Parshas Metzora

Dear Parents,

Much of the Yom Tov of Pesach centers on the theme of Hakaras Hatov. When we sit at the Seder and we read about the Eser Makkos (Ten Plagues), we can internalize a special lesson taught to us by Moshe Rabbeinu. Moshe refused to strike the water and to create the onset of the Makkah of blood, because the water saved his life. One might question the reasoning of Moshe: after all, the water has no feelings! The example of Moshe Rabbeinu teaches us that if we must show Hakaras Hatov to an inanimate object like water, which has no feelings, then how much more so we must show our Hakaras Hatov to people – especially people with whom we work or who impact our children’s lives daily.

I would like therefore to wish a hearty Mazel Tov to our two-time past president and current chairman of the Personnel Committee, Mr. Menachem Saklad, and his family, on the marriage of their daughter Esty last week. We tremendously appreciate the work of all our lay leaders, who constantly strive for improvement in the school, especially Mr. Pinny Berlin, who serves as the current president and puts much time and effort into the job; and to the many committees that work diligently on behalf of the school and to their chairmen, including Mrs. Miriam Peromsik, Education Committee; Mr. Robert Schloss, Budget and Finance Committee; Mr. David Schaefer, Building Maintenance; and Mr. Amitai Halper and Mr. Shammai Weiner, Capital Campaign Committee.

I want to give special thanks to the administration, Rabbeim, Moros, teachers, and the entire staff, who work tirelessly on behalf of our students and their families every year. They and the various committees and the PTF all have a profound impact on the quality of education in the school.

We also thank all the parents and volunteers who make our various fundraisers successful. Our successful Pledje campaign this year has allowed us procure contracts on a Sargent Avenue wing renovation that will take place this summer. The scope of this renovation is the replacement of the outer wall on Sargent Avenue, with an all-new window design, as well as new wall furniture and sinks in the classrooms. The next phase will incorporate the inner Sargent Avenue wall. Your fundraising efforts do make a difference.

We are beginning our Amudim Scholarship Campaign which will pay tribute to:
Mr. Jeffrey Savit – Amudim Award
Mrs. Anschel and Mrs. Deborah Strauss – Community Service Award
Rabbi Menachem and Mrs. Ilana Weissmann – Young Leadership Award

Each of these honorees has helped the school in a meaningful manner and all are most worthy of these awards. We need each and every parent to help purchase and solicit ads for this year’s campaign.
It is truly a pleasure for me to serve as the Dean of the school. Together with my worthy administrative colleagues we spend much time constantly evaluating our program and looking for ways to make it stronger and better. Your partnership and support allow us to accomplish our goals.

As we enter the final week before Pesach, I want to take the opportunity to wish the entire PHDS/NEAT family a Chag Kasher V’sameach.

Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman, Dean