Parshat Beshalach
Candle Lighting 5:36 p.m.
Havdalah 6:37 p.m.
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This week, Lower School Judaic Studies Principal Rivkie Gottlieb reflects on Parshat Beshalach, exploring the essence of prayer, faith, and connection amid the challenges faced by the newly freed nation of Bnei Yisrael.
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:
Tamar Ratchcovski, Regina Shamooelian, Ortal Tobul
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
Thank you to the following Days of Learning sponsors:
Roslyn and Toby Feinerman in memory of the yahrzeit of Joseph Feinerman z"l
Thank you to
Lauren and Jesse Rubenfeld for sponsoring an enhanced breakfast for our high school students last week in commemoration of the first yahrzeit of Jesse's mother, Linda Rubenfeld z"l.
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Mazal Tov to Rabbi Nati and Sarah Stern on the birth their son Aaron David Stern.
Mazal Tov to Shira and Ben Spanjer on the birth of their daughter.
Mazal Tov to Bayla and Jeffrey Gross ('10) on the birth of their daughter
Ava-Laya Miriam Gross.
Mazal Tov to proud grandparents Roza and Ze'ev Gross.
Mazal Tov to aunts and uncles Shira ('05) and Aviel Strauss, Sarah and Ori Gross ('07), Rachel Kronman-Gross and Lee Gross, Michael Kronman, and Shmuel Kronman.
Mazal Tov to cousins: Eta (6th), Avi (6th) Eli (6th), Azi (1st), and Asher Gross (Kindergarten), Ishai, Rotem Leah, Beeri Shalom, and Kerem David Strauss, and Ayala and Noa Gross
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It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of
Sandra Goldfine Weiner z"l
Mother of
Rachel (Robert) Davis
Grandmother of
(Hilary) and Noah Davis
Chana and (Avi) Weisman
Jacob and (Ahuva) Davis
Rabbi Yosef and (Sora Miriam) Davis
May her memory be for a blessing, and may the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem
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Through the Looking Glass |
It’s high school Color War and it’s time for our students to take over the podcast! Come hear what all the hype is about and how our students have been looking forward to this opportunity since lower school! Check our Episode #20 here. |
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Truman Scholars
Congratulations to seventh-grade students Sivan Melnik and Anaelle Levenstein, for their acceptance into the 4th cohort of the prestigious Tikvah Fund's Truman Scholars Program. This recognition highlights their commitment to academics, intellectual prowess, curiosity, and proven leadership skills. The Truman Scholars Program, hosted by the Tikvah Fund, provides a unique opportunity for young minds to engage in intensive intellectual exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of crucial issues shaping our world. To learn more about the transformative program click here.
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Density Discoveries
This week, Mr. Simon's third-grade students delved into the concept of density, engaging in a hands-on science experiment to apply their newfound knowledge. Discovering that density can be calculated using the formula Density = Mass/Volume, they explored various examples, marveling at the synergy between math and science. The collage above showcases their experiment with vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets, creating captivating "lava lamps." The students delighted in the vibrant colors and the intriguing "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" as they learned about the separation of oil and water and the creation of "gas" by combining water and seltzer tablets.
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Tu B'shvat Wonders
This week, students in Morah Aviva's EC4A class learned all about Tu B’shvat! From exploring the Shkediah, the almond blossom tree, unleashing their creativity in crafting imaginative trees using pipe cleaners, beads, and clay, the students have been super busy. Engaging in math center activities, they participated in a special almond tree and seeds number recognition and counting game. The class also learned about Parshat Beshalach. Each child worked on a multi-step individual mural illustrating Kriyat Yam Suf. They honed their writing skills by creating wavy lines with pencils, painted the sea blue, and added a touch of yellow for the sandy path where Bnei Yisrael walked through. Morah Aviva added a special touch by painting everyone's fists for little footprints and fingertips for toes! The students also proudly labeled their artwork in Hebrew with the word "Beshalach." As they progress in the Alef Bet curriculum, the class delved into the letter Mem and explored words like "Melech" (king) and "Malka" (queen).
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Save the Trees
Our fantastic Lower School Student Council has launched their inaugural initiative: "Mission Save the Trees." In alignment with Tu B'shvat, they aim to inspire the Lower School to contribute to tree conservation by maintaining the cleanliness of our school. Starting today, they will engage in a short skit throughout the school, featuring a character who litters on a tree. The tree, brought to life with humor, educates the character on the importance of caring for the earth and avoiding litter. The Student Council will provide details about the mission and encourage all students to join them in keeping RMBA clean!
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Dugo's Legacy
On January 18, lower school students immersed themselves in the powerful story of Operation Dugo. In solidarity with David "Dugo" Leitner's remarkable survival, they joined the international mission of eating falafel. At 16, Dugo endured a harrowing death march to Mauthausen, then Gunskirchen, where liberation finally came in May 1945. Every January 18, marking the fateful march, Dugo honors his resilience by enjoying falafel, a tradition now embraced by Jewish communities globally as part of Operation Dugo.
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Future Perspectives
During RMBA's High School Color War activities this week, students engaged in a thought-provoking debate in Mr. Cell's History and Government classroom: "Will life be better in 2050 than it is today?" The discussion covered a spectrum of compelling points, touching on issues such as climate change, the role of antibiotics, and the transformative effects of technological revolutions and human ingenuity.
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Parsha Crafts
This week in Morah Sandy's EC3 class, students learned all about Parshat Beshalach, discovering the moment when Pharaoh finally released Bnei Yisrael. Amidst the chase by the Mitzrim (Egyptians), the Jews reached Yam Suf, which miraculously parted to ensure their safe passage. Engaging in a craft that incorporated various skills, including a sensory activity involving sprinkling and shaking sand, the children experienced the visual representation of the sea splitting, creating a dry path for them.
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Serving with Heart
This week, students in the Better to Serve program, led by Ms. Rosenzweig, engaged in a heartwarming session with seniors at the Medallion. Collaborating on beautiful sand art projects brought joy, followed by a lively game of balloon volleyball. The event concluded with a meaningful moment as students and seniors joined in saying Tehillim for the State of Israel, hostages, and IDF.
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Tu B’shvat Treasures
Third graders in Morah Ester’s Judaic Studies class brought their Etrogim to school after Sukkot and planted them. This week, they delved into the significance of connecting to Hashem through eating in celebration of Tu B’shvat. As a special tribute to the holiday, they are taking their Etrogim plants home. Additionally, the students crafted Besamim boxes using dried Hadasim leaves.
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Tu B’shvat Reflections
In Rabbi Ouzzan's 6th-grade Mishna class this week, students began learning and discussing Tu B’shvat. They expressed their creativity by drawing their own interpretations of trees. The class engaged in a thoughtful discussion, exploring the shapes, sizes, and shades of the trees, linking them to insightful analyses of different aspects of our character.
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Culinary Creativity
Morah Roza's 4th-grade Hebrew class had a delightful and interactive experience as they celebrated Tu B’shvat with a hands-on lesson in crafting fruit sushi.
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Math Duel
This week, fourth graders in Ms. Klausner's math class teamed up for a Multiplication Duel, adding a playful twist to reinforce their newly acquired multiplication skills!
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Spanish Vocabulary Fiesta
This week, students in Ms. Rosenzweig's middle school Spanish 1 elective delved into a wealth of vocabulary related to clothing and accessories. In addition to reviewing previous lessons on colors and animals, the students enjoyed a dynamic learning experience through games including a class favorite, Kahoot.
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Almonds and Acorns
This week, students in Morah Clara’s EC3B class had a blast jumping into Tu B'shvat. They joyfully crafted their own Shkediah (almond) trees, tracing leaves with their hands and showcasing fine motor skills in creating almond flowers. Exploring the holiday, they gathered acorns from the playground, unraveling the fascinating life cycle of an oak tree. Math skills were honed as they counted trees and connected them to corresponding colors. Embracing Tu B'shvat, they colored fruits and delved into the significance of the 7 species from Israel (barley, wheat, grapes, olives, figs, pomegranate, and dates).
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Tasty Tu B’shvat
This week, Kindergarten students in Morah Tzippe's Judaic Studies class joyfully crafted delicious fruit salad in celebration of Tu B'shvat and their Brachot unit. The experience was both delightful and tasty!
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Musical Joy
Early childhood students had a blast this week in Ms. Alexandra's music class, enjoying dancing, singing, and exploring a variety of instruments.
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Cowboys vs. Astronauts
What an exhilarating week in the upper school as high school students engage in a spirited Color War. The red cowboy team, adama (land) led by Leeroy T and Nitzan C, faces off against the blue astronaut team, shamayim (sky) led by Alex S. and Hili K. Competing in a diverse range of activities, including math competitions, magnatiles, dominos, science, debate, hide and seek, Chidon Hatanach (chumash competition), volleyball, Jewish history trivia, Jeopardy, basketball, and a bake-off, the competition reaches its pinnacle this weekend at Camp Cullen during the annual high school retreat. This weekend promises a spirited Shabbat and the creation of lifelong memories for everyone involved.
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Siyum Celebration
This week, 5th-grade girls in Morah Chaya's Judaic Studies Chumash class celebrated with a siyum! Their exceptional learning deserved this special reward, and each student contributed something meaningful. The joyous occasion included shared snacks and hot cocoa for everyone to enjoy!
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Puzzle Fun
Despite the rainy weather preventing outdoor recess this week, lower school students found joy indoors in the library. The students captured in the photo above enthusiastically completed the Harry Potter library puzzle showcased this week!
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Fruit Salad Fun
This week, students in Morah Roza's 2nd-grade Hebrew class had a delightful time chopping an assortment of fruits for a collaborative fruit salad, celebrating Tu B'shvat.
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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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Around the World with RMBA
Motzei Shabbat, February 10, 2024
8:30 PM at RMBA
Join us for a fun evening featuring delicious food, cocktails, raffles, and more!
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please click here.
Tickets begin at $100
RSVP Deadline:
January 26, 2024
Please note: this event is not for children/students.
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Priority Camp Kochavim Registration Now Open for RMBA Families
Camp registration will be open to the greater Houston Jewish Community on
Thursday, February 1, 2024
9:00 AM
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 defeated the Honor Roll School on Tuesday. The girls have worked really hard and have really improved. They will play St. Marks Episcopal on Thursday before wrapping up their schedule next week with home games on Monday and Tuesday.
MS Boys Basketball
The MS Boys Basketball team will host TDS on Thursday, January 25th at 6:00 before wrapping up their schedule next week with home games on Monday and Tuesday.
HS Boys Basketball
The HS Boys Basketball team is currently 9-4 on the season and 7-1 in TAPPS after wins against Memorial Lutheran, Second Baptist University Model, and Family Christian. The boys will play on January 25th at 2:00 when they host Brazosport Christian. This game will be for a share of first place in the district.
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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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