Parshat Ki Tisa | Candle Lighting 6:06 PM | Havdalah 7:07 PM | | |
This week, Israel Guidance and Upper School Judaic Studies teacher Rabbi Gavriel Herzig explores themes of honoring oneās parents and the lessons found within the commandment of the Parah Adumah. Drawing on a well-known Talmudic story, he reflects on the depth and meaning behind this important mitzvah.
Read Rabbi Gavriel Herzig'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, Ana Garcia, Sarah Rosenblum, Lisa Silver, Laura Volshonok, Klil Wulkan
Check out the volunteer opportunities available at RMBA!
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It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of Miriam Bat Yaffa Rubin z''l

Mother of Yaakov Rubin
Grandmother of Rachel (12th) and Noa Rubin (10th)
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Engineering Energy
This week, eighth grade Physical Science students finished designing their very own fully functional paper roller coasters! Using cardstock track pieces, each student engineered a custom marble run that had to operate successfully. Students applied key concepts such as potential and kinetic energy, momentum, speed, and the law of conservation of energy. As they planned, constructed, tested, and revised their designs, they strengthened their engineering and problem-solving skills. Watching their marble travel along the twists and turns of their self-designed tracks brought abstract scientific principles to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
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Reflect, Refine, Revise
As the third quarter comes to a close, Middle School students in Ms. Ruben's class are taking intentional time in ELA to reflect on their progress. By revisiting past assignments, they are identifying patterns and recurring errors to better understand where growth is needed. This thoughtful review process helps students see learning as ongoing and purposeful, with grades serving as a guide to refine and strengthen their writing.
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Purim Fun Across the Grades
From Early Childhood through High School, students had an absolute blast celebrating Purim! Even though it was a short day, it was packed with fun. Early Childhood enjoyed the Bubble Wranglerās bubble show and face painting, while Lower School and Middle School students joined in on inflatable fun. Upper and Lower School students had the special opportunity to hear the megillah, and every grade celebrated with dancing, music, and lively Purim activities. The costumes were so much fun to see! Students and staff dressed as everything from princesses and soldiers to butterflies and inflatable pigs. Everywhere you looked, there was something new and exciting! It was a joyful day of parades, laughter, and community.
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Homework Reimagined
In Mr. Simonās third grade class, homework takes on a new name and a new level of excitement for students. Each month, students embark on āAdventures,ā earning points based on both difficulty and quantity as they challenge themselves beyond the classroom. These activities are designed so that students are practicing and building skills without even feeling like theyāre learning. In February, the competition took on a Winter Olympics theme, with separate levels of winners for boys and girls. This monthās students set an impressive new record, logging more than 300 points through their dedication and effort. Mr. Simon truly knows how to keep learning fun!
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Circles, Costumes and the Letter Q
Morah Aviva's class had a busy week! It began with a beautiful joint Tefillah Circle as EC4A and EC4B joined together for davening, Alef Bet practice, and tzedakah. The energy carried right into Purim, where festivities were truly off the charts. Students proudly showed off their costumes, constructed a Shushan castle with magnet tiles, chased bubbles with the Bubble Wrangler, and enjoyed festive face painting. Back in the classroom, learning continued as the class progressed to the letter Qq. Through engaging, hands on letter stations, students strengthened fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, and directional awareness. Activities included tracing with mini erasers, forming letters with play doh, completing a Cut and Sort for Qq, exploring Road Letters with transportation vehicles, and finishing a Color by Letter featuring a quail. During a teacher guided lesson, each child also worked diligently on proper letter formation, building both confidence and skill with Qq.
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Celebrating, Listening, and Preparing
This week in Morah Claraās EC3B, students balanced celebration and meaningful learning. They marked Purim with groggers (noise makers) in hand, enthusiastically booing Haman, enjoying the school costume parade, and patiently selecting their face painting designs. Laughter filled the room during story time, and a lively bubble activity in the amphitheater added even more excitement to the week. As the class explored Parshat Ki Tisa, students learned about Moshe listening to Hashem and practiced strengthening their own listening skills through interactive games and by building Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) with blocks. Pesach preparations also began in a hands on and engaging way. Students listened to the Pesach story, identified chametz in their classroom kitchen center, and delighted in ācheckingā for chametz (leavened foods) as they learned about preparing in a special way. With playdough matzah creations and Seder keāara (plate) pretend play, the classroom was filled with Torah learning, joy, and meaningful mitzvot!
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H-Town Heat Squad is Hitting the Cook-Off!
RMBA is fired up to team up with United Orthodox Synagogues for the 13th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cook-Off! This year, weāre competing together as the H-Town Heat Squad. with a double booth and one signature chili recipe we canāt wait for you to try. Come out for an amazing community afternoon, bring your friends and family, and stop by our booth to taste, savor, and vote. Letās show up strong for RMBA and bring home some serious bragging rights!
Sunday, March 8 | 12:00ā4:00 PM
Buy Tickets
Volunteer with RMBA
Wear your RMBA spirit, come say hi, and help us turn up the heat!
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Sweet Deals, Big Impact
Our Silent Auction is now open through 11:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, and you can bid from anywhere (no event ticket required and winners donāt need to be present). Expect a mix of canāt-miss packages like getaways, date nights, family fun, wellness + beauty treats, and home/hosting favorites, with gift cards tucked into many bundles.
A heartfelt thank you to the many RMBA parents who donated items and helped create our themed gift baskets, they are incredible.
Plus: the Candyland Raffle is open too! Choose your ticket bundle and take your shot at a major miles-style travel prize. Every bid and raffle ticket supports RMBAās Annual Campaign and your participation makes a real difference. Please share the link with friends and family to help us bring in more bidders!
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First Friday
RMBA PTO
Our amazing PTO invites the RMBA community to the RMBA Library for a morning filled with hot coffee, bagels and great conversation!
Friday March 6, 2026
7:45 AM-8:30 AM
Whether you want to pop by for your caffeine fix or stay a while to chat and connect, itās a wonderful way to start the day together.
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SAVE THE DATE:
High School Play
We are thrilled to announce showtimes for RMBA's High School Play:
A Family Reunion to Die For
Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 PM
The performances will be at the Deluxe Theater:
3303 Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX 77020
Purchase Tickets
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Please see our 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.
High School Boys Basketball
The High School Boys ended their TAPPS run with a loss in the state semifinals against The Covenant Prep. The boys were led by All-Tournament selections Jonathan Kluger and Rafi Miller. Major contributions were also provided by Jonathan Vaknin, Tahel Belleli, and Roni Cohen. The boys are not quite done yet as they take their talents to Yeshiva University for the Sarachek tournament on March 19.
Middle School Boys Basketball
The Middle School track season will get underway on Monday, March 9 with a practice after school from 4:15 PM-5:00 PM. Athletes will meet in the gym at 4:15 PM. A schedule for the entire season with information will be sent out on March 5.
If you have any questions, please email Coach Cole at chriscole@berenacademy.org.
| Community Events & Flyers | | |
Need-based Scholarships for Camp and Teen Israel Travel
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
Greater Houston-area families may now apply for need-based scholarships for Jewish overnight summer camp and Israel travel, including gap year programs.
Application Deadlines:
April 14, 2026 (priority consideration)
May 1, 2026 (final deadline)
Learn more and apply
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Dovi Neuberger Stand up
MHLV
MHLV Dance presents Dovi Neuberger Comedy Night! Come enjoy a fun night out while supporting a great cause!
Thursday, March 5, 2026
7:30 PM
Purchase Tickets
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