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Message from the Head of School
It’s hard to believe how fast the year is progressing. With the upcoming holidays approaching, and a time when we will be especially mindful of giving thanks for all that we have accomplished both individually and as a school family, we also continue to work at our steady and progressive pace.
Last week, many faculty members and school administrators participated in intensive workshops with curriculum consultants to focus on the area of Jewish studies. The exhilarating two days of learning with teachers, observing classes, and working and growing together was invigorating, and rewarding.
Our high school students continue on their amazing journeys of accomplishment. As you’ll see in this newsletter, two current seniors and one recent DKJA graduate have earned the distinction of AP Scholars. Also recently, Mrs. Miriam Engel, the high school’s Director of Judaic Studies and Jewish Life, attended a conference on Expe riential Jewish Learning near Baltimore, Maryland. This experience was very significant, as many schools from across Canada and the United States came together to share, learn, and grow their respective schools’ programs in this area. Mrs. Engel has done an outstanding job of pairing innovative programs with spectacular educational programming. You'll learn more about these programs as you read Mrs. Engel's article in this newletter.
Our middle and lower school students had the opportunity to sing and enjoy the music of Rich Recht during today's concert.
Many middle school students recently had the opportunity to hear firsthand the accounts of the authors of the play Life In A Jar, special presentations of which took place in Zinman Hall last weekend. The moving story of Irena Sendler, who saved approximately 2,500 children during the Holocaust, is portrayed in the internationally acclaimed play. Shown above are cast members Jaime Walker, Jessica Ripper, and Elizabeth Perrey, who made a profound impact on our students during their pre-performance discussions to middle school audiences, and on stage.
To say the least, we are very proud of our students!
Shabbat Shalom,
Karen Feller
Head of School
Message from the Associate Head of School
25th Benefit Ball & Auction
And the winners are...This year, in celebration of DKJA’s 25th Benefit Ball & Auction, we are introducing the Best Of DKJA Directory. The directory will be featured at the gala on March 7, 2009 at the Polo Club Boca Raton. We are asking for your assistance by completing the survey that was e-mailed to you in order to include your nominations. The list of nominees is comprised of area business in a variety of categories. Winners and runners-up in each category will be included in our Best Of DKJA Directory. All businesses listed in the survey will have an opportunity to support our school by purchasing advertisements in the publication.This is an enjoyable and exciting way to participate, so if you have not yet completed the survey, please do so now. Click the link below, and send back your selections as soon as possible. Thank you!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=cEJMxsPrRGsxWEGc9p_2fYRg_3d_3d
Cookbook Author To Speak
DKJA c ordially invites you to join us on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 10 a.m. in Zinman Hall to hear Joanne Caras, author of the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook, share her story about her inspiration for this heartfelt endeavor. Cookbooks will be available for purchase, and they make great holiday gifts. Click the link below for more information. We look forward to seeing you at the event.
Have a wonderful Shabbat,
Sharon Kamber
Associate Head of School/Benefit Ball Liaison
Holocaust Survivor Cookbook
Development News
More Than 100 Guests Gather To Celebrate Judy Levis Markhoff
On Monday evening, November 10, 2008, more than 100 family members, friends, and benefactors of Donna Klein Jewish Academy gathered at Tiffany & Co., Town Center to honor community philanthropist and DKJA supporter, Mrs. Judy Levis Markhoff. While celebrating the good works of Judy Levis Markhoff at the elegant cocktail reception, guests also enjoyed a preview of the dazzling Tiffany & Co. Celebration Ring Collection.
Photo at right: Judy Levis Markhoff with Karen Feller, DKJA Head of School.
PTO News
Chanukah Boutique Next Week!
On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Zinman Hall, the PTO will feature our much-anticipated Chanukah Boutique. Come shop for the perfect gifts for family, friends, teachers and co-workers!
End of Year Chanukah Gift Information
The DKJA PTO is collecting funds to be distributed as Chanukah and "end of year" gifts. A cash gift is given to every member of the DKJA faculty, staff and administration. The suggested Donation is $72 per child, but any amount will be accepted. This covers both Chanukah and the end of the year gift. You can pay the suggested amount by going to www.dkjastore.com . If you stop by the School Store, any amount can be collected. The deadline to contribute and be included on the Chanukah card will be Dec. 15, 2008. Every family that contributes is listed on the card that is included with the cash gift. Each family's contribution is kept confidential.
Box Tops for Education Needed!
Please continue to bring Box Tops for Education to DKJA. These tags can be found on the outer packages of many food and household items. Cut them off and then send them to school office with your child, or drop them off in the PTO office or Shuk. DKJA will receive10 cents for every Box Top for Education stamp that is turned in...and every penny helps!
Uniform Sale at Prep Connection
Take advantage of spectacular savings on school uniforms.
Click below for more information.
Prep Connection Uniforms
Shabbat Shalom, Deena Krevans PTO President
High School Highlights
High School Judaics Has Exciting Month Ahead
Chodesh Cheshvan is a month without Jewish holidays. 
As Avraham of old reached out to teach others, we too are taking on a new endeavor. We are very excited to announce that today, we began an early morning traditional minyan in the student lounge at 7:10 a.m. sharp, with Jeff Lipson and Michael Kandel leading us. We hope to make this a regular minyan on Wednesday and Friday mornings, followed by a light breakfast. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, we have a choice of tefilah groups, including a minyan during our regular school hours. This minyan is open to the community, and we hope you will join us in this exciting opportunity!
Thinking of this week’s parsha, Vayera, I am reminded of the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, welcoming in guests. Recently we had our first small group of eighth-graders join us in the high school for a “lunch and learn” featuring sushi making and Jewish learning. A second group joined us today. Thanks to all of the ninth-graders who enjoyed being involved in making our visitors feel at home.
Chanukah Coffeehouse is coming up in December, and students and staff are starting to prepare for this exciting event. My challenge to students is to come up with most creative twist on the Chanukah story!
Last Friday, our featured presentation was intense but moving as it focused on the events in Darfur. Our thanks go to Rabbi Bar-Chaim from Boca Raton Synagogue for sharing this story with our school. As a follow-up, Mr. Arnon Ben-Shlomo is coordinating a way for students to continue their involvement in making a difference in this world.
On Tuesday November, 18, 2008, we will enjoy a shira b’tzeebur, a gathering for singing Hebrew songs, in teacher Tova Fischtein’s ninth-grade class.
On Friday, November 21, 2008, we will be visited by two disabled veterans of Israeli wars, Moshe Matlon and Ze’ev Harel, during our Town Meeting. Please help us to continue the tradition of welcoming guests by joining us at our upcoming events.
Shabbat Shalom,
Miriam Engel
Director of Judaic Studies and Jewish Life
Middle School Highlights
Students Commemorate Kristallnacht and Veterans Day

On Friday, November 7, 2008, middle school students held an assembly to commemorate Kristallnacht and Veterans Day. Seventh and eighth-graders were the masters of ceremonies and began each assembly by explaining the history and significance of each observance. D’var Torah, comparing the lessons of Kristallnacht and Veterans Day, was discussed. The importance of standing up for the rights of all people, in the way that our ancestor Abraham stood up before G-d to spare the righteous amongst the population of Sodom, was stressed. The guests of honor Mr. and Mrs. Ray White were then introduced. Mr. White is the State Commander of the Jewish War Veterans Association and Mrs. White is the Florida Ladies Auxiliary President. Mr. White was dressed in the distinctive war veterans cap and wore several medals of valor. He spoke passionately about the duty of the next generation to preserve the value of honoring our veterans and of the goal of achieving peace, so that there will be no more need for a veterans’ organization. The program concluded with a student led group prayer for the welfare of the United States armed forces.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Tzvi Berkson
MS Principal of Judaic Studies
Lower School Highlights
Students Enjoy Intergenerational Program
As part of a special M’dor L’dor program (through which special, sentimental cherished items are shared from generation to generation), parents and grandparents of third-graders are being invited throughout the year to share a special Jewish experience in their life, or a meaningful family heirloom, with their child’s Judaics class. This is a wonderful learning experience that teaches the children about our traditions, heritage and history.
Ricky Morse of 3-207 invited his mother, Jennifer Miller-Morse, and grandparents Alfred and Bernice Miller, to the program. They proudly showed the class two beautiful Torah covers that were discovered in the oldest Synagogue in the United States, Touro Synagogue in Rhode Island. George Washington visited and spoke there.
“We had a wonderful visit to Ricky's class. We especially enjoyed helping Ricky's classmates see the powerful connection from generation to generation that we share,” said Mrs. Jennifer Miller-Morse.
Make A Note...Save The Date
Congregation B’nai Torah Warmly Welcomes DKJA Families to the Following Book Fair Events:
The events will take place at the Barnes & Noble at 1400 Glades Road. Please call Cathy Berkowitz at (561)392-8005 for more information.
Saturday, December 6
7:00 p.m. Kosher Wine and Food Tasting at Whole Foods Market (next to Barnes & Noble)
8:00 p.m. Dessert and Discussion with Rabbi Steinhardt Please join Rabbi Steinhardt for an enlightening evening.
Sunday, December 7
11:00 a.m. “How to Raise an Entitlement-Free Child” with Karen Deerwester, Ed. S.
Karen Deerwester, Ed.S., the Mommy and Me Director of the Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center of B’nai Torah Congregation of Boca Raton and owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, offers inspiration and support to parents and professionals in all aspects of “living with children”. Please join us for an intimate and informative opportunity with parenting expert Karen Deerwester Ed. S. for invaluable insight on how to raise an entitlement-free child, as set forth in her soon to be released book about raising an entitlement-free child.
12:30 p.m. “Making Safer and Smarter Choices” with KidSafe and Your Children
Sally Berenzweig, M.Ed., M.A. and Cherie Benjoseph, MSW, LCSW, are the creators of KidSafe USA, a local organization that teaches safety awareness to children of all ages and the adults. Please join us for this priceless opportunity to make safer and smarter choices with a reading of their book and hands-on activities for children. The program will conclude with a Q&A and book signing.
3:00 p.m. Reading & Book Signing with Lisa McCourt
Lisa McCourt is the children’s author of many well known and loved children’s books including, I Love You Stinky Face, The Best Night Out with Dad, A Dog of My Own, the Greatest Gift of All, and her newest released book Granny’s Dragon. The reading will conclude with a signing of her books.
7:00 p.m. Take Control of Your Life with David J. Pollay
David J. Pollay is the author of the internet phenomenon: Beware of Garbage Trucks!™ - The Law of the Garbage Truck™ Mr. Pollay is a syndicated columnist with the North Star Writers Group, and creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program and DVD. He will inspire and provide you with the tools to take control of your life by adhering to five basic principles. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University and graduate degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options Chanukah Party
The South Palm Beach County Chapter of JAFCO invites you to its annual Chanukah Party on Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at JARC (Jewish Association for Residential Care), 21160 95th Ave. South, Boca Raton. Call Doris Weilheimer (561) 737-7481 for information.
South Florida Jewish Genetic Diseases Educational Fair Sunday
The Jewish community is encouraged to attend the South Florida Jewish Genetic Diseases Educational Fair on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Zinman Hall, 9801 Donna Klein Blvd. in Boca Raton. Call (561) 477-0337 or log onto www.MFRFoundation.org to register, or call Debbie Wasserman at (786) 897-9587 for further information.
Holiday Camp Dates Announced for the Future Hoop Stars Program
This program focuses on improving your basketball skills with FUNdamentals for boys and girls ages 6 to 14.Two and three day holiday sessions are available.The first session is from December 22 through December 24, 2008 at St. Andrew’s School. The second session is from December 29 through December 31, 2008 at the Adolph and Rose Levis JCC. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A healthy snack and lunch are included in the $175 per session price. Go to www.futurehoopstars.com and click the camp icons for further information, or call Coach Andy Russo at (561)866-4566. E-mail can be sent to coachrusso@futurehoopstars.com.
Annie Coming to DKJA
Donna Klein Jewish Academy students have been rehearsing their lines in preparation for our annual school play, Annie. Auditions have been underway. Please check the Drama Page of the website for additional details. Save the Date…. Performances for Annie (in Zinman Hall) are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, February 28, 2009 8 p.m. and
Sunday, March 1, 2009 1 p.m. Zinman Hall
Yearbook News! Order Early and Save!
Orders placed October 1, 2008-March 31, 2009 are $65.00
Orders placed after March 31, 2009 are $75.00
Make a Note…Those interested in dedicating a page or portion of a yearbook page can do so with a yearbook salutation. Please click on the link below for pricing information, and other details. The deadline for copy submission is December 21, 2008. Please click on the links below for the Yearbook Order Form and the Yearbook Salutation Form:
http://www.dkja.org/documents/order_form_2009.pdf
http://dkja.org/documents/salutations_2009.pdf
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