Ma Koreh?
What’s Happening?
March Newsletter
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This month's issue features:
- D'var Kesher
- Highlights this Month
- Why I Teach at CJDS Featuring Katie Feldstein
- Photo Highlights
- CJDS in the News
- Let CJDS Feature You
- Fundraiser for our Parent Organization Kesher: Mishloah Manot
- Life and Legacy: The Hecker Family
- Community Milestones
- Reserve Your Space for the 22-23 School Year!
- Community Events and Calendar
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D’var Kesher from Head of School
Rachel Arcus-Goldberg
March 4, 2022 / 1 Adar II 5782
Pekudei: Exodus 38:21 - 40:38
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This week we are celebrating Rosh Hodesh Adar. As the song goes: Mi Shenichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha - when the month of Adar arrives, our joy will increase! Adar is supposed to be a month of joy and fun and silliness. At CJDS, this means that on the first day of Adar the kids dress in funny ways and in an expression of “V’nahafoch hu” (turning everything upside down), the students compete against the faculty in a hockey game. The Second Grade Kabbalat Shabbat today continued the celebration and filled everyone with laughter.
It feels a little awkward to be joyful while the world around us is filled with conflict. And yet, it is our responsibility as teachers, as parents, as adults to make sure that the kids feel safe, even in the face of a scary world.
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Australian psychologist and children’s book author, Karen Young, writes “However scary the world feels, the safety of you will always feel bigger. When our own hearts are calm enough and brave enough, our children will catch this. If you are uncertain or anxious yourself, try to tap into that part of you that knows they are safe enough. Before reassuring them though, it’s important to acknowledge whatever they are feeling. When we open our hearts to what they are feeling, we can hold those feelings with strength, help them make sense, and hand them back in a way that feels more manageable… Your best will be good enough, and on the days that you are far from your best, that will be good enough too. When we are faced with unfamiliar times, the things we ‘should’ be doing have to fall behind what we ‘need’ to be doing. And what we need to do is this. We need to hold them close, and leave space for playing, and talking, and listening and sleeping. We need to read with them, feel with them and laugh with them. And that will be enough… These times are unfamiliar and all we can do is whatever we can to get through. But if through this you love them big – they’ll get through this with their hearts, minds and spirits intact. And… it will be because you did enough of what they needed, enough of the time, and you did it for them.”
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So, as we welcomed Adar this week, I embraced the joy. I laughed with the kids at their fun costumes, I played my heart out in the hockey game (the faculty won by the way - nice job team teachers!), and I helped a second grader pretend to be me to close the Kabbalat Shabbat. I leaned into the fun and the silliness - for now. And tomorrow, when they have questions about what is happening in the Ukraine, or with COVID, or Global Warming, I will meet them there too. I will talk with them about their feelings and help them feel seen and safe and loved.
Shabbat Shalom,
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Building the Mishkan
Last week was a special classroom Shabbat for fourth and fifth grade students. Va'adat Shabbat (Shabbat Committee) planned a very creative activity: Building the Mishkan.
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During the morning meeting students discussed the quote "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin. Later in the day during Parashat Shavu'a, students learned about building the Mishkan (tabernacle) which is the main focus of last week's weekly portion.
Students on the Va'adat Shabbat did an amazing job integrating what they learned during the day. Kol Hakavod!
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Skunks, Coyotes, & Bobcats - Oh my!
Our Kindergarteners became Teachers this month, and shared all that they have been researching during the Kindergarten Animal Fair.
These young students learned how to research their animal by using books, magazines, videos, and iPads. They processed their thoughts, wrote their own sentences, and illustrated the words to create an Animal Research Book.
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To prepare for the Kindergarten Animal Fair, students channeled their inner artist and created a mold from clay, and then painted their clay animal. Their creation was added into the diorama of their animal’s habitat, and they also made sure to included shelter, food, and a water source in their animal habitat.
Parents joined in person this year, and proudly watched as our Kindergarteners shared their animal habitat, research books, and a few fun animal facts.
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Jewish Heroes Living Museum
Each year, students write an essay on the Jewish Hero of their choice and make their essay into a speech. Using the style of artist Chuck Close, students create a portrait of that hero in art class.
Parents and grandparents joined virtually for these presentations, and afterwards parents had the opportunity to ask the heroes questions. Fifth graders had to think how their hero would answer!
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Great job 5th graders Julia, Jack, Will, Gavi, Ari and Matias.
The Jewish Heroes represented this year were Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Betty Friedan, David Ben Gurion, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, Jonas Salk, and David Copperfield!
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100 Days at CJDS!
In honor of the 100th day of school, classrooms had different activities set up to celebrate! In the second grade classroom, students were challenged to read a combined total of 100 pages throughout the school day.
They were shocked to calculate their total at the end of the day — they read a grand total of 598 pages during the 100th day of school!
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Later in the day, second graders worked in small groups to see how many times they were able to complete different activities in 100 seconds; activities included clapping their hands, saying the alphabet, writing their name, and hopping up and down! |
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Teacher Led Professional Development
During Professional Development for Teachers, CJDS Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Eran Rosenberg led a discussion about standards, benchmarks and assessments to evaluate student learning.
In his session, Eran led the faculty in a text study of the Ta’anit tractate of the Talmud, 24a:15-17. The text focuses on an interaction between Rav, the head of a great Rabbinic academy, and a “local prayer leader” who teaches local young children.
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Rav and the man are both trying to solve the problem of a drought, and it appears that God answers the man, and not Rav. Rav asks the man, “what are your deeds?” In other words, what makes you so special? The man tells Rav about his work. He teaches the Torah to the children of his community. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, regardless of their learning needs. In fact, if a child is struggling to connect with the material, he brings them out to the fishpond and there helps them be calm and soothed until they are ready to study.
The CJDS teachers have a lot in common with this local prayer leader. They teach our children, help them connect with the material, and find alternative pathways when they don’t - sometimes even by the fishpond! Our faculty are “whole child” educators - they care about the academic, as well as the social and emotional needs of our students. We are blessed to have such talented and dedicated educators at our school. I’m sure they would be able to call down the rain too.
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Katie Feldstein
Hebrew and Jewish Studies Teacher,
Grade 2
"I’ve grown up at CJDS. I was 23 when I began my CJDS journey and this is my 20th year. My CJDS family celebrated with me as I got engaged, got married, and had a baby.
That baby in turn was lucky enough to spend seven special years at CJDS. Why am I still here? Family. The teachers, faculty and students truly are my second family. I am passionate about what I get to do here every day—making kids excited to learn and love Hebrew and Judaics, while positively impacting the lives of Jewish families."
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Katie began at CJDS as a graduate intern and has now taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies for over 20 years in either first or second grade. With a Master’s in Education in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University, Katie is certified in Ohio to teach K-8. Her own upbringing and Jewish education instilled a passion to impart her love for the Hebrew language and Jewish religion, along with guitar, music, and dance, to her students. Her favorite ways to do this are through song, dance, and dramatic presentations. Katie believes so strongly in the child-centered and integrated approach at CJDS that she and her husband enrolled their son who graduated from CJDS in 2019. Outside of school, Katie enjoys singing, dancing, reading, and spending time with Sam, Jonathan, and the family dog, Chewie. Katie was thrilled when her parents moved back to Ohio in 2015 and chose to live nearby; they can often be found volunteering at CJDS. |
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Beautiful homemade frozen ice block bird feeders filled with bird seed that the kindergarteners made! |
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We are so lucky to have Dr. Wexler, Grandmother to Leo & David Wapner, visit the Second Grade classroom last week to teach about the heart. |
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Third graders have been working on creating and solving Hebrew riddles together. |
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First graders read different versions of Rapunzel. Afterwards in math, they used centimeter cubes to measure Rapunzel's hair. |
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Fifth graders had a Socratic Seminar on influential African Americans as part of our celebration of Black History Month. |
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Kindergarteners exploring newly rolled out math stations. They are applying their number bond and addition knowledge. |
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Eran Rosenberg's Torah column, "Perfection Takes Time" Article in Columbus Jewish News, February 24, 2022.
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Eran Rosenberg's Torah column, "Leading from behind the scenes" Article in Columbus Jewish News, Feb 11, 2022. "There is one parasha in Shemot, Vayikra or Bamidbar when Moshe’s name is not mentioned. Which parasha is it?"
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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!
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Fundraiser for our Parent Organization Kesher:
Mishloah Manot
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On Purim, we emphasize the importance of friendship and community by sending gifts of food, Mishloah Manot. We hope that you will join our school celebration by taking part in the Kesher Mishloah Manot Fundraiser.
On Thursday, March 17, everyone in the CJDS family will receive identical Mishloah Manot gift bags. Attached to each Mishloah Manot will be a tag listing your name, along with other families who so generously make a contribution.
This is a perfectly delicious way to honor and surprise our Students, Teachers, and CJDS Families. Give them a yummy and strictly kosher gift bag, full of treats, surprises, and of course Hamantaschen!
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Use the link below to send Mishloah Manot to a CJDS family, student, or Teacher on March 17, 2022!
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Deadline to order: March 11
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Reserve Your Space Today for Kindergarten at CJDS! |
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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:
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“When we moved to Columbus in 1995, we were thrilled to learn that the Columbus Jewish Day School was about to be founded. We felt that it was important for every Jewish community to have a school that focuses on Pluralism and Jewish identity. For us CJDS fit that bill. Our three kids, Emily, Isaac and Kendall attended for many years and we were both involved with the Parent's Association and the Board. As a small school, we know how important funding is, so long ago, we started putting funds aside for a long term legacy gift to CJDS so that future generations have the opportunity to learn at this magnificent institution. We hope that many others will also support CJDS with their own legacy gifts."
Donna and Gordon Hecker
CJDS Legacy Society Members
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The Life and Legacy program promotes after-lifetime giving in order to sustain valued organizations and vibrant Jewish communities. Assure your Jewish tomorrow TODAY.
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Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov to CJDS alumni Leeon Rinkoff, Seth Silverstein and Ethan Silverstein (class of 2020) for winning the MSL Wrestling Championship with their Bexley Middle School team.
Mazel Tov to Ma’ayan Cohen (CJDS Class of 2020) and Zeke Moses (CJDS Class of 2021) for their starring roles in Bexley Middle School’s production of “Freaky Friday: The Musical!"
Mazel Tov to grandparents Karen & Neil Moss; parents Katherine Moss & Simon Doolittle; and siblings Henry and Frances Doolittle (CJDS alum) on the birth of Sadie Moss Doolittle.
Mazel Tov to Becca & Jacob Foskuhl and big sister Sadie on the birth of Abbie Foskuhl.
Mazel Tov to Grandparents Allan and Bonnie Finkelstein on the birth of Samuel Elias Finkelstein.
Mazel Tov to parents Jessica and Joel Ketner and big sisters Beatrice & Matilda on the birth of Edith Wren Ketner.
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Mi Sh'Berach
We wish a full and speedy recovery to the following people:
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Caleb Moses, class of 2020
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Terry Mitzman, Grandparent of CJDS students Rayna, Yoni, and Naomi
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Naomi Kayne, longtime friend and supporter of CJDS
We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus.
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Zichronam Livracha (May Their Memory Be a Blessing)
We are saddened to share with you the news of the passing of Jan Maddox, mother of CJDS Director of Teaching and Learning & 3rd Grade General Studies Teacher, Sheri Gittin.
We extend our condolences to Jonathan and Katie Feldstein (2nd Grade Judaics Teacher) on the passing of Katie's father in-law Eden S. Feldstein, and Grandfather of Sam Feldstein (CJDS alum). We send love and support to our dear friends during this difficult time.
We extend our condolences to the Wasserstrom Family on the passing Francine Wasserstrom, Aunt to Eric (Jennifer) Wasserstrom.
We extend our prayers to any family in our community who may be impacted by coronavirus.
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March
- Friday, March 25 - 1:40-2:30pm - All School Kabbalat Shabbat - 3rd Grade Led
- Thurs. March 31 - 8:30am - 1st Grade Hagigat Hasefer
April
- Friday, April 1- 1:30-2:30pm - Musical All School Kabbalat Shabbat
- Friday, April 8 - 8:30am - 2nd Grade State Fair
- Wednesday, April 13 -1:00-3:15pm - Grandparents & Special Friends Day
- Wednesday, April 13 -2:40-3:15pm - All School Kabbalat Hag Pesah
- Friday, April 29 - 8:30am - 1st Grade Market Day
May
- Thursday, May 5 - 10:30am - 4th Grade Israeli Inventors Fair
- Friday May 6 - 1:30-2:30pm - All School Kabbalat Shabbat - Israel Theme
- Thursday, May 12 - 5:30 - CJDS C.A.R.E Day
- Friday, May 13 - 1:40-2:30pm - All School Kabbalat Shabbat - Kindergarten Led
- Sunday, May 15 - 101 Dalmatians Play
- Friday, May 27 - 1:30-2:20pm - Butterfly Release Ceremony
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Boker Tov Shabbat
Saturday, March 5 at 11AM
Families with children 5 & under will come together to sing, dance, and be silly on Shabbat mornings at Tifereth Israel!
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Parents of Young Kids
Study Circle
Sunday, March 27 at 11:30AM
How do we raise curious, compassionate, and Jewishly engaged kids ... while also navigating tantrums, hectic schedules, and our own exhaustion? Join in with our rabbis and other parents of young kids for discussion, study, and support. Babysitting provided. Contact Rabbi Alex at [email protected] for more information.
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Temple Israel's
SUPER HERO
Tot Shabbat!
Saturday, March 19 at 10AM
Even though the holiday of Purim will be over, come celebrate our super heroes Esther and Mordechai, and come DRESSED UP as your favorite SUPER HERO while we celebrate Shabbat by singing songs, telling stories and keeping Shlomi the Shark away from the challah!
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This is an in-person, interactive workshop presented by The Anxiety Sisters, Maggie Sarachek, MSW & Abbe Greenberg, MCIS.
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