Parshat Ki Tisa | Candle Lighting 7:11 pm | Havdalah 8:12 pm | |
This week, Rivkie Gottlieb, Lower School Judaic Studies Principal, explores the themes of divine mercy and hidden presence in Parshat Ki Tisa and Purim, emphasizing faith in Hashemâs presence even in times of failure or uncertainty.
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Read Rivkie Gottlieb's Parsha Perspectives.
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Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good | |
We are so grateful for all our volunteers this week! A huge shoutout and thank you goes out to:
Linda Azulay, Shalhevet Dordek, Keren Gertler, Lena Lieb, Elisheva Meisel, Reut Mizrahi, Sara Rosenblum, and Ortal Tobul
If you would like to volunteer at RMBA please click here to view our opportunities.
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Mazal Tov to Marissa ('09) and Ayton Sanders on the birth of their daughter, Joan Edythe (Yonit Esther).
Mazal Tov to siblings Margot and Leo Sanders.
Mazal Tov to grandparents Frieda Katz and Ikey Betesh, Walter Katz, and Gail and Chaim Sanders.
Mazal Tov to great-grandparents Joan and Larry Katz and Zako Bilmen and Albert Bilmen z"l.
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Teaching Through Chessed
We are thrilled to share that our very own Middle School math teacher, Jennifer Rosenzweig, has been published in Prizmahâs HaYidion journal! Her article, Bridging the Gap and Making Connections Through Chesed, highlights the power of hands-on learning and meaningful service. Ms. Rosenzweigâs dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she also leads our Better to Serve High School elective, inspiring students to make a real impact in the community. We are so proud of her achievement and grateful for her commitment to our students! Read her article here: Prizmahâs HaYidion.
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Legends of Chumash
Each week, our 5th grade students dive into an exciting, fast-paced competition that strengthens their Chumash skills while keeping the fun (and friendly rivalry!) alive! Every student is assigned a teamâthe Chumash Chargers, Rashi Rockets, Pasukim Panthers, or Bet Midrash Beaksâand goes head-to-head in a dynamic review game. As the competition heats up, the questions get tougher, pushing students to build on their knowledge and sharpen their skills. Along the way, they earn personal points for their achievements, adding an extra layer of strategy to the race.
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Sociology Meets Literature
Students in Mr. Cell's 11th-12th grade on-level Sociology class have been studying the work of early modern sociologists, including Ferdinand TĂśnnies and Max Weber. They have also drawn connections between these sociologists' theories and their readings of contemporary political philosopher Patrick Deneen in Mr. Stanulonis' English class.
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Transformation Through Conflict
Ms. Ruben's Middle School English classes are beginning their 4th quarter unit this week. They will be exploring the concept of Transformation Through Conflict using a variety of courses including novels, poetry, articles, TED Talks, and short stories.
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Hamantaschen & Hebrew
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Morah Chen's Novice Hebrew 4th-5th grade class got into the Purim spirit by baking hamantaschen! Students had fun shaping, filling, and folding while practicing Hebrew in a festive, hands-on way.
!×× ×¤×ר×× ×Š×× Happy Purim!
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Birthday Show and Tell
Ms. Morrison's 4th grade class celebrates birthdays with a special "Show and Tell" activity. On their birthday, each student brings in one or more meaningful items connected to a memorable experience. Whether itâs a favorite toy, a family heirloom, or a personal creation, each item offers a glimpse into their story. This tradition not only makes birthdays extra special but also strengthens the classroom community by fostering connections and allowing students to learn more about one anotherâs unique experiences and memories.
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A Lesson in Kindness
On Tuesday, a social-emotional coach from Catapult visited Ms. Morrison's 2nd grade class and led a special lesson on community. The session began with a fun yarn activity that demonstrated how each student is connected and how their actions impact one another. The students engaged in thoughtful discussions about what makes a strong classroom community, sharing ideas such as kindness, active listening, and helping friends. To conclude the lesson, students worked together to create a classroom community puzzle. Each student wrote words and actions on a puzzle piece that they believed would contribute to a positive and supportive class environment. This activity beautifully illustrated the importance of every individual in fostering a strong and inclusive community.
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Little Artists Big Emotions
This week, our kindergarteners let their creativity run wild as they brought their "Color Monsters" to life in art class! Inspired by emotions and imagination, these colorful creatures are as unique as the young artists who created them.
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Purim Prep
This week in Morah Sandyâs EC3 class, students continued their exciting Purim preparations. They finger-painted the outside of their own Megillahs, colored the inside to "write" the story, and enjoyed tasting delicious hamantaschen!
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T is for Terrific
Morah Avivaâs EC4A students enjoyed letter âTtâ multi-sensory stations this week. After dancing to the beat of their letter consonant song and completing midline-crossing exercises, the students worked eagerly on tracing activities and practiced writing both the uppercase and lowercase letters. They also came up with a fantastic list for their word wall!
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Sweet Spot Event
This past week, we kicked off Part 1 of our Conversations That Shape Us book discussion series at The Sweet Spot, led by Rabbi Silvestri. With about 16 participants gathered over delicious paninis and salad, we engaged in a meaningful conversation on the first five chapters of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. A central theme of the discussion was whether the book leans toward a doom-and-gloom perspective or offers a redemptive outlook. Rabbi Silvestri framed this debate through the lens of two prophetic voicesâYirmiyahu and Yishayahu. The group also delved into safetyism, with Rabbi Silvestri also sharing eye-opening statistics on teenage phone usage within our own school community. Missed Part 1? No problem! Join us for Part 2 on May 5thâall are welcome, even if you werenât at the first session. Stay tuned for details!
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Clowning Around
Morah Tsippi's EC2B students had a wonderful time developing their fine motor skills as they transformed their own faces into silly clowns for Purim. Using a variety of materials with different textures, they created fun, three-dimensional effects. Their colorful creations are now displayed just outside the classroom for everyone to enjoy!
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Animal Adaptations
This week, Mr. Simon's third-grade class dove into the fascinating world of animal structures and ecosystem adaptations. They were amazed by the incredible ways animals surviveâwhether escaping predators or enduring extreme climates. From the towering giraffe to the mighty elephant, students explored how unique physical features help animals thrive. They also studied porcupines and armadillos, uncovering even more remarkable survival strategies. Taking their learning a step further, students designed their own imaginative creatures, blending traits from different animals to create an entirely new animal kingdom! What a fun and creative way to bring science to life!
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Stock the Shelves
We are so proud of our Lower School Student Council for leading a Food Drive to support those in need! This is a wonderful opportunity for students across all divisions to come together and make a difference. The team that collects the most itemsâLower School, Middle School, or High Schoolâwill win a special prize sponsored by the Middle School Beren Bagel Newspaper! Letâs fill the bins and help stock up on essential items like canned goods, paper products, and cleaning supplies. No expired, homemade, or perishable items, please! Together, we can make a real impact!
March 11-31, 2025
Drop-off locations:
⢠High School: Mr. Cellâs classroom
⢠Middle School: Mr. Dukeâs classroom
⢠Lower School: Ms. Schneiderâs classroom
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RMBA's Drama Society Presents
Beauty and the Beast
Bed & Breakfast
taking place on
March 16 (2 PM) and March 17 (5:15 PM)
at the ERJCC
Priority Seating $20
Adult Tickets $10
Student Tickets $7
Must be purchased in advance
Purchase tickets
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RMBA invites you to the
56th Anniversary Scholarship Gala
Sunday, March 30, 2025
United Orthodox Synagogues
9001 Greenwillow Street
Houston, Texas 77096
Reception at 5:00 p.m.
Program at 6:00 p.m.
Followed by Dinner
Honoring
Bonnie Blumberg
Dena and Baruch Brody Award for Dedicated Service
Special Tribute to the
Houston Police Department
Featuring
American-Israeli Comedian Joel Chasnoff
National Jewish Book Award Winner and Author of Israel 201
RSVP by Friday, March 14, 2025
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Camp Kochavim
RMBA's Summer Day Camp
Join us on the Beren Campus for a fun-filled, unforgettable experience for kids ages 2-11âpacked with adventure, creativity, and friendships that last well beyond summer. Limited spots remain for both campers AND counselors!
For more information, or to sign-up,
visit our website!
See flyer for additional details.
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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.
Middle School and High School Track
The HS Track team participated in their first track meet on March 6th at The Briarwood School.
Congratulations to Elana Yanowitz and Kayla Kupfer for finishing 6th and 7th respectively in the 100m race. This was their first race and both finished in the top half. Kayla also competed in the 200m but the times were unofficial due to darkness. They will compete in their second meet on April 3rd.
MS Track will have their first meet on March 20th, with a second meet possibly on March 27th.
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Community Events & Flyers | |
UOS and Bnei Akiva Houston Invite you to a
Purim Carnival
Friday, March 14th, at UOS!
Join us in the UOS parking lot from 1:30-3:30 pm for an exciting afternoon filled with amazing activities!
There is no entrance fee, but we ask that you RSVP in advance so we can purchase the appropriate supplies. Pizza will be available for purchase at the time of the event.
Click here to RSVP!
See flyer for details.
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UOS Invites you to a
Purim Seudah and Shabbat dinner
Friday, March 14th, 2025
Celebrate Purim with UOS and enjoy delicious Persian food.
Consistent with minhagim (traditions) about celebrating Purim on Friday, the meal will begin at 6pm with meat appetizers to fulfill the Seudat Mitzvah (celebratory meal) of the day, break for Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv at 6:30pm, and finally transition to Shabbat dinner and the main course at 7pm.
Early Bird Prices:
Adult Member: $36
Child Member: $18
Adult Non-Member: $45
Child Non-Member: $22.5
Registration
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We Rise Again
United Orthodox Synagogue
Join us for We Rise Againâan evening of resilience, hope, and rebuilding featuring Mendel Vile, Bazy Rubin, and Nerya Meir. Their story is our story.
Tuesday, March 20, 2025
7:00 PM
ďťżTo RSVP, click here.
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IDP Shabbaton
Bnei Akiva
This is the most epic Shabbaton of the year, bringing together teens from cities all over the U.S., and wrapping up with marching in the Israeli Day Parade through the streets of New York City!
May 15-May 18, 2025
Limited Spots: Only 20 tickets are available, so donât waitâsecure your spot now!
For more information and to register, click here.
If youâve got questions, please reach out to houston@bneiakiva.org.
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Welcome to M.A.D's Annual March MADness Bracket Fundraiser!
This year 50% of all proceeds will go toward a nonprofit dedicated to supporting lone soldiers in Israel and providing them with mental health services, "KeepOlim".
By entering your brackets here, youâll get to enjoy the excitement of March Madness and make a positive impact. Sign up by March 16th. Join in for your shot at winning a CASH PRIZE for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!!
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