Students perform on Fine Arts Day
Photos [Top left to right and down] Senior Rebeccah Hartz and sophomore Yael Kiken smile after finishing an instrumental piece during Fine Arts Day on Dec. 16. Freshman Joshua Warshawsky plays the bass in the band. Freshman Shai Kamin is a member of the band. Sophomores Aaron Gore and Hannah Berkowicz perform their dance routine. Freshman Vince Pine plays his solo. Senior Ari Gore plays the role of a Rolling Stone writer as sophomore Aliza Stein laughs at his antics. Sophomores Ruthie Eisenberg and Geoff Levin play in the horn section in the band. Junior Jason Wiznitzer and senior Deanna Levin tell the student body that the yearbook is going to be great. Sophomore Nat Sufrin plays the violin. Sophomores Naomi Goldberg and Alexandra Sakols sing with the choir.

Resnick family donates Torah to CJHS

Rebecca and Janet Resnick hold the Torah that they found in a Moroccan gift shop.

The Resnick family presented a Torah to CJHS on Dec. 13 hachnasat torah (a torah dedication ceremony). The Resnick family recovered the Torah from Morocco and refurbished it. The Torah was presented on Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh, a day where two separate Torah portions are read.

Mr. Zaff's honor's Talmud students present their Chanukah posters.

CJHS students raise more than $1000 for Jerusalem hospital

CJHS students raised $1111 for Bikur Cholim Hospital in Jerusalem at the Dance A Thon held on Dec. 11 at Skokie Valley Synagogue. The dance was sponsored by the Va'ad Israel. The biggest fundraiser was freshman David Weltman who raised $108. Yasher koach to junior Lanie Abisdris for coordinating the dance and to Israel Va'ad sponsor Ms. Bierman. Also thank you to the faculty who chaperoned the dance.

Applications Pour In! 50% increase from last year! Numerous families took advantage of our $500 tuition credit by submitting an application for the 2005-2006 school year by the Dec. 15 early bird deadline. Applications came from a variety of students coming from various Jewish day schools and public schools, including those transferring in from other high schools. The Next application deadline is February 4, 2005. All applications received by this date will be notified of acceptance by March 4. Contact Rachel Spiro, Director of Admission, to receive an application packet or to schedule a tour, rspiro@chicagojhs.com or 847-324-3706.

Year End Gifts

CJHS has launched its Annual Appeal. Letters have been sent to 4,700 current and potential members of the CJHS family, asking consideration of their annual gift. All gifts to the school postmarked by Dec. 31 are tax deductible for 2004. The Development Office staff is happy to discuss giving options with you. CJHS accepts gifts of cash, check, charge (Visa and Mastercard), and stock. Gifts supporting the year-end appeal are vital to the success of the school. The community’s generosity is welcomed and appreciated at this exciting juncture in the school’s history.

Israeli teens visit CJHS

CJHS welcomed a dozen Israeli high school students on Dec. 13. The students are members of a youth basketball team and are touring the United States this month and have been staying with families from Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Deerfield. Rabbi Alex Felch and Education Director Felicia Lev from B'nai Tikvah accompanied the students to CJHS.

Our guests attended classes with members of our Israel Va'ad. Thanks to Va'ad adviser and Math Department Chair Ms. Bierman for her help to facilitate this visit.

Basketball teams continue seasons

The CJHS women's basketball team lost to Ida Crown Jewish Academy on Dec. 14. The leading scorers were sophomore Shayna Flink 10 points and Yael Schwartz with 6 points. The men's basketball team is off to a 5-1 start, with another win over Roycmore on Dec. 14.

"The men's and women's basketball teams wish to thank all of the parents who so generously gave their time and money for the new basketball uniforms," said women's basketball coach Tim Cohen. "Not only do they make us look better on the court, they also help us to play better also. We sincerely appreciate all of your heartfelt support for our teams."

Students publish the Prints

Congratulations to the literary journal staff who published its third volume of the Prints on Dec. 17.

Order photos from Prestige Portraits

Would you like to order a class or all-school photo? If so, then call Prestige Portraits at 630-910-3277. Email Yearbook sponsor Mr. Zaff if you have any questions.

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, junior Jacob Shapiro, freshman 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.

Learn about Conservative Judaism

How does Conservative Judaism apply the texts of our tradition to find meaning in our lives today? How does the Conservative Movement utilize the Talmudic process to determine Halachic positions? What does the Conservative movement believe? Learn the answers to these questions and more with Rabbi Elliot Goldberg, Director of Religious Life at CJHS. You'll leave each session with a more sophisticated understanding of Conservative Judaism.

Session 1
Jan. 5
7:30 PM
Texts and Context
The Conservative Movement's
Approach to Study

Session 2
Jan 12
7:30 PM
Following in the Footsteps of Hillel The Halachic Approach of the Conservative Movement

Session 3
Jan 19
7:30 PM
Approaches to Revelation The Theologies of the Conservative Movement

All sessions will meet at CJHS . Please RSVP to Joan Waxman at 847-470-6700.

Honor Martin Luther King by volunteering with IFYC

The Interfaith Youth Core Partnership is planning a project for the Martin Luther King day of service on Sunday, Jan. 17. All students are encouraged to participate. For more information please contact senior Becky Kupchan.

CJHS parent to speak on Israel and the water issue

CJHS parent Dr. Debbie Mir will be speaking on Water: The Lifeblood of the Land and the People of Israel at 8 p.m. on Jan. 20 at NSS Beth El , 1175 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. Israel is a world leader in efficient irrigated agriculture, and has the largest plant for recycling sewage in the world, with a growing desalination industry and mandatory water-saving home appliances. In the mad rush, however, to “make the land green” we’ve spoiled natural treasures by over pumping and contaminating precious resources, turning fresh streams into toxic cesspools. Explore Israel’s fascinating – and contradictory--environmental history. Contact Harriet Robbins, Continuing Education Director, at 847-432-8900, ext. 243, or at host@nssbethel.org for more information. THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM. Debby Mir, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, has extensive experience in environmental and safety projects for government, private consulting companies, universities and research institutions in Israel, Europe and the U.S. contact Harriet Robbins Ost, Continuing Education Director, at 847-432-8900, ext. 243, or at host@nssbethel.org.

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 faculty member Mrs. Eliaser, senior Charlie Gandelman, juniors Benji Derman, Shayna Flink, Jason Wiznitzer, sophomores Aaron Magid, Brian Pogrund, freshmen Richard Kahn for leading tefilah. Senior Ari Gore ,juniors Yael Kiken, Avram Pachter, sophomore Nat Sufrin, freshmen Maya Hobscheid, Vince Pine, Josh Warshawsky and David Weltman read Torah.

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

Thank you to frequent E-news contributors CJHS parent Sandy Starkman, Rabbi in Residence Rabbi Barkan, History teacher Mr. Gross, Talmud teacher Mr. Zaff, freshmen Vince Pine and Isaac Simon.

Shabbat Shalom! Candle lighting is at 4:03 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