Libbie Zimmer, Director of Juda and Maria Diener Lower School
Josh Meisels*, Director of Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School
Benjamin Thompson-Echevarria, Director of High School
*Scheck Hillel Alumnus/Alumna
Board of Governors
Jacques Bessoudo, Chair
Sharon Minski ‘97, Vice-Chair
Philip Solomon, Treasurer
Martin Fleischer, Secretary
Michael Berkman
Stephanie Gilinski
Isaac Marcushamer
Sara Sevillia ‘03
Jeffrey Scheck (Alumnus)
Daniel Toledano
Joseph Woldenberg
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. 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 305.931.2831 or write to admissions@eHillel.org.
Accreditation & Affiliation
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Cognia, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Council for Private Schools Association (NCPSA), Middle States Association (MSA-CESS), National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), College Board, Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education.
On the cover: Head of School Rabbi Ari Leubitz celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut with students as part of a campus-wide celebration filled with Israeli pride.
“OUR YEAR HAS BEEN MARKED BY INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND A RENEWED SENSE OF PURPOSE WITHIN OUR SCHOOL. OUR COMMUNITY IS STRONGER THAN EVER, AND TOGETHER, WE ARE POISED TO CONTINUE BUILDING UPON THE OUTSTANDING EDUCATION WE PROVIDE.”
SCHOOL MESSAGE HEAD OF
Dear Scheck Hillel Community,
After this truly unprecedented year, I am more profoundly grateful than ever to be a part of our remarkable and resilient community. Our Lions consistently astonish me with their intellectual prowess, artistic talents, athletic abilities, and steadfast commitment to their Jewish heritage.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Class of 2024, who have collectively earned over $3.5 million in merit-based scholarships. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their dedication and hard work. We will certainly miss their presence on campus next year.
I am thrilled to share some outstanding news about our students’ Advanced Placement (AP) exam performance. Last spring, an impressive 91 percent of our AP students scored a 3 or higher on their exams, the highest pass rates in our school’s history. This extraordinary accomplishment places Scheck Hillel among the top-performing schools in both Florida and the United States in terms of AP success.
Achieving such academic excellence, especially during a year as challenging as this one, is no small feat. Our year has been marked by incredible accomplishments and a renewed sense of purpose within our school. In the wake of the events of October 7, our community sprang into action with schoolwide activism, letter-writing campaigns to IDF soldiers, and volunteer efforts at donation drives.
We enriched our educational offerings about Israel’s history through sessions hosted by HIP/PTA and held daily community-wide Tefilah sessions through January, strengthening our solidarity and spiritual resolve. Nearly a quarter of our graduates will be heading to Israel for further studies, cultural immersion, or to serve in the IDF.
Our community’s commitment to Jewish education has never been more evident. We raised over $1.4 million for the Lion Fund and Kulanu, secured $158,000 for our Fund for Israel, and collected $83,000 for safety improvements. These funds will support our ongoing mission to provide our students with a safe and enriching environment.
In the realms of arts and athletics, our students have achieved top ratings in state performance programs and numerous victories in athletic tournaments. Our concerts and musicals were performed to packed audiences, showcasing the immense talent of our faculty and students.
As we look to the future, I am thrilled to welcome over 1,300 students for the 2024-2025 school year. Our community is stronger than ever, and together, we are poised to continue building upon the outstanding education we provide.
Mazal Tov to you all!
Warm regards,
- Rabbi Ari Leubitz Head of School
Scheck Hillel Community School
SCHECK HILLEL GRADUATES EMBRACE ISRAEL
A commitment to Israel is deeply rooted in Scheck Hillel’s mission and our curriculum. Notably, 21 percent of the Class of 2024 has decided to attend an Israel Gap Year college program, yeshiva, or seminary this fall. Two students will be enlisting in the IDF. We asked Dan W. ‘24 and Sarah E. ‘24 to share their aspirations as they prepare for their Israel experiences.
Dan plans to study at Derech Ohr Sameach after graduation, where he is looking forward to deepening his Judaic knowledge so he can be an even stronger authority on Jewish subjects in the future. “When I’m older, and my kids ask me Judaic questions, I want to be able to answer them.” He’s also hoping to grow and mature, and feels that Israel is the perfect place to do that. “I want to be closer to our homeland: it’s where we all came from and where we’re supposed to be,” he
said. “I feel like myself in that environment. You’re more connected to your whole. I feel more down to earth.”
For Sarah, enlisting in the IDF is something she has yearned to do since her older sister joined. She also wants to play a part in protecting Israel, especially since October 7. “I want to make a difference,” she said, “I want to have meaning.” Sarah is most interested in being part of the international relations team in the army since this is a topic she wants to study in college. She encourages others to enlist and enroll in college afterward, “It’s the perfect time to start! You become a more responsible person; you have so many more life experiences that will help you in college and make you a more mature adult. You’re a stronger person.”
We wish Dan, Sarah, and their peers a happy, safe and meaningful experience in Israel.
Dan W. '24
Sarah E. '24
THE EVOLUTION OF AN ARTIST
When our Lions meet Morah Rosa in Kindergarten, most struggle to hold a pencil. Her classes first focus on foundational skills: cutting, tracing, erasing, and gluing. She works through these techniques, taking students step-by-step as they work to create their art projects. During these formative years, they learn vital art foundations like color theory, proportions, and various types of lines.
When students reach Morah Sandra in Grade 3, they are ready to dive deeper. Here, they learn to master techniques and specific mediums — understanding the advantages of oil paint versus acrylic paint and which brushes work better with each. By Grade 5, students have learned the theory, and it’s time to apply it.
Our aspiring artists have two teachers in middle school: Mr. Elkin and Ms. Ofir. Mr. Elkin teaches Grades 6 and 7, where they will continue learning about new techniques, focusing on black and white
art, shadowing, depth, shading, and capturing light. Building on what they have been learning at Hillel, Ms. Ofir teaches Grades 8 and 9, focusing on value, form, and perspective through portraits, landscapes, and contemporary artists.
Students gain independence each year but start to excel in high school. These classes are often smaller, especially as they advance to the AP level. In Mrs. Shlesinger’s AP-level classes, students create portfolios, which are collections of different mediums and styles, providing a deep investigative dive into a chosen topic. This greater freedom allows students to discover their voices and pursue their interests.
Art is crucial to students here at Hillel, and our campus is fortunate to have five incredible, dedicated teachers and hundreds of aspiring artists creating beautiful works every day.
SENIOR VOICES
As Jewish students on college campuses across the United States experience historic levels of antisemitism, we are ALL about to walk into the center of a war zone that seeks to threaten, intimidate, and silence our Identity…Jewish I'm confident enough to say that throughout our time at Scheck Hillel, we’ve been given the tools and values necessary to navigate the deep waters of the world.
#HillelisHome
- Tali L. ‘24, Valedictorian
From the very first day of pre-sch l the final bell of high sch l, Hillel has served as not ly a nurturing sanctuary f r sh community but also a thriving educati al envir ment where we’ve embraced growth th every step taken.
- Ariella B. ‘24, Salutat ian
We ha seen r sch l rise in the face tragic e nts in r h eland, and ha also tnessed the peak spirit and ruach here at Hi el. It is just incredi e to a part the Hi el st y day in and day t. I h e y a take that to heart. Hi el is a special place … Hi el is h e. - A tal A. and Shal M., Student B y Presidents
HEARUS ROAR
Aardvark Israel
Aish Gesher
American University
Amudim
Arizona State University
Babson College
Barry University
Bentley University
Binghamton University
Boston University
Brandeis University
Clark University
Derech Ohr Sameach
Drexel University
Eckerd College
Emerson College
Emory University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Goucher College
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Hult International Business School
Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Purdue University (IUPUI)
Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
Israel Experience at Bar Ilan
Lesley University
Louisiana State University
Lynn University
Maayanot
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Miami Dade College
Michigan State University
Midreshet Torah V’Avodah (MTVA)
Northeastern University
Nova Southeastern University
Pace University
Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Purdue University
Reisheet
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rollins College
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Santa Fe College
Shana B’Aretz
Sharfman’s Seminary
Southwestern University
Stetson University
Suffolk University
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University - College Station
The University of Texas at Austin
The Ohio State University
Temple University
Tulane University
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Central Florida
University of Colorado - Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Florida
University of Hawaii - Manoa
University of Maine
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
University of Massachusetts - Boston
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of North Florida
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Texas at Austin
University of West Florida
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Yeshiva University
Yeshivat Gush Etzion
George Washington University
Alexandra Akerstain Santa Fe College Rachel Almkies Shnat Hajshara, Florida International University
David Almog Undecided
Jonathan Almosny Tulane University
Esther Mia Attar University of Florida
Avital Ayzerov Bentley University
Diego David Azar
Emory University
Ariella Bitton University of Miami Sofia Braun Nova Southeastern University
Jason Brauner Shnat Hajshara, University of Miami
Lara Bzurovski Gutmorgen University of Florida
Joel Ari Camhi Lynn University
Mark Carciente Lynn University
Tobias Clebaner
University of Michigan
Naomi Fischbach Northeastern University
Noah Frida Fishman Israel XP at Bar-Ilan University, University of Florida
Eva Hannah Gelb University of Miami
Simona Alexandra Gershik Florida International University
Yoel Gleizer Babson College
Natalia Gruener University of Miami
Le-Am Hamami
Yeshivat Har Etzion, Yeshiva University
Shalom Meisels University of Central Florida
Shylee Nemzer American University
Carol Nicolaievsky Florida International University
Leonid Palatnik Bentley University
Michel Benun Paracchini Santa Fe College Lipaz Perez Aardvark Israel
Talya Poler
University of Central Florida
Sophia Iliana Smith University of Miami
Lynn Soffer Israel Defense Forces, Florida International University
Yuval Elbaz Starinsky Eckerd College
Chana Stiefel Northeastern University
Nicole Sutton Miami Dade College
Dov V. Szniger University of Miami
Nichole Taieb
Northeastern University
Nicole Wolak Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah, University of Maryland
Joshua Wolf
Aish Gesher, Florida International University
Matthew Zeer Amudim Seminary, University of Miami
Amit Zohar University of Miami
Yuval Zroya
Northeastern University
Nathan Backer The University of Texas at Austin
Vanessa Judith Batievsky Boston University
Gabriela Benarroch Bentley University
David Messod Benhamron Florida International University
Jack Benoudiz Babson College
Esther Ana Bensadon Israel Gap Year
Alejandro Berkman
Reichman University
Sophia Cohen University of Miami
Tara Rivka Cohen University of Miami Ariane Cotter
University of Florida Lielle Daniel
University of Florida
Tamar Hadas Dinetz
Israel Defense Forces
Sarah Eskandry
University of Maryland
Isaac Feldman
University of Florida
Aharon Moshe Heinrich University of Arizona
Daniel Kleyman Yeshiva University
Edith Koenig Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies, Yeshiva University
Tali Lancewicki
Israel XP at Bar-Ilan University
Gabrielle Levy Bentley University
Alex Lichtenfeld Shnat Hajshara, University of Central Florida
Arie Lisker
Florida International University
Jasmine Pyle University of Michigan
Noah Riven Israel XP at Bar-Ilan University
Joseph Rogatinsky
University of Central Florida
Jeremy Schonfeld University of Central Florida
Zohara Schrager Santa Fe College
Nolan Hayden Senker University of Wisconsin
Eli Leo Slomovitz
Northeastern University
Gabriel Yosef Toledo University of Miami
Rachel Tulman Northeastern University
Noam Meir Vainstein Santa Fe College
Eyal Israel Vaxman University of Florida
Jessica Waxenghiser Northeastern University
Yael B. Weitzman
Derech Ohr Sameach, Florida International University
Dan Meyer Werta
FIELD & COURT
Our athletes once again showcased their dominance! Throughout the winter and spring seasons, our 14 teams roared with pride, embodying school spirit while demonstrating their athletic prowess.
For the first time in school history, Varsity Girls Soccer won the District Championship.
Varsity Girls Basketball competed in the TanenbaumCHAT Tournament in Toronto against Jewish schools from across North America. Tara C. ‘24 was named Tournament MVP, scoring 58 points with 85 assists during the competition.
Middle Schools Boys Basketball advanced to the playoffs, securing a spot in the final game of the season and finishing second in the league.
Middle School Boys Soccer won the League Championship with an undefeated record.
Lower School Boys Soccer also won the League Championship with an undefeated record.
Varsity Boys Soccer won the District and Regional Championships to become state semi-finalists. This is the second time in three years that our Lions made it to the state tournament.
Diego Azar '24 achieved remarkable milestones playing golf for Scheck Hillel, becoming a four-time district champion and a four-time regional championship contender. Kol Hakavod!
Our Co-ed Varsity Tennis Team had the honor of hosting the District Tennis Tournament. Aaron B. ‘28 made it to the second round of the tournament.
STAGE & STUDIO
THE UPPER SCHOOL SPRING CONCERT
Featuring over 170 students in seven ensembles, the performance took place at the impressive Littman Theatre in the North Miami Beach Civic Center.
The second act was even better for this year’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program with winter and spring musical and theatrical events building on the fall semester’s notable accomplishments.
UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL: “DESCENDANTS”
showcased 36 actors and technicians from Grades 6-12 (plus two guest Grade 5 actors), including student tech crews in charge of set changes, lighting, sound, special effects, costumes, props, hair, and makeup.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN INDUCTION
CEREMONY AND UPPER SCHOOL
THEATRE AWARDS
Eight Middle School and 8 High School students earned induction to the International Thespian Society. A total of 21 awards were bestowed, recognizing achievement on and offstage during this year’s theatre season.
CATS - YOUNG ACTORS EDITION
The spring Lower School musical purr-formed to perfection, delighting appreciative audiences, playing to parents, teachers, friends, and all of Grades 2 through 5.
SOLO & ENSEMBLE
Our school’s most advanced instrumental musicians prepared and performed high-level solo works for guest adjudicator Dr. Daniel Andai, Dean of the New World School of the Arts, earning 19 Superior and Excellent ratings – a new Scheck Hillel record.
2024 ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION
Students aged 4 to 18 introduced over 2,000 artworks, including a central gallery featuring 62 Advanced Placement artists. Guest judges awarded 25 “Judges Choice” ribbons.
AM YISRAEL CHAI!
Scheck Hillel stands unwaveringly with Israel: today, tomorrow, and always. During times of struggle, our community united to show steadfast support for Israel, both on and off campus. Our school is a proud home to Zionists who remain resilient in the face of adversity. Now more than ever, Israel education is a vital component of a Scheck Hillel education.
Our ECE students paraded around our campus to celebrate their love for Israel on Yom HaAtzma’ut, Israeli Independence Day.
Activists like University of California Santa Barbara Student Body President Tessa Veksler spoke to our students about the importance of standing strong in the face of antisemitism.
We were honored to hear from Yarin Levy (L) and Nehoray Levy (R), survivors of the Nova Festival attack in Israel.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Israel-American activist Joseph Zevuloni taught our seniors how to effectively advocate for Israel as they prepared for their transitions to college.
The Ofakim Girls’ Choir brought messages of love and song to Hillel, displaying maturity beyond their years as our Lions embraced them as family.
Our own Scheck Hillel faculty and staff went to Israel to serve in the IDF, an act of bravery for which we are forever grateful.
Members of our community traveled to Washington, D.C. with Head of School Rabbi Leubitz to participate in the March for Israel.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND
Hillel’s Invol ved Pa rents
Our incredible HIP/PTA is always working hard to create meaningful parent events and community fundraisers. From hosting our annual "Chopped" competition to packaging thousands of Mishloach Manot, HIP/PTA does so much for our school.
Parents play a vital role in our school community. Their presence emphasizes the Jewish value of m’dor l’dor (from generation to generation) and the mission of passing down education and Jewish tradition. Whether praying together at a Shabbat B’Yachad or creating memories at a Challah Bake, our parents elevate what we do.
