2011 Blue Ribbon School
International Baccalaureate® IB World School
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The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School
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Volume 4 Issue 2 January/February 2012 Tevet-Shevat 5772
The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School
“You have to be relevant in today’s world, and that starts with hearing our students’ voices.” - Rabbi Joshua Spodek, Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language
Rooted in Tradition... Hillel Unveils Contemporary Judaics, Hebrew Program
A new school year is around the corner, which means faculty are planting seeds for the next season of the Hillel Experience. Students are flourishing personally, spiritually and academically as Hillel continues to nurture roots of Jewish values, tradition and knowledge. And the Judaic Studies program is at the heart of it all, developing core identity in this very global time. Hillel unveils its 2012-2013 Judaics and Ivrit program in this edition of the Kol Hillel, and details will be shared at spring family meetings. “More than ever, we are focused on fulfilling the needs of our diverse student community,” said Rabbi Joshua Spodek, Hillel’s Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language. “We want to ensure that every child is growing and moving along the continuum of Jewish identity and literacy, no matter when they begin their Hillel education.” The curriculum extends from this year’s development and research, which included Rabbi Spodek personally meeting with Hillel students, parents and faculty, and colleagues at fellow North American schools. “You have to be relevant in today’s world, and that starts with hearing our students’ voices,” he said. Through its Reggio-Emilia-inspired program, Early Childhood will continue to instill a love for Judaism and Israel in Hillel’s youngest students. Rich experiences include authentic Shabbat and chagim celebrations, story-time based on Parshiot and daily Tefilah in dedicated classroom spaces. Child-centered curriculum and Jewish life are woven together to encourage social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual growth. Lower School is moving to an integrated program that immerses students in Hebrew not only in their language class but also in Judaic classes, actually learning Chumash, Parshiot, Dinim and chagim in Hebrew. In phases over the next three years, Grades 1-5 will become immersed in a holistic approach to learning through TaL AM, a Judaic Studies and Hebrew curriculum based on the concept that “the best learning environment for children is one in which knowledge is acquired…using each of the five senses” (talam.org).
Students will learn with visual aids, games, music and technology that create independent learners. “TaL AM encourages students to apply skills and creativity as they learn in a fun, stress-free environment,” Spodek said. Grade 6-8 Hebrew will split into tracks based on academic ability. Hebrew Experience will be conversational and modern, and NETA will be based in text and literature. Middle School Judaic classes will focus more on students’ emerging identity, role in the community and solutions to modern issues. NETA Hebrew will continue through Grade 12, and qualifying students will study advanced Hebrew and be prepared to take the SAT II Hebrew exam. Grades 9-12 also will offer a choice of two Judaic paths for inspired learning that reflects the school’s Torah-centered mission. Focused on Jewish history, the Yahadut track will emphasize content and core topics of Biblical and Rabbinic text through thematic discussions about contemporary issues. The Beit Midrash track will focus on the development of textual skills through Talmud and Tanach. As students gain facility with the text, they will actively engage in in-depth analysis. “Our Hillel goal is to strengthen Jewish identity and pride among students,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Hillel’s Head of School. “In line with our overall philosophy of learning, all Hebrew and Judaic Studies will be engaging and rigorous, while meeting students’ needs.” When rising Grade 9-12 students select 2012-2013 classes this spring, they also will find expanded Judaic, secular and elective offerings. “While meeting the criteria of IB and a dual curriculum, we want to foster individual strengths and interests,” said Vanessa Donaher, Director of College Counseling and incoming Director of Upper School. “We’re meshing academic ability with personal motivation to maximize student potential,” she said. “For students, faculty and families, it’s going to be an incredible year.”
learning for a lifetime
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past President HIP/PTA President
Jorge Woldenberg David Wolf* Max Fischbach Uri Benhamron Gil J. Bonwitt Dr. Michele Scheck
Michelle Amselem* Carlos Berner Dr. Judy Dach Michelle Diener Jeffrey Gilbert Steve Kravitz
Matt Kuttler* Sherri Lebwohl Marya Lichter Gary Mars* Marion Moscu Dana Yemin Schrager*
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Head of School Rabbinic Head Chief Academics Officer Director of Lower School, ECE-Grade 2 Director of Lower School, Grades 3-5 Director of Middle School Head of Upper School Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language Director of Special Services Director of Special Programs
Rabbi Pinchos Hecht Rabbi Chaim Albert* Gary Weisserman Valerie Lustgarten Tara Solomiany Joshua Meisels* Nick Hinrichsen Rabbi Joshua Spodek Dr. Helen Chaset Eileen Ginzburg
*Hillel alumnus/a ABOUT HILLEL From early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with strong Jewish identity through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, diverse, traditional community. Hillel is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, Florida’s first Jewish International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School and the country’s only Jewish – and South Florida’s only private – 2011 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For information, please visit ehillel.org. ACCREDITATION Hillel is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, accredited by the Commission on International-Regional Accreditation, the National Council for Private School Accreditation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Association of Independent Schools of Florida. It is affiliated with PEJE (Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education), RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, the National Association of College Admission Counseling, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Broward County and the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. Hillel is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. 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 Hillel’s Development office at 305.931.2831 x279 or give@ehillel.org. For submissions or information, please email Jane Yaffe at plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.
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Hillel Recognizes Upper School Scholars
Photograph by: Micaela Zino, Grade 12
Mazel tov to select students in Grades 9-10 honored at the first annual Hillel Scholars Dinner February 2. Students were recognized for outstanding academic achievements, completing a minimum number of Honors and Advanced Placement courses while maintaining a grade point average of at least a 3.67. Hillel’s 2011-2012 Hillel Scholars follow. Grade 9: Aviel Abuhav, Sarah Angress, Alicia Cherem, Brianna Diener, Sarah Fiske, Beni Gontovnik, Aileen Guenoun, Samantha Lieberman, Pamela Motola, Nicole Scheck, Salomon Serfati, Andrea Waxman, Ariela Zebede and Tali Zighelboim Grade 10: Eugenia Bejar, David Broide, Vanessa Bursztyn, Roi Epstein, Elan Kainen, Natalie Landman, Erika Mars, Joseph Mitrani, Dana Sadovnic, Elan Stiberman, Alex Teichner and David Woldenberg
Ma’ayan Society: 2010-2011 / 2011-2012
The following Ma’ayan Society listing includes 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 donors. Thank you, generous friends. We look forward to your renewed partnership.
HaKotel
Michelle and Bob Diener Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Greater Miami Jewish Federation Tammy and Jorge Woldenberg
Hatikvah
The Scheck and Bonwitt Families
Yerushalaim Shel Zahav The Falic Family
Flavia and Raphael Ades Sara and David Bejar Cynthia and Michael Berkman Yael and Jose Cherem Raquel and David Frank Nava and Mike Izak Yael and Joe Ackerman Anonymous (3) Bari Auerbach Zev Auerbach Emily and Aby Galsky
Kinneret
Jean Jacques Myara The Rok, Moskovitz and Morjain Families Sapoznik Health and Wellness Ori and Jacob Serfati Carol and Michael Shalom Ivette and Joseph Woldenberg Yvette and Idel Woldenberg
Massada
Debora and Flavio Hojda Rebecca and Frank Kriger Danya Lindenfeld Judith and Marian Moscu Dana and Joshua Schrager David Waxman and Family
*As of 2.13.12 *Capital contributions not included. As one of the largest Jewish day schools in North America to offer world-class quality academics, Hillel provides tuition assistance to 1 out of every 5 of our students. We do this with strong support from parents, volunteer leadership, faculty and staff, alumni, grandparents and community friends. Please consider joining the Ma’ayan Society. Call 305 931 2831 x279 or write to give@ehillel.org. Your steadfast support for our children is what makes Hillel the number one Jewish day school in North America.
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Middle School Focus Comprises Three Areas:
Academics, Student Empowerment and Social Emotional/Well-being Middle School’s multifaceted focus comprises three areas: academics, student empowerment and social emotional/well-being. Within this focus, Middle School is in the midst of a rigorous progression into its next chapter within the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Specifically, Middle School Director Joshua Meisels and his faculty are developing a scope and sequence and curriculum map to better prepare students as they grow academically in these formative years. Meisels said the preparation is beyond text books. It’s about lifelong skills. The recently published curriculum map outlines the very skills taught in every Middle School class.
Girls Group Builds Community
Middle School years can sometimes be the most difficult, as students often worry about friendships and fitting in. Becoming aware of behavior and learning to effectively communicate to make good decisions is what the Girls Group is all about. As students learn these skills, they talk about issues and become more sensitive to others, according to school counselor Whitney Fisch. “Students can learn that effective communication can be a solution to gossip and cliques,” she said. “This age group is dying to be heard and now they know they are not alone.” Focused on the social emotional/well-being facet of Middle School’s mission, Girls Group teaches skills to communicate with one another. “Even with all the pressure teens face at this age, our girls are now discovering the commonalities that bring them together,” she said. Girls have a lot more in common than they realize. The lessons and skills they develop in the Girls Group will naturally go into their everyday life, Fisch said. “Often, adolescent girls will talk about who they are mad at, rather than talking to whom they are mad at,” Fisch said. “Girls Group raises awareness, develops empathy, teaches healthy conflict resolution, explores feelings and promotes a positive change in female relationships.” Once each month, the group of Grade 6-7 girls meets with Fisch, who recently published the first monthly Girls Group e-newsletter and will produce a mother/daughter program later this year.
For example, this year’s Grade 6 science students are growing in their abilities to examine data and understand laboratory procedures by keeping a portfolio of artifacts like an ongoing lab journal and report. Essential learnings and authentic assessments indicate the purpose for each course and how they build out the overall Grade 6-8 experience. “Middle School is designed to transition students not only into high school and college, but into our global society,” Meisels said. “We’re providing the foundation for a Hillel graduate to possess the 21st century skills necessary for competitive citizenship.”
Students Make a Difference
Hanging out with laptops in comfortable chairs, with a coffee table in front and a flat screen TV above, Victoria Cohen, Daniella Lanes and Marissa Lichy discuss the content and design for the 2012 Middle School yearbook. As they compare the pages of various sections and photo layouts, they bring to life Hillel’s new Middle School Student Center – initiated and designed by students. Hillel’s Middle School focus on empowerment is guiding students to become more involved in their community. New committees, developed and led by students, are creating a more inviting atmosphere and empowering the young teens to make a difference. Examples include Shabbaton committees and the Get Well Committee, which established a website, gathers names and creates get-well cards for peers. Opher Yunger, Co-Director of Student Life, said the purpose is for students to take ownership and build a foundation for the future. “The goal is to create opportunities for leadership. It’s the students’ school and they have more ideas of what can happen here,” Yunger said. “We will facilitate that growth within them.”
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The 2012 Annual Event
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Hillel’s 2012 Annual Event was extraordinary and a record for the school, with 400 friends raising more than $250,000 for a cause dear to their hearts: Hillel’s Scholarship Fund. The theme, higher learning for higher purpose, reflected the ongoing commitment to strive for academic and personal excellence that permeates all aspects of the Hillel Experience. A thank you is owed to all guests and especially to the Committee led by Co-Chairs Carla Fischbach, Monique Gilinski and Tammy Woldenberg, and Honorary Event Director Stephanie Esquenazi. Hillel also is grateful to its generous corporate partners: Sapoznik Insurance, Kleen One, Arrow Film & Video, ARPI Production Group, Bernstein Global Wealth Management, Ladenburg Thalmann, Perry Ellis and Hyman and Mars, LLP. The following friends donated products and services: Aventura Kids, D’Event, Passion Growers, Petal Productions, Praline Pastries and Audrey and Jacobo Lederman. Hakarat hatov to Ad Journal Honoree Michelle Amselem, Keynote Speaker Jeffrey Swartz, former CEO of Timberland, and Chairman Jorge Woldenberg; they reminded the room what it means to be proud of and committed to Hillel. “Friends came together as a community to celebrate this place we love and to give our children a Hillel education that instills core values and enduring identity,” said Head of School Rabbi Pinchos Hecht. “Due in part to the Annual Event, we continue to uphold our commitment to Hillel’s Scholarship Fund – the heart of our identity as a Jewish community day school.”
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ALUMNINOTES 2002
ALUMNIPROFILE
Lekach Brothers Finds Success in Helping Consumers Naturally
It is with much joy that we announce the marriage of alumna Jacquelyn Ginzburg to Ronnie Farzad. Jacquelyn is the daughter of Dr. Mario and Eileen Ginzburg; Eileen Getting their product on is Hillel’s Director of Special Programs. the shelves of some of the Ronnie is the son of Son of Dr. Abe and Niki largest regional chain stores Farzad. could have kept Hillel alumni Joseph (‘05) and David Lekach (‘98) up for many nights. But Dream Water worked It is with much joy that we announce the like a charm. engagement of alumnus Joseph Levy to From Walgreeens, Walmart Michelle Cohen. Joseph is the son of Marline and airport retailers to momand Michael Levy; Marline is a Hillel Nativ and-pop stores, Dream Water teacher. Michelle is the daughter of Dr. Steve has reached more than 20,000 and Lindy Cohen of Philadelphia. points of sale in the United States since hitting the market in 2009. We welcome into our Hillel community “It’s really all about starting the newborn son of Hillel parents Lilianne something from nothing and Dream Water CEO David Lekach appeared live on Fox News. (Mishaan) and David Lekach, baby brother of having it become part of Sol (PK2). Proud grandparents are Sarita and The product was launched in Duane Reade people’s lives,” said Joseph Lekach, executive Roma Lekach and Solita and Steven Mishaan. vice president of sales. His brother David is in New York. “From there we were able to CEO and has returned to Hillel as a parent go national with the brand,” he said. Dream Water has surpassed their with his wife Lilianne. (See Alumni Notes.) Mazel tov on the marriage of alumnus Marc “We get a lot of consumer feedback saying expectations. “It’s amazing how fast it’s Mermelstein and Malya Gross. The couple Dream Water has saved them and it makes it growing and getting customers to realize married on December 4, 2011. Marc is the son all worth it because we are making a positive there is a better alternative to harmful of Roberta London and Steven Mermelstein, difference in people’s lives,” he said. sleeping pills,” he said. and Malya is the daughter of Sandy and Larry When asked about his future plans, Joseph Joseph began working on Dream Water, Gross. with his brother David, after graduating said “Dream Water, Dream Water, Dream Share your news with the Hillel community! Please from Babson College. Building upon his Water. There is still a lot of work to be email updates and photos to alumni@ehillel.org. Hillel foundation, David graduated from the done.” University of Michigan’s Business school and Frye Financial earned his JD and MBA degrees from the Please submit your alumni success stories University of Miami. Alumni Games to alumni@ehillel.org.
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Alumni Reunite in Israel
Hillel alumni enjoyed an afternoon of sports and mingling at the Frye Financial Alumni Games. 6 KOL HILLEL
Fourteen alumni from seven graduating classes gathered from all over Israel at the Bet Shemesh home of alumni parents Leo and Dr. Rhea Schwartzberg to celebrate Thanksgiving and Hillel. Longtime faculty member Dr. S and her husband made aliyah nearly two years ago; she teaches AP U.S. History via Hillel’s Global Learning Lab. The graduates ranged from the classes of 1997 through 2011.The common denominator was their time spent at Hillel and their love for Israel. Guests included Adi Ben-Ezra, Taylor Cohen, Isaac Epstein, Leonardo Feldman, Yisroel Gold, Daniel Goldberg, Eitan Marks, B.J. Mermilstein, Jacob Rimon, Ben Rose, Racheli Rubin, Alan Silverman, Hanan Schwartzberg and Randi Prince. “As a Hillel staff member and former parent, Board member and HIP/PTA president, I was gratified to hear how these alumni had benefited from the college preparatory and Zionist education they received at Hillel,” Dr. Schwartzberg said.
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Photos Capture Awards
Accepted to College! Classes Prepare Students Hillel senior Myles Wolfe spent his Upper School career preparing for the news he recently received. He was admitted to the prestigious Huntsman program in International Studies and Business at Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania. “I feel truly honored to have been accepted to a program that last year admitted only 40 students from around the world,” said Wolfe, who studied Chinese all during high school and took college level classes at the Beijing Language and Culture University in China. As seniors check their email and mailboxes everyday this season, letters of acceptances have started to arrive. College preparation also has moved further into the classroom. Hillel juniors now take a college readiness class led by Vanessa Donaher, Director of College Counseling, and Dana Ponsky, College Counselor, to write essays, become acquainted with Naviance, fill out the common application and research colleges. Students also take an SAT/ACT review class. Counselors are also spending more time with juniors and seniors to learn about their goals and expectations in finding the right college. “We look for schools that fit each student best,” Ponsky said. “Our rate of acceptances is extremely high and this year, we will have an even slightly higher number.” Senior Robbie Levin conquered obstacles to earn acceptances to the University of Florida, the University of Miami and Tulane University; he also was awarded merit scholarship from Florida State University. Levin underwent heart surgery in his freshman year at Hillel and created a Facebookpage empowering others with the same rare condition to discuss their lives. “Overcoming challenges is what grows a person,” said Levin. For more information, visit the “Academics” section of ehillel.org.
Families Enjoy ECE Torah Time
Every other Wednesday evening, ECE students and their families gather for Torah learning with their teachers. Facilitated by teachers Carmi Harari, Orly Dromi and Roberta Meisels, PK3, PK4 and Kindergarten families gather to learn and create in a fun and interactive environment. Each Torah Time, the teachers have new, exciting ways to engage the young students in Torah. To sign up for Torah Time, please contact your child’s teacher.
Mazel tov to Grade 8 students Jade Mimoun and Daniela Hanono for winning first and second place, respectively, in the national Jewish Lens Chanukah Student Photography Contest: Light V. Darkness. The contest earned more than 100 entries from students around the country.
Photo by Jade Mimoun
Photo by Daniela Hanono
Zarco Earns Gold Medal
Congratulations to Sabrina Zarco! The star athlete won the gold medal in open women’s basketball at the 2012 Maccabi PanAmerican Games, representing Team USA in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Now a senior, Hillel’s Student Government President has played on Hillel varsity teams since Grade 8. She played varsity basketball and volleyball this year and currently serves as captain of the basketball team. Mazel tov, Sabrina!
Events Planned for Spring First semester was busy for HIP/PTA. Successes include the Scholastic Book Fair, Kids Art Project, and Chanukah Boutique. Special thanks to the parents who chaired these events: Carla Fischbach, Chava Mann, Inbal Vainstein, Karen Ruah, Jonathan Kravitz, Malka Rodrig, Leanne Cohen, Bettina Strimber and Debbie Hojda.Thank you also to the countless volunteers who made these events possible. The semester ended with festive Chanukah cookies distributed to the Hillel and Kesher staff. Michele Scheck, HIP/PTA president, said second semester is filled with the Mischloach Manot fundraiser, a Passover candy sale and a spring evening event. Please visit the Hillel website for a calendar of events and scheduled meetings. 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
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8TH ANNUAL HILLEL TEXAS HOLD’EM
March4 Nissan27,57722012 6:00 p.m.
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Students Team-up to Build Eggcident-Safe Cars While students in Grade 3 worked diligently building cars so safe that a delicate egg would survive, they discovered energy in motion. Students in Rivka Friedman’s Grade 3 class and Michelle Binder’s science class learned the concepts of stored, potential and kinetic energy while creating their Eggcident Safe Cars. They also demonstrated cooperative skills of working as a group. “I’ve never seen a class so excited about a project,” said Friedman. “All students could talk about was their car and how to keep their egg safe.” Students named the egg Eggbert. Parents joined students in class to help create the cars that were built from cardboard and styrofoam. Students learned to build a car that would be safe, pass a crash test and travel the farthest. Friedman said all the cars passed the test and Eggbert wasn’t scrambled. The final challenge was to release the cars down a ramp to demonstrate the idea of height and weight together with potential and kinetic energy. The winning car was built by Shiraz Toledano and Ilana Stiberman. Eggcellent and metzuyan!