Dvar Torah

In this week’s Parsha we read about the sin of the Golden Calf – the Chait HaEgel. The meforshim all wonder how this episode came about. How is it possible that B’nei Yisrael, having just experienced such an exalted state of divine revelation at Sinai could fall victim to this grievous sin of idolatry? One can sharpen the question a bit by pointing out that in Perek 32, Pasuk 8 the Torah relates that G-d told Moshe to return to B’nei Yisrael because “Saru Mahare Min HaDerech”… they have turned quickly from the path that I have commanded them. This has truly been a precipitous drop from the highest levels of Kedusha to “Asu Lahem Eigel Masecha”!

Rav Chaim Shmulevitz points out that this is indeed unusual. The Gemara in Shabbat (105B) tells us that the Yetzer Hara is very artful – it tricks us and deceives us over time. Only after much confusion do we get to the point of having the inclination to worship idols! How then can we explain this implosion by Klal Yisrael?

R’ Shmulevitz explains that when Moshe went up to Har Sinai the Jews waited expectantly for his return at the assigned time. Rashi tells us that Satan had plunged the world into darkness and made it appear that Moshe had died. What a disaster! How could this be? B’nei Yisrael were bereft. “Ki Zeh Moshe Ha Ish Asher Heelanu MeEretz Mitzrayim Lo Yadanu Mah Haya Lo” – We have lost our leader! We cannot proceed!

The Jewish spirit was completely broken – they were stripped of their morale and defenseless in the face of the Yetzer Hara. Under these conditions the Satan didn’t need to be artful. It was relatively easy to propel B’nei Yisrael into instant ruin. This, R’ Shmulevitz explains is how ‘Saru Mahare” – they turned so very quickly into idolaters.

The message for us is clear. In life we all face challenges both as individuals and as a Klal. We must never be ‘mityaesh’ in the face of troubles. We must keep our faith in Hashem and in ourselves to overcome the vicissitudes of life and never allow the Yetzer Hara to take control of our emotions. In this way may we all be zocheh to survive and thrive in all that life has to offer!

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum

 
Purim Chagiga

This past Motzei Shabbos, Purim night, Rambam hosted a Megillah reading and a superb chagiga to celebrate the simcha of Purim. Abie Lieber did an incredible job laining the Megillah, and the chagiga featured music, dancing, and refreshments. The festive atmosphere and the achdus felt while celebrating the simcha of Purim with fellow Rambam students and Rebbeim was incredible! Communally sharing the miracle of Purim in such a derech, one deeply felt what being Jewish is all about.

Daniel Sobin

 
Blood Drive

This Tuesday Rambam held its third blood drive of the year and it was a huge success, as always, with a whopping 44 pints of blood collected! A big Yasher Koach to all of the donors, especially the first timers, parents, and alumni who so graciously took the time out to come and help us reach our goals. We are working toward another award-winning year and, of course, we are helping to save lives! A note of gratitude is also extended to the administration for sponsoring Dunkin Donuts for everyone who participated in the drive. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our fourth and final drive in May!

Abe Korman

 
Mock Trial
The Rambam Mock Trial Team made its way to the Nassau County Supreme Court for their second meet on Tuesday this week. Competing with all of the major Nassau County schools, Rambam was assigned as a defense team, facing DRS as the prosecution. The "trial" got off to a great start, led by captains and attorneys David Drory and Gabi Guterson. The case was very well played on both sides. Although our Rambam team was successful in "winning" the case (as we did in the first trail), "saving" the client from "going to jail", it is the individual points that count. The breathtaking final verdict eventually went to DRS, despite the strong showing from Rambam's team. We hope to meet DRS again in next year's round of trials and show them an unbeatable Rambam team!
 
Jam Session with a Pro
A new exciting club had students buzzing at Rambam this week. World renowned guitarist Ari Boiangiu from Neshoma Orchestra came to Rambam for his first introductory lesson. The boys all joined with guitars in hand to hear and learn from one of the best in the business. Ari has been playing professionally since he was 13 years old and his expertise combined with his background in Chinuch make him one of the outstanding music teachers in the Jewish community. The class began with an intro to technique and led straight into a group Jam session. The students loved it and can’t wait for more in the weeks to come. Ari will be offering group lessons at Rambam for a limited 15 boys per group. For more information or to sign up, please call Rabbi Yeruchum Brazil at the Rambam Office.
 
Rambam Food Drive
Rambam is running a school wide food drive for the JCC of the greater five towns. Please bring in any non perishable foods or toiletries and help over 60 families throughout the five towns. There will be a large basin by the main entrance for food drop off. Celebrate Adar with true Simcha - the Simcha of Chesed! Tizku Le’mitzvot.
 
Upcoming Events

Thursday, March 4th - Soccer Tryouts – 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Sunday, March 7th - Tennis Tryouts - 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Shabbat Parshat Vayak’hel/Pekudei - In-House Shabbaton

Congratulations to Professor Mike Kelly on his engagement to Janine.
 
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