The Maggid:  The Weekly Newsletter of MJCDS

February 12, 2015
 24 Shevat, 5775
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In this week's Torah portion, Mishpatim, we learn about a plethora of laws that the Israelites received at Sinai. These laws cover everything from laws against violence and mistreating strangers to holiday observances to laws dealing with loans and monetary damages.

 

In all, there are 23 positive commandments (do's) and 30 negative commandments (don'ts).

 

Our students, as part of their study of colonial life with Morah Marla, have also been thinking through the types of laws and processes that a society needs to function. They are fascinated by the House of Burgesses, the first legislative assembly in the American colonies.

 

In fact, a group of students decided to found their own House of Burgesses for MJCDS. They immediately began both legislating and dealing with process issues.  Could anyone who wanted to be a part of the House?  Or would people be excluded, and if so, why?  First laws included:

 

1.  Listen to your teachers.

2.  No kids allowed in the closet.

3.  No lies.

 

Sounds sensible to me!

 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rebecca
In This Issue
Announcements
Photos
See us In Action
Community Events
Calendar
Announcements
Upcoming Events at School for Parents and Families:

Purim Megillah Reading and Shpiel
Thursday, March 5
8 - 9:30 am

Model Passover Seder and Potluck Lunch
Wednesday, April 1
11 am - 1 pm

Report Cards
The end of the second quarter is here! Watch your inboxes today for progress reports. As always, please be in touch with us if you have any questions about your child's progress.

2015-16 School Year Deadlines
*2015-2016 Annual Enrollment Agreements are due Friday, Feb. 27. 
*Tuition assistance applications are due Friday, March 13.
It is very important for parents to return their contracts on time to ensure that critical decisions can be made regarding staffing and budgeting for our next school year. Please make every effort to show your support and commitment in a timely manner for the benefit of all the students and teachers at MJCDS!

Rabbi Rebecca's Office Hours

Week of Feb 17: Tues. 1-3, Thurs. 8:30 am-11:30 am.

Photos
it's a math riot! new books!
it's a math riot! new books!


Morah Clara reads a story to the K-1 class.  

Below, Morah Marla teaches 2-5 students about positive and negative charges and static electricity.  As you can see, they had fun applying their new knowledge about forces that attract and repel!  Also, check out Morah Marla's new whiteboard, which was installed this week.


Admissions

See our school in action!

Weekday tours are held regularly throughout the year on weekday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am. Upcoming dates include:  Thurs. March 12.

 

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. To RSVP for one of these dates or to schedule an individual tour, contact Rabbi Rebecca Ben-Gideon, Head of School, at rabbi@madisonjewishdayschool.com or 204-9900. 

Community Events

K'tantanim Israeli Dance Classes for 3-5 Year Olds (Yonim)

Sundays, February 15th, March 8th, and April 19th, 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
at Beth Israel Center

Yonim Israeli Dance Troupe is offering 4 fun-filled mini-classes for kids ages 3-5 years old.

Classes start January 11, 2015, and will meet once a month through April with the opportunity to perform at the Sharsheret Festival in May.  $5 per class  See Details >

 

Hamantaschen Baking Open House (JFM)

Sunday, February 22nd, 2015, 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
at Beth Israel Center (Dough preparation February 18th and 20th)
See Details >

 

Torah & Mindfulness with Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell (BIC)

Sunday, March 15 - Sunday, May 3
Join us for a program on Jewish mindfulness lead primarily by Rabbi Bendat-Appell, co-founder and director of the Center for Jewish Mindfulness (Chicago) and the Director of Regional Programming for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (New York), along with a night of learning with Professor Davidson (Thursday, March 26) and the study of teachings from Rabbi Lew.
 
Two Sunday retreats -- March 15 and May 3, 9:30am - 3:00pm -- will be led by Rabbi Bendat-Appell. Participants will also read Rabbi Alan Lew's groundbreaking book Be Still and Get Going, with discussion and practice facilitated by Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon during the intervening weeks.

The cost for the Torah and Mindfulness program, which includes two day-long sessions (March 15 and May 3) and the additional sessions in March and April, is $72/person for Beth Israel Center members and $96/person for non-members. The cost includes Rabbi Lew's book and lunch on both Sundays. The Sunday retreats are made possible by an Innovation Grant from the Jewish Federation of Madison.
Calendar
Fri. Feb 13      Parent Coffee at the Froth House, 8:15 am
                       Kabbalat Shabbat, 1:30 pm

Mon. Feb. 16  NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day

Tues. Feb 17  School resumes

Thurs. Feb 19  Gym at the YMCA

Fri. Feb. 20     Parent Coffee at the Froth House, 8:15 am
                       Kabbalat Shabbat, 1:30 pm
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

 

 

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