Dear Friends,
This has been a very positive and productive week at Barrack Hebrew
Academy. Our students, teachers and administrators are back on campus and in
the classroom, actively learning, teaching, and celebrating Jewish life.
Our Home and School Association hosted a delicious brunch in
appreciation of our faculty and administration. Everyone enjoyed the brunch and
the camaraderie.
Our community came together to enjoy a joyful production of the Kaufman
and Hart classic comedy, You Can't Take It With You, brought to life by our talented
students, members of the Barack Repertory Company, under the expert direction
of Dewey J. Oriente-Casssidy.
Thirty-eight members of our junior class, who studied in Israel for a
trimester, returned to the States. They were escorted home by Leslie Pugach, our Upper School Director.
Our students are eager to share their experiences and adventures when they
return to campus on December 9, the beginning of our second trimester.
My informal Coffee and Conversation sessions with parents continue, and
I look forward to meeting with the parents of our 11th and 12th
grade students.
Plans are being finalized for our Fall Athletics Awards Banquet set for
Thursday, December 10. Individual student athletes and teams will be
recognized, not only for setting new records and winning championships, but
also for demonstrating sportsmanship and teamwork.
And teamwork at Barrack Hebrew Academy goes beyond athletics. It is the
teamwork of our students, faculty, administration, staff, parents, alumni,
Board and donors that creates a very special and supportive Barrack community.
It is this spirit of community that we embrace as we continue to be
engaged in the privilege of educating the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Bivracha,
Dr. Steven M. Brown
Head
of School
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For Learning.
Preparing for the Science Olympiad
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 Middle and Upper School students,
members of Barrack's Science Olympiad Club, are preparing for the Science
Olympiad Competition scheduled for the beginning of March. "This is a national
competition that presents problems covering a wide range of science
disciplines," explains John Borgmann-Winter, science teacher and one of the co-club advisors
along with science colleague Kathleen Saltz. "Our students might have problems to solve in the
competition that deal with chemistry, flight engineering, forensics, earth
science, and more." This week a team of students at Barrack was using a string
and a ball to create a series of events that would cause a buzzer to ring.
Another group was challenged with identifying the dominant powder among many
powders and then describing the components of that significant powder. When asked
why they joined the club, the young scientists replied: "We love science and
the challenge of solving problems as a team." This will be the second year that
Barrack students will participate in the Science Olympiad Competition. |
Annenberg Science
Symposium Kick-Off
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Ten 9th
graders and two 10th grade mentors participated in the Annenberg
Science Symposium kickoff event on December 3,
accompanied by their advisor and Science Department Chair, Rhonda August. The 9th
graders included: Andi Cantor, Brandon Toll, Brett Kranser, Dani Levingston,
Isabel Freedman, Levana Berlin, Sarah Gordon, Shanni Prutchi, and Shira Golan.
Toviah Botwinik, Leonie Cohen and Yaakov Malomet are their
10th grade mentors. Each year, our students, their mentors and their
advisor explore timely topics in the realm of science that impact our society
and world. This year's topic will be explore Genetic Testing.
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Animal Farm:
Orwell
Comes Alive in Middle School
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 Barrack's 7th grade Core classes are reading
and discussing George Orwell's Animal Farm and
grappling with the Orwellian paradox and the historical reality that shapes the
novel and brings to mind its famous line: All Animals are equal, but some
animals are more equal than others. "In preparation for studying Animal
Farm, students brought in stuffed animals, as well as one very well-behaved
dog, and reported on the anthropomorphic qualities of their 'pets,' stuffed and
real," explains Lee
Scarborough-Kirk, Core teacher. The students also wrote fables of
their own. "The novel provides a catalyst for comparing and contrasting
totalitarian governments to democratic systems," adds Mrs. Scarborough-Kirk,
"and stimulates very lively and insightful discussions." The students agree.
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Trips...Trips...Trips
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French Theater Trip: Barrack French students are off to see Scapin, the French comedy by Moliere on Tuesday, December
15. They will be accompanied by Dr.
Sigal Strauss, Dana Chirleanu, and Dewey Oriente-Cassidy.
6th
Grade Museum Trip: The entire 6th grade will travel to the University
of Pennsylvania Archeology Museum on
Wednesday, December 16. They will be accompanied by Judith Pransky,
Joyce Ferber, and Tasha Vigoda.
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For Leading.
Gabe Duec Chosen For
All
Southeastern Soccer Team
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Congratulations to Gabe Duec '10 on his
selection to the 2009 All Southeastern Soccer Team. Gabe joins two other top
players in southeastern Pennsylvania who will be honored on December 9 at a
dinner at Williamson's Restaurant in Horsham, PA.
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Two Senior "Aces" Create
Outstanding
Tennis Legacy
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Shoval Dorani '10 and Jackie Retig '10, two top
players on the Girls' Varsity Tennis Team who graduate this June, both have
impressive records on and off the court. Shoval, an
outstanding singles player who began her tennis career in 7th grade,
has never lost in league play during the past 4 years. Her record in Penn
Jersey and Tri-County League play is 58-0. In addition to playing tennis, she is one of the
team's tri-captains and also found time to  manage the boys' varsity tennis
team. Jackie, the
longest playing member of the team in the school's history, who started playing
in 6th grade, has amassed 100 victories. She lost
only 12 matches in six years. One of the team's tri-captains, Jackie also is
secretary of the Student Association. "Both girls demonstrate excellent
leadership and friendship skills on and off the court and serve as role models for
fellow students," comments Mike Mooney, team coach. Shoval and
Jackie also applaud Coach Mooney: "We love playing for our coach. We attribute
a great deal of our success to him. Coach Mooney was always there for us and
our team in every way. We wish him and the team continued success."
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Girls' Soccer Team All-Stars
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All Star congratulations go out to Tamara Moskowitz, Sarah
Saltz, and Samara Gordon, senior members of the Lady
Cougars varsity girls' soccer team, on being selected to represent Barrack in
the Penn-Jersey All-Star game. Tamara scored the winning goal for the
Pennsylvania team. Special thanks to junior Zoe Steier and sophomore
Jenna Glassman for participating in the All-Star game as well.
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For Life.
11th Graders Return from Israel
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Thirty-five juniors returned on November
25 from a trimester of study at the Alexander Muss High School in Hod HaSharon,
a suburb of Tel Aviv. Three additional students returned with their parents. Leslie Pugach, Upper School Director, traveled to Israel to escort
the students back home. They were greeted by family and friends at the
Philadelphia International Airport at 4:30am. A quartet of 11th
graders still had the energy to proudly display the Israeli flag.
The 11th graders not only
studied on campus, but also explored Israel as a living classroom, walking in
the footsteps of biblical and contemporary history, meeting Israeli peers, and
forging strong bonds with the land and people of Israel.
"I
feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity to spend time with our
students in Israel and to have experienced the stimulating and exciting Muss
program," shares Mrs. Pugach. "I enjoyed meeting the welcoming and wonderful
Muss staff and attending classes. I now have a greater understanding of why our
students return to school with a renewed love of, and commitment to Israel, as
well as how we can enrich the program both in Had HaSharon and at Barrack."
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Barrack Students Volunteer
To
Pack Perishables at JRA
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Last week, a number of Barrack students
joined JRA staff and volunteers to pack food donated by Max and David's to
benefit individuals and families in need. A heartfelt thank you was extended to
the students and to Max and David's by Amy Krulik, Barrack parent and JRA Executive Director.
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Parents' Corner
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Coffee 'n Conversation with Dr. Steven M. Brown
11th and 12th
grade parents are invited to enjoy
coffee and informal conversation with Dr. Steven M. Brown, Head of
School, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, Thursday, Dec. 17
and Monday, Dec. 21 from 8-9:30am in the Alumni Conference Room in the Athletic Building.
Parent-Teachers Conferences Rescheduled
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held
on Thursday, December 17 from 4-8pm with 2:15 dismissal and on Monday, December 21, from 5-9pm,
with a 2:15 dismissal.
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In Anticipation of Chanukah
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Rabbi Judd Kruger Levingston, Barrack's Director of Jewish Studies,wrote an article in this week's Jewish Exponent entitled Chanukah: It's All About Light, in All Its Forms. In his "reflections," he notes: "Chanukah strikes me as a special opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of our history and the possibility that each one of us can dedicate ourselves to bringing light to the world." Click here to read Rabbi Levingston's enlightening article in its entirety.
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Barrack's
8th Annual Tribute Dinner
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We Will Honor
Three Outstanding
Leaders in Learning, Leading and Life
on March 14
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Save the Date! Barrack Hebrew Academy will proudly honor three exemplary leaders in learning, leading and life: Susan Weisgrau, inspirational English teacher; Robin and Steve Katz, communal leaders and philanthropists; and Joshua Landes '80, alumnus, business and Jewish communal leader. The event will be held at Barrack Hebrew Academy on Sunday, March 14. Stay tuned for details.
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In The Spotlight:
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BRC Cast Shines in You Can't Take It With You
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Barrack Repertory Company's
production of You Can't Take It With You, the
Pulitzer Prize- winning play by Kaufman and Hart, charmed audiences this week
with stellar performances by the cast, a great set, lively direction, and
behind-the-scenes expertise. The play traces the life and lunacies of the
Vanderhof family and their guests. This classic comedy debuted in New York in
1936 and came alive in a timeless fashion through the talents of a true
ensemble cast. Listed in the order of their appearance are: Hannah Kosman/Penny
Sycamore; Emily Simkin/Essie
Carmichael; Yael Leberman/Rheba;
Ben Freedman /Paul Sycamore; Leon Davis/Mr. DePinna; Josh Horowitz/Ed Carmichael; Andrew Winston/Donald;
Alex Stern/Martin Vanderhof
(Grandpa);
Mira Taichman/Alice
Sycamore; Evan Finkelstein/Mr.Henderson; Yoni Razin/Tony Kirby;
Ben
Miller/Boris Kolenkhov; Natalie Oppenheimer/Gay Wellington;
Evan Finkelstein/Mr. Kirby; Leonie Cohen/Mrs. Kirby; Jeremy Rudoler, Andrew Winston, and Lev Ziskind/Three
Men; and Alex Bryant /Olga
Katrina. 
The lively and humorous
production was expertly directed by Dewey J. Oriente-Cassidy. Behind-the-scenes expertise was provided by Ben
Freedman /production stage manager; Aaron
Crimmins/stage manager; Lev
Ziskind/sound operator; Leskey
Maltzman/lighting operator;
Rachel
Klein/stage hand;
Jesse Steinbach/art work;
Tony Cassidy-Oriente /production assistant; and Susan Freedman, Dr. Sigal
Strauss, and Tony Cassidy-Oriente/Box Office. Bravo and kudos to all!
You
Can't Take It With You launched an outstanding drama and musical season
at Barrack that includes: Mary, Mary, the
Upper School Drama set for January 31-February 3; School
House Rock, the Middle School musical
scheduled for March 7 and 8; Curtain Calls, the 16th
annual cabaret event, bowing on March 21; and All Shook Up, the Upper
School musical that will rock the house on May 30-June 2. Save the
dates and come experience award-winning Barrack productions.
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Calendar
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Second Trimester:
Barrack's second trimester will begin on
Wednesday, December 9.
Muss Students Return to School:
Students who studied for a trimester in
Israel will return to classes at Barrack on Wednesday, December 9.
Sports Banquet:
The Fall Sports Banquet is set for Thursday,
December 10. Dinner will take place
in the gym; awards will be presented in the auditorium.
Classes Scheduled for 12/11:
The faculty's Professional Development
Day originally scheduled for Friday, December 11 will be rescheduled. Classes
will be in session on December 11, an E prime day.
French Theater Trip:
Wednesday, December 15
6th Grade Museum Trip:
Thursday, December 16
Parent-Teachers Conferences:
Conferences will be held on Thursday,
December 17 from 4-8pm with 2:15 dismissal and on Monday, December 21, from 5-9pm,
with a 2:15 dismissal.
10th Grade Shabbaton:
January 8-10
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For everything,
there is a season...
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Life Cycles
Mazel tov to the following students and their families:
Ethan Einhorn '15 who
will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on December 5
Michael Levin '15
who will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah in Israel on December 5
Talia Prusky '15 who
will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on December 12
And to:
Carol Jacobs,
College Guidance Department Chair, on the arrival of her first grandchild, Maya
Jo Friedmann and
to Maya Jo's parents, Allison and
Paul Friedmann
Alan Paul, math
teacher,and his wife
Cheryl on the arrival of their fourth
grandchild Eden Lily Paul and to Eden's parents, Rustin and Stacey Paul
Heartfelt
Condolences to:
Sharon Kaplan and family on the passing of her husband Arthur, father of Alex '04 and Max '06. Services were held on December 1, and Shiva was observed at the Kaplan
home.
Current Board member and past president Sonia Woldow and family on the passing of Sonia's husband Robert
D. Woldow, father of Robert D.
Woldow Jr. '76. Services took place on
November 24, with Shiva observed at the Woldow home.
Marci Ziskind (Scot)
on the passing of her father Sheldon Mehrman, grandfather of Lev Ziskind '14. Services took place this week in Allentown, followed
by Shiva there.
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Alumni Life Cycles
Mazel tov to:
Richard Jumbo '01 on
his marriage to Corrine Carpenter
Gabriel Moreen '95 and
his wife Tzivia on the birth of
Charlotte, sister of Boaz
Stephen Moster '05 on
his engagement to Jacqueline Green
Michael Namiss '00 on
his marriage to Diana Wellgus
Adam Pomerantz '05 on
his engagement to Eliana Altshul
Shai Franklin '83,
Senior Fellow for the United Nations Affairs at the Institute on Religion and
Public Policy who will speak on "Global Solutions to Global Anti-Semitism: A
Diplomatic Notebook from the Frontline" on December 10, 7pm at the Bala Cynwyd Library
Shira Schlaff '96
who made Aliyah and passed the bar in Israel where she will practice law in
Jerusalem
Heartfelt
Condolences to:
The Family of Saula Rubenz Waldman '52. The family sat Shiva in Denver.
Stephanie
'05 and Abigail '08 on the passing of their father, Daniel
Rabiei. Graveside services were held on November 19, and Shiva
was observed until the following Thursday.
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Photo Gallery
HSA Brunch
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Photo Gallery
Science Olympiad
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Photo Gallery
You Can't Take It
With You
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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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