Join us in celebrating Ellen Hartenstein’s retirement at a brunch where we will dedicate the school library in honor of her outstanding contributions to Abrams.
May 31, 2015
12:15 pm
Abrams Hebrew Academy
Contribute $118 and have your name added to the plaque in the library recognizing Ellen’s legacy to the school.
**Your $118 donation will place your name(s) on the plaque and enable you and your family to attend the brunch.
The plaque is being designed by Judaica Engraving International, a well-respected manufacturer of beautiful tribute plaques, and will be a permanent addition to our library.
Here’s an example of JEI’s work:
All donations will be matched by the Kohelet Foundation and an anonymous benefactor in honor of Ellen’s Simchah.
Be sure to type your name on the form EXACTLY as you want it to appear on the plaque!
We hope to see you at this momentous occasion to honor someone who has made a lasting and significant contribution to Abrams Hebrew Academy.
L’dor v’dor!
The Budowsphere
The Budowsphere
Welcome to the Budowsphere! This is where Rabbi Budow shares his thoughts, musings, and insights on Jewish education and various other topics of interest to the Jewish community.
I have known Jim McCaffrey for several decades, and he has always epitomized the meaning of the word “mensch.” As a business owner he could easily just take the profits from McCaffrey’s Food Markets and go on with his life, but Jim McCaffrey has chosen to involve himself in the community and to support it at every opportunity, regardless of religious affiliations or political party.
Jim has always been a supporter of Abrams Hebrew Academy, giving to our annual fund drive each and every year. He was honored some years ago at our annual fund dinner for his philanthropy within the Yardley community- a well-deserved recognition for a very special individual.
I spoke to Jim when The EITC program was first initiated by the State of PA to see if his business was eligible, but unfortunately at that point it did not qualify. However, last year we discovered that he was now eligible for the program, and after consulting with the EITC people at Greater Philadelphia Federation he submitted his application and hoped for the best in being chosen in the lottery. I encouraged him to designate not only Abrams as a recipient of the EITC funding, but also the local Catholic school he supports. Jim was truly enthusiastic about the potential to significantly help two area schools, and after a few mishaps we were thrilled to find out last week that his application was approved. As a result, both Abrams and the local Catholic school he designated will be the recipients of a very substantial amount of funding from his EITC contributions.
Jim sets an example for all of us. He is one of the rare individuals who is generous because he truly believes it is important to give back, and he does not discriminate in his giving. If the need is there and he is able to help, he does so. He is truly a righteous person. If I ever decided to write a book about my years at Abrams in Yardley, PA Jim McCaffrey would deserve a chapter.
Although I try to be “parve” and not tell people where they should shop, I will make an exception in this case and encourage our Abrams community to support Jim McCaffrey’s supermarket businesses just as he supports our school. Through his many years of continued leadership and generosity he has earned the respect of the entire region and deserves a “thank you” for his efforts.
I encourage all of the Abrams community to follow Jim’s example- the July 1, 2015 date for EITC applications is fast approaching, and you can see that your participation can make a huge difference for the school. Remember that all of the EITC money is earmarked for needs-based scholarships, so please consider applying yourself and talk to your friends and family, as well.
Rabbi Ira Budow
Spring Book Fair
Holocaust Remembrance Program
Holocaust Remembrance Program
(Middle School Students)
Monday, April 20, 2015
9:15 am
Guest Speaker: Jeannie Smith
Jeannie Smith tells an incredible story about her mother, Irena Gut OpDyke, a Holocaust rescuer. Irene was a brave and inspiring woman who saved the lives of Jews during WWII.
During WWII Irena worked for Nazi Major Eduard Rugemer in a hotel where Nazi officers came to dine. She took food from the hotel and smuggled it to the local Jewish ghetto. She also worked as a housekeeper in his villa where she hide 12 Jews in the cellar who came out of their hiding places to help her clean the house every day.
Irena’s story brings a message of faith, love and hope; that good can triumph over evil. Her tale of bravery proclaims the conviction that one by one we can say no to hatred, persecution and prejudice. Jeannie tells her mother’s story to reinforce the message that one person can make a difference!
All are welcome to attend
Yom Ha’atzmaut
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Yom Ha’atzmaut Barbecue Lunch
Hot dogs, chips, drinks
(vegetable burgers on request)
*No Regular Lunch Available*
Volunteers are needed-
Contact Rabbi O if you are able to assist.
Security
Officer Matt talking with students at lunch
Officer Matt in nursery class
Four Yardley Boro police officers rotate duty as security officers at the school. They interact with students, patrol the perimeter and interior of the school facilities, and make security recommendations to our facilities administration.
Naming/Endowment Opportunities
Abrams has several great spaces within the buildings that afford naming/endowment opportunities. You can honor a loved one and also make a significant, lasting contribution to our school!
Opportunities:
The Secular Library– this room is located in the middle of the school and is a hub of learning for our students.
Classrooms– there are several classrooms available for naming on the second and third floors.
Nursery rooms– there are two rooms available downstairs in the Nursery.
Gallery space– an art alcove between the first and second floors
The Zion Gate– the space between the original building and the link that is lined with Israeli art and artifacts.
Contact Rabbi Budow for pricing, payment plans, and further information!
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
