CJHS is thrilled to invite the entire community to our grand opening celebration on September 30, 2007. The festivities will include a Torah procession from our current home in Morton Grove to our new, state-of-the-art home in Deerfield, dancing, tours of our new building, and more. Here is a tentative schedule:

8:00 a.m. Shacharit

9:15 a.m. The Torah procession begins in Morton Grove

1:00 p.m. Dancing and rejoicing with the Torah at our new home in Deerfield

2:00 p.m. Program

2:30-3:30 p.m.Tours and dessert

3:30 p.m. Mincha

CJHS is a reality because of the support of our entire community. We have reached this milestone together, and together we will celebrate. Our new home, designed with ties to the land and the people of Israel, will be a place where Jewish values live, students flourish, and our community unites... l'dor v'dor - generation to generation.

Join us for this free event chaired by Sandy Levin, Kim Frankel, and Lori Rabinowitz. Look for more details in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to the CJHS Class of 2007 on their graduation, achievements, and service to the community. With over 100 acceptances to more than 50 different colleges and universities, the Class of 2007 has been awarded over $500,000 in merit scholarships. These 25 students applied to colleges in 21 states and three countries and have been admitted to more than a dozen honors programs. The class further distinguished itself with three National Merit Scholarship Finalists, three Commended students, and 12 Illinois State Scholars. We are proud to announce that CJHS seniors will attend the following schools:

The Class of 2007 will graduate on Wednesday, May 30 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are not necessary, but reservations are requested. Please call 847-423-5979 to let us know you will attend. Board members are requested to be at the school by 5:00 p.m. to line up. Seniors are required to be at school by 5:00 p.m. with their caps and gowns.

Rabbi Kenneth Katz, of Beth Israel Center, Madison's Conservative synagogue, visited CJHS this week with his wife, Dr. Esther Lefevre. According to Rabbi Katz, the Madison Jewish community is interested in finding a Jewish high school option for their students. While at CJHS, Rabbi Katz and his wife learned about CJHS's academic philosophy, curriculum, and commitment to excellence.  They also heard about the success of students, like Joel Pachefsky of Milwaukee, who live with CJHS families during the week and return to Wisconsin each weekend.

Interest from other regions such as South Bend, IN, and Milwaukee, WI has been growing as well.  If you would like to find our more about CJHS, please contact Rachel Spiro, Director of Admissions, at rspiro@cjhs.org. 

More than 35 sophomores, juniors, and seniors sat for 91 advanced placement tests in the areas of English Language, Spanish Language, Calculus AB/BC, English Literature, U.S. History, Biology, Government and Politics: United States and Comparative, Chemistry, and Microeconomics. Last year, 29 students took 55 Advanced Placement exams. Furthermore, 96% of last year's scores were 3 or higher; 23% were scores of 4; 46% were scores of 5. A score of 5 is the highest score a student can achieve. Students will receive scores for this year's exams during the third week of June. AP scores are not used for college admission, but for course placement, and many students receive college credit for performance on these tests. AP exams are extremely rigorous, and each exam takes between 3-4½ hours to administer.

"The prior success of our students on these exams and the number of exams administered this year clearly indicate the commitment that CJHS students make to their academics and to learning," says Bruce Scher, Academic Dean. "We are grateful to our staff for all the extra time that they give to this program both after school and on Sundays as they meet with students to give them the best learning experiences possible. The expertise of our staff and their passion for teaching contribute to our excellence in education."

The Fine and Performing Arts Department is proud to announce the opening of the second annual student-directed one-act plays on Monday, May 21 at 4:45 p.m. in the Social Hall at CJHS. Student directors include Donna Abisdris, Tova Goldberg, and Jacob Rabinowitz. Performers include Esther Bier, Sydni Cole, Jeremy Hipps, Joel Pachefsky, David Israel, Michael Brunwasser, Matthew Hass, Donna Abisdris, and Tova Goldberg. During breaks between acts, audience members will enjoy the guitar music of Victor Abecassis, Seth Berkman, and Kayce Miller, and poetry by Skye Miller.  The performance will culminate with a one-act featuring all the actors, directed by Sydni Cole. This evening of student-directed plays is under the supervision of Ms. Dori Robinson, who will announce a special surprise about next year's drama shows.  

The students have worked very hard to create an evening of inspiration and expression!  Don't miss this final student performance of the 2006-2007 school year!

This Shabbat, May 19, CJHS students who attend Beth Hillel Congregation B'nai Emunah (BHCBE) in Wilmette will read Torah during the Shabbat morning service. In addition, BHCBE will display 18 pieces of art and photography created by CJHS students. At the conclusion of the service, Larry Gerber, a CJHS Vice President and active member of the BHCBE, will make a special presentation to the congregation to express CJHS's appreciation to BHCBE members for participating in the Harvey L. Miller Challenge Grant by raising $100,000 for the new CJHS building. A Kiddush in honor of the occasion will follow services. An open invitation is extended to anyone wishing to attend.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bea Silverman, Dr. David Shapiro's and Lori Stark's aunt, and Aliza and Avra Shapiro's great-aunt. The funeral was on Friday. For more information about Shiva, please contact Lori Stark at 847.826.8151. Contributions in Bea Silverman's memory may be made to CJHS.

Hamakom Yinachem Etchem B'toch Sh'ar Avalei Tziyon V'Yerushalayim.
May God's presence comfort David, Lori, Aliza, Avra, and their entire family among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

If you would like to sponsor breakfast in honor of a student's birthday (or any occasion), please contact Ms. Inez Altman via email or by phone at 847-324-3713. The students love the recognition, and the bagels are great, too!

Teens Can Apply Now For Write On For Israel