RMBA Podcast Studios
By Rabbi Jordan Silvestri
Get ready for special guests, surprises and some whacky moments along the way. Join us as we step Through the Looking Glass.
RMBA Podcast Studios Feb 12, 2023
Through the Looking Glass: Episode 33
In our final Getting to Know You: Principal Edition. We welcome our newest administrator, Rabbi Chanania Engelsman. Enjoy getting to know him a bit better and get ready for the last three episodes of our 23-24 season which we tease at the end of this episode!
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #32
As we continue our Getting to Know You: Principal Edition mini-series we welcome Mrs. Raquel Cedano, our General Studies Upper School Principal. In this episode, we get to hear about the journey Mrs. Cedano took, pivoting from a focus on social services to education. We can't wait for you to get to know Mrs. Cedano a little better.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #31
In our next edition of Getting to Know You: Principal Edition, we welcome Mrs. Bonnie Blumberg to the podcast as she explores her educational journey from South Africa to Houston over 30 years ago. Her story is fascinating and we hope you enjoy getting to know her a bit better.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #30
Our Getting to Know You: Principal Edition mini-series returns as we welcome Mrs. Rowan Bigham, Lower School General Studies Prinicipal, onto the podcast. What fun it was to learn about Mrs. Bigham sprinkled in with a few surprises along the way!
Through the Looking Glass Episode #29
We welcome Dr. Jon Mitzmacher, Head of School at Ottawa Jewish Community School, to share his insights on creating strong parent school partnership through transparency and communication.
Through the Looking Glass Purim Edition: Episode #28
In the Purim spirit, we mix things up as we welcome two of our HS basketball team leaders for a sports filled discussion filled with predictions, Taylor Swift, NYC vs. Houston and so much more! Come join the fun and the excitement!
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #27
This week we introduce a new mini-series called "Getting to Know You: Principals Edition." Each of these 5 episodes (spread out over the next 6 weeks) will highlight one of our 5 directors/principals as we get to know them better as an educational leader and person. First off, Morah Rivkie.
Through the Looking Glass Episode #26
On the heels of the DSLTI Head of School Spring Retreat, we discuss the importance of taking a moment to find solitude, connect with the world around us and remind ourselves the place we hold for ourselves, our families and the communities that we support.
Through the Looking Glass Episode #25
We welcome Bracha Rutner, Head of School at Yeshiva University High School for Girls (also known as Central). We talk about the manner in which Heads of School juggle between designing for the now while thinking about the future.
Through the Looking Glass Episode #24
Giving middle and high schoolers the chance to express their feelings and feedback can be a tumultuous risk. Yet, we knew that if we were going to engage in an honest Head of School evaluation, their voices were critical. What followed simply blew us away!
Through the Looking Glass Episode #23
Through the Looking Glass Episode #22
We are joined by Eva Turner, Head of School at B'nai Shalom Day School in Greensboro, NC as we discuss the challenges of hiring, nurturing and retaining great educators. We explore the challenges that we have faced during the past few years and some of the approaches we can take to ensure that our schools encapsulate the mission and passion that attract and retain great educators.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #21
Through the Looking Glass Episode #20
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #19
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #18
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #17
Everyone wins when the teacher/administrator/leader gets better. That is a mantra we at Robert M. Beren Academy believe and live by. Come here how we do that at all levels.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #16
In the last of our three part mini-series, we wrap up the Midyear Review by naming the areas we have not reach the intended growth milestones and share a clear call to action for our second half of the 23-24 academic year as we grow from strength to strength.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #15
In the second of our three part Mid-Year Review series, we explore the tremendous growth that Robert M. Beren Academy has experienced small and large. We always have room to grow and will never stop pushing. It is vital that we take a moment to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished before we move ahead.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #14
If you thought we liked mini-series, you were right! As we look toward our Winter Break marking the official midyear, we look to reflect on the first half of the 23-24 academic year.
School life, as in life life, is not a linear experience. Life is disrupted by quakes that force us to respond to these disruptive forces. What does it look like to do that? How does a Head of School bring his reflective self to the table and show up for the community?
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #13
In the last installment of our two part mini-series we ask the question, "What does strategic planning, a midyear survey and a Head of School feedback plan have in common?"
YOU!
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #12
In this first of a two part series, we discuss what it looks like when parent voice meets school leaders who listen. We talk about our new Parent Teacher Conferences format and how that came about.
At RMBA, we are Better Together!
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #11
What happens when a young Head of School asks a seasoned Head of School for advice? New and creative ideas emerge that provide the space for that young Head of School to take the next step in his evolution.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #10
For our 10th episode, we welcome Rabbi Yerachmiel Garfield, Head of School at Yeshiva Torat Emet, to discuss what it means to be a leader of an educational institution during a time of national tragedy and the lessons we can begin to apply to our leadership today.
Through the Looking Glass Episode #9
Teachers at RMBA are not simply teachers. They are educational heroes. I think it is time we begin perceiving them as such.
Through the Looking Glass Episode #8
When tragedy strikes, how do Jewish Day School leaders respond?
Through the Looking Glass Episode #7
Are all types of change created equal within Jewish Day Schools? Does change work differently than in a corporate environment?
Through the Looking Glass Episode #6
Imagine a world where Jewish Day School was affordable, where Jewish schools were able to spread their assistance dollars further and where a Jewish education is in the grasp of so many more children? That world is called School Choice. Let's talk about it!
Through the Looking Glass Episode #5
As we approach Yom Kippur, we reflect on the areas that we hope to focus on in the year to come. As a Head of School, what are the goals I am working on and how will they improve the parent/student experience?
Through the Looking Glass - Episode #4
As we approach Rosh HaShanah and the period of reflection, we ponder the right mentality heading into the holiday and what it can teach us regarding our appreciation and dedication to our most important commodities - our teachers.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #3
Relationships. They are the core of what we do as educators and they must be nurtured over time.
Through the Looking Glass: Episode #2
What exactly is a strategic plan and why should you care about RMBA's strategic plan initiative?
Well, because it is all about you, our parents.
Through the Looking Glass Episode 1
Welcome to our newest RMBA podcast, Through the Looking Glass, where each week we bring you a behind the scenes look at how we make our special sauce that we call the Robert M. Beren Academy. Join us for special guests, surprises and just a fun time as we step Through the Looking Glass RMBA style.
Episode #16: Masechet Ta'anit 14a - 15a
Are you ready to finish the perek?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #15: Masechet Taa'anit 13a - 13b
Can a person accept an individual fast and, then, be required to change their amidah prayer?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #14: Masechet Ta'anit 12a - 12b
When does a fast begin? How intense is an individual vs. communal experience?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #13: Masechet Ta'anit 11a - 11b
Fasting, for any purpose, must be authentic. What happens if it is not?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #12: Masechet Ta'anit 10a - 10b
Finally! Two new Mishnayot and a bunch of cool stories about Yosef and his brothers.
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #11: Masechet Ta'anit 9a-9b
What happened between Reish Lakish and Rav Yochanan that caused his wife to fear for their son? Why is the act of rain greater than the act of creation ?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #10: Masechet Ta'anit 8a -8b
How can we conduct ourselves to great learners? Better people? And even find lessons from the rain itself?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #9: Masechet Ta'anit 7a-7b
Is the day of rain greater than the resurrection of the dead? Greater than the creation of the world?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #8: Masechet Ta'anit 6b
What is referred to as the first and second rains? Does it have any significant implications in the world of Halacha?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #7: Masechet Ta'anit 6a
What are the first and last rains? When do they happen according to the Jewish calendar? Why do we care so much in the first place?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #6: Masechet Ta'anit 5b
How much could Rav Nachman and Rav Yitzchak really have to say to each other? What happens in a pivotal meal between the two that sends shock waves through our ancestral spines?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. Moshe is fighting his way back from a reoccurrence of his original cancer and these moments of learning have a real impact.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #4: Masechet Ta'anit 4a - 5a
When do we actually begin to say the Bracha for rain in our daily amidah? How do we reconcile the apparent contradictions in Rav Yehuda's opinion? Can we start an act of kedusha, stop and restart again?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #5: Masechet Ta'anit 5a Part 2
When do conclude the prayer for rain in our amidah? What is the power of the relationship that we have with Hashem regarding the miracles and connections He forges with us?
Thank you for continuing to learn with us for a complete recovery for Moshe Elimelech ben Blima.
Want to follow along with us as we learn this amud? Click here!
Episode #3: Masechet Ta'anit 3b - 4a
Thank you for continuing to learn with us as we forge ahead on our way to completing Masechet Taanit, the Tractate of Ta'anit for the complete recovery of Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. May we continue to have his name in our hearts and our prayers.
Looking to following along inside with our Gemara? Check out the episode's source sheet here.
Episode #2: Masechet Taanit 3a-3b
Thank you for continuing to learn with us as we forge ahead on our way to completing Masechet Taanit, the Tractate of Ta'anit for the complete recovery of Moshe Elimelech ben Blima. May we continue to have his name in our hearts and our prayers.
Looking to following along inside with our Gemara? Check out the episode's source sheet here.
Episode #1: Mesechet Ta'anit 2b-3a
We continue to explore Masechet Taanit. This episode will cover from the bottom of 2b through the bottom of 3A.
The learning done in this and all episodes are for the רפואה שלמה - complete recovery - of Moshe Elimelech ben Blimah. A young father who is fighting against Leukemia. Please have his name in your tefillot, prayers, and your learning.
Want to review the text inside? Check this link!