Chicagoland Jewish High School www.cjhs.org
FALL 2014 / 5775
CJHS NEWS
Shanah Tovah! May this New Year be blessed with health, happiness and many sweet moments!
CJHS Fall 2014/ 5775
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In This Issue FALL 2014/5775
Message from the Head of School Tony Frank
Message from the Board President David Fishbaum Tiger Torah Rabbi Zachary Silver
CJHS Academics Accomplishments at a glance, 2013/14 Mazal Tov Graduates A look at the graduating class of 2014
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
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Athletics Meet the new ADs, athletic achievements Farewell to Founding Faculty Member Claudia Linda
Student Perspective Students from afar: the journey to CJHS
News from Development Getting involved, 2014/15 opportunities Alumni Connections Where are they now?
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Head of School Tony Frank
Academic Dean Bruce E. Scher
Dean of Faculty Roger Stein, Ph.D.
Rav Beit Sefer Rabbi Zachary Silver
Director of Jewish Studies Rebecca Schorsch, Ph.D. Director of Development Michelle Friedman Director of Admissions Riv Lynch
Director of Finance and Business Operations Robert Krakowsky Director of Building and Administrative Services Inez Drazin
LAYOUT & DESIGN
ATHLETICS p.2
STUDENTS FROM AFAR
Marketing & Communications Manager Tara Seymour Executive Administrative Assistant Michele Agbodza
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL, TONY FRANK This past year provided us with much welcome feedback about how we live our mission. The feedback we receive from students is of particular importance to us, so much so that we now make it a regular practice to survey our students at the end of the school year and, in particular, to sit down with our seniors just before they graduate to hear their unique and critical perspective. Parents, staff and alumni are other important sources of feedback. Two years ago we surveyed each of these “constituencies” as part of a comprehensive self study in advance of our most recent accreditation visit by ISACS, the Independent Schools Association of Central States, which took place in February. What we heard from this team of professionals and colleagues from other independent schools, along with a second parent survey conducted around the same time, gives us much to be proud of. In their exit report, the ISACS team commended CJHS for:
Our survey of CJHS parents took place as part of a larger survey of parents from 90 Jewish day schools in North America, which allowed us to compare the responses of our parents to those from 12 other Jewish high schools. On the all-important “likelihood to recommend” question of the survey, 93 percent of our parents agreed that they would recommend CJHS to a friend, with 71 percent of all respondents agreeing strongly with this statement. Among the 12 Jewish high schools of our comparison group, we ranked first for the percentage of parents who strongly agree with this statement! Other areas of strength in which CJHS ranked 1st in the Day School Parent Survey: • Likelihood to recommend CJHS to another family • Graduate preparedness • Development of critical thinking • Caring, respectful and trusting community • Fostering care and commitment for Judaism • Promoting a love of Israel
1. Bringing its mission to life by fostering critical thinking, relationship building, and engaging with the complexity of what it means to be a Jew in the modern world. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
As we begin our 14th year of preparing students, in the words of our mission statement, “to live Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world,” we take pride in the fact Fostering a familial climate in which students that, according to all of these measures of our feel safe and supported and are celebrated for performance, we accomplish this mission quite the broad range of interests that they bring to well. Students, parents, faculty, alumni and the community. colleagues in the independent-school world all concur that CJHS provides its students with a very Cultivating confident student leaders who are articulate self-advocates and program initiators. strong foundation not only for success, but for a rich and meaningful life in college and beyond. Deeply caring faculty members who build strong and enduring relationships with We have high expectations of our students and students and who serve as role models by living we know they work hard. What makes this the values of the school. manageable for our students, as we hear from them time and again, is the remarkably warm and caring Offering a broad range of extra-curricular relationships they have with their teachers. activities that form the core of student engagement with the school community and beyond. These qualities, and our commitment to a broad and rich high-school experience both in and out Building a curricular program that prepares of the classroom, are what distinguish us from students well for their post-secondary most other schools and are fundamentally what educational experiences in selective colleges Chicagoland Jewish High School is all about! and gap year programs. p.3
A MESSAGE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT, DAVID FISHBAUM It was a tough time this summer to be Jewish. It is always challenging with 613 mitzvot, but it is frustrating to hear and see misrepresentations and misunderstandings about Israel during such a challenging time. They come from those who want a quick answer, an easy way to present their moral judgment.
Judaism and the long history of the Jewish people are a direct outcome of not having a quick answer, not deciding based on sensationalized news, not seeing God’s great world as simply black or white, good or bad. Judaism always responds with more questions, more approaches, more insight, more hope. Even now, when headlines and tweets disparage our self-protection, we respond – not with anger, not with violence, not with vilification. The Jewish community responds by questioning its own actions and approaches and seeks to do better. This makes for terrible tweeting. Nothing Jewish is 140 characters long. Defense, both morally and militarily, is a maze.
While our challenges remain daunting, we should take comfort in our moral and dignified history. We build and fill schools, thousands of predecessors to CJHS. Millions of Jews study one text a billion times, but still don’t reduce it to anything as simple as only a religion. For Judaism is a building block of life, our carbon, our DNA. It makes our
world more complex, more challenging, more beautiful, and sometimes sadder than we can ever completely understand.
So now let us gather and start a New Year together, 5775, devoting our time and energies yet again to living the immensity, the challenge, the heart, the soul, the mind of a Jewish life. A year of prayer, study, working, mourning, wondering, caring, loving, dancing, eating and asking questions. The beauty of a Jewish education is an elevated life, a gift to one’s mind, a gift to one’s body and a blessing to one’s eternal soul. When the Jewish people have faced adversity, they have always stuck with this tried and true response. We succeed and excel by working harder, reaching higher, digging deeper and caring more. Whether it is education or basketball, warfare or philosophy, computer science or medicine, we are never done. Others may have easy answers but we will never seek nor embrace an answer that doesn’t respect or reflect God’s incredible creation. I serve as president of the Board of Directors because I am committed to the mission of teaching our students to think critically and preparing them to live Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world. I send my children to CJHS because it is successful at delivering on this mission. A blessed and peaceful new year remains our hope.
TIGER TORAH WITH RABBI ZACHARY SILVER During the 2014 Senior Israel Experience, we volunteered with an organization in Jerusalem called Kollel Packers, which works to package food for needy families throughout Israel. This particular factory bags rice and each student had a different assembly line job, on five different machines. The previous night we had gone to the HaPoal Yerushalayim basketball game and at some point during the service project, a few students broke into the cheer, “Yalla, HaPoal,” which they had become experts in from the game. The rest of the group screamed back “Yalla, HaPoal.” And then the entire factory broke into song, “Yerushalayim, Olé, Olé!” Some students specialized in the percussion. Everyone rejoiced. The group then transitioned the percussion to the well-known “bang, bang, clap” and the entire senior class began singing, “Ivdu et Hashem b’Simcha, Bo’oo L’fanav Birnana.” Found in the Psalm of Thanksgiving, Psalm 100, the Psalmist asks for people to “Serve God in joy, come before God with jubilation.” p.4
Many CJHS students, upon reflection, said that it was one of those amazing CJHS moments. For most, this service project was their favorite part on the entire trip. The director of the program told That morning, my heart broke open. me that he had never seen anything It gave me new understanding for like that morning’s singing before. what it means to serve God in pure The halachic code, the Shulchan joy, to approach God in song. With Aruch , notes that Psalm 100 must each verse, the songs compounded the palpable happiness that every student always be sung out loud in Shacharit contributed to. The joy enveloped the services and that even in a Messianic, redeemed world, this song of room. Thanksgiving will still be said, even though other morning Psalms will be At CJHS, this group of high school canceled. students grew up together, building the community of content that we These cries of joy of our high school work on as a school. Their love of seniors served as an echo of that Jewish learning and living coalesced that morning and spread to everyone redeemed world. that was near them. Rabbi Menachem Mendl of Kotzk (18th century Hassidic Rabbi, Poland) seeks to find meaning in why the V’ahavta says that we should place the words of Torah on our hearts (v’hayu hadvarim haela asher anochi metzavcha hayom al levavecha). Wouldn’t it make sense to put words of Torah in our hearts? He explains that over time, words pile up on top of your heart and every now and then, your heart breaks open and you gain new understanding to these words.
CJHS ACADEMICS: TRIUMPHS IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
CELEBRATING A YEAR OF SUCCESS •
The Model UN team placed second at the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York for the third consecutive year
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The Math team placed fourth in the Cook division of the North Suburban Math League (NSML)
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Eight members of the DECA team won 16 medals at the North Suburban Regional event (4 gold, 9 silver, 3 bronze) The Math team placed first in all events during the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) Regional Competition vs. Ida Crown
CJHS had a total of 37 students recognized in the A.P. Scholars Program. Fourteen students were named A.P. Scholars (3.80), seven students were A.P. Scholars with Honors (4.11), 13 students were A.P. Scholars with Distinction (4.60), and three students were designated as A.P. National Scholars (4.67). CJHS’ school average for the 2013/14 school year was 4.34 75 percent of junior and senior level students took at least one AP exam. A total of 155 AP exams were taken by CJHS students overall The Yearbook team was awarded the 2013/14 National Yearbook Program of Excellence designation
The Youth Philanthropy Initiative raised over $8,500 for the immigration nonprofit, HIAS Dr. Rebecca Schorsch, Director of Jewish Studies was named Covenant Award recipient Ellen Rostker, Co-Director of College Counseling, was awarded the Molly K. Arnold Recognition Award
Josh Newlander (’15) was named Jewish Hoops America 2014 National Player of the Year! Earlier in the year, Josh was also named 1st Team All-Jewish Hoops America and Jewish Hoops America Underclassman of the Year p.5
MAZAL TOV TO THE CLASS OF 2014/5774!
THE 52 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2014 WERE ADMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING UNIVERSITIES AND PROGRAMS:
American University Baldwin-Wallace University Barnard College Binghamton University Boston University Bradley University Brandeis University University of Chicago Clark University Columbia College Columbia University Dartmouth College DePaul University Dickinson College DigiPen Institute of Technology Drake University Elon University Emerson College Emory University Florida Atlantic University Franklin and Marshall College Goucher College Grinnell College Hampshire College Haverford College Hofstra University University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign Illinois State University p.6
Indiana University Purdue University University of Indianapolis Rochester Institute of University of Iowa Technology Jewish Theological Seminary Simpson College Johns Hopkins University University of South Florida Kivunim Stetson University Knox College Swarthmore College Lake Forest College University of Tampa Landmark College The College of Wooster Lawrence University The Ohio State University Longy School of Music Tufts University Louisiana State University Tulane University Lynn University Tzahal Manhattanville College Vanderbilt University Nativ Vassar College University of Maryland University of Vermont University of MassachusettsWashington University-St. Louis Amherst Wesleyan University University of Miami West Virginia University University of Michigan University of WisconsinUniversity of Minnesota Madison University of Missouri Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi Muhlenberg College Yeshivat Maale Gilboa University of New Hampshire Young Judaea Year Course New York University Northwestern University Oberlin College Did you Know? University of Pennsylvania • The Class of 2014 had an average ACT Score of 29 University of Pittsburgh Princeton University • Almost half the class were named Illinois State Scholars • 80 percent of the Class of 2014 participated in athletics
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“The CJHS experience was incredible. Since graduation, I have struggled to process that my time at this school is coming to a close. During the ceremony, I flashed back to all of my experiences at CJ, and I truly appreciate what CJ has given me; the skills to succeed in life.” -Aaron Drexler ’14
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CJHS ATHLETICS: CHAMPIONS ON AND OFF THE COURT BOY’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM TAKES HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE For the fourth consecutive year, the varsity team took home the Chicago Prep Conference Championship title.
BOY’S BASKETBALL TEAM WINS THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The boy’s basketball team took home the Illinois High School Association Regional Championship and played in the IHSA Sectional Championship for the second straight year. This marked the furthest advancement of any Jewish high school in the history of the IHSA. The team ended its season with a top 16 finish in Illinois Class 1A.
GIRL’S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP For the first time in our school’s history, the girl’s basketball team advanced to the IHSA Girls Basketball Regional Championship. p.8
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CJHS INTRODUCES ITS FIRST BASEBALL TEAM The CJHS baseball team had its first run, first lead, first RBI, first extra base hit, first strikeout, first walk, first HBP, first double play, and first win! In the upcoming 2014/15 school year, the team will officially enter the IHSA state series!
BOY’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM EARNS TROPHY The CJHS Boy’s Volleyball team finished 3rd in the 2014 Chicago Prep Conference Tournament. *All CJHS 2013/14 varsity athletic teams received the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award.
INTRODUCING CJHS’ NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTORS CJHS is delighted to welcome Marty Dello and David Martinez to the team! As our new Athletic Director, Marty Dello supervises our coaches and works closely with our new Assistant Athletic Director, David Martinez, to oversee the sports program. Mr. Dello has been with CJHS since 2011 as Head Basketball Coach and will continue to coach during the upcoming winter season. In addition to managing the athletic department, Mr. Martinez serves as health and physical education teacher for all classes in those subjects and will also continue to coach varsity girls soccer. Coach Martinez can be reached at dmartinez@cjhs.org or 847.423.5491 and Coach Dello can be reached at mdello@cjhs.org or 847.324.3734. Please join us in welcoming Coach Dello and Coach Martinez to their new positions at CJHS! p.9
CJHS BIDS FAREWELL TO SEÑORA LINDA After nearly five decades of teaching—both in public schools and at CJHS – longtime Spanish teacher Claudia Linda has finally retired. Señora Linda’s decision didn’t come easily. Knowing that her former students and colleagues will engage in the daily life of the school without her is a source of mixed emotions.
“I have become accustomed to students being a part of my life for a limited time and then moving on, which is to be expected and encouraged,” she said. “However, CJ students have been a more integral part of my life, and I will miss their boundless energy, their devotion to their studies and to doing good works. In addition, I will miss the daily contact and connections to a whole host of members of the faculty and staff, without whom CJ would have been merely a job.” Señora Linda was hired prior to CJHS’ opening in August 2001. She taught Spanish levels 1 - 4AP and was the Modern Language Department Chair. In addition to her work as a teacher, she shared the role of organizing the graduation ceremony, prom and sunshine club.
Throughout her years at CJHS, Señora Linda has learned many valuable lessons including the importance of leading an engaged Jewish life. “Students live their Judaism on a daily basis in the classroom, on Shabbat and with friends and family. I have learned to respect the strong community that they and their families have created, which will carry them throughout the rest of their lives,” she said. “My students have afforded me both love and respect and I am most grateful for the mutual sharing of ideas that has been a part of the classroom, the hallways, tefillah, special events, holidays and every aspect of CJ.” “My 13 years at CJHS have been the most rewarding years that I have spent in this most meaningful profession,” she said. “I hope that I have made some small impact on CJHS that in turn is recompense for the enormity of gifts received here.” In the coming months, Señora Linda will begin volunteering at Erie Family Health Center. Eighty percent of Erie’s patients are of Latino or Hispanic descent and over half prefer to speak Spanish. Señora Linda will work closely with the medical team to address the language barrier between doctors and patients.
In the winter, Señora Linda will travel to Costa Rica with her husband to explore the natural wonders of the country. They plan to visit Guanacaste, Guaitil, Rincón de la Vieja National park and the Arenal Volcano where they will hike, soak in the hot springs and enjoy the beauty of the rain forest! To keep in touch with Señora Linda, find her on Facebook or e-mail her at claudiawlinda@gmail.com.
“Sitting in Señora Linda’s classroom on the second floor I fell in love with the Spanish language because of her passion and guidance. She encouraged me to push past my fears and spend a summer living in Latin America and I am now about to spend a gap year in Costa Rica and Bolivia. If it were not for Señora Linda I never would have discovered my passion for the Latin American culture and language.”–Ada Moses,’14 “Claudia is truly the consummate professional. Not only is she a gifted teacher of the Spanish language, but she is also extremely well versed on the politics, the arts and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. She has a wonderfully unique way of reaching her students through humor and a wide variety of highly engaging classroom activities that make Spanish come alive for her kids! She is a model for her peers to emulate, and we really miss her spark and enthusiasm greatly!” –Roger Stein, Dean of Faculty “Claudia Linda! How does a woman tutor students so well that the vast majority of them earn a 4 or 5 on their Spanish AP Exam, and at the same time, cultivate the joy and sense of fun in learning that resonates from her classroom each day? Anyone coming in the vicinity of room 216 might mistakenly think it is a carnival, not an AP class. How could students possibly be having such a wonderful time learning? The answer: Claudia Linda’s passion. Her passion for the Spanish language and culture and the hearts and minds of her students infuse every class period. Passion does evoke joy and humor. And it does insist upon dedicated learning. Therefore the miracle Claudia Linda enacted year after year at CJHS. ‘Love the learning experience with all your heart, mind, and soul. And I will bless you with the joy of achievement.’” –Dale Griffith, English and History Department Chair
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STUDENTS FROM AFAR: THE JOURNEY TO CJHS Eliel Stofenmacher, ’15 – Spain Second Year Student
How did you hear about CJHS? I first heard about CJHS in a Masorti meeting in Valencia. I met a man named Mr. Fred Margulies, and he talked about education in the US. He mentioned CJHS and put my family in contact with the school.
Why did you decide to attend CJHS? I decided to attend CJHS because studying abroad, learning a language at a native level and meeting new people has always been attractive to me. Also, the difference in the education system is very big and it’s one of my principal reasons for coming to the US. How does your family feel about you studying abroad to receive your high school education? My family knows how unique of an opportunity this is for me to improve my English and to have an amazing education at CJHS. Therefore, they feel good and comfortable with it because I'm with a great family and community. Also, they like that I live in a bigger Jewish community where being Jewish is safer than in Madrid. However, like all families, they are always a little bit worried about me despite knowing I'm in good hands. What were some of the biggest surprises you experienced when you arrived to the US? Before coming to Chicago, changing school, making new friends and getting good grades were my biggest fears. However, when I got to CJHS I immediately felt better. I was very surprised at
how good and open the people were with me. I made friends instantaneously and the teachers helped me with my studies a lot. They helped me with any problems I had and spent time explaining things I didn't understand. Also,my host family helped me integrate into the community. With the help of the teachers, friends and CJHS staff I'm having the best education possible.
What is it like living with a host family? I was very lucky to have an amazing experience living with a host family. Of course, the first month was a little strange because I was living with someone I didn’t know very well. However, after the first month I got to know everyone perfectly and I become a part of their family life. Also, thanks to them I've gotten to know people outside of CJHS.
How do you communicate with your friends and family back home? I talk with my family almost every morning because there is a seven-hour time difference between Spain and the USA. Therefore, we talk while I'm having breakfast through Viber (a phone app). What activities are you involved in at CJHS? I'm involved with soccer, bowling, volleyball, STAND club, Middot club and RC club.
Would you recommend studying abroad to others? I would totally recommend studying abroad to others. You can learn to speak a language fluently, make new friends and get to know the society and culture of another country. I will never forget these two years in my life!
Victor Lezerrovici, ’16 – Brazil First Year Student
How did you learn about CJHS? I had a dream to study in the USA, especially in a Jewish school. So, I decided to search for Jewish schools in the USA, and I saw CJHS on the Internet. I became interested to know more about the school.
Why did you decide to come to CJHS? Ms. Zoberman, CJHS’ previous admissions director, was one of my biggest reasons to come to CJHS. She helped me from the very beginning and was my first contact with the school. During this journey, I decided that CJHS was the best school for me. How does your family feel about you studying abroad to receive your high school education? My family supports me, but they already miss me! How often do you plan on seeing your family? I am planning on seeing my family one time this year. How will you keep in touch? I will keep in touch by using Skype.
Where are you be living? What prior contact did you have with your “host” family? I will be living with the Hochberg family in Highland Park. I talked with them frequently before arriving in the USA.
How did you prepare for your transition to life in the U.S./ CJHS? I have read a lot about the city, the Jewish community, and I have been talking a lot with my host family. What is it like living with a host family? Living with a host family can sometimes be weird, but I was lucky. Living with the Hochberg Family has been wonderful! I do miss my family in Brazil, but I feel at home with the Hochbergs. Living with them has been a great and nice experience!
What do you hope to gain from your experience at CJHS? I want to live a different culture and learn a lot about that. I want to know new people and improve my English. What are you most excited for? I am excited to study in an American school and meet different people. Other information you would like to add: I would like to thank CJHS for giving me the opportunity to live a dream!
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
CJHS is looking for families who are interested in becoming hosts during the 2015-2016 school year for students who live beyond daily commuting range. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful opportunity, please contact Riv Lynch at 847.324.3706.
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DEVELOPMENT: ENDOWMENT OPPPORTUNITIES In 2012, Chicagoland Jewish High School set out to raise $5 million over five years for our endowment fund. We are almost half way there, having raised over $2.3 million to date. Endowment contributions will support our academic programs, sports, extra-curricular activities, scholarship needs and Jewish life at CJHS now and for future generations.
All gifts to the CJHS endowment fund are appreciated; no contribution is too small! Gifts may be paid over a three to five year period. Naming opportunities begin at $25,000 and donors may make contributions in honor or in memory of loved ones. Examples include the Beit Knesset, the Library and Mezuzot. If you are interested in learning more about endowment opportunities or other ways to support CJHS, please contact Michelle Friedman, Director of Development, at 847.324.3720 or mfriedman@cjhs.org.
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Beit Knesset
Mezuzot
Library
PARENT ORGANIZATION (CJHS PO) The CJHS PO has plans in the works for an event-filled year! Join us for student and parent grade get-togethers and adult education events, volunteer at our PO student special breakfast, take part in our faculty and staff appreciation programs and meet other parents. There are many fun and meaningful ways to get involved. Please contact us at po@cjhs.org with your questions and comments. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at one of our upcoming events! Liz Geifman and Karen Ecanow CJHS PO Co-Presidents
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS October 20, 2014 Book Club Once We Were Brothers By Ronald Balson
March 10, 2015 Book Club Second Person Singular By Sayed Kashua
March 18, 2014 Baking Demonstration Paula Shoyer The Kosher Baker
GET CONNECTED Stay connected with the latest PO happenings, news and events on Facebook! ‘Like’ us today! www.facebook.com/ChicagolandJewishHighSchoolParentOrganization
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? CJHS TALKS TO MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2011 Jordan Shapiro This past winter, Jordan was accepted as a Mayfield Jordan Shapiro has the ambition and drive to change the world, and for the past three years he has been making quite an impact in his local community. As a senior at Stanford University, Jordan is working towards a B.S. in Bioengineering and a M.S. in Management Science and Engineering with a minor in Modern Languages (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese). Since arriving at Stanford, Jordan has been an active member of his school’s Hillel and Jewish Student Association. During his sophomore year, he served as the undergraduate representative for Hillel’s Board of Directors. He worked diligently to support the Board’s Five-Year Strategic Planning Committee where he collaborated to determine the vision, missions and goals for the future of his local Jewish community.
In addition to his work for Hillel, he has been an active member of Stanford’s pro-Israel community. In 2012, he organized the first annual Israel@Stanford Technology Fair, which was designed to introduce Stanford students to the unique connections between Silicon Valley and Israel’s Silicon Wadi by featuring Israeli or Israel-based technology companies. During the spring of that same year, Jordan was elected President of the Stanford Israel Association, the umbrella pro-Israel group on campus. During his term, Stanford became a Core Campus for The David Project, a Zionist non-profit educational organization. He now serves as President Emeritus and as an advisor for the group.
Fellow (MFP) through the Stanford Technology Ventures Program. MFP is a highly competitive nine-month workstudy program that introduces 12 Stanford students to resources in Silicon Valley to foster leadership of technical ventures. In addition to his impressive academic achievements, Jordan has been committed to giving back to his community. During his junior year, he was elected class president. He currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) Executive, a capacity in which he represents the entire undergraduate and graduate student bodies.
From studying abroad to dabbling in biological research, to producing his own theater, dance and creative manuscript, Jordan has taken his diverse skillset and transitioned it into success. Jordan, who describes himself as a diverse thinker, is looking forward to continuing his studies and certifying his proficiency in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. He credits many of his accomplishments to his earlier years as a CJHS student. “CJ was an environment that encouraged collaboration in every walk of life, from classes to extracurriculars to social scenes,” he said. “During my senior year, I recognized that collaboration was a key factor in how much I had enjoyed my CJ experience. I had learned how to help, and how to ask for help, contributing as much as possible to the community around me. CJHS taught me to look for that in other communities around me, and I certainly identified this aspect about Stanford before deciding to enroll. As it turns out, the collaborative spirit is one of the things about Stanford that reminds me most of CJ. Since coming to college, I honestly don’t know how I would have succeeded without the support and encouragement of my peers.”
Jordan extends a special invitation to current juniors and seniors to join the Stanford Jewish Students Association for a Shabbaton. Contact Jordan at jordanshapiro@stanford.edu if you are interested in attending or visiting at any point throughout the year!
Jonah Harris
In his last year as a college student, Jonah plans to keep This past summer, busy by participating in local organizations on campus. Jonah Harris spent One of his favorite activities is a group called Baseball his summer doing Analysts at Tufts (BAT). This group brings in speakers on what he loves most: the topic of baseball statistics and analysis, and selected working with high members of the group are sent to national competitions school students at involving baseball research projects. Jonah enjoys his Camp Ramah in involvement with Baseball Analytics since it is a fun way to Wisconsin. During spend his down time while learning more about one of his his fourth year as favorite sports. a staff member at Ramah, Jonah During the conclusion of his junior year, Jonah was worked as head of elected President of Tufts’ Hillel and is now in charge of the woodshop and as 10 programming committees. These committees develop a counselor for students going into their junior year of high two or more programming events per semester that range school (including many CJHS students)! Jonah is completing anywhere from freshman social activities to educational his senior year at Tufts University where he is concluding events. his studies in civil engineering. p.14
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continued from page 14 As the new president, Jonah has the opportunity not only to participate in Jewish life on campus, but to make a difference at Tufts. “In the upcoming year, I hope to make Hillel a more cohesive community,” he said. “I hope to open (its doors) to anyone with any type of connection to Judaism. It is my goal to create lively and diverse programming to strengthen the Jewish community and to enrich the lives of those involved.”
In his earlier years at Tufts, Jonah was the Religious Vice President and Treasurer of Hillel. He also served on the board of the organization, Tufts Friends of Israel, which plans Israeli cultural and political programs for the entire Tufts community.
After college, Jonah looks forward to working in the field of engineering and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Civil Engineering!
Leah Karchmer
When Leah Karchmer left home to attend Depaul University she embraced the transition and immersed herself in the college experience. Her motivation to succeed led her to professional experiences at the Jewish United Fund (JUF) and the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. At JUF, Leah was a part of the Lewis Summer Interns Program, an intensive two-month program for college students. Leah was appointed to the Israel Education Center where she wrote a handbook for Israel Advocacy on her local campus. Each week she learned about a different aspect of JUF's mission and how the organization works within the community. “I think the internship taught me a lot about how non-profit organizations work,” she said. “It gave me the opportunity to really experience first hand what its like to be a part of that mechanism.” When Leah’s internship with JUF came to a close, she looked for new opportunities to get involved. Within a short time, Leah began her next internship at the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. While there, Leah worked in the organization’s Jewish-Muslim Community Building
and held the position of Assistant Editor of the academic journal, The Islamic Law and Culture. Leah was responsible for reviewing submissions and critiquing each article. “Each submission offered me the opportunity to delve deep into a subject I hadn’t known about before,” she said. “I really enjoyed the critiquing process and working with a really excellent group of intelligent people.” In her short time as an undergraduate student, Leah was also President and Founder of the first pro-Israel student organization on Campus, Israel Advocates, which led her to become a fellow with StandWithUs and Hasbara. Leah’s passion didn’t stop there. In addition to her work with JUF, the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and Israel Advocates, she was an Interfaith Scholar intern at Depaul’s Center of Intercultural Programming. After graduating from college in only two-and-a-half short years with a degree in Religious and Peace Justice Conflict Studies, Leah moved to Israel where she currently resides. This past summer, Leah continued her work with JUF and was a counselor at an English-immersion camp in Kiryat Gat (Chicago's sister city). From there, Leah will continue her studies at Hebrew University (Ulpan), and will ultimately begin a Masters Program in Israel Studies with a focus on Politics and Society. Leah plans to finish her academic career with law school!
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, November 29
Join your friends, classmates and teachers at the 2014 Alumni Reunion Basketball game!
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Chicagoland Jewish High School
NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID DEERFIELD, IL PERMIT NO.101
www.cjhs.org
1095 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, IL 60015 847.470.6700
UPCOMING EVENTS September 30, 2014 Parlor Meeting for Prospective Families – Chicago October 14, 2014 Sukkah Hop
October 22, 2014 Parlor Meeting for Prospective Families – Highland Park October 27, 2014 Parlor Meeting for Prospective Families – Buffalo Grove
October 29, 2014 Parlor Meeting for Prospective families – Evanston November 2, 2014 Open House for Prospective Families November 8, 2014 Homecoming
November 29, 2014 Alumni Basketball Game
January 25, 2015 Prospective Student Party
February 10, 2015 Curriculum and Beyond for Prospective Families February 22, 2015 Performing Arts Program April 19, 2015 Wagner Institute
April 30, 2015 Bowling Party for New Students
CJHS is a partner in serving our community, supported by the JUF/Jewish United Fund.
May 17, 2015 Prom
May 20, 2015 Athletic Banquet
May 21, 2015 Grandparents and Special Friends Day
May 27, 2015 Siyyum and Graduation
CJHS Fall 2014/ 5775