Parshat Vayakhel
Candle Lighting 6:08 p.m.
Havdalah 7:09 p.m.
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This week, Head of School Rabbi Jordan Silvestri's delves into Parshat Vayakhel, highlighting the haftorah portion from Melachim Bet and the leadership lessons it offers, emphasizing the importance of engaging in difficult conversations for effective leadership and avoiding the consequences of avoidance.
Click here to continue reading.
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Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good |
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We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:
Shoshana Azran, Tali Bublil, Haim Kamman, Sarah Keha, Yosef Levenstein, Lena Lieb, Zach Morrow, Neil Scheckter, Liviya Schlachter
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
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Through the Looking Glass |
On the heels of the DSLTI Head of School Spring Retreat, we discuss the importance of taking a moment to find solitude, connect with the world around us and remind ourselves the place we hold for ourselves, our families and the communities that we support.
Find out more in this week's Through the Looking Glass Podcast Episode #26!
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Chili Champions
We're thrilled to announce that we secured 3rd place this past Sunday at the 11th annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff hosted at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Under the leadership of RMBA parent and culinary maestro Tali Bublil, our dedicated team of parents, board members, students, teachers, and community members volunteered enthusiastically, delighting hundreds of attendees with our mouthwatering chili. With our trophy proudly displayed, there's no need for further boasting – it speaks volumes! We're immensely thankful for the chance to be part of such a memorable event!
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Mental Wellness Day
This week, our high school students engaged in a Mental Health Day at RMBA, featuring three workshops led by Rabbi Dovid Goldstein, Katelyn Bleiweiss, and Dr. Ned Strauss. Topics covered included the joy of tranquility, mindfulness, healthy self-esteem, suicide prevention, and a special presentation by renowned guest speaker Dr. Andrew Shatte on fostering resilience. A heartfelt thank you to Upper School Guidance Counselor Rachel Piontkewicz for coordinating this vital day.
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Purim Preparations
This week in Morah Aviva's EC4A class, Purim preparations and projects took center stage! Morah Aviva introduced the Purim story, engaging everyone in discovering the diverse characters and personalities of this special holiday. Students delved into engaging Purim-themed activities at the Math Center, exploring number recognition and identifying Purim symbols. They also expressed their creativity through crafting one-of-a-kind leytzan (clown) face plates, using a variety of textures, shapes, and sizes. Each creation was unique, which was also one of the weekly vocabulary words, listed on the class’ word wall for their alphabet letter of the week “u”. Students also practiced fine motor skills by drawing triangles for colorful hamantashen paintings. Additionally, the Alef Bet letter of the week, Pey, inspired students to decorate their letters with Perachim (flowers) labeling their artwork in Hebrew.
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Dr. Seuss Celebration
This week, second graders in Ms. Morrison's class celebrated Dr. Seuss' Birthday by engaging in a variety of activities. They wrote stories and letters to him, and immersed themselves in his books through listening and reading sessions. While exploring his stories, they honed their rhyming and word decoding skills. A highlight of the week was crafting Cat in the Hat Masks, during which students chatted and discussed various themes from Dr. Seuss' books. It was a fantastic celebration of the joy of reading!
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Leadership Retreat
Rabbi Silvestri began the week at the DSLTI Spring Retreat, a pivotal stage in his Head of School Leadership Training cohort. Alongside 14 other heads of schools, they convened at the Pearlstone retreat center in Baltimore, delving into topics like navigating difficult conversations, mastering the art of the ask, and overcoming defensiveness in communication. The retreat featured enriching activities such as a reflection hike, improv sessions, and a bonfire. Rabbi Silvestri looks forward to dedicating two weeks this summer to complete the formal education segment of the program before continuing into its second year.
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State Research Adventure
This week, Mr. Simon’s third-grade class delved into an exciting geography lesson. They commenced by exploring an overview of the 50 states, identifying the smallest states, those bordering Canada and Mexico, and honing their map-building skills. Following this, they delved into research on the 13 states comprising the Western US. Each student selected a state to investigate, delving into details such as the state nickname, population, notable features, state flower, and other intriguing facts.
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Women in Science
In Dr. Arnold's science class, sixth graders dedicated the week to researching renowned women in science. From Rosalind Franklin to Jane Goodall, each student selected a different scientist to explore. They meticulously crafted poster boards and confidently presented their discoveries to the class. Through this exploration, they not only gained insight into groundbreaking scientific achievements but also recognized the impact of discrimination on the success of these scientists.
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Wildlife Sanctuary Achievement
RMBA's Magical Forest is now Houston's newest Certified Wildlife Habitat! Thanks to the dedication of our teachers and students since the beginning of the year, we've earned this certification from the Texas Conservation Alliance and the National Wildlife Federation. Our efforts have centered on planning, creating, and maintaining sustainable gardening practices, ensuring a high-quality habitat with access to water, cover, and areas for wildlife to raise their young. This prestigious honor reflects our commitment to Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.
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Resilience Lessons
This week, our 7th and 8th graders had the privilege of hearing from Amichai W., a reservist in a specialized unit of the IDF, who shared his post October 7th experiences. Amichai recounted how, nearing the end of his miluim (reserve) requirements, he was called to duty when the sirens blared in Jerusalem on Simchat Torah. Within hours, he found himself headed to his army base, unaware that he would be separated from his wife and four young children for over four months while serving his country and Am Yisrael. Amichai imparted invaluable lessons to our middle school students, emphasizing resilience with the mantra, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." He underscored the significance of seemingly "small" actions, drawing parallels to teachings from the Torah about the immeasurable rewards of mitzvot. Whether it's showing kindness to a sibling or sending a card to a soldier, every action has the potential to create powerful, positive ripples.
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Songs and Insights
This week, 2nd grade students continued their learning journey in Morah Roza's Hebrew class, where they engaged with lessons through song. In Morah Chaya's Judaic Studies class, they delved into the translation of pesukim (phrases) in the Chumash using the "lehavin ulehaskil" curriculum and method.
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Economic Theory Dive
This week, Mr. Cell's 11th-12th grade Honors Economics students delved into Milton Friedman's works, dissecting a libertarian perspective on economics.
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Animal Presentation Mastery
This week, 4th-grade students in Ms. Morrison's class dedicated their efforts to crafting Animal Presentations. Each student delved into research on their chosen animal, meticulously preparing a Google Slideshow showcasing their findings. They ensured each slide adhered to grammar rules and boasted an appealing design. Additionally, they constructed Habitat Replicas to visually enhance their presentations. With clear diction and tone, students delivered their presentations confidently, fielding questions from classmates with poise, embodying the role of a teacher.
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Factoring Fun
This week, 8th grade Algebra students in Mrs. Rosenzweig's class honed their factoring skills through a game of "Bikini Bottom Problems," a math board game created by Mrs. Rosenzweig's students last year.
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Shabbat Creations
This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students delved into Parsha Vayakhel, exploring the 39 melachot—the tasks performed to build the Mishkan. Understanding the sanctity of Shabbat, the class embarked on a project to honor it by creating their own usable challah covers. With enthusiasm, they stenciled letters and symbols, adding decorative trim. The students are excited to use their creations at home this week, cherishing the respite of Shabbat.
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Fort Reading Fun
Mrs. Schneider's first-grade class celebrated Read Across America Week by constructing a blanket fort! Collaboratively, they used tables, chairs, and blankets to fashion a snug reading space. Armed with books and flashlights, each student ventured into the fort for some reading time. This engaging activity allowed students to mark off a bingo space in the Read Across America Bingo Game devised by RMBA librarian, Ms. Emily.
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Birkat Kohanim Art
This week, students in Morah Rivkie's 7th grade Chumash class were assigned to craft a visual representation of their understanding of Birkat Kohanim. Pictured above is artwork by Roni Sales-Martinez.
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Delicious Mishkan Creations
This week in Rabbi Lax's Navi class, 6th graders recreated the utensils of the Mishkan as described in Navi and the weekly Parsha. Pictured above, Yali A. crafted the Aron out of cake and candy.
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Magnetic Race Fun
In Mr. Matt's STEAM class, first graders engaged in Magnetic Barrel Races this week, kicking off their unit on magnetism. Collaborating with a partner, students "pushed" their magnets down the hall, maneuvering around a "barrel," and returning to their starting point. Witnessing the students harness the power of magnetism to navigate the race was an exciting and enjoyable experience.
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Purim Melodies
This week, early childhood students in Ms. Alexandra's music classes delighted in dancing to Purim songs. They especially cherished the tunes "Ani Purim" and "Mishe Nichnas Adar." Each week, additional Purim songs are introduced to prepare the students for the festive celebrations!
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Milestone Achieved
This week, the Lower School Marathon Students reached the impressive milestone of 20 miles! We're eagerly anticipating our final celebration. Stay tuned for an email containing details for those students completing the marathon!
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Preparing for Purim
Morah Clara's EC3B class is thoroughly enjoying their exploration of Purim's story and songs. They've begun crafting their own megillahs and Purim decorations to bring home. In art class, they're also busy designing their own leitzan (clown) costumes. Additionally, this week, they delved into the letter "U" while having fun coloring umbrellas, practicing numbers, and learning colors in both English and Hebrew.
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Purim at RMBA
We're thrilled to kick off the Purim festivities next Friday with our inaugural RMBA Spirit Day of the year! Don't miss out on the opportunity to grab one of our vibrant T-shirts (pink, $16) or cozy sweatshirts (gray and navy, $32) available for purchase in the office. Click here to view the 2024 dress-up schedule. Get ready for an abundance of excitement ahead!
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RMBA Alumni Field Day
Sunday, March 31, 2024
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
RMBA Campus
Open to Alumni and their families! Additional details to follow
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RMBA's High School Drama Society Presents:
Peter Pan
2 Showings (at RMBA):
Sunday, April 7th, 2024
2:00 PM
Monday, April 8th, 2024
5:15 PM
Featuring Kindergarten students singing "I Won't Grow Up"
Click here to purchase tickets or ad space in the playbill
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Camp Kochavim
Summer 2024
Session 1: June 10–June 21
Session 2: June 24–July 5
Session 3: July 8–July 19
Session 4: July 22–August 2
Ages 2-11
Questions?
Sign up today to avoid being placed on a wait-list!
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Bnei Akiva Midwest Zach
Shabbaton
March 15-16, 2024
Southfield, MI
for 7th and 8th grade students
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AJC Presents
The Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) Accelerator Program for local teens in grades 10-12
April 7, 2024
9:00 am
Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Check out the flyer for additional details
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