November 10, 2023 / Cheshvan 26, 5784

Shabbat Begins 4:19 p.m. Shabbat Ends: 5:27 p.m.

LEARNING FROM RABBI DR. MICHAEL BERENBAUM

This week, we had the privilege of hearing from one of the most preeminent Holocaust scholars working today, Rabbi Dr. Michael Berenbaum. Students joined Rabbi Berenbaum in an important discussion about handling difficult conversations. King David's students were not shy, and they asked questions about history, politics, and ethics. Thank you, Rabbi, for sharing your insights with us!

Our sincere thanks go to Congregation Schara Tzedeck for sharing Rabbi Dr. Berenbaum with us.

WE REMEMBER

In recognition of Kristallnacht and Remembrance Day, related in their significance as days of remembrance for tragic events, King David students took part in an assembly on Friday to gather and reflect on the impact of conflicts and war, the lives and communities that are shattered by war, and to share our gratitude for all those who have served or are serving causes of peace and human rights. Both events call for reflection on the consequences of intolerance, discrimination, and conflict, emphasizing the importance of promoting peace, understanding, and unity in society. They remind us of the importance of fighting hatred and protecting human rights, and these are the values that guide us in times of conflict.

November 10 holds historical significance. On this day in 1938, a pogrom followed the night of shattered glass on November 9. This pivotal night, known as Kristallnacht, brought unprecedented violence and horror to the Jewish community living under the German Nazi Reich.

We remember, appreciate, and acknowledge all those who served and serve now. The assembly included O Canada, a reading of the poem, Flanders Fields, and playing The Last Post and Rouse with a moment of silence and remembrance. It also included a soulful performance of Eli Eli written by Hannah Senesh.

VOLUNTEERING TO MAKE 300 FLAGS

Our Grade 8 and 9 students assembled 300 Israeli flags in less than an hour for Tuesday's Vigil for Israel! The flags were skillfully attached to bamboo poles with zip ties.

ROLE MODELS IN THE COMMUNITY

Grade 12 students went to Vancouver Hebrew Academy to play some basketball with the VHA boys from Grades 6 and 7. Our seniors also led the Kabbalat Shabbat.

Thank you, Leo Kallner, Max Forman, Arel Steen, Aidan Ariel and Uriel Presman Chikiar for being such great role models and for inspiring your younger friends in the community!

We are introducing a new feature in our newsletter, Ha-Kochavim Shelanu - Our Stars. It will be a short highlight of a student who is active in our school and community. Ha-kochavim Shelanu will recognize student achievements in leadership, chesed, sports, academics and community life.

Arel Steen is our first star! Arel is a Grade 12 student and a leader on our Senior Basketball Team. He can also be found as a volunteer coach for our Bantam Boys' Basketball Team. Arel is a true student athlete; after coaching basketball at the JCC before school, he rushed over for the first bell to study for his physics test. Arel is also a member of our Student Leadership Team. He is recovering from knee surgery and we wish him the best on his road to recovery for his Senior Basketball Season.

Stay tuned for more of our shining stars!

EN GARDE!!

Grade 8 and 9 students took part in a fencing class facilitated by S Class Fencing. They practiced with foam noodles instead of fencing blades, but they learned the basic movements, lunges and fencer blocks.

Hillel International joined other leading national Jewish organizations and world-renowned law firms to create a dedicated, free legal helpline for Jewish students and faculty impacted by antisemitism on campus, named the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL). With antisemitism in the U.S. and on campus reaching all-time highs in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, this new resource comes at a critical moment for the Jewish community, and for Jewish college students and families.