Written by Rabbi Gidon Goldberg
Dean's Letter
Dear Parents,
The halls and walls at PHDS can testify to the spirit of Purim, as can the cover design on the Voice and Herald, which featured the NEAT Candyland Purim theme that decorated their halls. The singing, dancing, Neat Chagigah, Yeshiva Bash, and the various shul and personal seudos all enhanced the spirit of Purim for our children. I had a very busy Purim in Lakewood, beginning on Taanis Esther and finishing on Motzoei Shabbos, with a successful Purim fundraiser for the school. Part of the reason for our success is that NEAT has become known in the Lakewood area as an alternative for Lakewood girls looking for a small school with individual attention, warmth, and caring, one that allows each girl to grow at her own pace. We also had the opportunity to meet with a number of our married and yet single alumni in Lakewood, who all have very fond memories of NEAT. The success of our boarders is a testimony to the staff, boarding families, and truly the entire community for the wonderful support that they provide for our girls.
A special thank you goes to Bina Leah Haldorsen and Chavi Saklad for chairing this year’s Purim Chagiga for the women and girls of our community.
For more information please see the article in the newsletter. Special thanks to Mrs. Scheinerman for coordinating the Chagiga and to Adina Malka Yudkowsky for supervising the event.
Mazel tov to the parents of the first grade and to the first grade boys and girls on their special siddur party, where each child received their very first personalized siddur. Special thanks to Rabbi Avraham Jakubowicz for producing this exciting annual event.
The local Purim celebrations are an indication of a partnership between all the local agencies working together for the sake of Heaven. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetsky, in the attached article, reminds us that all Jewish partnerships can only be successful with the help of Hashem. Hashem had promised the Jewish nation in Parshas Terumah, “Build Me a Mishkon and I will dwell among them” (Shemos 25:8). But Moshe felt that he, too, would add a blessing.
Rashi tells us what Moshe told the people: “May Hashem rest His presence in your handiwork,” seemingly reiterating the promise that Hashem Himself made. Moshe repeats Hashem’s promise to declare a most powerful message.
A man once approached Rabbi Yehuda Assad for advice. “There is an old, rundown store in the downtown area of the city. I can get it at a very reasonable price. I think that with my marketing skills I may be able to turn that location into a profitable venture. Do you think I should buy it?”
Rav Assad made a face. “I don’t think that it would be prudent to enter that part of the city for a business venture.” The man left somewhat dejected.
A few days later another man entered the Rabbi’s study with the identical question about the same property. “There is an old, rundown store in the downtown area of the city. I can get it at a very reasonable price. I think that with my marketing skills, and of course with Hashem’s help, I may be able to turn that location into a profitable venture. Do you think I should buy it?”
This time Rabbi Assad nodded in approval. “I think you should make a go of it. I have no doubt that it will be a success.”
When word got out that the Rabbi was behind this new endeavor, the first man stormed into his study quite upset. “Why did you tell me not to buy the property and then tell my friend just the opposite?” he demanded.
“My dear student,” answered the Rabbi, “there is a great difference. Your friend took in a partner. He said that with the help of Hashem he could make a go of it. When someone includes Hashem in his plans, I am sure that he will succeed!”
Good Shabbos,
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman
Dean