Chanukah is a multi-dimensional holiday. It provides lessons and perspectives in Halachah, Hashkafah and History. Rather than focus on one particular topic, offered below are a number of 'points to ponder'.

We must realize that we are a unique people with a unique value system, that of the Torah. Despite the fact that we are fortunate to live in a great country which welcomes us as a people and offers us complete religious freedom, we must be mindful that the values of our society are not always consistent with the values of the Torah. Success in the material world is viewed by the Torah as a means and not an end in and of itself. The challenge that we faced during Chanukah was to realize that the allure of Hellenism, despite its popularity, was not the Jewish way of life.

Affluence is a 'bracha' but also presents challenges. Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik suggested that the reason we read the story of Yosef HaTzadik during Chanukah is to teach us that despite the fact that Yosef enjoyed tremendous success in Egypt, he was able to 'manage' that success and emerge as the rightful leader of Klal Yisrael. We must be able to interact successfully with society around us and yet remain committed to the legacy of our forefathers.

We cannot be deterred by the fact that we are often outnumbered by our adversaries. The miracle of Chanukah teaches us that if we remain steadfast and fight for what is right - specifically the ability to live and practice a Torah way of life - the 'yad Hashem' may manifest itself and enable us to vanquish our enemies if we are so deserving.

Many historians, sociologists and military experts have been baffled throughout the ages about the survivability of the Jewish people which defies all odds and logic. However, by understanding the miracle of Chanukah, it is clear that our continued survival depends upon our commitment and willingness to sacrifice to uphold the Torah way of life.

Happy Chanukah to all!!

Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman

Rabbi Friedman, Rosh HaYeshiva, took his annual trip to Eretz Yisrael a few weeks ago to visit the Rambam graduates learning there. Every year Rabbi Friedman and the alumni get together for a Shabbaton where they daven together, sing together, shmooze together and just have a great time. Rabbi Friedman said, "They really are an amazing bunch. It gives us great nachas to see their focus and desire to grow in Torah and Yiras Shamayim." In addition to his reunion with his talmidim on Shabbos, Rabbi Friedman spent time visiting the various yeshivot the boys attend and was invited to give shiurim and shmoozim at Shaalvim, HaKotel, Torat Shraga and Mevaseret. "It is important to see what changes are taking place in the various yeshivot. Giving a shiur affords me the opportunity to see firsthand where the yeshiva is holding and the level of the boys who attend there. Overall, I was very impressed by the questions they asked and answers they proposed," said Rabbi Friedman.

Traditionally, approximately 95% of Rambam graduates go to learn in Israel in various Hesder and American type Yeshivas. The annual Shabbaton is a much anticipated event for the talmidim. In addition to the learning and Ruach, Rabbi Friedman spends time talking to the talmidim about their individual progress. "It's really great to keep the Kesher with the boys and we look forward to having them come back and visit Rambam as they always do.

Friday night, Parshat VaYishlach, marked the Fourth Annual school-wide Tisch at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Peretz Hochbaum. Over 80 current and former talmidim came together to share in our Oneg Shabbat, Divrei Torah and great chevra. The warmth and friendship that resonated throughout the house made the nearly dozen future Rambam students in attendance feel that they were joining a truly special school. The evening included presentations by Rambam seniors, Jacob Bernstein, Gaby Novick and Zach Sherman and a beautiful דרשה by Rabbi Avrum Haar. The unbelievable Ruach was punctuated by spirited singing that went on for hours. Of course, the delicious chulent, kugel and brownies added a satisfying touch for all participants. All in all it was a beautiful Shabbat experience for everyone involved. We look forward to spending Shabbat together again very soon!

Yeshiva University has honored Rambam Mesivta by accepting all four applicants from the Class of 2010 to its full-tuition scholarship Honors Program.

Jacob Bernstein, Jonathan Drory, Shmuel Herzberg, and Gavriel Novick successfully undertook the rigorous YU Honors Program application process and were rewarded Monday, December 14, with notices that they had been accepted to the prestigious program.

The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program at Yeshiva College challenges outstanding students to reach their full potential. The program stresses critical analysis, creativity, cultural enrichment, research, individual mentoring, and both oral and written communication skills. Students who fulfill all of the honors program requirements have the honors distinction noted on their transcripts and receive special diplomas with the honors program designation.

The program requires a minimum GPA of 90 and at least 1270 combined score in critical reasoning and mathematics on their SATs. The four Rambam seniors greatly exceeded those requirements. Among them, the GPAs ranged from 96.26 to 101.21 and combined SAT scores from 1390 to 1490. They had to submit letters of recommendation from faculty members or school officials, write an essay, and be interviewed by YU admissions officials. Their educational careers at Rambam have been extremely challenging, marked with many Honors and Advanced Placement courses. All four also had an extensive list of extra-curricular activities ranging from academic to athletic teams, and out-of-school activities including tutoring and advanced scientific research.

Rabbi Murray Sragow, YU Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, thanked Rosh HaMesivta Zev Meir Friedman, Principal Yotav Eliach, and Associate Principal Peretz Hochbaum for sending the university “four extremely well qualified candidates. We are excited at the prospect of continuing the work that you have done with these wonderful students. These students will be leaders of the Jewish community in the next generation, and we are honored to be part of their education. We wish you many years of continued pride from all these outstanding students.”

Rafi Holzer and Mark Stauber, Rambam alumni, celebrated Chanukah by reminding the Jewish people of their role in Tikkun Ha’Olam. Currently Yeshiva University students, they worked for months to create a Menorah that uses turbines to capture energy from the wind, charging a battery connected to the lights of an electric menorah. Serious physics students, Raffi and Mark were very excited to be able to use their knowledge and skills in this project. They hope this will bring a new "light" to the Washington Heights Campus and a renewed awareness to our role in protecting the environment.

Link for Newspaper articles: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/from-wind-light-for-the-menorah/
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Happy-Eco-Hanukah-Behold-the-Menorah-of-tomorrow.html