This past Tuesday evening, we began the 6th grade graduation ceremony in the Tefilah space to thank the class and their families for their wonderful gift. I shared with all the guests the extraordinary interpretations that this piece of Jewish art inspired in the students. When we davened with it for the first time last Thursday, I challenged the students to “read” the new Jewish object like a text. And they rose to task marvelously, saying:

• First, in those many gold, sky blue, lavender, green, orange, and red wrapped copper wire they saw leaves, flames, and even DNA helixes. One student said, “Each of the leaves looks like a DNA strand to me, and makes me think about how we all get different things from our parents, and how what we invent from them is what makes us unique.”

• Several other students saw a burning bush, like the one through which God spoke to Moshe in the dessert. This Ner Tamid reminded them that, as they put it, “This is a holy place where God is taking to us, too.”
  
  
• Another student commented on how he saw a small light within, and how that shows that on the outside we may not see someone's light, but that a small light within shines through strongly and can make a huge difference.

• Yet another student noticed how the leaves are all connected to each other, and in all different colors, and she said, “that represents a sense of community, our community; that we are all different people in the world, but all the leaves are connected and no matter how far apart we are, we are always connected.”

As we break for the summer this year, our school is filled with a new light.

I thank all of our parents, grandparents (we know you read our Ma Koreh and are so thrilled to keep you connected!), community partners, supporters, Board of Trustees, and of course, our remarkable team of talented staff and faculty for a wonderful 5777/ 2016-7, and look forward to partnering with all of you to continue to build upon our strengths and let CJDS shine.

Shabbat shalom, Hag Shavuot Sameah (enjoy those blintzes!), and I wish you and your families a safe, fun, and refreshing summer. Kayitz tov v’kef!

Dear Annelyn and Farryl,

I just wanted to say thank you for an amazing year! The two of you make an incredible team, and everyday throughout the school year, I have been astounded by Julia's growth and development, both academically and personally. Words cannot express how grateful I am for having the both of you for initiating the foundations of Judaism and academics for my child. You should both be incredibly proud of how far all of these kids have come this year, and what amazing people they have become.

I look forward to sharing the next six years with you!  Have a wonderful summer!

Leah Miller (and Joel Mathers), parents of Julia Miller-Mathers

Pictured above: CJDS Parent, Leah Miller with her daughter Julia Miller-Mathers

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

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 we will send a Tribute card to the recipient. Tribute cards require seven business days for delivery.