Upcoming Events

• Friday, January 13 - Tuesday, January 17 - Break - no classes (Dr. Martin Luther King Day is January 16)

• Wednesday, January 18 - classes resume

• Tuesday, January 19 - Boys' Night Seder - 8-9pm at the Skokie Kollel (This is a recurring, weekly event every Tuesday night when school is in session.)

• Tuessday, January 24 - Boys' Night Mishmar - 8-9pm at the Skokie Kollel (This is a recurring, weekly event every Thursday night when school is in session.)

• Tuesday, February 5 - Society of Patrons Reception - support our school and enjoy a beautiful evening, featuring comedian Eli Lebowicz '07 - RSVP here (See flyer below for details.)

• Tuesday, February 6 - Tu B'Shevat - special afternoon program

• Monday, February 13 - Friday, February 17 - Jewish Though Seminars (in school)
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• Wednesday, February 22 - Sunday, February 26 - Ladies Aces' Varsity Basketball RASG Tournament, Miami

This week, students heard from two guest speakers as they prepared to put Victor Frankenstein on trial.

Sophomores in Mrs. Marsh Arons's honors English classes have been discussing Frankenstein by Marsh Shelly, and are preparing to put the character of Victor Frankenstein on trial for murder.

This week, two special guests with close ties to ICJA joined their class to teach them new skills ahead of the trial.

"This isn't about being perfect: this is about really looking at yourselves," explained artist and former ICJA mom Debbi Geller. Mrs. Geller helped create the beautiful mosaics in our building's lobby and Math and Science Commons. On Wednesday, January 11, she visited the honors English classes and explained how to draw self-portraits.

Students learned how to really look at their faces and accurately represent themselves. Their resulting portraits will be displayed as the jury in their upcoming trial of Victor Frankenstein.

Pictured above: Mrs. Geller explaining proportion and placement of facial features in a drawing

Pictured above: Mrs. Geller helping Aidan Zukerman with his portrait

Pictured above: Talia Linzer with her work in progress

On Thursday, January 12, Rabbi Marvin Simkovich, a professional development coordinator and consultant for the Associated Talmud Torahs and the grandfather of sophomore Hadar Simkovich, visited the class and, in a lively, wide-ranging discussion, answered students' halachic questions about putting Victor Frankenstein on trial.

Rabbi Simkovich talked about the Torah's imperative to be creative and how this creativity differed from Frankenstein's, the role of ego in making our mark on the world, our moral imperative to give information in murder cases, cases in which parents are responsible for their children, and many other issues.

Pictured above: Rabbi Simkovich addressing the class.

Pictured above: Aliza Shyovitz asking about penatlties for aiding a murderer

Pictured above: Yossi Burstyn asking about parents' responsibilities for their children's crimes

Students calculated the interior angles of polynomials.

This week, students in Mrs. Stephanie Pederson's Concepts of Geometry class put the Sum of the Interior Angles Formula - Si=180(n-2) - to use, calculating the angles of various polygons.

Pictured above: sophomore Zehava Piltz answering a question

Pictured above: sophomore Nina Riplstein discussing a problem with Mrs. Pederson

Pictured above: sophomore Avi Chen making a point in class

What were the motives behind the building of the מִגְדַּל בָּבֶל?

In Rabbi Michael Myers' senior boys' Honors Chumash (Bible) class, students discussed the various views of Rashi, the Radak, and the Avot d'Rabbi Natan as to why humankind was motivated to build the מִגְדַּל בָּבֶל (the Tower of Babel).

In wide-ranging discussions, students considered the role of midrashim in telling Jewish history.

Pictured above: Ori Wasserman and Sam Gurvich in class

Pictured above: Rabbi Myers making a point on the board

Pictured above: Yaakov David

On Wednesday, students learned to signal in Morse Code.

This Wednesday, students had the chance to learn about Morse Code and send their names using an array of century-old and older Morse Code devices. Former ICJA Biology teacher and current Ham Radio Club advisor Mr. David Newman spoke with students about Morse Code's history and uses - and signed up several new students for ICJA's Ham Radio Club at the same time.

Pictured above: senior Moshe Osgood sending his name

Pictured above: senior Adina Margolin using a Morse Code device from the 1880s

On Sunday, January 8, freshmen boys and dads davened at Khal Chasidim in Chicago.

Last Sunday morning, some freshmen and their fathers davened with Rabbi Efraim Twerski at his shul Khal Chasidim in Chicago. After davening, Rabbi Twerski shared insights on the parsha, specifically how to use tefillah as a conduit to create a more profound sense of emunah and betachon in Hashem. Yasher Koach to the talmidim and fathers who participated.

Next Sunday, freshmen boys and dads are tentatively scheduled to daven at the Young Israel of Skokie.

Please send names of people in need of a refuah shelayma to freshmen boys' davening coordinator Rabbi Louis Fliegelman. Students will make a mishebayrach and say tehillim during shacharit. Please note we create new lists each week.

Fathers are invited come to ICJA and daven with your son any day of the week. "You will leave with nachas and a picture of you and your son surrounded by the 9th-grade boys." - Rabbi Fliegelman

Pictured above: Boaz Stopek, with his father, Mr. Jonathan Stopek and younger brothers; Natan Rine and his father, Mr. Yudi Rine; Rabbi Twerski; Eli Gelb and his father, Dr. Mike Gelb; and Josh Miller, his brother Zack '23, and his father, Mr. David Miller

Students welcomed ICJA dad and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Mitchell Hoberman.

On Wednesday, licensed clinical psychologist (and ICJA dad) Dr. Mitchell Hoberman of Hoberman Wellness took part in a lunch n' learn organized by ICJA’s Erika’s Lighthouse mental health club, "Talking About Therapy."

Thank you Dr. Hoberman for sponsoring today’s pizza lunch – and for demystifying the process of therapy and answering questions like: Why attend therapy rather than simply talking to a friend or reading a self-help book? What can I expect the experience to be like? How long does a person remain in therapy? What different types of therapy are there?”

Pictured above, nearly 40 ICJA students listened to Dr. Hoberman's talk

Pictured above: Erika's Lighthouse members, sophomore Tali Weiss and freshman (and Dr. Hoberman's daughter) Yaffa Hoberman, introducing the program

After reading a Shai Agnon story, students wrote their own Hebrew language stories in a similar style.

After reading the short story אויב לאוהב ("Enemies to Friends"), Shai Agnon's story of moving out of the old city of Jerusalem into the then-inhospitable area of Talpiot, students conducted a spirited Hebrew-language discussion of this Hebrew story - and then plotted out their own similar Hebrew language tales that were inspired by Agnon's writing.

Students planned their characters and plot, and gave feedback to each other - all in Hebrew of course.

Pictured above: Danielle Cohen and Emma Felix collaborating with each other

Pictured above: Tehila Weiner and Nechama Tarshish working together

Pictured above: Charli Ernstein and Kayla Kupietzky discussing their stories

Students brought "Babka and Bubbies" to Park Plaza.

Last Friday, eight ICGC students joined Park Plaza's pre-Shabbat Oneg Shabbat. This was the second time ICGC members took part in the Friday afternoon event: students will rotate, taking turns to visit Park Plaza twice a month. Last week, Seniors Audrey Perlman, Emma Felix and Kayla Kupietzky, juniors Elana Druk and Leeya Starck, and sophomores Ella Perlman, Talia Linzer, Nina Ripstein took part.

Last Friday was the first time students brought babka with them, baked by the Ida Crown Chesed baking club (made up of juniors Elana Druk, Bella Schwartz, Sofia Douek, and Leeya Starck and senior Danielle Cohen).

Thank you to senior Audrey Perlman, who organized "Babka and Bubbies".

Pictured above: ICJA students visiting with residents, delivering babka and enhancing Park Plaza's pre-Shabbat activities

Pictured above: Ella and Audrey Perlman with Elaine Stein, a former ICJA parent and grandparent

The Aces triumphed in two games against Fasman Yeshiva High School last motzei Shabbat.

Last Motzaei Shabbat, ICJA's gym was full as fans watched the Aces go head-to-head against Fasman Yeshiva High School. It was a successful night for the Aces: the Varsity Aces won 56-32 and the JV Aces won 36-26.

Thanks to the players and the coaches, Dr. Jon Rich, Jeremy Geller, Lior Geft, Daniel Alter, and Matan Geller. Thanks also to junior Yonah Rubin for coordinating the broadcast technology for the games, to freshman Avi Rubin for taking photos and to junior Sam Gorenstein and senior Ilan Blumenthal for commenting on the games.

Pictured above: ICJA students filled with ruach during the game

(Photo Credit: junior Yonah Rubin, @yrubincreative)

Pictured above: junior Jakob Wortman shooting a basket

(Photo Credit: junior Yonah Rubin, @yrubincreative)

Rena Geller Grosser '03 received the JUF's Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

Yasher koach to ICJA alumna Rena Geller Grosser '03, who's been named as this year's recipient of the Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish Education!

Rena has worked at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School since 2015 as a Judaic studies teacher and Judaic Atelierista. She also is a freelance writer and photographer. Rena lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.

Rena told Chicago Jewish Home that she learned she was receiving the award during her weekly Kabbalat Shabbat celebration with her students. "We were about to recite the blessing on the candles, when I was joyfully interrupted by some of my colleagues with flowers and hugs to share the surprising honor. Then, together with the excited students, we danced and sang. My heart was very full with gratitude and appreciation." 

The award is named for Sue Pinsky Garner, a Highland Park resident who taught early childhood education at the Weinger Jewish Community Center. It was endowed in honor of Ms. Pinsky by her son Mark and his wife Lisa through the JUF's Agency Endowment Program.

Julia Polster '19 was named to the USFCA All-Academic Team & earned Scholar of Distinction Accolades.

Yasher koach to ICJA alumna and former Fencing Team member Julia Polster '19, on being named to the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) All-Academic Team, and earning Scholar of Distinction accolades.

A member of the Stern College for Women Fencing Team, Julia has previously earned the Coach's Award at Yeshiva University.

During the last complete fencing season, Julia finished 13^th overall in the epee standings by earning eight wins at the Eastern Women's Fencing Conference (EWFC) Championships.

Watch home games in ICJA's gym from the comfort of your own home with the "Zaidy Cam".

The Zaidy Robert Berezin, z"l Court Cam allows fans to watch games taking place in ICJA's gym. This week's Varsity Aces game against Crystal Rey was the first time that ICJA's new Media Club provided live commentary on the Zaidy Cam.

To watch the Zaidy Cam during game, click here.

Watch this year's Open House video

for prospective students - and share it with people you know who'd like to learn more about ICJA!

Founded in 1942, ICJA is 80 years old this year. Please enjoy this 80th Anniversary Video which looks back on eight decades of excellence, close bonds, and memories.

This week, we caught up with ICJA's Director of 21st Century Teaching and Learning

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in the Five Towns and attended Lawrence High School. My husband Arthur and I lived in South Florida for 30 years and we raised our two boys there. Then we moved to northern Vermont and lived there for ten years. We lived in an 1840s farmhouse and raised about sheep, goats and chickens! Today we split our time between the Chicago area and Amherst, Massachusetts. That’s where our grandchildren live, and we want to be near them.

How did you decide to work in education?

I used to teach biology, anatomy, physiology, and environmental science to middle school and high school students. When my oldest son was three months old, I started a master’s degree in education; I didn’t finish until he was heading for college! I studied for my master’s degree and later for my Ed.D. at Nova Southeastern University (in Davie, FL). 

I worked for Nova Southeastern University for many years as Director of Jewish Educators Program, the Dean of Human Development and Family Services and STEM Coordinator. It was my job to customize our educational programs for niche populations.  One of many changes we instituted was to develop cohorts for our Jewish masters and doctoral students and offer classes on Sundays as well as providing time off for Rosh Hashana and Passover.

After 21 years there, I retired. Literally within the hour after retiring I got an email from a recruiter saying there’s a position in Chicago (in school administration) – do you know anyone? I almost deleted it, but I recognized the name Ida Crown (from presenting there the year before at the ATT Teacher Professional Development Day). I remember when I first spoke with Rabbi Matanky: I was in the car with my husband driving from Florida. Afterwards, my husband said, “That rabbi sounds fantastic – you have to try this!”

What do you love about working at ICJA?

I love the sense of community here; I think it’s a magical place. I feel so lucky to be part of such a kind and dedicated team. I also think it’s really energizing to be among the teenagers here, to be surrounded by that type of energy.

What is a favorite ICJA memory you have?

When I first started here, I was assigned to present at the first faculty meeting of the year and I was a little nervous. I got there early and sat down next to Mrs. Sarah Wainkrantz. She asked me a bunch of questions and I fell in love. I thought if these are the kind of people I’m going to be interacting with here, what a gift! We have stayed close ever since.

Do you have any hobbies?

My greatest joy in life are my grandchildren. I also love hiking, cooking and playing the piano.

Is there anything that most people don’t know about you that you’d like to share here?

In the last 18 years since we left Florida, we’ve lived in 11 different locations!  Most of that was following our children then our grandchildren across the country.

The 16-20th of Tevet, 5783, Monday-Friday January 9-13, 2023, by the Robinson family, in loving memory of Sheldon "Duddy" Robinson, z"l

ישראל זלמן בן יוסף חיים ז׳׳ל

to commemorate his 10th Yahrzeit on the 17th of Tevet. 

The 18th of Tevet, 5783, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in loving honor of Steve Erenberg, by his loving children and grandchildren.

For more information or to sponsor a day of learning, please contact our Director of Development, Deva Zwelling, at (773) 973-1450 ext. 115, or dzwelling@icja.org.

Be sure to pick up your updated ICJA Learning Commons passwords to access books and journals online!

In addition to many thousands of physical books and journals, ICJA's Learning Commons contains tens of thousands of online books, journal articles and other resources, including subscriptions to newspapers such as The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, the Encyclopedia Britannica, and more.  Students are able to access these resources through our portal.

Please stop by our librarian Mrs. Steinberg's desk in the Learning Commons or email her at  librarian@icja.org her to pick up your updated passwords to access our online material. ICJA's subscriptions are available at icja.libguides.com/home.

Do you have school-related news you'd like to see in this newsletter? Let us know!

If you have exciting ICJA-related news to share about classes, sports, clubs, or other projects, please tell us! Send news ites and/or photos to Dr. Yvette Miller, Director of Communications at ymiller@icja.org. Your items can enhance our newsletter and ICJA's social media presence.

We have opened submissions for this year's edition of Charlotte's Web, and we want to hear and see your work. Our theme this year is Time: Past, Present, and Future. However, please submit any piece of prose, poetry, or artwork even if it does not align with the theme. We will do our best to incorporate at least a part of it.

Click here to submit artwork and writing. If you have any questions, please email charlottesweb2223@gmail.com.

Charlotte's Web is funded by a grant from The Susan and Joseph Ament Fund.

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Enter the Pogrund Family Essay and Judaic Artwork Contests!



Use your creative skills to explore a Judaic topic via the written word or art.

• Eligible participants: 3^rd – 12^th grade students attending an ATT school
• Art/Essay submission deadline: Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
• Prize: $50.00 check for each winner
• FOR ESSAY/ARTWORK RULES AND GUIDELINES, visit www.att.org → Student Programs or call ATT at 773-973-2828

Student Internship Opportunities

The YU Torah Mitzion Kollel is looking to hire 2 interns: one to help with program logistics and general office work and one for technology.

Program Logistics Intern

Responsibilities include: grocery shopping for events, ordering food for events, and stuffing envelopes for mailings. The work will be on an as needed basis, generally requiring no more than 2 hours on any given week.

Intern will report directly to the Director of Operations, who will meet with the intern periodically to explain assignments.  

Intern must have access to a vehicle.

Technology intern

Responsibilities include: Editing Audio and video clips, uploading media to Youtube and Podcasts, possibly some data entry. This position will include approximately 1 hour of tasks per week.

Intern will report directly to the Director of Operations, who will meet with the intern periodically to explain assignments.  

Familiarity with any form of editing software a plus but not required.

For more information or to apply, please contact Tracy Schultz, Director of Operations, admin@torahchicago.org

Last summer, ICJA gave its Class of '22 alumni the second edition of our directory listing ICJA alumni who live in Israel and have graciously offered to open their homes to recent ICJA grads who are currently spending a gap year in Israel.

Thank you to the many alumni who have reached out to us, offering to host.

The directory was sent out to the emails of '22 grads that we have on file. If you have any questions or would like to update our contact information to help recent ICJA grads obtain a copy, please contact Dr. Yvette Miller, ICJA Director of Communications, at ymiller@icja.org.

We are still taking submissions from alumni who are willing to host, to include in future copies of this directory. Please contact Dr. Miller to be included.