4/16/2021 Head of School Message

Dear DKJA Community, 

This week, we came together as a school to observe two significant days - Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. It was truly a moving experience to observe Yom HaZikaron and honor the fallen Israeli soldiers and civilians who lost their lives. On the heels of the sorrow, we celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 73rd birthday. I found myself reflecting on my visit to Israel three years ago, where I was present for Yom Ha’atzmaut, celebrating 70 years of freedom. It was truly a remarkable experience to be present during such a historic time, and I will hold those memories in my heart for a lifetime. I look forward to our students being able to return to Israel and experience what I felt three years ago during this time. 
 
In honor of Yom HaZikaron, many of our Middle School students and the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School student body, along with our faculty, staff, and administration, participated in an assembly in memory of those we have lost. The assembly was led by the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Hebrew Honor Society and included prayers and powerful words from our students and staff. These students also held in-class discussions on the significance of Yom HaZikaron.
 
 
On Thursday, our students joined the faculty, staff, and administration in celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut with a school-wide assembly. This assembly featured videos by our students with messages from Israel and discussions about the importance of this historic day. Our students also enjoyed Israeli dancing and snacks outside in our Dedication Plaza.
 

 

This week, I also had the pleasure of reading a special book in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut to our Lower School students. I would like to extend a thank you to Morah Sammy Lontok who joined me for the special afternoon with our lower school students. Morah Sammy Lontok joined us in place of our dear Lower School Principal Jill Shoshany, who is mourning the passing of her beloved father, Walter Spielman z’l. The entire DKJA community extends its deepest condolences to Jill and her family during this time. 

Spotlight On DKJA Premieres On Sunday!
I am incredibly excited for the start of Spotlight on DKJA, a special five-day event created to celebrate our exceptional school. I hope you all take advantage of the wonderful activities created to bring our community together. Throughout the week you’re invited to participate in a road rally scavenger hunt, browse an online auction, take part in spirit week, and end the week at our Pinnacle event, a special program created to spotlight the amazing students, parents, and teachers at DKJA. 
 
April 18  Road Rally Scavenger Hunt
April 19-22 School Spirit Week
April 20-22 Online Auction
April 22 Pinnacle Event 

Please see the flyers below for additional information. I look forward to an exciting weekend ahead and I hope you all join in on the festivities. 

Shabbat Shalom, 
Helena Levine
Head of School
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