A Week of Welcomes

   

Dear DKJA Families,

As we prepare for our upcoming Passover/Spring Break, we are "in full swing" with exciting events and happenings! Our school community welcomed incoming Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School Principal Rabbi Marshall Lesack at parent gatherings on Monday and Tuesday. It was a wonderful opportunity to "get to know" Rabbi Lesack, who will officially join our school in July of 2015. Both Rosenblatt High School parents of ninth through eleventh-graders, and parents of current eighth-graders, attended. Thank you to all who made Rabbi Lesack feel he is already a part of our family!

Rabbi Marshall Lesack, left. Mrs. Sue Schermer, right.

  

Middle School parents  will have the opportunity to meet with Middle School Dean of Students Mrs. Sue Schermer during a similar Meet and Greet program on May 5, 2015 at 8 a.m. in the Library. We look forward to seeing you there.

As an administrator who has recently begun a new role, receiving a warm welcome is priceless. This week, I had the privilege of personally visiting Mrs. Marcia Muench's fourth-grade class - and to say I was greeted with kindness, respect and smiles is an understatement! Each student in the class had written a personal letter to me as part of their assignments. The students were tasked with describing what they like, and what they would like to see improved, at DKJA. To say that I was impressed does not do this project the justice it deserves. With great eloquence and candor, the fourth-graders took their task seriously and responsibly. Kol Hakavod to this remarkable group of students, and to all who go the extra mile to ensure that success is in our future through creative projects such as this.

In closing, I want to personally thank all of the families who participated in DKJA's Shabbat Across America "selfie project." The beautiful digital photo montage created by

Shabbat Candles Digital Photo Montage

Rabbi in Residence Baruch Plotkin can be seen here (click the link at right). We had such a wonderful response to our "call for Shabbat Selfies." Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who put the Shabbat Candle Kits together and for ensuring that each family received them. What a wonderful way to unite our community.    

Helena Levine

Head of School

National Honor Society Ceremony - by Anita Schwartz

On Friday, March 20, Claire & Emanuel G. Rosenblatt high school gathered students, faculty, families and administration to experience a meaningful presentation dedicated to our students. 66 students were inducted into six highly recognized honor societies! As a school, we are proud to play an important role in creating the leaders of tomorrow. This was a wonderful opportunity to recognize our student leaders and inspire leaders in the making.

Congratulations to our new members of The National Honor Society, The National Math Honor Society, The Hebrew Honor Society, The National Spanish Honor Society, The National Art Honor Society, and the National Thespian Honor Society.

Head of School, Mrs. Helena Levine, reminded students that “inductions are not the finish line; it is only the beginning to living and experiencing lives of incredible potential. I strongly believe that what should make you and your parents the most proud is not the actual honor of being inducted here today, but what you had to do to get here.”

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it."

Mazal-Tov to the parents of the inductees. On this occasion, the teachers and administration share in your pride and joy.

 Jaime Greenberg Horowitz stated on Facebook: “Beautiful Ceremony recognizing students of RHS! Proud of Cayla on being inducted into the National Honor Society and International Thespian Society today!”

Mazel tov to our students for all of their hard work in reaching this special day.

To view the photographs taken at the ceremony click Here

Purim Color War - by Amer Randell

As this was my first year as a full fledged member of our high school's faculty, I assumed the task of co-chairing this year's Purim color war celebration, with Great hopes to live up to years of DKJA's ​Rosenblatt ​High School's color war tradition.

From the initial planning with my colleague, Lydia Zafrir, and the student captains tireless work, this was a true collaborative effort of all involved.

From the morning's full Megillah reading to each group's special Purim theme, the spirit of joy, which is the cornerstone of this Jewish month of Adar, was palpable.

Beginning color war with the fast-paced Minute to Win it game, various team sports, a uniquely messy Seudat (feast of) Purim, dancing, singing, challenging tech-based "Brain Games", student produced videos and originally made Purim groggers made from recycling materials, I witnessed another ​DKJA leadership venue whereby every Rosenblatt High School student had the opportunity to showcase their unique talent.

This furthered my pride to be a member of DKJA's Rosenblatt High School family, where the spirit of Judaism, leadership and teamwork are inculcated into its daily fabric.

AIPAC - by Eliana Colman

On the eve of the holiday of Purim, it easy to make comparisons between the ancient story of Purim and modern day events. Esther appeared before the king without permission as Netanyahu appeared before Congress without permission from the president. They both were pleading the cause of the Jewish people who were being threatened by a man (Haman/Ayatollah) from (Persia/Iran). 

This weekend we were given the opportunity to attend one, if not the, most important events pertaining to the U.S. And Israeli relationship. 

We heard from senators, congressmen and speakers from a vast array of countries and political alignments. We also heard from people whose lives had been bettered by Israeli innovations and technology. 

The primary focus of the conference was debating the pros and cons of a deal with Iran. We heard many views about the issue and we were able to formulate our own opinions and our own ideas about how the US should approach the deal with Iran. 

We were fortunate to hear from major political figures including Congressman Lindsey Graham, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Suzanne Rice. 

We all agree that the greatest opportunity we were given was to hear from the Israeli prime minister Benjamin 'BiBi' Netanyahu. This once in a lifetime experience put a face to the man who fights and defends for the freedom and continuity for the Jewish people. One thing that stood out to us was when he stated that Israel is more than a state, it's a family. As this is the slogan of DKJA, we felt a strong sense of pride that this important figure carries the same beliefs as our school. 

Listening to Netanyahu's historical speech to Congress from only four blocks away was indescribable. Hundreds of people were crowded around the screen applauding and listening to the passionate words of Netanyahu. 

This experience is one we will remember for ever. Many of the speakers emphasized how important it is for students to be involved in fighting and supporting our people. We now look forward to attending future events to advocate for the State of Israel. 

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - by DKJA Parent Suzanne Goodis

All of the cast members of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat did an amazing job.  The students worked hard and put in an incredible amount of time and effort in order to make the show a success.  Mrs. Adams, Mr. Parker, Mr. Trevino, Mrs. Mart, Teresa, Prudence and Yvonne were instrumental in helping the kids create such a fantastic show. 

The true leaders, however, were the Rosenblatt High School students.  I was really impressed by their leadership and dedication to the play. Paris Reise helped direct the show and really worked hard to make the show a success.  Joseph Zeuner and Arianna Schonwald worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything ran smoothly.  Sami Lev choreographed the entire show and was able to teach each dance to all of the students.  Jonny Linz, did an incredible job as Joseph.  Not only was he the star of the show, Jonny was also an exceptional role model for the younger children.  In addition to the students that were on stage, the Rosenblatt High School students also ran the tech in the booth and were behind the scenes with the sets.  Each and every student was instrumental in making the show a success.  All of our Rosenblatt  High School students that were part of the cast are remarkable people, and we are going to miss those who are graduating. 

I am most impressed by the younger cast members that were in the chorus.  These children worked so hard to learn the songs and dances.  They were exhausted from all of the rehearsals.  After all the long hours, however, they still followed our instructions; they sat up straight and the girls kept their legs together throughout both performances.
They really sang beautifully and
did an incredible job.

The costumes looked fantastic, as well.   Congratulations to all on a spectacular performance!