Parshat Toldot
Candle Lighting 5:07 p.m.
Havdalah 6:07 p.m.
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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:
Linda Azulay, Farell Diamond, Rachel Hulen, Michelle Mendelejis, Michal Ohayon, Regina Shamooelian
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If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
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Mazal Tov to Mindy Mitzner Zisholtz on receiving and being honored with the Healer of Jerusalem Award from the Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Mazal Tov to Sarah and Ori Gross ('07) on the birth of a baby girl.
Mazal Tov to big sister Ayala.
Mazal Tov to grandparents Roza and Ze'ev Gross
Mazal Tov to aunts and uncles Bayla and Jeffrey Gross ('10), Shira ('05) and Aviel Strauss.
Mazal Tov to cousins Yishai, Rotem Leah, Beeri Shalom, and Kerem David Strauss
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Through the Looking Glass |
Welcome to Episode 13 of Through the Looking Glass! In this episode, Rabbi Silvestri delves into our ongoing efforts towards growth and improvement. Join Rabbi Silvestri as he explains our strategic planning initiatives, mid-year survey insights, and the comprehensive Head of School feedback process. Discover how these elements are shaping our journey to surpass our past selves and strive towards a brighter future.
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Sibling Enrollment
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Admissions season for the 2024â2025 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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Strong Foundations
This past weekend, Rabbi Silvestri continued his two year DSLTI Head of School program on the Staenberg Fall Retreat. During this three day retreat, Rabbi Silvestri focused on the work of developing strong teams - administrative and teaching teams - that are effectively designed to nurture each member's capabilities and capacities. This work aligns with the goals our schoolâs Leadership Team has been engaged in since the beginning of the year.
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March for Israel
In these difficult times, it's easy to feel powerless, asking ourselves, 'How can we support those fighting for Jewish freedom in our homeland, so far away?' We might wonder, 'What role can we play?' We're not soldiers or fighters; we can't physically aid displaced families. So, what can we do?
On November 14, 2023, twenty-seven of us from Beren Academy traveled to Washington DC and stood. We stood with our brothers and sisters. We stood with the Jewish people. We stood for the return of the hostages from Gaza. We stood for lightâs triumphs over darkness, for good over evil. We stood with Israel.
We were among 300,000 individuals who made a statement together as one. We played our role in what we believe in. We showed our values and told our community here in Houston, this is who we are. These are our values and this is what we believe in.
We stand with Israel not only on Tuesday November 14, 2023, but every single day!
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Thanksgiving Delights
Thanksgiving preparations have begun in Morah Avivaâs EC4A class this week! After learning the story of the Pilgrims, their journey to America on the Mayflower ship, and how the Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to live off the new land, Morah led a discussion about things we are thankful for just as the Pilgrims were thankful to the Native Americans. The class created a collaborative fork printed turkey mural for the bulletin board. Another fun activity the children worked on was corn on the cob printing. In addition to Thanksgiving projects, Morah Aviva introduced a new Fall sensory leaves activity set, which includes leaf identification, patterning, sorting, and size order sequencing skills. A new fine motor activity that was added to the Science Center involved scooping and picking up small assorted leaves, acorns, and pumpkins with tweezers and scoopers. The children had a blast leaves sorting the objects into their corresponding color bowls. Everyone also loved making their own double sided Yaakov and Esav Parsha puppets!
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Exploring Justice
This week Mr. Cell's 9-12th grade Philosophy elective read and discussed Socrates' arguments concerning the Ring of Gyges story as found in Plato's Republic. This is part of a debate about the nature of justice, and how this ties into Plato's political philosophy.
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Parsha Tales
This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students delved into Parshat Toldot, discovering the story of Rivka and her twins, Esav and Yaakov. Despite being twins, they exhibited striking differences. Exploring their story, the class discussed how Esav exchanged his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup. To understand and compare their characteristics, the children engaged in a sensory experience, feeling raw lentils. Through a creative craft activity, they depicted the twins and their individual interests.
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Unity in Action
We had the privilege of welcoming Rav Binny Freedman, Rosh Yeshiva of Orayta, as our esteemed guest speaker. Known for his ability to simplify complex concepts, he captivated our upper school students with a discussion on the ongoing situation in Israel. Among the themes he highlighted was the idea that the battle extends beyond Israel's borders and that everyone has a role to play in our unified nation. Rav Binny emphasized the significance of Torah learning in this context. Reflecting on this week's Torah portion, he touched on the concept of 'yadayim midei Esav,' (Yaakovâs hands were like Esavâs) illustrating that at times, confronting evil may require actions that challenge our nature, emphasizing the necessity to address adversaries even in uncomfortable ways for the greater good.
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Hebrew Vowels
This week in Morah Tzippe's Judaic Studies Kindergarten class, students celebrated a milestone by learning their first Hebrew vowel - Kamatz! To reinforce their learning, the class created Kamatz pointer puppets, engaging in an enjoyable activity while identifying letters and mastering the sound associated with this vowel.
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Algebraic Adventures
This week, Mrs. Rosenzweig's 7th-grade math class delved into simplifying algebraic expressions. The lesson offered a range of activities, catering to each student's level, with problems varying from fundamental to more intricate challenges. The diverse options provided an engaging experience, allowing students to explore and enjoy math at their individual pace.
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Math Marvels
This week in Mr. Simonâs Third Grade class, students made significant progress in mastering subtraction. Engaging lessons brought about a fun learning experience, rivaling the amusement they have during recess!
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Recycling Rewards
We are excited about our collaboration with Clothes Bin, an organization dedicated to diverting clothes and shoes from local landfills. By contributing your unwanted clothing and shoes to RMBA's bin (located at the Greenwillow entrance), you are not only supporting RMBA's PTO fundraising goals but also making a positive impact on our planet through recycling. For every pound collected from the bin, RMBA's PTO will receive $0.07. Although it may not seem like much, these contributions can add up significantly over time, ranging anywhere from an average of $1,000 to $7,000 per year. Let's make a difference togetherâdonate your clothes and shoes today and let's turn our contributions into positive change for both RMBA and our environment!
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Seeds of Knowledge: Germination
This week in EC4, students engaged in an enriching gardening activity led by Mr. Matt. They explored the fascinating concept of 'germination,' witnessing the journey from seed to plant growth. Cilantro seeds, also known as coriander, were planted, adding to their garden. Additionally, they eagerly checked the progress of previously planted chickpeas and cucumbers, noting the thriving growth of both plants in our seed beds!
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Fall Festivities
Morah Clara's EC3B class is diving deep into their fall unit, embracing the upcoming Thanksgiving spirit. This week, the class engaged in discussions about the significance of this holiday, exploring how different families celebrate with delicious meals and gatherings, while recognizing that these traditions may vary among households. Continuing their exploration of the pumpkin life cycle, the class dissected a small pumpkin, using their senses to smell and touch both the outside and inside, reinforcing their understanding of the pumpkin's parts. In connection with Parsha Toldot, the students enjoyed two creative crafts: one illustrating Yaakov and Esav, allowing them to dress the figures, and another craft where they traced their hands and used string to simulate Yaakov's hands when seeking Yitzchak's blessing.
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Tzedek and Tzedakah
High school students in the Better to Serve program, led by Mrs. Rosenzweig, embarked on an insightful journey delving into Tzedek and Tzedakah. Understanding that 'Tzedakah' derives from 'Tzedek,' meaning 'justice' or 'righteousness,' they discovered these concepts as more than mere good deeds but as acts of justice divinely commanded by Hashem. Through engaging discussions and visual aids, students critically examined various actions, discerning and deliberating upon which could be categorized as expressions of Tzedek and Tzedakah.
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Creative Library Adventures
This week in the library, students joined Ms. Emily to read 'Creepy Pair of Underwear' by Aaron Reynolds, diving into a fun and engaging story. Afterward, they unleashed their creativity by decorating their own pair of underwear, adding their unique flair to this imaginative activity.
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Parsha Journey
First graders in Morah Rachel's Judaic Studies class had an exciting time exploring the story of Parshat Chayei Sara last week. They embarked on an enchanting journey to Israel, following the camels, and joined Eliezer in meeting Rivka.
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Help Support RMBA!
Our school's 4th Annual Giving Day is coming up on
Monday, November 20, 2023
where we will officially be kicking off our annual campaign!
We are seeking 100% family participation. We have some wonderful opportunities available
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We are thrilled to have launched our new school-spirit wear store!
Click here to browse and purchase your favorite RMBA gear!
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Join RMBA and Jews in 50 countries for tjhe
Acheinu Global Siyum
Sunday, November 19, 2023
11:00 AM EST
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Join us for the 2nd Grade
Mesibat Chumash
Chumash Celebration\
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
3:00 PM
RMBA Ulam
Join the 2nd grade as we celebrate the great milestone of beginning to learn chumash in depth using the skills they have built and gained.
Sponsorship opportunities available - click here
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RMBA Lower School
Menorah Building Competition
Design and Build a Kosher Menorah
(see flyer for details)
Completed Menorahs Due: December 4-6
Winners Announced: December 8th
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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 dropped a tough game to CHSA. The girls will resume games after Thanksgiving break.
MS Boys Basketball
The MS Boys Basketball team defeated CHSA on Tuesday for their first victory of the season. They will resume games after the Thanksgiving break.
HS Boys Basketball
The HS Boys Basketball team will open up their season with a home game on November 16th against FBCHA. Help us fill the gym and come cheer them on!
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Torah, Pizza Gym!
Come join Bnei Akiva and UOS for parent-child learning, dodgeball, and pizza!
Motzei Shabbat, November 18, 2023
7:00 - 8:30 PM at RMBA
Grades 1-6 (together with parents)
$5 per child
Kindly use the Greenwillow Entrance!
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