The Maggid: The Weekly Newsletter of MJCDS

January 17, 2014

16 Shvat, 5774

Rabbi Nachman said:

"It is especially precious

to go out into the fields at the beginning of spring,

when nature awakens from her sleep,

and to pour out a prayer there.

For every fresh blade of grass, every new flower,

all join themselves with the prayer,

for they too yearn and long for God."

Here in Madison, we yearn for spring. But since it's still snowing as I write this, we will have to settle for celebrating the beginning of Israel's spring--Tu Bishvat.

Yesterday we held a Tu Bishvat seder. We were joined by grandparents, parents, siblings and friends as we drank four cups of juice and ate a variety of symbolic fruits.

The seder emphasized not only the joy of watching nature change over the course of the year, but also our ecological responsibility to take care of the earth.

The beautiful hagaddah assembled by Morah Clara featured student art, songs, poems and four questions students generated about the meaning of Tu Bishvat. Israeli Shlicha Racheli also joined us and led a plant-based craft.

Thanks to everyone who attended for taking the time to celebrate with our students and for making it such a festive and special occasion. Pictures are below and more can be found on our Flickr page.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rebecca

Announcements

Special Kabbalat Shabbat Guests

We are excited to welcome two special guests for Kabbalat Shabbat this week and next week.

Today:* Shahanna Baldon will join us. Shahanna is a the chief diversity officer for the Madison Metropolitan School District. In honor of the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, she will share a story and reflections on Dr. King's life.

* Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, spiritual leader of Temple Beth El, will join us on Jan 24. Rabbi Biatch is a longtime friend of MJCDS and he sometimes brings his accordion when he visits us!

In This Issue

Announcements

Photos

Admissions

Community Events

Calendar

Photos - Tu Bishvat Seder

Admissions

Discover Day School - Information Evening

February 10, 7 pm

Parents interested in learning more about Madison Jewish Community Day School are invited to join us for an Information Night on Monday, February 10 at 7 pm.

The program will feature the perspectives of

faculty, parents and alumni on the many benefits of giving children the gift of Jewish day school education. This event will be held at MJCDS, which is housed at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street. To attend, please enter through the Randall Street doors.

Be an MJCDS Ambassador

Help spread the word about our school! Here are a few ways you can help:

*Like our facebook page here:

*Share MJCDS related photos and status updates with your friends.

*Invite your friends to come visit MJCDS--contact Rabbi Rebecca for more details.

Discover Day School - Tuesday Tours

Tuesday, Feb 4, 9:15 am

The best way to get to know MJCDS is to visit! Weekday tours are held regularly throughout the year on Tuesday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am. On these mornings, adults are invited to tour the school, view classes in session, and learn more about MJCDS though a Q&A session with the Head of School.

Feb 4 * Mar 4 * April 8 * May 13

RSVP via email to rabbi@madisonjewishdayschool.com or by calling 204-9900. (Individually scheduled tours are also available upon request.)

Community Announcements

K'tantanim Preschooler Israeli Dance Class Sunday, January 19th, 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm, Beth Israel Center Calling all 3-5 year olds! Drop in for Yonim's Israeli Dance Class for Preschoolers. $5 per class.

Havdalah Karaoke Party

Saturday, January 25, 6-8 pm, Goodman Community Center, 148 Waubesa

Warm up your vocal cords, dust off your microphone and come have some fun with us! Featuring Gomeroke (karaoke with the Gomers!)

Schedule Includes: 6:00 pm Havdalah, pizza dinner & dessert, Israeli trivia game
6:45 pm Gomeroke begins Additional fun activities include: pool, video games, card games and plenty of space to hang out and schmooze. Cost: $5 per person or $15 maximum per family RSVP (if you can) to program@jewishmadison.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Passport to Jewish Life

$500 Available To Eligible Households

The Jewish Federation of Madison (JFM) is excited to announce the Passport to Jewish Life Program! Thanks to generous private donations, this exciting program is aimed at engaging community members in the wonderful programs the Madison-area Jewish Community has to offer. See Guidelines For Applying

Calendar

Fri. Jan 17 Kabbalat Shabbat with Shahanna Baldon 1:30 pm

Mon. Jan 20 NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day

Thurs. Jan 23 Gym at YMCA

Fri. Jan 24 Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Biatch

Sun. Jan 26 Chai Mitzvah 7pm

Wed. Jan 29 Board Meeting 7:15 pm, 1010 Grant Street

Thurs. Jan 30 Gym at YMCA

Tues. Feb 4 Discover Day School Tuesday Tour, 9:15 am

Let's stay in touch! Keep the lines of communication flowing with your child's teachers by calling school at 608-204-9900 or by emailing them at:

Marla Becker marla@madisonjewishdayschool.com

Clara Lazimy clara@madisonjewishdayschool.com

Rabbi Ben-Gideon rabbi@madisonjewishdayschool.com

Support Madison Jewish Community Day School

Learn more at www.madisonjewishdayschool.com