Save Hillel

The following was sent to me by David Wainer, Hillel Class of 2002:

This decision to rescind Mrs. Gallitzer, Mrs. Heber and Rabbi Lefkowitz is an absolute calamity for future students of Hillel.

I read some of the comments on the board and most of them refer to the poor administration as the problem at hand. I don’t know the current administration at all so I have no comment on the matter. I can only speak about the 3 teachers, all of which taught me throughout my stint in Hillel.

These 3 teachers, happen to be by coincidence, devoted teachers with insurmountable affection for their students.

I specifically developed a strong bond with Rabbi Lefkowitz throughout school as I am sure many other students did as well. Rabbi Lefkowitz was always a role model in his behavior throughout my years at Hillel. He explains pertinent Jewish issues with sincerity and genuineness that I’ve rarely seen in any other instructor. His lectures are given with humility to opposing views and all questions are answered with respect to others. I had Rabbi Lefkowitz for 3 different courses and I remember having different friends of mine, who were not so interested in the subject of the class, decide to go to class just because of Rabbi’s affable presence and charisma.

In a school with a majority of non-observant and a minority of observant Jews, he helped to bridge that gap by being tolerant of different people’s views
while being uncompromising on his teachings. He exalted the true values of being a Jew through his actions and teachings. Everyday he had an ubiquitous smile. Even through rough situations of dealing with a restless and misbehaving student or in settling a difference in opinion with another member of faculty,
Lefkowitz was always poised and extremely motivated to help.

He came to many soccer and basketball games, invited his students to Shabbaton, and when I met him outside of Hillel, he would tell me how much he wanted to work on improving the conditions for students. Perhaps that’s why he got fired..

I would like to know if there will be any due process in this situation for all teachers. I’m REALLY curious to know what it could be.

David