An anonymous individual who calls himself “one who knows” writes in:
i know:
1. Adam Holden was not truthful with the teachers when he presented the new “evaluation system,” emphasizing it would not be tied to contracts.
From the board:
“In order to progress, Hillel’s faculty, staff and administration must be the finest. For that reason, the administration introduced a comprehensive development and evaluation system……”
And see the letter about from the Board about the re-hiring of the three teachers (posted on this site)
2. Adam Holden openly threatened the entire school faculty.
3. Yes, the teacher school day for next year will be lengthened. And yes, the hours are not known. (A few years ago the school day– for both teachers and students– was extended by twenty minutes.)
4. Adam Holden partially took over the teaching of an AP class. Talk to the students. They will tell you that Adam Holden did not correct and return their papers. They needed and wanted feedback.
What would happen if a “regular” teacher at Hillel did not provide feedback to his or her students?
5. Though some on this site suggest that teachers need to speak up, the teachers ARE fearful of speaking up. (see points above)
6. What is most noticeably missing is respect for teachers. There is a great deal of lip service given to respect, etc., but actions speak louder than words.
54 responses so far ↓
1 anonymous // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:14 pm
The question remains - - how long is the parent body who pays dearly to send their children to this school - - are going to sit idly by and what as they school becomes dismantled one teacher at a time?
What will it take to make people take action - if not for the sake of our teachers and children - - then what will it take to move them?
2 HEY HEY YHEY // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:20 pm
HEY! WHOEVER WROTE THIS
Adam Holden partially took over the teaching of an AP class. Talk to the students. They will tell you that Adam Holden did not correct and return their papers. They needed and wanted feedback
IS WRONG— HE TOOK OVER THIS CLASS PART TIME BECUASE MY ENGLISH TEACHER MRS.WILD dislocated her knee and was unable to teach. Im sick and tired of you guys trying to “fix” the school when all you do is comment on bullsh– information…Get a life all of you or maybe get your facts straight before you comment on Dr.Holden
Sick and tired of untrue facts going on this site and I know for a fact its not true FIRST HAND.
Sincerely,
12th grade student
3 Anon // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:25 pm
HEY HEY YHEY- you sound very much like WRONG WRONG WRONG who was assumed to be Sinyor. Just an observation.
4 anonymous // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:48 pm
As a 12th grade student, you have only the perspective of your class and what affects you personally. Many of the individuals taking an interest and their personal time to write on this website have a more global perspective and appear to be privy to information affecting the school as a whole and not just related to the high school.
The high school is getting the majority of the postings however, there are other sections of the school that are also hurting and being hurt by the Pompous Headmaster out to prove he is the boss and NO ONE can touch him.
It is just a shame that it is our school that is being dismantled - - once the last school had enough, he had to move on.
So, while your comments are welcomed, do not stand in judgment of those working hard to effectuate change. Each person contributes to the whole.
5 HEY HEY HEY // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Anon- Its still not right.
As an outsider how can you make a comment or Anon make a comment like
Adam Holden partially took over the teaching of an AP class. Talk to the students. They will tell you that Adam Holden did not correct and return their papers. They needed and wanted feedback
Its flat out not fair. There have been to many comments going around that are not true and I as and INSIDER and one who see’s what goes on in the school from a student’s perspective, many of the things that are said here are untrue and I decided to capitalize on this one. The statement made above is UNTRUE and UNFAIR to make. You guys as an “outsider” cannot make that statement unless you know for a fact it is correct. I on the other hand was in that AP class and like I said he took over because Mrs. Wild our 12th grade English teacher dislocated her Knee.
Please think before making comments on Dr.Holden. This one was wrong.
Sincerely,
12Th grader
6 anonymous // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:33 pm
As humans, everyone is entitled to mistakes. However, if Mr. Holden was assuming the role as a teacher, he needed to fulfill the role in the same manner in which all teachers are expected to perform. Failure to do so would result in an individual not appropriately performing in their role. If this is the case, appropriate disciplinary action should have been undertaken as the teacher should be expected to perform.
What ever happened to lead by example? Practice what you preach?
7 one who knows // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Yes, you are right. That is the reason he took over the class– the teacher was out with a broken ankle. That is not what is being questioned. Go back to the posting. It is the way he handled the checking of student papers.
8 a student in AP English // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:45 pm
i personally think that this “battle” for the benefit of the teachers is becoming somewhat of a personal battle against an alienated man who may or may have not made some mistakes. We complained when Mrs Buncher was tooo “nurchuring” and now we attack a man brought to out school by our OWN board! who are the real “villains” here?
this website has accomplished or rather, aided in the preservation of the dignity and jobs of some of hillels finest… however there is a twisted side to it all.
The maker of this website, albeit her intentions are magnificeient is the only one who can post comments on the front page, distorting our views and corrupting our own thoughts and views towards the school.
you claim that you love this school and by making this website, you are showing your commitment to Hillels excellence.
what sort of excellence are you demonstrating by bashing the head of school repeatedly?
by showing the worlds what state the school is in?
by making studenst feel that they have been misquided?
okay…
dr holden may have a personality that rubs some people the wrong way…
but look at his credentials.
he is accomplished and was brought by people in our school.
you found “dirt” on him.
wooo…
i gues that everyone has some secrets in their past that can be overblown way out of proportion.]
we brought him here and anow we step on him.
everyone is entitled to make mistakes.
you have shown him what he has done wrong.
leave it be.
let him learn and move on.
you are dragging down hillel more and more by pointing out his faults.
I was in his english class.
he wasnt the way we were used to being taught.
he has many things on his plate.
he is british and they have a different learning style.
dont be so one sided and think he is the satan behind all th eproblems thta have been accumulating under hillel for years!
You should not look at the top of the tree and snip off all its leaves.
you find those who pllanted it and the roots.
druin. the board. countless others make decisions.
he is not the only one.
its easy to find a scapegoat and look like a martyr.
9 Concerned Citizen // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Many students in the class went looking for outside tutors at the time Holden substituted for the class. He did not return essays they wrote . The students expressed that they felt like he really did not know what he was doing. Many students at this time were very frustrated and sought outside help to ensure that they would be up to speed by the time their teacher who had been injured returned. The students were expressing much distress during this time and were relieved when their teacher was able to resume the class. I will not name myself, but students in that class told me this first hand. 12th Grade Student may not have felt this way but there were several who told me they did. If any other Hillel teacher did not return papers that in and of itself would be grounds for firing. Not knowing how to teach the class according to AP standards would also be grounds for firing.
10 anonymous // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Read further into the site and you will see that it is not only he who is under fire here. Dr. Druin is as well. He too is of issue.
The bottom line is that those newcomers to this site have not taken the time to delve into the pages of very important statement of FACT.
So, have you not learned to speak up for those who are unable to speak up themselves. As a fellow Jew, especially today as we commemorate YOM Hashoah, one should reflect as to what it means to stand up for what an individual believes is right.
Our teachers can no longer speak for themselves without fear of repraisal - namely the termination of their employment (which is used to feed their kids and families). Our help is needed to overcome the tyranny of what Druin and Holden have created.
11 Concerned Citizen // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I concur with Anon. HEY HEY HEY, you sound very much like Mr. Sinyor.
12 anonymous // Apr 16, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Sorry, not related and have no personal association with that name. Just know that individual was a past president - never met the person.
13 Concerned Citizen // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:01 am
I was speaking about HEY, HEY, HEY not about anonymous
14 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:04 am
sorry, stand corrected.
15 admin // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:13 am
“The maker of this website, albeit her intentions are magnificeient is the only one who can post comments on the front page, distorting our views and corrupting our own thoughts and views towards the school.”
First, a disclaimer: while many of these views are being reposted by me, they are not representative of how I feel about the situation. Am I distorting your perspective by posting other people’s views? There sure are a lot of these opinions. I am open to any opposing views and I will post them. If you feel that the website is offering a distorted view, you are entitled to even out the distortion by posting something different. I won’t censor you.
Also, with regards to your comments, they are not entirely accurate. People who have passed a “premoderation” queue can post as they please. I have certainly subsequently removed questionable posts, but comments may not necessarily be “approved” by me initially.
“dr holden may have a personality that rubs some people the wrong way…
but look at his credentials.”
I didn’t even realize there was a personality clash. As far as I am concerned, the credentials are being questioned within the Hillel community. You say “let him learn and move on.” The community is currently deciding whether that is the appropriate move at the present. If it is true that there is some sort of “nepotism” within the Hillel staff (or better said, hiring previous cronies or associates), “moving on” in a direction with an individual in full power is something that happens to be very troubling to the Hillel community. Again, none of this has previously been voiced by me.
Finally, if you are sincerely an “AP student,” I surely question how you know me. Given the phone call I received today from someone echoing your sentiment exactly, my guess is that you are not representing yourself accurately.
I am consistently being approached by the “opposition” as if the ball is in my court as the site administrator. That is the farthest thing from the truth. This is just a website. It currently talks about the way the school is being managed. If the management problem was fixed, the website would focus on other emails I’ve been approached with: highlighting faculty and administration who are well-loved by the Hillel community, focusing on building the Hillel Alumni Association, etc. The site was originally created to honor our teachers, which was well-intentioned. The community ran into some “bumps on the road” that have been highlighted. I want to iron out those bumps and focus on those other wonderful things at Hillel.
Thus, as far as “dragging down Hillel more and more by pointing out his faults,” you might be addressing me directly, but my goals are very different. If your concerns are regarding the way the site should be better moderated, your comments are noted, and I thank you for your input. With that said, I think that your point about “step[ping] on him” is somewhat valid and I ask the community to think before posting anything that might be construed as inappropriate.
16 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:21 am
Admin: You are doing a fine job and should be commended for your efforts. It is the intention of the majority of the posters on this site to effectuate change and save our teachers and the school. It is clearly evident that the individuals involved here want to be involved and work together to make a difference.
Kol Hakavod! Keep up the good work.
17 Concerned Citizen // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:28 am
“dr holden may have a personality that rubs some people the wrong way…”
This is not about Coach Holden’s personality.
Everybody seems to love him:
–The board loves him even though enrollment at Hillel is going to be drastically reduced next year because of his decisions.
–Many kids love him too it seems.
This is called CULT OF PERSONALITY.
Most dictators are charming and charismatic.
How do you think they are able to sway the masses to do things to their own detriment?
Personality alone is not enough. If you like the man, go hang out with him, but don’t put him in charge of Klal Yisroel’s future.
I heard a Holocaust survivor speak today. What he said blew me away. A kid asked him whether he believed the Holocaust could ever happen again. The survivor answered, “Of course it could. I pray it doesn’t. If you want to make sure this never happens again…make sure our youth get a STRONG JEWISH EDUCATION”
In other words, make sure our youth learn Jewish History and about Judaism in general so that they can defend a heritage that’s been theirs for thousands of years–so that they will know who they are as Jews–so that if ever a Hitler were to arise again, they would know how to preempt another Holocaust.
We don’t need a Hitler to decimate Judaism and a strong sense of Jewish community: We just need a Board that gets rid of the Judaic staff and a Judaic curriculum.
WHAT I’D LIKE TO SAY TO THE BOARD IS THIS: IF YOU CUT MORE JUDAICS OUT OF THE CURRICULUM AND YOUR KIDS COME HOME MARRIED TO NON-JEWS, DO NOT BE UPSET. YOU HAVE WILL HAVE ONLY YOURSELVES TO BLAME.
“but look at his credentials.
he is accomplished and was brought by people in our school.
you found “dirt” on him.
wooo…”
We are not looking for dirt. I don’t care one iota about this man’s personal life.
All I care about is whether he is qualified to get the job done. So far he’s proven he’s not.
And therefore, we’ve had to scrutinize his credentials and he does not have the proper credentials for this position. (see his resume)
He may be a great guy, but he has no business running a school. A JEWISH day school at that.
We’ve even got parents from the Hebrew Academy in Kansas trying to warn us. My goodness, how much more blatant can this get?
“we brought him here and now we step on him.
everyone is entitled to make mistakes.”
No one has the right to step on anyone. I agree. I don’t say Holden is a bad person or that anyone should personally mistreat him. I’m truly sorry if our comments are hurting his feelings.
He, on the other hand, seems to have no problem, stepping on our teachers and continues to step on them by squelching their voices–by threatening them not to talk about what’s going on over there (if they wish to be employed next year).
How are people not understanding the situation at this point?
Is his charisma that blinding? Take the blinders off and open your eyes before it’s too late!
18 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:45 am
Remember, there will always be those who don’t believe, don’t understand, don’t get involved, and those who just don’t want to be bothered. These, of course, are the very individuals who end up complaining when things go array.
Again, to those of you who stand in judgment of those who have posted or merely care to express their views….
You are encouraged to read and understand the current state of affairs. This is NOT solely about Holden. It is also about Druin. It is about the disrespectful manner in which our teachers are treated. It is about the threatening, intimidating environment where our educational professionals (teachers) are required to work on a daily basis. It is about the low morale that is resulting from the verbal beatings our teachers are taking from the administration. It is about the tyranny and dictatorship that is governing the school.
It is about the board who has allowed a man with no JEWISH background or education to run our Jewish school without truly understanding the foundation of our teachings, education or history.
This is what this site is about. It is about empowering individuals who are not making the appropriate decisions and bringing these facts to light!
Read on, understand what this is all about, talk to other parents, students, and personnel (if they will talk).
Learn tolerance for different points of view. Furthermore, note that facts, when brought to light, are often uncomfortable to internalize, especially when the truth hurts.
Everyone is not blinded by looks and talk. Actions speak volumes.
19 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:25 am
I must say that I agree with the 12th graders. I am sick and tired of people lying and assuming facts on this website. I beleive that the 12th grader who was ACTUALLY in the class knows better than all you anonymas people out there.
The teacher disloacted her knee and he took over. He didn’t just take over the class.
If that is true then Concerned Citizen you are FURTHER hurting your credibility and if you haven’t noticed you have lost many supporters as you go on your rambling trying to pulically hurt the school.
I feel sorry for the teachers for looking to YOU to help their problems because I beleive that YOU are actually hurting them.
I see your strategies: threats, guilting, lying and it just simply is not working. Carefully craft your strategy from now on if you don’t want to hurt the teachers becasue I can tell you that your current strategy is not working and you have about 2 supporters who are anonomys anyway.
Michael and I were supporting you in the beggining but now I realize and I am pretty sure he realizes that you are just out to hurt the school. Therefore, I don’t believe anymore words you say and no one else should either.
20 HEY HEY HEY // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:28 am
THATS MY BOY—> Kol hakavod
21 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:28 am
Concerened Citizen- Don’t you ever refer to someone leading our school as Hitler. You are obviously not educated enough to know the attrocoties Hitler did. I find it personally offensive that you would refer anyone this day and age to Hitler ESPECIALLY on Yom HAshoah. You should be ashamed that you are using propoganda to further your cause.
22 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:36 am
I am unsure who all of these people are however, what I do know is that many of us are out there trying to help the school and the teachers.
Yes, there have been some inappropriate posts, misinformation, and a lot of emotion.
What the board and the head of school would like everyone to believe is that they are not reading this site and not worrying about the state of our school or the information and words being expressed. It is hardly true.
The school and board are actively monitoring the site and are paying attention - that is a good thing.
People need to relax and get back on task. Our teachers are suffering! It is a fact - - don’t believe it - - ask them outside the classroom. They have been threatened, they are scared.
Rabbi Kaplan is being used - the other principal was hired - they did not publicize it before due to the emotional upheaval of the non-renewal of the faculty members.
This type of strategized communication and the secretive society of the board (or some members of the board) is inappropriate and unwelcomed.
Again, for those that want secular education - there are many choices.
Hillel should return to its roots - a community Jewish day school with traditional torah values provided in a 50/50 curriculum - for those looking for something else, you are in the wrong place.
23 Isaac all the way on this one // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:41 am
Im sorry, but as a 12th grader your posts are absolutley wrong. It’s sad how you talk about misguidance and emotion on this site…teachers are not afraid? we just lost some good ones due to a mistake thats all…teachers are not afriad? what 1 or 2 to loose their job but the problems are not as severe as you “outsiders” make it…Im in the 12th grade and I have to say this school is only going up, yea mistakes are going to happen but overall it’s the board and Holden who will raise the bar of this school in every aspect possible… Can’t argue from someone who went to that school for 12 years and currently a senior who sees and talks to people first hand.
Thank you,
12th grade senior
24 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:42 am
However you and concerned citizen are the culprit of much of the misinformation and emotion. You’re last post is accurate and calm. However, your being just as secretive as the board. No one knows who you are and consequently at the end of the day you will not get anything done for the teachers. You are hurting the teachers even more by what you are doing.
Yes, I am in contact with many teachers until today. I know how they feel and I have been working hard to talk to them and try to address some of the issues. What I have not been doing is ATTACKING THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN POSITION TO HELP THEM!
The board: realized their mistake and rehired the teachers.
Holden: Realized his mistake and promoted Rabbi Kaplan.
They are not simply using Rabbi Kaplan. That is just something you are saying in order to gain some sympathy support. If you really wanted to help the teachers you would call both of them and see how you can work it out for the teacher. Lying and misinformation on websites simply hurts you and concerned citizens credibility and the very teachers you claim you are trying to help.
25 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:48 am
Isaac, if Dr. Holden promoted him, WHY did he also hire his crony from Kansas, another non-Jew to be the principal of the High School if he just promoted RAbbi Kaplan to the principal role?
Can you answer that?
26 Anon // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:51 am
Holden’s crony hiring was from a month ago. Kaplan’s hiring was as of last week. It’s just an interim role.
27 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:52 am
First of all, if you want to help your teachers don’t refer to people as “crony’s.” It is disrespectful and it is not a good message you are showing these kids in Hillel.
I cannot answer your question. I don’t know the answer. However, why don’t you call him and ask him- respectfully.
Why don’t you go and ask someone who knows- respectfully?
I will tell you, out of my life experiences, I used to be the most disrespecful kid in the world. I was very disrespectful to my teachers and my parents. It never got my anywhere. I have learned that being nice will get you a lot farther and many more answers.
That is why I will not participate in any name calling and personal attacks.
28 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:52 am
What will happen after that interim role?
29 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:53 am
it may have been a month ago but there was no communication or announcement.
30 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 10:56 am
Only Adam knows what will happen. However, by attacking him and making his upset is not going to help the situation.
If we call him, and reason with him, I am sure he will listen to that a lot more than just anonymous people ranting on the website and calling for his head.
31 HEY HEY HEY // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:00 am
If we call him, and reason with him, I am sure he will listen to that a lot more than just anonymous people ranting on the website and calling for his head.
COULDNT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER
You all should be ashmed at yourself for the past postings just degrading Dr.Holden
SHAME ON YOU ALL OF YOU
32 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:08 am
You should read the book: The Power of Being Nice by Linda Kaplan Thaler.
You will see how to get things done effectively with degrading the very people who are in the POSITION now to help.
33 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:08 am
WITHOUT DEGRADING- sorry for the typo in the previous post.
34 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:23 am
Isaac, have you ever tried to speak with him? If so, do you have such an experience you would like to share?
…and if you did, did he do what he said he was going to do?
You are only looking at the high school - there are three other divisions with issues. Are you aware? Do you have siblings in these divisions?
Are you aware of all of these changes and losses as well?
I think that prior to jumping on all of the individuals posting to this site, you need to reflect on all of the issues facing the school. You need to better understand why people are leaving (students, teachers, and administrators), you need to reflect on why your parents sent you to Hillel and not to Miami Country Day, Pinecrest, American Heritage or University School.
Why have many of the religious families left the school? Why do people who enter the campus not have to wear a Kippah? Why aren’t we teaching respect.
When US journalists go to Muslim countries - out of respect they must cover their heads. Not out our school.
You may perceive the comments as degrading - but many are just bringing issues to light.
Dr. Holden is catholic and has absolutely no Jewish background or education - this is not degrading - it is a pure statement of fact.
…and I agree that some of the postings are inappropriate but don’t punish and chastize everyone for the faults and misgivings of some.
There was a lot of good done on this site. It should continue in a positive constructive mode.
35 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:43 am
I agree with you. I know the issues in ALL of the school. I know who is coming and who is going. There is no argument there. However, does this give us a right to degrade the man who is in position to help us?
Let me break it down for you to show you where I disagree and agree with you-
1. I agree that changes need to be made
2. I agree that teachers who are leaving shouldn’t leave and who are coming should be questioned more
3. I agree that the Judaics should be strengthened
4. I agree that this site has done a tremendous amount of good
5. I know why my parents sent me here.
Here is where you and I differ.
1. You can’t just go around calling people “crony’s” and other slanderous statements. It is not ethical and not right.
2. If there is a problem with his “Dr. ” then take it up with him personally. He has a contract, as far as we know he is the Headmaster of the school. He is the one that can help us. He is the ONE THAT DID HELP US WITH THE TEACHERS.
3. Going publiclly and trashing the school is only going to hurt the school and not help
4. “There was a lot of good done on this site. It should continue in a positive constructive mode.” You and Concerned Citizen have been the main cluprits of this. You guys have said nothing contructive and only complaining and threatning.
5. “I agree that some of the postings are inappropriate but don’t punish and chastize everyone for the faults and misgivings of some” I am not punishing and Chastizing ANYONE except for the cuprits. You and Concerned Citizen keep on putting our school down and back and the leaders of our school and it is wrong.
6. “Why aren’t we teaching respect?” Where is your respect for the school? Is your and concerned Citizens ranting and raving a good example of respect to the school?
7. The main thing we disagree about is the means to get to what we need.
8. Change DOES NOT happen overnight. Do you know why our school hasn’t gotten anywhere in 4 years? Because the board continues to listen to everyone and cannot make up their mind and then just fire the adminitrator. Dr. Fine for example came in the middle of my Junior Year and was fired by the middle of my senior year. He was not given adequate chance. I have learned in all my management classes that it takes 4 years to see any real change in an organization.
9. The lying and propoganda MUST stop if you want to continue to give this site legitamacy. Already, concerned citizen has been caught in guilting and lying because her sources are faulty. IF you want “positive constructive” postings, then everyone must be careful on this website and stick to the facts.
10. Finally, making the decision makers upset in this school will never help us. We need to be strong but courteus and respectful.
We don’t want to go to the level that others have gone down to. Dr. Levy would never have bad mouthed anyone in public and he was one of the most successful administrators. He brought our school into the new century. Let’s try to be more like him.
Let’s try to stay positive. All the changes you asked for WILL NOT happen over night. It will not happen in one year or one summer. It will not happen in 2 years. This is the beggning of a process where us, the alumni, the teacher, the administration, the parents and the board need to WORK together and not criticize each other. There needs to be open dialouge where no one is scared to talk to the other and no one is scared to use their name. NO KIDS were repremanded for the Black shirt sit in. NO KIDS grades were lowered. That is all a lie and whoever told you that is wrong. They are just trying to gain support.
We need to be respectful and courteous to the whole situation. It is a sensitive situation. It did not start with Adam Holden but right now he is charge and if we all play our cards right all this fighting could end with him and Rabbi Kaplan.
36 HEY HEY HEY // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:52 am
*applaud*
37 Anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 11:58 am
Isaac:
The clarification is great. But it is evident there is more than one individual using anonymous here so you should not be so quick to accuse.
I do not personally know who these others are and nor do I care. The goal is the betterment of the school and the emancipation of our teachers from the conditions under which they are expected to work.
If you are offended by other’s anonymous posts - each person has a right to their opinion - but it is not my belief that they are all the same people.
Also, what did you mean: if we all play our cards right all this fighting could end with him and Rabbi Kaplan?
Can you elaborate?
38 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Well I am sorry if I grouped the 2 anonymouses together. it is quite confusing when people are using the same name.
I mean that if we work together with Rabbi Kaplan and Holden instead of fight them we can accomplish many great things.
39 Concerned Citizen // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Isaac, I would like you to take a deep breath for one second. You and I are both very passionate for the same reason: We both love the school.
You are angry at me because you don’t trust my motives, you don’t know who I am, and you think I’m making things worse (things really can’t get much worse at this point, by the way). If I were you, I’d feel exactly the same way.
I hear that.
I know you are an extremely respectful and caring person.
I will call you today personally–only on the condition that you do not tell your mother, a board member I greatly respect, and who was one of the only people to care about getting those teachers re-hired.
If you are going to feel compelled to tell her and others who I am then I can’t reveal my identity to you. It’s not about you. I don’t trust 99.9% of the Board. Your mother is the EXCEPTION not the rule. If we had more people like her around, we would never have been in this mess.
I think part of why you’re upset is because you are not aware that your mother and one other woman are the only 2 people on that board with any sechel and moral integrity whatsoever. Thank G-d for them and I’m not kidding.
(And for the record, I never compared anybody to Hitler. I said that Jewish Education is at stake and that IS a threat to Jewish survival–all the research confirms that statement.)
40 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:46 pm
I would obviously keep your identity a secret because I want what you want.
I am not angry with you. I just disagree with how you are going about certain issues. Therefore, if we can talk on the phone certain disagreements can be talked about.
I have a presentation until 3 pm today. If you can please call me that would be great. My mother, or anyone else that I ever speak to, will never know who you are. That would be unethical on my part and a contridiction on everything I stand for.
41 Concerned Citizen // Apr 17, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Done.
42 Baruch Landa // Apr 17, 2007 at 1:53 pm
To whom this may concern:
There are 6 basic steps to a strategy. However, even before the first step, it is mostly certainly obvious what needs to get done first. You don’t need a marketing degree to know this. Mr. Cirulnik once taught us this - brainstorm. We need to think about what exactly the problem is before we move forward. Everyone is always replying: “from my experience.” Who are we to say that we have experience anyway? Sorry if I am starting to lose you, so let me proceed forward (I’m getting somewhere).
Yes, it is true that we all learn from experience(s). However, I think most people fail to realize what we learn best from - history. If Jews continue to let non Jews make the important decisions, no good will come of it. I personally have nothing against Adam Holden. I’m sure he’s a great person. But the fact of the matter stands. He simply is not Jewish. This doesn’t mean he should not be employed by Hillel. On the contrary - I’m sure he’s a smart person and it would only benefit Hillel to have a man like him around, even as a high administrator. But again, if Jews allow non Jews to make decisions for them, nothing good is going to happen.
Throughout the history of the world, non Jews have been trying to weaken the Jewish people. I’m DEFINATELY NOT saying that this is Adam Holden’s intention. In fact, I’m certain that he is only looking to better the school - in terms of academics though. Which brings me to my next point. There is only so much a student can handle. You can’t have school operate from 8AM to 6PM. What does this mean? This means that there is going to be the same amount of classes (maybe an additional class) for next year. What’s going to happen is the reduction of Judaic classes and a surging increase in academic courses with Adam Holden in charge. Some may view that as a good thing, a necessity. But Hillel is not about that…we all know why people choose to enroll at Hillel - for a sense of religion, our religion…something that Adam Holden cannot feel anything for.
In conclusion (for you Mr. C.), we now know what the problem is. There is no way a non Jew can care about Judaic studies as much as a Jew. Therefore, I believe that Hillel (at the very least) needs a JEWISH leader to uphold the foudation of what it was constructed upon: Judaism.
43 Anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 2:22 pm
It is refreshing to see how the voice of reason can overcome and harmonious constructive strategizing prevails.
Kol Hakavod and Mazel Tov to those who have worked to see beyond their differences for the greater good! This is the spirit of the HILLEL we all know and love!!!
Once again, I bring back to the point, Rabbi Kaplan is only interim and only high school - Dr. Holden is entire school (inhibiting fear and intimidation and Rabbi Druin (appears not to possess the values we are about) and is cold, unfriendly and quite selective with whom he associates.
Why don’t we move to make Rabbi Kaplan the new dean!
44 Concerned Citizen // Apr 17, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Here! Here!
45 Juno // Apr 17, 2007 at 7:32 pm
HEY HEY YHEY // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Ummm, it was not a dislocated right knee, dear. I broke the stupid thing; “tibial plateau fracture” and was told I might not even walk again. I have come back almost to 95% and am fighting for the last 5%…
I only wanted to set that record straight.
;^)
46 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 8:41 pm
We wish you a continued and full recovery! Refuah Shlema.
As you can see, your presence was sorely missed. We applaud your efforts for our children!
47 Juno // Apr 17, 2007 at 9:04 pm
46 anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Thankyou!
48 HEY HEY HEY // Apr 17, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Mrs. Wild =Juno?
49 Anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Will you be coming back next year?
50 Juno // Apr 18, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Anonymous // Apr 17, 2007 at 9:44 pm
HEY HEY HEY // Apr 17, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Whatever, que sera sera….the future…
51 anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Though I understand it is your decision whether or not to return. The question is, were you extended a contract for next year?
52 Juno // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Sigh…ummm
I feel much like Mary Poppins.
53 Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:39 pm
She was non-renewed.
54 Juno // Apr 20, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Anonymous // Apr 18, 2007 at 10:39 pm
True.
However, had a contract been offered I would have taken it.
Hillel for me has been a good place to be.
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