The Ten Commandments: A Blueprint for Education and Parenting

In this week’s parshah we read about the giving of the Torah on Har Sinai. The Jewish people receive the Aseres Hadibros - the Ten Commandments - foundational principles shaping Jewish life. When taken beyond their literal context they guide us in parenting and education, offering timeless wisdom for raising the next generation.

I am Hashem, your G-d

Children must know their lives have meaning beyond the material. Instill in them a sense of their Neshamah. A purpose, responsibility, and values that shape their character.

You shall have no other gods before Me

Children learn by watching us. Our values must be reflected in our actions - hypocrisy confuses, consistency inspires.

You shall not take the name of Hashem in vain

Words shape self-perception. Criticism must be balanced with encouragement. Praise sincerely and correct with care.

Remember the Shabbos Day, to keep it holy

Time with children is sacred. Be present, free from distractions. Quality time is the greatest gift you can give your child.

Honor your father and mother

Model respect for your parents, showing children the importance of gratitude and legacy.

You shall not murder

Harsh words can wound as deeply as actions. Discipline should correct behavior, not crush spirits.

You shall not commit adultery

Children must feel secure in your unwavering support. Even when a situation that involves others requires disciplining our own children, they should never question the fact that our deepest loyalties are to them alone.

You shall not steal

Never stifle curiosity. Encourage wonder, exploration, and the joy of learning. Do not rob them of this beautiful gift.

You shall not bear false witness

Honesty builds trust. Admit mistakes, model integrity, and teach truthfulness by example.

You shall not covet

Comparison breeds discontent. Celebrate individuality and encourage personal growth. Never give a child the sense that you compare their success to that of others.

As parents and educators, we have the sacred task of instilling values that will shape children's lives. May we guide them with love, integrity, and purpose, building homes and classrooms filled with respect, learning, and connection to Hashem.

Dovid Rahmani

A Daily Duty: Inspiring the Next Generation

My father proclaimed at a farbrengen: Just as wearing tefillin every day is a Mitzva commanded by the Torah to every individual regardless of his standing in Torah, whether deeply learned or simple, so too is it an absolute duty for every person to spend a half hour every day thinking about the Torah-education of children, and to do everything in his power - and beyond his power - to inspire children to follow the path along which they are being guided.

- Hayom Yom 22 Teves

Kindergarten Explorers

We welcomed more kindergarten visits to CMCA, where they got a glimpse of what awaits them in first grade! Dressed as explorers, they explored the 1st-grade classroom, from discovering new books to participating in lessons, they experienced firsthand what it means to be a CMCA student. The visit helped build their confidence and excitement for the next step in their educational journey.

Besides experiencing the classroom, the kindergarteners had the opportunity to explore the school, meet some of their future teachers, and make new friends along the way. They were warmly welcomed by older students, who shared their love for CMCA. The visit fostered a sense of community, ensuring that when these young learners transition to first grade, they will do so with excitement and familiarity. We can’t wait to officially welcome them as our newest CMCA students!

100 Days of School

Our school was filled with excitement as students and teachers dressed up and celebrated the 100th Day of School in style! 🎉💯 From creative “100-year-old” costumes, everyone embraced the spirit of the day with enthusiasm and creativity. The celebration was more than just a milestone—it was a chance to reflect on 100 days of learning, growth, and hard work. Students participated in fun, themed activities that reinforced their learning, from counting challenges to creative art projects. The energy and joy throughout the school made this a truly special day, reminding us all of how far we’ve come and the exciting journey ahead! 🎓✨

Math Carnival

Our sixth graders wrapped up their probability unit in an exciting and interactive way—by hosting a carnival for our elementary students! Through hands-on games and activities, they explored the differences between theoretical and experimental probability, seeing firsthand how actual outcomes compare to expected probabilities. As they ran the carnival, they also gained insight into how people perceive chances and odds, recognizing that human intuition about probability doesn’t always match the math. This engaging experience not only reinforces their learning but also creates a fun and educational event for the entire school community!

Yud Shvat Hachana Showdown

In preparation for Yud Shvat, our middle school girls participated in an exciting Hachana program called the “Yud Shvat Hachana Showdown.” They were divided into two teams, with each girl partnering with a chavrusa from a different grade. Throughout the week, they studied the maamer of Basi Legani during a daily lunch-and-learn. The eighth graders stepped up to prepare delicious snacks and drinks, adding to the experience. Each girl earned points for her team by completing daily questions on what they learned and taking on a personal hachlata.The Showdown culminated in a grand trivia game show on Monday, where each set of chavrusas had the opportunity to answer questions and win points for their team. It was inspiring to see the girls’ commitment and enthusiasm, making this Yud Shvat both meaningful and memorable! Great job to everyone who participated! A special thank you to Leah Lipskier for planning and running this week-long program with so much thought, making it both meaningful and fun.

Siddur Presentations

Our 1st-grade students celebrated a beautiful and memorable Siddur Party, marking an important milestone in their journey of tefillah. The celebration began in the morning with a presentation by the boys, who took us on a journey through the tefillos they recite daily in school. They explained the meaning and relevance of each tefillah in rhyme and then sang it for the audience. Their presentation opened with a creative video showing the boys waking up, saying Modeh Ani, and washing negel vaser, seamlessly leading into their performance. Dressed sharply in bow ties and belts, they did an incredible job, parents and teachers were bursting with pride.

In the afternoon, the girls stole our hearts with their bright pink tutus and pom-poms, delivering a performance about davening, complete with lively singing and choreography. Their enthusiasm and spirit lit up the room—it was truly a joyful experience.

Following both performances, each child was called up to receive their siddur, and a personal blessing from their parents. It was a touching and unforgettable moment, marking the beginning of an exciting new stage in their tefillah—davening straight from their own siddur.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing teachers who worked tirelessly to prepare our students for their Siddur Party and to guide them in tefillah: Morah Rivkah Ehrenreich, Morah Deby Freeman, Morah Rozi Goldman, Rabbi Freeman, and Rabbi Mallinger. Thank you!

CMCA Celebrates Tu B’Shvat with Exciting Activities and Trips!

CMCA marked Tu B’Shvat with a variety of exciting activities and trips. Every class had the opportunity to sample the Shivah Minim—tasting, discussing, and reviewing their significance.

The second-grade girls created adorable “Mrs. Tu B’Shvat” plant pots with Mrs. Jacobson and Mrs. Loebenstein. Thank you, Mrs. Jacobson, for planning such a fun and amazing morning for the girls, and thank you, Mrs. Loebenstein, for volunteering and helping make it such a special experience!

Meanwhile, the third-grade girls took a field trip to the farmers market with Mrs. Groner, where they completed a scavenger hunt and tasted unique fruits. They even brought back new and exciting fruit for other grades to try!

At school, Rabbi Meyers and the third-grade boys ran a fantastic Tu B’Shvat Fair for the younger grades, featuring booths for each of the Shivah Minim, such as “Gefen Juice Tasting,” “Chitah Toss,” and “Te’eina Grab Bag.” Thank you, Rabbi Meyers and the third-grade boys, for an amazing job!

Planting A Garden

Kita Aleph girls had a meaningful Yud Shvat last week, learning about the Rebbe’s first Maamer, Basi Legani—“I have come to My garden.” We explored how our mission is to transform the world into a home for Hashem by studying Torah and doing Mitzvos.

We discussed how the world may seem dark and it can be hard to see Hashem in everything, but through our learning Torah and doing Mitzvos we transform darkness, it becomes a beautiful garden for Hashem. To bring this to life, the girls planted a daffodil garden in the school’s front lawn, we can’t wait to watch the flowers grow.

NOTE ON RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM

The Responsive Classroom Approach, which all of our teachers have been implementing in the classrooms this year, addresses five Social & Emotional Competencies: Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy and Self Control.

This week we will focus on Empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and value the feelings, perspectives, and experiences of others, fostering a sense of connection and respect. Responsive Classroom emphasizes that empathy is essential for creating a positive classroom community where students feel safe, supported, and understood. Through practices like Morning Meetings, collaborative problem-solving, and role-playing, students develop the skills to recognize emotions in themselves and others, ultimately promoting a harmonious and inclusive learning environment.

Teaching Kids About Empathy at Home

Using principles from the Responsive Classroom approach, below are five tips parents can implement at home, inspired by the Responsive Classroom framework, to foster empathy in their children:

1. Practice Active Listening

Tip: Model how to fully listen without interrupting or judging.

Example: During family conversations, give your child your full attention, paraphrase what they’ve shared (e.g., “It sounds like you felt left out when your friend didn’t invite you”), and ask open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?”

2. Encourage Perspective-Taking

Tip: Help your child imagine how others might feel in different situations.

Example: If your child is upset with a sibling, ask, “How do you think your brother felt when that happened?”

3. Use Role-Playing to Build Understanding

Tip: Practice empathy through pretend scenarios.

Example: Role-play situations like meeting a new student or comforting a friend who’s sad. Switch roles so your child can experience different perspectives, and discuss how each person might feel.

4. Notice and Praise Empathetic Behavior

Tip: Reinforce empathetic actions by acknowledging them.

Example: When your child shows kindness, like sharing a toy or comforting a friend, say, “I noticed how you helped your friend when they were upset. That was so thoughtful and caring.”

5. Create a Gratitude Routine

Tip: Encourage reflection on how others contribute to their well-being.

Example: At dinner or bedtime, ask your child, “What’s something kind someone did for you today? How did it make you feel? Is there a way you could show your appreciation?”

These practices help nurture empathy, creating a foundation for positive, respectful relationships both at school and at home.

Mazal Tov to our students and staff celebrating their birthday this month:

STUDENTS

Sydney Mason – 6 Adar
David Menaker – 8 Adar
Rasha Frankforter – 5 Adar
Chaim Gurary – 8 Adar
Adina Meyerowitz – 14 Adar
Shmaya Barber – 24 Shevat
Shalom Romano – 25 Shevat
Aliza Kleinman – 4 Adar
Eli Lebowitz – 9 Adar
Yaakov Freeman – 13 Adar

TEACHERS

Chanina Freeman – 27 Shevat
Rivkah Ehrenreich – 23 Shevat