This Week at Yavneh Academy!

This Week at Yavneh Academy - November 14 , 2019/17 Cheshvan 5780

פרשת וירא

Calendars YAVNEHACADEMY.ORG Parent Locker

Yavneh Academy Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on

Sunday, November 24, 2019

The Parent Locker Parent-Teacher Conference Scheduler

will be open to parents starting

TONIGHT, Thursday, November 14th at 8:00 p.m.

and will close Wednesday, November 20th at 11:59 p.m.

For more details please refer to previously sent email. Thank you.

Early Childhood Department

Bruchim Ha'Baim L'Ganon Bet!
In this week's parshat Vayera, we learn about the important mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, inviting guests. Avraham and Sarah's tent had four doors, so that they could welcome visitors from all directions. Our yeladim enthusiastically shared stories of how their families fulfill this mitzvah on Shabbat each week in their own homes. We made a classroom Ohel (tent) and practiced inviting our friends inside. Then we got to share the mitzvah with the children of Ganon Aleph, Ganon Gimmel and Gan Yavneh, taking turns welcoming each other into our classrooms to play and have a snack. We created a useful "Bruchim Ha'Baim" doormat with our footprints on it to serve as a beautiful reminder of this mitzvah.

Strictly No Elephants

This week in Gan Gimmel we read the book Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev. When a little boy and his pet elephant are not allowed in the pet club, they decide to make another club with a sign that reads "All are welcome". This led to a discussion about the importance of being inclusive and caring towards all people. We connected this important lesson to this week's parsha. Just as Avraham and Sarah taught us the important lesson of הכנסת אורחים, we made ברוכים הבאים signs to ensure that all visitors feel welcome and included in our classroom.

Lower School

'פרשת וירא בכיתה א

Fourth Graders are Learning for the Siyum Hashas

In honor of the upcoming Siyum Hashas the Yavneh fourth graders have started to learn Pirkei Avot. Each student is creating a book containing the Mishnayot from the first perek. After we discuss each Mishna, the students illustrate the pages to depict the ideas learned. The discussions are amazing, the pictures creative and the overall feeling is fantastic!

3B's Budding Scientists

3B has been studying cloud formations and weather patterns. The students conducted a STORM in a JAR experiment. Using a glass jar, water, shaving cream and food coloring, they were able to simulate what happens as clouds absorb condensation. Does the density of a cloud affect rain? How long does condensation sit in a cloud before it rains? The children had a good time, predicting and observing the outcomes.

We can't wait to perform our next experiment!!

Thanksgiving Lessons with Grow Torah

As Thanksgiving approaches, we express hakarat hatov for all of the natural wonders around us. Farmer Sara from Grow Torah taught the students about the ways that the Navajo tribes used plants to dye their clothing. She also explained that leaves have many colors that are revealed in the fall. Then, students had the opportunity to find leaves around Yavneh and create their own bandanas. The grade 1 students are excited to wear the lovely pieces they've created.

Middle School

Grade 7 Bar Mitzvah Event

This past Motzei Shabbat, our Yavneh 7th Grade boys were invited to bring a guest to join them for a B'nai Mitzvah event. The purpose of the event was to prepare the boys for the upcoming Bar Mitzvah season, showing them what a Seudat Shel Mitzvah looks like and prepare them to become a Bar Mitzvah. The event consisted of a catered dinner, along with opening words from Rabbi Yair Menchel, the Middle School Dean, and Head of School, Rabbi Jonathan Knapp. This was followed by three mini sessions which featured the Schnitzel Guys and DJ Olturix teaching them the proper etiquette and fun ways to dance at a Bar Mitzvah, Rabbi Moshe Grossbaum of Friendship Circle, teaching and showcasing the various aspects of Tefillin, and the inspiring words of Rabbi Larry Rothwachs of Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck. The night was capped off with a fun dance set, dessert, and all of the boys receiving their Bar Mitzvah gifts and Chumashim. It was certainly a night to remember.

Sixth Graders Culminate Study on Sumerian Life with Creative Projects

At the conclusion of their unit on Mesopotamia the 6th graders selected an area of Sumerian life to replicate through a project. The students chose an assignment from the project menu and researched either Sumerian food, homes, temples, government leaders or art in greater depth. Some students designed and illustrated restaurant menus that incorporated ancient food. Other students built models or created detailed poster sized diagrams of Sumerian temples or homes. In addition to researching Sumerian art pieces, the students who selected to learn more about art also sculpted their own versions of Sumerian pottery. Students who enjoyed creative writing incorporated the responsibilities of a Priest-King into a first person writing piece about the leader's responsibilities to the city-state. The students proudly presented their creative and informative projects to their classmates.

Dash For Dignity

The Yavneh Academy Chesed Team participated in a month long Yad Leah chesed campaign culminating last Sunday in the Dash For Dignity for Yad Leah. This run helped raise money to send packages of clothing to Israel. The team members had many sponsors who were excited to help the cause, thereby encouraging our team to strive for their best in running and fundraising! Upon arriving at Overpeck Park on November 10 there were many familiar faces and an incredible amount of people who donated and raised money for Yad Leah. At the racing sight, there were a few bouncy houses, a cotton candy machine, and a large table full of food for all the runners. Upon registration, runners were given a T-shirt and a number to pin onto it. First there was the 5K Run, followed by the Kids Dash and then the One Mile run. There was something for everyone.

While running, runners passed many gorgeous sights which were picture perfect. Participants finished the race with many people cheering them on and with a delicious breakfast waiting. At the end of the race, there was an awards ceremony announcing some of the fastest runners. This was an amazing experience for the students and a creative way to help families in need.

Making Electricity in Grade Six!

When life gives you lemons...make a battery. Electricity is actually the flow of electrons. A battery is a device that uses a chemical reaction to create electricity. In Mrs. Hirschhorn's sixth grade STEM class, the students used the acid inside lemons to react with zinc and copper to create electricity. With enough lemons, they could actually light up an LED bulb. How exciting to actually MAKE electricity.

A Day of Philanthropy

The Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation, through their annual essay contest, seeks to encourage young people to treasure their Jewish heritage, reflect on their Jewish values, and better understand Judaism's contribution to civilization and culture. The Kapluns were refugees from Nazi persecution and dedicated their lives to a variety of philanthropic causes.

On Sunday, November 10th, eight Yavneh Academy 8th grade students, who were finalists in the contest, met with other finalists to learn the art of philanthropy. Led by Danielle Segal, Senior Program Manager of the Jewish Teen Funders Network, our students were guided through discussion of tzedekah, values and goals. The goals were met. The young adults read through 18 grant proposals and by the end of the afternoon, by consensus, determined how to award $5,000. Our appreciation to David Connerty-Marin and Eva Seligson Mor for designing this unique opportunity.