The Scroll - Charlotte Jewish Day School

B”H
The Scroll
Fall 2014
CJDS Incorporates Project
Based Learning into Curriculum
Learning as a formal component of our curriculum.
and acquiring knowledge. Project Based Learning follows the
drawings to illustrate what they already know and what they
need to know about the topic at hand. Project Based Learning
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
So this this past winter, six CJDS administrators and teachers
drove to Chapel Hill and spent two days at the Duke School, a
well-known PBL school. The Duke School provided an extensive
answered. These two days helped us formulate our vision for
CJDS with a key focus on how we would keep our accelerated
framework of background knowledge on which students can
A Blueprint
learning is a conduit that allows the learner to passionately and
proudly share what they have learned with others.
of learning as the central approach to all of their teaching? And
was going to happen the next day? It’s not happening because
they do not have as they are pressed to “cover” core curriculum
mastery. In an ideal world, Project Based Learning would be an
educator’s dream!
Adelaide Gorelick, Senior
Charlotte Country Day School
2014 Summer Student in Israel at
Alexander Muss High School
Fortunately for us, projects like these have been and are done at
and value PBL adds to learning. However, in our quest to leave no
approach PBL, and if we could incorporate any new ideas into
our academic program.
Join us for our Open House.
My parents told me,
“Adelaide, the Torah
should be a blueprint
for your life’s plan.
Heed its stories; use
their morals and apply
them to your stories.
When you’re lost,
think not as a person,
but as a Jew.”
A Blueprint)
Wednesday, October 29, 9:30-11:30am or
Thursday, November 13, 11:30am-1:30pm
Friday, November 14, 1:15pm
A Blueprint
(continued from page 1)
From my own genesis, I’ve sought to live my parents’ words
true. To be Jewish is to be good, moral, and thoughtful. Good
like Samuel, who gave of himself wholeheartedly to the
freedom and security people of Israel. Moral like Nathan,
who had the courage and audacity to confront King David
and suggest the depth of his sin. Thoughtful like Solomon
who understood his people; who saw them not for what
they were in the past, but what they could be in the future.
Regardless of these characters’ limited physical existence
in history, their stories continue to exist for me and for the
Jewish people. I aspire to be as giving as Samuel, principled
as Nathan, and inspired as Solomon.
the intention to gather God’s shards of light. The Ari’s
conceptualization of doing good enlarged the scale of
any given act. In other words, it doesn’t matter how small
your contribution to the betterment of the world is: it’s a
contribution nonetheless.
I can’t help but think of Sinai and the G-d-given purpose my
people received there when I consider Israel today. I may
live in the Diaspora, but Israel dominates my identity as a
Jew. That is why when I sit here in Israel, every rocket from
Gaza feels as if it is putting my family-my people, in danger.
Zionism encompasses so much of who I am as a Jew, so
much so that I decided to spend my summer learning its
history (tests and essays such as this included). Living in
Charlotte, North Carolina, seldom do I find myself in an
entirely Jewish environment. A few thousand miles east, I
find my heart in an entirely Jewish country. Here is a land
that, to some, G-d promised to Abraham. To others, it’s a
land conquered and defended by Israeli forces time and
time again. To me, it’s both and everything in between. In
Israel, Judaism is religion, culture, nationality, and morality.
So am I as good as Samuel, moral as Nathan, and thoughtful
as Solomon? No, not even close. In my world, it’s not always
easy being good, moral, and thoughtful. Things, people,
circumstances – They all get in the way. And I also probably
tend to get in the way, too. Most of the time, selfishness
is easier than selflessness. However, despite its demands,
Judaism is fulfilling. There’s something
“Most of the time, selfishness is easier than
satisfying, something rewarding about
being good, moral, and thoughtful.
selflessness. However, despite its demands,
Though these satisfactions and rewards
Judaism is fulfilling.”
aren’t always obvious, they’re always
there. They come in various guises,
but underneath, they’re all the same. It could be a smile
It’s a home for Jews to be safe from those who don’t see
from someone you helped, or a quiet thank you. It could
the world as we do. It’s a home for Jews to be Jewish in any
be the giggle of a teary child consoled. Honestly, just the
way they see fit. It’s a home for me if and when I want it.
knowledge that you made someone else’s life just a bit
easier is all you need.
So maybe I’m not always an angel, and I definitely have
a lot to learn about the world and my place in it. Until
The Ari, a Kabbalist from Tzfat, introduced to the world a
then, however, the most I can do as a person, and more
new definition of tikkun olam that really resonates with
importantly, as a Jew, is try to find those pieces of light and
me. He believed that pieces of God’s lightness were strewn
bring them together. Until then, I can try to be like Samuel,
across the universe upon its creation. The concept of tikkun
Nathan, Solomon, and their contemporaries. I’ll come to
olam, figuratively, is collecting these pieces so that we can
Israel as much as I possibly can. Most importantly, I can
eventually piece them all together.
marry a nice Jewish boy (an NJB) and pass down my ideals
to my children, and their children, and so on. I’d like to
Literally, this means consciously, deliberately doing good
somehow make a difference in the world, and I think being
for the world. Acts of goodness and kindness done with
Jewish is taking me on the right path.
The Scroll
Fall 2014
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
2
(continued from page 1– CJDS Incorporates Project Based
Learning into Curriculum)
Although we were planning on spearheading the PBL vision for
the new school year (2014-2015), we decided to take advantage
of our newfound knowledge and excitement and introduce
a trimester of it to the fifth grade students. Rabbi Gordon
approached Donna Lerner (art teacher) and Andrea Gamlin
(technology teacher) to collaborate and join him in this fifth
grade project that would culminate in the creation of a Hagaddah
companion. This project would take the place of learning about
Pesach this year. Hmmm. That sounded scary. How would we
ensure that the children would know the story of Pesach? How
would the kids know what to do at the Seder? Would they even
know the four questions? Yes, that was a risk. But at the same
time, we risked losing their interest if we kept on teaching the
same things over and over again.
The spring 5th grade PBL project kicked off with the students being
divided into four cooperative learning groups; each were assigned
one of four tasks: the four steps of the seder, an assignment of
3
poetry, research (eight assorted haggadot), and art or publishing.
The groups were required to interact throughout the process as
the project needed to have some uniformity, as well as harmony.
The art group was expected to paint pictures that would illustrate
the seder along with some details from the information that was
researched. The research group using eight different hagaddot
and various websites, compared and contrasted the information,
and synthesized all that they studied. The poetry group wrote
their own poems using the information provided by the research
group. The publishing group was assigned the responsibility of
design, layout (with all of the decisions entailed) and print the
published product, a beautifully bound Haggaddah companion
book to use at home with their families.
As far as worrying if the children learned anything, a test was
given at the end to assess what the children picked up about
Pesach and the results were gratifying.
For an educator, this type of achievement is the ultimate goal.
Engaged learners don’t even realize there is something special
happening here. This is the way it is supposed to be.
The Scroll
Fall 2014
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
A Message from Our Board President, Amy Vitner
The article below is from Amy Vitner’s speech delivered at the CJDS Graduation
Ceremony, June 2014.
Welcome
parents,
grandparents, alumni
and friends to the
Charlotte
Jewish
Day School’s annual
Graduation Ceremony
honoring our very own
class of 2014!
Dear graduates, tonight is your night to shine. I hope that
through all the excitement and fanfare, you are able to
pause, take a deep breath and reflect upon all that you
have accomplished. Enjoy the moment. Take it all in. But
don’t get too comfortable.
Torah. We need to ensure that our children find enough
meaning in studying Torah that they can use it as a guide,
and are secure and confident enough in their knowledge
that they are able to pass it on to future generations. We
need to ensure that our children are proud of their Jewish
heritage. One meaning of “legacy” is something handed
down from ancestors or from a previous generation or
time. Based on this meaning, the Charlotte Jewish Day
School has been in the legacy business for a long time and
with each graduating class, we continue to contribute to
the sustainability of our future Jewish community.
So class of 2014, while I know tonight is a night for
celebrating, I want to give you, and perhaps all of us here
this evening, including myself, a challenge. I want you to
think about how you can shape your own Jewish legacy
and continue your Jewish learning in a way that will be
sustainable well beyond your Bar and Bat Mitzvah years.
I encourage you to become an active participant in your
As a graduate of the Charlotte Jewish Day School,
you have been given a great gift and also a great
responsibility. This week, throughout the Charlotte
region, there are thousands of students
graduating from elementary school, but
only a lucky sixteen are graduating from the “You see, you have a very important task
Charlotte Jewish Day School. And while there ahead of you. You are an integral part of
are many schools in Charlotte that provide our community’s Jewish legacy.”
outstanding educational opportunities, only
one school provides outstanding educational
opportunities, plus the gift of Jewish knowledge and
respective synagogue, participate in youth programs
Torah and teaches it in a way that is meaningful, fun and
and mitzvah projects and continue to study Torah. Think
really sticks. It will be your responsibility to nurture this
about the gift you have been given in receiving a Day
gift, to continue to feed it, and to watch it grow. You see,
School education and what you can do to take care of
you have a very important task ahead of you. You are an
that gift.
integral part of our community’s Jewish legacy.
In closing, while you will no longer be in our carpool line,
In our community, the concept of Jewish legacy is trending.
we hope that we still see you often around Shalom Park
And while most of the conversations taking place are
and that you visit us when you have the chance. The
focused on legacies of giving and financial resources, it is
Charlotte Jewish Day School has given you a tremendous
equally as important, if not more important to make sure
foundation and I know that you will make us proud.
that we are also passing on Jewish knowledge, Hebrew
Mazel Tov, Class of 2014!
language skills, traditions, values, and teachings of the
The Scroll
Fall 2014
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
4
Legacy Giving
I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. Although I lived
from a synagogue, it wasn’t easy growing up Jewish in
been the center of our family’s life. Many of our family’s
most meaningful experiences have happened at Shalom
Park.
elementary school with only seven students in my
Young Couples club enabled us to establish meaningful
made me a minority. My parents were involved in teaching
Sunday school and fundraising for the community.
Day School. The Levine JCC is also important to us, for
parents moved their young family to this Boston suburb
many years. Temple Beth El, BBYO, Hebrew High and
a havurah that greatly enhanced their Jewish life and
sense of community. We were both raised by parents
volunteering and their support of the Jewish community.
in 1992 to open a new store and expand our fabric
company.
We
were excited about
opportunity to live
near Shalom Park.
It is a very special
and unique place.
Since our arrival
Jewish community. It is very important to us for future
S
CJDS gratefully acknowledges...
Anonymous
Anonymous*
Susan and Benjamin
Aizenman*
Meredith and Michael
Baumstein*
Lisa and Barry Blau*
Janice and David Cantor*
Sonia and Brian Cohen*
Andrea and George Cronson*
5
Aleen and David Epstein
Nancy and Alec Felder*
Stacy and Todd Gorelick*
Nancy and Bob Kipnis*
Lorrie and Barry Klemons
Elise and Jaime Kosofsky*
Judy and Eric Laxer*
Alison and Mark Lerner*
Eric Lerner*
Gary and Donna Lerner*
Barbara and Jerry Levin
Julie Lerner Levine
Risa and David Miller*
Gale Osborne
Richard Osborne
The Scroll
Fall 2014
Karen and David Ransenberg*
Ilya and Chantal Rubin*
Carol and Bob Speizman
Philip and Lauren Stark*
Joanna and Eric Wisotsky*
David and Debra Van Glish*
Amy and Mark Vitner*
GaleOsborne at 704-366-4558 or
gosborne@cjdschool.org.
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
Annual Fund Donors, 2013-2014
Madrich (Trailblazer)
$30,000 and above
The Leon Levine Foundation,
Sandra and Leon Levine*
Chozen (Visionary)
$10,000-$29,999
Anonymous
Patty & Bill Gorelick*
Lisa Davidson & Zeev Neuwirth
Dale & Larry Polsky
Allison & Steve Schlussel
Shari & Marc Sokolowicz
Lauren & Philip Stark
Debra & David Van Glish*
Yedid (Friend)
$360-$999
Madeline & Alan Aron
Mispacha (Family)
Bobbi & Don Bernstein*
$5,000-$9,999
Laurie & Kevin Berzack*
Meredith & Michael Baumstein Sandy & Allan Bogner
Lisa & Barry Blau
Bonnie & David Bornstein
Aleen & David Epstein*
Tracy & Larry Brown*
Stacy & Todd Gorelick*
Karen Garfein
Nancy & Bob Kipnis*
Dana & Scott Gorelick*
Julie & Howard Levine*
Debby & Drew Hall*
Richard Osborne*
Keren & Dov Klarberg
Larry Schwartz
Judy & Eric Laxer
Stacey & Bobby Selkin
Pat & Myer Leonard
Amy & Mark Vitner
Gale Osborne*
Karen & David Ransenberg*
Chai (Life)
Nayla Bitar & Carlos Rish
$1,800-$4,999
Leslie & Ed Rusgo
Anonymous
Karen & Milton Silver
Tania Wilson & Aaron Benjamin Mattye & Marc Silverman
Dana & Jeffrey Ditesheim*
Marilyn & Harry Swimmer
Nancy & Alec Felder
Burt Gellman
Toren (Contributor)
Lauren & Jeffrey Halprin
$18-$359
Elise & Jaime Kosofsky
Anonymous
Donna & Gary Lerner*
Carol & Nelson Aaron
Alison & Mark Lerner*
Ann & Bob Abel*
Elissa & Joshua Levine
Iris Aizenberg
Risa & David Miller*
Judy & Stan August
Debby & Kenny Miller*
Stacy & Allen Baum
Ilyssa & Brian Rubenstein
Rachel & Larry Berendt
Chantal and Ilya Rubin
Phil Berman
Heather & Scott Salam
Glenda & Brian Bernhardt
Elka & Andrew Bernstein
Nadvan Yakir (Precious Donor) Felicity & Harry Berzack
$1,000-$1,799
Lillian & Irving Bienstock
Anonymous
Evelyn Blau
Jessica & Ron Cohen
Jennifer Citron & Steve
Lynn & Paul Edelstein*
Bloomfield
Ellen & Steven Engelhardt
Lee & Alan Blumenthal
Cynthia & Richard Fischel
Geneva & Evan Boxer
Lisa & Steven Friedman
Gabby Braverman
Julia & Russ Greenfield*
Elena & Michael Bravver
Jane & Matt Herson
Martha & Saul Brenner
Barbara & Jerry Levin*
Janice & Dave Cantor
Allah & Nathan Lubin
Yiska & Shlomo Cohen*
Jennifer & Eli Magids
Jodi & Stuart Cohen
Jill & Chip Coughlan
Stephen Debresen
Randy & Gary Defilipp
Donna & David DeGroot
Nancy & David Delfiner
Elaine & Michael Denenberg*
Rebecca & Jason Dranove
Ellen & Dan Dubin
Monique & Marc Elliott
Gloria Fischel
Barbara Foxx
Andrea & David Gamlin
Inbal & Tomas Gercsak
Ruth & Alan Goldberg*
Sandra & Yaron Goldman
Dedee & Adam Goldsmith
Marcy & Ari Goldstein
Michelle & Barry Goodman
Devorah Leah & Avrohom
Gordon*
Mariashi & Yossi Groner*
Lisa Herbert
Yelena & Elan Hertzberg
Jason Hoody
Tara & Ofer Hubara
Rose & Yosef Izmailov
Florence Jaffa
Rivka & Boris Kandinov
Erica & Peter Katz
Laurie & Glenn Kaufman
Paula & Richard Klein
Lorrie & Barry Klemons
Stella & Youriy Koudinov
Ralph Leondar
Gloria & Harry Lerner
Leah & Israel Levin
Ellis Levinson
Betty & Arthur Levy
Nicole & Paul Lingoes
Meg Goldstein & Matthew
Luftglass
Lena & Greg Lumelsky
Frances & Jeff Lyons
Karen & Gary Maniloff
Inna & Albert Manoim
Judy & Leonard Marco
Ilana & Curtis Martin
Mindy & Christopher McShane
Andrea & Adrian Mesoznik*
Lisa & Stuart Meyerson*
Alla & Mikhail Mogilevsky
Amy & Don Mullen
Tammy & Amnon Nachshon
Lisa Nagel
Jennifer & Michael Newman
Jill & Ed Newman*
Natalie & Arthur Osman
Audrey & Guy Pearlman
Sigi Zielinski & Alexander Peter
Harriet & Mark Perlin
Beth & Bobby Pesakoff
Diggie & Lee Pesakoff
Jill & William Pickett
Joanna& Jonathan Polsky
Dena & Michael Raffler*
Stephanie Rauch
Everett Ribakove
Irena & Lee Rimler
Adria & Ryan Roberson
Linda & Elias Roochvarg
Mara & Marty Rosenberg*
Michelle & John Ross
Michelle & Daryn Roth
Barbara & Gerald Schapiro
Aimee Schlussel
Sara & Michael Schreibman
Melissa & Craig Schulman
Evie & Steve Schwartz
Kelly & Barry Schwartz
Anita & Marvin Shapiro
Rachel & Corey Shemtov
Batsheva & Berel Shemtov
Lisa & Fred Shporer
Sara Silverman
Stephanie & Jon Simon
Anat & Bram Spiero
Abbe & Stephen Steinberg
Renee & Joe Steiner
Robin & Michael Stier
Joyce & Robert Stoll
Sivonne & Ryan Stone
Sam Strause*
Nancy Tarbis
Sharon Taubman
Ellen & Ellis Tavin
Paula Caron & Dan Teper
Luda & Yuriy Vaynshteen
Rochele & Menachem Vorst
Ellen & Sam Waldman
Beth and Phil Warshauer
Lauren & Josh Weiser
Channie & Binyomin Weiss*
Arlene Weiss
Joanna & Eric Wisotsky
Jadyn Woodson
Sue & Kim Worrel
* Indicates donors of 10 or more consecutive years
The Scroll
Fall 2014
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
6
The 5774 Zachary Shporer Jewish Pride Award
The Zachary Shporer Jewish Pride Award is announced
each year at the CJDS Graduation ceremony. Printed
below is an excerpt of Director Mariashi Groner’s speech
presenting this award to CJDS student, Daniel Pearlman.
Zachary is still fresh in our minds. Each time I walk by the
plaque in his honor, or the picture of him of so many years
past, I feel like I want to call out to him and reminisce. He
was never very talkative, at least with me he wasn’t, but
he always gave me a shy smile when I greeted him. He will
always remain very strong in our hearts, and we continue
to carry on his memory by continuing his good deeds.
Since exhibiting Jewish pride was what Zachary taught
us, we at CJDS choose to carry on the lesson most dear
to him. Each year we celebrate and recognize students
and alumni who demonstrate actions that are “uniquely”
Jewish, especially when it is difficult.
For this year, the committee chose the following
nomination as the winner.
This is the nomination I received from a mom at our
school. This is the nomination:
As a Jew growing up in the South, there are times when
one is challenged to take a deeper look into the values
that have been instilled and are cherished.
Today, August 21, 2013, Daniel had his first experience
where he was challenged to look a little harder at his
values. We are so moved by his conviction and his ability
to think critically through an awkward situation and to
make a solid decision based on his values.
Daniel was asked, along with some other karate buddies,
to participate in a video that a teenage karate student
was making. He was asked to be a background dancer. To
our understanding, the video was to be a fundraiser for a
charity for underprivileged children. Daniel was happy to
be a part and went to the practice session. After learning
and practicing the dance moves for a while, the girl in
charge brought out three signs for the children dancers
to hold up. Each sign had a statement that expressed
commitment to a faith that was not in sync with Judaism.
Upon returning home from the practice, we sat with
Daniel to discuss what had happened, ask how he felt
about it and what he thought he should do going forward.
The filming of the video was to take place the next day.
He responded that he was surprised by the signs and
immediately started to think, "What would my Jewish
friends and my family think of me holding these signs?
Who else would see them, and what would Mariashi
think? This isn't right!" When asked, "What do you think
you should do?" He replied, "I don't want to be a part of
that."
There was no difficulty for him to make this decision,
despite the fact that his other friends would continue
to complete the video the next day. He did not worry
that his non-Jewish friends would question him as to his
whereabouts. He valued his Jewish identity and was able
to take a stand and stay true to himself and his beliefs.
When the committee voted and chose this nomination,
it was clear that they recognized that here was a ten year
old boy who has not yet experienced total integration
into the general community and the world, because he
*Counts toward the Life & Legacy Incentive Grant.
7
The Scroll
Fall 2014
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
The 5774 Zachary Shporer Jewish Pride Award
had attended Jewish schools till now, and yet he had the
resolve to risk censure by his peers. Daniel was willing to
give up an experience where he could share his talent,
where he could join a group of kids to do something fun
and meaningful. Still Daniel chose to withdraw for the
sake of staying true to his faith, the way he was taught to
serve Hashem.
I am proud and continue to be
proud of our students. Time and
time again, I hear of their strength,
commitment and connection to G-d
and their people.
Daniel is one of our graduates today.
In addition to the certificate that you
are receiving, we are also giving you the newly published
and illustrated book of Psalms that brings to life the words
of King David, The Tehillim. We know that for over 3,000
years, Jewish people have turned to The Tehillim in times
of joy, achievement, sadness and challenge. May this
Tehillim give you the strength to continue to demonstrate
Jewish Pride, as you did when choosing to only participate
in expressions of faith that are consistent with your own.
“...he valued his Jewish identity and
was able to take a stand and stay true
to himself and his beliefs....”
High School Graduates
$623,500 in merit scholarships
Shannon Applegate
Shannon graduated from Ardrey
Kell High School. She was a member
of the National Honor Society and
Captain of both the cross-country
and track teams. Shannon will be
attending North Carolina State
University and plans to major in
biomedical engineering.
Brett Balick
Brett graduated from Providence
High School where he was a
member of both the National Honor
Society and German Honor Society.
He played varsity lacrosse, has been
an active volunteer juror on the
Mecklenburg Teen Court and was
also involved in BBYO. Brett will be
attending Miami University of Ohio,
Farmers School of Business.
The Scroll
Fall 2014
Annie Brown
Annie attended Providence Day
School where she was a member
of the SOS club and played both
softball and field hockey. She was
an active volunteer at the Shalom
Park Freedom School for three
years.
Annie will attend Elon
University in the fall of 2015 as a
Presidential Scholar.
Elana Burack
Elana graduated Cum Laude from
Providence Day School as an AP
Scholar with Honors and a member
of the National Honor Society and
school Honors Council. She was
co-editor of both the Providence
Day Newspaper and the Pendragon
literary magazine, served as
Mecklenburg Ministries Interfaith
Council co-president and was a
Hebrew school teacher. Following a
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
gap year, Elana will be attending the
University of Pennsylvania.
Frannie Cohen
Frannie graduated from Providence
High School. She is an active
fundraiser
for
the
Familial
Dysautonomia Foundation and
an annual participant in Kids of
Courage.
She has participated
in the Mitey Riders Therapeutic
Equestrian Program for 17 years
and attended Camp Simcha for 8
years. Frannie will enroll in CPCC in
the fall to study computer website
development.
Mia Cremisi
Mia is graduating from Myers
Park High School as an AP Scholar
and Honor Roll student. She was
a member of the National Honor
Society, vice-president of the
8
Environmental Club and president
of the Autism Awareness Club.
She dances at The North Carolina
Dance Theater and volunteers as a
tutor at the North Carolina Virtual
Public School. Mia will be attending
The University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill.
Ilana Hirschmann
Ilana graduated from Queens Grant
High School. During high school,
she was certified in the Explorers
program run by the Charlotte
Mecklenburg Police Department.
Ilana will attend The University of
North Carolina at Charlotte.
Scott Cronson
Scott graduated from Myers Park
High School in the top 6% of his class.
He participated in the IB program
and was a member of the Architect,
Construction, and Engineering and
math clubs. Throughout high school
he volunteered consistently with
Room in the Inn and has played
both soccer and basketball. Scott
will study engineering at NC State
University scholars program.
Dion Knafo
Dion graduated from Porter Ridge
High School. Dion will attend the
University of North Carolina at
Wilmington.
Rachel Denenberg
Rachel graduated from South
Mecklenburg High School where
she was a member of the National
Honor Society, Beta Club and
Cross-country teams. She received
CMS Presidential Service Awards
for three years. She was BBYO NC
Council Safranit and Chapter MIT
Mom. Rachel will be attending
The University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill.
Daniel Gamlin
Danny graduated from Charlotte
Country Day School where he was
the statistical manager of the Varsity
basketball team and captain of the
Junior Varsity tennis team. He was
a Friendship Circle Philip Sperling
Award winner and Freedom School
volunteer. Danny will attend Indiana
University.
Gabby Hernandez-Hensen
Gabby graduated from East
Mecklenburg High School. She
hopes to attend Carolinas College of
Health and Science to study nursing.
9
Cailey Kreitman
Cailey graduated from Providence
High School where she was a
member of their national award
winning choral group. She was a
volunteer at The Jewish Preschool
on Sardis and a member of BBYO.
Cailey plans to attend East Carolina
University.
Sammy Lerner
Sammy graduated from Gateway
Academy in Sandy, Utah where he
has already begun classes at Salt
Lake City Community College. He
plans on applying to culinary school
in the fall.
Scott Lerner
Scott graduated from Providence
Day School as an AP Scholar and
Member of the National Honor
Society. He was an officer in BBYO
for 3 years, assistant editor of the
Yearbook, vice-president of the
SPAM political action club and a
member of the Hebrew Language
Club.
Scott is an accomplished
painter. He will be attending Oberlin
College.
Benny McSchane
Benny graduated from Marvin Ridge
High School where he earned an
academic letter and bar and founded
the Fencing Club. Benny will be
attending the College of Charleston.
The Scroll
Fall 2014
Yakira Oudmayer
Yakira graduated from Providence
High School. Following a gap year
in Israel, Yakira plans to attend the
Savannah College of Art and Design.
Paige Rabinowitz
Paige graduated from Queens
Grant High School as an Honor Roll
student. She interned at NODA
School of the Arts and served as
treasurer of the Environmental
club. She's been a Sunday school
teacher at Ballantyne Jewish Center,
treasurer of her BBYO chapter and
volunteered for Friendship Circle.
Paige is a talented singer and will
be attending the University of North
Carolina at Greensboro.
Alex Randle
Alex graduated from Myers Park
High School where he participated in
technical theater and was an active
volunteer, logging over 200 hours in
the last 5 years. Alex will enter the
Geospatial Technology Program at
CPCC.
Sophie Rosenberg
Sophie graduated from Proctor
Academy in Andover, New Hampshire
where she has consistently achieved
Headmasters List.
She played
softball and soccer and participated
in the equestrian program. Sophie
will be attending the University of
South Carolina and plans to study
pre-med/ exercise science.
Hayley Rusgo
Hayley graduated from Myers
Park High School as an AP and
Honors student and a member of
the National Honor Society. She
is president of the Environmental
Club and project manager of Any
One Can which raises money for
schools in South Sudan. She played
lacrosse, ran track and volunteered
for the Friendship Circle. Hayley will
be attending North Carolina State
University.
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
Alumni Updates
Joseph Schrader
Joseph graduated from Harding
High School where he was an honors
and IB student. He participated
in the College Promise program
at CPCC. Joseph will be attending
the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro.
Diana Turk
Diana graduated from Providence
High School as an AP student,
member of the National Honor
Society and member of the Tri-M
National Music Honor Society. She
was a member of the Chorus, Key
Club, Culinary Club, HOSA, Mosaic
Club and the JV Basketball Team.
She was active in BBYO, serving as
chapter and Eastern region Shlicha
and in the March of the Living. Diana
will be attending The University of
South Carolina.
We were able to collect some
information of recent college
graduates and can’t help but
share our continued nachas. To
send us your updates, please email
gosoborne@cjdschool.org
and
stay in touch by following us on
Facebook. We always love hearing
from our alumni!
College Graduates
Ryan Balick
Ryan graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Business Administration and
Management with a minor in Communications. He plans to pursue a
career in sports broadcasting.
The Scroll
Fall 2014
Sam Erhlich
Sam graduated from the University
of South Carolina and will be attending USC law school in the fall.
David Gleiberman
David graduated from Fairleigh
Dickinson University with a degree
in business. He plans to return to
Charlotte.
Lila Kelso
Lila graduated early from the
University of Virginia. She will be
teaching at the Shalom Park Freedom School this summer and plans
to attend the London School of
Economics in the fall.
Josh Kipnis
Josh graduated from Vanderbilt
University with a Bachelor of Arts
in Sports Journalism and a minor
in Managerial Studies/Corporate
Strategy. He is working in New York
City for FleishmanHillard, a global
PR and communications firm.
Eran Kreitman
Eran will graduate in December
from The University of Louisville
with a double major in political
science and history with an emphasis on Middle East affairs. Eran is
“honored and grateful that CJDS
would want to hear of his accomplishments and he credits CJDS with
instilling a love of the Jewish people
and Israel.”
Kaitlin Laxer
Kaitlin graduated with honors from
the University of South Carolina
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
French and a minor in Chemistry.
She plans to apply to dental school
during the summer and pursue
pediatric dentistry as a career.
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
Ari Lipsitz
Ari graduated from New York University with honors and is working
in New York City.
Rebecca Raffler
Rebecca graduated from Brandeis
University with a degree in Health:
Science, Society and Policy and a
minor in English. She is spending
the summer studying, taking the
MCAT exam and applying to medical school. She has an internship
with the Familial Dysautonomia
Foundation and Clinic.
Jacob Stark
Jacob graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Additionally, he completed the
BEST program, a Bachelor of Education in Science Teaching. Jacob has
accepted a position with the San
Joaquin Outdoor School in Loma
Mar, CA. He will be teaching 5th
and 6th graders science curriculum
in the outdoors.
Bracha Weiss
Bracha completed Teachers Seminary at Beis Chaya Mushka in Tzfat,
Israel. She is currently working at
CJDS, planning and executing our
fabulous Judaica programs.
Harry Bergmann
Harry received his Masters Degree
in Environmental Science from the
Bren School at the University of
California, Santa Barbara. Harry
will begin his career with an environmental consulting group in Los
Angeles.
10
Mariashi Groner Presents the Jerry and Barbara Levin
Jewish Visionary Award at the CJDS June Graduation
The following words spoken by Mariashi Groner, Director, at the CJDS June 2014 graduation,
only begin to express the Day School’s heartfelt gratitude to the award recipient.
Even if she would have just been involved in fund raising
for CJDS, that would have been enough.
Even if she would have only spoken about the benefit of
a Day School education every other day, that would have
been enough.
For the past three years we have presented the Jerry and
Barbara Levin Jewish Visionary Award to people who have
supported Jewish Day School Education and made the
Charlotte Jewish Day School even possible. This year we
would like to present this award to a parent. But, she’s
not just a parent.
Even if she just completed 14 years of providing a Jewish
education for her children at CJDS, that would have been
enough.
Most people will attest to the fact that whenever Stacy
Gorelick had a chance she would hock you about the
Charlotte Jewish Day School. Okay, she also hocked you
about the Federation, Israel, etc. etc. etc., but she never
failed to mention CJDS.
Stacy was and continues to be a firm, solid supporter of
the Charlotte Jewish Day School and Day School education
in general. I am not sure she realizes the gift she has given
her children in setting this example of determination, as
her parents have done for her.
Stacy, may Hashem grant you much nachas from your
children for many years to come.
High School Testimonial
Standing in Poland at
Auschwitz, I knew I
wouldn’t be here if I
had not attended CJDS
for elementary school.
Marching among 10,000
other people celebrating
the survival of the Jewish
faith, I have never been
Rachel Denenberg
so proud of who I am
Senior, South Mecklenburg
High School
and where I came from.
It is no secret growing up in the thick of the Bible Belt is
difficult, but CJDS made it possible.
11
Small classes with dedicated teachers and academic
vigor nurture students and their interests while allowing
confidence to shine as students. CJDS also educated their
students with essential life skills such as moral values,
building relationships and leadership. More importantly,
CJDS taught me to love Judaism and always show my pride
everywhere I go.
After graduating from South Mecklenburg High School
with honors, I am getting ready to start the next chapter
in my life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
where I hope to study business, and will continue to be
proud of who I am.
The Scroll
Fall 2014
A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
FOR LIVING JEWISHLY
5007 Providence Road, Building E
Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-366-4558 • www.cjdschool.org
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