Issue 5 May/June 2009 Iyar-Sivan 5769
Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family
HILLEL SALUTES
Seniors select colleges, See pages 5-6
THE CLASS OF 2009
The Class of 2009 has earned more than Smiles, tears and applauds celebrated the $1 million in merit-based scholarships. Hillel Class of 2009 as they accepted their Class of 2009 Facts... “Hillel seniors are getting accepted into diplomas before more than one thousand • Earned more than $1 million in better schools each year,” said Dr. Allan relatives, friends and members of the extended Wolf, Director of College Counseling. community. In the biggest event of the school merit-based scholarships Wolf said that 87 percent of Hillel year, 88 students graduated on May 19 at the • 87% accepted to first-choice seniors were accepted to their first-choice Broward Convention Center. school school. Hillel seniors also had a 39 percent Before their caps soared through the air, • 1 National Merit Finalist acceptance rate to University of Florida, valedictorian Beth Drucker and salutatorian • 4 National Hispanic Scholars when the average acceptance rate to Florida Lindsey Mitrani both accepted their honors • 2 National Merit Scholar is 21.5 percent. with humility and graciously applauded Upper School Principal Tym Bonilla said, their classmates and Hillel for bringing them Semi-Finalist “Hillel has prepared these seniors to begin together to reach this milestone. Drucker will • 2 Silver Knight Nominees their college experiences this fall at highly attend Harvard University and Mitrani will respected schools.” attend Columbia University. “Graduation is an amazing way to celebrate the culmination of “Our graduates represent the very best of our school community, and we are so proud of them, not only for the tremendous the Hillel learning experience,” said Rabbinic Dean Rabbi Michael accomplishments that they have achieved, but also for the way Druin. “Our students have been accepted to a range of universities that they have achieved them. They truly are the finest examples and Yeshivot, highlighting the diversity of the Hillel families of a well-rounded, balanced Jewish education,” said Dr. Adam C. demonstrating our “community” day school name.” Holden, Head of School.
Kindergarteners Race to Finish Line
The cars came in all different sizes and colors and each was distinct with vibrant personality. On race day, Kindergarten students proudly held onto their cars and raced their classmates before early childhood classes and parents. Students in PK4 were invited to pump gas and wave the flags from start to finish. As part of a class theme about a Superkid named Hot Rod, students explored cars as a Kindergarten community. Parents were invited to participate by building a car with their child. The Kol Hillel is made possible by
17900 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura 305.937.7797 www.aspaclaria.com
For the latest News and Photos everyday at Hillel, visit the Web site at www.hillel-nmb.org.
Students Receive DAANS Star Award
Sarah Dreyfuss Ari Gotovnick
Max Pomeranz
Three Hillel students were selected to receive the Dade Association of Academic Non-Public Schools (DAANS) Star Awards. Sarah Dreyfuss, Grade 5, Ari Gotovnick, Grade 8 and Max Pomeranz, Grade 11 received the Star Awards presented each year to three exemplary students nominated by their schools. A Star student sets an example for others to follow, whether in the home, school or community, excels in one or more of these areas: academics, community service, citizenship, fine arts, athletics, student activities, perseverance, effort, dedication, commitment to positive goals, improvement in performance and attitude.
The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School
learning for a lifetime
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past President HIP/PTA President
Gil J. Bonwitt David Wolf Jorge Woldenberg Rossana Franco Rafael Russ Amy Chafetz
Michelle Amselem Sara Bejar Uri Benhamron Helena Broide Dr. Judith Dach Michelle Diener Anita Givner Dr. Jan Hockman Matt Kuttler Anita Lapco Sherri Lebwohl Jeffrey Levinson Rabbi Ezra Levy, Ed.D.
David Lichter Rabbi Avrohom Lipszyc Gary Mars Diana Mundlak Joanne Papir Eva Rub Rachel Sapoznik Marty Scheck Dana Yemin Schrager Mike Shalom Jill Shockett Hedy Whitebook
ADMINISTRATION Head of School Rabbinic Dean Principal, Lower School Principal, Middle School Principal, Upper School Assistant Principal, Lower School Assistant Principal, Lower School Dean of Students, Grades 6-12 Assistant Principal, Grades 6-12 Director, Nativ
Hillel Rabbinic Dean Rabbi Michael Druin was selected by RAVSAK, the Jewish Community Day School Network, as one of four Jewish day school leaders from across North America to participate in Project SuLaM as a mentor. Druin was selected to participate in the program, which is designed to provide a year-long fully funded experience in Judaic learning to a select group of day school leaders who are committed to working with a mentor, who infuse their work with Jewish text and tradition, said Dr. Mark N. Kramer, executive director of RAVSAK and Director of Project SuLaM. “This is a great honor for our school as it shows us the number of Jewish heads of school who want to learn from our experiences at Hillel,” Druin said. “Rabbi Druin was selected for Project SuLaM because of his reputation as a school leader and potential as a mentor,” Kramer said. “Rabbi Druin brings a special combination of strong leadership skills, a proven track record of success, and a desire to learn. We are honored to have him in Project SuLaM.”
Dr. Adam C. Holden Rabbi Michael Druin Debra Abolafia Nick Hinrichsen Tym Bonilla Valerie Lustgarten Tara Solomiany Charmain Carter Joshua Meisels Carole Repensek, Ph.D.
ABOUT HILLEL From early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel is a Jewish community day school structured to cultivate and inspire students and to prepare them for college admission. Through meaningful religious and cultural experiences, Hillel strives to deepen students’ commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel. Hillel is the second-largest Jewish community day school in the nation. ACCREDITATION Hillel is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is accredited by: Commission on International-Regional Accreditation, National Council for Private School Accreditation, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Association of Independent Schools of Florida. Hillel is affiliated with: Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, National Association of College Admission Counseling, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Broward County and Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. KOL HILLEL The Kol Hillel is a bimonthly publication of The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School/The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School, 19000 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180, P: 305.931.2831. For submissions please email plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.
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Rabbi Druin Selected as Mentor
Student Receives Duke Tip Award
Sam Drucker
Middle School student Sam Drucker was the recipient of the Duke Talent Identification Award. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are identified and invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination
CAJE Bee Spells W-I-N-N-E-R-S
Mazel Tov to the following students for placing in the CAJE Annual Hebrew Spelling Contest: Aviel Abuhav, Grade 6; Victoria Cohen, Grade 5; Sara Waxman, Grade 4; Alexandra Wolf, Grade 4; and Tamar Yaniv, Grade 4.
Hillel Fencers Win Tournament
Mazel tov to Hillel fencers for placing in the Miami Madness Fencing Tournament. In Youth-14, Jonathan Roth was first place, Daniel Givner came in second place, and Jacob Crespin won third place. In U-17 Cadet Sabre, Ari Givner earned second place. In Senior Sabre, Josh Traub was third. In Y-10 Sabre, Benjamin Givner ranked first, Noam De Rocca second and tied for third place were Esther Bentolila and Noam Chemtov.
Tennis Team Wins Districts
Mazel tov to Hillel’s girls tennis team for winning districts and playing in regionals. Congratulations to Sophia Brener, Allison Diener, Alexis Dreyfuss, Ilana Dreyfuss, Emmy Firestone and Carli Scheck. Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
Four Plays, Thespian Inductions Highlight Drama Program As Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts program finished a busy season, featuring plays in Lower, Middle and Upper school, drama students took the stage in May as they were inducted into the International Thespian Society. Corey Feinsilver, Chair for Middle School students performed in May All I really need to know I the Performing Arts, said the learned in Kindergarten. International Thespian Society is guided on the principle that participation in the arts is an essential means of widening students’ cultural horizons and enriching their lives. International Thespian Society co-presidents Lindsey Mitrani and Aliza Ben-Arie led the ceremony. “While membership in the society is an honor, it is also evidence of each student’s continuing desire to work toward higher standards for theatre productions in education and arts programs,” said Mitrani, a Hillel senior. The students inducted were Nethaniel Agam, Ariel Auerbach, Yoni Bonan, Salo Gicherman, Naomi Kane, Michael Kimmel, Maya Klein, Helen Menasche, Becky Mizne, Michelle Patrich, Myrna Perez, Ben Rose, Daniella Seidl, Ben Sinyor, Josh Traub and Dennis Valerstain.
Thespians also recognized teachers and staff who work behind the scenes: Anat Agam, Cantor Marc-Phillippe DeRoca, Seth Dimbert, Sophia Sherman and Ann Sweet. Current members of the Thespian Society include Sharon Agami, Rebecca Battat, Jessica Berman, Josh Feigenbaum, Joey Feldman, Ben Ferster, Avi Gadish, Danielle Gherman, David Kadosh, Joel Kahn, David Khabinsky, Joey Lichy, Yael Marks, Shira Papir, Ben Shultz, Arielle Tamir, Boris Treskunov and Michael Wodnicki. The performing arts opened this year with the musical Aladdin, directed by Cantor de Roca. In the spring, Feinsilver directed The Diary of Anne Frank and accompanied the thespians on the annual New York trip. In May, the Middle School performed All I really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. In June, Lower School performed Annie, Jr., directed by Sophie Sherman and assistant director Ann Sweet.
Students Shine at Evening of Art and Jazz
Hillel Athletics Scores Winning Year
As members of the Art Honor Society displayed their creative art work, the sounds of nostalgic jazz serenaded the audience at Hillel’s first Evening of Art and Jazz. “This year marked the beginning of a promising new approach to showcasing the incredible artistic talents of the students at Hillel,” said Anat Agam, art department chair. An Evening of Art and Jazz showcased a comprehensive collection of student art and featured the musical talents of a diverse selection of students. “The sophistication of the level of the students’ work exemplified a turning point and a higher standard expected from the students,” Agam said. Artists set up individual art stands and after the guests were seated, the jazz production began, coordinated by Cantor Marc-Phillippe DeRoca and Agam, with the assistance of Ben Magidson, Lois Perlman, Nethaniel Agam and Ariel Mendez. Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
Lower School students performed in June, Annie, Jr.
The Hillel athletic season concluded in May after a Spring varsity football game at Florida International University field. “This has been an incredible year in sports for Hillel,” said Athletic Dreictor Cindy Lyon. A few of the highlights include the boys basketball team winning the 22nd Annual Joseph Weiner Basketball tournament, individual medals awarded to the fencers, the girls Middle School soccer team winning the Jewish day school soccer tournament and the girls tennis team playing undefeated and winning districts. Lyon said all the accomplishments were realized even with the addition of two new sports programs - girls fast-pitch softball and boys varsity tackle football. Congratulations to the 2008/2009 Athletes of the Year, recognized at the Annual Sports Banquet in May: Tere Jafif and Evan Grabois. KOL HILLEL 3
Isaac Abady University of Maryland
Jessica Amiel Syracuse University
Gabriel Ammar Florida International
Hila Carmel Machon Alte
Bradley Cohen Binghamton University
David Cohen Florida International
Ruben Furman Florida International
Hannah Gandelman Undecided
Gabe Glaun Florida State University
Lilian Karaguilla Stern College
Adam Katz Florida International
David Khabinsky Yeshiva University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Valentina Knobloch
Jacob Marder Nova Southeastern
Yael Marks Brandeis University
Itai Massika Florida International
Ceceil Mendal Boston University
Esther Saks University of Pennsylvania
Alan Salinas University of Florida
Leone Salom Italy
Rebekah Aschheim Lydia Azout Binghamton University University of Central Florida
Alan Croitoru Columbia University
Students have also received acceptance to: Arizona State University, The University of Arizona, Barnard College, Baruch College of the CUNY, Belmont University, Bentley University, Brown University, Cornell University, Curry College, Dartmouth College, University of Denver, Drexel University, Emerson College, Florida Southern College, University of Hartford, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hunter College of the CUNY, Lynn University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts, McGill University, University of Michigan, Northeastern University, Northwestern University,
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Karina Bagdadi Florida State University
Arielle Ehrlich University of Florida
Eliel Ephelbaum Brandeis University
Adrian Gucovschi Florida International
Liz Hagege Touro South
Ben Lang University of Miami
Michelle Lang Undecided
Natalie Lencovski Undecided
O F
Michelle Mihem Babson College
Yonathan Missika University of Wisconsin
Lindsey Mitrani Columbia University
Melanie Shienbaum University of Florida
Benjamin Shultz Florida State University
Josh Solomon Undecided
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Adam Whitebook University of Miami
Sam Yagudaev Florida International
David Yehezkel Santa Monica College
Beth Drucker Harvard University
Elizabeth Goldberger Evan Grabois Stern College University of Central Florida
Cassie Scheinman George Washington U
T H E
Jack Bagdadi Florida International
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
C L A S S
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T H E
Brigitte Bakshi University of Florida
Aliza Ben-Aire New York University
David Benoliel Hofstra University
Jessica Berman Nova Southeastern
Justen Bittman Florida International
Ringling College of Art & Design
Michali Bortman
David Brima Italy
Ashley Eskenazi University of Florida
Jennie Falic University of Maryland
Joshua Feigenbaum Orayta
Joseph Feldman George Washington U
Leonardo Feldman Syracuse University
Ben Ferster Florida State University
Maxwell Frye University of Miami
Sarah Hardoon University of Miami
Avi Hassin Mehinat Nokdim
Aviel Horowitz Queens College of the CUNY
Teresa Jafif Nova Southeastern
Joel Kahn Boston University
Alexis Kanarek Boston University
Naomi Kane University of Florida
O F
Elior Levy Broward College
Lemor Levy Florida Internatnional
Joanna Lichter Duke University
Joey Lichy Florida International
Leo Loeffler University of Colorado
Alex Mafdali University of Florida
Jessica Maman Undecided
2 0 0 9
Sam Mizraji University of Miami
Gabriella Oberlender Florida International
Lior Ofir Pratt Institute
Josh Orlinsky Florida State University
Elliot Rimon University of Florida
Jared Rok Florida International
Victoria Roth Florida State University
Adam Struhl Indiana University
Viviana Suaya Florida International
Arielle Tamir Emory University
Jonathan Tarich University of Florida
Gabriella Waserstein University of Southern California
C L A S S
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Jessica Steiner Salomon Sterental University of Central Florida Berklee College of Music
Brandon Zarco Loren Yudovich University of Central Florida University of Maryland
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
Michelle Zighelboim New York University
Ohio State University, Pace University, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Princeton University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rutgers, Saint Leo University, Santa Monica College, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of South Florida, Suffolk University, The University of Tampa, The University of Texas, Touro College, Tulane University, Valencia Community College, Washington University in St. Louis, Yeshivat Sha’arei Mevaseret Zion, Yeshivat Sha’alvim, Yeshivat Shvilei Hatorah/ Chavat Hanoar, York College of the CUNY, Young Judea
Colleges selected as of May 19
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HIP/PTA Sponsors Teacher Appreciation Week HIP/PTA sponsored the Annual Teacher Appreciation Week in May, honoring faculty and staff each day with special gifts and events. Event Chairs Ravit Feldman, Sharon Budman, Bianca Senker and Sheryl Podgorowiez organized the week of activities to acknowledge teachers “for making our school a warm and nurturing learning environment for our children.� Parents added special touches around the school which included decorating the bulletin board outside the cafeteria and filling mailboxes with poems and sweets. During the week, teachers enjoyed a catered breakfast and lunch, massages, fresh fruit in the teachers lounges and frozen yogurt with toppings. HIP/PTA presented each teacher with a rose and umbrella with the Hillel logo and partnered with Hillel to give teachers and staff a reusable tote bag with filled with a challah for Shabbat. Thanks to all the parents for participating in making the week very special: Amy Chafetz, Susan Wodnicki, Vivian Namier, Stefanie Ratzker, Malka Rodrig, Jill Kerzer, Vivian Ezekiel, Amy Gelb, Ianna Sterenfeld, Adrienne Scheck, Michele Scheck, Elise Scheck Bonwitt, Jessica Courtney, Mylene Yohros, Lea Dimitri, Jessica Courtney, Ianna Sterenfeld and Lizzy Kline.
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As the school year comes to an end, HIP/PTA finishes its year with a very active group of parents who have supported the school with their time and raised funds to benefit program and events this year. President HIP/PTA Ambassadors Teacher Appreciation
Amy Chafetz Sandra Levy and Ronit Shiro Ravit Feldman, Sharon Budman, Bianca Senker, Sheryl Podgorowiez Book Fair Carla Fischbach, Jessica Linkewer, Chava Mann, Karen Ruach Scrip Elise Scheck Bonwitt, Natalie Wolf Class Parents/Grade Leads Amy Chafetz, Sharon Budman, Lea Dimitri Channukah Store Michele Scheck, Leanne Cohen Parent Education Ilana Pool Lunchroom Helpers Rebecca Kriger Lower School Event Ileana Berenstein, Suzy Abbo Ruach Anat Garzon School Supplies Lynn Elovic Guardians of Learning Michele Scheck Mishloach Manot Joana Kirsch, Monica Wagenberg Sports Boosters Helen Beda School Store Debi Hojda
HIP/PTA funded the following for the 2008/2009 school year: Early Childhood Playground SmartBoards 9 LCD Projectors with DVD players Lower School Digital Cameras Upper School College Speaker Parent Education Series Lower School Field Trips Middle School Laptop Cart Grade 9 Israel Trip Student Activities/Holiday Programs Butterfly Garden Senior Awards Night Middle School Awards First Football Dinner Teacher Appreciation Week
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
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Judaic Chair Chaya Tamir Receives Targum Shlishi Excellence Award Chaya Tamir, chairperson of the Judaic Studies Department, received the Targum Shlishi Teacher Excellence and Creativity Award from the Raquel and Aryeh Rubin Foundation to promote and recognize Jewish educational leadership in the Greater Miami Jewish community. Award selections are based on educational talent as demonstrated by outstanding practices in the classroom the ability to communicate high expectations for student achievement and create a learning environment that supports student growth. In addition to the honor of this recognition, each recipient is awarded an $800 cash award, and a $1,000 stipend from Targum Shlishi to be used toward professional development or curricular enhancements.
Students Receive College Book Awards Upper School students received College Book Awards in May. To be considered for an award, students must meet the criteria established by each participating college and university, which donate the books presented to the selected students. Congratulations to: Rebecca Battat - Barnard, Max Pomeranz - Brandeis, Shira Papir - Brown, Joseph Franco, Cal Tech, Esther Schoonover - Cornell, Dennis Valerstain Dartmouth, -Michael Lederman - George Washington, Ilana Dreyfuss - Harvard, Boris Treskunov - MIT, Ben Sinyor, University of Miami, Dan Soffer - Northwestern, Josh Traub - University of Pennsylvania, William Scheinman - Princeton, Avi Gadish - Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute, Yael Almani - Smith, David Kadosh - Swarthmore, Alexandra Dreyfuss Wellesley and Nethanial Agam - Yeshiva.
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
Hillel and Neiman Marcus Unlock Opportunity On the second floor of Neiman Marcus, nearly 150 parents and friends of Hillel, enjoyed caffe lattes, croissants, an elegant lunch and the excitement of unlocking ten boxes filled with extravagant prizes. At Hillel’s first Keys to Education fundraiser, about 270 keys were purchased, said Geri Riskin, Interim Director of Development. “The entire amount of every key sale went directly to Hillel, making this a very successful first-time fundraiser,”Riskin said. The event was chaired by Michelle Amselem, Helen Broide, Amy Chafetz and Michele Scheck. Congratulations to Key winners Talia Amsel, Michelle Amselem, Helen Broide, Jessica Courtney, Carol Franco, Tammy Kiblisky, Sara Mizraji, Nicole Stiberman, Stacy Studnik and Debbie Wasserman. Neiman Marcus generously donated each prize, a Sisley raffle and giveaways for each attending, informal modeling and DJ. The Kosher catering for breakfast and lunch was co-sponsred by Neiman Marcus and Food Art. The gourmet coffee cart was donated by Hillel parents Salomon and Bertha Moreno. The event also recognized HIP/PTA President Amy Chafetz for her leadership and parents who have renewed their Guardian of Learning contribution.
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The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School
The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School 19000 NE 25th Avenue North Miami Beach, Florida 33180
Wishing our Hillel community a wonderful and safe summer vacation! The first day of school: Monday, August 24, 2009 4 Elul 5769
Remembering...celebrating
Hillel Honors Soldiers and Celebrates Israel
Students lit candles and participated in school wide assemblies for Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, which commemorates the soldiers who have fallen fighting for Israel’s independence and defending her security. Middle and Upper School students stood outside together solemnly and brought the Israeli flag to half-mast. The following day students celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Students from early childhood through Grade 12 sang Hatikvah together on the basketball court and enjoyed activities throughout the day.