Like every week at DKJA, this one was packed with events and special days. Our school family, and the community as well, had the opportunity to visit the Konnichiwa Gallery, the culmination of an extensive educational immersion in the Japanese culture. Under the leadership of our fourth-grade team comprised of Team Leader Diane Basin and teachers Brenda Newman, Marci Muench, Alyssa List, Gale Lowy, and Karen Mart, students became experts on the subject of “Bata Bata 24/7: Japanese Students on the Go," the theme of this year's exhibit. The students' knowledge, poise, and professionalism shined as they led docent tours, gave musical performances, and most importantly, enjoyed themselves!

Kavod continued to emanate as middle school students accepted certificates, or supported their classmates with pride, in Zinman Hall during the Middle School Awards Assembly. Each and every student deserves praise for their accomplishments, and each has a special gift. Highlighting the presentations were two honors given to Derech Eretz winners for conducting themselves in a manner which we strive to emulate. Tal Eden-Borstein was recognized for generosity to a young student who was experiencing a stressful situation. Without a moment's hesitation, Tal took on the role of a leader and mentor, and stepped in to appease the younger student. Classmate Garrett Cohen was nominated for doing small acts of chesed throughout the year (too many to name individually!). The two students are shown at right, with Middle School Principal Carol Kolsky and Grade Level Advisor Shireen Butman. Mazel tov!

As the week comes to an end, and as I write my final Shabbat E-Newsletter message of the 2008-2009 academic year, I would like to share with you a moment of inspiration that eighth-grader Jake Sherman shared at today's Fifth-grade Yom Yerushalayim Assembly. Jake recently visited Israel on the annual eighth-grade trip. Here is an excerpt from the journal entry he wrote the day he visited Jerusalem, which he read aloud: 

 “Today we went to the Kotel which is an unbelievable place to be. When we first got there, it was like everything I learned about at Donna Klein Jewish Academy came to life...like I was really there - where it all took place. I remember standing at the wall putting on tefillin and it meaning so much to me, thinking to myself all these months since my Bar Mitzvah that I never put it  on or even took it out of my drawer. I even argued with my mom about bringing it to Israel, and here I am, standing - wrapping the tefillin around my arms, and feeling a connection and believing in what I was doing. NOT BECAUSE ANYONE TOLD ME TO DO IT, BUT BECAUSE I FELT PRIDE IN DOING IT. That’s when it hit me.  THAT’S WHEN ISRAEL REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER.

Thank you, Jake, for these words of wisdom. Click here for a special message to share with family and friends about Yom Yerushalayim.

Shabbat Shalom,
Karen Feller
Head of School

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By Yafa Levit, Principal of Lower School Judaic Studies

Our first grade students have been preparing for the big day of receiving their first prayer book, the Siddur, for a long time. They knew how to sing many of the Shacharit prayers, and they could explain the meaning of some of the prayers, but holding their own personal Siddur was a dream which they worked very hard to accomplish.

With much excitement and anticipation, our first-grade students presented a most moving presentation in front of 300 guests. The program contained humor, artistic expressions such as singing and dancing, but most of all, the children imparted knowledge to everyone who was present in the auditorium. How did prayer evolve? After which Patriarch are the services set? And what were the lessons our Patriarchs taught us? These questions were addressed. We were taught and entertained at the same time, which left many of us with a profound admiration.

Rabbi Amy Rader offered a beautiful D’var Torah, as well as a Benediction to the children and their families. This was a meaningful and enjoyable program, which laid out the foundation for praying with meaning and connecting to God. Mazel Tov to the children their families and to the wonderful teachers who prepared them so well.

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By Carol Routman, Pine Grove Partnership Coordinator

DKJA and Partner School Pine Grove Elementary enjoyed  many interactions this week. On Tuesday, Grade 2 Pen Pals from the two schools met in person and spent “quality time” together. How special it was for the two groups of students to reconnect, as this was the second time the children bonded in person (once at Pine Grove, and once at DKJA). The students worked on projects together, forging a special a connection with their Pen Pals. In each classroom, Venn diagrams were used to focus on similarities and difference, likes and dislikes. One highlight was an art project created in the style of Romero Brito, where teams of two students worked on expanding the images with their own creativity. Following a pizza lunch, the culminating event was a sports relay in the gym, where Pan Pals worked together and had a great time. Many thanks Ms. Hartman, Mrs. Krasts,  and to to entire the second-grade team for making this a great success.

In addition to this program, students in all four of DKJA’s kindergarten classes collected tzedakah money throughout the school year and performed mitzvot by contributing more than $500 for the purchase of needed items for Pine Grove Elementary. A vast collection of composition books, learning games, arts and crafts supplies, and many more items were presented to Pine Grove Elementary during their recent visit.

 

Community Service Coordinator Dr. Yoram Dahav and parent volunteer Lisa Lubinsky also visited Pine Grove Elementary today as part of the school's Multi-cultural Day. Information about Israel was shared, and an informative question and  answer session followed.

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Deena Nelson Wins Community Service Award
Congratulations to high school sophomore Deena Nelson (right), who recently was notified that she was selected as a winner of a Teen Community Service Award, presented by the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center Teen Services Department. Deena will receive a $500 check in an award ceremony at which winners will be honored during the 2009 JCC Annual Meeting on June 2, 2009.  Entrants in the competition submitted 2,500 word essays describing their volunteer efforts, what volunteering means to them, and why they choose to volunteer. Mazel Tov, Deena!

Students Cherish Experiences in Israel
By Miriam Engel, Director Judaic Studies Jewish Life

Our high school seniors who currently are completing their studies at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel will return next week. The students, as well as our high school juniors who were part of the March of the Living and also journeyed to Israel last month, have had lifechanging opportunities and experiences. They have learned immensely, and participated in festive Hallel Tefillah. They had the opportunity to join the throngs of Israelis and tourists in the main “midrachov” outdoor area, celebrating with concerts and lots of excitement in the streets, and rejoicing for Israel’s 61st birthday... we are living history.

Students slept at a castle outside of Jerusalem, where they studied Jewish history on the spot where it occurred. Visits and activities at the Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book, the Old City, Ein Gedi, Masada, and Yam Hamelech were but a few of the memorable highlights.

Scholars often say, “Avira shel eretz Yisrael machki” (the air of Israel wisens a person), and I’m sure our students wholeheartedly agree. Layla tov and Shabbat Shalom.

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PTO News
Please start going through your closets! The PTO needs your clean and gently used DKJA uniforms for a Used Uniform Sale on May 27th and May 28th outside of the Shuk. All items will cost $2 a piece. The sale will run May 27th from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and on May 28th from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Please launder and fold your clothing donations prior to dropping them off at the Shuk in the Cultural Arts Building. We are ready to accept clothing donations now! To volunteer to help sort clothes and get ready for this event please contact Sara Adler: hnsadler@comcast.net. Volunteers are needed the day of the event! In addition, the annual 10% discount Sale on New Uniforms will begin on May 27th in the Shuk.  This applies to in-stock merchandise only.  All new uniform items purchased in the Shuk will receive a 10% discount.  This sale will extend to the last day of school.  Once school is on Summer break, orders placed online at www.dkjastore.com BY JULY 15TH will receive a 10% discount using coupon code PREORDER10.

Future Hoops Camp
Basketball Camps will be held at Saint Andrews School this summer. Rgistration and information is available at www.futurehoopstars.com

Camps are for boys and girls ages 4-14 and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily at a cost of $250 a week, $200 for multiple weeks and siblings or $60 for a day. Snack, Lunch and an official ball are included! After care is available until 5:45 p.m.

Sessions:
June 15-19

June 22-26

July 27-31

August 3-7