In This Issue
	DRS G.O. On the Move! Guest Speakers Galore! Rabbi Willig's Kumsitz Math Team Triumphs! DRS Athletics Update

Guest Speakers Galore!

This past week, DRS students from all grades were privileged to hear from a series of special guest speakers. On Tuesday, the Freshmen heard a presentation from Mr. Irwin Schoenfeld of Chaiyeinu. Chaiyeinu is the Israeli affiliate of Chai Lifeline in the United States. Chaiyeinu helps children with cancer and other debilitating diseases live as normal lives as possible. It also helps families cope with their situation, providing moral as well as monetary support. Selecting gifts for their children is the last thing on the mind of parents with children with such diseases; therefore, every Chanukah, Chaiyeinu gives gifts not only to the children with cancer, but also to their siblings who otherwise would most likely not have enjoyed Chanukah. The Chaiyeinu representative spoke to the Freshmen about what the organization does, and the importance of its work. After that, the Freshmen were informed of the raffle to raise money for the organization, and most of the students volunteered to assist in selling the raffle tickets. The current goal of the raffle is $10,000 to be raised by Chanukah. If you would like to buy tickets please contact your local DRS freshman or Zeke Miller and Jason Strauss, who are coordinating this program, or send an e-mail to drschaiyanu-raffle@yahoo.com. Tickets will go on sale Sunday, November 21, 2004. If you would like to donate a prize for the raffle or would like to send in a donation please e-mail the above address. Thank you in advance for your generosity. One of the most meaningful events on the DRS sophomore activities calendar is the Sophomore class chesed trip to Silver Lake Cemetery in Staten Island, where the students help restore its historic grounds. In preparation of this trip, which will take place next week, the tenth grade students were visited by Rabbi Ezra Berenholtz of the Hebrew Free Burial Society. With the help of Rabbi Brazil and Rabbi Friedman, the students engaged in a meaningful orientation for this event, and learned exactly how they would be involved in the project. Rabbi Berenholtz showed a video, which described the remarkable work of the Hebrew Free Burial Society, which provides no- cost burial services to any Jew that cannot afford it. He stressed to the students that their actions are the ultimate Chesed Shel Emet, since their kindness cannot be repaid by the recipients. The sophomores left the orientation inspired and excited for the trip. On Monday, junior and senior AP Psychology classes received the great honor of hosting Rav Benny Eisner. For over two decades, Rav Benny has hosted and taught thousands of the American boys who choose to spend that very special year after graduation learning in Eretz Yisroel. The students were intrigued and listened attentively to Rav Benny's stories about his first hand experiences during the Yom Kippur War and the War with Lebanon. He led a very interesting and thought-provoking discussion about the psychology of the individual Jew, our existence outside of the "Self", and the Jewish nation as a whole. He also offered his insights into some of the questions that have emerged during both classes' recent critical thinking discussions about the body, the soul, the mind, and how they are connected. Rav Benny concluded with strong and inspiring words about the holiness of the Jew and the importance of Eretz Yisroel. DRS looks forward to hosting Rav Benny in the future and having the opportunity for the entire Yeshiva to hear his words and Torah. In the meantime, his home is truly open to everyone; in fact, a number of seniors wrote down his home phone number so they can contact him next year. Special thanks is due to Mr. Mark, the AP Psychology teacher, for arranging this very special presentation. Finally, the Yeshiva was privileged to host Rabbi Azarya Berzon, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Sha'arei Mevaseret Zion, who spoke to the Seniors about their choices for Torah study in Israel next year. Click HERE to get more info about the Chayeinu Chanuka Raffle! »

Rabbi Willig's Kumsitz

Last Thursday night, as the DRS Address went to press, the Bet Medrash Eliyahu Zvi was packed. It was quite an inspirational sight, as the Kol Torah emanated from so many sources. Local community members, young and old, were learning alone and b'chavruta, as they do on every night of the week. DRS Students learned with older tutors, in our acclaimed Night Seder Program, and still more students piled in to study for the Gemara Bechina on Sunday. Rabbi Willig held a special learning program with his shiur, as they reviewed for the Gemara Bechina from 6:00 PM until Midnight. Then, they gathered in the cafeteria with students from many of the other shiurim, for a very special chulent kumsitz, led by Rabbi Willig's newphew, Rabbi Avraham Willig, on guitar. It was a very special conclusion to beautiful night of learning. Special thanks to Mrs. Esther Williams for the delicious chulent!

Math Team Triumphs!

The DRS Math Team is once again off to an outstanding start in the Nassau County Interscholastic Mathematics League (NCIML) Contest. During the first two contests, the team accumulated 47 out of a possible 60 points, putting them in a great position to be one of the best performing teams in the league. Team Captain Josh Blachman had the best record with a near perfect score. Other top students were Seniors Marc Liebman, Yair Frankel, and Elihu Herskovics. The top scoring Juniors were Yosef Miller and Yoni Bryk. The future looks bright for the Math Team, as they seek to replicate the stellar season they had last year, when DRS had the best score of all the seven Yeshivot in the league, half the team won awards, and Josh Blachman was ranked as among the top 40 students in Nassau County. We wish them continued Hatzlacha!

DRS Athletics Update

It was another great week for the DRS hockey Wildcats! The JV remained unbeaten, winning their second game in as many tries with a victory over Ramaz. The team led 4-1 after the 1st period and coasted to a 10-1 victory. Max Ganz and Freshman Mordy Ogorek had two goals apiece for the Wildcats. The Varsity won their second straight as well, defeating Rambam 8-2. The team was led by Senior Captains (and Chavrusas!) Dovid Schulman and Eliezer Williams, who scored two goals apiece. The basketball teams hit a bump in the road with a doubleheader loss against HAFTR. Each team competed valiantly and refused to give up until the final moments of their respective games. The teams look to bounce back this Motsai Shabbat at Rambam. The JV plays at 7:30 followed by the Varsity.