Parshat Tetzaveh
Candle Lighting 5:58 p.m.
Havdalah 7:00 p.m.
|
|
This week, Southwest NCSY Regional Director Rabbi Gershon Meisel's Parsha Perspectives explores the life-affirming power of the מזבח הקטורת (incense altar), revealed through a gift from the Angel of Death to Moshe, emphasizing its role in connecting with the divine and inviting Hashem's presence into our world.
Click here to continue reading.
|
|
|
Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good |
|
We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:
Linda Azulay and Regina Shamooelian
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
|
|
|
|
Through the Looking Glass |
Giving middle and high schoolers the chance to express their feelings and feedback can be a tumultuous risk. Yet, we knew that if we were going to engage in an honest Head of School evaluation, their voices were critical. What followed simply blew us away!
|
|
 |
Pawsitive Impact
This week, we had a heartwarming visit organized by our Middle School students in the Beren Serves elective. Houston Cares Rescue brought 10 adorable dogs and puppies to meet with students from Early Childhood through high school. Students had the joy of interacting with the dogs, asking questions, petting them, and even giving them treats. Additionally, we're proud to announce that the group successfully collected and donated items through their donation drive. Kudos to Ella, Neeli, Liem, Celia, Chayli, Esther, and Naomi for their efforts! A special thanks to Upper School General Studies Principal Ms. Cedano for her assistance in coordinating this visit.
|
|
|
|
Haiku Exploration
This week in Mr. Simon's third-grade class, students delved into the world of poetry, with a special focus on crafting Haiku. Originating from Japan, Haiku is a non-rhyming poem often centered around nature, structured with three lines following a strict syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Davey Seifert, inspired during recess, shares his own Haiku:
Crows land on a tree
Peaceful as the high blue sky
Now it is silent
-Davey Seifert
|
|
|
|
|
Creative Coins and Parsha Fun
This week, students in Morah Aviva's EC4A class continued their engaging Presidents/Money unit with hands-on coin activities. Through interactive exercises, friends explored basic concepts of addition and subtraction, mastering the value of each coin and honing their counting skills. They delighted in sorting quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies into vibrant bowls. Furthermore, they delved into the significance of the Bigdei Kohanim (Kohen’s garments) in Parshat Tezaveh, followed by a special Parsha project—crafting their own Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate worn by Kohen Gadol)! This creative endeavor involved shape and color recognition, number counting, and painting. Amidst enjoying the beautiful weather, students also savored outdoor activities like biking in the sukkah and exploring rocks and nature.
|
|
|
|
Ethical Engagement Insights
This week, in Mr. Cell's high school Philosophy elective, students delved into Aristotle's assertion that active participation in the political realm is essential for achieving ethical and virtuous living, emphasizing moral education as a cornerstone of political engagement. While this philosophy of virtue may seem incongruous with the political landscape our students witness today, this ancient perspective comes across as a dramatic statement on societal values and responsibilities.
|
|
|
|
|
ReelAbilities: Enrique's Triumph
Last Thursday, we were honored to host Enrique Oliu at RMBA as part of the ReelAbilities film festival, in collaboration with JFS. Throughout his visit, students had the privilege of watching a short film detailing Enrique's remarkable journey and achievements, followed by an engaging Q&A session. As the esteemed broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays and a person who is blind, Enrique shared his inspiring story of overcoming adversity, serving as a beacon of resilience and success in the face of disability. Both upper and lower school students had the invaluable opportunity to meet Enrique and his wife, gaining firsthand insight into their experiences and the resilience that has propelled them forward. It was a deeply enriching experience for all involved, fostering empathy, understanding, and inspiration.
|
|
|
|
Garden Adventures
This week, Morah Clara's EC3B class had an exciting time as they planted carrot seeds in the Grow Torah garden with Mr. Matt. They explored the concept of farms and the animals that inhabit them, connecting this theme to their learning about our city, Houston, just in time for the upcoming Houston Rodeo. To enhance their fine motor skills, students decorated cowboy hats and painted the Texas map. Additionally, they discussed the state bird, the mockingbird, and admired the blooming bluebonnet flowers across Texas.
|
|
|
|
|
Connecting Through Stories
This week, students in Ms. Ruben's middle school classes delved into a series of short stories. While not directly tied to the novels, these narratives intertwine through shared themes, character development, varied perspectives, mood, and imagery. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore beyond conventional boundaries, fostering the development of their own unique perspectives. Through textual analysis, pattern recognition, and establishing connections, students hone skills applicable across disciplines and real-world scenarios.
|
|
|
|
Caterpillar Brachot
This week, Kindergarten students in Morah Tzippe's Judaic Studies class completed their collaborative Brachot project—a charming rendition inspired by the popular book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"!
|
|
|
|
|
Chumash Review
This week, students in Mrs. Pollak's Eighth Grade Chumash class immersed themselves in Parshat Vaetchanan, tackling a comprehensive review sheet amid the delightful embrace of spring weather.
|
|
|
|
Navi Class Journey
This week Rabbi Lax's 6th grade Navi class embarked on a captivating journey, reimagining and reconstructing some of the sacred objects from the Mishkan. Through this immersive experience, they not only delved into the narratives of Shmuel Aleph but also connected deeply with the weekly Parsha.
|
|
|
|
|
Mishkan Journey
Last week, students in Morah Rachel's first-grade Judaic Studies class delved into the construction of the Mishkan as outlined in Parshat Terumah, emphasizing the significance of proximity to Hashem. In this week's Parshat Tetzaveh, they explored the role of the Kohen Gadol and his distinctive attire. Students enthusiastically created artwork depicting the revered Kohen Gadol.
|
|
|
|
Friendship Insights
This week, Rabbi Ouzzan invited senior Alex Schwartz to offer words of advice to the 7/8 grade Gemara class, focusing particularly on the importance of prioritizing friendships and fostering positive relationships.
|
|
|
|
|
Garments and Crafts
This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students explored Parshat Tetzaveh and discovered the special garments worn by the Kohen Gadol while fulfilling his duties in the Mishkan. They also discussed modern-day attire worn for various occupations. To further engage with the lesson, students crafted their own Choshen Mishpat (breastplate), showcasing their fine motor skills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodeo Hat Fun
Yeehaw! This week Morah Tsippi's EC2B class embraced the rodeo spirit by painting cowboy hats with copper Texas Lone Stars emblems and “My First Rodeo” star badges.
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Market Practice
This week, students in Morah Rachel's 6th-grade Hebrew class immersed themselves in practical language skills by rehearsing shopping scenarios in an Israeli market, all conducted entirely in Hebrew.
|
|
|
|
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
Click here to book a time slot for the blood drive
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
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
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
RMBA GYM
Click here for more info and to register to compete in the tournament
|
|
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!
|
|
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 finished their season 13-8 on the season and finished by making it to the TAPPS Bi-district round. Congratulations to the boys for reaching the playoffs for the 13th straight season.
|
|
|
|
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 – 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. |
|
Dr. Brody, for those who didn’t 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. |
|
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
|
|
Meyerland Minyan Presents
Houston Jewish Singles
Rodeo Shabbaton
March 1st-2nd
Ages 35-60+
Check out flyer for RSVP details and additional info
|
|
11th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff
Sunday, March 3, 2024
12:00 - 4:00 pm
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
$20 Adults
$5 Children
Purchase your tickets here
|
|
Bnei Akiva Midwest Zach
Shabbaton
March 15-16, 2024
Southfield, MI
for 7th and 8th grade students
|
|
Meyerland Minyan Presents
20s - 30s
Singles Shabbaton
April 5th-6th
Early bird $36 before March 17
Check out flyer for additional details
|
|
AJC Presents
The Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) Accelerator Program for local teens in grades 10-12
April 7, 2024
9:00 am
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Check out the flyer for additional details
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
