Inspiring Excellence in Talmud

Over the first few weeks of school, our Talmud classes have learned about topics that touch on the very heart of what it means to study Talmud and at once at what it in fact means to live as a Jew. Our ninth and tenth grade classes have begun learning Masechet Sanhedrin from the eighth perek, know as "perek ben sorer umoreh". Many of our classes have begun with a discussion of the "ben sorer umorah" himself, loosly translated as "the wayward son". The Torah (Devarim 21) describes how a child who does not listen to his parent is taken to the beit din and eventually put to death. Like in so many cases, the words of the written Torah here are so lacking without the additions of the Oral Torah. How old is this "child"? What exactly did he do wrong? What kinds of parents are these? How do the parents relate to one another?  How can a child be responsible for his actions? What if it is not a son but a daughter? Do we really think that parents would take their child to the beit din to be killed?

All of these questions and many many more are addressed by the mishna and gemara in this perek - but most striking is the essertion of the gemara that an actual case of a "ben sorer umoreh" never happened and never will happen. At yet this was put in the Torah in order for us to learn it and "get reward". While the exact lessons of this unsual parsha is beyond the scope of this blog (though our students hopefully all have thoughts about this) - the very questions of what is the point of studying Talmud to begin with comes in to play.

Much has been written about the study of Talmud in general and among modern orthodox teens in particular. See for example  

http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,18948,18948

http://www.ou.org/torah/article/Why_Learn_Gemara

If we are merely veiwing Torah as a rule book of what we may or may not do in life - then clearly studyingthe intricate discussions of the Talmud is clearly a waste of time. Rather, by delving into every aspact of Torah from every angle possible - we are recognizing the complexity and infinite depth of Torah that we hope to spend our life delving into as much as possible.

Similarly, our eleventh and twelvth graders have begun this year by examining the exact sources from the Torah for the marriage process. Once again, is this neccassary to know how to get married? no. Do we learn it anyway in order to delve into every nook and cranny of our precious torah as much as possible? absolutly.

I look forward to your comments as to why you think (or don't think) the time we spend on Talmud study is so vital to the development of our students as thinking, engaged, actively committed Torah Jews.  

Rabbi Yaakov Mintz

Talmud Department / Science Department 

Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School

"Inspiring Excellence"

Inspiring story of Shira Applebaum Maresky

This morning, the students of RKYHS and JKHA Middle School had the opportunity to hear the inspiring story of Shira Applebaum Maresky, a paramedic in Israel's Magen David Adom. Ms. Maresky and her family have devoted their lives to supporting terror victims, working as doctors and paramedics in various medical centers around the country. In her speech, she described the incredibly impressive passion and care that her father devoted to his patients, a strength of feeling that caused him to found the Terem Emergency Clinic in Jerusalem, Israel. A few years ago, disaster struck Ms. Maresky's family: the night before her older sister's wedding, both her sister and her father fell victim to a terrorist attack in a coffee shop in Jerusalem. Ms. Maresky movingly detailed the amount of work that she has done in her family member's memory, explaining how she has been able to move on from her own personal disaster to help save the lives of others. Ms. Maresky's dedication is inspirational, and her ability to move beyond her personal disaster and continue to work towards her selfless goals makes her a shining beacon of hope and a role model for all of the Kushner students to whom she spoke.

Edyt Dickstein - 11th Grade

A RKYHS Cobras Highlight Reel!

Thanks to Laibel Schwartz Photography for these highlights from the June 19 4-3 Kushner Cobras Baseball championship win against Flatbush Yeshiva!




{Kushner Baseball Championship} Highlight Video from Laibel & Chana Schwartz on Vimeo.

Giving Teachers a Chance to Succeed

Dear Current Parents, Future Parents, and Lovers of Education,
The end of the school year is upon us and what a wonderful year this has been. This is such an appropriate time to express appreciation and hakarot hatov to our faculty who make it all happen. A wonderful vehicle of appreciation is the Rabbi Steven M. Dworken Fund. What a better way to say thank you than to invest in the professional growth and continued education of our teachers.

The Dworken fund gives Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy teachers stipends and subsidies to attend workshops, conferences, and classes that hone their expertise and give them great ideas and pedagogic techniques to bring to their classrooms. We have a dedicated cadre of teachers at JKHA who are always looking to learn and add to their already skilled repertoire. Our children's educations, your children's educations, become enhanced by the learning, and training opportunities given our faculty by the Dworken Fund.

Give to the Dworken Fund and expand these opportunities of professional growth at JKHA. All you have to do is call the school, dial extension 1112 with your contribution to the Dworken Fund, and let us know in whose honor you are directing the contribution.

Thank you!

A Time Out for Baseball News!

In it's five-year program, four years since Coach Henry took the helm, the Kushner Baseball Cobras had yet to defeat the Frisch Cougars. A powerhouse in the Yeshiva Baseball League, the Cougars have had their way with both the New Jersey and New York divisions for some time. Going undefeated in 2008 and winning the championship two out of the last three seasons, the Cobras faced a tough task ahead. This young team came back from a tough challenge a week before to upset the two seed, the Heschel Heat, and looked to rewrite history on an overcast and gloomy day at Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck on June 13.

From the beginning, this proved to be a day where the pitcher would have the last word. Hard-throwing Sam S. (9 strikeouts and 3 hits) from Frisch battled long-time ace, Andrew M. (11 strikeouts and 4 hits) from Kushner. The first four innings went scoreless as each pitcher battled out of jams and over-powered hitters when needed. Both teams aided with flawless defense. This game showed sparks of a gem from the start!

The bottom of fifth began the excitement when the Cougars leadoff batter walked with one out, stole second base and reached third on an error by the catcher. A ground out to the third basemen brought him for the Cougars to go up 1-0.

It didn't last long for the Cobras to strike back. After a leadoff single by freshman Matthew S., a stolen base and passed ball, the Cobras were back in action. Sophomore catcher Josh G. walked as courtesy runner, and Jerry M. stole second base without a throw. No outs and runners on second and third, the Cougars brought their infield in to cut off the go-ahead run. Up stepped Senior Tri-Captain and designated hitter Jon L., who helped lead the comeback against the Heat in round one of the playoffs a week ago. First pitch was lined to left field bringing in Matthew S. as Jerry M. rounded third as the throw came in ... a little high and the catcher couldn't handle it, bringing the Cobras up 2-1, and advancing Jon L. to second base. After a close play, he stole third. The very next pitch, freshman, Jeremey S. placed down a beautiful squeeze bunt and the Cobras went ahead 3-1. The rest, as they say, was history!

The Cougars had the top of the lineup in the bottom of the seventh inning and threatened with two straight singles making it first and second. Andrew M. struck out the final batter for the win and a new redemption for Cobras' Baseball History! 

This win embarked on the single season win mark of 10, first time in 13 chances beating the Frisch Cougars, 30th win in program history, and a first appearance in the Yeshiva League Championship. All fitting to a spectacular career for Jerry M. and his teammates ... however, there is still one more game to go.

The Cobras will face the winner of Ramaz/Flabtbush from the New York division who play June 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Seaview Park in NY. The championship is slated for Sunday, June 19 at Newark Bears' Stadium at 5:30 p.m.

Note: This is also the first time Kusher has had two different sports teams make their championship games in the same year! Way to go Cobras!

A Creative and Congratulatory Mention

As part of a Creative Communications poetry-writing contest, our very own Austin M. (eleventh grade) submitted the poem below. We're so happy and proud to announce that his poem was accepted and will be included in the Spring 2011 "A Celebration of Poets." Congratulations Austin! (And many thanks to Ms. Currie for her guidance.)

Spark the Light to Extinguish the Dark

The darkness of the sun's downfall
Engulfs its abdicated thrown.
Now the evilness of the night emanates
And allows sin to bask with no break;
Screams from the alleyways,
The trudges of the insane,
The misery of the lost,
And the blackness and redness of pain.
There is no blight to this chaos's delight.
But this it he evil of pessimism,
Who whispers to your heart and mind.

Remember to have faith and look towards heaven above!
The morning star left a presence of light,
To combat the shadow and its asphyxiation of sight,
The moon and stars glow ever so bright,
Ridding humanity from the full onslaught of the night.

Remember the ecstacy of love, laughter and the like!
Take your torch and raise it high!
Strike your own match to ignite faith,
Allow yourself to overflow with joy,
And extinguish the darkness with your own burning flame.

---

Creative Communication is a company who is devoted to the promotion of writing, teaching and appreciation of student writing. The intent of our student writing contests is to motivate creative writers. The top entries are published in an anthology that will record the creative insights of today's student writers. There is no requirement for a student to purchase an anthology, however, if a student wishes to purchase one, it is made available at an affordable price. Top ten winners of the contest receive a free copy of the anthology. In addition, any teacher with five or more students who give permission for publication will receive a free anthology that features their student writers.

Help Support RKHA/RKYHS Performing Arts

An Educational Mock Experience

On Yom Ha'atzmaut, students from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Club ran a mock anti-Israel fair to expose students to the type of anti-Semitic rhetoric students are experiencing on college campuses. ADL Chug members prepared arguments that are typical of the lies and distortions that permeate the world of academia and college campuses.

The objective of the fair was to expose our students to the type of rhetoric they will encounter on their future respective campuses. ADL members set up stations that focused on such hot-topics as apartheid, Holocaust denial, oppression, occupation, equal rights, and other corrupt arguments made by our enemies. For many students, this was the first time they had encountered this type of offense on their sensibilities, and they struggled to find responses. Some were outraged, while others offered thoughtful, cogent arguments. The fair was preceded by the showing of the movie The Thin Red Line, which illustrates the coordinated anti-Israel efforts on campus.

After the fair, Rabbi Elliot Mathias, Aish HaTorah's director of Hasbara Fellowships, demonstrated to our students the most effective ways to advocate for Israel.

Hasbara Fellowships is the largest and most comprehensive Israel education and activism program for North American university students. Started in 2001 in conjunction with Israel's Ministry of ForeignAffairs, Hasbara Fellowships was the first formal program for studentsbattling overwhelming anti-Israel propaganda on their campuses in thewake of the second Palestinian intifada. Ten years later, Hasbara Fellowships remains the largest program of this type. Hasbara Fellowships uniquely takes hundreds of students to Israel for 16-days of pro-Israel education.


The goal of the Hasbara program is simple: educate, train and motivate university students to be passionate, dedicated and effective pro-Israel advocates on their campuses. We firmly believe that proper Israel advocacy education is the most crucial component of a successful pro-Israel movement on campus. All other components of success for the pro-Israel movement -- including programming, materials, speakers, conferences, relationship building, and talking points -- depend on cultivating well-educated student leaders who can plan strategically and execute effectively.


Intensive Israel activism education is the core strategy of Hasbara Fellowships and remains exclusively our niche. Hasbara Fellowships brings hundreds of students to Israel every summer and winter; over 1,800 students from more than 250 campuses have benefited from the information, tools and confidence provided by the program. Hasbara Fellows return to their campuses as strategic thinkers, organizational leaders and innovative advocates, dedicated to the positive portrayal of Israel on campus.

RKYHS Students Make Molecular Biology a Priority

Over the past 14 years, more than 2,000 high school students and their teachers -- representing about 40 New Jersey high schools -- have participated in the Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP), a project that engages high school students with Rutgers University faculty members in genuine research in molecular biology.

Now, we are happy to announce that Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School has been accepted to the 2011 WSSP program for students!

We want to wish a warm congratulations to Eliana B. and Jonathan C., who both will be seniors in September, for being accepted to this prestigious program. Along with Dr. Ricketts, the RKYHS team will participate in a Summer Institute program from July 5 through July 22 and will continue their research during the 2011/12 school year.

The Student Research Group has been meeting on Mondays after school and during lunch on Fridays, as well as the Chug period on Tuesdays, and doing research on Zebra Fish.

According to the group's Research Update,

"Zebra fish are an excellent animal model for classroom learning and investigations as they can be bred, the development of the embryos can be viewed and studied and the effect of external agents on the development of the fry can be studied. For example, the drug Thalidomide, which has resulted in limb deformities in newborn humans, inhibits the development of fins in zebra fish. Techniques for the collection of fertilized eggs and maintenance of the embryo and larva stages of the zebra fish fry have now been established and we are now initiating experiments to investigate the influence of external agents on the development, physiology, and behavior of zebra fish."

We are excited to follow their research as it progresses, and we wish the RKYHS Team good luck as a part of WSSP!

Kids Helping Kids

This post expresses two points of pride. The first is in RKYHS senior Michael Goldman for writing such a great article that can be found on the OU's Shabbat Shalom section. The second, which might be clear, is in our students for being so involved and devoted to great causes. Below is the article that Michael wrote; let us know what you think, and we hope you'll donate, and we can't to see you at the 4K!

As a school, we are frequently asked by countless charities and organizations to help raise money for their cause. Of course we want to help, but it's difficult to organize 3 or 4 unique and separate fundraisers and to be successful, so we decided to take a different approach: run one big fundraising event and disperse the funds to select organizations. Last year, our 4K marathon raised over $4,500 so we've decided to stick with that format and limit our sponsorship to four very worthy children's causes - 4K 4Kids!

This year's race, however, is about so much more then just raising dollars for charity; it's about giving back; it's about understanding the power we have as kids ourselves, and realizing the potential we have and what we can achieve. It's important for each of us to realize how fortunate we are to have all the good things our parents provide us with, or simply to be thankful for our own health and the health of our families. Most of us tend to take that for granted. So we're building on this year's unique theme: KIDS raising money for other KIDS.

Yachad helps developmentally disabled or challenged kids.

Chai Lifeline helps terminally ill kids.

Koby Mandell helps kids that have been traumatized and affected by terrorist attacks

Kupat Beit Sifri is helping families and kids within our school community that are in dire need.

So far, this race has been motivating the entire student body to help other kids who are just like us. We are making a statement that even though we are kids, we have the power to reciprocate and respond.

Because the race was wildly successful last year, we decided to capitalize on that success and take the race to an entirely new level. A committee of high school students was put together in October. We created a presentation and promoted it to potential corporate sponsors, and gave them the opportunity to become partners. The response was positive, enthusiastic, and includes Atlantic Realty, HARDKNOCKS, JAG physical therapy (West Orange), Care One (Livingston), and Lewinter Wealth Advisory.

In total, we have raised closed to $10,000 so far, which doubles our total from last year and doesn't include whatever students have just begun raising in personal sponsorships. Another huge advantage for this year is that we've developed our own website at www.4k4kids.com, making it easier and more convenient for family and friends to log on, set up their donations or sponsorships online, learn more about the event, or simply track the marathon's progress.

This year's race is scheduled for Monday, May 23rd and is a major part of our Lag Ba'Omer festivities. Runners will be leaving the school campus for part of the route, and safety will be maintained with the assistance of the Livingston Police Department who will be blocking off certain roads for our use. We will have an inspirational presentation preceding the race, thanking all of our sponsors and reminding our participants about why we put this race together in the first place.

After the race, we've planned a huge festival with ices, music, dancing, and a fantastic barbecue!

As a school we have always maintained strong alliances with Yachad. We have hosted numerous Yachad Shabbatons and basketball tournaments with maximum participation from the student body. This year, with all students in our school (pre-k through 12th grade) involved, we hope to reach our goal of raising 25,000 dollars for the 4K 4Kids.

We all know what can happen when we dedicate ourselves to a cause and join in to become a part of something bigger.

Michael Goldman is a senior at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School and president of his local NCSY chapter. He served/serves as captain of various varsity sports teams and heads the 4K 4Kids Charity Run Committee.

RKYHS Says NO! to Distracted Driving

On Tuesday, RKYHS students were honored to have Jacy Good and her fiancé Steve Johnson visit and discuss an emotional and personal tragedy: In 2008, an 18-year old-driver ran a red light on a single lane road in Pennsylvania killing Jacy’s parents instantly and severely injuring 23-year-old Jacy; Police say the teen was distracted by a cellphone. Jacy's story emphasized the importance of driving without the distractions caused by cell phones.

Jacy's visit was part of a Texting/Drinking-and-Driving Program and our Drug Awareness Committee's efforts to raise awareness about teen deaths and driving. RKYHS was named one of 19 "champion schools" in the "U Got Brains" competition, which awarded a $1,000 stipend to the school to develop a teen driving safety campaign for the school. RKYHS was named a champion school for their program development called "Say No to Texting."

Students organized a survivor of in a distracted driving crash to share their story at a school-wide assembly. They developed t-shirts, bumper stickers and key chains with safety messages and sold them throughout school. Distracted driving is also being addressed through school color warms and a “cell phone” wallpaper. They also produced a PSA with a distracted driving message.

Now, RKYHS is competing for a chance to win one of two driving simulators, so be sure to vote daily through May 25, 2011!

A Survivor's Experience

Our sixth through twelfth grade students had the opportunity to participate in an impactful and moving program Monday in commemoration of Yom HaShoah. The program began with a poignant candle lighting ceremony, which was highlighted by six JKHAMS and RKYHS students sharing their families' personal narratives from their experiences in the Holocaust. Several students were accompanied by their grandparents, whose stories were being retold.

The highlight of the program was a presentation by Mrs. Tova Friedman, who was one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz; she was liberated at the age of only 6 ½.  Mrs. Friedman spoke of being cut off from her roots and family, the vacuum created by the murder of all Jewish leaders, her miserable life in the ghetto, and witnessing the shooting of her grandparents. One of the most chilling moments was when she described how she escaped the death march by laying down with her mother alongside corpses so the Nazis would not notice her when they evacuated the camp. She said her story is the story of 1.5 million children, and we have an obligation to learn it and repeat it.

As we reach a point in history when there are fewer survivors available to retell their story, the need for programs of this nature becomes increasingly important for our students!

Mrs. Friedman tells her story in the following news clip.

Weekly Update: The Musical Edition!

It's that time again. Yes, it's time for the Video Chug Weekly Update, and this time, it's the Musical Edition!




We're proud and impressed of our Video Chug students. What do you think?

A Video That Speaks for Itself

The mayor of Itamar, the location of the horrifying murder of the Fogel Family last month, spoke on April 4 to RKYHS students. Thank you to the Video Chug for putting the video together.

A February and March Roundup

A lot has been going on at RKYHS/JKHA, and we wanted to give you a quick recap of some of the interesting things that have been going on. Ready?

Freshman “Feastival”

In February, our freshmen participated in a Progressive Dinner, nicknamed the Freshmen “Feastival.” After school, students travelled to our host community of West Orange and enjoyed a catered three-course meal at three different homes. At each stop, our Student Activities team led games and activities between bites that allowed our students to get to know each other just a little better than before. Following the main course, we walked to Congregation AABJ&D for dessert and a stimulating d'var Torah from Rabbi Zwickler. A hearty thank you to our evening’s hosts – the Hausdorff, Israeli, Luxenberg, and Moskowitz Families – for helping to make the event a huge success.

Sophomore Sleep-in

Also in February, our sophomores spent a bonding evening together in our fourth annual “Sophomore Sleep-in.” We began with dinner in Teaneck, followed by an entertaining scavenger hunt at Palisades Center Mall. Following bowling and midnight ice-skating, we returned to RKYHS at 3:00 a.m. for video games, ice cream sundaes, an early morning kumsitz, shacharit, and a hot catered breakfast. After a long night, our sophomores went home to sleep -- at last!

Battle of the Bands
Once again, students, headed by Tziona Breitbart organized a Battle of the Bands to raise money for charity. This year the organization was Kids Kicking Cancer. In February, RKYHS students heard from Rabbi Elimeleach Goldberg, who started Kids Kicking Cancer when he lost his own daughter to cancer. Students organized bands from all over the tri-state area to play, including our very own "Perfect Imperfection", who came in second place and "The last weekend."

"We were so excited that RKYHS gave us the opportunity to not only perform in front of our friends but help a worthy cause," said Eitan Rubin. There was similar sentiment from the bands that played from various yeshivot. Once again, RKYHS raised thousands of dollars to help those kicking cancer. Here is just one video of the bands -- Four O'Clock Bagels.


For the rest of the band videos, check out our RKYHS Video Chug YouTube page.

Computer Programming Competition

Last week, RKYHS was one of 39 state schools represented at NJIT’s annual Computer Programming Competition. Seniors Dani Dickstein, Ben Lewinter, and Junior Steven Finkiel were given eight problems, and they had three hours to write Java code to answer as many of them as they could. They answered five of the eight correctly, which was enough to place them in the top half of the participating schools. Congratulations to these students in Dr. Grad’s Computer Programming Class. Dr. Grad is ably assisted by senior Dani Dickstein in teaching this class, in what has proven to be a unique and educational experience for all involved.

Color Wars

Stay tuned for more about Color Wars, which took place on Monday and Tuesday. Our talented Video Chug already has a video up. Let us know what you think!

Video Chug Weekly Update!

This week's Video Chug Weekly Update is live! There are updates on weekly events, including the upcoming Battle of the Bands Competition on March 10, video from Dalia Itzik's visit, an interview by Shira Newman with Mr. Jeff Reiss, and a d'var Torah for Pekudei. 






As always, we would love to hear what you think!

A Captivating Counter-Terrorism Talk

We were eager to have Scott Maraki, special agent with the Counter-Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, address the RKYHS Jewish Civics and Anti-Defamation League chugim last week.

His captivating and engaging talk focused on the various tasks for which he is responsible on a daily basis as he protects Americans from potential terrorism. He emphasized the need to go on with our daily routines but to be vigilant. A lively question and answer period followed.

Making Waves with Model UN

Last month eleven of our RKYHS students were in Stamford, CT, for the 21st Yeshiva University National Model United Nations competition, which is a student-run simulation of the workings of the real United Nations. The event hosted 47 high schools and more than 475 students!

The aim of the program is to allow students to experience and learn about international diplomacy by playing the roles of real United Nations delegates, representing a variety of views -- often ones with which the students may or may not agree. Each of the students must research their country's position, adding both to their knowledge of world affairs and to their appreciation of the importance of preparation and critical evaluation.

One of our students, Edyt Dickstein, served on a model of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) with other students from the United States, Canada, and Brazil. One of the resolutions that she wrote dealt with Eritrean youth who flee to the neighboring country of Sunday in order to escape conscription and human rights violations. Another resolution addressed the Palestinian refugees and their future. We're proud to note that both of these resolutions passed in committee, and Edyt won the Honorable Mention, which is the award given to the second-place speaker.

For more photos, visit the YUNMUN XXI photo album on Flickr and be sure to let us know if you or one of your children/students are in the photographs!

Fundraising Photos From the Radio!

On Monday, some of our RKYHS seniors volunteered at a fundraising marathon at "JM in the AM," a Jewish radio broadcast that airs every morning from 6 to 9 a.m. in the New York City area on 91.1FM, in the Hudson Valley on 90.1FM, and online at JMINTHEAM.org. The fundraising marathon is on through March 11, so if you donate, be sure to mention RKYHS students!

A Debate Done Well

This past Thursday, students on the JKHA Middle School Debate Team competed against Westchester Day School, Yavneh Academy, and the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway in a home  meet as part of the Middle School Yeshiva Debate Society.

The debate's resolution was "The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is not an accurate portrayal of intelligence and should not be considered by college admissions committees."

Teams were created, with each supporting either the affirmative or negative stance, and JKHA seventh and eighth graders rose to the  occasion, boasting scores that demonstrated their mastery of public speaking skills, research, and cross examination. Leor Fishman and Dalya Dickstein supported the negative stance and earned First Place team honors. Dickstein also was awarded First Place individual speaker for her exceptional performance.

The Debate Team meets each week to research and prepare and revise speeches and to practice under the guidance of Coach Melinda Nagy. Their next meet -- the final one of the season -- will be at Westchester Day School in April.

Seniors on the Radio

On Monday, six RKYHS seniors are volunteering at a fundraising marathon at "JM in the AM," a Jewish radio broadcast that airs every morning from 6 to 9 a.m. You can hear the broadcast in the New York City area on 91.1FM, in the Hudson Valley on 90.1FM, and online at JMINTHEAM.org.

Our students will have a little bit of air time, probably between 7 and 8 a.m., so please tune in to listen -- they might give you a shout out!

If you were planning on donating during this marathon, please make your pledge Monday and be sure to mention the students of RKYHS.

An Evening of Talmud

Click for full size!

Our ninth and tenth grade Honors Talmud students enjoyed an evening of learning Wednesday with their parents led by their rebbe, Sgan Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi David Chamudot. There was learning, bonding, and, of course, food from Chickies -- because without food, there is no Torah, and without Torah, no food (a slight nod to Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah, Pirkei Avot 3:17).

The evening ended with a shiur by Rabbi Chamudot, and the shiur dealt with the aggadic texts of Rabbi Yossi praying in the ruins of Jerusalem and his exchange with Eliyahu HaNavi, as well as Rabbi Meir's exchange with his wife, Bruriah.

We're happy to have our parents and teachers so involved with student learning outside the classroom!

A Charitable Tourney

On Sunday, RKYHS seniors organized, planned, and ran a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to raise money for Yachad, an agency of the Orthodox Union that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with disabilities. Nearly 200 atheletes registered for the tournament, and hundreds came to support the charity. The event raised more than $6,000 for Yachad! Yasher Koach seniors!

RKYHS students also will be participating in a Shabbaton on Friday with members of Senior Yachad (ages 16-25).

This is all part of February as Yachad/NJCD's North American Inclusion Month (NAIM), a timeframe specifically designated "to raise awareness and to develop sensitivity of what it means for those who live with disabilities, and how to include them within the greater Jewish community."

Parents, Teachers, Students, and Torah!

With record participation of more than 50 people, the JKHA Middle School S.O.S. Parent/Child Limud Program on Motzei Shabbos, February 12, was a huge success.

Parents and teachers had the special opportunity to study Torah with our Middle School students, further strengthening the meaningful bonds they already share.

In addition to meaningful Torah study in our beautiful Rosenberg Beit Midrash, all S.O.S. Parent/Child Limud Program participants joined together to play various sports in our Gellert Gymnasium.

The Video Chug Returns!

We're very excited to have our Video Chug back in action. Below is their Weekly Update video, which is filled with a Sports Update, World News, a D'var Torah, and more! Please let us know what you think of our students' outstanding and creative work.

Chugim are our clubs that meet every Tuesday throughout the school year. Our students have the chance to immerse themselves in everything from yoga and ultimate frisbee to Arabic and robotics, to Mishmar learning and Chesed opportunities. With the guidance of faculty advisers who are experts in their fields, our students develop new interests, socialize, and find new ways of contributing to our school community.

A Little Pink for a Good Cause

To raise breast cancer awareness, our RKYHS students wore pink to support Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization of cancer survivors dedicated to addressing the unique challenges facing young Jewish women living with breast cancer!



From the Sharsheret website: Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain”, is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.


Since Sharsheret’s founding in 2001, we have responded to more than 19,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 1,000 peer supporters, and presented over 200 educational programs nationwide. Sharsheret now offers a continuum of care for the Jewish community – addressing the needs of those who are concerned about the risk of breast cancer in their family, those who have been diagnosed with the disease and are undergoing treatment, and those who face issues of survivorship or recurrence.

Giving Back With Battle of the Bands

Last May, our RKYHS students coordinated a classic Battle of the Bands competition, bringing talented high school musicians from across the tri-state area together not only to tout their musical skills, but also to raise money for the Yad Eliezer Widow and Orphan Fund. The event was a huge success, and the students raised thousands of tzedekah dollars.

The feedback from the bands, fans, and parents was so positive, that we will be hosting a second RKYHS Battle of the Bands on March 10, 2011. Mark your calendars!

This year's funds raised will go to Kids Kicking Cancer, a non-profit organization founded by Rabbi/Professor Elimelech Goldberg, a black belt, who lost his 2-year-old daughter to Leukemia in 1983. In response to his loss, Rabbi "G" began a program that offers mental, physical, and emotional reprieve for cancer patients through martial arts from black belt martial artists. Through a variety of classes, sick children learn relaxation and mental strategies, breathing, meditation, and karate exercises that can help them overcome the physical and emotional challenges they face while battling cancer. For more about the organization, visit their YouTube and Facebook pages.




All donations are tax deductible, and we encourage you to help make our students make Battle of the Bands a smashing success! For information on how to donate, please email battleoftheband@gmail.com or post a comment on this post!

Welcoming Adar I

Our students celebrated Rosh Chodesh Adar I with a chagiga and kumsitz. How did you welcome Adar I?

Shabbat Shalom: Hashem's Resting Place

From our weekly bulletin, by Danielle Goldstein.

Parshat Terumah begins the final chapters of Sefer Shemot in which Hashem commands Moshe to build the Mishkan as a resting place for Hashem's presence. This "home" is the place that B'nei Yisrael will come to in order to serve Hashem and sanctify his name. One of the most controversial and important ideas regarding the Mishkan comes up in this parsha. The main machloket amongst the Mefarshim regarding the Mishkan is the question of its necessity within the Jewish Camp.

Rashi, Sforno, and others maintain that there was never supposed to be a physical temple in which the Jews would go to serve Hashem. They explain that the only reason Moshe was commanded to build this physical structure was because after the sin of the Golden Calf, it was clear that the Jews were unable to serve Hashem with out some sort of physical manifestation. Had things gone according to plan, the Jewish people would have remained on a very high spiritual level and would be able to serve Hashem from anywhere.

Ramban and others completely disagree and they believe that the Mishkan was a necessary part of Jewish life and that it was Hashem's will to have this structure created as his dwelling place. This school of thought feels that the great redemption from Mitzraim would not have been complete without it culmination in the building of the Mishkan. This is because once Hashem took them out of Egypt and B'nei Yisrael accepted the Torah at Har Sinai they were ready for the permanent and central rallying point of their Jewish lives.

This Temple, which would be in the center of the Jewish camp, would be the place in which all Jews would gather to bring offerings to Hashem and serve him wholeheartedly.

Whether one believes that the Mishkan was not supposed to be built until the sin of the golden calf, or you believe that it was always the way in which B'nei Yisrael were supposed to serve Hashem, it is something that we are still lacking today. Although it is hard for us living so many years later to understand the kedusha of the Mishkan, we pray three times a day for the rebuilding of this holy Sanctuary. May we be zoche to see the building of the third Beit Hamikdash speedily in our day!

A Leadership and Values Adventure

Our students with Sen. Frank Lautenberg (center).

In December, approxiamately 95 students -- including five from our very own Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School -- from five communities attended the 2010 Panim el Panim seminar through the PANIM Instititute for Jewish Leadership and Values of BBYO.

Students explored the issue of homelessness through two powerful programs: a presentation by DC-area homeless individuals organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless, and a PANIM program called "Street Torah," in which the students met the homeless on the street, listened to their stories, and distributed clothing and toiletries the students had brought from home.

The students heard from Jonathan Kessler of AIPAC, where they were updated on the current situation in the Middle East and the work AIPAC is currently involved in, and discussed America-Israel relations. They also learned many tips on how to advocate effectively, especially on behalf of Israel.

The students were prepped on lobbying skills prior to their visit to Capitol Hill. At the Hill students met with the legislative director for Sen. Robert Menendez, as well as Sen. Frank Lautenberg.

The students were able to see the sights of Washington D.C. during their visit to the White House, Monuments, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and the Library of Congresss. At the Library of Congress, our high school students had the unique opportunity to observe rare Judaic manuscripts, including one of the earliest Bibles from 15th century Italy.

Stay tuned for more on our students' endeavors and experiences!

Tu B'Shvat and Tzedekah!

Tu B'shvat has come and gone, and the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy celebrated by collecting tzedekah to plant a grove in the recently devastated Carmel region of Israel. As part of our celebration, our students were visited by the Jewish National Fund's iconic tzedekah symbol, Blue Box Bob.


Families created twig candle holders and listened to a dramatic storytelling and sampling of the shevat ha'minim. The highlight of the celebration was dancing to Tu B'shvat songs with Blue Box Bob, who also sent our students home with their very own JNF tzedekah box. 

The Blue Box Bob Program is a multi-component educational program for Jewish day, afternoon, and Sunday schools. It is designed to use stories and innovative educational materials to foster themes such as nation building, connection to Israel, and how to help take care of others. It is a program of the Jewish National Fund, a non-profit organization founded in 1901 to serve as caretaker of Israel, on behalf of its owners -- Jewish people everywhere. Over the past century, JNF has planted more than 240 million trees, built over 180 reservoirs and dams, developed more than 250,000 acres of land, created more than 1,000 parks, provided the infrastructure for 1,000 communities, and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment.

The Blog!

Welcome to the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy / Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School blog!

Our goal is to keep you up to date on school events, projects, sports, and how our Modern Orthodox yeshiva is paving the way with invention and experiential learning, as well as mitzvot, midot, and Religious Zionism.

We welcome feedback and hope to engage parents, teachers, other schools, and anyone who wants to be involved in a positive conversation.