Kol Hillel: Summer 2018

‫קול הלל‬

KOL HILLEL Summer 2018 - 5778 ‫קיץ‬

Journey Cover illustration by Judy Abadi, ‘18

KOL HILLEL

Scheck Hillel Community School’s Biannual Magazine

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Marty Scheck* - Chair Uri Benhamron - Vice Chair Marcos Singer* - Treasurer Ronit Shiro - Secretary Carlos Berner - Immediate Past Chair Michelle Amselem* Silvia Assor Mijael Attias David Bassan Lia Brod Max Fischbach JoAnn Froimzon Anita Givner - HIP/PTA Chair Eliane Kravetz Isaac Marcushamer Jennifer Naim Jackie Nichols Maxim Weitzman

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Dr. Ezra Levy

Vanessa Donaher Craig Carpentieri Rabbi Shlomo Sprung* Dr. Monica Wagenberg Shani Biton Orly Dromi Joshua Meisels* Rabbi Avi Greene, Ed.D. Robin Rimon Eileen Ginzburg

Head of School Associate Head of School Chief Academic Officer Director of Jewish Life & Community Learning Head of Juda and Maria Diener Lower School Director of Juda and Maria Diener Lower School Early Childhood Education Coordinator Director of Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language, Grades 6-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Kindergarten-Grade 5 Director of Special Programs

*Alumnus/alumna 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.

ACCREDITATION Scheck Hillel is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/ AdvanceEd, the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). Scheck Hillel is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

ON THE COVER Judy Abadi, ‘18, created our cover art as part of her school internship, with guidance from Creative Manager Greg Feldman, Upper School art teacher Edith Shlesinger and Experiential Learning & Internship Coordinator Cristina Florez. Judy’s accomplishments in the visual arts include coursework in AP Art and membership in the National Art Honor Society. Judy will attend Florida International University this fall.

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The journey matters most.

At Scheck Hillel, students are encouraged to expand horizons at every stage of the educational experience. Each time a challenge arises, or a new way is found to solve it, the journey is the prize – the small daily moments that fuel motivation. The conclusion of the school year fills campus with a sense of fulfillment and expectation, as key milestones celebrate achievement. During the year, our Siddur and Chumash presentations reinforce Jewish identity and daily connection to the sacred. Kindergarten and Grade 5 ceremonies acknowledge transitions to new stages of growth and ability. Finally, senior commencement marks the culmination of one journey and the start of a new one, with the promise that #HillelisHome for a lifetime!

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Scheck Hillel is address for innovation and hachnasat orchim.

“Congratulations to Jaime, Samuel, Elliot and all of the winners. Today we represented a community of five Jewish high schools all united by our commitment to, a passion for and investment in the power of infusing Jewish education with STEM education. The result? Our vibrant, rising generation of innovators, leaders, global citizens, and dreamers... all guided by Jewish identity and values.”

-Dr. Ezra Levy, Head of School

4th Annual CIJE Young Engineers Conference Where: Scheck Hillel’s Diener Athletic Center Who: Students from five Jewish day schools Focus: Integration of STEM concepts for innovation Outcome: First Place medal to Scheck Hillel sophomores Jaime Bursztyn, Samuel Levy and Elliot Shiro for their design of a smart intersection device that makes a 4-way stop more safe and efficient. Mazal tov!

Second Annual Miami Jewish Day Schools Robotics Festival Where: Scheck Hillel’s Diener Athletic Center Who: 300 students from nine local Jewish day schools Focus: Robotics and programming skills Outcome: Sportsmanship Award to Scheck Hillel

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Achievement is at Crossroad of Opportunity and Effort

2018 National Merit Northwestern University Scholarship Nathalie Fuhrman

2018 National Merit Commended Students Keith Bonwitt - University of Pennsylvania, Bar-Ilan University Roy Glazer - University of Maryland, Tel Aviv University Max Peicher - Tufts University

Qualified for 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program Raquel Dimitri, ‘19

Signed to Cornell University Varsity Fencing Team Esther Bentolila, ‘18

Silver and Bronze Medals Sculling State Championship Samuel Merenfeld, ‘22

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Lincoln Center Performance Jayme Podgorowiez, ‘19 Hazamir, the International Jewish Teen Choir

Kol hakavod to Scheck Hillel students whose efforts have earned recognition in academics, athletics, service and the arts.

Your Scheck Hillel community is proud of you!

Independent Schools of South Florida 2018 Star Awards Recipients Hannah Fiske, ’18 – University of Texas, Austin Adina Heinrich , ‘25 Sadie Slomovitz, ‘22

Superior Ratings - 2018 State and Solo Ensemble Competition Joi Alon, ‘20 Jayme Podgorowiez, ‘19

2017 District 20 Solo and Ensemble Adjudication Special Recognition, Jonathan Abbo, ‘19

Class of 2018 Silver Knight Nominees

Optimist Club Medallion for Excellence in Essay Writing Ella Stern, ‘24

Michelle Elovic (Vocational/Technical) – University of Maryland, Bar-Ilan University Hannah Fiske (English) – University of Texas, Austin Nathalie Fuhrman (Dance/Music) – Northwestern University Rachelle Murciano (Athletics) – Boston University, Shnat Hajshara Lily Schmutter (Art) – University of Miami Simi Serfati (General Scholarship) – University of Pennsylvania Shirel Wainer (Mathematics) – Tulane University eHillel.org - Scheck Hillel Community School - Page 7

Questions are Gateway to Discovery

Children begin to think in scientific terms from early childhood, as they encounter the wonders of nature, learn to care for living things, and explore the world using their senses. In our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School, they begin to ask more complex questions, and by Grade 3, they conduct their own research to find answers - the annual Lower School Science Fair featured 100 projects by students in Grades 3-5. In Grade 10, students engage in a year-long independent study, an opportunity to focus deeply on a topic of interest. In all of these examples, students learn through content and process, taking charge of their own learning and honing essential life skills along the way.

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Chessed as Compass Michael Berenstein, ‘20, began coaching tennis for Aceing Autism two years ago, after learning about the program through a friend. As a competitive tennis player – he’s on Scheck Hillel’s varsity tennis team – Michael didn’t realize how much he’d be learning from his students. “At the beginning, I was impatient.” Michael has now grown into a leadership position in the local chapter, and notes how his service has allowed him to build new relationships.

“It changes who you are.”

Michael Berenstein, ‘20

What’s Your Superpower?

The entire Scheck Hillel community brought its superpowers to Kulanu Scholarship Awareness Month, leading bake sales, craft fairs, art auctions and more on behalf of the program. In the photo, our ECE students eagerly await customers to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

”This project was an amazing experience, because I got to do a mitzvah with my friends and help people in need.”

Yael Weitzman, ‘24

As part of their Bat Mitzvah preparation, Sophia Ades, Ellie Esquenazi, Nicole Kiblisky, Nicole Sutton, and Yael Weitzman, all Class of 2024, were determined to promote higher awareness of needs in the community. Together, they created unique art pieces and sold them during Gallery Night to support the Kulanu Scholarship Fund and the Kosher Food Bank, the organization that provides food to 400 families and nearly 100 Holocaust survivors in South Florida. eHillel.org - Scheck Hillel Community School - Page 9

CLASS OF 2018

Mazal tov to Scheck Hillel’s

Judy Rachel Abadi Florida International University

Daniella Chana Amsel Yeshiva University Bar-Ilan University

Sharon Anidjar Florida International University Bar-Ilan University

Nathalie Assor Tulane University

Vivianne Galit Assor University of Michigan

Keith Bonwitt University of Pennsylvania Bar-Ilan University

Benjamin M. Brener Bar-Ilan University

Orly Chaillo Florida International University

Daniella Dombey University of Miami Tel Aviv University

Michelle Elovic University of Maryland Bar-Ilan University

Benjamin Givner University of Michigan Bar-Ilan University

Roy Glazer University of Maryland Tel Aviv University

Vanessa Levy Gonik University of Michigan Tel Aviv University

Joelle Kaplan University of Maryland

Michelle Klainbaum-Ivcher American University

Luiza Kryss Syracuse University

Morris Kryss Babson College Tel Aviv University

Amit Mana Undecided

Daniella Leah Marmor Suffolk University Bar-Ilan University

Nathaniel Melnitsky University of Maryland Aish Gesher Yeshiva

Raphael Jacob Motola University of Michigan

Rachelle Murciano Boston University Shnat Hajshara

Ezra Michael Newfield Lynn University

Andre Paryzer Florida International University

Daniel Saias Tufts University

Michael Sarfati Kabbalah Centre

Lily Miriam Schmutter University of Miami

Simi Serfati University of Pennsylvania Salutatorian

Lauren Rub Syracuse University

Dina Tornheim Florida International University

Samuel David Tryzmel Florida International University

Shelby Rae Scheck University of Maryland Young Judaea Year Course

Shirel Corinne Wainer Tulane University

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Stephanie A. Weiss Florida International University

Micaela Susana Baredes Florida International University

Estrella Behar Young Judaea Year Course

Joshua Jeffrey Exposito David Ezekiel Florida International University University of Central Florida

Jonathan Woldenberg University of Texas at Austin

Galia Shapiro New York University

Jonathan Zinguer Florida International University

CLASS OF 2018

Class of 2018 and families!

Sofia Belfort Florida International University

Salomon Henry Benacerraf Bentley University

Galit Benalloun Anabella Benhamron Florida International University Florida International University Shnat Hajshara Shnat Hajshara

Monique Bentata Northeastern University Shnat Hajshara

Esther Bentolila Cornell University

Daniel Benjamin Bloom Wake Forest University

Alexandra Fincheltub Brandeis University

Hannah Rivka Fiske University of Texas at Austin

Benjamin Frier Florida International University Lev Zion Yeshiva

Gabriela Gelman Washington University in St. Louis

Haya R. Gilinski Parsons - The New School

Victor Haim Gilinski Yeshiva University

Naomi Kryss Syracuse University

Sophie Kryss New York University

Tila Lekach University of Maryland Tel Aviv University

Estrella Levy Bar-Ilan University

Samuel Yehuda Levy Florida International University

Max Peicher Tufts University

Daniel Petichenskiy Florida International University

Idan Tamar Polikar University of Central Florida Tel Aviv University

Denisse Rayek Yeshiva University Bar-Ilan University

Rachel Reines Florida Gulf Coast University

Mikael Rochman Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Meir Yehudah Shifrin Israel Gap Year

Freda Sion Parsons - The New School Bar-Ilan University

Joelle Sragowicz University of Arizona

Alberto Sutton Yeshiva University Shnat Hajshara

Ariel Moshe Taieb Yeshiva University Aish Gesher

Nathalie Raquel Fuhrman Northwestern University Valedictorian

Jonathan Lanes Ilan Lapco North Carolina State University Florida International University

Michael Romano Florida International University

Aaron Andres Toledano Nicole Toledano Florida International University Florida International University

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Student Expression Grows Through Writing

Students enjoy sharing products of their learning, especially when their families visit campus to celebrate their work. Two recent events showcased growth in writing skills, a fundamental component of Scheck Hillel’s language arts curriculum. Grade 1 students developed characters and wrote detailed stories. Their final projects also included maps and models of settings. Grade 2 hosted a publishing party to share their non-fiction biographies, which entailed researching characters from American history. Kol hakavod to all for reaching these special writing milestones!

Writing by Rebecca Chelminsky, ‘29

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Journey Designed With Eye on the Future 2018-2019 Board of Governors Installed A beautiful Dvar Torah presented by rising senior Esther Benasayag opened Scheck Hillel Community School’s Annual Meeting on June 4, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and gratitude. Outgoing Board of Governors Chair Marty Scheck* and board members Mijael Attias, David Bassan, JoAnn Froimzon, Eliane Kravetz, Jennifer Naim and Jackeline Nichols were recognized for their service, and inspiring words from incoming Chair Uri Benhamron reflected optimism for the mission ahead.

2018-2019 Board of Governors Uri Benhamron - Chair Ronit Shiro - Vice Chair Silvia Assor - Treasurer Isaac Marcushamer - Secretary Marty Scheck* Michelle Amselem* Carlos Berner Lia Brod Anita Givner Max Fischbach Marcos Singer* Maxim Weitzman *Alumnus/alumna

Leadership Model to Strengthen Scheck Hillel The Scheck Hillel Board of Governors has voted to adopt a dual head of school model aimed at elevating the Jewish values and Judaic life on campus, as well as the academic and operational elements of our school. This new leadership model consists of an equal partnership between the Head of School and a newly created and vital position of Rabbinic Head.

Dr. Ezra Levy, Head of School, will be refocusing his energies specifically on improving the school’s spiritual life and Jewish identity and will take on the title of Rabbinic Head July 1, 2018. Vanessa Donaher, Associate Head of School, will be assuming the Head of School title July 1, 2018. Look for school advancement updates throughout the summer.

HIP/PTA, a Partner in the Journey

HIP/PTA, Scheck Hillel’s dedicated parent and staff volunteer body, enriches every facet of the learning journey for students and community. Look for HIP/PTA events in the digital Family Education Guide next school year, which includes listings of learning and volunteer opportunities for all. Thank you, HIP/PTA, for your leadership and support!

Anita Givner - President Evelyn Marcushamer - Vice President Sheryl Podgorowiez - Secretary Susy Abbo - Immediate Past President

Working Committee Volunteers Jennifer Naim Carla Fischbach Gabrielle Schpilberg Ivette Behar Eliane Kravetz Malka Rodrig Dalia Almog eHillel.org - Scheck Hillel Community School - Page 13

The journey is…

Artistic. Athletic. Sacred. Nurturing.

Thoughtful. Challenging. Supportive.

Creative. Joyful.

HECK HILLEL C S

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Teachers Map the Learning Route Juda and Maria Diener Lower School teachers Nancy Penchev and Leanne Weinbrot presented at the Lausanne Learning Institute’s Miami conference, a forum for the exchange of best practices in education. Rather than speaking from podiums and PowerPoints, they taught students in real classrooms while peers observed the lesson, fishbowl style. Ms. Weinbrot demonstrated a yoga storytelling technique, while Mrs. Penchev shared expertise in robotics and in “Making Learning Visible,” an approach to group learning and documentation. Congratulations to our faculty innovators!

B’not Sherut Pass Through, Leave Deep Prints Every year, Scheck Hillel is fortunate to welcome B’not Sherut, young Israeli women who fulfill a year of service on behalf of the IDF by enriching the learning experience of our students. This year, Reut Madar, Adi Miyara, Nitzan Adler and Shaked Eliya have taught Torah, chagim, Israel and the Hebrew language through elaborate simulations and hilarious mini-plays. Along the way, “the B’not,” as they’re affectionately called, leave behind lessons in service and Ahavat Yisrael. Scheck Hillel expresses its gratitude to these extraordinary young women, and wishes them a safe return to their homes and families in Israel. L’hitraot!

Service to School

Faculty Appreciation Week was capped with a ceremony to recognize faculty and staff whose Scheck Hillel journeys have reached special milestones. Scheck Hillel is grateful for their dedication!

Faculty Notes Upper School humanities teacher Erica Cullen obtained a Master of Science degree in reading, passing both the Reading K-12 education test and becoming a Certified Reading Specialist/Coach. The degree was conferred by Barry University.

Upper School English teacher Jason Touvi presented a workshop at Broward College’s Teacher Education Program titled, “The Socratic Seminar and Student Engagement in the 21st Century.” Mr. Touvi taught local teachers how to make content relevant to their own lives. eHillel.org - Scheck Hillel Community School - Page 16

Alumni Now 1990s

Mazal Tov to Sarita (Szerer), ’08, and Isaac Bassan on the Mazal tov to Malya and Marc Mermelstein, ’97, on the birth birth of their daughter, Lilian Rina. Proud grandparents are Margaret & Roberto Szerer and Lilian & Nessim Bassan. of their son, Noah Gideon. Congratulations to the family!

Mazal tov to Tely and Avner Yemin, ‘99, on the birth of their son, David Yosef! Congratulations to their family, especially big brother Ariel Moshe (PKT) and loving grandparents Shela & David Gozal and Tova & Moshe Yemin. Tova is Scheck Hillel’s TaL AM Coordinator.

Christina Miller and Josh Russell Shultz, ’07, were married in November. Christina is the daughter of Linda & Richard Miller & Josh is the son of Breann & Sanford Schultz. Mazal tov!

Adine Mitrani, ‘08, and Daniel Lesk were married in November. Adine is the daughter of Janet & Raul Mitrani and 2000s Daniel is the son of Stacia Kargman and Mark Lesk. Mazal Mazal tov to Marisa (Parker), ’00, and Josh Mahler on the tov! birth of their son, Yishai Aharon. Congratulations to their family, especially loving grandparents Zena Parker, Steven 2010s Parker and Barry & Gail Mahler. Zina is a member of Scheck Ilana Dreyfuss, ’10, and Jacob Katz were married in January.

Hillel’s faculty.

Ilana is the daughter of Peter & Silvie Dreyfuss and sister of Mazal tov to Nancy and Michael Yativ, ’03, on the birth of Alexandra, ’11 and Sarah Dreyfuss, ’16. Jacob is the son of their son, Alexander. Congratulations to baby’s grandparents Thomas & Elissa Katz.

Alicia Ferreira and Yossi & Lillian Yativ. Yossi is a member of Jacqueline Baum and Eli Soffer, ’12, were married in Scheck Hillel’s faculty.

November. Jacqueline is the daughter of Dina & Dean Baum Mazal Tov to Rachel (Furman), ’08, and Mendy Meyer on the and Eli is the son of Alegria & Ezra Soffer and brother of Dan birth of their daughter, Lucy Rebecca Meyer. Congratulations Soffer, ‘10. Mazal tov! to proud grandparents Karen & Arie Furman, and uncle Mazal tov to Alexandra Ohayon, ‘13, and Alberto Salama on Ruben Furman, ‘09. their marriage. Alexandra is the daughter of Veronica & Alain Mazal Tov to Hilary and Alex Behar, ’02, on the birth of their Ohayon and Alberto is the son of Gladys & Miguel Salama. son, Oliver Jude. Congratulations to their family, especially proud grandparents Penny & Jeff Hecktman and Lily & Isaac Lara Ruah, ’13, and Edmond Mishaan were married in February. Lara is the daughter of Esther & Jacques Ruah and Behar. sister of Miranda Ruah, ‘16. Edmond is the son of Solita & Mazal Tov to Stephanie (Dargoltz), ’03, and Oren Arazi on Steven Mishaan. the birth of their daughter, Gal. Stephanie is the daughter *As of May 1, 2018 of Amparo & Richard Dargoltz and sister of Simmone The Class of 2008 celebrates Dargoltz, ‘07. Oren is the son of Regina Arazi and David Arazi. its 10th reunion on campus.

We welcome all alumni to contact the office of Alumni Relations with your news and accomplishments since your years at Scheck Hillel.

You can reach us at alumni@eHillel.org. eHillel.org - Scheck Hillel Community School - Page 17

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