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Volume 4 Issue 1 October/November 2011 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5772 Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family 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
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Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family 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 Volume 4 Issue 1 October/November 2011 Tishrei-Cheshvan 5772 learning for a lifetime Students graduating from Hillel will now have an even greater advantage when applying to college and stepping into today’s global society. They will have grown from one of the most innovative educational programs: Hillel’s Capstone Years. On their resume will be college credits from Florida International University (FIU) earned in junior and senior years, as well as a senior year research-based program. “The program makes our students very desirable candidates for college,” said Gary Weisserman, Hillel’s Chief Academics Officer and Director of Capstone Years. “It’s really exciting and it’s what we want for our students.” Hillel’s partnership with FIU invites seniors to take up to three college-level classes at no charge. Grade 11 students enjoyed a tour of FIU’s north campus in October. “Historically, students only focus on completing the necessary curriculum during the last two years of high school,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School. “We aspire to change that through Hillel’s Capstone Years, which will enrich the student experience with early college courses, travel-based learning, thesis research and the exploration of Jewish identity.” Story continued on Page 2 K�� H��kkv kue sxc Hillel is wearing its blue proudly. To celebrate becoming the nation’s only Jewish - and South Florida’s only private - 2011 Blue Ribbon School, October 17 was declared Blue Ribbon Day at Hillel. Blue Ribbon is an award for academic excellence granted to select schools across the country by the U.S. Department of Education. On Blue Ribbon Day, students, faculty and staff celebrated in blue, from shoelaces up to uniform shirts, from spirit wear to sweet treats. The biggest sign of blue spirit was the wrapping of campus along NE 25th Avenue, showcasing Hillel’s pride for the achievements of students and faculty. GILINSKI HILLEL AMBASSASORS 2011 Blue Ribbon School International Baccalaureate ® IB World School Hillel Proudly Celebrates Achievement Prepping for College and Beyond Blue Ribbon “Students now have led Hillel to becoming a school community that is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and internationally recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School,” said Head of Upper School Nick Hinrichen, who traveled to Washington DC this month to receive the award. Blue Ribbon honors schools whose students are at the highest performance level on nationally normed tests. “This national recognition of academic excellence pronounces what locals and graduates have known for some time: that our beloved school is one of the finest, a true model for others to follow,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School. Before family, friends and the Hillel community, six students were proudly recognized as 2011 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors this month. The Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program is the first merit-based scholarship of its kind in Hillel history, made possible by the generosity of the Gilinski family. The Ambassadors are outstanding students who exemplify leadership and achieve in academics, extracurricular activities or service learning. They received grants toward Hillel tuition for the 2011-2012 school year. Mazel tov to Jessica Rosner, Grade 8, Brandon Berman, Grade 11, Ariel Sadon, Grade 11, Yonathan Bonan, Grade 12, Jacob Teichner, Grade 12, and Myles Wolfe, Grade 12. For more visit ehillel.org.
Transcript
Page 1: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family

The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High SchoolThe Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School

Volume 4 Issue 1October/November 2011Tishrei-Cheshvan 5772

learning for a lifetime

Students graduating from Hillel will now have an even greater advantage when applying to college and stepping into today’s global society. They will have grown from one of the most innovative educational programs: Hillel’s Capstone Years.

On their resume will be college credits from Florida International University (FIU) earned in junior and senior years, as well as a senior year research-based program.

“The program makes our students very desirable candidates for college,” said Gary Weisserman, Hillel’s Chief Academics Offi cer and Director of Capstone Years. “It’s really exciting and it’s what we want for our students.”

Hillel’s partnership with FIU invites seniors to take up to three college-level classes at no charge. Grade 11 students enjoyed a tour of FIU’s north campus in October.

“Historically, students only focus on completing the necessary curriculum during the last two years of high school,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School. “We aspire to change that through Hillel’s Capstone Years, which will enrich the student experience with early college courses, travel-based learning, thesis research and the exploration of Jewish identity.”

Story continued on Page 2

K�� H�����kkv kues”xc

Hillel is wearing its blue proudly. To celebrate becoming the nation’s only

Jewish - and South Florida’s only private - 2011 Blue Ribbon School, October 17 was declared Blue Ribbon Day at Hillel. Blue Ribbon is an award for academic excellence granted to select schools across the country by the U.S. Department of Education.

On Blue Ribbon Day, students, faculty and staff celebrated in blue, from shoelaces up to uniform shirts, from spirit wear to sweet treats.

The biggest sign of blue spirit was the wrapping of campus along NE 25th Avenue, showcasing Hillel’s pride for the achievements of students and faculty.

GILINSKI HILLEL AMBASSASORS

2011 Blue Ribbon School International Baccalaureate® IB World School

Hillel Proudly Celebrates Achievement

Prepping for College and Beyond

Blue Ribbon“Students now have led Hillel to becoming a school

community that is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and internationally recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School,” said Head of Upper School Nick Hinrichen, who traveled to Washington DC this month to receive the award. Blue Ribbon honors schools whose students are at the highest performance level on nationally normed tests.

“This national recognition of academic excellence pronounces what locals and graduates have known for some time: that our beloved school is one of the finest, a true model for others to follow,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School.

Hillel is wearing its blue proudly. To celebrate becoming the nation’s only

Jewish - and South Florida’s only private - 2011 Blue Ribbon School, October 17 was declared Blue Ribbon Day at Hillel. Blue Ribbon is an award for academic excellence granted to select schools across the country by the U.S. Department of Education.

Hillel Proudly Celebrates AchievementBlue Ribbon

Before family, friends and the Hillel community, six students were proudly recognized as 2011 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors this month. The Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program is the fi rst merit-based scholarship of its kind in Hillel history, made possible by the generosity of the Gilinski family.

The Ambassadors are outstanding students who exemplify leadership and achieve in academics, extracurricular activities or service learning. They received grants toward Hillel tuition for the 2011-2012 school year. Mazel tov to Jessica Rosner, Grade 8, Brandon Berman, Grade 11, Ariel Sadon, Grade 11, Yonathan Bonan, Grade 12, Jacob Teichner, Grade 12, and Myles Wolfe, Grade 12. For more visit ehillel.org.

Page 2: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

BOARD OF GOVERNORSChairman Jorge WoldenbergVice-Chairman David Wolf*Treasurer Max FischbachSecretary Uri BenhamronImmediate Past President Gil J. Bonwitt HIP/PTA President Dr. Michele Scheck

Michelle Amselem*Carlos BernerDr. Judy DachMichelle DienerJeffrey GilbertSteve Kravitz

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATIONHead of School Rabbi Pinchos HechtRabbinic Head Rabbi Chaim Albert* Chief Academics Offi cer Gary Weisserman Director of Lower School, ECE-Grade 2 Valerie LustgartenDirector of Lower School, Grades 3-5 Tara Solomiany Director of Middle School Joshua Meisels*Head of Upper School Nick HinrichsenDirector of Judaic Studies and Ivrit Rabbi Joshua Spodek Assistant Director of Capstone YearsDirector of Special Services Dr. Helen ChasetDirector of Special Programs Eileen Ginzburg

*Hillel alumnus/a

Matt Kuttler*Sherri LebwohlMarya LichterGary Mars*Marion MoscuDana Yemin Schrager*

ABOUT HILLELFrom 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 the one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, Florida’s fi rst 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.

ACCREDITATIONHillel 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 affi liated 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 HILLELThe 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 offi ce at 305.931.2831 x279 or [email protected].

For submissions or information, please email Jane Yaffe at [email protected].

2 KOL HILLEL

Story continued from page 1Student response has been

incredibly enthusiastic. “I’m really excited,” said Josh

Winograd, Grade 11. “Taking FIU classes will be a different environment and will prepare me for college,” he said.

“It’s a smart idea and it will prepare us in our senior year for

college,” said Natu Wainer, Grade 11. He hopes to take one or two college classes next year.

While Hillel seniors earn college credits, juniors will prepare for the SAT and ACT, work on applications, explore colleges and attend fi nancial aide seminars. “The college preparation aspect will really help prepare for college and the SAT,” said Stefanie Rozhko, Grade 10.

Capstone Years to PrepareStudents for College

HaKotelMichelle and Bob DienerRaquel and Jaime Gilinski

Greater Miami Jewish FederationTammy and Jorge Woldenberg

HatikvahThe Scheck/Bonwitt Families

Yerushalaim Shel ZahavThe Falic Family

TzfatJGB Bank

KinneretFlavia and Raphael Ades

Sara and David BejarCynthia and Michael Berkman

Yael and Jose CheremRaquel and David Frank

Nava and Mike IzakJean Jacques Myara

The Rok/Moskovitz/Morjain FamiliesOri and Jacob Serfati

Carol and Michael ShalomYvette and Idel Woldenberg

Ivette and Joseph Woldenberg

MassadaAnonymous (2)

Mr. and Mrs. Zev AuerbachDalia and Steven Berman Charitable Trust

Emily and Aby GalskyDebora and Flavio HojdaRebecca and Frank Kriger

Danya LindenfeldAlisa and Emilio Romano

Sapoznik Health and WellnessDana and Joshua Schrager

Deborah and David WaxmanElizabeth Mundlak Zborowski and Eli Zborowski

*As of 11.1.11 *Capital contributions not included.As one of the largest Jewish day schools in North America to off er 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 [email protected]. Your steadfast support for our children is what makes Hillel the number one Jewish day school in North America.

Ma’ayan Society: 2010-2011 / 2011-2012The following Ma’ayan Society listing includes 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 donors. Thank you, generous friends. We look forward to your renewed partnership.

Ma’ayan Society: 2010-2011 / 2011-2012

Page 3: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

KOL HILLEL 3

There’s plenty of room for inspiration and it fl ows freely in Hillel’s newly expanded art room. It’s peaceful as students paint ceramics, work on self-made canvases replicating those used in 15th century art and create 3D art from photographs.

“I feel so relaxed to the point where I can take a breath,” said AP art student Eden Houri, Grade 11.

“I just feel inspired and able to express myself,” said Michael Erhlich, Grade 11.

The spacious art room allows for larger projects for students in Grades 8-12 IB and AP art classes and yearbook production, said art teacher Anat Agam.

“I want to showcase art so students can express themselves,” said Agam, who also leads the 50-member National Art Honor Society and Upper School yearbook.

Students will focus this year on the principles of art and design and create AP portfolios. “Art gives students an opportunity to open up and be more creative.”

New set designers and choreographers will give Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program an enhanced look on stage this year.

“We’re bringing in more professional elements to theatre this year and getting more students involved,” said drama teacher Don Stansfi eld. Coming on board are award-winning set designer and builder Sean McClelland and Ron Hutchins. “We are offering more opportunities for students to express themselves whether on stage or behind the scenes,” Stansfi eld said.

Three shows will be produced this year, starting with “Feiffer’s People” (November 9 and 10), directed by Stansfield, followed by “Willy Wonka Jr” (February 15 and 16), directed by Dionne Lockett and closing with “The AristoCats Kids,” directed by Sophie Sherman (March 28 and 29). Check out a special package of six for fi ve when you purchase tickets at ehillel.org/boxoffi ce.

VISUAL ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

The young students hold the violin using every ounce of restraint a six-year-old can muster to keep from touching the strings. Discipline to rest the instrument is just as important as the techniques to hold and follow instruction.

Hillel’s after-school violin program for students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 begins with basic instruction while also developing language, social and motor skills.

“Every child can learn at a young age to play the violin,” said Cassady. “My goal is to make a difference through violin and enhance the lives of students through music.”

Cassady said she plans to expand the program to include other instruments and eventually offer lessons and performances.

Music has also been incorporated into the curriculum in Upper School where students learn music production, create their own music using Apple software and incorporate music in Tefi la.

MUSIC

CREATIVITYBOUNDRIES

HAS NO

HaKotelMichelle and Bob DienerRaquel and Jaime Gilinski

Greater Miami Jewish FederationTammy and Jorge Woldenberg

HatikvahThe Scheck/Bonwitt Families

Yerushalaim Shel ZahavThe Falic Family

TzfatJGB Bank

KinneretFlavia and Raphael Ades

Sara and David BejarCynthia and Michael Berkman

Yael and Jose CheremRaquel and David Frank

Nava and Mike IzakJean Jacques Myara

The Rok/Moskovitz/Morjain FamiliesOri and Jacob Serfati

Carol and Michael ShalomYvette and Idel Woldenberg

Ivette and Joseph Woldenberg

MassadaAnonymous (2)

Mr. and Mrs. Zev AuerbachDalia and Steven Berman Charitable Trust

Emily and Aby GalskyDebora and Flavio HojdaRebecca and Frank Kriger

Danya LindenfeldAlisa and Emilio Romano

Sapoznik Health and WellnessDana and Joshua Schrager

Deborah and David WaxmanElizabeth Mundlak Zborowski and Eli Zborowski

*As of 11.1.11 *Capital contributions not included.As one of the largest Jewish day schools in North America to off er 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 [email protected]. Your steadfast support for our children is what makes Hillel the number one Jewish day school in North America.

It’s about learning self-expression.Hillel has expanded its fi ne arts program to nurture self-expression and creativity through

music, drama and visual art.“We are on our way to creating a world-class program that meets the national standard for

fi ne arts,” said new Fine Arts Director Kristan Cassady. “It’s a more hands-on art program empowering students to take what they learn in a book and apply it to fi ne arts, creating a knowledge-based education with a creative outlet.”

This year Hillel already has added a Lower School after-school violin program and, eventually, will add new courses like more string instruments, speech, design and art history. With Hillel’s new partnership with Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, students in Grades 3-5 have registered for StageStruck! to develop vocal production, improve their sense of pitch, enhance their vocal quality and work toward a culminating performance at the end of the session.

“The focus is to build a rich arts education program of both classroom time and experiences beyond the school day,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School.

“We are concentrating on the enrichment that encourages students to develop talents and interests beyond academic study, because it’s a well-rounded program that best prepares children for global success. This directly speaks to how we’ve built up the Hillel experience,” he added.

Page 4: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

4 KOL HILLEL

I AM HILLEL!

While most high schools have the ceremonial tradition of Passing of the Torch, to symbolize the transference of dominance from graduating seniors to juniors, Hillel has interpreted this familiar tradition in a slightly different way.

The Hillel Mesora is a yearly trip that welcomes the freshman class for students to break the ice and bond in preparation for the Israel trip. Memories, eternal friendships, sheer joy and hilarity are attributes that clearly define the atmosphere of Grade 9 Mystery Bus Ride held in September.

Hillel’s Grade 9 ventured into the unknown as students began the night of mystery. Students arrived on campus right after Shabbat, where Havdalah was recited and students participated in various activities. Subsequently, those who were running for Student Government articulated their desires to create a voice for the freshman class and vowed to bring substantial change.

“If elected, I will strive to make sure that each and every student will enjoy the school year in every way possible,” said Salomon Serfati, one of the two students elected. This year, Hillel launched its first Textual Elections, made possible by technologically savvy co-director of Student Life Opher Yunger. By merely pressing a combination of numbers and sending them to a specific address, the votes were instantaneously counted.

A Right PassageBY CLARA BENDAYAN, GRADE 11

of Friendships Bond Studentson Annual Mystery Bus Ride

Although every candidate’s speech was truly riveting, there were only two winners: Lior Barhai and Salomon Serfati.

The students traveled in style in a double decker bus, which marks a first in Mystery Bus Ride history. The adventure began with a stop at Boomers, then to black light bowling, and followed by Pump it Up, where students truly set aside all cares and were able to behave like children once again! Nearing sunrise, students enjoyed freshly baked Krispy Kreme doughnuts and finally an incredible experience at Hallandale Beach, which began with a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11 and ended with a beautiful sunrise.

Sabrina Zarco, Hillel senior and student government president, tagged along with the ninth grade and said, “The significance of the bus ride was the way that the students interacted with one another. They were laughing at each other’s jokes, enjoying each other’s company. It was as if the whole grade was one.” This trip truly cemented the already present friendships of the freshman class, and laid the foundation for the Israel Trip they will soon embark upon in May.

HIP/PTA began the school year welcoming new parents at its annual breakfast, planning events and activities for the new year. The first event was

the annual Scholastic Book Fair held November 7-11, followed by the Chanukah Boutique (December 12-16). HIP/PTA meets every month in its office, which faces the north lot. For meetings and events, please check the HIP/PTA page in the Parents section of ehillel.org.

Upper School Students Lead the Way

The boys Middle School flag football team beat Donna Klein 47-21 October 12 to become district champions. The team was undefeated this season! Amazing play from all athletes was helped when Bradley Moskovitz, Grade 8, threw winning touchdowns to both Jacob Mars, Grade 8, and Joseph Wolf, Grade 8. Mazel tov!The Girl’s Varsity Basketball team won the final round of the JDSSF Pre-season Basketball Classic. Hillel’s team beat Posnack 38-35. Go Hurricanes!

District Champs!

Clara Bendayan is a staff writer for Hillel Quarterly, the school newspaper, and student government Grade 11 representative.

BLUE PRIDE

Page 5: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

KOL HILLEL 5

I AM HILLEL!

About 50 Grade 9-12 students spent a weekend learning to become leaders and role models on Hillel’s annual Leadership Shabbaton.

Opher Yunger, co-director of

Student Life, said students visited Regents Park, bringing challah and grape juice, and enjoyed Shabbat at Highland Lakes Shul. The rest of Shabbat was spent honing the skills of leaders and inspiring students to tap into their already amazing talents. The students will be leaders on campus, guiding school events and counselors on Shabbatonim with younger students.

Upper School Students Lead the Way

The Hurricanes defeated David Posnack, 51-0 to earn the title of Kiddush Cup Champs! After a day of rain, the team played in the 3rd annual Kiddush Cup at FIU North Stadium. Visit Hillel’s news room at ehillel.org to read and watch the national and local media coverage.

Kiddush Cup W I N N E R S !

BLUE PRIDE

School spirit soared at Hillel as students and faculty celebrated its Blue Ribbon award with a day of activities and events.

Students sanded and sawed their shofars after learning about the significance of sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. With eyes wide open in awe, they watched thousands of honeybees as they built a comb and produced the sweet honey for the new year. Students baked challah, made Rosh Hashana cards and collected food for the poor, had lunch in the school Sukkah and recited the blessing over the lulav and etrog as they learned about the holidays. For more photos, visit the Hillel website, ehillel.org.

Honey to Lulav, Students

Share Holiday Traditions

Page 6: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

rusu rusk

6 KOL HILLEL

Generation

Uzi Hardoon returned to Hillel this year with a completely new perspective. His last experience at Hillel was as a student when he graduated in 2000. Now he’s a parent, watching his daughter Hailey explore Early Childhood just like he did.

“It feels great to be back at Hillel,” he said. “I feel like history is repeating itself.” Hardoon attended Hillel Early Childhood - Grade 12.

“It’s incredible having my daughter experience the same atmosphere and the same feelings that I had,” he said. “Hillel offers the type of environment that we were looking for. After only a few weeks at school, Hailey, 3, already leads Hamotzie at Shabbat,” he added.

Hardoon met his wife, Jennifer Feldenkreis, at Hillel, where they began dating in his senior year. Jennifer graduated in 2001, and they were married in 2007.

A New Experience: Coming Home to Hillel as Parents

Childhood Lessons Can Facilitate Future Success“It’s incredible having my daughter experience the

same atmosphere and the same feelings that I had.” Uzi Hardoon, who attended Hillel Early Childhood - Grade 12Generationto

Uzi and Jennifer come from a family of Hillel graduates. Uzi’s sisters Rosy and Sarah graduated in 2002 and 2009, respectively. Jennifer’s sisters Erica and Stephanie graduated in 2003 and 2007.

Uzi and Jennifer both graduated from University of Miami, and Uzi earned his MBA at Nova University before beginning his career in wealth management at Safra Bank.

Since graduating 11 years ago, Uzi says Hillel has grown.“It has become more academic, reaching new educational levels.”

As an alumnus and parent, he hopes to become involved and see

more alumni parents return to Hillel to be part of the beautiful community.

“Hailey comes home singing all the Jewish songs which I love. That’s what Hillel is all about, and I’m glad I am continuing to experience that as a parent.”

Uzi and Jennifer Hardoon with their children Hailey, 3, in PK3, and Elizabeth, 1

PARENTINGrusu rusk

ALUMNINOTES

Save the Date for Alumni Games!

Tuesday, December 20The perfect opportunity

to catch up with old friends and visit Hillel!

1993Mazel tov to alumnus Dr. Yaron Daniely and his wife Dalia on the birth of their daughter, Tamar. Proud grandparents are Ehud and Efrat Daniely; Morah Efrat is a Kesher teacher.

1999Mazel tov to alumna Meital Cohen and Dr. Daryl Elber on their engagement. Meital is the daughter of Orit and David Cohen, z”l. Orit is a longtime Hillel faculty member. Daryl is the son of Nancy and Dr. Harvey Eber.

2000 Mazel tov to alumna Rachel Ginzburg and her husband Alejandro Rosenberg on the birth of their daughter. Proud grandparents are Dr. Mario and Eileen Ginzburg; Eileen is Hillel’s Director of Special Programs.

2003Mazel tov to alumna Pearl Levy and her husband Mor Ben Yoram on the birth of their son, Isaac Leon Ben Yoram.

Share your news with the Hillel community! Please email updates and photos to [email protected].

2005 Mazel tov to alumnus David Yaffe, the post production manager at Vista where he produces highlights for Major League Soccer. He recently completed fi lming the fi rst in a series of commercials for horsecalculator.com.

2006Mazel tov to alumna Ilana Singer and her husband Dovi Lamet on the birth of their son Jacob Shia, born August 14. Ilana is an assistant teacher at Hillel.

2007 Mazel tov to alumna Tiffany Tiferet Agam and Aryeh Fraser on their engagement. Tiffany is the daughter of Anat and Moshe Agam; Anat is a longtime Hillel faculty member. Aryeh is the son of Sarah and Zeev Fraser of Jerusalem.

2008 Mazel tov to alumna Raquel Amselem and David Sutton on their marriage. Raquel is the daughter of Dr. Shalom and Michelle Amselem; Michelle is a Hillel alumna and member of the school’s Board of Governors. David is the son of Eddie and Francine Aronowitz.

Page 7: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

KOL HILLEL 7

The New York Times magazine recently featured “What if the Secret to Success is Failure?” by Paul Tough, validating the importance of character traits in predicting success. It highlights the importance of teaching strength of character as equal to – or more important than – academics. The author concludes that it is qualities of character, rather than academic skills, that are “the recipe for a successful and happy life.” Judaism offers a very similar set of values (Midot) for building character and living a meaningful life.

The message is clear: the lessons we as parents and educators must focus on with our children are social, emotional and behavioral. A narrow focus on academics is insuffi cient in preparing children for a success.

Can teaching children to focus, use self-control and be kind to others facilitate success later in life? Research suggests that the answer is yes! One of the best ways to raise children who will end up happy, productive adults is to give them a moral code by which to live, or a foundation of beliefs that will give them inner guidance to make choices and to face challenges.

Children look to their parents to set boundaries, model values and establish rules of behavior. While you do this at home, Hillel faculty work within classrooms and hallways to teach and model these same values to your children. What else can we do as parents and educators to further nurture character development?

Together, we can:• teach tolerance and respect by treating others with kindness• educate ourselves about positive discipline to teach responsibility• use logical consequences to prepare children for responsibilities

they will experience as adultsAdhering to the philosophy that mistakes are opportunity for

learning fosters self-esteem, perseverance and growth. Each time we react to a bad grade or an unkind behavior with kindness and empathy (and a logical consequence), we offer children opportunities to grow without fear of making mistakes.

How can you do this at home? Be kind to yourself and realize that no parent is perfect! Each day is an opportunity to become the parent we want to be and to help our children become the type of people we hope for them to become.

Try not to respond to your child with an angry tone; rather, convey that it is the behavior that you do not like, not the child. Give them positive feedback when they demonstrate desirable behaviors. For example, tell your child you are proud of them for persisting on their math homework, even though it was really hard. Reframe all mistakes as moments for learning.

Lastly, fi lter your initial reactions (pause!) and remember to be the best cheerleader you can be both for yourself and for your child. As my mother used to say, “If at fi rst you don’t succeed, try and try again!”

Childhood Lessons Can Facilitate Future Success

Learning Talmud

There’s an app for just about everything. Even Talmud.In the Grade 9 Talmud class there are no more heavy books to carry. If something is

unclear, just visit the link for a better understanding or even a commentary. And with just one click, the Aramaic can be translated to English. Better yet, English and Aramaic can read be side by side.

Welcome to iTalmud at Hillel, where history is taught using the iPad.“We have the most modern technology rooted with the most ancient and prolifi c text

that spans generations,” said Rabbi Josh Spodek, director of Judaic and Ivrit Studies and assistant director of Capstone Years.

Every student in class has access to the 20 iPads from Hillel’s new iPad cart. “The entire Talmud is actually in the palm of their hands,” Spodek said.

While students are learning on the iPads, everything the teacher does is projected to an Apple television screen in front of the classroom.

“Our 9th grade Talmud class has been completely changed forever as a result of the new technology that has been introduced to our classroom,” said Rabbi Chaim Albert, Rabbinic Head and Talmud teacher.

“In the span of one class, students have accomplished mastery over complex parts of the Talmud that would be previously unthinkable. They now read, translate, and apply the ideas all on their own,” he added.

By Dr. Nancy Gould, Lower School Guidance Counselor

Modern TechnologyRooted to Ancient Text

from an iPAD

PARENTING

Page 8: Kol Hillel Oct-Nov 2011

The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High SchoolThe Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School19000 NE 25th AvenueNorth Miami Beach, Florida 33180

Science

The kites soared into the bright blue sky with more purpose than ever before. After all, these kites carried words of prayer, hope and meaning. It was a merger of science and Judaics.

Marking Tashlich, Kindergarten-Grade 5 students started their visit to Highland Oaks Park by casting bread into the pond to represent any sins they may have made this year.

They then flew the kites they designed and built in science class - beautifully decorated with art, prayers and wishes for Hashem. The construction and assembly taught the concepts of force and balance.

Michelle Binder, Lower School science coordinater, said the students were so excited to make their kites and use their own knowledge and skills. As students built their kites throughout the days leading to Tashlich, they learned about air pressure and flight balance while using scientifi c methods to ensure parts were measured for accuracy.

Built upon the science, was a meaningful spiritual moment that connected the students to Hashem, said Rachel Yunger, Student Life co-director. The kites weren’t the only things soaring high. The children’s love for learning across academics and Judaics seemed to have taken fl ight pretty far that day. Check out The Miami Herald coverage in Hillel’s pressroom at ehillel.org.

Judaicsand

Learning Takes Flight!

The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High SchoolThe Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School19000 NE 25th AvenueNorth Miami Beach, Florida 33180

Save the Date!2012 ANNUAL EVENT

Save the Date!

JANUARY

2625 SHEVAT 5772

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