The Dean's Blog: June 2009

On the Goals of Jewish Education

"Our goal should be to make it possible for every Jewish person, child or adult, to be exposed to the mystery and romance of Jewish history, to the enthralling insights and special sensitivities of Jewish thought, to the sanctity and symbolism of Jewish existence, and to the power and profundity of Jewish faith. As a motto and declaration of hope, we might adapt the dictum that says, ‘They searched from Dan to Beer Sheva and did not find an ‘am ha’aretz" ‘Am ha’aretz, usually understood as an ignoramus, an illiterate, may for our purposes be defined as one indifferent to Jewish visions and values, untouched by the drama and majesty of Jewish history, unappreciative of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Jewish community, and unconcerned with Jewish destiny. Education, in its broadest sense, will enable young people to confront the secret of Jewish tenacity and existence, the quality of Torah teaching which fascinates and attracts irresistibly. They will then be able, even eager, to find their place in a creative and constructive community."

From "A Time to Act," by Professor Isadore Twersky, the late Talner Rebbe, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University, and member of the Commissionon Jewish Education in North America. Presented at a meeting of the Commision on June 12, 1990.

Monday, June 1, 2009

CYHSB Play

Congratulations to our Boys High School and Dr. Jerry Kutliroff on yet another masterful dramatic performance. Last week's rendition of Ibsen's An Enemy of the People was the culmination of weeks of hard work by the actors, set designers, lighting and sound specialists, Director and Assistant Directors. The quality of our theater program under Dr. Kutliroff's direction, continues to exceed all expectations of a school our size and continues to be a source of pride to the school and the community.

Mini-Macs Come up Big

There's been a lot of talk this year about the success of our various basketball programs. Our Jr. High boys won the City Parks Championship, our JV Boys won several buzzer beaters and then pulled off an unlikely upset in the BBYO league, our Varsity Girls won the JCC championship, and our Varsity Boys had a dream season, winning three different championships and making it to the Tier Two finals in the Saracheck Invitational Tournament.

Yet, despite all of the truly remarkable success our basketball teams have had this year, I dare say it is our Mini-Macs Baseball team, comprised of students in 1st through 3rd grades, that might rank as our best sports story of the year. When Coach Carr, Coach Roper, and their dedicated assistants started with this group, they looked much like the Bad News Bears. Yet, over the course of just one season they went from struggling to get out of an inning without having the 6 run mercy-rule invoked, to outscoring their opponents 39-1 over their last three games. Their coaches taught them to field and to hit, where to be, where to go, and how to play together as a team. They taught them not to give up and not to get discouraged. They showed them that with hard work, commitment, and a willingness to learn, no challenge is too great and no hurdle is too high to overcome.

Though there are still a few games left to the season, what these boys have accomplished already should make us all quite proud.

For more pictures of the boys in action click here: