Parshat Achrei Mot & Kedoshim | Candle Lighting 7:36 PM | Havdalah 8:37 PM | | |
This week Head of School Rabbi Jordan Silvestri reflects on the powerful role adults play in shaping the values and choices of the next generation. He highlights the importance of leading with intention and consistency to inspire a lasting connection to Torah and mitzvot.
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Read Rabbi Jordan Silvestri'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:
Shoshana Azran, Karin Binjamin, Rebeka Dux, Rachel Ezra, Laura Harroch, Melissa Leisorek, Yosef Levenstein, Ron Mart, Riv Mart, Elisheva Meisel, Regina Shamooelian, Sigal Yeudai
Check out the volunteer opportunities available at RMBA!
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Mazal tov to Aliza and Jacob Bliberg on their daughter Eden's Bat Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov to siblings Ori (4th Grade) and Romi (Kindergarten).
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Yom Hazikaron
ï»żRMBA came together on Tuesday for a deeply meaningful Yom HaZikaron ceremony, beginning with the lowering of the flags and a moment of silence, followed by candle lighting in memory of Israelâs fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Throughout the program, the strength, emunah (faith/belief), bitachon (trust/reliance), courage, and resilience of the Israeli people were profoundly felt. Students heard powerful testimonies from family and friends, learning about the lives of those who gave their lives to protect the Jewish state and ensuring they are remembered as more than names and photographs. They also paid tribute through music, reflecting on a song co-written by Israeli hostage survivor Bar Kupershtein about the trauma he endured, as well as a song created by Hanan Ben Ari from farewell letters Colonel Sean Mondschein HYâD saved on his phone for his family and friends before entering Gaza to fight Hamas. It was a a meaningufl way to commemorate and honor the 25,648 fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
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Yom HaAtzmaut
Yesterday, RMBA was filled with energy, pride, and celebration. The excitement of Israelâs 78th birthday could be felt in every corner of the school. The morning began with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a Daglanut performance by our 6th graders, who impressed the crowd with their flag dance. Throughout the day, each division took part in engaging activities. Early Childhood students rotated through hands-on stations including Israeli freeze dance, cookie decorating, face painting, and even squeezing oranges to make fresh juice. Lower School students explored different regions of Israel through interactive stations featuring obstacle courses, hamsa painting, sand art, and an escape room experience. Middle School students enjoyed a rotation of activities including tent making, a shakshuka cooking contest, a shooting range, and an army intelligence challenge. High School students celebrated together with a special trip to Cidercade and returned to campus for a BBQ lunch. The day concluded with a highly anticipated teacher versus student basketball game and a school-wide closing ceremony, bringing the celebration to an enthusiastic close across campus.
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Discovering Earthâs Story: Weathering & Fossils in Action
Middle School students in Dr. Royaâs Earth Science class engaged in hands-on experiments exploring weathering and fossil formation. Through interactive activities, they observed how natural forces shape the Earth over time and learned how fossils are created and preserved. It was amazing to see the curiosity and enthusiasm students brought into each experiment, deepening their understanding through discovery.
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Marathon Update
Students have been working hard and showing incredible perseverance as they prepare for the final stretch of their run! Weather permitting, they will complete their last 1.2 miles on April 28 at 4:15 pm. With the finish line approaching, the excitement is building!
ï»żRMBA extends its sincere gratitude to its sponsors for their generous support, including Tanglewood Foot Specialists, Crossfit Central Houston, Dr. Von Slate DDS FAGD PC, and Masters in Dietetics LLC!
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Lower School STEAM Showcase
Last Thursday, STEAM, curiosity, and creativity filled the Lower School as students showcased their learning at the STEAM Showcase. The exhibition-style event welcomed families throughout the afternoon to explore a wide range of student projects. The experience was a true highlight, as the energy throughout the space was palpable. Seeing the projects students completed and hearing their enthusiasm as they explained their work made for a powerful and memorable afternoon. Displays featured topics including plants, penguins, butterflies, robots, magnets, life in space, and more. It was inspiring to see students so proudly share their ideas with imagination, confidence, and pride.
View the LS STEAM Showcase Album
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Exploring Israel, One City at a Time
This week, Morah Gilaâs 3D Hebrew class dove into an exciting Israel unit, with each student choosing a city to research and bring to life. From the origin of each cityâs name to its location, symbol, and unique features, students explored what makes each place special. They also discovered fun facts like population, local sports teams, and even the cityâs mayor. Students proudly presented their posters and shared their learning with classmates, turning the classroom into a journey across Israel.
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Printing Creativity
This week, Ms. Duke's second grade art class practiced the art of printmaking through a hands-on and creative process. After designing large stamps using foam shapes, students learned how to roll ink and transfer their designs onto paper. They discovered that printmaking allows artists to create multiple copies of the same image, and enjoyed experimenting with as many versions as they liked. It was a delightfully messy and engaging experience that brought their creativity to life.
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Learning to Love Our Planet
Mr. Simonâs third graders explored the meaning and history of Earth Day, a global movement that began on April 22, 1970. They learned how Senator Nelson of Wisconsin helped launch a day dedicated to recognizing the fragility of our planet and inspiring environmental awareness. Over time, Earth Day has grown into a worldwide effort to promote sustainability and protect our shared home. Using giant sticky pads, students reflected on what they already knew, what they learned, and the actions they can take to make a difference.
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Celebrating, Creating & Exploring Together
Morah Claraâs EC3B class enjoyed a joyful and engaging week filled with creativity, movement, and meaningful learning. As they explored Parshat Acharei Mot, students learned that some places are special and deserve to be treated with respect, connecting this idea to Eretz Yisrael and the importance of showing kindness and care. In preparation for Yom HaAtzmaut, the classroom transformed into a vibrant celebration of Israel, complete with student-made flags, artwork of the Dukhifat (national bird of Israel) , and a collaborative Israel map collage featuring cities, landmarks, and foods. Students strengthened both fine and gross motor skills while expressing pride and curiosity about Israel. A highlight of the week was an imaginative âFly to Israelâ experience, where students used El Al tickets to board their own classroom airplane, guided by a special guest captain, Rabbi Silvestri. Indoor time brought just as much excitement, with music, movement, and a lively freeze dance that kept energy high.
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Growth, Giving & Israel Pride
This week, Morah Sandy's EC3A students engaged in meaningful learning connected to Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim and preparations for Yom HaAtzmaut. Through the parsha, students explored the idea of emulating Hashem and striving for holiness, with a special focus on the mitzvah of loving others as oneself. To bring this concept to life, they studied the famous âAhavaâ (love) sculpture in Israel and created their own versions while practicing Hebrew letters and developing fine motor skills through gluing activities.
Students also learned about the value of sharing and kindness, inspired by Israeli farmers who leave a portion of their crops for those in need. They practiced this idea in a hands-on activity using tweezers to carefully collect small âfruitsâ while leaving some behind for others, reinforcing both generosity and fine motor development.
In preparation for Yom HaAtzmaut, students decorated popsicle stick Magen David crafts with blue buttons to create a holiday keepsake and have been practicing singing Hatikvah, building excitement for the celebration of Israelâs independence.
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Exploring Israel and the Letter V
This week, Morah Aliyah's EC4B students have enjoyed tons of learning, creativity, and celebration. The class began the week by creating a 3D map of Israel using beans and felt, followed by an inspiring flag ceremony in the gym. They also focused on the letter âV,â practicing through tracing, cutting, forming, and molding until they felt confident in both the letter and its sound. The class is now looking forward to their upcoming Yom HaAtzmaut performance and presentation, which reflects all they have been learning and preparing together.
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From Architecture to Alphabet
Morah Aviva's EC4A students stepped into the roles of little architects and engineers. After exploring modern and ancient architecture and the unique landscapes of Eretz Yisrael, the children used a variety of tools and materials to design and build their own creations, with guidance from Morah Aviva. Their thoughtful designs were proudly presented during a special Israel presentation and performance on Thursday, alongside their impressive 3D sensory maps of Israel. The creativity continued as students decorated bucket hats with colorful acrylic markers, illustrating meaningful symbols of Israel in honor of Yom HaAtzmaut. In the classroom, letter âVvâ stations were filled with engaging fine motor and sensory activities, including I Spy âV,â stamping in kinetic sand, pipe cleaner letter formation and patterning, crowns, dot art, push and poke boards, and sticker tracing.
There is so much excitement as the class looks ahead to completing the final four letters of the alphabet in the coming weeks.
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Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Community Survey
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is inviting parents and grandparents to share their perspectives on how families prioritize Jewish experiences for the next generation and what barriers may exist. The insights gathered will help shape future community planning and investment. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will remain open through May 1, with a goal of reaching 300 responses. We encourage you to participate and share it within your networks to help ensure a broad and representative range of voices.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACKï»ż
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RMBA Yearbooks
The 2025â2026 yearbooks are on sale for $75. Capture the memories, milestones, and moments that made this year so special. From classroom highlights to school-wide celebrations, itâs a keepsake youâll look back on for years to come. Donât miss out on reserving yours!
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY
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Lag Baomer Unity Event
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
In celebration of Lag BaOmer, students in grades 1â7 will participate in a Unity Event alongside Torah Day School and Ohr Zahava.
Tuesday, May 5
Departure: 8:30 AM
Return Time: 11:45 AM
The program will feature a Yoni Z. concert bringing together Jewish students from across Houston, with a sensory-friendly space available. and Hatzalah will be on-site for safety.
ï»ż ï»żThe permission form must be returned by April 30
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PTO Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
RMBA Library
Please join us for a special breakfast to honor RMBA parents: Sara Rosenblum, Klil Wulkan, and Sigal Yeudai, grandparents: Debbie Ebner and Ana Garcia, and teacher: Roza Gross, and to thank all of our volunteers for their time and effort this year!
Friday, May 8
7:45 AM
We are so grateful for the time, care, and heart our volunteers give to our school community.
RSVP HERE
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Names, Not NumbersÂź Documentary Premiere and the Naming of the David Mitzner z"l Names Not NumbersÂź Program
Houston Holocaust Museum
Join us for the naming dedication and premiere of our student-produced Names, Not NumbersÂź documentary, featuring powerful Holocaust survivor testimonies shared through student interviews. Dessert will be served following the screening.
Wednesday, May 13
6 PM Museum Tours
7 PM Documentary Premiere and Naming Dedication
Kindly RSVP by May 7
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Camp Kochavim
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June 8âJuly 2
8:30 AMâ3:30 PM
Spend the summer in a warm, welcoming environment filled with hands-on activities, learning, and plenty of fun! For incoming EC2-6th grade children.
Spots are filling up fast!
REGISTER TODAY
Questions?
Email Camp Director Eileen Silvestri at esilvestri@berenacademy.org
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Teen Kochavim Camp
June 8âJune 19
8:30 AMâ3:30 PM
Campers (rising 6thâ8th graders) will enjoy wood working, sports, CIT skills, and Judaic learning!
Space is limited! Secure your space today.
REGISTER HERE
Questions?
Email Camp Director Eileen Silvestri at esilvestri@berenacademy.org
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Community Events & Flyers | |
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Jewish Heritage Night
Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Swing for the Stars and Celebrate Tradition! Saba's Wok and Grill will be serving up amazing kosher food, so make sure to swing by their pop-up station for a taste of tradition!
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Sunday, May 31, 2026
TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION
For more information reach out to Scott Robins at (832) 696-0658 or rrobins@slspacecowboys.com.
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