Beren Buzz 🐝 February 8, 2024

Parshat Mishpatim

Candle Lighting 5:48 p.m.

Havdalah 6:49 p.m.

P² Parsha Perspectives

This week, upper school Judaic studies teacher Rabbi Dovid Liberman's Parsha Perspectives reflect on the Torah's command to assist even those we might harbor resentment towards, emphasizing the importance of overcoming personal animosities and recognizing our own imperfections before passing judgment on others.

Click here to continue reading.

Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good

We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:

April Amsalem, Linda Azulay, Reut Mizrahi, Regina Shamooelian

If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.

Through the Looking Glass

This week we are joined by Eva Turner, Head of School at B'nai Shalom Day School in Greensboro, NC as we discuss the challenges of hiring, nurturing and retaining great educators. We explore the challenges that we have faced during the past few years and some of the approaches we can take to ensure that our schools encapsulate the mission and passion that attract and retain great educators. Click here for episode #22.

#instaberen

Yom Limmud 2024

We were excited to participate in the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s 30th Anniversary Yom Limmud! Judaic Studies Teacher and UOS’s Rabbi, Rabbi Yitzi Sprung led a class titled "Does Orthodox Judaism Make Sense?" exploring this topic through Tanach sources, fostering open dialogue on Orthodox beliefs. Head of School, Rabbi Jordan Silvestri delved into Jewish Heroes, drawing parallels between biblical figures and contemporary icons like those from Disney and Marvel. Participants explored texts of Tanach leaders, uncovering profound Jewish values and messages from Hashem's messengers.

Join Our Team

RMBA is seeking passionate and dedicated teachers to join our expanding family for the 2024-2025 academic year! Are you or someone you know eager to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students? Join our exceptional team and become part of an educational journey that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a recent graduate, we warmly welcome dynamic individuals who are committed to nurturing a love for learning. To our fellow public school teachers contemplating a transition to the private school setting, we extend an invitation to explore new horizons with us. Discover the unique opportunities and close-knit community that set Robert M. Beren Academy apart. To view and apply for open positions, click here.

Critical History Analysis

This week, Mr. Cell's 9th-10th grade AP U.S. History class delved into critical interpretations of common U.S. historical perceptions. Topics included colonial religious toleration, the extent of the American Revolution's impact, and clarifications on Jefferson and Hamilton's roles.

Light Energy Exploration

Mr. Simon's third graders explored the science of light energy, utilizing our Magical Forest as the perfect backdrop for their lesson. Investigating various applications, they discovered how light serves as a power source in telescopes, microscopes, medical devices like x-ray machines, and computer technology. Additionally, they delved into a chapter from their science book, sharing newfound knowledge and educating each other along the way.

100th Day Fun

This week, Ms. Riojas' Kindergarten class kicked off preparations for the 100th day of school with exciting activities! They crafted sticker hopscotch and a "handmade" handprint quilt, practiced counting by 10s and 5s. The ‘schoolness’ continued with mega ice cream scoops adorned with 100 bejeweled sprinkles, 100 day sticker hats, glasses, star-punched books, and over 100 books read! They're also nearing completion of writing 100 words. To celebrate, each student brought 100 items for a bulletin display and enjoyed sorting and devouring 10 food items grouped in tens. They engaged in 100-themed stations, building structures with cups, marshmallows, tangrams, and more. The day concluded with a poem, chant, certificates, and threading 100 fruit loops for necklaces.

Classroom Adventures

This week in Morah Clara's EC3B class, students began exploring President's Day by discovering our city, state, country, and the role of a president. They also practiced fine motor skills while delving into Parsha Mishpatim. Using scissors, they cut out pictures of dairy (chalavi) and meat (basar) items, creating placemats for home use. The class engaged in a fun food-picture game, distinguishing between dairy and meat. They also enjoyed the weather, using chalk to draw a rainbow for the letter R, a clown shape (leitzan) for the letter Lamed, and many hearts (lev).

Sport History Essays

This week, middle school students in Ms. Ruben's classes are delving into informative essay writing, focusing on the history of a sport of their choice. They're tasked with thorough research, utilizing reliable sources to explore various aspects of their chosen sport. Through structured paragraph and essay formats, students are honing their organizational and writing skills.

Emotional Education Initiative

This week, we were privileged to host Goodness Education on campus! Goodness is dedicated to fostering emotionally safe ecosystems in schools. They're launching a pilot program with our 2nd and 3rd grade traditional students. Students collaborated in groups to explore and express various emotions. This initiative will continue throughout the school year, empowering teachers with the tools and resources needed to cultivate empathy, compassion, and community building among students. Stay tuned for updates!

Counting Celebrations

This week, Morah Aviva's EC4A class had a blast celebrating their 100th Day of School on Wednesday! The students engaged in various counting activities, including rotating around tables and tallying their friends' collections. They also had fun stringing Cheerios necklaces, counting sets of ten to reach 100. And, of course, the highlight was enjoying some of the collections, like mini marshmallows and Pareve chocolate chips! Hands down, our friends are 100 days smarter!

Gemara Trivia Presentations

This week in Rabbi Ouzzan’s Gemara class, students presented intriguing trivia, demonstrating their depth of understanding and engagement with their topics. Each presentation was carefully crafted, offering unique insights into their studies. Through these interactive sessions, students not only showcased their knowledge but also enhanced their presentation skills, fostering a vibrant and collaborative learning atmosphere.

Author Zoom Day

February 7th was Read Around the World Day, and it was a special occasion for both our 4th and 1st grade classes as they had the opportunity to connect via Zoom with real-life authors. In the 1st grade, Ms. Emily, our librarian, organized a session where author Dan Richards read his book "Once Upon A Goat." Students engaged with Dan, asking insightful questions about his journey as an author. Meanwhile, in 4th grade, the traditional class welcomed author Lauren Magaziner via Zoom. Lauren's stories and ideas left a lasting impression, as she shared her experiences writing mysteries, fantasies, and choose-your-own-adventure books. It was indeed a memorable day filled with literary inspiration!

Texas Geography

This week, students in Ms. Klausner's fourth-grade class embarked on their exploration of Texas Geography, delving into new terminology like political map, physical map, and map legend. They began drawing various types of Texas maps and engaged in a fun scavenger hunt to test their understanding of the new terms they learned.

Parsha Exploration

This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students learned all about Parshat Mishpatim. They explored the concept of naaseh v’nishma, expressing readiness to do and listen as Bnei Yisrael received two crowns on their heads. Creatively, they crafted crowns inscribed with this phrase and delicately adorned them with jewels using their pincer fingers. Additionally, they delved into the rules of kashrut, sorting toy foods into categories of milk, meat, and pareve. To reinforce their learning, they joyfully sang new songs reflecting on all they had discovered.

Marathon Milestone

As we approach the halfway point of this year's School Marathon, it's incredible to see the students so engaged and enthusiastic about running, even in the chilly Houston temperatures. Students participating just crossed mile 10! Participants who reached this milestone were awarded a cape, fitting for the fitness superheroes they're becoming!

Save the Date

Senior Day

Join us tomorrow,

Friday, February 9, 2024

10:30 AM

for our last home game where we will celebrate senior Philip Leibman, our HS Boys Basketball Team Manager!

Go Stars!

7th Annual

Yom Chessed

Day of Community Service

in memory of

Rabbi Joseph Radinsky zt"l

Sunday, February 25 2024

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

RMBA Campus

Adults, children and families are invited to join together for a morning of community service. Program will include tefillah, breakfast, and a plethora of volunteer opportunities. Parents volunteering will receive double point units (per parent!)

Basketball for Chessed

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The morning will be followed by a 3 x 3 basketball tournament to help raise funds for Avukat Or

Click here for more info and to register to compete in the tournament

4th and 5th Grade Present

our inaugural

Hebrew Family Heritage Fair

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Join us for a special event in conjunction with the Ulpan Or curriculum. Students will be presenting their research on their family heritages!

Click here to RSVP

Athletic Updates

Please see the Beren Academy Calendar as your most up to date source for information. The Week at a Glance is a snapshot, but does not reflect any changes made after that date.

MS Girls Basketball

The girls need to bring their uniforms into Coach Cole ASAP.

HS Boys Basketball

The HS Boys Basketball team is currently 11-6 on the season and 8-3 in TAPPS after a tough district loss against Divine Savior. The boys currently sit in 2nd place in the district and have 3 more games, including an away game on February 8th and a home game on February 9th at 10:30 AM. Friday's game will honor team manager Philip Leibman who is our only senior in the program.