Dear Friends,
Last Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting over 100 special guests at our third annual Grandparents and Grandfriends Day. Our guests traveled to Barrack from the tri-state area and from as far away as Wisconsin and Virginia to participate in this "grand" day. They enjoyed a continental breakfast, met representatives of our administration and student body, sat-in on morning classes, had lunch in our Batoff Family Dining Hall, and had their photos taken with their grandchildren and special friends. They also enjoyed performances by our talented Middle School vocal ensembles, directed by Dr. Karin Orenstein.
The excitement throughout the day was palpable. Our students were eager to share their Barrack classes, experiences, teachers and classmates, and their grandparents and grandfriends were delighted to be here. Comments from our valued guests included: "Classes this morning were so interesting that I wish I could go to school here," and "If only we had teachers like this when we were in school!" and "We did not have the privilege of a day school education. That is why we are thrilled that our grandchildren are here. They not only are getting an excellent education, they are living Jewish values, carrying on our heritage...they will graduate as menchen."
We are very grateful that so many grandparents and grandfriends participated in our third annual event and enjoyed their day with us, for they truly bring the Jewish tradition of L'dor va'dor to life. Their interest and support help assure that the many benefits of a Barrack education will enrich the lives of current and future students and perpetuate the continuity and vibrancy of our community for generations to come.
B'vracha,
Dr. Steven M. Brown
Head of School
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For Learning.
Learning Across Generations
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 Grandparents and Grandfriends accompanied their grandchildren and special friends to classes last Friday, participating in lively humanities, world languages and Jewish studies discussions, problem-solving activities, and hands-on science and art projects. In Alan Paul's 6th and 7th grade pre-algebra math class, guests and students perused math books from different eras, including some from the Civil War period, to determine if the teaching of math has changed from the era depicted in their books to the present day and how the teaching of math has remained the same. Differences in language and measurement techniques were identified and discussed, as were similarities in the basic ways of performing arithmetic.
 Hands on scientific experiments in Kathleen Saltz's 6th grade Earth Science class brought grandparents, grandfriends and students together to explore ocean floor mapping, part of the students' Planet Ocean unit. In Laura Lyn Stern's Creating Art class, guests and students enjoyed a drawing lesson. No matter the class visited, the responses from guests and students were the same: "What a great experience. We learned and worked together and had fun!"
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The Power of Words
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Inspired by the lessons inherent in The Laramie Project plays and motivated by the rash of teen and young adult suicides caused by bullying and cyber-bullying that have made the news, a number of Barrack faculty members and students presented a school-wide assembly last week focusing on the power of words to both hurt and heal. When used improperly, words can be weapons, but they can also be powerful tools for change. Monologues from the plays, news and video clips, and statistics about the prevalence of bullying in schools today made a big impact on students and stressed the importance of taking responsibility for the words we use and the actions we must take when confronted by bullying in all forms. After the first part of the assembly, students met in small groups with their advisers to discuss ways to stop bullying on an individual and communal level. After the discussions, the assembly was reconvened so that students could share their ideas and put into practice lessons learned.
Dr. Steven M. Brown thanked Middle School Director Christine Farrell, Upper School Director Leslie Pugach, faculty members Dewey Oriente and Kim Gillio, and all the participants of in the assembly and added: "There is a very important Hebrew expression which best sums up today's focus: החיים והמות ביד הלשון--Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Thanks to you all for a moving and well executed program."
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From the Concrete to the Abstract:
Upper School Painting Class
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Students in Laura Lyn Stern's senior and junior painting classes interpreted broad Art concepts through two creative assignments. "Road Map" asked students to select a piece of a map, an area that held a special meaning for them or an area of the world that they would like to explore, and then use that map as a catalyst to create an abstract connection, linking the concrete destination to an abstract idea. Jessica Segal '11 chose maps of China and India, places and cultures she hopes to actually explore one day, and created an abstract collage of Chinese and India art. Houston, TX was the destination of choice for Sarah Winter '11, the place where a family member sought and received help when she was ill. "One Artist / One Still Life," a previous class assignment, had students create a still life painting, using techniques of an artist whose work they admire and wanted to emulate stylistically. Alon Borohov '12, created a still life through the lens of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. When completed, the abstract interpretations will be displayed in school.
Ms. Stern has also recently introduced an Art Department blog, which chronicles every day class studio activity. Visit the ARTS page on our website, scroll down and click on "Visual Arts", and then click on the "Art in the Studio blog."
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Faculty Focus:
Jewish Life in College
Presented by Carol Jacobs
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 On Sunday, November 15th, Carol Jacobs, Barrack's Director of College Guidance, was invited to give a presentation at Kesher Israel Synagogue in West Chester to the Gratz Hebrew High School and members of local synagogues. Her talk, entitled "How to Choose a College Jewishly," helped students and their families learn how to research Jewish life on college campuses. Through a combination of research and personal experience, Carol shared examples of various aspects of Jewish life and discussed the many valuable resources available for helping students find the right "fit" Jewishly on university campuses.
Both subjective and objective information was analyzed, and students were encouraged to explore their personal Jewish identity and what is important to them vis a vis Jewish life at colleges and universities. Alan E. Kranz, Jewish Studies teacher at Gratz, wrote: "I was riveted by Carol's professionalism and poise. Her information was clearly researched, and she shared with us both the "inner" and "outer story" of this situation. Barrack Hebrew Academy is blessed with a rare gem."
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For Leading.
Shoshana Fishbein '13
HOBY Representative
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 Congratulations to Shoshana Fishbein '13, who has been selected to be Barrack's representative at HOBY, the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Symposium. This is a national program that brings together student leaders from around the country for a three day symposium designed to help increase and strengthen students' skills in leadership, mentoring, and volunteering, while empowering them to make a positive difference in their communities. Shoshana joins Barrack's previous HOBY representatives, Jeremy Rudoler and Betsy Silverstein. All three exemplify Barrack's commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders.
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Hats Off To Our Team
Sponsors/Co-Sponsors
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We thank the following Barrack Boosters who have stepped up to the plate to sponsor or co-sponsor a number of our sports teams. We extend a special thank you to Lori and Ray Levin, sponsors of the Girl's Varsity Lacrosse Team, and Belinda and Steven Raikin, sponsors of the Girls' Squash Team.
Thank you as well to the following team co-sponsors: Deirdre and Larry Bernstein, co-sponsors of the Boys' Junior Varsity Basketball and Boys' Middle School Basketball teams; and to Mindy and Jay Horrow, co-sponsors of the Boys' Varsity Baseball Team, along with co-sponsors Michele and Robert Levin.
We are looking for sponsors and co-sponsors of our winter and spring teams. Please contact Susan Marks for opportunities and details: smarks@jbha.org or 610-922-2322.
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JBHA in the News
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Chesed Day: Barrack 6th and 7th graders and two of our faculty members were pictured on the front page of the Main Line School Section of the November 11 issue of The Main Line Times. The story: Community service and an intergenerational art program with seniors at the JCC Klein Branch.
Girls' Soccer Champs: Our Lady Cougars Tri-County League Soccer Championship Team and Coach Kim Gillio are pictured in this week's sports section of The Main Line Times (page 43).
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For Life.
From Death to Life: Reflections from Poland
By Max Gering '12
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Max, an 11th grader studying at Muss this trimester, traveled to Poland with fellow Barrack students. He wrote a letter to his family about his experiences. Excerpts follow. Click here to read his entire letter.
I do not really know where to begin when describing my trip to Poland. It was a trip that left a lasting impression on me, something that will impact me my entire life... One mission we had when going to Poland was to bring life back into towns which once had so much life. We wanted to study Talmud in Hasidic yeshivas where daf yomi was invented. But the whole time the Shoah was right there. ...There is no escaping what happened, and no matter how afraid I was to walk through the death camps, I knew it was something I had to do...
There it was, the sign: "Work will make you free." I was numb, speechless, I was about to walk through one of the worst places in the world... In one of the barracks, they had people's possessions on display. There was a room filled with talitot...I stood there for 15 minutes; I cried a lot, but at the same time it was one of my proudest moments as a Jew. These people would have done anything to pray and keep their talitot; who could imagine wanting to be Jewish in Auschwitz. I realized how special our tradition is. Since then, I put on a tallis every morning. I really feel like I'm doing something special, something words can't describe. Then I walked through the gas chambers. That just doesn't sound right. I walked through a place where millions died...it was real...We walked out of the camp with Israeli flags wrapped around us; we walked out of the place where people were trapped...
We got on a plane to return to Israel. We sang Achainu and when we landed, we sang Am Israel Chai. Never before had I felt so empowered and happy to be somewhere. It never felt so good to speak Hebrew... We were back to being happy. We were in Israel and everything we did was a sign of our victory over the Nazis....These past two weeks I have grown so much. From feeling scared, angry, depressed to being proud, empowered, joyous, alive. I realize how special being Jewish is and how special Israel is...No matter how hard it may be, history proves that we can stay together, and with Israel, we will always be here and be able to be Jewish.
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Da Haf Daily: The Minyan Newsletter
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Please click here to read Rabbi Michael Yondorf's Da Haf Daily: The Minyan Newsletter and note that the commentary on this week's parsha was written by Eliyahu Korn '13. The newsletter also includes information on the Laws of Chanukah and historical milestones.
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Jonathan Schanzer To Address
Upper School About Israel
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Jonathan Schanzer, Middle East analyst and the Vice President for the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, will address Upper School students on Wednesday, December 1, at 12:50pm. Mr. Schanzer will talk about the facts kids need to know about Israel. He will also present a program entitled: Israel: The Facts You Need to Tell Your Kids at the Jewish Community Services Building on Thursday, December 2 at noon. RSVP for this program to: Lynne Hernadez at 215-832-0537.
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Young Alumni Reunion
Classes 2007-2010
Wednesday, Nov. 24
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Alumni from the Classes of 2007-2010 are invited to join friends and faculty for lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 11:00am-1pm. Don't miss this opportunity to catch up on news and views and reminisce. RSVP to Susan Gordon, Director of Alumni: sgordon@jbha.org.
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Parents' Corner
| Open Houses
Barrack Hebrew Academy is hosting two Open Houses in December; one on Sunday morning, December 5 at 9:30am and another on Tuesday, December 7 at 9am. Invite your family, friends and neighbors to attend one of our Open Houses to explore the many benefits of a Barrack education. You, our parents, are our best ambassadors. Spread the word!
Paula Shoyer Event: A Tasty Success
On November 3rd, the HSA sponsored a baking and tasting event, featuring nationally-known chef Paula Shoyer. Over 30 Barrack parents enjoyed delicious parve desserts and camaraderie, while participating in a wonderful cooking demonstration in Jill and Raphael Gabay's beautiful home in Merion. We sincerely thank the Gabay family for their warm and gracious hospitality. Special thanks and recognition also go out to Barrack parents Marcia Glickman and Ros Grossinger, who co-chaired this event. "The evening was a huge success," report Lori Levin and Tracy Gordon, HSA Co-Presidents. As an extra treat, HSA has a few copies of Chef Shoyer's cook book for sale: The Kosher Baker: Over 160 Dairy-free Recipes from Traditional to Trendy. The cost: $30 per book, $5.00 less than the book store price. If interested, please contact Randi Butow, rbutow@jbha.org.
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Open Houses
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Tuesday, Dec. 7, 9am
Join us!
Contact: vyoung@jbha.org
610-922-2350
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In this Issue:
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In the Spotlight:
- BRC's Productions of
The Laramie Project Plays
- Laramie Project Plays' Impact
From An Actor's Point of View
- Shabbat in A Box
Opening Letter:
- Grandparents/Grandfriends Day
For Learning:
- Learning Across the Curriculum
- The Power of Words
- From the Concrete to the Abstract Upper School Painting Class
- Faculty Focus: Carol Jacobs
For Leading:
- Shoshana Fishbein '13
HOBY Representative
- JBHA in the News
- Barrack Boosters
For Life:
- From Death to Life:
Reflections from Poland
By Max Gering '12
- DaHaf Daily: Minyan Newsletter
- Young Alumni Reunion
Parents Corner
- Chef Paula Shoyer Recap
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In the Spotlight:
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BRC's Productions of Laramie Project Plays Stimulate Timely Dialogue
Student "voices" resonated throughout Barrack Repertory Company's superb and timely productions of The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later. Kudos to Dewey Oriente, director, to cast members Jesse Bernstein, Alexandra Bryant, Leon Davis, Miranda Davis, David Feinberg, Eliana Glanzberg-Krainin, Joshua Horowitz, Yael Leberman, Adina Marx, Mira Taichman, Andrew Winston, and Sam Zakheim and to the crew for powerful and thought-provoking productions of two very timely plays. Cast members were also articulate and thoughtful during the "talk-back" sessions with audience members following the plays.
Dr. Steven M. Brown, Head of School, sent an email, expressing the feelings of everyone who attended the performances. Excerpts follow: "Kudos, high praise, yeshar koach, kol hakavod, accolades to the cast and crew of The Laramie Project for two outstanding productions. Thanks to Dewey Oriente for teaching us all about some profoundly important issues. This was one of the most sophisticated, well done, courageous plays I have ever witnessed... I am immensely grateful to these incredible students and our staff for a most memorable and deeply moving experience. My deepest thanks and appreciation."
Laramie Project Plays' Impact From an Actor's Point of View
By Yael Leberman '11
(Excerpts from Yael's reflections follo:)
Being a part of The Laramie Project productions has made me more aware of how oblivious people are about the hate that surrounds them every day. The events that led to Matthew Shepard's death were not the first acts of hate he had experienced. And it breaks my heart to know that Matthew had put up with verbal and physical violence his entire life because he was gay. The same cruelty that Matthew had endured his whole life is still going on all around us today. The Laramie Project plays have given me the opportunity to understand every aspect and opinion on the Matthew Shepard case. Every time I dive into my different characters, new emotions surface, and I'm able to identify with and understand the Matthew Shepard case even more. The Laramie Project has helped me understand how real hate is and how we must combat hate and prejudice wherever they occur.
Shabbat In A Box
Support the 11th grade and order you Shabbat in a Box meal, catered by Max and David's. Individual meals are $22. A family meal for 4 people is $80. The order deadline is Monday, November 29.Click here for full details and an order form.
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Calendar
| 10th Grade Shabbaton
Friday, Nov. 19
MS Musical Auditions
Monday, Nov. 22, 3:45pm
US Fall Sports Banquet & Awards Assembly
Monday, Nov. 22
Dinner, 6pm
Awards Assembly,7pm
Thanksgiving Assembly
Tuesday, Nov. 23
US Drama Auditions
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 4pm
All Day 11th Grade
ADL Workshop
Tuesday, Nov. 23
2007-2010 Alumni Reunion
Wednesday, Nov. 24
11:00am-1pm
Chesed Trip
Wednesday, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving
School closed: Nov. 25 & 26
6th Grade Trip
Univ. Museum of Archaeology
Tuesday, Nov. 30
Muss Students
Return from Israel
Wednesday, Dec. 1
First Chanukah Candle
Wednesday, Dec. 1
Chanukah Assembly
Thursday, Dec. 2
HSA Learning Series
With Dr. David Rabeeya
Friday, Dec. 3
Open Houses
Sunday, Dec 5, 9:30am
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 9am
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For Everything
There is a Season
| Life Cycles
Mazel Tov to:
Wendie Gabay, Barrack head librarian, on the birth of her grandson Yedidyah Yair. The baby's parents, Inbar Gabay Zada and Avi Zada, live in Israel. The baby was born in Jerusalem
Heartfelt Condolences to:
Ivy Kaplan, Barrack faculty member, (Gary) on the passing of Ivy's mother, Dorothy Levin, grandmother of Rachel Kaplan '07. The funeral took place in Texas, where the family is now sitting shiva until Sunday evening. On Monday, shiva will continue during the day at the Kaplan home in Rose Valley. An evening service will be held at 7pm.
Alumni Life Cycles
Mazel Tov to:
Sivy Binder Blume '61 and husband Fred on the birth of a grandson to Deborah Blume and her husband Steven Stutman.
Josh Dembowitz '08 and Josh Belfer '08, who were quoted in the Jewish Exponent about the recent election. Politically aware, they took their responsibilities seriously.
Rebecca Landes Kolman '77 and husband Timothy on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Rachel.
Naomi Itzkovitz '00 on her engagement to Ori Portnoy.
Jamie Katz '02 on her engagement to Joshua Alter. Jamie is teaching and receiving her Masters in Special Education at Temple University.
Michele Katz Perloff '82 and her husband Jay on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Hannah. Celebrating with Hannah were her grandparents Avi Watman Katz '59 and husband Alan. Avi is the Chair of the Akiba-Barrack Alumni Association.
Harris Romanoff '93, who received the Young Alumni Award at the University of Pennsylvania's 76th annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala.
Eli Segal '97 and Dr. Shana Crystal Segal, new parents of Micah Reuben. Eli is an attorney in Philadelphia. Also sharing in the joy are proud grandparents Dan and Sheila Segal. Dan is a Barrack Board member and past president.
Joshua Segal '93 and Jennifer Geetter, new parents of Eden Isabella Segal-Geetter. Josh is an attorney in Washington DC. Also sharing in the joy, once again, are Dan and Sheila Segal.
Dari Yudkoff '98 on her marriage to Jonathan Pogach. Dari, a lawyer, will practice join a law firm in the Greater Washington area.
Heartfelt Condolences to:
Barbara Gelman (Jay Borowsky) on the passing of Barbara's mother Pearl Edelman Kukoff, grandmother of Matthew Borowsky '12. The family sat shiva Tuesday through Friday morning of this week
Debra Piltzer Klinger '73 on the passing of her mother Lillian Piltzer. Debra and her family will be sitting shiva until Sunday, November 21 at her home in Huntingdon Valley.
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Photo Gallery
Grandparents/
Grandfriends Day
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Painting Class
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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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