The week is only a little more than half over but there are already so many unique events to report about from The Frisch School. We had a very successful Open House, an inspirational Veterans Day Program, our first video conference Linking the Generations Chessed Program, and even a visit by Holden Caufield to some of our freshmen English classes. Read about all of these events below.
On Sunday, Nov. 9th, the energy of our Yeshiva was palpable as we welcomed more than 900 prospective parents and students to Frisch’s annual Open House. Attendees heard from Dr. Stein, Rabbi Ciner, current students and alumni and got a glimpse of many aspects of The Frisch Experience. Rabbi Ciner discussed the core values at Frisch and students relayed personal experiences that captured the ruach, warmth and vast resources that Frisch has to offer. Parents and students had the opportunity to attend classes of their choice, as well as a shiur by Rabbi Wald, ask questions to a student panel and interact with student representatives of the multitude of clubs showcased in the gym at Frisch Beyond the Classroom. The program was capped off with a taste of Cougar Cuisine. We look forward to meeting the 8th graders and their parents and sharing more about Frisch during interviews and visit days as we continue the admissions process. See some pictures from our Frisch Instagram below.
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This Tuesday was a very special Veterans Day at The Frisch School. We were privileged to be visited by Rear Admiral Herman Shelanski of the United States Navy. The program was introduced by Dr. Rivka Schwartz, our Director of General Studies, who contrasted the life of a Jew living hundreds of years ago in Europe who had to constantly beseech the government for protection with how lucky we are to live in the United States today, a country which grants us full freedom and defends every one of its citizens regardless of race or religion. Dr. Schwartz then recognized the three members of the Frisch faculty who are US military veterans: Mr. Ed Gerstley, our Director of Finance, Mr. Chris Perez, our Network Administrator, and Mr. John Smith, our Facilities Manager. The Admiral’s biography was then read by Mr. John Smith, a US Navy veteran.
This framed the Admiral’s talk as Admiral Shelanski spoke of his experience as a Jew in the Navy where he was able to rise to the highest ranks, commanding the aircraft carrier, Harry S. Truman and later commanding the Carrier Strike Group 10 which consisted of 15 ships including the Harry S. Truman and 8000 soldiers under his command. He spoke of the role of the Navy in defending United States interests in campaigns like Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in assisting those in need during natural disasters like the tsunami in Malaysia and the Japanese nuclear accident in Fukushima. He also spoke of his constant mindfulness of his role as a Jew, often the only Jew, serving as an example to his fellow service men and women. He described lighting Chanukah candles on board the Harry S. Truman during a hurricane, leading a Passover seder for hundreds of his fellow sailors, and restoring a Torah from the Holocaust to be used in the chapel on his ship.
Admiral Shelanski’s talk was very well received by the 700 Frisch students and faculty in attendance who stood in respect for the Admiral when he walked to the podium and gave him a standing ovation when he finished his talk. The students found his talk to be especially touching. “It was inspirational to hear how the Admiral used his time in the Navy to not only defend the United States but also to help other people practice Judaism throughout the world,” said Zach Rochlin (’16).
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By Jessica Adler (’15)
The Frisch Chesed Society has recently started a new program called Linking the Generations. A month ago, six students, Josh Eagle (’15), Max Gruber (’15), Brandon Koenig (’15), Robin Tassler (’17), Simone Tassler (’17), and I, went to the Jewish Home at Rockleigh to visit three residents that have made a big impact on the Jewish community. Before the trip, we were sent bios about the residents they would be visiting. Sunni Herman, the CEO of the Rockleigh, told us how important this new program was to her. Each one of the residents in the program was a major founder and contributor to our broad Bergen County community. They founded area schools, shuls, and organizations and had countless meetings with important government officials including Presidents of the United States. One of the residents even told us that he was the one who told Mr. Frisch to use his money to start a Yeshiva High School in the area! These individuals shared their life experiences and insights with us in order to encourage them to continue in their footsteps and develop into the leaders of tomorrow.
After that great night, we all agreed that this program has to continue! The Frisch Chesed society decided that they would hold occasional Skype sessions with the residents during 6th period lunch. We opened today’s session to other students who had not been able to visit the three residents at Rockleigh so a total of 15 students attended the Skype session today. Robin Tassler (17’) led of this session with the topic of “How to Motivate and Inspire People to get Involved?”. We Skyped in and each took turns asking the residents questions they had on that topic. The residents had many ideas to offer to each one of us. We are looking forward to the next Skype session on “What can Jews living in America do on behalf of Israel?”.
By Lauren Aduculesi (’17)
Dr. Berkman kept reminding us that after finishing the novel, The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield would come to our class. All of the students were skeptical. Obviously Holden was not alive anymore. In addition, it was unlikely that Holden ever existed. But Dr. Berkman was insistent that the real Holden was coming. We all had to believe her
Finally the day came that Holden was due to come. Our teacher was so excited. The class wanted to know whether it was a joke or not. It was not. All of a sudden, Rabbi Fleishmann walked in. No one knew what he was going to do. He sat at a desk and started reciting a monologue from the novel. He knew it exceptionally well, and said it in such a way that our class really felt that we were meeting the real Holden.
After his monologue, Rabbi Fleischmann let us ask any questions we had. That was great. He answered them very wisely. When he was done, Rabbi Fleishman told us about his costume, which consisted of Holden’s red hunting hat. He also told us about his love for the novel since he was very young. Meeting Holden Caulfield in Dr. Berkman’s English class really brought the book to life.
