Message from Rabbi Weinberg
One of the fascinating aspects of the Tzaraat affliction mentioned in this week’s Parsha, Parshat Tazria, is that of the supernatural occurrence of this physical malady on material objects like clothing and houses. Its appearance on these possessions is quite enigmatic. Tzaraat is understood to be a punishment that befalls the sinner for his or her wrongdoing. Clearly the clothing has not done anything wrong, is unrelated to the sin itself, and in fact, might not have even been worn. Why then should such material objects also suffer the fate of the individual who has Tzaraat? What is the significance of this supernatural event?
The Ramban and the Sforno both comment that the appearance of Tzaraas on clothing and or houses occurs only under unique circumstances. It occurs only when the Jewish nation is in perfect accord with Hashem. That of course seems strange, and the question begs to be asked: if Bnei Yisroel is in perfect accord with Hashem, then should there really be a case of a person sinning to such an extent that his or her clothing and house is afflicted with Tzaraat? It seems counter indicated by the venue within which this facet of the affliction can occur!
I would like to offer the following answer. Being in perfect accord with Hashem does not mean that man has to be perfect. What it does mean is that man must be open to change and growth. The fact is that Judaism is all about growth. Hashem knows that we are just people of flesh and blood. The expectation is not perfection, but rather that man should have a desire to strive for perfection and is committed to this process. When we are in this frame of mind, then Hashem is prepared to give us that extra reminder against things that we may do wrong. Depending on how severe a reminder one needs, a simple splotch on the skin may suffice, however, there are some who need a green or deep red sign on their shirt as a wake up call. The key is to be sensitive and receptive to the message, and to be open to change! This perhaps is the way to understand our first question, as well. These material objects may be plagued with Tzaraat simply as a means of helping the individual attain the perfection he strives for and seeks to attain, because depending on the individual, bodily affliction may not suffice.
This message is important for educators, parents and children to understand. Life in general is a striving for perfection, and this process is one that Hashem recognizes and even assists us to achieve. Educators, too, need to be open to the fact that students need process, time and patience to grow properly. Only with such variables is growth possible. Without them it would be like planting a plant in dirt, full of nutrients and plenty of water, but keeping it in absolute darkness. Under these circumstances, the plant could never grow. Conversely, however, parents need to realize that there is process in a classroom setting, and professional educators generally make decisions looking at the whole child in the context of the class, and not in a vacuum. This important educational Yesod is essential for every student’s ultimate growth in the hallowed halls of our beloved school and critical for effective parent – teacher collaboration. I know I often talk about the wonderful partnership between staff and parents, but I really think it speaks to our collective resolve to strive for perfection and to recognize the variables that promote it. As we continue to work Lsheim Shomayim, both on a personal level and in the context of our children’s education, I look forward to the opportunities that the future may bring and watching our children flourish.
With warmest wishes
Rabbi Noam Weinberg
Associate Principal
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Seventh Grade Reading Program With Englewood Public School
The 7 1-2 girls from Mr. Weiss' Writing Class traveled to Cleveland Elementary School in Englewood to participate in the first of several community reading and writing activities. The students met with Ms. Salazar's third grade class, in order to help teach them her students about Harlem Renaissance poetry. Our students read and analyzed five poems by Langston Hughes, and provided the third graders with historical background on the Harlem Renaissance. Together they constructed posters, featuring words, phrases, and images that represented the theme, tone, and message of their chosen poems. In the hour that our girls spent there, they established a meaningful rapport with the children and left a lasting impression on the third graders and their most appreciative teacher. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Englewood public school children in the months to come./P> |
Roller Coaster Physics
What makes roller coasters fun? What is it that has people all over the world standing in line sometimes for two or more hours for a less than 5-minute ride? While all coasters are different, there are similar qualities that make them fun, and of course roller coasters also need to be safe. A roller coaster is a balance between safety and sensation while following some basic rules of physics.
Mrs. Kelly’s eighth grade science classes have been studying motion through a series of hands on investigations. The final project for their motion unit involves the construction of a roller coaster made from pipe insulation tubing, tape and a variety of other materials. The coasters must demonstrate through hills, loops, dips and turns what the students have learned about speed, velocity and acceleration. For a while the lab “looked like an Alien movie,” said one teacher. The students have built some amazing roller coasters, demonstrated knowledge of the subject and had a lot of fun throughout the project! |
Basketball Champions
In a tremendously exciting game that had the fans sitting at the edge of their seats, Moriah’s 8th grade boys basketball team defeated S.A.R. for the championship of the Metropolitan Yeshiva Basketball League 54 to 44. In a replay of last year’s 7th grade championship competition which also pitted Moriah against SAR, Moriah played one of it best defensive games ever and managed to hold onto its hard won lead. Trading basket after basket, steal after steal and pass after pass, the teams played a game of varsity high school quality and made their coaches and schools proud.
To reiterate Dr. Prager’s sentiments in his congratulatory post-game email, “Yishar Koach to all of our boys who played such an outstanding game…to every one of our team members who played so hard and so magnificently as a cohesive team with an undefeated record. Yishar Koach and an abundance of gratitude to Coach Van for his masterful coaching, bringing him to a 500+ wins record, to his 18th (maybe more) championship….to Nurse Toby who has kept our boys healthy and whole through every single practice and game…to all of our parents who hung in there, practice after practice, game after game – with their love, support…and transportation.”
Mazal to team members Michael Bouaziz, Miles Bronstein, Zach Dicker, Sammy Goldberg, Zev Lindenbaum, Jonathan Lobel, Zach Mayerhoff, Oliver Schwalbe, Max Shulman, Yishai Sinai, Josh Wildes, Kevin Wolf, Alex Yablonovich and team manager, Avi Seidman, on a season that will go down in Moriah history as one of the most successful and memorable basketball seasons ever. |
Chidon HaTanach
Moriah students and their Chidon HaTanach coach of longstanding, Rabbi Neil Winkler, have established a name for themselves in Chidon HaTanach history. Once again, four Moriah students, Leora Margelovich, Daniel Picard, Noam Zolty and Yoni Zolty, have reached the qualifying round of the National Finals. The finals will take place in May in New York City. Congratulations to our four finalists and in particular to eighth grader, Yoni Zolty, who achieved the highest test score in Bergen County and was named the Regional Champion. Good luck in the next round. We’re looking forward to more exciting news.
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This e-newsletter is edited by Rachel Kaminetzky
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