This Week at Yavneh Academy

January 14, 2021 | 2 Shvat 5781 | וארא

Please note the following calendar dates and updates:

Wednesday, January 20: Regular Dismissal (LS, 3:20 and MS 4:40)

Thursday, January 21: School-wide 3:20 dismissal

Friday, January 22: 1:30 School-wide dismissal

Monday, January 25 - Friday, January 29: No sessions

Monday, February 1: In-person sessions resume

Friday, February, 5: 2:00 pm Friday dismissal resumes

Early Childhood Department

Pre-K Havdallah Night

Our annual PreK Havdallah Night was held this past Saturday night with the children wearing their pajamas... and smiles! The evening began with some opening Torah remarks from Rabbi Knapp followed by famed singer Johnny Shlagbaum, aka Morah Alana’s husband, who recited a melodious Havdallah. The children were able to use their cups and besamim that they had decorated in school and they enjoyed some special treats too. Each child is also a proud owner of a personalized Hamalach Hagoel pillow which has been a staple at this yearly event. Headbanz - Havdallah edition was played and enjoyed by all as were the sweet songs and adorable interviews by the Pre-K children. Thank you to the teachers for providing another enjoyable and memorable learning experience.

ט״ו בשבט

Gan ד started preparing for the upcoming holiday of ט״ו בשבט. We learned that ט״ו בשבט is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the “birthday of the trees” יום הולדת לעצים in Israel. We made an Israeli salad סלט ישראלי and had so much fun washing, chopping, mixing and of course eating our delicious סלט ירקות ישראלי.

In addition, we learned that a family is like a tree. Each student made their very own עץ משפחה with our grandparents סבא וסבתא as the “roots” שורשים of our family, who give us constant support and nurturing. At the “trunk” גזע העץ of our tree are our parents הורים, who keep our family tall and strong and who make sure we are always elevated towards Hashem and the Torah. The “branches” ענפים of our tree are the ילדים.

Lower School

Second Graders Discuss Civil Rights Movement

After learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement, second graders did a gallery walk through a series of quotes by Dr. King. Students had the opportunity to read each quote, and leave notes with thoughts, observations and/or questions. As they walked through, students often pondered aloud, sparking impromptu conversations. After their walk, we discussed the meaning of each quote and the students noted how each highlighted ideals of the movement.

Third Grade Siyum Chayei Sara

Mazal tov to third graders on their siyum of parshat Chayei Sara. Yavneh faculty member Mr. Nagel played his guitar and sang songs with the students in Hebrew. Rabbi Penn joined the class and asked questions about the parsha and Rashi’s commentary. Some students also volunteered to share beautiful divrei Torah that they prepared at home. Finally, the class celebrated with cake and goodies! Kol hakavod to all!

Fifth Grade Celebrates a Siyum for Parshat Shmot

Analogous to the adage that it is never too early to clean for Pesach the fifth grade completed Parshat Shmot, an apt preparation for the not too distant Seder Night.

In celebrating the siyum, students enjoyed creating and sharing divrei Torah and playing the game Headbandz based on the contents, personalities, and events. The classroom was abuzz with conversations about their favorite episodes and themes: Moshe championing the cause for justice whether for the Jews or between Midianites, the burning but unconsumed bush, the responsibilities of leadership, and the ultimate mission to persuade Pharaoh to “Let My People Go”. Though students are familiar with the details unfolding in the following Parshot, Va’ayra and Bo, they are cherishing the opportunity to decipher the actual words in the parsha and discover Rashi’s interpretations of the narrative.

Middle School

Middle School Arcade

When you can't go to the arcade, Yavneh brings the arcade to you. Yavneh Middle School students rotated through an in-house arcade housed in our middle school gym. Excitement was in the air as students happily challenged one another to Foosball, air hockey, ping pong, basketball, football and skeet shooting ala arcade style. Thank you to Mr. Rossman, Morah Baruchov and Morah Goldman for arranging a wonderful event.

Click HERE for more photos.

Snow Tubing

On Saturday night, the 8th graders went snow tubing at Campgaw. It was a cold night but that didn't stop our fun! The 8th graders wore their 8th grade sweatshirts proudly as they flew down the slopes. They had a blast! What a great way to bond - tubing and little bites for snacking.