Kotarot The Emery/Weiner School Fall 2011
IN THE nEWS Page 4
JAGUAR PRIDE Page 10
JOE DINNER Page 12
ALUMNI NEWS Page 14
Kotarot Administration Head of School Stuart J. Dow Chief Financial Officer Dave Meyer
A quarterly report on news and happenings at The Emery/Weiner School
From the Head of School Page 3
JOE Dinner Page 12
In the nEWS Page 4
Head of Upper School Rabbi Shlomo Adelman Head of Middle School Dr. Lue Bishop
Check out pictures and a recap from the 11th Annual JOE Dinner, honoring Bobby Lapin.
Director of Admissions Danny Kahalley Director of Advancement Rebecca Starr Director of College Counseling Lynn Slaughter Director of Athletics Angie Gubitz
Stay in touch with EWS and read up on new programs and events from this fall!
mEmery Lane Page 14
Jaguar Pride Page 10
Editor Ann Holdsworth
The Emery/Weiner School Mission Statement To educate and develop students whose intellect, moral character and Jewish identity provide a lifelong foundation for personal growth, commitment to the Jewish people and Tikkun Olam - improving the world in which we live.
Keep up with EWS alumni through mEmery Lane. Read up about all of the action from this fall’s sports at EWS. ON THE FRONT COVER: Seniors Jonathan Podet, Bryan Binder and Justin Olifant rest in between plays during the Homecoming Football Game against Clear Lake Christian Academy. Freshman and sophomore cheerleaders Molly Horowitz and Darci Papell joined the boys in taking a break from cheering the Jaguar Football Team on to a 48-0 victory. ON THE BACK COVER: Left to right: Seventh graders Ethan Dreyer and Bram Lowenstein work on laptops in the newly-created Seminar Room in the Middle School.
Long Roads & Hard Knocks It may be counter-intuitive – or it may just be a bad idea – but I’ve always believed that revealing vulnerability can actually be a show of strength. It’s a way of leading, teaching and parenting that acknowledges a person’s humanity, and helps create rapport with the intended audience (whether that audience is comprised of colleagues, students or children). I should add that “vulnerability” can mean several different things. It can take the form of admitting a mistake, of acknowledging fear, of asking for help, of apologizing, of conceding ignorance or of confessing failure. All of these things intellectually we know we should do, but emotionally we sometimes struggle with. Which brings me to this year’s Opening Ceremony. Having been away from Emery/Weiner for two years, I figured I should begin my second tenure as Head with an explanation. After a silly video depicting imagined jobs that I didn’t actually have during my absence – but which made for a dramatic entrance into the Becker Theater – I shared the truth: That after consulting for other schools and working as President of an Internet startup, my journey took an unexpected turn – back to Stella Link. It wasn’t a destination I had imagined – either the first time when I was an attorney, or this second time – but that’s the point: Our lives don’t follow prescribed roads we can readily predict, and the roads are inevitably marked by periodic pot holes and occasional rough patches we must learn to navigate. In other words, nobody’s life path is smoothly paved, we all encounter rocks along the way – and with that, a live band belted out the first of several rock songs, “Walk This Way,” by Aerosmith. Though I’m fairly sure Aerosmith didn’t intend it, I described an important connection between Judaism and the classic 1970’s hit. In Hebrew, Jewish law is called Halacha. Literally, the word means “path for walking.” Figuratively, it’s meant as a path for living. Its goal is not only to prompt people to live more ethical lives, but to enable people to live more spiritual lives. But Halacha encompasses more than just the Ten Commandments; there are rules for everything! In fact, there are 613 commandments in the Torah alone, and countless more laws mandated by the Rabbis in the Talmud. There are laws regulating diet and dress, dictating prayers and rituals, and delineating allowed and prohibited activities on the Sabbath and on holidays. It’s exhausting just thinking about all of them, and exceedingly difficult to comply. Which is precisely the point. The Rabbis intended for Halacha to be hard – because they understood that nothing of real value, true significance or lasting meaning comes easy. And regardless of whether we consider Jewish law binding, the lesson of Halacha is important for our kids. In their book “Nurtureshock: New Thinking About Children,” authors Po Branson and Ashley Merryman describe
a fascinating study. Researchers compared two groups of students – one that was constantly told they were “smart” when they were young, and another that was only complimented for “working hard.” Other than that single difference, the two groups were statistically identical in terms of intellectual or academic ability. Over time, researchers assigned increasingly difficult material to the Stuart J. Dow students and monitored the results, Head of School which were instructive: The “work hard” group significantly outperformed the so-called “smart” group. The reason? When the “smart” students faced problems that caused them to struggle, they essentially gave up; they had come to believe their own label, rather than learn the value of steadfast effort. In a separate scientific study, described in the book “59 Seconds” by Richard Wiseman, researchers discovered a distinct, but related phenomenon. Subjects were asked questions related to hiking up a mountain path, which they could see: How far they thought the distance was? If they thought they could make the assent? And if so, how long they anticipated it would take? Perhaps not surprisingly – but notably – subjects who were by themselves when interviewed routinely answered with less confidence; they guessed the distance was substantially greater; they guessed the time it would take would be much longer; and they often confessed doubt about whether they could even succeed. In contrast, subjects who were interviewed with people they knew answered very differently: They guessed the distance was shorter; that the time necessary to make the climb was less; and they expressed tremendous confidence in their ability to reach the summit. In other words, the mere presence of others impacted a person’s perception of the challenge. And of course, studies related to actual performance in such endeavors has evidenced that cooperative groups of people routinely accomplish more than even the most talented individuals acting alone. In the end, we must help our kids understand that their roads – which hopefully will lead to personal happiness and professional success – will inevitably be long and strewn with occasional hard rocks. In order to manage that journey, they need a self imbued with perseverance, as well as the caring company of others. Video of the Opening Ceremonies can be found online at: http://www.youtube.com/user/EmeryWeiner
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In the nEWS
Debate is Back!
From left to right: One of two Debate coaches, US History teacher Aaron Markham, junior Samantha Minkowitz, senior Hannah Abrams and senior Ashley Kessel are three of seven students on the new debate team at EWS.
by Hannah Abrams “It’s pretty exciting when you have to get up and just start talking,” gushed EWS 10th grader Samantha Minkowitz. “No matter how much you prepare, it’s always a little scary, and a lot of fun, to debate someone and try to prove your case.” Minkowitz is one of a small but growing group of students at EWS on the school’s newly revitalized debate team. Under the guidance of Upper School History teacher Aaron Markham and Upper School Judaics teacher Katherine Trakhtenbroit, Emery Debate has developed a core of enthusiastic debaters who meet every weekday morning before school, and for two hours on Sunday afternoons, to write cases, hone their speaking skills and prepare for counter arguments. 4
Participating in debate also helps students with a number of other life skills, Trakhtenbroit said. “I think it helps in improving spontaneous diction and increases confidence when it comes to speaking in front of a group,” she said. “It also introduces our students to an academic world outside of Emery.” The team’s successes and diligence this year have built a characteristically EWS camaraderie: because tournaments occur during Shabbat, the team brings challah, grape juice and candles to every Friday night meet. The team also recently celebrated both a team birthday and the achievement of the school’s first-ever debate state qualifying point with an “EWS Debate” cake at the Bellaire High School tournament.
“I enjoy Emery Debate for the mix of nostalgia, adrenaline and enthusiasm provided by our own students” Markham said. “I look forward to seeing where this young team can go, and welcome anyone who wants to come out to see what our debaters are up to!”
presented in everyday life.
An endowment for the Debate program at EWS was funded by Jack and Sandy Turk in memory of their son, Ron Turk. Ron was actively involved on a debate team while attending Bellaire High School and acquired many skills, including researching issues, preparing arguments and presenting before a group of judges. EWS thanks Jack and Sandy Turk for graciously endowing the EWS Debate Program in memory of their son, Ron Turk.
EWS senior David Milewicz (far left) and some new friends he made while on a five-week trip to Israel as a Bronfman Fellow in summer 2011.
Senior Named One of 26 Bronfman Fellows, Spends Summer in Israel To finish off their high school career, EWS seniors spend five weeks with their class in Poland and Israel to immerse themselves in Jewish history, cultures and tradition. For current senior David Milewicz, the endof-year trip will be his second five-week stint in Israel in less than a year after being named one of 26 Bronfman Fellows and traveling to Israel this past summer.
While at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Ron started an organization called “Students against Tobacco” with the goal of making the university a smoke-free environment. His debate skills prepared him for the daunting task of speaking before the UT Board of Regents in an effort to persuade them to divest the university from investments in tobacco stocks.
“The trip was a very intense experience,” Milewicz said. “A major part of the Jewish learning included four Shiurim – or classes – and one each on Zionism, Jewish sensuality and beauty in traditional Jewish texts, Hebrew poetry and home. Other components included discussions involving the entire group of fellows and listening to various speakers that ranged from politicians and economists to authors and Rabbis.”
Ron’s debate skills catapulted him to a higher stage as he also spoke before the United States Congress regarding issues involving unfair debt collection practices with an emphasis on protecting consumer rights.
Established by Edgar M. Bronfman in 1987, the fellowship program brings young adults together to learn, discuss and listen to different viewpoints within the Jewish community to become strong leaders.
Ron felt that his participation on his school’s debate team proved to be invaluable not only in the instances mentioned above, but also in dealing with challenges
“My favorite part about the trip definitely was getting the chance to meet 25 incredible Jewish peers who had similar questions about Judaism and life, but how there were completely different answers. I learned so much otarot from my peers who were such amazing intellectuals 5 and interesting people.”
K
In the nEWS
Fall Event August
New sixth graders Sofia Colby and Ahava Guefen showed their Jaguar pride at the 6th Grade Overnight in August. The newly minted Jaguars had a pool party to meet their new classmates, received their lockers and stayed overnight in the Kosberg Gym.
Founding and current Head of School Stuart Dow made his triumphant return to EWS by kicking off the Opening of School Ceremony in August with funny and poignant moments, live music and student speakers.
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Sixth grader Ben Tuchshnieder hurls the ball at the target to try and drop P.E. teacher and coach Angi Boudreaux into the water at the dunk tank. From left to right: Fellow classmates and sixth graders Jonathan Blum, Gavin Roth and Dylan Bishop look on while waiting for their turn.
New faculty member Rabbi Feivel Strauss, Director of Jewish Life, and senior Zach Kornhauser dazzled the audience with their guitar duel for ultimate supremacy during August’s Opening of School Ceremony.
ts at EWS
Mary Anne Weber, the Education Director for Houston Audubon, paid a visit to the Middle School in September, bringing along a few of her feathered friends, including Spirit, the redtailed hawk, and Percy, the Eastern Screech Owl (inset). Not all of the students were completely enthralled, though, as sixth grader Sara Newman eyed the birds with trepidation.
Junior safety Jacob Silver catches an interception and avoids being tackled during the Homecoming Football game.
September
The high school girls took to the field while the boys cheered them on from the sidelines during the Annual Powder Puff Game.
Ten EWS students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their scores on the PSAT Test. Seven students earned Commended honors, while three others were named as “Semifinalists� in the scholarship competition. From left to right: seniors Anna Biondi, Samuel Sirotkin, Cody Berdinis, Matthew Kaiser, Jenny Gueler, David Milewicz, Jonathan Podet, David Kaplan and Rachel Kalinsky.
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In the nEWS October Seventh grader Hannah Golub participated in the 7th Grade Fall Jewish Holiday Showcase to teach others about the significance and importance of the various Jewish holidays throughout the fall semester. Seventh graders Kyle Stein and Jacob Arnold teach MS science teacher Bridget O’Connor about the Laws of Kashrut during the 7th Grade Fall Jewish Holiday Showcase. Senior Nathaniel Goetz helps decorate the Sukkah built in the Mucasey Arbor for Sukkot.
From left to right: seventh grader Joe Engelhart, senior Jim Morris Nelkin, senior Nathaniel Goetz, senior Adam Finkelman, Rabbi Feivel Strauss, Director of Jewish Life, senior Daniel Jaffe and seventh grader Adam Glombicki decorated the Sukkah for this year’s Sukkot. RIGHT: Senior Brett Levinson enjoyed an interesting lunch with Houston Press food critic Katharine Shilcutt during a senior seminar session. Shilcutt shared stories with the students about the weirdest foods she’s eaten, her list of best restaurants in town and which restaurants have banned her in fear of a bad review.
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Senior Dylan Siegman and junior Hannah Dadoun starred in the first EWS theater production of the year, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Siegman and Dadoun played Peter Van Daan and Anne Frank.
RIGHT: Seniors Samantha Aronowitz and Jarrett Taxman were cast as Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan in the fall production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” BELOW: Performing arts teacher Larry Daschlager provides direction to character Peter Van Daan’s cat for “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
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Jaguar Pride Football Team Finishes Strong, 3-Peats as Iron Man Champs
The 2011 Jaguar Football Team as they hoist their championship trophy after winning the Iron Man Tournament Championship on November 5.
The 2011-12 Jaguar Football Team lived up to preseason expectations by claiming their second Iron Man Tournament championship, and third consecutive overall championship. The Jaguars did so by scoring a season-high 78 points en route to this year’s championship, and by finishing the season 11-2.
Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Shots.
“We were playing some of the best football we’ve played all year coming into the championship game,” said Adrian Adams, the EWS football coach. “I knew we would have a good chance of defending our title if we executed well on offense, and scored and tackled on defense.”
Cross Country Continues to Build Program, Wins District Medal Only three years old, the Jaguar Cross Country has reached new heights by claiming their first district medal, and setting new personal best times along the way. “Looking back at the past seasons and comparing the results from this year, the team has grown tremendously, both in size and with faster times,” said Colin Murasko, head coach for the cross country team. 10
The EWS Cross Country Team finished the season with their first medal, and a promising start to next year.
The district meet was certainly a record-setting event for many on the team, especially for freshman Sarah Stein as she earned the cross country team’s first-ever medal for placing in the top 10 for all girl’s in TAPPS 4-4A. “Our district meet was definitely our most impressive showing of the season,” Murasko said. “The meet was the full package with winning our first medal, the
Middle blocker and senior Joanna Botvin, of the Varsity Volleyball Team, spikes a ball against Second Baptist School. Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Shots.
The 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team finished the season 7-11, but faced many difficult opponents that will prepare them well for the transition to the high school teams. annihilation of personal best times for the majority of the team, and a prime example of perseverance and team support.”
MS Boys Soccer Show Grit Through Tough Season The Middle School Boys Soccer faced an incredibly tough schedule with a slew of highly skilled opponents this year, said Angie Gubitz, the EWS Athletic Director.
The Junior Varsity Volleyball Team wrapped up the season at 9-9. The winning record left the girls in good shape for filling out some senior positions on next year’s varsity team, and for adding additional depth to the junior varsity team. The Varsity Volleyball Team’s winning record of 12-12 earned them a fifth seed in the district tournament. The ladies lost in the second round to Northland Christian and missed playing in regional competition by only one match.
“The team lost several games by slim margins and will certainly build on these lessons for a successful season next year,” Gubitz said.
HS, MS Volleyball Perform Well in District Play The 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Team performed very well this year by placing third in their GHAC district with a 9-6 record. They are a strong group of players, who will certainly do well on the 8th Grade Team next year, Gubitz said.
The 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team had several highs during the season, including 8th Grader Lauren Schoen being selected to the AllTournament Team at the Bellaire High School Middle School Tournament.
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JOE Dinner 2011
“If You Build It” Baseball The Homerun for 11th Annual JOE The 11th Annual Joy of Education (JOE) Dinner, chaired by Polly and Ralph Robinson, was held on October 27 and honored past EWS Board of Trustees president Bobby Lapin for his commitment, dedication and leadership to the community at large and to EWS. This year’s baseball theme and casual attire was a resounding success in helping set the tone to raise more than $525,000. The more than 550 guests snacked on homemade soft pretzels and cracker jacks while perusing through the auction. The evening continued with a presentation in the Becker Theater, including a rousing rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the Shoss sisters, eighth grader Elana and sixth grader Elise, and a hilarious rendition of Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First” featuring Bobby’s son, Alec, and EWS performing arts Performing arts teacher Larry Dachslager throws his hands up teacher Larry Dachslager. in mock frustration as he and Alec Lapin perform the infamous Guests then dined on a home style meal with fried chicken, coleslaw and biscuits, catered by Tony’s.
2011 JOE Dinner Honoree Bobby Lapin with Dinner Chairs Polly and Ralph Robinson at the 11th Annual JOE Dinner on Thursday, October 27.
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Abbott and Costello routine, “Who’s on First?” for the JOE Dinner audience.
Current EWS parents Jeannie Wermuth and Renata Nelkin at the 2011 JOE Dinner.
eme a Dinner
2011 JOE Dinner Honoree Bobby Lapin with his family. From left to right top row, Bobby’s father Jack, Bobby, his wife Eve, and current EWS sophomore and son, Alec. Bottom row left to right, Bobby’s mother, Susan, and son, Elliot. Sixth grader Elise Shoss and her sister, eighth grader Elana Shoss, singing the national anthem.
This year’s JOE Dinner Honoree, Bobby Lapin is known for being a committed volunteer and a stalwart supporter of The Emery/Weiner School. Professionally, Bobby is an accomplished trial attorney who proudly counts individuals from all walks of life, as well as our bedrock community institutions, among his clients. Bobby was also singled out for his steadfast commitment and leadership to many organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, the American Jewish Committee, Congregation Beth Israel, the Jewish Federation, Camp for All, The Stop ALD Foundation and, of course, as immediate past president of The Emery/ Weiner School Board of Trustees.
Several EWS students lent a helping hand, including seniors Anna Biondi, Robyn Croft, Hannah Abrams and Dylan Siegman.
The theme for this year’s event stemmed from one of Bobby’s other passions - baseball.
David Morris, Susan Farb Morris, Caren Gertner Fritts and Barbara Bronstein enjoyed good company, and good food, during the JOE Dinner.
Sam Stolbun and Alana Spiwak had their sports loyalties on full display for the “baseball best” casual attire for this year’s JOE Dinner.
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mEmery Lane Keeping up with our alumni extending back to I. Weiner Jewish Secondary School (IWJSS) through our most recent graduating class of 2011.
Stephanie Miller (IWJSS ‘98 and former EWS staff member) married Jason Kohll on October 15, 2011, in Santa Barbara, CA. The couple resides in Houston, TX, but chose to have a destination wedding with their family and closest friends. The maid of honor, Lauren Singer, and matron of honor, Lea Esquenazi, were both IWJSS graduates who formed lifelong friendships with Stephanie. Stephanie and Jason are very involved in the Houston Jewish Community and look forward to continuing their dedication together, and to one day sending their children to EWS.
Tracy Eisenman ‘05 was named GQ Magazine’s Best Marketer for the second quarter of this year for her hard work, dedication and for an overall can-do attitude. As part of her prize, Tracy enjoyed lunch with the CEO and President of Conde Nast.
Alan Tenenbaum ‘06 was featured in an article by the Bellaire Examiner for his role as a graduate assistant with the Rice University football team.
The Homecoming Football Game was not only popular with current parents and students, but also with EWS alumni, including Megan Silverman ‘07 and Seth Stolbun ‘07.
Cory Levy ‘10 was featured on the front page of the Houston Chronicle’s Business section in November for receiving $1 million in seed money from an investor to create an app to promote faceto-face social interactions.
Keep up-to-date with what your fellow Emery/Weiner School alumni are doing with mEmery Lane. If you have something that you would like to share, please send us an email at alumni@emeryweiner.org to be included in the next issue of the Kotarot. 14
Donations Gifts In Honor Of
In honor of Minnette Robinson’s Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Scott Silverman
July 1, 2011 - November 8, 2011 In honor of Teresa Bazbaz Mr. and Mrs. Simon Bazbaz In honor of Liz Bender’s Marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Uzick In honor of Ariel Brown Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Brown In honor of Ashley Doctor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Brown In honor of Frieda Dow’s Birthday Ms. Deborah Musher Ms. Lee Levit In honor of Jim Friedman’s Birthday Mr. Michael Glazer In honor of Debbie & Stephen Lapin Ms. Deborah Scher In honor of Barbara Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kaplan In honor of Barbara Lewis’ Birthday Mr. and Mrs. Frank Herzog Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kaufman In honor of Barbara & Barry Lewis’ Birthdays Ms. Donna G. Lewis
In honor of Rebecca Starr Ms. Amy L. Koppel
Gifts In Memory Of July 1, 2011 - November 8, 2011
In memory of Gerald Kaplan Ms. Lee Levit Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wilk In memory of Oliver Lapin Dr. Lawrence E. Ginsberg Mr. and Mrs. John Landa In memory of Sarah Lack Orr Drs. David & Judy Bell In memory of Arthur Warga Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kaplan
All gifts in honor of & in memory of loved ones benefit ongoing fundraising efforts of The Emery/Weiner School.
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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON TX PERMIT NO 13043
9825 Stella Link Houston, TX 77025 (832) 204-5900 (832) 204-5910 (Fax) emeryweiner.org
The Emery/Weiner 2011-12 Board of Trustees Judy Abrams David Bell Eric Blumrosen, Vice President Mark Brookner, President Andy Bursten, Treasurer Adele Croft Debbie Diamond Carol Emery Caroline Esses Vikki Evans Clive Fields Tom Fish, EWS Foundation Board Chair Martha Freedman David Gerger Kim Glover Carol Goldberg Don Graubart Joe Kaplan Rick Kaplan Kenneth Katz Joe Kornfeld Bobby Lapin, Immediate Past President Bryan Leibman Stan Levy Barry Lewis Eric Lombardi David Morris David Neuberger Brad Rauch, Senior Vice President Elisha Selzer Julie Silverman Jordana Slawin Alana Spiwak Gary Stein Dan Steiner Roger Stern Mark Weycer Joe Williams, Vice President Bonnie Winograd
Important Dates to Remember December 3-5 13-16 14-16 16 19-31
Winter Theater Show US Semester Exams MS Semester Exams US Closing Ceremonies School Closed: Winter Break
January 2 3 3-6 8 9-14 13 16 21-22 22
School Closed: Winter Break Middle School Classes Resume Upper School Winterim Term ISEE Testing at EWS Upper School Winterim Trips EWS New Student Application Deadline School Closed: M.L.K., Jr. Day Senior-Directed Theater Production ISEE Testing at EWS