קול הלל
KOL HILLEL Scheck Hillel’s Award-Winning Magazine Winter 2019-2020 | 5780 חורף
WELCOME
Scheck Hillel Community School’s five core values Kavod - ( כבודRespect), Chessed - ( חסדKindness), Emet - ( אמתTruth) Shalom - ( שלוםPeace), Ruach - ( רוחSpirit) - define how we live as a school community. Our faculty and students kicked off the 2019-2020 school year exploring these values across disciplines and grades, defining how we relate to each other and society. Middle School English teacher Jason Touvi highlighted Emet through literature, using the novel Nothing but the Truth as a springboard for discussion. In Grade 8 Design/STEM, department chair Elana Lazar ‘98 challenged students to create values posters using graphic design tools and principles, from typography to image selection. Jordan Cohen ‘24 is shown in front of the poster gallery. Grade 2 celebrated World Kindness Day by making “kindness promises” through personal reflection and writing. Schoolwide, our core values are represented in student planners and campus signage as small reminders of the larger lessons infused throughout our academic curriculum. As always, we partner with our families to nurture wise, compassionate and purposeful Jewish leaders.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
Uri Benhamron, Chair Isaac Marcushamer, Vice Chair Philip Solomon, Treasurer Jacques Bessoudo, Secretary Silvia Assor David Bensadon Max Fischbach Anita Givner Marc Haime Flavio Hojda Marcos Singer* Joseph Woldenberg
Vanessa Donaher, Head of School Dr. Ezra Levy, Rabbinic Head Craig Carpentieri, Chief Academic Officer Rabbi Shlomo Sprung*, Director of Jewish Life & Community Learning Christopher Johnson, Director of High School Joshua Meisels*, Director of Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School Dr. Monica Wagenberg, Head of Juda and Maria Diener Lower School Orly Dromi, Early Childhood Education Coordinator Rabbi Avi Greene, Ed.D, Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language, Grades 6-12 Dror Karavani, Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language, Grades K-5 Robin Rimon, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Kindergarten-Grade 5 Eileen Ginzburg, Director of Academic Services
2019-2020/ 5779-5780
*Scheck Hillel Alumnus/a
ABOUT US From early childhood through Grade 12, Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity, values and a commitment to the State of Israel, through a college preparatory curriculum and meaningful co-curricular experiences, guided by Orthodox teachings and set within a nurturing, diverse community. Scheck Hillel is one of the world’s largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
Page 2
Scheck Hillel is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancEd, the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF), the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. Scheck Hillel is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
On the cover: Max Benarroch ‘25
Arguing for the Sake of Learning: Inside Judaic Studies Classes
Scheck Hillel’s dual curriculum in General and Judaic Studies offers a high-level platform for intellectual development. Students engage with texts across languages, subjects and sources, and adapt to a variety of teaching approaches and contexts.
-Lea Salama DiMitri, Scheck Hillel Alumna, Attorney at Law
Scheck Hillel alumni and attorneys David Halberstein ‘05 and Lea Salama DiMitri (P ‘19, ’22, ‘26) hail these learning methods. “Persistent questioning in search of clarity is a pillar of Judaism, the law and life,” David notes. Page 3
KOL HILLEL
By engaging in constructive dialogue and debating different interpretations of the laws, we solve complex legal questions. This is done using the same methods of study and analysis that I learned during my years at Scheck Hillel.
These experiences help to increase levels of cognitive capacity. In Dr. Hana Barouk’s Modern Jewish History course, she teaches students to grow their questioning skills using Bloom’s Taxonomy. “We want to get to red,” she says, pointing to the top of the pyramid. Red questions represent the highest level of creative thinking. The class engages in a debate in havruta (Jewish text study in pairs). Dr. Barouk raises the threshold of acceptable argument, praising creative thinking and challenging simple responses.
Scheck Hillel Community School
In a Beit Midrash Rabbinic History class, Rabbi Rodney Feinerman introduces text, encouraging students not just to read, but to learn the “why,” using ever-more complex reasoning skills to find meaning beyond the written text. His students love the experience. “We get to argue with Rabbis on an intellectual level,” said Maya Lev Tov ‘23, appreciating how argument is part of learning. Leah Winterman ‘23 reflects, “This class gives us a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at Judaism.” Orel Mizrahi ‘23 notes that Rabbi Feinerman also invites students to pose their own questions or discussion topics.
TECHNOLOGY POWERS LEARNING In a student-centered curriculum, digital resources support teaching and learning. Scheck Hillel is proud to be at the forefront of tech integration across the curriculum, using those applications and approaches that serve to augment, personalize and maximize student achievement.
Scheck Hillel: World Hub for STEM Learning Global Maker Day, one of the largest virtual meeting-of-the-minds for students and teachers from around the world, was broadcast from Scheck Hillel on October 29 - placing the school at the forefront of global STEM and maker education. The event’s organizing team, led by educator Jaime Donally, praised Scheck Hillel for embracing the maker culture and demonstrating leadership in the field. Throughout the day, students at Scheck Hillel and around the world had the opportunity to create, collaborate and share their solutions with a global audience. Congratulations to Nancy Penchev, Scheck Hillel’s I LAB Instructor and Lower School Technology Coordinator, who was named to the #GlobalMakerDay team!
#GlobalMakerDay Stats:
941
registered Page 4
80,318 students
42
countries
45
states
We are so thankful to Scheck Hillel for hosting us here, being so warm and inviting and also being an inspiration to so many other schools. -Jaime Donally, Founder, #GlobalMakerDay
Values Meet Tech in Design/STEM Class Scheck Hillel’s five core values got the creative treatment in Design/STEM class. The posters are now featured around campus.
Scheck Hillel Faculty Named International Ambassadors Lower School teacher Jenna Kraft is Scheck Hillel’s very own Khan Academy Ambassador. As a member of a select group of educators named Ambassadors by the international education platform, she is a unique resource for faculty. “Many of the tools help teachers personalize and extend learning for our students, and they align well with components of Scheck Hillel’s core curriculum,” Ms. Kraft noted. She already can see the positive impact the activities have had on motivation and engagement. Ms. Kraft and Nancy Penchev, also were recently named Newsela Ambassadors. Newsela is a portal that supercharges the reading experience with standards that are aligned to Scheck Hillel’s English/language arts curriculum. We are excited for the amazing learning opportunities Ms. Kraft and Ms. Penchev will bring to our faculty and students through their ambassadorships.
AR/VRinEDU Workshop: Reality Expands in the Classroom
Jaime Donally demonstrates an Augmented Reality anatomy program.
Page 5
KOL HILLEL
Virtual and augmented reality applications have evolved over the decades, and investment in these technologies for education has sky-rocketed in recent years - which is why Scheck Hillel is taking both leadership and measured approaches to adoption. With school-based experts as guides, students are already experiencing applications that make learning more vivid and engaging, opening doors to worlds far, near and imagined.
Scheck Hillel Community School
Hold a digital device over English-language text and watch it turn into its Hebrew translation. Then synch it to a code on a t-shirt, and see various biological systems emerge, superimposed on a real person’s body. Then enter those systems to see and feel what happens inside them. These are examples of virtual and augmented reality experiences for the classroom - a taste of what 30 Florida teachers were offered in a workshop hosted by Scheck Hillel in October.
ABOVE & BEYOND: ECE Offers Expert Language & Motor Skills Enrichment Strong language skills serve as the bedrock of future academic and social-emotional success. -Moran Lev-Ary, M.S. As part of Scheck Hillel’s Early Childhood Education curriculum, all PK3 and PK4 students participate in a proactive enrichment program during the school day. Twice a week, specialists in speech, language and occupational therapy design unique classroom experiences meant to augment essential curriculum goals in language and fine motor skills development. Students take turns at stations led by classroom teachers and specialists. In Morah Jael Blatt and Morah Eva Chocron’s PK3 class, students pictured above work with Morah Moran Lev-Ary, speech and language specialist; at the right above, students also practice fine motor skills in an activity led by occupational therapist Laura Coldea in Morah Yazmin Popiol and Morah Levona Ofri’s PK4 class.
Social Emotional Skills at Center of Counseling Program Scheck Hillel’s robust school counseling department includes eight professionals who serve students, teachers and families from 18 months-18 years. Creating safe spaces for communication, counselors provide comprehensive services via classroom lessons, responsive support, and individual student planning. The aim is to empower students to manage their own personal, social and academic growth, and develop empathy and respect for others. Page 6
A Grade 6 lesson taught by Middle School Counselor Yael Moreno explores the value of chessed (kindness).
SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM: Lower School: Laurie Parker and Esther Poler Middle School: Reina Chocron, Daniela Gelbspan and Yael Moreno High School: Lauren Berley ‘98, Linda Feigenbaum and Lois Perlman
SENIOR CAPSTONE PROGRAM Prepares for Adulthood CAPSTONE FACULTY Judaic Seminar: Rabbi Elie Ganz Rabbi Shlomo Sprung Rabbi Uri Pilichowski General Studies Seminar: Andrew Butler Opher Yunger Cristina Florez
As our Grade 12 students continue to pursue requirements toward a Scheck Hillel diploma, they rotate through courses in Capstone Senior Seminar: one of Scheck Hillel’s signature programs preparing students for college and career. Courses in both General and Judaic Studies are designed and taught by Capstone faculty using seminar-style instruction - covering themes around identity, entrepreneurship, essentials of Judaism, and other “big questions” that require interdisciplinary thinking. This school year, two seniors - Michael Berenstein and Alex Wagenberg - designed a class named “Introduction to Adulthood,” bringing industry leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs to share the lessons and values that shaped their journeys. Taught by Experiential Learning
and Internship Coordinator Cristina Florez, the course also covers career awareness, personal budgeting and investing. In Capstone’s “Introduction to Marketing and Advertising” class, taught by Opher Yunger, students develop a fresh strategy for an existing brand, and pitch their plans to an authentic audience of ‘clients’ and evaluators. As graduation approaches, seniors are continually challenged to think critically in real-world scenarios, empowering them to imagine a future of opportunity ahead. CAPSTONE FACULTY: Judaic Seminar: Rabbi Elie Ganz, Rabbi Uri Pilichowski and Rabbi Shlomo Sprung General Studies Seminar: Andrew Butler, Cristina Florez and Opher Yunger
Page 7
KOL HILLEL
Hillel Involved Parents/Parent Teacher Association brings the school together through vital programs and creative opportunities for family involvement. So far this year, HIP/PTA has sponsored our successful Scholastic Book Fair and student Movie Night, Coffee With Counselors, a visit from the Kindness ATM, a new parent Book Club, learning series with Rabbi Shlomo Sprung ‘99, a fun tailgate, a scavenger hunt benefiting the Kosher Food Bank and much more. Our PK4-Grade 1 students will begin enjoying the new Lower School playground thanks to HIP/PTA’s generous support. Scheck Hillel is grateful for all you do!
Scheck Hillel Community School
HIP/PTA Contributes to School Success
HECK HILLEL SC
ACHIEVERS
2019-2020 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors
National Merit Commended Scholars
Gabrielle Kurzer ‘20 and Alex Wagenberg ‘20
College Book Award Recipients Page 8
2019 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars
Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society
2019 Heisman Scholarship School Winner Orli Algranatti ‘20
HECK HILLEL SC
ACHIEVERS
National Junior Honor Society STUDENTS EXCEL IN SAT, ACT EXAMS Class of 2019 SAT Mean Scores SAT: 1300 (87th percentile) SAT Averages: *National: 1050-1060 *Florida: ~1020
ACT: 28 (89th percentile) ACT Averages: *National: 21 *Florida: 20
A Life Saved “One of our coaches saved a life last night.” This is how Elizabeth Morgan, Scheck Hillel’s Physical Schoolwide soccer Coach Ramses Giron was on his way to visit a friend when he came upon a medical emergency and immediately took action. “He did everything right, remembering what he learned in training. He provided immediate care to the victim, called 911, and stayed with her until paramedics arrived,” said Coach Morgan. This incident highlights the value Scheck Hillel places on CPR/ First Aid training and certification of all athletic staff. Athletic Director Cindy Lyon established this requirement and Coach Morgan conducts the training on campus. Kol Hakavod, Coach Giron! Page 9
Scheck Hillel Community School
Education Department Chair, began her note sharing the news.
KOL HILLEL
National Honor Society
ARTS AT SCHECK HILLEL Scheck Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program fosters art creation, study and performance, helping students develop their voices in a variety of disciplines.
Artwork by Rachel Davit ‘21 (left) and Martin Beting ‘21 (right) displayed at Broward Art Guild Competition
Page 10
ATHLETICS AT SCHECK HILLEL From field to court to classroom, Scheck Hillel student-athletes of all ages make the school community so very proud in a variety of competitive interscholastic sports. Go Lions! Shira Sredni ‘20 selected to play in All-Dade Match
Scheck Hillel hosts the Jewish Soccer Classic
HECK HILLEL C S
Memphis Basketball Tournament Tier II Champions
Five of our Lions qualified for Cross Country Regionals, a first for Scheck Hillel!
Page 11
ALUMNI NOTES
Class of 1999 - 20 Year Class Reunion
2000s
Mazal tov to Dania (Slochowski) Mas ’03 and Daniel Mas on the birth of their daughter! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Irene & Avi Slochowski and Rande Mas Zenter & Joel Grossman.
2010s
Mazal tov to Celia Farca ‘11 and Jack Massry on their marriage. Celia is the daughter of Orly & Jose Farca and sister of Moises ‘10, Alan ‘13 and Debbie. Jack is the son of Ema & Isaac Massry.
Mazal tov to Jacqueline (Berenson) Brad ‘04 and Alex Brad on the birth of their daughter! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Diana & Steven Berenson and David, z”l, & Hilda Brad.
Mazal tov to Jenna Cohen and Jordan Myara ‘11 on their marriage. Jenna is the daughter of Lior and Shari Cohen. Jordan is the son of Deborah & Jean-Jacques Myara and brother of Justin ‘12, Sabrina and Jake.
Mazal tov to Isabella (Kizer) Lekach and Joseph Lekach ‘05 on the birth of their son! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Iliana Levy, Eduardo Kizer and Rachmil & Sarita Lekach.
Mazal tov to Tatiana Waserstein ‘12 and Alain Douer on their marriage. Tatiana is the daughter of Jeanette Bibliowicz and Richard Waserstein, and sister of Erika (Waserstein) Schlachter ‘06 and Gabriella Waserstein ‘11. Alain is the son of Perla & Alberto Douer.
Mazal tov to Janine (Berenson) Chinitz ‘06 and Isaac Chinitz on the birth of their son! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Diana & Steven Berenson and Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Mazal tov to Danielle Elfassy ‘12 and Jason Polinsky on their marriage. Danielle’s siblings are Arielle ‘13 and Audrey ‘17.
Mazal tov to Claritt (Zighelboim) Mishaan ‘06 and Moris Mishaan on the birth of their daughter! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Lia Fischer & George Brod, Jaime Zighelboim and Susie & Alberto Mishaan. Mazal tov to Ilana Gadish-Peters ‘07 and Moshe Peters on the birth of their daughter! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Lanie Stern, Tzachi Gadish and Haviva & Harry Peters. Mazal tov to Debbie (Milhem) Beda ‘08 and Raymond Beda ‘00 on the birth of their son! Congratulations to their family, especially siblings Sheldon ‘32 and Eli ‘34, and grandparents Helen & Elie Milhem and Gloria & Sheldon Beda.
Mazal tov to Sophia (Brener) Licht ‘13 and Ariel Licht on the birth of their daughter! Congratulations to their family, especially grandparents Betty Brener, Michael Brener and Ella & Allen Licht. Mazal tov to Susie Alalu ‘14 and Jesse on their marriage. Susie is the daughter of Raquel Alalu and Rafael Alalu and sister of Abraham ‘20. Jesse is the son of Dr. Walter Simon and Mrs. Ellen Simon. Mazal tov to Ashley Stambouli ‘16 and Eduardo Cohen on their marriage. Ashley is the daughter of Amy & Simon Stambouli and sister of Sharon ‘15. Eduardo is the son of Ricardo & Veronique Cohen. Mazal tov to Tania Benasayag ‘16 and Kevin Asseraf on their marriage. Tania is the daughter of Geula & Elias Bensayag and sister of Jacobo ‘14 and Esther ‘19. Kevin is the son of Isaac & Tania Asseraf. *As of November 2019
ANNUAL EVENT 2019
Page 12
Lior Suchard’s mind-blowing performances have made him the most sought-after mentalist in the world. We were honored to welcome him to Scheck Hillel for this year’s Annual Event.
The audience cheered in amazement as Lior Suchard performed his act of ashtonishing predictions and mind readings.
MA’AYAN SOCIETY HaKotel
Massada
Greater Miami Jewish Federation Gisela and Daniel Ades Raquel and Jaime Gilinski
Yerushalayim Shel Zahav Scheck and Bonwitt Families
Tzfat
Leticia and Eduardo Azar Klinger and Frohlich Families Stephanie and Alberto Perlman
Kinneret
Miriam and Alberto Aghion Cynthia and Michael Berkman Blomberg and Newman Families Sandra and Morris Kaplan Joanna and Philip Solomon Ivette and Joseph Woldenberg
Anonymous Patricia and Isaac Almosny Vanessa and Uri Benhamron Sandra and Jaime Birmaher Brod and Gorin Families -The Gemma Foundation Vivianne and Marc Haime and Family Gilinski and Eilemberg Families Sofia and Michael Ioannou Danya Lindenfeld Lou Bacon Share Trust Toby and Ruben Mischne Regalia Beach Developers, LLC Yvette and Idel Woldenberg
DESIGNATED GIVING The Jordan Alexander Ressler Endowed Chair for the Performing Arts
The Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program Early Childhood Education Stephanie and Gabriel Gilinski Student Engagement and Campus Enhancement HIP/PTA - Dorothy Gruen Playground Renovation Project Judaic Studies & Jewish Life Wendy and Carlos Berner - Sefer Torah Project The Kinderlach of Otto & Chava Wagenberg - Siddurim
STEAM Curriculum Greater Miami Jewish Federation Technology Education Resource and Redesign Alliance, Inc. (TERRA) Merit-Based Scholarship Dr. Eugene Finkin and Linda Witham Finkin Education CAJE Eleanor Meyerhoff Katz, z�l, Teacher Initiative Award CAJE JBlend Legacy Heritage Programming Greater Miami Jewish Federation Day School Enhancement Grant
Page13 7 Page
KOL HILLEL
Scheck Hillel Community School
Israel Advocacy Education The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Evelyn and Dr. Shmuel Katz The Robert Russell Memorial Foundation Jack Chester Foundation HIP/PTA
Page 14
KOL HILLEL
Page 15
Scheck Hillel Community School
19000 NE 25th Avenue North Miami Beach, Florida 33180 eHillel.org
Engineering the Fun in Learning
Thank You for Choosing Scheck Hillel! RE-ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN Limited Space Available in Select Grades for 2020-2021 eHillel.org/login
SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Sunday, January 12, 2020 11 AM - 2 PM Scheck Hillel Community School
· Navigate a rocket ship escape room · Design and code your own video games · Paint 3d and mixed reality digital art · And more!
FREE outdoor family Fun for all ages!
GAMES | FOOD | SHOWS eHillel.org/lionpalooza EVENT PARTNERS Hillel’s Involved Parents