Abrams Extra April 13, 2018

 

 

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ABRAMS EXTRA

In This Issue
Candle Lighting
Translate the Extra
Budowsphere
Yom Hashoah
Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatsmaut
5-7-70 Israel Celebration
Updated Calendar
Updated Calendar
Jewish Youth Service
After School Art Club
Security Reminders
Cell Phone Rules
Recruitment
Donor Support
Oorah
School Lunches
Car Pool Rules
Abrams Notes
Dress Code Rules

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April 13, 2018/ 28 Nisan

 

Candle Lighting 7:19 pm/ Shemini

 

 

Translate the Extra-
Hebrew and Russian 
Translate the Abrams Extra:

 

Translated by Google Translate

 

 

 

Budowsphere

Rabbi Budow

 

   
Dear Parents:

 

It is April, and my thoughts have turned towards Israel and our upcoming 8th grade trip. This is my 19th trip to Israel with our graduating class, and I am excited for many reasons. I have been meeting with the 8th grade regularly to prepare them and get them enthused about this incredible opportunity awaiting them, and I am sure that they are ready to make this life-affirming Jewish journey.
Many school directors whose schools also take an annual trip to Israel accompany the students for a few years and then stop going- they feel as though they’ve seen and done everything that the group normally does as part of the tour. I go each year, and every year I make the trip different and meaningful for each specific class. I want to do new things so that the trip itself remains exciting and surprising for all of us!
This year is no different, and I am doing something historic at our graduation. In 1960, when I was young, I watched the Eichmann trials with my mother on television. She was glued to the proceedings, and although she had been born in America, she was fascinated by the trial of this murderer who engineered the deaths of millions of innocent people. When I was older, I visited the castle in Berlin where Eichmann attended the Wannsee Conference in order to ensure the cooperation of government administrators in implementing the “Final Solution to the Jewish question” and outlined the details of the Jews’ deportation to extermination camps. I couldn’t fathom how such a beautiful place could serve as the backdrop for such a barbaric plan. How could these people decide to murder millions of people and then sit down to eat and drink in such a gorgeous, peaceful setting?
At last year’s graduation ceremony we dedicated a Torah to my dear friend, Yuval Miara z”l. This Torah wound up being escorted by a man named Mickey Goldman into Auschwitz as part of the annual March for the Living. As a young man, Mickey Goldman was severely beaten by Nazis, but survived the war and emigrated to Israel. After the Mossad heroically extricated Eichmann from his exile in Argentina and brought him to trial in Israel, I remember watching the survivors testifying in front of the monster that had destroyed their lives and witnessing the difficulty many of them had in even speaking. Ironically, Mickey Goldman was one of the prosecutors who finally brought Eichmann to justice, and the Israeli government chose him to supervise the burning of Eichmann’s body and the scattering of his ashes into the sea.
I saw a video interview of Mickey Goldman when he was asked what he thought of when he watched the ashes being scattered. He answered simply by reciting Psalm 92, “For behold- Your enemies, Hashem, your enemies shall perish, dispersed shall be all doers of iniquity.” It is amazing that a Torah that began its journey in Yardley, PA made its way to Israel, was taken to Poland and marched into Auschwitz by Mickey Goldman, a survivor who brought a villain to justice.
As I said when I began this message, my goal is to make each year’s graduation trip special and unforgettable. Therefore, I am happy to announce that I have prevailed upon Mickey Goldman, despite his advanced age, to attend our graduation on May 6, 2018 in Israel. Our students will have the opportunity to meet a man who survived the Holocaust, brought justice to a beast, and lived a full, rich life in Israel. I am sure that our upcoming experience will live forever in our students’, parents’, and staff’s minds and hearts.

 

L’Shalom, 
Rabbi Ira Budow

 

 

 

Yom Hashoah

Yom Hashoah 

 

Yom Hashoah was observed during a memorial program keynoted by Marvin Raab, a long-time board member, alumni parent, and staunch supporter of Abrams. Mr. Raab poignantly told the story of his parents’ experiences during the Holocaust and their eventual emigration to the U.S.

Rabbi O gave a well-thought out presentation introducing and concluding the program, remembrance candles were lit by staff, students and teachers who lost relatives in the Holocaust and/or are relatives of  survivors, and Rabbi Leizerowski led  a memorial service honoring the deceased.

The Yom Hashoah program is always moving and educational, and this year’s presentation was no different. It is particularly important to educate the next generation  about this bleak time in Jewish history because so few people who lived through that horror remain to tell their stories. It is the duty of all Jews to keep the memory alive and ensure that the genocide is not repeated.

Thanks to Marvin Raab for his emotional and powerful presentation, as well as to the other participants.

 

 

Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatsmaut
Yom HaZikaron
Yom Hazikaron and 
Yom Haatsmaut
 
This year Israel celebrates its 70th year of independence, and Abrams is pleased to join in the festivities recognizing this auspicious occasion.
Abrams will also remember and honor Israeli veterans during the day’s events.
Programming includes a flag dance and other celebratory activities throughout the day. (More details to follow).
 
Thursday, April 19, 2018
10:45 am
Grades 4-8
 
BBQ Lunch for All Grades!!
1:00-3:00
Grades K-4

 

 

5-6-70 Israel Celebration!
 
5-6-70 Israel!
The ultimate birthday party for
Israel’s 70th
A celebration packed with cooking demos, wine and olive oil tastings, Israeli dancing, Gaga courts, short Israeli films, a kids’ area featuring theater and Israeli-made toys, a marine science exhibit, craft vendors, local music and the hit Israeli cover band Capaim. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Sunday, May 6, 2018 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Event Center at the Valley Forge Casino Resort

 

 

Russian Radio Station
Recruitment Outreach to 
Russian Community
 
Abrams will be featured on the Russian radio station for one hour at the end of April.
Russian-speaking volunteers are needed to participate in the program to talk about the great education offered by AHA and let people know that it is affordable for everyone to attend Abrams and enjoy an excellent Jewish education. We have a few volunteers already, including Ben Rydler, an AHA alum,  and we encourage other parents and alumni to volunteer, too, Please help to spread the word!
If you are able to spend a little time to participate in the radio program, please contact Rabbi Ira Budow for details and the exact date.

Updated Calendar

 

Important Changes to School Calendar
 

School will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018


 

The school year has been extended to Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Dismissal on June 19 is at 12:30 pm!!

 

 

Jewish Youth Service and National Mitzvah Day 

 

 

After School Art Club

 

 

paintbrush
After School Art Club with 
Donna Moskowitz
 
Beginning on April 23, 2018
Dates:         Monday Afternoons (5 classes)
                    April 23 & 30, May 7 & 14, June 4

Time:           3:30pm -5pm
Cost:            $68

 

 

Safety and Security Reminders

 

padlock

Reminder- AHA Security Procedures:

  • 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!

 

 

 

Cell Phone Rules
 
REMINDER: Cell Phone Rules
 
Electronic devices have become a common means of communication and information access in today’s society.  However, these devices have the potential of disrupting the orderly operation of school.  Our cell phone/personal electronic devices policy is designed to keep the focus on education.
At the start of the school day, all cell phones MUST BE TURNED OFF (NOT IN SILENT MODE) AND STORED IN THE STUDENT’S LOCKER OR BOOK BAG FROM 8:30 AM UNTIL 3:30 PM. Students are not permitted to carry them on their person or to use them to make or receive any calls or text messages during the given time.
If a student has an emergency, and needs to be in contact with someone, she/he must use a school phone, or have the permission of  a faculty member, to use his/her cell phone.  Parents should contact the school office, if they have an emergency message for their
Child(ren).
Electric devices, such as iPods, or hand-held gaming devices may be used on the bus/van transportation to/from school, prior to school, and following school.   Students must turn off and place these items in their locker/backpack during school hours.
If any of these items are out at the inappropriate time, they will be confiscated by staff, and given to the director of discipline.
Students will be allowed to bring cell phones on school trips for emergency use only.  Any hand-held gaming device will be the responsibility of the students on a school trip.
The school is not responsible for lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen electronic devices/cell phones.
CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE ABOVE RULES:
1st Offense – Phone confiscated, and returned at the end of the day.
2nd Offense – Phone confiscated, returned at the end of the day, and written notification that requires parent signature.
3rd Offense – Phone confiscated, and parent must pick up phone from director of discipline.
4th Offense – Suspension from school

 

 

Recruitment
 
“New Family Recruitment”
Open houses in people’s homes is an effective way to meet with families who are potentially interested in enrolling their children at Abrams. Rabbi Budow and a small group of faculty members are happy to travel to meet informally with your friends and neighbors to discuss the advantages and opportunities that Abrams offers to Jewish children.
If you would like to volunteer to host one of these gatherings, please contact Rabbi Budow.

 

Support AHA Donor Businesess
Abrams is greatly appreciative of all of the benefactors who donate generously to the school through participation in EITC, LLC, grants, cash donations, etc. Many of these donors are business owners, and Abrams encourages the AHA community to support the businesses of these people whose largess supports the school.
Some of these generous people are:
McCaffrey’s Food Market
Team Toyota
Swartz & Culleton
Rothenberg Law Firm
Flager & Associates
Princeton Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Marcus & Auerbach

 

Marlowe, Zwillenberg & Ghaderi
Your Eyes Center

Espresso Cafe

Center For SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery
* This is not a complete list- we will add businesses throughout the year!
Thank you very much to all of our supporters!

Oorah
Abrams thanks Oorah, a nonprofit organization located in Lakewood, NJ for all of its financial support to our students.

 

Oorah sponsors numerous programs that all share the common goal of opening doors for Jewish children and families. The mission is to reach out to Jewish families everywhere with opportunities to make their Judaic heritage more personal, relevant and meaningful.

 

Abrams received $100,000 in scholarship aid for qualified families this year from Oorah and is extremely grateful for the generosity of this organization.

 

School Lunches

 
Please do not send meat lunches or snacks to school with your children. 
 
Food sent from home must be 
dairy or Pareve only!
 
Thank you very much 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 do not send anything with nuts due to 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
Wednesday of the target week.

Abrams Dress Code
 
Dress Code
 
Studies have found that appropriate dress influences behavior and learning.  Abrams strives through the dress code to maximize the learning environment.
Respect for the sensitivities of others requires that students/parents/guests follow reasonable standards of modesty and privacy.  We ask that students/parents/guests dress in a manner befitting a Jewish day school when entering the building.
Dress Code for Grades 1-8
  • Clothing cannot advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or weapons.
  •  Clothing cannot display writing or pictures that are obscene or suggestive.
  • No writing or pictures on the back of pants.
  • No sleepwear or bedroom slippers to be worn at any time, unless pre-approved for a special occasion.
  • Heavy linked chains may not be worn as jewelry.
  • No extreme hair colors are permitted.
  • All boys must come to school wearing a kippah.  Baseball caps and other head coverings are NOT permitted.
  • No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, tube tops, crop tops, belly shirts, or tight shirts.
Dress Code for Boys Grades 5-8
  • Shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, and tee-shirts should be appropriate for school.  Students may not wear undershirts.
  • Pants or denim jeans must be properly hemmed and not dragging on the floor.  Pants will not have rips, holes, or fraying and will not be too tight or over-sized.
  • Shorts must be to the knee.
  • Pants/shorts will not sag, as underwear may not be visible.
  • Boys are to be clean-shaven.
  • Hair is to be well groomed.  Partially or fully shaved heads and ponytails are not allowed.
  • Piercings of any kind are not allowed.
Dress Code for Girls Grades 5-8
 
  • Dresses/skirts/shorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
  •  Pants or denim jeans must be properly hemmed and not dragging on the floor.  Pants or shorts will not have rips, holes, or fraying and will not be too tight.
  • Leggings of any type are not permitted to be worn in place of skirts or pants, but may be worn under clothing.  If worn, they must be accompanied by a fingertip length or longer, dress, skirt, or top.
  • Clothing that exposes any part of the midriff, cleavage (front or rear), or any clothing excessively revealing may not be worn.
  • Clothing materials for tops and bottoms must be opaque (not see-through).
Consequences for Students Who Do Not Follow the Dress Code:
  • 1st Offense – Explain to student what is wrong with his/her attire.  Student must change into appropriate clothing.
  • 2nd Offense – Written notification that requires parent signature.  Student must change into appropriate clothing.
  • 3rd Offense – Student must change clothes to follow guidelines and parent is called on the telephone immediately.
  • 4th Offense – Suspension from school.
  • Parent conference required for student to return to school.

 

Abrams Hebrew Academy, 31 West College Avenue, Yardley, PA 19067
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