November 2, 2017
13 Cheshvan 5778

Vayeira

Shabbat Candle Lighting 6:16 p.m.

Vayeira
Andi Bonner, Director of Admissions
Terri Rohan,  Admissions and Development Associate
 
Over the past 18 months, we have had the opportunity to welcome more than 60 new students to our Akiba family! These new students were welcomed by their peers, teachers and administrators, just as we see in this week's parashah, Vayeira. In the parashah we read that Abraham "saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them."

Not only were our new students welcomed in "Abraham style" for the new school year, but also their entire families had the opportunity to be part of our Akiba Buddy Program. Over 20 current Akiba families volunteered to be "buddies" to our new families. They called, hosted and familiarized our new families with life at Akiba and the greater community. This is just one example of how our wonderful families participate in the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests).

If you are an Early Childhood Program parent, you may have seen this mitzvah take place in the halls of the early childhood building this week. Children welcome guests into their classroom to share a snack and a story or just a warm greeting in honor of parashah Vayeira.

Another mitvah we learn in this week's parsha is Bikkur Cholim (acknowledging the sick and visiting the infirm). Akiba's older students wrote cards and letters to our 3rd grade Judaic teacher, Annette Wolk, to wish her a refuah sheleima (full recovery) in addition to including her name on the misheberach (prayer for healing) list during their morning davening (prayers). Students also visited The Tradition, a senior living facility, to spread music, smiles and friendship with the residents.

In the spirit of Abraham's open sided tent, our Admissions Department, with the support of our parent ambassadors, continually focuses on being welcoming and hospitable to all who visit and join our community.

 
Mazal tov to Tali and Elie Rosenberg on the birth of a baby boy, who is welcomed by siblin gs  Avi , Emmy and Shalva, and grandparents Ruthy and Steven Rosenberg, a past Akiba Board of Trustees President, and great grandmother Ann Rosenberg, one of Akiba's founders.


MEALS FOR THE WOLK FAMILY
 

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
 
This week in Early Childhood:
  • Chaverim created self-portraits in the early childhood art studio
  • K'Ton Ton explored the properties of clay
  • Teenoki Alef continued to explore holes and shapes
  • Nitzanim hammered ceramic tiles to make pieces for mosaic art
 

Many thanks to Sandy Prager and Julie Feldman for being our snack helpers this week!  We need snack helpers :) Sign up here


OVERCOMING BOUNDARIES

Our school counselors created the opportunity for kindergarten through 8th grade to participate in "Mix it Up,"  an international campaign that encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries. 

Students consistently identify the cafeteria as a place in their school where divisions are clearly-and harshly-drawn. So students were encouraged to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch. Studies have shown that interactions across group lines can help reduce prejudice. 

When the students entered the lunch room, they were randomly assigned a color table to eat lunch. Each table had some suggested discussion questions to encourage conversations at the tables. Additionally, students created school posters and discussed the lunch program and its impact.  

 

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

This month we recognize Rabbi Mike Rovinsky '76, an alumnus whose career at NCSY Jewish Youth Group exemplifies his commitment to enhancing the spiritual lives of young people. Read more HERE about his commitment to Kedusha, one of the Akiba Seven Pillars  that provide the foundation for our  educational and social-emotional learning.

 

NOSING AROUND

Nurse Susan Donnenfield and Librarian Nancy Cunningham teamed up to present "all about our noses!" 
 
 

LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER

Since our 5th graders love playing with our Early Childhood Program students on the playground, they received some coaching from Dorit Schonbrunn, one of our pedagogical coordinators. Dorit attended a 5th grade morning meeting to coach them on appropriate ways to interact with our youngest students. Later, the 5th graders engaged the Early Childhood students on the playground, teaching them some fun games and having a great time.

 

HIGHEST HONORS

When 8th graders were asked to decide which teachers to honor as the school yearbook honorees, they were thrilled to choose Dorit Schonbrunn and Rabbi Joe Hirsch. 
 
On the day the students announced the honorees, they gave Dorit personalized varieties of Coke that they ordered for her (because she loves Coke), and they bought Rabbi Hirsch a Philadelphia Eagles football because he is a big fan.

 

STUDENTS! WEAR YOUR  PTO T-SHIRTS TOMORROW (EVERY FRIDAY)
 

 

PTO Forms You Need! We Can't Do Anything Without Our Volunteers!
  • Hot lunch:
         Sign up here to help serve hot lunch. 

COMMUNITY NOTICES



Akiba Academy provides a superior general and Judaic education to children in preschool through eighth grade. As a Modern Orthodox school, Akiba Academy develops ethical and responsible members of the Jewish people and American society, knowledgeable about and committed to their Jewish heritage and the State of Israel. For more information about Akiba contact  [email protected] .