This week’s blog is my Rosh Hashanah message to you. There is currently a trend towards quantifying every aspect of education that has accelerated over the past few years. The emphasis has been on quantifying secular studies, but recently the push to quantify education includes Judaic studies, as well. We are now encouraged to test children’s skills, compare their achievements on standardized tests, etc. in both secular and Judaic studies, and I have some thoughts on this matter.
My goal as the director of Abrams for the past 36 years has always been to improve and enrich our secular studies departments so that our children receive the very best education possible. I am proud that our graduates matriculate to highly competitive high schools and universities, and that will always be my mission.
However, I do believe that the area of Judaic studies presents a different challenge. Besides the learning aspect of Judaic studies- Hebrew language, Jewish history, holidays, etc., my quest is to instill a love of Torah in our children. Hebrew school classes are shrinking in numbers, and it is difficult to motivate children to want to attend Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons that many of them find boring and irrelevant to their everyday lives.
It is important to me that Abrams fosters a love of Judaism within our children, and this needs to be taught as much as any other subject. There is a fable that says when a child was ready learn his/her aleph bet, the Rabbi cut up apples and dipped them in honey for the child so that his/her first experience with Jewish learning would be sweet. My aspiration is to give our children a sweet experience every day that they are at Abrams.
This week I spoke to a parent whose three children graduated from Abrams. She told me that one of the most important things Abrams taught her children was the love and commitment to Judaism that made them proud and happy to be Jews. One of children is now studying at JTS, and he credits Abrams for putting him on the path of Jewish education throughout his academic career. It meant a lot to me to have this parent thank me for what I did for her children and for me to know that we were able to make such a lasting impact on behalf of Judaism.
My mentor, Rabbi Pinchas Mordechai Teitz zt”l, was a great Rabbi from Europe who started a community in Elizabeth, NJ, where he also founded the Jewish Educational Center. His daughter, Rivkah Blau, wrote a book about him entitled “Live Torah, Learn Torah, and Love Torah.” That title was the slogan of the school and epitomized Rabbi Teitz’s teaching that love of Torah is a vital part of the educational equation. It was not enough to be a scholar and to be an observant Jew, but one also had to love the religion of Judaism.
I am proud to be blessed with staff members who impart this love of Torah to our children, and this is the most important thing that we can do as a Jewish day school.
I sometimes struggle when I think about the school and its various issues, but my wife reminds me that Abrams is truly a unique place. Abrams brings people, even those who have been living far away from the practice of Judaism, and inspires them to become committed to their religion. That is what keeps me energized and continuously motivated to continue as the director of this incredible institution.
L’Shana Tovah to everyone,
Rabbi Ira Budow
Early Friday Dismissal
Friday Early Dismissal
2:00 p.m.
Begins Friday, October 21, 2016
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
We are happy to welcome our new music teacher, Aubrey Maks, to the Abrams faculty. Ms. Maks has already received an enthusiastic response from our students, and we look forward to many harmonic musical moments at the school this year.
Chief Kelly Visit
Chief of Police Joseph Kelly Presentation
Chief Joseph Kelly of the Yardley Borough Police will visit Abrams on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 1:00 pm to discuss school and community safety issues.
Math and Science By Mail
MATH BY MAIL AND SCIENCE BY MAIL
Join us after school on Tuesdays for an online world forum of math and science enrichment for grades 4-6 put together by The Weizmann Institute in Israel.
The cost of the program is $60 for one class or $120 for both classes, and will be offered on alternating Tuesdays, beginning with MBM on November 1st from 3:45 P.M. to 4:45 P.M. Science by Mail will start on November 8th.
Pick up time is promptly at 4:45 P.M. at the front door of the school. Any children not picked up by 4:45 will be sent to aftercare, and you will be charged for the service.
There is one link for Math by Mail, one link for Science b y Mail, and one link if a student wants to participate in both. Click on your choice of class and follow the directions they provide.
Once you have registered please let Mrs. Lamkey (jlamkey@abramsonline.org) or Mrs. Hamacher (ahamacher@abramsonline.org) know, so that they can give you the necessary paperwork to be filled out prior to the start of the class.
Shofar Making
AHA 4th and 5th graders were treated to a special workshop in honor of the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashanah.
During this interactive presentation, the students learned from which type of animal a shofar is made, as well as the animals whose horns are not used for shofars. They also witnessed how a shofar is made from start to finish.
At the end of the program the students participated in making a genuine “kosher” shofar.
Many thanks to Rabbi Eli Strasfeld of Chabad of Bucks County for the entertaining and informative session.
Bees
“Dip the apple in the honey, make a Bracha loud and Clear…..”
With honey such an integral part of Rosh Hashanah, we asked our “in house” bee-keeper, Mr.K, to show us the wonders of Hashem’s creation and discuss the honey making process and tell us lots of other cool facts about bees.
The students viewed an informative slide show about bees, enjoyed witnessing Mr. K dressed in his bee suit, and were able to observe a genuine live section of a beehive.
Thanks to Mr. K and his never-ending source of interesting knowledge to impart.
Abrams Bristol Center Dedication
Dedication of Abrams Bristol Jewish Center
Abrams Hebrew Academy and the Bristol Jewish Center invite you to attend the dedication of the Abrams Bristol Jewish Center on: Sunday, October 9, 2016, 10:30 am.
A Yiskor service for founders and other deceased members of the Bristol Jewish Center will be officiated by Rabbi Ira Budow and Rabbi Isaac Leizerowski. The service will be followed by refreshments.
The Bristol Jewish Center was established in Bristol, PA in 1904, and was the oldest synagogue in Bucks County when it merged with Congregation Kol Emet in 2015.
Alan Vogenberg, leader of the Bristol Jewish Center, and Rabbi Ira Budow, director of Abrams Hebrew Academy, facilitated the recreation of its sanctuary in a room at Abrams Hebrew Academy. The chapel includes memorabilia from the original chapel, including its memorial plaques, ark, artwork, library, etc. It is a fitting testament to a synagogue steeped in history, and students from the school use the chapel for prayers and meetings regularly. Thus, the tradition of prayer and education continues in a beautiful and historic environment. L’Dor V’Dor!
Please join us at this event.
Please RSVP Immediately to:
Alan J. Vogenberg
211 Sugarberry Lane
Langhorne, PA 19047
Middle School Trip to D.C.
Middle School Trip to Washington, D.C.
Thursday, October 20th
6:15 Departure from Abrams
Davening and breakfast at Chabad of Wilmington
Tour U.S. Mint
Tour U.S. Capitol
Tour Holocaust Museum
Mincha/Pizza dinner at Ben Yehudah Pizza
10:15 Arrival at Abrams
Every four years Abrams takes the middle school students to visit our nation’s capitol. They experience the excitement of Washington, DC first-hand, and it is always an inspirational, educational, and fun trip for everyone.
**Due to the cost of the buses, this is a very expensive undertaking for our school.
If you would like to help underwrite the cost of the trip, please contact Rabbi Ottensoser, Mrs. Kornsgold, or Rabbi Budow.
***Thanks to those of you have generously contributed to the cost of the trip!
Lower School Trip to Lakewood, NJ
Lower School (grades 2-4) Trip to Lakewood, NJ
Thursday, October 20th
Abrams lower school students (grades 2-4) will visit Lakewood, NJ to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot.
**Due to the cost of the buses, this is a very expensive undertaking for our school.
If you would like to help underwrite the cost of the trip, please contact Rabbi Ottensoser, Mrs. Kornsgold, or Rabbi Budow.
***Thanks to those of you have generously contributed to the cost of the trip!
Parent Group Meeting
Abrams Parent Group Meeting
Thanks to all who came to the introductory meeting on September 27. Our next meeting will be held on:
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
The topic is: Children’s Temperament
Feel free to email me at dporwancher@abramsonline.org or call me if you have any questions or concerns beforehand.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Donna Porwancher
Revised Soccer Schedule
Revised Soccer Schedule 2016
Game Schedule:
Tuesday September 27 AHA @ Pen Ryn
Thursday September 29 Scrimmage at Macclesfield
Thursday October 6 Barrack @AHA
Thursday October 13 Doane @ AHA
Wednesday October 19 Scrimmage at Macclesfield
Thursday October 20 No game-Washington Trip
Wednesday October 26 AHA @ Doane
Thursday October 29 Pen Ryn @ AHA
Note: All games will start approximately 3:50pm and end at 5:00pm.
**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.
Please contact Mr. Gowton with
any questions:
kgowton@aha.jdschools.org.
Practice Schedule (3:45pm-4:45pm):
Sept. 14, 15, 19, 20, 22, 26
Oct 10
Capitol Steps Performance
Cong. Beth El of Yardley Presents:
Capitol Steps
Sunday, November 6, 2016
3:00 pm
Pennsbury High School East Theater
705 Hood Blvd.
Fairless Hills, PA 19054
Tickets start at $45 ($25 full-time students)
To order tickets: order on-line at:
smarttix.com; or call 877-238-5596
Need more information?
Contact Beth El- 215-493-1707
Lunch Menu
LUNCH MENU
Monday-Thursday-
Food from Espresso Cafe:
Monday:
Penne with vegetables & Feta
Israeli salad
Tuesday:
American cheese baguette
Caesar salad
Wednesday:
Fettuccine with marinara sauce
Greek salad
Thursday:
Egg salad & tuna salad sandwiches
Friday:
Pizza
Available Every Day:
Bagels, butter & cream cheese
French Fries
Hash Browns
Egg
Lunch cost: $5 per day
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 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
