With gifts to CJHS continuing to arrive every day, annual giving to CJHS has already generated nearly four times as much as last year. More than $110,000 has been committed thus far, and more gifts are expected. This is great news for CJHS and the entire Jewish community.

"Recognition and support for CJHS is clearly growing," says Kim Frankel, CJHS parent and member of the Development Committee. "Every dollar is needed to help us reach our goals. It is wonderful to know that CJHS's reputation for excellence is spreading and with it comes needed dollars to support scholarships for students who are unable to afford full tuition, to help us to attract and retain an outstanding faculty, and to enhance our fine arts, athletics, and leadership programs," says Frankel.

The success of this year's annual giving is due in part to the momentum of the $500,000 Challenge Grant being offered by a strong supporter of the school. "If anyone is considering making or increasing their gift, this is an ideal time to do it," says Oly Avidar, Development Chair. Gifts of $5,000 and above, received by March 30, 2006, will be matched dollar for dollar by the grant. For further information on the challenge or on annual giving, please contact the Development Office at 847-324-3722.

First Annual CJHS Senior Israel Experience is a Smashing Success!

Twelve members of the senior class traveled to Israel from December 5-30, accompanied by Rabbi Goldberg and Mr. and Mrs. Scher. The trip focused upon the issues and challenges facing contemporary Israeli society, connecting to institutions of the Conservative movement in Israel, Tikkun Olam, and building relationships with our Partnership 2000 sister city, Kiryat Gat.

Highlights of the trip included a visit to the holy sites of three religions in the Old City of Jerusalem, an evening of personal reflection in the dunes of the Aravah Desert, a tour and seminar that explored Jewish, Arab-Israeli and Palestinian relations along the green line and security fence bordering the northern West Bank, and a Chanukah candlelighting celebration at an Ethiopian absorption center.

The planning process is already underway for the 2nd Annual Israel Experience. On the evening of March 6 at 7:30, CJHS will host an information session for students and parents. During this session, we will share information about next year's program and our vision for the future. Please save the date.

Asara B'Tevet Schedule

On Tuesday, January 10, CJHS will observe the fast of the tenth day of Tevet. No breakfast or lunch will be served at school. There will be no multiple minyan program. The co-curricular period will run from 12:00 p.m. to 12:42 p.m., and the lunch period (during which mincha will be held) will be 12:45 p.m.-1:12 p.m.

The tenth of Tevet is a fast day commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, which eventually resulted in the destruction of the second Temple by the Babylonians.

Mezuzah Project 18

Attention, Seniors: We invite you to participate in a fantastic new artistic endeavor called MEZUZAH PROJECT 18. Students will be able to design and create their own silver doorpost mezuzah case to be hung on a door in our new school. CJHS has arranged a partnership with The Art Center of Highland Park (formerly the Suburban Fine Arts Center). Students will be working with a metal artist at the Highland Park facility on six consecutive Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 12, 19, and 26, and March 5, 12, and 19. Students must attend all sessions.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Snyder at 847-324-3744 or msnyder@chicagojhs.com.

Va'ad Ski Trip Announced

To celebrate the Semester Break Day on Monday, January 30, CJHS students will hit the slopes at Wilmot for a day of skiing and fun. After skiing, we will cheer on the men's basketball team at their game against Universal High School. We will meet at CJHS at 7:15 a.m. and return at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $75 and includes two meals, lift ticket, skiing lesson, skiing equipment rental, and transportation. Sign-up forms are due to Ms. Musin by Friday, January 13.

Click here for the ski trip flier.

IFYC Day of Service to be held

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Interfaith Youth Core is holding a Day of Interfaith Youth Service on January 16 at DePaul University (2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago). Hundreds of students from different faith groups from all over the region will participate. CJHS students will meet Ms. Caroline Musin at the registration table at 2:00 p.m. We will engage in a Tikkun Olam project and interfaith dialogue until 5:00 p.m. The evening will culminate in a Sacred Poetry Slam and pizza until 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Rabbi Barkan at 847-324-3709 or rabbibarkan@chicagojhs.com.

Beth Shalom plans Schechter/CJHS Shabbat evening

Congregation Beth Shalom is hosting a Schechter/CJHS/CBS Shabbat service and dinner next Friday, January 13. This Shabbat evening aims to strengthen the community, increase cohesiveness, and reinforce kehilla for the CBS day school population. All past, present, and potentially future SSDS/CJHS families are encouraged to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Barbara Barnett, CBS Ritual Director, at 847-498-4100, ext. 23, by January 10.

Tu B'Shevat Preparations Underway

Va'ad Israel is sponsoring a special Jewish National Fund-based initiative that will include our students, faculty, staff, and friends within the community. JNF's tree-planting program, Tu B'Shevat in the Schools, helps students establish a direct and positive connection to the Jewish homeland by planting trees in Israel. Since JNF was established in 1901, the organization has planted over 220 million trees in Israel--connecting Jewish people around the world to the land of Israel. For more information, contact Rabbi Fryer at rabbifryer@chicagojhs.com.

The Parent Organization is sponsoring a Tu B'Shevat Seder on Saturday, February 11 at 7:15 p.m. Join other CJHS parents for a light dairy dinner and desserts. The program will take place at the home of Mark and Sandy Levin, 1939 Lewis Lane in Highland Park. Please RSVP to Sandy Levin at levusgro@aol.com by February 4.

Mark Your Calendar!

January 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (School Closed)
January 16 IFYC Day of Service
January 19 Curriculum Night
January 23-27 Final Exams Week
January 30 Semester Break Day/Va'ad Ski Trip
February 11 P.O. Tu B'Shevat Seder
February 17 Junior Class Theatre Trip
February 20 Presidents' Day (School Closed)
March 6 Israel Experience Information Night
March 11 Va'ad Purim Event
March 24-25 CJHS Spring Shabbaton

Looking for a way to honor your student or advertise your business?

The CJHS yearbook staff is looking for sponsors for the 5766 edition of Yachad. You can advertise your business or honor students and other individuals in the school community by placing an ad in our sponsorship book. The sponsorship book will be distributed throughout the community along with the CJHS yearbook, Yachad. For more information and prices, please contact Vanessa Youshaei, Yachad business manager, at yachad@chicagojhs.com.

Time Running Out to Register to Vote in the WZO Election

Support Masorti (Conservative) organizations, groups, synagogues, Ramah, USY, etc. in Israel by voting MERCAZ USA in this election. Please go to www.mercazusa.org and click the link to register to vote in the election; voting is only possible with advance registration. Even if you are a MERCAZ USA member and/or voted in the last WZO election, you still need to register. You can also learn about Mercaz USA, the Conservative Movement's Zionist organization.

Mail-in registration for the WZO Election ends January 15, and online registration ends in mid-February. Voting will end February 28. Anyone who has not received a ballot (mail or internet) should contact the AZM Helpline at 1-866-720-4357 or azmhelp@electionservicescorp.com to request a duplicate.

Visit the MERCAZ website, www.mercazusa.org, and sign up via the secure website, or download a membership form and mail it in. Either way, join MERCAZ today! Please contact the MERCAZ USA office at 1-888-99 MERCAZ to register over the phone (or info@mercazusa.org) or if you have questions. Vote the Mercaz-USA Slate.

Thanks for your help in making this election the success we need for Israel, the Conservative Movement, and the future of the Jewish people and Modern Zionism. If you have any further questions, contact Rabbi Robyn Fryer (847) 423-5962 or RabbiFryer@chicagojhs.com

Mazal Tov!

Mazal tov to Ms. Susan Dickman, English teacher, who is the recipient of a 2005-2006 Illinois Arts Council Finalist Award in Prose Writing!

Mazal tov to sophomore Daniel Kanter, who was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Skokie Public Library's Teen Poetry Contest!

Refuah Shlemah

CJHS extends wishes for a refuah shlemah to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Religious Life at CJHS

This week, Benji Derman, Sandy Johnston, Richard Kahn, Yael Kiken, David Weltman, Jeremy Hulkower, Abby Landis, Jason Wiznitzer, and Rabbi Fryer led tefillah. Rosie Kiken read Torah.

This week's parsha is Vayigash. Candlelighting is at 4:17 today. Shabbat shalom!

Read the parsha, the haftarah, and two commentaries online.