Ma Koreh? What’s Happening? February Newsletter

This month's issue features: D'var Kesher Reserve Your Space for the 22-23 School Year! Highlights this Month Why I Teach at CJDS Featuring Eran Rosenberg Photo Highlights CJDS Alumni Spotlight Featuring Georgia Fried Save the Date: Wisdom of the Heart Life and Legacy: The Wolman Family Community Milestones Community Events and Calendar

D’var Kesher from Head of School Rachel Arcus-Goldberg February 4, 2022 / 3 Adar 5782 Terumah: Exodus 25:1 - 27:19

D'var Kesher

Greetings!

25 years ago, an ambitious group of people were finalizing plans for the opening of a pluralistic Jewish Day School in Columbus. In the fall of 1998, CJDS opened its doors and we have had the honor of educating hundreds of Jewish children over the past 25 years. I asked our founding and long-standing teachers to share reminiscences of special moments over the years.

1998-2003 4th Grade Sukkot Sleepover was initiated and has been one of the highlights of the 4th grade - even today. Program includes games in the Sukkah, Treasure Hunt in the dark hallways of the school and of course sleeping in the Sukkah (weather permitted).     Miriam Dance - The dance club in these early years was so popular, there was a group for the elementary school students and for the middle school students. They performed the first Miriam dance - the choreography of which is still used in the 2nd Grade Hag HaSiddur.

2003-2008 Camp Willson - 4th/5th grade students went to a 3 day overnight camp along with friends from CTA and other Jewish day schools from Ohio. The Living Museum (Historical Leaders / Jewish Heroes) was initiated. Join us for the Virtual 5th Grade Jewish Heroes Living Museum next week!)

First Ever CJDS Play - Picture from “Joseph” 2005. Then in 2009, still in the old building Fiddler on the Roof. Leaders from the beginning. This was a supportive inclusive group of students who paved the way and set an example regarding excellence that many admired, including faculty. They were artists, deep thinkers, scientists, doers and young activists with spiritual connections to all that they attempted and achieved. Everyone looked up to them because they were so creative - especially their buddies.

2009-2013 CJDS Moved to the new building: Check out this picture captured during the contractor meeting in the new CJDS/JCC building.   A fun crew who loved learning and each other. Many students in this era enjoyed Ski Club as well as other intellectual and social activities. These classes loved art and their sit spots. They helped to plant the Meadow Garden behind the Butterfly Garden.

The first Rosh Hodesh Adar - Teachers VS. Students Game. Eran brought this tradition from his high school in Tel Aviv. It was warmly embraced by teachers and students. During the years there were various games: basketball, hockey, soccer.   We can't believe these CJDS alumni students are graduating this year from college! These alumni are using their foundational skills as they pursue degrees in graphic design, marketing, art therapy, education, medicine and more.

2013-2018 Wexner Heritage Village Visits - Students in these years embraced our visits to Wexner Heritage Village residents and asked “can we go again soon” every time they visited.  Debate and Diversity - Students in these classes are remembered as athletic, quiet and heartfelt. They enjoyed debate and diversity regarding opinions in a good way! They all had a voice and they were not afraid to use it! Wetlands Rehabilitation - 2017 was the year that CJDS students restored and rehabilitated the pond behind the school to an active wetlands.

2018-2023 Students Win! In 2018, the 5th & 6th Grades won the faculty-student Rosh Hodesh Adar Soccer game! It was the first student win in many years.

Mar Etgar - The class of 2021 was the first group to reach 2000 minutes of speaking in Hebrew with Mar Etgar.

Shabbat Shalom,

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Reserve Your Space Today for Kindergarten at CJDS!

We are now 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 schol, 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:

STEP 1: SCHEDULE A CONVERSATION & VISIT

STEP 2: APPLY HERE

STEP 3: FIRST YEAR GRANT OPPORTUNITY - $8,000 Savings!

Schedule a tour today!

Highlights this Month

Lego Engineering Club This month, we kicked off our incredible After School Club programming filled with Tennis, Drama Club, Percussion, and Lego Engineering. We caught up with Lego Engineering Teacher Jeremy Arcus-Goldberg to see what the kids are working on! "During our first class we began learning basic Lego vocabulary, and worked on building a tower. There were many inventive ways to use the pieces, and lots of creative stories about the models. "By the second and third class, we worked with a kit called "Lego Gadgets." We completed the project that introduces gears and uses the concept of "persistence of vision" to show the students an optical illusion of a motorcycle jumping through fire. Some students also chose to draw their own version -- such as a UFO appearing over a city skyline. We used our Lego Gadget pieces to build a catapult and introduce the simple machine function of a lever, and students even invented challenges with their catapult for added fun!"

Second Grade Siddur Ceremony 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 have learned how to use, hold, and treat a real siddur. This event is a meaningful symbolic marker for parents and students in their Jewish educational journey. Watch a brief clip of the Siddur Ceremony here!

Roller Unit in P.E. During the winter months, Physical Education takes place indoors -- but that doesn't mean the fun stops! CJDS students stay active inside with the roller unit in P.E. The roller unit is by far a favorite among all of our students. By the end of this unit, students are confident on their rollerblades or scooters, and Ms. Palma throws a Skating Party for the kids filled with fun music and glow sticks!

Tu B'Shvat Fourth and fifth graders enjoyed a special activity this month for Tu B'shvat, what Eran is calling a "Fruit Tasting Marathon." Students were presented with covered bowls numbered 1-35 with a different fruit in each one. They took turns choosing a number and the secret fruit was served to all. Students were encouraged to taste many fruits, some which they never tried in their life! The Fruit Tasting Marathon was a great birthday party for the trees.

Fifth Graders Decreasing Their Carbon Footprint During our "Celebrating Trees" Kabbalat Shabbat last Friday, Fifth graders shared how YOU can make changes to decrease our carbon footprint. Check out the informational and inspiring video HERE. Will you be joining us this Spring to plant 300 trees on the CJDS campus?

Why I Teach at CJDS

Eran Rosenberg Director of Jewish Life and Learning "I love working in a place where magic happens everyday. I am fortunate to be part of this amazing process; connecting past, present and future; bringing to life ancient texts, traditions and customs; creating a fun, supportive and collaborative learning environment; instilling curiosity, mutual respect, and open communication; and promoting intellectual sophistication, social responsibility and personal authenticity."

Eran serves as Director of Jewish Life and Learning and teaches Hebrew language and Jewish Studies, grade 4 and 5. Born and raised in Israel, Eran began his professional career as an organizational and occupational psychologist evaluating educational systems and instruction, both in Israel and abroad. A former tank commander in the IDF, Eran is now passionate about being a Jewish Educator in Columbus, and promotes the love of learning with all his soul and all his might.  Eran devotes countless hours to offering every one of his students a fully experiential, personally relevant, and intellectually rigorous Jewish education. He has developed numerous creative pedagogical and curricular resources, many of which have been featured in workshops in Columbus and beyond. Eran regularly incorporates creative play into his teaching methods and, accordingly has amassed an impressive collection of masks and costumes to engage his learners in new and exciting ways all the time. He was awarded the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education and the Lasday Jewish Educator of the Year Award (2010). Eran is a founding member of the National Association of Teachers of Hebrew and is involved with developing and sharing educational materials across the field of North American Jewish day schooling. Eran is also active in the Jewish life of Columbus, serving on the steering committee of the Partnership Together Program (a program connecting Kfar Saba, Israel, and the Columbus Jewish communities), offering B’nai Mitzvah instruction, chanting Torah at a variety of synagogues, conducting children’s programs, serving and leading on community holiday planning committees, and acting in local community theater. Eran especially enjoys hosting friends in his home for meaningful Shabbat and holiday meals.

Photo Highlights

First grade students shared their cloud projects with Ariot from the letter Ayin to show that they are ready for their new workbooks! Afterwards, Ariot delivered the 4th Hebrew letter book to students

First graders are learning about landforms. They read “The Littlest Mountain” and students made their own mountains, named them, and described them, and painted them!

Third graders published their own children's books filled with stories and illustrations about the Civil Rights Movement. Then they read their books to their buddies before Kabbalat Shabbat.

CJDS students enjoying morning fitness in the snow!

3rd, 4th & 5th graders joined together for School Tefillah. Fifth grade students were the leaders of Tefillah and they surprised a third grade student honoring him with Aliyah LaTorah (Charlie!)

Kindergarteners referenced their collective Ohio mammal research when looking for similarities between animals.

Kindergartners practicing applying their trick word, letter sounds, and good reader strategies while reading books during ELA.

We love when Teachers accidentally wear matching outfits. How fun!

4th and 5th graders had a chance to experience Kabbalat Shabbat next to the foot of Mt. Sinai. The members of Va'adat Shabbat set up the classroom so it would reflect Parashat Shavu'a Yitro.

First graders performing animal folk tales for the kindergartners.

CJDS third graders learning the dance, Niggun Atik, in preparation for their Humash Ceremony.

During 2nd Grade Science, Orville Wright stopped by and shared the four forces of flight: Lift, Thrust, Drag, and Weight. Check it out HERE.

Celebrating CJDS Alum: Georgia Fried

This months Alumni Spotlight is Georgia Fried. Georgia is currently a Senior at Columbus Alternative High School. Georgia shares, "You can find me acting in school plays, singing in our competition choir, editing the artistic and literary magazine, and much more. Outside of school I volunteer as a peer educator with Planned Parenthood and am a fellow in the Jewish Women’s Archive Rising Voices Fellowship (you can find my most recent blog post here)." After high school, Georgia plans to attend college and major in some combination of history, political science, and Jewish studies.

"Some of my most beloved memories at CJDS include music and art. Art class with Susan was always a highlight of my day and she always encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone through art. There were always different materials to use to express myself in new and fun ways. The numerous songs my class sang for Kabbalat Shabbats and dances I learned for dance club informed my love for theater, something I continue to do and love to this day."

"I love that CJDS is a small community made up of tight relationships that will last a lifetime. I know that even if I go years without seeing my old classmates, we will always have a shared experience that connects us forever. This is unique to CJDS and something I have yet to experience anywhere else." Georgia shares that "The individual and hands-on education is something I grew to value at CJDS and have continued to prioritize throughout my life. I loved going into the nature space behind the school to learn about the outdoors and nature. I also participated in the Tzedakah Club and this early exposure to charity showed me that caring for the world can be fun and rewarding. I am proud that I participated in this club at a young age because my current interest in social justice would not be the same without it. I learned how to participate in and lead social action in my community." "Looking back on my time at CJDS, I can definitively say that I would not be the person I am today without it. The CJDS community, Hebrew classes, and holiday celebrations laid the foundation for my Jewish identity and allowed me to explore my past, present, and future through a Jewish lens. As I have gotten older, I have further explored my Jewish identity through writing and community service, but the education CJDS gave me is foundational to who I am."

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!

American University Arizona State University Barnard College Boston University Bowling Green State University Case Western Reserve Claremont McKenna College Columbus State Community College Cornell University Davidson College DePaul University Emory University George Washington University Harvard University Hebrew Union College Indiana University Jewish Theological Seminary Kent State University Macalester College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Miami University of Ohio New York University Northwestern University Oberlin Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Otterbein College Smith College Swarthmore College The Ohio State University Touro College Trinity College University of California Davis University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder University of Michigan University of Pittsburgh University of Texas - Austin Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wittenberg College Yale University

Save the Date for Wisdom of the Heart

Don't miss our Spring Events! You can always find our most up-to-date calendar on our website here!

Life and Legacy at CJDS

“As a Jewish family in Columbus for five generations, we have had a long history of active involvement in the community. From being among the founding members of a synagogue, to board positions with many Jewish organizations, and now two generations of board membership at CJDS (along with a child attending).  CJDS is an important asset to our Jewish community, and we want for it to be successful for even more generations to come. Creating a legacy gift through Life & Legacy is another way we hope to ensure the ongoing vibrance of a wonderful institution, and its future community.” Jonathan and Susannah Wolman CJDS Legacy Society Members

Join the Wolman Family, and submit a Letter of Intent to CJDS today. The Life and Legacy program promotes after-lifetime giving in order to sustain valued organizations and vibrant Jewish communities. Assure your Jewish tomorrow TODAY. Contact legacy@cjds.org, or click here for more information. In partnership with Jewish Columbus.

Community Milestones

Mazel Tov Mazel Tov to CJDS alum Carly and Jordan Seiferas on the birth of a new baby girl, Brielle Alana Seiferas. Proud Grandparents Jill and Richard Herman (CJDS Founders), and Aunts Halle and Emily Herman. Mazel Tov to CJDS alum Georgia Fried (this month's Alumni Spotlight) for having her article published in the Jewish Women's Archive! Mazel Tov to Nurit and Aaron Friedberg, Adina (CJDS 2nd grader) & Zalman (22-23 CJDS Kindergartener) on the birth of a new baby girl. Mazel Tov to Performing Arts Teacher, Giselle Siegel and her family, on the birth of her new niece. Proud parents are Sarah and Dovid Silverberg. Mazel Tov to Tobi Gold, Co-Founder of Columbus Jewish Day School, and new CEO of the Skilken Gold development firm.

Make a Donation in Honor of a Community Member!

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 Jacob Cohen, class of 2015 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 prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus.

Upcoming Events at CJDS

February Wednesday, February 9 - 8:30am - 9:00 am - 5th Grade Jewish Heroes Living Museum (Virtual) Friday, February 11 - 8:30-9:30am - Kindergarten Winter Animal Fair Friday, February 11 - 1:40-2:15pm - All School Kabbalat Shabbat Thursday, February 17 - 8:30-10am - 3rd Grade Humash Ceremony Email Amanda Chernyak to join one of our events virtually!

Community Events

The JCC of Greater Columbus is excited to announce a LIVE Concert with The Tony Hagood Klezmer Ensemble featuring Arkadiy Gips on Violin! Tony Hagood is an internationally accomplished pianist and composer from Westerville, Ohio.  Sunday, Feb. 27th at 2:00 PM in the Roth/Resler Theater at the JCC. Tickets are just $12. Please contact me for group rates.  Please share the attached flyer and information with your community.   Purchase individual tickets at https://jccprograms.eventive.org/schedule/61b8e586837e130050b37984 Masks and proof of vaccination are required to attend.

Please note that these events are community building events and NOT just for an audience of families with disabilities. Folks of all backgrounds are welcome to come, and to be allies!

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