This year's cabaret, held on the eve of an historic election, celebrated a legacy of American politics, presidents, and protests.  Stephen Sondheim treated us to "Politics Tonight," performers tried to "Sing Me a Song with Social Significance," and old campaign songs were dusted off as Truman, Kennedy, and Clinton each tried to persuade voters that their ascendency to the Oval Office would ensure good times and happy tunes to come. 

 

 

CJHS's salute to the grand old U. S. of A. reflected the tension between good old-fashioned patriotism and the notion that loving one's country and approving of one's country are not necessarily the same.  Old soldiers grumbled good-naturedly in Irving Berlin's "O, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning" and "This is the Army, Mr. Jones!" while young people of another generation wondered "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," a Pete Seeger lament about the cycle of war and the futility of sacrifice. 

 

 

The cast of Cabaret 2008 invites the entire community to salute the men and women who make this country great: our civil servants who dedicate themselves to justice and equality, our armed forces who defend our liberty and safety, and every voter, advocate, and campaigner whose participation ensures the the future of democracy.  "With malice towards none and with charity for all," let us move forward from this day in history, our new president and his proud supporters, together with his loyal opposition, working together to restore prosperity, opportunity, and peace to our land.

On Thursday October 23, Rabbi Barkan's Tanach class convicted King David of murder for killing an Amalekite youth, a lad who untruthfully took responsibility for the death of King Saul.  Lawyers on each side presented witnesses from the first chapter of Samuel II, as well as other books of the Tanach, and the testimony of an expert medieval witness, Rabbi Levi ben Gershom (Ralbag).  The case was remanded to the class for sentencing, but no consensus was reached; some called for the death penalty while others argued for a few years in prison.  Each member of the class is writing an appeal to the court to uphold or to overturn the conviction.   

 

On Tuesday, November 4, the CJHS math team rushed to complete 100 questions in only 30 minutes in the 2nd annual Team Scramble.  The math team leaders came up with strategies that helped beat last year's score by 4 points.  Thanks to sophomores Jordy Shapiro, Iszy Licht, Jonah Harris, and Aaron Miller; juniors Leo Spornstarr, Ari Eisenstadt, Matt Levin, and Louis Shekhtman; and seniors Danny Silver, Yaakov Calamaro, Avra Shapiro, and Sydni Cole.  Special thanks to Rachel Binstock for organizing and collecting answers.
 
The math team has been sharpening their problem solving skills with Dr. David Yuen.  More practices and challenging contests are coming up!

Dr. Rebecca Schorsch at Lishma 

 

This year's Lishma lecture series begins with CJHS's own Dr. Rebecca Schorsch. The initial program, entitled "What's So Hard About Reading the Bible?" is taking place on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. at CJHS. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Dr. Schorsch's Lishma presentation will explore scholarly and religious approaches to reading the Bible, keeping in mind the implications of this scholarship on contemporary Jewish education.

Lishma is beginning its second year and features distinguished speakers discussing a wide variety of topics - both Judaic and general - of interest to the community. Space for the program featuring Dr. Schorsch is limited. Reservations can be made by contacting Bobbie Wolk at 847.324.3723 or rwolk@cjhs.org. Suggested minimum donation for the event is $18; parking will be available.

 

 

It's still not too late to order Susie Fishbein's Kosher by Design cookbook to benefit CJHS.  Last day to order is November 15.  Please email Bobbie Wolk at rwolk@cjhs.org or call at 847.324.3723.

 

7th and 8th Grade Students:

Join us for an afternoon of activity and fun!
Sunday, November 23
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Lunch included!

Boys - want to polish your basketball game?  This workshop is for you.  Work on your basketball skills at a clinic led by our coaches and team captains.  Run drills, improve your fundamentals in the sport and develop team-building skills that will lead to success on the court. 
 
Girls - join staff from Girls in the Game & Response Center  in workshops that promote good health, exercise and nutrition.  Girls will be introduced to yoga and other activities and learn about making healthy choices. 

RSVP: Rachel Spiro, Director of Admissions
847.324.3706 or rspiro@cjhs.org
Open to all students at no cost.

 

The U.S. Politics Club welcomed Representative Mark Kirk to speak to the CJHS student body.  Kirk discussed congressional support for Israel, and the importance of accurate, educated decision making.  He spoke of his experiences advocating for Israel in the State Department, urging students to become informed about the real dangers facing our two countries.  CJHS thanks Mr. Kirk for taking the time to speak at our school.  We hope to continue the discussion in two weeks when the junior class goes to Washington!

 

Many thanks to sophomore Gabe Rubin for coordinating this program.

Congratulations to Esther Lowe, Jeremy Hulkower, and Louis Shekhtman who passed the qualifying round of the Jerusalem Science Contest in nuclear science.  The two seniors and one junior will compete with 39 other students from around the country for cash prizes, a college scholarship, and a free trip to Israel.  Stay tuned!

 

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP). SEAP is an 8 week summer research opportunity at participating ONR laboratories for high school students 16 years of age  and up (for most laboratories) who are U.S. citizen.  Graduating seniors are eligible to apply. The stipend for the summer program is $1,500 for new students; $1,550 for returning students. The application  must be completed by January 26, 2009. For more information, visit, http://www.asee.org/seap.

 

 

 

The CJHS Garden Club dig-in has been postponed due to weather and logisitcs.  Stay tuned for the  upcoming rain date!

The garden club still needs to borrow the following tools:
     Shovels
     Wheelbarrows
     Sledge Hammers
     Rakes
     Mattocks
If you have any of those tools and would be willing to lend them to the Garden Club for one weekend, please contact Ellie Honan, blondellie220@yahoo.com, or 952.217.7911. 

 

 

Navigating the changing world of Israel experience can be challenging. Explore options, learn about new trends in the field and find out about ways to make your child's Israel trip more affordable. Talk to parents of recent participants, gather program information, and learn from professionals in the field at a parent reception near you. Information about scholarships and savings programs will be provided. Two Naftali Steinfeld Israel Experience Certificates valued at $500 each will be raffled off at each reception. Dessert and coffee will be served.  RSVP for the most convenient reception by sending an email to IsraelExperience@juf.org by November 14, 2008.
 
     Thursday, November 20, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.           
     Chicagoland Jewish High School
 
     Tuesday, December 2, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.               
     Skokie Solomon Schechter Day School

 
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Martha Keefe's aunt, Lenore Wiltzius.  May God's presence comfort the Keefes among the other mourners of the world.

Sponsored Breakfasts 

Yasher koach to Lisa Wiznitzer, Alex Krule, Eliana Fisher, Matt Levin, Ms. Musin, and Hannah Miller for leading davening at CJHS this week; also to Louis Shekhtman, Elli Cohn and Jeremy Hulkower for reading Torah.