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31 W. College Ave.
Yardley, PA
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December 23, 2016/ Kislev
Candle Lighting 4:24 pm/ Vayeshev
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Budowsphere
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![Rabbi Budow]()
Dear Parents:
This is the perfect time for me to tell you about a recent experience that is a true Chanukah miracle story. I had an appointment with a young doctor who is a former student of Abrams. When he walked into the office he said that he was very happy to see me because he had a personal story to tell me.
He began talking about himself and his wife and their desire to start a family. They had been trying for some time and nothing seemed to be working, including in vitro. His wife decided that she wanted to go to Israel and visit the Kotel to put her prayer for a baby in the wall and pray at Rachel’s tomb. Of course he agreed, and when they returned from Israel they tried in vitro again with no luck.
A short time later, before Rosh Hashanah, his wife was getting dressed and commented to her sister that her dress felt tight. She said she didn’t understand why, since she didn’t really think that she had gained any weight. Her sister suggested that she take a pregnancy test, and that’s when she found out that they were expecting their first child!
While this young man was telling me the story his eyes were filled with joy, and he went on to tell me that they now celebrate Shabbat- they light candles, say the blessings, and enjoy Shabbat dinner together. When I looked at him all I could say was, “Oh, the greatness of Israel.”
Women from all over the world go to Rachel’s tomb to pray, and I think about how difficult it was for Israel to keep and protect this sacred space for the Jewish people, even having to build a fortress around it outside of Beit Lechem. This story shows us once again how blessed we are to have the land of Israel and the holy sites of our ancestors.
Happy and healthy Chanukah to everyone,
L’Shalom-
Rabbi Ira Budow
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The Garden of the Righteous
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Righteous Gentiles
The “Garden of the Righteous” located in Yad Vashem is dedicated to righteous gentiles who defended the Jews during the horrors of WWII. We are all familiar with the name of Schindler, but there were many more brave gentiles who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. This garden tribute to them in Israel shows the world that there were still good people who cared about the Jews even in the midst of depravity.
This past week Abrams received word that Paul Mueller (owner of Team Toyota) and his wife have generously volunteered to participate in the EITC program. Their commitment is made on behalf of Abrams and their grandchild’s school, St. Andrews in Newtown, PA. I have known Paul Mueller for a number of years, and he is a wonderful, funny person with a big heart. Our board treasurer, Joe Glassman, is also a friend of Paul’s, and through Joe’s efforts Paul has come forward to become one of Abrams’ largest contributors to EITC. He and his wife are truly shining examples of good and righteous people.
I have experienced some disappointment with people from our own community who just do not even want to consider participation in this important program that is a true life-saver for our school, so it gives me great hope when I see someone like Paul Mueller stepping forward to help ensure the school’s survival. Of course, Jim McCaffrey, owner of McCaffrey’s Market, is also an extremely generous contributor to EITC, and we are very grateful to Jim, as well.
It is somewhat ironic that our largest contributors to the EITC program are among the “Righteous Gentiles.” These contributors are true heroes to Jews and our Abrams community, and we give gratitude to them for their great humanity.
Rabbi Ira Budow
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Chanukah Celebrations at AHA
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Chanukah is another opportunity for our students to express their creativity and love of Judaism- here are some images of the fun!
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7th Grade makes
Pasta Menorahs
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Kindergarten Chanukah Play
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Thanks to Jim McCaffrey
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Menorah Presentation
Rabbi Budow and AHA board president Ellen Weiss present a Chanukah menorah to Jim McCaffrey in appreciation of his steadfast support of the school.
The inscription reads “Jim McCaffrey, A Light in the Community,” and these words are a perfect description of Jim and his generosity to the communities he serves.
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New OSTC Scholarships
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4 OSTC Scholarships Available for
NEW Students
OSTC financial aid is provided through the same program as EITC, but is limited to students whose local schools are rated as under-performing by the State of PA.
We now have funding available for NEW students who enroll at Abrams and would otherwise attend an under-performing school as designated by PA. The link to the list is: PA OSTC eligible schools.
Abrams is able to provide full tuition for the first 4 students who enroll at Abrams whose assigned public school is listed on the State’s publication (above link).
Please call Rabbi Budow if you know families who can take advantage of this incredible opportunity!
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Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
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Abrams thanks Dr. P for generously hosting the AHA faculty and staff holiday party this week! It was a beautiful evening- lots of great food from Espresso Cafe (including delicious sufganiyot), plenty of time to shmooze, and a chance to celebrate the holiday season with colleagues and friends.
Thanks, Dr. P and Rick for opening your home to the AHA family!!!
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Parenting Meeting with Dr. P
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Next Parenting Meeting January 10, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
8:30 a.m.
Thanks to those who participated in the “parenting styles” meeting. Our next group will focus on acquiring literacy skill.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Dr. P
P.S. We now have a coffee maker!
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Art Club
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After School Art Club
After School Art Club with Donna Moskowitz begins January 9, 2017.
Dates: Monday Afternoons (8 classes)
Jan. 9, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13
Time: 3:30pm -5pm
Cost: $100
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EITC Update
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Thanks to everyone who came forward to participate in the EITC program for individuals so quickly! We have over $70,000 committed to the program for this year’s bonus funding and are grateful to our AHA community for its support, particularly on such short notice.
Now that we have completed the process for individuals to participate in 2016 our next task is to identify businesses that pay PA taxes and would be willing to participate in EITC on Abrams’ behalf.
The date for new business applications to the EITC program is July 1, 2017.
As you know, the business receives a tax credit in PA and a tax deduction on federal income taxes.
If you or someone you know has a business that can take advantage of this opportunity and help Abrams to offer financial assistance to our qualifying families, please contact Rabbi Ira Budow at 215-584-7919.
**We are starting now so that everyone is ready for he July 1, 2017 application date. The applications are ALL submitted on the same day, on a first-come, first-served basis, so timing is very critical.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Camp Ramah Open House
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Ramah Day Camp Open House
Sunday, January 8th 2:00-4:00PM
7601 Old York Road, Elkins Park
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Lunch Menu
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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
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Safety and Security Reminders
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![padlock]()
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!
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Car Pool Rules
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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.
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Abrams Notes
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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
Wednesday of the target week.
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