Where were you last year on March 15? On that day, my boys were home from college — a spring break visit we did not realize would last for months. We went underground, literally, that Sunday, and descended deep into the earth for a boat ride on the underground lake of Bonne Terre Mine. (If you haven’t visited, put it on your list.) It was a peaceful hour without cell phone service or internet access.
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As we worked our way up the steep incline to ground level, a local cell tower found my phone once again, which began to blow up with texts and voice messages.
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During that hour, the county had announced that schools must shut down. Thus began a year-long journey in the wilderness, making decisions in the dark. |
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In just a few weeks we will be reminded “B’chol dor vador… In every generation each one of us must see ourselves as though WE left Egypt.” |
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Your children have been engaged in storytelling, bibliodrama and deep discussions about the Exodus this week. They have imagined themselves as Israelites, and compared the experience of their ancestors to the wandering we have done this past year — with “normal” behind us and uncertainty ahead — hoping to soon arrive at a post-pandemic promised land.
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The Torah depicts the Israelites in the desert as impassioned, divided, frightened, even wanting to return. They overcame the challenges of hunger, thirst, disease and weather. They worked through differences of opinion that led to division and hurt feelings. |
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But they also grew stronger as a community and embraced a written and oral code that continues to guide us. And we all know how the story ends! They persevered and reached the promised land.
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Once again, we can see the promised land is near. Our teachers all have had an opportunity to be vaccinated, and their collective relief is palpable. We aren’t quite out of the wilderness yet, but we’re grateful to have wandered in person with your children, guided by that same written code that requires us to prioritize the education of the young!
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Thank you for joining us in the wilderness.
Next year in Jerusalem. Next year we may all be free.
שבת שלום,
Cheryl
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March 18: Parent Conferences (noon dismissal)
March 19: Parent Conferences - No School
March 26 - April 4: Passover Break - No School
April 14: Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day)
April 15: Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day)
April 26: Professional Development Day - No School
April 30: Lag B'omer
May 2: Mirowitz Gala
May 17-18: Shavuot - No School
May 27: 8th grade graduation
May 28: Last Day of School |
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"You shall tell your children on that day: it is because of what Adonai did for me when I came forth out of Egypt" (Exodus 13:8).
At Mirowitz, we know that we must not only transmit Jewish knowledge, but do so in a way that ignites curiosity and lasting memories. So today, we led our youngest students out of Egypt, through the Sea of Reeds (enacted by their parents with pompoms), and to a morning of stories, songs and some Jewish tradition.
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Like their ancestors, the young Israelites baked matzah over a fire and rejoiced in their freedom. (See more photos from the morning here.) |
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Now they have experienced a kindergarten version of the Exodus. Every spring at Mirowitz, they will learn that very same story again. They will grow to understand that the Passover story does not change each year, but their understanding of it changes. Thus, their appreciation of the holiday will evolve and mature. |
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May the stories you hear and tell this week ignite your curiosity and grow your appreciation for the holiday of our liberation.
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Shabbat Shalom
Morah Sagit, Morah Becky and Reb Scott |
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Hi Mirowitz Students,
We're adding a little wacky to next week! On Thursday (March 18), come with your wackiest hair style. (Photo below is a throw back to Purim last year.)
We can't wait to see what wacky ways you decide to celebrate!
- Vaad Chesed |
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The Admissions Office has been BUSY! This week, parent volunteers delivered yard signs and welcome packages to our newest class of incoming kindergarteners and to several students transferring into older grades.
Thanks to all of you for Loving Mirowitz Out Loud! Mirowitz is growing because of you!
A bright future awaits!
Patty and Lee'at |
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A few ways you can walk down the Yellow Brick Road with us on May 2.
- Purchase ticket for suggested donation of $150
- Purchase tributes for $50 each
- Pre-bid a fund-the-need
- Personal sponsorship
- Corporate sponsorship
You can choose any of these options here. Or you may call or e-mail Marianne to donate or request a sponsorship packet. |
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See the Bistro Kids
April menu here.
To reload your child's lunch accounty, click here.
ALSO...don't forget that Bistro Kids offers curbside dinners on Wednesday's before carpool. Email Chef AJ for more information.
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PTO...you found the way to our bellies...
and our hearts!
Here's how grateful we are.
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What filled your bucket today?! We had such a great time this afternoon! We got to be “admissions fairies” and bring yard signs and welcome bags to new Kindergarten 2021-2022 students at our awesome school, Mirowitz!
Lauren Abraham
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The little Dot below (Morah Melissa's baby girl) will have to wait a few more years...but a bright future awaits her, too! |
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Max was so surprised when Mommy and Daddy were the water he and his class passed through on their way to freedom! Thank you Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School and Morah Felicia for such a memorable experience!
Adam Bellows
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Brandel Minoff
(Branche bat Esther)
Mother of Mike (Alana) Minoff and Abuela of Yael, Max, Rafi and Yishama
Noam Fendelman
son of Elana and Jimmy and big brother of Avishai. Noam is recovering from surgery. |
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Mirowitz alumni often say that one of their most defining childhood moments happened in 3rd grade when they chanted Torah for the first time!
Kol Hakavod to Amos and Tamar who, at age 9, led the entire school in Torah study Thursday! |
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And to Ethan who read Torah in the Middle School.
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Happy special birthdays to Miss Mary and Dr. Mark! We are so glad your live journeys brought you to Mirowitz! |
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The St. Louis Jewish Light is launching a free Family Newsletter geared toward St. Louis Jewish families that will be sent directly to your email address every other Wednesday, starting March 17. It will feature video content from adults and kids, in addition to features designed to keep readers informed on everything from local family-friendly events to academic opportunities to b’nai mitzvah planning to mitzvah projects to child development articles to advice columns to PJ Library offerings and so much more. Sign up here. |
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Mental Health Series at Bais Abraham |
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March 16: Older Adults with Dr. George Grossberg, Dr. Miriam Shapiro and Florence Schachter, MSW
Learn more and register here. |
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The Chabad centers in St. Louis are offering free Seder-to-Go kits for every Jewish household throughout the Greater St. Louis area. Choose from six convenient locations to pick up your kit. Click here for more information.. |
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Help send more than 100 Passover packages to Jews in the military. The packages include matzos, grape juice, gefilte fish, horseradish, charoset and other items requested. To participate, click this link.
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