Today was dedicated to Israel, our Jewish homeland. Led by our 8th grade class (and resident experts in Israeli history and culture), this morning's Tefillah started with a somber observance of Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) then switched to the joyous celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day (and 74th birthday). After Tefillah, the lower school classes were visited by 8th grade students who led Israel trivia contests and games for the younger students. The day was made extra special with homemade blue and white cookies (thank you Bev!), a delicious falafel lunch for everyone, and a big beautiful birthday cake. All fun and games aside, the 8th grade students shared their reflections on their recent trip where they immersed themselves in learning about Israel's complicated past and future. Here's a particularly eloquent comment: Israel is often referred to as "the Jewish homeland", but for a while, it was hard to see it as such. It wasn't that we didn't talk about it every chance we got – because we did – but rather because the weight of the word "homeland" had never really sunk in. On this year's unconventional Israel trip, I got a chance to see what "homeland" really meant, albeit in a classroom not in Israel, but on the sandy shore of Hawaii. As we delved into everything from ancient history to modern politics, I began to slowly understand what it meant for somewhere to be a "homeland", not an always perfect oasis that serves as an escape from the rest of the world, but rather a flawed, loving, living thing to constantly work on bettering. Samara, '22 |
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What's next, you ask? The end of the school year is near! Here's the BIG list of upcoming calendar highlights: - TOMORROW: Friday Coffee; K/1 Parent Kabbalat Shabbat
- Thur 5/12: 7th Tzedakah Presentation Tefillah 8:05am
- Fri 5/13: What's Brewing Zoom 8:30am
- Tues 5/17: High School Info Night 6pm
- Thur 5/19: Teacher Appreciation Tefillah 8:05am
- Fri 5/20: PA Mtg & Friday Coffee
- Sun 5/22: The Brandeis Ahsh 4pm (invite to come!)
- Thur 5/26: Parent & Volunteer Appreciation Tefillah & Oneg
- Fri 5/27: 5th Grade Promotion & Chagigat Hatanach
- Mon 5/30: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
- Tues 5/31: NO SCHOOL - Staff Development Day
- Wed 6/1: Middle School Party 5pm
- Thur 6/2: 8th Grade Tefillah (+Graduate Family Breakfast)
- Fri 6/3: Last Day of PM Care**
**there will be NO PM CARE (after 3pm) the last week of school - please plan accordingly - Mon 6/6: NO SCHOOL - Shavuot
- Tues 6/7: Middle School Pool Party 1pm
- Thur 6/9: GRADUATION & LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - 12pm dismissal
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*** FREE COVID TESTS FROM MCOE *** Brandeis Marin just received enough at-home rapid test kits from the Marin County Office of Education to give each student and staff member one box (which includes two tests). We will be distributing these kits to students to take home for future use - we are NOT asking students to test right now. *** |
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May is here, and you know what that means, right? END OF THE YEAR CELEBRATIONS have begun! We hope you can join us for one (or all!) of these Thursday mornings from now through June 9th to celebrate with us. Here's the lineup: - May 12: 7th Grade Tzedakah Allocations Presentation Tefillah
- May 19: Teacher Appreciation Tefillah
- May 26: Parent & Volunteer Appreciation Tefillah & Oneg
- June 2: 8th Grade Tefillah (+ Graduate Family Breakfast)
- June 9: GRADUATION!!! details to come
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The Brandeis AHSH is back and this time, it's gonna be IN PERSON! On Sunday, May 22 from 4PM – 6PM, please join us in the Rodef Sholom sanctuary for our first in person Ahsh! We have an amazing lineup of storytellers from across Brandeis who will be sharing their stories of belonging. There is no better way to feel the warm hug of this community than to come together and share stories. We'll laugh, we'll cry, but most importantly, we will BE TOGETHER. A little nosh, a little entertainment, a little schmoozing…but you gotta be here this time to experience it. Invite your adult family and friends - the more, the merrier! This is an adult-only event. Watch for your official invite and rsvp to come! |
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The PA and Student Council are collecting loose change to donate to Ukraine! Let's fill as many big water jugs (in the lobby) as possible by the end of May to make a difference to those who need it most right now. Come on Brandeis - let's do this! |
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Mazel Tov and Thank You Brandeis Marin! |
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A beautiful, dreamy evening unfolded Sunday night right here on campus. Brandeis Marin's past, present, and future came together to celebrate honorees, Rose Barlow and Becky Genet Fenster, and advance the school's vision at a party no one will soon forget! Among the many highlights: - Yummy was the most heard word for the night as people cheered everything from the signature cocktails and locally grown appetizers (hello, deviled eggs!) to the decadent Belgian Chocolate Mousse dessert!
- New and old friendships were nurtured at the party we've all been waiting for
- Fundraising reached new heights at over $530,000!
- Wonderbread5 turned a mild-mannered Jewish day school into a high-octane street dance. Let's do it again!
AND...congratulations to our Raffle Prize Winners (all current families!): - 2nd Prize: Trustee Instant Wine Cellar - Sarah Saven
- 1st Prize: Shabbat Dinner with Peg Sandel - Caroline Silverstein
- Grand Prize: 7-day Kona Vacation Home: John Blumenthal & Avi Konstantinovsky
If you missed the party, or want to watch the sweet, short videos shown on Sunday night, you can enjoy them right here! |
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As part of a culminating activity for their unit on civics, the 8th grade class recently toured our landmark Civic Center, and got acquainted with the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. The class then met with Supervisor Damon Connolly in the County Board of Supervisors' chambers to learn about how county government works and the most pressing issues happening right here in Marin County. It was the perfect ending to an important lesson. Steve Friedman Middle School Social Studies |
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Using tempera paints, the 1st grade artists honed their skills using warm and cool colors, grey, white, and black to create abstract paintings. Inspired by the art of Muzae Sesay and Kandinsky, students focused on rhythm, line, color and shape. You can enjoy these beautiful works of art HERE or next time you visit the lobby (tomorrow at Friday Coffee)! |
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Looking for some fun summer programs to develop healthy social emotional engagement? Check out SEEDS - you'll find some friendly and familiar Brandeis Marin folks leading these creative, outdoor workshops! | |
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We are excited to share a new program offering from Camp Tawonga with you: Divorce & Discovery: A Jewish Healing Retreat, Oct. 27-30, 2022! Visioned and founded by Rabbi Deborah Newbrun, this retreat will help people who may feel broken or in pain find their way back to wholeness – guided by Jewish healing rituals, communal support and professional expertise. More Info & Sign Up tawonga.org/divorce-discovery Questions? Deborah@tawonga.org |
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Jewish Families of Color Weekend at Camp Tawonga August 25-28, 2022 Our friends at Camp Tawonga invite you to their second annual Jewish Families of Color Weekend! This is an intentional affinity space for families that are multiracial or include at least one person of color in their household. This weekend will celebrate multiracial and multiethnic Jewish community and offer all of the classic Tawonga Family Camp hits, like campfires with s'mores, a community shabbat celebration, talent show and more. Please help to spread the word to anyone who might be interested! Questions? Kiyomi@tawonga.org |
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The REAL Mental Health Initiative at Congregation Rodef Sholom proudly presents real conversations and lectures about mental health, mental illness, and well-being. Click HERE for upcoming events! |
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