Rosh Hashanah is almost upon us, and Judaism asks us to take the time leading up to the holidays to prepare for the Day of Judgment. When I was at Yeshiva the entire month of Elul was a time for introspection, reflection upon our lives, performing mitzvoth, pledging to try to be better people, and readying ourselves to be judged.
Obviously we are not all attending Yeshiva now, and most of us living our modern, busy lives do not spend a month focused on self-examination.
This year we are partnering with our sister city in Israel, Netivot, to distribute CDs of selichot nguim complied by Yaron Miara, the brother of our dear friend, Yuval Miara z”l to each of our families. I encourage parents to play the CDs in the car when you are driving with your children so that you can enjoy the beautiful melodies of the nguim and ready yourselves for the upcoming holidays.
Preceding the High Holidays we also remember and honor the deceased. Last Sunday my wife Susan and I visited the graves of our loved ones, traveling to Staten Island, Long Island, and NJ. It was a long and tiring day, but meaningful and emotional as well. I am always amazed at how many people come to the graves, trim the shrubs, say prayers, and make sure to remember and honor their family members. It is truly the highest form of mitzvah to perform this act without any recognition or thanks; just because it is the “right thing to do.”
When I was growing up in Bayonne the synagogues were always full when it was time to say the Yiskor memorial prayers. People understood the importance of remembering and honoring departed loved ones during the holidays. In the spirit of being Jewish I encourage everyone to perform the mitzvah of honor and remembrance- visit the cemetery, light a memorial candle, say Yiskor- remember the departed and give them the honor and thanks they are due.
The CDs will be sent home with the children today- listen to the nguim and experience the beautiful sounds of the holidays. (Please check backpacks!)
I wish all of you a meaningful and rich holiday season and a sweet New Year.
Shana Tovah-
Rabbi Ira Budow
Outdoor Classroom
Outdoor Classroom
We are almost ready to begin work on our latest addition to Abrams Hebrew Academy- an Outdoor Classroom/Garden! PLANT Design Group LLC will begin work on the classroom shortly, so it won’t be too long before Abrams has a beautiful new enhancement to its curricula and campus.
The classroom will be located in the front of the building and will provide a space for our teachers- both secular and Judaic studies- to lead classes set in an outdoor environment. Recent studies have proven the value of outdoor, experiential learning, and Abrams is proud to be among the first area schools to create this space on our campus.
Children will be taught science, Judaic studies, music, art, math, language arts, etc. in a beautiful, natural outdoor setting. The possibilities are limitless, and Abrams encourages everyone in the AHA community to watch the construction process.
The school is looking for a donor to give a $100,000 gift to dedicate the Outdoor Classroom/Garden. You can name the classroom for whomever you choose- yourself, in honor or memory of loved ones, or for your entire family. This is a wonderful opportunity to fund a living, ever- changing educational enhancement to the school.
If you are interested in being the benefactor for this project, please contact Rabbi Budow to discuss the logistics.
Support AHA Donor Businesses
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.
* 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.
2017 Soccer Schedule
Game Schedule
Tuesday September 26 AHA @ Pen Ryn
Thursday, September 28 Life Center @ AHA
Monday, October 2 Newtown Friends @ AHA
Tuesday, October 3 AHA @ Life Center
Monday, October 9 Princeton Charter @ AHA
Monday, October 16 AHA @ Doane
Wednesday, October 18 AHA @ Barrack
Tuesday, October 24 Pen Ryn @ AHA
Thursday, October 26 Doane @ AHA
All games will start approximately 3:50 pm and end at 5:00 pm
Bus transportation is provided
back to AHA for away games only. All home games are played at Macclesfield Park on
River Road. All practices will be held at Abrams Hebrew Academy.
Mrs. Moskowitz is looking for specific items for the art room this year. If you have any of these items that you would like to donate, please send in them into school.
Parent Meeting with AHA School Psychologist- Dr. Donna Porwancher
Welcome Back to school!
The monthly parent meetings allow us to share discussions of topics of interest in a casual setting.
The first meeting will focus on “Talking to boys the way we talk to girls.”
Parents- please suggest topics for future discussions.
** This year, the parent group will include parents of children in ANY grade.
First meeting:
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
8:30 a.m.
Room 24
I look forward to greeting you.
Dr. Donna Porwancher, AHA School Psychologist
Birthday Celebrations
Birthday Celebrations
Birthday Parties outside of school:
Please be considerate of everyone’s level of observance when planning parties for your children. Please do not schedule parties on Shabbat or serve non-kosher food in order to allow all of the children in the class to attend.
In-school celebrations:
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.
Nut Allergies Reminder
NUT ALLERGIES
REMINDER– It is very important that you do not send your children to school with any food that contains nuts.
There are children with severe allergies whose lives are at risk- please be as consideration of these families as you would want them to be of yours. We are a community and take care of one another.
Thank you!
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
Safety and Security Reminders
Just a reminder of 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!
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
