This week’s Parsha relates the episode of Yaakov’s encounter with Eisav’s Angel. He fought with the angel, alone, on the far side of the river where he and his family had already crossed over. The fundamental query is to ask is why Yaakov was on the other side of the river?

A famous Rashi explains that he returned because he forgot some small jars; jars that were of little value. The Gemara in Chullim (91a) elaborates that a Tzadik, such as Yaakov, view their property as more precious than their souls. How does the Gemara derive that from this incident? The fact that Yaakov went back and ended up risking his life in a fight against an angel for his invaluable jugs shows that he was willing to risk his life for them.

We can learn many lessons from the fact that a Tzadik would consider his money more important than his own life. For the first reason, the Gemara simply says that they do not wish to go in the path of stealing. Rashi explains that if they do not guard their possessions, they may end up tempted to steal. Such is the importance of not putting oneself in the position to commit a sin.

Yet the Sefer Sichot Mussar interprets the Gemara differently. It says that the possessions of a Tzadik are brought about through truthful means as opposed to deceitful and devious ways. Therefore, their money is Emet-truthful, and therefore it is precious to them. The truth is an important concept for a person to hold in the highest regard. The idea of saying that your life is as important as a few jugs is preposterous! However, the idea of saying your life is as important as truth- that is the regard a person should have towards the truth.

The Ari brings a profound explanation to Yaakov’s actions and a Tzadik’s attitude. He says that a Tzadik has the understanding to realize that if Hashem gave him something, it is paramount to retain it. Obviously, Hashem would not give him something if they did not need it. As a result, if a Tzadik’s possessions are missing, he will do whatever he has to do to retrieve it because whatever Hashem gave him is all for his benefit. A great appreciation of one’s possessions can be learnt from here. Whatever one may have, it is as a direct result of Hashem deciding it is for our benefit.

R’ Yerucham Levovitz related a Mashal of a philosopher who decided that he would live with the bare minimum. He would reject any possessions that were not necessary to his survival, ultimately leaving himself with only a pump to draw water from a well. One day, he saw a group of people drinking from the well without a pump. He reasoned that he did not need the pump anymore, so he disposed of it- his last possession. R’ Yerucham Levovitz explains that this is not the Torah way to live. One should appreciate every item in their possession and not throw it away for no reason because everything is from Hashem.

Benjamin Akhavan (11th Grade)

Rambam prides itself in recognizing excellence in all facets of life. The school recognizes those who excel at learning Torah, chesed, academics, athletics, creativity, and so much more. To that end, the administration announced at a recent assembly the Teacher of the Semester Award in an effort to recognize teachers who demonstrate on a daily basis excellence in teaching.

Ms. Lisa Butler, of the Science Department, was treated to great applause and acclaim from the entire school, as Rabbi Eliach announced that she was the year’s first recipient of the Teacher of the Semester Award. She was presented with a Kindle Fire to aid her in her teaching efforts, and a plaque that recognized “Her outstanding commitment to her students, mastery of subject matter, and dedication to bringing to life the science of biology.”

November 29, 1947 is forever known as Partition Day: the day the UN officially made Israel a sovereign state. Since, we at Rambam, take matters of Zionism very seriously, we had an assembly to learn about and appreciate this momentous day.

After a brief introduction by Rabbi Eliach, we watched some videos talking about the Arab-Israeli conflict. We learned of the origins of the modern state of Israel, as well as its present day struggles. Rabbi Eliach made us realize just how precarious the establishment of Israel was and continues to be. We were thus inspired to think more about the Jewish state, and to carry it even closer to our hearts.

Shai Yastrab (10th Grade)

Rambam novice DebateStars, participating for the first time in a Debate, were extremely successful at the December 1st Ezra Academy Novice Debate. Sam Cohen won a First Place Debater Trophy, and three of the four teams won their competitions, with one of them winning both matches!

The topic of the debate revolved around requiring NFL football players to wear additional protective gear. Affirmative Team A, consisting of Sam and Eric Wietschner, won both of its competitions, defeating HAFTR and HANC. Affirmative Team B, consisting of Jacob Friedman and Jake Plaut, defeated SAR in Round I, while Negative Team B, Gabriel Motechin and Yossi Zimilover, topped Ezra in Round I. Also competing was Negative Team A, comprised of David Fodiman and Yehuda Moskovits.

Next for the DebateStars is the December 18th, MTA Great Debate at Yeshiva University. The topic there is permitting scientific use of unethical research.

Rambam Mesivta has had the privilege of educating many of the finest students the Jewish world has produced over the last two decades. Recently, a member of the Class of 2002, Avi Posnick, along Michele Rojas from StandWithUs, returned to Rambam Mesivta to teach students more about Israel advocacy. Avi, who runs StandWithUs's New York office, introduced Ms. Rojas, who is StandWithUs's Diaspora educator. Ms. Rojas told the students how facts concerning Israel are distorted, why we need to combat lies, and why Israel is singled out. Rambam students are, of course, already highly skilled in Israel advocacy thanks to the efforts of Rabbi Eliach, but any new perspectives on the topic are always helpful.

Ms. Rojas presented numerous case studies surrounding the Flotilla Affair and Operation Cast Lead that illustrated a media bias against Israel and its right to exist and defend itself.

For more information about StandWithUs one of the world's largest Israel advocacy organizations, visit standwithus.org

John Beer (12th Grade)

In what turned out to be an epic game, the JV Rambam Ravens Hockey team took on the North Shore Stars! Coming off a 10-2 victory against Yeshiva Derech Eres, the Ravens were looking to add another win to their record. Eli Lava led the scoring with a hat-trick and Akivah Hochbaum, Yaakov Nussbaum, Yaakov Bronstein, and Mendy Duftler all scored goals. The Ravens prevailed 7 to 4!

This auspicious win may not have been possible without the tremendous efforts and outstanding saves made by freshman goalie, Yosef Septimus.

From scoring to saving, this is one Ravens team that brings it to every game!

Eli Lava (10th Grade)

The Rambam Chess Team played their first match at HANC last week and came out with an outstanding record of 5 and 2. Looks like the chess team is off to a great start! Special thanks to co - captain Gary Feder for working out all the details with me.

Zechariah Hartman (10th Grade-co-captain)