Kol Hillel: Fall 2020

‫קול הלל‬

KOL HILLEL Scheck Hillel Named 2020 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Juda and Maria Diener Lower School | Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School | Ben Lipson Upper School

Fall 2020 | 5781 ‫סתיו‬

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

YEARS

Est. 1970

Welcome This year, Scheck Hillel Community School is celebrating its 50th Anniversary: a time to honor the vision of our founders and to build upon that vision with a focus on educational excellence. This issue of Kol Hillel also looks to return to campus and to our school family. Eager to welcome students in person, our faculty and staff members have worked tirelessly to enrich the student experience with enhanced technology and learning environments, coupled with extensive professional development. Our students have shown uncommon resilience, achieving the highest levels in national awards and exams and college acceptances, and our families have provided ongoing support and expertise. Today, Commitment to Community is crucial as we prepare to return and remain on campus. May our New Year bring us together again as one healthy, united community.

2020-2021 / 5780-5781 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

2020-2021 / 5780-5781 EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

Uri Benhamron, Chair

Vanessa Donaher, Head of School

Isaac Marcushamer, Vice Chair

Dr. Ezra Levy, Rabbinic Head

Philip Solomon, Treasurer

Craig Carpentieri, Chief Academic Officer

Jacques Bessoudo, Secretary

Rabbi Shlomo Sprung*, Director of Jewish Life & Community Learning

David Bensadon Max Fischbach

ANNUAL MEETING: Strong Foundation, Vibrant Future

Ben Lipson Upper School Christopher Johnson, Director of High School

Anita Givner

Joshua Meisels*, Director of Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School

Marc Haime

Dr. Monica Wagenberg, Head of Juda and Maria Diener Lower School

Flavio Hojda

Orly Dromi, Early Childhood Education Coordinator

Sharon Minski* Philip Solomon

Rabbi Avi Greene, Ed.D, Director of Judaic Studies & Hebrew Language, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Grades 6-12

Alex Wolak Joseph Woldenberg

Dror Karavani, Director of Judaic Studies & Hebrew Language, KindergartenGrade 5

Scheck Hillel’s 2020 Annual Meeting was held June 3 with messages from Board of Governors Chair Uri Benhamron and Vice Chair Isaac Marchushamer, Head of School Vanessa Donaher and Dr. Ezra Levy, Rabbinic Head. Thank you to outgoing Board members Silvia Assor and Marcos Singer (alumnus), and mazal tov to Jacques Bessoudo, Sharon Minski ‘97 and Alex Wolak.

Robin Rimon, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kindergarten-Grade 5 Eileen Ginzburg, Director of Academic Services *Scheck Hillel Alumnus/Alumna

ABOUT US Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. 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. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange an in-person or virtual tour of the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.942.9787 or write to admissions@eHillel.org.

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SCHECK HILLEL @ HOME Kindergarten and Grade 5 Parades Kindergarten (Class of 2032) and Grade 5 (Class of 2028) students and families drove through campus to celebrate moving up.

A Move To Online Learning

Class of 2020 Drive-Through The Class of 2020 celebrated its milestone on campus in drive-through fashion, deferring to the social distancing guidelines of the moment.

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KOL HILLEL

Scheck Hillel Community School

In March 2020, Scheck Hillel swiftly transitioned to online instruction in response to the COVID-19 crisis, leading as the first area school to take such action. More than 1,000 students and 200 faculty and staff migrated to teaching and learning from home. Scheck Hillel’s immediate priority was to ensure continuity of learning while providing social-emotional support for students and families. Teachers rose to the occasion - showing agility in adopting new technologies and designing instruction for online effectiveness within a dual curriculum. Students embraced the changes and were comforted by the opportunity to see their teachers and friends every day. Milestones were celebrated in drivethroughs and Zoom rooms, reflecting Scheck Hillel’s commitment to community.

WELCOME BACK TO CAMPUS!

Technology Enhancements • New personal Chromebook for every Kindergarten-Grade 5 student • New 75” interactive displays in PK4Grade 12 • State-of-the-art, wide-angle cameras and wireless microphones to ensure quality experiences for students in person and at home • Campus-wide gigabit fiber optic internet and upgraded network • Software and hardware additions that track skills practice and experiential learning

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Commitment to Community

Scheck Hillel’s Commitment to Community is a pledge that we all will strictly follow health guidelines to socially distance and take all recommended precautions as individual families to ultimately take care of our school community. Our core values are now paired with health guidelines, shaping the choices we make to ensure we keep our students our community - safe.

Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Ba-Zeh We are all responsible for one another.

Thank You, HIP/PTA! Scheck Hillel’s parent-teacher group has been a key partner in preparing campus for a return to school. HIP/PTA has helped to enhance outdoor areas on campus and exciting programming is underway. Make sure to visit the Family Events and Learning page eHillel.org/FamilyLearning for cooking and book club programming, evening learning opportunities and more.

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KOL HILLEL

Scheck Hillel Community School

While the 2020-2021 school year began online, a commitment to return to campus has been an ongoing priority. We are following guidelines established by state and national health authorities and by Scheck Hillel’s Medical Advisory committee and are reopening on a staggered schedule.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

YEARS

HONORING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.

A Brief History A vision conceived by a handful of families in the late 1960s became a reality in 1970 when Scheck Hillel Community School was founded in a storefront. In 1976 the school moved to its present 14-acre location in North Miami Beach. The school expanded in 1990 to include the Ben Lipson High School. The Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School and the Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School were named in 2003. In 2011 and again in 2020, Scheck Hillel was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Our Founders

Elaine and Harvey Baxter Arlene and Irving Canner Anna and Abe Dennis Michael Gary Dennis Peshe and Joel Dennis Terry and Melvyn Drucker Alvina and Lee Duffner Ruth and Julius Eagerman Sandra and Matthew Ettinger Muriel and Sam Feldman Rachel and Alvin Fisher Shirley and Herbert Gold Marcia and Murray Kane Bertie and Irving Kuttler Esther and Theodore Lerner Rabbi Max Lipschitz Shelly and Arthur Lipson Carol and Lloyd Moriber Marjorie and Howard Sanford Raquel and Michael Scheck Shirley and Leonard Schreiber Millie and Saul Schreiber Roberta and Barry Seinfeld Joanne and Don Solomon Betty and Stanley Spieler Elaine and Moie Tendrich Florence and Arthur Winton Judy and Morton Zemel

SCHOOL SYMBOLS: THEN AND NOW

We introduced our symbolic crest logo.

We returned to our ďŹ rst logo.

We adopted a mascot of the lion.

We introduced our Spirit Logo, showcasing our student experience.

Scheck Hillel Community School

We identify as a single mission-based name: Scheck Hillel Community School.

and we changed the lion to the hurricane.

1970

Early 1980s

Mid 1980s

1990s

2000s

2007

2012

2015

2020

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KOL HILLEL

We named Henrietta Scheck Middle School and Juda and Maria Diener Lower School.

And as we grew, we updated the logo,

Today, we celebrate 50 years of academic excellence and united community.

HECK HILLEL SC

We named The Ben Lipson Upper School.

Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School opened with our ďŹ rst logo.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

YEARS

CLASS OF 2018

Mazal tov to Scheck Hillel’s

Daniela M. Abbo University of Miami

Emmanuel Abitbol University of Florida Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Jaime Emanuel Acherman Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Abraham Alalu Florida International University Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Orli Algranatti University of California, Davis

Joi Alon Florida State University

Daniela Alvarez Tulane University

Yedida Bentolila University of Maryland Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Michael Berenstein Babson College

Alan Berkman New York University Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Arie Salomon Berti Murciano Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Saul Birmaher University of Miami

David Birnbaum Santa Fe College

Sofia Reed Biton University of Wisconsin

Tomas Martin Dubrovsky Florida International University

Miriam Edana Florida Atlantic University

Mordechai Eisenstein Yeshivat Ashreinu

Danielle Esquenazi University of Maryland

Ashley Fincheltub University of Miami

Daniela Fincheltub University of Wisconsin Young Judaea Year Course

Jolie Fiske University of Texas-Austin

Victor Kameo Alazrachi Columbia University

David Kornbluth Nehmad University of Colorado, Boulder

Gabrielle Kurzer Northwestern University

David Lior Lechter Tulane University

Samuel Levy University of Central Florida

David Rayek Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Joseph Ari Rimon University of Florida

Maya Sylvia Rodrig University of Florida

Elan Moises Roffe Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Sacha Sadoun Undecided

Joshua Schmutter University of Florida

Yael Sefchovich Northeastern University

Brandon Wabnik Nova Southeastern University

Alex Wagenberg University of Florida

Stephanie Weisinger IDC Herzliya

Danit B. Weitzman The New School Parsons

Raquel Wengrowsky Wentworth Institute of Technology

Jonathan Werta Undecided

Mauricio Woldenberg Cornell University

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Gad Lisker Yair Lisker University of Central Florida University of Colorado Boulder Maccabi Bekeff Maccabi Bekeff

to OF 2019 CLASS

Class of 2018 and families!

Congratulations

Scheck Hillel’s Class of 2020 and families!

Miryam Ofir Azulay Santa Fe College

Alyssa Behar The New School Parsons

Olga Benacerraf Boston University

Allen Bendahan Bar Ilan University

Andrea Abigail Benhamron University of Miami Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Noémie Bentata Undecided

Clara Becky Bromberg New York University

Jaime Bursztyn Northwestern University

Nissim Chaillo Undecided

Benjamin Moises Cohen Lynn University

Hanna Nessie Cohen Savannah College of Art and Design

Daniel Davit Nova Southeastern Univserity

Maeve Elisabeth Donaher St. Mary’s College

Eli Milton Gelb Columbia University Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Alexandra Gelman University of Miami

Myles Gilbert Northwestern University

Leah Grobman University of Florida

Frida Herdan University of Pennsylvania

Galit Herman IDC Herzliya

Karina Jamri Northeastern University

Ava Marmor Valencia College Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Alicia Matsas Yeshiva University Midreshet Eshel

Rotem Emily Miara University of Central Florida

Itel Nagli Florida State University

Carla Nicolaievsky New York University

Sarah Oliel Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Benjamin Ratzker Yeshiva University Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Elliot Moshe Shiro Northeastern University

Toby Shpielman Florida Gulf Coast University

Max Singer Babson College

Shira F. Sredni Yeshiva University Midreshet Tehila Seminary

Samuel Beni Taieb Yeshiva University Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

Naomi Leah Tangir Yeshiva University Tomer Devorah Seminary

Gabriela Tryzmel University of Florida

Kaylee Wolf University of Maryland

Ariel Yecutieli University of Florida

Natalie Zarad Tulane University

www.eHillel.org

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KOL HILLEL

Jaime Bursztyn, Valedictorian (Northwestern University) Olga Benacerraf, Co-Salutatorian (Boston University) Gabrielle Kurzer, Co-Salutatorian (Northwestern University)

Scheck Hillel Community School

Joel Assor Tulane University Israel Experience at Bar Ilan

HECK HILLEL SC

Students Soaring: ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Tanya Almog ‘21

Leonardo Bentata ‘21

Nicole Feldman ‘21

Mauricio Fuhrman ‘21

Anna Freiman ‘21

Seniors Tanya Almog, Leonardo Bentata, Nicole Feldman, Anna Freiman and Mauricio Fuhrman, have been invited to participate in the College Board National Recognition Program (CBRP) for scoring in the top 2.5% on the PSAT/NMSQT.

2021 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Anna Freiman ‘21

National Merit Scholarship Commended Students

Ilana Stiberman ‘21

Seniors Anna Freiman and Ilana Stiberman represent less than 1% of the 1.5 million students who entered the competition.

Tanya Almog ‘21

Leonardo Bentata ‘21

Seniors Tania Almog and Leonardo Bentata represent the top 3-4% of high scorers in the PSAT/NMSQT.

2020 SILVER KNIGHT AWARDS RECOGNITION

Jaime Bursztyn ‘20 Valedictorian

(Northwestern University)

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Victor Kameo ‘20

(Columbia University)

Mauricio Woldenberg ‘20 (Cornell University)

Three Scheck Hillel seniors were recognized with an Honorable Mention at the 2020 Miami Herald Silver Knight Awards: one of the nation’s most highly regarded student awards programs. Valedictorian Jaime Bursztyn (Northwestern University) was honored in Business, Victor Kameo (Columbia University) in Math and Mauricio Woldenberg (Cornell University) in Art. These seniors were named out of 700 nominees from more than 100 public, private and charter schools in MiamiDade and Broward counties.

2020-2021 JAIME AND RAQUEL GILINSKI HILLEL AMBASSADORS

Gabriella Shiro ‘22

Elliot Sternberg ‘21

Class of 2020 College and Israel Program Acceptances

SCIENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The inaugural chapter of Scheck Hillel’s Science National Honor Society (SNHS) launched in February with the acceptance of 45 members and election of officers. Upper School Science teacher Luis Comulada is chapter advisor.

2020 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLARS National AP Scholar: Anna Freiman ’21 AP Scholar With Distinction Award: Natalie Abramowitz ‘21, Yael Algranatti ‘21, Tanya

Almog ‘21, Leonardo Bentata ‘21, Alli Dronsick ‘21, Nicole Feldman ‘21, Anna Freiman ‘21, Mauricio Fuhrman ‘21, Jake Gelb ‘21, Myles Gilbert ‘20 (Northwestern University), Noah Givner ‘21, Leah Grobman ’20 (University of Florida), Gabrielle Kurzer ‘20 (Northwestern University), Jenna Lieberman ‘21, Yael Sefchovich ‘20 (Northeastern University), Ilana Stiberman ‘21, Andrea Strulovic ‘21, Alex Wagenberg ‘20 (University of Florida)

AP Scholar With Honor Award: Jaime Bursztyn ‘20 (Northwestern University), Aliya DelCastillo

‘21, Danna Fischbach ‘21, Jolie Fiske ‘20 (University of Texas-Austin), Eduardo Halfen ‘22, Rebeca Kamhazi ‘21, Zachary Lemmer ‘22, Sophia Petreanu ‘21, Elliot Sternberg ‘21, Alejandro Wakszol ‘21, Stephanie Weisinger ‘20 (IDC Herzliya), Basi Woldenberg ‘22, Mauricio Woldenberg ‘20 (Cornell University), Denise Yudovich ‘21

AP Scholar Award: Daniela Abbo ‘20 (University of Miami), Susan Alalu ‘21, Olga Benacerraf

‘20 (Boston University), Noa Bentata ‘21, Abraham Benzadon ‘21, Gabriella Bonwitt ‘21, Jack Camhi ‘21, Hanna Cohen ‘20 (Savannah College of Art and Design), Cecile Darwiche ‘21, Ashley Fincheltub ‘20 (University of Miami), Eli Gelb ‘20 (Columbia University), Alexandra Gelman ‘20 (University of Miami), Frida Herdan ‘20 (University of Pennsylvania), Samuel Levy ‘20 (University of Central Florida), Rotem Miara ‘20 (University of Central Florida), Itel Nagli ‘20 (Florida State University), Sofia Nessim ‘21, Gabriela Nicolaievsky ‘22, Mykhaylo Rafalskyy ‘21, Maya Rodrig ‘20 (University of Florida), Orly Shapiro ‘21, Gila Shechter ‘22, Elliot Shiro ’20 (Northeastern University), Gabriella Shiro ‘22, Shira Sredni ‘20 (Yeshiva University, Gap Year: Midreshet Tehila Seminary), Hannah Stern ‘22, Sophie Toledano ‘21, Gabriela Tryzmel ‘20 (University of Florida), Tatiana Wainer ‘21, Danit Weitzman ‘20 (The New School Parsons), Kaylee Wolf ‘20 (University of Maryland)

2020 MERIT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Academics

Meitalia Factor ‘23

Arts

Shalom Lev Meisels ‘24

Jaime Mizrahi ‘23

Character

Ellie Esquenazi ‘24

Pola Levy ‘23

Ilan Brejt ‘23

Tatiana Wainer ‘21

Ella Stern ‘24

Aardvark Israel Babson College Barry University Becker College Bentley University Binghamton University Boston University Brandeis University Columbia University Cornell University Curry College Drexel University Emory University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida State University Georgia Institute of Technology Hofstra University Indiana University Bloomington Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya Israel Experience at Bar Ilan University Jacksonville University Johns Hopkins University List College-Columbia University Lynn University Maccabi Bekeff Michigan State University Midreshet Eshel Midreshet Tehillah New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Rhode Island School of Design Rollins College Rutgers University Saint Mary’s College St. John’s University St. Thomas University Stetson University Suffolk University Syracuse University The New School-Parsons School of Design The Ohio State University The Savannah College of Art and Design The University of Texas at Austin Tomer Devorah Seminary Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of California-Davis University of Central Florida University of Colorado Boulder University of Florida University of Illinois University of Maine University of Maryland University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Massachusetts Boston University of Miami University of Minnesota University of New Hampshire University of North Florida University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of South Florida University of Tampa University of Wisconsin Washington University in St. Louis Wentworth College Page 11 Yeshiva University

Scheck Hillel Community School

Liat Kirsch ‘23

KOL HILLEL

Mauricio Fuhrman ‘21

ARTS AT SCHECK HILLEL

ARTWORK SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

Congratulations to Basi Woldenberg ‘22, whose artwork was selected for publication in the Celebrating Art 2020 anthology. Her piece, shown here, is titled “Connect the Pieces to Create a Whole.”

Orchestra Students Shine In Solo Assessments Scheck Hillel Orchestra students, led by Orchestra Director Angelica Losada, made history in their first solo assessment by the Florida Orchestra Association, earning 14 superior awards.

Congratulations to these students: Thalia Bentolila ‘22 (Cello), Ben Cohen ‘20 (Bass) (Lynn University), Jake Gelb ‘21 (Bass), Sasha Goldin ‘22 (Violin) and Ike Schrager ‘22 (Cello). The following students earned an Excellent rating: Ariel Almkies ‘22 (Cello), Isaac Almkies ‘21 (Bass), Chana Backer ‘22 (Viola), Ariella Bitton ‘24 (Violin), Mordechai Eisenstein ‘20 (Viola) (Yeshivat Ashreinu), Eli Goldin ‘23 (Cello), David Sarfati ‘22 (Violin), Atara Sredni ‘23 (Viola) and Mauricio Woldenberg ‘20 (Violin) (Cornell University).

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ALUMNI NOTES Class of 2000 Reunites Online COVID couldn’t stop Scheck Hillel’s Class of 2000 from celebrating its 20-year reunion! 50+ alumni gathered to reminisce about the amazing school memories they created together. These lifelong connections among students and faculty remind us that #HillelisHome.

1990s

Ilana Salk and Marc Lewin ‘98 welcomed a baby boy.

Mazal tov!

Jesica (Bromberg) ‘99 and Gary Shienbaum ‘99 welcomed a baby boy. Mazal tov!

2000s

Mazal tov to Jessica Savin ‘04 and Andrew Miller on their marriage.

Laura (Sheridan) ‘05 and Jonathan Raiffe welcomed a baby boy. Mazal tov!

Ashley and Jordan Mimoun (alum) welcomed a baby boy. Mazal tov!

Mazal tov to Esther Hammerman ‘06 and Igor Chernomzav on their marriage.

Daviah (Rimboeck) ‘06 and Kevin Kasten welcomed a baby girl. Mazal tov!

Stephanie (Calemczuk) ‘07 and Sal Zambito welcomed a baby boy. Mazal tov!

Tiffany (Yuken) ‘07 and Stephen Salasky welcomed a baby boy. Mazal tov!

Rachael (Newell) ’08 and John Castaldi welcomed a baby girl. Mazal tov!

Scheck Hillel Community School

Carolina Russ ‘08 and her son Danny

Carolina (Russ) ‘08 and Gerardo Gabilondo welcomed a baby boy. Mazal tov!

2010s

Yael (Jacobs) and Daniel Benoliel ‘11 welcomed a baby girl. Mazal tov!

Sophia (Brener) ‘13 and Ariel Licht welcomed a baby girl. Mazal tov!

Mazal tov to Leah Savir ‘17 and Abraham Bahar on their marriage.

Mazal tov to Natasha Mendal (alum) and Leon Sasson on their marriage. *As of September, 2020

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KOL HILLEL

Elise (Halberstein) ‘08 and Robert Gilbert welcomed a baby girl. Mazal tov!

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KOL HILLEL

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Scheck Hillel Community School

19000 NE 25th Avenue North Miami Beach, Florida 33180 eHillel.org

SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2020 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Awarded Education’s Highest Honor