Inside OCA
Special events at OCA
At Ohr Chadash Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, our students participate in meaningful learning programs, milestone celebrations, solemn commemorations, and community-building school-wide events that help create lasting memories and deepen their connection to Torah, community, Israel, and to one another. These events enrich our regular learning and reflect the warmth, spirit, and values that make OCA unique.
Milestone events
At OCA, we take great pride in celebrating the spiritual growth and academic accomplishments of our students during each of our special annual milestone events. Designed especially to highlight the individual child’s contributions, in addition to celebrating the class as a whole, these programs create lasting memories for the students and their families.
• ECC 4s – ECC End-of-Year Celebration
• Kindergarten – End-of-Year Celebration
• 1st Grade – Mesibat Siddur
• 2nd Grade – Mesibat Chumash
• 3rd Grade – Mesibat Rashi
• 4th Grade – Mishna Celebration
• 5th Grade - Bereshit Siyum and Celebration
• 6th Grade – Hatchalat Gemara for boys and Bat Mitzvah Program for girls
• 7th Grade – Boys’ Bar Mitzvah Program
• 8th Grade – Graduation
Yom Hazikaron
Each year, OCA students commemorate Yom HaZikaron in memory and honor of the Israeli Defense Forces soldiers and victims of terror who made the ultimate sacrifice for the State of Israel. During a moving tekes for 5th-8th grades, Middle School students and OCA Shinshinim share personal stories, letters, and reflections about fallen soldiers and acts of heroism.
Since the loss of Eyal Twito, HY”D, who served as an OCA Shinshin during the 2019–2020 school year, we include a special tribute honoring his bravery and sacrifice as an IDF soldier defending Israel. Students and faculty stand together for a moment of silence as the siren sounds, and throughout the day, names of fallen soldiers and victims of terror are read aloud in a solemn memorial vigil to ensure that their memories continue to live on within our community.
Yom HaShoah
Yom HaShoah is observed at OCA with reverence, reflection, and deep respect.
Through survivor testimony, educational programming, assemblies, and meaningful discussions, students in grades 5-8 gain a deeper understanding of the strength, resilience, and courage of the Jewish people. The day serves as an important opportunity for students to reflect on their responsibility to remember, honor, and carry forward the stories of those who lived through this dark chapter in our people’s history.
Yom Ha’atzmaut
Bringing Israel to OCA is a central part of our mission. In addition to year-round Israel education, we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut each year with themes connected to the history, culture, and people of Israel.
The day begins with a tekes featuring Hatikvah, a choir performance, and a beautiful daglanut presentation by our 4th grade students. Throughout the day, students participate in immersive, hands-on experiences designed to deepen their understanding and connection to Israel. Past programs have explored the branches of the IDF, influential Jewish leaders throughout Israel’s history, aliyah stories, and the courageous journeys of Jewish communities from around the world.
Of course, no OCA Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration would be complete without our falafel lunch enjoyed by students and staff alike!
In the evening, OCA partners with Congregation Shomrei Emunah to host an annual community-wide Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, welcoming more than 1,000 members of the Baltimore Jewish community. The event features a meaningful tekes followed by a carnival-style family experience with Israel-themed activities, an Israeli-style shuk, food, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
Scholastic Book Fair
Our annual Scholastic Book Fair is an exciting week-long event that fosters a love of reading while supporting our school community. Students and families have the opportunity to browse and select books tailored to their interests and reading levels, helping build love and excitement for books.
Purchases made through the Book Fair directly benefit OCA by providing credits used to purchase classroom library books, educational supplies, and curricular materials that enhance learning throughout the school.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Grandparents and special friends play an important role in the lives of our students and in the strength of our school community. OCA’s biennial Grandparents & Special Friends Day is a cherished opportunity for grandparents to get a glimpse into the OCA experience through a welcoming opening brunch and special time learning with their grandchildren in the classroom.
Throughout the year, grandparents are invited to participate in the OCA Nachat Society. Through a monthly donation supporting the school’s scholarship fund, members receive special opportunities to stay connected to their grandchildren’s experiences at OCA, including:
• Photos of grandchildren participating in school activities
• Notifications about special events and milestone programs
• An exclusive OCA Grandparent magnet as a welcome gift
The Nachat Society helps strengthen the bond between generations while supporting the continued growth of the OCA community.