Community Magazine April 2012

NJ Day School Leadership Unite for Tuition Reductions Representatives from yeshiva day schools across New Jersey recently united behind the issue of state funding for non-public schools. The meeting was the first of its kind, organized by the newly formed Community Federation of New Jersey, in partnership with the Orthodox Union and its Institute for Public Affairs (IPA). The event was attended by over 70 New Jersey Jewish day school leaders, representing over 20,000 Jewish school children across the Garden State, from Bergenfield, Clifton, Deal, East Brunswick, Edison, Elizabeth, Englewood, Highland Park, Lakewood, Livingston, Paramus, Passaic, Teaneck, and West Orange. Rabbi Steven Burg, Managing Director of the Orthodox Union, said, “The only way to succeed in getting more support for our schools is if we all work together as a united group so that we can replicate the success we have been able to achieve thus far.” Representing the Community Federations, Michael Arking of Ocean delivered a detailed presentation highlighting methods used in conjunction with the OU that ultimately translated into more than $600,000 in technology funding for Jewish day schools in the state. Sammy Saka, Chairman of the Community Federations, discussed steps that could be taken by the attendees, as well as the Community Federations’ plans for a major event that will highlight the unity of all of New Jersey’s Jewish communities in support of our children’s future. Josh Pruzansky, the OU’s New Jersey Political Director, hosted a detailed question and answer session, concluding the event by reminding everyone that the key to success in this arena is to vote. He emphasized, “New Jersey is one of many states where the OU has placed serious resources and staff on the ground and is, in effect, changing legislators’ perception of our schools in a way that brings dollars to parents and Jewish day schools.” For further information or to get involved, contact Josh Pruzansky at Pruzanskyj@ou.org. Anti-Bullying Campaign in MDY As part of the current Project SAFE curriculum, the students in the upper division in Magen David Yeshivah have been learning the proper skills to eliminate the unfortunate, widespread phenomenon of bullying. Through special interactive classroom lessons and programming, the students have learned the effects of bullying and the skills to stop it. Bullying does not only come in the form of physical harm to another person. Verbal and cyber bullying can be just as damaging as physical assault, and those words, texts or postings can never really be taken back. As part of the program, the students of Magen David learned the important role of the bystander in stopping a bully. Through the Project SAFE curriculum in the classroom, the 7 th and 8 th grade girls in M.D.Y learned about the numerous different forms of bullying, and created a variety of projects to demonstrate the extent of the damage that can be caused by bullying. One student at M.D.Y. described her thoughts about the program. “This topic has taught me many things about bullying. I’ve learned when to notice bullying and how to stand up to a bully. It has also taught me how to be more self-confident about myself no matter what anyone else thinks of me.” The Director of Project SAFE, Shira Berkowitz, explained the goals and objectives of this unique program: “Our mission is to open the eyes of the students by making them aware of the various forms of bullying, and provide them with the skills in dealing with a bully. I have instructed the students that even as a bystander to bullying, they can make a difference if they stand up for others that are being bullied. I think the students came away with a better understanding of what bullying is and the proper tools in standing up to it.” For more information, visit the SAFE Foundation website, www. thesafefoundation.org . To contact SAFE, call (866) 569-SAFE or email ask@thesafefoundation.org . Upcoming Inspirational Event: “Protection in These Difficult Times” On Tuesday, April 24, American Friends of Mishmeres HaSholom will present an uplifting event for Brooklyn women and girls under the title, ”Harnessing the Protective Power of Shemirat Halashon.” The gathering will take place at Ateres Chynka (129 Elmwood Avenue), 8pm sharp. For the past 11 years, Mishmeres Hashalom has been inspiring Jewish communities to guard against improper speech. Nearly 100,000 men, women and children participate in the wide range of projects run by Mishmeres Hashalom: inspirational monthly leaflets, an e-zine, motivational posters, curricula for schools, programs for men and boys, monthly gatherings, daily halacha Community Chest Dr. Simcha Katz and Sammy Saka Rabbi Schenkelowski, Rabbi Birnbaum, Michael Arking and Maury Litwack 98 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE