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SHAVUOS - KABBALAS HA'TORAH - ARE WE READY? |
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We are all well aware of the various requirements that we as Torah Jews have to fulfill on an ongoing basis. As every aspect of our lives is regulated by Halacha-we face
constant challenges in trying to navigate through life while remaining committed to and hopefully being meticulous about our Torah observance. Everyone has dealt -or will deal-
with cases which raise questions about procedures to follow regarding Shabbos, Yom Tov, Kashrus etc. Most people will ask 'shaylos' when they are not sure how to proceed and will follow the psak of their
Rav who provides them with guidance.
However, we know that the Torah is not just about 'observing laws'. There is an underlying Hashkafa which the Torah hopes to instill in us. An honest quest for knowledge of Hashem's Torah and world that He gave us, integrity and sensitivity towards others are some of the key values that are the goal of Torah observance. I believe that the greatest challenge that the Torah community faces is not in the realm of the 'letter of the law’ but rather in the adherence to the 'spirit of the law'. Receiving the Torah was a transformational gift which enabled us to live life in accordance with the highest standards possible- Mitzvos and values transmitted to us by Hashem.
So as we approach Shavuos, let's remember, eating cheesecake is easy, it is not unusual to ask questions about Shabbos observance-but being honest to ourselves and with others is often very challenging. Let us understand that the true and complete acceptance of the Torah requires us to wholeheartedly embrace the system of Torah values, internalize them, practice them, inspire others and truly be an Am Kadosh- a holy nation.
Chag Sameach
Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman |
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COLLEGE BOWL FINALE |
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A few weeks ago, the Rambam College Bowl Team traveled to Flatbush
where they debated Ramaz for the College Bowl Championship. The team got off
to a great start in a heated, back and forth match. By the end of the second
half of the debate, Rambam was up by only 1 point and went into overtime to win by
2 points. To their credit Ramaz answered 3 straight questions correctly and won
the match. It was a great season for the Rambam team who had a perfect 10 - 0
record leading up to this championship match. We look forward to another amazing run next
year! | | |
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YOM YERUSHALAYIM |
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In honor of Yom Yerushalayim, the students in Rambam attended an assembly on the morning of May 12, to hear Rabbi Eliach discuss the true nature of the Six Day War. Rabbi Eliach explained that the Six Day War was the most unwanted war in the history of the State of Israel. The victory of Israel in the Battle of Jerusalem marked the first time the Jewish people held autonomy over the city since the reign of the Maccabees. He expounded on the miraculous nature of Israel's winning of the war in six short days while outnumbered and surrounded by enemies on all sides.
The student body left the assembly with a new understanding of the events of the Six Day War and it's meaning to the Jewish people. | | |
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LAG BA'OMER FIELD TRIPS |
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On Wednesday, May 12th, in honor of Lag B'omer, Rambam students were able to choose between two awesome trips: Paintball at Cousins in Staten Island, or a NY Mets baseball game at Citi Field. Unfortunately, the Mets lost their series against the Washington Nationals.
Those students who chose paintball enjoyed blasting each other for a few games. The Juniors were matched against the Sophomores and the Freshmen were divided into two competing teams. During the last two games the Freshman and Sophomores joined forces to play against the Juniors. Despite the rain and unseasonably cool temperatures throughout the day, both trips were enjoyed by the participants.
To their delight, when the boys returned to Rambam, they were greeted with the tantalizing aroma of a barbecue that satisfied the appetite the events of the day inspired. | | |
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WIN OR LOSE, HOME ON TIME FOR SHABBAT
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This was the resounding theme from the Rambam Ravens Softball team as they went head to head with DRS and HAFTR for a double header in their season opener, last Friday. Though well played, the first game was lost to DRS. The Ravens were winning at the top of the 7th in the second game, when HAFTR tied it up. The bottom of the 7th, the Ravens gave up 3 outs, and the game was called, in a tie with HAFTR, so that everyone could get home in time for Shabbat. Wow, even with a potential win on the line, the importance of Shabbat came first to this team.
Go Ravens! |
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