ROSH HASHANA – COMING TO GRIPS WITH OUR LIMITATIONS

One of the essential themes in our Rosh Hashana prayers is that of malchiyot - the recognition of Hashem's omnipotence and control of the world. Reflecting upon this concept will immediately bring to mind our own limitations in attempting to change the natural order. As an example, we cannot prevent hurricanes or snowstorms but can only act intelligently in planning for and responding to such events. The human species, despite its technological advances and great potential, faces a 'brick wall' when it comes to any attempt to control Hashem's world. We can work within the framework of the laws of creation but cannot change them.

An understanding of this idea has profound implications for our outlook on life. First and foremost, we should appreciate everything that Hashem created and recognize that ultimately all of our needs in the physical world are provided for by Hashem. It is for this reason that we daven thrice a day throughout the year asking Hashem to provide us with knowledge, health, and financial success. We should be humbled when we come to grips with our limitations. The Talmud teaches us that the sound of the shofar is patterned after the human cry. We wail and weep when we suffer the pain and anguish of untoward events in life, recognizing that we have little or no control over them.

It is only through the recognition that we must turn to and put our trust in Hashem and only Hashem that we can find solace and a sense of tranquility and security. Bitchu b' Hashem adei ad – we are implored to put our faith in Hashem.

Of necessity, taking this lesson to heart will have profound impact on our relationship with others. When we realize our own limitations, we are less likely to act in an insensitive manner towards others. More often than not, the impetus for 'trampling ' on the rights of others stems from our sense of 'relative' superiority and entitlement. A true recognition of Malchut Hashem reminds us of who we truly are.

Wishing the entire Rambam family a K'tiva V'Chatima Tova.

Rabbi Zev Friedman

 
Rambam Shabbaton ‘09

This year’s school Shabbaton organized by the king of Student Activities, Yeruchum Brazil, was a smashing success! Over 120 students, grades 9 – 12 participated in a weekend of fun, learning, singing and team building at Camp Seneca Lake in Honesdale, PA.

The Shabbaton got off to a great start for our freshmen who arrived first on Thursday afternoon. Students learned important lessons about friendship and standing up for one another through a riveting trigger-film called “Pigeon”, and a session led by Rabbi Hochbaum on the mitzvah of Hochiach Tochiach - How to give mussar to your fellow man. An evening of basketball, hockey, swimming and x-box rounded out the day’s events. A main key to the success of “Freshmen Retreat” was the outstanding leadership provided by our Senior advisors; Zach Sherman, Kevin Rhine, Ari Zeitz, Jacob Bernstein, Abie Korman, Yossi Szpigiel and Gabe DuBow.

Things really picked up on Friday when the upper classmen arrived. After a quick but tasty lunch, it was time to play ball. Despite the rainy cold weather, the competition was fierce and the excitement hot as everyone hit the courts before shabbat.

Shabbos itself was inspirational and heartwarming for everyone involved. Our soulful tefilot were led by Jeremy Litton, Abie Lieber and Elliot Tanzman. Kriat HaTorah was flawlessly presented by Shlomo Laufer, Ari Zeitz, Abie Lieber and Kevin Rhine. Hearing the entire student body singing the tefillot together combined with divrei torah from Rabbi Hochbaum and Rabbi Eliach was indeed memorable.

A scrumptious Seudas Shabbos was dominated by lively zemirot led by our Alumni advisors: Avi Hershman, Chanan Zupnick, Jeremy Litton, Elliot Tanzman and Ilan Kattan. The ruach didn’t end there either. After a beautiful dvar torah from ninth grader Yosef Fein the singing continued at a Tisch led by Rabbi Friedman and Rabbi Ziskind and the place was rocking late into the night.

Shabbos day was hi-lighted by a number of shiurim and divrei torah. Yasher Koach to tenth grader Didi Levy and to twelfth grader Jacob Bernstein for their thoughtful and inspiring words. Rabbi Friedman led a thought-provoking question and answer shiur on Hilchos Teshuva. It was a lively and informative session. Finally, the learning was capped off by Rabbi Avi Haar’s pre-selichos sichah that set the mood.

After Shabbos the fun and games were back in full swing. Night activity featured a jacuzzi Kumzitz led by Rabbi Ziskind; football under the lights; b-ball, hockey, tennis, swimming and x-box tournaments. A lively melave malkah, featuring Jeremy Litton and Ilan Kattan and an awesome BBQ put the finishing touches on a perfect weekend!

We can’t wait to bring all the shabbaton ruach and school pride back to Rambam as we kick off another great year of learning, growing and friendship at Rambam Mesivta.

 
TNL Is Back!
Rabbi Avi Haar kicked off this year's Thursday night learning program with a special pre-Rosh Hashana shiur. The food, chevra and lomdus set the stage for another great year of Torah and ruach. Tonight's shiur followed our Wednesday night extracurricular learning program given by Reb Noam Horowitz. Talmidim are invited to 'pick their night' and come and learn in our Beis Medrash.
 
SMARTBOARD

Dear Rambam Family,

Rambam Mesivta is pleased to announce that we have installed a new SMARTBOARD in the building this year. The SMARTBOARD equipment has been generously donated by Legacy Heritage Fund, Ltd. We are very grateful for their gift.

It is through the vision and support of friends like the Legacy Heritage Fund, Ltd. that we are able to continuously improve and expand the educational opportunities at Rambam Mesivta.

We look forward to a year of success and growth for all of Rambam’s students!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Zev Friedman, Rosh Mesivta

Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Principal

Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum, Associate Principal

 
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