agenda interesting bits & can’t miss events
On Feb. 4, a group of 8th and 9th grade students from Temple Sinai and Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, Gates of Prayer in Metairie, Beth Israel in Jackson and B’nai Zion in Shreveport finished a civil rights weekend in Birmingham with a visit to the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center. Riva Hirsch, a local Holocaust survivor, spoke to the group. During the weekend, the students visited sites including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.
Day School adding 6th grade, Early Childhood program Jewish Community Day School in Metairie is expanding in the coming two years. In August, the school will welcome its first sixth grade class since before the storm, and in August 2019 it will introduce an Early Childhood Education division. Head of School Sharon Pollin said “Studies show that children thrive with consistency, and our expansion allows us to provide a seamless experience from infants through 6th grade.” Established in 1996 as a community school, a grade was added each year until the school graduated its first eighth grade class in 2005. Three months later, the levees broke following Hurricane Katrina, and the school was closed for a year. Since the school reopened in 2006, it has gone up to fifth grade. Now, Day School President Mike Wasserman said “JCDS is an incredible school, and our families want more from us. We are delighted to oblige.” The 5th and 6th grade General Studies teacher is already in place as an integral part of the school. Eliza Kase holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulane, a Master of Science degree in print journalism from Boston University, and received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Brandeis University’s DeLeT program, a
selective course that prepares general studies teachers to teach in Jewish Day Schools. Kase spent the last six years teaching at MetroWest Jewish Day School in Framingham, Mass., prior to moving to New Orleans with her husband. The Early Childhood program reflects JCDS philosophy, drawing its power from several sources of inspiration; the world-renowned early childhood schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, interwoven with Jewish culture and customs. The
program will emphasize communication and conflict resolution skills, reflecting the Jewish value of peace. The JCDS Early Childhood program will provide a continuous experience for children from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Wasserman thanked community members “that participated in our months-long Strategic Planning process, and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and Congregation Gates of Prayer for their support.”
Goldberg being inducted to WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony will be in New Orleans on April 6 A former Dirty Bird is being inducted into a Hall of Fame in New Orleans. But most Jewish members of the Who Dat nation probably won’t mind. At least, not in front of him. Bill Goldberg will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 6 at the Smoothie King Center, before WrestleMania 34 at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on April 8. A Tulsa native, Goldberg played football for the University of Georgia, then was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1990. From 1992 to
1994 he played for the Atlanta Falcons, but tore his lower abdomen. In the 1995 expansion draft he went to the new Carolina Panthers, but became the first player the team cut. While doing rehab for his injury, he started powerlifting and mixed martial arts, and was urged to try pro wrestling. His first match for the WCW was in 1997, and he quickly became a star as he tore through the competition, going undefeated. At one point he had a record of 173-0. In 2003 he made his WWE debut, becoming world heavyweight champion, then retired from March 2018 • Southern Jewish Life 5