Parshat Terumah
Candle Lighting 5:53 p.m.
Havdalah 6:54 p.m.
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This week, Head of School Rabbi Jordan Silvestri's Parsha perspectives reflect on the Torah's intricate narrative structure, likening it to a cinematic plot twist. Rabbi Silvestri reflects on the significance of human choice and the forging of an emotional bond between Hashem and His people post-Har Sinai, emphasizing the need for the heart to guide the intellect for a thriving future.
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:
Perry Aronov, Linda Azulay, Maayan Mizan, Alex Schwartz, Regina Shamooelian, Odia Shitrit, Yael Shitrit
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
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Mazal Tov to EC3A Assistant Teacher Bonnie Olson and Cole Bryant on the birth of their daughter Delilah Mae Bryant. |
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Through the Looking Glass |
This week we welcome Jessie Gindea, Head of School of Gordon School in Miami as we explore what it takes to design a school calendar. How do we juggle the various constituents - students, parents and teachers - to create a flow that supports rigorous learning and moments to reflect and breathe. Check out episode #23 here.
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Around the World
A fantastic time was had by all at the "Around the World with RMBA" event, where attendees came together to raise crucial funds for our school. This unforgettable evening, set against the vibrant backdrop of our campus, was expertly co-chaired by Lauren and Jesse Rubenfeld, Gabrielle and Ahron Guttman ('12), and Stephanie and Steven Mitzner ('04). Guests indulged in delectable cuisine, signature global cocktails, and engaging activities including custom candle crafting and airbrush packing cubes, all while vying for exciting raffle prizes. A special shoutout to EZ Bar Mitzvah Party Pics for their lively photobooth and captivating snapshots that truly transported us across the globe! Relive the excitement by clicking here! Heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported RMBA and contributed to the success of this event, as well as to the 200+ attendees who helped make it an unforgettable evening.
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Poetry Insights
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This week, Lower Montessori students (1st-3rd grades) in Ms. Sarah's class delved into Bio Poems during a captivating group lesson. These unique poems offer insight into each child's personality and interests. Students were encouraged to express themselves through four descriptive adjectives and to reflect on questions such as "what do you love," "what you fear," and "what you need."
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Coin Adventures
This week in Morah Hanna and Morah Ileneās class, EC4B students explored the letter Q through quarter rubbings, gaining hands-on experience with the values of different coins. To deepen their understanding, they embarked on a mini grocery shopping adventure, familiarizing themselves with coin values in a practical context. Engaging activities included coin sorting and learning about Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in honor of Presidentsā Day. Additionally, students got creative, painting American flags using Pom poms.
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Cultural Shifts
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This week, students in Mr. Cell's 9th-10th grade on-level U.S. History class learned about the cultural divisions that emerged in post World War II U.S. society, including the emergence of the Beatniks, Hippies, and Yippies.
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Froggy Adventures
This week, students in Mr. Riklin's 1st grade STEAM class dived into the world of fantastic frogs! They embarked on an exciting journey, searching for signs of frogs in our pond and Magical Forest. Exploring the life cycle of frogs, understanding their habitats, and discovering their unique adaptations were among the highlights of their learning adventure.
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Senior Recognition
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Last Friday, our school community came together to honor senior Philip Leibman, the team manager of our high school boys basketball team, during the season's final home game. It was an exhilarating match, culminating in a nail-biting victory for the Stars against Baytown Christian, propelling them into the district playoffs! The highlight of the morning's match was the heartwarming standing ovation Philip received, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the team.
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Play Ball!
This week, Mr. Simon's Third Graders delved into the inspiring story of Jackie Robinson. They explored how Robinson triumphed over immense social barriers to become one of the greatest MLB players in history. Despite facing formidable challenges amidst social segregation and racial discrimination, Robinson's perseverance shone through. The class empathized with the emotions he must have experienced when faced with booing fans while playing the sport he loved. They also learned about Robinson's eventual recognition and his subsequent dedication to civil rights in his post-baseball life.
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Presidential Preparations
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This week, Morah Sandy's EC3A class geared up for Presidentsā Day with engaging activities. They delved into presidential history through readings, discussing what they would do if they were each president. Strengthening their math skills, they sorted coins, and also honed their writing abilities by practicing with feather pens. Culminating their efforts, they embarked on a multi-step craft project, creating depictions of our first president, George Washington.
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Paws for Purpose
Next week on Wednesday, February 21st, the middle school girls in Ms. Cedano's Beren Serves elective will be hosting a special visit from Houston Cares Rescue! With approximately 10 adorable and friendly dogs on campus, this event promises to be both heartwarming and educational. The Beren Serves elective is dedicated to raising awareness of local needs and collaboratively devising plans to address them. Your support is crucial in helping them achieve their goals, so please join us in backing their drive to make a positive impact in our community!
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Presidents, Stars, and Stripes
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This week in Morah Aviva's EC4A class, students have been immersed in a variety of engaging activities! From painting American flags with clothespins and pom poms to crafting President George Washington collages, and exploring stars and stripes patterning, there's been no shortage of creativity. In addition to artistic endeavors, students have begun their financial literacy journey by learning about the value of different coins, including quarters, pennies, nickels, and dimes. Morah Aviva also introduced basic concepts of addition and subtraction using these coins to illustrate. As part of their alphabet curriculum, the class focused on the letter āRrā and practiced strengthening their patterning skills by drawing rainbow-colored patterns on their letters.
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Garden Growth
In Mr. Riklin's 5th grade STEAM classes this week, students embarked on an exciting gardening adventure! As part of their preparation for Pesach, they planted parsley while also tending to the upkeep of the garden. This involved cleaning each garden bed, clearing out old plants, and composting those no longer harvestable. In a spontaneous twist, students were introduced to the Fibonacci sequence as they analyzed the growth of Romanesco Broccoli from seeds in our garden.
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Interactive Review
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This week, 7th and 8th-grade students in Rabbi Ouzzan's Gemara class engaged in a lively review session through a fun game of Hangman!
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Presentation Preparations
This week, 4th and 5th-grade students in Morah Rachel's Hebrew class have been diligently putting the finishing touches on their Hebrew family heritage presentations. These captivating presentations will be showcased on February 27th at our inaugural fair. More details can be found in the "Save the Date" section below. We hope to see you there for this memorable event!
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Seeds and Sprouts
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This week, students in our EC STEAM classes had a wonderful opportunity to participate in planting seed balls. These seed balls, crafted by our 1st through 5th graders on Tu B'Shevat, were planted on the side of our hill, forming the word "Chai". Filled with Texas wildflower seeds, these seed balls have already started to sprout, bringing vibrant colors and life to our surroundings. Let's keep spreading love and color in our lives!
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7th Annual
Yom Chessed
Day of Community Service
in memory of
Rabbi Joseph Radinsky zt"l
Sunday, February 25 2024
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
RMBA Campus
Adults, children and families are invited to join together for a morning of community service. Program will include tefillah, breakfast, and a plethora of volunteer opportunities. Parents volunteering will receive double point units (per parent!)
Basketball for Chessed
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The morning will be followed by a 3 x 3 basketball tournament to help raise funds for Avukat Or
Click here for more info and to register to compete in the tournament
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Basketball for Chessed
Sunday, February 25, 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
RMBA Gym
As part of Yom Chessed following the morning's activities there will be a 3 x 3 basketball tournament to help raise funds for Avukat Or
ļ»æClick here for more info and to register to compete in the tournament
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4th and 5th Grade Present
our inaugural
Hebrew Family Heritage Fair
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Join us for a special event in conjunction with the Ulpan Or curriculum. Students will be presenting their research on their family heritages!
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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.
HS Boys Basketball
The HS Boys Basketball team is currently 13-7 on the season and finished tied for 2nd in the district at 10-4. The boys will travel to San Antonio on February 15th to play First Baptist-Universal City in the first round of the TAPPS playoffs. The game will take place at 3:00 in the afternoon.
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The Baruch A. Brody Lecture in Bioethics, sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University and Methodist Hospital, will take place on February 26 at 12:00 pm ā 1:30p.m. at the John F. Bookout Auditorium, 2nd floor, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston. Medical professionals can receive 1.50 AMA PRA category 1 credits for attendance and the lecture is also open to the general public. |
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Dr. Brody, for those who didnāt know him, was a vital member of this congregation until his death in 2018. He was head of the Board of Education and Chairman of the Board of the Hebrew Academy (now the Beren Academy) for 25 years. He was a sought after lecturer and teacher in our congregation and the Jewish community and gave many lectures and courses in a variety of Judaica subjects. He also was a professor of philosophy at Rice University for 42 years and founder and director of the Center for Medical Ethics and Public Policy at Baylor for 30 years.
His wife, Dena, who was also vice president of the Hebrew Academy, a board member of UOS and the interior designer for several UOS renovations, will be giving the introductory remarks. She would appreciate attendance by as many Jewish medical professionals and other UOS members as possible in the audience.
For more information please click here. Medical professionals can register for the course (it will be given virtually too, but Dena would really appreciate your attendance in person) by clicking here. |
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Bnei Akiva Purim Baskets
Order beautiful Mishloach Manot baskets of curated products from Israel for your family and friends and support Bnei Akiva Houston
Password: Texas
Order Deadline: 2/25/24
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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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