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D’var Kesher
February 24, 2017/ 27 Shevat, 5777
Parashat Mishpatim/Exodus 21:1 – 24:18
Greetings!
We resume this week with our full Ma Koreh, and a wonderful Guest Dvar Kesher from CJDS Grade 1-2 Jewish Studies teacher, Katie Feldstein. Just below, Katie will immerse you in the feelings, meanings, and even the special effects used at the recent CJDS Hag HaSiddur ceremony where first and second graders received their very first Jewish prayer books with surprise personal touches from their parents.
Jewish prayer books, or siddurim, have been aptly described as the “autobiography of the Jewish people,” filled with two millennia of hopes and aspirations. Last week, when our first and second graders held their first siddurim and read and sang so beautifully in Hebrew, they joined generations of Jews at Sinai, and really felt that they were a link in a long and meaningful chain of tradition. Several of our dear local clergy, Cantor Jack Chomsky (Tifereth Israel), Rabbi Melissa Crespy (Chaplain Mt. Carmel), Rabbi Mitch Levine, (Agudas Achim), and Cantor Bat-Ami Moses (Temple Israel), honored the students and their families by opening the ceremony by sharing the meaning that a siddur can have in one’s life. (click here to read excerpts of those wonderful presentations).
Enjoy Katie’s account of the moving ceremony…
Shabbat shalom,
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Guest Dvar Kesher
By Katie Feldstein
CJDS 1st and 2nd grade Jewish Studies Teacher
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Thunder, lightning, smoke, and a
shofar
-blasting cloud! The previous week’s
Torah
portion or
parasha
reminded us of these phenomena which occurred on a very important day for the Jewish people: the day we stood at Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments.
Just as Moshe was so proud of B’nai Yisrael, the People Israel, when they accepted the Torah at Sinai, so too, were Mrs. Yarov and I are similarly proud of this talented and unique group of first and second grade students who showed that they were ready to receive their
siddurim
. And just as the Jewish people have grown and learned from the Ten Commandments after that momentous day on Mt. Sinai, we know the first and second graders will grow and learn as they use their new
siddurim
every day.
Our very class experienced those ancient sights (
lightning! stage lights flickering on and off; smoke! a swirling grey scarf
), and sounds (
Thunder! a drum; and a teacher blowing a shofar
) in the CJDS gym on a very important day for the first and second graders: the day they stood on the stage to receive their first real
siddurim
(Jewish prayer books). Until last week, they have been using “practice
siddurim
.” Just as
B’nai Yisrael
stood courageously at Mt. Sinai as they were commanded, so too did the first and second graders stand proudly before their families, peers, and community members during this milestone event. The students spoke eloquently about the prayers and expertly led us in the morning
shaharit
service.
However,
B’nai Yisrael
/the People of Israel were not able to approach Mt. Sinai without preparation.
They needed to wash their garments and their bodies and they needed to learn the proper way to behave, respecting the rule of not touching the mountain. By the same token, the first and second graders prepared before receiving their siddurim. As this year has progressed, our students have transitioned from praying from
Tefillah
-charts to using their own practice
siddurim
. We learned a song
Anahnu Muhamin L’hitpalel
(We are Ready to Pray), which talks about praying with
kavana
, with intention. We also asked the students for their ideas about what it takes to be ready to pray. Some of their thoughtful responses included, “sit up tall, be respectful, follow along, be focused, take away the thoughts you already had in your brain and replace them with thoughts about God.”
Preparation for this day transcended the walls of CJDS, though. In December, parents received a plain blue fabric cover (huge shout out to Sandy Solove, who graciously sewed all of them!) with instructions to secretly decorate and personalize one for their child. The students were completely surprised and delighted at
Hag HaSiddur
when they laid eyes on their intensely meaningful and creative covers custom-made with love and care by their parents.
May the joy and excitement that we witnessed on that
Hag HaSiddur
stage continue with our students and their families throughout their journeys.
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Judith Bassik, Current Parent of 5th grader and Parent of 7th grade Alumnus, shares with us:
"As a child, I wished to go to a full day Hebrew school. I yearned to be immersed in Hebrew, my culture, and gain a sense of wonderment and spirituality that felt lacking in my own upbringing. My husband had gone to a Yeshiva and exhibits a sense of pride for doing so. The price of a private school versus the great public school education of New Albany was a difficult choice, but we decided to invest. It is an investment for your child. No public school can provide such a deep exposure to the rich heritage (art, music, language, rituals) of the Jewish people.
It’s an investment in their ability, during those inevitable crossroads in life, to draw from their foundational experiences to make positive decisions knowing who they are and how their actions affect their community. The teachers have always been advocates of my children and have gone above and beyond while investing in them as individuals.
My son graduated from CJDS and is now a 7th grader in New Albany, and my daughter is a 5th grader at CJDS.
My daughter is always singing Hebrew songs, and the spiritual aspects of CJDS’ education guide her and give her peace. My son is an amiable young man with a good heart. He demonstrates leadership and problem solving skills and people gravitate to him. The 6th grade CJDS community program really shaped him.
The transition for my son from CJDS to public school was easier than expected. In fact, teachers were amazed that he was new in the school.
I don’t know how much of who they are comes from us (his parents) or from the school, but to quote a cliché, “it takes a village” and the CJDS community provides a stellar foundation during those early years."
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JCC/CJDS Security Committee Update
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On the evening of February 13, the Committee met for two hours to discuss the current security needs of the New Albany building.
As you will recall, the Committee was formed in February of last year and recommended many changes to the building. Over the past year, those improvements – both physical and procedural – were implemented. At our meeting, the Committee first reviewed the security improvements that were put in place over the last year and conducted a “behind the scenes” walk-through of the building and the grounds to see, first hand, how those improvements were working. We then discussed with the JCC’s and CJDS’s leadership their experience with the improvements.
The Committee then heard reports about current security issues facing the country as a whole and the Jewish Community specifically. Finally, the Committee discussed and debated next steps and the future security needs of the building. The Committee is currently evaluating additional security improvements that we hope to implement over the next several months.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns at JCC_CJDSSecurityComm@columbusjcc.org.
-Ken Rubin, Chair JCC/CJDS Security Committee
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We've updated our calendar, for the most up-to-date version of our calendar and a full list of CJDS events:
CLICK HERE!
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Weekly Cup of C-Joe-DS with Rabbi Z.
Every Wednesday
8:30am-9:00am
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
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Starting in March, please stop by Wednesday mornings, just after drop-off for coffee and conversation with Rabbi Z, 8:30am - 9:00am. This weekly event is an informal chance to think out loud and share reflections and ideas you may have about the school. It's also a chance to discuss topics of interest facing education and Jewish living today.
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
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SAVE THE DATE
Friday, May 19: Annual CJDS Butterfly Release
Tuesday, May 23: CJDS 6th Grade Graduation 7:00-8:30pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
FEBRUARY
Monday, February 27: Rosh Hodesh Adar Faculty/Staff vs. Students Game 2:30-3:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Monday, March 6,
6th Grade Hamentaschen Bake Sale for Philly! Bring cash to support our graduating students and enjoy delicious treats they made themselves.
SPRIT WEEK...
Friday, March 10 Costume Parade & Interactive Megillah Reading (With Residents from Wexner Heritage Village)11:00am-12:00pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Friday, March 10 Purim Celebration Carnival 1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Saturday, March 11 5
th Grade Joins in Community Megillah Reading TTBD Agudas Achim
Sunday, March 12 Purim
Friday, March 17 All School Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 1:30-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Friday, March 24 All School Kabbalat Shabbat (6th grade leads) 1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Friday, March 31 All School Kabbalat Shabbat 1:40-2:20pm (3rd grade leads) Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
APRIL
Friday, April 7 All School Kabbalat Shabbat 5th grade leads (1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium)
Monday, April 24: Yom HaShoah 8:45-9:15am (3rd-6th grades)
Friday, April 28 All School Israel Kabbalat Shabbat led by Neta Ben Ezra (1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium)
Monday, April 10 - Tuesday April 18
Pesah
(Passover) Break NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
Wednesday, April 19 Classes Resume
KABBALAT SHABBAT DATES
Friday, March 17, 2017: All School Kabbalat Shabbat (1:30pm*) *EARLY START TIME
Friday, March 24, 2017: All School Kabbalat Shabbat (1:40pm)
Friday, March 31, 2017: All School Kabbalat Shabbat (1:40pm)
Friday, April 7, 2017: All School Kabbalat Shabbat (1:40pm)
Friday, April 28, 2017: All School Kabbalat Shabbat (1:40pm)
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Pictured above and to the right: Some serious high jumping during recess!
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Pictured above: Students planted parsley seeds with Gina in order to have fresh parsley in time for
Pesach
this year.
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Pictured above: Long time friend and supporter of CJDS, Dr. Jeff Tilson was our special community guest this week. Dr. Tilson discussed the importance of proper brushing and dental hygiene. Come back soon, Dr. Tilson!
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Pictured above and below: It's always fun to read from your own Siddur, just ask these inspired kiddos!
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Pictured above: 3rd Graders picked mint this week from our tea garden to use for their Japanese Tea Ceremony (coming up in a couple of weeks)!
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Our 1st and 2nd grade students really enjoyed their Hebrew letter yoga poses. These students are making the letters Tzadi and Fay.
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TZEDAKAH PROJECT
Phundraising for Philadelphia!
Join our community this month as we contribute to the 6th Graders fundraising drive for their capstone graduation trip to Philadelphia in May
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6th Grade
Hamentaschen Bake-Off
Sunday, March 5th
2:00pm-4:00pm
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On Sunday, March 5th from 2-4pm, the sixth grade class and their families are invited to CJDS for a special Hamentaschen Bake-Off with Rabbi Z.!
Rabbi Z. will share her special “secret” hamenstaschen recipe!
Siblings and parents are invited (but not required).
This is both a fun-raiser and a fundraiser, all of the baked goods will be sold the next day at CJDS.
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6th Grade
Hamentaschen Bake Sale
Monday, March 6th
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On Monday, March 6th, the delicious kosher
hamentaschen
will be for sale at CJDS!
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Dress-UP Spirit Week!
March 13-17
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CJDS 2016-2017 Parent Liaisons by Grade:
Kindergarten: Stefanie Zelkind
Grade 1-2: Rayna Weiner and Adam Davis
Grade 3: Merav Dill and Bat-Ami Moses
Grade 4: Maggie Saracheck and Sara Zeigler
Grade 5: Alan Bassik
Grade 6: Ruth Rubin and Jennifer Wasserstrom
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We have daily opportunities to help support our Hot Lunch Program.
Lunch volunteers help set up and serve our catered hot lunch.
Sign Up Today!
Monday - Friday from 11:30-12:30
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The next cycle for ordering hot lunch is now
OPEN
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In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we remember the father-in-law of Claire Rothchild (CJDS Intervention Coordinator).
Ted A. Smith, father of Dan Smith and Claire Rothchild, Papa to CJDS alumni Aaron and Maya, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017. Ted was a long-time friend and supporter of CJDS, and will be missed by all who knew him. May our community surround Dan and Claire and their families with our love and care as they walk the path from mourning to healing.
We also remember Jean Alma Dabler, grandmother of Shanna Lipp (CJDS 6th grade General Studies Teacher).
Jean Alma Dabler had a thirst for knowledge and adventure. Jean was probably most proud of being a part of the women's division in the navy during WWII. The division was called the WAVES - Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. As a result of her service, Taps was played at her funeral and a flag was presented to Shanna's mother. Jean was a phenomenal grandma, always calling and writing letters to be actively involved in the lives of her family. Shanna attributes her love of letter writing to her grandmother; many letters were sent back and forth over the years. Jean lived 95 full years of life, and when Shanna has grandchildren, she hopes she too can be like the grandma Jean.
Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov to CJDS Alumni, Jacob Cohen on becoming a Bar Mitzvah!
Mazel Tov to CJDS Parent, Reyna Weiner for being honored at congregation Agudas Achim's Scholarship Brunch.
We want to know about the life cycle events in your family!
Remember CJDS in your tributes to honor these meaningful events. If you’d like to make a donation, please click here.
CJDS Tribute Cards
CJDS Tribute Cards provide a thoughtful and caring gift for everyone. The income generated by every purchase enhances a child's educational experience at CJDS. You can get the All-Occasion pack year-round. It includes five pre-printed memorial cards and five pre-printed special event cards for only $90. You can also make an individual tribute gift and send a paper card. Paper cards require seven business days for delivery.
To donate by phone or place a card order, please email or call our Development Coordinator Julie Jacobson (jjacobson@cjds.org) at 614-939-5311 extension 3119.
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We Collect Boxtops
Help us reach our goal this year of $1000.00
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AmazonSmile
When you shop at
smile.amazon.com
, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to CJDS.
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The Rewards Add Up
Have you linked CJDS to your Kroger Plus card or Giant Eagle Advantage Card?
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Boker Tov Tot Purim Shabbat
Congregation Tifereth Israel
March 4, 2017
With special guest Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz
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NEW Session of KefSports
Registration closes TODAY
Friday, February 24
(Click on the image below for a printable registration form)
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Baked Goods Delivered to the Classroom
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Hooray for Challah!
Welcome to the 2016-17 School Year! Once again, we are fortunate for the opportunity to order weekly challahs and baked goods from Matt’s Bakery. It is as easy as "pie" to place your orders. All you need to do is go to the Matts Bakery website to see a full listing of all of their delicious items. All challah and or baked goods will be delivered on Fridays to your child’s classroom.
Have questions? Call or email Matt's directly:
info@matt’sbakery.com or (614) 237-4848
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Order your CJDS Apparel today!
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We have several events and opportunities for you to come to the school. Take a look at our school calendar of events
HERE.
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