1 AUGUST 2018

Ateres Chai! By: Rabbi Aaron J. Fink, Dean

Boruch Shehecheyanu v’kiyimanu lazman hazeh! With the advent of the new term, Ateres will begin its 18th year of service to the Monsey community. It’s a milestone year of which we are so proud! 18 years of the Ateres ideal, educating our daughters with professional excellence, warmth, love and personal attention, crystalizing the potential of each tamidah. Indeed, we exclaim, Ateres Chai! - we are alive, proud, well and thriving. Though we have faced a variety of intense existential challenges these past two years, we have persevered, gained strength and grown ever

stronger.

Throughout Tanach and Talmud we are given snippets of insight into how we are to define chaim, life. And, as we celebrate Ateres Chai, we too, turn to the words of the Neviim and Sages to remain inspired and gain perspective on our goals and ambitions for a new year of blessing and success.

The Gemarah at the end of Maseches Makkos (24a)

discusses various formulae for keeping our connection to Torah and Mitzvos rock solid.

(Continued on page 8)

Although we are still basking in the warmth of the midsummer sun, the days of Av have come to an end, and we have ushered in the month of Elul. With the first blasts of the Shofar, Rosh HaShana and Aseres Yemei Teshuva come to mind, resonating with our plea of "zochreinu l'chaim, Melech chofetz b'chaim, v'chosveinu b'sefer hachaim, l'maancha Elokim chaim". Life. We ask for life, we refer to Hashem as the King Who desires life, we picture the Book of Life, wide open, the proverbial quill hovering over its blank pages.

But what is it that we are really asking for?

Are we simply imploring Hashem to grant us life in the plain sense of the term? Are we only hoping to once again "punch the clock" for another year, or to hang up our brand new calendar on the wall and be on our way? Of course not!

(Continued on page 7)

Have you ever experienced the Chai necklace phenomenon? You meet a person with no outward indications of being Jewish other than a Chai symbol on a necklace. When they notice your Jewishness, they are quick to point to their own Jewish symbol with pride. What is it about the Chai symbol that speaks so deeply to Jews? The number 18 or its multiples are often used for giving Tzedaka. Non-affiliated Jews sing Am Yisroel Chai together with the ubiquitous Hava Nageela. There is something about the number 18 that resonates strongly with us and our outlook on life as Yidden.

The passuk in Parshas Achrei Mos says, “You should keep my mitzvos…v’chai bahem, and live by them, I am Hashem.”

Feeling Alive By: Mrs. Sarah Salvay

"V'chai bahem" Hashem, in His infinite love for us, chose us as His special nation. He gave the Jewish people the Torah and mitzvohs. These precepts are not merely commandments, what to do and how to do them. Rather, the Torah dictates, "v'chai bahem." We are told to view our entire lives, no matter what it is that we are doing, through the lens of Torah.

It is our mission to not only be Torah Jews when we are fulfilling a particular mitzvah, like Shabbos or kashrus but rather to be Torah Jews in our every action.

In the Ateres general studies curriculum we cover math and science, English language arts and social studies. Each of these domains can be viewed as a distinct and separate subject, something that must be learned to ensure advancement to the next grade. However, in

(Continued on page 7)

The Lens of Torah By: Chava Devorah Kahn To Life! By: Mrs. Kayla Stimmel

School Opening Calendar

S M T W Th Fri Sh

September

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

October 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Welcome to the new term at Ateres Bais

Yaakov. The school year will אי"ה begin on

Tuesday, September 4th for grades 1–8

and Wednesday, September 5th for K/Pre1-A

and Kindergarten.

This edition of Ateres Paz contains valuable

school opening information. A handy school

policy pull out page is also included.

Please keep it for future reference.

Best Wishes for a שנה טובה ומתוקה.

200 Summit Park Rd, New Hempstead, NY 10977

(Continued on page 8)

The Parent Handbook of Ateres Bais Yaakov • Rabbi Aaron J. Fink , Dean • August 2018- אלול תשע"ח

September

3 Staff Development Day

4 First Day of School Orientation for Preschool

5 First Day of Transportation

First Day of School for Preschool

10-11 Rosh Hashana

12 Tzom Gedaliah–Early Dismissal 1:00 pm Junior High– No sessions 18-19 Yom Kippur– No Sessions 24-Oct 3 Elementary and Junior High Sukkos Vacation

October

4 Sessions Resume

8 Columbus Day, No Transportation 10 Back to School Night

Mrs. Sarah Salvay, Principal Mrs. Chava Devorah Kahn, Assistant Principal Mrs. Kayla Stimmel, Jr. High Principal

בס"ד

make

Don’t wait for

PERFECT MOMENT

Take the moment and make it

PERFECT!

Don’t wait for

PERFECT MOMENT

Take the moment and make it

PERFECT!

2 ATERES PAZ

Meet the Faculty

A teres is proud of the outstanding faculty that comprise the team of professionals that educate

our children. These individuals are appreciated for their experience, professionalism,

dedication, warmth and care. Our Limudei Kodesh staff is comprised of women who epitomize the

Ateres ideal of being able to suffuse our students’ ever growing ahavas haTorah and yiras shamayim

with a special blend of simchas hachayim. This is evident by the smiles that Ateres girls have on their

faces coming to school each day. Our general studies teachers are master educators and understand

children. We are so pleased to welcome back our veteran

staff members and extend a warm welcome to our new

colleagues, as well. Resource faculty complete the team of

mechanchos who are devoted to bringing out the very best

in each of our talmidos.

At every grade level, Ateres moros and teachers strive to

make the learning relevant and to imbue students with a

desire to set higher standards and goals for their learning.

Limudei Kodesh and general studies teachers work together

to integrate lessons throughout the day and transmit the

message to our students that all of their learning should

relate to and enhance their avodas Hashem. In addition, the

entire faculty works closely with the resource staff,

coordinated by Mrs. Jodi Warum. You can count on her to

oversee the unique learning needs of each student

requiring additional support to be successful.

What sets our staff apart is their professionalism, collective

experience and desire to grow that is evident in their

teaching style and constant desire to provide students their

every need, b’ruchniyus uv’gashmiyus. All share their

expertise with each other and, in turn, look for training and

new techniques to incorporate in their classrooms. Our

staff, as every Ateres parent knows, is our greatest asset.

Boachem L’Shalom! Back to School!

Whether their summer was jam-packed with

activities or filled with complaints about being

bored with nothing to do, children often have a

tough time making the back-to-school transition.

As with any new or potentially unsettling situation

— like starting school for the first time or entering

a new grade or new school — allow kids time to

adjust. Remind them that everyone feels a little

nervous about the first day of school and that it

will all become an everyday routine in no time.

Even, parents themselves can be a little nervous

about the first day of school, especially if they're

seeing their little one off for the first time or if

their child will be attending a new school.

Some helpful tips.

Emphasize the positive things about going back to

school, such as seeing old friends, meeting new

classmates and buying cool school supplies.

It's also important to talk to kids, especially

younger students, about what worries them and

offer reassurance: Are they afraid they won't make

new friends or get along with their teachers? Is the

thought of schoolwork stressing them out? Are

they worried about the bully from last year?

Consider adjusting your own schedule to make the

transition smoother. If possible, it's especially

beneficial for parents to be home at the end of the

school day for the first week. But many working

moms and dads just don't have that flexibility.

Instead, try to arrange your evenings so you can

give kids as much time as they need, especially

during those first few days.

To help ease back-to-school butterflies, try to

transition kids into a consistent school-night

routine a few weeks before school starts. Also

make sure that they get enough sleep and eat a

healthy breakfast

Most of all, whether it's the first day of school or

the last, make sure your kids know you're there to

listen to their feelings and concerns, and that you

don't expect perfection — only that they try

their best.

Welcome to the Family

The Ateres family wishes a heartfelt

Bruchim Habaim to the many new

members of the Ateres family.

We are so happy to welcome...

Mr. and Mrs. David and Alicia Altman (5)

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Hendy Baum (4, 6, 8)

Mr. and Mrs. Zev and Rivah Bukher (1,7)

Mr. and Mrs. Akiva and Nechama Deutsch (2)

Mr. and Mrs. Fishy and Devory Felberbaum (Pre-1a)

Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Elisheva Gati (7)

Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok and Devoiry Globerman (8)

Mr. Yossi Gottesman (3)

Mr. and Mrs. Moshe and Yita Ruchy Grunfeld (1)

Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov and Shira Bracha Herman (K)

Mrs. Malkie Kohn (Pre-1a, 2)

Mr. and Mrs. David and Bella Ortner (Pre-1a)

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron and Shaindy Perlman (Pre-1a)

Mr. and Mrs. Duvid and Malka Rosenberg (Pre-1a)

Mr. and Mrs. David and Brana Schmelczer (K)

Mr. and Mrs. Moshe and Riki Schwartz (K)

Mr. and Mrs. Yoely and Yitty Szabovitz (Pre-1a)

Mrs. Chaya Tabak (3)

Mr. and Mrs. Nesanel and Shoshana Tkach (Pre-1a)

N’shei-Working For Our Children

Rounding out the team is our amazing N’shei. We salute our

N’shei heads, Mrs. Chany Silverman, Mrs. Aliza Mytelka and

Mrs. Sarina Kurtz and their wonderful dedicated team. We wish

them bracha and hatzlocha in all their endeavors and look

forward to their impact on all school activities. Without a

doubt, the creativity, enthusiasm and team spirit of our Ateres

mothers enhances the school experience. Many new special

events are being planned. Sponsorships are also available for

Rosh Chodesh treats and Yom Tov teachers’ gifts. Email

nshei@ateres.org.com to join us and get involved! Remember,

time spent working with N’shei counts toward your “Give and

Get” obligation.

Your Administrative Team

A devoted group of professionals comprise the heart of the

Ateres Bais Yaakov, Elementary division (P1A-8) management

team. Together, they assure a strong and vibrant executive

office upon which all of our academic and non–academic

activities derive support and thrive. Faculty, parents, students

and visitors can all count on the administrative team doing the

utmost to assure successful learning and growing at Ateres

Bais Yaakov.

Rabbi Aaron J. Fink, Dean

Mrs. Sarah Salvay, Elementary Principal

Mrs. Chava Devorah Kahn, Assistant Principal, General Studies

Mrs. Kayla Stimmel, Junior High School Principal

Rabbi Ariel Schochet, Executive Director

Mrs. Nechama Klugman, Business Office Administrator

Mrs. Chava Shiel, Receptionist

We are pleased to

present our faculty: New faculty members*

K, Pre-1 A

Morah Ahuva Berkowitz

Morah Ruchie Jacknis

Morah Rachelli Chaitovsky

1st Grade

Morah Tova Posluns

Mrs. Lauren Wingate

Miss Raizy Galandauer*

2nd Grade

Mrs. Yaffa Gluck

Mrs. Rene Baron

3rd Grade

Mrs. Ruti Ehrman

Mrs. Kendyl Feldman

4th Grade

Mrs. Devorah Esther Tal

Mrs. Rona Paley

5th Grade

Mrs. Chaya Aidy Liff

Mrs. Devorah Martin

Mr. Jeff Kanrich*

6th Grade

Miss Batya Sender*

Miss Sarah Grohman*

7th & 8th Grade

Mrs. Jennifer Eisenstein

Mrs. Sarah Fuchs

Mrs. Esther Hoffman

Mrs. Chava Devorah Kahn

Mr. Jeff Kanrich*

Mrs. Tzipora Moller*

Miss Chana Mulivor*

Mrs. Rachel Stern*

Miss Rivky Wilheim*

Resource Department

Mrs. Jodi Warum

Mrs. Jessica Drel

Miss Chayala Weldler

Specialty Staff

Miss Racheli Shafier, Music

Mrs. Rachel Stern, Art

Mrs. Rivka Bukher, Gym

3 AUGUST 2018

Fall 2018 Elul 5778

4 ATERES PAZ

Back to School Pull Out Guide

Welcome to Ateres. Set forth

below is important information to

help you get acquainted with the

expectations we have for you and

your daughters this year. Please

review our back-to-school checklist

as well as the protocols, policies and

routines which will assure a successful year

for us all. We thank you for your

enthusiasm and support. We look forward

to an exciting beginning to our new year.

Preschool Orientation

Tuesday, September 4th, has been set aside

for Preschool Orientation. The orientation is

designed for parents and

their children to come to

school for a brief visit with

the teachers in their

designated classrooms. This

visit is intended to acquaint you and your

child with her preschool teacher and assis-

tants and familiarize you both with the new

classroom environment.

Regular sessions for K/P1A will אי"ה begin on

Wednesday, September 5th.

Please be sure to mark all personal

belongings with your child’s name.

Check

Transportation

Parents whose children

are transported to

school by bus should

acquaint themselves

with the bus routes, which are found on your

children's bus passes. Please be sure your

child brings these passes to school at the

start of the school year. Ateres does not

receive advance details concerning the bus

routes. Inquiries or requests concerning

transportation should be made directly to

the Transportation Office of the school

district in which you reside. To ensure your

child's safety to and from school, please

accompany her to the bus stop, and receive

her there at the anticipated time of arrival.

While we conduct bus safety drills during

school time, please reinforce the importance

of safety precautions when boarding, riding

and leaving the bus. Let's take every step

possible to make this a healthy, happy and

safe school year.

Parents are reminded that the district prohibits

student from switching busses without a

prearranged temporary pass. Ateres is not

authorized to make these arrangements. Please

contact the school district transportation office at

845-577-6490 for additional information.

Arrive and Drive Safely!

Bus service provided by the local school

districts transports Ateres girls to and from

school. Parents who drive to school are

requested to follow the directional signs and

not block the bus lanes. Preschool parents

should pull into the designated preschool

drop off area at arrival and dismissal.

School Readiness

Review school calendar (enclosed)

Become familiar with school policies

Acquire school uniform

Check/verify transportation

Visit the Parent Portal and complete all

emergency and contact information

Purchase school supplies

Facilitate homework routines

Re-establish school year bed time

Label personal belongings

Office Hours and

Communication

The Ateres office phone

number is 845-368-2200.

Faxes can be sent to 845-

368-2210. The school’s

address is 200 Summit Park

Road, New Hempstead, NY, 10977and its

email address is office@ateres.org.

The office will be open 9:00 am - 5:30 pm,

Monday - Thursday, and until 1:15pm on

Friday. Messages can be left after hours on

the school’s voice mail system. Please note,

messages regarding changes in carpool or

transportation must be called in at least one hour

prior to dismissal.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Attendance

Punctual and regular attendance is critical for

a successful school experience. Unless a

student is ill, she should be brought to and

picked up from school as scheduled. Parents

are urged to arrange students’ personal

appointments at times that do not conflict

with school hours and activities. Children

arriving late or leaving early must be checked

in or out of school at the office. Advance

notice of alternative arrangements is

appreciated.

School Calendar and Schedule

A copy of the Ateres School Calendar is

included for your reference. Please post it

in a convenient location and refer to it as

needed. Please be sure to schedule family

vacations and special events at times when

they do not conflict with school.

The Ateres Daily Schedule

Grade Arrival Dismissal

M- F M-Th Fri

K/P1A - 8 9:00 4:15 1:00

Back-to-School Night

Wednesday, October 10th, will be Back-to-

School Night for grades 1-8. At that time,

your daughter’s teachers will present an

outline of their objectives for the year,

structure of classes and policies regarding

homework. Initiating parental

involvement in the educational

partnership is critical to an Ateres

education.

There will be time for questions regarding

general classroom routines after each

teacher's presentation.

5 AUGUST 2018

Retain for Future Reference

Dress Code

Full compliance is expected

with the Ateres uniform

standards. Parents should

be sure to purchase

appropriate attire at the

uniform store prior to the

first day of school. Please

note: students will not be

admitted to class without

compliant school attire.

Students may be required to

change into a school issued apparel in order

to go to class.

The success of Ateres lies in the

cooperation of the school/home

alliance. Chinuch is most effective

when messages are consistent at

home and at school. To that end,

we ask that all mothers and fathers

come to school following the same

tznius requirements we require of

our staff members. Administrative

staff will approach visitors who are

non-compliant (which is both

uncomfortable and embarrassing

and should not be necessary).

Women, are welcome in couture

which covers the knees, elbows and

collarbones. Outfits should be easily

described as “Bais Yaakov”

appropriate.

Men too, are expected to visit in

attire which is at least considered

“business-casual” and would be

appropriate in the shul setting as

befits a makom Torah.

Both parents and moros are seen as

critical role models to our talmidos

and we appreciate your cooperation

in dressing in accordance with both

the letter and spirit of halacha.

Entertainment,

Vacation Time

Lessons and standards

taught in school should

ideally be carried

over even during “off” time. Please encourage

your daughter to maintain her davening and

reading time to bring home the lesson that

we use our own time to make choices which

make Hakadosh Baruch Hu proud.

Entertainment and vacation choices, too,

must be made with your daughter’s innate

kedusha in mind. Images and experiences

which children are exposed to remain with

them for life. They should therefore be

chosen with care. Manner of dress, too,

should be in consonance with tznius

standards when out of school to achieve a

holistic approach to avodas Hashem.

Visitors Welcome

All visitors to Ateres,

even parents, must park

and check in at the

school office upon their

arrival and park only in

the designated parking

areas. Students arriving

late and/or leaving early

will need an admission slip or early dismissal

pass filed with the school secretary. Please

do not proceed to the classroom areas

unattended.

Please be sure to come to school dressed in

a manner consistent with the standards

Ateres expects of its students.

Media, Internet

An Ateres student is just that-an Ateres

student- both in and out of school. We

therefore ask our parents to partner with us in

maintaining an environment of kedusha for

their b’nos Yisroel at home and school. We are

all aware of the dangers of unfiltered

internet and social media. These risks are inherent in cell

phones, ipods and the ever evolving social media

marketplace. It is so critical for parents to think twice

and consider the impact contemporary media, in all its

forms, has on our children. The following guidelines are

by no means exhaustive but your full cooperation is

expected.

1. Ateres parents should not be purchasing

cell phone or other internet accessible

devices for their elementary age

children. Students are not to have

access to Facebook, Whatsap, Snapchat,

Instagram or any other social media nor may they be

involved in whatsapp groups and /or chats.

2. Ateres students grades 1-8 may not

have smart watches, cell phones, ipods

or video devices in school or on the

bus. Students who are found to be

using devices in violation of this standard will have

them confiscated.

3. Internet access must be carefully monitored. No

child should be exposed to unrestricted/unfiltered

internet at home. Parents should adopt the policy of

yichud with regards to on-line access. That is, no

child should ever be left unsupervised

with an internet-accessible computer.

All computers should be located in

public areas of the house and have

filters installed . NO student may

have open, unrestricted access to the internet via

computer, tablet, cell phone and ipod type devices.

4. All internet accessible computers should be

equipped with password enabled filters which only

parents can access. Programs such a Jnet, Qustodio,

Covenant Eyes, Open DNS Family Shield, or

password protected firewalls are a must!

5. Parent smartphones should be

appropriately filtered to enable safe use.

The local Technology Awareness Group

(TAG) Office can install these safe guards

for you at their office.

6. Parents are also urged not to allow their children

their own private email accounts and chat groups

(even on whatsapp). All student emails should be

sent to parent accounts so that parent can monitor

and provide guidance to their children as needed.

7. When inviting classmates over, parents should not expose

other children to any form of media (i.e. videos) without

getting their parents’ approval.

We’re Partners!

6 ATERES PAZ

Happy Birthdays

Birthday celebrations are a special way of expressing our hoda’ah to

Hakadosh Baruch Hu for granting us and our children the priceless gift of

life. You can help assure that the celebration brings out the unique

qualities of kedusha and hakaras hatov by including all of your child’s

classmates in the celebration. Please be sensitive to other parents’

standards of kashrus and acceptable entertainment when planning out-of-school parties.

Birthday parties in school must be scheduled in advance with your daughter’s teacher. Please

do not include “nosh-bags” as a party favor. We recommend that birthday celebrants present

a small gift to the class (i.e. a book, game or puzzle) to develop a sense of sharing with

others as a means of celebrating and expressing hakaras hatov.

Please avoid media featured paper goods and party favors in selecting the paraphernalia for a class

party. In addition, when selecting the modicum of celebration and party favors, parents should be

sensitive to the discriminating standards of spiritual growth that all families desire for their children.

Books and Supplies

Textbooks have been

carefully selected and

ordered by Ateres for all classes. We are

proud of their appearance and solicit your

assistance in keeping them in “as-new”

condition. All seforim and books should be

treated with respect. All hard covered texts

need to be covered.

A seforim fee, to be collected by your

daughters morah, is assessed at the

beginning of each year based upon the

text used in the class - level curriculum. A

note with the fee for your daughter’s

grade will be distributed by her teacher

the first week of school. Your prompt

remittance is appreciated.

A school supply list for the entire

elementary division is enclosed. We hope

that this information will facilitate your

daughters’ readiness for school.

Classroom furnishings, white boards,

bulletin boards, manipulative and

classroom materials are available for use in

each classroom. All Ateres students will

share in the responsibility of showing care

and respect for school property. A sense of

personal, familial and communal achrayos

and pride should be the hallmark of our

Ateres girls.

Homework

Homework plays an

important role in

reinforcing and

solidifying the

learning process.

Research shows that

children who review and/or practice

information after school have a significantly

higher retention rate for days, weeks and

even months later. Parents should view

homework as an important learning tool

and expect homework assignments

to be dispensed in moderation in a

way which is reasonable for girls at

their grade levels. The goal is to

provide a succinct review to reinforce

concepts and practice skills from

lessons taught in class. There will be

regular kriah/Chumash review and

reading combined with age-appropriate

short and long term assignments. Your

daughter’s teachers will review their

policies and expectations for homework at

back-to-school night.

Homework is assigned to students, not to

parents. Your help in facilitating a healthy

homework protocol is vital, but please do

not do the assignment for your child. If she

is unable to perform an assigned task, her

teacher needs to know. Be sure to establish

a homework routine and check your

daughter’s assignment book nightly. Of

course, getting enough rest will assure her

success both in school and at homework

time.

**** Lunch Program **** Ateres offers participation in a hot lunch program offering an

a la carte menu from Continental Caterers, Monday-Thursday.

Lunch tickets can be purchased in blocks of 10 or on an individual basis from the office. Parents may also choose to sign up for an annual

subscription. Pricing and the annual subscription form is included in the Lunch Information tab of the fall email.

Food for the Soul

All dairy products served at

Ateres are Cholov Yisrael.

Parents, too, are expected

to join us in maintaining this

standard, to assure a

common school standard.

Please check your child’s

lunch and/or snack to see to it

that we are working together.

Preschoolers are provided with two healthful

snacks each day. A designated snack time is

offered for all other classes for

snacks brought from home.

Healthful snacks are the standard

for school. Sugar based “Shehakol”

treats are discouraged. Ateres’

nutritious snack policy promotes

alertness for learning and personal

health. It helps

eliminate “snack

competition.”

full cooperation is

appreciated.

תשע"ח / תשע"ט

Field Trips

Hands-on

experiential

learning is best

complemented

with field trips to

places of

educational insight and application. You can

count on such outings during the year to

augment your daughter’s classroom

curriculum.

All students are expected to participate in

these excursions. Notice of trip schedules

will be sent home in advance of planned

events. Trip fees are not included in the

Ateres tuition schedule.

Your registration to Ateres constitutes full

permission for your daughter to participate

in all on and off-campus school events.

Tzedaka

Tzedaka is collected in each classroom daily. Learning to share with others is

an integral part of teaching our children a sense of communal responsibility.

A little bit each day makes a real difference. In addition, Ateres supports a

variety of national and international causes of Jewish interest through the

year. Participation enables our girls to connect with the greater Jewish

community close to home and in Eretz Yisrael.

7 AUGUST 2018

What we are davening for is to be deeply connected to the source of life, to fill our existence with what imbues us with a profound sense of meaning. In other words, what we are yearning for is to truly feel alive!

This sense of feeling alive resonates so profoundly at Ateres as we prepare to embark on our 18th year of service to the community. We expect to bring this concept of “feeling alive” to so much of our student programing commencing in the fall. As such, we have selected "V'chai Bahem" as our school-wide motto and theme of the year as we enthusiastically reflect and build upon the start of the 18th -"Chai" year of Ateres Bais Yaakov.

"V'Chai Bahem" is an invitation to feel the life-giving power of Torah and Mitzvos and how they energize us with a sense of direction and purpose here on earth. As Rashi points out, "V'Chai Bahem" is also a reference to Olam Habba, therefore symbolizing our firm belief that by living a life dedicated to Torah and Mitzvos in this world, what we are creating for ourselves is an eternal life in the next. Looking at it through a different lens, "V'Chai Bahem" is an injunction for us to infuse life, chiyus, into our Avodas HaShem.

This year at Ateres, whether at assemblies or during classroom activities, we look forward to developing some of the many facets of the invigorating call of "V'Chai Bahem". Below are some of the themes that we will explore, b'ezras Hashem:

The start of the new school year which is aligned with the start of the Jewish year offers an opportunity for us and for our

students to reflect on what they want to accomplish with this "new life". We will learn about goal-setting, both as individuals and as a school.

The Ramban, in his commentary on "V'Chai Bahem", describes how the degree of "life" that we derive from Mitzvos is commensurate to the way we approach our Avodah. The notion that we get what we put in is an integral aspect of our spiritual endeavors. A theme that we will be delving into is the importance of investing effort and developing grit. We want our students to experience how their efforts are being recognized and

rewarded, fostering a growth mindset through different "hishtadlus" initiatives.

Another fundamental concept that is born from the words "V'chai Bahem" is Kiddush HaShem- our students will engage in instructional activities to learn more about this important Mitzvah, especially since living b’kedushas Hashem is even more important that being martyred al Kiddush Hashem.

Chazal (Yoma 85) derive from "V'Chai

Bahem", "v'lo sheyamus bahem", that aside for the three famous exceptions, a person should not die for Mitzvah observance. This will give our students the chance to learn not only about pikuach nefesh, but also about the importance of taking good care of the marvelous body that HaShem has given us. In this vein, we plan to conduct a cross-curricular unit on health.

In the context of how our Chesed and Lashon Tov can be life-giving to others, our students will have hands-on activities that focus on enhancing their Bein Adam L'Chaveiro relationships.

Yet another dimension will highlight how to animate our Mitzvos with life, with the theme being Zrizus and Simcha.

There is so much to look forward to - and after thirteen years as a proud member of the Ateres family, I cannot help but smile when thinking of the applications of "V'Chai Bahem" in the framework of our beloved school. We take pride in the Simchas HaChaim that characterizes our special Talmidos, and in the life-giving warmth, creativity, and dedication of our exceptional teachers. It is in this fertile soil that, with Hashem's help, we hope to nurture the growth of our students, help them experience the chiyus of Mitzvos, and drive the point that each and every one of our girls is and can become an ever greater source of life and light to others and to the world.

I feel blessed to be embarking on this journey with your daughters and with you, our dear Ateres parents. "Zochreinu l'chaim", may Hashem grant us life, and in turn, may we partner in making every moment of this precious gift a moment that reflects our attachment to Him.

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Feeling Alive! By: Mrs. Sarah Salvay

Ateres each of these topics of study is more than a subject. In addition to the basic content themes, we also infuse the learning with relevant and practical life lessons, the beauty of Hashem's world, the ability to make a kiddush Hashem, to understand world events and where we as Jews fit in. In Ateres we ensure that a V'chai bahem approach to Yiddishkeit permeates all areas of our lives.

American History has been a passion of mine during the past ten years of my association with Ateres. It is incredible to see the looks on the students’ faces as they feel the vibrant riptides and subtle currents of history come alive, while at the same time having them

relate to the time period and internalize messages and lessons that connect to them today. I am looking forward to continue teaching the Junior High Division students each day.

As the General studies coordinator for grades 1-6, I am further looking forward to expanding my passion and enabling your daughters to succeed in all their general studies. It is an honor to work alongside Mrs. Salvay and the devoted Ateres teachers.

In addition to ensuring the success of our curriculum, I hope to continue the wonderful programs that Ateres has had in the past.

I am also quite excited to be launching a number of new initiatives to expand our

academic reach and expand our students’ perspective.

Two examples. This year we will be adding "science superpower" as well as a new Ateres reading contest. These fun and stimulating programs should help our students advance their growth and knowledge in the amazing field of discovery which is the scientific world. And, one can never read enough or learn too much from books! So exciting!

It is my bracha that together we be zoche to teach and reach each one of Hashem’s children, enabling each one to fulfill "v'chai bahem” in every aspect of their lives now and throughout their future!"

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The Lens of Torah By: Mrs. Kahn

8 ATERES PAZ

The Gemara explains that if a person is faced with a choice of death or violating a mitzvah, the halacha is that he should choose life and violate the mitzvah. There are four exceptions: avoda zara, shfichas damim, giloy arayos, or any mitzvah during a time of gezeiras shmad. Yiddishkeit values life so deeply that we are taught that we must violate one of the mitzvos, even something as important as Shabbos or eating kosher, rather than die.

Reb Moshe Feinstein explains this halacha on a deeper level. Life is precious because being alive gives us the opportunity to perform more mitzvos. Mitvos are what imbue our lives with meaning and purpose. Therefore, if faced with a choice of death or violating a mitzvah, one should choose life in order to be able to perform many more mitzvos in the future. On the passuk V’Chai Bahem, Chazal explain v’lo sheyamus bahem, that the Mitzvos should not bring a person to death.

A deeper explanation of this concept is that the Torah and the mitzvos themselves are what give life and vitality to us. V’chai Bahem—and you shall live via the Torah and Mitzvos. They are what give us life, both on a spiritual and a physical level.

A famous story is told of Nathan Straus, who together with his brother Isidor, owned R.H. Macy’s Department Store and the Abraham and Straus chain. As two of the wealthiest American Jews of those times, the Straus brothers were renowned philanthropists and social activists. During a tour of Europe with their wives, they detoured for an unscheduled stop in Eretz Yisroel to visit the health and welfare centers they had sponsored. After a week of touring the land, Isidor Straus wanted to leave. He tried to convince his brother to continue back to America with him, but Nathan refused to go. He saw too much need in the poverty-stricken country of Eretz Yisroel, so he remained while Isidor and his wife left to return to the United States. Nathan and his wife traveled throughout Eretz Yisroel and contributed vast sums of money to help their fellow Yidden. They established many educational, health, and social welfare programs, and they even went so far as to help finance a new city which was named Netanya after Nate’s Hebrew name, Natan. Rechov Straus in Yerushalayim is also named after Nathan Straus.

Back in Europe, Isidor tried to contact his brother via telegram as a final attempt to get him to travel back to the States on an ocean liner. He had made reservations for his brother and sister in law, and hoped that they would come aboard for the return trip. However, Nathan and his wife chose to

remain in Palestine until the last second, establishing soup kitchens and health centers like the Jerusalem Health Center. By the time they reached London, the ocean liner on which they had reservations had already left without them.

The ocean liner that they missed had a very famous name. It was called the Titanic.

V’Chai Bahem. This is but one of many stories that teach us how the mitzvos give us both physical and spiritual life. As our theme this year in Ateres Bais Yaakov, we will explore

different aspects of this concept and learn how to “tap into” the chiyus derived from doing mitzvos. Each month we will discuss a different way to strengthen our mitzvos and avodas Hashem, helping your daughters develop their potential as Bnos Yisroel. As we embark upon our eighteenth year at Ateres, we hope that this year will IY”H be

full of lessons about the life-giving quality of our Torah and Mitzvos.

A kasiva v’chasima tova to one and all.

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Dovid Hamelech articulated 11 ethical and moral standards to live by in perek 15 of Tehilim. Yeshayah haNavi narrowed them down to 6 maxims of belief. The Navi Micha crystalized the formula for affirming and inspiring one’s devotion to Hashem Yisborach in but just 3 canons. The Gemarah continues and details 2 imperatives which will functionally do the same. Finally, the Gemarah concludes with the words of the Prophet Chavakuk and exclaims all that a Jew needs to keep the faith is the personification of the posuk, “V’tzadik b’emunasu yichyeh”! The righteous will live through his emunah!

Herein we learn and discover an amazing insight; life and emunah are partners that go hand in hand.

At a superficial level, this lesson teaches us that our every breath is nurtured by the emunah we have. The stronger our belief in the Ribbono Shel Olam, the more He rewards us with the gift of life and the opportunity to do more Mitzvos. Being mindful of this connection can inspire us to want to live and do more mitzvos and maasim tovim daily.

However, there is a more sophisticated lesson being taught here as well. The seforim teach us that emunah doesn’t really mean faith. Rather, emunah means loyalty! As such, the Navi is telling us the Tzaddik lives through his loyalty: loyalty to the Ribbono Shel Olam and loyalty to that which he believes and exercises in his bein adam lacheveiro. It is not enough to have faith. We must be loyal. Indeed, respect and loyalty are not upgrades in a relationship; they are the prerequisites! This is true in both our Heavenly and earthly quests.

Staying loyal to the Ribbono Shel Olam is no small task. It requires a constant focus and a commitment to put Him first and our ego second. But staying loyal to Hakadosh Baruch Hu makes it easier to do each and every mitzvah and be worthy of life itself.

This middah of loyalty provides the paradigm of dedication to achieve mastery in our mitzvos bein adam lachaveiro as well. In this world, a happy and successful life is achieved through the loyalty of and to friends and family.

It is in that vein that we express our hakoras hatov to the Ateres family, the loyal parents, faculty and students of Ateres who have stuck with us through thick and thin. You have demonstrated that the crowning characteristic of love is loyalty! You infuse us with strength and the determination to succeed. Because of you we all feel, B’emunaso yichyeh—you have given us life and sustained us, and we are eternally grateful.

Emunah — loyalty, plays a huge role in the context of our Rosh Hashana experience as we declare before tekias shofar, tuv taam vadaas lamdeini ki vimitzvosecha he’emanti—Hashem, provide me positive understanding and life lessons as I have been loyal to your mitzvos! We blow the shofar with loyalty in our hearts and a prayer for life on our lips.

IyH as the year moves forward we hope that we can continue to vindicate your loyalty. And, we hope to teach your daughters through this year’s theme of v’chai bahem how to live a life of spiritual devotion, living a life of loyalty to Hashem Yisborach through mitzvos bein adam lamakom and bein adam lacheivreo.

Ateres Chai - We are looking forward to our new year. Yehi ratzon that in the zechus of your loyalty to our beloved Ateres it will continues to thrive as we are be blessed with amazing shared nachas.

Moreover, may the zechus of your loyalty to the Ribbono Shel Olam merit you and your family a shana tova umesuka lanu ulchol Yisrael.

לשנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו

Rabbi Aaron Fink

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Ateres Chai! By: Rabbi Aaron J. Fink, Dean

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To Life! By: Mrs. Kayla Stimmel