Robert M. Beren Academy Presents Awards to Distinguished Members of the Community

Robert M. Beren Academy (RMBA) in Houston is presenting several prestigious awards at its 40^th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on Sunday, November 8, 2009. The June and Leonard Goldberg Teacher of the Year Awards are presented to one Judaic studies teacher and one general studies teacher. The selection of the Teacher of the Year Awards is based on parent, faculty, and administration input.   Also, the Distinguished Alumna/us Award is presented at each gala to an RMBA alumna/us who epitomizes the school’s mission, living and leading an observant life in contemporary society. The Dena and Baruch Brody Award for Dedicated Service is given each year to volunteers who dedicate enormous amounts of time and energy toward the success of the school.

Rabbi Eliezer Kessler is the recipient of the Judaic Studies Teacher of the Year Award. He started his formal teaching career at RMBA five years ago, and has developed into a beloved faculty member. He runs a successful Talmudic studies program, edits the student-run weekly Judaic publication, and creates many interactive programs and games for students. Rabbi Kessler was recently awarded a grant from the Avi Chai Foundation for his work on bringing Shabbat to life for RMBA students. Rabbi Kessler is a tremendous asset to the school, embodying RMBA’s mission of daily Torah study integrated with modern life.

Mrs. Debra Kira is the recipient of the General Studies Teacher of the Year Award.  A board certified teacher, Mrs. Kira teaches High School English, Middle School English, and Lower School Gifted Reading and Writing. After school, she is the drama coordinator, producing plays for the extra-curricular drama program. Just this year, she helped kick off the Gifted and Talented program for the Lower School, developing the scope and sequence for the literature component of the program. Mrs. Kira is a wonderful religious and academic role model for the students and parents in the school.

Also at the gala, the Distinguished Alumna Award will be presented to Roya Rahmanian Samuels MD FAAP. Dr. Samuels attended the Hebrew Academy from 2^nd grade through graduation in 1995. She attended Michlalah College for Women in Israel, Columbia University, and Albert Einstein School of Medicine. She recently completed her residency in Pediatrics and is currently an attending physician of General Pediatrics at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York. Dr. Samuels is married to Michael Samuels and has three young children. Her proud parents are Parvin and Victor Rahmanian. RMBA is thrilled to have the opportunity to present this award to such an accomplished woman.

Ms. Nancy Beren and Dr. Larry Jefferson are recipients of the Dena and Baruch Brody Award for Dedicated Service.  Before, during and after sending their three children to RMBA, Ms. Beren and Dr. Jefferson have spent countless hours serving on the Boards of Directors and Education.  Dr. Jefferson is currently on the Board of Directors and Ms. Beren is an Honorary President as well as a past president. Their commitment to both RMBA and the Houston Jewish community is inspiring to parents, students and volunteers.

The 40^th Anniversary Scholarship Gala honoring Mr. Robert M. Beren will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at the Intercontinental Houston Hotel. A special introduction of Mr. Beren will be given by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Founding Chief Rabbi of Efrat, Israel, and a leading voice in the Modern Orthodox world. The community is welcome to attend the event. For more information on Robert M. Beren Academy’s Scholarship Gala or supporting Jewish education in Houston, please contact Rachel Jacobson Gold at 713-723-7170 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .