Mr. Mandelbaum served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, where he worked in a military hospital. Beyond his military career, Mr. Mandelbaum is widely known for his humanitarian accomplishments. He is the founder of Rock and Wrap It Up!, a groundbreaking nonprofit that combats hunger by recovering unused food from concerts, schools, sporting events, and hotels. Under his leadership, the organization has distributed millions of meals. He has also worked with veterans’ support programs, environmental efforts, and educational initiatives, consistently demonstrating how one person can make a measurable impact on the world. During the event, Mr. Mandelbaum spoke about the importance of ethical responsibility, urging students to use their talents, whether scientific, artistic, or leadershipbased, to improve the lives of others. He shared stories from his military service that also highlighted his love of Judaism. As a child of Holocaust Survivors, one of the driving forces of Mr. Mandelbaum’s desire to join the US Army was in Hacarat Hatov to America for taking in his family. He told a story about how he organized a Minyan at the military hospital and how much it meant to those Jewish soldiers to be able to pray even in a predominantly nonJewish environment. At the conclusion of the program, Principal Dr. Hillel Goldman presented Mr. Mandelbaum with a special plaque in recognition of his service to the United States and his lifelong dedication to helping those in need. In the spirit of Veterans Day, the school also announced a new initiative: Rambam will now be “adopting” an American soldier, sending care packages and goods overseas as a tangible way to support those currently serving. The morning served as a meaningful reminder that honoring veterans means learning from their example and ensuring that our actions reflect the values and Jewish values they fought to protect. Kristallnacht Assembly: Rabbi Steven Weil’s Warning The Rambam student body had the privilege of hearing from Rabbi Steven Weil, one of the most respected voices in modern Jewish leadership. The program, held in memory of Kristallnacht, was conducted as an interview by Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, the Rosh HaYeshiva, who guided the conversation through history, identity, and the future of the Jewish people. Rabbi Weil currently has served as the CEO of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) and is the former Senior Managing Director of the Orthodox Union (OU). Earlier in his career, he was the rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation in Beverly Hills, one of the most prominent pulpits in America. Known for his deep knowledge, clear communication, and strategic leadership, Rabbi Weil has become a major figure in Jewish advocacy, education, and support for Israel. In his remarks, Rabbi Weil spoke powerfully about Kristallnacht, explaining how the pogrom marked the moment when centuries of European antisemitism transitioned into something darker and more systematic. He reflected on how American Jews long viewed their experience as a “golden age,” protected by unprecedented opportunity, safety, and acceptance. But recent years, he explained, have shown that this era may be coming to an end. “The golden age of the Diaspora in America is over,” Rabbi Weil stated, pointing to rising antisemitism across campuses, cities, and institutions. From hostile university cultures to online hatred, he warned the students that they are entering a world where Jewish identity is increasingly challenged. But Rabbi Weil’s message was not one of despair, it was one of responsibility and pride. He urged students to be proud, confident Jews, unafraid to stand up for themselves or their values. Jewish identity, he emphasized, is not something to hide or soften; it is a badge of honor. He also encouraged the students to think practically about their future. With Israel likely to remain the global center of Jewish life, he told the boys to consider careers and skill sets that would allow them to live and work in Israel if the need or desire arises. Building a profession that can “translate across borders,” he explained, is not merely a strategic choice, it is part of preparing for the future of the Jewish people. The challenges are real. The moment is serious. And the response must be a deeper, stronger, more resilient Jewish identity and commitment to Halacha.