CJHS plans for the future, buys property on Northbrook/Deerfield border

After several years of searching for a suitable site for CJHS in an area bounded by the Edens Expressway on the east, the Tri-State expressway on the west, Touhy Avenue on the south and Lake-Cook Road on the north, CJHS has purchased a piece of property at Lake-Cook Road and Pine Street in Deerfield, with the full approval of the Board of Directors.

The Site Committee, Board and Administration are in the very early stages of planning with architects and village officials to complete the necessary traffic studies, space planning, and zoning approvals.

The purchase was recently featured in a front page Pioneer Press story. Look for site updates in upcoming editions of the CJHS E-News.

Head of School investigates options for CJHS in Israel

Head of School Mrs. Stein researched options for CJHS' pilot 12th grade program in Israel slated for December 2005 during her mid February trip to the Jewish state. Mrs. Stein was part of a Connecticut JUF Mitzvah Mission" that toured the country from Feb. 15-22.

Mrs. Stein visited a school in the Gilboa region where she made connections with faculty and students and researched the possibility of CJHS interacting with the school. Mrs. Stein also visited the Israel Arts and Science Academy in Jerusalem founded by Bob and Mary Asher, the maternal grandparents of senior Evan and freshman Melissa Dreifuss.

Mrs. Stein also met with Rabbi David Ebstein, Director, New Jersey Schechter Program, of the Neshama Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center for Conservative Judaism, a possible site for the pilot program. Rabbi Ebstein presented Mrs. Stein with a proposal that would allow CJHS students to participate in Tikun Olam projects while in Israel.

"Not only will we be experiencing Israel, we will be giving some thing back to the land," Mrs. Stein said.

Mrs. Stein said the journey was exhausting but worthwhile.

"It was a spectacular trip, a combination of sadness and hope," she said. "A strong Judaism in the Diaspora is a positive, a necessity. Israel needs our presence and our dollars."

CJHS women's basketball team completes third season

The 2003-2004 CJHS women’s basketball season ended with losses at home to Noble Street 28-16 and on the road to Cristo Rey 31-19. The overall final record was 6-8 with wins over Act Charter, Perspectives (twice), Cristo Rey, Our Lady of Tepeyac and Young Womens. As a member of the Chicago Metro Conference League the CJHS Tigers travels included North Lawndale, Cristo Rey, Young Womens, and Our Lady of Tepeyac. In addition the team played at Highland Park HS and Christian Liberty HS in Arlington Heights.

"Throughout the season team members gained confidence in their ability to be a competitive basketball team," Assistant Principal and Coach Kornblut said. "All team members were very supportive of one another at games and practices. We are going to miss our three seniors: Mollie Flink, Beth Magid and Samantha Freeman."

Other team members included Lanie Abisdris, Lisa Banoff, Shayna Flink, Renana Fox, Naomi Goldberg, Hannah Hartz, Rebeccah Hartz, Jennifer Hipps, Deanna Levin, Linda Levin, Vicki Neiman, and Jessica Silverman.

" I would like to commend all these players for their commitment to the team and maintaining fine academic standing at CJHS," Coach Kornblut said. "Even though we did not have a winning record, this was a winning team and a pleasure to coach. I have never coached a nicer group of players in my career. Every game the women felt they could win. That is half the challenge of coaching: the belief that you can WIN. In addition, I would like to thank all the parents for their support throughout the season."

From the Recruitment Office at CJHS

More than 110 seventh graders visit CJHS CJHS Students from local Conservative religious schools visited CJHS on Feb. 22. Synagogues represented included Moriah, Beth Hillel, B'nai Emunah, Beth Shalom, McHenry County, Am Yisrael and Anshe Emet. Students participated in a program led by a Melitz educator from Israel and then went on a tour of the high school. Special thank you to junior Deanna Levin, sophomore Linda Levin and freshman Ruth Eisenberg for helping with the program and leading the tours. A special thank you to the Chicagoland JEA for giving us the opportunity to host this annual event. Rabbi in residence recruits at Camp Chai Rabbi in Residence Rabbi Ruven Barkan spent the weekend of Feb. 13 at Camp Chai on the Kadimah Kallah recruiting sixth and seventh graders. Juniors Ari Berkowicz and Charlie Gandelman also staffed the weekend for USY.

SAVE THE DATES! Bowling Party Come to a bowling party for incoming and prospective students from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on March 29 at Wilmette Bowling Center, 1903 Schiller Ave., in Wilmette. The free event includes a pizza dinner. A bus will pick up students from Solomon Schechter Middle School at 3:45 p.m. RSVP to Director of Admissions Rachel Spiro. If you have any questions contact CJHS parents Michelle Seidenberg or Deborah Landis. CJHS freshmen and sophomores are invited to attend. Placement Exams Hebrew and Math Placement Exams will be held at Solomon Schechter Middle School at 9:15 a.m. on March 30. In order to guarantee that students receive the best possible education, CJHS administers math and Hebrew placement examinations to all incoming freshmen. Please note that the test will only be given to students who have already applied to CJHS. Therefore, those families that are still interested in CJHS, but have not yet applied, should contact Rachel Spiro, Director of Admissions.

Rabbi Gillman visits CJHS Rabbi Neil Gillman spent Feb. 13 at CJHS speaking at tefillah, discussing Theodocy with ninth grade students, and facilitating a lunch and learn with CJHS seniors and faculty members. Rabbi Gillman is the Aaron Rabinowitz and Simon H. Rifkind Professor of Jewish Philosophy at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

CJHS students attend Jewish high schools conference in Atlanta

Six CJHS students are joining their peers from Jewish high schools across North America to contemplate the importance of "the role model" while enjoying Georgia outdoors at the NAAJHS conference.

Senior Samantha Freeman, juniors Noam Davidoff, Jacob Kanter, sophomores Benji Derman, Linda Levin and freshman Abby Landis are attending the leadership conference that began Feb. 25 and concludes Feb. 29.

Several CJHS students participate in national math contest

CJHS students senior Evan Dreifuss, junior Jon Freed, sophomores Jimmy Casen, Renana Fox, Yael Kiken, and freshmen Aaron Gore, Brian Pogrund, Ruth Eisenberg and Leore Avidar participated in the 55th annual American Mathematics Competition. The contest is organized by the Mathematical Association of America and involves over 250,000 students worldwide. The problems on the contest are more challenging than students routinely encounter in mathematics courses, but designed to be within reach. Certificates will be awarded for students with the highest score in their category.

CJHS sweatshirts earn profit for Va'ad

The Va'ad has sold 112 CJHS sweatshirts earning a profit of $130 which will go to student programming. If you would like to order a CJHS sweatshirt for $30 contact sophomore Benji Derman.

Student Activities Coordinator quoted in national newspaper

Student Activities Coordinator Mr. Schultz was quoted in the Feb. 15 Boston Globe article titled "A Mosque Proposal Frays Interfaith Relations in Illinois." The article discussed a controversy over a proposed mosque in Morton Grove. In the article, Mr. Schultz spoke about the Interfaith Youth Coalition in which CJHS students meet students from the Catholic and Muslim faiths.

Faculty attends professional development seminars

Director of Religious Life Rabbi Goldberg attended the Wexner Graduate Fellowship Program's Alumni Institute from Feb. 15-18 in Miami Beach. A focus of the seminar was the "Cultural Context of the Jewish Family."

Drama teacher Ms. Favor attended the Illinois Association for Gifted Children convention in Chicago earlier this month. She is also involved in a nine session workshop at Second City entitled "Improvisation for Creative Pedagogy."

Math/Science Department Chair Mrs. Levinson attended a conference through the Illinois Science Education Leadership Association last week.

Yasher Kochechem

Juniors Ari Gore, Lisa Banoff, sophomore Shayna Flink and freshmen Matthew Silverman led services this week. Lisa and junior Ari Berkowicz, sophomore Jason Wiznitzer and freshman Aaron Magid read Torah.

What's coming up at CJHS?

Hachanah l'Shabbat

Hachanah l'Shabbat today will explore student reactions to Mel Gibson's "The Passion," using Christian and Jewish sources to shed some light on this controversial topic. Physics/Math teacher Mrs. Eliaser is sponsoring the event.

CJHS celebrates Purim

Va'ad sells Mishloach Manot to benefit Mazon Do you want to send Mishloach Manot to every CJHS faculty member and student but do not have time? For $75, the Va'ad will distribute Mishloach Manot in your name to every person in the school. Your name will be on a card with the names of others who have sent Mishloach Manot. The proceeds will benefit Mazon, a not for profit agency that distributes donations from the Jewish community to nonprofit organizations providing food, help, and hope to hungry people of all faiths and backgrounds. Another option is to donate $1 for each individual to whom you wish to have your name printed on the card for his/her basket. Every student and faculty member will receive a basket. "I encourage all of you to participate in this project that will bring joy to the CJHS community, but more importantly to the larger community," said Va'ad President senior Mollie Flink. Make checks payable to Mazon by March 5. Fun-filled day scheduled for Shushan Purim The CJHS community will be spending the day after Purim enjoying Purim shpeils, a posh breakfast and participating in community service at the Chicago Food Depository. The day will conclude with mishloach manot distributed by the Va'ad. Purim Dance Planning is underway for the CJHS Hawaiian Luau from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on March 13 at Beth Hillel Congregation in Wilmette. CJHS students and their friends are welcome. Tickets cost $15 bought between March 1-9 Tickets will be $20 at the door.

Calendar

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
2/29	3/1 Mishloach Manot on Sale	3/2 Mishloach Manot on Sale 4:30 p.m. Department Chairs' Meeting	3/3 Mishloach Manot on Sale 5 p.m. CJHS women's faculty vs. women's basketball team at JCC	3/4 Mishloach Manot on Sale Fast of Esther: no breakfast or lunch served at school. 4:30 p.m. Va'ad Meeting	3/5 Mishloach Manot on Sale D'var Torah by Dr. Steve Nasatir- President of Jewish United Fund.	3/6
3/7 HAPPY PURIM	3/8 Purim at CJHS	3/9 4:45 p.m. Faculty Meeting	3/10 12:30 p.m. Admin. Department Meeting 5 p.m. Education Committee Meeting	3/11 JCRC Fly-In to Washington DC 9 a.m. 10th grade field trip to Museum of Science and Industry 4:30 p.m. Va'ad Meeting	3/12 D'var Torah by Rabbi David Soloff (Director of Ramah)	3/13 8 p.m. Purim Masquerade at Beth Hillel
3/14	3/15 Hebrew Day at Am Shalom English Field Trip to Steppenwolf Theater	3/16	3/17	3/18 4:30 p.m. Va'ad Meeting	3/19 D'var Torah by Rich Moline (Director of Koach)	3/20
3/21 8:30 a.m. ISEE testing at CJHS   6 p.m. "Friend Raising" Dinner at Silver house	3/22	3/23 5:30 p.m. Executive Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting	3/24 10:45 a.m. Late Opening 5:30 to 9 p.m. Parent-Teacher Conferences	3/25 4:30 p.m. Va'ad Meeting	3/26 D'var Torah by Bill Rubin (Executive Director of Community Foundation for Jewish Education) CJHS Spring Shabbaton in Rogers Park	3/27 CJHS Spring Shabbaton in Rogers Park
Shabbat Shalom! Candle lighting time for Feb. 27 is at 5:20 p.m. The texts of the parshah (Terumah) is available online: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/. Has your email changed or will it be changing? If so, email smarcus@chicagojhs.com with your new address. Sharna Marcus History Teacher E-News Editor Chicagoland Jewish High School 7800 W. Lyons Street Morton Grove, IL 60053 Phone: 847-470-6700 Fax: 847-324-3701 Email: smarcus@chicagojhs.com Web: http://www.chicagojhs.com