December 11, 2025 | 22 Kislev 5786 | וישב | | Ganon Aleph is glowing with Chanukah excitement! This week, the children created their own dreidels/chanukiyot using a variety of fun classroom materials such as gems, buttons, blocks, and craft sticks. It was exciting to watch the students explore, make their own choices, and show off their creativity. Each piece was unique and filled with so much Chanukah pride! | | This Chanukah, Gan Gimmel students explored the art of Yitzchok Moully, also known as the Pop Art Rabbi, whose work combines vibrant color with Jewish ideas and meaning. We were especially excited to meet Yitzchok Moully on Zoom, where he shared his story, his art, and his belief that everyone has a light to share. Inspired by his installation Overflowing Blessings, students created their own Chanukiyot using a paint-pouring process that allowed colors to flow, spread, and overflow just like blessings do. | | Our first graders visited Care One in Teaneck this week, where they sang Chanukah songs, created projects, and shared treats with the residents. It was a truly meaningful experience for everyone, and a beautiful mitzvah that brought so much light and joy to the residents’ day. | | |
Excitement is in the air in 2B and 2C this week! We’ve been practicing and performing for our Chagigot Chumash. What a special time for us! We are so thrilled to receive our precious new Chumashim.
“Tov li Torat Picha me’alfei zahav vakesef” -“The Torah from your mouth is better for me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” This verse reminds us that the Torah is the most precious gift we have. It is worth more than any treasure even gold and silver. The Torah gives us light, guidance, joy, and a connection to our tradition. Therefore, when the children receive their Chumashim, it is a deeply meaningful moment. It is not just a book - it's a treasure of life. The children are beginning to learn the Chumash with great excitement.
| | Class 3D wrapped up our weather unit by doing a special project where groups of 3-4 students were assigned a different natural disaster to research. They created a poster with details about their disaster. They shared what they would need to have to be prepared, including food, games, and other items for safety. The students worked well in their teams to create a Weather Preparedness Museum which is now displayed in our hallway. | | What an incredible Melaveh Malka with our amazing 5th grade girls! From friendship-bracelet exchanges, to team games filled with laughter, to our very own “Torah Cupcake Wars” - the energy, creativity, and kindness were overflowing. | | The Yavneh 5th Grade Robotics Team shined at their very first CIJE tournament this week, proudly earning second place! It was an incredible day filled with engineering creativity, robotics innovation, teamwork, middot, and nonstop fun. As part of the challenge, the students designed, built, and drove their robots to create “engineered innovation all around Israel,” showcasing impressive skill and imagination. We’re so proud of their hard work, problem-solving, and sportsmanship! Way to go, Yavneh Robotics! | | SEL UPDATE: In second grade SEL, students learned the powerful concept of “riding the wave” of their emotions! After reading Mop Rides the Waves of Life by Jaimal Yogis, the children explored how to stay on their surf boards even when feelings get big. Students then “rode the waves” around the classroom, writing down positive ways to handle real-life scenarios like cancelled playdates or unexpected changes. Their thoughtful strategies showed just how strong and resilient our young learners are becoming! | | Happy 250th birthday America! As the country prepares for America 250, 7th grade social studies has been learning about the birth of America. Classes have recently started learning about the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. What better way to learn about the Loyalists and Patriots than from a real Patriot! (Or, at least, someone dressed as one!) | | We are proud of our 8th grade committee that came forward with an idea to send Chanukah treats to Chayalim. They brought the Chanukah spirit early to Yavneh and ran a tzedakah sale selling Chanukah cookies and gelt. All proceeds will go towards sending the Chayalim the Chanukah goodies. | | 7th graders are preparing for their visit to the Hackensack Homeless shelter by spearheading a campaign to collect toiletries for the residents, as per request of the shelter. We are so proud of the giving spirit spread throughout the Middle School! | | On Wednesday evening, December 10, the YPAA hosted its annual Moms Night Out at the Wandering Que in Englewood. Guests enjoyed delicious food, connected with new and old friends, and took part in a lively game. An exciting raffle added to the fun and everyone went home with a copy of the Yavneh Redhawks Recipes cookbook. It was a wonderful night for all and we hope you’ll join us at future YPAA events! | | |
Empowering Every Learner
Through Partnership with JFNNJ
With generous support from Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ), Yavneh Academy continues to meet the evolving needs of our students during pivotal times of growth and transition. As our students develop their identities and take on greater responsibility, Federation’s investment allows us to uphold our commitment to recognizing the multi-dimensional profile of every learner without compromising the excellence of our programming.
This past year, Federation funding directly helped Yavneh sustain the specialized instruction that defines our educational philosophy. In a climate where meeting every student’s unique needs is paramount, this support powers our ability to differentiate instruction through multilevel assignments and assessments tailored to student interests. It enables us to provide the resources for the Yavneh Scholars Program, where students engage in independent research and complex analysis and research opportunities in a small-group setting, while simultaneously strengthening our Learning Center, allowing us to utilize a variety of modalities and learning specialists to ensure every student can access the curriculum and succeed. Students receive daily, targeted assistance in Chumash, Ivrit, and math to gain confidence in the whole-class setting.
Our partnership with Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, alongside the dedicated support of our parents, grandparents, and community, plays a vital role in keeping Yavneh strong by supporting our families, enriching our programs, and helping us provide exceptional Jewish education. By collectively investing in the specific needs of our students, we ensure that we are constantly growing to help our children achieve their individual best in academics, middot, and character, building a strong foundation for a vibrant Jewish future.
| | Yavneh Academy is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. | | | | | |
