 Dear
Friends,
As
we embark on a new school year and a new Jewish year, we have much to
celebrate. We begin our 65th year as the first and oldest community
day school in North America. Our excellent faculty has been preparing
diligently through the summer months to provide the finest quality and most
exciting educational program available. We are blessed with incredibly
exuberant, talented students, and committed and caring families. Our fund
raising activities of the past year have surpassed their goals, and our Board
of Directors is very focused on completing and ratifying a new five year long
range plan for the school.
As
the weeks unfold, we will share with parents the actions taken in response to
the parent survey which 80% of our families completed last winter. We hope to
strengthen the sense of community both within the school and amongst our
parents. I, along with other administrators and faculty, will be hosting Coffee
and Conversation meetings for
parents here at school and around the region to make these open conversations
available and convenient to as many of our parents as possible.
Please
read Benainu every other week in its new publication timetable to see the depth and breadth
of school programs and Yedion Barrack, a new weekly bundle of email notifications
that will be introduced soon to hopefully lessen the barrage of JBHA emails you have
received in the past. All of us here at Barrack wish everyone in our school
community לשנה טובה תכתבו-may we all be inscribed for a healthy, fulfilled, and
peaceful 5771.
Bivracha,
Dr. Steven
M. Brown
Head of School
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For Learning.
Barrack
11th Graders Off to Israel
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Forty-three Barrack juniors left on August 24th
to study for a trimester in Israel on the Alexander Muss High School campus in
Hod HaSharon, a suburb of Tel Aviv. Family, friends and faculty bid a fond
farewell to the juniors who will have opportunities to explore Israel as a
living classroom, forge strong bonds with Israeli peers, and strengthen their
Hebrew language skills.
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Israel Journal: JBHA at Muss
by Devra
Goldstein '12
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Devra Goldstein and Yaakov Malomet, two Barrack juniors studying at Muss this
trimester, will alternate sending timely recaps about their experiences and
those of their classmates for Benainu. Devra's first communiqué
follows:
It has been an incredible first
week and a half for our grade in Israel! After our long-awaited arrival,
we were greeted warmly by the Muss staff. We settled in and began our
Core class right away. Core is our intensive Jewish history class that
meets often for long periods of time. We are studying the history of our
people from Tanach (the biblical period) through modern Israel (which will definitely
take three months!). Our travels enrich our learning: we regularly travel
to historical sites to learn with our Core class and teacher about the events
that took place there. It's really mind-blowing to open a Tanach, read a
few verses, and look up to say, "Hey! That took place here!"
We spent our first Shabbat in Jerusalem. Our Kotel experience on Friday
evening was very meaningful. The guys made their own minyan, and the girls
sang and were joined by many Israeli women. On Shabbat morning, we split
up to attend different synagogues in Jerusalem. It was a relaxing and
bonding day for us as a grade, a wonderful beginning for our journey through
Israel.
Last Sunday, we went on our first tiyul (trip in Hebrew). We traveled
to Gezer, which is a community from thousands of years ago. We saw a gate
which dates back to the time of Abraham. We walked down into a well that
was dug by slaves and discovered one hundred years ago. We walked through
a gate that was used by King Solomon. Talk about living history!
This past Tuesday, we began our first 2-day tiyul. We started with a
hike down Mt. Gilboa - a beautiful mountain near Jerusalem- home to many
stories from Prophets. The perfect way to cool off was to swim, and we
did! We stopped at a gorgeous freshwater spring/pool called Sachne. We concluded that day and began the next by seeing different views of
Jerusalem, learning about the geography, and discussing the ancient political
situations in the area. Later on Wednesday, we explored Sataf, an ancient
farming community. We observed the ancient farming techniques, many of
which are still useful when farming on a hill today. Then we made our way
back to Jerusalem where we walked through a water tunnel which runs under the
Old City. The tunnel is called the Hezekiah Tunnel as it was built during
the reign of Hezekiah - well over two thousand years ago. The tunnel was
dark and narrow, and water still runs through it.
This
coming Shabbat will be a relaxing and quiet one on campus. We have
regular classes until Rosh HaShanah, when we will be spending the holiday with
friends and family throughout Israel. Shortly after we return, on that Sunday,
we will leave for Yam LaYam, a sea-to-sea hike through the width of Israel. We
wish everyone back home a happy, healthy 5771!
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Faculty
Focus:
Meet
Dana Martin, Ph.D.
Barrack
French Teacher
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 Bienvenue to Dr. Dana Martin,
who will be teaching French at Barrack this year, while Dr. Sigal Strauss is on sabbatical. Dr. Martin earned her B.A. in
French at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she felt that French was part
of her DNA. "French, Creole and Cajun - the languages, cuisines, music and
cultures, are so much a part of New Orleans, and better yet Louisiana, that it
was easy to absorb all things French there," shares Dr. Martin. "Growing up in
the Big Easy and later in Waterloo, Belgium, combined with wonderful teachers
and mentors at Tulane who encouraged me to continue my studies, played a big
role in my decision to pursue a teaching career in French." Dr. Martin went on
to earn an M.A. in French at Middlebury College and in Paris, France. Soon
after, she received her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Gainesville
where she was a graduate teaching assistant and associate in the Department of
Romance Languages and Literatures. After receiving her Ph.D., Dr. Martin taught
French in two independent schools: Atlanta Girls' School in Georgia and
Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, Florida. "I have a passion for the
language, culture, history and literature of France and the Francophone world,"
shares Dr. Martin. "I look forward to meeting my students next week, sharing my
passion, and exploring an important and beautiful world language and culture
with them."
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For Leading.
Alex
Moshal '11:
Making a
Difference in South Africa
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While
visiting his grandparents in Durban, South Africa in 2007, Alex Moshal, a
current Barrack senior, also visited the Open Air School for disabled students-
a school located 5 minutes from his grandparent's home. Struck by the needs of
the school and its students, Alex decided to help in every way that he could.
His assistance took the form of Barrack Hebrew Academy drives for school
supplies and funds.
This
summer, Alex and his sister, Tayla, volunteered at the school. He worked
directly with the students, ages six to eighteen, tutoring, mentoring, and
participating in after school sports programs. Tayla volunteered in the
pre-school. "We both understood how lucky we are to have the advantages we have
and the family we have," shares Alex. "Many of the students boarded at the
school, traveling from surrounding townships, and did not get to see their
families often or enjoy the educational opportunities that we do." As secretary
of Barrack's Chesed Club, Alex also understands how important it is to give
back to a community in need. "I feel connected to the students," concludes
Alex, "and plan to continue helping them and the school."
In a
letter written to Dr. Steven M. Brown, head of school, Felicity Hartley, the
principal of the Open Air School writes: "Alex was a real asset and credit to
your school. There are not many youngsters who would elect to spend their
overseas holiday doing volunteer work in a school for the disabled! We shall
miss him when he goes."
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Barrack
Vocal Ensemble
Performs at Phillies Game
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 Members of Barrack's vocal ensemble took the field at the Phillies'
Jewish Heritage Night on Tuesday, August 12, and sang the National Anthem to open
the sold-out game. The ensemble, directed by Dr. Karin
Orenstein, Barrack's music teacher, included; Leonie Cohen
'12, Rebecca Dadi '12,
Abbe Dembowtiz '11, Eliana Glanzberg-Krainin '11,
Davida Vogel '11 and Yael Leberman '11.
"It was such an amazing experience," shares Dr. Orenstein, "and the girls were
spectacular. They controlled their obvious nerves, smiled broadly and
represented JBHA with dignity, talent and pride". Click here to read the full article about this exciting experience.
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Sports
Teams Off to a Running Start
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Barrack's fall sports teams got off to a running
start on August 23 as practice began for the girls' varsity tennis, boys' and girls'
varsity soccer, the middle school co-ed soccer, and the co-ed cross country
teams. Members of the girls' tennis team welcomed a new coach, Earlene Riley, who was delighted to
meet the team and begin practice. Jerry Kleger and Kim Gillio, boys' and girls'
varsity soccer coaches, respectively, welcomed back former players and
introduced new 9th graders to their teammates. And the Middle School
soccer team warmed up with Coach Larry Benek. At the track, Barrack
runners shared summer stories with former and new teammates and with their new
coach, Ellen Dougherty.
Students new to the Barrack, and to the teams, represent a wide spectrum
of educational backgrounds. They hail from Jewish day schools, public and
independent schools throughout the area. "One of the exciting things about fall
practice," comments Coach Gillio, "is that students new
to our school have an opportunity to play on a team and meet fellow students
from all grades. It's a great way to get to know our school, coaches and
student body before the first day of school actually begins." The new students
all agree!
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Danielle
Levin '12 & Teammates
Capture Bronze In JCC Maccabi Games
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Congratulations
to Danielle Levin '12 and her Philadelphia JCC Maccabi Lacrosse team members who
captured the Bronze medal in the Games. The girls competed in the session of
the Games held in Baltimore, MD this summer. This was the first time that
lacrosse was included in the JCC Maccabi Games that bring Jewish athletes together from
throughout the United States and the world to celebrate their heritage and
athletic prowess. The team had a great time on and off the field.
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For Life.
L'dor V'dor: Dr. Brown Welcomes a
Three Generation Akiba-Barrack Family
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Meet Avi Katz, Akiba alumna, Class
of 1959,
mother of Michele Katz Perloff, Akiba alumna, Class of 1982, and grandmother of Joshua Perloff, a new Barrack 9th
grader, Class of 2014, and the third generation of his family to join the Akiba-Barrack school
community.
"Although
my family was connected to the community and understood the importance and
impact of Jewish values, my Jewish identity was definitely shaped at Akiba,"
shares Avi who attended Akiba, with 18 classmates, when it was located at Har
Zion, then at Adath Israel, and finally at the Merion Campus on Highland
Avenue. "The Jewish world that I knew as a child no longer exists. We have to
work harder to create a sense of community and to inspire young Jewish leaders.
Community, leadership, and menchlikeit are the hallmarks of an Akiba-Barrack
education, one that I wanted my daughter, and now my grandson, to experience
and enjoy."
Michele
agrees. "My Akiba education shaped who I am today. I not only received an
excellent academic education, but an excellent Jewish one as well. I was a very
shy student, and I found my voice at Akiba. I learned the skills needed to not
only succeed in college, but also to succeed in life. And my Jewish history and
ethics classes continue to influence my role as a nurse every day. Who wouldn't
want their children to have the same enriching experiences!" Michele and her
husband, Jay, also have two daughters in Jewish day school: Hannah, 12, attends
Saligman; Shira, 9, attends Perelman.
Both Avi
and Michele keep in close contact with their high school classmates and play
active roles in the Jewish community. Avi is also active in the Akiba-Barrack Alumni
Association and is a member of Barrack's Board of Trustees. She and Michele
were both past presidents of the Akiba Alumni Association.
"My Jewish day school education has
connected me to my roots," comments Josh, "and I have made good friends in
school. In fact, a number of them will join me at Barrack this year. The facilities
are also great here," Josh adds. An avid athlete, he has already joined the
boys' varsity soccer team and looks forward to joining the boys' varsity tennis
team. History is Josh's favorite subject, an interest he shared while talking
with residents of the Abramson Center where he volunteered as part of his Bar
Mitzvah tzedakah project.
We also welcome four two-generation Akiba-Barrack
families: three with children entering 9th grade and one with a
child entering 6th grade. New 9th graders are Aden
Ohayon, son of Naomi Alter '83
and Isaac Ohayon; Limor (Lili)
Naim, daughter of Gideon '82 and Karen Naim; Jonathan
Kolman, son of Rebecca Landes Kolman
'77 and Timothy Kolman; and 6th grader Noah
Maltzman, son of Seth Maltzman '75 and Gail Maltzman. Their daughter Aleksey (Ruth) Maltzman
is a 10th grade student in our school. Yes, the tradition of L'dor
V'dor continues!
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Jeffrey
Silverstein '82
Memorial Award Fund Established
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The Akiba and Barrack
community has been saddened by the untimely death of Jeffrey Silverstein '82 in July 2010. In
response, family and friends have established a Jeffrey Silverstein Memorial
Award for Excellence in Science at Barrack Hebrew Academy. This is a
meaningful gesture and helps perpetuate Jeffrey's memory through a field of
study in which he excelled. A member of the science and chess clubs at Akiba,
Jeffrey was the recipient of the Billy Milner Memorial Science Award.
A classmate has
generously initiated the fund with a gift of $5,000 and will match
donations up to an additional $5,000. This will enable the Akiba-Barrack community
to remember Jeffrey and present an award to a deserving student or students. To
participate online with a credit card: Click on the following link. Under
Special Instructions note: Jeffrey Silverstein Memorial Science Award. Or mail checks to:
Akiba-Barrack Alumni Association, Barrack Hebrew Academy, 272 S. Bryn Mawr
Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
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Scene
Stealers: Scene it! NYC 2010
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Congratulations
to Michael Bihvosky' 05, who is one of 8 finalists in the Scene it! NY
2010
competition, showcasing musical-theater works created by young playwrights,
composers and lyricists. Michael will produce and perform two scenes from The New
Musical-a pop rock show about the first-year college
experience for which he has written the book, music and lyrics. The competition
will take place at the Jerry Orbach Theater on Wednesday, September 22. Four
additional Akiba- Barrack alum will also perform along with Michael: Doreen
Strauss '04, Natalie West '06, Jon
Turner '06, and Dana Giltin '07. To hear a demo, log on to: www.michaelbihovsky.com
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Parents' Corner
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Barrack's
YouTube Channel, Log On Now!
Barrack
Hebrew Academy is on YouTube. The link can be found atop our Home Page in front of the link to our school calendar. Tell your family
and friends to log on and enjoy our school video and additional video clips.
New
Student Orientations Set for Tuesday, Sept. 7
Welcome to
Barrack Hebrew Academy! Orientation sessions for students new to Barrack are
set for Tuesday, September 7.
Middle School students will meet from 10am
to noon.
Upper School students will meet from 1-2:30pm.
See you then!
College
Night for Seniors & Their Parents: Sept. 14
Barrack
seniors and parents, mark your calendars!
Tuesday, September 14 at 7pm is College Application Night, where all the
procedures, forms and obligations that students need to understand in order to
apply to college will be reviewed and discussed. The evening's pertinent
agenda includes a demonstration of our state-of-the-art college program called Naviance. This program helps students
compare colleges and track applications. Discussions and procedures regarding
school letters of recommendation, teacher letters, college representative
visits, essays, interviews and many other related issues involved in the
college process will also be discussed. "We will also discuss trends in admissions and in
standardized testing, changes in the Common Application, and a brief discussion
of Financial Aid," comments Carol Jacobs, Director of College Guidance. "The
evening will allow our students, to know exactly what, when and how to engage
in every step of the college application process. We encourage parents to
attend, but we especially want EVERY STUDENT to be there!"
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In the Spotlight:
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From Our Barrack Family to Yours,
a Happy, Healthy,
Sweet New Year.
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Barrack
Seniors Will Build a
Sukkah at Your Home
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Members of the Class of 2011 are initiating a fundraiser and will build a
Sukkah for you at your home from September 5-21 (not on Shabbat or
holidays.) The dismantling schedule spans October 3-11. The
fee to build a Sukkah is $50; $36 to dismantle one. Please click here for a reservation form and return
it to Mrs. Rubin, or email your request to Matan Ayash. The senior
class thanks you for your support.
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Squash
Club, New to Barrack This Year!
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Co-ed students in Middle School and Upper School will have an opportunity
to play the amazing game of squash during an 8-week program sponsored by
Barrack parent, Belinda Raikin. No previous experience
is necessary. International Pro coaches at the Fairmount Athletic Club in King
of Prussia will coach students in this exciting game. Bus transportation will
be provided. An Open House will be held at the club on Wednesday,
September 15 from 4pm to 5pm. Prospective players
are welcome to come see the club and try playing squash with Mrs. Raikin
between now and the beginning of the season. A beginner's squash team will be
formed, providing opportunities to compete against other independent schools'
beginner teams. The season start date is set for Monday,
September 20. Click here for complete details
and a registration form.
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Calendar
| New
Student Orientations
Tuesday,
Sept. 7
Middle
School: 10am-noon
Upper
School: 1-2:30pm
Rosh
Hashanah
School
closed
Wednesday-Friday
Sept. 8-10
First Day
of School
Welcome
back!
Monday,
Sept. 13
After
School 9th
Grade
Welcome
Back Dinner
Tuesday,
Sept. 14
4pm-7pm
Batoff
Family Dining Hall
College
Application Night
For
Seniors & Parents
Tuesday,
Sept. 14 7pm
Barrack
Hebrew Academy
Yom
Kippur Assembly
Thursday,
Sept. 16
Erev
Yom Kippur
School
Closed
Friday,
Sept. 17
New
Parent Reception
Monday,
Sept. 20, 7pm
Home of
Tracy and George Gordon
Sukkot
School
Closed
Wednesday-Friday
Sept.
22-24
11th
Grade Potluck Dinner
Monday,
Sept. 27, 6pm
In Barrack
Sukkah
Sukkah
Fest
Tuesday,
Sept. 28
4pm at
Barrack
Shmini
Atzeret
School
Closed
Thursday,
Sept. 30
Simchat
Torah
School
closed
Friday,
Oct.1
Colegio
Tarbut
Students
& Chaperones Arrive
Monday, Oct. 4
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Due to the
holidays,
the next issue of Benainu will be emailed on
Friday, Oct. 8.
Chag Sameach!
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Photo Gallery
Off to Israel | 
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Photo Gallery
Sports Scene
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| Tennis photos by Jade Nadav '14
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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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