|
Greetings!
As you will see from Ms. AG's teaching below, this Torah portion about making choices that can result in blessings, or non-blessings, could not be more appropriate to us at CJDS this week. At today's very special all-school Kabbalat Shabbat, we welcomed over 20 of our dear neighbors at the New Albany United Methodist Church. Their lead pastor, Pastor Frank Luchsinger, spoke and described how he and his congregation made a remarkable choice, and I responded to thank him and his community and described how their choice had transformative blessings on our lives here at CJDS.
[Click here to read Dr. Z's remarks].
Hope you're all heading into a Shabbat full of Shalom,
Dr. Tali Zelkowicz
|
|
|
Dr. Tali Zelkowicz
Head of School
|
|
|
D’var Kesher
September 8, 2017/
17 Elul, 5777
Parashat Ki Tavo/ Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8
“Stop, Notice, Choose”
|
|
|
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
-Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling)
I have this quotation framed and hangs prominently in my office.
And Dumbledore’s wisdom is echoed explicitly in this week’s Torah portion, which is a powerful reminder about the blessings and not-so-great things (curses) that result from our choices, which is all linked closely to what we need in order to gain independence. We should remember that while we have the opportunity to make our own choices, those choices have consequences. Sometimes, our choices have good results, and sometimes they do not.
It can be hard to notice the results of our choices. We live in a fast-paced world and are making many decisions all the time. Ki Tavo teaches that there are three things that help us to be independent and make strong choices:
“A heart to know, eyes to see and ears to hear.”[Deuteronomy 29:1-3]
These are they three faculties that are going to help the people of Israel transition into the land.
And they are the three faculties that we continue to need today to make good choices. We have eyes to help us see, ears to help us hear, and a heart to help us know. The key is to pause to see, to listen and to learn.
|
|
 |
|
Pictured Above: Ms. AG presenting a D'Var Torah to 3rd-6th grade students.
|
|
|
|
|
During my D’var Torah to the 3rd-6th grade students about Ki Tavo yesterday morning, I invited them to do a mindfulness exercise about practicing to pause. I rang a chime and asked the students to close their eyes and raise their hands when they stopped hearing the chime. What I saw was that almost everyone in the room started to raise their hands when the bell was no longer loud, but then they lowered their hands again as they realized that the bell was still reverberating and that they could still hear it.
Then we stayed quiet for an extra minute to collect the other sounds we could hear in the now quiet space we had made. There were many incredible things that we heard and noticed because we had paused – the yawns of tired classmates, the singing of classes doing Tefilah down the hall, the cries of a child from the preschool. When we paused, we gave our senses a chance to process information that we hadn’t noticed before.
There are a lot of stages that we move through as we move towards independence. The challenge is to use the tools that we have to their maximum efficacy. Using our eyes to see, ears to hear and heart to know we can get the information we need to function. In order to grow up to be a reflective and critical thinking person we must get into the habit to stop, to notice and to choose.
Shabbat Shalom,
|
|
|
Rachel Arcus-Goldberg, MA, LCSW
Principal
|
|
|
GIVE TO CJDS' BRIGHT FUTURE
|
|
|
Along with
The Wexner Foundation commitment, CJDS continues with greater excitement than ever before its ongoing fundraising to make Jewish Day School education in Columbus affordable for all families. Still, the cost of tuition does not match the cost to educate each child and we rely heavily on the generosity of individuals to meet our yearly budget. Please
click here to make a gift to CJDS Hadesh Yamenu campaign. And come visit us on campus and witness our exciting learning laboratory in person! Call us at (614) 939-5311 today!
|
|
|
We are very fortunate to have a CJDS Lunch Volunteer Coordinator, Steve Shkolnik, (
steve@lgrrealty.com or call at (614) 530-0015 ). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Steve.
|
|
|
Pictured Above: The Dill Family
|
|
|
Every day, at dinnertime, we ask Michael (CJDS 4th Grade) and Ruth (CJDS 2nd Grade) to tell us one fun thing they did today, one challenge they had, and what they have learned. In many cases, the conversation is boring because they say, "in school, everything is fun!"
In tractate Pirkei Avot, the sages suggest "חנוך לנער על פי דרכו" (chanoch l'na'ar al pi darko): "In order for a child to learn, each child should be educated in his/her own way."
The educator must go with the student and accompany the student on his or her own unique path, because each has his or her own way of gaining knowledge.
The personal encounter between CJDS students and their excellent CJDS teachers, enables the personal connection and development of each student in which everyone journeys together on a wide highway, drawing on strong values and looking toward the future.
I feel that CJDS is a school for creating "mensches" - kids with values, who are smart and involved people. I am so very happy that my children have the opportunity to spend their days at CJDS.
-CJDS Parent, Timor Dill
|
|
|
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, September 20
Rosh Hashanah Kabbalat
Hag 2:40-3:20pm
Thursday, September 21- Friday, September 22
Rosh Hashanah
NO SCHOOL
OFFICES CLOSED
Friday, September 29
Erev Yom Kippur
EARLY DISMISSAL 12:00pm OFFICES CLOSE AT 12:30pm
Saturday, September 30:
Yom Kippur
OCTOBER
Wednesday, October 4
Sukkot Kabbalat Hag 2:40-3:20pm
Thursday, October 5 - Friday, October 6
Sukkot
NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
Monday, October 9
Sukkot Celebration & Kite Flying 1:00-3:15pm (Celebration)
2:45-3:15pm (Kite Flying)
Wednesday, October 11
Simchat Torah Kabbalat Hag 2:40-3:20pm
Thursday, October 12 - Friday, October 13:
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
Wednesday, October 18:
PICTURE DAY: Wear CJDS Polo
Wednesday, October 18:
Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:00pm
Thursday, October 19:
Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:00pm
Friday, October 20:
Professional Development Day for Faculty
NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: In Science this week, First grade students students enjoyed researching animals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: Rosh Hashanah is just around the corner and in order to give the students background knowledge and experience, 4th grade ended their week with a special activity, the tasting of simanim, special symbolic foods. Students sampled traditional foods such as round hallah, apples and honey, gefilte-fish with horseradish, dates, carrots, scrambled eggs with leeks, and pomegranates. Each food was
representative of a specific blessing for the upcoming holiday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: Families had a blast at the Back to School Picnic. Special shout-out to the 2nd and 3rd grade families for organizing the fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: Kindergarteners worked hard in the CJDS Butterfly Garden. They fed the birds and the fish, weeded the beds, and watered the apple tree saplings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: Student artwork reflecting on what it means to be made in the image of God.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: Special Kabbalat Shabbat guest, Pastor Jim Luchsinger (of the New Albany United Methodist Church) with Dr. Z.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: CJDS General Studies Kindergarten Teacher, Farryl Briston with her new baby, Samelia Rose, and CJDS First grade student, Gavi Z.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pictured Above: Sudarshan Pyakurel, or “Shud,” as he likes to be called, came to CJDS and was a guest in the 5th and 6th grade class. The students sat captivated, as they heard him recount the journey that he and his family made across the globe from Bhutan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, to England, and finally to Ohio, as refugees. He shared Bhutanese games and sports he grew up playing, described some of the Hindu dietary practices, taught them some Nepalese and learned some Hebrew in return. The students asked thoughtful and respectful questions, all of which Shud appreciated. Shud got our students thinking and laughing. We hope many of you will join us just off of Morse Road to join together with his community for cultural foods from both communities, activities, gardening, and of course the mitzvah of helping them beautiful and clean up the apartment complex where many of the newest Bhutanese-Nepali immigrants live.
|
|
|
|
CJDS Tzedakah in action!
Bhutanese Community Clean Up
THIS Sunday, September 10th
Join us!
|
|
|
Bhutanese Community Clean Up
Sunday, September 10 from 1 PM - 4 PM
4646 Tamarack Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229
Join the Bhutanese-Nepali Community of Columbus and students, faculty and parents of the Columbus Jewish Day School, as we help residents beautify and clean up a large apartment complex that houses many refugees. Adults and kids (5+) are welcome! Planned activities include raking, gardening, painting and mulching as well as sharing favorite snacks from both communities.
When to arrive:
If you have kids, we recommend arriving at 1PM.
Everyone is welcome to arrive late or leave early (before 4PM)
What to do:
Please sign in outside the BNCC office at 4646 Tamarack Boulevard.
We will have ice-breaker activities and games for kids from 1:00-1:30PM. Then kids (and caregivers) will help weed, plant flowers and mulch a playground.
Adults will help mulch and paint the playground and clean exterior stairwells.
What to wear
:
Wear closed-toed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. (And if you want to paint, wear clothes you don't mind painting in!)
We will provide gloves and tools.
Who to ask:
|
|
Also happening this Sunday: Hebrew Storytime!
At the Bexley Public Library
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
|
|
Todah Rabah (Thank you) to our
AMAZING Volunteers!
|
|
|
We want you to know that we appreciate everything you do! Your voices and engagement are part of our success. We look forward to seeing you when you visit the school to experience the culture and philosophy that are the hallmarks of a CJDS education.
Get involved today!
Our parent
volunteers
and guests are the BEST!
Special shout-out to the following parents & friends who gave of their time this month to enhance and strengthen our CJDS community.
Beth Axelrod (Alumni Parent)
Amy Carek
Timor Dill
Josh Feinberg
Andrew Grossman
Dana Isaacs
Sheree Lamendola
Michael Levin (Alumni Parent)
Sara Martin-Fuller
Leah Miller
Cantor Bat-Ami Moses
Rabbi Jay Moses
Marla Moskowitz
Lindsay Nathanson
Romi Navarro
Ilona Rinkoff
Jennifer Rosichan
Brian Rosichan
Dena Rives
Ken Rubin
Ruth Rubin
Alexandra Schimmer
Steve Shkolnik (Community Member)
Ron Solove (Grandparent)
Kenny Steinman (Alumni Parent)
Rabbi Michael Ungar
Jennifer Wasserstrom
Rayna Weiner
Isaac Weiner
Maggie Saracheck
Sara Zeigler
Stefanie Zelkind
Benny Zelkowicz
|
|
|
Kesher President: Sara Zeigler
Kesher Vice President: Sheree Lamendola
Kesher Treasurer: Lindsay Nathanson
Kindergarten: Jennifer Rosichan, Brian Rosichan, Sara Martin-Fuller
Grade 1: Stefanie Zelkind
Grade 2 & 3: Rayna Weiner and Dana Isaacs
Grade 4: Merav Dill and Bat-Ami Moses
Grade 5: Maggie Saracheck
Grade 6: Alan Bassik
Join Kesher: The parents' committee is building connections (Kesher means “connection" in Hebrew) among CJDS families, students, teachers and staff. Make new friends or strengthen existing bonds by sharing your time and talent.
Annual Kesher dues of $90 will sustain the many wonderful programs CJDS provides for our children, families and support Teacher Appreciation. Please make checks payable to "CJDS" and write "Kesher" in the memo.
|
|
|
Mi Sh'berach
When a member of the CJDS family is ill or in need of healing, the entire community lends its support and its prayers for a full and complete recovery.
Bradley Rothbaum
CJDS Alumni Class of 2016
(his Hebrew name is Benyamin Eitan)
|
|
|
May Their Memory Be a Blessing.
Seymour A. Ungar z"l
Father of Rabbi Michael (Michele) Ungar, Grandfather of Rami, Adi, Maya, Rachel & Liat. The funeral was held in Suthfield, Michigan on Wednesday of this week (September 6th). Rabbi Ungar will be at his home to accept condolence calls. Please contact our office for additional Shiva information. May their family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Complimentary JCC Membership...
|
|
|
For the month of October, the JCC extends a complimentary JCC membership, including the Deluxe Health Center*, to all
(non member) CJDS families.
|
|
|
National Box Tops for Education Week September 24-30
|
|
|
Help your school start the school year off on the right foot by participating in the first-ever National Box Tops for Education Week,
September 24-30
. The goal: For each CJDS student to collect as many Box Tops as we can in your community, all in one week!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
