Ma Koreh?
What’s Happening?
September Newsletter
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This month's issue features:
- D'var Kesher
- CJDS Update: Caleb Moses
- Highlights this Month
- CJDS Alumni Spotlight: Gavi Steinman
- Photo Highlights
- Why I Teach at CJDS
- Community Milestones
- Community Events and Calendar
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D’var Kesher from Head of School
Rachel Arcus-Goldberg
September 3, 2021 / Elul 26, 5781
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“Wonder rather than doubt is the root of all knowledge.” - Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
These are the words that greeted the students of CJDS on their first day of school. Each word, continues to be suspended progressively along the hallway, floating above the heads of the students as an intention, an aspiration, a mindset for the school year.
This week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, contains one of my favorite phrases Lo Bashamayim He - it is not in the heavens. In other words, whatever you are striving for - it is not beyond your reach. Or, as we sometimes say to our students “You can do hard things.”
In her book Mindset, Carol Dweck challenges us to find success not just in winning or right answers, but in learning and improving. In fact, confidence can come from embracing this growth mindset and appreciating that we can do better tomorrow than we did today.
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Over these first few weeks of school, I have loved walking into each classroom to see students absorbed and engaged in learning. Whether it’s balancing equations, reading Stuart Little, measuring apples, singing along with Hazan Jenna’s accordion, or listening to each other in a morning meeting, I see students who are present, focused, and curious.
It is this curiosity that ensures our students are not afraid of learning from their mistakes. They do not see success in school as bashamiyim, out of reach. In fact, lo bashamayim he - their success is within their grasp. The foundation of exploration as a key to learning helps our students feel secure as they grow and think and try. A growth mindset, a curious mind, and willingness to do hard things ensure the realization of Rabbi Heschel’s quote. Wonder truly is at the root of our pursuit of knowledge.
May we be blessed this year with growth, learning, and wonder.
May we be blessed with health, peace, happiness and contentment.
May it be a sweet new year.
Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova U’Metukah,
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Caleb Moses, CJDS alum, and dear friend to our school, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia, and began treatment this week.
If families are looking for a way to support Bat-Ami, Jay, Zeke, and Caleb, CJDS is working with Ali Babka to provide weekly meals for Shabbat. Those in the CJDS community who would like to support the Moses family with contributions for Shabbat dinners can send money directly to AliBabka. We are hoping to provide Shabbat meals every Friday for the Moses family into 2022. Venmo handle and directions are below. Instructions for those who wish to send a check also below. Thank you so much for your support.
We are praying for Caleb for refuah shlema, a full recovery. Caleb's Caring Bridge page can be found here.
Contributions sent via Venmo should go to: @AliBabka
Please add Moses to the message line.
Checks - kindly reference Moses in the memo line.
Send to:
AliBabka c/o Alison Gutwaks
403 S. Broadleigh Road
Columbus, OH 43209
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Our 24th First Week Back
Last week, our school opened its doors to students for the 24th time. It was an action-packed week, especially for our newest students - the Kindergarteners!
The first week for our Kindergarteners was filled with painting outside, trying tomatoes from the garden during science, and having Tefillah as a class together outside each morning. At the end of the week, we welcomed our Kindergarteners for our first Kabbalat Shabbat of the year.
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Writing by Design
This year, CJDS Teachers are implementing the curriculum Writing by Design. Writing by Design is a proven-effective writing program for building competence and confidence in all types of learners. Students will learn the six traits of writing (idea, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and convention) which will allow them to write essays that meet state standards while creating consistent and common language for all.
Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher Joanna Vilesnky shares, "Writing is a complex process, which can be difficult to teach. Writing by Design breaks it down into clear, engaging lesson. Even in the first lesson, I saw students apply the lessons and be able to accurately edit their own work."
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A Special Visitor in 1st Grade
The first grade students were in for a surprise this week when a special visitor showed up in their classroom: Ariot!
Students received their first Hebrew workbook this week, and to mark the occasion, Ariot delivered the workbooks himself. As the students learn Hebrew, Ariot is always present to encourage them. This first workbook includes Hebrew letters א, ש, ב, ג, ד, ה.
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Hiking to Rose Run Creek
CJDS students participated in a Cardio Hike this week to the new Natural Play Space at Rose Run Creek. During their trip, they netted different types of aquatic life, helping each other, and enjoying all nature had to offer.
Students waded, and netted in the beautiful stream to cool down after their hike from campus; discovering and exploring under every rock. They had the chance to explore living and nonliving items: rocks, water and soil in nature, and were reminded of God's creation as we approach Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays!
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Getting ready for Rosh Hashanah with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky
Our students were in for a real treat this week when we welcomed Josh Warshawsky back to CJDS. Josh is a very talented Educator, Musician, Songleader, and Composer.
This week, Josh led 2 music sessions for our students, K-2, and 3-5 in the Butterfly Garden. Students were excited to sing along with Josh and their classmates, and play their pretend Shofar! Students can't wait for Josh to return to CJDS.
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Celebrating CJDS Alum
Featuring Gavi Steinman
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You may recognize this month's Alumni student from our special Kabbalat Shabbat welcoming our Kindergarteners last week. The alum spotlight is Gavi Steinman!
Gavi joined us in the Butterfly Garden to share a few favorite memories from his time at Columbus Jewish Day School, and how CJDS helped shape him as a young adult.
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"CJDS has greatly shaped my life as a young adult, especially with my connection to nature. One of the great and unique aspects of the education that each student at CJDS receives is the prominent role of the environment and nature." |
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"As a student, I remember contributing to the garden, learning about plants, the role of nature in Judaism, and of course many more of Gina’s fun activities. This passion for nature (which I developed at CJDS) matured into me wanting to study it in a serious academic setting."
Gavi is now a Sophomore at The Ohio State University. It is no surprise to us at Columbus Jewish Day School that he is studying Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability (EEDS).
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While reminiscing of his time at CJDS, Gavi shared his vivid memories of creating a Raccoon Habitat project he created in Kindergarten, as he recalls being "extremely proud of it." He also shared his love for the Student-Teacher basketball game that Faculty and 5th Grade Students play annually around Rosh Hodesh.
Gavi also shares a fond memory of Tashlikh at CJDS, "I remember how we created images of things to be washed away in the pond. It was very therapeutic and greatly strengthened my connection to the high-holidays and Judaism as a whole."
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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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Fourth graders working hard this month on a puzzle during Hebrew. |
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Mazel Tov to Bram Rubin (Class of 2020 and son of Ruth Rubin, CJDS Board President) on his recent Bar Mitzvah. Bram returned to CJDS last week during school Tefillah in the Butterfly Garden. |
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Sculpting a Leader lesson in fifth grade. Words ranged from Confident to Wise, Flexible, Helpful, Charitable, and Kind |
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Third Graders and Hazan Jenna during Tefillah. |
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Reviewing Humash with fifth grade during the first week of school. |
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Kindergarteners trying honey while investigating apples and preparing for Rosh Hashanah. |
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Many issues were discussed, and we are excited to follow up with our Federal & County partners on what will come next.
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Dr. Gina Freeman
CJDS Science Specialist
"I teach at CJDS because, in my long career, I have never felt a closer match with my educational philosophy than the philosophy of CJDS. We "teach to the child" and embrace the whole child in such a way that each individual can succeed in my classroom. I find it refreshing as a Teacher that we are targeting emotional learning as well as cognitive learning.
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One of the most important aspects of my teaching is that we place importance on the spiritual thread of Judaism weaving through our curriculum. At the end of the day, I find myself reflecting on the "aha" moments that sprouted that day and consider this to be a blessing for my work, love and passion - as a teacher at CJDS."
Gina Freeman (PhD) holds a Doctorate, Master’s and Bachelor’s of Science Degrees in Education with Minor Degrees in Management and Human Resources, Health Education and Biological Science from The Ohio State University. She also holds licensure in School Administration, Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, Health Education and Biological Science. As a founding faculty member who also served as Dean of Students, Gina has always been drawn to CJDS’s whole-child, learner-centered, integrated education. She is driven by her passion to help every child reach his/her full potential. Gina is a military veteran and was awarded the Medal of Merit which is the highest award for a non-combat soldier. Gina enjoys gardening, volunteering, reading, yoga, walking, camping, fishing, sewing, and kayaking with close family and friends.
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Mazel Tov to CJDS Alum Bram Rubin (CJDS class of 2020), and to proud parents Ruth Rubin (CJDS Board President) and Ken Rubin.
Mazel Tov to Malachi Kanfer, son of CJDS Teacher Yehudit Kanfer, on being named to New York Jewish Week’s 36 under 36. Check out the feature in CJN here.
Mazel Tov to parents, Alicia and Greg Munster; siblings Emily and Gavin; and grandparents Margey & Gary Cheses, and Rita & Sigmund Munster on the Bar Mitzvah of Brett Munster.
Mazel Tov to Dick (CJDS class of 2004) and Gabby Joseph on the birth of their daughter Sarah Ora. Mazel Tov to proud grandparents Elaine and Rob Joseph.
Mazel Tov to proud parents Rafie Pariser Hurley and Daniel Hurley on the birth of Hugo Fellman Hurley. Mazel Tov to alumni family and proud grandparents Jan Auslander (Aaron) Kanas and Dr. Stephen Pariser on the birth of Hugo Fellman Hurley.
Mazel Tov to Maggie Sarachek (CJDS Alum Parent to Jack and Julian Weiss) on the publishing of her new book The Anxiety Sisters.
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Mi Sh'Berach
We wish Caleb Moses (class of 2020) refuah shlema, a full recovery.
We wish Elaine Edelstein, Grandparent of CJDS alum Sam Feldstein, a speedy recovery.
We wish Naomi Kayne (longtime friend and supporter of CJDS) a speedy recovery.
We wish Jacob Cohen (class of 2015) a speedy recovery.
We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus. We extend our condolences to those effected by Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters.
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Zichronam Livracha (May Their Memory Be a Blessing)
We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus. We extend our condolences to those effected by Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters.
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September
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Monday, 9/20 - 11:15am-Noon -- Kabbalat Hag Sukkot (Link here)
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Monday, 9/27 - 11:15am-Noon -- Simchat Torah Kabbalat Hag & Kite Flying (Link here)
Seating is limited, so you must RSVP to Amanda Chernyak ahead of all events if you would like to attend in person.
To keep our community safe:
- Reservations are required
- Masks are required on the campus at all times
- The building will not be open to guests during this outdoor event
- If there is rain in the vicinity, we will move the Kabbalat Shabbat indoors, and guests (including parents) will be asked to show proof of vaccination and remain masked while on campus
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