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Donna Klein Jewish Academy
January 15, 2016 - 5 Sh'vat 5776 
Weekly Parsha (click here)
Shabbat Candlelighing 5:32 p.m.  
Dear DKJA Community,
A week of giving and receiving ensured a unique ruach (spirit) on our campus this week.

On Monday, more than 70 grandparents and special friends were welcomed to share in the joy of words of prayer at our first "Tefillah Time" program. Guests joined in prayer with their grandchildren or loved ones in Lower School, Middle School and Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School sessions. The opportunity to share in this interactive, intergenerational program was like receiving a gift, as many participants stated. They also enjoyed a light breakfast and a tour of our campus. The exceptionally successful inaugural program was presented by the Grandparents' & Special  Friends' Circle Outreach Committee, and chaired by Carla Klein and Rhonnie Leder and the Office of Institutional Advancement. We look forward to this becoming a tradition at DKJA. For photos of the event, please click here.

On Wednesday, 600 students in grades 1 through 5 from Torah Academy, Katz Hillel Day School and DKJA gathered in Zinman Hall to learn and to experience acts of Chesed. Chesed refers to the ways in which we help others in a time of need. Lower School students were accompanied by educators and were guided by 14 DKJA Middle School students, and 24 High school students from Rosenblatt High School, Weinbaum Yeshiva High School and Yeshiva Tiferes Torah. During the opening session, students sang the U.S. national anthem, followed by Israel's national anthem (Hatikvah). Special thanks to event coordinator Marilyn Nachman, Director School Educational Services, Jewish Federation of SPBC, for her outstanding efforts.
 
Kol Hakavod to DKJA fifth-grader Michael Hakim (pictured with Principal of Lower School Judaic Studies Mrs. Yafa Levit). Michael's artistic talents were applied to
producing a beautiful video that depicted acts of Chesed. The video captivated the audience and portrayed real life dynamics among children. The children in the video were proactive in doing acts of Chesed focused toward a new student in their classroom. During a Torah lesson, the students  were inspired by our forefather Abraham, who exemplifies the quality of Chesed. Michael repeated a profound message: "There is a drop of Abraham in all of us."

Following the presentation, students worked collaboratively in hands-on art projects for those in need.  What an amazing way to demonstrate that the act of giving is a gift to all of us!

Please read the article below on Mitzvah Day, and be sure to register. We can never do too many acts of Chesed...there is always room for more!

Shabbat Shalom,
Helena Levine
Head of School
REMINDER - SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION MON. 1/18 IN OBSERVANCE OF MLK DAY
DKJA will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2016 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Students in grades K-12 learned about his life and achievements as an influential American civil rights leader this week as part of their history lessons.

Office of Institutonal Advancement Events
GRANDPARENTS' & SPECIAL
FRIENDS' DAY
FEBRUARY 12, 2016
Invitations have been mailed. We look forward to this exciting day that truly shares the joy of L'Dor Vador - From Generation to Generation.


ANNUAL BENEFIT BALL & AUCTION -
'WE HOPE YOU DANCE! THE ULTIMATE DANCE PARTY'
FEBRUARY 20, 2016
 
Choose your dance style, and show your support for DKJA at the upcoming Benefit Ball & Auction with the theme "We Hope You Dance! The Ultimate Dance Party."

It is a great honor and privilege to announce that Mrs. Yafa Levit, DKJA Principal of Lower School Judaic Studies, will be presented with the Linda R. Kaminow Visionary Leadership Award for her pride and passion for Jewish Education at the Benefit Ball and Auction. If you are unable to attend the Gala, you can pay tribute to Mrs. Levit by making a donation designated to the Yafa Levit Fund for Judaic Studies.  
 
Get ready to dance, raise your paddles and support DKJA at the silent and live auction on February 20, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at The Polo Club. If you would like to reserve a table, please do so as soon as possible so that requests can be honored. 

The gala's Honorary Chair is Linda R. Kaminow, and Event Chairs are Lynne & Alan Goldberg. Click here to register.

Highlight of the Week

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ENGAGE IN ROBOTICS CHALLENGES
DKJA Middle School students in Dr. Rebecca Andre's Technology Challenge class (sixth and seventh grade) use apps and learn coding to manipulate the blue robot named Dash. They also set up various configurations of Cubelets and Little Bits to learn more about sensors, motion, magnets, circuits and electricity. Keep up the great work!
REGISTER NOW FOR FAMILY MITZVAH DAY
FEB. 21ST
DKJA's 12th Annual Family Mitzvah Day takes place on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, beginning with a light breakfast and kick-off at 9:30 a.m. in Zinman Hall. Following a short information session and gathering, Family Mitzvah Day activities will commence. Most projects take place from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m. This event is open to the entire DKJA family, including students, parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty and administrators. Participants can register for a variety of activities. Minimum registration is $18 per family, and additional donations are welcome to support the project. Visit www.dkja.org and access the information and registration form through the Eagle's Net.
Please register immediately, as assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Over 750 volunteers participated in last year's event.
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Donna Klein Jewish Academy
561-852-3300
communications@dkja.org
http://www.dkja.org