Hanukkah

“Every individual is a tiny light but together we are a mighty light”

כל אחד הוא אור קטן וכולנו אור איתן

One of my favorite Hanukkah song is “Banu Choshech Legaresh” - We came to drive away the darkness- In its lyrics there is a line that says: “Kol echad hu ohr katan v’kulanu hor eitan”  -  Every individual is a tiny light but together we are a mighty light –

This is true, with a multi-wicked candle versus a regular candle; while a Shabbat candle is a relatively tiny light, a Havdalah candle could be considered a medura, a bonfire, a very mighty light.

Every individual is a tiny light but together we are a mighty light. We see that in the story of Hanukkah as well as in this week’s Torah portion “Miketz” that the ohr katan, the small tiny light can make just as much of a difference. Joseph single-handedly saved the world. The tiny group of Maccabees quelled the Hellenists and the Greek-Assyrians, and ensured the survival of other Jewish way of life.

Maybe we are not a Joseph or a Judah Maccabeus, but I feel that everyone can make a difference.  Everyone has the potential to do anything, and if not, has the option to mobilize.  One can rally others and reinforce that tiny but powerful light and add wicks to become a mighty flame.

Don’t feel that you are unable to make a difference in the world. You can be a mighty flame on your own.

Shabbat Shalom, and may your Menorah candles shine strong and bright on this Festival of Lights.

Chag Urim Sameach

Morah Miriam

Respect, Universal peace and Self-awareness

The Jewish attitude of tolerance, respect and appreciation for other religions and people from diverse backgrounds is based both on historical-sociological as well as theological-ideological reasons and is sourced in our Biblical tradition, "Be kind to the strangers amongst you, as you were strangers in the Land of Egypt."  

Ideologically, Judaism has never claimed monopoly on wisdom or piety, and has always embraced the pious amongst the non-Jewish and their non-Jewish beliefs as long as they follow the universal rules of moral conduct.  There was never an expectation to convert and/or embrace Judaism.  The highest attainment of human religious perfection, i.e. ‘Ruach HaKodesh’ (Divine Inspiration) is not denied any human being.  (Tana D’vei Eliyahu - 7th Century)

Judaism has never considered itself purely a ‘religion’ but basically a social entity, a 'People.'  As such, there is no room for feelings of competition or antagonism towards other religions.  As a people, Judaism strives to establish itself as a vital entity among other nations of the world. "A light amongst the nations."  Isaiah 42:6

There are three basic concepts in handling the interfaith issue:

1. Human respect
2. Universal Peace
3. Self-Awareness

Human Respect:  The rabbis taught (Pirke Avot 4:1) “Who is respected?  The one that respects others.”  Human respect and dignity is reciprocal.  Your chances to be respected and honored as an individual, as well as a group, depend on your behavior and attitude towards others.  One who has no respect for his fellow man, can hardly expect respect in return.

Universal Peace:  ‘Darche Shalom’ (ways of peace) is an important idea in rabbinic law.  “The ways of Torah are ways of pleasantness and they lead to peace.”  (Proverbs 3:17)  This is a biblical motto and a guide in developing human relationships.    

Self-Awareness: Genuine respect and friendliness towards others stem from self-appreciation and self-dignity.  This self-awareness stems from attitudinal and behavioral qualities rather than from any mythical, mystical or theological notions.  By developing a positive approach to one-self, to one’s own dignity and integrity, one fosters a positive attitude of respect and friendship towards all men and women.  A respect for one’s own heritage and faith should be built not on belittling others, but rather on enlarging the scope of understanding of, and openness towards, human beings in general and appreciation of their rich divergence.  

Rabbi Baruch Plotkin 

PRE MED CLUB

This afternoon, members of the Pre-Med club participated in their third medical experience as part of our partnership with the Charles E. Shcmidt School of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. For this experience, students gained hands-on experience as they interacted with life-like mannequins under the supervision of trained medical professionals. Mr. Mark Goldstein and Dr. Randi Sperling facilitated this trip's activities and graciously offered to our students a wealth of information regarding the medical school application process as well as diversity within the medical community.

With regard to the simulation, our students were able to examine and conduct patient histories. Students learned to ask appropriate questions and refine possible diagnoses based on patient responses and physical assessment. These assessments included monitoring vitals such as respiratory and heart rates, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Equipped with these newly acquired skills, we hope to enhance student interest in medical professions as several of our Juniors and Seniors hold aspirations to one day practice medicine. We are excited to continue these experiences into second semester with even more fun, and educational programs.

Reginald DeLandsheer

AP PHYSICS

"AP Physics students were tasked with designing two experiments 1) to show that the period of a pendulum is independent of the attached mass and 2) that the period is independent of how far the mass is drawn back before set in motion. Here they are shown working on the lab. The students had to come up with their own experimental design, choose their own materials and record their procedure for showing these well know yet counter-intuitive laws of nature."

Lauren Jordan

Radical Amazement

Rabbi David Paskin

This week’s parsha, Vayeitzei, begins with Jacob on a journey, having left home abruptly after stealing his brother's birthright. In transit, he stops for the night, taking a stone for his pillow. At this moment of vulnerability, he has a powerful dream-vision of angels ascending and descending a ladder, and God promising him a great future and inheritance. When he awakes, Jacob realizes that this is not just any old resting place. He declares, "Surely ADONAI is in this place, and I, I did not know it!" (Genesis 28:16).

Every morning we thank God for opening the eyes of the blind. We all know that this is not meant to be taken literally - God does not perform some magical medicine and restore eyesight to those who are physically blind. Instead, we might understand this blessing as a recognition that we all have blind spots. There are moments in our lives that seem to sneak past us. We just don’t even see them: A hungry person on the side of the road, the miracle of the sun rising each day, the blessed capacity that we have to think, feel, understand and question. These realities hide in our blind spots and each morning we remind ourselves that God can help us open our eyes to see the miracles and challenges that are around us every day.

Jacob’s declaration that even he, one of our most beloved forefathers, had these same blind spots is both stunning and comforting. Stunning because we imagine our ancestors as having a much closer and more intimate relationship with and awareness of God. Comforting because there is a happy ending to Jacob’s blindness - his eyes are opened and he realizes, just in the nick of time, that God had been there all along, he just hadn’t noticed.

The very next verse celebrates his realization when he exclaims, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the abode of God, and that is the gateway to heaven.” If Jacob can recognize his blindness, perhaps we can as well.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel teaches us about “Radical Amazement.” He asks us how we can live in this world, look at this world, engage with this world and not be constantly and radically amazed! You are reading this, thinking, taking in information, maybe drinking a cup of coffee, using your hands to navigate this webpage. You are breathing, moving, feeling, hearing, seeing! It's all pretty amazing when you open your eyes.

It’s all too easy to live in the blind spots to miss out on the miracles that are happening in every moment, to miss out on God’s Presence in this place. It’s a shame to have to look back on our lives and say, “I, I did not know it.”

Praised are You, ADONAI our God, Ruler of the universe, Who opens our eyes.”

CLUBS AT ROSENBLATT HIGH SCHOOL

Rosenblatt High School has a wide variety of clubs for students to participate in.  There is something for everyone and if you can not find something you like, you can always start a club of your own.  Currently at RHS we offer Sports and Outdoors, Unicorn & Friends, Friends of Israel, Video Games, Project Jump, No Place for Hate, Key Club, Newspaper, Legacy Heritage, Statistical Analysis, I-team Fellowship, Teens of Pink Ribbon, Chess Club, Visual Marketing, Pre-Med, Dance, What’s In Your World, Israeli Music Club, Business Club, Moot-beit-din, Students of Melanoma, Law and Mock Trial, and Garden Club.  Clubs meet once every two weeks during school.

Silvana Delbo

The I-Team

The I-Team

DKJA Rosenblatt High School seeks to be a platform for a broad base of Jewish students, to deepen their connection, their understanding and commitment to Israel.  This is achieved by creating an engaged community of students that are gaining Jewish experiences and leadership opportunities while learning about and advocating for Israel in ways that interest the students.  We create a holistic synergy between the local and national stakeholders, including lay leaders and strategic pro-Israel partners and our student body.

This all takes place under the umbrella of the I-Team Fellowship a club of committed students dedicated to the Israel American relationship, in whatever form interests the students most.  Our goal is to prepare our students for college life.  Our challenge continues to be how to deepen their understanding of their relationship and connection to the people, culture, and history of the State of Israel.   We seek to build confidence to understanding the issues in a way that students feel they can articulate with poise to help them feel more adequately equipped as participants in the discussion.   

We are involved on an ongoing basis with a variety of organizations committed to a strong Jewish community and Israel.  Two weeks ago we had a cadre of student leaders go to the AIPAC High School Summit in Washington DC, this week we had a legal discussion with the National Director of Legal affairs with Stand with Us to discuss how to legally advocate for Israel and advocate against BDS groups.  This week we have the Bau Sisters telling the story of their Israeli parents who were saved by Shindler during World War Two and later clandestinely served as Mossad Agents under the guise of a media company.    

Students are looking for leadership opportunities and experiences that are attractive for entrance to college and that give them real experiences.    The I-Team Fellowship empowers students to: a) create Israel programs, b) train them to build their understanding of Israel, c) provide mentors to guide them as they develop leadership skills, and d) provide opportunities to public speaking and PR responsibilities ( marketing materials, op-ed, blogs).  These leaders will make Israel and their participation in the Israel Leadership Fellowship a priority.  They will also take responsibility for creating and staffing initiatives and programs and advocating for Israel. 

Rabbi Plotkin

Hebrew Students Poems

The Honors Hebrew Speakers class studied a poem called Tefillah (prayer) by the renowned Israeli poetess Leah Goldberg, and they wrote their own Tefillah based on the same structure.  

Eilat Brenner

Sefaria- the digital revolution in Jewish learning.

When I was growing up I often heard the term “The Jewish Book Case." What do you imagine when you read the words: “The Jewish Book case?"

I imagine shelves upon shelves of books with dark covers and shining engraved letters. I imagine books, old and new, that an educated Jew ought to read and own.Knowing how to use these books was an esteemed and special kind of mastery in previous generations. Knowledge was in books and books were interconnected using footnotes. If you wanted to find something in a book you had to use the index or  table of contents.

Then came the search engine and sefaria and that changed everything. Sefaria is described on its website as: A living library of Jewish texts. It invites the reader to explore 3000 years of Jewish texts in Hebrew and English.The digital version of texts is not merely an alternative way of presenting the words. The bigger revolution is the fact that the texts are digitally interconnected.You can click on a verse in Torah and see where it appears in Rabbinic literature. You can click the Rabbinic text and see where it is quoted in Halachik (legal) literature or Jewish philosophy, or Midrash and on and on. The possibilities are endless. Finding connections which use to take reading the footnotes, getting up, pulling another book off the shelf, flipping through the pages…. Now is available with a click...Teaching Jewish texts to students today comes with new opportunities and new challenges. How are we going to use the time to make new connections? How are we going to make new kinds of connections between the texts and between the texts and our students so they become meaningful and useful for them? I invite you all to visit sefaria. Put any word into a search and discover the world of Jewish text in the digital reality.

A View from the History Department

Throughout the last few weeks in history, we have covered a variety of topics ranging from the Renaissance and the Reformation to the Civil War and Reconstruction. Throughout these topics, students have been able to explore "change" in history. Through the Renaissance and Reformation, the world began to focus on human achievement and potential, weakening the power of the Catholic Church in Europe and allowing people to think for themselves, without the impact of the church. In the Civil War, students learn about what caused the country to fracture into two separate entities. After the war, the country adopted a wide spread abolition policy, shaking the foundation of the country to its core. Leaders like Lincoln, Johnson, and Grant, needed to figure out ways to implement changes that would allow the country to rebuild and move forward. Both of these periods of time drastically shaped the course of history and put the world on a much needed path of acceptance and tolerance for all. 

Senior Interview Program

On Sunday, November 20^th, a number of seniors participated in the Interview Preparation Program, designed specifically to prepare seniors for competitive college interviews, as well as employment and internship interviews.

Participants gained beneficial skills and experience; they learned how to effectively talk about themselves, how to prepare for some of the most common interview questions, and what questions to ask the interviewer. These seniors took part in an introductory program earlier in the week to learn about the different types of interviews before moving ahead with Sunday’s session, which focused on interview preparation and strategies for the different types of interviews (college, internships and employment), as well as opportunities to practice the interview skills. 

I facilitated the program along with highly experienced community volunteers; together we have conducted hundreds (if not thousands) of interviews from the perspective of employer, university alumni interviewer as well as admission officer interviewer. After a seminar-style discussion of interview questions and answers (with the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’), the seniors worked in teams, interviewing each other and providing feedback while under observation by a facilitator who also provided feedback.  Each student then experienced a ‘one on one’ mock interview from A to Z, with specific feedback.  

Student response was incredibly positive and one participant even went on to ace his competitive college interview on Sunday afternoon!  The next Interview Preparation Workshop will be held on Sunday, December 4^th for the remaining seniors who are interested in gaining (or polishing) their interview skills. Seniors who did not yet register for the program, they can still do so at https://goo.gl/forms/Xul0QF5GvZ8MBQbE3.

For any questions about this or other college counseling programs, please feel free to contact Jackie Rockman at rockmanj@dkja.net.

  This fall has been the best showing for the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School athletic program in school history!

    The Lady Eagles Varsity Volleyball Team started practice August 15th and each and every day one could see this team come together. Their only regular season losses were to schools from the larger schools in 5A and 3A districts, both in 5 long games. The team finished undefeated in the district winning all 6 matches and then winning both playoff matches for the schools first ever district championship in any sport.  The Lady Eagles then went on to win a Regional Semi Final game against Miami Christian School and then defeat Grandview Prep to win the South Region Championship and be the first team in school history to go to the FHSAA State Semi Finals.  The home crowds and school spirit got bigger and bigger as the team kept winning.  The Lady Eagles showcased their talents in the state semi finals, losing a four set match to The Geneva School of Winter Park finishing their season at 14 - 3.  

      The Flag Football Team took to the field this fall and dominated from the start.  The second year program had a bunch of returning players that were determined to win a title.  The Eagles had a west coast style offense and a different unit for defense that allowed the Eagles to stay fresh and win the close games.  The Eagles ran the table and were undefeated in the regular season at 6 - 0.  In the semi finals they dominated FAU High School.  In the championship game under the lights here on campus, the Eagles went toe to toe with Hebrew Academy (RASG) of North Miami Beach winning the championship on a last second interception in the end zone to take home the trophy.

     The boys and girl golf team finished the season at 3 - 4 and sent five players to the district playoffs while having two of them qualify for the Regional tournaments at Osprey Point and The Bear Club in West Palm Beach.

  

     The boys and girls cross country teams worked hard throughout the heat of the fall and it showed in the meets.  Eight Boys and Six girls qualified for the district races at Quiet Waters Park in late October.  Two runners just missed the qualifying times to make it to Regionals.

Coach Trell

     

Justin Goodis

The AIPAC Schusterman Advocacy Institute High School Summit, is an annual event hosted in Washington D.C.. Each year, AIPAC brings around 500 high school student leaders to Washington, D.C. from across the country for high-level Israel advocacy and political activism training. Students come from all over the country, whether it be from schools, synagogues, youth groups, or teen leadership organizations. This year, Ben Grabelsky, Justin Goodis, Andrew Behmoiras, and Josh Hodes were selected from Donna Klein Jewish academy to attend the conference along with chaperone, Rabbi Plotkin.

AIPAC is an organization that works to promote the ideal that cooperation between the US and Israel is advantageous for both nations. As America's bipartisan pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC tries to ensure that all members of Congress will be supporting Israel through foreign aid, government partnerships, joint anti-terrorism efforts and the promotion of a negotiated two-state solution, to maintain the Jewish state of Israel, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.

At the high school summit, we were educated on how we can contribute to helping and advocating for Israel at home. We were provided with the knowledge on combating anti-Israel organizations such as BDS (Boycott Divest and Sanctions). We were also taught how to lobby with congressman and discuss with them the different acts and sanctions that need to be put in place in order to protect the US - Israel relationship. It was definitely a great and educative experience and I encourage future Juniors to join the I-team fellowship and sign up for summit next year!

Medical Program

Rabin's Song for Peace

On November 4, 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (z”l) was assassinated, and in that moment, Israeli society was forever changed. As music is a window into society, the way in which music swirled around the life and untimely death of Yitzhak Rabin – one of Israel’s first sabra (צבר, native born) leaders – provides interesting portals into Israeli society.

The song Shir LaShalom – words by Yaakov Rotblit and composed by Yair Rosenblum, written in 1969 – became the song of a generation. The song urges to “bring the day” that peace will come. Some feel that the song echoes Rabin’s famous speech at Hebrew University on June 28, 1967, in which he praises the sacrifice of the soldiers of the IDF and starkly reminds the country of the harsh casualty of war.

Originally performed by the Infantry Ensemble (Lehakat Hanachal) of the Israeli Defense Forces, its reception among the military leadership – of which Rabin had been a part – was controversial. Army officials such as Rehavam Ze’vi ("Gandhi") and Ariel Sharon forbade it from being performed in their areas of command, and as such, the song became representative of left-wing peace-oriented politics. Ultimately, it became an official campaign song for the left-wing Meretz party in the 1996 election.

It was with that association that Rabin – former Chief of Staff of the IDF and Commander during the Six Day War – took out a lyric sheet and the words of Shir LaSalom, alongside Shimon Peres, rock star Aviv Gefen, and tens of thousands attending a the peace rally in "Kings of Israel Square" (now "Rabin Square") in Tel Aviv.

Shir LaShalom (שיר לשלום, Song for Peace)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-oxRVJc3Sg

Aviv Geffen, son of Israeli poet and songwriter Yonatan Geffen, was just emerging on the music scene when Rabin became Prime Minister for the second time in 1992. By the time of the peace rally on that fateful night in 1995, Geffen was the rock star and symbol of young Israelis, and he and Rabin were close acquaintances.

Prior to the assassination, Aviv Geffen had written Livkot Lechah (To Cry For You) in memory of a friend who had been killed in a car crash. After the tragedy of Rabin's assassination, this song – performed at the memorial in Rabin Square just one week after Rabin's death – took on a new national meaning.

Livkot Lechah became a song of the “candle generation,” the mostly young mourners who came to light a memorial candle for their fallen leader. The square was covered with candles and melted wax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja6Ud_c_xrU

Discussion Questions

• What songs in your memory transport you to a specific time and place?
• What songs or lyrics connect you with Israel?

This past Thursday, Rosenblatt High School, A World of Difference Club members participated in the Anti Defamation League CyberALLY Workshop. The workshop provides practical information and opportunities for skill-building that will support students in developing personal strategies for protecting themselves against cyber bullying. As well as acting as cyberallies—preventing and taking action against cyber bullying and social cruelty in online forums. The peer trainers will be going into DKJA classrooms next semester to promote respect and inclusion online through teaching the strategies and lessons they learned.  

Senior Lielle Elisha reflected on her experience; ”Between "regular" bullying and cyber bullying, many people tend to think the latter is not as hurtful or less of a big deal. After today's peer training program it was made clear to me that cyber bullying is not only just as bad, but can be worse than its counterpart. Most importantly, I learned the best strategies to employ when I want to "be an ally" and defend a target, online.”

If you are interested in learning more about the A World of Difference program at DKJA please contact Ms. Pam Howard, K-8 Guidance Counselor & A World of Difference Club Advisor at howardp@dkja.net 

Maddy Ball Named Athlete of the Week on CBS12

Congratulations to Maddy Ball and to the Lady Eagles for an incredible season.

http://cbs12.com/sports/athlete-of-the-week/athlete-of-the-week-donna-kleins-maddy-ball

Rabin's Song for Peace

Rabin's Song for Peace

On November 4, 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (z”l) was assassinated, and in that moment, Israeli society was forever changed. As music is a window into society, the way in which music swirled around the life and untimely death of Yitzhak Rabin – one of Israel’s first sabra (צבר, native born) leaders – provides interesting portals into Israeli society.

The song Shir LaShalom – words by Yaakov Rotblit and composed by Yair Rosenblum, written in 1969 – became the song of a generation. The song urges to “bring the day” that peace will come. Some feel that the song echoes Rabin’s famous speech at Hebrew University on June 28, 1967, in which he praises the sacrifice of the soldiers of the IDF and starkly reminds the country of the harsh casualty of war.

Originally performed by the Infantry Ensemble (Lehakat Hanachal) of the Israeli Defense Forces, its reception among the military leadership – of which Rabin had been a part – was controversial. Army officials such as Rehavam Ze’vi ("Gandhi") and Ariel Sharon forbade it from being performed in their areas of command, and as such, the song became representative of left-wing peace-oriented politics. Ultimately, it became an official campaign song for the left-wing Meretz party in the 1996 election.

It was with that association that Rabin – former Chief of Staff of the IDF and Commander during the Six Day War – took out a lyric sheet and the words of Shir LaSalom, alongside Shimon Peres, rock star Aviv Gefen, and tens of thousands attending a the peace rally in "Kings of Israel Square" (now "Rabin Square") in Tel Aviv.

Shir LaShalom (שיר לשלום, Song for Peace)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-oxRVJc3Sg

Aviv Geffen, son of Israeli poet and songwriter Yonatan Geffen, was just emerging on the music scene when Rabin became Prime Minister for the second time in 1992. By the time of the peace rally on that fateful night in 1995, Geffen was the rock star and symbol of young Israelis, and he and Rabin were close acquaintances.

Prior to the assassination, Aviv Geffen had written Livkot Lechah (To Cry For You) in memory of a friend who had been killed in a car crash. After the tragedy of Rabin's assassination, this song – performed at the memorial in Rabin Square just one week after Rabin's death – took on a new national meaning.

Livkot Lechah became a song of the “candle generation,” the mostly young mourners who came to light a memorial candle for their fallen leader. The square was covered with candles and melted wax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja6Ud_c_xrU

Discussion Questions

• What songs in your memory transport you to a specific time and place?
• What songs or lyrics connect you with Israel?

Morah Sammy Lontok

High School Garden Club helps to revitalize the school’s organic garden, Shomrei Ha’adamah .

The group has planted Kale, Fennel, Dill, Basil, and other assorted herbs, “fruits,” and vegetables. Keep a lookout for herbs to cook with!

Pictured are Garden Club Members

Pep Rally for Girls Volleyball

Our school came together along with the 8th grade to cheer on the Lady Eagles as they prepare for the State Semifinal match this Saturday evening.

As a warm-up, they demolished the team seen in the picture below.

RHS Open House and FCIS Conference Highlights

This past week, we had the opportunity to share our school with prospective 9th graders and families at our Open House program. We were so proud of our student tour guides, as well as both of our students, Dylan Joseph and Abraham Waserstein, who spoke about our school and their experiences. We look forward to upcoming day visits from 8th grade students and meetings with families.

On Thursday, I traveled to Miami with other school leaders to attend the FCIS (Florida Council of Independent Schools) Conference. I attended sessions on the “Changing Landscape of College Admission,” “Building Resiliency in Students” and “What Education Will Look Like in 2025.” Additionally, I enjoyed keynote lectures on methods to help children succeed and on the power of mindfulness practices on the brain, the body and the individual as a whole.

Some of the ideas shared in these sessions included:

• New application procedures, fee waivers, marketing and revenue structures have increased the application pools to universities - both public and private - tremendously
• Schools across the country are looking to increase diversity in their student population
• Many schools are looking more at the whole individual - not just test scores and GPA - as they want to know how YOU will add to their campus
• Schools pay attention, even at a public university, if you have shown interest in their school prior to applying: did you visit, go on a tour, answer an email from them, etc.
• Our cultures highlight resume virtues when we really should be highlighting character virtues
• Grit and perseverance are better predictors for success than pure intellect
• In the world of the future,can we move from competition built on defeating to competition for development of collaboration, resilience, challenge; Can we see a loss or failure as a chance for growth?
• Cursive writing will be obsolete in 5 years and keyboards will be soon after; everything will move to audio and dictation
• Teaching is not the wave of the future; the teacher as facilitator, mentor and guide is the wave as all of the information is readily accessible
• Core academic (classroom) success will not be the core of the educational experience; creativity, compassion and critical thinking skills will be near the top as those are the items, coupled with intellect, that colleges and employers are seeking

Rabbi Lesack