14 minute read
L’DOR V’DOR
By Danielle Wirsanksy, Jewish Community Alliance
Natalia Fisher is a familiar fi gure at Michele Block Gan Yeladim. She served as the school’s curriculum coordinator for the past several years and will now take on the new role as the school’s Pedagogista.
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Pedagogy is the art of teaching. It is helping teachers think of the bigger picture and beyond—not just, “What am I going to teach today?” It is the how and why of teaching.
The primary responsibility of the Pedagogista is to work to create a culture for inquiry and call these dispositions forward in educators. Fisher fi nds particular inspiration in Elie Wiesel’s words, “In the word question, there is a beautiful By Karen Stern, First
Congregation Sons of Israel
First Congregation Sons of Israel is proud to represent a diverse and engaged community. A congregation that celebrates benevolence in an everchanging world, we work to cultivate an environment that is both authentic and progressive. Members and word—quest. I love that word. We are all partners in a quest….The essential questions have no answers. You are my questions, and I am yours—and then there is dialogue. The moment we have answers, there is no dialogue. Questions unite people, answers divide them.”
During the school’s closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fisher’s role in shifting the school toward adopting constructivist learning practices made great strides. Many faculty members found themselves questioning their new roles as online teachers. Fisher worked to help teachers evolve into researchers, scientists and guides to help the children learn and grow in a virtual setting. Since Michele Block Gan Yeladim’s reopening, Fisher has families plant roots here. And we grow together, striving for Jewish enlightenment that translates into fulfi llment in all facets of life and relationship.
We are thrilled to partner with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) to re-establish a Religious School and provide our continued to move forward and elevate the school and its practices.
While teachers are walking alongside their students, children exceptional religious education. A regional, transdenominational organization, the ISJL serves thirteen states with a validated program comprised of what they term the 3 Cs: Curriculum, Community, and Conference. Please visit ISJL.org to learn more.
Natalia walks alongside the teachers. Natalia’s new role facilitates an environment of co-constructing knowledge
CURRICULUM, COMMUNITY AND CONFERENCE
and learning together.
Religious School classes will be held virtually and in-person (when possible) after Labor Day. To register for the Religious School, visit fi rstcongregation sonsofi srael.com. For questions regarding registration, contact Karen Stern (kstern426@gmail. com) or Rachel Castleberry (racheldlitt@gmail.com). 15
By Brian Pargman, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
The Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center are excited to welcome David Solkowitz and Wendy Davidson.
David earned his Masters in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education from Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies with a minor in Hebrew language from Indiana University. As a child, David attended the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland and gives this experience credit for his decision to pursue a career in Jewish education. During summer breaks, David worked at Camp Grossman in Massachusetts as a basketball assistant and By Crystal Whitman, Jewish Community Alliance
As summer vacation comes to a close, and children prepare to go back to school (or they are going for the very fi rst time), let’s look at some books that can help them transition. There are so many good ones for this, and here are a few of my favorites, starting with one many already know, Camp Tel Yehudah in New York as a garden specialist. Additionally, he served as a Middle School Youth advisor at Temple Aliya in Massachusetts where he fostered strong relationships with students and parents, increased student membership and mentored students for future leadership. David is the recipient of the Ina Regosin Scholarship which is the Hebrew College’s scholarship awarded for dedication, the seriousness of purpose, and outstanding potential as an educational leader.
Teaching Grades 3 and 4 at the Day School is Wendy Davidson who relocated from Upstate New York. Wendy earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Hofstra University and her Master’s from Utica College. Wendy has taught many subjects including Language Arts and Special Education, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
The Kissing Hand is a wonderful book to help children transition if they have a hard time with separation. It is a beautiful story about a little raccoon named Chester, off to school for the fi rst time, who is having some of the same feelings little ones experience during their fi rst days of school. To address these feelings, Chester and and she is certifi ed to teach K-12 in Florida. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys swimming, biking, and traveling.
In the 2020-2021 school year, Edith Horovitz will be assuming the role of the Director of Jewish Life and Liat Walker will serve as the his mom come up with a way for him to keep her with him no matter where he goes. Children and their parents can use the idea presented in the book or come up with their own to help them with their transition. Some other books recommended for back to school are: • Wemberly Worried by
Kevin Henkes • First Day Jitters by Julie
Danneberg Director of Jewish Education for the Dubow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School. They will work to ensure that excellent Jewish education will begin at age one and continue through
L to R: David Solkowitz and Wendy Davidson
BACK TO SCHOOL READING RECOMMENDATIONS
graduation. • The Day You Begin by
Jacqueline Woodson • Sammy Spider’s First Day of School by Sylvia Rouss
Remember, as children are introduced to new faces and places, they are most successful with routine and consistency. No matter which books families read together, I wish parents and children the best as they begin their journey with a new school family. 17
DINOSAURS, DRAGONS AND DRAMATIC PLAY
By Danielle Wirsanksy, Jewish Community Alliance
Dramatic play is a vital component of early childhood education classrooms. Its many benefi ts include teaching children self-regulation and confl ict resolution, providing emotional outlets and allowing parents and teachers to support their students’ ideas. At Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten, dramatic play is especially important.
In our J Days of Summer program, the dinosaurs and dragons session provided the perfect time to play. The school brought in a professional actor to lead a transformation workshop for the students. Actor Pablo Milla resides in Los Angeles, California, but is originally from the Jacksonville area. Milla worked with the Teddy Bear age group (3-4 years old) outside and followed CDC guidelines for physical distancing.
Surrounded by photos to help students who are visual learners, Milla took the Teddy Bears through the necessary steps to transform themselves, mind and body, into dinosaurs and dragons. They fi rst transformed into triceratops. They got on all fours and voiced the sound of a triceratops.
Once they conquered the triceratops, students evolved into the tyrannosaurus rex, remembering their tiny arms, big teeth and heavy tails. The students then transformed themselves into dragons. With their wings, they fl ew and explored the playground through new eyes.
Through this hour of dramatic play, Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten students were able to have fun while improving their cognitive learning.
POSITIVELY Y ours
Thanks to Nurse Manager James Ritter and his team. You’re doing wonderful work! Y SUPPORT SYSTEM our Now in its 75th year, River Garden has provided award-winning services delivered with exceptional quality. As the needs of older adults and caregivers have evolved, so has our continuum of care. While the ways we care may expand, the “why” will never change: to support the highest quality of life. However and whenever you need us, we’re here.
Visit RiverGarden.org or call (904) 260.1818
We Appreciate Your Support
The ou tpour ing o f suppor t by fam i l ies and the commun i ty has been tru ly hear twarm ing .
This is a difficult and stressful time for all of us but we will get through it together. While our campus remains closed to visitors, we promise to continue doing all that we can to ensure residents are safe and feeling loved.
GROW AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT REGISTRATION OPEN
By Rabbi Sharfstein, Chabad of S. Johns
Chabad of S. Johns GROW After School Enrichment Program is preparing for another fabulous school year.
GROW is about kids enthusiastically fl ying through their Aleph Champ colors. It’s about how much they love molding and painting their own masks for Purim, building Chanukah Menorahs, learning Kosher cooking and decorating (gorgeous!) Seder Plates.
Kids challenge themselves to be better to each other and make a diff erence in the world. It’s where they learn STEM skills in a Jewish context—skills they can use in every area of their lives.
GROW is the place to be when it comes to fostering Jewish pride in the next generation of young, inquisitive minds.
Signing up for GROW means giving your child a safe place to gain self confi dence, develop compassion for others, and learn how to become a positive role model.
“As parents and teachers hoping to instill wholesome values in our children, we’re constantly competing with screens and video games,” director Dini Sharfstein said. “Grow was designed to meet the needs of today’s children and give them a place to practice foundational skills like interpersonal awareness, self-care and character development.”
At GROW your child will have a fabulous time expressing his or her creativity in a warm and stimulating Jewish environment.
Jewish kids from public schools throughout St. Johns County come together to empower each other with the skills and strengths to be positive leaders.
Things may be diff erent due to the current situation, but we are committed to giving your child the ultimate Jewish pride and education no-matter the circumstance.
To register visit JewishSJohnsCounty/GROW email Dini@JewishSJohns County.com or call (904) 701-4422
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Homes • Covered lanai and pool • Chef-style kitchen • Bonus room & upstairs loft • A-rated neighborhood schools
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SHE’S A TRUE MENSCH!
RABBI ROSENBLUM OVERSEES SELEVAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
By Jennifer Smith, Jacksonville Jewish Center
You may have seen past Galinsky PTA President Rachel Brodsky all over the Jacksonville area delivering Challahs. Or maybe you have seen her working hard to pull off another amazing Purim Carnival? Who could forget all the teacher appreciation gifts that were organized and given to the DuBow Preschool and Martin J. Gottlieb Day School staff during the school year?
Rachel Brodsky is one of the hardest working volunteers on campus and many people wonder, “Is that amazing Rachel Brodsky actually employed by the school?” The answer is “no,” but we are so grateful for her volunteer eff orts as PTA President and for that, we say “todah robah!”
We are excited to announce that Rabbi Shira Rosenblum will be overseeing the Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School of the Jacksonville Jewish Center this year. Our school year will kick off with two Meet and Greet sessions on Sunday, August 23, from 9:30-11:00 for families of students in grades K-2 and Wednesday, August 26, from 5-6:30 pm for families of students in grades 3-7, at the Center. Parents and students will have a chance to meet Rabbi Rosenblum, the teachers, and other families, while learning more about the school’s innovative programs for our Kindergarten through Seventh Graders.
Classes will begin on Sunday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 2. For your convenience, the Religious School registration forms, calendar, costs, and other pertinent information, as well as a brief overview of the program, are available on the Religious School webpage at jaxjewishcenter. org/basrs.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Rabbi Shira Rosenblum at srosenblum@
By Brian Pargman, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School
20
jaxjewishcenter.org.
MAZEL TOV & IN MEMORIAM
MAZEL TOV: SKYLER KAPLAN IN MEMORIAM: DR. MYRON “MIKE” Skyler Kaplan, son of FRANK MASS Naomi and Michael Kaplan, became a Bar Mitzvah virtually on July 18, 2020. Sharing in the simcha were his sister Sadie, grandparents Sheila and Larry Leiberman, and Geri Kaplan and Mark Rothstein, many friends, family, and members of his Temple Bet Yam community. Skyler is going into the eighth grade at Palm Valley Academy where he takes honors and advanced classes. He loves to be with his friends in the Dungeons and Dragons Club, enjoys playing tennis, and fi nds joy in family moments. His Mitzvah Project is encouraging people to wear masks to protect others who are vulnerable. Dr. Myron “Mike” Frank Mass lost his battle with multiple myeloma on Monday, June 22, 2020, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on February 24th, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to proud parents Pearl and Edward Mass. Mike served his community for more than 40 years as a medical doctor, graduating in 1970 from the University of Florida Medical School. Prior to that, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, in 1966. Mike served as a doctor in the United States Air Force from 1975-1977, achieving the rank of Major. After MAZEL TOV: NOAH WASSERMAN serving his country, he returned home to Jacksonville, FL where he served in private practice for decades. Noah Thomas Wasserman, A prominent member of the Jacksonville community son of Drs. Paul and Marte throughout his entire life, he served in many roles, includWasserman, will be called to ing as President of the Duval County Medical Society, as a the Torah on the occasion of member of the Duval County Environmental Protection his Bar Mitzvah on August Board, a Trustee of Florida State College at Jacksonville, 23, 2020 at the Jacksonville and a many-term Board member at the Jacksonville Jewish Jewish Center. This will be Center, where he created and established an endowment a virtual service due to dedicated to building the future leadership at the Center social distancing and securing its future. requirements. Mike’s passions were world travel, and appreciating Sharing in the simcha will places and cultures through cuisine. Mike was a founding be his sister, Sara, age 14, member and past president of the Jacksonville chapter of grandparents Tom and Bettye Coward of Jacksonville and the International Wine & Food Society. His global travels, Stanley and Gerta Wasserman of Gaithersburg, Maryland, shared often with his family and always with his loving and many other friends and family. wife, are too numerous to detail individually, but were a
Noah is in the seventh grade at The Bolles School, where driving passion and a frequent outlet for his never-ending he is a member of the Bolles crew team. Noah is a recent intellectual curiosity. graduate of the Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School Mike is survived by his wife Marilyn [Halpern], his and is an active member of the Kadima youth group at the children Ellis and Ellen Mass of Parkland, FL, and David Jacksonville Jewish Center. Noah has also attended Camp “Otis” Mass of New York, NY, and his grandchildren, Liam Ramah Darom for the past four years. Mass of Atlanta, GA, Jacob Mass of Parkland, FL, and Pearl
Noah will be choosing a child to remember and honor as Mass of Parkland, FL. part of the Children of the Holocaust Chain of Memory program. He is also participating in the B’nai Tzedek Youth Submit your Philanthropy Program of the Jewish Foundation of anouncement online at Northeast Florida. https://bit.ly/JL-announcements 21
