Good Erev Shabbat to all!
Baruch Hashem, our school year here at HAWQ ended with much excitement and enthusiasm. The Girls’ Division had the Siyum Luncheon last Sunday. The girls prepared festive centerpieces for the event, reflecting the theme from Chazal that as "the seas cover the earth with water, so the knowledge of Hashem should be spread all over the world." Three of our young ladies spoke beautifully on theme and sharing warm memories of their years at HAWQ. Chana Abrakhaimova was announced as the valedictorian of the Class of ’08.
Last Monday, the girls enjoyed an amazing all day trip to Six Flags Great Adventure. The day was most enjoyable and the girls conduct on the trip was truly a Kiddush Hashem! Thank you Mrs. Yachnes, Miss Gavrielov, and Miss Khaimova for your hard work in making the trip so successful. In our Boys’ Division we ended the year with a bowling trip that included lunch at Dougie’s.
Our Summer Learning Center is up and running. Anyone interested in tutoring in any subject, any grade, including Regents Prep, please contact Rabbi Abrahams @ 917 747 7342.
In this week’s Parsha, we have the famous story of Korach’s rebellion and the tragic results, as the earth opened up and drew Korach and his followers into the depths. Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, Shlita, points out that the opening in the earth that swallowed Korach was one of the ten things Hashem created during the twilight of the Friday of creation. Why was it necessary for this opening to be created so far in advance from when it was needed? Couldn’t Hashem have formed the opening at the moment he was ready to destroy Korach and save Moshe Rabbeinu? Rabbi Goldwasser quotes the Meorah Shel Torah that it is to teach us an important lesson. The solutions to all our problems already exist in the world. It is our task, with hard work and determination, to uncover that pre-existing solution, but we can never lose faith that a road to success is there for us to discover. As we have noted, this is particularly true in the area of Chinuch. Many times when faced with a child with learning or behavioral issues we throw up our hands and, Chas V"shalom, give up. We must know that there are solutions out there. We must roll up our sleeves and with diligence and patience make sure we find a way to reach that child! Hashem has created the keys to open the door, we just need to find them.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
June 20, 2008 Newsletter
Good Erev Shabbat to all!
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Baruch Hashem, the Hebrew Academy of West Queens Annual Dinner was a beautiful and inspiring evening. We would like to express Hakarat HaTov to the Dinner Chairmen, Mr. & Mrs. Amnon Fayziev , the honorees, and the administration for all their efforts making the dinner such a big success. Also, thanks to all our supporters who came in person and to those who contributed in the beautiful dinner journal.
The evening was enhanced with uplifting words of Torah and Chizuk by Rav Avraham Benhaim, Shlita of Congregation Magen Avraham, as well Rav Yitzhak Yehoshua, and Rav Shlomo Nisanov. The award to the Levine family was presented by our own Rav Mordechai Hecht, Shlita.
he Alumna of the Year award was presented to Dr. Siller, by Rav Leibel Rockove of Congregation Nachlas Avos. Dr. Siller was recognized for serving as an exemplary role model for HAWQ students for achieving outstanding success in both the Torah and secular worlds. Her dedication to the field of mental health in the Torah community was also noted. The crowd was very touched by her fond memories of her years at HAWQ.
The theme of the evening was that Every Jewish Child Deserves a Torah Education. This theme was highlighted by the Nisanov and Wallach families, whose sons, Natanel and Yaakov, were able to overcome early academic difficulties, and in HAWQ achieve acceptance into the highly regarded Yeshiva High Schools, Mesivta Atares Yaakov (Southshore) and Chofetz Chaim in Kew Garden Hills. It was also emphasized that Yaakov’s and Natanel’s success was made possible by the partnership that was forged between the Yeshiva and the parents working together.
Another powerful lesson of the evening was a thought expressed by Mr. Martin Levine, whose father was a founder and first president of HAWQ. How the efforts of one individual could still be reaping benefits more than four decades later!
Since this week’s Parsha contains the third paragraph of Kriat Shema, let me take the liberty to express a short idea from the first paragraph of Shema that relates to this year’s Dinner. The Pasuk states that you should teach Torah to your children (V’shenanta l’vanecha) when you are sitting at home and when you go on your way (B’shivticha B’baitecha u V’lechtecha Baderech). The prefix "bet" is translated as meaning "when". The Torah is giving a time frame when to study. However, if we understand the "bet" as "through" the Pasuk takes on new meaning. Teach Torah "through" the way you conduct yourself, whether at home or outside the home. The most powerful tool we can utilize to teach Torah to others is the example we set and how we live our lives. Certainly, this important lesson can clearly be learned from this year’s worthy honorees, whose outstanding accomplishments are an inspiration
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
.
Baruch Hashem, the Hebrew Academy of West Queens Annual Dinner was a beautiful and inspiring evening. We would like to express Hakarat HaTov to the Dinner Chairmen, Mr. & Mrs. Amnon Fayziev , the honorees, and the administration for all their efforts making the dinner such a big success. Also, thanks to all our supporters who came in person and to those who contributed in the beautiful dinner journal.
The evening was enhanced with uplifting words of Torah and Chizuk by Rav Avraham Benhaim, Shlita of Congregation Magen Avraham, as well Rav Yitzhak Yehoshua, and Rav Shlomo Nisanov. The award to the Levine family was presented by our own Rav Mordechai Hecht, Shlita.
he Alumna of the Year award was presented to Dr. Siller, by Rav Leibel Rockove of Congregation Nachlas Avos. Dr. Siller was recognized for serving as an exemplary role model for HAWQ students for achieving outstanding success in both the Torah and secular worlds. Her dedication to the field of mental health in the Torah community was also noted. The crowd was very touched by her fond memories of her years at HAWQ.
The theme of the evening was that Every Jewish Child Deserves a Torah Education. This theme was highlighted by the Nisanov and Wallach families, whose sons, Natanel and Yaakov, were able to overcome early academic difficulties, and in HAWQ achieve acceptance into the highly regarded Yeshiva High Schools, Mesivta Atares Yaakov (Southshore) and Chofetz Chaim in Kew Garden Hills. It was also emphasized that Yaakov’s and Natanel’s success was made possible by the partnership that was forged between the Yeshiva and the parents working together.
Another powerful lesson of the evening was a thought expressed by Mr. Martin Levine, whose father was a founder and first president of HAWQ. How the efforts of one individual could still be reaping benefits more than four decades later!
Since this week’s Parsha contains the third paragraph of Kriat Shema, let me take the liberty to express a short idea from the first paragraph of Shema that relates to this year’s Dinner. The Pasuk states that you should teach Torah to your children (V’shenanta l’vanecha) when you are sitting at home and when you go on your way (B’shivticha B’baitecha u V’lechtecha Baderech). The prefix "bet" is translated as meaning "when". The Torah is giving a time frame when to study. However, if we understand the "bet" as "through" the Pasuk takes on new meaning. Teach Torah "through" the way you conduct yourself, whether at home or outside the home. The most powerful tool we can utilize to teach Torah to others is the example we set and how we live our lives. Certainly, this important lesson can clearly be learned from this year’s worthy honorees, whose outstanding accomplishments are an inspiration
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
Friday, June 13, 2008
June 13, 2008 Newsletter
Good Erev Shabbat to all!
We are only days away from our exciting Annual Dinner, with Guests of Honor, Dr. and Mrs. David Wallach, Mr. and Mrs. Yisrael Nisanov, and Dr. Pamela Siller. The dinner will also feature a Drasha by HaRav Ben Chaim, Shlita, and a special award to the Levine family for a generous donation to the Founders' Memorial Scholarship Fund.ANN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! The dinner will be in an different location, B'ezrat Hashem- the elegant Shapira's Restaurant , @ 167-01 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. Looking forward to greeting everyone in person!
On Thursday night, we had a moving Siyum for our Boys' Division. Our Menahel Rabbi Haim Alcabes gave Divray Chizuk to the crowd. We then made a Siyum on the last Mishna that we were learning in memory of Mr. Isidore Feld, zl from Mesechet Shabbat. This was followed by beautiful and inspiring Divray Torah from Harav Mordechai Hecht, Shlita in memory of the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRov Henoch Leibowitz, ztazl. Rav Hecht pointed out the close relationship HAWQ has with Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim, and how the Mesorah of the Rosh Yeshiva is ingrained into the very fabric of our Yeshiva. The following is a thought from the Parsha by HaRav Hecht.
In the beginning of this week's Parsha, the Torah states the Mitzvah of Aharon HaCohen to light the Menora. The expression the Torah uses for "lighting" is "Behalotcha"- which means "in your lifting up", an unusual expression to use for kindling a flame. Rashi explains that this unusual language comes to teach us that the Cohain Gadol must hold the flame by the wick long enough until it will burn strongly by itself. HaRav Hecht told us that this was the essence of the Rosh Yeshiva, Tztzal.He not only imparted Torah to his students, but he did it with the goal that his Talmidim themselves should be capable of teaching and spreading Torah throughout the world. HaRav Hecht related that last year when we were Zocheh to bring some of our Talmidim to visit the Rosh Yeshiva, his face lit up and he exclaimed: "These are our future leaders!" What an awesome responsibility the places upon those of us that are involved in Chinuch and our supporters. We hold the future of Klal Yisrael in our hands!
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
http://www.hawq.org/
We are only days away from our exciting Annual Dinner, with Guests of Honor, Dr. and Mrs. David Wallach, Mr. and Mrs. Yisrael Nisanov, and Dr. Pamela Siller. The dinner will also feature a Drasha by HaRav Ben Chaim, Shlita, and a special award to the Levine family for a generous donation to the Founders' Memorial Scholarship Fund.ANN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! The dinner will be in an different location, B'ezrat Hashem- the elegant Shapira's Restaurant , @ 167-01 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. Looking forward to greeting everyone in person!
On Thursday night, we had a moving Siyum for our Boys' Division. Our Menahel Rabbi Haim Alcabes gave Divray Chizuk to the crowd. We then made a Siyum on the last Mishna that we were learning in memory of Mr. Isidore Feld, zl from Mesechet Shabbat. This was followed by beautiful and inspiring Divray Torah from Harav Mordechai Hecht, Shlita in memory of the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRov Henoch Leibowitz, ztazl. Rav Hecht pointed out the close relationship HAWQ has with Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim, and how the Mesorah of the Rosh Yeshiva is ingrained into the very fabric of our Yeshiva. The following is a thought from the Parsha by HaRav Hecht.
In the beginning of this week's Parsha, the Torah states the Mitzvah of Aharon HaCohen to light the Menora. The expression the Torah uses for "lighting" is "Behalotcha"- which means "in your lifting up", an unusual expression to use for kindling a flame. Rashi explains that this unusual language comes to teach us that the Cohain Gadol must hold the flame by the wick long enough until it will burn strongly by itself. HaRav Hecht told us that this was the essence of the Rosh Yeshiva, Tztzal.He not only imparted Torah to his students, but he did it with the goal that his Talmidim themselves should be capable of teaching and spreading Torah throughout the world. HaRav Hecht related that last year when we were Zocheh to bring some of our Talmidim to visit the Rosh Yeshiva, his face lit up and he exclaimed: "These are our future leaders!" What an awesome responsibility the places upon those of us that are involved in Chinuch and our supporters. We hold the future of Klal Yisrael in our hands!
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
http://www.hawq.org/
Friday, June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008 Newsletter
Good Erev Shabbat to all!
Once again we like to remind everyone of our upcoming Annual Journal Dinner, honoring Mr. & Mrs. Yisrael Nisanov, Dr. & Mrs. Wallach, and Dr. Pamela Siller, June 17th, Tuesday evening. Please make your reservations and send in your journal ads asap. We are counting on your participation and support!
We are very excited about our Siyum for the Boys Division, on Thursday evening, June 12th. HaRav Hecht will speak to the boys and their families about the the Rosh Yeshivah, HaRav Henoch Leibowitz, Tzal. We will also be finishing several Perekim of Mishnayot the boys have been learning in memory of Mr. Isidore Feld, zl.
As we conclude the days of Sefirat HaOmer, we are making the final preparations for Kabbalat HaTorah on Chag HaShavuot. In Pirkay Avot it is written: "if there is no Derech Eretz, there is no Torah". A prerequisite for receiving the Torah is the proper development of our good character. It is no coincidence that we focus during the Sefira on the tragedy of the students of Rabbi Akiva. These students were punished because they had not fully applied their Rebbie’s essential teaching that Ahavat Yisrael and Kavod for our fellow Jews is the Klal Gadol (the main foundation) upon which Torah is built. Perhaps this is also the reason we begin our weekly study of Pirkay Avot, Chazal’s manual for developing Midot Tovot , during the Days of Sefira.
This thought is further emphasized when we the read Megilat Rut on Shavuot. Rut’s acceptance of Judaism was preceded by her reaching a tremendous level of Ahavat Chesed. Only when her Midot were perfected was she ready to accept the Torah and Mitzvot. I heard on a tape from Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss, Shlita, that the Rabbeinu Yona states that this is the explanation of "Naase V’nishma" (We will do, and we will listen), the declaration the Bnai Yisrael proclaimed at Har Sinai. "Naase" refers to doing acts of kindness and improving our character traits. Then, we are capable of "V’Nishma", listening and learning Hashem’s holy Torah.
In the world of Torah education, it is important to remember that the classroom is not only the place to work on the nuts and bolts of our intensive academic programs, but perhaps, even more importantly, it is the place to model and inculcate Midot Tovot.
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Shabbat Shalom and Chag Samayach!
Donate Now
http://www.hawq.org/
Once again we like to remind everyone of our upcoming Annual Journal Dinner, honoring Mr. & Mrs. Yisrael Nisanov, Dr. & Mrs. Wallach, and Dr. Pamela Siller, June 17th, Tuesday evening. Please make your reservations and send in your journal ads asap. We are counting on your participation and support!
We are very excited about our Siyum for the Boys Division, on Thursday evening, June 12th. HaRav Hecht will speak to the boys and their families about the the Rosh Yeshivah, HaRav Henoch Leibowitz, Tzal. We will also be finishing several Perekim of Mishnayot the boys have been learning in memory of Mr. Isidore Feld, zl.
As we conclude the days of Sefirat HaOmer, we are making the final preparations for Kabbalat HaTorah on Chag HaShavuot. In Pirkay Avot it is written: "if there is no Derech Eretz, there is no Torah". A prerequisite for receiving the Torah is the proper development of our good character. It is no coincidence that we focus during the Sefira on the tragedy of the students of Rabbi Akiva. These students were punished because they had not fully applied their Rebbie’s essential teaching that Ahavat Yisrael and Kavod for our fellow Jews is the Klal Gadol (the main foundation) upon which Torah is built. Perhaps this is also the reason we begin our weekly study of Pirkay Avot, Chazal’s manual for developing Midot Tovot , during the Days of Sefira.
This thought is further emphasized when we the read Megilat Rut on Shavuot. Rut’s acceptance of Judaism was preceded by her reaching a tremendous level of Ahavat Chesed. Only when her Midot were perfected was she ready to accept the Torah and Mitzvot. I heard on a tape from Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss, Shlita, that the Rabbeinu Yona states that this is the explanation of "Naase V’nishma" (We will do, and we will listen), the declaration the Bnai Yisrael proclaimed at Har Sinai. "Naase" refers to doing acts of kindness and improving our character traits. Then, we are capable of "V’Nishma", listening and learning Hashem’s holy Torah.
In the world of Torah education, it is important to remember that the classroom is not only the place to work on the nuts and bolts of our intensive academic programs, but perhaps, even more importantly, it is the place to model and inculcate Midot Tovot.
.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Samayach!
Donate Now
http://www.hawq.org/
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