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March 14, 2025 / 14 Adar 5785
Shabbat Begins: 6:59 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 8:05 p.m.
Parashat Ki Tisa
| | EMBRACING THE PURIM SPIRIT! | | |
On Friday, we celebrated Purim in true King David style, full of fun, laughter, and ruach! The day kicked off with a Megillah reading, thank you, Rabbi Rosenfeld, for setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration. Students and staff wowed us with their creativity in a lively costume competition.
The excitement continued with a jam-packed Purim carnival featuring ring toss, fish for donuts, musical chairs, and other activities, with energy high and smiles everywhere,
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The morning was filled with excitement and fun activities! Jack S. vowed everyone with his magic tricks. A highlight of the day was the "Masked Singers" competition, where nine staff members performed behind a screen while students tried to guess their identities. We wrapped up the festivities with a delicious lunch, lovingly organized by our amazing PAC.
Even on this joy-filled day, Israel and the hostages were not forgotten. In a meaningful tribute, many students wore Batman shirts to honour the Bibas family and the children who were tragically killed, as one of the children loved Batman.
| | Adding to the meaning of Purim, earlier this week, students also visited the L’Chaim Seniors program, sharing delicious hamantaschen (baked by our parents), playing games together, and reading the story of Purim. It was a heartwarming experience that truly captured the spirit of the holiday. | | |
Thank you to Orly Naim and her dedicated and creative group of Grade 12 and Service students for planning and leading the special day. A special thank you to all the parent volunteers who spent a Sunday baking 500 hamantaschen and prepared and served the lunch ensuring everyone left well-fed!
PURIM MESSAGE FROM RABBI BERGER
| | A CONVERSATION ON FOOD AND HOUSING INSECURITY | | Yesterday, our students had the privilege of hearing from Mara Shnay of Jewish Family Services (JFS), who shared her experiences addressing the challenges of food and housing security. Her insights served as a poignant reminder of the Purim mitzvah of Matanot L'evyonim—giving gifts to the poor. This mitzvah not only obligates us to support those in need but also emphasizes the importance of integrating them into our community, thereby reducing stigma and opening up opportunities. As we reflect on Mara's message, let us consider how we can embody this principle, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. | | CONNECTING ART AND CREATIVE WRITING | | The Art 11/12 and French 12 classes recently visited the Art Gallery to experience a powerful exhibition by Firelei Báez, an artist renowned for her vibrant, layered mixed-media works that explore identity, history, and culture. After admiring Báez’s intricate pieces, students participated in a hands-on painting workshop, experimenting with mixed-media techniques inspired by her distinctive style. They will now begin creating their artwork and original stories, drawing from the themes, imagery, and symbolism in Báez’s work. The field trip provided a meaningful opportunity to connect visual art with creative writing, encouraging students to explore identity and storytelling in new ways. It was an inspiring day of creativity and cross-curricular learning. | | CHESS TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF! | | The Chess Club Tournament began this week, bringing strategy and competition to the Atrium. With 12 intense matches played, students showcased their skills in exciting battles of wit and calculation. From well-planned openings to surprising tactical combinations, players tested their strategies, with some matches ending in dramatic checkmates and others in nail-biting finishes. Regardless of the outcome, students were excited to play and test themselves. We have more matches scheduled for next week so stay tuned. | | At last week's 'Bring Them Home Now' rally held at Vancouver City Hall, Hannah S., a Grade 11 student, delivered a compelling address. She emphasized her experience as a Jewish teenager on and after October 7th, her commitment to being politically active, and the role of women in the war. Her powerful words reflected our community’s unwavering support and commitment to bringing them home. | | Our golfers started the season in style, hitting the course to sharpen their swings and perfect their putts. With a mix of skill, determination, and friendly chatter, the season is off to a great start! Looking forward to seeing their progress on the greens! | | WHERE THERE IS A GAP - THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY | | |
Recently, Jodi Cristall, our post‑secondary, course and career counsellor travelled to Israel, joining a group of 13 academic counsellors from across North America to explore GAP year programs suited for our students. The programs, all run by MASA Israel, offer a range of immersive semester and year-long experiences, providing students with meaningful engagement in Israeli culture and an incredible opportunity to discover independence and maturity. Research shows that students who take a gap year are more prepared for their academic and professional futures. Gap years are a fabulous option for anyone looking to explore different interests and develop leadership skills.
During the trip, they met students from around the world who were using this time to explore their Jewish identity, deepen their connection to Zionism, and experience Israel through immersive travel. Each program instilled a sense of belonging, combining structured learning with incredible hands-on experiences. The group toured programs in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, all designed to strengthen students’ ties to Israel while offering the time and space for personal growth. As part of their journey, they also visited world-class universities, including Tel Aviv University, Rothberg International School at Hebrew University, and Reichman University, further highlighting the academic excellence available to students in Israel.
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This week, we shine the spotlight on Tamir Gini, a Grade 12 student whose dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on our school community. Tamir is a multifaceted leader who has made significant contributions in various areas—from his standout performance as the lead in our school play to his innovative role in running the Green Club.
As a key member of our student leadership over the years, Tamir has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making our school a better place. His leadership was evident at the conference when he delivered a powerful land acknowledgement, setting the tone for environmental awareness and respect among our partner schools.
Tamir’s blend of creativity, responsibility, and environmental advocacy makes him a true role model. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and eagerly anticipate the continued positive impact he will undoubtedly bring in the future.
| | SHABBAT SHALOM! !שבת שלום | | |
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on image for more information
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Bring Them Home Now
Rally
Sunday, March 16
2:00 p.m.
Location: Vancouver City Hall
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Zusia Beit Midrash: Doing Halakha Together
With Sophie Morin
Wednesdays, Mar 19, Mar 26
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Register here
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Fifth Annual Summit: Suicide Safer Care in Clinical Practice
Virtual Conference
Day 1: Wednesday, March 19
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PDT
Day 2: Thursday, March 20
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PDT
Register here.
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Lectures with David Jablinowitz
The Latest News from Israel
Thursday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Registration required.
Heartwarming Stories from Israel
Friday March 21, 5:30 p.m.
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Kochav Nolad Community
Talent Show
Call Out for Performers
Applications accepted online
until March 31!
Register here.
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Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance!
Musical Theatre Summer Camp
Applications open
Ages 9-19
Deadline for application: April 1
Session 1 – July 8 to 31
Session 2 – August 5 to 28
For information read here.
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Lectures with David Jablinowitz
The Latest News from Israel
Thursday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Registration required.
Heartwarming Stories from Israel
Friday March 21, 5:30 p.m.
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Masterclass with a Mediatrician
Thursday, April 3
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. PDT
Location: Online
Reserve your spot here.
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Torah Tales: Adventures in Scribal Art
April 6, 2025
11:oo a.m. PT
Location: online
Register here.
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Mame-loshn in Vancouver
With Helen Mintz, Faith Jones, Rachel Mines & Seymour Levitan
March 25, April 8 and 22, May 6
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Register here.
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Passover Second Night Adult Seder
Sunday, April 13
7:30 p.m.
RSVP by March 30, 2025
Register here.
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Taglit - Birthright Israel
June 16-26, 2025
More info here.
| | King David High School acknowledges we teach, learn and live on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Coast Salish nations of Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), and the Tsleil-Waututh (səl̀ilwətaʔ). | | | | |
