9/25/2020 Head of School Message
Dear DKJA Community,
This past week, our Jewish community
mourned the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Z”L. Justice Ginsburg leaves behind a legacy of fighting for the constitutional rights of all people, and she did so with unparalleled wit, wisdom, and a tenacious belief in equality for all. She was extremely proud of her heritage and was guided by the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam, or “healing the world.” Today, as we are faced with continued uncertainty and daily stress intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage our community to find a way of incorporating Tikkun Olam into their daily lives. Whether it be through an increased awareness of social distancing, reaching out to a neighbor in need of emotional support, or simply passing along a kind word to a family member or friend, we can all take a moment to do our part in healing our world.
During the busy period over the High Holidays, I always enjoy visiting classrooms to see how the students at all grade levels are using this time for self-reflection, and how their plans for the year ahead are articulated. From Kindergarten students learning the meaning of slicha or asking for forgiveness to High School students studying the sections of the Talmud dealing with judgment and repentance, I am proud of the numerous good deeds taking place daily within our school, as well as the students’ desire to incorporate the tenets of Judaism in their lives. The lessons, activities, and discussions that take place synchronously between our in-person learners and those attending remotely are inspiring. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a few of the highlights taking place in each of our divisions:
Lower School
Our youngest students learn best when they are actively engaged in hands-on learning activities. Illustrating stories about asking for forgiveness or blowing the Shofar, participating in the act of Tachlich, creating resolution sticks using fallen tree branches, and engaging in songs and dance are just some of the ways our Lower School students observed Rosh Hashanah and prepared for Yom Kippur.
Middle School
Students in our Middle School Jewish Life Club did a beautiful job leading a virtual Rosh Hashanah assembly for the entire Middle School. With songs, videos, games, and the blowing of the Shofar, the spirit and celebration was very special for everyone. Everyone was excited as the assembly ended with Rabbi Ben “rapping” his way through the Rosh Hashanah Torah portion!
High School
Our Rosenblatt High School students are engaged in the exploration of themes from Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot in their Judaic Studies courses. These themes range from the question of whether or not we blow a Shofar on Shabbat to the deeper meaning of why we build a sukkah. This development of critical thinking skills and the ability to use reasoning and logic to validate their way of thinking is also being carried over to English classes where students are working on writing personal narratives in preparation for future college essays. Kol Hakavod to our High School students and our amazing faculty for their cross-curricular approach to learning!
G’mar Chatimah Tovah and Shabbat Shalom,
Helena Levine
Head of School
Donna Klein Jewish Academy
Donna Klein Jewish Academy
