Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Washington DC Trip Continues...

The 3rd day of the Washington DC trip began with a tour of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, led by former Kadima teacher Steven Baer.   Students spent more than 2 hours a in the museum.  Our students struggled at times with the content, but during their stay at the museum they wrote poetry, drew the face of a person who was lost in the Holocaust, reflected on the society, the final solution, and the heroes that were discovered.  Following our museum tour, we stood in front of the "eternal flame" in the special chapel at the museum, and said the word of the shema, v'ahavta and morner's kaddish.  There were moments of discomfort and sadness, and others of great meaning and hope.  

Following the museum visit, students had lunch at the Holocaust Museum diner, and then headed out for lighter and simpler adventures, including a tour of the Newseum.  At the Newseum (to learn more, visit www.newseum.org), students learned about media, toured a 9/11 exhibit, became reporters, saw the real Berlin Wall, and learned about the ethics of journalism.  

The next stop was the Kennedy Center and a performance of "Sheer Madness". The students enjoyed the comedy, drama and improv of the performance.  




Spy Museum
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
In Front of the White House for a photo op! 



At the Ford Theatre




Sheer Madness Actor


At the Kennedy Center







Ford Theatre



Washington Monument



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Kadima 6th and 7th Graders in New York City!

The 6th and 7th grade Kadima students have been busy taking in the sights and sounds of New York City.  Their day included a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island;  a walking tour of the Financial District and Wall Street;  and the National 9/11 Memorial.  They also were first hand witnesses to One World Trade Center, the successor to the Twin Towers, becoming the tallest structure on the Manhattan skyline.