A few texts for Tu B’shvat:

Resh Lakish said: Even the emptiest Jews are full of mitzvoth and good deeds as a pomegranate is of seeds. (Yalkut Shimoni, Shir HaShirim 4:3)

Every person is born with the potential for goodness.
The mitzvoth of a Jew live in potential, as the seed in a pomegranate lives as the potential to be a pomegranate tree.

No part of the palm tree is wasted; every part may be used: Its dates are for eating, its lulav branches are for waving in praise on Sukkot, its dried up branches are thatch for roofing, its fibers are for ropes, its leaves for sieves, and its planed trunks for house beams. So is it with the Jewish people: Every one of our people is needed. Some are knowledgeable in Tanach, others in Mishnah, others in Aggadah; still others do many mitzvoth, and others do much tzedakah. (Bamidbar Rabba 3:1)

Every person makes a real and invaluable contribution to the Jewish community.

If we don’t know the correct blessing for a particular kind of food, one says, “Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe for all was created according to God’s word.” (Mishnah 6:2)

We find a way to bless every single person!

Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sameach!
Rabbi Seltzer

JUST Minyanim

This week we kicked off our JUST (social action) Minyanim! Cardin leaders who have a passion for a particular cause are leading a group of their peers for a 6 week Minyan that will conclude with action plans to help a variety of local and global causes including autism, hunger, addiction, the environment, animals, gay-straight alliance, a children's hospital, and Haiti. The entire Cardin student body will be given the opportunity to get involved and broaden their scope of the world around them. We're very proud of our fearless and dedicated leaders - Kayla Reisman, Allie Waskow, Beth Zaleon, Shachar Binyamin, Avi Miller, Arielle Bodner, Adina Golob, Kate Scher, Bobby Weinstein, Ze'ev Beleck, Deena Lucas, Leah Prince, Ryan Winner, Abby Grobani, and Adina Shanholtz.

Jackie Villet
School Counselor

Obama and Cicero

It is impossible for students of Latin and/or Greek to view modern literature, art, architecture, government and myriad other conventions without applying a Classical lens. The Latin III class of the Cardin School is currently learning the rhetorical and poetic devices employed by ancient authors such as Cicero to enhance the meaning and reception of piece of literature or speech. Oratory was particularly prized by the Romans and was a skill in which most nobles were trained for futures in law and politics. For a Roman orator the style with a speech was given was just as important, if not more so, than the information contained in it. In addition, the chosen site for the oration, often the Roman forum, helped inform the overall message with visual references made to the locations of relevant historical events or the statuary of significant leaders and heroes.

With a president known for his eloquence and rhetorical skill, President Obama’s delivery of tonight’s “State of the Union” address becomes an learning opportunity for more than its informative aspect. It is also as a study of Obama’s place in the tradition of oratory and of the techniques that have remained for more then two millennia. So as President Obama takes his place on the podium before both houses of congress in the National Capitol, as cameras pan from senator to representative to galleries of noted personalities, and as we consider the present state of our country and the plans ahead, here are a few traditional rhetorical devices for which you can listen. You are most certain to hear a few:

• Anaphora – the repetition of initial words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses
• Polysyndeton – the over use of conjunctions, usually “and” or “or”
• Alliteration – the repetition of the initial sound of successive words
• Asyndeton – the absence of conjunctions where needed
• Metaphor – and implied comparison
• Rhetorical question – a question for which no answer is expected or which is answered by the one posing the question
• Synecdoche – describing part for the whole (my standard example is the use of “wheels” to mean “car” but “main street” to mean “the middle class” seems to fit as well)
Now, enjoy the show!

Maureen Beabout
Latin Instructor

Advancing Cardin

"Advancing the school in the community..." That is the catch phrase in development offices, which are called advancement offices in many institutions. The word encompasses more that the traditional fundraising concept and moves toward "friend-raising" and building a reputation within a particular targeted population. At Cardin, we work diligently on a daily basis (and often into the night!) to spread the word- to advance our mission. Anyone who was privileged to see the performance of My Fair Lady this weekend is keenly aware that our talented students are simply spectacular. That they were able to present such a stellar, beautifully staged revival of this classic musical while taking challenging academic classes, applying to colleges, participating on sports teams, and doing community service is tribute to their talent and their personal commitment to our school.

The importance of this play cannot be overestimated. When neighbors and friends see us in action, they begin to understand who we are, and how the growth of our school will impact the Jewish population in Baltimore (and perhaps Broadway) for years to come. We are grateful to our director, Leslie Smith-Rosen and her incredible cast and crew. Because of you , we made many new friends this weekend.

Marjorie Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Social Justice and Judaism

Dr. Martin Luther King Day is only one of many opportunities to consider Judaism’s teachings about social justice. It also raises questions about our involvement or lack thereof when faced with inequality, oppression, poverty and abuse. We are told about many Jews joining peace movements and protesting child labor, about great and wonderful acts - about what Abraham Joshua Heschel coined “praying with our feet.” But do we always speak up? Are we doing what Torah and our conscious requires us to do? Rev. King once wrote, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people”. In order to do something, we first need to notice that there is a need to do something. We need sensitivity and empathy. We need to be able to overcome our selfishness and narrow-mindedness.

The Talmud teaches us, “Whoever is able to protest against the transgressions of the entire world and does not do so is punished for the transgressions of the entire world” (Shabbat 54b). It is obvious we have the obligation to shout out about the injustice and suffering. We should be able to stand up to tyrants and lynching mobs. Have we always? Bertram W. Korn, a Jewish historian, wrote, “Ante-bellum Southern Jews were more likely to quote the Talmudic maxim that ‘the law of the land is the law [for Jews]’, and to regard the institution of slavery as part of the law, which they were bound to uphold and follow, than they were to evaluate the failing of slavery in the light of the prophetic ethics”.

Yochanan Muffs taught us the most important traits of the prophets: sensitivity to the suffering of others and independent thought. Otherwise they would never have been moved to pray for those who suffer.
We, too, are able to strengthen our empathy and prevent ourselves from becoming numb to the suffering of others. It’s all too easy to find excuses, even in our own Tradition. It takes bravery and strength to stand together with the prophet Isaiah, “to proclaim freedom for captives and release from bondage for those imprisoned” [61:2].

Rochel Czopnik
Judaics Instructor

Dancing Raisins

The next time you’re eating some dried grapes take some time out for this little experiment. Poor a tall glass of clear carbonated liquid (7up or Sprite), turn on some tunes (“I heard it through the grave vine” by Marvin Gaye), and add some fresh Raisins. Not only is it a mesmerizing ‘music video’ but it’s also a great demonstration of buoyancy. As the bubbles accumulate on the outside of the raisins they become less dense than the liquid and float. When the raisins reach the surface and the bubbles pop and this sends the raisins back down. You can also explore other materials that float and sink and why grapes don’t work. Enjoy the Dance party in your kitchen!

Dean Whitfield
Science & Math Department Chair

Go Cardinals!

Hearing about our girls’ basketball team’s exciting win over the Park School made me think of college sports. While there are many fierce mascots like the Golden Bears or Nittany Lions, there are some whose names invoke less of a fear in their rivals. Like the Cardin Cardinals, you do not need a vicious mascot to be a winning team.

Can you name the colleges with the following non-fierce mascots…

1. Crimson
2. Quakers
3. Diplomats
4. Tar Heels
5. Colonials
6. Orange
7. Banana Slug
8. Lords and Ladies
9. Hoyas
10. Patriots
11. Ducks
12. Green Wave

GO CARDINALS!!!

Hallie Schein
Director of College Counseling

Answers: Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Franklin & Marshall College, UNC Chapel Hill, The George Washington University, Syracuse University, UC Santa Cruz, Kenyon College, Georgetown University, George Mason University, University of Oregon, Tulane University.

Development updates

I am sorry about the Ravens loss, particularly to the Indianapolis Colts; however in the development office even bigger things are brewing! Instead of Purple Friday, we have Groundhogs Day and Dine Out for Cardin. Please remember to plan for a meal at either Accents of Cocoaccinos on Tuesday, February 2. A percentage of profits of the entire days’ sales at both restaurants will benefit the senior class Israel trip experience. Students can order from a limited menu and if you would like to treat your employees to a delicious meal, you can order in advance and have it delivered to your office. Please call Margi Hoffman at 41o-585-1400 ext.220 for details. Mrs. Linde has order forms for students in the office.

On another note, our school has joined The Pikesville Chamber of Commerce. Like me, you may wonder what it is than such an organization does in a community. I have found this to be an outstanding group of professionals committed to the promotion and growth of the greater Pikesville area. Membership has provided The Shoshana S.Cardin School with more visibility and another source of support. It is most encouraging to hear the positive comments about Cardin and know that we do indeed, have a growing reputation as an outstanding school. Now I will search out the phone number for The Owing Mills- Glyndon group and join that one too. We can never belong to too many networking groups!

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Our Prayers for Haiti

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti as they cope with unspeakable loss and devastation and attend to rebuilding their lives:

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe who helps us in times of trouble.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe who guides us through times of darkness.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe who rescues those who are trapped.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe who provides new beginnings.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe who brings us to dry ground.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe who provides us with food and shelter.

Praised are You, Lord our God, who shows us the way out.

Praised are You, Lord our God, who gives courage to the victims and to the rescuers.

Praised are You, Lord our God, who gives people the privilege of helping other people.

Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

Cardin Community Networking for Student Raising

As a founding board member of Camp Attaway, a summer day camp for emotionally disturbed children, we are actively involved in fund raising for the camp. One of the best strategies to enhance this process is incorporating the personal human element in fund raising efforts with my network of family and friends. Board members always send a personal note and a copy of our newsletter to our network list reminding them of our purpose and how they can help financially. It is an effective means of raising dollars for our camp. This blog is not about fund raising, but applying this simple technique to student raising. Our community, including parents, faculty, students, and administration, can assist our school in this goal by implementing the following strategy:

1.Brainstorm and record the names of all Jewish families that have children in 6th-8th grades at this time. Public or private school families should be on this list.

2.Peruse the power point and fact sheet links as to how to promote positive communication that is supportive of Cardin.

3.Call any members on your list and inquire about Jewish Day School possibilities for their children. Your role is to provide information and express why Cardin was the right choice for your family.

4.Please submit your list, including any communication dates and notes, to Anne Greenspoon, Director of Admissions. She will follow up with communication efforts to members on your list and attempt to generate applicants for our school.

5.Please remind perspective applicants to include your name as a referral on the application. Our school is offering $500. Tuition credit for every new student that enrolls in our school to the referring family listed on the application.

The personal touch has been an effective means to fund raise for Camp Attaway. We can apply the same strategy in the Cardin community to student raise. Why not create and submit your list today!

Bob Cantor
Social Studies Chair
Psychology and History Instructor

Cans for Cans

This past Friday, the NHS and JUST Cardin organizations partnered together to introduce a new program in our school. For the first time in Cardin school history, a recycling program has been started that includes the recycling of bottles and cans. Before this latest “green” installment in our school, we could only recycle paper. But now, everybody has the chance to save the Earth just a little more by recycling any cans and bottles that they have. As I mentioned above, JUST Cardin made the introduction of this program just a little bit better. On Friday, when the recycling bins were first introduced and put out for use, JUST and NHS ran the ‘Can for a Can’ program, in which students who brought in a can of food to donate to our food drive also received a can of soda in return. We hope that this new recycling program is the first of many steps we plan on taking to make our planet and community just that much better!

Avi Miller
Class of 2010

Cardin Development projects

I have been an educator for forty years, holding positions that range from classroom teacher to Head of School. I have never considered my various assignments to be anything but challenging, significant, pleasurable and truly rewarding. Recently, in my role as Director of Development and Marketing, I am beginning to sense some other adjectives that describe the work that I do. Salesperson, diplomat, manager, fundraiser, organizer, event planner, strategist... Somehow these do not have the same nurturing ring as “teacher”. Nonetheless, the goal in this work is enriching the educational possibilities for our students. Different labels, different goals, different pressures, but still enjoyable and even fun! Interaction with the community and all of our constituent groups is inspiring and the shared commitment to Cardin’s future is inspiring. Thanks to you all for that encouragement. Now I am off to sell fruit, raffles, and tickets to My Fair Lady and the Elvis is Everywhere event in February. Oh… Don’t forget to Dine Out for Cardin at Accents or Cocoaccinos on February 2.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Atticus Finch and Heroes

Atticus Finch: My childhood hero, my literary icon. Finch occupied a role for me that few other characters could; he was a pioneer of social justice, while remaining loyal to his family (an accomplishment few others achieved).

In To Kill a Mockingbird,Atticus, a lawyer in Maycomb, Alabama, defends Tom Robinson, an African-American man falsely accused of raping a woman. Adding to the moral significance of his actions, Atticus must defend Tom to an all white jury.

Harper Lee gives us a fictional—though undeniably realistic—account of morality. Lee creates a moral archetype in Atticus, a man committed to universal ethics and principals, willing to defend a just cause. And yet Lee’s true brilliance as an author is the ability to create a timeless hero in Atticus—he speaks to young attorneys and social activists, to people young and old. Barry Schwartz, speaking on the topic of practical wisdom, brings in Finch to highlight the loss of ethics in modern day business practices. He states, “no ten year old goes to law school to do mergers and acquisitions”, they want to be Atticus Finch.”

And for years my hero has remain impenetrable, untouched by my changing perspectives on ethics and norms. Recently, though, I came across an article by Malcolm Gladwell, famed author of pop sociology (psychology?) books including, The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers. Gladwell dedicates his work to challenging accepted notions, to connecting social phenomena, and drawing unnoticed conclusions based on various studies.

In August, Gladwell entered into the literary arena, taking a sociohistorical approach to examining Atticus Finch. Finch, he argues, does not challenge social norms, instead doing his job as the expectations of the position require.

Gladwell, examining Finch’s passivity at the guilty verdict—Robinson’s verdict at the end of the trial—writes: “If Finch were a civil-rights hero, he would be brimming with rage at the unjust verdict. But he isn’t. He’s not Thurgood Marshall looking for racial salvation through the law.”

Gladwell’s essay begs two important questions: Should we reevaluate our heroes? Understand the context that made them great?

I encourage you to read Gladwell’s essay (http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/08/10/090810fa_fact_gladwell) on Atticus Finch and to share your reactions.


Joel Neft
English Department

Continued Jewish Learning

My husband and I spent New Year's Eve with a number of friends-the same couples with whom we have welcomed 20 or more years. The conversation naturally drifted to grandchildren. One woman mentioned that the family had just celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their oldest granddaughter and that they would have the joy of another in August. She then began to "kvell" about the many merits of the day school education that her 7th grade granddaughter was receiving. Naturally, I was delighted to hear her praise, BUT then came the caveat. "They are finished with Jewish education and she will pursue an independent or magnet school when she graduates 2011."

In the next breath, she lamented the family member whose children had intermarried and moved away from Jewish practice. She was displeased about the college age relatives who are a bit adrift. So, I wondered why one should ever be finished with Jewish education? "Oh, you know", she said. I do not know!
A Jewish day school such as Cardin allows youngsters to think, question, grow, and learn. A successful 8th grade day school graduate belongs here!

As we move into this new decade, let's make that message clear to all. Cardin offers a wonderful opportunity for a diverse population of intelligent, creative Jewish children to become the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. Spread the word!

Have a happy, peaceful, healthy year, filled with continued Jewish learning.

Marjorie Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Athletics Update

This week is full of exciting athletic events. Tuesday both basketball teams will face off against the Baltimore Lab school at the Park Heights JCC and then on Thursday both teams will play Sojourner in our first ever Homecoming event.

At Homecoming there will be raffles and a pizza party after for all current students and alumni.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics