Mah Chadash: Raising Change Makers

Racial injustice is a problem for every American.

My burden is your burden.

I’ve heard these from our Vice President this week speaking about race. I read them in Amy Hammerman’s Jewish Light article on Asian American hate. And they echo from my 52 years of Jewish engagement. Jewish tradition instills in us that we are responsible for active participation in fixing the broken pieces in our world.

Mirowitz students are growing up with a sense of purpose. They know that when a pattern of discrimination occurs against a minority, the victimized group could easily be Jews...as it has been off and on throughout history.

So our evolving curriculum acknowledges challenges of systemic racism, includes deep dives into historical movements for change, celebrates change agents and encourages students to have empathy and solidarity in confronting prejudice in any form.

In the past few weeks, fourth graders have lobbied for trans children in Jefferson City. Fifth graders took a deep dive into the concept of privilege: that where and when you were born, your skin color, gender and gender identity, religion, ethnicity and abilities impact your life experience. You should read their papers on trailblazers like Harvey Milk, RBG and Katherine Johnson!

Third graders met with their Muslim and Christian friends through Operation Cooperation. Second graders have studied the significant contributions of Native American, Black, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Americans.

Acclaimed author and poet Kwame Alexander called for students across the country to submit poems about civil rights. He strung together words from a selection of a thousand entries to create a collective poem for the Civil Rights Memorial.

A few Mirowitz classes participated, and we are so proud that the third line of this poem is taken from words submitted by Suzi, a Mirowitz second grader. (Hear Kwame Alexander talk about the poem here.)

It is our vision that Mirowitz students grow to be change-makers, who can see the cracks in our system and stand ready to fill them with gold. It is with great intention that we infuse their childhood with leadership opportunities, with honest exposure to difficult world issues, and with a safe place in which to explore varying opinions.

And...it's never too late for us adults to learn to be change agents as well. JCRC and the YWCA are presenting a 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge. Learn more here. Register for weekly discussions with JCRC here.

Shabbat Shalom,

Cheryl

April 26: Professional Development Day - No School

April 30: Lag B'omer

May 2: Mirowitz Gala 8 p.m.; Pre-event Cocktail Party 7:30 p.m.

May 17-18: Shavuot - No School

May 26: 8th grade graduation 4:30 p.m.

May 28: Last Day of School

1. See your friends on a live pre-event Zoom. Mirowitz parents...you are ALL invited to participate in the mixology pre-event! Supplies will be given to you in carpool next Friday.

2. Support Fund the Need! This year, we will try to recoup the costs that allowed us to open in person for your children. You can pre-bid here.

3. Honor your favorite teachers! The teachers below will be honored at the gala. You can make a tribute here.

Your children celebrated Earth Day with their classes Thursday, but in our tradition, every day can be Earth Day! Consider taking a family sensory hunt of the natural world this weekend. Below are blessings you can say over the delightful fragrances and sights you will find.

Traditional blessings over natural wonders:

Blessing over fragrant trees & shrubs;

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה", אֱ-לֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא עֲצֵי בְשָׂמִים

Barukh atah A-donai, E-loheinu melekh haolam, borei ahtzei v'sameem. Praised are you A-donai, our G*d, Ruler of the universe, creator of spicy trees.

On fragrant herbs and grasses:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה", אֱ-לֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא עִשְׂבֵּי בְשָׂמִים

Barukh atah A-donai, E-loheinu melekh haolam, borei essbei v'sameem. Praised are you A-donai, our G*d, Ruler of the universe, creator of fragrant grasses.

On seeing a rainbow:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה" אֱ‑לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, זוֹכֵר הַבְּרִית וְנֶאֱמָן בִּבְרִיתוֹ וְקַיָּם בְּמַאֲמָרוֹ:

Barukh atah A-donai, E-loheinu melekh haolam, zokheir et habreet, v'ne'eman b'vreeto, v'kayam b/ma'amaro.

Praised are you A-donai, our G*d, Ruler of the universe,who remembers the covenant, faithfully upholds the covenant, and makes-real your words.

On seeing a rainbow:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה" אֱ‑לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, זוֹכֵר הַבְּרִית וְנֶאֱמָן בִּבְרִיתוֹ וְקַיָּם בְּמַאֲמָרוֹ:

Barukh atah A-donai, E-loheinu melekh haolam, zokheir et habreet, v'ne'eman b'vreeto, v'kayam b/ma'amaro. Praised are you A-donai, our G*d, Ruler of the universe,who remembers the covenant, faithfully upholds the covenant, and makes-real your words.

May your Shabbat be one of gratitude for the beauty and resources that the Source of all things has provided for us.

Reb Scott

Dear Mirowitz Families,

On May 4, we will have a Star Wars themed spirit day! Today at Kabbalat Shabbat, we encouraged students to dress as their favorite Star Wars character that day. (No weapons will be allowed.)

In addition to dressing up, we would like to thank our Jedi masters, the awesome teachers and staff. So, on May 4th when your kids walk into school, they will see a bucket with every teacher and staff members' name on it. Please send flowers with your kids to school that day, and they will put the flowers in the buckets of their choice.

"May the 4th be with you!

Shabbat Shalom,

Vaad Chesed

Mirowitz parents...be the first to sign up for our a STEAM Adventure around the world! A "suitcase" of supplies will be provided in advance. Free adventure hat to the first 30 to RSVP. You can rsvp here.

This event is open to the entire community. The Pfizer vaccine will be offered. All attendees can return to Shaare Emeth on Sunday, May 16 for their second shot.

Register here!

Is today Friday already? I wish there were more days of school each week.

Mia C.

First Grader

My mom gave me the gift of a great Jewish day school experience and I’m so grateful to be able to follow in her footsteps and do the same for my boys.

Jada Fox

Mirowitz Mom

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 3rd graders Stella and Noah who led the entire school in Torah study Fhursday!

And to Leah, Noam and Omri who read Torah in the Middle School.

Best decision I ever made in my life was sending my son to Mirowitz!

Kim Sher

Mirowitz Mom

Please sign up by Friday, April 23 for May lunches. Sufficient funds must be maintained in your account.

For students returning to Mirowitz next year, funds remaining in your account will automatically roll-over. For students beginning a new journey, fund balances over $20 can be refunded or transferred to another student upon request (by June 15) by emailing Chef A.J. Any balances remaining after June 15 will be transferred to a good and welfare account to offset student meals in need.