Every child coming home from school before the holiday of Shavuot is able to repeat the Midrash of how G-d approached the other nations to offer them the Torah and each said no, until the Jews were approached and accepted, saying “Na’aseh V’Nishma!” Each nation asked what was included in the Torah and each was given one example, to which they replied that they couldn’t accept it if that was to be one of their responsibilities. For example, when the B’nai Eisav were approached, they asked what was in the Torah. They were told “Thou shalt not kill.” They responded that they couldn’t commit to that since they ultimately live by the sword. When the B’nai Yishmael were approached, they were told about the prohibition of stealing and responded that they could not commit to a life without thievery.   This Midrash seems strange. In each instance, the nations were told about a commandment that they would be liable for anyway under the Sheva Mitzvot B’nei Noach – The seven Noachite laws. To give them a true presentation of the Torah, why not expose them to commandments such as Kashrut, Shabbat, Tefillin or Tzitzit? Isn’t it a little deceiving to present them with the very commandments that they are already bound to? Rabbi Shimon Schwab z”tl offers a beautiful explanation of this Midrash. He explains that it was never G-d’s intention to give the Torah to any nation other than the Jews.  The Jews and the Torah were synonymous since the time of the creation of the world. As we learn in Beraishit, “Bishvil Hatorah shenikra’at reishit, bishvil Yisroel shenikreui resihit.” (the world was created for the sake of the Torah that is called “first” - for the sake of the Jewish people who are called “first”.) If that is truly the case, then what was G-d offering the other nations? The answer lies in the words “Matan Torah” – “the Gift of Torah” as opposed to the “Netinat haTorah” – “the

giving of the Torah.” What is this gift? The gift of Torah is not the fact that we received the Torah, but rather the gift that came along with the Torah. This gift is that deep inside, inherent in every Jew is a will to follow a Torah True life. Even when sometimes we are overcome by our Yetzer Hora, nevertheless, at the core of every Jew is a will to serve his Creator. This is truly a gift! The struggles to control ourselves and do the right thing are difficult, but to know that once we peel away the layers we will find a natural inclination to serve G-d, is very

encouraging. This is what is referred to as the “Pintele Yid!” - the natural Jewish spark within each one of us. This, explains Rabbi Schwab, is what G-d was offering the other nations. He was offering them “Matan Torah” the gift that is associated with Torah. They too could have had this natural inclination, this inherent calling to

their seven laws, but each declined this offer, saying that it was too much a part of their lives to be without. This explanation offers a very powerful lesson for us. Each of us deals with struggles and difficulties in our lives. Each of us struggles with levels of Shemirat Hamitzvot, spirituality and Torah observance. However, we should realize that at our core we are naturally inclined to follow the Torah, and that if we peel back the layers we will expose this beautiful gift. All we have to do is be willing to put in a little effort to embrace Torah true values and the rest will be taken care of by our “gift,” our natural inclination to follow in His ways. This Shavuot may we all reaccept the Torah once again, connecting to the real “gift” as we strive to serve G-d with true Torah values. Chag Sameach!   Rabbi Motti Miller

MA CHADASHA WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE ADMINISTRATION OF SHALOM TORAH ACADEMY COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL

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Friday, May 22, 2015

The True “Gift” of Torah!

שבועות

A Torah Thought on the Weekly Parsha and Holiday

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At Shalom Torah it is a well known fact that we appreciate our teachers and staff and everything they do to make each and every day here at school the best, but on one special day each year, we really demonstrate just how much we care by making that day extra special for them. On Wednesday, we spent the day pampering them. Upon arrival, the teachers were greeted with fresh hot coffee, tasty pastries, and a warm welcome when they arrived. At lunch time they entered the "dining room" decorated with beautiful spring colors. They dined on a sumptuous buffet with a definite creative Asian flare and had time to relax and spend time visiting with one another while their classes were being supervised by Shalom Torah parents who volunteered to help out in order to make this day special. Mrs. Cheyenna Levy, our General Studies Chairperson, addressed the teachers

and spoke beautifully about the Jewish attitude toward gratitude and told the faculty and staff that Shalom owed so much to them for their dedication to our students and our school.Thank you Mrs. Eve Seidman and Mrs. Stephanie Stern, PTO Co-Presidents, who did such a wonderful job making making this day such a success.  Thank you to Mrs. Gail Rifkin and Mr. Mark Smalkin of Shalom Caterers for the delicious lunch. Thank you to all of the parents who helped us show appreciation to the Shalom Torah Faculty.

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day 2015

In preparation for the upcoming Yom Tov of Shavuot, it is customary to recite Pirkei Avot, which teaches us about the good character traits we should work on in order to be ready to receive the Torah.  Since Pesach, the Second Graders have been learning some of these traits, hearing inspiring stories about them, and, most of all, they have been figuring out how to practice these traits.   It is inspiring to see how the children of Kitah Bet are applying the lessons learned at school and at home: When the class was involved in a high-action soccer game and a student fell, his fellow classmates stopped the game and rushed over to help him and check that he was okay. At home, one student told us how he

performed kibbud av va’eim (honoring his father and mother). Many students provided examples of how they were mevater (gave in instead of arguing) at home and at school. The whole class is especially good at being “sameach bechelko” (happy with what they have).  Whenever one student in the class wins a contest or is picked for an important job, even the students who really wanted to be chosen are happy for him! Sounds like we are almost ready to receive the Torah…!

Kitah Bet

This week, Michael Gratsas and Ikey Amsel gave a presentation to the students in grades three through Middle School about autism.  They did a great deal of research about autism and explained that children on this spectrum are very much like the rest of us. They told us that these children are interested in the same things that we are, but might be more focused on one particular sport or hobby than on a lot of different ones like some other children are.  They told us that children with autism don't look any different than anyone else and that they are not so different from anyone else, but that their brains just work a little differently. They said that these children might not know how to walk up and join in a game and that sometimes it's difficult to make a new friend.  They told everyone that if we invite them to join in an activity and explain the rules they will be very happy to play.   The boys told us about a school called Imrei Binah that provides education, inclusion programs, and all kinds of services for children with autism. They said that they would like to spearhead a campaign to raise funds for school awareness about autism. In order to do this, they are selling bracelets with the autism logo, which is a

puzzle piece, for $2.00 each. They are also placing tzedakah boxes in different locations in school so that everyone in the building can contribute. Michael and Ikey said that selling the bracelets was not just restricted to selling them to students here in the building. They said that some of the middle school children were going to take them home to sell to their family, friends, and neighbors.All of the students listened with great interest as these two special young men spoke and applauded them when they were done.  Everyone at Shalom is very proud of them.  This was their own idea which they brought to the Administration to ask for permission to organize their campaign. We at Shalom are very pleased with their initiative, their dedication to the cause, their willingness to step forward and take on this important work, and the beautiful way in which they spoke today.  We encourage everyone to join in and see how much money we can raise.  Great job, Ikey and Michael!

Autism Awareness

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The third grade students at Shalom Torah Academy have been using the game of Jeopardy as a tool for review before many tests they have taken. The version of the game they are using is designed for use on the SmartBoard. It is available on the Smart Exchange and can be adapted for any subject. The format is similar to the regular Jeopardy game with categories and point values. The children work in teams and the team must

approve the answer before a student gives it as his or her answer. The answer has to be stated in the form of a question. We used it last week and this week to review our social studies chapter on our system of government. We look forward to using the game for science review in the near future.  Playing Jeopardy is a fun and amazing way to reinforce learning.

Third Grade in Jeopardy?

Scenes From Around STA

Left: Edna Galperin posing with a Torah for the holiday of Shavuot. Middle: The Autism Awareness Bracelets sold by Michael Gratsas and Ikey Amsel. Right: Dylan Solomon and Jordyn Guritzky working together in the Technology Lab during Robotics.

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This Thursday in STA, we had a fantastic Shavuot assembly that infused all our students with a true appreciation for what the holiday of Shavuot is all about. As all the children have been counting down the days since Pesach, we reviewed the reasons we are counting to this special day; the day when the world was silent, not a bird chirped, and not a voice was heard. It was the moment that the world was waiting for, the purpose of Creation, the culmination of our redemption from Mitzrayim; it was the giving of the Torah. “ASHER BACHAR BANU MIKOL HAAMIM…”   Hashem chose the Jewish people from among all the other nations to receive the precious gift of His Torah, and He wants so much to express His love for us.   All of our customs are meant to reawaken those feelings of love that we experienced at the foot of Sinai as one  people with one heart. For example, when we decorate our homes with flowers and greenery, it is not just to remember that Mt. Sinai was covered in flowers. When we contemplate the miracle of beautiful blooming flowers growing in a barren desert, we realize that Hashem was once more showing His love for us by wanting to give us the Torah in a place of beauty, amidst the pleasurable sensations of scent and sight.  It was as if He was gift wrapping the Torah so that we would recognize that it is not just a set of rules, it is a way of life that is good, pleasant, and full of meaning and spirituality.  During the assembly we watched a moving video depicting one of the miracles that occurred during the Gaza war last summer. It reinforced the lesson that keeping the mitzvot is a “shmirah” (security) for us and is for our benefit, stemming from Hashem’s love for us.  

After the video, the students created beautiful picture frames with stunning  pictures of flowers mounted in them. They decorated them with rhinestones to beautify their holiday tables.  Our middle school boys baked cheesecakes for everyone and all the students were able to pick the toppings of their choice to decorate their cheesecakes. We learned a great dance to the music of “Asher Bachar Banu” and then we taught it to our teachers. We had so much fun as we learned the true meaning behind the holiday.   Shavuot also teaches us an important lesson about resilience and faith. Tradition has it that we stay up all night learning and immersing ourselves in the wonderful beauty of Torah and preparing ourselves for the majestic giving of the Torah that happens come the morning sun. In many ways, this can reflect on our own personal journeys. We each go through periods of darkness, where we are charged to stay awake, and stay committed, despite the stormy seas that we have to navigate. But to every night there is a day, and to every darkness, there is some light. May this holiday of Shavuot, with its customs and deep symbolism, brighten our lives, and infuse our future with ongoing blessing and hope.Wishing you a beautiful and meaningful Chag!

Shavuot 2015 Assembly

SAVE THE DATE

Attention all grandparents of students in Torah Tots through eighth grade.

You are invited to share a day at Shalom with your

grandchildren to meet their teachers, their friends, enjoy lunch and more.

Date: Friday, June 5, 2015

Time: 10:00am

Where: Shalom Torah Academy

I am HASHEM your G-d Who took you out of the Land of Egypt from the house of bondage! (Shemos 20:2) The Kuzari asks, “Why, when HaShem is introducing Himself to the Jewish People at Mount Sinai does HaShem make such a diminutive claim? “I took you out of the Land of Egypt?” Would it not be grander to say, “I created the heavens and the earth!”? The answer he gives is that we as a nation experienced the exodus from Egypt. It was real to us and personal! It is not an abstract or cerebral exercise to believe or not to believe in HaShem. The Mitzvah as described by the Rambam is to “know” that there is HaShem. This is how we know! The giving of the Torah was not a hysterical revolution but a historical revelation! Perhaps the following story can explain why Hashem began the Ten Commandments with, “I am Hashem who took you out of the Land of Egypt.” Last week a friend of mine, Rabbi Leibel Lam, flew out to St. Louis for just one day and back again to LaGuardia Airport. For him, his trip was a tale of two flights! On the Tuesday morning he quietly boarded and took his seat near the back of the plane. He dutifully stored his carry-on bag in the overhead compartment and with his seat in an upright-position, he buckled and prepared for takeoff. In the meantime he took out his Talmud iPod (iPod audio classes of the entire Talmud) and was lost in a page of Talmud till he felt a hum from his phone. It was his wife tenderly wishing him a safe flight and “gr8” day. Rabbi Lam was answering briefly, “Thnx U2” when the stewardess caught his attention and instructed him to discontinue with the phone and when he asked her about the Talmud iPod she affirmed that it too should be closed. He immediately started to press the button to close down the iPod which wasn’t responding so efficiently. Then he began to try and shut off his phone. Just then the stewardess was standing there next to his row and glaring. She declared loudly with indignation, “The first time should have been enough!” Rabbi Lam realized that she thought he was still doing some phone stuff. Instead, he was only then trying to comply with her exact command. He was annoyed at being misunderstood and rebuked. He did not even look up once during the safety demo and later when she passed by, Rabbi Lam beckoned for her

attention and attempted to explain privately that he was in the middle of obeying her command before and did not deviate from any word she told him. Again she took a belligerent posture and hands on hip she stated defensively and out loud, “Well you should have listened the first time!” as if she heard or understood nothing he said! Rabbi Lam was inwardly upset. He had done nothing wrong! When the beverage cart came by and she asked if he wanted anything to drink, he did not even look up. He just signaled with his hand, “No!” as infantile as that may sound. When telling of the incident, Rabbi Lam wondered, Why he had that disturbing experience? What was it about the dialogue between and the flight attendant that made such a strong impression? On the return flight things were very different. Rabbi Lam was given an exit seat for extra leg room. When the stewardess came by and asked him if he was prepared to assume the responsibilities and tasks associated with the exit seat he told her boldly, “I’m the guy you want here!” When they gave the safety-emergency demo he paid strict attention. When the drink cart came by he said “No Thank You” with a smile and he had a pleasant feeling on the flight. Only later did Rabbi Lam share a profound educational lesson from his experience. Learning and teaching Torah is not a purely academic exercise. It requires a relationship between a loving giver and a willing recipient. Just as Rabbi Lam immediately connected with the stewardess on his second flight because he sensed that she cared for him (as opposed to the stewardess on his first flight), The Jewish people immediately connected with HaShem and paid attention to His every word be cause they also sensed His deep love and care for them. HaShem, initiated the first lesson when giving the Torah with words that express to His People, “I love you. I care about you. “I am HaShem your G-d Who took you out of the Land of Egypt from the house of bondage.” Hashem’s message wasn’t that he is all powerful (although we know He is). His message was He is here for us and He wants us to be His people. Only then were we able to connect with Him and internalize His Torah.

A Shared Thought From Rabbi Bak, Head of SchoolI Am here For You

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May 25 (Monday) Shavuot and Memorial Day: NO SCHOOL

May 31 (Sunday) Israel Day Parade

March with us. Questions, please call Robin Berko at 732-801-1203.

June 4 (Thursday) First Grade Chumash Play 9:45am.

June 5 (Friday) Grandparents' Day

Box Tops for Education Please keep sending the Box Tops in so that we can continue to raise as much

money as possible for our school. Thank you all. Keep up the great work!

Shoprite Gift Certificates Purchase Shoprite gift certificates, earn

money for our school. Questions? Call Meira at 732-536-0911 ext. 10 for

details.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

On Monday, we commemorated Yom Yerushalayim here in STA. On this day, 48 years ago, Israel fought the Six Day War. On the third day of that war, the Israelis were successful in gaining control over eastern Jerusalem, which included the Old City and the Kotel. Until then, for 19 years, the Jews had not had access to the Western Wall (since the War of Independence in 1948). It was a day of indescribable happiness that reverberated throughout the entire nation because in every Jewish heart, there beats an eternal yearning for the Kotel- the last vestige of our holy Beit Hamikdash. Our students in fourth grade through Middle School

viewed footage from that time showing the miraculous liberation and ecstasy of the Jewish people, soldiers and laymen alike. As the poet Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi wrote: “Libi bamizrach, v’anochi bsof maarav”; My heart is in the east, yet my heart is in the west (Jerusalem)”. While we don’t live in Israel now, our hearts are inextricably connected – her pain is our pain, and her joy is our joy. May we merit the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the coming of Moshiach, speedily, in our days.

Yom Yerushalayim 2015

Next Week’s Menu

Monday Shavuot - Memorial Day

NO SCHOOL Tuesday

Lentil Soup, Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Peas

Wednesday Butternut Squash Soup, Stuffed

Shells, Garlic Bread Thursday

Chicken Soup with Noodles, Falafel, Turkey Shwarma and Chumus

Friday Minestrone Soup, Grilled Cheese,

Mixed Vegetables All meals are accompanied by:

Bread or rolls, daily Salad Bar, hard boiled eggs, plain pasta and fresh

fruit.

Dear Parents and students,

The Shalom Torah family looks forward to joining thousands of other Israel supporters at this year's Israel Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York City.

This year's theme is: Israel Imagines...

We have been working hard on our banner and props: This year's school theme is "Imagine... Israel Overflowing with Water"

We are celebrating Israel as a World Leader in Water Technology.

Our bus will leave Shalom Torah Academy in Morganville at 9:30 am. Students and parents are welcome to travel with us or meet us in the city.

A Parade T- shirt is mandatory for all participants.

When you sign up for the parade, a shirt will be ordered for you. If you do not have a shirt, you will

not be able to march with the school group. So, please sign up and purchase your parade shirt.

We appreciate your response by Tuesday, May 26th, 2015. We look forward to having everyone participate in this important event!

PLEASE LET THE OFFICE KNOW IF YOU ARE OR ARE NOT PLANNING TO ATTEND THE

PARADE WITH US.

The Parade Committee Questions? Call Gail Rifkin at 732 536-0911 or

Robin Berko at 732 801-1203