Community Magazine April 2012

Ahi Ezer Makes Learning Come Alive Ahi Ezer’s wide range of special projects, trips and activities having been turning the classroom learning into real life experience in a fun, exciting way. As part of their Tu Bishvat studies, Ahi Ezer’s kindergarten class made a trip to Pomegranate to see all the different types of fruits on display. As the children marveled at some of the fruits they had never seen before, the teacher taught them about the beracha of shehehiyanu which is said on a fruit that one hasn’t eaten in a long time. Another exciting trip the kindergarten took was to the Pet Store, after learning all about the letter “P.” The children were so excited to see all the different kinds of animals, and were even given the opportunity to touch them! In the elementary school, Ahi Ezer’s 5 th grade girls were treated to a shabbaton like none other in Deal, New Jersey, thanks to the gracious hospitality of Rabbi and Mrs. Isaac Farhi. The fun-filled program began on Friday afternoon, February 24th. After lunch, the girls were off to their hostesses’ homes, where, they made hallah and learned how to braid it in six. Scrapbooking was next and the girls had a blast decorating and designing each page of their books. Shabbat started off with beautiful singing and Rabbi Farhi’s amazing stories about his escape from Syria. On Shabbat morning, Congregation Zvi Lazedek (Hathaway) welcomed the girls and gave them an uplifting tefila . During seuda shelishit, each girl decided to take upon herself an extra missva that she would do the next Shabbat. As the weekend came to an end, everyone was inspired and knew that these memories would last forever. Last month, Purim was an extra special experience at Ahi-Ezer. All students – from toddlers until the eighth grade – were dressed up in Purim costumes throughout the day. Costumes ranged from a cow girl, to a ballerina, to a mime, and even a vampire. They were all adorable and put all the students in the Purim state of mind. After the toddlers and nursery classes learned all about Purim and mishloah manot , an activity was arranged for the girls to each exchange mishloah manot from their home with a classmate. Meanwhile, the eighth graders organized and ran a spectacular, fun-filled carnival for the entire school to get everyone into the Purim mood. The event featured a wide variety of booths with lots of exciting games and prizes, including a pickle race, Coke and Pepsi contest, shave the balloon race, and much more. The outdoor moon walk, popcorn and cotton candy machines were also a huge hit. Ilan Joins Oorah in Spreading Purim Joy On February 28 th , Ilan High School’s ninth graders went on a different kind of class trip. The girls piled into Oorah’s Lakewood headquarters on a mission to spread Purim joy. Oorah, a Jewish outreach organization, and Ilan High School of Deal, came together to form a powerful team, packing thousands of Purim packages for families across the country. Brightly-decorated boxes were stuffed with all kinds of goodies, including a Purim guide explaining all aspects of the holiday, a fun Oorah kippah, and, of course, lots of nosh. This isn’t the first time Ilan has cooperated with Oorah in hesed . Earlier this year, Ilan’s students helped pack Hanukah party-in-a-box packages. “It’s really like a factory,” one of the girls said, describing how the students formed an assembly line and worked with dazzling efficiency. Within just a few short hours, over 1,800 packages were prepared. Over the course of Purim, nearly 3,000 mishloah manot were delivered to families involved in Oorah’s programs, which include their Zone camps in upstate New York, their Torah Mates one-on-one learning program, and the Yeshiva placement service. Thanks to Oorah and a special group of girls, 3,000 families were able to experience the joy of Purim in a uniquely profound way and feel a deep connection to their fellow Jews. Sephardic Jewry to Be Honored at Capitol Hill As a tribute to Sephardic Jewry, an exclusive luncheon will be held at the US Capitol to honor the leaders of the Sephardic community in the United States. A special tribute will also be paid to Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Israel and Minister of Internal Affairs MK Rabbi Eli Yishai, and the founder of Israel’s Shas party, MK Rabbi Nissim Zeev. The event is set to take place on May 16, 2012 in the LBJ Room, and will recognize the historical contributions of Sephardic Jews to the United States and honor contemporary Sephardic Jewish leaders. In 1649, Solomon Franco, A Sephardic Jew from Holland, became the second Jew to visit the New World. Although he faced many struggles in his short journey, he nevertheless paved the way for other Jews to come to the Americas. Now, over 360 years later, the large, flourishing Sephardic community in the United States stands as a reflection of the rich Sephardic legacy that has been faithfully preserved since antiquity under the guidance of its devoted rabbis and community leaders. This event will celebrate the significant contributions of the Sephardic community to the United States and to Jewish culture generally. For more information, or to find out how to join this exclusive event, contact Gabriella at (212) 233-5555 X 110 or via email at: Gabriella@thefriedlandergroup.com . Community Chest Purim Costumes Shabbaton 96 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE