As Not Everyone Is Meant to Climb the Same Tree
As Not Everyone Is Meant to Climb the Same Tree
A monkey, a penguin, an elephant, a fish in a bowl, a seal, and a dog all stand in a line before a man seated at a desk. Behind them is a large tree. “For a fair selection,” the man announces, “everybody has to take the same exam. Please climb that tree.” This well-known image illustrates a powerful truth. The absurdity is clear, how can we expect such different creatures to succeed at the same task? And yet, when we hold all students to a uniform standard of success, we make the same mistake: ignoring the unique strengths, abilities, and learning styles each child brings.
This idea is taken from a quote attributed to Einstein: “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Every child is wired differently, and education isn’t about expecting everyone to be successful in the same way or at the same things, it’s about discovering the unique potential within each student and nurturing it.
We are all familiar with the Torah’s call to treat one another with dignity and compassion. This week, we read Parshas Acharei Mos - Kedoshim. In Kedoshim, we encounter one of the Torah’s most powerful imperatives: “Love your fellow as yourself.” At first glance, this may sound like a call to simply love others as you would like to be loved. But that interpretation, while intuitive, misses the depth of the commandment.
The Torah isn’t asking us to treat others in the exact same way we’d like to be treated, but to extend the same quality of attention and care. We instinctively respond to our own fears, hopes, and needs because we live inside our own experience. To love someone else as yourself means making the effort to step outside of your own perspective and into theirs, to notice, understand, and respond to their needs, not your version of them. It’s not just about showing kindness; it’s about truly seeing the other, honoring their inner world, and responding with care and compassion that mirrors the depth with which we care for our own selves.
This is the kind of care and attention we strive to give each student in our school. We don’t ask them to all “climb the same tree.” Instead, we cultivate an environment that is nurturing, intentional, and responsive to individual needs, recognizing that every child is different and uniquely precious. We believe that when students feel seen and understood for who they are, they grow with confidence, curiosity, and a true love of learning.
Education isn’t about teaching every child in the exact the same way, nor is it about teaching them in the way we’d like to have been taught when we were in school. The true work of an educator is to meet each child where they are, honoring their needs, their pace, and their unique way of learning.
Good Shabbos.
Leah Sollish
Stepping Into the Story
In Jewish education, time is not linear but a living, vibrant dimension, much like geography is to the rest of the world. When our children learn Torah, they step into a shared space where Avraham and Sarah, Moshe, Devorah, David HaMelech, the Beis HaMikdash, Esther, Hillel, Rabbi Akiva, the Rambam, the Arizal, and the Baal Shem Tov all coexist. Our goal is to give them more than knowledge, we want them to feel that this is not just history, but my story. They come to see their place in the Jewish journey and their role in helping bring the world closer to the vision Hashem intended.
4th Grade Boys Erosions Project
Recently, the boys, together with Ms. Hayden, undertook fascinating projects focused on erosion and geography, exploring how natural forces shape our planet. They conducted experiments to demonstrate the effects of water and wind on soil displacement and landforms. Their research also included studying local geographical features, such as rivers and mountains, and examining the role of human activity in accelerating erosion. This hands-on approach not only deepened their understanding and appreciation of environmental science but also emphasized the importance of conservation efforts to protect and preserve our natural landscapes.
A Pajama Party to Remember
The first grade girls had an unforgettable celebration marking their mastery of the Shva rules in kriah! Dressed in cozy pajamas and sleep masks, the girls gathered for a special pajama party filled with fun and learning. They played Shva rule games, reinforced what they’ve learned, and even "slept" in adorable teepee tents set up in their classroom. They even enjoyed a breakfast of cereal and milk, just like a real sleepover!
The excitement in the room was matched only by the warmth and kindness the girls showed one another throughout the celebration. Their smiles, teamwork, and encouragement highlighted not only their academic growth but also the beautiful classroom culture they’ve built together. A huge thank you to Morah Deby, their dedicated kriah teacher, for going above and beyond to make this milestone so meaningful. She created a day that the girls will always remember.
Honoring and Celebrating Israel at CMCA
This month, as we marked Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, students across CMCA paused to learn about and honor the Land of Israel.
Elementary students explored the holiness of Eretz Yisrael and our deep connection to it as Jewish people. They expressed gratitude to IDF soldiers and honored those who have given their lives protecting our homeland. Some classes created thank you cards for the IDF, while others researched and presented projects on the four holy cities, Yerushalayim, Chevron, Tzfat, and Teveria, highlighting their history and spiritual significance through posters, stories, and illustrations.
In middle school, Rabbi New spoke to the students about Israel’s history and the importance of our connection to it today, offering meaningful perspective, It was a week of pride, reflection, and renewed appreciation for the gift of Eretz Yisrael.
Living the Rebbe’s Legacy
To celebrate the Rebbe’s 123rd birthday, we joined together to hear stories, say pesukim, and reflect on how we can continue to live with Ahavas Yisroel in the way the Rebbe taught us, to uplift ourselves, those around us, and the world.
To put this into practice, some classes went on mivtzoim to nearby stores and office buildings, sharing Matzah for Pesach and bringing joy to everyone they met. One friend who works in an office building nearby shared this beautiful message with us afterward:
"Thank you so much. They were adorable! Chag Sameach. You've inspired us to make our Seder a little more lively this year."
Sunshine, Spirit and Success
The 8th Grade girls worked tirelessly all year long, pouring their energy and creativity into fundraising efforts to make their graduation trip unforgettable—and their hard work truly paid off. From bake sales and babysitting to creative events and outreach, they showed determination, teamwork, and school spirit every step of the way. Their goal was clear: to celebrate the end of their middle school journey with a trip that matched the memories they had built together.
And what a celebration it was! The girls lived it up in sunny Miami, enjoying every moment of their well-earned getaway. From high-speed go-karting to soaring through the skies while parasailing, the trip was filled with laughter, adventure, and pure joy. It was the perfect way to close out their senior year—with sunshine, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that they will carry with them for years to come.
Teacher VS. Student Basketball Game
As part of our exciting March Mathness celebration, students spent the week sharpening their math skills in a series of fun and challenging competitions. The week culminated in a spirited Student vs. Staff Basketball Game, bringing the energy of March Madness to our school! After a week of mental workouts, students hit the court for some physical fun, facing off against staff in a friendly but competitive game. The gym was filled with laughter, cheers, and school pride, making it the perfect finale to a week that celebrated both brains and teamwork.
In addition to celebrating our amazing students, we also took time to honor the dedicated staff who support, teach, and encourage them every step of the way. During the event, staff members were recognized for their hard work and commitment with trophies and medals of their own—highlighting that their efforts are just as valuable off the court as they are on it. It was a joyful moment of appreciation and unity, showing that success truly is a team effort.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you Parents!
We are incredibly thankful for our amazing parents and the PTA for going above and beyond to make Teacher Appreciation Week so special. From the moment we walked in, we felt truly celebrated and cared for. The thoughtful touches, delicious lunches, relaxing massages, and beautifully wrapped gifts—brought so much joy and reminded us just how valued we are. Every detail was done with such care, and it truly made the week unforgettable.
A heartfelt thank you to Shifra Sharfstein and Ruthy Hertz for spearheading the entire week with such dedication, creativity, and love. Thank you to the wonderful parents who helped, Menucha Shwartz, Nechamy Charytan, Miriam Lipsker, Bracha Slavaticki, Rickelle New, Shterny Adelman, and Melisa Mor, Shula Wasserman, your efforts were so appreciated!
One of the most meaningful gestures was when parents generously volunteered their time to watch over our students, giving us the rare gift of a quiet lunch and a chance to unwind. Thank you to Mussy Zakon, Esti Piekarski, Devorah Leah Romano, Alizah Afrah, Kayla Bodnar, Leah Zevulunov, Chanala Raskin, and our Shluchim for making that possible.
We’re deeply grateful for the support, kindness, and love shown by our school community. Thank you for recognizing the heart we pour into our work, it was felt in every moment this week!
Mazal Tov to our students and staff celebrating their birthday this month:
STUDENTS
Freeda Lipksier – Nissan 11
Miki Friedman – Nissan 19
Tzvi Lokshin – Nissan 10
Chana Piekarski – Iyar 3
Shalom Pawliger – Adar 11 22
Leorah Zavulunov – Nissan 15
Adel Zakon – Nissan 27
Mollie Mason – Nissan 28
Mira Friedman – Iyar 2
Azriel Sharfstein – Nissan 27
Abigail Teytel – Iyar 7
Ari Gurary – Iyar 17
Dayla Pinson – Iyar 9
Simon Jacobson – Iyar 16
Shlomo Sollish – Iyar 20
Esther Sharfstein – Iyar 22
Dovber Jacobson – Nissan 30
Sara New – Iyar 14
Rivkah Silverman – Iyar 14
Leah Shemtov – Iyar 21
Leba Pinson – Iyar 23
Levi New – Iyar 26
TEACHERS
Zoica Sofian – 4/18
Mussy Groner – 5/21
Yale New – 4/29
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