Winter 2012 Send your alumni news and Non-Profit I C Organization photos to [email protected] Academy Alumni Alumni: Where Are They Now? 2828 West Pratt Boulevard U.S. Postage Recent Grad Plays College Baseball Silberman informed the coach of the issues he faced and his decision not to play. I C Chicago, Illinois 60645 PAID J A Crown Essentials Throughout high school, Jason Silberman (‘11) dreamed of playing Silberman added that one of the influential elements that led him to his decision was Ida Crown Jewish Academy varsity baseball at the college level. As a member of the Aces, Silberman Rosen’s speech, given during the Columbus Baseball Invitational, on Permit No. 47 A Publication of Ida Crown Jewish Academy played shortstop, second base, and pitcher, and was one of the best hitters. shleimus (being complete as a Jew). Silberman did just J A Morton Grove, IL During the summer preceding Silberman’s freshman year at Washington that, prioritizing his over baseball. University in St. Louis, he set about making his dream a reality. Silberman Although Silberman is not playing with said, “Serving as captain for two years at Ida Crown gave me the experience the Varsity baseball team, he has joined the Academy Students Make Their Mark Programs and confidence to play at the next level.” Silberman added that Preston Wolin, club team, which does not travel as far away Inspiring bnei and bnot Torah the newest member of the Aces coaching staff, was encouraging and influential as the varsity team and is less competitive. to thrive in the modern world. Nationally and Locally and Universities in his decision to try out for the team. Some of the schools Silberman and the club In community and even national programming, Academy students not only have a strong presence, but they are recognized Recruit Academy Seniors After contacting the WashU Bears head coach Steve Duncan, Jason, with the will compete against are St. Louis University as teen leaders. Academy students—especially seniors—work in various capacities as local teen leaders. Four of the nine NCSY Midwest help of current Aces Ezra Allswang, Ori Schwartz and David Berger, created a video to showcase and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Although This fall we were proud to present Academy seniors with the Regional Board Members and eight of the Skokie NCSY Chapter Board Members are Academy seniors. All three of the Mazkirei his talent. Silberman impressed the coaching staff and was invited to join the baseball team’s Silberman is not playing varsity baseball, he opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 25 Galil of Bnei Akiva are Academy seniors and numerous students are Yachad board members. Several students take part in practices. Shortly thereafter, Silberman began to participate in team activities off the field such still feels he is living out his dream. “When I universities, including: New York University, Rutgers, University Jewish United Fund’s Voices and Write On For Israel programs. as the team picture. Silberman’s dream came true: He became a collegiate baseball player, can play baseball at a high level like I’m still of Michigan, Emory University, University of Maryland, Barnard As a class, the seniors this fall were privileged to attend the JUF Annual Meeting, along with nearly 2000 other attendees. playing for the WashU Bears. doing, while managing my schoolwork and College, Johns Hopkins, Brandeis University, DePaul University, The meeting was especially exciting this year, featuring Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel as the keynote speaker. The students Once Silberman became involved with the team, he faced major hurdles. Silberman keeping my Judaism, there’s not much more I University of Illinois, YU/Stern, Northwestern University and themselves were noted for the significance of their future impact on the Jewish world and the importance of taking action at said, “Going into college, I knew that there would be obstacles surrounding my Judaism, as can ask for,” he said. Loyola University. an early age. well as staying on top of my work. When I realized that there were practices on Shabbat and This article was written by Daniel Jacoby The number of university representatives who recruited Perhaps most memorable to the seniors was the opportunity to meet Mr. Lester Crown (pictured below with seniors). other events on Friday nights, I was faced with a tough decision, but in the end, it was more and reprinted with permission from Crown ICJA seniors this year is significantly higher than the previous IDA CROWN JEWISH ACADEMY Mr. Crown told the seniors about his grandmother, Ida important to keep my Judaism than to play varsity baseball.” Prints, ICJA’s student newspaper. year, thanks to efforts by our guidance department to offer our CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Crown, and how our school was founded. Serving Valiently Beltway, a battleground unto itself, the soldier Building On a national level, our students made three trips to Richard Goldberg (’01), deputy chief of staff for Senator Mark Kirk, addressed the seniors at goes by another title: deputy chief of staff to Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.). for Excellence our nation’s capitol this year, participating in advocacy last year’s ICJA graduation ceremony and then went on to serve 11 weeks in the Navy reserves “Rich is quickly becoming one of the most influential GOP strategists and long-term Our Capital Campaign to relocate to Skokie has surpassed $22 million! and social justice programming. in Afghanistan. The following excerpt recently appeared in the Washington Jewish Week in an thinkers on the Hill when it comes to foreign policy and national security issues,” said Josh Please contact Jane Best at 773.973.1450 x136 or [email protected] to find out more. A delegation of five Academy students led by Mr. article by Adam Kredo, and is reprinted here with permission from the WJW. Block, an independent political consultant who served for more than a decade as the Danny Harris attended AIPAC’s annual Schusterman American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s spokesperson. Advocacy Institute High School Summit for the first Lieutenant Richard Goldberg was quietly approaching Bagram Airfield’s sole sukkah when Goldberg’s journey from Capitol Hill to the front lines of Afghanistan began more than a Education time. Three other ICJA students attended the summit Photo credit: Robert Kusel two mortars exploded nearby. decade ago, at Ida Crown Jewish Academy where, at the urging of his English teacher (Ms. Rabbi Dr. Leonard A. Matanky, Dean Do You Know Who? with the Chicago chapter of Write On for Israel, an Israel It was a routine occurrence and Goldberg continued undeterred. After all, it was Sukkot in Sherri Goldstein), he volunteered for a congressional campaign. (773) 973-1450 x113 advocacy program from the JUF/JF. The students joined more than 400 high-school students from schools around the country Afghanistan and the fresh challah, gefilte fish and beef goulash It was 2000, and Kirk, a Navy officer and political insider, was [email protected] Correctly identify the alumni in the photo below to win an ICJA Alumni Decal! for a three-day convention consisting of dozens of seminars lead by experts on topics, including: Middle East history, public Rabbi Louis Fliegelman pictured with Academy alumni at were getting cold… vying for an open seat in Illinois’ 10th Congressional district, a Send your answer to [email protected]. speaking, advocacy writing, fundraising and more. University. From left are: Tzuri Merzel, Pesach Barel Daniel Harris, Associate Principal and Mordechai Czarka. Within moments, however, the base’s air raid sirens Northeastern enclave that encompasses Chicago’s northernmost The culmination of the trip came when individual delegations went to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress (773) 973-1450 x112 students more opportunities to meet college representatives were wailing, “and the booming voice of God came over the suburbs. and their advisors in order to lobby for causes related to Israel. The ICJA delegation met with Nina [email protected] on site. loudspeaker, telling us to seek shelter,” Goldberg, 28, recalled “He’s brilliant,” the senator said in a recent interview, fondly Besser, a senior legislative assistant to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. In addition, each year guidance director Rabbi Louis recently from the safety of his downtown Washington, D.C. office. recalling that “young high-schooler from Skokie, Ill., who was very Dr. Jeremy Kahan, Assistant Principal, Prior to the summit, student council president Spencer Brasch joined Rabbi Matanky for a Fliegelman visits a dozen colleges to greet alumni and But as the troops fled for cover, the rabbi intervened. observant and would sometimes walk home (from the office) on Curriculum and Instruction one-day Midwest Rabbinic Summit of AIPAC. Spencer was the only student leader to join more gain firsthand knowledge of schools that interest Academy “Where’s everybody going?” he asked in exasperation. Shabbos.” (773) 973-1450 x144 than 50 Chicago from all denominations. He was a participant in AIPAC briefings and students. “We need to get to a shelter,” they replied. …Inspired by his boss’ military background, as well as his own [email protected] received special training as a young leader on how to lobby on Capitol Hill. Once college applications were submitted and college “But this is a shelter,” the rabbi insisted. “It is a shelter grandparents’ military service, Goldberg applied to become a Navy In the annual Panim el Panim program, 12 Academy students visited Washington, D.C. to Admissions visits were winding down, schools from Israel began to heavily protected by God.” reserve officer and was commissioned in 2006—which really sets learn about advocacy and lobbying. The group, headed by Ms. Susan Sennett, consisted of both Rivkah Rabin, Director of Admissions recruit Academy seniors. Each day, representatives from several Such is the life of an observant Jew in war-torn Afghanistan, where holiday celebrations him apart considering that just a fraction of the lawmakers currently serving in Congress have juniors and seniors, who joined interesting lectures and programs such as a presentation from (773) 973-1450 x152 schools made presentations and met with students. Students are routinely cut short by enemy fire and Shabbat meals consist of frozen challah and freeze- military experience, and among congressional staffers, the number is even lower. [email protected] Senior Jacob Magid at the two formerly homeless men representing the National Coalition for the Homeless. The students AIPAC Summit not only got a glimpse of programming at many Israel schools, dried gefilte fish. “It’s rare,” explained Kirk. “All of these foreign policy and defense issues can become very also attended the Anti-Defamation League’s annual concert, featuring the National Symphony but also had the opportunity to meet many leading Torah “It’s a place where you’re not certain you’ll get a minyan, if it will be a service that’s esoteric and far away unless you’re in uniform and you’re on the front line. So for Rich, he’s a Development Orchestra, and visited a public site occupied by homeless people and members of the Occupy D.C. movement. The students scholars. That so many schools send a representative to the comfortable, if you’ll have a nice festive meal and whether or not the longing for home that patriot. He put his life on the line as a reserve officer. He swore an oath of allegiance to the Deva Zwelling, Director of Development spoke to individuals from both groups and delivered items to the homeless. Academy testifies to the caliber of our student body and everybody’s feeling will be amplified,” recalled Goldberg, a Navy reserve intelligence officer Constitution. Obviously, it worried his mother greatly, but it was impressive and I think he (773) 973-1450 x115 On the final day, the Academy delegation met with academic program. who was deployed to Bagram in late August for an 11-week tour of duty. came back from that active duty deployment somewhat of a changed man.” [email protected] Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (pictured below), who To assist seniors in the college and Israel application To his comrades abroad, Goldberg was known as the methodical intelligence planner engaged the students in a wonderful discussion regarding process, the college and Israel guidance departments regularly who coordinated roughly 200 airborne combat missions across enemy lines. But inside the Melissa Lipschultz, Assistant Director of Development her policies on Israel, distribution of affordable medicine and Ida Crown Jewish Academy meet with students individually to ensure that students are on- (773) 973-1450 x133 social causes. [email protected] 2828 West Pratt Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60645 task. Special seminars for students and parents further assist IDA CROWN JEWISH ACADEMY Thanks to with articles related to teaching students with special learning issues. These programs are just a sample of many ways Academy I C Phone: (773) 973-1450 Fax: (773) 973-6131 seniors in determining where and how to apply to post-high the generosity In addition, three teachers, Mrs. Molly Katz, Rabbi Binyomin Segal and Mrs. Miriam Jaffe, are all [email protected] initiatives prepare our students for future community PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Jane Best, Project Campaign Director Ida Crown Jewish Academy school programs. Established in loving memory of Ira Korman a”h of friends participating in an online course from Yeshiva University to better support students with learning (773) 973-1450 x136 leadership, social justice and advocacy opportunities. and family issues, including: social, emotional, religious and academic challenges. [email protected] Ida Crown Jewish Academy is an affiliate of the Associated Torahs of Chicago and a partner Seniors David Quintas, Talia Molotsky and Sophia Weisberg Academy faculty are gleaning new insights We thank the Korman family and also extend our condolences to Debbie and family on the loss of J A Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (center) met with the ICJA ,ע”ה of beloved former Academy parent Ira Korman in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan contributed to this article. student delegation of Panim. .Chicago .ע”ה through two professional development inititatives. Each month, Mrs. Debbie Korman provides staff her parents, Judith and Nate Coven s h o r t e r 8.375

Aces Athletes Make Their Mark Society of Patrons Reception Academy Mourns the Loss of Two Leaders More than 50 members of the Society of Patrons (SOP) gathered at the home of Michelle and Brian please join us זצ”ל icja’s Dr. Edward A. Crown Scholarship Dinner Levinson for the SOP dessert reception on October 29, 2011. Attendees were privileged to hear from Academy Mourns HaRav Nosson Tzvi Finkel , class of 1960 world-renowned speaker, author and educator Rabbi Berel Wein, an Academy alum of 1950. Sunday, March 11, 2012 “When once asked by a student why he never took knowing what he attained is an inspirational Introducing Rabbi Wein, Rabbi Leonard Matanky said, “Rabbi Wein has changed our Jewish world skokie holiday inn drugs to calm the Parkinson’s disease he suffers from, opportunity for us to rise to his illustrious example. It through the art of communication, written and oral. There is not a person who hasn’t learned from he answered that when inquiring about the drugs, his is a loss to all of klal yisrael.” him.” Honoring Mitch Dayan, Crown Leadership award doctor had told him that it would have an effect on his Students were profoundly inspired by what they Freshman Adam .זצ”ל Rabbi Wein, who was a member of the Chicago Jewish Academy’s second graduating class, Dr. Yosie Goldberger, Board of governor’s award memory. ‘I’d rather be ill my whole life than to forget learned about Rav Finkel described the state of Jewish education in Chicago at the time of the Academy’s founding: “When my Ann Dee Holland, teacher of the year award even one word of the holy Torah.’” Gornstein said, “It is amazing to have had such an parents took me out of seventh grade to enroll me in the Academy, fine upstanding Orthodox Jews Rabbi Steven Burg, managing director of the amazing person graduate Go to icja.org or call 773.973.1450 to make a reservation or place an ad came to my parents and said, ‘How can you send him there? You’re going to make him a cripple.’” Orthodox Union, wrote in a newsletter about another from our school.” incident that demonstrates how he was always Anna Shkolnikov said with ,זצ”ל This third season of ICJA cross country featured more runners, races as well as personal records than Sixty years later, Rabbi Wein—whose mother smartly replied, “At least he’ll be a religious With the passing of HaRav Nosson Tzvi Finkel ever before. The Aces hosted a dual meet against Chicagoland Jewish High Schools and then hosted cripple”—and the Academy have proved the naysayers wrong. Rabbi Wein’s class was the first of the Mir, we at Ida Crown Jewish connected to his roots in Chicago. A number of years tears in her eyes, “He was such Yarona & Shlomoh Ben-David Academy joined the Jewish people in mourning a true The varsity Lady Aces finished in 2nd place at SAR’s David Cooper tournament early in the season. the Chicago Prep Conference meet, with almost 100 runners from six schools. of three generations of Academy graduating classes to produce outstanding leaders in Jewish Lana & Nathaniel Grey ago, Rav Finkel addressed the NCSY Summer , a great rav, and it’s a loss to The girls defeated Silver Spring 39-25 and SAR 40-33. In the semifinals, the girls beat SAR 42-26 At the conference meet, the team took 2nd in boys’ varsity, 2nd in girls’ varsity, 2nd in the boys’ open communal life, business, politics, academics and more. “The leaders and gedolim of the next Monica & Rich Magid gadol hador. Learning for the day he passed away was asking, “Who here is from Chicago?” A number of the Jewish people. The death to continue on to the championship game. Playing Boston, the girls lost 29-34, with Courtney and 1st in the girls’ open. Individual medals went to Sammy Magid (boys’ varsity silver), Jacob Magid generation came out of that class,” said Rabbi Wein. Susan & Ronnie Masliansky dedicated l’ilui nishmat HaRav Finkel, and a special participants raised their hands. The Rav then asked, of a tzadik means we should Rosenfield scoring 19 points. All Tournament Team Selections were Aliza Grant and Courtney (boys’ varsity bronze), Shana Shapiro (girls’ varsity gold), Noah Nagar (boys’ open bronze) and Michal SOCIETY Sandy & Dr. Gary Novetsky community program took place for the shloshim. Not only have graduates benefited from the Jewish, academic and life preparation they gained OF PATRONS Miki & Shmuel Schreiber “Who goes to Ida Crown?” Again, a show of hands. strive to improve ourselves.” Rav Finkel—who was an alum of the Academy, Finally, the gadol asked, “Who’s on the basketball Eitan Redlich said, “I am aware וכתר שם טוב עולה על גביהן .Rosenfield. The tournament leading scorers were Rosenfield with 57 points. and Grant with 33. Weissberg (girls’ open silver). Most impressively, 27 of the 28 runners set personal records. at ICJA, but the Chicago Jewish community has thrived because of the institution’s contribution Describing the mission of one of the Academy’s founding rabbis, Rabbi Wein The crown of a good name surpasses them all Patron from the class of 1960—was the great-grandson of team?” As would be expected, a few hands shot up. of the great loss to klal yisrael, Photo credit: Rachack from Guardian Anonymous (2) Wikimedia Commons said, “Rabbi Sacks said Anonymous the Alter of Slabodka, for whom he was named. He Rav Finkel then surprised the room with his response, and Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel Rebecca & Jeremy Amster headed the , known as one of the largest this institution is going Leslie & Tom Silverstein Dr. Myra Rapoport & Rabbi Michael Balinsky “So was I.” will be a model for me to learn Torah.” to save Chicago.” Jane & Eddie Best institutions of in history, for the past 20 Speaking to the students upon the Rav’s death, May his family be comforted among the mourners Benefactor Drs. Edie & Allen Chernoff years. He was known for his brilliance and insight, as Rabbi Menachem Susan & Joseph Ament Rabbi Matanky said, “Rav Finkel was always proud of Zion, and may his passing serve as a much-needed B. Sacks went door to Patricia & Myron Cherry well as for his gentle demeanor and his indefatigable Elizabeth & Mitch Dayan Debbie & Dr. David Dobkin of his Chicago connection and gave special attention kaparah for us all. door begging parents Barbara & George Hanus Sally & Arthur Dordek commitment to Torah. reported, to our alumni whenever he ran into them. Further, Sydney Novetsky contributed to this article. to provide their children Harry & Sadie Lasky Foundation Debra & Dr. Daniel Eisenstein Hochberg & Lowenstein Families ע”ה ’with a Jewish education. Abby & Gary Elkins Remembering ‘Bubbe Ida Michelle & Brian Levinson Roberta & Dr. Scott Fretzin Seventy years later, ICJA Phyllis & Stu Muller Linda & Larry Friedman On November 14, one of the Academy’s beloved building was her pride; and this faculty, student passed away at the age body, and all of the faculties and students bodies ,ע”ה continues to thrive, each Barbara & Dr. Steven Geller founders, Ida Rosen Above, from left are: Brian Levinson, SOP Reception host, Rabbi Leonard A. Pillar Sharon & Seth Gillman year inspiring 300 bnei and Matanky, Rabbi Berel Wein and Ronnie Masliansky, immediate past pressident. Vivian & Nathan Bloch of 98. for the past 70 years, her family. bnot Torah to thrive in the Cheryl & Dr. Gary Hoberman Per her request, the levaya was held in the Because as much as Ida was proud of her Over winter break, the Aces wrestlers put in excellent performances at two tournaments. An ICJA The boys’ varsity basketball team made their season’s first appearance in the Cooper Invitational At right is Rabbi Wein at Chicago Jewish Academy in 1950. Connie & Dr. Alan Kadish Sponsor squad entered the Uplift Tournament and came away with three placewinners: Mack Muller Tournament in Memphis, with a run all the way to the championship game. After winning two modern world. Drs. Amy & Guy Kaissar school gym, with the entire student body and staff family, of her children, grandchildren, great- Rabbi Wein, who is known for transmitting Jewish history to the Jewish community, closed by Stuart & Kathleen Barnett Charitable Fund Drs. Tammy & Ed Kaplan present, along with hundreds from the community. grandchildren and now great-great grandchildren, (4th at 195), Noam Feifel (5th/6th at 126), and Brennen Muller (5th/6th at 152). opening games, the Final Four game vs. Magen David of Brooklyn turned out to be an epic battle, Drs. Sherri & Jeffery Bressman saying, “In the Jewish world, we remember towns by the institutions they have. Chicago is written Aviva & Nate Lichtenstein She was the mother of Moishe (Laurie) she was proud of the Academy—and she At the same time, another ICJA squad took part in a tournament at Wheaton Warrenville South with the teams trading leads back and forth through the second half. Down by two with 20 seconds Talia & Isaac Dayan Academy students accompany the deceased down Pratt Blvd., following the worked for this school tirelessly, with ever-present (ע”ה into the history of the Jewish people because of the institutions it created.” Margaret & Rabbi Leonard Matanky Rosen, Lee “Lobby” Rosen and Tzvia (Bruno High School. The team began the day with an early morning drive to the Chabad of Naperville to go, the Aces ran a corner inbounds play calling for senior Daniel Macks to take a three-point shot Drs. Sharon Sholiton & Yosie Goldberger Judy & Albert Milstein funeral, which was held in the ICJA gym. Ann Dee & Ed Holland for Shacharit and then proceeded to impress all observers with an 8th place showing out of 11 off a double screen. Off-balance, with a defender in his face, Macks launched a high-arcing shot that Members of the SOP serve as the foundation of our fundraising efforts. Your participation as a Alison & Alan Molotsky Bieler. She was the devoted grandmother of 10, the determination and joy. member of the SOP enables ICJA to continue providing direct scholarship assistance to families who Sheldon & Pearl Leibowitz Foundation Yetta & Dr. Ted Saltzberg cherished great-grandmother of 32 and great-great-grandmother of 3. Among her And so she was the one who convinced the Crown family to rename this school in teams—four of whom were ranked in the state. Moreover, the tournament field was filled with sailed through the net, cementing his place in Ida Crown history. The Aces won 44-43. Susan & David Strulowitz cannot afford full tuition, fulfilling our mission that no Jewish child should be denied the opportunity Renee Birnberg & Dr. Joseph Silberman grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are Academy alumni or students are: memory of their mother, Ida Crown; and more recently when we began to work on a individually-ranked wrestlers. It was the first time the ICJA wrestling team ever participated in In the championship game vs. YULA of Los Angeles, the Aces fought valiantly against a much bigger Rochelle & Dr. Jacob Wilensky Susan & Howard Stein such a high-caliber tournament. The Aces rose to the challenge, with four out of nine Academy team. While their offense got going, it wasn’t enough to overcome YULA’s deep roster. The Aces fell by to receive a Jewish education. This year more than 50 percent of our students are receiving assistance. Lynn & Loren Stein Michelle Friedman (‘75), Michael Rosen a”h (‘78), Deni Rosen (‘80), Robin Rosen new campus, she was the one who approached the Crown family again to set the stage Please contact Deva Zwelling, director of development, at 773.973.1450 for more information. Advocate Rachel & Michael Stein (‘83), Leslie Rosen (‘86), Aaron Friedman (‘03), Sara Hirsch (‘05), Talia Kirshenbaum for generations to come ... wrestlers placing. Zack Bernstein took 2nd place at 126, pinning his opponent from Nazarene 10, with a final score of 53-43. Anonymous Academy in the semi-finals. Zach Cohn also made it to the semi-finals at 120, before finishing Robin & Yossi Azaraf (List in formation) (‘06), Kayla Kirshenbaum (‘08), Josh Kirshenbaum (‘09), Jonah Kirshenbaum (‘12), I know if Ida were still able to, she would tell each one of you to do everything 4th at that weight. Noah Lewis and Gabe Michael were 6th-place medalists at 106 and 182, Zack Bernstein (‘12) and Emma Bernstein (‘14). you can for the Academy. To our lay leadership she would challenge you to raise those respectively. scholarship dollars and build the new building; to our teachers, she would urge you Following is an excerpt from Rabbi Matanky’s hesped: to continue to inspire our students and prepare them for life; and to our students, she DUELING PIANOS A HUGE SUCCESS Why would anyone want his or her funeral here? In a school? In a gym? would implore you never to forget the opportunities you have been granted and always Admissions News For those of us who were privileged to know Ida Rosen, the answer was simple: remember this school. because as much as any home in which she had lived, this school was her home; this At our annual Open House for prospective students, over 200 middle school students and their parents packed the gym to get a taste of life at ICJA. The prospective students heard about the wide array of courses and levels, the numerous interscholastic sports teams and the variety of great clubs that are offered at the Academy. The Academy Academy Academy students room was beautifully decorated and filled with faculty, coaches and students representing every aspect of ICJA. 7 30 21 ICJA’s Dueling Pianos fundraiser, held Saturday night, songs with humor to create a vibrant event. Every couple in seniors received seniors—representing were recognized by the Admissions programming continued with visits from eighth grade students from each of our feeder schools, December 10, and was a tremendous success. Dueling Pianos attendance received an iPod shuffle as a party favor, which prestigious more than a third of the Illinois State Scholar Program individual shadowing days, a Get to Know ICJA evening for prospective parents and winter sports clinics. at Shallots Bistro was a sold-out show, attracting Academy were generously donated by Passages Hospice. recognition by class—were inducted for outstanding academic In addition to the three main feeder schools—Arie Crown, Hillel Torah, and Solomon Schechter—we also parents and supporters for a night of great food and the National into the Torah chapter achievement. The students are attracts students from Akiba Schechter, local public schools and even from out-of-state schools. We currently Merit Scholarship among the top 10 percent of the entertainment. Featuring Mark Weiser and Vince Strong, the Many thanks to our event chairs: Sharon & Seth Gillman, of National Honors have students who are from Arizona and Indiana, and next year, we may add Wisconsin to that list. The program. state’s graduating seniors, based on ACT test scores and class rank at the end of junior program built on audience requests to create a lively show Phyllis & Stu Muller and Sue & David Strulowitz. Also, thanks Society. Students diversity of our student body is an important aspect to the class makeup, and we are always looking to attract Pictured from left year. Congrats to (from bottom left): Jacob Weinger, Yoni Grey, Nathaniel Borochov, of everything from Rolling Stones to show tunes. The two to our generous sponsors, listed at icja.org. are selected by faculty students who are interested in expanding their Jewish knowledge and growth while pursuing an excellent are: Barry Greengus (commended), Raanan Gluck (semifinalist), based on scholarship, Barry Greengus, Talia Molotsky, Leora Clair, Arianne Pinchot, Aviva Zimmerman, Hannah entertainers combined a tremendous breadth of entertaining secular education. Shayna Jacoby (commended), Hannah Otis (semifinalist), Talia leadership and service. Dimbert, Noah Lewis, Daniel Jacoby, Sammy Magid, Ben Auerbach, Jake Goldrich, Molotsky (commended) and Hannah Dimbert (semifinalist). Raanan Gluck, Spencer Brasch, Ari Lowenstein, Jason Greenspan, Shayna Jacoby, Hannah Otis and Eliana Kahan.