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From the Desk of Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky
As the first semester draws to a close, we look
back on another exciting and productive semester of
growth, accomplishment, ruach and enjoyment.
It is also the end of the first semester ever of this
outstanding weekly publication, which has been
brought to you by the sheer force of will and
dedication
of our own Rabbi Dov Emerson, who we are all greatly
indebted to. From writing the articles to taking most
of
the pictures (with a little help from Jason Hagler
and Dov Klein) to spending hours on the layout,
the beauty of the presentation is a credit to Rabbi
Emerson's creative and computer talents. We are
looking forward to many more years of creative
programming and the dynamic DRS Address from him
in
the future.
We need to all focus next week on helping the
boys concentrate on preparing for success on their final
exams. The classes will have two last days for
review, and then the finals begin. The next ten days
will be very difficult, but then everyone will have
some time to relax and get recharged for second
semester. We all need to remember that while
Yeshiva may be off for some time, Yahadut is
never on vacation, and it is an opportunity to
bring what we have learned at Yeshiva on the road,
outside of Yeshiva, to be "mekadesh shem shamayim"
wherever we go.
Next semester will begin with a bang, with
Freshmen Shabbaton, and the Freshman and
Sophomore trips. But meanwhile, as this will be
the last edition of the Address until next semester,
let's bear down on finals, savor our time off, and
return next semester rejuvenated and ready for
more DRS learning, achdut, and growth.
| Rabbi Willig....on BOTH sides of the Atlantic! |
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Rabbi Willig's shiur had an exciting week, in two
different countries! When Rabbi Willig went to
Israel for his son's wedding, the talmidim had the
ultimate substitute - Rabbi Mordechai Willig,
Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University, and Rabbi Dovid
Willig's brother.
The shiur had the wonderful
opportunity to learn sugyot from Ketubot, the
masechta that the Yeshiva is learning, as well as
Chanuka topics. Rabbi Willig concluded the
learning with singing and dancing, as the class
welcomed in Chanuka in grand style.
The following day, the morning after Rabbi Dovid
Willig's simcha, the shiur was treated to a
surprise guest - Rabbi Dovid Willig himself, live
from Israel! Utilizing the Yeshiva's built in
videoconferencing system, Rabbi Willig gave a shiur
from Yerushalayim, and was seen and heard
live by his entire class. The boys were able
to ask questions and interact with their Rebbe in Eretz
Yisrael as well. This is just one of the many
amazing applications of our videoconference system,
as it allows Torah to be spread around the world.
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| Lightsfest 03 : DRS Rocks Chanukah! |
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The signs started appearing Monday.
"LIGHTSFEST 03," they pronounced. But what did
it mean? What was it all about? On Tuesday, the
student body's questions were answered, as
LIGHTSFEST 03, the biggest Chanukah
celebration DRS had ever seen, was underway.
In its opening event, the Rabbeim took on the
varsity basketball team, as they looked to rectify last
year's heartbreaking one point loss. As people
entered the gym, many though that this years game
couldn't match last years classic which came down to a
missed three pointer by Rabbi Brazil at the buzzer. But
they were wrong! After a relatively calm first 38
minutes, things got exciting. With the Rebbeim
down by 2, Rabbi Stern launched and hit a three ball to
put them up one. Yosef Sharbat countered for the
students with a 15 foot jump shot. Things looked bleak
for the Rabbeim when they missed a shot with 10
seconds to go and Shaya Hirtz calmly stepped to the
line to sink two free throws to put the talmidim up 3
with 7 seconds.
But the Rebbe team never feared. With no time
left on the clock, Rabbi Aryeh Cohen calmly
buried a
three to tie the game (see the link to the Chanuka
video highlights in the "Quick Links"
section on the right to view this amazing shot!).
After a conference with the officials (Richie
Hagler, MYHSL League Commissioner and New
DRS
Chief of Security Tim Maccalear, also a Division
one
basketball referee), it was decided that classes
could wait and a two-minute overtime would
be played.
From the outset, the Rabbeim took control.
Rabbi Kaminetsky drove for the first two points of
overtime and Rabbi Balsam iced the win with a driving
lay-up. With the series now tied, next Chanukah
should be quite an event! Following the game,
the students enjoyed lunch with latkes,
generously sponsored by the DRS Parent Council.
Over the next several days, the Rebbes held
Chanukah parties for their shiurim. The locations
were varied, as some took place at Rabbeim's homes,
others at a student's house, and one even
celebrated at Dougie's! Some of the highlights of
these Shiur Chagigot included Rabbi Friedman's
Dreidal Tournament, and Rabbi Brazil's "Wokfest" and
grab bag for the seniors. Rabbi Yudin's shiur held
a combination grab bag and auction that was enjoyed
by all. These special events allowed the students
and their Rabbeim to experience the joy of Chanuka in
a special, more informal setting.
On Wednesday morning, the Chanukah festivities
continued with "The Lightsfest Challenge."
The DRS gym was transformed into an obstacle
course, as each grade competed against each other on
giant inflated rides, where they jousted and boxed.
But by far, the most popular event was
"The Bungee Run," where students attempted to
place a bean-bag as far down the track as they could
before being snapped back through the air by a
bungee cord attached to their backs.
Following lunch, LIGHTSFEST 03 continued with
the annual Chanukah Goods and Services Charity
Auction. This year's auction proved to be a huge
success thanks to the efforts of G.O. President
Natan Farber and the rest of the G.O.
representatives. The excitement over the truly
unique auction items had been building up the whole
week, as students flocked to the G.O. desk each day to
purchase auction tickets.
Some of the more popular items offered included
tickets to various sporting events, including
Yankee and Islander games, as well as an
authentic Sefardi Night, offered by several
of our Sephardic students, and Rabbi Emerson's
famous Chulent and Tailgate party in the DRS
parking lot.
Other creative items included: an excused paper, as
well as lunch events with several students and the
teacher, and a basket full of candy from Mrs.
Futterman. The most coveted item was a
toss up between an authentic Sammy Sosa
autographed bat, and "Beemah and Deenah with Mr.
Abramowitz," otherwise known as a night out on
the town taking a ride in Mr. Abramowitz's BMW, and a
sushi dinner. In total, over fifteen hundred
Dollars was raised for various charities both in
Israel and America.
LIGHTSFEST 03 reached its conclusion with
"MAD CHAGIGA ACTIONFEST," over an hour
of
frenzied dancing to the music of our own Mr. Elly
Zomick and Mr. Avi Feinberg, as well as guest
star guitar sensation Ari Boiangu. At the end
of the Chagiga, the students were treated to
Dougie's Fire Poppers and Hot Wings.
Throughout the day, we were joined by young
men from the Ohel Beis Ezra Home. Not only did
they have a blast celebrating Chanukah
with our talmidim, they also gave our student body the
opportunity to celebrate Chanukah through acts
of Chesed.
Click HERE for PICTURES from ALL the DRS Chanukah Festivities!
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| New Year's Day of Learning @ DRS |
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On Thursday, the Yeshiva helped infuse some kedusha
into January 1st by holding a special learning program.
Fathers joined their sons for davening and shiur
with the students' Rabbeim. In these shiurim,
the
fathers were not only able to spend valuable moments
learning with their sons, they also were able to
gain a better understanding of how their sons approach
the gemara with their Rabbeim, each in their
own
unique way.
After shiur, the entire student body and the fathers
made their way into the Bait Medrash for a special
presentation by Harav Asher Weiss, a noted
speaker who is the Av Beit Din of the Rabbanut
Yerushalayim, and a Rosh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak. Harav
Weiss kicked off the theme of the 2nd half of the
school year by speaking about Kavod Habriot, respect
for other people.
What made his appearance especially unique was that
it took place live from
Israel, via the Yeshiva's videoconference system.
The group assembled at DRS saw and heard Harav
Weiss live from his Bet Midrash in Ramot, a suburb of
Yerushalayim. The bonding and learning that took
place really set the tone for the Yeshiva-wide
focus on Kavod Habriot for the rest of the year.
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| DRS Athletics Update |
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Our two Junior Varsity teams head to the winter break
undefeated with goals of championships in
their respective sports in their sights. The
basketball team (6-0) concluded the first half by
dominating HAFTR from start to finish to coast to
a twenty point victory against our local rival. The
hockey team headed to the break 5-0 after beating
Rambam 5-1. Sophomore Daniel Elsant earned
his
first victory in goal for DRS.
Our two Varsity squads had a perfect week as
well
(if you ignore the Rebbe-Talmid game - see the
Lightsfest article!). The basketball team went to
Shaarei Torah undermanned but never made
excuses.
Down 10 with 5 minutes to play, the squad rallied for
an
improbable two-point victory. David Moisa
(19 points) hit a shot at the buzzer for the victory.
Yair Zinberg chipped in with ten points. The
Hockey team upped their record to 5-1-0-1 with a 6-2
victory. Mickey Reich snapped a 2-2 tie with 7
minutes remaining to begin the four-goal 3rd period
for
the Wildcats. The Hockey team plays the last game
before the break with a Motsai Shabbat collision
this weekend in Teaneck against the TABC Storm, at
8:30 PM. See the link below for directions. The
cats are looking to avenge the loss in last year's Junior
Varsity championship game.
Click HERE for DIRECTIONS to the Varsity Hockey team's Motsai Shabbat 8:30 game at TABC! Come and Cheer them on! »
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| Major League Baseball Executive Visits DRS! |
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Did you ever want to know what REALLY goes on
behind the scenes on a Major League baseball team?
Well, on Tuesday, Mrs. Hefter's 10th and 11th
grade Law Class got the chance to find out, with a
very special guest speaker. Mr. Joel Mael, father of
Sophomore DRS student Jonathan Mael, and also the
Vice Chairman of the Florida Marlins baseball team,
spoke to the class about the various legal aspects
that are involved in owning a baseball team.
He taught the class about the baseball player's
union, as well as the new collective bargaining
agreement that the union had signed with the
owners. He also went over several practical
applications of the agreement, including how the
recent trade attempt involving Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez
failed, and how salary arbitration works.
He concluded his presentation with a quiz on baseball
knowledge, and the high scorers received Florida
Marlins souvenirs.
Investment Club Takes Exciting Field Trip
The Investment Club, led by Rabbi Gralla,
took a trip
to a
financial services company last week. They met
the Managing
Director, who spoke about the challenges of
trading stocks and
investing in the market. The students sat among
traders and observed
them trade stocks live, and the traders explained
to the
students the criteria they had for making their trades.
The
students experienced hands-on the
many concepts they had learned in their Thursday
afternoon
club sessions. "I finally saw how people apply
the trading techniques we
learned about," said sophomore Eli Sklar. " It
showed me
how we're learning very practical lessons in the
Investment
Club." By the looks of
enthusiasm on the students' faces, the trip was clearly
both an
educational and enjoyable one.
Upcoming
Events
Rabbi Kaminetsky and Israel Programs
Coordinator
Rabbi Storch will be traveling to Israel during the
Yeshiva's intersession, where they will be
visiting
alumni at their various Yeshivot, as well as checking
out Yeshivot so as better to advise the current Seniors
who are making their decisions about which Yeshiva to
attend next year.
There
will
be a
reunion of
all
DRS alumni in Israel on Wednesday night,
January 14th,
at 6:30pm for Shana Bet and Shana Gimmel, and then
at 8:00pm for dinner with Shana Aleph, at Yeshivat
Netiv Aryeh in the old city.
Be sure to sign up for the annual DRS Ski Trip
@Hunter Mountain! The trip will take place on
Sunday, February 8th, 2004, and is open to all DRS
students. The cost of $87 includes all transportation,
rentals, lift tickets, and lunch. Click on the link below
for a sign up sheet. Space is limited, so sign up
early! The deadline for signing up is January
30th,
2004.
Did You Know? DRS Finals begin on
Wednesday, January 7, 2004! Click on the link below
for
a finals schedule.
The DRS Freshman Shabbaton in Woodmere
is
just around the corner, on February 6-7th. Stay tuned
for further details!
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