Chaya Mushka Capital Campaign Nets $1.3M
Rabbi Isser New kicked off a 48-hour fundraising marathon with a million-dollar goal for Chaya Mushka Children’s House.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Supporters of Chaya Mushka Children’s House (CMCH) braved the chilly Dec. 3 temps to kick off a significant fundraising campaign at the home of David and Mira Liniado.
The school’s mission is to provide a nurturing, Jewish, Montessori-based education as part of the Chabad Schools of Atlanta. During the event, parents, students, teachers and administrators attested to the hands-on, peaceful atmosphere where children feel respected, and parents are very involved. The older students are enrolled in Chaya Mushka Chabad Academy. Rabbi Yossi New, regional director of Chabad of Georgia, and Dassi New, pre-school director, mingled with guests.
Executive director Rabbi Isser New explained the theme of the event and campaign, which sprang from an invitation depicting childlike animal images. New described the four pillars: the leopard, the deer, the lion, and eagle. He said, “With our new goal of $1,000,000, we punch way above our weight class (over the previous $750,000). Our parents are like the leopards, our administrators are like the deer balancing multiple issues, keeping fast on the move; our teachers spar like eagles projecting joy with easy and happiness all around them; and lastly, our students are the lions — empowered, empathetic and showing perseverance.”
Ultimately, the capital campaign netted Chaya Mushka approximately $1.3 million.
Rabbi New boasted about the school’s basketball team not having a deep pool of talent to draft 14 players. “Yet those players performed like champions with heart against schools with thousands of students.”
Abigail Teytel with poise represented the students and served as emcee, explaining how she has grown and flourished at CMCH for 11 years, and formed valuable friendships. She extolled the school’s extracurricular choices, electives like yoga and financial literacy, fostering practical like skills, and meeting with IDF soldiers.
Shterney Adelman, representing the teachers, revealed that she teaches multiple class levels and has become buddies with her students over the years. She stated, “Our administrators listen, and we are one big team, and function as a place to connect.”
Parent Bez Avtzon spoke about how the school provides the balance he never got as a child. He said, “Our school has five-star experience on a two-star budget. We are all pioneers, and this doesn’t happen in one day. Growth comes with pain and challenges.” One donor pledged free lunch and snacks two days a week to give parents a break.
A joyous video of children at play and class was screened. The Liniado home was aglow with a roaring fire, two buffet stations and lights strung outdoors by the pool. E. B Catering (Eli Brafman is a parent and donor) offered a lavish sushi display with warm lentil and butternut squash soup, farmers salad, fatoush salad, and fish tacos at one station. The dining area had bruschetta, mushroom popovers and a variety of sweets.
On hand was artist Anita Stein, who designed a unique print on sale for $120 unframed. By the entrance she held a live demonstration where she fashioned a print, in this case an azure wave, from a linoleum tile application — first sweeping, then pressing.
During the pre-function hour, Mussy Groner, who teaches third grade, told the AJT, “The school is small and growing and adaptable. Also, as parents, our feedback is valued. As a teacher, the co-workers are supportive and foster an environment of learning.”
Mendel Groner, head of The Friendship Circle, added, “Our eighth-grade daughter has taken on a leadership role there and taken advantage of great opportunities.”
The Groner’s children are 2, 4, 8,10 ,12, and 14. Groner’s own mother, Shternie Lew, a reading specialist at CMCH, raised her hand as having the most children in the room. She commutes from Peachtree City a few days a week.
The school currently serves more than 100 students on two campuses, with a staff of around 25. They maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. Each class is led by a team: Judaic teacher, a Montessori instructor, and an assistant. The curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial activities, language development, math and cultural studies integrated with Judaic teachings, Torah studies, and celebration of Jewish holidays, including art, music, and gardening for further enrichment.
The phone fundraising marathon began on Dec. 4 for a 48-hour charge.
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