MAY 2018 | IYAR - SIVAN 5778
בס"ד
LION'S SHARE Juda and Maria Diener Lower School | Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School | Ben Lipson Upper School
Welcome to Lion’s Share: Scheck Hillel Community School’s Grade 6-12 bulletin covering news about curriculum, college and community. Connect with the names, faces and initiatives that make Scheck Hillel a college preparatory school that develops global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values. For more school information, please visit eHillel.org.
Torah Shines Light on Contemporary Issues Students engage with content that is relevant to their lives and interests. Through a dual curriculum of general and Judaic Studies, Scheck Hillel Community School students learn to think critically and analyze issues from various perspectives and sources, establishing their own positions as they grow intellectually and spiritually. Two examples follow.
Two Courtrooms, Three Millenia Apart Grade 8 Tanach students visited the courtroom of Judge Spencer Eig at the Dade County Courthouse, inspired by Shlomo Hamelech’s (King Solomon) ruling in the case of two women who both claimed to be the mother of a child. After hearing 10 motions on topics such as eviction, credit card debt and workplace accidents, Gabriella Shiro described it as “an eye-opening experience.” Gil Dichy reflected that the American courtroom and King Solomon’s court share a key similarity: “In both places, you’re seeking justice.” A key difference? “Shlomo Hamelech was rewarded with wisdom by Hashem. Today, it is more complicated. You have to study...pass the bar exam.” This experience was arranged by Judaic Studies teachers Yael Sprung and Rabbi Yossi Kahan to add dimension to the study of Judaic approaches to justice and fairness. Grade 8 visits the Dade County Courthouse.
DNA Under the Microscope
To best understand the implications of genetic testing and engineering, Grade 7 students explored this topical subject through several lenses. In science lab, they learned to extract DNA from fruit. In Rabbinic literature class, they delved into Halachic perspectives on human cloning, genetically modified livestock and in-vitro fertilization. To synthesize the learning, students wrote persuasive essays in English class, answering questions such as: Should we grow genetically modified crops? Should we clone endangered species? Real-life scenarios cause students to reflect on their learning, values, and the future, an essential skill for intellectual and personal growth. This cross-disciplinary unit was a collaboration among science teachers Nikki Gutierrez and Angela Williams, English teacher Jason Touvi, Judaic Studies teacher Rabbi Yossi Kahan, and Scheck Hillel’s Director of Jewish Life and Community Learning, Rabbi Shlomo Sprung.
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Mazal tov to the Class of 2018: More than 200 admission offers were received from colleges, universities, yeshivot/seminaries and gap year programs! American University Babson College Bar-Ilan University Bentley University Binghamton University Boston University Brandeis University Brooklyn College (CUNY)* Cornell University Depaul University Drexel University Emerson College Emory University Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida State University George Washington University Haverford College*
Hofstra University Indiana University - Bloomington Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University* Kansas State University* Lasell College* LIM College Loyola University* - New Orleans Lynn University New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University North Carolina State University* Nova Southeastern University Ohio State University Pace University Parsons - New School Pennsylvania State University Pratt Institute Stern College for Women Stetson University
Suffolk University Syracuse University Syracuse University - Newhouse School of Communication Texas A&M University* Tufts University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Central Florida University of Colorado - Boulder University of Connecticut University of Denver University of Florida University of Houston* University of Maryland University of Massachusetts Boston University of Miami University of Michigan University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Tampa University of Texas - Austin University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Yeshiva University Israel Gap Year Programs: Aish Gesher Yeshiva Bar-Ilan University Israel Experience Shnat Hajshara* Lev Zion Yeshiva Tel Aviv University Academic Gap Year* Young Judaea Year Course *First acceptance for Scheck Hillel
Q&A WITH CLASS OF 2018 FRESHLY-MINTED ALUMNAE NATHALIE FUHRMAN Valedictorian
Northwestern University
Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
SIMI SERFATI Salutatorian
University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR SCHECK HILLEL EXPERIENCE, WHAT OPPORTUNITIES SHAPED YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE? ORK? Nathalie: I think the greatest opportunity that I had as a Scheck Hillel student was being able to have a very close relationship with my teachers. I was able to feel comfortable approaching them for help or advice, which allowed me to grow both as a student and as a person. Simi: As I reflect on my Scheck Hillel experience, I realize that my academic life was truly shaped by my ability to forge close relationships with my peers, faculty and administration. The ability to feel comfortable with those around me allowed me to excel in academics because I knew that whenever I needed help, it was right there.
WHAT SKILLS DID YOU ACQUIRE THAT YOU FEEL ARE UNIQUE TO THE SCHECK HILLEL EXPERIENCE? ORK? Nathalie: One thing that I think is unique to Scheck Hillel is the focus placed on teaching us to be good people. Through our Judaics classes and many of our secular classes, our teachers try to focus on how we can be moral, kind, and giving people. Therefore, I acquired the skill of self-reflection as there is always room to grow.
Simi: At Scheck Hillel, I was given the ability to think, reason, and create for the betterment of my community and those around me. During my freshman STEM class, I was asked to create a product that would improve upon something in the world. Since then, I realize how many times I’ve thought and acted upon different ways to help.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SCHECK HILLEL STUDENTS AS THEY ADVANCE THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL? Nathalie: I would advise high school students to take full advantage of the amazing opportunities that they have as Scheck Hillel students. They have teachers who want to get to know them and help them in any way possible. They have rabbis who will quite literally give you their phone number for you to contact them with any question, religious or otherwise. They have faculty members who want to help students pursue any idea or project that they have in mind. So, I think that they should take that extra step to form relationships with the people around them and use all of the opportunities that are available. Simi: If there was one thing I would tell Scheck Hillel students, it would be to enjoy every opportunity and moment in school. It is truly the most amazing school that provides a unique experience. I know it may seem like you have lots of time before you graduate, but it passes quickly. Enjoy every second
HOW ARE YOU FEELING RIGHT NOW? Nathalie: I am definitely excited to see what comes next but I must admit that I am a bit scared to take the next steps and leave my home. Simi: Right now, I have very mixed feelings. I am excited to start a new chapter in my life, to go to college, to meet new people, and to experience a different life. However, I am sad and even a bit scared to do so at the same time. I will miss my friends and my family, but I feel ready and look forward to what my life will bring.