Page 8 - The Jewish Voice - December '21

Page 8, The Jewish Voice

Local Happenings from page 7 ethnic groups and people Matthew W. Korinko, and John Campagnuolo. Scenic
of color, which makes The design is by Michael Amico, costume design is by Brian
People Downstairs all too O’Keefe, lighting design is by Kirk Bookman, and sound
timely. It’s alarming to see design is by Roger Arnold.
people wearing yellow All guests at the theatre are required to wear suitable
stars and hear them draw a masks that completely cover the nose, mouth, and under
comparison between mask the chin for their entire visit. Anyone who does not comply
mandates and Nazism, or to will be escorted out of the theatre. PBD will also require
see people beaten because of documentation (printed or digital): Fully vaccinated guests
the color of their skin. The have the option of voluntarily presenting documentation
play serves as an important showing full vaccination status. Full vaccination is defined
reminder for all of us to as the completion of the final dose at least 14 days prior to
protect those who are being the performance date. Alternatively, all guests can, instead,
unfairly persecuted in our present documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test
country. We’re a nation built result conducted within 72 hours prior to the performance,
on immigration, a country or a negative COVID-19 antigen test result conducted
that should take pride in its diversity. As it says on the plaque in within 24 hours prior to the scheduled performance start
the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: ‘Give me your tired, your time. Matching photo ID is required for everyone 18 years
poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’” of age and older.
The People Downstairs features Amy Miller Brennan,
Bruce Linser, Dennis Creaghan, Tom Wahl, McKeever, Local Happenings on page 9

Oxbridge Academy on the Move

What does an acclaimed co-educational, independent newly appointed athletic director Stan Ross, also the
school – known for instilling values, building boys’ lacrosse coach. “Oxbridge paused the football
service, Dr. Wollschlaeger shared the story of how he character, emphasizing diversity, and creating a program in 2018 with some safety concerns with some
learned that his father, the man he knew as a German war curriculum suited for individual choice – do when of the games on the schedule and other reorganization
hero, was actually a remorseless Nazi. Though he was raised it reaches its 10-year milestone? In the case of decisions.” Ross adds. “COVID-19 delayed our plans
in a sheltered environment that sanitized the story of the
Holocaust and gave him no access to Jews, he managed to Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach it adds a a little, however we feel we are ready for the return of
discover the horrors of what really happened through his own middle school for grades seven and eight and brings football as a junior varsity sport next fall and varsity
discovery and chance encounters. back one of its signature athletic programs, football competition in the years to come.”
When he finally mustered the courage to confront his along with a return of its cheerleading team. The
father, he was abruptly thrown out of the house and never Oxbridge Academy Middle School opened its doors The athletic program also includes baseball,
turned back. Bernd made his way to Israel and learned in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse,
Hebrew and all about Judaism. He felt an obligation to fight the fall of 2022. sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field,
in the Israel Defense Forces to defend the very nation that tennis, girls volleyball, and girls flag football. Over
his father had so brutally assaulted. “When we began planning for our 10-year anniversary the years, many Oxbridge student-athletes have
One could hear a pin drop in the shul when Dr. and identified ways to build on our strong foundation, received scholarships to play at the next level in
Wollschlaeger shared his deeply personal and moving story. a middle school and bringing back our football college.
Some Holocaust survivors were moved to tears as they program were a big part of the conversation,”
thanked him for his courage.
The presentation was followed by a themed Shabbos explained Oxbridge Head of School Ralph Maurer. Academically, Oxbridge boasts an average class
dinner, Bison and Bubbly. Prime steaks, various meats, fish, The school’s 10-year milestone also coincided with size of 14, a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, and a faculty
and salads were served to the large crowd, together with an several other important factors: more families moving of which 77% have advanced degrees, including
exciting open bar. into the area and an increasing demand for private 13% with doctorates. Oxbridge is also proud of its
school education. The timing is right, and so is the unique, signature programs: Artificial Intelligence
World Premiere of Michael mission. (AI), Aviation, Cambridge (England) Scholars, and
Independent Research. The school’s Model U.N. and
McKeever’s The People “Adding middle school grades means preparing debate teams and its theater students consistently
Downstairs Opens Palm students at a younger age to be world citizens receive statewide awards and recognition. The
Beach Dramaworks’ Season and future leaders who are caring, confident, number of extra-curricular options grows as students
compassionate, critical thinkers,” Maurer continues. are encouraged to bring new ideas for clubs. Oxbridge
“It gives younger students from all walks of life the also emphasizes community service, which includes
Palm Beach
Dramaworks, unable opportunity to benefit from a culture that nurtures tutoring students, clothing and toy drives, and beach
to perform onstage for and instills values such as integrity, honesty, respect, clean ups.
audiences for 21 months and gratitude. It will help them develop character and
due to the pandemic, discover their passions at an earlier age and prepare It’s your turn to discover Oxbridge.
began its season of them for a seamless transition to our high school.”
renewal on December 3 For more information about Oxbridge Academy,
with the world premiere “Bringing back our football program adds another e-mail admission@oapb.org or call (561) 972-9826.
of Michael McKeever’s fantastic athletic program and enhances opportunities
The People Downstairs, for our student body and school spirit,” explains
a commissioned play
that tells the story of Paid Advertisement
the courageous souls
who hid Anne Frank and
seven others during the Michael McKeever “Service is our number one priority”
Holocaust. Performances
continue through December 19. Producing Artistic 561-743-0070
Director William Hayes directs.
In 1942, as Jewish residents of Nazi-occupied
Amsterdam were sent to concentration camps or murdered www.palmspoolservices.com
in the streets, Miep and Jan Gies, Victor Kugler, and
Johannes Kleiman risked everything to save their
colleagues Otto Frank and Hermann van Pels, the men’s
families, and a family friend, from certain death. For 761
days, Anne Frank shared her observations and innermost
thoughts on what life was like for eight people whose
world was reduced to a few concealed, cramped rooms
in the building where her father worked. But what of the
people who hid them, who provided safety and sustenance
until the awful moment when authorities, either by a
tip from an informer or simply by chance, discovered
the Secret Annex? The People Downstairs explores the
complex challenges faced by these brave individuals on
their journey of rebellious morality during the horrors of Expires 12/31/21.
the Holocaust.
“We’re living through such turbulent times,” said State Licensed & Insured
Hayes. “Incidents of anti-Semitism have increased for the Serving Palm Beach County CPC # 1457468 • LPG#30099
past several years, as has a rise in hate crimes toward many