Ma Koreh?
What’s Happening?
June Newsletter
June 2, 2022 / 3 Sivan, 5782

This month's issue features:

  • A Message from Incoming Board President, Susannah Wolman
  • 2022-2023 Leadership
  • D'var Kesher
  • 2022-2023 School Year
  • We're Turning 25 - Save the date!
  • Highlights this Month
  • Photo Highlights
  • Alumni Spotlight featuring Elijah Mansur 
  • Reserve Your Space for the 22-23 School Year!
  • Community Milestones
A Message from Incoming Board President, Susannah Wolman
Greetings!

I would first like to thank outgoing CJDS Board President, Ruth Rubin, for leading the Board for the past 4 years. Thank you Ruth for your mentorship and friendship this last year and for all of the years you have spent your time and energy as Board President watering this CJDS tree with a steady hand and calming voice. We are so grateful for it all.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Fifth Grade Graduation. I was awestruck by the young adults standing on the stage with their poise, thoughtfulness, confidence, and especially their oratory skills. Sitting there watching with CJDS families, current and alumni alike, all families beaming with pride, I could not help but feel pride myself, even though I did not raise or teach these children. The world will know the wonderful and amazing humans that CJDS helps to produce. We will not be able to contain the secret after they leave these walls. This year marks another ring around the tree trunk of these kids’ lives. Let us enjoy every leaf and nut that grows, every branch that may break, but will grow back bigger and stronger. Let us celebrate.

In addition to celebrating today, we have some big things in the works for next year! Next fall marks the 25th year of Columbus Jewish Day School. We are planning for a lot of celebration around this spectacular feat, and it promises to be a special year. Another year of growth, another ring around the trunk. I look forward to celebrating with you all!  

Sincerely,
D'Var Kesher from Head of School,
Rachel Arcus-Goldberg
This is my last D'var Kesher. I am leaving CJDS at the end of June, and so, I am saying goodbye.

It has been a privilege and an honor to lead CJDS over the past 5 years, and a unique opportunity to hold and support the community through the ups and downs of the pandemic. At the Butterfly Release ceremony last week, I reflected on the theme of change and transition. 

Change can feel scary. We cannot anticipate what we will see, feel and experience, and we cannot control what will happen. That said, change is both necessary and makes us stronger. If the caterpillar never metamorphosed to a chrysalis, it couldn’t become a butterfly. Ultimately, the message is that we must embrace transformation. Metamorphosis will be good for the person experiencing it, as well as for those left behind. Change inspires us to be strong, to help each other, to see the potential around us.
As I wind down my time at CJDS, I find myself reflecting on some of the amazing things that we have accomplished in the last 5 years.
  • We flew over 200 kites
  • We released nearly 300 butterflies
  • We donated hundreds of items to local aid organizations, including the New Albany Food Pantry, raised hundreds of dollars for tzedakah, and grew and gave away many, many vegetables
  • We forged closer relationships and partnerships with local Jewish agencies - most importantly with our community partners in Jewish education CTA and the JCC
  • We restored the wetlands ecosystem of our pond with a grant from the EPA and witnessed the return of birds, animals, plants and insects to one of our beloved outdoor classrooms

In the last 3 years:
  • We gave out nearly 1.5 Million dollars in financial support to make a CJDS education accessible for all families
  • We upgraded the school’s technology to include 1-1 chrome books for all students and teachers, adaptation of the Google for Education suite, cloud-based data storage and more to bring CJDS solidly into the 21st century
  • We raised and maintained MAP scores for our students that averaged 9 points higher than the national and private school composite data
  • We were named as one of the Best Private Schools in Columbus 3 years in a row

I am so proud of all that we accomplished together. I cannot alone take credit for any of these items, as running a school (much like raising children) takes a village. I appreciate the hard work of my predecessor Dr. Tali Zelkowicz, the faculty, staff, parents, students, board members and community partners to help CJDS achieve so much and come to this moment. As the shehecheyanu bracha says:
My bracha for CJDS is a hope that the school may grow and strengthen in the coming years, providing children in the Columbus Jewish community with a strong educational program that provides intellectual sophistication, social responsibility, and personal authenticity at its core. 

Chazak, Chazak, V'titchazek – From Strength to Strength May you Be Strengthened.

Shabbat Shalom and Thank You,
2022-2023 School Year
We are excited to welcome back the following Teacher Teams
for the 2022-2023 school year:
CJDS Kindergarten Team
Annelyn Baron,
Kindergarten Hebrew & Jewish Studies
Alex Damico
Kindergarten General Studies
CJDS 1st Grade Team
Ari Friedman,
1st Grade Hebrew and Jewish Studies
Jodi Benningfield
1st Grade General Studies
CJDS 2nd Grade Team
Julie Mikalov
2nd Grade General Studies
Katie Feldstein,
 2nd Grade Hebrew and Jewish Studies
CJDS 3rd/4th/5th Grade Team
Eran Rosenberg,
Director of Jewish Life and Learning, and 4th & 5th Hebrew & Jewish Studies Teacher
Sheri Gittins,
Dean of Academics and
3rd Grade General Studies Teacher
Joanna Vilensky,
4th & 5th General Studies Teacher
CJDS Related Arts Team
Dr. Gina Freeman:
Science Teacher
Kristina Palma:
Physical Education, Science & Health
Debbie McMunn:
Art Teacher
CJDS Support Team
Rachel Feldman
Learning Specialist
Jennifer Swetnam,
Speech Pathologist
Dr. Brent Bloomster,
School Behavioral Consultant
CJDS Office Staff
Jenny Glick,
Dean of Institutional Advancement
Kerry Selfinger, Institutional Advancement Associate
Amanda Chernyak,
Front Office Assistant
We want to say farewell to Hazzan Jenna, Third Grade Judaics Teacher, as she leaves us at the end of this year for a new position in Chicago, Illinois. 

"Teaching at CJDS has provided me the opportunity to play a role in passing down our Jewish customs and traditions l’dor vador, to the next generation. By sharing my love for Yiddishkeit, I hope that I have instilled that same love for learning within the hearts and souls of these students during this school year. I feel honored to have helped students along this journey, as they continue strengthening their identities and growing into unique thinkers and proud Jews.

As I make my move to Chicago, I feel grateful to be able to take with me everything that I have learned from the CJDS community this year. I have gained so much from the wonderful students and amazing staff and administrative team here. You have all helped me to grow as a person and as a teacher. 

Our third grade essential question is 'What do we pack for life's journey?' For me, the answer is clear, and my 'suitcase' is full of so many tools and skills that I will take with me on this next step of my professional journey. I wish us all B'hatzlaha, much success this summer and in the years to come!"
Save the Date: We are Turning 25!
CJDS is turning 25 and we are celebrating all year long!! Stay tuned for more information.

Help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary of the school opening - save the date to join us on Sunday, April 23, 2023!
Highlights this Month
Lag B'Omer at CJDS!

For Lag B'Omer this year, students spent the afternoon outside! After eating a picnic lunch outside, students enjoyed a treat from the Kona Ice truck, and had fun in the bounce house. They got to play games together on the field including a water balloon toss, 3 legged race, limbo, oreo contest, and a sponge relay.
Then, students split up into groups and went from station to station. Station #1 was at the pond for fishing, netting and rock painting.
Station #2 was Pita making. Students stretched out pita dough, sprinkled oil and seasoning, and then gave to Eran to cook on the taboon oven. They topped the pita bread with hummus, nutella, or cream cheese after cooking. While the pita cooked, students made bracelets. Station #3 was an obstacle course and water station!
Thank you to PE Teacher Ms. Palma for putting together such a fun afternoon celebrating Lag B'Omer!

CJDS really is the most joyful school! Enjoy the video of all the fun here.
Creating Bee Hotels for the Gardens

CJDS third graders studied bees, pollinator plants, insects, and climate change, and made Bee Hotels in Science with Dr. Gina Freeman.

Students learned the difference between honey bees and masonry bees, and how our gardens can be used to adapt to climate change is by attracting masonry bees.

Using the engineering by design process, third graders drafted a 3D image of their design in Art with Debbie.
Then, using wood, paper, bamboo, plastics, metals, and tools like manual drill, and a saw and miter board, students constructed their design!

Students installed their bee hotels this week. We expect to see a 30-60% increase in pollination in our gardens from our third grade students' bee hotels.
Author/Ilustrator Visit: Debbie Clement

It was a joy to host Debbie Clement, Author/Illustrator of "Mighty Wings." We thank Debbie for teaching and learning with our kindergarteners during her visit!

Debbie's newest book is all about Monarch butterflies from metamorphosis to migration. Her unique illustrations are a mixed media collage style -- combining photographs, ribbons, fabric, buttons, puzzle pieces and gears: to name a few elements. Enjoy the video from Debbie's visit here!
C.A.R.E. Day!

Community. Activities. Restore. Environment. This first C.A.R.E. Day, created by CJDS Teachers, brought CJDS families together for an action packed evening of outdoor activities on campus.

Families brought a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn together, and then rotated from station to station with their family. Stations included fishing in the pond, planting and weeding in the gardens, and making seed bombs. It was perfect weather for a fun evening with our families!
Pennies for Pelotonia Update

After a "Pennies for Patients" style fundraising effort, CJDS presented Rabbi Jay Moses with a check for $1,000 towards “Pennies for Pelotonia: Team Caleb.”

CJDS Alum Caleb Moses was diagnosed with cancer last August. Our CJDS students had the opportunity to perform a mitzvah on behalf of Caleb and his family, Rabbi Jay, Cantor Bat-Ami and Zeke Moses.
Thanks to our amazing CJDS community, $1,000 will support Pennies for Pelotonia as Rabbi Jay rides in the Pelotonia race in support of Team Caleb.
Annual Butterfly Release

The Friday before Memorial Day, CJDS held the 17th annual Butterfly Release. Due to rain expected in the afternoon, students released butterflies in the morning while remembering loved ones. Kindergarteners released the butterflies that they watched grow from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly - all in their classroom.

Students were given the chance to share poems or short stories they had written about what the butterfly release means to them. Kindergarten through fifth grade students also had the chance to share the name and a memory of a loved one that had passed.
Photo Highlights
CJDS Talent Show! Students 3rd-5th grade participated in the Talent Show Kabbalat Shabbat, ranging from dancing to singing, to magic tricks!
"BEST. DAY. EVER!" The 5th grade Graduation Trip at Hocking Hills included a hike in the Rock House Trail, followed by a pontoon in Lake Logan, swimming, singing visiting Three Creek Metro park, playing games and having a Mincha service.
We had a special guest visitor at CJDS: Judith Shapero! Judith, the Associate Director at Jewish Day School Standards & Benchmarks. CJDS is part of a multi-year project that will result in creating Standards and Benchmarks for the Judaic Studies curriculum.
At the end of May, families camped at Lake Hope for the CJDS Shabbaton. The fun filled weekend included a Shabbat dinner, tefillah, and group activities for families; there were games and a scavenger hunt, meditation and yoga, picnics, campfires, boating, swimming, & hiking!
Fifth grade students led the very last School Tefillah for the 2021-2022 School year.
First grade students invited the kindergarteners to learn about first grade. Each first grader read a letter they wrote telling why they love first grade, then they answered questions from the kindergarteners!
Second graders fishing in between the rain last week.
Second graders have been learning about different units of measurement. Using rulers and yard sticks, students measure objects around the classroom - including measuring each other’s shins!
First Graders exploring insects that inhabit the water for their early life stages - larvae of Dragonfly, Mayfly, and other interesting aquatic life were found and observed!
Alumni Spotlight featuring Elijah Mansur
This month's alumni spotlight is Elijah Mansur! Elijah, an upcoming sophomore at The Ohio State University, is currently studying Computer Science and Engineering.

Recently Elijah started an internship at a local OSU startup where he works with virtual reality and game creation. "I am a coder for a blockchain project we are working on. I want to work with startups, and I regularly go to the OSU Business Builders Club."

"During the school year, I loved tutoring math at The Ohio State University for Calculus. I also go to the University Hillel a lot."
While reminiscing of his time at CJDS, Elijah shared, "I remember the outdoor element of CJDS where we would learn different compost and garden skills. This was amazing. I learned a lot about the Earth, and I really appreciate learning how to care for our Earth. I especially enjoyed the art classes, and my 5th grade science class with Ms. Dunagan was amazing." 
"I vividly remember the butterfly ceremony and memorial for the Holocaust. I think being a part of the Jewish community is so important and Columbus Jewish Day School has an excellent Jewish community. When I was a kid, I was a thinker. CJDS facilitated my thinking and growing when it came to learning. I had an excellent education at CJDS, and I got a lot of my passion for reading and a love of learning from my time at CJDS."

This Fall, Elijah will be starting an engineering Co-op at Honda in the Research and Development power sports department (ATVs and motorcycles).
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. We want to FEATURE YOU in our next newsletter!

Reach out to our Alumni Coordinator here. We want to hear from you!
Reserve Your Space for 2022-2023!
We are accepting applications for students in grades K-5 for the 2022-23 school year.

At CJDS, we believe in the importance of formative experiences in elementary school, learning for life and providing the best education for your child from the moment they enter Kindergarten through their graduation from 5th Grade.

Why Should You Choose CJDS for your Child?

  • CJDS students engage in an integrated learning model - making connections among concepts and applying skills to real world situations
  • Small class sizes - two teachers per classroom - which also supports individualized learning
  • Academic excellence - CJDS students score on average 9% above national testing norms
  • STEAM focused programs
  • Dual Language Curriculum
  • Outdoor classrooms - we use our outdoor space all the time!
  • Social and emotional learning
  • Strong community and Jewish values
  • Community Engagement Grant available for First Year CJDS students

We would love the opportunity to meet with your family and share how the CJDS community could support your child's educational journey. 

We look forward to partnering with you as you explore schools to find the best fit for your child - what an exciting milestone for your family!
 
Interested in applying? Here are the admission steps:
Community Milestones
Mazel Tov 5th Grade Graduates!

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.

Make an individual tribute gift and CJDS will send a tribute card to the recipient. Tribute cards require seven business days for delivery.
Mazel Tov

  • Mazel Tov to CJDS fourth grader Amelia, for being highlighted in the Spring 2022 Edition of The Prizmah Journal (pg 51).
  • Mazel Tov to CJDS alum Mollie Pavlofsky on having her article on Ohio Find It Here.
  • Mazel Tov to daughter of CJDS Science Teacher Dr. Gina Freeman, and CJDS alum, Kyra Freeman, on her graduation from The Ohio State University with a degree in Education, and her recent engagement!
  • Mazel Tov to Samantha Segaloff (our next Alum Spotlight student), on graduating from Miami University with a degree in Social Work.
  • Mazel Tov to CJDS alum (class of 2005), Ben Schottenstein, on his recent wedding.
  • Mazel Tov to Adam and Emuna Berman on the birth of their new baby. Adam is a CJDS alum, and was one of the first 44 students who opened CJDS in 1998 - he is also Uncle to CJDS first grader Seth.
  • Mazel Tov to Dr. Ariel T. Cohen, CJDS Alum, on her recent graduation from The University of Toledo: College of Medicine and Life Sciences.
  • Mazel Tov to CJDS Parent, Rachel S. Bloomekatz: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit White House Briefing Release Here
  • Mazel Tov to CJDS Parent, Benjamin Zelkowicz, on the Helen Nutis Volunteer Mitzvah Award from the Columbus JCC.
Mi Sh'Berach

We wish a full and speedy recovery to the following people:
  • Caleb Moses, class of 2020
  • Terry Mitzman, Grandparent of CJDS students Rayna, Yoni, and Naomi
  • Naomi Kayne, longtime friend and supporter of CJDS

We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus.
Zichronam Livracha (May Their Memory Be a Blessing)

  • We extend our condolences to Gordon & Donna Hecker, on the passing of Sheila Hecker, mother of Gordon Hecker, and grandmother of Emily, Isaac, and Kendall.

We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus.
Community Events
"We Love You Still"-- Farewell Jack Roth 5k Rock'N'Run and Max's Track Dash for Kids. Join us on Sunday, June 12 as we come together one last time to celebrate the lives of Jack and Janice and the incredible16-year run of this special community event. For more information or to register for the race (in person or hybrid) visit jackrothfund.org
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus is welcoming 2 shlichim for JCamps Summer 2022. These shlichim will work at our camps as counselors and activity specialists and bring valuable knowledge and experience to share with our camp, providing another awesome opportunity for our campers to connect with and learn about Israeli culture. 
 
In order to welcome our shlichim into our camp kehillah, we need help from the wider Jewish community to find housing for them. We are looking for community members who would be able to house them for 2-5 weeks between June 1st-August 8th. As a host, your family would be providing breakfast and dinner, transportation to/from camp, a place to stay for one shlicha, and include her in activities outside of camp hours with the community and your family. In return, you will have the benefits of learning from and getting to know our Israeli shlicha. 
 
If you are interested in helping us to provide this incredible experience for our campers, please reach out to Raeann Cronebach at rcronebach@columbusjcc.org or at 614-559-6294.
CJDS is a proud partner of: