Mah Chadash: The meaning behind the words

When you are recite Mah Tovu, the Barechu or even the Shema, what do you think about? Do you say the words without really knowing their intention? If so, you likely have much in common with the person sitting next to you in services.

At Mirowitz, your children learn how to pray with intention, and by first grade, they know what most prayers mean.

When they sing Mi Chamocha, they think about freedom and the responsibilities of being free.

When they say the Mah Tovu, they think about ways they can turn around the unkind words on their own lips and make them into a blessing just as Balaam did in the Torah (Numbers 24).

They chant the Avot V'Imahot and know that each person has a special relationship with God, just as our ancestors did thousands of years go.

This week, first graders finished their siddurim (prayerbooks), and an eight month study of prayer...and their joy was magnified by the presence of their parents at a special Siddur Ceremony in the pavilion. Each siddur includes stunning illustrations that not only reflect creativity and imagination, but also will serve as a visual image of the meaning behind each prayer, an image that will be forever implanted in their minds as they pray in any synagogue, in any city, in any country. Their siddurim will be an integral part of their childhood and the education will last a lifetime.

Kol Hakavod to Morah Leiba and Morah Sagit for filling this in person year with joyful Jewish learning, to Morah Betti teaching songs that made the ceremony meaningful, and to every student and parent who rejoiced at the ceremony this morning.

May you always find meaning in your heritage.

Shabbat Shalom,

Morah Cheryl

May 17-18: Shavuot - No School

May 25: 5th grade Moving Up Ceremony

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

May 28: Last Day of School

Even with our technical snafu, we managed to have more than 250 households watcing the Gala Sunday night, and the recording has now has more than 800 views!

108 households joined us on Zoom to make a Ruby Red Slipper signature cocktail or mocktail.

We honored Dr. Barbara Green with the Meyer and Marcelle Kranzberg Visionary Award! (See it here.)

Barbara knows she can make a difference, and does! We hope our students grow up to be just like her!

The words of 6th grader Shauni impressed us all! She beautifully articulated how Mirowitz helped her overcome obstacles to become a confident learner and leader. Watch it here.

And Jen Baer, who has been a Mirowitz mom for 12 years, explained how she knows she "got this one right". Watch it here.

We celebrated beloved 5, 10, 15 and 20 year teachers! Hear about the valuable contributions of Morah Limor, Morah Andrea, Mrs. James, Morah Risa, Morah Felicia, Morah Sagit, Morah Connie and Morah Carolyn here.

And cried a little bit when we watched Mirowitz alumni celebrate Morah Cheryl for 20 years...and share how she changed them "For Good." Watch here.

See tributes made in their honor here!

Make your own teacher tribute here.

Most importantly, we raised $170,000 in sponsorships, $62,759 in Fund the Need, $12,019 in tributes, $15,036 in ticket sales for a total of:

Thanks to our fabulous committee:

and to every donor, volunteer, teacher and staff member who ensures that there really is NO PLACE LIKE MIROWITZ.

Watch the Gala again!

Show your Mirowitz pride this summer! We've added shorts and a few other items to our Spirit Wear Store.

The store will be open for ONLY TWO WEEKS until May 21. We cannot accept late orders! Your spirit wear will be shipped to your house in June.

Shop Here!

On Facebook this week, we've begun to see college decision posts of children who came to us as 5-year-olds and are now practically grown-ups, ready to start college.

Mirowitz alumni, we celebrate you, your self-assurance, your strength of character and your ability to make wise decisions. Some of you are National Merit Scholars. Many of you were awarded merit scholarships at prominent universities.

Best of all, you are compassionate, ethical and inquisitive leaders...and you remind us of the holy work we do every day! Mazal Tov to you. We wish you continued success as you matriculate to these fine university and programs:

Lucas Bernstein: Amherst College

Eitan Fredman: Washington University

Lucas Kazmierski: Colorado State University

JJ Lerner: Maryville University

Isaac Ohrenstein: Harvard University

Danny Sallis: Stanford University

Zoe Shacham: Vanderbilt University

Naava Simckes: University of Hawaii (Manoa)

Ari Gottesman: University of Michigan

Sela Roth: University of Kansas

Faith Faro: University of Maryland

Alana Fulsom: Loyola University in New Orleans

Ari Horwitz: California Politechnic State University

Niki Kaplan: Santa Monica College

Daphne Lerner: Wheaton College

Etan Meir: GapYear in NYC to study photography

(List as of May 7. We will continue to update
as we hear from more seniors.)

Thank you, Mirowitz families, for showering us with love this week! We were so touched by the flower extravaganza organized by Vaad Chesed and supported by all of you! And lunch today was delish!

The work we do is gratifying because we care so deeply about your children! But the outpouring of love? Well...it lifts us all! We love you right back!

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.

Our Shin Shin, Gilad, will be starting his service with the IDF when he returns to Israel this fall. For him, serving in the defence forces is a rite of passage and a part of what it means to be Israeli.

This week, he and Coach Lohmann led your students in calisthenics, obstacles and challenges with the goal of imparting two core IDF values: building confidence and working as a team.

Todah Raba, Gilad, for bringing Israel into Mirowitz, and for helping us feel a stronger connection with our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Over the summer, your child’s current teachers will work with Sue, Shannon and the teachers of the grade level ahead to divide students into classes. Our team engages in this process with a view towards maximizing your child’s academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development. Classes include a balance of diverse learning styles and genders.

We value parents' insights into their own children. In this spirit, we are open to your input. We consider all tier 1 and tier 2 requests, but are not able to meet all of them. Tier 3 requests are shared with the team, but are a lower priority.

Tier 1: My child has a special need or learning style that the team should consider in assigning classes.
Tier 2: There is a social dynamic that will help my child be successful.
Tier 3: My family has a relationship with or affinity for a certain teacher.

If you would like to make a request, you may complete this form no later than next Friday, May 14.

We were so sad to say goodbye to our office assistant Carrie Gent this week when she moved back to Boston with her husband. She will be returning to work at the Jewish day school in Marblehead, Massachusetts that originally sent her our way. We wish her all the best and will miss her!

Fortunately, she and Alex Dyer had time to work together for the past few weeks to ensure a smooth transtion. Please join us in welcoming Alex to the office, and contact her with any questions you used to direct to Carrie.

Click your heels and see why Mirowitz students have been smiling under their masks all year.
Watch our new school video here.

Mirowitz 4th graders lobbied their elected officials about issues they care about. Thanks, Rep Tracy McCreery for listening to their opinions about HB 2308 (which would make Election Day a state holiday), HB 643 (which stiffens punishment for animal abuse), HB2021 (which allows school districts to teach about the contributions of LGBTQ people.) The students are only 10, but they know how to use their voices for change.

Proud of our girl, who lobbied Rep. Tracy McCreery about HB 2021 to her state representative, advocating the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and stories in school. Mirowitz students know the importance of representation and value inclusion.

Shannon Rohlman

Mirowitz Mom
(and teacher)

Mazel Tov to the Middle Schoolers whose eggs survived a two story drop today: Micah, Ethan, Shauni, Eliana, Natalie and Sam.

Mirowitz teachers are in a class all their own. The level of devotion they share with Jordyn is above any I have ever seen. Each Middle School teacher is essential to the team, and your love and
caring is immeasurable.

Kara Dudley

Mirowitz Mom

to Mirowitz mom Omaira Rustemeyer who became a bat mitzvah last weekend.

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 Josh and Hayden who led the entire school in Torah study Thursday!

And to Aiden and Ben who read Torah in the Middle School.

What a special morning celebrating Ezra and Noa receiving their siddurim! Much love to Mirowitz for helping them grow to be even more thoughtful and caring.

Karen Bogard

Mirowitz Mom

Dear Mirowitz Families,

My name is Eliana and I am in 6th grade. For my Bat Mitzvah project, I am collecting dance shoes and costumes to give to dancers in need. I am partnering with the organization Donate 2 Dance.

In the vestibule, you will find a bright pink box where you can put your donations. Please rubber band dance shoes together and put costumes in ziplock bags. (There are rubber bands and bags in the box.) Donations will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis and other local dancers in need. If you would like to donate money instead of dancewear, please Venmo my Dad (@JeffreyWax) and put "Donate2Dance" in the memo line.

I appreciate your support of this project!

Thank you,

Eliana Wax

In Honor of

Stella P.

Happy 9th Birthday to our sister!
Love, Issac & Celia

In Honor of

Joshua R.

Mazel Tov on a great job reading Torah!
Love, Mom and Dad

In Honor of

Rebecca Rubin Schlansky & Marilyn Levison

Thank you to the amazing Gala co chairs! There is truly no place like Mirowitz!
From, Diane & David Rosen

Join the B'nai Amoona community in celebrating Mirowitz Alumni Mom and board member Paulie Rose on May 23. Learn more and register here.