KOL ECHAD | Weekly Newsletter 

January 16, 2025

16 Tevet 5785

Due to last week's school closure, Kadima will be adding an additional instructional day on April 21, 2025. Please update your calendars.

Perseverance

By Rebecca Coen, Principal

Our children and our entire community have been through a lot. We lived through October 7th and its aftermath. We lived through multiple wars in Israel and their effects on our families and friends. And now we are living through the most destructive wildfire season that California has ever experienced. It’s a lot. And our children listen as we talk about all of the things that are happening both here and abroad - even when we think that they aren’t paying attention to our conversations. 

But how do we begin to help our children navigate through all of these challenges that we’ve all experienced? How can we help our children process the profound and disruptive events that have transpired?  

The unpredictability and destruction associated with all of these events leave many of our children struggling to cope. Building resilience in our children, therefore, is critical to helping them persevere and recover.

It is important to note that our children are particularly vulnerable during challenging times and especially during natural disasters. They depend on adults; have limited life experiences; and have not yet developed coping mechanisms. As a result, without appropriate supports and interventions, children can develop emotional distress as a result of a disruption to their regular routines, face learning challenges as a result of increased absence from school and difficulty focusing, and experience increased health risks.  

So what do we need to do to best support our children?  

First and foremost, it is imperative that we systematically and intentionally provide emotional support. This means providing students with time and space to articulate and process their emotions. It also means encouraging open communication within families, that allows children to express their fears and receive reassurance from trusted adults.

Also, we need to restore routines and stability as soon as possible. By returning to normalcy, we give our children the feeling that things are going to be okay. And our schools serve as the most stabilizing environments. Within the walls of the school, students regain their routines and get the added support of peers and teachers. Moreover, schools have the ability to provide age-appropriate information about the challenges - which helps to reduce uncertainty and fear.

Most importantly, taking the time to adequately prepare our children for possible upheavals through emergency preparedness helps to equip them with knowledge and coping mechanisms. Taking the time to teach our children about safety protocols (both at school and at home), such as evacuation routes and emergency kits, empowers them to take proactive measures. Some of this can be achieved through storytelling, role-playing, and practice. Different, creative methods allow children to understand and rehearse appropriate responses to emergencies.



Helping our children persevere through upheavals and natural disasters requires a coordinated, multifaceted approach that addresses their emotional, educational, and social needs. Together, families, educators, and communities need to all work collaboratively to create supportive environments that promote resilience and recovery in our students.

Shabbat shalom,

Rebecca Coen

Principal

Important Dates

Monday, January 20

• MLK Day - school closed

Wednesday, January 22

• 2nd grade field trip - Tree People

Friday, January 24

• Hebrew language day

Sunday, January 26

• A Taste of Kindergarten - 10:00 am

Tuesday, January 28

• Kindergarten parent meeting: Coffee with Coen - 8:15 am, in the library

Thursday, January 30

• Snack shack

Friday, January 31

• 2025-26 admission application priority deadline
• 2025-26 tuition assistance application priority deadline (returning families)

Wednesday, February 5

• PTO Meeting - 8:15 am, in the library

Thursday, February 6

• Rosh Chodesh staff lunch sponsored by Kadima PTO

Monday, February 10

• 4th and 5th grade field trip - Jewish home for the aging

Tuesday, February 11

• 3rd grade parent meeting: Coffee with Coen - 8:15 am, in the library
• Snack shack

Thursday, February 13

• Tu Bish'vat and Intergenerational Day

Building Tomorrow, Together: This Year’s Campaign Recap

We are deeply grateful to our incredible Kadima community for the support shown during the Building Tomorrow, Together campaign. Together, we’ve raised $122,540 of our $200,000 goal, with contributions from 106 donors. Your generosity highlights the strength of our shared commitment to improving our campus for the future.

Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:

• Online Donations: $37,060 from 91 donors, averaging $420.50.
• Matching Donations: $85,480 from 15 donors, averaging $5,626.70.

As we enter the spring semester, we look forward with hope and determination to reaching and surpassing our annual goal of $380,000. With continued support, we can achieve the essential projects of replacing the yard grass with turf (currently at $6,638 of $87,500) and resurfacing the playgrounds (currently at $400 of $50,000).

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping to build a brighter tomorrow, together.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 20

School will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20. Students will participate in an MLK Day assembly during Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, January 17.

Welcome Denise McDonald

School Nurse

Denise McDonald is our new school nurse. She brings significant experience in the medical field as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) as well as an operating room Scrub Technician. Denise is married and has raised three amazing sons/men. She could not be happier working at Kadima Day School. She loves children of all ages and finds this work very rewarding. Welcome to the the Kadima family, Denise!

Hebrew Language Day

Friday, January 24

Hebrew Language Day is celebrated yearly in honor of the birthday of the poet and educator Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, who is considered the father of modern Hebrew. Ben-Yehuda devoted his efforts to revitalizing the Hebrew language and promoting its use, creating new words and adapting it to the needs of modern life.

On Friday, January 24, Kadima will celebrate Hebrew language day. This day marks the great achievement of the Hebrew language, which has been revived and transformed into the everyday language of the State of Israel, despite having been only a sacred language for centuries. The Hebrew language symbolizes a connection between generations and different communities, representing the culture, history, and heritage of the Jewish people.

On Hebrew language day, Kadima will dedicate time to learning and deepening our knowledge of various Hebrew language concepts. All Hebrew and Judaic Studies lessons on this day will be taught interactively, through games, or creative activities.

Kabbalat Shabbat service on this day will be led by our 5th grade classes. Each class will also be invited on stage to sing a song that celebrates the Hebrew language. We will conclude the service with shirah b’tzibur (a sing-along).

Vote for the Word of the Year:

On Tuesday, January 21, we will begin voting for the 'Word of the Year'. Ahead of Hebrew language day 5785, the Academy of the Hebrew Language asked the public to suggest words that describe this past year. Out of thousands of suggestions, ten leading words were chosen: Responsibility, Home, Heroism, Released for publication, Hostages, Together, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), Close call, Reserves, and Petitions. We invite the Kadima community to vote for their favorite word, or another word suggested by a student. To vote, please click the button below.

On Hebrew language day, we ask all students to come dressed in shirts with Hebrew text or a white "Kadima" shirt, as is customary for Fridays.

A Taste of Kindergarten

Sunday, January 26, 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Attention all Gesher parents! Please join us on Sunday, January 26, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon for an engaging introduction to Kadima's kindergarten. Our morning will be filled with fun, interactive activities, including mini-lessons led by our kindergarten teachers. Come and get a taste of what's ahead next year in kindergarten. Please RSVP to admissions@kadimadayschool.org.

2025-26 Tuition Assistance Application

Returning Kadima families will be receiving their 2025-26 re-enrollment agreements in February. If you would like to be considered for tuition assistance for the next school year, or if are currently receiving tuition assistance and would like to continue to receive tuition assistance, please submit a new FAST application. A FAST application is required annually, even if you submitted an application last year.

The priority deadline for returning families is January 31, and we strongly encourage you to apply on time in order to get the maximum award possible.

If you have questions about tuition assistance, please contact Orly Levy: olevy@kadima.co or call (818) 346-0849 ext 322.

Now Accepting 2025-26 Admission Applications

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.

Yom HaZikaron Ceremony Auditions

Sunday, February 2, 9:00 to 10:00 am, IAC Shepher Community Center

A community Yom HaZikaron ceremony will be held at the Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue on Sunday, April 27. Organizers will be holding an audition for children who are fluent in reading Hebrew, as well as talented singers and musicians, on Sunday, February 2, at the IAC Shepher Community Center, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. This is a very meaningful ceremony, and it is an honor to take part in it. All talented Kadima students are invited to audition.

Kadima PTO Tie-Dye Event

Thursday, February 27, 3:45 to 5:30 pm

Let’s get together on Thursday, February 27, and have some fun making Tie Dye Kadima swag that your kids will love to wear. Purchase your Kadima T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants now. Purchase includes dye, gloves, rubber bands, and bags to take your creations home in. This is a pre-order only event. Order by January 31! Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase during the event.

Rosh Chodesh Lunch

Thank you to Michaela and the Fridman family, the Sinai family, the Atias family, the Batzri family, and the Keisari family, for sponsoring a delicious lunch for the faculty and staff in honor of Rosh Chodesh Tevet. We really appreciate it!

Ramah Day Camp, Silent Disco and Havdalah

Saturday, January 25, 6:30 pm, de Toledo High School

We are excited to invite your entire family to Ramah Day Camp LA's Family Havdalah and Silent Disco! Bring your family, bring your friends, and lets enjoy one of our favorite camp activities together! There will be activities throughout and special swag for all attendees. 

Get ready for a night of:

• Fun 
• Food 
• Music 
• Disco
• Friends
• Havdalah
• And more!  

Send this along to your friends; the whole community is invited! 

Advance registration required for security purposes. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our community safe.

RSVP Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/243166923777064 

Questions? Email adena@ramah.org 

Fire Relief Loans

As the devastating wildfires continue to impact our Los Angeles community, Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) is here to provide critical financial support to those in need. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster, and we stand ready to help you in this time of crisis.

JFLA offers zero-interest, zero-fee emergency loans of up to $15,000 to eligible applicants. 

These loans can be used for essential expenses such as:

• Temporary housing/hotel stays
• Food
• Clothing
• Medical expenses and medication
• Transportation and vehicle replacement
• Other emergency expenses

Don't have a guarantor?

We understand that not everyone has access to a guarantor. That is why we are also offering a limited number of loans without guarantors of up to $2,000 to people affected by the wildfires. These will go out on a first-come first-serve basis.

Apply now.

The application process is simple and straightforward. Our team is standing by to process your request as quickly as possible. You are not alone in this challenging time – JFLA is here to support you. Apply for an emergency loan now

Are you in a position to help?

If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to JFLA to help sustain our emergency loan fund. Your generosity will enable us to provide more emergency loans to individuals and families impacted by the wildfires. Every contribution makes a difference. Every gift has the power to help a neighbor in need. Donate

In the face of this crisis, let's come together as a community to support one another. JFLA's mission has always been to provide help and hope to those who need it most, regardless of background or faith. If you or someone you know has been affected by the wildfires, please reach out to us today.

With compassion and solidarity,

Rachel Grose, Executive Director

Parashat Sh'mot

By Dr. Steven Lorch, Head of School



#10 - At the beginning of the parashah, "ויקם מלך חדש על מצרים אשר לא ידע את יוסף - a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Yosef" (Sh'mot 1, 8). What do you think happened to the previous king? And if Yosef had been such an important person in Egypt, how is it possible that the new king didn't know him?

#9 - The new king is worried about B'nei Yisrael and tells his people that they are "רב ועצום ממנו - much too numerous for us" (1, 9). Were they actually more numerous than the Egyptians, or did the king just think they were, or did he know they weren't but just wanted his people to think they were?

#8 - The Egyptians made B'nei Yisrael work "בפרך - at crushing labor" (1, 13). Exactly what kinds of work would the Torah have referred to as "crushing"?

#7 - In order to prevent B'nei Yisrael from growing too numerous, the king orders that every baby boy be killed (1, 16; 1, 22). Why the boys and not the girls instead? Why not both?

#6 - Moshe's mother hides him for three months and then "ולא יכלה עוד הצפינו - she couldn't hide him any longer" (2, 2-3). Why not?

#5 - Moshe grows up in Pharaoh's daughter's palace, and then he goes out, sees an Egyptian taskmaster hitting a slave from B'nei Yisrael, and kills him (2, 10-12). Why does he kill him instead of just injuring him to make him stop?

#4 - The next day, Moshe goes out again, sees two Hebrews fighting, and calls out to the wicked one ("לרשע") to stop hitting the other one (2, 13). If both Hebrews were fighting, how did he know which one of them was wicked?

#3 - Moshe runs away and becomes a shepherd in the desert. One day he sees a burning bush that isn't consumed by the fire (3, 2). What does the bush symbolize to Moshe? What does it symbolize to us, the readers?

#2 - God tells Moshe to go speak to Pharaoh and tell him to let B'nei Yisrael go (3, 18), but then adds that "לא יתן אתכם מלך מצרים להלוך - Pharaoh won't let you go" (3, 19). If God already knows that Pharaoh's answer will be no, why does Moshe need to ask him?

#1 - Moshe doesn't want to go, claiming "לא איש דברים אנכי - I am not a man of words" (4, 10). Is Moshe really a bad speaker, or is he just lacking in confidence, or is he afraid, or humble, or is he just making an excuse to get out of it?