Kol Hillel: Summer 2023 | Scheck Hillel Community School

KOL HILLEL ללה לוק

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 a tour of the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.942.9787 or write to admissions@eHillel.org.

2023-2024 / 5783-5784

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Isaac Marcushamer, Chair

Marc Haime, Vice-Chair

Jacques Bessoudo, Treasurer

Sharon Minski ‘97, Secretary

Michelle Azout ‘02

E. David Bensadon

Martin Fleischer

Anita Givner

Sara Sevillia ‘03

Jeffrey Scheck (Alumnus)

Philip Solomon

Joseph Woldenberg

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

Orly Dromi, Director of Early Childhood Education

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

Craig Carpentieri, Chief Academic Officer

Rabbi Shlomo Sprung*, Rabbinic Head

Rabbi Ari Leubitz, Head of School

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

*Scheck Hillel Alumnus

At Scheck Hillel, we are united in our pursuit of a common purpose: to ensure a vibrant, enduring Jewish future, represented by students who are respectful, knowledgeable, capable, and guided by Jewish values and identity. Such a future is built by parents, teachers, and administrators guided by our ROAR principles: Respect, Opportunity, Accountability, and Responsibility.

We have spent this year listening, learning and strengthening our sense of purpose. Through our parent survey findings, we saw tremendous support as well as solid opportunities to improve. We have added insights from our own self-study, and, at Scheck Hillel’s 2023 Annual Meeting on June 1, I laid out priorities for the coming year: how and where we will improve, advance and continue to enhance and elevate the student experience: your child’s experience.

As a school community, we remain committed to our common purpose, working together to create an environment where our students can thrive, grow, and contribute to a vibrant and enduring Jewish future. We thank our families, faculty, and staff for their support and dedication to this mission, and I look forward to continuing this important work together.

- Rabbi Ari Leubitz Head of School

“Your perspective and opinion helped us understand what we are doing well, what we can improve and how we can better fulfill your needs and meet - even surpass - your expectations.”

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

From academic accomplishments to personal achievements, Scheck Hillel students made great strides this year. They were recognized for a range of activities: from leadership and advocacy to academic excellence across a variety of subjects. They’ve worked hard, asked questions, and engaged in meaningful learning on and off campus. Importantly, they have challenged themselves to take risks in order to grow as confident and capable learners. Their merit is recognized in these pages.

2023-2024

Miami Herald Silver

Nominees are outstanding students who show sustained commitment to a social cause outside or within the school. This year’s nominees have dedicated hundreds of hours to initiatives that include protecting the environment, tracking COVID data to benefit elderly Mexican Jews, dance performances for underserved audiences, and managing digital strategy for a nonprofit. Our students apply their talents and passions to tikkun olam: repairing the world.

Knight

National Junior Honor Society

NASA Summer Internship

Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors High School Awards

Mark Saba ‘31

Class of 2024 College Book Awards

Lara Bzurovski ‘24 Sadie Lemmer ‘25 Ariella Bitton ‘24 Sofia Braun ‘24 Benjamin Herschman ‘25

“Over the past 18 years, we have each followed a unique blueprint in building our own plane - molding our physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities into one special creation. We have also devoted much time in developing our engine - the values and ideals that are ingrained within us, which we have learned from our parents, teachers and past experiences. And only when all those things are in order, it becomes time for us to finally take flight.”

“The Talmud says, ‘Kol Yisrael arevim ze ba’ze. הֶזָבּ הֶז םיִבֵרֲע לֵאָרְשִׂי לָכּ.’ All Jews are responsible for each other. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we will always have the best support system.”

“To the Class of 2023, yes, we made it. Now, let’s carry with us the memories, lessons, and experiences of our time here, and let them inspire us to achieve our dreams and make a positive impact on the world around us.”

- Jaime Mizrahi ‘23 (Sephardic Torah Center, Florida International University Honors Program)

Jamie Kurzer ‘23, Co-Salutatorian

Johnathan Lev-Tov ‘23, Co-Salutatorian

Jaime Mizrahi ‘23, Valedictorian

- Jamie Kurzer ‘23

- Johnathan Lev-Tov ‘23

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Scheck Hillel engineering students earned accolades in the 2023 Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) Innovation Day, hosted by Motorola Solutions in Miami. Congratulations to Finalists/2nd Place Winners Sarita Haime ‘25 and Hailey Shechter ‘25 of Team “Stir Friend.” Their projects were the culmination of a year of coursework in the CIJE and Scheck Hillel Design/ STEM curriculum. More than 100 students from four schools were tasked with conceptualizing, creating, and engineering their own inventions.

Sofia Braun ‘24, Jessica Kiblisky ‘23, Joelle Kirsch ‘23, Alan Strulovic ‘23 and Moises Sutton ‘23 won 2023 Achievement Awards in Writing presented by the National Council of Teachers of English. All are members of Scheck Hillel’s National English Honor Society.

Adina Heinrich ‘25

National Honor Society

Grade 5 Jewish Athletic League Basketball Champions

Scheck Hillel’s 2023 Art Gallery & Advanced Placement Juried Exhibition amazed visitors with more than 800 works of art by Kindergarten-Grade 12 students. The event drew a distinguished panel of jurors: artists Fela Breef and Romero Britto, and gallery directors Karina Belilty and Shana Benchetrit. Nineteen High School student-artists were awarded with Judges’ Choice ribbons for outstanding AP work.

Mazal tov to our Honors Orchestra students, who prepared a solo or an ensemble piece to present in the Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment under the Florida Orchestra Association branch. After months of preparation, all of our students received either a Superior rating (highest rating) or Excellent rating.

Lielle Daniel, Naomi Fischbach and Jessica Waxenghiser (all Class of ‘24) won the Flash Fiction Writing Challenge sponsored by the National English Honor Society (NEHS). With more than 300 entries submitted from across the country, these Lions were among only 25 to receive recognition.

Varsity Boys’ Soccer District Champions

Lower School Flag Football 2022 Champions

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Scheck Hillel’s roster of meaningful co-curricular opportunities amplifies academic development. From musical theatre to athletics, chessed projects to student government, students explore options or design their own opportunities. Our faculty and staff are here to help students make the most of their Scheck Hillel journey.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

We love having our families on campus! Whether you’re attending a milestone ceremony or baking challah with your child, you enhance the student experience and add ruach to everything we do! Our students have also learned from you: physicians, attorneys, architects and entrepreneurs have all shared expertise from their fields. Thank you for your partnership!

Sunday, August 13

&

SUKKOT SOCIAL

Wednesday, October 4

We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

Maya Tamar Lev-Tov Tiferet Seminary Stern College of Yeshiva University

Edon Prezelmayer University of Florida

Joseph Abramowitz University of Texas at Austin

Mia Ackerman Northeastern University

Zoe Zohar Alon Young Judaea Year Course Miami Fashion Institute Florida State University

Maya Betty Arnold University of Florida

Samuel Attias Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi Northeastern University

Hannah Yuval Azolay Reichman University

Shirell Azour Reichman University

Ilan Chaim Brejt United States Airforce Academy

Daniel Brown Boston University

Yankel Bsiri Yeshivat Ashreinu Miami Dade College

Tammy Chehebar Azout Hofstra University

Sarah Chelminsky Indiana University

Yael Dejman Boston University

Natalie Esquenazi University of Miami

Gil Shalom Hayek University of Tampa Moises Jamri Washington University in St. Louis

Chaya Mushka Kagan Tzohar Seminary Tamar Kameo Alazrachi Bentley University

Dov Nathan Kerbel University of Central Florida

Jessica Kiblisky Tulane University

Joelle Kirsch New York University

Pola Levy Cornell University

Gabriella Yehudit Lopez Florida International University

Eden Gila Lugassy Reichman University

Sophia Lustigman Reichman University

Maiyan Lily Lyani Israel Defense Forces University of Miami

Ariela Mareyna Florida International University

Elias Renner Northeastern University

Dalia Saba University of Central Florida

Alexandra Frida Serfaty University of Michigan

Jacob Shaked Florida International University

Adam Sananes Reichman University

Joshua Schips Workforce

Sofia Wengrowsky Northeastern University

Leah Winterman Baer Miriam Seminary Stern College of Yeshiva University

Shelly Haya Woldenberg University of California Davis

Leehe Zroya ReIchman University

Daniel Zuchaer University of Central Florida

Moises Sutton Lulka University of Texas at Austin

Atara Carmel Tripp Young Judaea Year Course

CLASS OF 2023 AND THEIR FAMILIES!

Jonathan Bacal Reichman University

May Ben Abu Miami International University of Art and Design

Joshua Bentata University of Central Florida

Carolina Benun University of Colorado Boulder

Aileen Clara Berl Northeastern University

Andrea Rachell Berti Reichman University Mark Blatt University of Central Florida

Meitalia Esther Factor Barnard College

Alexis Goldin San Diego State University

Eli Goldin Florida State University

Alejandra Goldszmidt Florida International University

Jacqueline Gorin Northeastern University

Tom Elad Hadari Arizona State University

Jessica Hanz Midreshet Tehillah Yeshiva University

Liat Kirsch Drexel University

Abraham Klainbaum University of Michigan

Alberto Baruj Koenig Segal Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah Yeshiva University

Jamie Kurzer Duke University

David Lalo Reichman University

Noah Abraham Levine Indiana University

Johnathan Ben Lev-Tov Aish Gesher University of Miami

Harel Menashe Mizrahi The Ohio State University

Jaime Mizrahi Sephardic Torah Center Florida International University

Orel Mizrahi Tulane University

Kael Aaron Nahom University of South Florida

Alexandra Peicher University of Michigan Lee Peleg Reichman University

Juliet Victoria Marks Reichman University

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Talyah Shechter University of Central Florida

Jonathon Shetrit Workforce

Asher Sochaczewski Stetson University

Michael Stiberman University of Florida

Allan Hakim Strimber New York University

Alan Joseph Strulovic University of Southern California

Michelle Sutton Young Judaea Year Course

Co-Salutatorian

Co-Salutatorian

Valedictorian

‘‘Scheck Hillel was pivotal in shaping my Jewish identity. It taught me values and knowledge of the Torah and its laws, helping me live a more fulfilled spiritual life.”

‘‘Scheck Hillel has taught me that my results will always be a mirror of my attitude and effort. I’ve been lucky, for 15 years, to be surrounded by only exemplary individuals in a community that I will carry with me forever.’’

-Daniel Brown ‘23

‘‘Scheck Hillel has influenced me to carry my Jewish values proudly wherever I go. Here, I have made lifelong friends and learned to be determined and hard-working.

HEAR US ROAR

“Scheck Hillel has taught me that nothing is more important than maintaining healthy relationships with other people. Above academics, sports, and extracurriculars, to thrive in whatever environment I’m placed in, I have to value people more than anything else.”

American University*

Arizona State University

Bentley University

Binghamton University*

Boston University*

Bryant University

California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt

California State University - East Bay

California State University Long Beach

California State University, Chico

California State University, Fullerton

Columbia College Chicago

Cornell University*

Drexel University

Duke University*

Eckerd College

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Florida Polytechnic University

Florida State University*

Fordham University

George Washington University

Hofstra University

IE University, Madrid

Indiana University*

Istituto Marangoni, Miami

Kansas State University

Louisiana State University

Loyola University Chicago

Lynn University

Maryland Institute College of Art

Miami International University of Art and Design

Miami University

Michigan State University*

New College of Florida

New York University*

Northeastern University*

Nova Southeastern University

Pace University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Pennsylvania State University - Abington Campus

Pennsylvania State University - University Park*

Purdue University

Reichman University in Israel

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute*

Roger Williams University

Rollins College

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Saint Louis University

San Diego State University

San José State University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Stetson University

Stern College of Yeshiva University

Suffolk University

The George Washington University*

The New School

The Ohio State University*

Tufts University*

Tulane University*

United States Air Force Academy

University of Arizona

University of California Santa Cruz*

University of California, Davis*

University of California, Riverside*

University of Central Florida*

University of Cincinnati

University of Colorado Boulder*

University of Delaware*

University of Denver

University of Florida

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of La Verne

University of Maryland*

University of Massachusetts Boston

University of Miami*

‘‘Scheck Hillel has provided me with endless opportunities, allowing me to evolve as a Jewish adolescent and future leader. Also, the lessons learned and relationships formed with my teachers will guide me not only through my college years but also throughout the rest of my life. I know that the Scheck Hillel community will always be a place to call home!”

University of Michigan Ann Arbor*

University of Minnesota Twin Cities*

University of North Florida

University of Oregon

University of Pittsburgh

University of Rochester

University of San Francisco

University of Southern California*

University of South Florida*

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Texas, Austin*

University of West Florida

University of Wisconsin, Madison*

Virginia Commonwealth University

Warren Wilson College

Washington University in St. Louis*

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Yeshiva University*

I feel lucky to be part of a community like this one.’’

-Joelle Kirsch ‘23

-Yael Dejman ‘23

-Joseph Abramowitz ‘23

FACULTY NOTES

Many of our faculty members are pursuing professional development during the summer break. They are committed to staying on top of their practice and continuously improving their skills. Whether attending conferences, pursuing advanced degrees or taking courses, our teachers stay at the forefront of education’s ever-evolving landscape.

Many of our faculty members also challenge themselves to grow and develop their own unique talents and interests. Some pursue creative projects, engage in community service, or author books, all with the goal of broadening perspectives and enriching lives.

Celebrating Service

40 Years: Tova Yemin & Yossi Yativ

35 Years: Gerry Cirulnick, Rabbi Heshy Riesel & Ann Sweet

30 Years: Roberta Meisels

25 Years: Audrey Lederman

15 Years: Angela Williams, Ph.D.

10 Years: Lauren Berley ‘98, Hani CohenDinetz, Rabbi Elie Ganz, Natalie Gurland, Elisheva Krevsky, Mazal Kuba Oberlender, Sandra Levy ‘94, Julie Miller, Alyse Moryoussef ‘09

5 Years: Luis Comulada, Jael Fefer, Chris Gammill, Rabbi Elias Hochner, Chris Johnson, Dror Karavani, Juan Lezama, Shoshana Mitrani ‘04, Jenny Moreinis, Sharyn Orlan, Dana Parker, Dganit Penias, Philip Schwartzman, Ryan Williams

Published Authors

Andrew Butler, Upper School English Department Chair Craig Carpentieri, Chief Academic Officer Kenneth Derby, Lower School General Studies Teacher

Mandi Eizenbaum, Lower School Teacher

Rabbi Elias Hochner, Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher

Dr. Ezra Levy, Kesher Head of School

Advanced Degrees

Three ECE faculty members recently obtained Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. Mazal Tov to Jennifer Alon, Maritza Melamed and Shoshana Mitrani on their achievements. Jenna Kraft Shuman, Lower School Curriculum Coordinator, earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Continued success!

Matt Villa, a faculty member within our Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program, received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. Mr. Villa was nominated by Scheck Hillel Class of 2022 Salutatorian Zachary Lemmer, who now attends the University of Chicago. We are proud of the impact Mr. Villa makes in the lives of our students!

Summer Professional Development

Rabbi Avi Greene, Artificial Intelligence School Applications

University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award

Rabbi Elias Hochner and Nancy Penchev, Israel, MindCET Teacher Innovation Project Dr. Hana Barouk, Israel, Educator Training at Yad Vashem

Our parent volunteers make so much possible! Thanks, HIP/PTA, for enhancing the educational experience and always raising the bar of parent engagement at school.

Hillel ’s Invol ved Pa rents

Executive Board

Evelyn Marcushamer, President

Jennifer Naim, Vice President

Ailyn Weisleder, Communications

Ivette Behar, Treasurer

Anita Givner, Past Chair

Susy Abbo, Past Chair

Lauren Faith

Carla Fischbach

Eliane Kravetz

Malka Rodrig ‘92

Shana Russo

Gabrielle Schpilberg ‘96

Becky Weisleder

Sheryl Podgorowiez ‘83, Honorary Member

ALUMNI NOTES

MAZAL TOV!

BIRTHS

Elise and Jason Morjain ‘03 welcomed a baby girl.

Rachel (Wasserman) ‘08 and Shayne Decker welcomed a baby girl.

Raquel (Amselem) ‘08 and Abraham Gean welcomed a baby girl.

Toam Rubinstein and Brandon Zarco ‘09 welcomed a baby boy.

Ilana (Dreyfuss) ‘10 and Jacob Katz welcomed a baby boy.

Danielle (Lacs) ‘10 and Eddie Reiner welcomed a baby girl.

Joelle (Sasson) ‘12 and Joseph Hanono ‘02 welcomed a baby girl.

Sharone (Houri) ‘12 and Mor Assouline welcomed a baby girl.

Ashley and Bryan Benhamou ‘13 welcomed a baby boy.

Andrea (Almosny) ‘14 and Alberto Bittan welcomed a baby girl.

Shoshana (Wolf) ‘14 and Amram Amselem ‘14 welcomed a baby boy.

Sharon (Stambouli) ‘15 and Joel Sheero welcomed a baby boy.

Karine (Bensabat) ‘16 and Andres Saias welcomed a baby boy.

Haya (Gilinski) ‘18 and Raymond Harari welcomed a baby girl.

Tiffany and Jonathan Behar (alumnus) welcomed a baby boy.

Talya and Alexander Ciklik (alumnus) welcomed a baby girl.

Noa and Brett Rudman (alumnus) welcomed a baby girl.

Jacqueline (Waksman) (alumna) and Ido Alexander welcomed a baby boy.

MARRIAGES

Galit Cohen ‘11 and Josh Bernstein

Abby Laks and Yonathan Bonan ‘12

Amanda Winer and Josh Rosner ‘12

Sabrina Zarco ‘12 and Joe Egozi

Arielle Ben-Ezra ‘13 and Zack Gordon

Ilana Douer and Jonathan Cula ‘13

Camila Hojda ‘13 and Jason Steinman

Vanessa Mendal ‘13 and Aaron Dombey

Sabrina Abramowitz and Aaron Pludwinski ‘13

Nicole Assor ‘14 and Mark Rosencwaig

Stefanie Levy and Isaac Benoliel ‘14

Brianna Diener ‘15 and Andrew Skydell

Nicole Scheck ‘15 and Evan Cohen

Sol Perchik and Benjamin Vaisberg ‘15

Sari Ackerman ‘16 and Meir Cohen

Teresa Jafif ‘16 and Miguel Liberas

Tamar Mizrahi ‘16 and Daniel Suiza

Goldie Sion ‘16 to Shlomo Abraham

Gabriella Chehebar ‘17 and Mikael Vaisman

Sandra Feld ‘17 and Alan Levy

Raquel Gabay ‘17 and Abraham Benguigui

Simi Serfati ‘18 and Isaac Coriat

Ruchoma Dworetsky and Joey Ginzburg (alumnus)

FROM HILLEL TO THE WHITE HOUSE!

Class of 2023 Alumni Commencement Speaker

Shelley Greenspan ‘08, White House Jewish Liaison, reflected on her Hillel journey:

“(My parents) were looking for a strong foundation in Jewish values. They were looking for a rigorous curriculum that would start me on a fruitful path into college and a successful career. They were looking for a nurturing community that would ask students not just what do we want to do when we grow up, but what kind of people, leaders, friends, neighbors we want to be. They found it all here. So I want to admit, for the record, before everyone assembled: Mom and Dad – you definitely chose right. This school gave me everything you were looking for, and more.”

-Shelley Greenspan ‘08, White House Jewish Liaison

What warms your heart when you think of your student days at Scheck Hillel?

“When I think of Hillel, I remember the Jewish values I developed and the sense of community I felt as a student. We knew we were part of a close-knit community where we all felt a sense of belonging.”

-Jessica (Azout) Jamri ‘95

“The friends that became family. It is so special to hang out with my friends from high school as if nothing has changed (except for the fact that we now carry diaper bags instead of backpacks and meet at playgrounds instead of our parents’ houses.)”

-Jenie (Rayek) Landman ‘12

“It warms my heart to think that some of my most cherished friendships today were born at Scheck Hillel almost 30 years ago.”

-Isaac Mizrahi ‘07

“It warms my heart that Hillel is vibrant, full of eager kids, full of energy and that is the guarantee our community has made in safeguarding our future.”

David Woldenberg ‘14

Read

UPCOMING ALUMNI REUNIONS

CLASS OF 2003: 20-YEAR REUNION

Date coming soon

CLASS OF 2013: 10-YEAR REUNION

October 21, 2023

CLASS OF 2018: 5-YEAR REUNION

Date coming soon

EXCITING ADDITIONS

When our Lions return to campus in August to kick off 2023-2024, new faces and spaces will be waiting to greet them! Meet our incoming educational leadership and preview a few campus enhancements.

Mrs. Libbie Zimmer is joining us as Director of our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School to lead Kindergarten-Grade 5. Mrs. Zimmer brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives from Sanford School in Delaware, where she has served as Head of Lower School for the past 13 years. With almost 30 years in education, she is poised to inspire exciting growth among our students and staff.

Mrs. Ella Curtiss is joining us as Assistant Director of our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School (Kindergarten-Grade 5). She comes to us from The Gordon School, which she has been leading as Kindergarten-Grade 5 Principal. Mrs. Curtiss began her teaching career with the prestigious Teach for America program and brought her expertise to South Florida in 2014.

Mr. Benjamin Thompson-Echevarria is our Director of High School. Mr. ThompsonEchevarria joined us in 2021 after serving as a high school principal for four years. Under his tenure, his previous school was named a California Distinguished School. He has already transformed our Ben Lipson Upper School culture as Dean of Students, building relationships with families, faculty and staff based entirely on our Jewish values.

Ms. Kristy Chapuseaux is joining us as Assistant Director of High School. Ms. Chapuseaux brings 18 years of school leadership experience to Scheck Hillel, specifically surrounding the development of innovative instructional programs and objectives that contribute to academic excellence. Ms. Chapuseaux will also serve as the High School’s Dean of Students.