Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family
Volume 3 Issue 1 September/October 2010 Elul/Tishrei 5770-5771 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
GLOBAL LEARNING 21st Century Education Has no Boundaries Overseas instruction. Glass walls. Flat screens. Personal computers tucked inside wooden desks until students are ready for class. This is Hillel’s new Global Learning Lab, which has opened the door to a world of opportunity for the school and the extended community. Built this summer, the Lab is the latest demonstration of the school’s evolution and commitment to cutting-edge 21st century education. Advanced Placement U.S. History is being co-taught in the Lab by Dr. Rhea Schwartzberg, who made aliyah this summer after teaching at Hillel for 20 years, and Mr. Matthew Bishop, who is new to Hillel. The college-credit class is led collaboratively live from Israel and at Hillel via high-definition video conferencing equipment and other advanced technologies. “Our Global Learning Lab redefines the term ‘community day school’ by introducing new educational experiences to students of all ages, learning styles and interests here at Hillel and beyond,” said Nick Hinrichsen, Hillel’s principal of Grades 6-12. “And just as we benefit students, the technology enhances growth and caliber of faculty, elevating Hillel as an even more attractive center for educators.” Hillel’s Lab is one of the most innovative learning tools to be launched on a school campus, said Seth Dimbert, Hillel’s educational technology specialist.
“This is a cutting-edge program with state-of-the-art equipment. We’re giving Hillel students opportunities that other schools simply don’t have.” Hinrichsen said the Lab gives students the competitive edge necessary for today’s success. “We’ll ultimately widen students’ opportunity of admission to first-choice universities,” he added. The Lab offers an Upper School independent study program designed to challenge self-motivated students. This year, they will work closely with an onsite Hillel advisor and learn from guest lecturers on and off campus. Upper School students can earn credits from Florida Virtual School, and Hillel is exploring partnerships with universities to bring college-level and professional development courses to South Florida. As Hillel expands through technology and affiliations, the school looks to offer after-school and adult courses and training to the extended community in a range of subjects from computer applications, language and continuing education to Judaic Studies, parenting and leadership. At Hillel, the globe is spinning and certainly is in the palm of students’ hands.
The Holidays Buzzing, Sanding and Scents Bring Holidays to Life
Students learned about the bees that create the honey in which apples are dipped on Rosh Hashanah, discovered the citrus scent of Sukkot’s etrog and teamed-up with classmates to sand and create their own Shofar for Yom Kippur. As Hillel’s new school year began, the Jewish new year was celebrated and welcomed with innovative lessons, beloved traditions and a community-wide Sukkot event. For more photos, please see page 4-5 and 8.
learning for a lifetime
Jorge Woldenberg David Wolf* Carlos Berner Michelle Amselem* Dr. Michele Scheck
Sara Bejar Uri Benhamron Gil J. Bonwitt Helen Broide Max Fischbach Rossana Franco Jeffrey Gilbert Dr. Jan Hockman Frank Kriger Matt Kuttler* Anita Lapco
Sherri Lebwohl Mayra Lichter Rabbi Avrohom Lipszyc Gary Mars* Joanne Papir Marty Scheck* Dana Yemin Schrager* Mike Shalom Sami Shiro *Hillel alumnus/a
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Head of School Dr. Adam C. Holden Rabbinic Head Rabbi Chaim Albert Principal, Lower School Debra Abolafia Principal, Grades 6-12 Nick Hinrichsen 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. 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 Diana Mundlak, (305.931.2831 x279/mundlak@hillel-nmb. net) For submissions or information, please email Jane Yaffe at plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.
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KINDNESS CHESSED
Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary HIP/PTA President
KAVOD RESPECT
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
SHALOM PEACE
DVAR TORAH
By Rabbi Chaim Albert,
Rabbinic Head
In August, Hillel formally introduced our Core Jewish Values, and they’ve been received with open arms. The words are visible hanging throughout campus, and – even more so – the concepts are apparent through thoughtful acts and behavior. Teachers are making them classroom discussion; they were even the theme of a student’s Bat Mitzvah reception! A classic question asks why no specific mitzvah exists to demonstrate middot tovot, good values. One beautiful answer is that good values are not just one mitzvah; rather they are the culmination of all 613 mitzvot. The very essence of our school and students embodies these core values. Our first value is Kavod, respect. The Torah tells us to respect our father and mother. The Talmud declares this may be the most important of all 613 mitzvot. Furthermore, the Rambam says you may not teach a student who does not have respect for the teacher. Why is respect so important? Kavod comes from the word kaved, heavy. Weight is a way to give value to something. The true insight to kavod is to acknowledge the value or importance of something or someone. Standing when a parent or teacher enters the room, kissing the Torah when it comes by or speaking with humility to elders are all ways of showing what we value. The only way to learn Torah, HaShem’s priceless gem, is by showing our respect for the value of our teachers. Therefore, respect for others is the necessary price for the opportunity to learn. I’ve recently seen beautiful examples of kavod. I saw a boy leave his friends on the basketball court to pick up loose papers and throw them away. A science teacher invited me to discuss Judaism and evolution with his class. Though not Jewish himself, he showed so much respect for our religion and philosophy; I look forward to learning from him. There was recently a parent whose child wanted to switch tefilla groups, yet the parent would not allow it unless we were sure that the teacher would not feel disrespected. May our entire community continue to grow, with roots deep within our core values.
EMMET TRUTH
RUACH SPIRIT Volunteer for the 2010-2011School Year
HIP/PTA has planned a list of programs and events for the school year that make it easy to become involved. Michele Scheck, HIP/PTA president, said participations starts simply by attending a meeting, calling or sending her an email. HIP/PTA already began the year with a breakfast for new parents, distribution of more than 300 school supply boxes and a sweet Rosh Hashanah give for faculty and staff. At a recent meeting, when new parent Eliane Kravetz heard that a volunteer was needed to chair a Lower School event, she couldn’t resist. “I have to volunteer,” she said. “It’s very important. If you want a better school, you have to be part of it.” The 2010-2011 events include: Scholastic Book Fair - October 25-29 Children’s Shop Chanukah Boutique - November 22-24 Lower School Event - January 16 Mischloach Manot Exchange - March 18 Guardian of Learning Event - April 2011 Thank You Breakfast - June 2 Volunteers are also needed as Sports and Art Boosters, Ambassadors, Community Event Planners, Lunch Room Helpers, Teacher Appreciation Hosts and Grade Leads. For information, please email Michele at hip@hillel-nmb.net.
Global Citizenship, Jewish Values in Action
Trip to China Earns Credits in Chinese
Alexandra Dreyfuss
Senior Receives National Awards for Academics
Alexandra Dreyfuss needs no motivation to excel. The senior, who began her Hillel education in PK4, says “I am naturally motivated and I work hard because I want to.” That determination was recognized in September when she was named a National Merit® Scholar Semifinalist in the 56th annual National Merit Scholarship Program and a recipient of the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Last year, Dreyfuss earned a five, the highest score, on all six Advanced Placement exams she completed. She is now enrolled in six more AP classes. “It was an honor to receive these awards,” said Dreyfuss, who also dedicates her time to collecting books for Books Across Borders. She helped the organization collect and ship 3000 books to Africa and 1000 to Asia. Dreyfuss, a Hillel Gilinski Ambassador, hopes to become an engineer and will apply to colleges that offer a balance of liberal arts and engineering. Dreyfuss represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. National Merit Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
Life Lessons Discovered Volunteering in Ghana
Myles Wolfe
When Myles Wolfe ventures into the corporate world one day, he will stretch far above the competition. He decided two years ago to create an edge for himself by learning Chinese through virtual classes. This summer, he completed a four-week class in China, earning college credits while immersed in the culture. Wolfe, a junior, earned a high score in the college-level class at the Beijing Language and Culture University and discovered more than a language of 7000 characters. “It was exciting to be in a completely new culture,” Wolfe said. “One day I would like to have a working relationship in China. I believe the Chinese language is important for the future of the business world.” Beyond studying, Wolfe tutored students in English four afternoons each week. He toured the city visiting sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. He learned to bargain at the Chinese markets and established friendships with fellow students who traveled from France, Poland and the UK. He also visited American businesses. Wolfe rode a bicycle to school and around the city. In Beijing, most people have bikes and there are huge lanes on every street for bikers, he said. All the while, he was connected to home. “On Friday nights, I went to the Beijing Chabbad House for Shabbat dinner. I met people from all over the world and had great food, too.”
Ben Rose
Written by Ben Rose, Grade 12 I try to live by a saying from Parsha Shoftim: “Justice, justice shall you pursue,” (Deuteronomy 16:20). So I decided to act upon it. This summer, I volunteered in Ghana with the American Jewish World Service as one of 15 rising seniors to build a latrine in a rural community. It was an extremely rewarding experience, and I’ve learned life lessons that I always will remember. In the mornings we worked on the latrine, and in the afternoons we had mini-projects. My favorite was teaching a class of 15 children, ages of 11 and 12. Another participant and I began our first day by teaching the concept of adjectives, a lesson straight from the teacher’s lesson plan The next class was on time measurement. A bit bored with the curriculum, we decided to develop our own lesson plan abut geography (with the headmaster’s permission). Unfortunately, the school only had one globe…and it was from the 1970s. Teaching geography was challenging, considering some countries on the globe don’t even exist anymore. We taught the children how we’re all on one planet, although separated by miles and miles of water. In our next class, we taught concepts of good governance and students made up their own constitutions. It was surprising when they voted for a mandatory 5:30 am wake-up call!
O
Our classes were very special to me. One of the most troublesome realizations, however, was the under-resourced school itself. Though the rooms had no textbooks, electricity or air conditioning, the windows did have steel bars. Looking back, I have come to appreciate and am so grateful for Hillel. Although we may complain at times, we have basics like lunch, bathrooms with toilets and sinks, and textbooks. We have technology, a library, athletics, arts and student government. They don’t have that where I taught. Observing Judaism in Ghana was a blessing. I was able to put Tefillin on everyday with a couple of other friends and everyone respected my observance of Shabbat. Half of us fasted on Tish B’Av and didn’t work that day but discussed what the day meant for us. The community didn’t know about Judaism, as very few Jews live in Ghana. But they were accepting of us, and we of them. Happy to know we come from Abraham, church leaders invited us to sing a Jewish song. We selected “Od Yavoh Shalom Aleinu”. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. Before the trip, I learned a few things about the trouble in rural West Africa but learned a whole lot more while there. I am of the belief that study without action is wasted. Hillel taught me how important it is to be involved with my community and the world. I plan to continue acting from my base of learning at home and abroad. KOL HILLEL 3
KAVOD RESPECT KINDNESS CHESSED
Scen Innovative
Parents, faculty and administrators enjoyed an informative evening at the second annual Cafe Hillel in August. Parents had an opportunity to talk to faculty and administrators, learning about academic and enrichment programs for the new school year all while catching up after summer vacation.
When Lower School students shared the holidays with their families they knew all about the origin of honey and how to create a shofar from a ram’s horn. They smelled the difference between the etrog and a grapefruit along with the meanings of all the traditions for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Rabbi Shmuly Gutnick, better known as Shmuly G of the Chabad Youth Network of Florida, visited campus for the holidays bringing hands-on honey-making and crafts to school. Students learned about the minhagim (traditions) of Rosh Hashanah, studied an encased beehive and churned honey in a portable processer before sitting down to create their own honey dishes for Rosh Hashanah at home. The programs are part of a collection of events organized by the Student Life ofďŹ ce.
The first day
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ne at Hillel
SHALOM PEACE EMMET TRUTH RUACH SPIRIT
Learning Welcomes Holidays
ECE Party Highlights New Classrooms, Playgound Early childhood families shared a taste of the new school year when they explored newly renovated classrooms, discovered the brand new playground and enjoyed rides, lunch and activities led by Upper School students. Nearly 350 friends enjoyed a morning of orientation, fun and festivities.
of school!
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ALUMNI NOTES Mazel tov to Hillel alumni David Yaffe, ‘05, and Isaac Maya, ‘05, whose short film Sole Food was admitted to the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The film, which premiered Saturday, October 16 at Cinema Paradiso, was written and directed by Yaffe and co-produced by him and Maya. The story is about Simon, a homeless beggar whose shoes are stolen by another homeless man who leaves him next to dead. Simon embarks on a journey to regain what he lost. Getting a good night’s sleep is the idea behind Dream Water, launched this summer by a team that includes Hillel alumni brothers David Lekach, ‘98, and Joseph Lekach, ‘05. Joseph says that Dream Water, a kosher beverage, is the first water that helps people relax and fall asleep using three natural ingredients. This entrepreneurial project has been Joseph’s focus since graduating from Babson College in 2009. David is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Business School with JD and MBA degrees from the University of Miami. The alumni are offering a 15 percent discount to fellow Hillel friends. Visit www.drinkdreamwater.com and enter the code Hillel15.*
*This is not an endorsement from Hillel. It is an alumni update.
Hillel alumnus Daniel Benchimol, ‘10, scored a goal in his first game for the Maccabees, the men’s soccer team at Yeshiva University in New York City. Benchimol, a freshman mid fielder for the Macs, is the first Hillel graduate to play at YU. Last year at Hillel, he was named All-Dade First Team by the Miami Herald after achieving 23 goals and 17 assists on Hillel’s soccer team.
Hillel is honored to recognize those who support the school with charitable gifts. Ma’ayan Society members for 2010-2011 follow.* Thank you! HAKOTEL The Greater Miami Jewish Federation The Gilinski Family Bob and Michelle Diener Jorge and Tammy Woldenberg HATIKVAH The Scheck/Bonwitt Families KINNERET Raphael and Flavia Ades David and Sara Bejar Frank and Rebecca Kriger Jacob and Ori Serfati Mike and Carol Shalom Idel and Yvette Woldenberg Joseph and Ivette Woldenberg MASSADA Anonymous Flavio and Debora Hojda Emilio and Alissa Romano *At press time, October 11, 2010
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A WARM WELCOME New Families Join Hillel Community New Hillel parents gathered on the third day of school for the annual New Family Breakfast, hosted by HIP/PTA. Parents learned about Hillel through presentations from HIP/PTA President Michele Scheck, parents Ronit Shiro and Sandra Levy, and school adminsitrators. The event was planned by volunteers who spent the summer preparing for the year and reaching out to famililes new to school. A warm welcome to the following new families! Dr. and Mrs. Alan Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. Luis Martinez Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Antebi Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Matz Mr. and Mrs. Mike Arfi Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo Menachem Mr. and Mrs. Avi Assor Mrs. Pola Mochon Mr. and Mrs. Raffi Attar Mr. and Mrs. Michael Muchnick Mr. and Mrs. Yaniv Avni Mr. Jonathan Morse Dr. and Mrs. Simon Behar Mr. and Mrs. Elad Ofir Mr. and Mrs. Neno Botton Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ohev-Zion Dr. and Dr. Thomas Crum Mr. and Mrs. James Olympios Mr. Leon Levy and Mrs. Raquel Chocron Mr. and Mrs. Jack Osman Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dejman Mr. and Mrs. Orit Ovaknin Mr. and Mrs. Shayeh Dov Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reich Mr. and Mrs. Steve Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Marc Rochman Mr. and Mrs. Joe Fischer Mr. Nuri Bashmet Mr. and Mrs. Dan Forkosh and Mrs. Slava Rozhko Mr. and Mrs. David Frank Mr. and Mrs. Steven Schmutter Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Froimzon Mr. and Mrs. Amit Schneider Mr. and Mrs. David Fuhrman Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Schuster Mr. and Mrs. Lois Fulop Mrs. and Mrs. Richard Shan Mr. and Mrs. Alberto Galante Mr. and Mrs. David Shapiro Ms. Ruth Cheja Mr. and Mrs. Limore Shayner Mr. and Mrs. Aby Galsky Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Shultz Mr. and Mrs. Meyer Gampel Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Simhon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Slomianski Mrs. Wendy Green Mr. and Mrs. Simon Stambouli Mr. and Lazaro Grynsztein Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Sterental Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Joels Mr. and Mrs. Lazaro Stern Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Kassin Mr. and Mrs. George Tenenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kattan Mr. and Mrs. Yizhak Toledano Mr. and Mrs. Saul Kattan Mr. Arik Alageam and Mrs. Maya Tzinder Mr. and Mrs. Lando Kravetz Mr. and Mrs. Lior Vaxman Mr. Mark Kravitz and Mr. Jonathan Morse Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Wabnik Mr. and Mrs. Steven Kruss Ms. Carla Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Gustavo Lancewicki Mr. and Mrs. Marcelo Weissmann Mr. and Mrs. Jerrod Levine Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Woginiak Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lifshitz Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Woldenberg Rabbi and Mrs. Aaron Lipskar Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Zfaz Mr. and Mrs. Gary Marder Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Zighelboim Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Mareyna Mrs. Maya Zilbert *At press time, October 11, 2010
Tribute/Occasion Cards Available Honor a friend or loved one with a tribute/occasion card offered by Hillel’s Development Office. The cards are a perfect way to recognize a birthday, anniversary, bar or bat mitzvah or birth; to honor a teacher or acknowledge a special occasion; or to send an expression of sympathy or a get-well message. A donation of $18 or more benefits Hillel’s scholarship fund. For information, contact Diana Mundak, Development Director, at 305.931.2831 x279 or mundlak@ehillel.com. Thank you!
2010 JAIME AND RAQUEL GILINSKI HILLEL AMBASSADORS
Students Formally Honored for Achievement
The 2010 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors were formally recognized in September before family members and school administrators. The students, who represent Hillel at school events and in the community, were selected after an extensive application process and earned merit-based scholarships for the 2010-2011 school year. Hillel parents Jaime and Raquel Gilinski created the Ambassador program with Head of School Dr. Adam Holden in an effort to further support education at Hillel and recognize model students. This year’s Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Raquel and Jaime Gilinski with 2010 Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors Hillel Ambassadors are: David Woldenberg, Grade 9 Sivanne Mendelson, Grade 7 Jade Wollschlaeger, Grade 12 Galit Cohen, Grade 12 Abraham Milhem, Grade 7 Avi Hirshbein, Grade 8 Ari Gontovnik, Grade 10 Alexandra Dreyfuss, Grade 12 Jessica Rosner, Grade 7 Sarah Angress, Grade 8 Isaac Epstein, Grade 12 Chelsea Sheridan, Grade 10 Susy Cohen, Grade 7 Margot Romano, Grade 9
Web Portal Gives Students and Parents Access to Assignments, Grades, News Now with the touch of a computer key and a password, Hillel parents and students have access to class schedules, grades, homework, upcoming assignments and improved communication. The new Web portal allows faculty to create class Web pages outlining assignments, facilitation discussions, along with resources and links to help students. Families can log onto pages, which also feature class information and syllabi, school news, school calendar, lunch menu and BackPack. Log in with your BackPack ID today.
Hillel Collects Monthly for Kosher Food Bank Hillel community members are encouraged to bring designated food items to campus each month for the Jewish Community Services Kids for Kosher Food Bank. Rosh Hashanah items were collected for the recent holiday. Collection tubs are located near the Nurse’s Office for Lower School students and Reiss Plaza for Grades 6-12. The list of foods each month soon will be posted to Hillel’s Web site. It is also uploaded to BackPack, emailed to Lower School parents by Grade Leads and sent home with for students in Grades 6-12. Each month, the contents of the tubs will be collected just before Rosh Chodesh and donated to the JCS Kosher Food Bank who make it available to the approximately 275 Jewish families who access the food bank every month.
Clubs, Community: Focus of Student Life Director
Rabbi Josh Spodek
Director of Student Life
From the first day that Rabbi Josh Spodek came to the Hillel campus in his new position as the Director of Student Life, he felt at home. Students found their way into his office asking to become involved. Faculty and administrators offered guidance and support. “It was very impressive,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I was on my own.” “I’ve been unbelievably inspired by the level of commitment and shared responsibility among the student body,” he added. His goals as the new student life director include revamping clubs and committees in the Middle School and Upper School, enhancing Lower School programs and adding more focus to community service.
Research shows that the more students are involved, the better they do academically and the more well-rounded they become. “It is my mission to get to know every student individually to help them shine and show their talents outside the classroom,” he said. Rabbi Spodek believes that through community service and club membership, students will strengthen their self-esteem and feel accomplished so they can contribute to society. Rabbi Spodek attended Jewish day school himself and spent eight years in Israel studying in Yeshiva before he married. He joins Hillel from Ulpanat Orot High School and Weinbaum Yeshiva High School.
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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
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Hillel Celebrates at Sukkot Community Event More than 700 students, parents, faculty and alumni came together on Hillel’s campus for the school’s first Sukkot Community Event. The event featured music and dancing, arts and crafts, clowns, jugglers, stiltwalkers, caricaturists and face-painting by members of the Upper School Art Honor Society. Students created their very own music videos with the Boogie Body entertainment system and participated in Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution competitions. The crowd enjoyed barbecue dinner in Hillel’s decorated Sukkah. Lower School students performed Sukkot songs and everyone watched the world premiere screening Hillel’s “Shake Your Lulav” video contest. Congratulations to Upper School students Celia Farca, Michelle Jafif, Tanya Jafif and Ben Rose for taking first prize; each received a new iPod touch for winning the contest. Mazel tov to the winners of the grand prize raffle, Rachel Milhem, who won an iPod touch, and Abraham Milhem, who won an iPad.