Parshat Vayeshev
Candle Lighting 5:04 p.m.
Havdalah 6:05 p.m.
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We are excited to share Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher, Rabbi Yoel Lax's perspective on this week's Parsha, illustrating how challenges in life, as seen through Yaakov’s experiences with Yosef, can ultimately lead to tranquility when viewed with an understanding that everything is orchestrated by Hashem for a greater good.
Click here to continue reading. |
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Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good |
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We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:
Yosef Levenstein, Adeena Mikhaylov, Regina Shamooelian
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
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Mazal Tov to Shosh and Dr. Ethan Ludmir (Board President) on the birth of their daughter!
Mazal Tov to siblings Sam (2nd grade), Emily (EC4A), and Maya Ludmir (EC2B).
Mazal Tov to proud grandparents Nili and Bruce Ludmir and Benjamin and Betsy Lopata.
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Through the Looking Glass |
In the second of our three part Mid-Year Review series, we explore the tremendous growth that Robert M. Beren Academy has experienced small and large. We always have room to grow and will never stop pushing. It is vital that we take a moment to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished before we move ahead. Click here to listen to Episode #15.
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Rodeo Art
Yeehaw! This year’s Rodeo Art season presented our judges with difficult choices! Featured above are some of the outstanding submissions and winners designed by our amazing students ranging from EC4 through 9th grade. From kindergarten to upper school, students dedicated themselves to conceive and produce distinctive artworks, aligning with their class's designated theme and chosen medium. Emphasizing the synergy between art and title, students discovered the power of storytelling through their creations. The conferencing process taught them the art of revision, ensuring the utmost success in their chosen medium. Every student exhibited remarkable perseverance and dedication to their submissions, with many going the extra mile by participating in an optional open studio session to perfect their pieces. In each grade, we're proud to announce first, second, and third-place winners. Please click here to see our winners. In addition, 10 lucky winners from each school division are advancing to the next stage of the Rodeo Art Competition at NRG Stadium, aiming for ribbons and coveted Best of Show trophies. Stay tuned for those lucky few!
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Colors of Gratitude
Morah Aviva’s EC4A class has been diligently immersed in crafting projects for the upcoming first night of Chanukah this week. Despite the festive buzz, the class also took a pause to delve into the captivating narrative of Yosef in this week’s Parshat Vayeshev. The friends paid close attention as Morah Aviva explained the story of Yaakov giving Yosef a coat of beautiful colors, and yet his brothers were not given this gift. The children also listened intently as Morah Aviva described the two dreams Yosef had that are from Hashem. From this Parsha, the class learned about the concept of jealousy. Morah Aviva led a circle time discussion about what it might feel like to be jealous, and why we do not need to ever feel that way especially among our siblings and families. Morah explained the importance of being grateful for the things we have and the people we love. The children worked on a special color by number Parsha project which depicted Yosef’s coat of colors, and then the children illustrated Yosef’s face and hands after pasting on the coat and feet. The final step was labeling their work in Ivrit vocabulary: “Méyil Yosef.”
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FDR's New Deal
Mr. Cell's 9th-10th grade AP U.S. History students delved into a comprehensive analysis of FDR's New Deal economic policies amidst the Great Depression. The exploration focused on understanding how these policies not only addressed the economic challenges of the time but also expanded and transformed the role of the government.
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Parsha Presentations
First graders in Morah Rachel's Judaic Studies class eagerly showcased their accomplishments this week centered around Parshat Vayishlach. Immersed in the exploration of the Parsha, they not only absorbed its teachings but also delighted in incorporating creative crafts into their Parsha books.
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Special Visit
This week, our high school students enthusiastically welcomed Rabbi Aryeh Wasserman from Yeshivat Migdal Hatorah. Rabbi Wasserman shared insights about the distinctiveness of his school and emphasized the significance of mindfulness in daily activities, along with highlighting the importance of spending time in Israel.
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Pen-Pals Invited
In Mr. Simon's third-grade class, students embarked on an exciting journey of letter writing this week! Mastering the format, they penned their first letters to someone special. The students are buzzing with enthusiasm about this newfound skill, relishing the prospect of staying in touch with friends and family in a delightfully "old-school" way!
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Chanukiot Masterpieces
Morah Tsippi's EC2B class embarked on a creative journey as they crafted a giant menorah with individual colored and textured candles, adorning the class bulletin board. Each child also had fun creating their own personal menorah to take home, adding a personal touch to the festivities and anticipation of lighting them on Chanukah!
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Growth and Gems
In an exciting revisit to their pumpkin plants, Mrs. Riojas' kindergarteners marveled at the growth from the previous week. Additionally, the class delved into a review of their Dimension math workbook, gearing up for the upcoming year, 2024! Notably, Rosie (pictured above) showcased her mathematical prowess by skillfully grouping red gems into sets of 6 and 9 – a wow-worthy accomplishment!
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Literary Exploration
Middle school students in Ms. Ruben's English Language Arts classes are hard at work writing their first integrative essay of the year. Each unit is comprised of different genres of literature all relating to one theme. At the end of each quarter, students must connect at least three sources using a thematic thesis statement. Analyzing themes across genres requires students to develop strong analytical skills. They need to identify commonalities, differences, and underlying messages, fostering critical thinking
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Dramatic Delight
This week, Morah Sandy's EC3A class took a break from Chanukah preparations to explore Parsha Vayeshev, delving into the narrative where Yaakov bestows a coat of many colors upon his favored son, Yosef. The class brought the Parsha to life by creating their own Yosef puppets and engaging in a lively dramatization, highlighting the brothers' feelings of jealousy towards the distinctive jacket. This hands-on experience not only enriched their understanding of the Parsha but also served as a creative segue to explore words starting with 'J,' such as jacket, jealous, and Jewish.
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Ready, Set, Go!
Get ready to lace up those sneakers because the School Marathon Program is making a triumphant return, led by Lower School General Studies Teacher, Mirit Schneider! Starting January 8, our lower school students are about to embark on a 9-week journey to conquer 26.2 miles—the full marathon experience right in our Cliffwood parking lot during recess! It's not just about running; it's a daily adventure filled with fun, structure, and achieving those big-kid goals one small step at a time. If your child in 1st-5th grade is up for the challenge (and the fun!), click here to fill out the permission form.
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Sibling Enrollment
Admissions season for the 2024–2025 school year is underway! If you have another child who you are interested in enrolling for the first-time next school year, please fill out the application now. Siblings are given first priority to open spots as long as applications are in by December 15. If you have any questions regarding the new sibling application process, please reach out directly to Admissions Director, Fannet Nater at fnater@berenacademy.org
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RMBA is thrilled to partner with the Lev Echad Annual
Toy Drive
l'iluy nishmat Uriel Betzalel ben Natan Moshe v'Hinde Fanny Herc and l'iluy nishmat Miriam bat Louna
Kindly drop off new toys and gift cards at RMBA between
November 28-December 8
Click here to view Amazon wishlist
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High School Chanukah Bash
at Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan's House
December 11, 2023
7:30 - 9:00 PM
7530 Coachwood Drive
Pizza, ice cream, music, and games for students in grades 9-12
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Pizza TLV Fundraiser for RMBA
For every meal purchased on December 12 that mentions "Beren" 50% of the profits will be generously donated to RMBA.
Pizza TLV is located at
9804 Hillcroft and will be open until 10:00 pm!
Valid for dine-in and pick-up orders.
Click here to check out the menu
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Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
7:45 AM - 10:30 AM
We can't wait to host you for a fun and meaningful morning.
Click here to RSVP and view the schedule
To join RMBA's Grandparent Giving Circle please click here
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Join us for the 1st Grade
Mesibat Siddur
a special milestone celebrating the first grade class receiving their siddurim
Thursday, December 14, 2023
3:00 PM
RMBA Ulam
Kindly RSVP by December 7
Click here for special sponsorship opportunities
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Join us for our
EC Chanukah Performances
Friday, December 15, 2023
8:30 AM - 11:15 AM
See flyer pictured above for details.
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Please see the Beren Academy Calendar as your most up to date source for information. The Week at a Glance is a snapshot, but does not reflect any changes made after that date.
MS Girls Basketball
The MS Girls Basketball team has had several games moved or cancelled this season. I am working on adding a game next week and hopefully a few more in January. As of right now, the girls do not have a game scheduled until January.
MS Boys Basketball
The MS Boys Basketball team lost a tough game Monday at Grace School. They will play St. Thomas Episcopal on Thursday, December 7th at 5:00 at St. Thomas Episcopal.
HS Boys Basketball
The HS Boys Basketball team defeated a tough Memorial Lutheran team 57-54 to move to 1-0 in TAPPS district play. They will open up their home district schedule on Thursday, December 7th with 6:00 game vs. Family Christian.
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Help support Youth Programming at UOS by participating in the annual Chanukah Auction
Bidding will be open until December 7th!
Click here to view auction
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J-HYPE Chanukah Blue and White Sky Lounge
Sunday, December 10, 2023
6:30 PM
Brava Rooftop
414 Milam St
Houston, TX 77002
$50/ticket
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Join the Houston JCC Maccabi Games this Summer!
August 4-9, 2024
5 Ways to Maccabi:
1) Athlete
2) Host Family (see QR Code)
3) Volunteer
4) Coach
5) Sponsor
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