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The Charlotte Jewish News - June-July 2008 - Page 20 Schools Student Spotlight: Coming to America By Nancy Zolotorofe When the Klarberg family decided to move from Israel to Charlotte in February, their biggest fear was how their five- year-old son, Bari, would handle the change. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy to leave our friends and family, but we were most worried about what a big step this would be for Bari,” says his father, Dov Klarberg, who works for Diamonds Direct in Southpark. “Besides taking him to an unfa miliar place, Bari only knew a lit tle bit of English, such as colors, animals, and basic phrases, like ‘hello,’ and ‘please.’” Thankfully, the Klarberg’s fears were eased when they toured The Jewish Preschool on Sardis before their move. Bari’s parents, Dov and his mother, Keren, met with preschool director Jen Lahn, assis tant director Leah Levin, and for mer director Fern Sanderson “We couldn’t have asked for a better reception or a warmer place,” says Dov. During Bari’s first week at the preschool, his mom stayed in his classroom to make her son feel more comfortable and to help translate. But soon the caring staff at JPS took over. Rabbi Groner, Morah Pessie Weiss, and Rabbi Tknning a y/ed£mg or SociaC'Event? Carolina Bride^^ Magazine is MUST Reading! Planning Articles ~ Area Busincs.scs Stories Featuring Local Weddings Avail^le at area bridal salons, d^artment stores, and newsstand.^. 704.358.5910 ♦carolinabridc.com tOedy AssowMs, Jne Yours Truly Needlepoint and Knitting Handpainted Needlepoint Canvases All New Canvases — Free lessons — Unique Gift Ideas — New and Old Customers Very Welcome Best Selection in Charlotte All Proceeds Go to Local Charities 3802 Columbine Circle 704-366-6765 Open Thursdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. .Fire the furnace to £000^! Sav6 15% on all art glass at Maddi’s Gallery in June. 15^0 East Boulevard 704-332-0007 Birkdale Village, Huntersvill 704-987-7777 Shop ooline at ii .2007, TOP25RETALER |TO.rl BEST ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN It's the hottest sale of the year. Maddi’s has many new pieces just for this event and always the most extensive art glass collection in the area. COHN STONE STUDIO Levin frequently dropped by Bari’s classroom to talk with the new Israeli student in Hebrew to explain school routines and les sons and to find out if Bari had any questions or concerns. They were also “on call” when his fours’ teacher, Erica Katz, who speaks only a small amount of Hebrew, needed any assistance with communication. “Bari is a bright, friendly boy, and he caught on to our classroom routine so quickly,” says Erica. “He’s a love ly addition to our group.” His class seconds that emotion. “Before Bari’s first day, I explained to my students that a child from Israel was joining the group,” says Erica. “I tried to have them imagine what it would be like if they went into a class where no one spoke their language. The Bari Klarberg is excited about going to his new school, The Jewish Preschool on Sardis. kids were curious about the new boy, and when he arrived, they were very welcoming. In fact, whenever the other students heard Bari say an English word, they got so excited and ran across the room to tell me. And sometimes when they’re building with blocks together, the other students pre tend to speak Hebrew to Bari; he goes along with it and talks back in real Hebrew. Bari says, ‘I like to teach my friends Hebrew because I know the language well, and they are teaching me English because they are better at that language.’” Bari’s parents point out that the individualized attention their son received at JPS definitely helped smooth his transition to Charlotte. It also helps that The Queen City is similar is many ways to their native area of Israel, including the green scenery, family-focused atmosphere, and great weather. Still, Bari has been excited about trying new things, such as Coach Dan’s sports class at the JCC and learning how to play baseball. “Bari’s becoming American already,” laughs Dov. In honor of Pesach, students at The Jewish Preschool on Sardis were treated to a hands-on glimpse of matzah-making at The Model Matza Bakery, led by Rabbi Yisroel Levin. Left: Rabbi Levin helps pint-sized bakers pour flour into the mixing bowl. Right: Alana Weiser dons a baker’s hat and rolls out dough with her mom. Lauren Weiser. BJLJMS Travels to New York City “I’ll take Manhattan, the Bronx and ....” And we did! For our annual travel studies program, the Barbara and Jerry Levin Jewish Middle School traveled to New York City for a taste — a kosher taste — of the Big Apple. From Times Square in Manhattan to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Crown Heights and Borough Park in Brooklyn, we walked and walked and rode trains, buses, taxicabs and ferry boats. We even crossed the river into New Jersey to explore the awesome Liberty Science Center. We were moved and inspired at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights; we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the newly restored Eldridge Street synagogue on the Lower East Side; and we gained a little more understanding at the Orchard Street tenement museum of how many of our ancestors lived when they first came to America. Not only did we nourish our minds, our bodies were well taken care of, too. From kosher fast foods to upscale dining experi ences, Chinese and Italian food, it was all fun and delicious. At Yankee Stadium we enjoyed hot dogs and knishes from the kosher concession. In Borough Park we put calories aside and indulged ourselves at the Candy Man after having had all kinds of ice cream treats at the local ice cream parlor. On the Lower East Side we savored pickles from the Pickle Guy’s - at 10:00 in the morning. Yum! Being Jewish and living a Jewish life in New York City seemed so comfortable and so nat ural and so uncomplicated! We’ll all “take Manhattan, the Bronx and ....!” If you have any questions about the Barbara and Jerry Levin Jewish Middle School, please con tact Sandy Hirschman at 704-366- 4558 or shirschman@cjdschool. org. MIDDLE SCHOOL FUN IN NEW YORK
The Charlotte Jewish News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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June 1, 2008, edition 1
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