This past week, we joyfully welcomed our students back into the building as we embarked on our 33rd year of Torah, midos, and excellence!
At Freshman Orientation, the boys had the honor of being the first to enter the building this year, and were given full reign to explore and make themselves at home. On their first day, they met some of the staff, received their lockers, and enjoyed a fun-filled day of bowling and bonding.
The following day, all grades were present, and the day began with an assembly in the Shul, where we introduced our new leadership team and discussed the new initiatives directly with our students.
Rabbi Avi Herschman, a member of the Rambam class of 2009 and our newly appointed Rosh Mesivta, opened by reflecting on his ten years in Rambam, with stints as the hockey coach; being a rebbi; his tenure as Assistant Rosh Mesivta; and his active involvement in the construction of our new building.
Mr. Hillel Goldman, our newly appointed Principal and former Associate Principal and Director of Student Activities, spoke next. He reassured the students that, even in his new role, he will continue to be deeply engaged with them and actively involved in all clubs and activities, just as he has always been, in addition to continuing in his role as an English teacher.
Both Rabbi Herschman and Mr. Goldman expressed their hakaras ha’tov to Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, now Rosh HaYeshivah, and Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Principal Emeritus, for their invaluable contributions in shaping Rambam into the Mesivta that it is today. Rabbi Friedman will remain active on staff, teaching halachah to our seniors and engaging in one-on-one learning sessions with students. Meanwhile, Rabbi Eliach will persist in his passionate advocacy for Medinat Yisrael, taking an active role in addressing the many challenges it currently faces.
Several other faculty members also spoke to the students, providing a brief overview of their roles. Among them were Mrs. Marcy Farrell, Director of College Guidance; Coach Jeff Bieder, our new Athletic Director, who brings his championship pedigree from Magen David; Rabbi Ilan Schimmel, the newly appointed Director of Israel Guidance; Assistant Principal Rabbi Avi Haar, who discussed the school’s Masmidim Extra Learning Program; Rabbi Dr. Andrew Sicklick, who will lead the new Parshah Yomi initiative; and Rambam Class of 2014 Alumnus, Rabbi Yitzie Milworn, a former IDF soldier and new Rambam rebbi, who will teach a class on Zionism and has also taken on the role of Director of Student Activities.
Students were also introduced to several new initiatives launching at Rambam this year, offering them fresh opportunities for engagement. One such initiative, “Chayal of the Day,” will provide students with a daily picture and a brief profile of an IDF soldier, including details about their family and role. This initiative is a meaningful way for our students to feel more connected to our brothers and sisters serving in the IDF for Medinat Yisrael.
Another exciting program, launched by seniors Avi Katz and Elazar Schwartz, is the Big Brother/Little Brother Club, which pairs freshmen with seniors to foster mentorship, friendship, and support throughout the year.
We ended the week on a high note, putting the boys in the perfect Shabbos spirit with a special kumsitz led by the talented up-and-coming kumsitz maestro, Eli Dachs.
The boys have so many exciting events to look forward to! Among the highlights are our Camp Seneca Getaway Sports Extravaganza, featuring divrei Torah, sports, boardgames, videogames, ruach, singing and our 12th Annual FLAG-FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT and our 14th Annual Homerun Derby and Gold Glove Tournament!!! We will also have another Kahoot Tournament! Trophies and glory! They’ll also enjoy the West Hempstead Tish at Mr. and Mrs. Goldman’s home, the Shiur Shabbaton, and other thrilling sports getaways.
It was a wonderful start to the school year, and we look forward to helping our boys grow into true Rambam Men, creating a meaningful year filled with Torah, midos, and excellence.
