Dear
Friends,
It has
been an exciting and joyful spring here in the Barrack College Guidance
Office. Our students have worked hard to earn amazing acceptances to an
impressive array of colleges, ranging from larger schools such as Yale, Penn,
Columbia, George Washington and Cornell to small liberal arts colleges such as
Clark, Swarthmore, Johns Hopkins and Franklin & Marshall, and to public universities such as the University
of Maryland, Penn State, University of Michigan and Rutgers. Still others
will be going to colleges as far away as the University of Miami, the University
of Southern California and IDC in Israel. This wide array of college
choices and Israel programs is the result of each student working with us to
meet his or her individual needs. We assist students in finding the best
"matches," academically, socially and Jewishly. Through their
hard work and research in finding that fit, students gain a new insight and
understanding about themselves and their priorities. Several students
spent time with us sharing the merits of two or more colleges before making
final decisions. And sometimes, it's a second college visit that
"seals the deal," where students feel they have found a comfortable
"home" for the next four years.
We consistently hear from our graduates that they are thriving at college; and
thanks to our school's outstanding academic and social preparation, they feel
extremely well prepared for the challenge. We wish our wonderful friends
in the class of 2010 the very best and can't wait to hear from them as they
embark on their exciting journeys this fall.
All the
best,
Rebecca Trajtenberg and Carol Jacobs
College
Guidance Department
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Capital Campaign Donor Recognition
|  Barrack Hebrew Academy hosted a Champagne Brunch and
Plaque Dedication on Sunday, May 16, in appreciation of the school's major
donors who contributed to Phase I of Barrack's Capital Campaign: Lighting
the Way for Future Generations. Ariele Z. Klausner '76,
Board President, welcomed all the guests and introduced Dr. Steven M. Brown,
Head of School, who delivered the D'var Torah. Ariele then presented gifts to
campaign chairs, Robin Batoff, Jerry Batoff,
Carole and Matzi Ben-Maimon,
and Connie and Sam Katz, thanking them for
their tireless efforts on behalf of our school. Benjamin Miller '10 shared highlights of his Barrack school career, thanked everyone present for
their support and for perpetuating Barrack's mission: preparing students for
learning, leading and life. After a delicious brunch prepared by Max and
David's, guests were invited to view the Donor Wall and their individual
plaques. Phase II of the Capital Campaign is now underway. For information,
please contact Susan W. Marks, Director or
Institutional Development: smarks@jbha.org/610-922-2322.
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For Learning.
Shakespeare Day:
The Bard Lives On At Barrack
|  The play was definitely the thing as skits, videos,
puppet shows, sword fights, lively scene reenactments were performed and
elaborate artistic replicas were presented by our 9th graders who brought the
spirit of The Bard of Avon alive this week during Barrack's annual Shakespeare
Day. Plays, including Romeo and Juliet
and Julius Caesar, received both an Elizabethan focus
and modern-day twist by enthusiastic, talented, and entertaining Barrack
students. Refreshments, including a Shakespeare Day cake, climaxed the
celebration of one of the world's greatest literary figures. Kudos to our 9th
graders and their teachers for a morning of presentations that would have
delighted Shakespeare himself!
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| 6th Grade Exhibiting Artist |
 Max Feist '16 was one of the exhibiting artists in the Repenning Fine Arts Center held in
Audubon, New Jersey last weekend. He attends classes at the center.
Laura
Lyn Stern, Barrack art teacher,
attended the exhibit and proudly reports that Max had two acrylic paintings in
the show.
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Vocal Ensemble Participates in
Kolot Hayam
Festival
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Vocal Ensemble members Davida Vogel '11, Alexandra
Bryant '11, Eliana Glanzberg-Karinin '11, Leonie Cohen '12,
Rebecca Dadi '12, Jordana Roat '12, Jessica Solomon '13 and Leah
Schatz '13 participated in an amazing Kolot Hayam Festival
earlier this month, learning new musical ideas, techniques and experiences to
share with fellow students. The students shared the stage and weekend with the
choirs from Solomon Schecter of West Orange, NJ and Ramaz of New York, NY. They
also participated in a variety of classes taught by a number of gifted
musicians such as Mike Boxer of the professional group Six13 and Brian Gelfand,
the choral director at the Yeshiva of Flatbush. They studied and performed a
number of combined choir compositions while sharing in an enriching Shabbat
experience with students of area schools. "It was an amazing experience had by
all," shares Dr. Karin Orenstein, Barrack music teacher and Vocal
Ensemble director.
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Getting to Know You!
6th & 7th
Grade Sleepover
by Bryce Tischler & Max Feist
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When classes ended on Thursday, May 13, the bell rang.
We got excited, and we had free time to do our homework. Next we ran to the
cafeteria where we heard the rules for the Sixth and Seventh Grade Sleepover.
Our first activity was "A Cool Wind Blows." It was a fun game that involved a
lot of running, and we learned everyone's name. Then we went outside and played
another name game where we had to remember everyone's favorite ice cream or
name. Afterwards, we had a scavenger hunt to see who would get dinner
first--pizza, soda, and chips. Then we had a choice of two movies: Sleepover and The Sandlot. Later, we all just hung out where we
slept--the 7th graders in the cafeteria, the 6th grade
boys in the library, and the 6th grade girls in room 313. IT WAS
REALLY FUN!
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It's "SPEAK UP" Human
Rights Club
POETRY SLAM/OPEN MIKE NIGHT
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This coffee house event will be fun for everyone!
Students are invited to come up, read poetry or sing songs about change-related
issues, speaking up about what they think needs to change to create a better
world. "Speak Up" is set for Tuesday, June 8th from 4:30-6:30pm.
Students who are interested in participating should email Devra Goldstein,
club president or Thomas McLaughlin, club advisor. Please
note that poems and songs need not be original. They should just express the
changes students would like to see occur.
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For Leading.
Tiles for Tolerance Dedication
& Ceremony
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Monday,
May 24 was a day to remember as members of Barrack Hebrew Academy's school and
extended communities gathered to dedicate the Tiles for Tolerance Holocaust Memorial
Wall, receive a beautiful memorial quilt donated to the school by former
librarian Jane Schofer and plant a Horse Chestnut tree in memory of Anne Frank.
The 4 foot by 24 foot wall, comprised of 350 ceramic tiles painted by Barrack
students, faculty and staff and interspersed with prints made by child survivor
Helga Weissova-Hoskova, not only remembers those who perished in the Shoah and
the legacy of the survivors, but also carries messages of hope, peace and
tolerance so needed in our world today.
"It is
important for young people today to stand up for what they know is right, to
fight against prejudice and injustice, and treat everyone with respect," shares
Arielle Belfer, a Barrack senior, granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor and president of the
school's Holocaust Remembrance, Education, Action and Reflection Club (HEAR)
that spearheaded the creation of the memorial wall created under the direction
of Barrack art teacher Laura Lyn Stern.
The
dedication also included acknowledgements of appreciation to Mrs. Paula Rothman
who was instrumental is having 40 prints by Helga Weissova-Hoskova donated to
the school by the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, Peter A. Rafaeli; to Susan
Schwartz,
Barrack Spanish teacher and HEAR Club advisor; to all the members of the HEAR
Club; and to all who participated in the program and ceremonies.
The dedication program and ceremonies were covered by Channel 6 News,
KYW-News Radio 1060, and The Main Line Times. Click here for The Main Line Timesprint and video coverage.
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JLI Shavout Festivities
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Members of
Barrack's Jewish Leadership Initiative presented an informative assembly that
included skits, video clips and trivia contests focusing on the meaning and
significance of Shavout, the holiday that celebrates Moses and the Jewish
people receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.
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Joshua Stern '09: Mural Recognition
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Jonah Stern '09 returned
to his alma mater and was recognized for his inspiring gift of a mural
depicting "The History of the State of Israel: The First 60 Years" during the
JLI Shavout assembly last week. Davida Vogel '11 and Michal Philip '11, Israel Club officers, presented
Jonah with a special collage that pictures him painting all the sections of the
mural. Israel Club members collaborated with Jonah to decide what historic
highlights should be included in the mural that fills the first floor stairwell
of our school. Dr. Steven M. Brown, Head of School, and Oded
Philip, Israel Club advisor, congratulated Jonah and his
family prior to the assembly.
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Arielle Belfer '10 Awarded Scholarship
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Congratulations to Barrack senior Arielle Belfer who received a $5,000 scholarship, an award from the Samuel A. Green
Scholarship Program. Arielle garnered second place in the program's essay
contest.
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Sarah
Saltz '10:
MLT Student of the Week
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Congratulations to Sarah Saltz '10 who was featured as the Student of the Week
in the May 23 issue of The Main Line Times. Click here to read the column.
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RAVSAK Journal Features Barrack Articles
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Congratulations to Dr. Steven M. Brown,
Head of School, and Leslie Pugach, Upper School Director,
who have articles in the recent edition of HaYidion,
the RAVSAK Journal. RAVSAK is the Jewish Community Day School Network. Dr.
Brown's article is entitled, Characteristics of the Ideal Barrack
Graduate: A Work in Progress. Leslie Pugach's article is entitled, Adult
Jewish Learning: Modeling Risk and Growth.
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Israel '62 Celebration
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Barrack students, faculty, and parent volunteers
enjoyed the festivities and proudly represented our school at the Jewish
Federation of Greater Philadelphia's community-wide Israel '62 Independence
Day. A lively time was had by all!
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Sports Updates
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Tri-County
League & Penn Jersey
Tennis Champs Once Again!
The
Barrack Boys' Varsity Tennis Team captured the Tri-County League tennis
championship by defeating Phelps 3-2. This is the 11th year
that Barrack earned the title. The Cougars finished the season with a record of
22 and 3.
The Team
then went on to capture the Penn-Jersey championship title for the tenth year
in a row. Seniors Adam
Wachs and Jon Foster enjoyed over 4 years of undefeated play in the league and Tal
Ben-Maimon has
3 years of undefeated play in this league. They have played all of
the positions in the matches and were All League in these positions.
The team will surely miss them next year. New players to
the Cougar line up include Ezra Solway '12 and Michael Cahana '14 who had very successful seasons, winning every time they played. Also the doubles team of Ben Batoff '12 and Evan Benedict '13 has yet to lose a set. Congratulations, team and Coach Mike
Mooney.
Girls'
Varsity Softball Season
On Monday, the Lady Cougars defeated Renaissance Academy, 15-9, in the
Tri-County semi-final playoff game. Sarah Saltz '10 had a double, a 3
run-homerun and 5 RBI's in the game. Ariel Gordon '12 and Jenna Glassman
'12 were solid defensively. On the mound, Lila Manstein '13 and Emily
Steiker-Epstein '10 held Renaissance to only 6 hits. On Tuesday, the Lady Cougars competed in a
very exciting and nail biting Tri-County championship game. Barrack won 5 of
the 7 innings, but in the end lost to Perkiomen School, 6-8. Team highlights
included a double steal home, two bunts and two double plays in the game. On
Wednesday, Sarah Saltz '10, Jenna Glassman '12 and Judy Zwillenberg
'10 represented
Barrack in the Penn-Jersey All Star game. Congratulations, team and Coach Kim
Gillio!
Girls' Softball
Team Honors Seniors
Last week, the softball team honored five of their teammates for Senior
Day. Sarah Saltz, Emily Steiker-Epstein,
Judy Zwillenberg, Lizzie Klein, and Erika Shaid were presented with flowers and poems from the team. During the game, the
seniors had a blast trying new positions. Erika had a play at the plate.
Judy gave up 1 walk and had 1 strike out. Lizzie had 4 put outs at first
base. Emily made 3 plays at short, having played every other position in 5
years, and Sarah played second base.
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For Life.
Akiba-Barrack Alumni Reunion
|
 Calling
all alumni.
Mark your calendars and join us for a special reunion on Sunday, June 13,
1-3pm at Barrack,
where we will recognize Milestone classes '0s and '5's and bid a heartfelt
farewell to Rabbi Steve Stroiman, a member of our Jewish Studies Department for
34 years.
A light lunch will be served. Registration: $25 per adult; $10 per child
under five years old. RSVP today. Contact Susan Gordon,
Director of Alumni Relations: sgordon@jbha.org / 610-922-2326.
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Young Alumni Voices
|
 "Coming from such a tight-knit community in high school instilled in me a desire-perhaps more accurately described as a need-to be involved in college...to feel connected... to be involved. With this constant need to be involved, comes a dire necessity for time management, which is perhaps the most important skill that Akiba-Barrack helped me to develop... I certainly learned to juggle a rigorous dual curriculum program, various extracurricular commitments, and my obligations as a friend and daughter, making the transition to college considerably less daunting...And despite being many states away, I still consider my high school friends to be some of the best friends I have..."
Rachel Schwartz '09
Brown University
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Parents' Corner
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$5,000
Matching Grant
Opportunity
An
anonymous donor has offered an Annual Fund matching grant of $5,000 if 100 parents contribute
$50 to
the fund as well. Help us earn this matching grant by contributing today. Every gift touches the
lives and enriches the experiences of our students. Log onto www.jbha.org and click "Support Barrack," or click here for details. Thank you!
Senior
College Shirt Photos
Parents of Barrack seniors, please remind your students that they should
bring their college/university t-shirts and sweatshirts to the graduation
rehearsal at Adath Israel on Wednesday, June 9. Photos will be taken directly after the alumni breakfast. Thank you!
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Join Us!
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All Shook Up!
Join us for All Shook Up!- Barrack's
Upper School Musical that bows this Sunday through
Wednesday, May 30-June 2, 7:30pm at St. Joe's Bluett
Theatre. Tickets are available at the door: $15 for adults; $12 for students.
Don't miss this upbeat rock 'n roll experience!!
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In the Spotlight:
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Senior College Acceptances &
Israel Programs
Barrack Hebrew Academy's senior class of 59 students
will be attending 39 different colleges and universities located across the
Unites States and in Israel. Additionally, a quarter of our senior class will
attend a variety of programs in Israel next year. Congratulations,
Class of 2010! Click here for a full list.
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Calendar
| Upper
School Musical
All
Shook Up!
Sunday,
May 30-June 2
St.
Joseph's University
Bluett theatre,
7:30pm
Tickets
available at door
$15
adults; $12 students
Upper
School Awards Night
Thursday,
June 3, 7:30pm
Barrack
Auditorium
SAT/SAT
II Test
Sunday, June 6
Senior
Class Trip
Sunday-
Tuesday
June 6-8
Barrack Annual
Meeting
Batoff
Family Dining Hall
Wednesday,
June 9
7pm: Dessert,
followed by program
Senior
College Shirt Photo
Wednesday,
June 9
Temple
Adath Israel
Directly after Akiba-Barrack
Alumni
Association Breakfast
Graduation:
Class of 2010
Thursday,
June 10, 7:30pm
Temple
Adath Israel
Middle
School Moving
Up Day
Friday,
June 11
Milestone
Alumni Reunion
Sunday,
June 13
Barrack
Hebrew Academy
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For everything,
there is a season...
| Alumni Life Cycles
Mazel
tov to:
Sarah Nahmias Fishman '96 and husband Rocky Fishman on the birth of a baby boy.
Michael Heine '59 on the birth of a grandson Daniel
Norman Heine.
Danny
Stein '02 and his wife Chana, the proud parents of Adva Libi
Stein (born 5/5/10). First-time grandparents are Gary and Judy Stein.
Danny Stroiman '01 who is currently
appearing in the ensemble of Fiddler on the Roof
at the Walnut Street Theater. The pride is shared with his father, faculty
member Steve Stroiman and his mother Luci. | Heartfelt
Condolences
to:
With deep sadness we
inform you of the recent passing of David Gary Langer z'l, beloved brother of former Board member Howard Langer (Barbara
Jaffe) and uncle of Bernard '05 and Martin
'08. The funeral took place on Monday. Shiva is being observed at the
Langer-Jaffe home in Philadelphia until Friday, May 28th.
With much sadness we
inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Henia Liebhaber z'l, beloved wife of Rabbi Marc Liebhaber, mother of Sharon
Liebhaber (Rabbi Alan Iser) and grandmother of Samuel '03
and Naomi '06 Iser. The
funeral took place on Monday in New York and Shiva will was observed at the
Liebhaber home.
With deepest sorrow we inform you of the recent passing (May 23rd) of Evelyn
Samuel z'l mother of current JBHA parent Janet
(Norman) Samuel-Haltrect and grandmother of Leah '13. Graveside
services were held on Tuesday and Shiva was observed early this week.
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Photo Gallery
Tiles for Tolerance
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Shakespeare Day
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Mural Recognition
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Submit to Benainu
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Please send Benainu information to our new email address benainu@jbha.org
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Get Connected
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Not on our mailing list? Join us today to get updates on what's happening at Barrack.
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