School News

The Media has a field day

With only 1 ½ days warning, Yosef Abrahamson enters the PAL Essay competition, and wins 71st CO award.
While the Media was all over the 1st place winner, Tamer El-Ghobashy a reporter from the Daily News took interest in Yosef and his unique story.
Today the Daily News carried his article. Enjoy!

Following the article we have some of the links to the websites who carried the story.

Black Hasidic Jew's winning essay offers dream for healing rift
BY TAMER EL-GHOBASHY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, June 4th 2008, 4:00 AM

He's someone everyone should be able to agree on.

Yosef Abrahamson, an African-American Hasidic Jew, took his place as commanding officer of a Crown Heights precinct for a day Tuesday.

It's a symbolic gesture that the 16-year-old Brooklyn boy hopes could heal rifts in the neighborhood racked by fresh violence between the cultures he claims.

"There's a lot of trouble in my community," said the teen, who wears the distinctive black suit and fedora of the Chabad Lubavitch Orthodox Jews.

"But I'm willing to do anything to help," he said.

Yosef won an essay competition for the honor of being named the top cop of the 71st Precinct.

He joined 120 other city teens who won similar recognition for a ceremony yesterday at Police Headquarters.

The Yeshiva student never intended on becoming outspoken on the issue of bias violence in Crown Heights - nor was his unique background known to the judges who selected his essay as a winner.

"Some people become leaders, some people are drafted," said Rabbi Chaim Perl, the administrator of Yeshiva Darchai Menachem, where Yosef studies. "We're drafting him."

Yosef arrived last year from Nebraska, where he was home-schooled by his mother, Dinah Abrahamson - the daughter of a Jewish woman who fled Nazi Germany and an African-American father.

When he landed in Brooklyn, Yosef was the subject of innocent curiosity from both the Hasidic and black residents of Crown Heights.

But as instances of ethnic violence erupted, he became keenly aware of the simmering tensions.

In April, a 20-year-old son of a black cop was assaulted by several men believed to be members of an Orthodox neighborhood watch.

Last month, a 16-year-old Jewish boy was robbed and beaten by two black teens.

The violence has led to protests from both communities and accusations that the NYPD has favored one group over the other.

Yosef was subjected to sharp comments about his mixed heritage. Some Jews have told him he doesn't fit in and some African-Americans have warned him that his schooling is turning "him into a Jew."

But for the most part, "People have been very welcoming of us," said the boy's mother.

"I hope I can make some difference," he said. "Things have to change."

What If You Were the Police Commissioner…

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] - In the wake of resent attacks on our community, Officer Vinie Martinos of the 71st Precinct Community Policing Unit, turned to the Jewish community for their input in the Police Athletic League essay competition. The competition is open to all the public and private high schools around the entire New York City.

Entitled: if you were police commissioner for a day, what steps would you take to reduce violent crime and protect all new yorkers? Yosef Abrahamson a student at Darchai Menachem took on the challenge.

Yesterday, Tuesday, Yosef essay was one of the essays picked. We have obtained a copy of his Essay. It is a must read, even from the mouth of a 16 year old, his words and message is strong and clear.

If I Were Police Commissioner For A Day
By Yosef Abrahamson age 16

To reduce crime and protect all New Yorkers if I were Police Commissioner for one day, I would take the approach of the Big Picture scheme, what policy I institute today will in the long run consistently applied is going to create a society free of crime.

Effective immediately I would put forth a statewide order to begin a policy of Pro-Active Policing, rather than Community Policing, Pro-Active Policing pays attention to the lesser crimes and makes them just as important as the more violent crimes, treating them as though they were the larger more serious, visible crimes, so that those who commit petty crime don't get away with the small stuff - breaking and entering, car theft, petty robbery, loud car radios, rowdy disorderly teenagers, panhandling, loud mufflers, running yellow lights, etc. Ticket them, tow them, arrest them - - because if you ignore them in the name of spending all the resources fighting crime like murder, etc, the group of criminals gets bigger and better and moves from small, ignored crime to all the bigger and more serious crime. It is not mean spirited or harsh - - we need to pay more attention to the people who are law abiding and want to be safe and respectful, instead of coddling the law breakers, being community policers, saying to these petty law breakers that we want them to listen to us, behave and be nice and don't do that again, and now run along, - - - and they keep breaking the law, because they feel that they can get away with it. Community Policing is the reason we have such an increase in violent crime, because we let the base of the number of petty criminals grow unchecked. Jail works. Law and Order must be firm, clear and the penalty for doing crime, swift and certain. Most crime is thought crime - - it is planned, so society must assert a planned penalty.

I would hold meetings with my Deputy Commissioners, Bureau Chiefs, Patrol Borough Commanders, and Precinct Commanders reviewing our selection, training and supervision of our officers, discussing ways of making sure they have a clear sense of their authority and that along with questioning, apprehending and arresting perpetrators it includes regulating behavior, protecting communities and individuals, pointing out a few bad incidents have happened , however reassuring them they ultimately are the keys to law and order, and in most cases their presence really gives a feeling of safety. On the agenda would be a review of the placements of high tech surveillance equipment in areas, making sure we have no gaps.

I would round up the day with a meeting with the press to release the events of the day, and to send a strong message assuring the citizens and visitors of New York we will live in a just, safe, and civilized community and to send an even stronger message to inform all those that break laws we will immediately began a motivated agenda and unless they correct their behavior they will definitely be going to jail.

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=12045

Darchai Menachem Concert "sparks" and Chinese auction

Links
http://col.org.il/show_news.rtx?artID=36205
http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=10794
video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6osV_HdERI

Councilwoman Letitia James visits Darchai Menachem

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] - Earlier this morning, Thursday, Councilwoman Letitia James (D, Brooklyn) visited Crown Heights's Yeshivas Darchai Menachem. Ms. James first met with the school's principal Rabbi Eyal Bension who discussed the schools needs and future plans.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Among the things discussed were the issues of safety when the students cross Eastern Parkway, and two incidents in the past 5 years in which students were struck by passing cars, the solutions discussed were crossing guards and no standing zones in front of the school buildings. Primary concern though was the schools search for a new building.

The ideas included the use of government buildings and underused public school buildings, which Ms. James supported.

Ms. James then spoke to the students in the schools Shul, and addressed them as our future leaders and politicians, asking that our 'future congressman' please tell her what he thinks that needs rectifying. A student stood and spoke of the African American and Jewish relations, another mentioned a safety concern he has with a traffic signal that is too short on his way to school.

A more pressing issue a student raised was the schools desperate need for larger facilities, "I would like a bigger classroom and more place to play sports during recess", Ms. James responded that she had earlier spoke with school administrators and is hoping to have a solution for the school.

A student then gave a short speech comparing the councilwoman to our modern day queen ester in her quest to help crown heights and the surrounding communities, he then presented her with a Shalach Manot basket on behalf of the school.

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=11052

Senator Adams Visits Darchai Menachem

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] - This past Friday New York State Senator Eric Adams (D, Brooklyn) visited Crown Heights's Yeshivas Darchai Menachem. Mr. Adams first met with the school's principal Rabbi Eyal Bension who explained to him what makes Darchai Menachem such a unique school.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Mr. Adams then spoke to the students in the schools Shul, yet instead of lecturing he had the students tell him what they like best about school and was interested in hearing what student's hobbies were. Some answered that they like math most others said it was Gemara but recess was not left out. Mr. Adams went on to say that it is though education that we can combat anti-Semitism and racism, commenting on the recent hate crimes in the community.

Afterwards the students posed for a picture together with the Senator following which they shook his hand. On his way out he said he had a few other stops to still make on the rainy Friday in a number of other schools in Crown Heights

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=10433

Yogaiti Umatzasi Ta'amin!

SHAWNEE DELAWARE, PA [CHI] - Onlookers at Shawnee Mountain watched Yisroel sit at the Moshiach Shiur surrounded by teacher Rabbi Eli Sandhaus and classmates. Even away from the classroom, these boys chose to attend this voluntary class. Following the class, fellow skiers watched Yisroel ski with finesse, in a seemingly-effortless glide down the mountain.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Had they been watching earlier in the day, they would have seen the same boy struggling to put on his skis. After a few frustrating moments, a staff member approached him, showed him how to stand in the skis, get on and off the lift, and finally soar down the mountain. Throughout the day, he progressed from the bunny hill to more and more difficult trails.

Yisroel enjoyed his day in the Pennsylvania Mountains together with many of his classmates from Yeshiva Darchai Menachem. Students merited the trip after earning a specified amount of points over a few-month period. Points were accrued based on good behavior, effort, scholastic achievements, and the like. This incentive is one example of the Yeshiva's methods of motivating boys to study and achieve through positive reinforcement. Weekly charts denoting progress, allow for parents, children, and teachers to have consistent weekly communication.

Yisroel entered the yeshiva at the beginning of the scholastic year. At the time, his skills were not up to grade level. The same frustration he displayed on the slopes was apparent in the classroom. A teacher took him under his wing and taught him to read and learn. Slowly but surely, Yisroel succeeded.

While Yisroel's story is special, it is not unique for Yeshiva Darchei Menachem. Through careful, loving, guidance each boy is being directed to meet his potential. Exciting trips, like skiing and bowling, rejuvenate the boys and give them a gentle push to achieve.

As the bus pulled into Crown Heights late Thursday evening, the boys and staff members tumbled out-energized and ready to meet the next challenge. Check out the pictures from their thrilling trip-and stay tuned as they scale higher and higher peaks!

Although this article is true the first name of the student was changed due to privacy.

Visit http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=11040

Sparks Boys Choir Record their 1st Album

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] - Boys of all ages and sizes bound down the steps alongside the shul, now practice room. They hurry in to the sound of their songs playing from the speakers. With tapping toes and humming lips, these boys are ready for practice.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Choir director, Rabbi Danny Finkelman, is elated at his charges' enthusiasm. One of the goals of the Sparks Boys Choir is to improve the boys' self-esteem and show them that what they are capable of. While the Choir is comprised mainly of boys from Yeshiva Darchai Menachem where it is based, students from other local schools participate as well. Their growing camaraderie is clearly another beneficial offshoot. Together the boys are experiencing the passion of Yiddishkeit through the joyful nigunim.

Finkelman himself started his musical career as a young boy. He was one of the original members of the Miami Boys Choir. Since then he has performed widely (and with many musical greats) around the world. The original Sparks, based in Israel, produced its own popular CD. Finkelman and his choir are currently working on another CD to be released on Lag Baomer. Aside from professional voice lessons, Finkelman graduated from the New York City Film Academy.

Finkelman is a great believer in professional training. He utilizes specialized voice teachers and choreographers to teach the boys. He believes that the show isn't only about him, and his singular perspective. In order for the boys to truly develop their talents and passion, he asserts, they must first be taught properly from a variety of sources.

This careful guidance is apparent to all who have enjoyed the Sparks Boys Choir's performances. The audience enjoys the professional boys' choir with a Chassidic touch, a phenomenon according to Finkelman. The name itself describes their mission. They are not merely entertainers or stars. Each boy is a shliach of the Rebbe entrusted with spreading the sparks of Chassidus through creative means.

And spread the sparks they do. The boys performed to a sell-out crowd last year in Crown Heights. Since then, they sang for senior citizens and Russian members of the community, and preformed on the Russian TV Network for Chanukah. Come this February, they will be returning to Bais Rivka for another spectacular performance.

Save the date 24th of February 18 Adar alef, ticket sales starting after the 1st of February

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=10005

Darchai Menachem Spreads the light of Chanukah to Millions

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] - Yesterday, Sunday, the Russian TV Network was at Yeshivas Darchai Menachem to film the Sparks Boys Choir and the students lighting a Chanukah Menorah. The production will be broadcasted this Tuesday, Chanukah on the Russian TV Network, which is aired worldwide.

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=9310
Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzS3VHLZU-g

Yeshiva Darchai Menachem - Gemara Competition

Crown Heights, Brooklyn - Tuesday marked the end of an intensive three weeks in Chazering over the Gemara that was learned throughout the entire year. The chazara was done with the goal in mind to be able to repeat as many lines of Gemara over a single time period in a clear fashion. All in all 5000 lines were repeated over the three week period. A Kinus was held at the school where Rabbi Tennenbaum tested the students. "I am thoroughly impressed with their efforts and accomplishments says Rabbi Tennenbaum.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

"Over the course of the year a student can work hard and diligently, covering a lot of ground. But that does not mean he remembers everything he has learned. When a student is able to chazer a lengthy amount of Gemara over one time period, the quality of his learning changes and he is able to retain the clarity and flow of the Gemara In his future learning." Says Principal Rabbi Bension.

We would like to give a yasher koach to the students who were able to repeat the entire perek. They are Yisroel Pruss, Itamar Antion and Mendy Sternbach. Special mention goes to S.Z. Gottleib for Learning it shakla vtarya.

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=6903

A letter from Darchai Menachem's Chesed Club

Dear CrownHeights.info

Hi my name is Mendy Chaimson and I am 11 years old. Sitting next to me is my friend Levi Schonbuch, he is 10. We are both the co-directors of the Yeshiva Darchai Menachem Chesed Club. B"H now that our school has grown from 30 to 50 students, we have a lot more Volunteers for our club.

We were wondering if you can post our Chesed reports on your web site, this way we can expand our volunteer list. For example, let me tell you what we did in honor of Sukkos. On Monday, the first day of Chol Hamoed, some of our boys from the new Mesivta Division, headed by Rabbi Marozov, along with their friends went on route. They took a Sukkah mobile with their Chassidus teacher, Rabbi Sandhaus, and shook Lulav and Esrog with over 65 people; it was an unbelievable experience meeting all sorts of different people. On Tuesday, my friends and I went with Rabbi Perl, the school administrator, to an old age home. Not only did we have the Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, we also got to shake our Lulavim and Esrogim with them. It was a lot of fun and the people were very happy.

Being that it's still the beginning of a new year, on Wednesday; the Chesed Club sat with our Principal, Rabbi Bension, to plan out all of our future Chesed projects for this year. We are looking forward to upcoming opportunities especially since Chanukah is just around the corner.

Thank you CrownHeights.info for taking the time to read my email we look forward to your reply,

The Chesed Club

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=3376

Small town yeshiva enters the big leagues

Yeshiva Darchai Menachem, a Yeshiva in Crown Heights providing a quality education on a individualized bases currently in its fifth year, is proud to announce it's Chidon winners who will be going to California to challenge the big leagues in their knowledge in Sefer Hamitzvos. "It's a big step for our school" says Principal Rabbi Eyal Bension, "we are very proud of our boys, they are a great example of true success that comes from a genuine effort." Eli Sandhaus who has been the main driving force behind our winners, Menachem Winner, Yisroel Zalmanov, and S.Z. Silverstien is also very proud of their achievements and is being sent with our boys to California. Our staff at the Yeshiva would like to wish all the participants from around the world lots of success.

Link http://www.crownheights.info/index.php?itemid=1838