Upcoming Events

• Monday, February 20 - Presidents' Day; ATT Conference - no classes



• Tuesday, February 21 - Boys' Night Seder - 8-9pm at the Skokie Kollel (This is a recurring, weekly event every Tuesday and Thursday night when school is in session.)

• Thursday, February 23 - Boys' Night Seder - 8-9pm at the Skokie Kollel

• Wednesday, February 22 - Sunday, February 26 - Ladies Aces' Varsity Basketball RASG Tournament, Miami

• Monday, March 6 - Ta'anit Esther - 2pm dismissal

• Tuesday, March 7 - Purim - no classes (To order an Academy Associates Purim e-card, click here.)

• Wednesday, March 8 - Shushan Purim

• Wednesday, March 8 - ICJA Takes the Stage girls' event: Annie at the Cadillac Theater, 7:30pm

• Wednesday, March 15 - ICJA Takes the Stage, Commemorating the Life of Batsheva Chaya Stadlan, z"l, generously sponsored by The Rella Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts, 7pm

• Tuesday, March 21 - Springboard Chicago's celebration of 18 Under 18 (including seniors Hadassah Bernstein and Hersh Linzer) at Pinstripes in Northbrook - click here to RSVP.

Students grappled with deep questions about Judaism and what it means to live a Modern Orthodox Jewish life.

Monday through Thursday this week, students came together in small groups, divided by grade and by gender, to learn and discuss what it means to be a Modern Orthodox Jew in the world today.

Freshmen focused on the fundamental questions of "My Relationship with Hashem." Sophomores delved into Pirkei Avot and other sefarim, learning about human resilience. Juniors learned about the history and intellectual basis of Modern Orthodoxy. Seniors gained real-world skills about how to respond to anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses.

Pictured above: freshman girls learning a passage from the Kuzari with Rabbi Daniel Fox

Pictured above: ADL Associate Regional Director Trent Spoolstra teaching strategies for countering anti-Semitism to senior boys

Pictured above: Rabbi Shalom Garfinkel, co-founder and director of Project 613, speaking to freshman boys about how to build emuna

Pictured above: ICJA Dean Rabbi Leonard Matanky teaching junior boys about the centrality of Zionism in Modern Orthodoxy

Pictured above: Rabb Mayer Simcha Sromer and Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum discussing Pirkei Avot with sophomore boys

Pictured above: Assistant Education Director for the ADL's Midwest Region leading a workshop about safe spaces for senior girls

On Monday, juniors and seniors participated in an interactive session about Jewish identity with author and professor Dr. Erica Brown.

On Monday, Ferbuary 13, Dr. Erica Brown, Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University and the founding director of YU Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership (and Assistant Dean Dr. Gavriel Brown's mother) spoke to junior and senior boys and girls about Jewish identity

"How can we make sure we have Jewish grandchildren?" Dr. Brown posed to ICJA students, asking them to discuss questions of Jewish identity and values in their lives. Dr. Brown pointed out to our students that they are the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.

Pictured above: juniors Jordanna Zwelling, Noa Gavant, Dr. Erica Brown, seniors Charli Ernstein and Kayla Kupietzky, and junior Gabriella Zipperstein

Yasher kochachen to the Lady Aces on winning the Regional Championship!

On Thursday night, the Lady Aces defeated North Shore Country Day School in a close game, 48-41, to become regional champions.

Yasher koach to the Aces on winning 2nd Place in in the Chicago Prep Conference!

Yasher koach to the Aces on winning 2nd place the 2023 Chicago Prep Conference Championship!

It was a great end to a fantastic season. ICJA excelled throughout, being seeded in first place going into the champtionship this week.

(Pictured here: the Aces in action Wednesday night against CTK.)

Last weekend, over seventy girls participated in an inspiring ICGC Shabbaton.

Last Shabbat, over 70 ICJA students came together for the Ida Crown Girls' Club (ICGC) Shabbaton. A highlight of the Shabbat was meaningful divei Torah given by seniors Tehila Weiner and Audrey Perlman, sophomores Daria Lennon and Simona Fridberg, and freshmen Libby Bleichman, Esther Fretzin and Ariella Pullin.

Students were joined by ICJA alumni Batsheva (Gubin) '19 and Yitzchak Nadoff '19 and by YUTMK fellow Rabbi Yair Lichtman and his wife Mrs. Sara Krishtul, who gave the breakfast shiur. Thank you to the ICGC board and faculty advisors Mrs. Alise Gold and Mrs. Lynn Kraft for organizing this Shabbaton, and to the teachers who attended: Mrs. Beth Pogonitz, Mr. Daniel Harris, Mrs. Alissa Zeffren, Mrs. Chavee Gottleib, Mrs. Ayala Zimmerman, and Mrs. Julie Avner.

Following Havdala, students rode a party bus to Graeter's ice cream parlor for a sweet Melava Malka.

Pictured above: students on the party bus motzei Shabbat

Pictured above: students enjoying ice cream in Gaeter's

Students recorded live Hebrew commentary on an Israeli basketball game.

Students in Rabbi Shmuel Kurtz's senior boys' honors Hebrew class presented a fun assignment to their peers this week: commentary they recorded on a Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Kiryat Ata basketball game.

Pictured above: Adam Schwartz and Hersch Linzer showing their video to the class

Pictured above: Charlie Singer and Sam Gurvich after showing the video they created

Pictured above: senior Ben Boyarskiy and junior Aiden Novick beside the video they recorded

Students discussed the details and themes of the makkot.

Why do we group the makkot together at the Pesach Seder? What does Hashem want Pharaoh and the Egyptions to learn from each makka? Freshmen in Mrs. Lynn Kraft's girls' honors Chumash class are discussing the lessons of each makka (plague) and answering these questions by closely reading the text and comparing working and language in each pasuk.

Pictured above: Penina Benjamin

Pictured above: Devorah Kaplowitz

Pictured above: Yaffa Hoberman

The Aces Fencing Team celebrated their Senior Night on Tuesday, as they took on Deerfield and Highland Park.

On Tuesday night, February 14, seniors Noah Fensterheim, Caleb Gutstein, and Ori Wasserman fought in their final ICJA matches as they celebrated senior night.

The Aces squared off against Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools. The Aces' highest score went to junior Aviva Dallal, who won 4 of 4 bouts in épée.

On Sunday, February 12, freshmen boys and dads davened at Congregation Anshe Motele.

Last Sunday, February 12, freshmen and their family members davened at Congregation Anshe Motele, then shared a breakfast and some words of Torah together. Rabbi Alan Abramson gave the group a history lesson about the city of Motele and discussed it's two most prominent sons: Chaim Weizmann, (who lead services in the shul when it was on the West Sidee in 1922), and Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, also known as the Chazon Ish.

Freshman Jesse Goldberg shares a special connection with Anshe Motele: his great great grandfather, HaRav HaGaon Aryeh Leib Kaplan z"l, and his great grandfather, Rabbi Menahim Goodman, z"l. were both rabbis of the shul.

Pictured above: Jesse Goldberg and the Hon. Mitchell Goldberg; Rabbi Alan Abramson; Natan Rine and his father Mr. Yudi Rine; Boaz Stopek and his grandfather, Edward Stopek; Aaron Katz and his father Mr. Lev Katz; Eli Gelb with his father Dr. Mike Gelb; and Josh Miller with his father Mr. David Miller.

Students created fun Hebrew-language movies.

Students in Mrs. Dana Rubin's junior and senior honors Hebrew class shared movies that they've been working on with their classmates this week. Students chose different genres to work in, made up plots, then made fun Hebrew-language home movies.

Pictured above: junior Jordana Zwelling and senior Mika Gabay with a still from the horror movie they created

Pictured above: juniors Rena Neiger and Ayelet Appel explaining the plot of the Hebrew-language fairy tale musical they created

Freshmen are researching genetic mutations.

Freshmen in Ms. Ruth Gleicher's Biology class are applying what they're learning about genetic mutation to a real-life example, analyzing four different types of albinism mutations. Students are working in groups to categorize different characteristics of OCA1, OCA2, OCA3, and OCA4 genetic mutations.

Pictured above: Ezra Mauer, Leah Jacobs, and Dina Gottlieb

Pictured above: Benny Kalman, Yaffa Hoberman, Aaron Katz, and Esti Mora

Students researched the process of receiving a teshuva in the past and today, then asked shailot of their own, and presented the results.

Sophomores in Mrs. Alissa Zeffrens Jewish History class concluded their unit on teshuvot this week by presenting research projects to their classmates. Students wrote about the historical process of asking for halachic advice, then came up with their own pressing contemporary questions that impact people today. Students chose a rabbi to ask their shaila, just as their ancestors did when they were unsure of halacha, and explained the response they received to their classmates.

Pictured above: Menachem Friedman, Rivka Weinstein, and Avner Frazin presenting answers to their question about the validity of bringing a korban Pesach today

Pictured above: Ella Perlman, Simona Fridberg, Ella Kakon, and Dana Kalutsky presenting answers to questions about transgenderism

On Thursday afternoon, the Aces wrestlers departed from school on their way to New York for the Yeshiva League Wittenberg Wrestling Tournament. Best of luck to the Aces!

This year, Yeshiva Wrestling is honoring ICJA's very own Coach Doug Klein, who has attended the tournament for the past 25 years as ICJA's beloved coach. To watch a tribute video to Coach Klein, click here.

Last Sunday, ICJA students analyzed astrophysics data they collected using ICJA's very own muon detectors.

ICJA's Moon Shadow Experiment uses equipment in our physics room to collect data on subatomic particles called muons in the atmosphere. Students are using these data to detect the cosmic ray shadow caused by the moon passing across the sky.

"Our detectors are collecting tens of millions of muon signals every month. There are only a few days each month where the moon is in a position to be blocking cosmic rays from causing these muon showers that we detect. We are looking to see a small change in that signal as the moon passes overhead on those days. Students are finding the critical times using lunar data and making plots of muon counts starting 600 minutes before and ending 600 minutes after the moon passes the meridian. There is an example of such a plot in the group picture where everyone is pointing." - Mr. Allen Sears, ICJA physics teacher and faculty advisor for the experiment

Last Sunday, February 12, students gathered at Niles North with peers from other Chicago-area schools to analyze and discuss their data. Pictured above are junior Aiden Novick and seniors Toibeh Sarah Gersten, Noah Fensterheim, and Ori Wasserman.

ICJA conducts the Moon Shadow Project in partnership with Quarkenet, a collaboration between the National Science Foundation, Fermilab, and the University of Notre Dame.

This week we caught up with math teacher Mrs. Marlene Wasserstrom, and asked her a few questions about herself.

Mrs. Marlene Wasserstrom has taught math to generations of ICJA students. Last year, she received ICJA's Teacher of the Year award (pictured here). This week, we caught up with Mrs. Wasserstrom and asked her a few questions about herself.

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

I lived on the West Side of Chicago until I was 14, when my family moved to West Roger's park. I graduated from Senn High School in 1960. I still live in West Roger's Park today, with my husband Henry, who's a retired engineer. We met in 1961 and got married in 1963. We have two boys - Chuck, who is Dirctor of Communications for the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and Scott, who's an internist in St. Louis - and 5 grandkids who are all studying at college now.

How did you decide to go into teaching?

I knew I wanted to do something math-related since I was in 8th grade. I always tutored people, even in grammar school and high school. I thought I would major in chemistry and minor in math, but when I started college at the University of Illinois, I switched, majoring in math and minoring in chemistry. When I told my parents, they said 'it's about time!"

On February 6, 2023, I started my 48th year teaching at Ida Crown. One thing I'm very proud of is designing the conceptual math curriculum in 1975. That year, I began teaching a freshman conceptual algebra class; I had to prepare all the material. We then needed a conceptual geometry course. I wrote a geometry textbook, which I proudly hand-carried to the Library of Congress in Washington DC. I have many copyrights on this book, which was picked up by a publisher.

What do you love about teaching at ICJA?

I love the process of teaching. Many of my former students who've graduated and are in the working world come back and say thank you for teaching me. That's wonderful to hear. It is very thrilling to teach their children. I have even taught the grandmother of two of my students!

It's also great to be a part of our math department. We have a great team and we have fun together. I have made some wonderful friends in the building over the years.

What is one of your favorite ICJA memories?

I ran Winter Review for many years. This was an annual event at a hotel, including dinner and entertainment. The students on the committee did all of the decorations. There was always a major theme.

One particular moment that stands out was back in 2002, when I was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery. Afterwards, Rabbi Matanky invited me to KINS to bensh Gomel. When I got there, the entire school was there: all the students and teachers. I'll never forget that. That is when I realized that I was meant to teach math at the Academy.

What hobbies do you have?

I enjoy reading. listening to classical music and travelling. I used to play the recorder very seriously. I also played oboe for a time. Now I enjoy spending time with good friends and date nights with my husband!

What advice do you have for students?

Get off your cellphones! Talk to people directly instead. Have discussions with each other.

Last Friday, ICJA alumna Lily Brasch '18 became the first model with muscular dystrophy to walk the runway unassisted at New York Fashion Week, and the second person with the condition ever to appear. 

Lily is currently studying at Columbia University. In order to accommodate her appearance in New York Fashion Week, Lily arranged to appear in the afternoon before Shabbat, then spend Shabbat in a hotel near the fashion show venue with her sisters. Read a recent news article about Lily's appearance at New York Fashion Week here.

(Pictured above: Lily and Noa Brasch '20)

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.

Watch Rabbi Berel Wein's '50 inspiring remarks at the ICJA Israel Reunion, Jerusalem, November 2022!

Watch highlights of our inspiring Israel Reunion, Jerusalem, November 2022!

This week's sponsors include:

Monday, the 22nd of Shevat, 5783, February 13, 2023, by Yael and David Shiner, Rebecca, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob & Rikki, in memory of Shimon Rahamim ben Hana, z''l, to commemorate his 12th yahrzeit

Tuesday, the 23rd of Shevat, 5783, February 14, 2023, by Natasha and Mitch

Goldberg and Family, in memory of Rosalyn M. Segal, a"h,

(ICJA class of ’61), mother of Rabbi Binyomin Segal

Wednesday, the 24th of Shevat, 5783, February 15, 2023, by Gila Bronner and Nancy Kahn, for a refuah shleima for Mr. Shael Bellows שׁאול בן חנה לאה

Thursday, the 25th of Shevat, 5783, February 16, 2023, by Joan and Shael Bellows, for a refuah shleima for גילה חנה בת מלכה רחל

Wednesday, the 24th of Shevat, 5783, February 15, 2023, by Mitchell and Helene Blivaiss in memory of Helen Blivaiss חנה בת אברם אריה, to commemorate her yahrzeit on the 25th of Shevat

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.

Support ICJA Academy Associates with your Mishloach Manot this Purim!

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.

ATT proudly announces the winners of the 12th Annual Hartman Family Foundation Educator of the Year Awards: Mrs. Malka Loterstein (ACHDS) whose top award is in memory of Mrs. Gayle Anne Herwitz; Rabbi Ephraim Kletenik (YTT); and Mr. Chaim Safier (HT).

Awards are selected by a committee of educational consultants and community members. ATT and the Hartman Family Foundation hope the awarding of this prize not only recognizes three outstanding teachers in Chicago, but also elevates & ennobles the profession in the eyes of our community.

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.