade
Mrs. Ruti Ehrman
Mrs. Kendyl Feldman
4th Grade
Mrs. Devorah Esther Tal
Mrs. Rona Paley
5th Grade
Mrs. Chaya Aidy Liff
Mrs. Devorah Martin
Mr. Jeff Kanrich*
6th Grade
Miss Batya Sender*
Miss Sarah Grohman*
7th & 8th Grade
Mrs. Jennifer Eisenstein
Mrs. Sarah Fuchs
Mrs. Esther Hoffman
Mrs. Chava Devorah Kahn
Mr. Jeff Kanrich*
Mrs. Tzipora Moller*
Miss Chana Mulivor*
Mrs. Rachel Stern*
Miss Rivky Wilheim*
Resource Department
Mrs. Jodi Warum
Mrs. Jessica Drel
Miss Chayala Weldler
Specialty Staff
Miss Racheli Shafier, Music
Mrs. Rachel Stern, Art
Mrs. Rivka Bukher, Gym
3 AUGUST 2018
Fall 2018 Elul 5778
4 ATERES PAZ
Back to School Pull Out Guide
Welcome to Ateres. Set forth
below is important information to
help you get acquainted with the
expectations we have for you and
your daughters this year. Please
review our back-to-school checklist
as well as the protocols, policies and
routines which will assure a successful year
for us all. We thank you for your
enthusiasm and support. We look forward
to an exciting beginning to our new year.
Preschool Orientation
Tuesday, September 4th, has been set aside
for Preschool Orientation. The orientation is
designed for parents and
their children to come to
school for a brief visit with
the teachers in their
designated classrooms. This
visit is intended to acquaint you and your
child with her preschool teacher and assis-
tants and familiarize you both with the new
classroom environment.
Regular sessions for K/P1A will אי"ה begin on
Wednesday, September 5th.
Please be sure to mark all personal
belongings with your child’s name.
Check
Transportation
Parents whose children
are transported to
school by bus should
acquaint themselves
with the bus routes, which are found on your
children's bus passes. Please be sure your
child brings these passes to school at the
start of the school year. Ateres does not
receive advance details concerning the bus
routes. Inquiries or requests concerning
transportation should be made directly to
the Transportation Office of the school
district in which you reside. To ensure your
child's safety to and from school, please
accompany her to the bus stop, and receive
her there at the anticipated time of arrival.
While we conduct bus safety drills during
school time, please reinforce the importance
of safety precautions when boarding, riding
and leaving the bus. Let's take every step
possible to make this a healthy, happy and
safe school year.
Parents are reminded that the district prohibits
student from switching busses without a
prearranged temporary pass. Ateres is not
authorized to make these arrangements. Please
contact the school district transportation office at
845-577-6490 for additional information.
Arrive and Drive Safely!
Bus service provided by the local school
districts transports Ateres girls to and from
school. Parents who drive to school are
requested to follow the directional signs and
not block the bus lanes. Preschool parents
should pull into the designated preschool
drop off area at arrival and dismissal.
School Readiness
Review school calendar (enclosed)
Become familiar with school policies
Acquire school uniform
Check/verify transportation
Visit the Parent Portal and complete all
emergency and contact information
Purchase school supplies
Facilitate homework routines
Re-establish school year bed time
Label personal belongings
Office Hours and
Communication
The Ateres office phone
number is 845-368-2200.
Faxes can be sent to 845-
368-2210. The school’s
address is 200 Summit Park
Road, New Hempstead, NY, 10977and its
email address is office@ateres.org.
The office will be open 9:00 am - 5:30 pm,
Monday - Thursday, and until 1:15pm on
Friday. Messages can be left after hours on
the school’s voice mail system. Please note,
messages regarding changes in carpool or
transportation must be called in at least one hour
prior to dismissal.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Attendance
Punctual and regular attendance is critical for
a successful school experience. Unless a
student is ill, she should be brought to and
picked up from school as scheduled. Parents
are urged to arrange students’ personal
appointments at times that do not conflict
with school hours and activities. Children
arriving late or leaving early must be checked
in or out of school at the office. Advance
notice of alternative arrangements is
appreciated.
School Calendar and Schedule
A copy of the Ateres School Calendar is
included for your reference. Please post it
in a convenient location and refer to it as
needed. Please be sure to schedule family
vacations and special events at times when
they do not conflict with school.
The Ateres Daily Schedule
Grade Arrival Dismissal
M- F M-Th Fri
K/P1A - 8 9:00 4:15 1:00
Back-to-School Night
Wednesday, October 10th, will be Back-to-
School Night for grades 1-8. At that time,
your daughter’s teachers will present an
outline of their objectives for the year,
structure of classes and policies regarding
homework. Initiating parental
involvement in the educational
partnership is critical to an Ateres
education.
There will be time for questions regarding
general classroom routines after each
teacher's presentation.
5 AUGUST 2018
Retain for Future Reference
Dress Code
Full compliance is expected
with the Ateres uniform
standards. Parents should
be sure to purchase
appropriate attire at the
uniform store prior to the
first day of school. Please
note: students will not be
admitted to class without
compliant school attire.
Students may be required to
change into a school issued apparel in order
to go to class.
The success of Ateres lies in the
cooperation of the school/home
alliance. Chinuch is most effective
when messages are consistent at
home and at school. To that end,
we ask that all mothers and fathers
come to school following the same
tznius requirements we require of
our staff members. Administrative
staff will approach visitors who are
non-compliant (which is both
uncomfortable and embarrassing
and should not be necessary).
Women, are welcome in couture
which covers the knees, elbows and
collarbones. Outfits should be easily
described as “Bais Yaakov”
appropriate.
Men too, are expected to visit in
attire which is at least considered
“business-casual” and would be
appropriate in the shul setting as
befits a makom Torah.
Both parents and moros are seen as
critical role models to our talmidos
and we appreciate your cooperation
in dressing in accordance with both
the letter and spirit of halacha.
Entertainment,
Vacation Time
Lessons and standards
taught in school should
ideally be carried
over even during “off” time. Please encourage
your daughter to maintain her davening and
reading time to bring home the lesson that
we use our own time to make choices which
make Hakadosh Baruch Hu proud.
Entertainment and vacation choices, too,
must be made with your daughter’s innate
kedusha in mind. Images and experiences
which children are exposed to remain with
them for life. They should therefore be
chosen with care. Manner of dress, too,
should be in consonance with tznius
standards when out of school to achieve a
holistic approach to avodas Hashem.
Visitors Welcome
All visitors to Ateres,
even parents, must park
and check in at the
school office upon their
arrival and park only in
the designated parking
areas. Students arriving
late and/or leaving early
will need an admission slip or early dismissal
pass filed with the school secretary. Please
do not proceed to the classroom areas
unattended.
Please be sure to come to school dressed in
a manner consistent with the standards
Ateres expects of its students.
Media, Internet
An Ateres student is just that-an Ateres
student- both in and out of school. We
therefore ask our parents to partner with us in
maintaining an environment of kedusha for
their b’nos Yisroel at home and school. We are
all aware of the dangers of unfiltered
internet and social media. These risks are inherent in cell
phones, ipods and the ever evolving social media
marketplace. It is so critical for parents to think twice
and consider the impact contemporary media, in all its
forms, has on our children. The following guidelines are
by no means exhaustive but your full cooperation is
expected.
1. Ateres parents should not be purchasing
cell phone or other internet accessible
devices for their elementary age
children. Students are not to have
access to Facebook, Whatsap, Snapchat,
Instagram or any other social media nor may they be
involved in whatsapp groups and /or chats.
2. Ateres students grades 1-8 may not
have smart watches, cell phones, ipods
or video devices in school or on the
bus. Students who are found to be
using devices in violation of this standard will have
them confiscated.
3. Internet access must be carefully monitored. No
child should be exposed to unrestricted/unfiltered
internet at home. Parents should adopt the policy of
yichud with regards to on-line access. That is, no
child should ever be left unsupervised
with an internet-accessible computer.
All computers should be located in
public areas of the house and have
filters installed . NO student may
have open, unrestricted access to the internet via
computer, tablet, cell phone and ipod type devices.
4. All internet accessible computers should be
equipped with password enabled filters which only
parents can access. Programs such a Jnet, Qustodio,
Covenant Eyes, Open DNS Family Shield, or
password protected firewalls are a must!
5. Parent smartphones should be
appropriately filtered to enable safe use.
The local Technology Awareness Group
(TAG) Office can install these safe guards
for you at their office.
6. Parents are also urged not to allow their children
their own private email accounts and chat groups
(even on whatsapp). All student emails should be
sent to parent accounts so that parent can monitor
and provide guidance to their children as needed.
7. When inviting classmates over, parents should not expose
other children to any form of media (i.e. videos) without
getting their parents’ approval.
We’re Partners!
6 ATERES PAZ
Happy Birthdays
Birthday celebrations are a special way of expressing our hoda’ah to
Hakadosh Baruch Hu for granting us and our children the priceless gift of
life. You can help assure that the celebration brings out the unique
qualities of kedusha and hakaras hatov by including all of your child’s
classmates in the celebration. Please be sensitive to other parents’
standards of kashrus and acceptable entertainment when planning out-of-school parties.
Birthday parties in school must be scheduled in advance with your daughter’s teacher. Please
do not include “nosh-bags” as a party favor. We recommend that birthday celebrants present
a small gift to the class (i.e. a book, game or puzzle) to develop a sense of sharing with
others as a means of celebrating and expressing hakaras hatov.
Please avoid media featured paper goods and party favors in selecting the paraphernalia for a class
party. In addition, when selecting the modicum of celebration and party favors, parents should be
sensitive to the discriminating standards of spiritual growth that all families desire for their children.
Books and Supplies
Textbooks have been
carefully selected and
ordered by Ateres for all classes. We are
proud of their appearance and solicit your
assistance in keeping them in “as-new”
condition. All seforim and books should be
treated with respect. All hard covered texts
need to be covered.
A seforim fee, to be collected by your
daughters morah, is assessed at the
beginning of each year based upon the
text used in the class - level curriculum. A
note with the fee for your daughter’s
grade will be distributed by her teacher
the first week of school. Your prompt
remittance is appreciated.
A school supply list for the entire
elementary division is enclosed. We hope
that this information will facilitate your
daughters’ readiness for school.
Classroom furnishings, white boards,
bulletin boards, manipulative and
classroom materials are available for use in
each classroom. All Ateres students will
share in the responsibility of showing care
and respect for school property. A sense of
personal, familial and communal achrayos
and pride should be the hallmark of our
Ateres girls.
Homework
Homework plays an
important role in
reinforcing and
solidifying the
learning process.
Research shows that
children who review and/or practice
information after school have a significantly
higher retention rate for days, weeks and
even months later. Parents should view
homework as an important learning tool
and expect homework assignments
to be dispensed in moderation in a
way which is reasonable for girls at
their grade levels. The goal is to
provide a succinct review to reinforce
concepts and practice skills from
lessons taught in class. There will be
regular kriah/Chumash review and
reading combined with age-appropriate
short and long term assignments. Your
daughter’s teachers will review their
policies and expectations for homework at
back-to-school night.
Homework is assigned to students, not to
parents. Your help in facilitating a healthy
homework protocol is vital, but please do
not do the assignment for your child. If she
is unable to perform an assigned task, her
teacher needs to know. Be sure to establish
a homework routine and check your
daughter’s assignment book nightly. Of
course, getting enough rest will assure her
success both in school and at homework
time.
**** Lunch Program **** Ateres offers participation in a hot lunch program offering an
a la carte menu from Continental Caterers, Monday-Thursday.
Lunch tickets can be purchased in blocks of 10 or on an individual basis from the office. Parents may also choose to sign up for an annual
subscription. Pricing and the annual subscription form is included in the Lunch Information tab of the fall email.
Food for the Soul
All dairy products served at
Ateres are Cholov Yisrael.
Parents, too, are expected
to join us in maintaining this
standard, to assure a
common school standard.
Please check your child’s
lunch and/or snack to see to it
that we are working together.
Preschoolers are provided with two healthful
snacks each day. A designated snack time is
offered for all other classes for
snacks brought from home.
Healthful snacks are the standard
for school. Sugar based “Shehakol”
treats are discouraged. Ateres’
nutritious snack policy promotes
alertness for learning and personal
health. It helps
eliminate “snack
competition.”
full cooperation is
appreciated.
תשע"ח / תשע"ט
Field Trips
Hands-on
experiential
learning is best
complemented
with field trips to
places of
educational insight and application. You can
count on such outings during the year to
augment your daughter’s classroom
curriculum.
All students are expected to participate in
these excursions. Notice of trip schedules
will be sent home in advance of planned
events. Trip fees are not included in the
Ateres tuition schedule.
Your registration to Ateres constitutes full
permission for your daughter to participate
in all on and off-campus school events.
Tzedaka
Tzedaka is collected in each classroom daily. Learning to share with others is
an integral part of teaching our children a sense of communal responsibility.
A little bit each day makes a real difference. In addition, Ateres supports a
variety of national and international causes of Jewish interest through the
year. Participation enables our girls to connect with the greater Jewish
community close to home and in Eretz Yisrael.
7 AUGUST 2018
What we are davening for is to be deeply connected to the source of life, to fill our existence with what imbues us with a profound sense of meaning. In other words, what we are yearning for is to truly feel alive!
This sense of feeling alive resonates so profoundly at Ateres as we prepare to embark on our 18th year of service to the community. We expect to bring this concept of “feeling alive” to so much of our student programing commencing in the fall. As such, we have selected "V'chai Bahem" as our school-wide motto and theme of the year as we enthusiastically reflect and build upon the start of the 18th -"Chai" year of Ateres Bais Yaakov.
"V'Chai Bahem" is an invitation to feel the life-giving power of Torah and Mitzvos and how they energize us with a sense of direction and purpose here on earth. As Rashi points out, "V'Chai Bahem" is also a reference to Olam Habba, therefore symbolizing our firm belief that by living a life dedicated to Torah and Mitzvos in this world, what we are creating for ourselves is an eternal life in the next. Looking at it through a different lens, "V'Chai Bahem" is an injunction for us to infuse life, chiyus, into our Avodas HaShem.
This year at Ateres, whether at assemblies or during classroom activities, we look forward to developing some of the many facets of the invigorating call of "V'Chai Bahem". Below are some of the themes that we will explore, b'ezras Hashem:
The start of the new school year which is aligned with the start of the Jewish year offers an opportunity for us and for our
students to reflect on what they want to accomplish with this "new life". We will learn about goal-setting, both as individuals and as a school.
The Ramban, in his commentary on "V'Chai Bahem", describes how the degree of "life" that we derive from Mitzvos is commensurate to the way we approach our Avodah. The notion that we get what we put in is an integral aspect of our spiritual endeavors. A theme that we will be delving into is the importance of investing effort and developing grit. We want our students to experience how their efforts are being recognized and
rewarded, fostering a growth mindset through different "hishtadlus" initiatives.
Another fundamental concept that is born from the words "V'chai Bahem" is Kiddush HaShem- our students will engage in instructional activities to learn more about this important Mitzvah, especially since living b’kedushas Hashem is even more important that being martyred al Kiddush Hashem.
Chazal (Yoma 85) derive from "V'Chai
Bahem", "v'lo sheyamus bahem", that aside for the three famous exceptions, a person should not die for Mitzvah observance. This will give our students the chance to learn not only about pikuach nefesh, but also about the importance of taking good care of the marvelous body that HaShem has given us. In this vein, we plan to conduct a cross-curricular unit on health.
In the context of how our Chesed and Lashon Tov can be life-giving to others, our students will have hands-on activities that focus on enhancing their Bein Adam L'Chaveiro relationships.
Yet another dimension will highlight how to animate our Mitzvos with life, with the theme being Zrizus and Simcha.
There is so much to look forward to - and after thirteen years as a proud member of the Ateres family, I cannot help but smile when thinking of the applications of "V'Chai Bahem" in the framework of our beloved school. We take pride in the Simchas HaChaim that characterizes our special Talmidos, and in the life-giving warmth, creativity, and dedication of our exceptional teachers. It is in this fertile soil that, with Hashem's help, we hope to nurture the growth of our students, help them experience the chiyus of Mitzvos, and drive the point that each and every one of our girls is and can become an ever greater source of life and light to others and to the world.
I feel blessed to be embarking on this journey with your daughters and with you, our dear Ateres parents. "Zochreinu l'chaim", may Hashem grant us life, and in turn, may we partner in making every moment of this precious gift a moment that reflects our attachment to Him.
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Feeling Alive! By: Mrs. Sarah Salvay
Ateres each of these topics of study is more than a subject. In addition to the basic content themes, we also infuse the learning with relevant and practical life lessons, the beauty of Hashem's world, the ability to make a kiddush Hashem, to understand world events and where we as Jews fit in. In Ateres we ensure that a V'chai bahem approach to Yiddishkeit permeates all areas of our lives.
American History has been a passion of mine during the past ten years of my association with Ateres. It is incredible to see the looks on the students’ faces as they feel the vibrant riptides and subtle currents of history come alive, while at the same time having them
relate to the time period and internalize messages and lessons that connect to them today. I am looking forward to continue teaching the Junior High Division students each day.
As the General studies coordinator for grades 1-6, I am further looking forward to expanding my passion and enabling your daughters to succeed in all their general studies. It is an honor to work alongside Mrs. Salvay and the devoted Ateres teachers.
In addition to ensuring the success of our curriculum, I hope to continue the wonderful programs that Ateres has had in the past.
I am also quite excited to be launching a number of new initiatives to expand our
academic reach and expand our students’ perspective.
Two examples. This year we will be adding "science superpower" as well as a new Ateres reading contest. These fun and stimulating programs should help our students advance their growth and knowledge in the amazing field of discovery which is the scientific world. And, one can never read enough or learn too much from books! So exciting!
It is my bracha that together we be zoche to teach and reach each one of Hashem’s children, enabling each one to fulfill "v'chai bahem” in every aspect of their lives now and throughout their future!"
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The Lens of Torah By: Mrs. Kahn
8 ATERES PAZ
The Gemara explains that if a person is faced with a choice of death or violating a mitzvah, the halacha is that he should choose life and violate the mitzvah. There are four exceptions: avoda zara, shfichas damim, giloy arayos, or any mitzvah during a time of gezeiras shmad. Yiddishkeit values life so deeply that we are taught that we must violate one of the mitzvos, even something as important as Shabbos or eating kosher, rather than die.
Reb Moshe Feinstein explains this halacha on a deeper level. Life is precious because being alive gives us the opportunity to perform more mitzvos. Mitvos are what imbue our lives with meaning and purpose. Therefore, if faced with a choice of death or violating a mitzvah, one should choose life in order to be able to perform many more mitzvos in the future. On the passuk V’Chai Bahem, Chazal explain v’lo sheyamus bahem, that the Mitzvos should not bring a person to death.
A deeper explanation of this concept is that the Torah and the mitzvos themselves are what give life and vitality to us. V’chai Bahem—and you shall live via the Torah and Mitzvos. They are what give us life, both on a spiritual and a physical level.
A famous story is told of Nathan Straus, who together with his brother Isidor, owned R.H. Macy’s Department Store and the Abraham and Straus chain. As two of the wealthiest American Jews of those times, the Straus brothers were renowned philanthropists and social activists. During a tour of Europe with their wives, they detoured for an unscheduled stop in Eretz Yisroel to visit the health and welfare centers they had sponsored. After a week of touring the land, Isidor Straus wanted to leave. He tried to convince his brother to continue back to America with him, but Nathan refused to go. He saw too much need in the poverty-stricken country of Eretz Yisroel, so he remained while Isidor and his wife left to return to the United States. Nathan and his wife traveled throughout Eretz Yisroel and contributed vast sums of money to help their fellow Yidden. They established many educational, health, and social welfare programs, and they even went so far as to help finance a new city which was named Netanya after Nate’s Hebrew name, Natan. Rechov Straus in Yerushalayim is also named after Nathan Straus.
Back in Europe, Isidor tried to contact his brother via telegram as a final attempt to get him to travel back to the States on an ocean liner. He had made reservations for his brother and sister in law, and hoped that they would come aboard for the return trip. However, Nathan and his wife chose to
remain in Palestine until the last second, establishing soup kitchens and health centers like the Jerusalem Health Center. By the time they reached London, the ocean liner on which they had reservations had already left without them.
The ocean liner that they missed had a very famous name. It was called the Titanic.
V’Chai Bahem. This is but one of many stories that teach us how the mitzvos give us both physical and spiritual life. As our theme this year in Ateres Bais Yaakov, we will explore
different aspects of this concept and learn how to “tap into” the chiyus derived from doing mitzvos. Each month we will discuss a different way to strengthen our mitzvos and avodas Hashem, helping your daughters develop their potential as Bnos Yisroel. As we embark upon our eighteenth year at Ateres, we hope that this year will IY”H be
full of lessons about the life-giving quality of our Torah and Mitzvos.
A kasiva v’chasima tova to one and all.
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Dovid Hamelech articulated 11 ethical and moral standards to live by in perek 15 of Tehilim. Yeshayah haNavi narrowed them down to 6 maxims of belief. The Navi Micha crystalized the formula for affirming and inspiring one’s devotion to Hashem Yisborach in but just 3 canons. The Gemarah continues and details 2 imperatives which will functionally do the same. Finally, the Gemarah concludes with the words of the Prophet Chavakuk and exclaims all that a Jew needs to keep the faith is the personification of the posuk, “V’tzadik b’emunasu yichyeh”! The righteous will live through his emunah!
Herein we learn and discover an amazing insight; life and emunah are partners that go hand in hand.
At a superficial level, this lesson teaches us that our every breath is nurtured by the emunah we have. The stronger our belief in the Ribbono Shel Olam, the more He rewards us with the gift of life and the opportunity to do more Mitzvos. Being mindful of this connection can inspire us to want to live and do more mitzvos and maasim tovim daily.
However, there is a more sophisticated lesson being taught here as well. The seforim teach us that emunah doesn’t really mean faith. Rather, emunah means loyalty! As such, the Navi is telling us the Tzaddik lives through his loyalty: loyalty to the Ribbono Shel Olam and loyalty to that which he believes and exercises in his bein adam lacheveiro. It is not enough to have faith. We must be loyal. Indeed, respect and loyalty are not upgrades in a relationship; they are the prerequisites! This is true in both our Heavenly and earthly quests.
Staying loyal to the Ribbono Shel Olam is no small task. It requires a constant focus and a commitment to put Him first and our ego second. But staying loyal to Hakadosh Baruch Hu makes it easier to do each and every mitzvah and be worthy of life itself.
This middah of loyalty provides the paradigm of dedication to achieve mastery in our mitzvos bein adam lachaveiro as well. In this world, a happy and successful life is achieved through the loyalty of and to friends and family.
It is in that vein that we express our hakoras hatov to the Ateres family, the loyal parents, faculty and students of Ateres who have stuck with us through thick and thin. You have demonstrated that the crowning characteristic of love is loyalty! You infuse us with strength and the determination to succeed. Because of you we all feel, B’emunaso yichyeh—you have given us life and sustained us, and we are eternally grateful.
Emunah — loyalty, plays a huge role in the context of our Rosh Hashana experience as we declare before tekias shofar, tuv taam vadaas lamdeini ki vimitzvosecha he’emanti—Hashem, provide me positive understanding and life lessons as I have been loyal to your mitzvos! We blow the shofar with loyalty in our hearts and a prayer for life on our lips.
IyH as the year moves forward we hope that we can continue to vindicate your loyalty. And, we hope to teach your daughters through this year’s theme of v’chai bahem how to live a life of spiritual devotion, living a life of loyalty to Hashem Yisborach through mitzvos bein adam lamakom and bein adam lacheivreo.
Ateres Chai - We are looking forward to our new year. Yehi ratzon that in the zechus of your loyalty to our beloved Ateres it will continues to thrive as we are be blessed with amazing shared nachas.
Moreover, may the zechus of your loyalty to the Ribbono Shel Olam merit you and your family a shana tova umesuka lanu ulchol Yisrael.
לשנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו
Rabbi Aaron Fink
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Ateres Chai! By: Rabbi Aaron J. Fink, Dean
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To Life! By: Mrs. Kayla Stimmel
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