June 4, 2004/16 Sivan 5764

Editor's Note: This is the last edition of the E-News for the 2003-04 school year. Thank you for reading and have a great summer.

If you cannot see the images, please visit http://www.chicagojhs.com/e-news/060404/060404.htm

Breaking News: Make your gift to CJHS count twice!

As CJHS nears the end of its school year, we are bringing to closure all gifts and payments on earlier pledges by June 30, 2004. It is vital that we reach the $2 million level in gifts to meet the operating needs of the school. Thanks to the generosity of the Saffir family, your gift can go twice as far: THEY WILL MATCH EACH AND EVERY NEW GIFT TO CJHS MADE BY JUNE 30.

The greatest priority for giving is general operating support, which allows the most flexibility during this growing stage. Other priorities include scholarships, individual departments, and the library. Gifts large and small are welcomed and appreciated. Commemorative opportunities are available at the $25,000 level and gifts of $5,000 are recognized on the school's Donor Wall.

CJHS accepts and encourages tribute gifts, checks, stock, and credit cards (VISA and Mastercard). Your gift received by June 30 will be doubled--and help maintain the very highest standards in Jewish and secular education. For more information, please contact the Development office: Michael Rubin, Sheldon Moss or Marissa Lifshen at 847-470-6700.

Chicagoland Jewish community celebrates with CJHS at its first graduation ceremony
	Left: Graduate Beth Magid receives congratulations from Rabbi Frankel at graduation. Right: Evan Dreifuss stands with his mom Sharon at graduation.
CJHS awarded diplomas to its first graduates, Zach Berkman, Evan Dreifuss, Mollie Flink, Samantha Freeman and Beth Magid, on June 1. The event attracted members of the Jewish community from throughout Chicago and the suburbs who were beaming with excitement at the Schools' success. Head of School Mrs. Stein, Executive Board President Stewart Flink, Director of Religious Life Rabbi Goldberg and key note speaker Rabbi Joshua Elkin, Executive Director of the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, spoke at the graduation as did the five graduates. The graduation was an inspiring success thanks to graduation committee, volunteers, businesses and organizations: Graduation Committee: Inez Altman, Sharon Chefitz, Jennifer Flink, Samantha Freeman, Jane Gard, Diane Halivni, Eileen Jacobs, Deanna Levin, Janet Resnick, David Schultz and David Weiss. Volunteers, CJHS parents and staff: Jane Bobrick, Igor Burda, Luba Gofmekler, Michelle Kanter, Dan Kornblut, Alex Kosarev, Dee Lewis, Claudia Linda, Monica Magid, Cindy Pogrund, Jill Ross, Zev Saffir, Angie Villagran, Joan Waxman Businesses and organizations: Jason Feldman, Luzazul Design, BBJ Linens, Kosher Gourmet, Photography by Yaakov, Swanson Florist, Morton Grove Police Department, Northwest Suburban Jewish Congregation, Videography-David Baker and Danny Kahn.

Simcha abounds at CJHS with naming of Katzman-Goldberg twins

The Northwest Suburban Jewish Congregation's sanctuary was filled with well wishers who attended the baby naming of Rabbi Sheryl Katzman and Rabbi Elliot Goldberg's twins. Rabbi Alan Kensky officiated the service and announced the girls names: Michal and Hadas Katzman Goldberg.

CJHS students earn scholarships and awards

Juniors Lisa Banoff and Ari Gore were awarded the 2004 Naftali Steinfeld Merit Scholarship of $500 (given by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago) to be used for their trips to Israel this summer. Lisa will participate in the Poland/Israel Ramah seminar and Ari will be joining an NCSY trip.

This Merit scholarship was given to only 15 students out of all applicants from Chicago-area high school, college and graduate students up to the age of 23, who are participating in an approved Israel experience program this summer or next fall. Criteria used for selection included: a transcript, recommendations from teachers, rabbis, youth directors etc...., reflecting the range of activities, service involvement, and leadership abilities. Each applicant had to submit proof of activities that showed tremendous commitment and range of leadership within the Jewish community as well as community service and involvement in the secular world. Applicants also had to write an essay on why it is important to go to Israel at this time. After all of the applications were reviewed, a small groups of students were chosen to be interviewed and scholarships were subsequently awarded .

Recent graduates Mollie Flink and Beth Magid earned "Sports Awards" from the B'nai Brith Lodge No. 2458 on June 2 at the Double Tree Hotel in Skokie. CJHS physical education teacher Mr. Peckler chaired the event.