2004 ends with remarkable generosity

Both CJHS family and the greater Chicago community responded enthusiastically to support the school at year-end. Gifts totaling nearly $250,000 were received in December alone. Among the gifts received were several dozen first-time gifts.

"It is gratifying that more and more people are learning about CJHS. As the word continues to spread about the success of our school, our circle of friends will continue to grow," said board President Stewart Flink.

With just over $2 million needed in philanthropy to meet the school's operating needs this year, this level of giving is vital year round to allow CJHS to maintain its level of excellence.

If you are interested in making a gift, please contact CJHS Development Office at 847-324-3723 for more information.

CJHS responds to victims of the Tsunami

The Va’ad Tikun Olam is collecting money to donate to the Federation's relief fund that will be sent to the Joint Distribution Committee.

"Our goal is for each student and faculty member to donate $18 within the next month to the fund so that we can send a significant amount as a school," said committee chair junior Yael Kiken. "Please make your check out to Jewish Federation South Asia Tsunami Relief and put it in Yael's box at school.

Save the Date: Broadway Rocks

CJHS students are busy preparing a Cabaret for the evening of March 6. Look for details in the upcoming weeks. It will be a night to remember.

CJHS hosts 'Curriculum Night'

CJHS' first ever Curriculum Night was a great success with more than 25 families in attendance. There was a wonderful mix of families from Schechter, Anshe Emet Day School, Hillel Torah, private schools and public schools. There was also a good combination of 8th and 7th grade students represented in the audience. A special thank you to the Department Chairs who prepared beautifully and who were so articulate - they captured everyone's attention and their enthusiasm was contagious. Thank you to our presenters: Head of School Roslyn Stein, Sarah Bierman (Math), Sharon Chefitz (Library and Technology), Anita Goldberg (English), Rabbi Elliot Goldberg (Director of Religious Life), Gail Gottlieb (Arts), Ann Levinson (Science), Claudia Linda (Languages), Bruce Scher (College Counseling), and Judy Werlin (History). Thank you to Inez Altman, Rabbi Ruven Barkan and Dr. Gary Auslander for attending and making sure everyone felt welcomed.

Thank you to CJHS students Rachel Karp and Josh Warshawsky for attending as school ambassadors. Thank you to board members, Stew Flink, Cindy Pogrund, and Oly Avidar for attending and for helping with recruitment. Thank you to CJHS parent, Vicky Hass, for bringing a prospective parent to the event. Thank you to Tami Warshawsky, Marketing co-Chair, for her work with Curriculum Night as well. And, a special thank you to the CJHS Recruitment Committee. A special thank you to committee members Michelle Seidenberg, Cindy Pogrund, Oly Avidar, Sara Coven, Deb Landis, and Jennifer Flink for all the phone calls and planning they did to make sure it was a great event!

Ding Ding: Round Two!

The Recruitment Department is very busy conducting interviews of families who have applied to CJHS, leading tours, scheduling student shadowing days and holding recruitment meetings. Applications continue to arrive. Submit an application by February 4 to be included in the second round of acceptances. Would you like to schedule a visit, receive an application packet, or to learn more about CJHS? Contact Rachel Spiro at 847-324-3706.

Basketball teams continue seasons

On Tuesday the CJHS women's basketball team lost to Highland Park's freshmen A and B teams 30-23. CJHS led 14-11 at the half after Yael Schwartz hit a three to take a one point lead following Naomi Goldberg's basket. Highland Park started the second half with a 12-0 run that ended with senior Becca Hartz's three-point play that started a 6-0 run for the CJHS that continued into the fourth quarter. It made the score 23-20 Highland park. That was as close as the CJHS got before losing 30-23. CJHS played without two starters and a key player off the bench.

The men's basketball team moved their winning record to 9 and 2 this week with wins over Christian Liberty and North Shore Country Day. Starters Leore Avidar, Charlie Gandelman, Brian Pogrund, Yoel Saffir, and Matthew Silverman led the way with Charlie and Brian scoring a combined 70 points in the 2 games. Wednesday night Leore's defense completely shut down their opponent's point guard and then the freshman took over, finishing the job, led by Shai Kamin who had his season high with 10 points and Michael Brunwasser adding 7 of his own.

Come out and support our teams. Check the web site at http://www.chicagojhs.com for both the men's and women's basketball schedules.

Save the Date: CJHS Israel Experience Info Session

Find out more about CJHS' senior Israel experience meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the school. Families of current juniors and anyone who is interested in the growth of this program is encouraged to attend. RSVP to Joan Waxman in the office.

Juniors and Parents Prepare for College Orientation

On Feb. 8 Bruce Scher, Director of College Counseling, will present a program for juniors and their parents as they begin to embark on the college search process. Information about testing, choosing colleges, updates on college profiles and expectations, and making the campus visit will be discussed. The program will start at 7:30 p.m. All juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend this vital program.

Student photos to be displayed at JCC in Northbrook

The CJHS photography class' photos are being exhibited at the Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. The exhibit, titled "Best of 2004." will hang in the lobby of the JCC from through Jan. 31. Student photographers are sophomore Josh Freeman, junior Jacob Shapiro, freshman Michael Shapiro, junior Madeline Miller, sophomore Sandy Johnston, sophomore Sofi Petchersky and Mrs. Marla Snyder, Photography teacher.

Learn about Conservative Judaism

How does Conservative Judaism apply the texts of our tradition to find meaning in our lives today? How does the Conservative Movement utilize the Talmudic process to determine Halachic positions? What does the Conservative movement believe? Learn the answers to these questions and more with Rabbi Elliot Goldberg, Director of Religious Life at CJHS. You'll leave each session with a more sophisticated understanding of Conservative Judaism.


Session 2
Jan 19
7:30 PM
Approaches to Revelation: The Theologies of the Conservative Movement


Session 3
Jan 26
7:30 PM
Text and Context: The Conservative Movement's Approach To Study

All sessions will meet at CJHS . Please RSVP to Joan Waxman at 847-470-6700.

Honor Martin Luther King by volunteering with IFYC

The Interfaith Youth Core Partnership is planning a project for the Martin Luther King day of service on Jan. 17. All students are encouraged to participate. For more information please contact senior Becky Kupchan.

Attend Panim El Panim

CJHS students will once again this year join with Jewish teens from across the country as part of Panim el Panim, a four day, hands-on trip to Washington, D.C. Students immerse themselves in social action, politics, and Judaism through encounters with leading experts and policymakers in both domestic and international issues. Students will discover the connection between their Jewish values and social and political activism. They will learn skills that will help them advocate for the causes they care about and will lobby members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill. The dates of our trip are Sunday, March 27 through Wednesday, March 30. It is open to any member of the junior class and there is no limit to the number of students we can send. Watch for details soon.

Israel educator speaks to CJHS students

Steve Israel, an Israel Educator brought to Chicago by the Bureau of Jewish Education led two sessions on Wednesday January 12th. The ninth and tenth graders explored the issue of who needs a Jewish state. Eleventh and twelfth grade female students studied how the issues of ethnicity are playing out in Israeli society.

CJHS parent to speak on Israel and the water issue

CJHS parent Dr. Debbie Mir will be speaking on Water: The Lifeblood of the Land and the People of Israel at 8 p.m. on Jan. 20 at NSS Beth El , 1175 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. Israel is a world leader in efficient irrigated agriculture, and has the largest plant for recycling sewage in the world, with a growing desalination industry and mandatory water-saving home appliances. In the mad rush, however, to “make the land green” we’ve spoiled natural treasures by over pumping and contaminating precious resources, turning fresh streams into toxic cesspools. Explore Israel’s fascinating – and contradictory--environmental history. Contact Harriet Robbins, Continuing Education Director, at 847-432-8900, ext. 243, or at host@nssbethel.org for more information. THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM. Debby Mir, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, has extensive experience in environmental and safety projects for government, private consulting companies, universities and research institutions in Israel, Europe and the U.S. contact Harriet Robbins Ost, Continuing Education Director, at 847-432-8900, ext. 243, or at host@nssbethel.org.

Save the Dates: 'The Best of Schechter Feb. 13-14'

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to study with faculty from the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies.

Park Prof. David Golinkin, Pres. SIJS - "Adloyada" or: Just How Drunk should Jews get on Purim?"
Prof. Renee Levine Melammed, Asst. Dean, SIJS “The Secret Lives of Crypto-Jewish Women”
Prof. Gabi Barkay, Senior Lecturer, SIJS - "What is Happening on the Temple Mount Today?"
Feb. 13
10 am-3:30 p.m.
North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
1175 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
Paid $10 reservation required for Sunday lunch.
For info call 847-432-8900 or nssbe@nssbethel.org

"Were the Israelites in Egypt? Archaeological Perspectives on the Exodus" Prof. James Hoffmeier, Trinity International University, Deerfield Respondents: Professors Gabi Barkay and David Golinkin, SIJS.
Feb. 14
4 -6 p.m.
Northwestern University, Evanston
Sponsored by The Crown Family Center for Jewish Studies at Northwestern University
For more information: 847-491-2612; jewish-studies@northwestern.edu;
http://www.cas.northwestern.edu/Jewish-studies

8 p.m.
"Current Controversies in Israel: Education and Archaeology."
Prof. David Golinkin "Wanted: a Jewish Educational Revolution in the State of Israel”
Prof. Gabi Barkay,"What is Happening on the Temple Mount Today?"
Feb. 14
8pm
Anshe Emet Synagogue
3760 N Pine Grove, Chicago
For more information contact Andi Gutnik, at 773-868-5119, agutnik@ansheemet.org

Synagogue Lecture Co-Sponsors: Anshe Emet Synagogue, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, Cantor’s Assembly -Midwest Region, Chicagoland Jewish High School, Federation of Jewish Men’s Club’s -Midwest Region, Midwest Jewish Educators Assembly, Jewish Theological Seminary - Midwest, Mercaz USA, Chicago Region of the Rabbinical Assembly, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El , Ramah Day Camp, Solomon Schechter Day Schools of Chicago, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism - Midwest Region, Women’s League For Conservative Judaism - Central Branch

Barak to speak at Moriah

Ehud Barak, Israel's most highly decorated soldier and former Prime Minister, will speak at Moriah Congregation located at Feb. 13, 2005 200 Taub Drive in Deerfield. This is his first speaking engagement in Chicago since 2000. The entire community is invited to attend this historic event. Tickets are $36 per person and can be purchased in advance by going to Moriah's website at www.moriahcong.org or by calling the Moriah office at 847-948-5340. The lecture is appropriate for ages 14 and up.

Yasher Koach

Yasher kochechem toLilly Flink, Rachel Hilker, Shlomi Mir, Charlie Gandelman, Jacob Kanter, Jennifer Feldman, Ms. Jacobson-Maisels, Aaron Magid, Benji Derman, Renana Fox and Sofi Petchersky who lead tefillah. Lisa Banoff and Matthew Silverman read Torah.

Yasher Koach to David Silverman for giving a Dvar Torah at Tefillot on Friday, January 7th.

Yasher Koach to Aliza Stein, Avi Coven and Josh Warshawsky for volunteering at Cafe ARK on Wednesday, January 12th.

Eboo Patel, the Director of the the Interfaith Youth Core www.ifyc.org, addressed the student body at Tefillot on Friday, January 14th.

Has your email changed or will it be changing? If so, email smarcus@chicagojhs.com with your new address.

Shabbat Shalom! Candle lighting is at 4:17 p.m. The parshat hashavuah is available through the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Sharna Marcus
E-News Editor
History Teacher
College Counseling Associate
Prints and US Politics Club Adviser
Student Technology Services Coordinator
Chicagoland Jewish High School
7800 W. Lyons Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 847-324-3733
Fax: 847-324-3701
Email: smarcus@chicagojhs.com
Web: http://www.chicagojhs.com