GOOD & WELFARE
Congratulations to Yoshi Robinson, ‘10!
This summer Yoshi was nominated for the National Urban League’s NULITER of the Year Award. Yoshi’s participation with the Greater Baltimore Urban League’s weekly radio broadcast began last summer with his “Moment in Science segment”, in connection with The Young People’s Media Project. He had a busy year with researching, recording and doing public speaking for the 400th year of the Gallo Telescope for the Gallo Institute, and meeting NASA representatives.
Congratulations to Ben Jacobson, ‘08!
On Tuesday, August 18, recent graduate, Ben Jacobson,’09, earned his Eagle Scout award at a special ceremony held at Oheb Shalom in the chapel. Ben’s fellow troop leaders and scouts, his family and friends, and even several of the Cardin faculty came to honor Ben’s character, skill and achievements. I was invited to give the opening prayer and mentioned Ben’s living example of the values and ideals of scouting as a participant on the senior Israel trip: In Exodus 19:4 God says “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, how I bore you on EAGLE’s wings and brought you up to Me.” Ben because, he was a scout, bore us on his soon-to-be eagle’s wings, extending a helping hand to me, and to all of his classmates as we hiked up the mountains of Israel. His kindness, concern, good spirit and vastly superior hiking skills were a godsend. The highlight of the evening was definitely the moment in the ceremony when the Eagle Award Court of Honor presented Ben with the Eagle Scout Award. Ben praised the Scout leaders who influenced and helped him earn this prestigious award. The rank of Eagle Scout represents the culmination of many years of dedication, volunteering and camaraderie. It was impressive to hear the names of the many federal, state, and local officials who sent beautiful certificates or proclamations to Ben. He even received a certificate from President Obama. The evening concluded in the spirit of a traditional Jewish ceremony, with a beautiful reception sponsored by Ben’s parents. As a freshman in college, we know that Ben will continue to embody the values and insights of both the Jewish and scouting tradition.
Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
IN THE NEWS
Cardin announces the Sokoloff Scholarship Fund in the Jewish Times. http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/news/jt/local_news/cardin_school_recipient_of_long-term_gift/
DEVELOPMENT HAPPENINGS
We are busy in the development office sending out many Rosh Hashanah greetings in the form of our beautiful contribution cards. Consider buying a package (10 for $20.00) and wish your friends and family a happy new year, while letting everyone know about our school. Please check the website for details or send your check to the attention of Maureen Beabout, Development Assistant.
Don't forget to register for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Sunday, October 18. This is a great opportunity for exercise and camaraderie as we support a very important cause. Walking together provides another way for us to gain recognition in the greater Baltimore community. Go to www.komenmd.org and look for The Shoshana S. Cardin School listed under teams. Call Margi Hoffman, extension 220 with any questions that you have.
Save the Date - Wednesday, October 21 - Vision in Action Roast & Toast
honoring Stewart and Marlene Greenebaum for their unwavering commitment to Cardin.
We hope that many of you will join us as we celebrate the leadership of this very generous couple.
Marjorie Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing
JUDAICS.COMMUNICATIONS
Minyan Counts
The 2009-2010 Cardin minyan program began with 7 blessings. On Friday, September 4, the Cardin community arranged a lively and fun Sheva Brachot Ceremony for Mr. Neft and his lovely new wife Leia. There was plenty of energy and excitement as Cardin students and faculty encircled the new husband and wife. The music played by Rabbi Chaitovsky and Seth Kibel of the Alexandria Kleztet created tremendous ruach. Parent volunteer, Miriam  Golob and faculty helped set up and serve a sumptuous breakfast and the school presented the Nefts with a beautiful Challah cover designed by our new art instructor, Ms. Elaine Brandes. Everyone enjoyed helping the Nefts eat their cake before Rabbi Chaitovsky led the Sheva Brachot ceremony with the help of Adina Shanholtz, ‘11, Gabe Baraban, ’11, and Shachar Binyamin,’10. It was truly a freilach morning!
During the month of September, Tuesday and Wednesday minyanim will be devoted to an exploration of tefillah, tzedakah, and teshuvah. The Hebrew word for prayer, tefillah comes from the root pay, lamed, lamed meaning to “assess.” It can also mean “to seek consideration, to pray, to plead, even to intercede.” Tzedakah is the Jewish obligation to support those in need and teshuvah describes the process for change as understood by our sages. According to the High Holy Day liturgy, these three obligations can save one from being removed from the Book of Life. In modern language, they can help each one of us become a better person. On Tuesdays, students will have the opportunity in small groups to discuss these issues in a personal way with their peers. Then on Wednesdays, they will meet with various individuals with unique life experiences related to these issues. On Wednesday, September 8th, our students met with Chazzan Emmanuel Perlman of Chizuk Amuno Congregation. On Wednesday, September 15, our guest speaker will be Lee Hendler, who will speak about her experiences and involvement with her family’s philanthropic activities. On Wednesday, September 22, we will hear from Ryan Botwinick on his personal journey of addiction and recovery.
Today, September 11th, the entire school will gather in the Oheb Shalom chapel to recite poetry and prayers for those who died during the horrific events of September 11th. Art Abramson, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council will lead us in a discussion on how the world has changed since that day, and student council President Shachar Binyamin, will discuss yesterday’s trip to Washington to support sanctions against Iran along with other Jewish leaders across the nation.
Because of the seriousness of the morning, we will deviate from our tradition, and serve cake during lunch in celebration of Ryan Winner’s birthday.
A Rosh HaShanah Message from Rabbi Seltzer:
I am not big on going out on New Year’s Eve. I don’t like the crowds and I don’t like the loud parties. Basically, I prefer staying at home and ushering in the New Year in a quiet way. But I do like watching the ball drop in Times Square, and being aware of the exact moment the New Year arrives. I like knowing that at 12:00 AM on the dot, the New Year is here.
My experience of our secular New Year has made me think about how we usher in the Jewish New Year. Although the rabbis have meticulously set out a plan for how we prepare to get ready for Rosh HaShanah, a process of repentance which takes at least one whole month, there is no ritual to mark the precise beginning of the coming Jewish New Year. In fact, we don’t even sound the shofar the morning before Rosh HaShanah. Many Jews can’t even tell you the date of the Jewish New Year.
I think it is appropriate that we don’t mark or celebrate the precise moment of the turning of the year because the turning of the Jewish New Year is not a measure of time, but a measure of spiritual development. Just as people all over the earth celebrate the arrival of the New Year at different moments, so Jews in their different spiritual time zones can celebrate their own new year when it arrives. Maybe an individual won’t have a New Year this year; maybe he/she will have a few. The High Holy Days remind us to get ready for this spiritual opportunity.
So what if a person, preparing himself or herself to change can’t find a way to change?
Let’s say this: that Rosh HaShanah is a seed planted in everyone, and the soil of that seed - the person - will determine when that seed will grow, when the flowers will bloom, when we can say “I am sorry” and when we are ready to change.
And in advance of when that happens, I wish you and your family a New Year of health, goodness and peace!
Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies
CLASSES IN ACTION
Modern Western Civilization
Students are exploring the theme of revolution to begin their study of Modern Western Civilization. A short essay was generated defining the term, making the difficult choice of identifying a song that best represents their definition of revolution, and explaining how this song reflects the concept of revolution. Our class listened to an interesting variety of music, heard insightful explanations as to how the song depicts revolution, and began our study of modern history with student creativity and analysis as an initiation to the subject.
The following were the song choices:
“If Everyone Cared” by Nickleback
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
“Power to the People” by John Lennon
“Change” by Taylor Swift
“Revolution #1” by the Beatles
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
“Dead and Gone” by Justin Timberlake
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by the Beatles
What song would you choose? The Beatles seem to have been the popular choice for this topic.
Mr. Bob Cantor
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
CAPTS
Welcome back to another great school-year. We were so happy to see everybody at the Back to School Picnic last Wednesday. Thank you to all who helped plan, set-up and clean up…it was truly a group effort! CAPTS has many informative and fun programs planned for the year. Please plan to join us on Sunday, September 13th at 10:00 for our first meeting. We are fortunate to have a member of the Board of Trustees speak to us. Speaking of joining, if you have not already sent in your membership form and dues, please do so. All forms can be found on Cardin’s website at http://www.shoshanascardin.org/CAPTS. We support the school in many ways and we count on you for your support. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please contact any of the Board Members, who are listed below.
We are looking forward to a fantastic year!
Adva Goldberg, Miriam Golob, Barbara Conn, Ilene Verovsky, Shellie Cassel, Ilene Devorah,
Eileen Rothouse & Phyllis Winner
Meet Darius
 Who is Darius and why should we meet him? Darius is a teenager who lives in Athens, Georgia. What makes Darius special is that he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children around the world. Children with DMD cannot produce dystrophin, a protein necessary for muscle strength and function. As a result, every skeletal muscle in the body deteriorates. Although Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children, there is no cure. Here are some stark facts about DMD:
- DMD has a 100% fatality rate.
- Most DMD kids die in their late teens or early twenties.
- Most boys with DMD are in a wheelchair, most between 10-12 years old.
- DMD is associated with respiratory failure, heart failure, and debilitating orthopedic complications.
Darius is featured in a multi-award-winning documentary called Darius Goes West. In this documentary fifteen-year-old Darius Weems and eleven of his best friends set off across America with the ultimate goal of getting his wheelchair customized on MTV’s Pimp My Ride. The result is a rarely seen testament to the explosive idealism of today’s youth, as well as a vivid portrayal of adventure, of brotherhood, and of the character and strength it takes to shed light on an uncertain future. Not only does Darius Weems bravely face his own inevitable fate with DMD, but through his unflinching humor and his extraordinary laugh, he sparks a revolution in the lives of everyone who crosses-and then shares- his courageous path. Part revolution, part revelation, this film proves to people of all ages how life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
The Shoshana S. Cardin School will be screening Darius Goes West for the entire teen community (families are invited too!) on Sunday, November 15, at 5:30 pm at Beth El Congregation. Following the screening we will have an opportunity to chat with Darius. Please mark your calendars for this very important event. Over the next few weeks I will be giving everyone more information about Darius, DMD, the screening and how you can get involved.
Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon
Director of Admissions
COUNSELING CORNER
Parents of teens! There is yet another reason to require your children to get to sleep earlier. A new study conducted by a Columbia University Medical Center researcher shows that teens whose parents let them stay up after midnight on weeknights tend to have a much higher chance of being depressed or suicidal than teens whose parents enforce an earlier bedtime. These important findings are summarized in this article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-06-09-bedtime-teen-depression_N.htm. Please take a quick read and consider your child’s bedtime and the effect on their mental health.
Jackie Villet
School Counselor
SHACHAR'S SHTICK
Another year… another set of classes and another chance to experience the Cardin High School life. This is my last year as a Cardin student and every moment I spend walking “the Hall” is bittersweet. But before the Class of 2010 says its goodbyes, we have a legacy to make. One of the ways we will make our name is through the Student Government Association (SGA). As this school year’s President of the SGA, I will enact sweeping reforms. This will include the Clean Air Act of 2009 that will provide a pleasant environment in our classrooms by ridding them of odors with air fresheners; the National Banking Act of 2009 which will establish the West Bank; a bank where all Cardin students can exchange their money and get change to buy items from the snack machine; laser tag, a winter dance, and challah sale are just some of the services the SGA will provide to the Cardin community this year. This will require much effort on everyone’s part and I hope to have the full support of the entire Cardin community. Your part is a small one yet very important; attendance, support, and feedback are all crucial for the SGA. As President of the SGA I wish the entire community a happy, healthy and enjoyable school year and 5770! I hope you make the most of it.
Shachar Binyamin
SUMMER EXPERIENCES
So far, I’ve gone to a total of 46 Orioles games with lots of friends, but mainly Zevi Lowenberg, ‘11 and Segev Goldberg, ’10. My goal is 50! It is the best feeling when I go to the Orioles games and see how many people know me like the cashier and cook at California Tortilla, since I always go there to get some chips; the waiter at the Diamond Tavern across the street from the stadium at the Hilton gives us free sodas and fries every game; the usher who opens the gates; the ushers who run the line for the box office; the Orioles staff lady who goes around conducting surveys; the usher who works right behind home plate (Joey); the usher who protects fans from getting into the ballpark early without season ticket passes(Errol); the usher in my section loves me and is the one who lets us sit in the seats that we do even though they are way more expensive than what we pay (Kelly); the 4 people working at the food stand outside of section, along with the cashier; and the whole bullpen basically knows me. I have caught 2 home runs in games this year, so I have been asked by 4 people if I was the guy who caught the home run! When I say they know me, most of those people know Zevi and Segev also. Between the 3 of us, we were able to collect over 50 baseballs also and over 25 autographs too!
Avi Miller, ‘10
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Maryland Nonpublic Schools Legislative Coalition
We need your assistance in advancing the BOAST Maryland Tax Credit during this time leading up to the 2010 legislation session of the Maryland General Assembly. The benefits of the BOAST Maryland Tax Credit are many: scholarships for nonpublic school students, grants to nonpublic school teachers, help to stabilize enrollment at nonpublic schools, and additional extracurricular and after-school programs for public school students. Please read the BOAST newsletter and sign-up for the BOAST Maryland Network at www.boastmaryland.org.
Sincerely,
Ellen Robertson
Baltimore Board of Rabbis 61st Annual Adult Institute of Jewish Studies,
October 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 2009
http://www.associated.org/local_includes/downloads/34563.pdf
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND Bird Watching & Nature Photography Mission,
March 9 – 18, 2010
This trip is suitable for both seasoned travelers as well as first-timers to Israel. For expert bird-watchers as well as for those who have just a passing interest. This will be an opportunity to develop a passion for Israel and nature in a different manner that has been previously attempted. This is a way to see Israel & the Middle East from a new perspective. Click here for more information.
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