This Week at Yavneh Academy

October 23, 2025 | 1 Cheshvan 5786 | נח

PARSHAT HASHAVUA

EARLY CHILDHOOD

In addition to the joyful sounds of children learning, singing, laughing, and playing, there were some new sounds at Yavneh this week - the sounds of animals! The ECD children enjoyed a special visit from Animal Interactions, where they had a hands-on experience exploring their senses as they touched, fed, and observed the animals up close.

The children were thrilled to meet a variety of animals - including rabbits, ducks, sheep, goats, a snake, parakeets, and even a bearded dragon! They asked thoughtful questions and showed great curiosity as they interacted with the different animals.

Leading up to the visit, the children learned about Parshat Bereishit, when Hashem created the world, as well as this week’s Parshat Noach. After the visit, the classrooms were buzzing with conversation and connections between the parshiyot and their animal experiences. We encourage you to ask your child about their favorite animal and what they learned - it’s a great way to continue the learning at home!

A heartfelt thank you to YPAA for their generous support in bringing the petting zoo to Yavneh. It was a great experience for everyone!

PHOTO GALLERY

Gan Aleph has been learning about Noach and his teyva, and how Hashem helped Noach, his family, and the animals stay alive and afloat. But how can such a large, heavy boat float? Gan Aleph experimented with sinking and floating in order to learn about density and buoyancy. Our little scientists found objects from around the classroom and a bin of water to make predictions and test out what would and would not float. They learned that things float on water because they are less dense than water. They will sink if they are more dense than the water!

LOWER SCHOOL

This week, 3A worked on a special STEM experiment. After researching hurricanes and tornadoes, the students were tasked with designing a wind-proof house! First, they built a paper house base with a roof placed on top, but it blew apart and away as soon as it was fanned. Everyone then used materials such as paper clips, stickers, toothpicks and paper to secure their structure and strengthen its foundation. Many of the innovative designs proved to be marvelous successes, much to the delight of our budding engineers!

We have recently started our chavruta learning in 3A and 3D! Students are learning to work as a team to break down increasingly difficult texts in Chumash. They are practicing asking questions to each other to further their understanding, keeping pace with learners of different speeds, respectfully disagreeing, and talking through the material with each other. Their enthusiasm and focus has propelled them to some excellent learning this week!

SEL Update: This week in 5th grade, students explored the concept of being their “best selves” by identifying and reflecting on positive character traits such as kindness, bravery, and empathy. Using stories from the Torah, we saw how individuals demonstrated these qualities in meaningful ways. Students played a Strengths & Reflection Dice Game to discuss and connect with these traits, then thought about role models in their own lives who exemplify them. Through this activity, they practiced self-awareness and set personal goals to grow into the best versions of themselves.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

We are proud to continue to participate in the world-wide Daffodil Project , a living testimony in remembrance of the Holocaust and in continued support of children living through crises. As you drive into our parking lot in the spring and see the yellow blooming flowers, take a moment to acknowledge our role in memorializing and honoring our fallen.

Yavneh Academy was privileged to host members of Rabbi Sacks Legacy Leadership team, Mr. Jonathan Cannon and Rabbi Jeremy Bruce, on this recent visit to the tri state area. During their visit, they had a round table discussion with several 8th graders who are members of the new Rabbi Sacks book club. Our guests were blown away by the thoughtfulness, maturity and depth of our Yavneh students!

Yavneh Academy has always been proud of our relationship with Yad Leah. The organization provides new and gently-used quality clothing to thousands of individuals and families across Israel, empowering them with confidence, dignity, and self-respect in school, work, and everyday life. This past week began with an incredible Middle School clothing drive with overflowing bins! Then, on Wednesday, over 80 members of the Middle School Chesed Team joined together and sorted and packed the clothes collected during the drive to be shipped to Israel. They also included notes of encouragement in the boxes. Over 60 boxes were packed and are ready to be shipped to Israel!

Our support of Yad Leah is not over. All Yavneh families are invited to join Team Yavneh! Sign up for the Yad Leah’s Dash for Dignity and Family Fun and Run on November 2nd using the promo code "Yavneh."

PHOTO GALLERY

This week, we had the privilege of celebrating our annual Shnayim Mikrah Siyum. Seventeen students joined Rabbi Penn, Mrs. Rubin, and Mr. Rossman to celebrate learning the entire Torah. It was a night with delicious food, amazing Torah, and a good time overall. We are so proud of all of our students for this amazing accomplishment.

Last Friday, Yavneh Academy’s Middle School gathered for a moving and meaningful program that reflected on the past two years in Israel since October 7th, 2023, with a special focus and display of gratitude to Hashem for the recent return of the 20 remaining living hostages to Israel.

The assembly began with words of reflection from Rabbi Knapp, setting the tone for an afternoon of remembrance and gratitude. Students Hailey and Emma shared the stories of two individuals, a soldier and a civilian, whose lives embodied bravery, compassion, and dedication to Am Yisrael.

Hailey spoke about Captain Nitai Amar, z”l, from Kibbutz Alumim, who served as the Brigade Engineering Officer in the Gaza Division. On the morning of October 7th, when terrorists infiltrated his kibbutz, Nitai immediately said to his parents, “They need me,” and ran toward the battle. He was killed defending others, but not before saving countless lives. Nitai was remembered as a natural leader, bright, loyal, funny, and deeply loved by his friends and family. Yavneh Academy has chosen to memorialize Captain Amar, and a poster in his honor hangs outside the Beit Midrash. A candle was lit in his memory, and in memory of the 1,153 soldiers who lost their lives since October 7th, 2023.

Emma shared the story of Rotem Calderon, z”l, a civilian from Kibbutz Be’eri who was also killed on October 7th. Rotem had spent her life caring for others, first as a preschool director, and later as a volunteer working with trauma survivors in the Negev. She was remembered as a woman of immense strength and warmth, a devoted mother and grandmother who inspired everyone she met. A candle was lit in her memory, and in memory of all civilians who lost their lives that day.

Following these powerful tributes, Mr. Rossman introduced a Tefillah written by Rav Rimon, which was led by Rabbi Penn, followed by a heartfelt singing of Acheinu and Mi Sheberach for Tzahal.

As the program continued, Mrs. Kattan reminded students that the story of Am Yisrael has often been one of sadness and celebration intertwined. She explained that just as Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut sit side by side, she explained, so too, do grief and gratitude walk hand in hand:

“Real joy and appreciation only come when we understand what it took to get there - the courage, the sacrifice, and the faith that brought us through,” she said.

The students watched a video capturing moments of hostages returning home - parents embracing children, families reunited, and scenes of relief and celebration. The message was clear: even after the darkest moments, light always returns.

The program continued with singing Mizmor L’Todah together, filling the room with energy and gratitude.

The students then heard the moving story of former hostage Yosef Chaim Ohana and his father, and the lulav he was zocheh to shake on the last possible day to perform that mitzvah this year.

The assembly concluded with dancing and celebration, an expression of our tremendous gratitude and joy.

The Yavneh Academy Middle School community left inspired, holding close the memories of those lost, the resilience of those who fight, and the unwavering hope that defines the people of Israel.

On Thursday night of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, Yavneh Academy Middle School students joined together for an evening of food and fun at Keter Torah! The night kicked off with a delicious pizza and fries dinner, giving students the chance to relax and enjoy time with friends and Middle School faculty.

Laughter filled the air during a high-energy improv comedy session led by Jewish comedian Eli Lebowicz, and the fun continued as students built edible sukkot for dessert. It was a wonderful evening of connection, creativity, and celebration before students headed home to continue enjoying the rest of the chag!