REFLECTIONS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Text Talk on Parshat Yitro with Ze’ev Beleck, ’11

This week I was privileged to spend a brief amount of time with Ze’ev Beleck learning Parshat Yitro.  There are two distinct sections to this parsha; the first, when Yitro brings Moshe Rabbenu’s family back the Israelites, converts and assists with developing the first court system. The second section is the receiving of the Ten Commandments. Ze’ev and I decided to concentrate on the second section. I began by explaining to Ze’ev that many commentators talk about the first 5 commandments as being between human and G-d and the second 5 being between human and human. The difficulty with this division is the fifth commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.” Aren’t your parents human?Ze’ev had some very good answers to this dilemma.  First, Ze’ev explained, parents are god-like, they brought you into this world and when you were young, they did everything for you.  Second, you try to be the best you can for your parents, or at least for their approval.  Many people spend their entire lives trying to “earn” the approval of their parents.  The commentators in my Stone Chumash state that this commandment, being among the first five, stresses the importance to G-d of the relationship between children and their parents. In fact, the Sages express that there are three partners in a human being, G-d, father and mother. Therefore, when one honors one’s parents, it is equivalent to honoring G-d. When the commandments are repeated in Deuteronomy 5:16, the phrase, as Hashem, your G-d, commanded you, is added and Haamek Davar comments that this addition is to emphasize that parents should be honored not only out of love but because this is part of your obligation to honor G-d.  Ze’ev went on to explain to me that religion really has no meaning for children until the parents teach them and that the parents can even be the “religion” for the children. Young children believe unequivocally in their parents, just as we are taught to believe in our religion as we grow. As adults, we can turn to our religious belief system, and G-d, for comfort. To whom did we turn when we were children? Our parents of course!!

Shabbat Shalom,
Barbie Prince

GOOD & WELFARE
Eats for the Streets
Congratulations to Tobia Robinson, brother of Yeri, ’12, Yoshi, ’10, and Byron, ’08 on his recent Bar Mitzvah.  Tobia’s mitzvah project was to make sandwiches for Eats for the Streets. See pictures at http://eatsforthestreets.com.

IN THE NEWS
In your love you led the people….in your strength you guided them
Shoshana S. Cardin concludes her memoir with what she calls her greatest achievement: “This Jewish high school which bears my name is my proudest achievement – bar none.  It is the reward of a blessed life.”

On Friday, February 6, faculty, students, and guests of the Cardin School gathered together in the Oheb Shalom auditorium to honor the blessed lifetime of Shoshana. What a wonderful way to usher in Shabbat Shira (the Sabbath of Song) and Tu B’shvat.  When we celebrate these days, we are reminded of “Klal Yisrael” and “Medinat Yisrael,” two themes that guided Shoshana’s life and career.

After words of welcome by Ms. Leslie Rosen, Dean of General Studies, Emily Boling, ’10, beautifully connected the Torah reading with Shoshana’s role in the founding of the Cardin school:  “You will bring them and plant them in Your own mountain, the place You made to dwell in O Lord, The sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands established.” Shoshana also gave us a sanctuary to dwell in, a sanctuary that her hands helped to establish. The Shoshana S. Cardin School is a community where we feel comfortable to sing, to share opinions, to explore and ask questions about our Judaism, and to strengthen not only our relationship with God, but with Jews from all backgrounds.

Adin Reisner, ‘10 led us in the Motzi followed by a festive meal. During the meal, Mrs. Barbie Prince, Head of School, introduced Shoshana who singled out three pivotal events. She described her role in supporting loan guarantees, summer camps in Russia, and being left behind at a cemetery deep in the countryside outside of Iasi.  Shoshana concluded her talk with a resounding “I am proud to be a Jew.”

At the conclusion of Shoshana’s presentation, she was honored with a sculpture commissioned by her close friend, Mrs. Elaine Mintzes. Rabbi Stuart Seltzer, Dean of Judaic Studies, introduced Mrs. Elaine Mintzes, who, together with her late husband Alvin are counted among the great philanthropists in Baltimore. Mrs. Mintzes credited Shoshana for their fundraising success. According to Mrs. Mintzes, the purpose of this sculpture is to inspire future generations to commit to the great causes to which Shoshana has always been devoted.  Mrs. Mintzes presented the sculpture which Shoshana accepted with gratitude. 
                                      .
Kayla Reisman,’10, led us in Birkat Hamazon and Shoshana autographed her books. We look forward to learning in our new building where this beautiful art work will have a permanent home, and will tell the story of the one of the founders of our school.
Rabbi Stuart Seltzer

Teen Summit ... the next generation – February 7-8
This year, Mollye Lipton, ’10, co-chaired Teen Summit at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center. The theme of the summit was media and marketing. On Saturday night, there was a panel that talked to the group about effective ways of media and marketing. On Sunday, the group was split into 5 smaller groups. The groups chose an aspect of the Jewish community (like Maccabi, J-serve, or Tzedek Teen Leaders) that they thought needed marketing, and thought of ideas and ways to market it. Then on Sunday afternoon the groups presented their ideas to three important people on the JCC board including Buddy Sapolsky, President. Along with Mollye, Emily Boling, ‘10, Shachar Binyamin, ’10, Avi Miller, ’10, Kayla Reisman, ‘10 Adina Shanholtz, ‘11 and Allie Waskow, ’10 represented Cardin at the summit.
Mollye Lipton, ‘10

HaZamir
HaZamir is an international choir of Jewish teenagers, from all over the US, Israel and Russia. We have a very active Baltimore chapter, operated under the auspices of the Baltimore JCC and under the musical direction of Erika Schon, which includes Cardin students Emily Boling, ‘10, Shachar Binyamin, ‘10, Tara Lichtenstein, ‘10, Kayla Reisman, and alum Daniel Eisenberg, ‘08. The international group gathers occasionally for concerts (2008 in Baltimore), and the national group sings annually in New York City (this year on March 22). The local chapter performed this past weekend at Chizuk Amuno for Shabbat Shirah, and will also perform at the Gordon Center on May 30. Tickets are on sale now for the NYC performance (there may be a bus or van for a day-trip) (call 212-870-3339 for performance tickets) and will be on sale soon for the May 30 performance. Come support our talented teens!
Ms. Sheryl Cooper (mother of Kayla Reisman, ’10)

Advocacy Day – February 2
Held in Annapolis and sponsored by the Baltimore Jewish Council.  Advocacy Day is an opportunity for high school students to interact with our Maryland state politicians.  Cardin participants were Adin Reisner, ’10, Shachar Binyamin, ‘10, Emily Boling, ‘10, Kayla R. ‘10, Mollye Lipton, ‘10, and MariAnne Skolnik, ’10. Students spoke with state congressmen and senators about local issues including education and the economy. After hearing speeches over dinner from distinguished speakers Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore Mayor Dixon, everyone sat in on a session of the congress. It was a very informative day and anyone who is interested in politics should attend the next Advocacy Day.
Adin Reisner, ‘10

JUDAICS.COMMUNICATIONS
A Post Tu B’shvat Meditation
Each Tu B’shvat, Jews around the country read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Some educators use the book to describe the many gifts we receive from trees and others emphasize the giving nature of the tree. But I have never been able to see beyond the selfish boy who continues to take from the tree until the tree literally has nothing left to give. We should always remember in our relation to our generous and hardworking students never to act like the boy in the story. When we need volunteers to set up a room or to clean up after an event, they always step forward. When we need students to carry sports equipment or to bring up the mail from Oheb Shalom, they always lend a hand. When we need students to read Torah, they always say “yes.” When we need students to help with recruitment or to bring up the Shabbat cake from Rabbi Seltzer’s car, they help and they don’t even taste it on the way. Our students at Cardin are truly giving trees, and with each new gift we should recognize and appreciate their generosity.

Baraban’s Host Home Pages #2
The Baraban Tu B’shvat feast was so delicious that everyone had trouble leaving the table to begin our studies. But once we were fully satisfied, Rabbi Zaiman laid out a great buffet of knowledge and questions on the Book of Cain and Abel. This was the second session of HOME PAGES, an exciting learning community of Cardin teens and parents. It took place Sunday night, February 8, and a lively discussion about sibling rivalry and parental favoritism took place. We want to thank Liba Goldblum and Jay Baraban for their hospitality and our Cardin students for their insightful comments and active participation.
Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

CLASSES IN ACTION
Forensics
Blood!  Students have started their analysis of Blood and blood evidence. In this activity, students utilized a Kastle-Meyer Presumptive Blood test to determine if a given stain contained blood. Students where given ‘unknown’ samples and were required to use the test to fill in the scenario given at the beginning of class.
Mr. Dean Whitfield

Physics
Students have started their study of Power. In this activity students were using their own body weight to calculate their power moving up a flight of stairs. Our winner was Shachar Binyamin, ‘10 with a ½ horse power run up a flight of stairs.  We’re going to extend this into a study of Energy. Cardin students were joined by teachers from Krieger Schechter Middle School as part of our continuing outreach program.
Mr. Dean Whitfield

US History
Students in the U.S. History class took a break from studying populism to honor President Lincoln’s 200th birthday (February 12). With a great deal of enthusiasm, students attempted to uncover the mysteries of Abraham Lincoln’s personal and political life in order to solve this week’s Lincoln Crossword puzzle from the New York Times Magazine. In groups of three they used their own knowledge and searched the internet for answers, and were quite successful!
Ms. Amy Fink

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Mock Elections
The Israeli committee, which meets every Thursday, was formed by students who want to bring Israel to our school by celebrating holidays, remembering important dates in Israel’s history, and learning about daily life in Israel. Last week the group decided to hold a mock election on Tuesday to coincide with the Israel elections. Each student received 3 tickets to vote for the party of choice. Josh Schultz, ’10, described Israeli election background, including who is eligible to vote and the process of the elections. Emily Boling, ’10, interviewed Bibi Netanyahu (Shachar Binyamin, ’10) from the Likud party, Tsipi Livni (Kayla Reisman, ’10) from the Kadima party and Ehud Barak (Yoshi Robinson, ’10) from Ha’avoda party about some important issues - security, settlements, environment, and jobs. The students researched the material on the internet and got help from the Israeli teachers in school and stayed in character to answer these important questions. The entire student body voted and will compare their results with the Israelis’ votes. Of the 60 students eligible to vote on Tuesday, 45% voted for Likud, 35% voted for Kadima  and 20% voted for Ha’avoda. 

CAPTS Event a Rousing Success
This past Saturday night, CAPTS parents and teachers gathered as Cardin West was transformed into one of the East Coast's premiere centers for examining and analyzing libations from the fruit of the vine. RIGHT, we had a wine tasting event. We learned about many different types of wines, from mevushal to non-mevushal, sweet, dry, full bodied, sparkling and many more. We sipped our way around the world with offerings produced in Israel, California, France, Italy, Spain & Australia. As we expected, the Israeli wines were the evenings' most popular, but as many commented, the delicious wines of the evening were only outdone by the social environment that was provided. The most frequently overheard phrase of the night: “And you are the parent of ???” New friendships were formed, a few old acquaintances reconnected and everyone had a great time. A special thanks to an anonymous donor for providing the wines and to Adva Goldberg and Sandra Linde for the set-up.

COLLEGE SCENE
While the 12th graders anxiously await their admissions decisions, the 11th graders have been busy with standardized test preparation. The students took a full-length practice ACT on Sunday, February 8 and will have the full-length practice SAT Reasoning test on Sunday, February 15 at 1pm. 

In addition to test preparation, 11th graders have begun their college search process by meeting with Ms. Schein. Juniors should be taking steps to make their college search more productive and successful.  There are five major areas of activity that if dealt with over the next few months can dramatically reduce the typical senior year stress in the coming fall: College Search, Transcript Review, Testing, Extracurricular Review and Summer Activities.

1. College search – This is usually the most time-consuming, most expensive and without a doubt, most valuable component. Start by making a long list generated by your family, friends, counselor, and teachers. Visit college websites and research colleges in order to evaluate your list. Reevaluate your college list then contact those colleges to arrange a visit to campus. Passover break is a great time to begin your college visits.  You should be able to articulate why you like one college more than another.
2. Transcript Review – Keep up those grades! Junior year grades are very important for college admissions. Try to maintain good grades, or at least an upward trend. Rigor of course work, all the way through the senior year, is very important to most college admissions offices.
3. Testing – Take the proper SAT and ACT exams in the spring of 11th grade in the hopes of getting a satisfactory score.  If you are happy with your scores, you may choose to forgo fall testing all together.  June is a good time for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to take any relevant SAT Subject Tests. 
4. Extracurricular Review – Stay active in your activities in and outside of school. Leadership and commitment will shine through on your applications. Start making a list of your high school activities and any leadership positions you have held so that you can make a comprehensive resume next year. 
5. Summer Activities – Use the summer to your advantage. Do something that will engage you and make you happy. Be able to reflect on your summer experience whether it is going to camp, volunteering, or working.

Ms. Hallie Schein

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Newton Marasco Foundation (www.newtonmarascofoundation.org) is sponsoring this opportunity for Maryland high school juniors and seniors. It is a scholar program designed to recognize and honor high school juniors and seniors with a strong academic background who are taking active roles in environmental stewardship in their community. Applications are due by March 27, 2009 and will be evaluated on applicant involvement in environmental community-based activities, quality of a written essay, academic standing, and letters of recommendation. Application materials are available from Ms. Schein.

Rachel Carson Scholars will be honored at an awards ceremony in May. Monetary awards will be presented to those Rachel Carson Scholars of highest standing. First place recipient will receive a $1,000 award. Second place recipient will receive a $750 award and third place recipient will receive a $500 award.

Questions and entries should be directed to:
Jenny Newton Schmidt
Director of Foundation Programs
Newton Marasco Foundation
703.727.8242
jenny@newtonmarascofoundation.org  

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
BIMA and Genesis are college-level summer programs that offer talented high school students from across the globe an opportunity to become immersed in high-level artistic study (BIMA) and deep intellectual exploration (Genesis) - simultaneously discovering personal passion and its relationship to Jewish identity.  Located on the Brandeis campus, just outside of Boston, we offer a unique college experience that spans classroom, campus and the city.  Our program alumni have a long history of taking this experience back home in the form of commitment, growth and community focus. 

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