This Week at Yavneh Academy

October 30, 2025 | 8 Cheshvan 5786 | לך-לך

PARSHAT HASHAVUA

EARLY CHILDHOOD

This week in Ganon Aleph, we learned about Parshat Lech Lecha. We talked about how Hashem told Avraham to pack up and go to a new place. The children had so much fun “packing their suitcases” with special things they would bring on their own journey. It was a wonderful way to learn about listening to Hashem and being brave when trying something new!

This week, Ganon Gimmel learned about Avraham’s travels. We discovered how Hashem told Avraham to go on a journey - Lech Lecha. Ganon Gimmel also took a journey around Yavneh Academy, trusting and following without knowing where they were going, just like Avraham, Sarah, and Lot. Hashem promised that Avraham’s children would be as many as the stars in the sky and the sand by the sea. To bring this promise into our classroom, the children used sponges and paint to create shining stars. This activity helped us connect to this week’s parsha in a hands-on and meaningful way!

LOWER SCHOOL

Class 1A is thrilled to be participating in the Global Read Aloud (GRA) as we join thousands of students around the world in reading the books of Oge Mora. We had an incredible Mystery Zoom session in which a class from Lake George, New York gave us hints as to their location and using a map our class figured out their state. Then we gave them hints and they figured out our location. It was a meaningful live geography experience that the students loved. We continue to share through Seesaw Blog and Padlet throughout the six weeks of the GRA. It is a wonderful global project that all of us enjoy.

This week, our second graders learned about zachar and nekava (masculine and feminine) words in Hebrew in a fun and interactive way. We chose two volunteers and each student received a Hebrew word. They had to place their word on the correct volunteer - depending on whether it was a masculine or feminine word. It was an enjoyable and meaningful activity, and the students successfully grasped the new concept through our playful, hands-on learning approach.

SEL Update: In second grade SEL, we’ve been exploring how our bodies give us clues about our feelings! Using the “Feeling person,” we shared stories about times we felt things like butterflies in our stomachs or our hearts beating fast. We even played Operation to discover where we feel different sensations. We’re becoming feeling detectives, learning to notice, name, and manage our emotions!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Yavneh seventh graders had an unforgettable three days at Frost Valley in Claryville, New York. Upon arrival, the students jumped right into group activities designed to establish teamwork and explore what makes a group thrive. The 7th graders quickly embraced the spirit of collaboration and communication Some groups took on exciting physical challenges, with many students conquering the 50+ ft. zip line! Other outdoor adventures included making fires with magnesium, building shelters, and hikes to High Falls or the Cable Bridge. Sessions were held with teachers, diving into leadership, Jewish history, the power of Amen, and hands-on STEM projects!

For evening activities, the students’ ruach was highlighted at a kumtzitz and the “Snake Man” captivated everyone with his live reptile demonstration, showcasing a range of interesting lizards and snakes. It was inspiring to see the students cheering each other on during activities and put their new teamwork skills into practice.

PHOTO GALLERY

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GRANDPARENTS

Over 100 Yavneh grandparents joined us on Monday night for our first grandparent social event. We enjoyed dinner and socializing, followed by a stirring presentation from Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter about the blessings and responsibilities of being a Jewish grandparent. Everyone is still energized from a beautiful and moving evening. Thank you to co-chairs, Jeanette Heistein & Ronnie Schlussel. Special hakarat hatov to our generous sponsors Janet & Lior Hod and Ruth & Michael Rosen.