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Divrei HILLEL story M i n d a n d S o u l . B e t t e The r To g ebehind t h eour r.

Summer 2015 .he 5775

Premier Preschool Student Divrei Torah

new logo

7-8 Wing Construction Begins

First Year in Our Innovation Hub

Welcome From Steve Freedman

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Head of School

3. Welcome from Head of School

28. New Family Profile: The Samuels Family

4. ECC Wins NAEYC Accreditation

32. Save the Date

5. Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Stein 10. Stellar Turnout for First Maker-Faire 12. The Band Strikes Up 14. Faculty Profile: Aaron Newman 15. Extraordinary Student/ Faculty Interactions 17. Mensch Sense Earns Rewards 22. Advancement News 23. Donor Profile: The Dones Family 24. Farewells

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Divrei Hillel

a publication of Hillel Day School

MANAGING EDITOR Gabriella Burman ART DIRECTOR Melanie Weber COPY EDITOR Cathy Fridson LETTERS TO THE EDITOR gburman@hillelday.org

t has been an exciting year at Hillel Day School and you will see that reflected in this issue of the Divrei. The year began with the opening of the Audrey and William Farber Family I.D.E.A. Collaborative, giving our students and educators the flexible space, the inspiring environment, and the extraordinary tools necessary for our children to gain the 21st-century skills that they need. The integration of our new learning spaces and all that it affords our students exceeded our expectations in its first year. In fact, in a recent parent survey that our parents completed in February, over two thirds of our parents already believe that the I.D.E.A. Collaborative is having a positive impact on their children’s education. There are many reasons why the Hillel Early Childhood Center is a special place. Our teachers are second to none, we have a warm, nurturing and encouraging environment imbued with Jewish values, and now we are NAEYC accredited. NAEYC represents the highest standard for quality in education of children from birth through eight years of age. Our program was commended for being an “outstanding school.” The accreditation process was a multi-year effort that required our teachers to engage in an intensive evaluation of every aspect of our program, focusing on best learning experiences for young children and best practices for the educators who teach them. Following months of hard work, the entire school is proud that our ECC has achieved this national mark of excellence. In addition to the landmark grant we received from the Davidson Foundation to provide additional tuition support to both full paying and tuition-assistance families, Hillel was also awarded three other grants in recognition of the cutting edge work we are doing as leaders in educational reform for the 21st century. The first grant was awarded by the Whole Kids Foundation to support our new greenhouse. The foundation advocates for children’s nutrition and

provides grants to school greenhouses and garden projects. Taking care of the body and the environment are sacred in Judaism. Our new greenhouse provides students with hands-on experiences to learn and grow food in relation to the land. These are the values of Whole Foods, and it’s a great partnership between a corporation and a day school. The Legacy Heritage Fund Teacher Institute for the Arts will help faculty implement projects that explore Jewish texts and values through the visual arts as a way to cultivate creativity and increase connections to Judaism. Three members of the faculty, Trevett Allen, Dr. Seth Korelitz, and Adam Kellert attended a week-long session at the Institute at Camp Stone in Pennsylvania this summer, where they laid the groundwork for projects that they will carry out next year. The third grant will increase opportunities for our students to exercise at school. Building Healthy Communities is a program administrated by the Center for School Health at Wayne State University in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Department of Health and Human Services. A dedicated Healthy School Coordinator will assist our physical education staff to increase physical activity opportunities and provide additional educational experiences for all students. The award includes PE and recess equipment, resources for families, and professional development opportunities, when the program kicks off on August 26. These three grants reflect our commitment to the whole child and inspiring hearts, minds, souls and bodies! As you read through this issue of the Divrei, you will see why our parents, in a national survey of Jewish day schools, rank our school higher in almost all areas than any of the other 90 participating Jewish day schools. (More about those results in our fall issue!).

Steve Freedman, Head of School

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Premier Preschool:

Hillel ECC Wins Highest Marks for Excellence

illel Day School’s Early Childhood Center has been accredited by NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a mark of quality given to only eight percent of preschools nationwide. Our ECC is now the only Jewish preschool in Michigan with a 4-star rating and NAEYC accreditation. The process by which schools receive accreditation is a rigorous one, involving self-study, extensive portfolios, and a site visit. The system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools.

“Getting the final stamp of approval validates the hard work our staff does every day for the benefit of the children,” said Robin Pappas, ECC director. “NAEYC is the gold standard for early childhood education,” said Steve Freedman, head of school. “Earning it demonstrates our commitment to excellence in education for all our children.”

Hillel’s Newest Class Attracts Infants

s our families have grown, so have our offerings. Parents with children in the ECC having babies now have a reason to stay at school after drop-off. Music Together with Merrily is a weekly class for children 0-3 years with a caregiver that focuses on music and movement. Begun in January 2015, the sessions fill within hours of opening. “It’s very successful,” says Robin Pappas, ECC director. “These are our future students!”

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Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Stein (Class of 2013) By Gabriella Burman, Communications Coordinator Hannah Stein (Class of 2013) may only have just completed her sophomore year of high school, but she already has set her sights on becoming a teacher in the Early Childhood Center of her alma mater. “If you had asked me as a preschooler what I want to be, I would have answered ‘teacher!’” Hannah says. “And it would be amazing to come full circle and come back to Hillel to do it.” Hannah has fond memories of her Hillel experience. “From the strong relationships with my teachers, to the lifelong friends I made, I had a very positive, empowering experience throughout my nine years.” The school’s dual curriculum more than set her up for success at Bloomfield Hills High School. “Taking Hebrew prepared me to add another language, and eighth grade English aided me both as a freshman and as a sophomore,” she says. Even as she attends a public high school, Hannah remains involved Jewishly through United Synagogue Youth and attending Camp Ramah in Canada. As a high school sophomore, she participated in a Middle Years Program Personal Project aimed at helping students uncover their passions. Instantly,

Hannah chose to create a health and wellness program for the ECC students at Hillel. Over the course of five days, she engaged Hillel’s youngest learners in activities that promote healthy snack choices and exercise through play. As part of an afterschool program, they decorated aprons, made “fruit faces,” played hopscotch and jumped rope, learned how to separate healthy from unhealthy foods, and made Israeli salad together. “It was so much fun, I’d do it all over again,” Hannah says. “The best part is when I’d arrive, they’d all scream with delight, ‘Hannah’s here!’” Robin Pappas, director of the ECC, has observed Hannah previously, when she volunteered in the ECC summer day camp for three years. Clearly, “Hannah loves children and is interested in child development,” Mrs. Pappas said. Furthermore, “Hannah is very kind and compassionate, and enjoys planning activities for young children to have fun.” That kind of endorsement validates the career path Hannah plans to pursue. “I loved being back in the building at Hillel,” she said. “It would be amazing to be taught and to teach at the same great school.”

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Teachers Reflect on First Year in the Innovation Hub Usually, I send home a weekly teacher newsletter. This year, with the addition of our Innovation Hub, the answer to the question, “What did we do this week?” has become an opportunity to create a collaborative, multimedia representation of the traditional letter home. For the first time, students wrote a script, designed a set using iPads, and built it in the maker space. The children then digitally recorded their “News Program” in our new audio/visual space. The movie was sent home in lieu of an email.

The Innovation Hub brings learning to life for our third grade students. During our study of Detroit, we discussed Henry Ford’s development of the assembly line and how it makes mass production more efficient. We watched videos of assembly lines and saw part of an assembly line in action when we visited the Detroit Historical Museum. We even visited a working assembly line at the Ford Rouge Factory. Afterward, we decided to create our own version of an assembly line to make Hanukkah cards. The students were split into groups across classes and collaborated to establish a plan and prototype for creating their cards. Each student was responsible for one step of the production. Together, they created an assembly line to assemble their final product. Then they added a Hebrew message to their beautiful cards. It was amazing to see how well the assembly line process worked as we created our own products in the Maker Space.

Not only did we inform parents of happenings in our classroom, we also made our learning meaningful. This transformative project ended up deepening the student’s knowledge of a multitude of curricular areas, all while having fun.

– TAMI BROWN, THIRD GRADE TEACHER

– REBECCA MELAMED, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

The new work space feels like a breath of fresh air. Every day I am inspired to be a better teacher. I love walking into the building -- passing the fireplace and the learning nooks. As I walk to the science lab, the colors, tiles, and materials are all soothing and energizing. The new science room is streamlined, has all of our necessary supplies without the clutter of extraneous materials, and is a wonderfully functional space for students to complete labs and conduct investigations.

The “Maker Movement” has made the Hillel mathematics curriculum come alive. Resources give students the opportunity to acquire knowledge through authentic learning experiences. For example, our first graders have used the Maker Space to build funky forts. The students needed to create a space that would be large enough to hold themselves, and it needed to have working doors and windows. They measured, cut, and sawed. It required them to use many math skills! Some children even measured a rug to fit the floor of their fort. The fourth grade used the Maker Space to create marble runs during their geometry unit. They also used the space on Pioneer Day to make candles, incorporating measurement, spatial relations, and estimation. The fourth grade Math Trailblazers class used the Maker Space to design and sew new curtains to cover some of the shelving units within the Maker Space. They applied fraction, measurements, and geometry skills, and learned the value of precision. The Innovation Hub is critical to our education at Hillel. It fosters creativity in a way that could not be achieved in closed-off classrooms. Learning has become transparent: viewing the work of others inspires new ideas.

– DAWN STRAITH, K-6 MATH COORDINATOR

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– LESLIE BARON, SCIENCE TEACHER This year at Hillel has been all about positive change for the students and staff. Our science curriculum has expanded to make use of our new spaces and it’s been a fun journey. I was thrilled to have more room for the students to build and explore so we went immediately. The first use of the Maker Space was for the third grade Imaginary Vertebrate project. As they were learning, I was, too! Their models were so creative and authentic. They were proud to share their creations using the new green screen technology to make it seem like they were in their animal’s habitat. This project kindled a spark in students, and they were able to take risks.

- NICOLE NOSAKOWSKI, SCIENCE TEACHER

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Renovation of 7-8 Wing To Create Connections Between Disciplines

T7th + 8th Grade

he next step in a multi-phase plan to provide a 21st-century learning environment that is conducive to teaching skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity is underway at Hillel, with the renovation of the 7-8 wing on the second floor of the building.

Learning Community

7th + 8th Grade Learning Community “The spaces will become totally integrated,” said Steve Freedman, head of school. “Teachers will share one office to engender authentic collaboration; there will only be four classrooms for direct instruction; and the 4 1 5 2 2 5 1 a rest will be common areas, small group areas, a Da 6 Vinci studio for messy projects inb art and science, and c seminar rooms.” 3

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Hillel Day School

5 2

5 1

Greenhouses are the key to a sustainable future, she said. “Everyone talks about farm to table. This is our farm.” b

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HILLEL WINS WHOLE FOODS GRANT TO SUPPORT GREENHOUSE

1. Commons 2. Learning Studio 3. Da Vinci Studio 4. Seminar Room 5. Small Group Room 6. Teacher’s Studio Hillel

The greenhouse supports the curriculum in practical ways, too. With Wisconsin fast plants, “you get through the whole life cycle in 30 days, which helps our sixth graders through their plant unit quickly, and it also works well with younger students who have a shorter attention span,” Mr. Allen said. Science teacher Amy Martin-Piesz beams with satisfaction each time she takes her classes into the greenhouse. “I feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I walk in here and see vegetables growing from seeds we planted,” she said.

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f you plant basil next to a tomato, does it change the taste of a tomato? This and other questions are being tested in Hillel’s new greenhouse, where students are pushing their innovative ideas into science and the physical world.

“By manipulating soil with peat and sand, and testing models in different conditions, the students are taking what they learn in class and understanding ecology, biomes and systems,” said Trevett Allen, Director of Innovation. “In treating the greenhouse like our maker space, we are taking tinkering into science, and this offers an opportunity to grapple with problems like hunger.”

of Metro Detroit

By Gabriella Burman, Communications Coordinator

Judaic Studies teacher Dr. Seth Korelitz explains further. “The goal is to empower students to take more control 1. Commons over their learning, and to provide student-centered 2. Learning Studio 3. Da Vinci Studio instruction. The renovation will support students as they 4. Seminar Room work collaboratively on research-based activities. The 5. Small Group Room 6. Teacher’s Studio new wing provides more opportunities for the kind of self-expression that is so inspiring to adolescent learners.”

Greenhouse Takes Tinkering Into the World of Science

illel Day School has been awarded a grant from the Whole Kids Foundation to support our greenhouse. The foundation supports children’s nutrition and provides grants to school greenhouses and garden projects.

Steve Freedman, head of school, is thrilled by the award. “Taking care of the body and the environment are sacred in Judaism. Our new greenhouse provides kids with hands-on experiences to learn and grow food in relation to the land. These are the values of Whole Foods, and it’s a great partnership between a corporation and a day school. We appreciate their support.”

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Stellar Turnout for First-Ever Maker-Faire By Gabriella Burman, Communications Coordinator

n the true spirit of collaboration, parents, students and teachers came together at Hillel this past February for the school’s first Mini Maker-Faire.

More than 200 people crowded the Innovation Hub to tinker, build, and create using the textiles, electronics and technology that are available to our students every day. At one station, students used a snap circuit kit to create a circuit that would activate an audio speaker; in another, students attached mini light bulbs to circuits attached to conductive dough made in the shapes of ladybugs and elephants, causing their eyes to light up. At the deconstruction table, old T-shirts were transformed into fashionable scarves, and at other stations, students worked on origami, Lego mezzuzot, and green-screen technology. Danielle Sprecher, whose daughter Shoshana just finished fifth grade, enjoyed making Paracord keychains with her daughter. “It was so much fun I felt like I was at camp,” Mrs. Sprecher said. “I have not done anything like that since I was a young girl!” The positive reaction to the faire did not surprise Joan Freedman, the Director of Curriculum. “When I began teaching in 1981, I saw first-hand the deep knowledge that comes from students applying their knowledge through making – be it games, puzzles and other projects. It’s about time the maker movement turned

education upside down by allowing children to express their intelligence in the multiple ways they can in our Maker Space. And since this is how we are teaching our 21st-century students, we really wanted our families to be able to explore, tinker and create using the skills we imbue in our students.”

Making Music (al) Instruments

By Andrea Trivax, Music teacher

n a typical classroom, students learning about how musical instruments produce sound may raise the lid on a grand piano to view its hammers and strings, or watch a video on YouTube. In Hillel’s new Maker Space, students create their own.

“Wow! That’s so cool,” exclaimed Lindsay when she heard her first note. She confidently presented her instrument to the class, explaining how she used the Makey-Makey, and what modifications she had to make to the boot.

This was the task the fifth grade undertook this year to concretize their learning. Students had to innovate an existing instrument, or create a new one using their imaginations, and have it make three distinct pitches. With the help of Trevett Allen, our Director of Innovation, in our new maker space, students explored how various materials, shapes, and construction methods all affect the sound of an instrument.

I love having music students create something from their own design. Not only does hands-on learning enliven the concepts I’m teaching, but it also teaches them resilience; even the less successful designs provided the opportunity to learn what went wrong and how to redesign it so it works better.

Soon, rubber hoses, watering cans, wood and cardboard boxes were being repurposed to build instruments from sketches the students had rendered. The sounds of drilling, shearing and sawing created musical accompaniment as the children worked. Several students used the 3D printer to make mouthpieces and tuning pegs. For her project, student Lindsay Schlussel laced a boot with metal guitar strings. She then connected the strings to a Makey-Makey, a device that translates circuits completed by touching the string to a keyboard stroke on a computer. The computer then runs an application that assigns a sound to the specific keyboard strokes. When Lindsay touched each string on her boot, a different pitch could be heard. 10 | Divrei

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MAZAL TOV TO OUR 2015 8TH GRADE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS The 2015 William Schumer Award for Excellence in Hebrew Language and Judaic Studies was awarded to Dylan Resnick The 2015 Bradley (z”l) and Saul Bluestone (z”l) Memorial Scholarship Award (to the Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit) was given to Shoshana Applebaum and Joseph Gordon

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Second Annual Arts & Music Night Raises the Roof

ur students’ vocal and artistic strengths were on display May 14 at the second annual Art & Music: Better Together Concert featuring the Simone Vitale Band. Once again, student artwork in a variety of mediums hung throughout the school, including kindergarten renderings of Picasso’s blue and rose periods, exercises in symmetry, and three-dimensional clay sculptures. The concert featured first through fourth graders singing such hits as “Everything is Awesome” from the blockbuster Lego Movie, and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” performances from our expanded Ruah and Kokhavim choirs, the drumming circle, our new band, and our a capella minyan, led by Rabbi Jonathan Berger, our Rav Beit Hasefer.

The Band Strikes Up By Gabriella Burman, Communications Coordinator

illel students who aspire to join their future high school band now have an entrée into that world. This year, Hillel added a band option for fifth through eighth grade students who play the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone or percussion. They practice twice a week before the first bell rings, under the guidance of music teacher Andrea Trivax.

“I’ve never seen this place so electric!” said Steve Freedman, Head of School, at the conclusion of the evening.

THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD LED TO HILLEL IN SPRING MUSICAL VOICES SOARED, BACKDROPS SHONE, AND DOROTHY FOUND HER WAY HOME

“We’ve had a vocal program for years, but we also have students who want to join the marching band when they get to high school, or who play privately at home but want to play with an ensemble,” Mrs. Trivax said, explaining the impetus for the program. “And now that we have the new Music Studio in which to store instruments during the day, this year was the perfect time to start the band.”

IN THIS YEAR’S SPRING MUSICAL, THE

Students play elementary band music, folk songs, David Melekh Yisrael and Dayenu. They performed their first concert in the mercaz in February, performed at the Zimriyah on Yom Ha-atzma’ut, and at our Evening of the Arts Concert in May.

SHOWCASED THE TALENTS OF THE

“I’d like to try my hand at a little klezmer next year,” Mrs. Trivax said. “It’s not easy music, but they’re ambitious.” Whatever they play, Mrs. Trivax said, the students show tremendous growth by being part of an ensemble. “They’ve become more responsible in their practicing, and more confident in their understanding of terminology, in working together, and making music.”

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WIZARD OF OZ. AUDIENCES PACKED THE BLUMENSTEIN GYMNASIUM FOR TWO PERFORMANCES IN MARCH THAT STUDENT CAST AND BACKSTAGE CREW, AS WELL AS THE DIRECTION OF DRAMA DIRECTOR MICHAEL BRODY. STAY TUNED FOR OUR FALL ISSUE, WHEN WE ANNOUNCE NEXT YEAR’S PRODUCTION.

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Meet the Faculty:

Aaron Newman, Science and Math Teacher learn skills in a relaxed, playful format. Newman was particularly excited this year to use the new ma’ayan (Innovation Hub), which has “enriched student projects and allowed more reflection on their creativity.” For example, when fourth graders built their light sabres, they had access to LED lights and PVC pipes, instead of “old-world materials” such as bubble wands and flashlights.

“BEFORE STUDENTS CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW, THEY HAVE TO KNOW YOU CARE.”

s a child growing up in West Bloomfield, science and math teacher Aaron Newman had an affinity for science and for figuring out why things did or did not work. This interest in trial and error led him to pursue a career in teaching science, even as he also pursued his Jewish education, ultimately spending two years studying in yeshiva in Israel.

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“The way I see it, it’s not one or the other,” Newman explains. “Reconciling questions about the age of the universe, or seeming contradictions between the Torah and modern science, it’s really about how we can coexist.” This year, Newman taught science, sixth grade math, and ran the popular weekly Math Club, which meets during lunchtime and offers students an opportunity to review and

Whether teaching science or math, Newman’s teaching philosophy is modeled after that of an admired professor from his days at University of Michigan: “Before students care how much you know, they have to know you care. First we build rapport, they know they can trust me, we get to know one another, I remember the things that are important to them, and then they put in the effort.” And as a new father himself, Newman has newfound understanding of the hard work of parenting. “I really appreciate the energy parents put into their kids. It’s not easy. But children are a miracle!”

Teachers and Students Come Together for Extraordinary Interactions

SUPPORT HILLEL WHILE YOU SHOP!

By Gabriella Burman, Communications Coordinator

Gift Cards are available in the Advancement Office throughout the year. Please stop by today and treat yourself or someone else to something special. Great for Teachers, Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s and Birthday Gifts.

ixth grader Lev Sklar has played in local golf tournaments for years, and claims he has a “good base of knowledge.” But a school project aided by faculty member Steve Jones, a golf aficionado, has taken Lev’s game to the next level. It all started in a social studies unit on economics. The sixth grade was challenged to innovate an existing product and market it to a group of local judges in an event that closely mimicked “Shark Tank,” the popular television show in which entrepreneurs present their ideas to business tycoons. Sklar bandied about ideas on how to improve golf clubs through technology; his conversations led him to Jones, a longtime, permanent substitute teacher at Hillel. The two decided to build a golf club from scratch, and to embed in it a recycled computer chip that can communicate with an application that tells players how far and fast they’ve swung. “The technology exists in cameras, but is not yet portable, built into a club,” Sklar explained. “The more I researched, the more I realized you could have a huge breakthrough with a simple idea.” Jones, who builds custom golf clubs for himself and others, shared his love of physics and mechanics with Sklar. “Clubs are built to fit specific types of golfers; and you can take one apart and rebuild it so that it’s tailor-made.” The judges found Sklar’s club “cool and creative,” and the duo plan to take their shared interest an additional step. Jones is going to pass on his knowledge so that Sklar can continue to customize clubs that he can use as he continues to grow in the sport.

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Amazon Amazon Babies “R” Us Barnes and Noble Barnes and Noble Barnes and Noble Bath and Body Works Bed Bath and Beyond Best Buy Gap itunes itunes JAX Car Wash Regal Movie Tickets Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks Target Target Target Toys “R” Us

We receive free money from the following grocery stores: Johnny Pomodoro, Kroger and Busch’s. If you shop at these stores PLEASE make sure you are signed up for their programs.

So far, Sklar has used his club built for the Shark Tank once. “It hit fine,” he said. Summer 2015

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Students Use Mensch Sense to Earn Rewards at Hillel By Sara Kraft and Elissa Sternberg, School Social Workers

erekh eretz is a phrase our students hear frequently in the halls, at assemblies, in their classrooms and on the playground. But although most of them can articulate its meaning, to treat everyone with dignity and respect, they may not always know how it applies to their daily interactions with their peers. So at Hillel, we work hard to impress upon students that they must treat others the way they would like to be treated, and that they are responsible for their own behavior. In this way, they begin to internalize the concepts of tolerance and understanding. These may be big ideas for children to assimilate, but research shows that the time between kindergarten and sixth grade is ideal for teaching values. This is the “age of conscience,” when children are receptive to moral values and eager to learn how they should behave in various situations, and enthusiastic about exhibiting midot tovot (good norms and values) for others such as performing acts of hesed, tikkun olam, and giving tzedakah. In this way, students realize that derekh eretz starts with them. In our interactions with students, we engage students in conversations that facilitate critical thinking on the role that feelings, differences, and rules play in our lives. We strive to help each child fulfill his potential. We want students to feel empowered in all aspects of their lives.

We even kicked off an enhanced version of our popular school Mensch Program. Whereas in the past teachers handed out mensch cards for general good behavior, now teachers denote a reason for the card that corresponds to one of our school’s core values, including Derekh Eretz and K’lal Yisrael. The importance of teaching one to be a mensch, a person of integrity, is not only paramount in Judaism, but also integral to teaching empathy, one of the most important traits to teach our children. It is through empathy that our kids will understand the feelings, thoughts and needs of others, and be able to selflessly interact with them. This also helps avoid unpleasant conflict. Rather than increasing aggression, which can lead to bullying, students act with compassion and engage positively with one another in and out of the classroom. The result: kinder human beings who boast an inclusive attitude toward their peers. Armed with these tools for coping with stress, peer pressure or conflict, our students will be able to problem-solve and resolve issues and conflicts. So, please model derekh eretz for your children, and please encourage them to always use their Mensch Sense!

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Sixth grader Emma Cherrin won a national Hebrew poetry contest sponsored by RAVSAK, the Jewish Community Day School Network. We’re proud to share it with you, along with a translation into English. 16 | Divrei

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ouju lurt rga hk ah ouek ,cvut hbt reucc oseun vryhd ,bdbn hbt ouh kf vra od hbt uafg ,snuk hbt rpx ,hcc ,rcsn hbt ves kfcu ohbua ohgcm vcrv ,acuk hbt ohrcs vcrv vaug od hbt ,unuj hka ohhbhgv ,ujtu iye jt hk ah ouh kf kack ,hbvb hbt ouka vmur hbt okugcu hbt hn ouhv sg ,gsh tk hkut hka oav vchct gsuh v,t uafg kct

BY EMMA CHERRIN My hair is lovely, brown and long. I early greet each morning’s day. I play guitar and sing a song. I learn in school and talk away! So many colors do I wear. Involved I am in many things! My brown eyes shine beyond compare. A boy and girl are my siblings. I love to cook the whole day through. The whole world Peace I hope will get. Just who I am is puzzling you? My name’s Aviva. Glad we met! (English translation by: Mrs. Sarah Radner) Summer 2015

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New Additions to Michigan Night Make Use of Hillel’s Innovative Spaces

communicated and created, gaining a new appreciation of the purpose of each structure. All of the projects were displayed on Michigan Night.

By Rachel Kellert, General Studies teacher

For the Judaic Studies piece of the Michigan curriculum, students researched local and national Jewish organizations. Speakers from three of the organizations visited students while they were conducting their research, including AIPAC, JARC and Friendship Circle. “They did a beautiful job presenting to and engaging our fourth graders,” said Malka Littman, Hillel Day School Judaic Studies teacher.

he award-winning, fourth grade Michigan Night program saw a fascinating expansion of projects to integrate many facets of the new Maker Space at Hillel Day School. The Maker Space, complete with 3D printing and laser cutting, is part of the Audrey and William Farber Family I.D.E.A. Collaborative, the result of a $5.2 million gift that enabled Hillel to transform into a facility to educate its 21st-centurty students in a manner that prepares them for a complex, ever-changing economy while grounded in Jewish tradition. Students always write Underground Railroad journal entries, in which they detail their experiences as slaves escaping slavery from the South to Canada. This year, however, each child made a square for a collective quilt that reflected each child’s journal entry, and the quilt was added to a Weebly website. Clicking on a student’s quilt square took viewers to that child’s Underground Railroad journal entry.

green screen after discussion with Trevett Allen, Director of Innovation, and included backdrops selected by students who also performed mini-skits they wrote themselves. An entirely new component was an engineering project created

by Joan Freedman, Director of Curriculum. Students researched 10 different structures in Michigan, like stadiums, locks, tunnels, and bridges, discussed the purpose of each structure, and then recreated models of each one. Students worked in groups, and collaborated,

Our fourth grade team was thrilled to use our Maker Space in such meaningful and creative ways. All agreed they can’t wait to see how fourth graders will use the Maker Space in the years to come.

At the Podium:

Students Boost Communication Skills Through Torah Students in fifth through eighth grades now have an expanded opportunity to give Divrei Torah at Hillel. In addition to presenting a Dvar Torah at the start of Board of Trustees’ meetings, students can now write an original Dvar Torah to kick-off the faculty’s professional development meetings, once per month. Below is one of the standouts from this year, given by new student Isaac Mintz, seventh grader. It is a special privilege to share Torah with you this morning, since today is Lag B’Omer. The Omer is the name for the forty nine days between Passover and Shavuot, and it is a mitzvah to count each day. In the first century, during the counting of the Omer, all of Rabbi Akiva’s twenty-four thousand students perished. One of the reasons that people use to explain this is Seenat Hinam. This means random acts of hatred, or hatred for no reason. Rabbi Akiva’s Klal Gadol, or his teaching theory, is “v’ahavta Le’reacha Kemocha” or “Love your neighbor like yourself.” Many scholars believe that Rabbi Akiva’s students died because they didn’t treat each other with respect. The opposite of that is Ahavat Hinam, when you treat everyone like a mensch, with respect and equality, even if you do not know them or they did not “earn” it. We should each make an extra effort during these days to act with ahavat hinam, because we remember as a nation the horrible consequences of seenat hinam. Because the plague that afflicted Rabbi Akiva’s students ended on the 32nd day of the Omer, the 33rd day, or Lag B’Omer, became a mini-hag. Many weddings occur on that day, as weddings are typically not held during the first 32 days of the Omer, and the other customs that some observe, such as not shaving or getting haircuts or not listening to live music, also stop on Lag B’Omer.

Another fascinating innovation involved travelogues. As in previous years, students researched and wrote about a place in Michigan. All articles were compiled into a travelogue by Liat Rothfeld, Technology Coordinator, with proceeds from the sale of the travelogues benefitting the Jewish Family Service Passover Voucher Program. This year, however, each travelogue contained a QR code, which when clicked brought the reader to a video of each child discussing the Michigan place that student researched. These videos were created on our own 18 | Divrei

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Before I came to Hillel, I had had trouble dealing with getting up in the morning. I hardly liked going to school. I would complain before I went to bed and this caused me to lose sleep. During the summer of 2014, I looked into going to a different school. Other public schools were eligible, but you had to pay in order to get in. I knew I didn’t have many Jewish friends so I decided to make a connection to my religion. I know my parents and grandparents cherish my religion. And, I can tell you that people at Hillel Day School have treated me with Ahavat Hinam. Now, as we see with the Omer, with a bad side there is always a good side. During the times of Rabbi Akiva, out of bad days grew the better days. If I hadn’t had a bad time in previous years, I wouldn’t have come to this school and been where I am now. With the tools I have gained at Hillel, I have become a better writer. I have also learned Hebrew and more about Judaism, in general. I now know the language and way of my religion. Thank you for the opportunity to share Torah with you this morning, and happy Lag B’Omer!

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Student Athletes Win School Awards For Success in Sports By Nicole Miller, Athletic Director

thletics is a significant part of the Hillel experience. Whether students participate in intramurals or interscholastic sports, there are many valuable skills to be gained. Our program not only builds on individual skills and team work, but also on the importance of self-confidence and sportsmanship and derekh eretz. The school takes great pride in having a program that is built around the success of our student athletes in the areas of citizenship and academics along with skill development on the court and field. This spring we celebrated another remarkable year of Hillel interscholastic sports at our annual sports award program, which along with our intramural and interscholastic athletic programs, are generously supported by the Kaufman Family Athletic and Enrichment Fund. Athletes and coaches were recognized for their skill in a given sport and for their commitment to Hillel athletics. The year 2015 marks the 18th year of the fund, which was created to provide opportunities for Hillel students to participate in athletics. The fund enhances and improves our sports program, provides scholarship/assistance when needed, and funds the purchase of equipment and uniforms. In the past 18 years the Hillel program has grown from a single team to three competitive seasons offering eight interscholastic sports and a variety of intramural sports throughout the school year. Our intramural program began in the 2007-2008 school year when the Kaufman family shared in our vision to expand our athletic program to provide opportunities to more Hillel students beginning at an earlier age. This year, Alex D’ Ascenzo (Class of 2009) was our guest speaker, following our tradition of inviting a past student to speak. Not only did she share her athletic experiences, but she also shared how attending Hillel has impacted her life since graduation. We congratulate Alex on her accomplishments and continued success in athletics. Following our guest speaker, we recognized each student who participated in interscholastic sports. We presented Coaches’ Awards to those students who showed great skill in their given sport and who helped their team to thrive. Mensch Awards were presented to those students who stood out among their teammates in the areas of derekh eretz, having a positive attitude, and team spirit. Award winners included Gabriel Barish, Elyssa Biederman, Julia Diskin, Jacob Ellenbogen, Joseph Gordon, Jonah Greenblatt, David Hermelin, Lily Kollin, Elan Krakoff, Eric Lipsky, Aviva Lupovitch, Hanna Lupovitch, Tania Miller, Russell Presser, Saphira Samuels and Jacob Schlussel. As part of our program, the Kaufman Scholar/Athlete award is presented annually to two eighth graders whose personal qualities are notably recognized by Hillel staff members and coaches. These recipients must be strong students in Judaic Studies as well as in General Studies. Recipients must regularly conduct themselves with strong derekh eretz, and make a positive impact on their teams. Additionally, these eighth graders possess exemplary skill and leadership in their respective sport(s). This year’s honorees were Julia Diskin and Joseph Gordon. Mazal Tov to all our award winners and athletic participants. Those wishing to support our Kaufman Family Athletic and Enrichment fund campaign can do so by contacting the Advancement Office at 248-539-6019. Support the teams - Give $18! This year, every contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by the Kaufman family. 20 | Divrei

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Annual Dream Maker Dinner Honors Passionate Community Leaders

Donor Profile Jill and Aaron Dones

By Gabriella Burman, Communications Coordinator Jill and Aaron Dones, the owners of Advanced Carrier Technologies, have always given to various charities, but a personal call from a fellow Hillel family reminded them to give to Hillel as well. “We had received school mail regarding the annual campaign, but sometimes mail falls by the wayside,” Jill said. “Once we heard directly from another parent about the need for tuition assistance to Hillel families, we gave a leadership level gift.”

ore than 300 supporters of Hillel Day School turned out to fete the school’s 57th year at the Annual Dream Maker Dinner on Sunday, May 17 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. The evening honored the Audrey and William Farber Family for their $5 million gift, which facilitated the transformation of Hillel into a 21-st century institution wherein children now learn in a context that makes learning authentic and meaningful. The renovation includes a maker space with 3D printer and laser cutter, a greenhouse, new art, music and science studios, greenscreen technology and open air learning environments that engender collaboration and problem-solving. The dinner also honored Bob Canvasser with the Rabbi Jacob E. Segal (z”l) Award. Canvasser, a former board president, was instrumental in the building of a new gymnasium, the genesis of the school’s 1:1 technology program, the writing of a new Sefer Torah, and he also sought funding for the Davidson Tuition Grant, whereby the cost of a Hillel education decreases the longer a child is at Hillel. The evening also acknowledged this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Lisa Mark Lis, Hy Safran, and Dr. Charles Schwartz, who earlier in the week all visited Hillel to reminisce about Hillel and discuss their subsequent career choices. During his visit to Hillel, students were mesmerized by Dr. Schwartz, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, asking him questions about his life as a surgeon. He said Hillel had taught him

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The decision to give was ultimately an easy one, Jill said. Their daughter Cara has flourished at Hillel. “It’s a warm environment, and she has great friends. She is truly happy at Hillel. So, we thought, wouldn’t it be fortunate for others to come to the school, too?”

three things that had prepared him for life: “Identity, community and academics,” he said. At the dinner, head of school Steve Freedman lauded the distinguished alumni for remaining as “involved and as identified as they were when they were students at Hillel Day School. They truly are our school’s living legacy.” As he presented the honorees with sculptures crafted out of fallen Kassam rockets collected by Israeli artist Yaron Bob, Freedman applauded Canvasser for his humility and steadfastness during his tenure as president, and the Farber family for their unwavering commitment to Jewish education in Detroit. “Bill and Audrey wanted their gift to transform a dream into reality,” he said. “And it did.”

Jill and Aaron have also developed their own strong ties to Hillel. Jill, an Indiana native, began to volunteer as a way to meet other parents, and has been a longtime lunchtime volunteer. This year, she also painted sets for the school’s spring musical, The Wizard of Oz, in which Cara appeared. Aaron has been involved in the annual Golf Classic, through which he has met other fathers. “We’ve made wonderful friends ourselves, and I love being in the school,” Jill said.

“HILLEL PROVIDES RESOURCES THAT NOT ONLY BRING STUDENTS TO HILLEL, BUT WHICH ALSO ENSURE STUDENTS’ SUCCESS ONCE HERE,” JILL SAID.

Giving at the leadership level has also brought the couple opportunity to gather with others at intimate events where Steve Freedman, head of school, gives insight into the state of Jewish education and identity. “He always speaks from the heart, and I enjoy hearing from him, as well as the camaraderie at these events,” Jill said. The couple has become staunch supporters of Hillel both through their volunteerism and philanthropy, and are assured of the value of their investment. “Hillel is a responsible steward of one’s donations, and provides resources that not only bring students to Hillel, but which also ensure students’ success once here,” Jill said. “It’s not always easy to write a check,” Jill concedes. “But we write them to so many things. It doesn’t matter what you give – every little bit helps.”

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FAREWELLS

2015

SUE SHLOM, 7TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS AND SOCIAL STUDIES

here is something distinctly difficult about leaving a place that you love. For the past 24 years I have made my way down Middlebelt Road in rain, sleet, snow, ice, sunshine and sometimes even darkness. I have had an extraordinary opportunity to grow as a Jew, improve as an educator, and be part of a cutting-edge movement in education that creates critical thinkers and problem solvers for the 21st century. And I got to do all of this while being with some of the most amazing children on this planet! As a teacher at Hillel Day School, I have learned some incredible lessons from my students and for this I am profoundly grateful. Lesson #1: “Listen with your full attention.” I would often listen only half-heartedly, because I was so busy thinking of my response. Students taught me to be fully present and to give them an uninterrupted minute or two. The only response I give now is to ask any clarifying questions so I fully understand what they have to say. By the way, this works with adults and spouses as well! Lesson # 2: “Say ‘Yes’ more than ‘No’.” By saying “Yes” I open myself to new ideas and experiences. By asking students what they would like to read or what they would like to do with a book I can tap into their ideas and inclinations. By answering in the affirmative, I also can go outdoors more often during the school day, play games, and read some amazing books that the students assign to me. By saying “Yes” often, people better understand when I need to say “No.” Lesson #3: “Laugh a lot and smile.” That’s a natural for me, but kids seem to love it, too. Smiling lends itself to a relaxed, respectful environment. Lesson #4: “Be sensitive to feelings.” Feelings aren’t right or wrong; they are part of the human condition. Being a preadolescent is difficult and research shows that self-esteem is at its lowest point at this age. Kids get grouchy and sad and irritable, and the teacher didn’t do it to them; but this is how they feel, so we need to start from there. Finally, Lesson #5: “Always give students a chance to improve.” Few of us like to take tests or write essays that are graded, but students tell me marks motivate them to improve once they understand their mistakes. Students do like to know that someone is cheering for them on the sidelines. If we believe in them, know them well, and give them plenty of authentic feedback, they will reach excellence. I thank all of the students who helped mold me into who I am today. I will truly miss these students and their families, and my amazing colleagues. Now it is time for me to be with my grandchildren, travel with my husband, and return to my art studio. As I reinvent myself, I will continue to hold Hillel Day School close to my heart. This is a place that builds character, encourages creativity and provides challenges. What a wonderful school and what a wonderful 24-year adventure. I have enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to the lives of so many in such a meaningful way. 24 | Divrei

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REBECCA MELAMED, KINDERGARTEN It is with mixed feelings that I write a farewell letter. Hillel has had a special place in my heart since I was a student here many years ago. I often share the story of my favorite teacher, Ayala Perlstein, and the tremendous impact that she had on my life. In fact, it was in Mrs. Perlstein’s first grade classroom that I decided that I wanted to become a teacher. So I truly know the powerful impact that Hillel has on its students. And I have been fortunate to work down the hall from Mrs. Perlstein these past six years. To say that I have grown as an eucator while working as a Hillel staff member is an understatement. I have had so many wonderful opportunities and I will be forever grateful. Teaching involves building a relationship between parents, teachers and the entire school community, working in the best interests of the child. And this has been my commitment as a Hillel educator. Many faculty members have become like an extended family, and it is so gratifying and exciting to see the amazing things happening here. While I am very excited for my family’s upcoming move to South Florida, and my own adventure takes me from Detroit, Hillel will forever have a place in my heart.

NICOLE NOSAKOWSKI, SCIENCE Over the past eleven years, I have had the privilege and true honor of teaching here at Hillel. I started fresh out of college. To look back at what I have learned from my experience here has truly shaped who I am. On my very first day, I had so many exciting ideas swirling through my mind, things to do to make a difference. I had butterflies in my stomach and a basic idea in my head of what a teacher does. Oh, how

I was wrong! My students were the ones who taught me. My curriculum has been shaped over the years by the questions and awe that the students create. I teach for them and my students are so incredibly special to me. I’ve made a true connection with each child who passed through my science room and it has been a pleasure to watch each one grow. Today we have such a beautiful school full of innovative spaces and resources at our fingertips. What makes this school incredible, however, are the people who fill it: Outstanding staff members who seem more like family, and amazing and supportive parents, and of course, the children. Some of my favorite memories are the days filled with hands-on fun, activities outside, and field trips that extend our units into the real world. I’ve been asked what I’m going to do now. I’m going to stay at home with my little ones and be present in their day-to-day, which is something I have always wanted to do. I can honestly say that this journey has been wild and wonderful. I have grown as a professional and as a person, and I cherish the relationships I have built over time. While bittersweet, I will always look back with fond memories of the place where I learned to teach.

LIAT ROTHFELD For the last 10 years, it has been a pleasure to guide students to use technology to learn about their world, to communicate ideas, information, and experiences, to design and create, and to connect with others near and far. As technology has become more prevalent at Hillel, and in the world around us, 21st century skills—like creativity, collaboration, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking—have played an increasingly important role in learning experiences. So has being a good digital citizen, and making choices that are safe, responsible, and respectful when online. My role for the past year has been Technology Coordinator. This has provided the opportunity to co-manage the 1:1 laptop program, guide teachers

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to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning, provide troubleshooting assistance, and support the technology needs of the Hillel community. At the end of June, I will be leaving Hillel to return to my passion of teaching. This was not an easy decision. Working with the children, faculty, staff, and parents at Hillel over the past decade has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding. I am thankful for the time I have spent here, and will always have a special place in my heart for Hillel Day School.

SUSIE WEINER, FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE GENERAL STUDEIES It’s L’hitraot Hillel, not Shalom. Before moving to Michigan to teach at Hillel, I had never taught in a private school or a Jewish day school. Hillel placed the bar high for my first exposure. The culture here is to help every teacher be the best they can be. There are many support people to help you do just that, from the peers who support us in our classrooms, to the teachers who serve as mentors to one another. The administration has high expectations of faculty and offers clear guidance on how to get there. My favorite thing about Hillel is that we have to always ask “why” we are teaching what we are teaching. There are many schools that just teach from a text book and teachers cannot tell you why it is important academically or developmentally to teach that information to a specific age. I was given many opportunities for professional development workshops in the last two years, traveling both in and out of state. All of these experiences gave me tangible and innovative ideas to bring right back to the students. I also learned a great deal from a new teacher in the 5-6 division named Jamie Goode. I thought being paired with her would be a great leadership experience for me; but she also helped me to explore many new curricular ideas and brought new energy to our division.

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As I leave to be the Director of the Early Childhood Center at Temple Beth El, it is with a heavy heart to say l’hitraot to the Hillel staff and students who have made my transition to living in Michigan seamless. I wish you all the ability to take risks, fail often, laugh at yourself, and grow as people every day. We are privileged to work in a gorgeous school, but if we don’t stop to “hear” each child’s story and in addition to our own inner “why,” the beauty of the new spaces doesn’t really matter much. Steve Freedman asked me for a favor when I told him I was leaving Hillel. “Can you please send us some kindergarteners from your program?” he asked with a serious expression. I cannot wait to keep my promise.

Hillel Revamps Lunch Program To Include Meat and Multiple Options

new and improved, nutritious, culinary-driven lunch program begins at the beginning of the next school year! FLIK Independent School Dining, a national company serving leading Jewish and independent day schools, is bringing seasonal foods and a diverse menu to Hillel, inlcuding meat meals twice a week. The meal progam, which continues to adhere to the highest standards of kashrut, will feature healthier options, greater variety, and rotating monthly menus. A robust salad bar, as well as a daily soup, will be offered in addition to an entree. Home-baked desserts will be offered twice a week. And, prices will not increase. Watch out for more detailed information over the summer, including options for multiple payment plans, a breakfast/snack program to begin at 7:30 a.m., and Shabbat take-out service. “Our aim is to provide an exceptional dining experience in our miznon,” said Steve Freedman, head of school. “Our students and staff will be able to make a healthy lunch from these robust offerings every day.”

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New Family Profile The Samuels Family

tuart and Ilanit Samuels transplanted their young family from Miami Beach, Florida to Ann Arbor when Stuart began his residency in radiation oncology at University of Michigan Hospital. They enrolled their eldest daughter, Saphira, in the Ann Arbor Hebrew Day School, the only Jewish day school in the area, which ends after fifth grade. As graduation neared last year, Saphira was emphatic that she attend another Jewish day school. “She said, ‘if you’re going to put me in secular or public school, I’d rather you home school me,’” recalls Ilanit. So even though metropolitan Detroit was a distance away, Stuart and Ilanit began to research day schools here. Hillel stood out for many reasons, Ilanit says. “The general studies program is above par, and there is a strong sense of Derekh Eretz and Tzionut that I could feel when I visited the school. I also observed friendly, articulate children who introduced themselves to us, and I felt that the school security is strong, too.”

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From an aesthetic standpoint, she continued, the school was pristine. “You can eat off the floor, the playground is breathtaking, and everything is in good condition.” And as a modern Orthodox family, “we like the diversity of a community day school. The school is respectful and tries to accommodate all needs.” Additionally, Hillel’s administration showed commitment to helping Saphira continue her Jewish education if that’s what she wanted, and offered transportation to drive Saphira and another classmate to and from Ann Arbor each day. “That has made a world of difference and we are so grateful,” say the Samuels, who have two younger children at home. Since she enrolled as a sixth grader this year, Saphira is truly happy, her mother says. “She is doing well, and has made beautiful friendships in a short time, which is not necessarily easy in middle school.” All in all, Ilanit says, “We made the right decision.”

s Jewish people, we hold a deep and longstanding love for learning. The evidence is in our great literary works, our timeless teachings and the history-changing inventions and discoveries credited to a long list of great Jewish minds. Education and the pursuit of knowledge are an integral part of our culture and heritage, and Jewish education is essential to our identity. It is also the key to ensuring a vibrant Jewish future for our community. As it is written in the Talmud, “The very world rests on the breath of children in the school house.” Dedicated to serving the needs of the Jewish people in Detroit, in Israel and around the world, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit has made supporting Jewish education central to their work. Last year, Federation allocated over $5 million to local Jewish day schools and congregational school programs. An additional $3 million were invested in Jewish educational opportunities that reach thousands of individuals in our community and beyond including teachers and academic professionals, students with special needs and adult learners. “We know that building Jewish identify, growing Jewish community and inspiring acts of Jewish philanthropy all begin with Jewish education,” says Jewish Federation CEO Scott Kaufman. “As we’ve seen from the Pew study, identity and affiliation is a challenge for many Jewish communities. In Detroit, we’re extremely fortunate to have some of the best Jewish educational institutions and programs in the country and as a Federation, we’re committed to supporting them as they support the growth of Jewish identity, pride and knowledge in all generations of our community.”

By Dale Rubin, Volunteer Services Manager, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

“Every Jewish population study provides us with the same answer when it comes to the impact of Jewish education — more is more,” adds Jeffrey Lasday, Jewish Federation’s Senior Director of Jewish Education. “There is a direct correlation between Jewish education and building strong Jewish identity. Simply put, more intensive Jewish education experiences and more hours involved in Jewish education grow more Jewishly involved adults. Today’s investment in Jewish education is a down payment on a future vibrant Metropolitan Detroit Jewish community.” Students and educators of all ages are keeping our tradition of learning alive and thriving with the support of Federation and its generous donors. Federation Funding Keeps Our Jewish Education Strong:

2,500 Jewish children receive congregational school scholarships 2,000 students enrolled in our Jewish day schools 450 Jewish educators receive support for professional development through SEED, local and national conferences, Nirim, workshops and seminars 1,300 campers attend Camp Tamarack More than 1,000 children receive special needs education support More than 1,000 adults study in FedEd adult education classes 1,800 families receive free PJ Library books More than 100 teens travel on our semi-annual Teen Mission to Israel

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A LOOK BACK ON ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!

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2014-2015

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Winter Tributes November 1, 2014 through June 24, 2015 TORAH TRIBUTES In Memory Of: Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Caminker BY: Stacey Lee & Evan Caminker Perry Cohen BY: Daniel Cohen Elfriede Glancy BY: Carol & Seymour Dubrinsky Norma Harpaz BY: Dana Locniskar In Honor Of: Bob Canvasser BY: Carrie & Ken Goldhoff, Beverly Saeks, Pam & Sonny Saeks, Jenny & Roger Schoenfeld Bat Mitzvah of Aerin Fink BY: Max Schrayer Hillel Day School ECC BY: Eileen & Howard Young Benjamin Rosenberg BY: Sheryl & Milton Gordon GENEROUS TRIBUTES In Memory Of: Elfriede Glancy BY: Michelle & Bowie Jacobson BY: Karen & Allen Amber Donald Izor BY: Jo Ellen & Daniel Schwartz Dr. Sion Soleymoni BY: Michele & Eli Saulson In Honor Of: Happy Chanukah to Ellery & Parker Gnesin BY: ‘Grammie’ Gail Gnesin Beth & Steve Margolin BY: Amy Margolin & Judy Margolin Chuck Schwartz BY: Andrea & David Jacobson DOUBLE CHAI TRIBUTES In Memory Of: Regina Baronowski BY: Jo Ellen & Daniel Schwartz Alvin Dunn BY: Michele & Eli Saulson Howard Geller BY: Alyssa Endelman BY: Marilyn Chandross BY: Galit & Jeffrey Schock Elfriede Glancy BY: Lee, Bruce, & Alexis Sack BY: Judith Shenkman BY: Zaltz Family Jerome ‘Jerry’ Katz BY: Julie, David, Daniel & Lev Sklar BY: Zaltz Family

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Rick Radner BY: Norma & Michael Dorman and Family Emile Yehudah State BY: Marilyn & Alan Chandross In Honor Of: Bob Canvasser, Rabbi Jacob E. Segal (z”l) Award recipient BY: Elaine & Matt Aronovitz BY: Susan Gartenberg BY: Renee & Milt Wohl Bar Mitzvah of Elan Krakoff BY: Jerome Cohen Steve Margolin BY: Julie & Jason Bodnick Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Mintz BY: Rita & Marty Jerome

BY: Sharon Klein, Dana & Michael Linder, Helene & Andrew Abrams BY: Karen, Tony, Jodi & Brad Levin BY: Phyllis Loewenstein BY: Beth & Steve Margolin BY: Elinor Morgenstein BY: Marcie & Rob Orley BY: Denice & Gary Rosenthal BY: Leslie & Jack Shankman BY: Julie, David, Daniel & Lev Sklar BY: Pearl & Bob Solomon BY: Pam & Randy Smith and Family BY: Renee & Randy Spagna BY: Kelly & David Victor and Family Mother of Jean Marie Greenberg BY: Belle Kohen Paul Hoberman BY: Nancy & Alan Simons and Family

60th Birthday of Rob Orley BY: Niki, Todd, Maddie, Aerin & Andrew Fink

Dr. Jerome ‘Jerry’ Katz BY: Nancy & Jeffrey Adler, Mitch, Eden & Jesse BY: Jodi & Rob Goodman and Family BY: Nancy & Alan Simons and Family

Jodi Rankin BY: Lisa, Jason, Cameron & Brady Klein

Meyer King BY: Leah, Richard, Zach, Josh & Benji Trosch

Marjorie & Saul Saulson’s 45th Wedding Anniversary By: Margaret & Mark Eichner

Hal Lambert BY: Lyn Klein

CHAI TRIBUTES In Memory Of: Regina Baranowski BY: Hillel Day School PTO BY: Brian Ginsberg & Polina Stryk BY: Pam Smith Marcel Behar BY: Nadiv Family BY: Robbie & Scott Sherman Beverly Canvasser BY: Lori Rashty & Elissa Tischler Mary Clinton BY: Nancy, Jeffrey, Mitch, Eden & Jesse Adler BY: Cheryl & Alex Goldis, Jaclyn, Jason, Susan & Nadav BY: David Newman BY: Libby Newman

David Leader BY: Bonnie & Mark Kowalsky Barbara Leff BY: Sharon Klein and Family David Lochhead BY: Lisa & Jason Klein BY: Shauna, Scott, Lily & Hannah Schwartz

Ethel Kroopnick David Leader Dr. Sion Soleymani BY: Sharon & Marty Gene and Family

Beverly Canvasser BY: Shari & Chuck Bross

THE BLUESTONE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of:

Bat Mitzvah of Adina Robbins BY: Rochelle & Nelson Wolf Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Schlussel BY: Edie & Edward Broida 70th Birthday of Sharon Taylor By: Jackie & Ron Michaelson 50th Anniversary of Nita & Ron Stearn BY: Marni & Daniel Cherrin Birth of Lainie Strickstein BY: Beth & Steve Margolin BY: Natalie & Bill Newman Birth of Grayson Vieder BY: Katie & David Kurzmann Lisa Lis Hy Safran BY: Jodi & Rob Goodman Baron Family Ross Fridson Birth of Ilanit Adar Kaplan Wedding of Stephanie & Daniel Poris Jessica Roesner BY: Pam Smith Speedy Recovery To: Norma Dorman BY: Nancy & Alan Simons and Family

Alvin Dunn BY: Gottlieb Family

Michael Shpiece BY: Sharon Klein

Elfriede Glancy BY: Marni, Dan & Emma Cherrin BY: Amy & Jeff Schlussel BY: Joan, Ken, Andrew & Natalie Stern

Rosalind Sloane BY: Jennifer & Lowell Friedman

In Honor Of: Bat Mitzvah of Noa Alterman Bar Mitzvah of Adin Kleinfeldt Dr. Lawrence S. Ross BY: Maxine & Bob Carson

Elfriede Glancy BY: Shelly & Peter Cooper BY: Doreen Hermelin

Stanley Berlin BY: Todd, Rachel, Ari, & Talia Matzkin-Bridger

Rosalyn C. Schwartz BY: Melissa & Jeremy Michaelson

Jeanette Cook BY: Jennifer & Lowell Friedman

Howard Geller BY: Jennifer & Lowell Friedman BY: Galit & Jeffrey Schock BY: Robbie, Scott & Emily Sherman

Birth of Ilanit Adar Kaplan BY: Hillel Day School PTO

GENERAL TRIBUTES In Memory Of: Al Berlin BY: Beverly & Arnold Lantor

Howard Geller Noreen Sobol BY: Pam Smith

Abraham Gamer BY: Chimovitz Family BY: Jennifer & Lowell Friedman BY: Nadiv Family BY: Robbie, Scott & Emily Sherman

Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Schlussel BY: Eden, Kevin, Skylar & Zachary Elbinger

Rick Radner BY: Karen & Tony Levin BY: Natalie & Bill Newman

Marquerite Cohen BY: Renee & Yair Nadiv BY: Simtob Family

Alvin Dunn BY: Gottlieb Family BY: Hilary & Larry Handler BY: Michele & Eli Saulson

Bat Mitzvah of Maya Gamer BY: Hilary, Larry, Jakey, & Nicolette Handler Clara Gaba Gaba-Maine Family BY: Fran & Sonny Fine

Rabbi Kenneth Berger BY: Clara Gaba Bob Canvasser BY: Lois & Jerry Gerenraich BY: Tom Wexelberg-Clouser Audrey & Bill Farber, Dream Maker Award recipients BY: Beverly & Ralph Woronoff Bat Mitzvah of Aerin Fink By: Nancy & Jeffrey Adler and Family BY: Susan & David Feber

David Lochhead BY: Cherrin Family Aghdas Soleimani BY: Gaba Family Emile Yehudah State BY: Stryk Family Arden Stern BY: Edna & Brian Sable

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER In Memory of:

In Honor Of: Marriage of Hillary & Matthew Hughes BY: Roberta & Sheldon Green BY: ECC Staff 4th Birthday of Esther Matthies BY: Hayley Schostak Bat Mitzvah of Bebe Schaefer BY: Marni Cherrin BY: Jackie Eaton Family Camp Extraordinaire Emily Hersch Robin Pappas Alexis Sack Helayne Shaw BY: Matzkin-Bridger Family Bat Mitzvah of Lexi Finkelstein Graduation of Talia Freedman Bar Mitzvah of Ben Goldstein Wedding of Rachel & Adam Kellert Graduation of Zoe Pinter Bar Mitzvah of Tal Rubin Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Schlussel Happy Birthday Cindy Zate BY: Robin Pappas Birth of Barbara Stern’s Grandchild Bar Mitzvah of Tal Rubin Wedding of Hillary & Matthew Hughes Bat Mitzvah of Bebe Schaefer BY: ECC Staff Speedy Recovery: Scott Haber BY: Robin Pappas & Family MARCIA & MORRY BEDNARSH FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory Of: Jeffrey Adelman Aaron Kraft Dr. Laurence Krugel Ronald LeVine Isaac Ravzinski BY: Marcia & Morry Bednarsh THE ANARUTH AND HENRI BERNARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of:

Rae Beiser Jack Glazer Dave Markowitz Michael Newrock Louis Tarnopol Joyce Weckstein BY: Jennifer & Mitchell Bass

Elfriede Glancy BY: Tammy & Steve Dines

In Honor Of: Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Caminker Bat Mitzvah of Aerin Fink Bar Mitzvah of Eli Grey Birth of Adi, granddaughter of Terri & Rob Roth BY: Marni and Dan Cherrin

Speedy Recovery To: Norma Dorman BY: Anaruth & Henri Bernard

Pearl Bello Bernard Lis Malka Sklarskaya BY: Anaruth & Henri Bernard

THE BLECHMAN SCIENCE FUND In Memory Of: David Leader BY: Karen & Ken Goss

Bette Borin Brother of Linda & Kenneth Lechner Al Shapiro BY: Eleanor Bluestone THE SHERI TRAISON DEVRIES, PH.D. SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Bernie Conn Carolyn Kirsch Sharon Rakotz Jeffrey Surnow Jeff Zegans BY: Barbara & Larry Traison In Honor Of: 75th Birthday of Marvin Glantz 75th Birthday of Marty Karr 80th Birthday of Carol Kaufman 60th Anniversary of Carol & Marv Kaufman 75th Birthday of Gerrie Sollish BY: Barbara & Larry Traison Speedy Recovery To: Larry Traison BY: Gerrie & Buddy Sollish THE PHILIP A. DISKIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Rose Borovoy Mark Gushwer BY: Dorothy Diskin Menuck & Allen Menuck Yahrzeit of: Edith Disner BY: Dorothy Diskin Menuck In Honor Of: Graduation of Bennett Grosinger Graduation of Samantha Grosinger Graduation of Natalie Keolian Graduation of Sam Shapiro BY: Dorothy Diskin Menuck & Allen Menuck THE BELLE EISENBERG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Rema Burk BY: Robin, Leo, Max, Anna & Louis Eisenberg FARBER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor Of: Marriage of Jared Anstandig Birth of Lainie Strickstein Birth of granddaughter to Debbie Williams BY: Robin Rosen

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THE RONA AND HERBERT FREEDLAND FUND FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS In Memory Of:

In Honor Of: Birthday of Judie Kaufman BY: Sue & Alan Jay Kaufman

THE MILGROM FAMILY MUSIC FUND In Memory Of:

Sue Kaufman BY: Robyn Canvasser

Elfriede Glancy BY: Pearl & Bob Solomon Sion Solemani BY: Marianne Milgrom Bloomberg and Family

Birthday of Steven Margolin BY: Julie & Jason Bodnick Family

Leslie Baron Rabbi Jonathan Berger Randi Cooperman Nancy Croitori Joan Freedman Brad Freitag Dana Friedman Clara Gaba Laura Gittleman Yifat Golan Jamie Goode Floyd Jolliff Adam Kellert Pam King Amy Martin-Piesz Nicole Miller Aaron Newman Ayala Perlstein Amalia Poris Jessica Roesner Susan Shlom Andrea Trivax Michael Wolf BY: Biederman Family

THE STUART GUTTENTAG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of:

Speedy Recovery To: Warren Kifferstein BY: Sue & Alan Jay Kaufman

Harvey I. Ansel David Assor Ben Braiker Sylvia Harvith Allan Pearlman Jeff Surnow BY: Elyse Schostak

THE JUDGE GEORGE AND MRS. JENNIE KENT ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory Of:

Aaron Katz Dr. Lawrence Krugel Rick Radner BY: Bonnie, David, Brad, Kyle and Cami Otis

Elfriede Glancy BY: Jennifer & Stuart Freedland In Honor Of: Graduation of Hallie Berger from the University of Michigan BY: Kliger Family Stuart Freedland BY: Karen & Jim Berger and Family Natalie & Bill Newman BY: Robyn & Bob Canvasser Graduation of Hallie Berger Retirement of Jim Berger Bar Mitzvah of Ben Goldstein Birth of Elizabeth & Tatum Goodman BY: Jennifer, Stuart, Rachel & Noah Freedland THE GOLDMAN ISRAEL TRIP FUND In Honor Of:

In Honor Of: Anniversary of Mr.& Mrs. Harvey Goldsmith BY: Elyse Schostak THE PAT & MARK HARON ENDOWMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FUND In Honor Of: Robin Rosen BY: Scott, Arthur & Michele Siegal THE STANLEY ICZKOVITZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of:

Larry Ashley Stanley Berlin Parents of Sidney Berman & Family Jeanette Cook BY: Beverly Kent & Michael Goldenberg Family In Honor Of: Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Chynoweth 30th Birthday of of Ariel Gluckson Birthday of Paul Kales Shanah Tova Anna & Yale Levin Shanah Tova Martin Family Bat Mitzvah of Pelli Mechnikkov 90th Birthday of Steven Meyers Marriage of Melissa Solarz to Sean Shanah Tova Pamela Torraco BY: Beverly Kent & Michael Goldenberg Family

Ilene Nemer David Leader Sol Laurence Stein BY: Bonnie & Mark Kowalsky

Graduation of Rina Edelson Raya & Avrum Gontovnik Anna & Yale Levin Weinfeld Family BY: Carol Kent & Ariel Gluckson

Ilene Nemer BY: Rochelle Iczkovitz

THE EDITH AND LARRY KOWALSKY MORNING MINYAN FUND In Memory Of:

THE KAUFMAN FAMILY ATHLETIC AND ENRICHMENT FUND In Memory Of: Ida Bader Bette Borin Sylvia Harvith Dr. Mort Lazar Rachel Maisel Berta Meyerson Molasky Chuck Perlman Albert Russell Joyce Sakwa Shirley Scheinker Monnie Weingarden BY: Sue & Alan Jay Kaufman 34 | Divrei

Hillel

Rema Burk BY: Bonnie & Mark Kowalsky BY: Sandra & Jonathan Tukel Beverly Canvasser BY: Julie & Jeff Kowalsky In Honor Of: Marriage of Rachel & Adam Kellert BY: Julie & Jeff Kowalsky THE MINA AND HENRY MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor Of: 60th Birthday of Aaron Martin BY: Goldenberg Family

THE PEARL AND ABE OSLIK SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Brother of Rachelle Cohen Elfriede Glancy George Ohrenstein BY: Anaruth & Henri Bernard In Honor Of: Birth of grandson Armand Zeev to Dorothy Klausner BY: Anaruth & Henri Bernard THE EVAN TYLER OTIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory Of: Al Berlin BY: Beverly & Arnold Lantor

In Honor Of: Birthday of Ali Otis Birthday of David Otis Birthday of Elise Otis Birthday of Jeff Otis BY: Diane Otis

Daniel Pliskow Helene Politzer Charles Radner Jordan Sheldon Raider Shirley Scheinker Allan Shapiro Marvin Shwedel Esther Siegel Henry Starkman Amelia Steiger Dr. Charles Tenner Henry Upfall Paula Urbach Geraldine Warshawsky Joyce Weckstein William Weisman Eugene Weiss Anna Yarnetsky BY: Warren Tessler Ruth Levi Jack Heifetz Eva Kahn Sandra Sklar Dr. Sion Soleymani Sally Sturm BY: Rabbi Asher, Rachel, Shayna, Cara, Judah, and Gideon Lopatin In Honor Of: 60th Anniversary of Dr. & Mrs. Eli Berger Bar Mitzvah of Jeremy Kahan 44th Wedding Anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Rosenbaum Dr. Rebecca Schorsch, recipient of 2014 Covenant Award BY: Warren Tessler FLOYD TUKEL M.D. MEMORIAL FUND In Memory Of:

Speedy Recovery To: Ron Maier BY: Diane Otis

Irving Jaffee Morry Mertz Dr. Daniel Schechter Joyce Weckstein BY: Gail Tukel

THE SILVERMAN/SMILEY SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND In Memory Of:

ZIVIAN & ZWICKL FAMILY G’MILUT CHASADIM FUND In Honor Of:

Scott Cranis BY: Rabbi Mark Smiley & Ms. Aviva Silverman

Marcia Siegerman BY: Deborah Anstandig

THE CHARLOTTE TESSLER FUND FOR ALUMNI AFFAIRS In Memory Of: Ida Badner Stanley Harvey Berlin Ruth Brooks Jeanette Cook Scott Cranis Philip Deytshe Frederick Endelman Abraham Gamer Dr. Daniel Gilbert Elfriede Glancy Rabbi Menachem Gottesman Paul Hoberman Dr. Harry Jubas Aaron Kraft Ruth Levi Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Levy Carl Lippit Irving Luban Barbara Lutz Rachel Maisel Saea Manson Bruce Mumbrue Grace Naftaly Allan Joel Pearlman

TO MAKE A TRIBUTE CONTACT: The Advancement Office

248-851-6950 or visit: www.hillelday.org/supporting_hillel

HEAD OF SCHOOL Steve Freedman CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Gary M. Izor DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Amy Schlussel DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Robin Pappas PRINCIPAL K-8 Melissa Michaelson DEAN OF STUDENT LEARNING Dr. Jennifer Friedman DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM Joan Freedman DEAN OF JUDAIC STUDIES Saul A. Rube RAV BEIT HASEFER Jonathan Berger DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING Michael Wolf DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION Trevett Allen III DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY Jonathan Stepherson BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS Todd Fink, President David Feber, Vice President Kelly Rogers Victor, Vice President Eric Bronstein, Treasurer Ellen Folbe, Secretary Bob Canvasser, Immediate Past President TRUSTEES Kevin Elbinger Nanci Farber Monica Fischman Stuart Freedland Amy Gottlieb Alan J. Kaufman (At Large Member) Jason Klein Josh Levine Howard Lupovitch Marcie Orley Ross Partrich Mark Phillips Robyn Presser (PTO President) Gabe Schuchman Sheri Shapiro

Robbie Sherman Jason Weiner IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS School Office 248-851-3220 Attendance Line 248-539-1321 Advancement Office 248-851-6950 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HILLELDAY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HILLELDAYSCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE WELCOME BACK ICE CREAM SOCIAL AUGUST 27 AT 5:00 P.M. NEW PARENT ORIENTATION AUGUST 27 AT 7:00 P.M. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL K--8 AUGUST 31 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ECC SEPTEMBER 1 SCHOOL KABBALAT SHABBAT DINNER SEPTEMBER 11 AT 5:00 P.M. EREV ROSH HASHANAH SEPTEMBER 13 YOM KIPPUR SEPTEMBER 23 SHUK SEPTEMBER 30 STORYTIME ADVENTURE AGES 4-5 OCTOBER 29 DAYTIME OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 18 AT 9:30 A.M.

‫רשת בתי ספר קהילתיים‬

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HILLELDAYSCHOOL AND @HILLELECC DOWNLOAD THE INSTAGRAM APP ON YOUR SMART PHONE TO FOLLOW HILLEL DAY SCHOOL

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Early Childhood Center, ages 2-5 Day School, grades K-8 32200 Middlebelt Road • Farmington Hills, MI 48334 HillelDay.org • (248) 851-3220

8th Grade Israel Trip 2015