Students at the Rambam Mesivta were privileged to hear from Rav Sheinvald, the Rosh Hayeshiva of Modi’in. Rav Sheinvald, in addition to serving as the head of the 200 student hesder program also serves as an aluf misneh-Col. in the tank corps of the IDF. He shared with the students his perspective on Chanukah and stated that the Maccabees defeated the world's mightiest army at that time. The Greeks had the most sophisticated tanks (in the form of elephants) and weaponry and had vanquished all of their enemies. The Maccabees, being Kohanim spent most of the time learning and teaching Torah. They were literally a bunch of “yeshiva bochrim” who decided to rise up against the mighty Greek army and fight for Klal Yisrael. They had very little training...but they had Hakadosh Baruch Hu on their side.

According to Rav Sheinvald, “We don't rely on or depend upon miracles, but we believe that miracles can happen. It was the combination and partnership of Emunah, commitment to Torah and Mitzvos on the one hand and physically going into battle on the other that enabled the Maccabees to defeat the far superior Greek army," said the Rosh Yeshiva. He emphasized that the strength of the Jewish people comes from their relationship to Hashem.

Another of the practical messages that Rav Sheinvald imparted was the importance of reaching out and inspiring the uncommitted Jewish community. The Maccabees had to fight against the powerful forces of Hellenism and did what they could to bring many back to the Torah way of life. Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh Mesivta of Rambam, noted that on his recent trip to eretz Yisrael, he visited the yeshiva in Modi’in and was very impressed to see the yeshiva students teaching a group unaffiliated young students in the community about the basics of Judaism.

Rabbi Friedman explained that, “It is clear that Rav Sheinvald’s decision to take an active role in the IDF and the chesed he does in Modi’in-the home of the Maccabees-stems from his true commitment to Klal Yisrael and is an outgrowth of his Torah. He is in that sense- a modern-day Maccabee."

Recently at Rambam, we commemorated the 10th yahrzeit of HaGaon HaRav Ahron Soloveichik, zt”l. Rav Ahron Soloveichik is missed greatly. Students used be able to attend his weekly Tuesday night shiur at Rambam, and everyone who attended enjoyed it. All the talmidim who got to know him felt a very strong kesher with him. Unfortunately, the Rav suffered a stroke which made traveling to New York from Chicago every week extremely difficult. His neurologist told him that normally in his condition a regular person would be in a rocking chair for the rest of his life. But the Rav refused to give in to his physical limitations, he continued to fly all over the country to give shiurim. He left a permanent impression on everyone that he encountered, Jew or non-Jew, affiliated or unaffiliated.

At the assembly, we were addressed by the son of Rav Ahron Soloveichik, Rav Eliyahu Soloveichik. Rav Eliyahu Soloveichik told us of the greatness of his father. He told us many stories of how random, non-Jewish people were touched by Rav Ahron.

While in his hospital bed, Rav Ahron was truly able to experience the concept of how a soul could be limited by its physical counterpart. He published an article about this feeling of separation and limitation of the soul, and his descriptive accounts of his paralysis are considered to be impressively accurate.

There is a lot to learn from Rav Ahron Soloveichik. What I am taking to heart is the responsibility to always make a Kiddush Hashem. To always strive in your learning of Torah, to never give up. And finally, never give in to your physical limitations.

Ben Silverstein (9th Grade)

On December 14th the JV Rambam Quiz Bowl team faced off against East Rockaway. At first the attempt to gain a big lead was hard against our great opponent. But after a few minutes, Rambam pulled ahead. After the third round, East rockaway had caught up but Rambam fought back to gain 35 straight points to win the game!

Rambam is now on a two game winning streak and is hungry for more. Many people contributed to this tremendous win. A special thanks to Michael Rosenfeld and Yair Lichtman on their amazing performance. Michael Rosenfeld led the team in points and Yair Lichtman earned many points in the math round. Also, Yisrael Stern, Liam Eliach, and Jake Plaut all contributed to the great team effort. At 2 and 0 the Rambam Quiz Bowl team has a bright season ahead of them. Stay tuned for our next game which will be played in early January. Go Rambam!

Liam Eliach (10th Grade)

This past week the Varsity Ravens played the Magen Av Knights. The Ravens quickly jumped out to a commanding 13-6 lead in the opening minutes thanks to some stellar play from seniors Isaac Azose and JJ Donner. The Ravens took a substantial lead into halftime and never looked back as they went on to win their first game of the year by the score of 41-21. We would like to congratulate the Ravens on their first win of the season and hopefully what will be the first of many. GO RAVENS!!!

Jordan Kaufman (11th Grade)