Coffee, Questions, and Answers for Prospective Parents
Prospective parents have an opportunity to learn about our commitment to academic excellence, integrated curriculum, distinguished faculty, and active student life at an upcoming parlor meeting on Tuesday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. The parlor meeting will be held at the home of Michelle and Jimmy Seidenberg (and CJHS senior Lindsay). RSVP to the Seidenbergs or Rachel Spiro.

Thank you to Elisa and Steven Lupovitch for hosting a Parlor Meeting on September 27 and Nina and Arnie Harris for hosting a Parlor Meeting on October 4.

Applications Are Already Being Submitted for the 2007-2008 Academic Year--
Don’t miss the $500 tuition discount!
CJHS is now accepting admissions applications for the 2007-2008 academic year, when CJHS will move to its new home in Deerfield. Save $500 off tuition by submitting an application by December 15, 2006. Applications can be downloaded from the CJHS website, or contact Rachel Spiro.

Save the Dates
CJHS is hosting two Open Houses for Prospective Families. Please join us on Sunday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m. or Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. to meet students and faculty, tour our school, and learn about extracurricular and athletic programs. Day school and public school families are invited to attend!

Other ways to learn more about CJHS:
Schedule a tour during school hours. Have your child shadow a CJHS student. Speak to a current parent and/or student. Request an Information and Application Packet.

In addition to the three CJHS seniors who have been named National Merit Semifinalists, CJHS is proud to announce that three seniors have been named National Merit Commended Students. Seniors Ruthie Eisenberg, Aliza Stein, and Nat Sufrin are among the top five percent of students who entered the competition.

During Shabbat Shuvah (September 29-30), twenty- three freshmen and five older Peer Helpers shared a lovely Shabbaton hosted by the Egalitarian Minyan of Rogers Park. Students led tefillot on Friday night, ate a delicious dinner together, played a number of group games, read Torah at the Egalitarian Minyan's service on Shabbat morning, enjoyed an afternoon at Lerner Park, and journeyed to the Forst/Kiken home for mincha, seudah shlishit, ma'ariv, and havdalah.

Thank you to Rabbi Barkan, Ms. Lensch, Dr. Auslander, Ms. Bier, Mr. Ring, and Ms. Musin for staffing the Shabbaton. Many thanks to our thirteen host families, who provided home hospitality to students and faculty. Special thanks also go to Linda Forst, Andy Kirschner, and Alan Hobscheid for their dedication to making this event a success.

The PLAN test is a standardized exam offered each fall to sophomores across the U.S. The PLAN helps students measure their current academic development and gain a picture of their strengths and weaknesses in order to better prepare for the ACT, which most students take in their junior year. The PSAT is an abbreviated version of the SAT offered each fall to sophomores and juniors. Sophomores take the PSAT for the same reasons they take the PLAN test: to get an idea of their strengths and weaknesses so that they can better prepare for the SAT. Juniors take the PSAT to assess their academic development, and also as the screening test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a nationwide competition for recognition and awards.

This year, the PSAT will be offered at CJHS on the morning of October 18. The PLAN will be offered here on the morning of November 28. We encourage all sophomores to take both tests and all juniors to take the PSAT. An application form and copies of the Official Student Guide to the PSAT have been distributed to students. The student guide to the PLAN will be distributed to sophomores as soon as copies are delivered to CJHS.

Students who plan to take one or both of these must complete the application form and return it to the College Counseling office no later than October 10, 2006. There is a $16 fee for the PSAT. Checks should be made payable to CJHS. The PLAN is administered free of charge.

Freshmen in Rabbi Barkan's Nevi'im Rishonim (Early Prophets) class recently simulated a Bet Din (a Jewish court of law) in which they tried (king-to-be) David for first-degree murder for ordering the death of the Amalekite servant as recorded in the first chapter of Shmuel Bet (Samuel II). Students served as defense and prosecuting lawyers, witnesses, and media. Students developed their characters based on their study of the surrounding materials on this perek (chapter) in the Tanach (Bible), including background information from other parts of the Tanach, a conflicting account of the event in the preceding chapter, and a rabbinic perspective. Most importantly, they synthesized all of this information to develop their own opinions and bring the case to life.

"I really enjoyed the Mock Bet Din," said freshman Hannah Miller. "Even when we were not in Bible class, we were discussing and arguing our positions. In addition to studying the text in depth, we also learned a lot about trials and how they work."

What was the result of the trial? The judges convicted David in both cases. Each student, though, will ultimately make his/her real determination of innocence as the class continues studying David's life throughout the rest of the semester. Special thanks to Rabbi Barkan, Dr. Schaffner, Rabbi Dickman, Mrs. Meadows, and Ms. Robinson, who served on the panel of judges.

Tune in after Yom Tov this Sunday, October 8 to WFMT (98.7 FM), to hear CJHS junior Richard Kahn perform with the Fasttrack Trio (Richard on piano, cellist Zuren Hsueh, and flautist Abi Noda) The Fasttrack Trio is being featured on From the Top, the NPR series that showcases some of the country's top young classical musicians. The one- hour program includes performances by several individuals and ensembles, along with interviews and skits. During the live concert taping, which took place last May, Richard talked about how his trio partners accommodate his Shabbat observance! The Fasttrack Trio is featured in the very last segment of the show, so if you’re done with havdalah by 7:45, turn on your radio to catch their performance.

The CJHS Bike Club sponsored an 18-mile ride on September 17 to raise money for Magen David Adom. The riders are pictured above, including students, parents, and faculty. The Bike Club thanks Dr. Schaffner and Mrs. Auslander for providing refreshments and support.

Selichot Lecture
Yasher koach to Dr. Rebecca Schorsch, Talmud teacher, for delivering the Selichot lecture at Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel on September 16.

Science Chair Attends Multiple Meetings
Mrs. Ann Levinson, Science Department Chair, attended the ACS (American Chemical Society) High School Education Meeting on Wednesday, September 20. One of the many discussion topics was the use of new technology in schools. Mrs. Levinson also participated in the United States National Chemistry Olympiad Subcommittee in Washington, D.C. in late September.

Scher to Present at National Conference
Mr. Bruce Scher will speak at the National Association for College Admission Counseling's 2006 62nd National Conference on October 6 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He will be joined by colleagues from the Sage Hill School in California, Beckman High School in California, High Tech High School in California, and Dana Hall School in Massachusetts.

In the spirit of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a commandment), Va'ad Vogue ushered in the New Year on September 21 with a red and brown special- dress day to represent the colors of apples and honey. On September 29, students and faculty wore ties to symbolize how we "tie up" our sins during the days of repentance before Yom Kippur.

Dr. Rosenberg's Program Receives LIVESTRONG Grant
The CJHS community is proud to share exciting news about Dr. Carol Rosenberg, mother of recent graduate Benji Derman and current sophomore Yael Derman. Dr. Rosenberg's work with Evanston Northwestern Healthcare’s Living in the Future (LIFE) initiative, a community cancer survivorship program, has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This unique program is designed to create a bridge for continued care of post-treatment cancer survivors. For more information, please go to http://www.enh.org.

Alumni Parent Publishes Book
Yasher koach to Beverly Fried Fox, parent of alumna Renana Fox, whose new book, And God Saw That It Was Good: A Sukkot Story, has just been published. Mrs. Fox is the Assistant Principal at the Sager Solomon Schechter Middle School. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go toward the purchase of a new DVD player for the Middle School. Books are available in the Schechter office, and each book costs $8.95.
For more information, contact Schechter at 847-412-5700.

Brunch to honor Rabbi Balinsky
Rabbi Michael Balinsky served as Northwestern University Hillel’s executive director from 1981-2000. During this time he oversaw the greatest expansion of Hillel on campus. He also led the effort to build the current Hillel building and inspired many Northwestern students to live and explore life in a Jewish way. Rabbi Balinsky continues to work with and lead the Chicago Jewish community. He will be honored for his achievements and successes on Sunday, October 22 (NU Homecoming Weekend) at 10:30 a.m. To receive a formal invitation with more details, please call 847-467-4455 or email hillel@northwestern.edu. Rabbi Balinsky is the father of Miriam Balinsky, a 2005 CJHS graduate.

Kol Hakavod to sophomores Lea Sarris, Esther Bier, Sydni Cole, and Francesca Hirschfeld, and to Ms. Robinson, for volunteering at Café ARK on September 27.

The Va'ad is pleased to invite all students to the annual Sukkah Hop. This year students will be hopping through Deerfield and will visit the sukkot of Ari Eisenstadt, Aviva and Yael Schwartz, and Rena Forester. Delicious food will be served at each location. To RSVP, please respond to your evite or speak to Rachel Braun, Va'ad Secretary. The cost is $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

This year's Cabaret welcomes singers, dancers, performers of all kinds…and scriptwriters! Ms. Robinson is looking for a few good students to brainstorm ideas and help write the script for CJHS IDOL. Scriptwriters will meet at lunch on October 3, 5, 10, and 12. Please sign up on the Drama bulletin board (just outside of the TRC). If you have any questions, contact Ms. Robinson.

Va'ad Tikkun Olam has just completed its first drive of the year. Yarn was collected for CJHS's own Crochet Club, and beads were collected for CJHS's Va'ad Vogue. The yarn and beads will be used to make hats and bracelets for children with cancer. These projects bring great happiness to the recipients, who appreciate the gifts and know that other people are thinking about them and wishing them well.

In between classes and other activities, Jacob Shapiro, a 2006 CJHS graduate, has been writing sports articles. So far, four of Jacob's articles have been published in the Columbia Spectator. Jacob is currently a student at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Got Pictures?
Parents, students, and faculty are always taking pictures of athletics and other events. If you have pictures from CJHS events, summer events, or anything else the yearbook may want to use, please upload them at http://portal.jostens.com. The User ID is 1114242, and the password is cjhs.

Want to Place an Ad?
We are also seeking sponsors for the 5767 edition of Yachad. You can advertise your business or honor students and other individuals in the school community by placing an ad in our sponsorship book, which will be distributed throughout the community along with the CJHS yearbook, Yachad. The money raised helps to cover the cost of publishing the yearbook. Ads can be purchased in the following sizes: full page ($200), half page ($100), quarter page ($50), and business card ($25). For more information, please contact junior Jeremy Frankenthal.

Please direct yearbook questions to Leore Avidar, editor-in-chief, or Ms. Blumenthal, yearbook advisor.

Mazal tov to Mrs. Eliaser and Dr. Eliaser on the naming of their daughter, Davita Deborah Eliaser. Davita was named at CJHS on Monday, September 18. More than 200 people attended the beautiful ceremony, including family, friends, students, parents, faculty, staff, and board members. The event was captured by a Chicago Tribune photographer and a photo (not the one above) appeared in the October 3 paper.

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Dr. Marvin Brown, grandfather of Betsy Forester and great-grandfather of freshman Rena Forester. The funeral and shiva took place in Phoenix, Arizona.

Thank you to Jane and Nate Pickus for sponsoring breakfast in honor of the successful beginning of CJHS's sixth year.

Thank you to the Kamin family for sponsoring breakfast in honor of Zach's 15th birthday.

Thank you to Mrs. Lahat for sponsoring breakfast in memory of her father, Avraham Zano.

Thank you to the Frankenthal family for sponsoring breakfast in honor of Jeremy's 17th birthday.

If you would like to sponsor breakfast in honor of a student’s birthday (or any occasion), please contact Ms. Joan Waxman via email or by phone at 847-324- 3711. The students love the recognition, and the bagels are great, too!

Over the last few weeks, Arianna Rozen, Esther Lowe, Hannah Rosenbaum, Aaron Weinberg, Seth Berkman, Aaron Magid, Nicole Wiznitzer, Avi Coven, Matt Levin, Matthew Silverman, Jacob Stoehr, Elli Cohn, Lea Sarris, Rabbi Goldberg, Dani Wolf, and Avra Shapiro led tefillah. Dr. Karp, Isaac Simon, Hannah Miller, Eli Miller, Jeremy Hulkower, and Nicole Wiznitzer read Torah. Josh Warshawsky chanted the haftarah on Tzom Gedalya. Esther Lowe gave a parashah summary.

Yasher koach to Ms. Jacobson-Maisels for giving a Dvar Torah on September 29.

CJHS has a mincha minyan at 4:30 Monday through Thursday. The community is welcome to join us at this minyan.

Read the parashah, haftarah, and a JTS commentary online.

Candlelighting is at 6:08 p.m. this week. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!