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KOL ECHAD | Weekly Newsletter
October 10, 2024
8 Tishrei 5785
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October 7th Memorial Ceremony
By Karin Koskas, Director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies
On the evening of Monday, October 7, Kadima Day School hosted the entire Jewish-Israeli-American community in the Valley for an October 7 memorial event. Approximately 400 people from Kadima and the wider community attended the ceremony, which spotlighted survivors, families of hostages, and others directly affected that day. The event also included prayers, live performances by Israeli artists, and personal testimonies.
- Sharona Baror, Hebrew teacher at our school, shared the story of the kidnapping of her cousin, Guy Gilboa Dalal. Guy is still being held captive by Hamas.
- Moran Sassi recounted the last moments of her father, Avi Sassi, of blessed memory, who was murdered at the Nova festival while protecting his family and friends.
- Talia Prial shared the testimony of the father of Roni Eshal, of blessed memory, who was murdered in the command center of Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
The key to the ceremony’s success was the collaboration among the Israeli community in Los Angeles and partner organizations.
The pain and resilience of the Jewish community following the difficult events of October 2023 is a deeply emotional subject. These events have created intense feelings of loss, fear, and uncertainty, but they have also sparked a wave of solidarity and mobilization to assist those in need, including soldiers and families in distress. The ability of people to rise after tremendous pain, to share and support one another, demonstrates the resilience and faith of the community in the need to continue fighting for those they love. This is a shared process of healing, remembrance, and confronting and overcoming challenges.
Thousands of miles separate us from our homeland, but we are still wrapped in blue and white like an unshattered shield, like an embrace that doesn’t let go! This year has been one of endless challenges, showing us how important it is to stay connected, and how much strength we have when we face difficulties together.
Israel continues to face many challenges following the war and its effects. The security situation is complex. The war affects not only the military front, but also the daily lives of civilians, with economic, social, and emotional ramifications.
At a time like this, it is crucial for us to unite, support one another, and cooperate. The times demand solidarity, personal and social resilience, and the ability to persevere in the face of pain and fear. Just as in Israel, succumbing to difficulties and despair is not an option, so too must we cope with the challenges and look ahead. Israel is the home of every Jew in the world. It is the blood flowing in our veins, our history written in blood, sweat, and tears. It is our hope and our faith, a belief that will never waver, that nothing can break us.
From a distance, we send blessings to our country, to the soldiers and security forces, and pray for the freedom and return of the kidnapped to their families. Bring them home!
Am Yisrael Chai!
G'mar chatimah tovah,
Karin Koskas
Director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies
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Important Dates
Friday, October 11
- Erev Yom Kippur - 12:00 pm dismissal
Wednesday, October 16
- Erev Sukkot - 12:00 pm dismissal
Thursday, October 17 - Friday, October 18
Tuesday, October 22
Wednesday, October 23
- Hoshana Rabbah - 12:00 pm dismissal
Thursday, October 24
- Sh'mini Atzeret - school closed
Friday, October 25
- Simchat Torah - school closed
Monday, October 28
Wednesday, October 30
Friday, November 1
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1st grade Siddur ceremony - 10:45 am
*For the complete 2024-25 school calendar, please click HERE.
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Kabbalat Shabbat and Tashlich (Kindergarten to 8th grades)
Friday, October 11, 8:45 am, Kadima main yard
Parents, please join the Kadima community tomorrow, Friday morning at 8:45 am, for a special Kabbalat Shabbat and Tashlich service with our Kindergarten through 8th grade students. Please remember that we welcome parents to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat (usually at 10:45). We look forward to seeing you tomorrow and every Friday throughout the school year.
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Sukkot B'Yachad
Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 pm, on the Kadima yard
Sukkot B'Yachad is a cherished Kadima tradition, and this year it will take place on the evening of Tuesday, October 22, at 5:30 pm. The evening will include student performances, fun holiday activities for the entire family, arts & crafts, and a festive kosher catered dinner. Advance ticket reservation is required. Tickets are $45 per adult and $35 per child. Click here or on the flyer below to purchase tickets. Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, October 14. No exceptions!
We can't wait to connect and celebrate Sukkot together (b'yachad)!
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Kadima Welcomes New School Staff! | |
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Laura Daniels
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
I am so excited to be part of the Kadima community. I have taught for over 30 years in both elementary and middle school settings. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Education and History and have graduate credentials from The University of Virginia as well. In addition to teaching, I have also coached 9 state championship teams in Track and Field and Cross Country. I am passionate about providing a learning environment where students feel valued, respected and encouraged.
I relocated to California from Virginia as my daughter currently lives here and my son, who is in graduate school at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, will be moving to the West Coast upon graduating. I am also the proud owner of a spoiled rotten Corgi who keeps me busy. When I am not teaching, I enjoy all things outdoors, especially water sports, reading, international travel and most of all, being with my friends and family.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year at Kadima!
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Order School Pictures
School portraits, taken by Cornerstone Photography, are now available for viewing and ordering.
To view your portrait, click the link below and enter your online code which is KDMA and your child's last name, first name with no spacing in between.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR PORTRAIT
Online Code: KDMA+Student last name, first name no spacing in between (For Example:KDMADoeJane)
All orders must be placed online, will incur a $5 shipping charge, and will be mailed directly to your home address. Portrait pickup on campus or in the Cornerstone studio is not available.
What if I missed picture day?
A makeup opportunity is scheduled for Monday, October 28, for those who missed picture day or for those who are not satisfied with their portrait and want to try again.
For additional questions, you may contact Cornerstone Photography at customercare@cornerstone.photo or call (805) 529-1635.
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The 3/4th grade girls' basketball team won its game against Heschel by a score of 9-8. Our 5/6th grade flag football team played against VBS and won 20-18, with three touchdowns by Lavi Cohen. The next day, our Kodiak football team won again against Campbell Hall, with Joel Natan returning an interception for a touchdown (called a "pick 6" on the final play.) In addition, Ori Azoulay and Atai Daniel had several interceptions during the game on defense. They won by a score of 6-2. 1st and 2nd grade soccer teams played several games this week as well. 1st grade soccer played Ilan Ramon with a goal made by Leo Vardi. They lost the game 1-2 but played with so much heart. Mazal tov to all our teams, GO Kodiaks!
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2025-26 Admission Applications Now Open
Admission applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 school year.
Remember, you do not need to reapply annually for admission. Returning students will be receiving their re-enrollment contracts in February.
For priority consideration, please submit admission applications for new Kadima siblings by January 31, 2025. Please visit your FACTS portal to apply, or click here.
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Make-A-Plate Fundraiser
We are excited to work once again with Makit Products to offer a creative and meaningful activity for your child and our school. The Make A Gift® program lets children draw an original piece of artwork, which can then be captured in the form of a personalized plate. These personalized items make perfect Chanukah gifts for grandparents, relatives, loved ones and friends, or a keepsake for yourself! All proceeds benefit Kadima.
Your children will be asked to make their art in their art class with Mrs. Winderlich. If you would like to order a 10" melamine plate with your child’s art, please place your order no later than November 1, 2024. We appreciate your help in making this program fun for the kids, and thank you for your continued support.
To place your order click here.
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Rosh Chodesh Lunch Sponsorship
Celebrating a milestone or a simcha?
Want to treat your faculty and staff to lunch?
Here’s your chance!
Rosh Chodesh lunch is a service of the PTO to provide a beautiful lunch to the faculty and staff at the beginning of each Jewish month. You can participate by sponsoring part or all of this meal, and we will recognize your milestone or simcha with a poster of all the sponsors at that lunch. It is a highlight of the month for the teachers and a great way to support the Kadima community. We need a combined $500 each month to provide a beautiful meal. If you would like to participate, please contact: Shani Gabay Sror: (818) 961-4861 gabayshani@hotmail.com or Adva Tzvi: (310) 717-1109 advatsvi@hotmail.com
Please email or text or WhatsApp
- The month you would like to sponsor (October-May)
- The dollar amount you would like to donate
- Family name as it should be listed
- In Honor of/Celebration of/ Memory of
- Your contact info
The Finance Office will reach out for payment.
Thank you for your participation,
Shani and Adva
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Kadima Banner Campaign
Kadima invites local businesses to advertise their goods and services to the community, and also support Kadima, with a promotional banner displayed near the carpool drop-off/pick-up zones. This is a great opportunity to promote your business to our community. Click here to learn more.
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Peter and the Starcatcher
Our friends at DeToledo High School have invited our community to attend their new theatre production: Peter and the Starcatcher, a musing on the origins of the Peter Pan character. This show is suitable for all ages and DeToledo is providing FREE tickets to Kadima families.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 9 at 7 PM
Thursday, October 10 at 7 PM
Sunday, October 13 1 PM and 6 PM
WHERE: Lainer Auditorium West, de Toledo High School
ORDER TICKETS: dTHS.org/PeterAndTheStarCatcher
1) Choose show date and time
2) enter code: “FRIEND” for FREE tickets for Kadima
3) choose free tickets and proceed to checkout
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deToledo High School Open House
All 8th grade families are invited to attend the deToledo High School open house on November 3 at 2:00 pm. For more information and to reserve your spot, please click here.
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The Nova Music Festival Exhibition - EXTENDED
The Nova exhibition is an in-depth remembrance of the brutal massacre at the Nova Music Festival last October 7. This groundbreaking installation is presented as a way to empower visitors to responsibly explore and bear witness to the tragic events and their aftermath. The exhibition has been extended to October 20! Please support and visit this exhibition before it closes. To reserve tickets, please click here.
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Top 10 Conversation Starters: V'zot Hab'rachah
By Dr. Steven Lorch
#10 - At the beginning of the parashah, Moshe is described as "איש הא-לקים - the man of God" (D'varim 33, 1). Why is this an appropriate description of Moshe? Why is it a surprising description of him?
#9 - This is the parashah in which Moshe dies. All the action takes place on the day of his death. Why did the Torah wait until now to call him איש הא-לקים?
#8 - At the end of the parashah, Moshe is described differently: "'עבד ה - God's servant" (34, 5). Which description fits the totality of Moshe's life and career better? Which one fits Moshe's situation on the day of his death better? Which description do you prefer? Why?
#7 - Before Moshe gives his final blessings to each of the sh'vatim (tribes), he begins with a brief introduction that reviews the history of receiving the Torah. In 33, 2, he says that God came from different places in order to give the Torah to the Jewish people: Sinai, Seir, Mount Paran, and Rivevot Kodesh. But the Torah was obviously given at Sinai. Why mention three other places? Doesn't that just make the story more confusing?
#6 - When Moshe blesses the sh'vatim, he includes all the tribes except Shimon. Why is Shimon left out?
#5 - When Moshe blesses the sh'vatim, he doesn't bless them according to their birth order. The first five sh'vatim he blesses are Reuven, Yehudah, Levi, Binyamin, and Yosef (Ephraim and Menashe). What's the logic behind this order? Why did Moshe choose this order rather than the usual age order?
#4 - When Moshe ascends Mount Nevo, where he will die, first he looks out over Eretz Yisrael. The pasuk says "ויראהו - God showed him" (34, 1). Why doesn't it say, more simply, "וירא - Moshe saw"?
#3 - If Moshe wrote the whole Torah, did he also write D'varim 34, 5-9, which describes his death, his burial, B'nei Yisrael mourning him, and the beginning of Joshua's role as leader? Explain.
#2 - The Torah describes Moshe's burial as follows: "ויקבר אותו בגיא - He buried him in the valley" (34, 6). Who buried him? Explain.
#1 - The Torah says, "ולא ידע איש קבורתו עד היום הזה - No one knows where Moshe was buried to this day" (34, 6). The Torah gives lots of clues in the same pasuk: in the land of Moav, in the valley, opposite Beit Pe'or. Why, with all these locators, has nobody found Moshe's burial place? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
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