On Friday Night Feb 14th and Adar I 14 we had “Shabbat with a Little Love.” See here for the meaning, the magnifying glass props, why only a little love, the connection to the meatballs served and alumni guests present. Despite the huge snow, 18″ atop whatever was there before, and the fact that Feb 14th is a busy time for some we had a really nice crowd and had to set up more tables than planned. Thankfully there was plenty of food for all.
Special guests included Raizy’s sister Nechama Dina and her husband Rabbi Sholom Ber, and their 3 boys; returning alumni Dan B. from IBM in Poughkeepsie and Raisa T. from Podiatry School at Temple University in Philadelphia, plus Stephanie and Stefanie – both of whom teach at the Maimonides School, the former in Nursery, the latter teaches nutrition to our HS girls.
Shabbos morning we had a nice Minyan, read Parshat Ki Tisa, and a delicious Shabbos Lunch. Rabbi Mendel recalled alumni Dan (’01) and Atara (’02) who sponsored Shabbos in memory of Atara’s mother Linda, of blessed memory, soon after their wedding, after a difficult illness. He also told these three stories about his grandfather Reb Michel Piekarsky on occasion of his yartzeit on Shushan Purim Kattan. Ben Z. shared about his experience taking his Comprehensive Exam “Comps” one day earlier and connection to the Torah Reading.
Before the end of Shabbos we had a light meal and the Hendels shared some insights on the Parsha and also about practical Kosher applications.
On Sat Night we had a MMMM Jamming Night – with mini-Masquerade, Mini-Foods, and Music. Despite it not being the real Purim, it had great atmosphere! We were impressed at how many students actually came in costume from a team in one-sies, to a few superheroes, Mendel and Raizy in overalls, and Nechama Dina dressed as Raizy – and she actually surprised and shocked quite a few of us! Look for pictures soon… The music was great and there was delicious pizza, a flowing choco-fountain with all types of fruit and treats to dip, and eggrolls with duck sauce, too. Thanks to all for being good sports, and coming out to celebrate in Purim Kattan spirit, since this year the real Purim falls during UAlbany’s Spring Break.