a sophisticated project and how to function in an actual work environment as an
engineer,” explained Dr. Don Engelberg, who teaches CIJE classes in all three grades.
Nine different projects were presented by Mesivta Chaim Shlomo talmidim
at the event. They included a vibration-based watch for the blind or visually im-
paired, an RFID smart shopping cart to facilitate wireless checkout and a glove
that articulates words spelled out in American Sign Language. Mesivta principal
Rav Menachem Gold said that he visits the science and engineering classes often
throughout the year and has been struck each time by the excitement and electricity
in the air.
“When I asked them to describe their projects to me you could see how their
eyes lit up,” said Rav Gold. “It is incredible for us to be able to whet their appe-
tites. The different approaches required for these projects are part of their shleimus
as people – exposing them to stimulating things, learning life skills, working with
other students and maximizing every boy’s potential. They did things here that
they never even knew they were capable of doing.”
CIJE vice president and director Judy Lebovits, a Darchei grandparent, noted
that Darchei has been sending teams to Innovation Day since its initial debut, with
students gaining far more than just engineering experience. She credited the Yeshiva
for its staunch commitment to educational excellence by providing students with a
high quality general studies education without compromising on its Limudei Kodesh
or values in any way.
“This is an opportunity for the boys to shine and grow in their learning and
you see on their faces how proud they are to show off what they have gained over
the year,” said Mrs. Lebovits.
“With all that they have gained, the most important skill they have developed
is to believe in themselves and to understand that they can consider a future in
engineering-related fields while still being true bnei Torah.” !
ABOVE: YITZY RUSS, MOSHE COHEN, AND DOVI PADAWER WERE AMONG THE 19 TALMIDIM
WHO MADE ORIGINAL PRESENTATIONS AT THE CIJE INNOVATION DAY.
TOP PHOTO: TALMIDIM OF THE MESIVTA WHO MADE PRESENTATIONS AT THE CIJE
INNOVATION DAY IN HOLMDEL, NJ WITH (SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT) DR. DON ENGELBERG,
INSTRUCTOR, AND RAV MENACHEM GOLD, PRINCIPAL OF MESIVTA CHAIM SHLOMO.
‘‘
...to believe in
themselves and
to understand
that they
can consider
a future in
engineering-
related fields
while still being
true bnei Torah.
BEDARCHEI HATORAH
WINTER 5780/2020
27