TheLehrmanLink A weekly publication of lehrman community day school containing time-sensitive information for members of the school community Vol 11 • Issue 11 Friday, November 6, 2009 • 19 Heshvan 5770 • g"a, iuaj y"h Candle lighting: 5:19 pm This edition plus The Link archives are available on the web lehrmanschool.org/LL Copyright ©2009 Lehrman Community Day School Dear LCDS Family, Teaching our children is at the core of our moral experience. In this week’s portion of Va-Yera, God explains expressly why the election of Abraham: “For I have singled him out, that he may instruct his children and his posterity to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is just and right.” (GENESIS 18:19). Earlier in this week’s portion, when Abraham undertakes to serve his mysterious guests, he includes his servant, i.e., his student, in the grand efforts. (19:7). Later in this week’s reading, when called to the test of the Akedah, or binding, Abraham takes two servant-students with him, so that they can learn directly from him. Abraham doesn’t just say hbbv, Hineni, I’m ready and attentive; rather, through his actions, he teaches his students the substantive content of his commitments. But Abraham does not forget another learner: he himself. Once Abraham is able to identify the mountain of his greatest trial, he commands his students to “stay here.” He will “go up there” without them, and then return. (22:5). As teachers and as parents, for as much as we work directly with our students/children—in the classrooms, playing fields and at home—there are times when we need to “go up there.” There are issues that we need to struggle with as adults—e.g., mortality and what motivates us as human beings, to name just two—for myriad reasons, from the narrow one of long- term brain health to the grander one of fulfilling our own individual callings within our collective covenants of destiny and fate to…making us more effective teachers and parents. As we go to press, we are confronted by an Army major, steeped in the creed of never leaving anyone on the battlefield, who instead killed fellow soldiers. Does your child see you merely note this tragedy and quickly move on—or does this moment prompt you to explore our wisdom literature and consult with peers on lessons to be learned? This issue of The Lehrman Link presents learning opportunities for you, both through the LCDS Family Learning Initiative and through our Parent Association. The children we are charged with raising need to see that, just as Abraham did before us, we are serious about learning—and discerning—as adults. For our children will one day be where we are—and what we model now will still be the example they follow then. Shabbat Shalom, Seth Linfield, Head of School PAPA•razzi patrol Images of Life@LCDS (additional photos on lcdsphotogalleries.shutterfly.com) Life Imitates Art: Ms. Jenny is hard-pressed to distinguish between Pre-K student Gia and Edgar Degas’ sculpture entitled “The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer.” Pre-K students learned all about Degas’ sculpture when Ms. Brown introduced “Look at and talk about works of art,” a stage in the Pre-School Core Knowledge sequence; Arghhh!: fourth graders talk the talk and walk the plank upon completion of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island; Atomic Art: fifth graders created representations of carbon atoms in Ms. Enea’s Core Knowledge science class; BookWorm: Ms. Erica holds an official Lehrman Book Mark, one of many she distributed at the Sunny Isles Public Library where she led a story hour for PJ Library and spread the word about LCDS. Anatomy of a Song: Mr. Day leads our toddlers in a rousing rendition of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” clearly a favorite among the short set; Lions & Tigers & BEARS!: Ms. Tina and Ms. Veronica host a cave full of teddy bears, then whip up a tasty platter of teddy bear sandwiches, served teddy-bear- picnic style. 50 Years, 50 Questions Find the answer online at lehrmanschool.org/50 11. Which LCDS grade hosted a Viking last year? Answer to last week’s question: QWhat major renovation occurred to the building in 1985? A: The third floor was added! “Reflections of a Frontline Soldier” Join us for an evening with Sgt. Bejamin Anthony (IDF Res.) who will discuss the realities and moral challenges faced by IDF soldiers Monday, November 9 • 7:30 pm Hosted by Dara & Oren Lieber at the home of Sue & Jay Enis To confirm attendance & address details: Andrea Schleider 305.866.2771 x23 [email protected] Mapping Our Families A question to ponder… How many different countries are represented by LCDS families? Look for the answer next week…and thank you for participating in our survey. Lehrman Community Day School is celebrating our Golden Anniversary Reach for the Gold and join the Event Committee, Thurs., November 12, 8:30 am (second floor library). Please contact Event Chairs, Laura Finvarb, lfi[email protected] or Jodie Rozencwaig, [email protected] to confirm your attendance. We look forward to your participation!