Schechter Shavua: August 30, 2024

EC Teachers Help Smooth Transition for Youngest Students

Last week our Early Childhood teachers hit the road! They visited each of their students at home, enabling them to get to know each other in the space that the child feels most comfortable. Students showed their teachers their favorite toys and read books together, so that when school began, they saw some familiar faces when they entered the classroom. It made their transition back to school so much smoother!

Click to see some photos from the EC Home Visits
 

Meet the Office Team

Your child(ren)'s classroom teachers will communicate often about academics and more, but there are other professionals in the building who also help keep Schechter running smoothly. Get to know the people in the office!

Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Berger, Head of School 

As Head of School, I love talking about Schechter's educational vision, values, and place in our amazing Jewish community! I work hard to support the school's leadership team; they are generally the right people to speak with about your children's learning, school operations, and more. On Fridays, you will also see me dancing at ReLiSh, leading Kabbalat Shabbat for the EC, and teaching some "Parashah and Parenting" discussions about once a month. Don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to meet! 
 

Sarah Montag, Director of Teaching and Learning 

As the Director of Teaching and Learning, I work with teachers on building their curriculum and lessons to meet all of their learners where they are. I work with students to provide extra help and support, and I am the main contact for parents with any questions or concerns that the classroom teachers weren't able to help with. My position is similar to that of a principal in other schools. I still love teaching students, so I find ways to do that through STEAMfest, Israeli dancing, Middle School baking electives, health and wellness, extension classes, and more!
 

Robin Werner, Director of Early Childhood 

As Early Childhood Director, I am always thinking about, researching, and implementing new and innovative approaches to early childhood education to provide a quality program for our students. It has been a “calling” and an honor to teach, coach teachers, and support the families of our youngest students at Schechter, I can't imagine ever doing anything else! I learn so much from the children everyday… Their incredible curiosity and authenticity is inspirational!
 

Anat Climor, Director of Hebrew and Israel Education

As the Hebrew and Israel Education Director, I am focused on integrating Hebrew language and strengthening the connection to Jewish values and the State of Israel in age-appropriate ways for both Schechter students and for members of the community. I guide and support the Hebrew teaching staff and am responsible for selecting curricula with an emphasis on experiential learning that fosters interest and curiosity in the Hebrew language. I strongly believe in maintaining open and continuous communication with students, parents, and teachers, as I see it as the key to success in education.
 

Karen Shakun, Admissions and Student Life Coordinator

I am the first person our families meet when they begin their Schechter experience.  I strive to make all of our Schechter families feel welcomed and included.  Parents can reach out to me with any questions and/or concerns regarding enrollment, their family portal, schedules, and after-school programs.
 

Audrey Sobel, Director of Communications/Senior Grant Writer

If you attend ReLiSh or other Schechter programs, you will very likely see me pointing a camera at the action! Part of my job as communications director is to tell the stories of what happens daily at Schechter, whether on social media, in Schechter Shavua newsletters, in our forthcoming Annual Report, or in grant applications. As a mom of three Schechter graduates, I am also excited to be working to strengthen our outreach to a network of amazing Schechter Alumni.
 

Nicole Schaffer, Director of Development 

As Director of Development, I focus on engaging the community to ensure the school has the resources needed to educate all students, enhance educational programs, and fulfill our mission daily. I work closely with donors, alumni, and families to cultivate meaningful partnerships and secure financial support, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
 

Marco Signorello, Director of Finance and Facilities

I am responsible for overseeing the school's financial management, facilities operations, and human resources functions. This role ensures the school's fiscal health, maintains a safe and well-functioning environment, and supports staff and faculty with HR services, aligning with the school's mission and values. I am also the liaison between parents and the confidential tuition assistance committee.
 

Jamie Debicella, Director of Technology 

I am responsible for the vision, policy, and implementation of advanced technology at Schechter. Whether it’s trouble-shooting with Chromebooks or helping out with a finicky Smartboard, I try to be responsive and helpful with all technology requests. Apart from technology, I am a musician at heart, love to play and teach guitar, and have a blast playing music with Jason Kay each week at ReLiSh. Please always feel free to reach out with any questions!
 

Sandy Raymond, Front Desk Coordinator

When you call Schechter or come to the front office, chances are that I am the first person you’ll hear or see. I am your go-to person if you need to pick your child up early, if you have a question about Picture Day, or if you need additional information about topics unrelated to academics. I am happy to help make families feel welcome and part of this fantastic Schechter community. 
 

It was wonderful to hear our hallways bursting with the sounds and sights of children learning, exploring, creating, making new friends, singing, and investigating! We are so excited to help your children grow this year.

Click HERE to see photos from the first days of school!

Parashat Re’eh—Why were Israelites told to go to Jerusalem?

This week’s Torah reading describes an intriguing mitzvah called ma’aser sheni (the second tithe). The Torah says that every year, farmers had to bring a tenth of their harvest to Jerusalem and eat it there. If they were far from the capital, they could convert the produce into money, and use the money in Jerusalem. It wasn’t a donation; they were consuming their own harvest. So what was the reason for this mitzvah? 

I always assumed that the goal was to support Jerusalem’s economy. After all, the mitzvah basically compels people to travel to the capital and spend money! Even if they brought their own grain, olive oil, or fruit, they still would have paid for lodging, other food, and more. The city would benefit from the people seeking to eat or spend their ma’aser sheni.

But this week, I discovered a beautiful explanation in the Sefer Hahinukh , a medieval book that explains each of the Torah’s mitzvot . The author argues that the real purpose of ma’aser sheni was education. In ancient times, Jerusalem was the unparalleled center of Jewish learning; the priests in the Temple were teachers and judges. When ancient Israelites traveled to Jerusalem to fulfill the mitzvah , they would come back full of Torah. And, says the Sefer Hahinukh, if the entire family couldn’t go, even one young adult could represent the family and bring back knowledge and inspiration.

I love this interpretation—that the Torah, in ancient times, was trying to produce an educated populace by bringing people to Jerusalem. But what about today? The answer is clear: we don’t have to be tourists in Jerusalem to pick up some Torah for our families. All we have to do is send our children to a Jewish day school. Already this year, teachers have begun building beautiful relationships with their students. Kindergarteners have started learning birkat hamazon, the prayer we recite after meals—they sing it with joy!—and engaging with the Torah’s story of creation. Anafim and Nevatim students have begun thinking about Rosh Hashanah, and our oldest students are exploring different Biblical leadership models as they get ready to study the book of Shmuel Alef/I Samuel. We’ve only been in school for a few days, but the learning and excitement have been inspiring.

Most of us won’t be making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem this year, but we fulfill the goals of ma’aser sheni just by being a part of the Schechter community. May our children continue to bring home a love of Torah, every day.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Jonathan Berger
Head of School 

Questions for the Shabbat table:

1. Two possible goals of ma’aser sheni were supporting Jerusalem’s economy and exposing people to Torah. What other benefits might there have been to the mitzvah?
2. What Jewish learning has your child enjoyed this week?