Ma Koreh?
What’s Happening?
February Newsletter
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This month's issue features:
- D'var Kesher
- Life and Legacy at CJDS
- Celebrating CJDS Alumni, Featuring: Kyra Freeman
- Highlights this Month
- Application Information 2021-2022
- Photo Highlights
- Community Milestones
- CJDS Calendar & Community Events
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D’var Kesher from Head of School
Rachel Arcus-Goldberg
February 5, 2021 / 23 Shevat 5781
Exodus 18:1–20:23
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Greetings!
In honor of Black History Month, I would like to use my D'var Kesher space to elevate the voice of Rabbi Sandra Lawson, a queer, black, female Rabbi in North Carolina. Rabbi Sandra inspires others by sharing her story throughout the country, as well as with her writing, her music, and her podcast “Hineni.” Please enjoy her blog entry about Yitro, the 10 Commandments and the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity in our community.
On the holiday of Shavuot, we receive not only the 10 Commandments but the entire Torah. We read from the Book of Ruth about a poor marginalized woman who had nothing, and very few options to improve her life. Ruth pretty much existed on the welfare of the time by gleaning the fields so that she and her mother-in-law Naomi could eat. Ruth, the outsider, the convert, the poor woman who would become the great-grandmother to King David.
We also read from the Torah portion of Yitro, named after Moses’ non-Jewish father-in-law. Yitro who would go on to tell Moses to recruit suitable people, and appoint them as judges. Yitro proposes a system of Judges similar to our modern day Judicial system. Yitro understood that what is needed in order to make the Torah work for the people is a judicial system made up of many people who will, speak with more than one voice, and look at the Torah with more than one worldview. Yitro understood that the Torah of one person even a Moses is not the Torah of a nation.
We have always been a community of many. A community made up of many diverse voices. Many of us sit on the margins of our society and many of us sit on the margins of Jewish life. On this holiday let’s continue to lift up the voices of Jews who are on the margins of Jewish life. Diversity enriches our communities and makes us stronger. Lift up the voices of those who are marginalized in our communities so that we can continue to be a Torah of many.
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"When we moved to Columbus in 1995, we were thrilled to learn that the Columbus Jewish Day School was about to be founded. We felt that it was important for every Jewish community to have a school that focuses on Pluralism and Jewish identity. For us CJDS fit that bill. Our three kids, Emily, Isaac and Kendall attended for many years and we were both involved with the Parent's Association and the Board.
As a small school, we know how important funding is, so long ago, we started putting funds aside for a long term legacy gift to CJDS so that future generations have the opportunity to learn at this magnificent institution. We hope that many others will also support CJDS with their own legacy gifts."
Donna and Gordon Hecker,
CJDS Legacy Society Members
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The Life and Legacy program promotes after-lifetime giving in order to sustain valued organizations and vibrant Jewish communities. Year 1 of Life and Legacy is ending soon-- assure your Jewish tomorrow TODAY.
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Celebrating CJDS Alum
Featuring Kyra Freeman
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Our alumni spotlight this month is Kyra Freeman, a CJDS alumna, and daughter of CJDS Science Specialist, Dr. Gina Freeman.
Kyra, now a Junior at The Ohio State University and working on her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Science. Not only is Kyra a college student, but she also works as a Teacher's Aide at Haramee Christian School. Kyra supports the 3rd Grade Teacher in Math, Reading, Grammar, and more.
Kyra shares: "Teaching urban students about spirituality and the Bible is my passion right now and has helped me with establishing professional goals upon graduation. I also co-lead a high school Bible Study home church group which allows me to mentor multiple high school girls.
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After graduating CJDS, Kyra traveled on mission trips around the country, and traveled to Europe with her friends. Spending time outdoors, and her hobbies include gardening, yoga and nature hikes with friends.
"The fond memories that come to mind when I think of CJDS are the all school events like Kabbalat Shabbat and Holiday Celebrations. We were like extended family and those events allowed us to be together in one place enjoying art, music and the important things in life. One of the events, the Butterfly Release was especially meaningful to me and stands out when I think about my early years at CJDS. Some of my most beloved memories at CJDS include Art and Music. I am so grateful to have attended an elementary school that prioritizes these subjects."
We are very grateful that Kyra has returned to CJDS on many accounts over the years to volunteer her time in the classroom.
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We want to FEATURE YOU in our next newsletter and on our social media channels.
Are you a CJDS alum who recently graduated high school or college? We want to know your next steps! We want to hear about your professional accomplishments, and how CJDS has impacted your educational and Jewish journey.
Reach out to our Alumni Coordinator here. We want to hear from you!
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A Special Moment in Second Grade |
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A special moment in the lives of CJDS students is the receipt of their first Siddur in the Hag HaSiddur Ceremony.
The Second Grade students have been using “practice” Siddurim since Kindergarten and were very excited to receive their own siddurim, and how to use, hold, and treat a real siddur.
The event was a meaningful symbolic marker for parents and students in their Jewish educational journey. Parents, Community Members, and Grandparents across the country tuned in virtually for this beautiful event.
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Growing our Community Garden with Hydroponics |
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This past month kicked off the start of the Tower Garden Giving Project led by fifth graders with the help of fourth grade students. This week our students planted basil, lettuce, kale, arugula, and cilantro. Using this hydroponic vertical garden, our students are learning about growing and caring for their own food (shomredi adamah) and compassion (rachamim) for others.
This Tower Garden Giving Project was made possible with the partnership of the Jewish Columbus Youth Foundation, and their generous grant to purchase the additional Tower Garden. All of the greens and herbs grown will be donated to our local Food Pantry, where food insecurity has doubled this past year due to COVID.
We can’t wait to share the growing process of our tower garden project, and how we plan to help with the community over the next few months!
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Physics & Tzedakah with First Grade |
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First Grade students have been learning PHYSICS this month! During science class, these six and seven year olds made a telephone using a long piece of string, 2 cups, and 2 paper clips.
Then, students split up into pairs, and practiced talking through their string phones. They learned how sound waves travel through the vibrations!
Enjoy a video from the physics fun here.
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First graders have also been learning about Tu B'Shevat and the importance of trees. Our first grade students have raised enough money to plant 18 trees in Israel as part of their Tzedakah project!
This number is significant for more than one reason. In gematria (a form of Jewish numerology), the number 18 stands for "chai" or "life."The other reason is that there is one tree for each of our 18 first grade students. Our first graders are so proud of their mitzvah and jumped for joy when they heard the final count!
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Jewish Heroes Auction in Fifth Grade |
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Fifth graders have been studying about Jewish Heroes. This month, they had a chance to participate in a live auction and purchase characteristics they believe are important for a Hero.
How did each spend their 1000 Shekalim? How many characteristics did they each purchase? What were the characteristics they ended up buying and which they tried to buy and failed? Ask one of our Fifth Grade students to find out!
For a short clip of the auction, click here.
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Join Us in Preparing the
Next Generation to Change the World!
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We are now accepting applications for students in grades K-5 for the 2021 school year. Contact us today to start a personalized information and admissions process.
Here are the steps to our admission process:
1. Submit an application by February 8, 2021.
Applications for admission to CJDS in grades K-5 are available, and are being accepted now for the fall of 2021. Students applying for kindergarten must be five years of age by September 1. Applications completed by February 8, 2021 are eligible for first-round decisions, which are announced on March 1, 2021. For students applying after February 8, 2021, CJDS follows a rolling admissions process with visits and screenings arranged individually.
2. Schedule a conversation with our Director of Enrollment Management, Jenny Glick.
Once your application is submitted, Jenny will be in touch to set up a time.
3. Schedule a CJDS visit for your student.
It is always our hope to meet in person, should this in-person practice become unsafe at any time, we will transition to a customized virtual CJDS experience for your child. During an in-person visit, your child will have the opportunity to safely see our CJDS campus, have time to meet with our faculty, and also have the chance to share his or her knowledge and grade level abilities. During any campus visit, face masks are required at all times and all CJDS faculty and staff members will observe a 6' physical distance.
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Second graders are writing Hebrew stories about the order of their day. |
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Fourth and fifth graders tried exotic and special fruits during their Tu B’shevat celebration. |
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Second graders learning about Tu B’Shevat and labeling the parts of a tree in Hebrew |
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Third graders practicing their basketball skills during PE. |
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CJDS Faculty and Staff received their first dose of the COVID vaccine! |
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Fourth graders created fortune tellers during project time to explore their current theme, “we can change the future.” |
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Kindergarteners eating lunch and watching the Inauguration. |
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First grade students completed their third Hebrew workbook, and were so excited when Ariot delivered their next workbook. |
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In Science, kindergarteners set off on an adventure and found deer tracks around the entire pond, mice tracks, and many bird tracks around their snow mounds! |
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Mazel Tov to CJDS Learning Specialist, Rachel Feldman, on the birth of a new baby girl Chloe Blaire Feldman. Mazel Tov to Rachel and husband Jason!
Mazel Tov to Jessa and Josh Barkan on the birth of their son, Benjamin Irving Barkan, on January 11, 2021. Mazel Tov also to grandparents Neal Barkan & LeAndra Speaks and Julie & Andy Glassman.
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Mi Sh'Berach
We wish Naomi Kayne (longtime friend and supporter of CJDS) a speedy recovery.
We wish Steve Wasserman, Hebrew Name: Ysrael Ben Mindel (close friend to Annelyn Baron) a speedy recovery.
We wish Sandy Grossman Dworkin (close friend to Annelyn Baron) a speedy recovery.
We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus.
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May Their Memory be a Blessing
We extend our condolences to Elaine Goldberg and family on the passing of Nate Goldberg, a CJDS community friend. We send love and support to our dear friends.
We extend our condolences to the Skilken/Gold family on the passing of Marilyn Skilken. Beloved Mother to founder Tobi Gold. We send love and support to our dear friends.
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March
- Thursday, March 4 - 5:30-7:00pm - Arts Night (Virtual)
- Thursday, March 11 - 8:30-9:00 & 9:00-9:30am - 1st Grade Hagigat Hasefer, (Virtual)
- Friday, March 19 - 1:40-2:15pm - All School Kabbalat Shabbat - 3rd Grade Led (Virtual)
- Thursday, March 25 - 2:40-3:15pm - All School Kabbalat Hag Pesah (Virtual)
*All of these events are open to the community.
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We are incredibly excited to invite you to a very special musical celebration!
Monday, February 15 at 10:00 AM Let's all plan to make the world a happier, healthier and GREENER place to be in 2021! For more information, please contact Alyssa Russell, Director of Family Philanthropy and Engagement.
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JewishColumbus has your Passover holiday planned! Free Gourmet Virtual Cooking Demonstration
with award-winning chef, Michael Solomonov. March 16, 8 pm EST
To register, please visit here.
For more information about the event, please contact Lisa Wein, Director of Donor Experience at 614-
559-3207.
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JCC of Greater Columbus is excited to welcome the community to the upcoming JCamps Summer 2021 season. Visit the JCamps website for the most current camp information.
REGISTRATION OPENS FEB 1. Camp Chaverim – Entering 1st – 3rd Grade (College Avenue). Camp Hoover – Entering 4th – 7th Grade (Camp Hoover)
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