Temple Beth El & Levey Day School Chanukah Celebration Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Temple Beth El & Levey Day School
Chanukah Celebration
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Temple Beth El Social Hall
400 Deering Ave., Portland Tel. (207) 774-2649

• Menorah lighting lead by the TBE Hebrew School
• Live music by the Casco Bay Tummlers
• A performance by Levey Day School students
• Delicious fresh latkes, soups & desserts
• Craft activities, a raffle and more.

Free. All are welcome.

The Ein Prat Fountainheads Live in Concert - Direct from Israel!

to be followed by :
The Ein Prat Fountainheads
Live in Concert – Direct from Israel!

at 7:15

ADVANCE TICKETS:

$8/person $30/family of four or more
Age 3 and under – free

Tickets may be picked up at TBE by 12:00 noon on Wed. 12/21, or they will be held at the ticket table for pickup at the event.

TICKETS AT THE DOOR:

$10/person $36/family of four or more Age 3 and under free

Monday May 9, 2011
4:30-7 PM
Temple Beth El
400 Deering Avenue, Portland

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Visits Levey Day School

Levey Day School was honored with a visit by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. She attended the first half of the grades K and 1 Shabbat celebration. Afterwards, she met with grades 2-4 in the library.

The Congresswoman spoke  with both groups about the way our system of government works: the process of voting for the candidate that each citizen believes will represent his or her needs and concerns; the writing of bills and the give and take on the subject of each bill; communicating with our military personnel in areas of conflict, etc. Our students asked both fun and thoughtful questions, based on their knowledge from home and school, and their comfort with their guest.

Congresswoman Pingree gifted the school two books: House Mouse Senate Mouse by Peter W. and Cheryl Shaw Barnes, and The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusan.

Visits such as these not only introduce our children to the workings of our world and the individuals who participate in making things happen, but also brings significant exposure of Levey Day School to a broad constituency.

Welcome Congresswoman Pingree

Senator Susan Collins Visits Levey Day School

Senator Collins last week visited the Levey Day School in Portland and spent time reading to kindergarteners and first grade students. She also visited with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders and talked to them about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

At Levey Day School we emphasize the concept of Hiddur Mitzvah (making a mitzvah as beautiful as possible).

Each year our graduating class creates a beautiful Jewish gift to leave behind. The class of 2010 took it upon themselves, guided by their Judaic/Hebrew teacher (an artist as well as a teacher), to create a mural filled with words of Torah around the door through which we enter and leave our school, reminding us that Torah is always present for us.

2010 Levey Day School 5th Grade Class Gift - Door Mural

The words surrounding the door are taken from Moses’ blessing to the tribes of Israel just before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 28:3 & 6):

“Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field.”

“Blessed shall you be in your comings and blessed shall you be in your goings.”

The words in the sun include the Sh’ma and the end of the Amidah prayer:

“Hear O Israel, Ha-shem is our God, Ha-shem is One.”

“Open my heart to Your Torah and my soul will pursue Your mitzvot.”

The words that wind around the moon, sun and stars are from Genesis 1:14-18, the 4th day in the creation story:

“Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate day from night; they shall serve as signs for the set times, the days and the years, and they shall serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth. And it was so. God made the two great lights, the greater light to dominate the day and the lesser light to dominate the night and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to dominate the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.”

The imagery corresponds to the words: sun, moon, stars, field and city. The field is a field of barley since we were working close to the holiday of Shavuot. The city is meant to be Portland and the water, the Back Cove many of us drive past as we approach Levey each morning. The forsythia is a continuation of the one outside the door in our very own Torah garden. The tulips were in full bloom outside as we worked on our painted garden.

We offer this gift to Levey, with appreciation to Temple Beth El, and hope that you enjoy what we’ve created.

2010 Levey Day School 5th Grade Class Gift - Door Mural

Thanks to the many donors and volunteers who made it all possible.

My husband and I have been so pleased with our seventh-grade daughter’s success in a large public middle school, which we credit in large measure to her excellent preparation at Levey.  We are enjoying watching our fourth-grade daughter blossoming into an impressive student at Levey, and we look forward to sending our two-year-old son, who already says he’s going to Levey Day School “when I’m big.”  Look below for what some other parents have to say about what a special school and community Levey is, then come visit us and consider applying for admission.
—-Carol Eisenberg, Peaks island

There isn’t just one reason our son Alex is at Levey, there are many, and together they form a perfect learning environment.  First, all of the teachers, both secular and Judaic, are fabulous.  They are not only extremely able at teaching the fundamentals and encouraging creativity, they can tailor curriculum to the individual student’s abilities because of the small class size.  Second, the children in Alex’s class are lovely, well-behaved (usually), and always eager to learn.  We believe that no matter how terrific the teacher is, his or her efforts will not be fruitful if the class is not enthusiastic and focused.  Finally, the whole environment is nurturing.   As you would expect, the teachers and administrators are kind and helpful, but so are the children to each other.  We believe this is a result of the children learning important ethical lessons in their Judaica classes, and the parents at Levey viewing these lessons as important.   Levey is not only equipping our child with an excellent education, it is also giving him an understanding of what it means to be a mensch.
–Eva & Halsey Frank,
parents of Alex, 5th grade

As the parent of one highly successful Levey graduate, as well as a current fourth grader, I cannot sing the Day School’s praises loudly enough.  My sixth grader has made a wonderful transition to a public middle school this year.  She is succeeding academically, socially, as well as in extra-curricular activities.  As much as she is enjoying Wescott Junior High and its faculty, she still mentions Levey Day School as her favorite school, and the teachers as her favorites, also.  My children have not only received the benefits of an extensive and solid secular curriculum, but also a terrific Judaic experience as well.  Congregants at our synagogue are constantly amazed by their knowledge of Hebrew, and of the service, and my answer is always “the Day School.”  Even more importantly, I feel that because of the smaller class sizes, the teachers at Levey have done so much to nurture their neshama, their soul.  All of the faculty and staff at Levey truly care about the students, and always go the extra mile to give them the individual attention and help that they need.  I cannot encourage you enough to consider Levey Day School for your children, it is truly an excellent opportunity not just for the kids, but for your entire family.
–Melissa Montefel,
mother of Isabel and Brianna, graduates

The school has helped grow a strong sense of Jewish heritage and pride in our children, which was a primary goal.  Sam loves his  kindergarten class, and is thriving.  He is equally comfortable with secular and Judaic studies, thanks to Morah Debbie’s loving guidance.   Caitlin adores her teachers, and revels in the new discoveries she makes with Morah Marissa and Morah Kristen.  Her yiddishkheit is getting stronger and more deeply ingrained through her time with Morah Camille and Moreh Steve.  We hoped to find a nurturing learning environment which could challenge our kids, and Levey provides it.
–Lliam Harrison & Carol Nemeroff,
parents of Caitlin, graduate and Sam,  kindergarten, 4th grade

To really appreciate the magic at Levey, you should watch a science class and see third-graders building electric circuits, sing morning prayers with our enthusiastic group, or visit around the snack table with Morah Debbie Kanter and the kindergarten.  Call us at 774-7676 to schedule a visit.

Camille Davidson

Camille Davidson, Levey Day School Hebrew Studies teacher, received the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. The Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education is awarded to Jewish educators who demonstrate exceptional achievement in Jewish education while making a significant impact on their students and the community. The award offers national recognition and a monetary award which is to be used for professional development.

Preview the complete list of winners of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

About Grinspoon-Steinhardt

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation and Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation, in partnership with JESNA, announce an annual Grinspoon- Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education. Designed to recognize, honor, and support, outstanding classroom Jewish educators on the local level, these awards are presented to professionals in communities across North America in conjunction with their central agencies for Jewish education or federations.

Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education

Levey Day School would like to thank all of those people who attended and purchased items as well as the auction donors and sponsors.

So many come together to make Levey Day School such a special community. Recently the efforts of many have been focused on
fundraising for Levey, and I want to congratulate them on a terrific Family Fun Day and Auction. This wonderfully successful event included a silent auction of hundreds of donated goods and services, a delicious kosher luncheon, and children’s entertainment.

Of course an essential reason for our success was the generosity of the donors who provided items to be auctioned. Levey Day School wishes to thank all of the businesses and individuals who generously donated to this year’s auction. Thank you so much for supporting Levey Day School and helping make our auction a success! We hope that the Jewish Community will patronize the businesses, and express our collective appreciation to all the donors for their support of our school and our community.

Levey Day School is committed to keeping its tuition affordable, so that the school remains accessible to all interested families. Just over one third of all students qualify for and receive some scholarship assistance based on independently assessed need. Because costs will always exceed tuition income, Levey depends on charitable donations to operate the school.

Levey Day School
A Community Jewish Day School
AAA of Northern New England
Acorn Productions
Akari Hair Salon
Amato’s
Andrew Kaplan
Ann Rogers
Anonymous
Anthony’s Italian Kitchen
Aprill Newman
Arlene Weiss
Art Night Out
Artist and Craftsman Supply
Ash Cove Pottery
Aubuchon Hardware
Back Bay Bicycle
Barbara Dichter
Barry Saltz, DDS
Beam Wine Estates
Becky’s Diner
Belted Cow
Beth Park
Big Sky Bread
Camille Davidson
Camp Ketcha
Caravan Beads and Fiber
Casco Bay Frames
Casco Bay Lines
Casco Bay Movers
Casco Bay YMCA
Cathy Prichard
Central Yarn Shop
Chaison-LaPine Family
Children’s Museum of Maine
Classy Chassie
Couleur Collection
Cross Jewelers
Cumberland County Gymnastics
Custombuilt
d. cole jewelers
David Dubinsky
Davida Newman
David’s Creative Cuisine
Debbie Kanter
Down Front
Eastern Carpet Cleaning
Eastland Park Hotel
Eastland Shoe Mfg. Corp.
Edgecomb Potters
Eileen Kalikow
Elaine & Yofred Isajar
Elizabeth Lemieux
Elizabeth Rosen
Ellen Froncek
Ellie and Charlie Miller
Envy Hair Salon
Eva & Alex Frank
Eva & Laura Frand
Falmouth Physical Therapy
Foreside Co.
Forest Stalker Photography
Fournier’s Olympic Karate Center
Front Room Restaurant & Bar
Full Belly Deli
G.M.Pollack & Sons
Gorham Bike & Ski
Goulding Chiropractic
Great Lost Bear
Greater Portland Landmarks
Grill Room
Haggerty’s
Happy Wheels
Harbor Fish Market
Inn on Peaks Island
Jacqueline’s Tea Room
Jane Page-Conway
Jane Snerson
Jen Judd-McGee
Jet Video and Ice Cream
Joan Steinberg
Johnny’s Restaurant
Julie Goell
Leapin’ Lizards
Levey Day School
Lisa Silverman-Gent
Lois’ Natural Foods
Longfellow Books
Maine Academy of Gymnastics
Maine Audubon
Maine Historical Society
Maine Rock Gym
Maine State Ballet
Maine’s Pantry
Marshall Tinkle
Mekhong Thai
Melissa Montefel
Mexicali Blues
Morah Brenda
Morah Kerry
Morah Lynn
Morah Mary
Moreh Michael
Navigator Publishing
Nemeroff-Harrison Family
Nicole Chaison
Oakhurst Dairy
Ocean of Possibilities
O’Naturals
Oriental Table
Pamela Weiss
Pat Stanton
PCA Great Performances
Pemberton’s Gourmet
Pick & Paint Pottery
Pine Point Record Company
Pizza Joint
Portland Dine Around
Portland Museum of Art
Portland Pilates
Portland Players
Portland Regency Hotel & Restaurant
Portland Sea Dogs
Portland Stage Company
Portland Symphony Orchestra
Queen of Hats
Rainbow Toys
Rejuvenations
Rhonda Berg
Richard Sandifer Photography
Ritz Camera
Rosen Family
Scott Eisenberg
Silly’s Restaurant
Simply Scandinavian Foods
StoryLand
Susan Gatti
Susan’s Fish & Chips
Temple Beth El Sisterhood Giftshop
Thai Pom Restaurant
The Gold Room
The Mane Attraction
The Sunrise Guide
Toby Rosenberg Gallery
Town & Country Hair Fashions
Treehouse Toys, Ltd.
USM Southworth Planetarium
Videoport
VIP Eyes
Walter’s
Weiss-Lemieux Family
Wyler Gallery
Yankee Lanes
Young’s Furniture
Susan Mills
Susie Drucker
Morah Camille
Lifeworks Chiropractic
Karl Shatz & Margaret Hathaway
Foreside Fitness & Tennis
Krigman Family
Caitlin Harrison
Bubbe Lillian
Radtke-Rowe Family
Thank you to the over 170 Maine vendors who provided goods and
services to support the Levey Day School Auction. Please visit their
business establishments and thank them for their support of Levey Day
School.
Levey Day School would like to thank our wonderful auction sponsors:
Principal Sponsors
Law Offices of Joe Bornstein
Harold and Rosalind Kaplan (in
honor of Suzanne Nemeroff)

Benefactors
Halsey and Eva Frank

Patrons
Biddeford and Saco Savings

Donors
Bernstein Shur Sawyer Nelson:
Glenn Israel; Charles Miller;
Richard Smith; Jay Geller;
Leonard Nelson; David Soley;
Jeff Thaler and Bill Welch
Donors
Atlantica Group
Rabbi Alice Dubinsky
Rabbi Carolyn Braun
Filler & Associates
Charles and Elinor Miller
Tom and Elizabeth Rosen
Fran Schneit
Anonymous Donation in Honor of the
Teachers and Staff of Levey Day
School

Individual
Paul and Julie Greene
Jon and Janel Goodman
Anonymous Donation in Honor of
Bubbe Lillian Mofenson
Sam and Bette Novick
Alan and Fran Schneit
Jonathan and Henry Paris
Jonathan Paris and Pamela Weiss: Auction Coordinators
Elizabeth Rosen: Donations Coordinator
Suzanne Nemeroff, Entertainment, MC and Auction Coordinator
Nicole Chaison, Lynn Rowe & Debbie Bornstein: Luncheon Coordinators
Purim Craft Sponsor – Orly and Natan Kahn
Beth Anderson – Day of Auction Coordinator
David Dubinsky – website support
Arren Rosen & Karl Schatz – Publicity
Anne Bergman, Monetary Sponsorship Coordination
Joy Krinsky – Auction program Coordinator
Music: Accidental Klezmorim – Craig Lapine, Director; Glenn Israel,
Peter Blackstone, Perry Newman and Jonathan Radtke
Physical comedy theater featuring the fabulous feats of Michael Trautman
Ellie Miller, Director, Levey Day School
A Special Thanks To: Melissa Finberg, administrative support
Levey Teachers and Students for providing our wonderful centerpieces
Levey friends and parents who participated.
Levey Day School would like to thank our wonderful volunteers: