TheLehrmanLink A weekly publication of
lehrman community day school containing time-sensitive information for members of the school community
Vol 10 • Issue 22
Fri, February 6, 2009 • 12 Shevat 5769 • y"xa,
yca c"h
Papa•razzi patrol
Guest Columnist
Images of Life@LCDS. More at lcdsphotos.org
Nothing is for granted…
If you quickly glanced at the bottom of this column, you may have realized it’s not written by its usual authors. This is because Rabbi Linfield gave me the opportunity to share with the Lehrman community some disturbing news that recently affected my home town of Caracas, Venezuela. On Friday, January 16, 2009, fifteen armed men stormed one of the oldest and largest synagogues of the Sephardic community (Tiferet Israel), and vandalized the sanctuary and offices. They also wrote anti-semitic slogans on the walls, and stole confidential lists with the names and addresses of the members. Venezuelan Jews have actively contributed to the development of the country, going back to its Independence years. Today Jews continue to contribute significantly at every level of Venezuelan society. It has also been, until recently, a free minority, at peace to worship and maintain its traditions. But the situation begun to rapidly deteriorate after the Israeli offensive started in Gaza this past December. With strong remarks against Israel, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has publicly sided with the Palestinians, to the point of breaking relations with Israel and expelling its Ambassador in early January. As a result, our Jewish community is being persecuted and targeted for its religious beliefs and for its support to the Jewish state. How quickly can our families’ lives be turned upside down? How unfortunate and sad is it that Holocaust survivors, like my Father-in-Law, who rebuilt their lives in a different continent, have to relive these experiences in absolute shock, and begin to think about having to uproot their lives all over again? How similar are the warning signs in Venezuela, to what many of our families went through not so long ago in Europe? And how frightening it all is? We cannot and should not take anything for granted. We cannot take for granted our religious freedom, our right to a religious education, our security. As parents, we have chosen to give our kids a Jewish education at LCDS so they can learn about our values, history and traditions, so they too can develop a Jewish identity that can flourish over time. When in other parts of the world this identity is being challenged, we must actively remind our children to be grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to Jewish studies and to embrace and cherish
Candle lighting 5:49 pm
every minute of their Jewish education and liberties, because sadly, as the Venezuelan scenario shows, one never knows when it can be taken away. Another important lesson from these anti-semitic acts taking place in Venezuela is how relevant the State of Israel becomes to the Jewish people around the world. This too cannot be taken for granted. We must continue to support it in every way possible, and we must teach our children to love it and preserve it, because its existence makes our lives safer. What the immediate future holds for Venezuelan Jews is up in the air. As a member of that community, with direct family members being affected by these events, I encourage you to keep informed of this disturbing situation that is taking place in our backyard (did you know Venezuela is just two and a half hours away by plane from Miami?). We need to be active in denouncing these acts, never remain silent and teach our children not to take their Jewish heritage for granted. I thank Rabbi Linfield and LCDS for taking an active stance by co-sponsoring a repudiation message together with many civic and religious organizations from South Florida, as well as for joining our family in a Solidarity Rally in support of the Venezuelan Jewish Community that took place yesterday night. Additionally, I thank the school for letting me share these thoughts with you. It is the active support of family and friends that will help Venezuelan Jews face the tough times ahead. Jennifer Gross Mother of Natasha, Joseph, Erick & Elliot Gross The board and faculty of Lehrman Community Day School join with other community institutions across all faiths to: 1. Declare our deep concern for the safety, security and integrity of the members of the Jewish community in Venezuela, and our further concern regarding the desecration of the synagogue and its sacred texts. 2. Firmly condemn the recent anti-Semitic acts of vandalism without any precedent in Venezuelan history, as well as the campaign against the Venezuelan Jewish community, which are completely contradictory to the traditional spirit of religious tolerance and brotherhood typical of the Venezuelan people. 3. Express our solidarity with and complete support for the vibrant Venezuelan Jewish community, whose presence in the country dates back to its independence and who has contributed significantly to the development of the Venezuelan nation.
This edition plus The Link archives are available on the web lehrmanschool.org/LL
When the school day ends, it is just the beginning… for a plethora of After School Programs.
Chess masters map their moves; ballerinas assume third position; yoga for the youngsters; the subject is trees in early childhood care.
A Time to Reflect
Third graders study reflections in science class.
Copyright ©2009 Lehrman Community Day School
Community Welfare
Mazal Tov to: • Irwin and Laura Tauber, parents of Max (Mrs. Karasik), on receiving the Distinguished Leadership Medallion from State of Israel Bonds. Condolences to: • Mrs. Hazel Cypen, granddaughter Jennifer (and Scott) Kaplan and greatgrandchildren Benjamin (Ms. Ana) and Annabel on the death of Judge Irving Cypen. • Cynthia Day on the death of her uncle. • Sarah Terheyden on the death of her niece.
ParentConnect a monthly social network for LCDS parents.
Schmooze with old & new friends on
Wed., February 25. 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the school lobby. A continental breakfast will be served.
Pointed Presentation
AISF Evaluation Committee
Fourth grade teacher Janet Fein recently participated in an Assoc. of Independent Schools of Florida evaluation at The Vanguard School. Evaluation Comm. Chair Judy Dempsey wrote: “what a tremendous help it was to have…such an insightful person on the team!”
The High Holidays…so soon? Grades 4, 5 & 6 participated in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s High Holiday Card Contest. Winning art will be featured as the cover of the 2009-5770 Federation High Holiday card. The winner will be announced in May 2009.
reminders!
NO SCHOOL Friday, February 13 Yossi Haber Day: Professional Development NO SCHOOL: Monday, February 16 Presidents Day Next Lehrman Link Thursday, Feb 12
What’s for Lunch? To download a refrigeratorready menu, visit us online… lehrmanlunchbox.org Monday, February 9
Beef barley soup • Caesar salad Chicken nuggets • French fries • Peas Mandarin oranges • Water (served M/W/F)
Tuesday, February 10
Vegetable soup • Greek salad • Baked ziti Garlic bread • Oranges • Milk (served T/Th)
Wednesday, February 11
Tossed salad • Beef stew • Egg noodles Fruit salad
Thursday, February 12
Cream of broccoli soup • Salad Vegetarian burgers • Corn on the cob Roast potatoes • Pineapple
Friday, February 13 • ouka
No School: Yossi Haber Day Professional development
,ca
Tu bi-Shevat Seder
Grades 5, 6, and 7. Monday, February 9th at 6:30 pm.
Alphabet Tree Discovered in Toddlers In honor of Tu biShevat, Ms. Marianna’s students announced the discovery of a new series of trees, including Alphabet Trees, Airplane Trees, Turtle Trees, and Smiley Face Trees.
* Kudos to Ryan (Grade 7, Mrs. Day) on his lively and informative rain forest power point presentation delivered to grades 2 and 3 in the Art Room. The subject of the rain forest was integrated with Core Knowledge subject matter; specifically, the animal-populated landscapes of Henri Rousseau and Edward Hicks, and with the holiday of Tu bi-Shevat. Ryan emphasized the importance of the world’s rainforests and the effect they have on the sustainability of our planet.
LCDS Basketball
Boys Varsity Feb. 3: LCDS 12, St. Mary 26 Feb. 9, 5:00 vs. Hebrew Academy @ LCDS Girls Varsity Feb. 3: LCDS 15, St. Mary 39
Tu bi-Shevat is coming! Following tefillah on Mon., Feb. 9—the 15th of Shevat, students will hold a tree planting ceremony. Each student will receive a bag of dried fruits, lovingly packed by our middle schoolers.
PA Meeting: Thu, March 5, 8:45 am @LCDS Upcoming Events
• Second Annual Movie Night: Camp Rock. Thursday, February 12 (no school Friday!) Pizza, popcorn and a movie on the court. Lots of fun! Tickets $10. • Purim Carnival: Fri, March 13 Calling all dads…give us a hand! • Shop Target? Support LCDS! See the PA web page for details.
Feb. 9, 4:00 vs. Hebrew Academy @ LCDS Junior Varsity Feb. 9, 3:30 vs. Beth David @ Lehrman Feb. 10, 3:30 vs. Greenfield @ Lehrman Complete updated schedule online lehrmanschool.org/athletics *Exciting Sports Program@Lehrman Our kindergarteners are celebrating the 100th day of school today. Watch next week’s Link for full coverage of the numerical event.
Happy Birthday, Charles
PA Board positions open for 09-10. Contact Amy or Joi for information. Joi Fiske & Amy Siama, Co-Presidents Visit us on the web: www.lcdspa.org
February 7, 1812