Parshas Vayeitzei starts off by relating the way Hashem revealed Himself to Yaakov on his way to Charan. Hashem addresses him by saying, “I am G-d, Lord of Avraham your father, and Lord of Yitzchak.” It is noted in the Midrash, however, that Hashem doesn’t affiliate his name with Tzaddikim, “Lord of Avraham,” “Lord of Yitzchak”- if they are still alive. The Midrash explains that since Yitzchak was blind, it was considered that he had already passed on, and that his Yetzer Harah was not able to tempt him.

Although Hashem knows the future, and whether or not a Tzaddik will sin, He still refrains from connecting his name to Tzaddikim that are still alive, since, when Hashem’s knowledge is truly revealed, it hinders man’s free will. However, when Hashem declared himself as “Lord of Yitzchak,” because his Yetzer Harah has ceased to tempt him and would not affect his free will.

This doesn’t exactly seem to be the case though. We see that a blind person does have a Yetzer Harah, and is capable of sinning. How then does the Midrash state that Hashem was able to affiliate his name with Yitzchak because he was blind, and that his Yetzer Harah had stopped to affect him?

Rashi in Parshas Toldos says that Yitzchak was blinded because of the smoke from the incense that Esav’s wives offered to their idols. While it is true that smoke can blind someone, if the smoke were that dense to blind Yitzchak, it would have also blinded Esav, his wives, and anyone else who came into contact with the smoke. How then was the smoke able to blind only Yitzchak? It wasn’t the smoke itself that blinded Yitzchak, but it was the fact that the smoke was a byproduct of Avodah Zarah that caused him to go blind.

This is similar to an incident involving Reb Nochum of Chernobyl. He was once given milk from a non-Jew, but he was unable to see it. When explaining why he could not see it, he said, “That which a Jew should not see, he does not see.”

Yitzchak was blinded by the fact that he could not tolerate Avodah Zarah. This also blinded his Yetzer Harah, and it was unable to tempt him into sinning. Since he was able to attain such an exalted state, it was possible for Hashem to affiliate his name with Yitzchak even while he was still alive.

Andy Shemelzman (11th Grade)

This past Thursday, the Introduction To Law class, along with members of the Mock Trial Team, had the extraordinary opportunity to hear Judge Ron Goldman speak on the subject of “Justice and the Law.” Professor Stevens' law class and members of the Mock Trial Team were publically acknowledged by Judge Goldman. The other guests, members of the Lawrence community were noticeably impressed that young students were at eager to learn in this forum.

The lecture was held at the Peninsula Library where Judge Goldman spoke about his over 30 years experience practicing criminal law and how the law and justice seemed to often be at odds.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that it was a rare treat. It's not every day we get the opportunity to learn from a real judge. I definitely look forward to hearing him speak again.

Joe Marcus (12th Grade)

Even after many weeks, the echoes of Rambam’s Kristallnacht rally are still reverberating throughout the world. During the rally at the Jackson Heights Library the protest outside Nazi Palij’s house, the underground Chinese news station, New Tang Dynasty Television was one of our main sources of media attention. To our happy surprise NTDTV has over 200,000,000 (two hundred million!) viewers daily. They supply news illegally in China and are opposed to their own government. The crux of their news is about the persecution of people in Asia and all over the world. In China, the only way you can get this news is if you buy a special satellite or you are skilled enough with computers to get around China's censorship. Their station speaks the truth.

After their story about our rally and protest, they did a follow up story on Rambam, its philosophy and message. When the reporter came in, she spoke to those students who volunteered to call the press. We spoke about the dynamics of the school, how we organize rallies and protests and what else we do to help the community, the nation, and the world.

Thanks to these intrepid souls, the good word of Rambam was spread throughout the world.

Jake Plaut (10th Grade)

The Rambam Meet The Author Book Club had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by the 92nd Street Y about the plight of Soviet Jewry. The forum was headlined by Elie Wiesel and Natan Sharansky and also included author Gal Beckerman and political commentator Richard Perle.

They spoke at length about the refuseniks (Soviet Jews who were denied permission to emigrate out of the Soviet Union) and how many courageously risked their lives and their freedom for their faith. Elie Wiesel also made a point about the importance of Social Activism and how it played a pivotal role in the release of Natan Sharansky from jail after nine long years. All of the Rambam Students who attended were enthralled by the forum and it was truly a great experience for all to hear men who risked so much for not only Judaism, but also human rights in general.

The night culminated in an emotional meeting with Elie Wiesel, and many Rambam students were moved by the poignancy of meeting the Nobel Prize winning author of Night, and “Voice of the Holocaust.”

Jordan Kaufman (12th Grade)

Recently, the Rambam College Bowl Team left the building short-handed on their way to conquer the College Bowl Championship title. The team consisted of only sophomores, losing essential juniors to an AP exam. Even though the team was shorthanded they put up a tremendous effort against North Shore, HAFTR, and a close 2 point game with Central. Many players played extremely well including Yisrael Stern and Noah Stochel who each scored many points for the team. Although Rambam exited without a win, they put up an outstanding effort and are looking forward to a great season! Go Ravens!

Liam Eliach (10th Grade)