Spotlight on men's basketball Editor's Note: The E-News is looking for parent or student volunteers to submit weekly articles about the men's and women's basketball games. The deadline for the newsletter is noon on Thursday. Please contact Ms. Marcus at the school to volunteer. The CJHS men's basketball team is off to an impressive 4-1 start. CJHS defeated University High Lab School 46-45 on Dec. 7 in overtime. Senior Charlie Gandelman, sophomores Leore Avidar and Brian Pogrund all scored in the double digits. The next night, CJHS suffered a tough loss to Ida Crown Jewish Academy. Support CJHS before winter vacation as the team faces Roycemore, Noble Street and Northside College Prep. In other news, mazel tov to Coach Jonathan Minkus on the engagement of his son.

Head of School named to national board

Head of School Roslyn Stein was named to the board of the Solomon Schechter Day Schools Association at the conference held on Dec. 5. SSDSA recently changed its structure to include professionals with lay leadership on its board. Mazel Tov to Mrs. Stein!

Mrs. Stein also presented a seminar on mentoring heads of school. She is the mentoring chair for the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.

Rabbi in Residence Rabbi Barkan, Director of Admissions Rachel Spiro and Executive Board Member Cindy Pogrund attended the Conference in Cherry Hill New Jersey. Larry Pachter, CJHS parent, board member, and president of the Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook also attended the conference.

"Attending the SSDS was a terrific opportunity to step back from our day to day responsibilities and reflect on ways to continually achieve excellence and to understand what excellence will require as we move further in to the 21st century," said Mrs. Pogrund. "It is inspirational to meet and learn from so many lay leaders and professionals who dedicate their lives to our children."

JTS Dean speaks at CJHS The Jewish Theological Seminary, CJHS and Solomon Schechter Day School hosted a private breakfast study session with Rabbi William H. Lebeau, dean of the JTS Rabbinical school, who spoke on "Not Reform; Not Orthodox: Conservative Judaism's Essential Middle Way - A Study of Maimonides' Treatise on the Importance of the Center in Jewish Life" on Dec. 9 at CJHS. The event was chaired by Karen and Jay Kaufman and Sandy Starkman. Save the Dates: Study Conservative Judaism at CJHS What exactly is Conservative Judaism? Find out on Jan. 5, 12, and 19 at study sessions with CJHS Director of Religious Life Rabbi Elliot Goldberg at CJHS.

SSDS PO hosts organ donation program in honor of CJHS Physical Education Teacher.

Yasher Koach to Rabbi Ruven Barkan and Dr. Avram Kraft who spoke at the the Solomon Schechter Parent Organizations "A Jewish Perspective On Organ Donation" on Dec. 6 at the home of Melissa and Marc Spellman in Northbrook. The evening was dedicated to Dr. Gary Peckler who needs a kidney transplant.

Dietitian speaks to Hebrew class

Dorit Weinberg, dietitian and nutritionist, spoke to Ela Moskovich's Hebrew class on Dec. 7 as part of a unit on culinary arts and culture. Speaking only in Hebrew, Ms. Weinberg told seniors Noam Davidoff, Jacob Kanter and Shlomi Mir that the food pyramid in Israel is different than the one used in the United States with potatoes and corn counted as grains along with pastas and breads. The class also discussed dietary supplements.

Russian club meets at CJHS

Celebrating their roots, CJHS students have started a club to learn about the language and culture of the republics of the former Soviet Union. Currently, the club is watching "Moscow Doesn't Believe in Tears," a film that depicts the story of three women struggling to establish themselves in the huge and impersonal capital city in the late 1950s. Members of the Russian club include seniors Rebecca Hartz, Hannah Hartz, Rachel Weiner, sophomores Rachel Karp and Aaron Gore. Math teacher Ms. Gitlin is the sponsor.

New CJHS Baseball T-Shirts For Sale

Every year the VA'AD Ha'Talmidim produces at least one new piece of school regalia. This semester the VA'AD has come out with great baseball t-shirts! They are 15 dollars each, and profits go to support the school's student government. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please contact Va'ad Secretary Deanna Levin at deannalevin87@yahoo.com.

B'nai B'rith offers college athletic scholarship

Candidates from Chicago area high schools are encouraged to apply for the Sports Lodge B'nai B'rith Scholarship for Jewish Youth. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, athletic ability, community service, and financial need. The recipient must enter a college or university in the term immediately following the granting of the scholarship. All applications must be submitted by February 6, 2005 and are available in the College Counseling Office. CJHS students are encouraged to apply.

Give tzedakah

CJHS students voted this week to donate tzedakah collected first semester to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The tzedakah box will be put near the prayer books on Friday and will remain outside the head of school's office during the week.

Support the Va'ad: buy your Challah from Breadsmith through CJHS

Welcome to the new and improved Va'ad Breadsmith Order Form. Have your son or daughter give the Breadsmith form and money to Geoff Levin, Va'ad Treasurer, on the Tuesday or Wednesday before the desired Friday delivery. Your challot and other selections will be delivered to the school on the Friday after the order is placed (or the Thursday after, if there is no Friday that week.) Save yourselves a trip to the store and help support the CJHS Va'ad at the same time. All of the profit of your Challah orders goes directly to Va'ad funds. If you need an order form, please email Geoff Levin at thevaad@yahoogroups.com.

Celebrate Chanukah at the Dance A Thon

With every dance step CJHS students will raise money for Bikur Cholim Hospital in Jerusalem. The Dance A Thon will last from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Skokie Valley Synagogue, 8825 North East Prairie Rd. Family and friends can sponsor a CJHS student who must raise $18 to participate. The CJHS student who raises the most money will win a prize. Every $18 raised will entitle the student to one raffle ticket to be eligible to win one of several door prizes.

Even if you don't like to dance, there will be other great activities.

Tickets are available at the door. Bring your friends! The Dance A Thon is sponsored by the Va'ad Israel.

Resnick family donates Torah to CJHS

The Resnick family has recovered a Torah from Morocco, refurbished it and will present it to CJHS at a hachnasat torah (a torah dedication ceremony) on Dec. 13 during a special Chanukah morning minyan at 8 a.m. Please save the date. Thank you to the Resnick family for their continuing contributions to CJHS.

Student photos to be displayed at JCC in Northbrook

The CJHS photography class' photos will be exhibited at the Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. The exhibit, titled "Best of 2004." will hang in the lobby of the JCC from Dec. 17 through Jan. 31. Student photographers are sophomore Josh Freeman, freshman Jacob Shapiro, junior Michael Shapiro, junior Madeline Miller, sophomore Sandy Johnston, sophomore Sofi Petchersky and Mrs. Marla Snyder, Photography teacher.

CJHS dance teacher dances in performance

See Erin Dreese, CJHS dance teacher perform "Seven Windows" at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Dec. 16, 17 and 18. The cost is $16 for students and seniors and $20 for general admission. For information and reservations call 773-604-8452.

Chaperone CHUSY convention

The International USY Convention is coming to Chicago from December 26-30. The Convention will be held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown on North Michigan Avenue. This is the single largest gathering in the Conservative Movement, not just of Conservative youth. This is a major event in our community and we need hordes of volunteers to help supervise our teens. Chaperones are scheduled for two hour shifts and discount parking is available. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated and we know that the teens of our community and from across the country will benefit greatly from our amazing Chicago hospitality. Please sign up today at www.chusy.org/icsignup.html.

Save the Dates: 'The Best of Schechter Feb. 13-14'

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to study with faculty from the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies.

Park Prof. David Golinkin, Pres. SIJS - "Adloyada" or: Just How Drunk should Jews get on Purim?"
Prof. Renee Levine Melammed, Asst. Dean, SIJS “The Secret Lives of Crypto-Jewish Women”
Prof. Gabi Barkay, Senior Lecturer, SIJS - "What is Happening on the Temple Mount Today?"
Feb. 13
10 am-3:30 p.m.
North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
1175 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
Paid $10 reservation required for Sunday lunch.
For info call 847-432-8900 or nssbe@nssbethel.org

"Were the Israelites in Egypt? Archaeological Perspectives on the Exodus" Prof. James Hoffmeier, Trinity International University, Deerfield Respondents: Professors Gabi Barkay and David Golinkin, SIJS.
Feb. 14
4 -6 p.m.
Northwestern University, Evanston
Sponsored by The Crown Family Center for Jewish Studies at Northwestern University
For more information: 847-491-2612; jewish-studies@northwestern.edu;
http://www.cas.northwestern.edu/Jewish-studies

8 p.m.
"Current Controversies in Israel: Education and Archaeology."
Prof. David Golinkin "Wanted: a Jewish Educational Revolution in the State of Israel”
Prof. Gabi Barkay,"What is Happening on the Temple Mount Today?"
Feb. 14
8pm
Anshe Emet Synagogue
3760 N Pine Grove, Chicago
For more information contact Andi Gutnik, at 773-868-5119, agutnik@ansheemet.org

Synagogue Lecture Co-Sponsors: Anshe Emet Synagogue, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, Cantor’s Assembly -Midwest Region, Chicagoland Jewish High School, Federation of Jewish Men’s Club’s -Midwest Region, Midwest Jewish Educators Assembly, Jewish Theological Seminary - Midwest, Mercaz USA, Chicago Region of the Rabbinical Assembly, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El , Ramah Day Camp, Solomon Schechter Day Schools of Chicago, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism - Midwest Region, Women’s League For Conservative Judaism - Central Branch

Yasher Koach

Yasher kochechem to seniors Zach Frankel, Rachel Hilker, Jacob Kanter, junior Jennifer Feldman, sophomores Brian Pogrund, and freshmen Avi Coven for leading tefilah. Junior Avram Pachter, sophomores Abby Landis, Aaron Magid, freshmen Richard Kahn and David Weltman read Torah. Yasher Koach to physics/math teacher Ms. Eliaser on her provocative Dvar Hanukah.

Yasher kochechem to senior Ari Gore, sophomore Aaron Gore, freshmen David Weltman and Jonathon Kirshenbaum who served food at the ARK on Dec. 8. The next ARK visit will be Jan. 12. See sophomore Matthew Silverman if you are interested in volunteering.

Yasher kochechem to Bible teacher Rabbi Dickman, senior Garret Jacobs, sophomores Ruthie Eisenberg, Brian Pogrund, Matthew Silverman, Nat Sufrin, and Vanessa Youssai for celebrating Chanukah at the Friend's Center in Deerfield.

Has your email changed or will it be changing? If so, email smarcus@chicagojhs.com with your new address.

Shabbat Shalom! Candle lighting is at 4:01 p.m. The parshat hashavuah is available through the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Sharna Marcus
E-News Editor
History Teacher
College Counseling Associate
Prints and US Politics Club Adviser
Student Technology Services Coordinator
Chicagoland Jewish High School
7800 W. Lyons Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 847-324-3733
Fax: 847-324-3701
Email: smarcus@chicagojhs.com
Web: http://www.chicagojhs.com