Mazal Tov to our incredible 2nd-grade students who recently marked a significant milestone just before the Thanksgiving Break with their Mesibat Chumash (Chumash Celebration). During this event, each student received their first Chumash, symbolizing their formal initiation into Chumash learning. It's our wish that they continue to expand their personal libraries with Sefarim (Jewish books) and embrace a commitment to lifelong learning. The heartfelt and impressive performance showcased their dedication—Kol Hakavod! We were all impressed by the display of their newfound knowledge and growth. A heartfelt thank you to their exceptional teachers, Morah Chaya and Morah Roza, for their outstanding preparation!

This week Morah Hanna’s EC4 class focused on Chanukah and learning numbers. The class learned about the miracle of Chanukah and the children shared what their favorite part of the holiday is. The class began working on Chanukah projects that include 3D dreidels, sun catcher dreidels and menorah water coloring. Students had fun learning numbers through a latke game and a matching popsicle stick game. The class also learned the Hebrew letter Chet for chanukiah. They cut and pasted different beautiful chanukiahs onto their letter Chet. They also learned the letter H for hearts and practiced cutting out and drawing hearts.

Morah Aviva's EC4A class began their Chanukah unit this week! The excitement was palpable as the class delved into the captivating story of the Maccabees and the miracles of Chanukah. Among the new center activities is the creative construction of dreidel shapes using Legos while following the dreidel pattern. Adding to the festive ambiance, Morah Aviva curated a special Chanukah sensory table adorned with an array of candles, dreidels, Yehudah Hamaccabee, and a chanukiah. Amidst the celebrations, friends in class enjoyed a lively round of Number Bingo, refreshing their number recognition skills. The class also continued their linguistic exploration by diving into the letters 'Ii' and 'Tet' for tabaat meaning ring, in their Alef Bet books. A collaborative Chanukiah mural became a hands-on highlight, employing diverse materials and textures, proudly displayed on the outdoor classroom bulletin board.

This week, 1st-grade students in Morah Rachel's Judaic Studies class delved into Parsha Vayetzei, exploring the story of Yaakov dreaming about the ladder and encountering the Malachim (angels). Through engaging lessons and discussions, the class learned about the meanings behind Yaakov's dream and the significance of his encounter with the angels. Adding to the fun, the students had a great time taking their studies outdoors to our magical forest. The class further explored the heroic tales and courageous acts of the Maccabees. They eagerly prepared for Chanukah by crafting candles and reading stories about Jewish resilience and heroism.

Gen Z is the first generation to go through puberty with portals in their pockets that call them away from real people nearby and into alternative universes that are exciting, addictive, and unstable. How should we as parents navigate this new technological landscape? It is our pleasure to extend an exclusive early invitation to our Jewish Parents Forum community for an exciting event that Tikvah—in partnership with 39 Jewish schools across the country—is hosting next month. On December 6, at 7:00 PM ET, the prominent social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt will join us for a lively and in-depth discussion on the ways technology is shaping childhood, with a focus on the impact of social media on teen mental health. Together, we will explore practical solutions that both parents and school leaders can implement, recognizing that homes and schools are formative, and that when aligned, they form a vital partnership. Click here to register.

This week in Mrs. Riojas' kindergarten class, students enjoyed a dynamic blend of activities aimed at enhancing their reading and listening skills. Engaging in creative drawing exercises, they explored various approaches to identify and understand numbers in fun and interactive ways.

Morah Clara's EC3B class is buzzing with excitement as they dive into learning all about Chanukah! The students are immersing themselves in the rich history, discovering the heroic stories of the Maccabees, and savoring delightful traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot. They are diligently practicing the brachot for lighting the Chanukiah candles and learning many new songs. Engaging in creative activities, they have commenced crafting their Chanukah placemats and beautiful Chanukiahs. The classroom has become a hub of learning and fun with new games that help refine their fine motor skills. From Chanukah puzzles to string games and a playful counting menorah and latkes game, the students are not only enjoying themselves but also sharpening their skills in a joyous Chanukah-themed environment.

Rabbi Ezra Schwartz, the Rosh Yeshiva; Assistant Director of RIETS at Yeshiva University, commended RMBA's participation in the recent rally as a testament to the strong support and concern for Israel within the broader YU community. In a profound moment around 10 to 11 minutes into his lecture, Rabbi Schwartz highlighted RMBA's presence at the rally as an exemplar of the deep-rooted commitment and care that resonates throughout the Yeshiva University community regarding Israel's welfare. Click here to play the recording.

Hili Kister, a 12th grade student, orchestrated a heartwarming initiative during last week’s lunch, encouraging the middle school students to write letters to our brave chayalim (soldiers). We were very impressed by the phenomenal turnout of our students.

Letters filled with warmth and goodwill crafted by Morah Rachel's 4th and 5th-grade Hebrew class have reached Israel, bringing comfort and joy to soldiers serving in the IDF! These heartfelt messages serve as a beacon of support, showcasing the students' empathy and appreciation for our brave chayalim.