April 30, 2004/9 Iyyar 5764

Editor's Note: If you cannot see the images, please visit http://www.chicagojhs.com/e-news/043004/043004.htm

BREAKING NEWS: CJHS has launched its new web site thanks to the volunteer efforts of Dr. Norman Eliaser. Visit http://www.chicagojhs.com today!

Headlines
What happened at school this week?
CJHS slams in honor of National Poetry Month
Students volunteer at New City YMCA
JTS Professor of Jewish Education teaches at JTS-SSDS-CJHS study session
CJHS celebrates Israeli Independence Day
Lecturer presents 'the art of politics'
Students and staff volunteer at the Ark
Yasher Kochechem 

What's coming up at CJHS?

Walk with CJHS at the 'Walk with Israel'
CJHS students' art to be displayed at the Great Frame Up
Judaic Studies teacher to lecture at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
Save the Date: CJHS First Commencement Ceremony
Come to the Spring Fine Arts Festival
Shabbat Shalom

CJHS slams in honor of National Poetry Month
	CJHS students spent lunch time on April 29 listening to their peers and teachers recite poetry in the CJHS Poetry Slam. Coordinated by librarian Ms. Chefitz, English Department Chair Ms. Goldberg, and Prints Managing Editor Benji Derman, the Poetry Slam included readings, food, music and prizes. Freshman Nat Sufrin (center) won the Slam after reading an original poem titled, Doorway to the Soup Kitchen: He speaks meaningful, wise experienced words To me and I try to focus eye to eye I try to lock my eyes with his and not shift about. But his eyes seem too far apart to match up with mine. He tells me of unity in the name of God and mushrooms in Belorussia-- Minsk and Pinsk. And as my mother repeats my name impatiently I give him my hand, he gives me his-- only his isn't all there. The Poetry Slam culminated a day in which CJHS students recited poetry to their teachers for candy, extra credit and the opportunity to enter a raffle for a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Sophomore Yael Kiken won the prize. Congratulations to the Slam participants including seniors Evan Dreifuss, Zach Berkman, juniors Lisa Banoff, Zach Frankel, Becka Hartz, Hannah Hartz, Becky Kupchan, Judah Rubin, Joe Waldman, Rachel Weiner, sophomore Renana Fox, and faculty members Rabbi Dickman and Mrs. Eliaser. The Slam was judged by faculty members Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Goldberg, senior Mollie Flink, junior Ari Gore, sophomore Linda Levin and freshman Jennifer Hipps.
Photos: (left column-top to bottom) Mrs. Eliaser reads a poem followed by Rabbi Dickman. Junior Charlie Gandelman blows his whistle in support of the poetry slam. Sophomore Renana Fox reads a melancholy poem. Judges Jennifer Hipps, Mrs. Snyder, sophomore Linda Levin, junior Ari Gore, senior Mollie Flink and Mrs. Goldberg rate each poem.							(right column-top to bottom) Junior Judah Rubin plays guitar while junior Becka Hartz recites a poem. Sophomore Benji Derman ran the event. Seniors Evan Dreifuss and Zach Berkman presents their poem to the beat of a drum. Junior Joe Waldman reads a poem written by his sister.

Students volunteer at New City YMCA

CJHS juniors Rachel Weiner, Becky Kupchan, Becka Hartz, and Jon Freed participated in the IFYC National Service Day on April 25. Students from CJHS' two partner schools, Loyola Academy and Muslim Educational Center went to the New City YMCA in the city to clean their walls. After the project, our IFYC coordinator, Garth Katner, led a session during which students reflected on how their faith motivates them to do social action. This was one of eleven service sites at which 350 IFYC students volunteered.

On May 11, the three schools will celebrate together the first year of our inter-faith partnership at Wilmette Bowl from 6 to 8 p.m.. All students are welcome, especially sophomores who are interested in participating in the program next year.

JTS Professor of Jewish Education teaches at JTS-SSDS-CJHS study session

Participants affiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary, Solomon Schechter Day Schools and CJHS joined for a luncheon study session with Dr. Jeffrey Kress on April 28. Dr. Kress presented "Creating Caring Learning Communities: A Social- Emotional Learning Approach to Building Jewish Values." Dr. Kress is Assistant Professor of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Senior Research Associate of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. His most recent book, coauthored with Drs. Bernard Novick and Maurice Elias, is "Building Learning Communities with Character: How to Integrate Academic, Social and Emotional Learning." The study session was held at Beth Hillel Congregation in Wilmette and was co-chaired by CJHS parent Sandy Starkman and Karen and Jay Kaufman.

CJHS celebrates Israeli Independence Day

CJHS students and staff celebrated Israel's Independence Day on April 26. The celebration began with a program featuring renowned Israel lecturer Neil Lazarus.

"The lecture on current events in the Middle East provided students with perspectives on Israel and US's wars on terror," said Student Activities Coordinator Mr. Schultz. "It also provided students an opportunity to learn about various views of Israel and the US throughout the Middle East."

The educational program was followed by an Israeli picnic with music, dancing, and a game (conducted by the Israel Va'ad) in which students won various prizes.

Lecture presents 'the art of politics'

Mr. Neil Adelman presented the Art and the Politics of Arthur Szyk (pronounced Shick) at CJHS on April 27. Mr. Szyk was an illuminator, miniaturist, cartoonist and caricaturist , propagandist for the Allied cause during World War II, Polish patriot and tireless partisan for a Jewish state, antifascist humanist and freedom fighter. He designed and created the famous Szyk Hagaddah and his legacy of art was to address and understand the great issues of his time.

Students and staff volunteer at the Ark

Math/Science Department Chair Mrs. Levinson, juniors Lisa Banoff, Becky Kupchan and sophomore Lanie Abisdris volunteered at the Ark Cafe on April 28.