Parshat Yitro
Candle Lighting 5:42 p.m.
Havdalah 6:43 p.m.
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This week, Upper School Judaic Studies teacher Mindeleah Pollak's Parsha Perspectives delve into the significance of Parshat Yitro, exploring why the Torah names the parsha after Yitro and emphasizing the importance of actively responding to inspirational stories.
Click here to continue reading.
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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, Regina Shamoeelian, Ayala Tarshish
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
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Through the Looking Glass |
When your role transitions from the classroom to the office, you begin to decrease your contact time with the work and people that matter the most - our students and teachers. Hear how we are intentionally trying to change that dynamic as we create meaningful moments of deep care for those most cherished members of our school community in episode #21.
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Strength Unveiled
On Tuesday, our high school had the honor of hosting Hadas, a woman of unwavering strength and courage, who shared with us a poignant chapter of her life, her story resonating deeply with each of us. As Hadas recounted the events of October 7th, the room fell into a profound silence, captivated by the gravity of her experiences. The warmth of a family dinner celebrating Simchat Torah in Kfar Azza, shattered by red alerts and the harsh reality of terrorism the very next morning, and the courage displayed as they defended their safe room’s door. Hadas, with grace and poise, stood before our students and staff, sharing her journey hour by hour. Questions were asked with thoughtfulness, and Hadas responded with wisdom, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Hadas reminded us of the strength and unity that binds us as a Jewish nation and fuels the spirit of Am and Eretz Yisrael. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Jewish Agency for bringing Hadas to our community.
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Artistry Unleashed
Today, we had the privilege of hosting Judaic artist David Moss, who conducted small workshops for students in 3rd through 8th grades, along with staff sessions. Students actively participated in hands-on sessions inspired by his "OMG bencher," where words visually represent their meanings. They had the opportunity to create unique artwork in a similar style. Mr. Moss is renowned for the Moss Haggadah, a diverse creation incorporating traditions from Jewish communities worldwide. His mission is to enhance Jewish life by blending tradition, beauty, learning, art, and creativity into compelling new forms of expression. Thank you to Beverly and Howard Feldman for gifting us a handwritten and annotated Haggadah for our school library. A special thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston for coordinating this enriching visit!
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Literary Dialogues
In Ms. Ruben's ELA classes, middle school students are delving into their novels with vibrant discussions. They explore intriguing or perplexing sections from their weekend reading, collectively analyzing the author's word choices, themes, motifs, and character development through engaging class discussions. With guidance and thoughtful questioning, students collaboratively make compelling discoveries and draw meaningful conclusions from their literary exploration.
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Measuring Adventures
This week in Ms. Morrison's 2nd-grade class, students embarked on their new unit focusing on length. They kicked off the exploration by measuring the classroom using their own feet, realizing the significance of consistent units for accurate results. Employing tools such as ten paperclips and ten 1-inch cubes, the students measured various items in the classroom. These engaging activities were a hit, and the students are eager to continue their measuring adventures!
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Unique Me Creations
This week in Morah Tsippi's EC2B class, students delved into a captivating "All About Me" unit. They joyfully compared and contrasted their unique features, creating personalized books that showcased their handprints, favorite colors, and more. The class also celebrated their individuality by singing a heartwarming song about just how special each one of them is.
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Botanical Wonderland
Mr. Simon's third-grade class embraced the beautiful weather this week to explore the enchanting world of the Magical Forest. Focusing on the structure and function of plants, students discovered how these unique organisms, much like animals, have specialized features that ensure their survival in different environments. The class delved into readings about cacti, water lilies, and other fascinating plant species in the natural world. Following a knowledge-sharing session, students ventured into the forest, where they observed, sketched, and marveled at various botanical wonders thriving in this magical realm!
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College Acceptances
Our seniors are on a roll with an impressive list of preliminary college acceptances and more on the way! The list includes: Texas A&M University, Binghamton University, Muhlenberg College, Yeshiva University, University of Maryland, Lynn University, Blinn College, Alabama University, University of Massachusetts, Drexel University, and University of Pittsburgh. Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly await additional college decisions. Congratulations to our accomplished seniors!
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Electric Thrill
This week in Dr. Arnold's 8th-grade Physical Science class, students showcased their creativity by crafting electric cars and race tracks. Following the completion of their projects, an exciting interclass race is set to take place!
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Ten Commandments
This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students learned all about Parsha Yitro, exploring the profound moment of receiving the Ten Commandments from Hashem on Har Sinai. They gained insights into the meaning of these commandments and their numerical representation from Aleph through Yud. In addition to practicing the Hebrew letters, students engaged in a creative craft, visually depicting the impactful scene.
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Aleph Bet Fun
This week, kindergarten students in Morah Tzippe's Judaic Studies class had a playful review of Aleph Bet letters using Wiki Stix.
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Gemara Triumph
This week, Rabbi Ouzzan's 7/8th Grade Gemara class marked the completion of their first page of Gemara Bava Metzia with a festive donut celebration! The class is now immersing themselves in the exploration of the Sugya (topic) of יאוש שלא מדעת - the concept of acquiring ownership when a finder discovers a lost object before the owner is even aware of its loss.
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GDP Insights
Mr. Cell's 11th-12th grade Economics classes are delving into the nuances of GDP, deciphering what it truly encompasses and what it doesn't. The students are exploring the complexities associated with comparing GDP across different countries and examining how alternative metrics try to make up for its deficiencies in representing the economy and the actual welfare of people.
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Commandment Creations
This week, Morah Aviva's EC4A class delved into the significance of the Aseret Hadibrot (Ten Commandments), a central theme in this week's Parshat Yitro. Morah Aviva led a lively class discussion on the importance of rules at home and in school. The students then engaged in a multi-step project focused on the Aseret Hadibrot, incorporating skills such as numeric counting, Alef Bet letter recognition, directional concepts (horizontal and vertical), beginning writing skills in Alef Bet, and a deeper understanding of each commandment's concept.
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Word Match
This week in Ms. Morrison's 4th-grade class, students enjoyed an interactive matching game. They skillfully paired their spelling words with sentences to enhance their understanding of commonly confused words, such as there, their, and they're, or to, too, and two. The students excelled in practicing and mastering the use of these tricky words.
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Hebrew Showcase
This week, students in Morah Rachel's 6th-grade Hebrew class showcased a captivating Hebrew dialogue performance.
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Spring Blooms
This week in Morah Clara's EC3B class, students began exploring the wonders of the spring season. They discovered how trees are sprouting little buds that will soon blossom into flowers. Connecting their learning to the weekly Parsha, they discussed Har Sinai and imagined the beauty of the little mountain covered in grass and flowers when Hashem gave us the Torah. To enhance their understanding, the class worked together in groups to assemble a floor puzzle depicting trees, flowers, and fruits.
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Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Presents:
Yom Limmud
30th Anniversary of Houston's largest day of Jewish learning!
Sunday, February 4, 2024
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Congregation Emanu El
We are thrilled to share that both Rabbi Jordan Silvestri, RMBA Head of School, and Rabbi Yitzchak Sprung, UOS Rabbi and RMBA High School Judaic Studies Teacher will be offering classes at this very special event.
We encourage all to check out the full class schedule and register to attend by
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Camp Kochavim
Summer 2024
Camp Kochavim Registration is Now Open to the Jewish Community!
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
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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 closed the season with a flurry of competitive basketball games going 1-2 in their last 3 games, but being very competitive. The girls have worked really hard and have really improved. The girls need to bring their uniforms in to Coach Cole by February 7th.
MS Boys Basketball
The MS Boys Basketball team also hosted 3 games in the last week and went 3-0 in those contests. The boys worked really hard and definitely improved over the season.
HS Boys Basketball
The HS Boys Basketball team is currently 10-5 on the season and 7-2 in TAPPS after a tough district loss against Brazosport Christian and a non-district win vs. Saint Constantine. The boys will travel on February 1st at 6:00 at Living Stones.
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TPG
Torah, Pizza, Gyn
Come join Bnei Akiva, RMBA, and UOS for parent-child learning, dodgeball and pizza!
Motzei Shabbat
February 2, 2024
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
at RMBA
$5 per child (grades 1-6)
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The Benny Friedman
Amy Yisrael Chai Tour
February 14, 2024
GSH Event Center
Click here to purchase your tickets
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Bnei Akiva Midwest Zach
Shabbaton
March 15-16, 2024
Southfield, MI
for 7th and 8th grade students
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