Parshat Emor | Candle Lighting 7:40 PM | Havdalah 8:41 PM | | |
This week, Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher Yosef Mammon reflects on the idea that difficulties can either break or build us, and emphasizes the importance of choosing growth and meaning from hardship.

Read Yosef Mammon's Parsha Perspectives.
| | | Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good | |
We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:
Debbie Ebner, Rachel Ezra, Elisheva Meisel, Klil Wulkan
Check out the volunteer opportunities available at RMBA!
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Upper School Science Fair
Last week, Upper School students immersed themselves in hands-on coursework, diving into research, experimentation, analysis, and discovery. Projects explored a wide range of topics, from how music affects mood and the psychology of color to water retention testing, Nerf gun darts, and the impact of gum on memory, with even a live chicken making a surprise appearance. It was a wonderful celebration of our studentsā curiosity, creativity, and passion for science.
Congratulations to our winners:
Middle School:
1st place Sammy K. and Sammy S.
2nd place Asher D.
3rd place Eden G. and Sophie P.
High School:
1st place Toby M.
2nd place Rafi M. and Shira M.
3rd place Jonathan K.
See more from the Science Fair!
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Running in Their Memory
In preparation for Yom Hazikaron, each Upper School student received the name and story of a fallen soldier or a civilian victim of terror, taking time to learn about their life and legacy. This meaningful work connected to the larger tradition of Ratzim LāZichram (āRunning in Their Memoryā), a national initiative in Israel that serves as a living memorial through active remembrance.
On Yom Hazikaron, students took part in their own āRunning in Their Memoryā marathon, many wearing the names of those they studied as they ran or walked in their honor. Despite steady rain throughout the day, many students remained committed and completed the run, ensuring the stories they carried continued forward. Others engaged in thoughtful classroom discussions, reflecting on the lives of the fallen and the values they hope to carry into their own lives. Each step, whether taken on the track or in conversation, became a tribute to those who are never forgotten.
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The Art of Persuasion
This week, Ms. Ruben's Middle School students have begun working on argument essays, selecting real-world topics, forming clear positions, and gathering evidence to support their claims. As part of the process, they are also learning the value of including counterarguments, strengthening their writing by thoughtfully considering multiple perspectives. Students are progressing through each stage of the writing process, from outlining and drafting to proofreading, editing, and ultimately submitting polished final pieces.
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Resilience and Purpose

On Wednesday, High School students heard from Rabbi Leo Dee, who shared a powerful message about resilience, purpose, and hope in the face of adversity. He spoke about choosing how to respond to pain, the importance of rebuilding after loss, and focusing on gratitude and blessings even in difficult times. The session left students reflecting on strength, meaning, and the role each person can play in making a positive impact.
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Art That Pops Off the Page
Ms. Duke's fourth grade students explored creativity and craftsmanship in art by designing their own āexplosion books,ā learning how to fold and construct books that open into dynamic works of art. After mastering the building process, students enjoyed a lively splatter paint day, creating vibrant papers inspired by Jackson Pollock. They then incorporated these expressive pieces into their books, resulting in colorful, multidimensional creations.
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Marathon Update
Mazel Tov! Congratulations to all RMBA Marathon finishers on this incredible accomplishment. Students dedicated themselves to running a mile each day, building up to the full 26.2 miles of a marathon. Families joined in for the final mile, making the celebration even more meaningful. Smiles filled the finish line as participants crossed proudly and received their medals. Students are invited to wear their marathon shirts and medals on Friday, May 1.
As always we want to thank our sponsors for making this program possible: Tanglewood Foot Specialists, Crossfit Central Houston, Dr. Von Slate DDS FAGD PC, and Masters in Dietetics LLC!
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Building Friendship & Kindness
Morah Aviva's EC4A class began their Friendship and Lag BaOmer unit through engaging team-building activities and cooperative play. From buddy drawing to group floor puzzles and collaborative building in the Blocks Center, students are strengthening their social-emotional and communication skills. With thoughtful guidance from their teacher, they are learning how to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and work together during classroom play. As part of the unit, students were introduced to the concept of lashon hara (gossip) through the story of Rabbi Akiva and his students. Meaningful discussions emphasized the power of kindness, highlighting how a simple smile or kind word can brighten someoneās day. Students also learned songs that reinforce the value of āVāahavta L'rei-ach Kamocha" (love your neighbor as yourself), encouraging them to treat others with love and respect. In addition to social-emotional learning, students are building foundational academic skills. They are working on number books focused on numbers 1ā20, practicing number recognition, tracing, counting, and writing. In literacy, the class explored the letter W through a variety of hands-on, multi-sensory table activities.
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Caring For Our Earth
This week, Morah Aliyah's EC4B class has been diving into a mini Earth Day unit focused on learning about and caring for our planet. Students began bringing in recyclable materials to help create an eco-friendly bulletin board and explored ways to protect the Earth, including participating in a campus nature walk to pick up trash and practicing recycling both in and out of the classroom.
Alongside their environmental studies, students are beginning to explore the meaning of friendship. Through discussions, music, and activities like the game ātelephone,ā they are learning the importance of kindness, communication, and assuming the best in one another. The class will continue building these skills by making friendship bracelets during buddy play later this week. In literacy, students have reached the letter W and have been actively engaging in hands-on learning by tracing and forming the letter using sand, clay, and playdough. They have also started combining letters to form simple, recognizable words, an exciting milestone in their early reading journey. Literacy-focused activities will continue throughout the remainder of the year to strengthen and support these important skills.
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Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Community Survey
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is inviting parents and grandparents to share their perspectives on how families prioritize Jewish experiences for the next generation and what barriers may exist. The insights gathered will help shape future community planning and investment. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will remain open through May 1, with a goal of reaching 300 responses. We encourage you to participate and share it within your networks to help ensure a broad and representative range of voices.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
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RMBA Yearbooks
The 2025ā2026 yearbooks are on sale for $75. Capture the memories, milestones, and moments that made this year so special. From classroom highlights to school-wide celebrations, itās a keepsake youāll look back on for years to come. Donāt miss out on reserving yours!
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY
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PTO Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
RMBA Library
Please join us for a special breakfast to honor RMBA parents: Sara Rosenblum, Klil Wulkan, and Sigal Yeudai, grandparents: Debbie Ebner and Ana Garcia, and teacher: Roza Gross, and to thank all of our volunteers for their time and effort this year!
Friday, May 8
7:45 AM
We are so grateful for the time, care, and heart our volunteers give to our school community.
RSVP HERE
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Names, Not NumbersĀ® Documentary Premiere and the Naming of the David Mitzner z"l Names Not NumbersĀ® Program
Houston Holocaust Museum
Join us for the naming dedication and premiere of our student-produced Names, Not NumbersĀ® documentary, featuring powerful Holocaust survivor testimonies shared through student interviews. Dessert will be served following the screening.
Wednesday, May 13
6:00 PM Museum Tours
7:00 PM Documentary Premiere and Naming Dedication
Kindly RSVP by May 7
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Sports Awards Banquet
Sponsorship Opportunities
The RMBA Sports Awards Banquet is an evening dedicated to celebrating the hard work, growth, and achievements of our student-athletes, coaches, and teams.
Bringing together our community in celebration, recognition, and school pride, this special event offers families, friends, and local businesses a meaningful way to be part of the evening through ads and sponsorship opportunities.
Ads may be used to recognize individual athletes, teams, or coaches, share congratulatory messages, or promote a business while showing support for RMBA athletics.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Deadline to Submit: May 8
Email clefkowitz@berenacademy.org with any questions.
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Lower School Hebrew & Judaic Studies Showcase
Join us in the RMBA Ulam for this special event celebrating the meaningful learning taking place across our Lower School. In addition to viewing your childās work and classroom exhibits, families will enjoy a brief guided candle-making activity and a fun trivia game.
Tuesday, May 19
4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Our Kindergarten through 5th grade students are excited to share their learning and showcase special classroom projects.
No RSVP required.
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Aleph Bet Siyum
EC4 Families
Join us in celebrating our EC4 students as they complete preschool and transition to Lower School! The program will last about 20 minutes and will be followed by small treats.
This event is for parents/guardians only due to space limitations, and student siblings should remain in their classrooms.
Wednesday, May 27
9:00 AM
Please RSVP by Thursday, May 21.
RSVP FORM
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Class of 2026 Commencement
United Orthodox Synagogues
Robert M. Beren Academy proudly invites you to join us as we celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026. Family, friends, and community members are welcome to attend this special evening.
Wednesday, May 27
7:00 PM
United Orthodox Synagogoes
9001 Greenwillow Street
Houston, Texas 77096
No RSVP required.
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Community Events & Flyers | |
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Jewish Heritage Night
Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Swing for the Stars and Celebrate Tradition! Saba's Wok and Grill will be serving up amazing kosher food, so make sure to swing by their pop-up station for a taste of tradition!

Sunday, May 31, 2026
TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION
For more information reach out to Scott Robins at (832) 696-0658 or rrobins@slspacecowboys.com.
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