20 Teves 5782 | December 23, 2021
Bais Yaakov e-Newsletter
Middle School

Parshas Shemos
ERETZ CHEMDA SHEMITAH PROGRAM
Do you sometimes forget that we are in the middle of a Shemitah (Sabbatical) year? For those of us living outside of Eretz Yisroel where the laws don't apply, it could be difficult to remember. The students in the Middle School are learning the lessons of Shemitah through the Eretz Chemda program. Over Zoom, teachers living in Eretz Yisroel are teaching our students about the importance of Shemitah, its laws, and lessons in emunah. This incredible opportunity that only comes around once in seven years is instrumental in helping our students understand these important laws and gain from its important lessons.
FIFTH GRADE PROJECT C.L.I.C. BREAKFAST
The Fifth Grade "Chanukah C.L.I.C Program" (Connecting Life In the Days of Chanukah) was celebrated with a grand breakfast. On all eight days of Chanukah, the girls said Hallel, performed chesed and had a technology-free hour. They also refrained from reading secular reading materials over Shabbos Chanukah. We are so impressed with the entire Fifth Grade’s commitment to this special program. 
CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAM
Our Sixth Graders are mastering new skills as they participate in our Creative Arts Program (CAP). CAP meets after school for four weeks in the fall and again in the spring and offers a range of exciting course options, including Fondant Creations, Jewelry Design, Trifling, Frosted Art, and Cupcake Capping. In addition to the girls bringing home stunning creations, they also meet girls from other homerooms and learn new skills that they can use at home. 
EIGHTH GRADE PRODUCTION: FROM THE ASHES
The Middle School focuses on the whole student by giving them
opportunities to showcase their talents outside of the classroom. Last week,
our Eight Grade performed magnificently in front of two packed houses in "From the Ashes," an original play written by our very own Mrs. Rochelle Goldberg, about a heartwarming story that occurred during the Holocaust and its aftermath. The performances were stellar and each girl was beaming with pride at what she had accomplished not only on a personal level but as a grade as well. Every student was given the opportunity to shine during the production. We hope that this feeling of achievement remains with them throughout the rest of the year. In order to be inclusive to all grandmothers and allow them the opportunity to take pride in the accomplishments of their grandchildren, there were two women from the CJE who provided ASL interpretation for the audience. A special thank you to Mrs. Sossie Ansbacher for producing this incredible production and to Miss Michal Spigelman for assisting her.
A PERSONAL STORY OF SURVIVAL FROM THE ASHES
On Asara B'Teves our Seventh and Eighth Grades had the privilege of hearing Dr. Jodi Reches present her father's story of survival during the Holocaust. The girls were riveted by the many details and fascinating story of how Mr. Henry Reches, A" H was hidden by a non-Jewish family in a hole beneath a barn floor for two years. One of the lessons that Dr. Reches shared was being able to see the kindness of Hashem even in the darkest of times. Learning what happened during the Holocaust is integral to our remembering those that are not here to tell their stories. Each personal story of faith and resilience reminds us of where we come from and guides us forward in our everyday lives. 
YEARBOOK 2022: LIFE IS A JOURNEY
Every day during lunch, the yearbook staff works enthusiastically to complete their Senior Yearbook. Being on the yearbook staff affords our students many practical social and technical life skills. The girls learn to work with new friends, brainstorm, deal with deadlines, compromise and create pages with Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, and Excel. Our talented editors oversee and help each committee, while working on their tasks. In addition to giving up their lunch period, our yearbook staff stays after school each Wednesday to ensure that all deadlines are met. New friendships are forged, important skills are learned and honed, and the girls develop an enormous sense of pride in their hard work. 
EXHIBIT VIRTUAL TOUR
Welcome to Journeys Through the Generations! We are happy to present you with two different viewing options for the widely acclaimed Exhibit 2021 that drew over 6,000 visitors from all over the country. 

The Exhibit Video provides viewers with a guided tour through the entire Exhibit, complete with narration. The Virtual Tour allows viewers to see the Exhibit at their own pace and zoom in and study different aspects of each exhibit up close at the viewer’s own pace. The Virtual Tour does not come with any sound. In order to maximize your Exhibit experience, we recommend first watching the Exhibit Video and then going back to see those parts that you would like to spend more time on via the Virtual Tour. We hope you enjoy both of these viewing options however you decide to use them. Happy watching!  
Dec 21/ 17 Teves
L'zchus Refuah Sheleimah
Sora Charna Chaya bas Ita Chana

In Memory of
Yerachmiel Yaakov ben Yitzchok A"H

Sponsored
Jenny Fogel
Dec 21/ 17 Teves
L'zchus Refuah Sheleimah
Shoshana Esther bas Masha Necha

Sponsored
Class of '79
Dec 20/ 16 Teves
L'zchus Refuah Sheleimah
Shumuel Chaim ben Yenta Golda

Sponsored
His Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
To sponsor a day of Davening & Learning, 
or contact Rabbi Gross at 443-548-7700 ext. 511 or ragross@baisyaakov.net 
for more information.