Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family
Volume 3 Issue 3 February/March 2011 Adar I/Adar II 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
Head of School Advocates Student Empowerment “By building on guidance programs As incoming Head of School, Rabbi and working closely with faculty, students Pinchos Hecht is inspired by the welcoming will blossom as they become advocates of atmosphere and mission of Hillel. their own learning in a respectful way.” “There is an excitement, joy and Student empowerment is a missionappreciation of the school by students, driven approach to move together to help parents and faculty,” Rabbi Hecht said on his students understand the skills they need to first afternoon at Hillel. develop, he explained. “I see a great deal of health and balance in The vision is also about empowering this institution,” he said. “Dr. Holden and his faculty and the school community as a team have made remarkable accomplishments whole to contribute and establish enriching at Hillel.” programs for students. “This is what great Rabbi Hecht intends to continue the course schools are doing,” he said. “We focus on established by Hillel’s current administration. Rabbi Hecht in conversation with students in Grade 1. the talents of students even as we expand “Stability is critical along with enhancing what curriculum, establish endowments and already is in place. It’s more important to do what nourish the school community. It’s part of an overall investment in you do and do it well, and build on that excellence.” Rabbi Hecht believes that students should have a balanced education the children.” Rabbi Hecht plans to set a number of markers of excellence for focused on the tools necessary to succeed in today’s world - skills that incorporate “initiative, creativity, collaboration, expression, innovation Hillel. “I want this to be a leading institution with an integration of global education, Jewish identity and Jewish learning,” he said. and self-advocacy.” “Student empowerment is very important to me. Students should “And we’re on our way.” To read more about Rabbi Hecht, visit www.hillel-nmb.org take ownership of their own learning,” he said.
Students Collaborate to Learn
In Nancy Penchev’s Grade 5 class, students discovered first-hand how to teach and inspire younger students to learn. They had nearly two months to prepare PowerPoint lesson plans on interactive whiteboards to engage Early Childhood classes. They learned that the only way to begin would be to learn what the young children love most. They wrote letters to each Early Childhood teacher describing their project, asking which topics ECE students enjoy. Once the information was researched, students studied and created interactive lessons to present to each class. Two Grade 5 students taught Kindergarten about numbers and created a lesson plan that rolled dice to add numbers.
Lessons had quite a range! All chosen by ECE classes, topics included trucks, Hebrew words, friends, candles, spelling, fairy tales, plants and recycling. “Our students loved this project,” Penchev said. “It’s teaching and making a connection to what other students are learning at different levels. Many students have siblings, cousins and family friends in Early Childhood, making this even more exciting and meaningful.” Once all was said and done, Ms. Penchev’s students spent some time reflecting on the process of collaborative work, technological literacy and lesson planning and delivery.
learning for a lifetime
DVAR TORAH BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary HIP/PTA President
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
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Head of School Rabbi Pinchos Hecht 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* *Hillel alumnus/a 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 InternationalRegional Accreditation, National Council for Private School Accreditation, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Association of Independent Schools of Florida and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. 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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By Rabbi Chaim Albert Rabbinic Head How important is the Jewish value of emet? Truth is the signature of Hashem. Pirke Avot relates that truth, justice and peace are the three virtues that allow the world to continue. Alef is the first letter, Mem is the middle letter and Taf is the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet spelling emet. This teaches us that regardless of time, location or circumstance, emet must always win. Chazal tell us, that our forefather Jacob was the paradigm for emet: “Titen Emmet LYaakov.” However, Jacob did appear to be involved in a few nefarious activities, such as stealing the blessing from his brother and not telling his father the full truth. Even if Jacob was justified, how could he be our best example of emet? We can learn a stunning insight from the life of Jacob. Emet does not mean simply telling the truth and giving an accurate depiction of details. Rather, emet means understanding what is truly important in life and ensuring all you do is motivated by life’s real virtues. Jacob was instructed to steal the blessing by his mother who was a greater profit, and their motivation was ensuring the Torah and way of life be entrusted into the correct hands. Jacob’s motivations were pure. His intentions were based on a real virtue, and thus he was the perfect depiction of emet. Jacob listened to his mother for he knew this was truly the Ratzon Hashem, Hashem’s desire. On our campus emet is an essential component of daily life. We stress that students approach their academics with emet. This extends both to the integrity of their work and their motivations behind learning. It is our goal that the question, “Is this going to be on our test?” not be the driving force behind a class. Rather, let the passion for learning and growing permeate the classroom environment. The best way to foster a school with good Jewish values is for the children to experience them in their home. A constant topic of conversation is grades and college plans, yet we need to discuss more about emet and integrity. This will give our children the message that even more important than the final grade, is the integrity of earning the grade with emet.
Hillel Sees Highest Increase in Re-Enrollment and New Applications
Hillel experienced one if its greatest increases in returning students and new applicants in its winter 2011 re-enrollment campaign. It was the highest turnout in recent years, said Betty Salinas, Director of Admissions. “From inquiring phone calls to campus tours, the energy we are feeling in the admissions office is just incredible,” Salinas said. “We are welcoming such a beautiful balance of new and returning families with children across Lower School, Middle School and Upper School.” As a thank you, Hillel offered current parents the opportunity to lock-in tuition when they re-enrolled by February 1. Salinas said families also re-enrolled early to avoid class waiting lists and capped class sizes. Loyalty is so greatly appreciated by Hillel faculty, staff, administration and Board, and the school only wants families to benefit as much as possible. With sense of community and school ruach stronger than ever, such commitment is transparent throughout Hillel these days, Salinas said. For information, contact Hillel’s Office of Admissions (305.931.2831 x173 / admissions@hillel-nmb.net).
Working as a Community PLANTING TOGETHER FOR TU B’SHVAT In celebration of Tu B’Shvat, Hillel students celebrated on campus and in the community. Throughout the day, students in Middle School guided younger students in Early Childhood as they planted flowers together in the school’s butterfly garden and outside classrooms. “It was truly special to see our youngest students interact and learn together with our Middle School students,” said PK4 teacher Tali Barhai. “What a way to celebrate Tu B’Shvat as a community.” Students also shared a picnic lunch with parents. Kindergarten - Grade 2 planted trees and flowers with developmentally disabled adults from the Log Cabin Nursery in Sunrise, and Grades 3-5 spent the afternoon on an educational tour of Flamingo Gardens where they learned the importance of keeping the environment clean and becoming eco-friendly. Students in Grade 6 decorated flower pots and brought them to the elderly residents at Regents Park. “Many students were apprehensive, not knowing what to expect,” said Grade 6 teacher Claudia Castro. “But, upon meeting the elderly, their fears changed to joy and gratitude. Their hearts reflected the values from the Torah that they have learned throughout the year. Each student was able to demonstrate kindness and love by talking to the elderly, hearing their stories and holding their hands. The smiles on the faces of the elderly were priceless.” The Tub’Shvat activities were organized by Hillel’s Office of Student Life.
Grade 4 Discovers the Miracle of Challot Students in Grade 4 learned that there are miracles in baking challot. By rolling out the dough, patting on the flour and learning the techniques to braid the challah, students brought to life a story they had learned in class about a family with a very special oven. Miriam Wiener, director of Hebrew Language Grade K-5, explained that Rabbi Chanian and his wife did not have money to bake challot and were embarrassed to take food from their neighbors. She lit the oven so neighbors would see smoke and think she was baking. A nosy woman came into the house and opened the oven and, to her suprise, there were four challot. Students learned the importance of keeping tradition and the belief that G-d will provide, Wiener explained. As the family was surprised to find the challot in the oven, students surprised their own families with their handmade challot.
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2011 annual event
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Scene Nearly 400 members of the Hillel community gathered together January 12 to celebrate 40 years of Hillel at the 2011 Annual Event. Past Chairmen Ellis Sinyor, Rafael Russ and Gil J. Bonwitt were recognized for their continued vision, leadership and commitment, as keynote speaker Wayne Firestone, CEO and President of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, addressed the guests. The event welcomed community rabbis as well as past presidents Dr. Joel Dennis and his wife Peshe, Michael and Raquel Scheck, and Austin Frye and his wife Heidi. The event was chaired by Ruthy Benoliel, Daphna Bentata and Elise Scheck Bonwitt. They and Ad Journal chair Anita Givner, and the committee, generously volunteered their time to ensure a successful event. Proceeds from the event beneďŹ t Hillel’s Scholarship Fund.
e at Hillel Thank You to Our Partners! Annual Event:
Hyman, Spector and Mars LLP
Thank You to Our Partners! 7th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament:
Hillel Alumni Enjoy Sports, Socializing with Old Friends Hillel alumni returned to campus in December for the Frye Financial Center Alumni Games. Following an afternoon of games, alumni got re-acquainted over dinner at Hillel.More than 100 alumni gathered, forming teams to play soccer and basketball against students, faculty and parents. At the post-game reception, generations of alumni enjoyed tours of the new campus enhancements during this mini-reunion of classes. The new Global Learning Lab and renovated Berta and Isaac Berezdivin Library Media Center took their breath away. Over dinner and an exchange of class photos, the group toasted to next year at Hillel!
Rok Acquisitions L’Chaim Kosher Vodka CFM and the Fiske Family Imaginare Graphic Design Wells Fargo Zona Enterprises Yehuda Seinfeld/ Traditions Capital Management The Berkman Family Lundy & Shacter, P.A. The Waxman Family Intcomex The Cherem Family Kaylin Printing & Promotional Products Inspire WiFi Saban + Solomon Attorneys at Law Anonymous *At press time March 15, 2011
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PTA Welcomes New Office It’s official! As the mezuzah was placed outside the door by Rabbi Albert, Hillel’s HIP/PTA welcomed its new office in January. Located outside Lower School classrooms and around the corner from the nurse’s office, parents can organize events and hold monthly meetings in the new site. Thank you to all the Hillel parents for participating in the 2011 Mishloach Manot Exchange, one of HIP/PTA’s biggest fundrasiers of the year. Purim orders were distributed March 17-18. HIP/PTA Mischloach Manot chairs are Joana Kirsch and Mimi Klimberg. Join HIP/PTA for the annual Guardian of Learning Event on Monday, April 11, 8:15 am, at Hillel. Congresswoman Ileana RosLehtinen will visit campus to present “Educating our Future Leaders” and to meet with parents. To become a Guardian or to RSVP, please call 305.931-2831 x218 or write to hip@hillel-nmb.net.
In the NEWS Senior Named Merit Scholar Finalist
Alexandra Dreyfuss, Grade 12, has been named a 2011 National Merit® Scholar Finalist. She has qualified for this prestigious title within a circle of 16,000 Semifinalists from across the country applying for National Merit® Scholarships worth more than $36 million. To be considered, students fulfill several requirements from outstanding academics and the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to a personal essay, school leadership and community involvement. Mazel Tov!
Student Wins Geography Bee
Sam Kainen, Grade 7, won Hillel’s Middle School Geography Club Bee in January, narrowly edging out runner-up Gedaliah Stein to win the competition. All 16 members of the club participated in what faculty sponsor Jim Morrow called a hard-fought contest. Kainen is waiting for results of a written test to submitted to the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC, to determine his eligibility for the state-level competition in Jacksonville in the spring. Helping at the Bee were alumni Aliza Ben-Arie and David Mazur who both took time off from their college vacations to support Hillel.
Upper School Student Earns Poetry Award
Margot Romano, Grade 9, won third place in the High School Poem category of the Jewish Museum of Florida’s Social Justice Creative Writing Contest. The opening of the exhibit was January 18.
Technology Program Recognized
Hillel is honored to recognize those who support the school with charitable gifts to the Annual Campaign. Ma’ayan Society members for 2010-2011 follow.* Thank you! HAKOTEL The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Michelle and Bob Diener Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Tammy and Jorge Woldenberg HATIKVAH The Scheck/Bonwitt Families KINNERET Flavia and Raphael Ades Sara and David Bejar Cynthia and Michael Berkman Yael and Jose Cherem Nava and Mike Izak Rok, Morjain, Moskovitz Families Ori and Jacob Serfati Carol and Mike Shalom Yvette and Idel Woldenberg Ivette and Joseph Woldenberg MASSADA Anonymous (2) Dalia and Steve Berman Charitable Trust Debora and Flavio Hojda Rebecca and Frank Kriger Alissa and Emilio Romano Dana and Joshua Schrager Deborah and David Waxman *At press time, March 15, 2011
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Hillel’s distance learning program was highlighted by the Jewish Education Project, an organization that works with the Jewish Education Service of North America (JESNA) and the AVI CHAI Foundation to transform Jewish education for today’s ever-changing world and help shape the future of the Jewish people.
Hillel Arts Featured at Film Festival
Artwork and a film produced by Hillel Grade 6-12 students and alumni was displayed and presented at the CAJE Miami Jewish Film Festival’s Young Filmmakers Institute in January. One of the three film directors screening that evening was Hillel graduate Avital Epstein, and adding to the group was Hillel alumnus Alex Arabov, YFI Coordinator and director of this year’s CAJE Miami Jewish Film Festival trailer.
Raffle Winner Named
Mazel tov to Hillel parents Ilanit Taieb and Jennifer Ben-Shmuel for winning Mrs. Debra Abolafia’s and Mr. Nick Hinrichsen’s parking spaces for the 3rd quarter! Tickets for the 4th quarter are now available through March 24. For tickets, please visit the Principals’ offices or Development, or reach out to a HIP/PTA volunteer. Tickets: 1 for $5, 5 for $20. Proceeds support Hillel’s Scholarship Fund. For information, please write to mundlak@hillel-nmb.net.
Hillel Helps Plant Trees In Israel
When the worst fire in Israel’s history broke out in the Carmel Mountains in December, Hillel families and faculty stepped up as a community. Hillel took on the charge to plant gardens in the Carmel region and today – two months later – has exceeded goal, raising nearly $3,000. The fire destroyed five million trees and 12,500 acres of planted forest, natural woodland and open spaces. Hillel’s participation in JNF’s Operation Carmel Renewal is helping to revive the damaged areas but more help is needed. To give, visit www.jnf.org.
The Shabbaton Experience
Building Memories, Friendships and Leadership Skills The whole concept of Shabbatonim has grown this year at Hillel. Behind the fun-filled weekends, Middle School and Upper School students are learning to become role models, build friendships, develop lifelong leadership skills, and experience Shabbat. That’s only the beginning, said Rabbi Josh Spodek, director of Student Life. He has planned these trips at the Florida Lions Camp in Lake Wales with four goals, and based on student surveys following each Shabbaton, the goals have been met, he said. Rabbi Spodek said the goals are: • To have students feel they can keep Shabbat in a traditional setting without technology - no cell phones or electronics • Students should feel inpired through songs, games singing, ruach, learning and a huge bonfire following Havdalah services • Students can build relationships with faculty and Upper School student chaperones • Students are united to break down barriers or clicks to allow all students to come together and be friends.
Teams Finish on Top; Students Named All-Dade
Hillel’s men’s varsity soccer team finished their season as district champions for the second season in a row. The Hurricanes closed 13-3-3. The team’s recent success comes, according to head coach and Upper School teacher Ben Magidson, due mostly to the players’ hard work and the strong leadership of the team’s senior players. The men’s varsity basketball team also played in districts this year. Athletic Director Cindy Lyon said it was the first year both teams were ranked first seed in the district at the same time. Four varsity soccer players were awarded spots on the Dade County All-County team: Yuli Prizant made the first team, Bryan Rub made the second team, Nicole Marder made the third team and Tanya Jafif earned an honorable mention. Three players from the 2010 football team earned honorable mention for the All Dade County Football team: Jake Najjar, Danny Furrer, and Bryan Rub. Lyon said that playing as an independent school offers greater difficulty for the Dade County team. “These three deserve so much credit for their accomplishments.” To be nominated, Lyon said, all the head coaches from each school meet and appoint an athlete based on their accomplishments, then all district coaches vote. The team ranked first earns at least two votes due to their district championship. In Middle School sports, both the girls basketball and the boys soccer teams made it to district finals. It was also the time both teams reached the playoffs.
“What’s unique about Hillel is that we incorporate leadership by bringing trained Upper School students as chaperones who lead activities and discussions,” he said. “The Shabbatonim have been so well-received that students can’t wait until the next one,” he added. “Once we left, we wanted to have the Shabbaton every weekend,” said Grade 6 student Gaby Acherman. “We will never forget this amazing weekend.” Grade 7 student Mandi Cohen said, “Not only did we get to spend time with friends, we had a chance to meet new ones and bond as a grade praying and singing Shabbat songs.”
Students Raise $19,000 in Jump Rope for Heart
Lower School students participated in Jump Rope for Heart, raising more than $19,000 for the American Heart Association. Parents, teachers and students joined together to get active for a great cause. “It was amazing to see such a great turnout for the day,” said Hillel physical education teacher Jimmy Robertson. “It’s great that people realize how important it is to exercise every day.”
Students Receive First Siddur
Hillel Grade 1 students performed for family and friends before receiving their first Siddur in February. The students sang, danced and described what they have been learning through a lively production directed by Grade 1 teacher Sarah Goldman and music teacher Sophie Sherman. The ceremony is a long standing Hillel tradition marking the beginning of a lifetime of study of Torah values. KOL HILLEL 7
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
7TH ANNUAL HILLEL TEXAS HOLD ‘EM TOURNAMENT Thursday, May 5, 2011 1 Iyyar 5771 Sponsored by Sapoznik Health & Wellness Mardi Gras Casino Florida FEATURING Michael ‘The Grinder’ Mizrachi and the Mizrachi family See all our event sponsors on page 5! Register online www.hillel-nmb.org/poker
Students Volunteer and Help Finish Dream Home Story By Ben Rose, Grade 12 On February 8, nearly 30 Upper School seniors volunteered with Habitat for Humanity from the morning until the afternoon. We split up to help at two different houses - painting and landscaping. We were met by volunteers from Habitat and AmeriCorps to guide us through the manual labor. From the shoveling to the planting of trees, we were able to see the fruits of our labor come to life after the seven hours of working. We also had an unbelievable experience working side by side with our fellow seniors and bonding in these final months of high school. It was a real treat to be doing something positive for the greater community and having more fun than expected. We volunteered and helped complete aspects of building a house for families we didn’t know and will never know. Rambam says that the highest level of Tzedaka is when the receiver doesn’t know the giver and the giver doesn’t know the receiver. We were able to fulfill this and we were filled with pride to be serving the community as Jews for a worthy cause. Each and every one of us was sincerely inspired by the day’s work. On the bus ride back to school, we clamored for another one of these opportunities. We would like to especially thank the wonderful Habitat for Humanity and ultimately the school for allowing us to enrich ourselves by serving those in need. Note: One home will belong to a teacher’s assistant at Alapattah Headstart and her two children. Outside the house Habitat posts information about the family with the mother quoted: “Habitat will make my dreams for me and my two children a reality.”