Bais Yaakov e-Newsletter

2 Shevat 5781 | January 14, 2021

High School

Parshas Va'eira

EXHIBIT

Monday was a celebration day at school with the official restart of Exhibit preparations. The preparations had been suspended due to the uptick of Covid cases in the community and the resultant Baltimore County Department of Health requirement that we review and reinforce all safety protocols. Much has already been done and we are hopeful that the new, delayed May opening time will offer greater opportunities for public viewing. It is so exciting to see the individual, beautiful projects taking shape, with students working in unison against the backdrop of spirited music and warm friendships. Thank you to all the teacher advisers for your guidance of this great undertaking!

CHANUKAH CONTINUES

“Better later than never” was the message that powered two great activities at school, the post Chanukah class celebrations described in our previous report, followed later by a teacher’s luncheon that was both delicious and energizing. The gifts, delectable menu, and relaxing ambiance served as a much needed break from the rigors of a Covid teaching year. Thank you to Mrs. Willner, Mrs. Hauptman and the High School’s 5-star chef Mrs. Lavi for a truly beautiful and memorable affair. Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring the class parties for every class in the High School.

GEDOLEI YISROEL

OUTBREAKS of Covid have been plaguing every locale and “virtually” every school. On another front, we have just experienced our last High School BREAKOUT, with a spirited Gedolei Yisroel presentation and startup. Thank you Mrs. Esther Rubin and student leaders for getting this all important program off the ground. The first group of Torah leaders studied were those who played vital roles, direct or indirect, in the battle against the Reform movement. These include the Chasam Sofer, Rav Shamshon Rafael Hirsch, Rav Yisrael Salanter, the Yeshiva of Volozhin started by Rav Chaim Volozhin and Frau Sara Schneirer. More to come over the course of the year.

CHAYEI MISHPACHA

Chayei Mishpacha for Twelfth Graders was launched with messages from both prominent individuals outside the High School and members of our own staff. Speakers in this series of topics dealing with future life issues have thus far included Rabbi Shaul Engelsberg, Rabbi Effie Flamm, Rabbi Naftoli Hexter, Rabbi Yehoshua Shapiro, Rabbi Yochanan Stengel, Dr. Robert Edelman, Rebbetzin Leah Feldman, Mrs. Sori Bienstock, Mrs. Sora Mindy Cynamon, Mrs. Sara Greenlinger, Mrs. Chayala Isbee and Mrs. Shifra Rabenstein. Topics thus far have included “Kiruv”, “A Life Built on Torah” (Kollel Living), “Simcha”, “Climbing Life’s Mountains” and others. Thank you, Mrs. Elise Wolf, for working in the complex schedule of speakers at the same time that we are juggling so many other school classes, activities and programs. Chayei Mishpacha classes will iy”H resume after Pesach.

CHANUKAH STEM PROJECTS

The Tenth Grade STEM class proudly displayed their Chanukah projects on a table outside of the auditorium. The projects reflected a Chanukah theme and were required to have both circuit and code components. Projects ranged from menorahs to a self-opening jar of Chanukah gelt. One menorah, created by Aviva Steen and Shalva Goldenhersh, “lit” the candles consecutively until all eight lights and shamash were on. After they all turned on, it reset and started again. Another project, created by Maya Grove, Rikki Berry, and Chaya Blima Ely, was a dreidel game. As related by Maya, “We put two dreidels on motors attached to buttons. The dreidels spun at the press of a button. Whoever landed on a gimmel won. We also played “I have a little dreidel” on a buzzer in the background. We really enjoyed creating this project and the whole school enjoyed playing our STEM version dreidel game!” We are so proud of our STEM inventors!

Jan 28 - Feb 2 Winter Vacation

(School Closed)

Jan 14/ Rosh Chodesh Shevat

In Memory of

Mrs. Charolette Leifer A"H