VC, RAW Cover Story PRESENTS BALANCE A TRUNK SHOW Alana Leigh from page 17 degrees through a cooperative agree- ment with Thomas Edison College in New York. Her pieces inspire Confidence, Clarity & Inner-Strength Always Connected "Once you're a student at the Yeshiva, they never really lose touch with you," said Robert Naftaly of West Bloomfield, a former public school student who attended the Yeshiva's after-school and summer classes until he was 13. But, in more recent years, it was Naftaly's strong connection with Detroit day schools, formed during his presi- dency of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and as co-chair of Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education, that peaked his support of with representative Margaux Rainey Wednesday Thursday December 1st December znd the school. "I did not send my children there, but I believe everyone should have avail- able to them an affordable, accessible Jewish education," said Naftaly, who with his wife, Anita, is this year's Yeshiva Guardian awardee. "They don't keep students away become of income levels and their tuition is probably the most cost-effi- cient of our area day schools, yet their student base stays high. "The Yeshiva's mission statement of helping people study Torah and being a part of the Jewish people and the future of our Jewish community appeals to me. It is important for different move- ments to interface and the Yeshiva is a Lifelong Learners Yeshiva stresses teaching children to love learning. sluggishness of the Michigan job market, as more Yeshiva families have relocated away from Detroit than moved here." eshiva Beth Yehudah is actually Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, Yeshiva executive three schools. The Norma Jean director, stresses academic achievement. and Edward Meer Early "We are very lucky we have, as a whole, Childhood Development Center and a population that is very interested in the Yeshiva Beth Yehudah boys school, learning," he said, adding that scores on serving grades 1-8, are located on standardized tests are high and nearly all Lincoln just west of Greenfield in graduates pursue post secondary educa- Southfield, while Beth Jacob tion. A significant number of School for Girls, serving grades parents are themselves Yeshiva 1-12, is on 10 Mile Road in graduates, he said, as are a Oak Park. number of the school's teach- ers. The school's annual budget is $5.5 million. The total Several years ago, the school annual allotment received welcomed immigrants from from the Jewish Federation of the former Soviet Union. Metropolitan Detroit is "Nov, not so many kids have $773,200, with $121,000 Russian as a first language," from the Shiffman Family Day Rabbi Mayerfild Rabbi Mayerfeld said. A num- School Assistance Fund and ber of those who attended the Yeshiva as new immigrants are sending $2.2 million in tuition income. The their children there. school is raising funds for another $2.5 million. About 96 percent of preschoolers con- tinue at the school, Rabbi Mayerfeld Tuition is just under $5,000 for five- said. Of the rest, most go to other day day, full-day classes at the preschool, schools in the area. $6,500 in the elementary schools and $7,200 at the high school level. About three-quarters of those enrolled receive New Improvements financial aid. The preschool program was enhanced This year's total enrollment stands at this year with the gift of several cubi- 802, with 155 students at the preschool cles/room dividers from Micky and level, 252 at the boys elementary, 270 at Debbie Stern of Orchard Lake. These the girls elementary and 125 girls at the high school level. are used to divide each room into sepa- rate interest areas, so children can choose "Enrollment growth at the Yeshiva has which activity to pursue at specified slowed over the past five years," said times. Michael Eizelman of Oak Park, a A recent innovation at the elementary Yeshiva parent and chair of the planning level is a tutoring program run in coop- and allocation steering committee at the eration with the public school districts Federation. "This is traceable to the DIANA LIEBERMAN Special to the Jewish News y Ooiog OK Howl 36 on -hs Interest Pinancingr hdisIde bdude.i 4ecial Ondell Jug N The Holidap! FURNITURE , Requires 113 damt pagent at fte d sale. 36 months ewe! payments hinimum pumhase .14c. .9.. Does not apply to 248-334-4745 cleara n ce or lidory close cut mchandse 61ridy axthim Fix sdos. expiw 11 (Z'04. Detais n stare. www.hillsidefurniture.com • info@hillsidefurniture.com 2300 Telegraph Road • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 g Hours: Mon - Fri: 11 am - Spm Sat: 10am - 5:30pm • Sun: Noon - 5pm Si HOLIDAY HOURS OPEN SUNDAY ?4.-- rif IN 11/26 2004 18 12PM - 5PM Orchard Mall • 248-932-7700 www.tappers.com 9125C0