Message from the Head of School

Welcome to Robert M. Beren Academy!

My name is Rabbi Jordan Silvestri and we are privileged to welcome you to Robert M. Beren Academy here in Houston, Texas. As a child, I recall the vivid memories of the teacher who welcomed me on the first day of school, those who saw my potential and nurtured my insatiable need for understanding. As I grew older, my Rabbeim and teachers encouraged me to ask deep questions, to create and innovate as I took advantage of the vast Judaic and General Studies programs made available to me. Little did I know that it was planting the seeds for me to eventually grow into an educator myself. It was my humble honor to join RMBA as Head of School in July of 2022.

The South Texas Hebrew Academy was created in 1969 by a group of committed individuals with a passion for Jewish education. In time the school continued to develop and grow. The school moved to a bigger campus, expanded to include an early childhood, lower school, and upper school program, and was known as the Hebrew Academy. This expansion led to the need for an even bigger campus and in 2000, the school moved to an incredible state-of-the-art facility sitting on a majestic 52 acres of land in Southwest Houston and formally renamed as Robert M. Beren Academy.

The Gemara in Ta’anit 7A states: 

אָמַר רַב נַחְמָן בַּר יִצְחָק: לָמָּה נִמְשְׁלוּ דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה כְּעֵץ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: ״עֵץ חַיִּים הִיא לַמַּחֲזִיקִים בָּהּ״, לוֹמַר לָךְ: מָה עֵץ קָטָן מַדְלִיק אֶת הַגָּדוֹל, אַף תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים קְטַנִּים מְחַדְּדִים אֶת הַגְּדוֹלִים

(See the translation below)

Rav Nachman the son of Yitzchak wonders why does the Torah liken its study to a tree? He explains that just as a small piece of wood can kindle a larger one, so too a “small” Torah scholar can sharpen even the most learned. It is our mission to ignite the flame of Torah learning, values and ethics into our children from a young age so that they may spread its beauty to the world beyond. 

Through an environment that fosters a strong dedication to Avodat Hashem, our students are engaged in a robust Judaic Studies program complimented by a college preparatory General Studies education. Additionally, they take advantage of many extracurricular activities, clubs, sport teams and chessed, charity, opportunities that provide a well rounded experience. These offerings support their social and emotional wellbeing offering them a unique space to express their individual voices. Our graduates leave RMBA with a rich commitment to Torah, Mitzvot, and Gemilut Chassadim, acts of kindness, as they further their education and careers. 

I hope you enjoy getting to know our school and welcome you to visit our campus. 

Looking forward to seeing you soon! 

Rabbi Jordan Silvestri

Head of School