The story of your child's creation.
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D’var Kesher from the Head of School, Dr. Tali Zelkowicz
November 10, 2017/ 21 Heshvan 5778
Parashat
H
ayei Sara, Genesis/Bereshit 23:1-25:18
“Why is it important to learn the arts?”
This was the first question that CJDS guest Israeli filmmaker and photographer,
Oded Hirsch
, asked our 4
th
-6
th
graders in a special 3-hour workshop designed just for them, this past Monday.
Thanks to a generous subsidy from the Leventhal Artist Fund at the Columbus Jewish Foundation, all of our upper grade students got to study with someone whom critics have called a “mesmerizing video artist.” Oded is also a very talented teacher, who is the Director of the Art Department at Oranim College in Northern Israel.
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Pictured Above: (Top/L) Mr. Aaron Leventhal and Oded Hirsch (Bottom/R)
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“Other subjects are obvious, but why do we need art?” Oded further inquired of the group of students and faculty seated in the computer lab.
Student hands flew up, offering a wide range of ideas:
To see new things. To get new perspectives. To make people feel happy. To get better at; to practice. To express your feelings. To acknowledge beauty. To gain freedom, to express yourself. To be creative. For communicating.
The faculty jumped in, too: For communicating beyond any one language. As a dialogue. To make change.
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Oded loved all of these responses and wrote them all on the board, asking the students to correct his English spelling. And then he offered one more:
“Art also helps you deal with daily life.”
He paused to let that sink in. And then he told the following story to explain what led him to become an artist.
“My father was a truck driver and he was in an accident that left him paralyzed when I was 5. He survived, but I have no memories of my father walking. I only ever knew him in a wheelchair. When I was 5, I saw him at eye-level. But as I grew up, I got bigger, and he stayed the same height. Instead of the boy looking up to see his father, it was the opposite for me; he always looked up at me. I wanted to have the opportunity finally to see my dad as I always should have, from below, to him up high. So I made this film."
He showed this one-and-a-half minute film, twice:
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The students were transfixed, attentive, and felt the weight of this art. They also asked great analytical questions, like, “How did you get that camera shot from the top of the tower?” and “What was it like for your dad to be up there, looking down?” One student asked Oded if he was on the top of the tower, and another reflected respectfully, “No, then he wouldn’t have been able to look up at his dad.”
Summing up his introduction, Oded explained, “So through my art, I can channel my pain, crises, to express myself in a healthy, constructive way.”
That was just the first 15 minutes of the 3-hour workshop.
The rest of the time was spent interactively, with the students working in groups. That's not an accident. Oded explains,
“With film, you have a type of art whose work must be done in groups, and it becomes like a family, a community. You need an actor, a director, a camera person. I have always loved the idea of making something together, not just alone.”
So, he put the students in film making teams of 3 and charged them with this task:
Find a value that CJDS stands for, and pick a location in the school, and think about how you can visualize that value in a 20 second film.
The values that students generated included: curiosity, wonder, teamwork, helping each other, Hebrew and love of Israel, and they even independently identified CJDS’ core value of “connecting things we study to each other” (known in education, as “curriculum integration”).
One group’s film depicted a bird’s eye perspective of four hands playing the piano. The value?
Team work.
Another team’s film portrayed several measuring rulers coming together to form a Star of David. The value?
How the school connects math to being Jewish
. (curriculum integration)
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Pictured above:
Students were sent out in to the school to create their films, where they learned the importance of camera angles, and how the angle of the camera can impact both the story line and one's emotional connection to a film.
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Pictured above:
Students loved watching their films together.
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Pictured above:
Our students were captivated by Oded's personal stories, and how he connects his life to his work.
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When I debriefed with Oded after the workshop, I asked him what he thought of the work our students produced. His response filled me with pride in our students.
“The work that resulted was stunning. The kids are very attentive. They really listened. I felt how they were listening and observing, really being present and participating. We saw how it’s okay to talk about weakness, that you don’t always have to be brave and strong. They opened up and shared their stories. The most magnificent thing was that they really worked together. You can’t make films without team work. The whole workshop was about teamwork, and respecting one another and sharing ideas. It was beautiful to see. We ended the 3 hours at a completely different point than where we started. It was not a room of individuals anymore, but a group who listened to shared ideas. And this is something you can really achieve through art. Powerful stuff.”
-Oded Hirsch
I am so grateful we were able to afford our students such a rich learning opportunity. Many thanks go to Mr. Aaron Leventhal and the Leventhal Artist Fund, for approaching CJDS and inviting us to partner with him. We look forward to many more great collaborations!
Shabbat shalom,
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Click on the image above to see a full calendar of events.
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NOVEMBER
Fri. 11/17 Kesher Meeting (OPEN to all parents/guardians - see end of newsletter for more info!)
Fri. 11/17 Community Day/Gratitude Concert! From 12:45-1:35 pm there will be Community classroom activities. From 1:40-2:20 pm (Gratitude Concert)
Sun. 11/19 CJDS Open House 1:30-4:30 pm
Wed. 11/22- Fri. 11/24 Thanksgiving Break
NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
DECEMBER
Fri. 12/8 All School Kabbalat Shabbat 1:40-2:20 p.m.
Tue. 12/12 - 12/20 Hanukkah
Fri. 12/15 All School Kabbalat Shabbat Hanukkah Theme 1:30*-2:20 p.m. *
NOTE: EARLY START TIME
Mon. 12/25 - Fri.1/5 Winter Break
NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
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CJDS OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19th
1:30 p.m.
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COMMUNITY DAY
&
GRATITUDE CONCERT!
Join us at CJDS NEXT Friday, November 17th from 12:45 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
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Students will be inviting special friends/relatives in their lives to join them in their CJDS classrooms for a warm community gathering when we will focus on
Hazan et hakol
which means "the one who nourishes all," and is part of
Birkat HaMazon
, the prayer recited after meals nourishing mind, body and spirit We all need nourishment for our bodies, but we also need it for our minds and our spirits. Around Thanksgiving, we are of course all thinking about food, and it is also an important time to think about those who don't have enough food.
Join us in this important work by bringing in
canned goods
to CJDS. All items will be
donated to the Mid Ohio Food Bank. Here is a list of the item that are most needed:
- Chili with beans
- Soup with Vegetables
- Tuna
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit (juice/light syrup)
- Canned Meat
Classroom experiences will run from 12:45 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. and will be followed by a joyful Gratitude Concert at 1:40 p.m.
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$19,000 Environmental Protection Agency Grant awarded to CJDS!
On Thursday of this week, we received some wonderful news! CJDS has been awarded a $19,000 Ohio EPA Grant for the 2018 school year! Initiated by Dr. Gina Freeman, our Director of Environmental Education and Service Learning, funds from this grant will support the following:
- Purchase of riparian plants that will be planted around the perimeter of CJDS pond: Riparian vegetation can remove excess nutrients and sediment from surface runoff and shallow ground water. Riparian vegetation shades streams to optimize light and temperature conditions for aquatic ecosystems, providing habitats for frogs and other aquatic life.
- Stocking the Pond with different species of fish.
- Providing funds for MAD Scientists Inc. to provide professional development to our faculty, who will learn about wetland science concepts and how to utilize our wetland area more effectively in their classrooms.
- Experiential learning in Environmental Education: The grant will allow all of our classes to explore and take part in an Ohio Rivers Field Trip (Spring 2018). Our 2018 5th and 6th Graders will also take part in a field trip to Stone Laboratory, The Ohio State University's island campus on Lake Erie (Fall 2018).
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CJDS Students will also host a Scientist Fair (December 2018)
where guest earth scientists and environmental engineers will discuss and share demonstrations with all students.
Other highlights:
Columbus State Community College will be partnering to help CJDS plant the riparian vegetation, and our partners at White Barn Organic Farm will till the soil for planting.
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Pictured above: Students from our 5th grade spent some time at the Outdoor Tasting Classroom.
New to CJDS this year, this classroom (located under the walnut tree in the front play yard) now houses 3 picnic tables, a camp stove, a fire pit, a taboon grill and other needed supplies to cook outdoors, enjoy meals together and learn in nature. One picnic table was sponsored by The Brenner School in Kfar Saba.
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Pictured above: In science, the 5th and 6th graders discovered the hidden colors in marker ink.
How fast each pigment travels depends on the size of the pigment molecule and on how strongly the pigment is attracted to the paper. Students noted that the black ink separated to reveal the colors that were mixed to make it.
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Pictured above: Our friends in Kindergarten took care of their winter garden crops and the birds this week:
We have 7 teaching gardens at CJDS. Each classroom is assigned a garden to care for throughout the school year. Kindergarten students are currently growing winter crops including carrots, beets and lettuce.
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Pictured above:
After seeing this picture, that Ari wanted to take with his friend Lazer, Ari said: "That's going to make it in to the newsletter for sure!" And he was right!
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Pictured Above: We welcomed Cantor Bat-Ami Moses (CJDS mom of Caleb '2020 and Zeke CJDS 2022) to the M&M Classroom this week!
Students analyzed why it is not four or two, but rather, three pillars on which rabbis of the Mishna taught the world stands: Torah (learning), Avodah (Prayer) and Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Loving kindness).
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Pictured Above: The Kindergarteners enjoyed making their Shabbat Kits with their special guests today!
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In collaborative teams, students produced 20 second films that visually depicted a value that makes CJDS unique for them.
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Pictured here: Lin Raveh our Youth Emissary/ Community Shlicha.
A shlicha is an emissary, sent to Columbus through a partnership of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Jewish Federation of Columbus. Here is what Lin had to say after her first few weeks of teaching our students:
"I fell in love with CJDS the moment I walked in. The school’s atmosphere is nothing like anything I have seen before. The school feels like a family community where each child can find what is right for him or her and shine in his or her own unique way. I love the fact that the entire staff cares so much about the connection with Israel. I love working with the team at CJDS to make the learning process as fun, interactive and relevant as possible."
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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
(
Benyamin Eitan) CJDS Alumni Class of 2016.
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Mazal Tov!
We wish a warm Mazal tov to Alumni parent, Rabbi Sharon Mars! On Saturday evening November 4th at the shul's temporary home of the JCC, Rabbi Mars was installed as Temple Israel's first female Senior Rabbi in the shul's 172 year history. She was presented lovingly by her father in law, Rabbi Alvin Mars. Over 400 guests joined together for an exquisite and soulful ceremony that lifted all present through song and honest reflections. Highlighted here are the Mars children (Adi CJDS 2010, Toby CJDS 2012 and Tal CJDS 2014) performing "In My Life," in honor of their mother. As well, guest David Brown of the Harmony Project concluded the evening by leading the whole community in rounds of "Hava Nashira" (Let's Sing!)
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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.
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The collection of
Personal Care and Beauty product waste
along with
Oral Hygiene product waste
continues to be an important Tzedakah Club initiative at CJDS!
We are encouraging our school community to NOT throw away any of these items! Please send them in with your student or drop them off at CJDS! These readily and often used items are collected and sent to
TerraCycle
by Tzedakah Club.
TerraCycle
reuses, recycles, or upcycles these items. Additionally,
TerraCycle
"pays" us per item and the money "earned" gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the world! The money CJDS collects is then donated by Tzedakah Club to non-profit organizations that help our planet and its people in countless ways!
We look forward to updating you in the future with news of how much we have collected and to which non-profit organizations we have made contributions!!
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How to help:
CJDS students are collecting Tzedekah money for The National Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts around the world. Pictured here, students are
learning about current natural disasters and relief efforts going to international Red Cross.
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JCC Gallery Players presents: OLIVER!
Pick a night and enjoy our local talent.
Featuring CJDS Community Members:
Rose Clubok (CJDS 2016) as Spider
Georgia Fried (CJDS 2016) as Handwalker
Stella Fried (CJDS 2013) as one of the Workhouse Orphans
Zeke Moses (CJDS 2nd Grade) as Nipper
Benny Zelkowicz (CJDS 1st Grade Parent) as Bill Sykes
Performances
December 2nd at 8:00pm
December 3rd at 2:30pm
December 7th at 7:30pm
December 9th at 8:00pm
December 10th at 2:30pm
December 14th at 7:30pm
December 16th at 8:00pm
December 17th at 2:30pm
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We're having our first Parent Meeting of the Year!
Friday, November 17th from 11:45 a.m.12:45 p.m.
At CJDS!
Join us before Community Day activities!
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Parents,
Please join us for the first Kesher meeting of the year! Kesher is CJDS' parent organization. Learn about the exciting programs and leadership opportunities that are being proposed for the rest of the school year. Your participation is encouraged and appreciated!
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 17th from 11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. at the school just before Community Day activities.
If you have any questions, please contact Sara Zeigler at
slzeigler72@gmail.com
.
Also, our Box Tops for Education have been submitted. The school collected a over 1000 Box Tops. The collection raised $108. We encourage you to keep clipping and saving Box Tops for the next submission period in the Spring. Please stay tuned for program updates.
Many thanks to our lunch supervisor,
Steve Shkolink
, parents, grandparents and all the volunteers who have so generously dedicated their time to make our school lunch program a success. There are still many slots that need to be filled through rest of the year.
Please use the link below to volunteer for a shift or two:
We look forward to seeing you at the Kesher meeting on the 17th!
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Click on each of the active links below to learn more!
Click right now to help CJDS earn money while you shop:
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EVENTS IN & AROUND COLUMBUS
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Click on each of the images below to learn more!
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Many Schools Educate Children for a Changing World.
CJDS Educates Children Who Will Change the World.
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