Issue 9 April/ May 2010 Iyar/Sivan 5770
Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family
Celebrations of Israel, Traditions and Holidays on Hillel Campus
Standing as a united “The Yom Ha’Atzmaut community, shoulder to shoulder celebrations and the 9th grade on the basketball court, more Israel trip all come about as than 1,000 students, parents, a result of Hillel’s mission,” faculty and administrators stood said Rabbi Michael Druin, together to sing Hatikva on Yom Rabbinic Dean. “The mission Ha’Atzmaut. of our school is to help our In the last few months, students strive to deepen their students have rolled out matzah commitment to Judaism, the with classmates, honored Jewish people and the State of soldiers who fought for Israel. These events do just that, Israel and celebrated Israel’s they let our students learn, live independence. and feel the interconnectedness The lessons inside and of Judaism, the Jewish people outside the classroom come and the State of Israel. Students participate in a parade for Yom Ha’Atzmaut together in the form of one of the In April, students participated most exciting, anticipated events experienced by Hillel students: the in schoolwide assemblies and services for Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s annual Grade 9 trip to Israel. This month, students will travel across Memorial Day, which commemorates the Israel enjoying everything from the sunrise in Massada to the markets soldiers who have fallen while defending in Tel Aviv. Israel. Every student placed a flower in “Everything the students have learned comes alive on the Grade Hillel’s schoolwide memorial in memory of 9 trip to Israel,” said Yossi Yativ, trip organizer and Upper School these men and women. Hebrew Chair, who is attending his ninth Hillel class trip to Israel. The mood at Hillel transformed the “Every year the students talk about the trip as the greatest following day as the school celebrated Yom experience of their life. Students tour the country from north to Ha’Atzmaut, marking Israel’s 62nd year south with friends and it creates a bond not only with classmates but of independence. Students began the day a bond with Israel and the Israeli people,” Yativ said. together with a morning celebration on On the Hillel campus, the lessons learned inside the classroom are the basketball court - listening to music, in turn experienced beyond these walls as well. enjoying a flag ceremony and sharing stories. Throughout the day, Israeli music echoed all over campus as students celebrated with dancing, arts and crafts, fun and lunch outside. By early afternoon, ECE to Grade 3 student had marched with banners and flags as Kindergarteners paraded in the box cars they made to celebrate Israel’s birthday. The activities were organized by the student activities office. For more photos of these Ilana Dreyfus Shira Papir Rebecca Battat events and the Israel trip, please see page 8 Athletics Journalism Drama and visit the Hillel web site, hillel-nmb.org. Three Hillel seniors were named 2010 Silver Knight finalists: Rebecca Battat for drama, Ilana Dreyfus for athletics and Shira Papir The 2010 Annual Event: for journalism. The Miami Herald Silver Knight Awards, instituted Tomorrow’s Education...Today! in 1959, is one of the nation’s most highly regarded student awards Nearly 400 Hillel families and friends attended the 2010 Annual programs. The program recognizes outstanding students who have Event to support Hillel and recognizing the inaugural year of the maintained good grades and have also applied their special knowledge Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program. Look for and talents to contribute significant service to their schools and complete coverage in a special section of the Kol Hillel in the June communities. Winners were scheduled to be announced after press edition. time.
Silver Knight Finalists Named
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
Shabbat, Zip-Lining and Army Simulation Highlight Grade 11 Shabbaton
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
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Head of School Dr. Adam C. Holden Rabbinic Dean Rabbi Michael Druin Rabbinic Head Rabbi Chaim Albert Principal, Lower School Debra Abolafia Principal, Middle School Nick Hinrichsen Principal, Upper School Tym Bonilla Director, Nativ Carole Repensek, Ed.D. Assistant Principal, Lower School Valerie Lustgarten Assistant Principal, Lower School Tara Solomiany Assistant Principal, Grades 6-12 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.
Students in Grade 11 attended a Shabbaton trip beginning with a visit to Hard Knocks: Beyond Laser Tag - an army simulation center that puts teams on missions using life-like army equipment on different simulations. The students then arrived at Camp McConell for Shabbat, which included services, meals, teambuilding games, sports and discussion. Saturday night the students had the thrill of zip-lining in a dark forest and spent Sunday at Islands of Adventure.
Grade 4 Visits St. Augustine
After learning about the State of Florida, students in Grade 4 enjoyed a trip to St. Augustine and the surrounding historical sites. The class toured Castillo de San Marcos, the Old Jail, the Fountain of Youth among other treasures. As part of the curriculum, students annually complete the segment of studying the state of Florida with this trip.
Grade 5 Toured the Everglades
Florida studies continue in Grade 5 with a trip to the Everglades. In March, they discovered the Everglades Bay area, which is known for its 10,000 islands, manatees, indigenous birds and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, which rode the waves from the boat tour. Students also traveled to the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison located in Ft. Myers, viewing Edison’s early inventions and Ford’s early cars.
Student Council Thanked for Hard Work
Members of the Upper School Student Council were treated to a limousine ride and lunch in appreciation for their hard work this school year. Student Council members recently completed one of Hillel’s most successful color wars and spirit weeks.
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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Correction
In the March edition of the Kol Hillel, the top prize for group performance in Hillel’s Got Talent, was Jonathan Rose, Ariel Gelrud and Abraham Milhem.
“It feels like I just came home. I love it here.” Rabbi Chaim Albert
Hillel Alumnus Returns as New Rabbinic Head Walking through the hallways of Hillel brings back the fondest memories for Rabbi Chaim Albert. “It feels like I just came home,” said the Hillel alumnus. “I love it here.” As Hillel’s new Rabbinic Head, Rabbi Albert, said that it was the education and Jewish learning at Hillel that led him to become a rabbi. In his new position, Rabbi Albert said he will “improve upon the excellence in Torah study and build upon a culture of honesty and integrity where students are involved in the community with acts of kindness. I want to build an even stronger sense of community.”
Miami Herald Names Hillel Senior All-Dade First Team in Soccer Hillel senior Daniel Benchimol was named All-Dade First Team by the Miami Herald, achieving 23 goals and 17 assists. He played on Hillel’s soccer team, which played in 2010 regional competition. In other sporting news, the girls tennis team won districts for the second year in a row, and the boys varsity baseball team will play in the district playoffs this year for the first time.
Rabbi Albert received his Bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Law from Yeshivat Shaalvim, Rabbinical Ordination from the Talmudic University and a Master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from Barry University. He has led Torah classes and counseling sessions as the founder/ director of the Foundation for Jewish Learning. Rabbi Albert’s hallmark has become his ability to unite classical Torah insights with his clinical background. As Hillel’s Rabbinic Head, he will further strengthen the foundation established by Rabbi Michael Druin, who recently completed his Master’s degree in educational leadership and is exploring opportunities at other schools. They have partnered for this school year. Mazel Tov to Rabbi Druin and Bruchim Habaim to Rabbi Albert.
Hinrichsen Named Principal, Grades 6-12
Middle School Principal Nick Hinrichsen will lead Grades 6-12 next year as principal. Hinrichsen came to Hillel 14 years ago and has served as Middle School principal and Upper School assistant principal. “I am looking forward to continuing the fine work of Tym Bonilla, current Upper School Principal, with my primary immediate goal to expand the Jewish education program in Hillel’s Upper School by introducing the International Baccalaureate curriculum.” he said. Mr. Bonilla plans to return to Kansas to be with his family upon the close of the school year. Hillel is grateful for the leadership he has given the school and wishes him the very best. Mazel tov and thanks to both Hillel principals.
Students Inducted into National Honor Society
Middle School and Upper School students were inducted into the Segula Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and National Honor Society (NHS) in March. The students inducted into the National Junior Society were: Aviel Abuhav, Sarah Angress, Eugenia Bejar, Clara Bendayan, Janna Berenson, David Broide, Vanessa Bursztyn, Shanee Carmel, Alicia Cherem, Brianna Diener, Denise Dorra, Casey Dresbach, Tara Firestone, Sarah Fiske, Beni Gontovnik, Samantha Lieberman, Kiana Matisonn, Joseph Mitrani, Pamela Motola, Dana Sadovnic, Nicole Scheck, Salomon Serfati, Jenna Stein, Raquel Suaya, Andrea Waxman, David Woldenberg, Ariela Zebede and Tali Zighelboim.
Upper School students inducted into the National Honor Society were: Alexandra Dreyfuss, Elizabeth Friedman, Michael Ginzburg, Vera Goldman, Joshua Kleiman, Hannah Landman, Melissa Lanes, Judah Makover, Raquel Ofir, Netanel Rubin, Eli Soffer, Jacob Teichner, Tatiana Waserstein, Myles Wolfe, Jade Wollschlaeger and Sabrina Zarco. Current members of the NJHS are Alice Serfati, president, Shani Azizollahoff, vice president, Jeremy Rosner, secretary, Brandon Berman, treasurer, and Arielle Ben-Exra, Allison Diener, Camila Hojda, Ari Gontovnik, Carli Scheck and Senaya Savir. Current members of the NHS are Shira Papir, president, Dennis Valerstain, vice president, Boris Treskunov, vice president, Rebecca Battat, secretary and Yael Almani, Ilana Dreyfuss, Joseph Franco, Avi Gadish, William Scheinman, Esther Schoonover, Dan Soffer and Joshua Traub. The National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society are the nation’s premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. KOL HILLEL 3
Scene
PURIM
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at Hillel
Grade 11 and Kindergarten Discover More than Matzah
PASSOVER
Students in Grade 11 seemed to be even more excited than their partners in Kindergarten as they learned the techniques together to create the perfect matzah for Passover! The older students guided the Kindergarten class as they learned the customs and traditions of creating matzah - from start to ďŹ nish.
From Hillel’s annual Purim Project Runway to Passover Matzopoly, students celebrated the holidays in March with traditional and exciting activities. Students showed off their Purim costumes participated in Seder, games, and learned to bake matzah with the Matzah Factory.
MATZAPOLY Students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 played Matzapoly, when they learned about Passover in fun, enriching activities. The event was organized by Student Activities and run by students in Grade 10.
READY TO ROLL...
Grade one students get ready to roll out the Matzah!
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Yeshiva University Honors Dr. Rhea Schwartzberg Yeshiva University presented Dr. Rhea Schwartzberg, chair of Hillel’s Social Studies Department, with a special plaque honoring her for her 14 years of participating as Hillel’s representative to the Yeshiva University National Model United Nations. Each year, Dr. Schwartzberg coaches a delegation of 13-22 students to participate in the three-day Model United Nations sponsored by Yeshiva University.
Middle School Places Third at Annual DAANS Geography Bee
Middle School students came in third place in the 10th Annual Dade Association Non Public School (DAANS) Geography Bee. The students who participated were members of the school’s Geography Club and divided into two teams to complete against eight private schools in the community. The winning team included: Avi Hirshbein, Elan Kainen, Sam Kainen, Joseph Mitrani, Dani Smolley and alternate Jacob Green. The second team to participate included Yaakov Fux, Daniel Givner, Mordechai Hanz, Jessica Rosner, Sivanne Mendelson, and alternate Ruben Merenfeld.
Hillel is honored to recognize those who support the school with charitable gifts. Ma’ayan Society members for 2009-2010 follow. HaKotel The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Robert and Michelle Diener Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Family HaTikvah The Scheck/Bonwitt Families Yerushalaim shel Zahav Raphael and Flavia Ades Jorge and Tammy Woldenberg Kinneret Moti and Julia Abadi David and Sara Bejar JGB Bank Jacob and Ori Serfati Mike and Carol Shalom Massada Larry and Susy Abbo Flavio and Deborah Hojda Michael and Nava Izak Frank and Rebecca Kriger Mario and Rachel Sapoznik Henry and Denise Waissman David and Debbie Waxman Idel and Yvette Woldenberg 6 KOL HILLEL
Students Receive DAANS Star Award
Three Hillel students received the Dade Association of Academic Non-Public Schools (DAANS) Star Student Award. Congratulations to Shanee Markovitz, Grade 5, Margot Romano, Grade 8, and Jade Wollschlaeger, Grade 11. The award is presented each year to three exemplary students nominated by their schools. A star students sets an example for others to follow, whether in the home, school or community.
Mazel Tov
Mazel tov to Hillel grandparents Susan and Sid Koslovsky on the birth of granddaughter Sofia Hope, daughter of Hillel parents Gabrielle and Bernie Schpilberg, and sister to Alexander in PK2. Gabrielle is a Hillel amumna, class of 1996, and Susan is a past Hillel president.
School Spirit Soars During Color War School spirit soared last month as students participated in the first Upper School color war week. Student Council President Esther Schoonover said that each day was a different spirit day, which included Purim dress up, salad dressing day and music theme day. As part of color war, students participated in sports competitions all week at the MAR-JCC. At the end of the week, all Upper School students spent the day at Pepper Park competing in sports, relay races and fun activities. The seniors were named the color war week winners! “It was truly amazing to see how much this color war week raised the students spirit,” said Judy Abadi, Grade 12. “Students were dressing up every day and staying after hours to play sports. Even if they did not have a game, they would come support their grade. It was definitely one of my most memorable and fun weeks at Hillel.”
Hillel Celebrates Student Talent The creativity of Hillel students will be recognized on campus during the next few weeks. In May, students are being inducted into the International Art Honor Society, artwork of students in Grades 8-12 is being showcased througout campus and the Lower School is performing The Jungle Book. This month also features Thespian inductions and a choir performance, led by new choir director Dionne Lockett. Hillel Families will be able to visit Torah Fair and Science Fair exhibits and view art work around campus on the last day of school, Friday, June 11.
Photography Captures Visual Arts Program For the first time at Hillel, students looked into their camera lens for more than just a picture. They focused on the artistic values of digital photography. Students also analyzed photos they have taken prior to the course. Visual Arts Director Anat Agam said that students learned theories of artistic expression and studied the rules of composition, elements and principles of art and design. “I wanted to create a course that teaches and creates openminded creativity, allowing students think outside of the box and dare to try new ideas,” she said. Throughout the semester, students create a portfolio that leads them into Creative Photography II and is part of AP 2D Design curriculum. The photography will be featured with student artwork from the budding artists to AP art students, throughout campus. Agam said she has student artwork from the beginning of the year that will soon be on display.
All Ages Star in Performing Arts Program
Week after week, Sophie Sherman reviews the dance steps of her young students. Arms swing, feet slide across the floor as students gracefully and eagerly learn each step. Sherman, who directs the play with assistant director Ann Sweet, said, “Students develop confidence and self-esteem by participating in the plays.” When the 52 Lower School students and two Upper School students Ben Rose and Ariel Auerbach, who are also helping with direction, performed in the The Jungle Book this month, there was not an empty seat in the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre. It was the same for Lower School and Upper School performances this year of the fall comedy Beau Jest, directed by Corey Feinsilver, chair of the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program, and the March musical Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah! directed by Seth Dimbert, technical director and Upper School computer science teacher. “It’s been an exciting year. We have offered so many opportunities on and off stage for our students to grow and stretch themselves,” Feinsilver said.
Students performed in Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah!
Upper School Yearbook: A Work of ART One of the most artistically challenging volunteer positions for seniors is creating the Upper School yearbook. The yearbook is traditionally a work of art each year that is met with excitement and anticipation by all Upper School students. Each page is thoughtfully designed in Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator, adhering to a theme that flows throughout. Students dedicated seven months and hundreds of hours to create the 2009-2010 yearbook. Each year there is a secret theme with pages filled with creative and artistic layouts.
The staff this year includes: editors-in-Chief Marcelle Malca and Judy Abadi, sports editor Esther Schoonover, senior editors Nataly Shechter, Danielle Lacs, Eliane Benlolo and Karina Esquenazi, underclassmen editors Hannah Landman, and staff Chelsea Sheridan, Arielle Weltz, Natalia Egozi, and Jacob Mizraji. Marcelle Malca, Judy Abadi,
Eliane Benlolo, Esther Schoonover
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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
Mazel Tov
COMMENCEMENT THE CLASS OF 2010
Monday May, 24, 2010 11 Sivan 5770 4 p.m. Broward Center for the Performing Arts CELEBRATING
I S R A E L