www.dkja.org - February 20, 2009

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Message from the Head of School

In my role as Head of School, I take to heart the fact that Jewish tradition commands us to live wisely. We must at times literally follow the words of the Talmud - the laws by which we live, act, conduct ourselves, and show empathy toward those less fortunate or experiencing difficult times. We must, in a sense, become "our brothers' keepers" because as Jews, we are responsible for one another. We must be mindful of the needs of others just as we are of our own, show that we care and are concerned for our neighbors near and far, and demonstrate compassion that may be needed due to circumstances that cause stress or anxiety. In short, we all need to stick together, and reach out when we can. We are very fortunate to have each other.

All too often, hidden anxiety, and an underlying FEAR INVENTORY (housing troubles, medical issues, family disruption, a sense of personal failure or disappointment/despair) can result in isolation and detrimental effects. Children, are not immune to these issues, and neither are parents or loved ones.

Our students already are aware of the importance of the concept of derech eretz. In fact, today I had the pleasure of seeing this firsthand during the induction ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society. Students Shannon Saitowitz and Marissa Wrubel, on behalf of the NJHS and the Student Council, proudly presented me with a check in the amount of $2,000 for the Middle School Field Trip Fund. This money will go toward helping those students in need of financial assistance so that they may be able to participate in our fabulous educational school trips.

I would like to take a moment to reassure you that we really are more than a school...we are a family. I encourage you to read the article (below) on this subject by DKJA's Psychologist Dr. Rona Bernstein, and to please keep in mind that we all are here for each other. We celebrate together, as we will on March 7, 2009 at our 25th Benefit Ball & Auction, and we support each other every day.

Shabbat Shalom,

Karen Feller

Head of School

A Message from DKJA's School Psychologist

A Sense of Security Is Important

One of the most important roles as parents is to create a sense of security for your children. When crises occur within families, the community, the country or the world, making children feel secure can be extremely challenging. How do you help your children feel secure during these tough economic times? How do you reassure them when you yourselves may be experiencing uncertainty or anxiety?

Most importantly, you should talk to your children about the economic situation and how it is affecting your family, without instilling fear. Explain what your family is doing to cope with the economic downturn and help your children understand the rationale for cutting back on certain expenses or activities. Encourage them to ask questions and share with you what they may have heard from friends and classmates whose families may be experiencing significant challenges. (Click READ MORE)
DKJA's Benefit Ball Is March 7, 2009

DKJA's 25th Benefit Ball Is Fast Approaching!
Pura Vida Meets Pure Luxury!
On February 18, 2009, DKJA welcomed Leadership Council Donors to a sparkling Pre-Gala Reception hosted by David and Jamie Rosenberg of Rosenberg Diamonds & Company (Presenting Sponsor of DKJA's 25th Benefit Ball & Auction). At the reception, held at Rosenberg Diamonds & Company in East Boca Raton, DKJA's Leadership Council Donors gathered to honor DKJA Trustee Harold Jacobsohn as the recipient of the 2009 Linda R. Kaminow Visionary Leadership Award. Mr. Jacobsohn will be presented with the award at the Benefit Ball & Auction Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Polo Club Boca Raton. Ball Chairs Jill and Yori Galel, and Exclusive Media Sponsor The Boca Raton Observer (Linda and Ralph Behmoiras) greeted guests. For further information about the Gala, please call (561) 852-6042.

Pictured at right, Jamie and David Rosenberg of Rosenberg Diamonds & Co.

Click Here here for more pictures.

We Hope You Will Be Joining Us!
Pura Vida will bring our community together to celebrate our traditions and visions for the future of our children. Our dedicated committee is hard at work preparing for the gala. The minimum cost to attend is $250 per person ($500 per couple). Installment payments can be made by check or credit card. (The balance must be paid in full by June 15, 2009). Please call Janet Epstein at (561) 852-5007 if you would like to make payment arrangements.

Lights, Camera, Auction!

In keeping with our DKJA tradition, our students have designed artistic creations that will be up for auction! This year, variations of the theme "Seeds of Life," representing the flowers of tomorrow, has been incorporated into beautiful planters. Adorned with unique tiles, the colorful mosaic motifs are spectacular. Four variations of the planters have been created as follows:

Kindergarten/First Grade: Geometry and Color
Second through Fourth Grade: Nature Around Us
Fifth through Eighth Grade: Mosaic of Jewish Life
High School: Pura Vida - Celebration of Life!

Special thanks to Dr. Tania Koolik, Parent Chair for the project, and DKJA parents Rachel Elkarif, Ariane Swisa, Josie Fixler, and Ariela Ushpiz, and to our Art Department faculty Mrs. Carol Routman. Ms. Gale Lowy, and Mrs. Anita Schwartz. Our appreciation is greatly extended to Greg and Cindy Jacobs, owners of Sunquest Nursery, who supplied the beautiful plant for the planter displayed at Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day on February 13, 2009.

Be sure to place your bid on these planters, as well as the other fantastic items in both our live and silent auctions. Coming soon...E-Bay Auction online!

Grandparents, Would You Like To Learn Hebrew?
Thanks to Grandparents Focus Group member Heni Galel, this program is now available! Click the link below for details!
Reminder: Grandparents' & Special Friends...Register for the Eagles' Net today.

Learn Hebrew!

Lower-Middle School Highlights

Musical Fun!

Third through eighth-graders recently enjoyed a live concert by Mr. Marshall Turkin and his classical jazz ensemble. The concert was dedicated to the music of Stephen Foster. Students Nathan Menaged and Jason Jaroslavsky joined the ensemble as an added bonus! (Photo below, right)

Cooperative Learning

While learning about Tu B’Shevat and different trees, students' lessons focused on why the Torah is called "the tree of life." Middle and lower school students joined

together during an interactive teaching session centered on the Torah. (Photo at left).

High School Highlights

LifeSmarts Update

The DKJA LifeSmarts team, consisting of Darren Kaplan, Noah Miller, Ben Lipson, and Josh Chaitowitz (shown here with math teacher Mr. Clifford W. Dyhouse), did well at the Final State Competition held recently in Tampa. There were 13 teams in the competition. The DKJA team won its first round, but lost in the second. The coach of the team they beat had previously coached teams that had three times won the Florida State Championship and once won the U.S. National Championship. This first-round victory was no small accomplishment!

Sushi Lunch & Learn

Middle and high school students recently enjoyed another Sushi Lunch & Learn conducted by High Schol Director of Judaics and Jewish Life, Mrs. Miriam Engel.

The regularly held programs offer an educational, entertaining, and "bonding" experience among the two divisions.

Giving Back to the Community

DKJA fifth-grader Bryant Meyer is an inspiration to all! He is very involved with community service at the Youth Activity Center, where he volunteers twice a week. He also regularly visits with young patients at Miami Children's Hospital, having been hospitalized there for a lengthy period when he was younger. The experience impacted Bryant greatly. He now brings gifts to children there and visits with them to bring a little smile to their faces.

“I was in the hospital for most of my first grade school year. I even spent my birthday having surgery there. It wasn’t easy at all. After that I knew what it was like to be stuck in the hospital. I was glad that I had all my friends that gave me gifts. Once that was over with, I wanted to give back to the hospital for their help and support. That’s when I came up with the idea to package gift bags and bring them to the hospital. I encouraged my family to do this with me, and we still do. Sometimes my neighbors even help. This has become a family project. We spend a long time doing this. We deliver these twice every year. Each bag is decorated by my sister (Alana Rose) and me. No matter what we give the children, they will just be happy that someone is thinking about them,” Bryant said.

Pictured here are Bryant and his sister Alana Rose with Aida Panceira and Grace Copeland of Miami Children’s Hospital.

If you too would like to “give back” to the community, you still have time to register for DKJA’s Family Mitzvah Day this Sunday, on February 22, 2009.

Development News

DKJA Tribute Cards
Show a friend or loved one that you care by sending a DKJA Tribute Card. DKJA Tribute Cards are the ideal way to send an expression of sympathy, or a get-well message; recognize a birthday, anniversary, bar or bat mitzvah, or birth; and to honor a teacher or acknowledge another special occasion while supporting DKJA. For Tributes, call (561) 852-5007 or e-mail Janet Epstein at epsteinj@dkja.org. Please note: a minimum gift of $18 is suggested. For your convenience, the Development Department will gladly bill you quarterly.

Tributes for February 4, 2009, through February 18, 2009

In Memory of Dotty Chamow
Rena Dern

In Memory of Steve Croft
Shirley and Karl Enselberg
Myrna and David Gross and Family

In Memory of Howard Hollander
The DKJA PTO
Helena Levine and Tova Fischtein

In Honor of Sharon and Skip Kamber
The Krevans Family
(Click READ MORE)

DKJA Presents Annie!
An entertaining story of hope. A testimonial to the powers of a charming personality. A lesson in optimism. These all can be found in the critically acclaimed musical Annie, which will be presented during two spectacular performances by a talented DKJA cast. The first show is on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.; the second performance takes place on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 1 p.m. The musical is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Performances for Annie are open to the public. The show will be staged in Zinman Hall. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the DKJA School Office from Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Fridays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., or at the Zinman Hall Box Office on the day of the show. Note: a limited number of seats are available in all categories. Reserved Seats: $36; General Admission: $18; DKJA students and children under age 5: Free Admission; Non-DKJA students (with valid I.D.): $5. For further information about tickets, call (561) 852-6051.

PTO & Community News
PTO News
Bagels and coffee are now being sold in the shuk from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., PLUS raffle prizes. All you have to do is show up to receive your ticket. Raffle prizes are wonderful items from our shuk!!

Volunteers…Effective Immediately...When you complete 8 shifts in the shuk you will receive the employee 10% discount valid through the rest of the school year. Please sign up it is a great opportunity!

We are proud to join the efforts The Power of Pink for their upcoming breast cancer awareness luncheon, which that will be held on April 29, 2009. Click the link below for further details.

Please remember to bring in your Box Tops for Education. You can drop them off in the shuk.

If you have any used uniform items that your child(ren) have grown out of please drop them off at the shuk. We always have gently used items for sale for $2 a piece.

Mishloach Manot Baskets Available through the PTO
Click on the link below to order baskets for Purim.

Community News
Community Invited to ‘Housewarming’ for JARC Rales Campus
The Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) will be opening four new group homes in West Boca Raton. JARC provides residential, vocational and social programs to adults with special needs and their families. The community is invited to join in welcoming the JARC Rales Campus group homes at a housewarming party on Friday, March 20, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30a.m. at the JARC Rales Campus. The new Rales Campus is located at 9868 Yamato Road. (located on the southeast corner of Yamato Rd and 441). To help make the houses “homes,” a registry has been created at Bed Bath & Beyond (the registry is available online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com registry #8045879). To RSVP or for further information or details, please call (561) 558-2550 or nancyf@jarcfl.org by March 13, 2009.

Career Expo Being Held!
Click the link below for information.

B'nai Torah Concert Series to Feature DKJA Choir
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. , DKJA's Choir will perform at the B'nai Torah Concert & Cultural Art Series' featured event, "Magda's Magical Musical Tour." DISCOUNTED TICKETS are available for purchase in the DKJA School Office. Choir parents and siblings can attend at no charge; DKJA families and siblings, $15. Get your tickets today!

Power of Pink
Mishloach Manot Baskets
Career Expo