Dear Students, Staff and Parents:
The school-wide Human Rights Conference held on
February 23 made me so very proud and pleased to be the head of this incredible
school. The range of speakers, the topics covered and the amazing focus and
concentration of our students combined to make an extraordinary experience that
I shall always remember.
The issues raised concerning Haiti, immigration,
nuclear weapons and the environment, common ground in an ocean of difference,
immigration, political asylum, domestic violence, homeless shelter advocacy,
organ trafficking, international criminal court justice, conflicts in the
Congo, genocide prevention, civil liberties, Jewish responsibility, persecution
of Falun Gong, Never again?-Genocide past and present, Darfur, education as a
human right, and human rights in Israel: achievements and challenges, covered
some of the most important and difficult issues facing humankind.
As a Jewish day school, it is essential to our
focus and mission to imbue our students with a desire to be involved in tikkun
olam,
world repair. The day's sessions certainly gave us much to contemplate and much
to do in order to repair our very broken world. Kol hakavod to you all for your
seriousness, emotional and intellectual participation, and menschlichkeit in so
warmly welcoming our guests.
I want to especially thank Devra
Goldstein,
president of Human Rights Club and chief organizer; Natalie Oppenheimer,
Nicole Becker, Jessie Segal, Zara Mellits, Zack Taylor, Sara Abramson, Eli
Katz, Sarah Turner, Hannah Turtz, Rachel Sacks, Hannah Dardashti, Jordana Roat, Molly
Kassel, Jordana Norry, Renee Zwillenberg, Gabriel Gorelick, Jessica Solomon,
Ari Sussman, Mira Taichman and Max Gering--all outstanding students who organized
and made the conference possible. My deepest appreciation and admiration go to their
faculty advisor, Tom McLaughlin, who has so motivated these student leaders.
Thanks as well to other members of the staff who made today possible: kudos to Sharon
Levin, Christine Farrell, Leslie Pugach, Larry Boston, James Canady, Naim
Pollard, Stephanie McHugh and Brett Rudolph. I am most grateful to our wonderful faculty
who hosted speakers and led discussions throughout the day.
The Human Rights Conference contributes to
making our school so special and unique. I hope that this year's conference will be remembered as an
experience that triggers the desire and motivation in our students to make the
world a better place. May it motivate them to take the many lessons they learn
at JBHA and apply them to perfect the world. I feel so very blessed to be a
member of the Jack M. Barrack learning community.
Bivracha,
Dr. Steven M. Brown
Head of School
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For Learning.
6th Grade Book Talks
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 How do you bring ancient history and archeology alive?
Ask the students in Judith Pransky's 6th grade CORE classes
who chose books about these topics and then created presentations in which they
told the stories and the history found in them from the points of view of the
characters. The students wore costumes and used maps, props and action to
explain and enliven their presentations that were captured on video tape. All
31 of the book talks can be accessed by clicking on this link. You will see
photos of the students in costume, and hear them delivering their
presentations. By clicking on the menu on the left side of the page, you can
navigate through the rest of Barrack Books, our Book
Review website. Congratulations Barrack bibliophiles!
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7th Graders Bring History Alive
at Mock Convention
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After
declaring independence from Britain and operating as a new nation under the
Articles of Confederation, political leaders, such as Benjamin Franklin,
Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, called together delegates from the
states to create a constitution that would lay the groundwork for governing. At
Barrack, General George Washington, aka Mrs. Lee Scarborough-Kirk, called the 7th
grade Mock Constitutional Convention of 1787 to order and asked the delegates,
her students dressed in costumes of the day and portraying the convention
delegates, to voice their opinions, present their plans and come to an
agreement on key issues of the day. These included: the role of slavery in the
new nation, checks and balances, national vs. states rights, the number of
executives and their length of terms, as well as the make-up of a bicameral
government. The "Virginian Plan," that helped lay the groundwork for a
constitution and the new nation, was also discussed and debated.
Based on research, heated Barrack student/delegate debates raged on for
two school days, ending with a vote to adopt the Constitution and send it to
the states for ratification. The convention ended with Benjamin Franklin
delivering his famous "Rising Sun" speech, referring to the design on General
Washington's chair and stating that the Constitution would signal the dawn of a
new nation.
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Listen Up! Orchestra Trip:
Music to Their Ears
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Fifteen members of Dr. Karin Orenstein's Listen Up!
music class attended a student concert at the Kimmel Center. The concert
featured Leonard Bernstein's daughter, Jamie, and our Fabulous Philadelphians
in a program about Musical Morphing. The students, having been prepared before
hand for the topic, were enthralled by this program of international folk music
that morphed into classical pieces. Bravo to the middle school students of Listen
Up! and their teacher!
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NYC Drama Trip
by Lena Ladenheim '10
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Last month, a group of students from the Drama
Department ventured to the Big Apple. In the morning, we experienced a theater
workshop first-hand, in which we quickly absorbed a section of a theatrical
number, and then had professional choreography set to the music. Later in the
day, we saw Rodger and Hammerstein's South Pacific,
which for some, was a tear-jerker. The day was topped off with Broadway's
revival of Hair. Most of us were dancing on stage
by the end of the show. It was truly a fabulous day in NYC. We thank our Drama Director
Dewey Oriente-Cassidy and our chaperones Tony
Cassidy-Oriente, Beth Razin, Tasha Vigoda, and Leslie
Pugach.
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For Leading.
Middle School Musical this Weekend:
Order Your Tickets Today
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Don't miss an opportunity to see our talented Middle
School students, under the direction of Dewey Oriente-Cassidy,
rock the house with their production of School House Rock, Live! Performances
are set for this Sunday, March 7 at 2pm and Monday
evening, March 8 at 7pm in our auditorium. Tickets will
be available at the door. Tickets are $10 for students and
faculty; $12 for adults. Or you can send your ticket requests to Tony at SHOWTIX@JBHA.ORG General Seating only:
seating available on a first come, first serve basis. Join us for a spirited
production!
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9th
Grade Annenberg
Science Symposium
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Ten 9th
grade science students participated in the Sixth Annual Annenberg High School
Symposium on Wednesday, February 24. Their topic: Genetic Testing:
Diagnosing and Coping With Tay Sachs. After an impressive delivery and Q&A
session, the students received the award for the Most Culturally Diverse
presentation, as well as accolades from the symposium judges. Leslie Pugach, Barrack's Upper School
Director, was in the audience. Her note of congratulations follows:
Congratulations to our Annenberg Science Symposium team: Levana
Berlin, Toviah Botwinik, Andrea Cantor, Isabel
Freedman, Shira Golan, Sarah Gordon, Brett Krasner, Daniel Livingston, Shanni
Prutchi, and Brandon Toll for
their outstanding presentation on Wednesday night about Genetic Testing and
Tay-Sachs disease. The depth and thoughtfulness of their program stood out
among the other schools' work. Most of the competing schools were represented
by seniors, while our team was entirely composed of freshmen. Our students were
poised, articulate, well-rehearsed, and thoroughly knowledgeable. Congratulations
also go to their student coaches--Leonie Cohen
and Yaakov Malomet and especially to their faculty
advisor, Rhonda August. Once again, a Barrack
team demonstrates what our student body can accomplish!
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Zachary Taylor '10
Debate Champion
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Varsity debater Zachary Taylor '10
won the District 10 varsity Lincoln-Douglas Pennsylvania High School Speech
League (PHSSL) Debate championship on Feb. 18. This tournament qualifies Zach
to compete in the PHSSL State Tournament in March.
Zach
also recently competed in a larger regional tournament, the Pennsbury Falcon
Invitational. There were 40 teams from five states. After six preliminary
rounds, Zach was a top eight finalist in the single elimination tournament and
finished as a semi-finalist (top four). Congratulations to Zach and to his
debate coach Brad Taylor.
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Winter Sports Banquet: March 10
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Barrack's Winter Sports Banquet is
set for Wednesday, March 10. Dinner
will be served in the Dinning Commons at 6pm, followed by the awards ceremony
at 7pm in the auditorium. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated
in the winter sports scene and to their coaches and families.
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Boys' Basketball Update
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Barrack's season ended with a 50-37 loss to Collegium Charter in the first
round of the playoffs, ending the team's eight game winning streak. Ahead by
two points with a few seconds left in the half, Collegium hit a three to take a
one point lead. Barrack struggled during the third quarter, scoring only five points and giving up twelve. Barrack was never able
to overcome the eight point deficit. Loney Keil
led Barrack with 15 points. Tal Ben-Maimon added 13. Barrack
finished the season11-9 overall. Congratulations to the team and to Coach
Barnett Kamen for a spirited season.
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For Life.
Barrack to Host Israel
Film Festival Screening, March 13
Barrack Students/Faculty/Staff
Invited Gratis
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Barrack Hebrew Academy will host a screening of The Name
My Mother Gave Me on Saturday evening, March 13, 8pm in our
auditorium. Barrack students, faculty,
administration, and staff are invited free of charge.
The entire audience will be invited for a dessert reception following the
screening. Raffles will also be available. Buy a raffle for a chance to win one
of two tickets to Israel on El Al Airlines. The drawing will be held on March
20. The film will appeal to the entire family! A description of the film
follows:
A year-long leadership training
program takes Ethiopian-born and Russian-born Israeli adolescents to the Jewish
pockets of Ethiopia to rediscover their unique heritage. This journey forces
the young Ethiopian Jews to confront memories and traditions that they left
behind in the old country. The dramatic Ethiopian terrain has a tremendous impact
on both the Ethiopians and the Russians, leading them to some deeply moving
resolutions about themselves as individuals and as part of as a larger group.
Israel, 2008, 60 minutes. Hebrew and Amharic with English subtitles
Director:
Eli Tal-El
Guest
Speaker: Albert Berduno, an engineer living in Wyncote, is a former graduate of Yemin
Orde Youth Village high school. He emigrated from Morocco to Israel at the age
of 12 via the "Yout Aliyah" program.
Tickets: $10 - General
admission, $8 - Seniors
Free for Barrack
Students/Faculty/Administration/Staff
A dessert reception follows the film.
Tickets
available on-line through 4pm on Saturday: www.iffphila.com
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Festive Shushan Purim
Programs Create Ruach
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Members of Barrack's Jewish Leadership Initiative (JLI)
and various other students and faculty members orchestrated a fun and festive Shushan
Purim program this week. Students and faculty came dressed
in costumes, bringing this year's theme of "musical genres" or "music throughout
the ages" to life. Ruach (spirit) reigned, and a good time
was had by all. Highlights included: an introduction to Shushan Purim;
six Purim spiels, written, directed, and performed by current JLI
members and various 11th grade students; a performance by Barrack's female
vocal ensemble; and a Mr. Barrack competition that searched for the new "King of Barrack". Congratulations to Dan
and Ron Gabay, 11th grade twins, who together were elected Mr.
Barrack, the new king for Queen Susan Rubin.
Delicious Purim treats served during lunch in the dining commons: hamantaschen,
juices, candies, and more concluded celebrations. Kudos to all the
participants and to Sarah Waxman, JLI advisor.
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A Letter from Sara Caine Kornfeld '76
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Dear
Devra, Mira, Natalie and Tom,
 I wanted to thank you so much for bringing me "home"
to speak about the issue of human rights, which so passionately runs through my
veins. The conference was meticulously organized by all of you, such that
sessions ran smoothly and students knew which sessions to attend. There are no students
like Akiba-Barrack students: curious, thriving on challenge and excited!
As I wrote to Devra, I was exhilarated after the conference. My energy was
fueled by the energy of the students! Chad Bissonnette was so inspirational
that, as I mentioned in my email to Devra, I want to be him when I grow up!
You have developed an impressive model of education; inspiration and action
which empowers youth to realize the power of their voice. I commend all of you
and your efforts and feel honored to have been part of this conference.
Thank you so much, and I look forward to working
with you often in the future.
~Sara
Sara Caine Kornfeld '76, ABD Ed.,
Certified Service Learning Educator
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Parents' Corner
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Free Israeli Film
Festival Screening for Barrack Students: All Barrack students are invited gratis
to the Israeli Film Festival screening of The Name My Mother Gave Me on Saturday evening,
March 13, 8pm in our auditorium. Join your students for a stimulating film and
discussion.
6th Grade "Green" Raffle: Barrack 6th graders are selling raffles to help raise funds
for purchasing plants that will make our school more "green" and create an
eco-friendly environment. The prize: a FIVE POUND Chocolate Bar. The sweet
deal: $1 for one raffle ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. This project stems from the
students' TEVA experiences.
The Chesed Club
is having a Sports Equipment drive the
entire month of March, and club members are looking for new and gently used
sports equipment, including: hockey sticks, baseball gloves, cleats, sport
clothing, tennis balls and rackets, etc. The equipment will be donated to
various charities and locations which will be announced at the end of the
month.
8th
Annual Tribute Event:
Join us for a festive evening on Sunday, March 14, honoring four
outstanding communal leaders, and help support our school. To make
reservations, contact Randi Butow: rbutow@jbha.org/610-922-2328.
Support
our Annual Fund: With
100% parent participation, we will continue to provide Jewish day school
excellence and meet the PEJE challenge. Every contribution of any amount helps
us reach our goal. Thank you.
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Support Barrack:
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Join us
on March 14
For our
8th Annual
Tribute
Event, Honoring
Communal
Leaders;
Bid on Great
Auction Items
It's not
too late to join us for our 8th Annual Tribute Event set for Sunday,
March 14,
at our school. The event will honor four outstanding communal leaders in the
realms of learning, leading and life: Susan Weisgrau, Robin and Steven Katz, and Joshua H. Landes
'80. For
reservations,
contact Randi Butow: rbutow@jbha.org/610-922-2328.
Highlights
of the evening include a delicious dinner, with an international flair;
entertainment by our talented students; a short program and honoree
presentations; a live auction and raffle with great prizes; all followed by an
elaborate dessert reception.
Live auction items include two tickets to
Israel, complete with accommodations; a trip to Costa Rico, with beautiful
accommodations; a weekend in New York, with tickets to the NYC marathon; a day
in the kitchen of Zahav; a summer internship at Philly Magazine;
Dinner for 10 catered by Max and David's, complete with wine and a server;
tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra and dinner in town; beautiful jewelry
items; and Brunch 'n Books with Beverly C. Rosen, combined with tickets to the
Israeli Film Festival series; and more. A complete list of auction and
raffle items will be posted on our website on Monday. A
special thank you is extended to our auction chairs and JBHA parents, Jackie
Needleman and Holly Nelson.
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In the Spotlight:
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Chad W.
Bissonnette
Keynote
Speaker at
Human Rights Conference
"Keep
your eyes, minds and hearts open to opportunities to help improve the world," advised Chad W.
Bissonette, co-founder and Director of Roots of Development, the keynote
speaker at Barrack's school-wide Human Rights Conference. Having recently
returned from Haiti, Mr. Bissonnette described the impact of the earthquake and
the struggles of the survivors, pointing to the grass roots efforts of his
organization prior to the devastation in helping the victims of the destruction
after the quake.
Prior to
the natural disaster, Roots of Development volunteers helped a small village in
Haiti develop a water project, empowering the local population to take charge,
develop a process and plan of action, and lead the way for other communities to
begin similar projects. This foundation laid the groundwork for effective and
efficient distribution of goods, services, and rebuilding efforts after the
quake.
Two Akiba-Barrack alumni were among the speakers. Sara Caine Kornfeld
'76 flew in from Denver to talk about human rights
violations in the Sudan. Sara is department chair of tikkun olam
at the Herzl/RMHA Upper School in Denver and founder of "Change the world. It just takes cents," TM, an
international movement of high school students concerned with Darfur. Talie
Lewis '05, addressed the issues of
illegal organ trafficking. Kudos to all involved!
The Jewish Exponent covered the conference and published an article. Click here to read more.
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Calendar
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Middle
School Musical
School
House Rock, Live!
Sunday,
March 7, 2pm
Monday,
March 8, 7pm
Barrack
Auditorium
World
Affairs Club
Model
UN
Tuesday,
March 9
National
Latin Exam
Wednesday,
March 10
Winter
Sports Banquet
Wednesday,
March 10
Dinner:
6pm in Dining Commons
Awards
Ceremony: 7pm in auditorium
Records
Day
Friday,
March 12
No
Classes
Israeli
Film Festival Screening
Saturday,
March 13, 8pm
Barrack
Auditorium
JBHA 8th Annual Tribute Event
Sunday,
March 14th
Barrack Hebrew Academy
10th
Grade Panim El Panim
Washington,
D.C.
Sunday,
March 14-17
Passover
Program
Friday,
March 19
Cabaret
Sunday,
March 21
7pm in the
auditorium
Spring
Break
Friday,
March 26-April 7
Classes resume April 8
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For everything,
there is a season...
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Life Cycles
Heartfelt
Condolences to:
Our sincere condolences are extended to Ruth
Bricklin on the passing of her beloved husband, Baruch
Bricklin, the father of Daniel Bricklin '69, Sarah
Greenblatt '71 and Jonathan Bricklin '73.
The Bricklins have been friends of the school for many years. Mrs. Bricklin
worked at Akiba for over 40 years -- in the Science Department and as Head of
the Middle School. The funeral and Shiva were held in Boston.
| Alumni
Life Cycles
Mazeltov to:
Gabriella
Elias-Bachrach '97
on her engagement to Shmuel Stern of New York and Jerusalem. The couple will live
in Israel.
Rachel Toaff-Rosenstein
'00 and her husband Arye
on the birth of twins, a son Matan and a daughter Gefen.
Rachel is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary
Medicine and will pursue a PhD at the University of California Davis Animal
Biology Department in the fall.
Todah
Rabah to:
Sara
Caine Kornfeld '76
and Talie Lewis '05, who participated in the Human Rights Conference and
contributed to the success of this impactful event.
Rabbi
David Wolpe '76
and writer Mitch Albom '76 were speakers at the Rabbi Albert L. Lewis
Memorial Lecture at Temple Beth Shalom in Cherry Hill. The topic was "Why Faith
Matters", the title of David's recent book and the subject of Mitch's new book
"Have a Little Faith".
Steve
Zelener '80, who
lives in Anchorage, Alaska and develops commercial properties. His most recent
project is the development of the western most commercial site in the United
States at Dutch Harbor, part of the Aleutian chain.
Many
thanks to Barrack parent, Tama Gorelick, for helping us update our contact
information so that we can stay in touch with the extended Akiba-Barrack community.
Heartfelt
Condolences to:
We are very sad to inform you of the passing of Bernard Bergstein, beloved husband of Marilyn
Bergstein,
father of current Barrack parent Randi Dembowitz and Steven Bergstein, and grandfather
of Marti '05, Joshua '08, Abbe '11 Dembowitz and Jonah Bergstein
'07. Shiva will be observed Monday morning through
Tuesday night at the Dembowitz home in Cherry Hill, NJ.
With deep sadness, we inform you of the passing
of Miriam Goldstein, mother of alum parent Brian Goldstein
(Joy) and
Gary Goldstein (Bryna) and grandmother of Deena '06, Jonathan '08, Sara '08 and Gabriel. Shiva was observed
at Mrs. Goldstein's late residence in Bala Cynwyd.
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Photo Gallery
Human Rights Conference
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Shushan Purim
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Mock Constitutional Convention
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