On Friday, March 2nd, the eleventh and twelfth graders arrived at school in loud, funky, clashing, unmatched clothing, prepared for a day chock-full of fun, excitement, and amazing chesed opportunities. They were participating in a uniquely designed “mitzvah clowning program,” the first of its kind at SKA. They had a fabulous time learning all about becoming pastoral therapeutic clowns and visiting the elderly in nursing- homes and children in our very own Lev Chana Preschool.

Juniors and seniors divided into groups and attended the vigorous, intense, and exciting “Mitzvah Clown Boot Camp.” In Boot Camp, there were several sessions about clown magic, juggling, and balloon sculpting, as well as a session led by a professional mitzvah clown about how to approach patients and effectively cheer them up through role playing and fun. Rabbi Noam Weinberg of HALB also spoke to the students about the role of simcha in our everyday lives, and Dr. Neal Goldberg, founder of the local clown-training program “Lev Leytzan,” also spoke to students encouraging them to pursue their clowning and make the most out of their talents by participitating in a real certified clown-training program such as his.

Afterwards, students attended the “mitzvah clown carnival” where they assembled their own unique clown costumes, created their own gorgeous sand art-bottle projects, enjoyed the cotton candy machine, jumped on the moonwalk, and designed their own brightly colored bucket-hats to wear. They shaved balloons, threw bean bags, and guessed the number of chocolate chips in spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff in order to win clown noses, bubbles, and brightly colored rolls of stickers to distribute later to children and pateints. Loud Purim music, brightly colored balloons, rainbow clown wigs, and happy smiles and faces filled the gym as students ran excitedly from one booth to another, having an unbelievable time and taking advantage of all that the unique carnival had to offer.

The climax of the program, however, was when the students, clad in their unique and fun clown costumes, with their hands overflowing with prizes and gifts, boarded the buses to the local Woodmere Rehabilitation Nursing Home, or went next door to the preschool, in order to participate in their first-ever clown gig, and bring a little extra cheer to the lives of others. Elders at the nursing home were overjoyed to the point of tears that the young and vivacious clowns had come to visit them, and many commented that this was the first time in months that the nursing home had had such a unique and fantastic program. Even at the preschool, children jumped with glee as they interacted with the clowns, sang, danced, and learned firsthand all about the beauty and joy of simcha on Purim and in the month of Adar.

By participating in this exceptional program on the Friday before Purim, our students had an amazing time, and, at the same time, learned volumes about spreading simcha and truly making those around them happy.

What? SKA had a prom? Yes! An amazing, incredible P(u)rom, in anticipation of Purim. Spirits were high and the music, provided by Eitan Katz was energizing. Student and faculty skits left us rolling in peals of laughter. Filled with fun, food, and festivities, we had a blast and readied ourselves to welcome Purim b'simcha.

Once again, each SKA student had the opportunity to spend time with her classmates at Purim grade- wide mesibot. The 9th grade girls all went to Michal Schulman’s house after Taanit Esther to break their fasts. The girls enjoyed playing human bingo and making their own ice cream sundaes. They had lots of fun at their beach themed festivity.

On Purim night, the Sophomores had a Purim chagiga at Tova Joseph’s house. The theme was the 60’s, and everyone wore tie-dye and dressed as hippies. They played Groovy Idol, where the girls were able to pick their own karaoke song and perform for everyone. They concluded their night with dancing, food, and a grab bag.

Elisheva Zinberg and her family graciously opened their home to the entire 11th grade and some women from Beis Ezra. Together, they played a game designed by Mrs. Segal called Simcha Bingo. It was an interactive Purim version of bingo in which each girls had to compliment the person to her right, say what she is most thankful for or do something else to enjoy her Purim better. Everyone then proceeded to enjoy the many delicacies provided by both the Zinberg Family and our wonderful school. With the help of some SKA girls, the women from Beis Ezra put on a play that told the story of Purim. In addition, everyone worked together to create a beautiful, larger-than-life megillah for the women from Beis Ezra to take home. The Juniors had a great time and hope to meet up with the wonderful women of Beis Ezra more often.

The Senior class had a special program the night after Tannit Esther where they were invited to break their fasts at Rabbi Rothman's house and end off the night with an inspiring shiur. The Seniors also had a fun and incredible Purim night, where they rented a bus, decorated it, and went to different teachers' houses to dance, share divrei Torah, and listen to a beautifully composed grammin. A big thanks to Elana Beck and Adena Feinberg for organzing a wonderful Purim night!

Another first for SKA!!

SKA mothers and daughters filled the ballroom at Kneseth Israel on Sunday, March 11, 2007, for the first Parent Council Brunch honoring Mrs. Elizabeth Rosenfeld and wishing farewell to Mrs. Sara Leah Haber and Mrs. Esther Goldfeder. Mrs. Spirn made a special guest appearance and addressed those assembled, adding excitement to the event. It was good to see her up and around.

Highlights of the morning included Mrs. Rosenfeld’s very humorous speech, a fun-filled slide show, delicious food, and a wonderful, funny, yet poignant student-interview of the audience to learn more about the honoree, Mrs. Rosenfeld.

Many thanks to Esther Weinstein, Jan Wernick and the entire Parent Council for organizing and sponsoring this beautiful morning!!!

The 11th grade was fortunate to hear from Rabbi Stuhlberger, father of their GLA, Mrs. Esther Segal. Rabbi Stuhlberger, principal of Valley Torah in Los Angeles, along with his 12th graders who were in town for their Senior trip, came to give the SKA students some words of inspiration in preparation of Purim. He spoke about Purim and the significance of Torah in our daily lives. The students left the shiur inspired and ready for the kabalat haTorah that Purim represents.

On March 7th, the Freshmen journeyed to Boston. They stopped in Rhode Island to visit the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in North America, and then went to see the beautiful Vanderbilt mansion. They then made their way towards Boston and enjoyed hot meals at Brandeis University. Sights the next day included MIT and Fenway Park. They returned to SKA tired but happy and pleased to hear that there was no school on Friday!!

Many thanks to Grade Level Advisors Mrs. Gross and Mrs. Leibtag, and chaperones Mrs. Bindiger, Mrs. Bryk, Mrs. Pomerantz, and Ms. Elyssa Zangre who joined the Freshmen, making the trip possible.

Last week, the Sophomores embarked on an exciting journey to Washington, D.C. The expedition began in Mountain Creek where they went snow tubing. They then traveled to ESPN Zone after enjoying a delicious pizza dinner at the JCC in Baltimore. When they arrived at the hotel, they prepared for the fascinating day ahead at Congress. The next morning, they traveled to the University of Maryland for davening and breakfast and then headed to the Capitol where they met with Congressmen and Senators in order to persuade them to sign a resolution to helpt he Israelis MIAs.

Special thanks to Mrs. Haber and Mrs. Zuckerman, 10th Grade Level Advisors, Dr. Meier, Rabbi Zak, Mrs. Berger, Mrs. Budne, and Mr. Fielder for accompanying the Sophomores on this amazingly fun filled trip!

A Satmar Kallah Gemach. Lubavitch Chassidim with a mission to save the Jews. An Upper West Side family with a table that seats Jews of all kinds. These are just some of the places visited by the 11th grade on their recent Jewish History trip. Though each group was different, both in customs and ideology, their Jewish values and love of Torah united them all.

The Jewish History trip is an eye opening opportunity experienced by the Junior class each year. It is our chance to appreciate all Jews, even those whose ideologies seem foreign to us. Though certain ideas, such as the Satmar’s anti- Zionist views and New Square’s separate streets for men and women, seemed diametrically opposed to our own Hashkafa, we learned to respect these communities despite differences of opinion. The Syrian community was especially enlightening for some as they struggled with the newfound knowledge that there really are some Jews who don’t use the word “nebach,” and have never even tasted cholent.

Toward the end of our trip, all of the various stops came together with a speech from Rav Goldwasser. As he spoke of the value of unity, we began to grasp the power of the Jewish nation when united and the need to love and accept all Jews.

The Seniors enjoyed a fascinating health day last Wednesday. They learned about healthy eating and how to take care of their bodies, amongst other things. The seniors were shown how beauty can come in all shapes and sizes, and that inner beauty is the essence. They learned that in order to keep one’s body in tip-top medical condition, check-ups are of essence. Rav Nissel, acclaimed author and writer, came and discussed the importance of an individual, which inspired us all. They took a trip to the beautiful South Shore mikvah and returned to SKA to learn about Work Study opportunities, a discussion led by Mrs. Ellen Lavner. All in all, the Seniors enjoyed a great day.

Special thanks to Dr. Jessica Jacobs, the Hadassah Group, Mrs. Feinberg, Mrs. Lavner, Mrs. Menchel, Mrs. Rosenbaum, Mrs. Sachs, Mrs. Sherman, and Mrs. Storch for "hanging with the seniors."

The seniors headed out to Tannerville this past Thursday to enjoy the snowtubing of Hunter Mountain. Each girl received her own tube and was brought to the top of the mountain to swirl alone, with a partner, or even in groups down the snowy trail. Afterward, the girls were graciously hosted by the Thalheims who provided a comfy and relaxing atmosphere for the senior class to play board games, eat, and talk. A big thank you to Rena Thalheim and her parents for hosting our students and to Mrs. Sachs, Ms. Kaplan, Mrs. Reichman, and Rabbi Rothman for making the day possible.

“This was so much fun!,” “Thank you so much for having us,” "This was the best time I’ve had in a long time,” were some of the comments we heard from our guests from the Woodmere Rehabilitation Center. As our friends arrived, they were greeted warmly by the SKA seniors who escorted them to Room 110, where many freshmen and sophomores were eagerly waiting. After several minutes of mingling and eating lunch, they started working on the projects the girls had so wonderfully prepared. Together, they created seder plates complete with all the items that go on it. The project was followed by several exciting rounds of bingo – enjoyed by young and old alike. Thank you so much to Yonit Penzoh and Ariella Schiff for all the work they put into the program.

The last Soup Kitchen trip of the year was fantastic! Over 30 girls signed up to go and bring food to feed the hungry and homeless at Project Ore’s Emunat Israel location. Our previous experiences have taught us well – as we are now expert hot dog grillers, we immediately got to work preparing and setting out the food. It was nice to see many of the same people with whom we’ve been speaking over the year – the piano player, the violinist and many others who were visibly happy to see us. Thank you again to Ayelet Brecher, Jorge Bienenfeld, Batya Gartner, Estee Goldschmidt, Sarit Klein, Tova Morell and all our volunteers - job well done!

In an incredible show of enthusiasm and dedication, over 20 SKA seniors gave up their Sunday morning to run a pre-Purim carnival for Beis Ezra participants. Under the able leadership of Michelle Zomber and Dani Lent, who saw to every detail of the program, the seniors made sure that this Purim season would be as simchadik as possible for their Beis Ezra friends. Shoot out the candle, balloon shaving and gragger making were very popular booths, the creative costumes were truly amazing and the leibadik singing and dancing really made it a morning to remember!

This year’s student Mishloach Manot Project raised more than $1000 that was immediately donated to poor people in Yerushalaim on Shushan Purim. Thanks to Seniors, Sarah Gross, Kelly Levy, Ally Simon and Jamie Sokolow, who thought of the creative idea, bought all the items, assembled the packages and distributed them to the classes. This project made it possible for the girls to send mishloach manot to their friends, while at the same time giving money to tzedaka. Along with the good feeling that came from knowing they had participated in such a big mitzvah, everyone was excited to receive the rainbow-themed mishloach manot. A special thank you to Mrs. Chana Spielman for all of her work behind the scenes.

How do SKA girls choose to spend their Taanis Esther afternoon? Preparing their own mishloach manot? At home resting in bed? Enjoying a free afternoon with their friends? More than 40 girls opted to spend their day preparing mishloach manot for elderly nursing home patients who would otherwise have been devoid of simchas Purim. It was hard work preparing over 1200 packages with what seemed like limitless amounts of candy, fruit and snacks. But, it was rewarding to know that the bags would be delivered on Purim and that they would bring smiles to so many people.

On Tuesday, February 27th, twenty girls competed with students from DRS, RAMBAM, and HAFTR as part of the county-wide interscholastic math league. This was one of six contests for the year, with over 1,000 high school students participating in this contest alone.

Last week, SKA Seniors, Yardana Galler, Hadas Fried and Mijal Bitton were invited to attend AIPAC’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C. Some of these speakers include: Vice President Dick Cheney, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Israel’s Vice Prime Minister Tzippy Livni, former Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Senator Joe Lieberman, and many more. On Monday night, they attended an exclusive banquet with two-thirds of the Senate, and more than half of the House of Representatives, as well as many prominent White House staff members, Israeli ministers, ambassadors, and foreign dignitaries. They mingled with the lawmakers who were most involved in determining Israel foreign policy, and personally met presidential candidates Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton, who may soon be very involved in shaping America’s future. On Tuesday, the SKA students, along with the other 6,000 pro-Israel advocates attending the conference, invaded Capitol Hill, each lobbying her house or senate members to sign the new legislation and effectively assist Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Students had an amazing time learning about Israel advocacy and managed to forge important bonds with key members of the US government and AIPAC, in order to ensure their continued involvement and dedication towards furthering the American- Israeli Relationship.

It is our pleasure to invite SKA parents to our second Parent-Teacher Conferences of this school year to be held on Wednesday evening, March 21st. Report cards were distributed this week You can use the link below to make reservations until Tuesday, March 20th, at 1:00 pm. If you need any assistance, feel free to call Sandy, at Ext. 106, in the SKA Office.