Parshat Shemot
Candle Lighting 5:18 p.m.
Havdalah 6:20 p.m.
|
|
This week we are thrilled to share Rabbi Jordan Silvestri, RMBA Head of School reflects on the contrasting portrayals of Moshe - Moshe 1, who fearlessly stands against injustice, and Moshe 2, who hesitates and doubts his own worth when called by Hashem.
Click here to continue reading. |
|
|
Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good |
|
We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:
Linda Azulai, Maayan Mizan, Regina Shamooelian
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
|
|
Mazal Tov to Ziyona Rantz and Ariel Gomez on the birth of their daughter, Naela Tehila. Mazal Tov to big sister Shoshi Gomez (EC3A)
Mazal Tov to Rivkie and Levi Gottlieb on the birth of their son, Meir.
Mazal Tov to siblings Basya (7th), Shmuel (4th), and Yechezkel Gottlieb (EC4A).
|
|
|
|
Through the Looking Glass |
Everyone wins when the teacher/ administrator/leader gets better. That is a mantra we at Robert M. Beren Academy believe and live by. Come hear how we do that at all levels in this week's podcast. Click here for Episode 17. |
|
 |
Empowering Futures
We express our heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable partnership we share with the Houston Jewish Community Foundation, particularly their substantial investment in advancing Jewish day school education in the broader Houston community. It is with great appreciation that we announce the receipt of a generous $15,000 grant from HJCF, a vital contribution that has significantly bolstered our new Office of Student Support. This funding empowers us to not only enhance our current initiatives but also lays the foundation for future expansions of this vital program. We look forward to nurturing our partnership with the HJCF for many years to come.
|
|
|
|
Enhancing Judaic Life
We are thrilled to welcome Natan Verschleisser-Pittinsky, our new Upper School Program Coordinator, to RMBA. In his role, Natan serves as a linchpin in nurturing and enriching the Judaic life within our school community. His focus involves enhancing and expanding our weekly programs, which include engaging lunchtime learning sessions and alternating Onegs between High School and Middle School. Natan's dedication extends to bolstering existing initiatives, such as the High School retreat, and actively collaborating with students and staff to cultivate innovative ideas for new programs. His commitment and collaborative approach truly foster a dynamic Judaic experience, promoting growth and a deeper sense of community among our students. We are excited to have Natan on board, and we look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to RMBA.
|
|
|
|
|
Navigating Narratives
Middle school students in Ms. Ruben's classes are beginning their unit on Journey and Survival in English Language Arts. Using several literary sources, they will be answering essential questions about standing up to injustice, survival in times of adversity, and how conflict often leads to change. This week, students are reading and analyzing articles that provide background information that will be helpful in understanding this unit's novels.
|
|
|
|
Math Fun
Getting back into the swing of things, Ms. Schneider's first-grade students enthusiastically engaged in a game of 'Ten Frame Fill Up.' Working in pairs, they skillfully filled a double ten frame with precision, using the roll of the die. It's hands-on learning and fun all rolled into one!
|
|
|
|
|
Baby Moshe's River Adventure
This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students delved into the second book of the Torah, Shemot. They discovered the challenging decree by Pharaoh, mandating the casting of Jewish baby boys into the river. Exploring this story, they learned about Yocheved's courageous act of placing her baby in a basket on the river, eventually rescued by Princess Basya. In a creative activity, students painted their own river scenes, incorporating a movable baby Moshe. Engaging in an artistic experiment, they mixed white with blue paint to capture the scenes with two shades of blue. Everyone had fun returning to the routine of weekly Parsha learning, where stories from the Torah come alive.
|
|
|
|
200 Years of the Monroe Doctrine
In Mr. Cell's 9th-10th Grade AP U.S. History class, students are delving into the history of the Monroe Doctrine, following its 200th anniversary. The class is engaged in a thorough analysis, tracing the historical evolution of a robust or restrained U.S. foreign policy with Latin America. This exploration serves as a lens through which they examine the evolving perception of the U.S. in the global arena. Furthermore, the class is exploring contemporary connections as some politicians invoke the Monroe Doctrine in present-day discussions concerning China and Mexico. This insightful examination provides students with a deeper understanding of the Doctrine's enduring impact and relevance in shaping U.S. foreign relations.
|
|
|
|
|
Visualizing Numbers
This week in Ms. Misba's First Grade class, students learned about number bonds. They examined word problems and transformed them into pictures, gaining a deeper understanding of the connections between numbers.
|
|
|
|
Nurturing Leadership
For the second consecutive year, Rabbi Silvestri was invited to address the Yeshivat Hakotel Leadership Program. This initiative offers aspiring young leaders a platform to cultivate and enhance their leadership skills through a combination of training and hands-on experiences. During his presentation, Rabbi Silvestri shared insights on the non-linear nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of agility and flexibility in one's leadership journey and the sources from which guidance and perspective can be derived. Anticipating future opportunities, Rabbi Silvestri looks forward to delivering this talk again next year!
|
|
|
|
|
Winter Break Adventures
This week, third-grade students in Mr. Simon's class dedicated time to write journal entries reflecting on their winter break experiences.
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Word Wizards
This week students in Morah Roza's second-grade Hebrew class worked on their spelling words and writing.
|
|
|
|
|
Ready, Set, Run!
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, next week, 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! The deadline for students to sign up is this Friday, so don't miss out on this opportunity. 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 and join us for this exciting program!
|
|
|
|
Calling All Middle Schoolers
Millstone Scholars, a national honors program is offering a one-year sequence of in-person core seminars and special events, allowing students to engage with the central concepts and history of Jewish thought and modern Israel. The program will develop the next generation of young Jews into leaders who are confident in their identities and in the robustness of their heritage. The program starts January 21 and is open to students in grades 7-8. Tuition for the program is $180 (the program cost of $720 has been generously underwritten for students in the Greater Houston area). Contact aunger@tikvahfund.org for additional information. To learn more and apply visit millstonescholars.org. |
|
|
|
|
Student Council Sets Stage
Shortly before Winter break, our Lower School Student Council convened with Ms. Bigham and Ms. Nicole for their inaugural meeting to brainstorm and discuss the plethora of ideas they have for the rest of the year! We are thrilled to kick off this collaboration and eagerly anticipate working together to bring these exciting ideas to life! Stay tuned!
|
|
|
|
Tech Savvy Explorers
During the week in Ms. Morrison's 4th-grade class, students acquired new skills in utilizing Google Slides. Engaged in a science project on animal research, they compiled their findings and honed their presentation abilities to convey information clearly and concisely.
|
|
|
|
|
Multiplication Marvels
This week in Ms. Klausner's Fourth Grade math class, students explored multiplication factors through various engaging methods.
|
|
|
|
Exciting New Electives
We are excited about the diverse array of elective offerings in our Upper School this semester. Middle school students were presented with a variety of options, including photography, PE, Spanish, Isms in Art, Experimental Archaeology, Beren Serves (a chesed elective), Art and Design, Study Hall, and Math Help. High school expanded its curriculum to include engaging courses such as Political Philosophy, Isms in Art, Intro to Law and Business Studies, Art and Design, Culinary Creations, PE, Fundamentals of Marketing, Yearbook, Jewish Philosophy, Advanced Gemara, Jewish Ethics and Character Development, and Headlineism – a captivating exploration of halachic discussions around current events. These offerings aim to provide students with a well-rounded and enriching educational experience, fostering both academic and personal growth.
|
|
|
|
RMBA High School Fondren Shabbaton
January 12-13
We have an exciting Shabbat in Fondren planned out with the fun weekend culminating at Main Event!
|
|
Around the World with RMBA
Motzei Shabbat, February 10, 2024
8:30 PM at RMBA
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please click here.
Tickets begin at $100
RSVP Deadline: January 26, 2024
Please note: this event is not for children/students.
|
|
Join the Brown Family at the JCC Houston Maccabi Info Session hosted at their home for Jewish teens age 12 to 16 AND their parents to learn about the Houston JCC Maccabi Games which take place this summer from August 4-9th
Address Available Upon Request
Please Call 713-398-9694
January 10, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Find out how you can get involved by hosting, volunteering, coaching and more!
Athletic Updates
|
|
Mark Your Calendars!
Early camp registration opens to RMBA families next week on
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
9:00 AM
Camp registration will be open to the greater Houston Jewish Community on
Thursday, February 1, 2024
9:00 AM
Session 1: June 10–June 21
Session 2: June 24–July 5
Session 3: July 8–July 19
Session 4: July 22–August 2
Ages 2-11
|
|
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 will host Bay Area Christian for a 5:00 game on Tuesday, January 9th, to begin the 2024 portion of their schedule.
MS Boys Basketball
The MS Boys Basketball team will travel to Logos Prep on January 9th at 4:30 to open up their 2024.
HS Boys Basketball
The HS Boys Basketball team is currently 4-4 on the season and 2-1 in TAPPS. The boys will take the court again on January 9th when we host Living Stones.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
