2009_11

Issue 7 November/December 2009 Kislev/Tevet 5770

Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family

HILLEL SALUTES 2009 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors After an extensive application process, 12 students in Grades 6-12 were named as the 2009 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors. This program is the first merit-based scholarship of its kind in Hillel history.

The students were recognized by the Gilinski family and school in a formal ceremony on December 1 before family, friends and school leadership.

“It’s a great honor and pleasure to be at Hillel,” said Jaime Gilinski, whose three children Josh, Gabriel and Dorita attended Hillel and son Benjamin is currently a Grade 11 student. “For us, Hillel is part of our family.”

Mr. Gilinski said his family developed the Ambassador program with their son, Hillel alumnus Gabriel, and Head of School Dr. Adam C. Holden, in an effort to further Back row: Arielle Ben-Ezra, Janna Berenson, Benjamin Rose, Jade Wollschlaeger, Raquel and Jaime Gilinski, Esther Schoonover, Judah Makover, Boris Treskunov and Yonathan Bonan support education at Hillel and recognize Front row: David Broide, Sarah Dreyfuss, Ariela Zebede and Sarah Angress students who are the “key for growth and development of our society.”

The students selected were Sarah Dreyfuss - Grade 6; Sarah “It’s extremely important to support the school and create this Angress and Ariela Zebede - Grade 7; Janna Berenson and David program for these exceptional students,” Mr. Gilinski said.

Broide - Grade 8; Arielle Ben-Ezra - Grade 9; Yonathan Bonan Dr. Holden said, “This ceremony was a very special opportunity Grade 10; Judah Makover, Benjamin Rose and Jade Wollschlaeger for us to be able to thank the Gilinski family and recognize Hillel’s - Grade 11; and Esther Schoonover and Boris Treskunov - Grade extraordinary students. These students are school ambassadors 12.“The whole process was a great experience for all the students to the extended community because they bring to life the Hillel who applied,” said parent Diana Berenson, whose daughter Janna mission. They are our next generation of leaders.” was named a Grade 8 Ambassador.

About 50 students submitted applications to become Gilinski Each student has received a grant toward Hillel tuition for the Ambassadors.

2009-2010 school year.

Mazel tov to these extraordinary student leaders!

Re-Enroll Early: Lock-in Tuition Rate and Earn $500 Discount A buzz is in the air! Applications are being submitted to the Admission office everyday. Tours have increased by far. When you re-enroll by February 1, 2010, you will lock in 2009-2010 tuition rates and earn a $500 discount per child Kindergarten-Grade 12, avoiding next year’s 3% increase.

Getting a taste of next year, Grade 5 and Grade 8 students recently participated in Hillel’s Moving up Day, experiencing Middle School and Upper School classes first-hand. Student Council and Student Activities produced a pep rally for Grade 8 to celebrate Hillel’s renewed ruach that’s touching every corner of campus.

Paired with Moving Up day, prospective and current Hillel families also previewed 2010-2011 at Open House where Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors and HIP/PTA Ambassador Parents welcomed and toured new and returning friends.

To re-enroll or apply for 2010-2011, please contact Director of Admission Betty Salinas (305.931.2831 x173 or at salinas@hillel-nmb.net).

So much lies ahead for next year. We can’t wait to share it with you.

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 Jorge Woldenberg Carlos Berner David Wolf Rafael Russ Amy Chafetz

Michelle Amselem Sara Bejar Uri Benhamron Dr. Judith Dach Michelle Diener Rossana Franco Anita Givner Dr. Jan Hockman Matt Kuttler Anita Lapco Sherri Lebwohl 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 Director, Nativ Assistant Principal, Lower School Assistant Principal, Lower School Assistant Principal, Grades 6-12

Dr. Adam C. Holden Rabbi Michael Druin Debra Abolafia Nick Hinrichsen Tym Bonilla Carole Repensek, Ph.D. Valerie Lustgarten Tara Solomiany Joshua Meisels

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.

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.

Shabbaton

Grade 6 enjoyed an incredible Shabbaton at the Circle F Dude Ranch.

The students enjoyed theme plays, a Parsha quiz, hayrides and a day at SeaWorld. Students also participated in a team-building activity where they were given materials to build a boat which they raced in the lake. Upper School students, who have participated in team-building seminars and training, were chaperones on the trip.

AIPAC

Nine Upper School students attended the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee Summit in Washington D.C. More than 400 students from around the country were invited to the conference to educate students on the value of the US-Israel relationship, the most effective Israel advocacy skills and how they can be the most effective pro-Israel activists on campus and in the community. The students also had the opportunity to tour the Capitol, visit the National Archives and sit in on the Senate.

Holocaust 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 Kol Hillel sponsorship opportunities, please contact Erica Shafir, (305.931.2831 x279/shafir@hillel-nmb.net) For submissions or information, please email Jane Yaffe at plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.

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Upper School students and Dr. Rhea Schwartzberg attended the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center’s Student Awareness Day designed to teach students to speak out and take a stand to reduce hatred and prejudice in the world to prevent future Holocausts. Students participated in a day long seminar involving Holocast survivors, Senator Gwen Margolis, Senator Frederica S. Wilson, and students from throughout South Florida.

Scene at Hillel Giving Thanks....

Student Council in Lower School, Middle School and Upper School worked together to organize a Thanksgiving Day food drive to benefit the Miami Kosher Food Bank for the Thanksgiving holiday. Early childhood students learned about the holiday through stories, music and baking, and enjoyed a Seseme Street show describing the importance of being thankful.

HIP/PTA Book Fair Family Night Students and families enjoyed a perfect evening of selecting books, reading together, a magic show, pizza and ice cream at the annual HIP/PTA book Fair Family Night. Thank you to Book Fair chairs Carla Fischbach, Inbal Vainstain, Chava Mann and Karen Ruah.

Students met former Israel Ambassador Yehuda Avner.

Israel’s former Ambassador Yehuda Avner spoke to Middle and Upper School students about political affairs in Israel and his role that will be outlined in his upcoming book scheduled to be published in 2010. Avner’s visit was made possible by a partnership between Israel Bonds and Hillel as part of the Middle School and Upper School’s programming to bring esteemed guest speakers to students.

Students in Grade 5 enjoyed their class trip to Kennedy Space Center.

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Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors: Students A Sarah Dreyfuss’ enthusiastic nature shines through in nearly every corner Grade 6 of her life: from academics and community service to tennis and piano. Yet as the youngest of three daughters, it is her family that always comes first. Sarah plans to enhance the school community as a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador by expressing her love for Hillel to others…current as well as prospective and former students of the school she holds close to her heart.

Like her fellow Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors, school is more than a classroom for Sarah. “My teachers aren’t just my teachers,” she says. “They are my role models. They inspire me to learn and they encourage me to do my best.”

Lidor va Dor, from generation to generation, are the words that Grade 7 guide Sarah Angress through her academic and personal commitments. “Thanks to Hillel, I will share my knowledge with my children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, while they spend their years at Hillel excelling like I do.” With a long-term goal to become a Supreme Court judge, Sarah is eager to continue to excel in her schoolwork - in and beyond the classroom. Thanks to her Jewish education, she is confident that she carries within her the potential to make a difference in the world. And as a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, she is beginning right here at home.

Honesty, respect for others, responsibility and humility are Grade 8 principles that steer David Broide through his work in school and the community. Through a desire to give back, he exemplifies genuine leadership in a most unassuming way. Last year, David started the Never Forget-Never Again project to commemorate the lives and memory of his grandparents and all the others affected by the Holocaust. He is collecting six million pennies and will donate them to the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center on Yom HaShoah 2010. A true Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, David says, “I have learned that school is not just the place where you study. It is…where you learn to be respectful, learn values and morals and, in my case, learn to love and be respectful of Torah values…”

A love for learning, a devotion to study, limitless curiosity and a Grade 9 self-described “inability to take in information without challenging it” comprise Arielle Ben-Ezra as a model school leader. She has a passion for academia and is inspired by the Rabbis in Pirke Avot. As a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, this well-rounded student athlete is eager for the opportunity to promote and encourage learning that interweaves secular and Judaic studies. “I will represent Hillel everywhere I go by proudly letting people know I learned at Hillel.”

She plans to earn a doctorate in education and develop an enhanced method of teaching that instills values in students of both private and public schools.

This goal is built upon deep commitments and core values that she developed early…and extraordinary ambition that is lifelong and steadfast.

Sarah Dreyfuss

David Broide

Jade Wollschlaeger

Reflecting on her years since Lower School, Jade Wollschlaeger feels Grade 11 “Hillel has opened many doors,” and she is eager to see to where these doors will lead in the near future.

An accomplished athlete, Student Council officer, academic student, and now Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, she actually is guiding fellow students herself. Jade cherishes the gift of a Jewish education. Her dream to become a doctor is rooted in her diverse studies at Hillel. She is inspired by the fact that her day includes everything from biology to Talmud and that she shares it all with students working to attain their maximum potential. “It is a privilege to attend Hillel, and this, in turn, has evoked a passion for the school that has propelled me to become active [and involved].”

Though she carries titles like Student Council President and varsity Grade 12 athlete, such labels are not important to Esther Schoonover. Rather, it is integrity, respect and honor that steer her commitment to school and community. And it is such values that led to her newest role: Gilinski Hillel Ambassador. Under her leadership, Hillel’s student body has rejuvenated its school spirit and pride because it always puts the school first. Her team has introduced programs and refreshed events, all through partnership with faculty and administrators.

Esther, who has attended Hillel since PK2, has even more plans in mind. For example, she’d like to explore the development of a mentoring program to bridge Upper School, Middle School and Lower School. Rigorous academics, remarkable participation and an eye on the next generation round out Esther’s leadership style at Hillel. “[Involvement]…has allowed me to give back to the school and create a better Hillel for tomorrow.”

Esther Schoonover

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Sarah Angress

Arielle Ben-Ezra

Jaime and Raquel Gilinski present awa family members and school administrators

Awarded First Merit-Based Scholarships Curiosity matched with compassion are the foundation of Ariela Grade 7 Zebede’s approach to learning. From the sciences to the performing arts, she has quite the range of interests.

“Hillel is a very unique place where we as students can pursue academic excellence in our studies and, at the same time, embrace our Jewish heritage and traditions.” With her 2015 graduation only a few years away, Ariela says she plans, “to learn as much as I can about as many things that I can,” in the meantime. In the role of Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, she says, “I will strive to be an example of how much we can contribute to our community when we gain knowledge and live according to Jewish values.”

Friend. Volunteer. Student. Leader.

Janna Berenson has learned to define Grade 8 these roles to the utmost from her experiences as the youngest of four children in a family long committed to the Hillel and extended communities.

Janna finds inspiration at home, from where she developed the belief in herself to realize that while she may not know exactly what she would like to be when she grows up, she is comfortable recognizing that she has time to discover and develop her goals. All of this is based on choices she makes. “I make a choice to get a Jewish education,” Janna says. “Everything I learn and experience at Hillel will help…me to become a successful leader and a volunteer in my community…” Clearly a new role is being defined: Gilinski Hillel Ambassador.

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is Grade 10 no path and leave a trail.” These words of Ralph Waldo Emerson are in Yonathan Bonan’s heart and mind, as demonstrated through his commitment to school and community. With a mission to further develop Hillel’s extracurricular program through service learning, Judaic Studies and athletics, he has brought several projects to the forefront. One that stands out is a community service booklet that includes information about nearly every South Florida service organization so Hillel students of all ages can identify programs that match their interests and goals when they select volunteer work. This Gilinski Hillel Ambassador looks at the whole picture when he considers the meaning of Jewish education. He says, “Because of Hillel, I have become a successful student and individual [in] every aspect of my educational, social and spiritual experiences.”

In order to attend Hillel, Judah Makover commutes 40 minutes every Grade 11 morning and every afternoon. He plays on several Hillel team sports.

He participates in academic clubs. He volunteers weekly in a local hospital.

He is a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador always ready for the next occasion to exhibit commitment and make a difference. Hillel’s diversity is one of the qualities that makes the school so special to Judah. He says, “We are taught to respect our differences but bond as a community.” He recalls a chemistry class that studied scientists who “fixed the broken world (tikkun olam) through research” and smiles when he reflects upon the multicultural yet united feel of campus. One of four children in his family, Judah is described as passionate, compassionate and focused. In words that are gentle yet so meaningful, he says fittingly, “I want to make the world a better place.” exhilarating energy and sense Benjamin Rose The of school pride on the Hillel campus Grade 11 this year is due in part to a strong partnership of students working with faculty and administration. Benjamin Rose stands in the spotlight both on stage and behind the scenes as one of the leaders who has contributed to this exciting growth. He is enthusiastic about building an even greater awareness of school community and culture with the addition of Gilinski Hillel Ambassador to his roster of roles.

Benjamin rarely leaves school before evening due to his participation in “projects that will enhance our student body, academically and socially.” From arts to social studies and from core academics to Student Council, Benjamin treasures his Jewish educational experiences and commits himself to introducing them to younger students. He says, “What makes Hillel my home is that it has given [me] the gifts of Judaism and community.”

Ariela Zebede

Yonathan Bonan

ards to students at a special dinner with s honoring the Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors.

Janna Berenson

Judah Makover

With a competitive academic record and a wide spectrum of involvement in Grade 12 academics, arts, athletics and service learning, Boris Treskunov always is ready to lead generously. He helps peers with studies, plays a key role in theatre operations and heads projects in and beyond school. He believes the finest student develops beyond the classroom.“I would not be half the man I am today without both my father and mother,” Boris says proudly. “I strongly encourage every parent of a Hillel student to impel their child to do everything they can to help not only themselves and their school, but also the community and ultimately the world.”

As a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, Boris aims to serve as a role model so students come to further “appreciate the unlimited value of academics.” Inspired by his father, Boris looks to the future. By graduation, he hopes to have made an impact in a way that strengthens the school. “Hillel truly prepares students to grow up and matter,” he says. “It teaches Hillel graduates to strive to make a difference, to change the world.”

Boris Treskunov

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Our Campus, Our Campaign HIP/PTA held its Shop-N-Style event honoring Hillel’s Guardians of Learning on December 1 at Aventura Mall.

HIP/PTA President Amy Chafetz said more than 100 Guardians renewed their pledge: a very successful campaign for technology and other school projects. Parents enjoyed a morning of breakfast and fashion. The event was chaired by Mimi Klimberg and Malka Rodrig.

Raffle prizes included: $1,000 shopping spree by Aventura Mall, among many other gifts and store discount promotions. Thank you to all HIP/PTA volunteers for organizing the event.

New Technology Planned in Grades 1-5 As Hillel’s first fundraising effort of its kind, “Our Campus.

Our Campaign.” was a tremendous success. The goal of this parent-driven campaign was to bring technology and classroom enhancements to Grades 1-5 prior to second semester of this school year. In just a few short weeks, the campaign raised $100,000. Hillel gives special thanks to the parents who developed the initiative and contributed matching grants for each grade up to $10,000, as well as to HIP/PTA for its ongoing focus on technology and its partnership through the Guardian of Learning campaign.

Because of motivated, inspired parents, when students return to campus in January, they will have an interactive whiteboard in every general studies classroom as well as a laptop cart per grade. Hillel is eager to raise the funds still necessary to make the classroom enhancements like new desks and chairs possible.

Thank you to the following matching donors and to all the Hillel parents who contributed to this campaign: Julia and Moti Abadi, Flavia and Raphael Ades, Deborah and Flavio Hojda and Denisse and Henry Waissman.

We also thank Julia and Moti Abadi, Tamara and Allan Kiblisky, and Sari and Rafael Rayek for opening their homes to host evenings of technology. Together, we are preserving tradition through innovation.

Poker Tournament Scores Big for Hillel Hillel was the winner at this year’s Sixth Annual Poker Tournament on December 3, achieving its financial goal to support Hillel’s Scholarship Fund.

The exciting tournament ended with Hillel alumnus Scott Weisblum ’92 as the first place winner and Hillel parents Michael Berkman and Sandy Bigelman coming in second and third place.

The fourth to tenth place winners were Ron Jacobawitz, Elliott Newman, Sarah Bigelman, Meir Ben-Nissan, Bernhard Lewinsky, Jay Cohen and Harry Ruben. Top winners generously donated the prizes back to Hillel.

The event was chaired by Jeffrey Levinson and Marty Scheck Special thanks to sponsors: Safra Bank - prize sponsor; Sapoznik Insurance - card sponsor, Serber & Associates, PA - card spinner sponsor; Flik - dinner sponsors; Lexus of North Miami - host sponsor and the Gold and Silver Table Sponsors. Thank you and get ready to play next year!

Grade 2 Students Receive Chumash

Alumni from the Class of 1999 gathered at Hillel for their 10-year reunion during Thanksgiving weekend. Sara Levy, who co-chaired the reunion with Eileen Boaziz, said “It was great seeing fellow classsmates and catching up with everyone.” More than 50 alumni attended the event held in the Rose and Lew Goodman Beit Midrash.

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Students in Grade 2 performed songs and poetry in Hebrew and English before receiving their first Chumashim. Students shared their special day with family, peers, faculty and community rabbis.

School Spirit Soars at Community Event

Students in Middle School and Upper School performed in the November comedy Beau Jest, directed by Corey Feinsilver and produced by the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program. Students are now rehearsing for Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, to open in March.

CHAMPS!

BEAU JEST

Cotton candy, bongo drums, games and soaring school ruach highlighted the first Hillel community event. More than 500 students of all ages, families, faculty and alumni gathered for the event and to watch the final varsity football game of the season.

“The community event was just that – we came together and felt a strong sense of community,” said Rabbinic Dean Michael Druin.

At half-time, Hillel varsity players who are seniors and their families were were honored. “It was a emotional touch that our students have earned and deserve,” Rabbi Druin said.

The event featured activities organized by the Shabbaton Club, Student Council and HIP/PTA.

Hillel’s Lower School flag football team members are shaping up as future Hurricane varsity players, finishing their first season as champs in the Jewish Athletic League. Hillel scored 30-6 in its final game against Jacobson Sinai Academy, guaranteeing their first place title.

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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

It’s TIME to re-enroll early and

SAVE.

See page 1 for details.

Hillel parents who are also alumni enjoyed getting re-aquainted at the M’Dor L’Dor Breakfast. The event was hosted by Hillel’s Dr. Jerome Levy Alumni Association. The breakfast brought together more than 40 Hillel alumni who are also current Hillel parents to reminisce about their Hillel experience, said Erica Shafir, Director of Development. The event was chaired

by Ariela Mars and Lea Dimitri.

Families enjoyed breakfast while Upper School students led arts and craft activities with their children.

Generations at Hillel....

Moving Up and Re-enrollment Priority enrollment for current families for the 2010-2011 school year is through February 1, 2010, when families will lock-in the 2009/2010 tuition rates and earn a $500 discount per child in Kindergarten - Grade 12. The deadline for tuition assistance applications is December 31, 2009.

For information, please contact Betty Salinas, Admission Director, (305.931.2831 x173/salinas@hillel-nmb.net)