KOL ECHAD | Weekly Newsletter 

January 23, 2025

23 Tevet 5785

A Day of Unity and Reflection: Middle School Hosts MLK Day Assembly

By Nicole Levy, Middle School Coordinator

In a remarkable display of collaboration and community spirit, our middle school recently coordinated an inspiring assembly in commemoration of Martin Luther King Day alongside our elementary school, infusing our weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service with new meaning. This dual effort not only celebrated the values of justice, equality, and unity championed by Dr. King but also honored our school’s Jewish traditions and commitment to fostering a strong sense of community.

A Collaborative MLK Day Assembly



The MLK Day assembly brought together students from both the middle and elementary schools in a heartfelt tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy. Middle school students took the lead, organizing a program that highlighted key moments in Dr. King’s life, his contributions to the civil rights movement, and his timeless messages of love and equality.

Highlights of the assembly included:

• Student speeches: 2nd-5th grade students delivered powerful speeches reflecting on how Dr. King’s teachings resonate in today’s world, with a particular focus on fostering inclusivity and combating prejudice.
• Interactive activities: First grade students participated in a collaborative “Tree of Life and Community” art project.

The event underscored the importance of cross-age learning and mentorship, as middle school students served as role models and educators for their younger peers.

A Meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Key moments from the service included:

• Student-led prayers: Middle school students led traditional prayers, infusing them with personal reflections on Dr. King’s impact and their own commitments to social justice.
• Songs of celebration: The service concluded with joyful singing, creating a sense of togetherness and spiritual uplift.

A Day to Remember

The seamless coordination of these two significant events exemplified the school’s dedication to holistic education, where students are encouraged to engage with both their cultural heritage and broader societal values. 

As we look to the future, the success of this day inspires us to continue finding ways to weave together our traditions and the values of our broader community, creating educational experiences that are both memorable and transformative.

Shabbat shalom,

Nicole Levy

Middle School Coordinator

Important Dates

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

• Snack shack

Thursday, February 13

• Tu Bish'vat and Intergenerational Day

Friday, February 14

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

Monday, February 17

• Presidents' Day - school closed

Tuesday, February 18

• 5th grade parent meeting: Coffee with Coen - 8:15 am, in the library

Friday, February 21

• 1st grade Siyum HaAmidah and Shabbat Program - 1:30 pm, in the beit knesset

Tuesday, February 25

• Snack shack
• 4th grade parent meeting: Coffee with Coen - 8:15 am, in the library

Thursday, February 27

• PTO Tie-Dye Event - 3:45 pm, on the Kadima yard

Monday, March 3

• Re-enrollment agreements for returning families are due

Parent Meetings: Coffee with Coen

Please join us for the following parent meetings, hosted by our Principal, Rebecca Coen. These are excellent opportunities for parents to share with our principal questions and concerns and to talk about what to look forward to in future years at Kadima. All meeting will be held from 8:15 to 9:15 am in the library.

• Tuesday, January 28 - Kindergarten parents
• Friday, February 14 - 3rd grade parents
• Tuesday, February 18 - 5th grade parents
• Tuesday, February 25 - 4th grade parents
• Friday, March 7 - 1st and 2nd grade parents

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).

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 Re-Enrollment

Returning Kadima families will be receiving their 2025-26 re-enrollment contracts starting February 14. You will have two weeks to submit your signed re-enrollment contract to waive the enrollment fee and secure your class spot for the 2025-26 school year.

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.

Siyum HaAmidah and Shabbat Program

Friday, February 21, 1:30-2:15 pm, in the Beit Knesset

First grade parents, you are cordially invited to attend our first grade Siyum HaAmidah and Shabbat program on Friday, February 21, from 1:30 to 2:15 pm, in the beit knesset. This is a special and significant milestone in your children's Judaic Studies learning, and we want you to be a part of this joyous occasion.

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.

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 

Camp Ramah Tour

Sunday, February 2, 11:00 am

Camp Ramah will be offering a one-hour tour of their beautiful camp, nestled in the hills of Ojai, on Sunday, February 2, at 11:00 am. Parents and younger siblings will tour with camp leadership, while camper-age kids will tour with our madrichim (camp counselors). There will be plenty of time to see the property, ask all your questions, and even have our famous Camp Ramah chocolate chip muffins! This is such a great opportunity for prospective and first-time families to see camp and meet our team. Click on the button below to RSVP.

Camp Ramah Virtual Info Session

Thursday, January 30, 5:30 pm

Camp Ramah is also offering a virtual info session on Thursday, January 30, at 5:30 pm. Hop on to meet some of our year round staff, and learn about the activities and adventures that come with a summer in Ojai! Both prospective campers and parents are welcome. Zoom link will be sent upon RSVP. To RSVP, please email michal@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 Va'era

By Dr. Steven Lorch, Head of School



#10 - At the end of Parashat Sh'mot, Moshe has a crisis of confidence in God. He had done what God told him to do and gone to Pharaoh and asked to let his people go, and Pharaoh had refused and made their lives harder. When Moshe questions God at the beginning of this parashah, God replies that God revealed God's self to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya'akov by the name El Shadai, but Moshe knows God by a name, Adonai, by which the avot (forefathers) didn't know God (Sh'mot 6, 3). What's the difference between these names? How does this answer Moshe's question?

#9 - God continues and says that God remembers the b'rit (covenant) with the avot, and specifically that God will give them the land of Canaan (6, 4-5). How does this answer Moshe's question? (Hint: See B'reshit 15, 13-16.)

#8 - In Sh'mot 6, 8, God promises to do three things for B'nei Yisrael: take them out from the hard work of Egypt (והוצאתי אתכם מתחת סבלות מצרים), save them from slavery (והצלתי אתכם מעבודתם), and free them with an outstretched hand and miracles (וגאלתי אתכם בזרוע נטויה ובשפטים גדולים). Are these three separate promises, or the same promise in different words? If they're different, what does each refer to? If they're the same, why are they repeated?

#7 - In Sh'mot 6, 9-10, God adds two more promises: to have a special relationship with B'nei Yisrael as God's people (ולקחתי אתכם לי לעם), and to bring them to Eretz Yisrael (והבאתי אתכם אל הארץ). Weren't the three promises in 6, 8 a complete answer to Moshe's complaint? Why did God need to add these two other promises?

#6 - God promises Moshe that God will harden Pharaoh's heart so that Pharaoh won't listen to them, and God will then punish Egypt (7, 3-4). Why is this unfair? Why is it fair?

#5 - "'וידעו מצרים כי אני ה - The Egyptians will know that I am God" (7, 5). "Knowing (לדעת)" can mean either to know intellectually, to understand emotionally, or to have a close, personal relationship with. What does it mean here? Does it mean only one thing, or more than one?

#4 - Before the first plague, God warns Pharaoh that the water will turn into blood, and the Egyptians won't have anything to drink (7, 17-18). Why does God give Pharaoh advance warning?

#3 - "היה דם בעצים ובאבנים - there will be blood in the wood and the stones" (7, 19). What does this mean? What will happen?

#2 - In response to the first plague, "ויחזק לב פרעה - Pharaoh stiffened his heart" (7, 22). God didn't harden his heart; Pharaoh hardened it himself. Why, then, did God promise Moshe (7, 3-4) that God would harden Pharaoh's heart?

#1 - The fourth plague (8, 16-20) is הערוב. The rabbis have two opinions as to what this means: a mixture of wild animals, or a swarm of insects. Of the two opinions, which one fits the shoresh (verb root) ע.ר.ב. better? Which one will be more frightening to the Egyptians? Which one will cause more damage? Which one will cause Pharaoh to want to let the people go? Why? Which meaning do you prefer? Why?