This week has been challenging for me because I had to make a final decision about the upcoming Israel trip. Many of our families understandably have grave concerns and misgivings about allowing their children to take this trip and have reluctantly decided against allowing their children to go. As a result, about half of the 8th grade class will not be traveling with us to Israel in May, and I totally understand this decision.
However, although I considered canceling the trip entirely, I concluded that once I stop going to Israel I send a negative message both to the Abrams community and to the Israelis who live and work every day to keep the dream of a Jewish homeland alive. Israel needs our support more than ever, and in a Zionistic school with a core belief in the State of Israel it is contrary to this commitment not to visit the Holy Land. I do not want to break the AHA tradition of graduating at the Kotel that was established in 1999, and so we will make this journey, albeit with a smaller group.
This year we will spend the first weekend in Jerusalem and the last weekend in Eilat. Our students will go from Tiberius to Eilat and experience the breadth of the country in their travels.
There is a saying in the Talmud called Teiku. This says that a question cannot be answered using the knowledge that we have, so when we make a decision it is impossible for us to know whether it is right or wrong. I believe that the decision to go to Israel this year is a Teiku. The parents who have decided not to send their children on the trip are right, but the parents who are allowing their children to accompany us are equally right. In the holy words of the Talmud- Teiku.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Ira Budow
Wax Museum
Abrams students show their creativity at the annual
AHA Wax Museum
GoFundMe- Vests for IDF Unit
Meir Moskowitz
Help Purchase Vests for IDF Unit
A GoFundMe website has been set up to assist Meir Moskowitz, Abrams alumnus and son of art teacher Donna Moskowitz, whose IDF unit is in desperate need of bullet proof artillery vests. If you would like to donate, please click below and feel free to share the link.
Last year Abrams hosted a group of Israeli soldiers who spoke to the students about Army life in Israel. The soldiers then attended the 8th grade graduation in Israel and re-connected with the students they met here at AHA- it was a great experience for everyone!
This year 12 Israeli soldiers will spend the morning with Abrams students on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. They will talk about their lives in the Army, take questions, and join us for lunch before leaving the school.
It is a wonderful opportunity for our children to speak to the soldiers on-on-one to hear about life in the Israeli Army first-hand.
All are welcome to attend!
Girl Scout Cookies
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES
It is Girl Scout Cookie time! Between now and March 13 purchase cookies and support the Abrams Hebrew Academy troops.
Order from Michelle Eley, Felissa Lane, Sarah Weinstein or Deb Kestenbaum.
Available cookies: Thin Mints, Caramel DeLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Lemonades, Thanks-a-Lots, Cranbury Citrus Crisps, and Shortbreads. All cookies are $4/box.
Gluten-free cookie: Trios- $5/box.
Questions? Contact Michelle (
609-285-2550)
or Deb and Matt (609-771-1710). Thank you for your support!
EITC Participation for Individuals
The Foundation for Jewish Day Schools has been approved as a Special Purpose Entity (SPE). This means that individuals who pay individual income taxes to PA can now participate in the EITC program by joining the SPE.
This is a great opportunity for Abrams families and supporters who pay at least $6500 in PA State taxes to help themselves and Abrams through their participation in the program.
The Foundation for Jewish Day Schools will provide guidance on this process so that you can participate as an individual.
If you qualify, please take this opportunity to help the school and benefit from a tax credit for yourself.
All parents should use the front door to enter the school with key cards and not the back doors. Parent swipe cards only work at front door.
Please do not ask students to open any doors- parents must report to the front office and check-in before entering the school.
No student or other person should use the lunchroom doors other than for dismissal or emergency purposes.
These rules are for our children’s safety.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Car Pool Rules
All Parents who Car Pool:
Please note that the car pool line is for grades N and K only. All other students are to be dropped off in the front of the building.
Parents who use the back for drop off should follow the directions of the teachers in the parking lot. They are there to assist students and maintain a safe environment.
Under no circumstances are parents to park their cars in the middle of the line and leave them unattended to walk students into the building.
** We ask that parents refrain from cellphone use in the parking areas while dropping off and picking up their children.
Abrams Notes
Birthday Celebrations at School
When sending birthday treats into school to celebrate that special day for your child, please consider sending in a healthy treat, such as frozen fruit bars, rice cakes, fruit salad or cups, sugar free pudding snacks, yogurt cake or pie, cheese sticks, light popcorn or air popped popcorn (when age appropriate), pretzels, carrots/celery (when age appropriate).Please avoid nuts because of allergies.
In order to maintain a consistent kashrut policy and to avoid confusion, ALL orders for birthday cakes/cupcakes MUST be ordered from Cramer’s Bakery, 16 E. Afton Avenue, Yardley. Cramer’s will deliver the order to the school at a discounted price.
Please call Kim Pierce at 215-321-5707 to place your cake/ cupcake order.
Celebrate Your Simcha at Abrams
Abrams Hebrew Academy is a perfect choice to host your family or social affair, business meeting or athletic event. Whether you’re looking for an inviting space to celebrate a special occasion; a meeting area with state-of-the art technology; a fun, safe environment for a child’s birthday; or a gym or athletic field for a sporting event, Abrams can accommodate your needs and your budget. For more information on room rentals at Abrams Hebrew Academy, call (215) 493-1800 or e-mail info@abramsonline.org.
Check Your Child’s Assignments with Homework Now
Parents- all homework will be posted on-line by all teachers grades K-8 by Sunday evening each week.
Instructions for use of homeworknow.com:
Click on homeworknow.com
Click on Parent and Student
Click on find school
Click on Pennsylvania
Click on Abrams Hebrew Academy
Click on your child’s teacher
View homework assignments
Share Abrams News With Others
Is there a family member (such as a grandparent) or friend who would be interested in hearing about everything going on at Abrams? Sign them up for our e-mail list today! Please contact the Main Office.
Information about the Extra
Please submit any information to be considered for inclusion in the Extra to Dale Sattin, Director of Development & Communications: dsattin@abramsonline.org. (215) 493-1800 ext. 22 by
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