An anonymous HBHA Alum writes in:
Dear Hillel Miami students, staff, alumni and whomever this concerns. I was a student at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy for 13 years. I had grown up in the school, and it has truly shaped me as a person. However, when Adam Holden came around, my utopia that I had grown up in, rich with jewish values and learning, was turned into a secularized school. He began by firing most of the teachers that actually inspired students and voiced their opinons about what went on in the school. He got rid of anyone who didnt fit into his ”New School” plan. Teachers feared for their jobs, and began to watch everything they said because they didn’t want to get fired. Big Brother was always watching, everyone. The whole process was nonetheless, heartbreaking. He stripped the school of everything we loved. On holidays like purim the students for as long as I can remember would go around, singing purim songs, going into every classroom collecting students on the way and ending with everyone celebrating and dancing together as as school. This quickly ended with the arrival of Holden. We had to ask permission to do events like that and we would only have a certain amount of time to do it in because he didn’t like the fact it cut into class time. Also, he cut down the time for prayers in the morning, so that the orthodox minyan barely had time to read torah and get through the daily prayers. Additionally, we as students enjoyed classes in Tanach, Mishna, and Talmud, however, Holden condensed all of those classes into a singular class, thus making secular studies his focus, while throwing out what made our school unique. As an alumnus, i rarely visit. I know only a handful of faces as opposed to the many faces i used to know before Holden fired every one. I barely recognize my school anymore. Thank G-d, now my school is trying to reorganize everything and get things back to the way they were, judaically. I would hate to have to see this happen to your school. Stop him before its too late.
77 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 8:02 pm
On holidays like purim the students for as long as I can remember would go around, singing purim songs, going into every classroom collecting students on the way and ending with everyone celebrating and dancing together as as school. This quickly ended with the arrival of Holden. We had to ask permission to do events like that and we would only have a certain amount of time to do it in because he didn’t like the fact it cut into class time.
THIS SOUNDS EERILY SIMILAR TO WHAT STUDENTS HAVE REPORTED ARE HAPPENING AT HILLEL:
“Anon….but wouldn’t be if she didnt have a sister who might have to deal with backlash from what I say…. // Mar 28, 2007 at 9:19 pm
This letter is just one more example of how blatant lies continue to be peddled out of that school….
The first line that struck me was,
“Traditions are being preserved and Jewish values are being infused through religious and cultural experiences…”
Well, the students aren’t having the same rich cultural experiences the faculty seems to be having. My sister informed me that this year Purim was not celebrated with the usual fun and fanfare. I remember Purim at Hillel with fondness. I remember the Carnivals and bonding with the teachers as we danced to Israeli music in the carpool circle with Rabbi Lefkowitz manning the speakers. This year, students dressed up and went to class. Oh yes, quite a rich cultural experience.
Secondly, I think the school should take its own advice:
“…please remember that our children are the only reason we are on this path. As our mission states, with care and concern for each child, Hillel seeks to create a nurturing, respectful and academically inspiring environment, imbued with traditional Torah values…”
……For the love of God, LISTEN TO THE CHILDREN!”
”Also, he cut down the time for prayers in the morning, so that the orthodox minyan barely had time to read torah and get through the daily prayers. Additionally, we as students enjoyed classes in Tanach, Mishna, and Talmud, however, Holden condensed all of those classes into a singular class, thus making secular studies his focus, while throwing out what made our school unique.”
It’s the time to put the Compassionate JEW back in JEWISH EDUCATION”
IF YOU DON’T LEARN A LESSON FROM HISTORY, HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF!
Thank you HBHA Alum for caring enough to take the time to write in and support your fellow Jews.
2 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 8:46 pm
100% correct!
The same description was given by many HILLEL students. AT HILLEL this year, they were NOT permitted to Celebrate the PURIM holiday as in they did before. It was a more abbreviated version. Wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that the Head of School stated he did not know how to even spell PURIM?
In any event, how can an individual who has absolutely NO knowledge of Judaism, its meaning, culture, holidays, and traditions be allowed to make such decision.
IT BEGS TO WONDER ABOUT THE INTENTIONS, NOT ONLY OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL AND ASSOCIATE JUDAIC HEAD OF SCHOOL, BUT THE INTENTIONS OF THE BOARD MEMBERS WHO WERE ENTRUSTED BY THE PARENTS AND COMMUNITY TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OUR SCHOOL.
It speaks volumes of how the board is moving in the direction of a SECULAR school on the likes of PINECREST. Honestly, this is getting OLD. If you want a Pinecrest - GO THERE!
We want a traditional Jewish Day School - - -that is why we were here. READ THE MISSION STATEMENT!
Pull your head out of the sand!
Get off the soapbox and stop comparing the school to a business. This is not a Fortune 500 company - IT IS A SCHOOL - A HOUSE OF LEARNING.
Companies are run in cold businesslike environments with competitive cultures. A school should be and provide a warm, nurturing, environment, filled with love, experiences, learning, and an environment conducive to growth and development. This is NOT what we have.
We have a cold, hostile, tense, threatening environment in which our beloved teachers are expected to perform.
The teachers and students should have classrooms filled with books, supplies, computers, and other learning equipment and instructional materials, INSTEAD, we have glass offices, LCD or plasma TVs, Soundproofing, Cameras, Radio Devices, etc.
Interestingly enough, some parents of elementary school age students have conveyed that their children’s fieldtrips - - which are excellent learning experiences, have been cut due to budgetary constraints. They take, at most, 2 or 3 a year. WHY?
Yet, we have money for Marketing firms and logos and trips to Kansas when we should be spending the money for Professional Development and instructional supplies.
Yes, there are aspects that require important good business practices - such as A/R and A/P but that is where it ends. The rest should be run as a school.
WHERE ARE THEIR PRIORITIES? ARE THEY RUNNING A SCHOOL OF LEARNING AND EDUCATION OR WHAT?
It is undeniable that the current administration is grossly incompetent in the running of a Jewish Day School. Action needs to be taken to SAVE HILLEL!
3 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Hillel’s Mission Statement and the Facts
March 23rd, 2007 ·
According to Hillel’s mission statement:
“With care and concern for each child, Hillel, a Jewish community day school, seeks to create a nurturing, respectful and academically inspiring environment, imbued with traditional Torah values and designed for college preparation and admission. Talented faculty and dedicated families work together guiding our students to attain their maximum potential, become lifelong learners and thinkers, develop high moral standards, respect diversity, and make meaningful contributions as members of Klal Yisrael and as Americans. By engaging students in vibrant Torah study and meaningful religious and cultural experiences, we strive to deepen their commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel.”
Points to Ponder:
Is this Head of School encouraging meaningful religious and cultural experiences to take place?
Can a non -Jewish Head of School ever be the right person to help students live the school’s mission? Can a non-Jewish Head of School really be the best one suited to help our school fulfill its mission so that students will be able to “deepen their commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel”?
Has this Head of School ever been to Israel????
Does he understand how miraculous it is for us to have Israel back in our possession after being exiled from the land for centuries? Does he understand the sense of gratitude we have for being given back our Homeland? Does he understand that the inexplicable goosebumps we get when we stand in front of the Kotel?
I would think that the Head of any School is one who must personally LIVE the school’s mission
You’ve got to walk the walk if you want students to buy into it.
It is unreasonable for us to expect any Non-Jewish individual to be able to fully apprehend the Jewish nature of this school’s mission –let alone to expect a Non-Jew to know how to go about implementing it.
It’s not fair to the Head of the School to expect him to be able to do so; it’s not fair to the parents who pay big money so that their kids will be infused with Jewish tradition; most of all, it’s unfair to our students who are being robbed of the cultural experiences their fellow Jews are being exposed to in Jewish schools across the country like Ramaz, Heschel, etc. or even locally at the Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach, Yeshiva High School of Boca, or the Solomon Schecter of Boca.
The students who attend those schools are blessed to be in schools led by Jewish deans whose priority it is to immerse them in Jewish cultural experiences that enrich their sense of Jewish identity.
Naturally, Holden’s ignorance of Jewish values makes him minimize the importance of Judaic studies, the role rebbes and Judaic teachers play, and obviously, the importance of having students celebrate Purim.
For the love of G-d, how in G-d’s name do we expect a non-Jewish Head of School to understand how important it is for our students to make a big deal out of the holiday of Purim–
the holiday that celebrates the fact that the Jews of Shushan were saved and not wiped out as they were in Nazi Europe??
How is a non Jewish Head of School supposed to understand that Purim is a time for fun and carnivals and NO CLASS if he doesn’t even understand a fundamental Jewish principle connected to that holiday: “MiShenichnas Adar Marbim BeSimcha”?
Many parents may not understand that principle either, but they pay big bucks so that their children will “deepen their [understanding of ] and commitment to Judaism” as Hillel’s mission so aptly states and understand Jewish holidays and what they’re all about.
Parents WANT their children to have the Jewish education they never got– but folks, they sure ain’t gonna get it here –certainly not next year–when you’ve got FIVE non-Jewish administrators implementing a Jewish vision or mission statement that they themselves do not and simply cannot even begin to understand.
The Hillel Board is engaged in talking out of two sides of their mouth: They say their mission is one thing when in reality their actions tell us a very, very different story.
It is time for action. We must vote in leaders whose actions match their words and whose actions are indeed in alignment with the Hillel Mission Statement.
4 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Here here! Well said.
It is very evident that the board, who may have thought they engaged an individual with high credentials were in fact taken - - deceived (for lack of a better term) and either DO NOT WANT to admit they have been deceived or perhaps they have their own agendas they are trying to follow. ….not to mention the Head of School lacks ACADEMIC INTEGRITY!
You see, it is obviously difficult to admit that mistakes were made; it is embarrassing and it is costly. However, to continue to allow these actions and this administration to ineffectively run this school is grossly negligent on their part as they have been entrusted to employ individuals qualified to carry out the mission of the school. IT IS NOT THE CASE HERE.
They are jeapardizing our very existence, they are jeapardizing our tremendous faculty and staff at the school - - - AND FOR WHAT! Because they are too pompous to admit that they are human and made mistakes?
It boggles the mind that these individuals run large companies and business yet, are not strong or self confident enough to admit a shortcoming. HONESTLY, WHAT LESSON ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN?
To the Board:
IT IS PERFECTLY OKAY IF YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE - - PEOPLE WILL FORGIVE YOU IF YOU RIGHT YOUR WRONG AND RID OUR SCHOOL OF THESE INCOMPETANT HEAD OF SCHOOL AND ASSOCIATE JUDAIC HEAD OF SCHOOL.
However, you will NOT be forgiven if you continue to ignore the untenable situation in which you have placed our school, our faculty, our staff, and our teachers!
Save HILLEL!
5 Mindy // May 17, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Eloquently stated. Let’s remember, too, that it And it is not only his not being Jewish …it is also everything else that has been posted here..the intimidation, etc. etc. etc. etc.
“Does he understand how miraculous it is for us to have Israel back in our possession after being exiled from the land for centuries? ”
Hopefully soon we will have our Hillel back in our possession.
6 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:52 pm
We will take this school back!
We will stand united together as we watch Holden and Druin WALK AWAY
7 Mindy // May 17, 2007 at 9:57 pm
That is the key…UNITED…parents and teachers…. and alumni, too.
8 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 10:11 pm
So far we have all presented a united front– the alumni and current students have taught us all the most needed lesson in standing up for what is right.
We will all continue to stand united
Strength in unity!
9 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 10:22 pm
In recent article on Great Teachers - the following was published:
Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people. Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.
THIS COMMENT EXEMPLIFIES OUR TEACHERS!
In 1996 the National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future, the following Key recommendations were made:
Raise professional standards for teachers.
Improve salaries and working conditions.
Reinvent teacher preparation and professional development.
Encourage and reward teacher knowledge and skills.
WHICH HAVE WE IMPLEMENTED?
Instead we spend our money on office renovation, TVs, and marketing firms. What are we marketing - if we have wait lists - - what good is it doing? Why do we need a new logo - - do we need to brand a new product that is new to the market? WHAT COULD THEY BE THINKING?
Save Hillel!!!
10 Anon // May 17, 2007 at 10:27 pm
expense accounts
company cars
11 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 10:32 pm
“Thank G-d, now my school is trying to reorganize everything and get things back to the way they were, judaically”
THANK G-D IS RIGHT!!!
WE TOO SHALL OVERCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
12 Golda Meir // May 17, 2007 at 11:10 pm
The story of Purim teaches a very apropos lesson:
One woman can make a difference.
One woman can save an entire Jewish community from annihilation.
As individuals we have more power than any of us give ourselves credit for.
We all have a choice to make… will we be a vehicle for change or we will passively allow others to determine the course of our lives, our children’s lives, and by default, their children’s lives?
ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.
STEP UP!
13 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 4:09 pm
We are pro-Jewish, pro-Israel, pro-Torah.
Our interests are Judaism, politics, history
and everything that supports Authentic Jewish Idea.
Worse than Jews for Jesus,
Worse than Jews for Gurus,
Worse than Jews for Marx,
Jews for Nothing.
14 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 4:13 pm
“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
15 good wolf // May 18, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I am not Jewish …but I know what Purim is and I can spell it without spell check!
I too am not renewed. I was straight with my students and told them up-front that I was not (see above)…
So I learned to research everything and walk the line of neutrality if asked a leading question (yes kids are curious) and I always always asked what was thus and such? If the student didn’t know I would find an agreeable Rabbi, always very happy to clarify.
I find that I am comfortable in a religious Jewish setting.
Hey, my kitchen, although not technically really “kosher” is now safe enough for a friend from school to grab a cookie in or have a cup of coffee from. I have a special shelf.
And, I am thinking of replacing both stove and fridge to make it better.
I do love Hillel.
And, if I can come back ,will continue to grow in many things…I am also wearing a small Star of David…right next to my tiny Cross.
This all comes down to respect, caritas and agape`
good wolf
16 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Truly poignant: The destruction that 3 administrators (with tacit permission of the board) have wrought on Jewish culture and teachers (regardless of the teachers’ religious persuasion) has been so heart wrenching!
The karmic repercussions these people are going to have to face ….Ouch!
17 bambi // May 18, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Truly poignant: The destruction that 3 administrators (with tacit permission of the board) have wrought on Jewish culture and teachers (regardless of the teachers’ religious persuasion) has been so heart wrenching!
The karmic repercussions these people are going to have to face ….Ouch!
Oh, I agree. Ouch!
18 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Again, the message to drive home here is that teachers, parents, alumni, members, and all other interested parties need to pass on this website to their friends and other parents who can make a difference.
That group collectively needs to show up at the meeting on June 6th to make a statement, to demand answers, to rock the boat, and change the vote.
It is very clear what needs to take place here. I am more than happy to recap the issues again for reiteration and for others to read on a new front page - if requested, will do so on Sunday for the purpose of spreading the word.
Again, this has to be a collective effort. GET THE WORD OUT!
Let’s SAVE HILLEL!
19 Mindy-- // May 18, 2007 at 6:16 pm
And should be posted front page again after Shavuot, after senior graduation, and on days just prior to meeting.
20 Mindy-- // May 18, 2007 at 6:23 pm
with list of new nominees.
21 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Yes - - again - use the weekend to speak the site to all who need to know.
Time is getting short and we must work as a team to accomplish our goal. Together, we can and will make a difference to SAVE HILLEL!
22 RABBI BALD on VIDEO: A True Leader // May 18, 2007 at 10:19 pm
“Akiva Cohen // May 16, 2007 at 12:47 pm
If you want to understand “love of Hillel” and the reason I have it, and the reason I’ve always come back to visit when I get a chance to be in Miami - watch this video (which was made for my brother’s class reunion):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1917615463796330046
That is the essence of the Hillel I remember, the essence of what Hillel should be.”
_______________________________
INDEED RABBI BALD IS THE ESSENCE OF HILLEL THAT DEFINED HILLEL
RABBI BALD EMBODIES THE ESSENCE OF THE TORAH AND COMPASSIONATE JEW
A TRUE LEADER MISSED BY STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND FACULTY ALIKE!!!
It pains me to watch this………………………
What happened to our Hillel Family?
23 bambi // May 19, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Time is short! Let’s get moving!
24 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 10:04 pm
What happened to our Hillel family is a bunch of misguided, arrogant board members who refuse to listen to the truth and acknowledge their mistakes.
25 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 10:05 pm
They will be forced to face the music on the 6th
26 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Maybe one of the teachers posting here can offer a history lesson to our board - the Trojan Horse was also thought to be a gift that turned out destroying those who welcomed it in.
Get rid of your “gift to Jewish education” before he completely destroys our school!
27 mental health // May 19, 2007 at 10:16 pm
They will be forced to face the music on the 6th
We pray!
28 good wolf // May 19, 2007 at 10:51 pm
pride cometh before a fall and a haughty spirit before a tribulation.
Think about it.
29 sara // May 19, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Pains me, too, to watch the video. Those of us who were fortunate to have our lives touched by Dr. Jerome Levy– we know why we have to save Hillel!
30 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Dr. Levy z’l and Rabbi Bald are sorely sorely missed…The void their absence leaves is indescribable and painful. What a loss to Hillel. What a loss to future generations deprived of such leadership.
31 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 12:20 am
Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 12:54 pm
What qualified Rabbi Druin to fire others? I believe he doesn’t even have a college degree! What a joke!
32 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 12:28 am
99 a teacher // May 17, 2007 at 8:01 am
“Judy Dach, who brought us the scholar from the Maharishi University and the one from the other unacredited school must be voted off the board. Who knows what else she has in mind for the students, parents, and teachers of Hillel. Let’s get someone who can make a positive difference. We don’t have to bring in professionals from all around the world. We have them right here. We need board members who can recognize the Jewish talent in their own midst.”
One must begin to ask: Did the current Board bring in this slew of under-educated administrators on purpose?
33 sara // May 20, 2007 at 12:36 am
And , too, the non-Jewish principals/assistant principals on purpose?
34 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 7:01 am
To what end?
I must agree that it looks as if they made a conscious decision to bring in all non-Jewish administrators.
But why?
35 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 9:16 am
….the answer is clear - - to make a more secular school. To bring in more non-Jewish teachers as well. Heed the message from the HBHA alum. He/She no longer is able to visit the school - they do not know any of the teachers - it created a cold stern environment.
IS THIS WHAT WE WANT?
SAVE HILLEL!
36 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 9:16 am
Unfortunately, it appears that the current Board has been making decisions in ways that indicate they do not trust or desire Jewish, highly educated individuals to teach and lead our children.
This is quite similar to the era when Jews had to take it upon themselves to create institutions of higher education that would educate and in turn graduate Jewish leaders. Yeshiva University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Brandeis University, are institutions that achieved this goal. When Jewish students were not admitted to the “Ivies”, the founders of Brandeis knew they had to create an environment of excellence for their children.
Hillel must now re-create the environment where highly educated, Jewish admininstrators can lead their already highly educated and qualified faculty.
37 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 9:24 am
Academic Intergirty is never, and can never be a
“non-issue”. It is the only issue that will allow Hillel to survive.
38 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 9:37 am
Excellent observations - #35 and #36!
Please get others involved - active participation in this cause is imperative to our success.
Spread the word to SAVE HILLEL!
39 sara // May 20, 2007 at 11:05 am
In STAND UP, HBHA alumnus writes: “As an alumnus, i rarely visit. I know only a handful of faces as opposed to the many faces i used to know before Holden fired every one. I barely recognize my school anymore. ”
We are losing teachers, we are losing students, and soon we will lose all alumni support..they will not recognize Hillel……….
40 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // May 20, 2007 at 11:46 am
“Unfortunately, it appears that the current Board has been making decisions in ways that indicate they do not trust or desire Jewish, highly educated individuals to teach and lead our children.”
This is the bottomline.
Judy and Joanne did want a Jewish school of Jewish educators. They, however, did not believe or trust that there were any top caliber Jewish educators and leaders out there. So instead they went to the wrong shelf to look for excellence. They looked in the wrong place and they found the wrong people.
The right people were always out there.They just didn’t know how or where to find them.
Some of the best people were right under their noses this whole time and had applied for principal and assistant principal positions but were turned down. Those people are no longer with us.
Had Judy and Joanne retained them, we would be in good shape right now. Religion is not even the issue here.
Instead, they brought us a man who destroyed his last school, has destroyed this one, and has a bogus doctorate degree. He is really pretty to look at though so that must be some consolation….
They brought us a Rabbi that none of the staff likes at all and who is less credentialed than the staff he fired–He doesn’t even hold a college degree…
Can you imagine what they brought us here???
They brought us to the point where we now are no longer able to attract theTRULY “excellent” / qualified Jews OR non-Jews because no one in his right mind will come near this school now …no one will touch this school with a ten foot pole after hearing of the 14 teachers fired in one fell swoop.
And so here we are now facing a massive critical teacher shortage at all levels–Judaic, secular, and AP teachers of any religion are desperately needed…How are we going to implement a blueprint of Excellence when we cannot attract excellence to the school anymore after this fiasco?
Judy and Joanne are nice people who are clueless about recruiting. If they truly loved Hillel as they say they do, they would realize that we are in a big mess now thanks to them–that they were given TEN YEARS left alone to do their thing and that their decisions failed our children miserably. If they truly loved Hillel, they would WALK AWAY gracefully and give someone else a chance to Save It.
Who do they care more about? Themselves or the school? Now is there chance to be selfless and to do the right thing.
No one would think less of them. Everyone knows they gave it their best shot but now it is time for a change.
41 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 11:55 am
Indeed, after 10 years it’s time to let some new blood have a chance to remedy the situation
42 sara // May 20, 2007 at 12:14 pm
They are blinded, always thinking their thinking is the best. They pushed out Jerome Levy; would not give an administrative position to the highly qualified Rabbi Dr. Stuart Grant; brought us the hightly unqualified Bev Buncher and then brought her, someone with no high school experience, to the high school; and completely overlooked Yoni Raab in the most recent search for DEAN (not head of school). And still they continue to think/believe they have done “good.” They are misguided by outward appearances. They jump on educational- buzzword bandwagons.
43 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 12:38 pm
They might have made the initial mistake, but it’s been made much worse by our executive board who refuse to back down from their support of this administration. It is them who I blame more. Anyone can make a mistake. But be man enough to admit it! We can still salvage our school if we backtrack a bit and correct the mistakes of the past year.
44 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // May 20, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Very true. They are enraptured by the buzz of the new educational “lingo”
words like “Middle School” instead of “Junior High School”
words like “Multiple Intelligences” instead of Excellent teachers preparing kids to get top scores on AP exams regardless of whether they relied on students’ auditory, visual, or kinesthetic intelligences to get them there
words like “Interactive Lecture” rather than “Frontal Teaching”
words like “Differentiated Instruction” rather than “Flexible Grouping and Varied Expectations”
yes. people like Beverly and Adam know all the right buzz words, but can they implement these strategies appropriately and effectively?
Joanne and Judy drool over words, looks, and empty rhetoric. What about results?
I remember hearing that Beverly taught a journalism class one year that never produced a single newspaper.
I remember hearing that the AP students felt lost during the weeks that Holden took over their class.
All of these new buzzwords mean nothing.
Dr. Levy was an administrator of excellence who had a keen eye as to what qualified teachers as being excellent.
He created a work environment that allowed teachers and students to achieve great results and he did it in a compassionate way.
Why did these ladies push him out??????
The formula for excellence was in place until they came along.
45 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 12:48 pm
President Clinton gained credibility and sympathy when he went before the nation and admitted his mistake and apologized for it.
His apology stopped the impeachment process in its tracks.
However, at this stage of the game an apology from the board is too little, too late.
2 months ago …ok. Now…too late.
Time for new blood.
46 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Again, I would like to bring up the misguided perceptions of those board members trying to secularize our school.
It is precisely BECAUSE of our dual curriculum that our students are so successful and go on to excellent institutions of higher learning.
Yes, Mr. Holden, our students did take a day away from their secular studies to celebrate Purim. As well as to dance with joy on Yom Haatzmaut and grieve together on Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron.
It did not affect their admissions to top colleges. Hillel has always had a wonderful record in college admissions.
These days are THE REASON we send our children to Hillel.
Take away Purim and the other celebrations/commemorations and there is no reason to be at this school.
For our Jewish brothers on the board who don’t see this, please leave for other schools and join their boards and work on their blueprints for excellence.
We who have been at Hillel for so long already know the path to excellence.
It is called our Torah, our Jewish heritage, our great sages.
We want our children to fully experience every significant Jewish festival and remembrance. We want them to dance together and cry together, That is what makes us a family, a community.
We want our children to know that their Jewish education is our priority. Not their admission to Harvard.
We want leaders who can speak to our children with hearts that feel as they do.
We want educators who can offer the proper words that are appropriate to the occasion.
We want administrators who warmly greet parents and students and know the families in their own school. Not just the powerful ones.
We want, no we DEMAND, that you break the contracts with the people you have brought in who are not the right choice for our Jewish school. Who are showing our children the wrong values. Who have no understanding or appreciation for our history, mission, or community.
If you don’t, have no doubt, we will do it for you by voting you out of office on the 6th.
You are wrong. You have been wrong for quite some time now. You don’t have a clue about Jewish education. You might know how to balance the books but you understand nothing about the soul of a Jewish child.
I for one resent your making decisions about the Jewish education of my children and destroying the school I have been a part of for so long. I have been at this school for longer than many of you have been adults. You HAVE NO RIGHT to come in and try to remake this school in some misguided image.
If you think you are creating a school of excellence for your children, THINK AGAIN. All you are doing is showing your children that we Jews need the outside world to show us how to do things, because Jewish educators cannot be trusted to run a Jewish school.
You are showing your children that you think learning Torah and celebrating being Jewish is a waste of their time that can be better spent with more secular studies.
I don’t care what you show your own children. But I’ll be damned if I am going to let you send that message to MY children!
47 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Here! Here!
48 Another Teacher // May 20, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Brilliantly and eloquently stated .
These sentiments are held by parents, teachers, students, and alumni.
Vote them out June 6th.
49 Anon // May 20, 2007 at 1:18 pm
“You are wrong. You have been wrong for quite some time now. You don’t have a clue about Jewish education. You might know how to balance the books but you understand nothing about the soul of a Jewish child. ”
they don’t know how to balance the books either
they don’t know anything-so why are they still here
50 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 1:50 pm
“This is quite similar to the era when Jews had to take it upon themselves to create institutions of higher education that would educate and in turn graduate Jewish leaders.
Yeshiva University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Brandeis University, are institutions that achieved this goal.
When Jewish students were not admitted to the “Ivies”, the founders of Brandeis knew they had to create an environment of excellence for their children.”
Sometimes Jews are their own worst enemies.
We don’t need other people to threaten our future existence. We can do that all by ourselves.
Ironically, Judy Dach’s son left a top Ivy League school, Duke, to attend Yeshiva University.
If her own son “gets it”, why the heck can’t she?
FOR THE LOVE OF G-D, LISTEN TO YOUR OWNCHILDREN!!
THEY WANT AN EMPHASIS ON JUDAICS AND THEY WANT STRONG, COMPASSIONATE JEWISH LEADERS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR THEM!
51 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Good Wolf:
Pride goeth before the fall is right.
The fall is now inevitable- brought on by hubris in the most astounding proportion.
Indeed a tragic fall.
The blindness here did not lead to gaining any insight.
We are suffering the tragedy together.
52 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Anon -
I wish you could share more with us. You seem to be in the know about financial affairs at the school. I hope you are at least sharing this information with those who are in a position to make changes.
53 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 3:45 pm
A few other things should be noted.
Several parents of elementary school students noted that last week, Hillel had its first ever bank concert. The Head of School was no where to be found. He did not show, did not greet and obviously had no interest in that event or the students who participated! They also had some sort of uniform meeting - - and did not attend that either.
A parent of an alum who was at a meeting last week indicated that the agenda her alumni child received had Holden’s name on it and he did not show to that meeting as well.
The bottom line is that he is wreaking havoc on our school - yet is no where to be found. No one seems to know where he is - and apparently no one cares.
However, the message is clear — all are to do as they are told - - or face the consequences.
Again - - we must take action, spread the word and move forward in an expedient manner. He is a no good individual who takes pleasure in making others miserable. His way or the highway. Mind you - he told the parent meeting last year that people would leave as they would not like the changes he was going to make. This is a calculated, well planned, methodical undertaking. This is how anarchies operate. History can attest to that.
Is this the type of approach necessary in our school - - which should tout a warm nurturing family environment.
Let’s work together to SAVE HILLEL!!
54 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 3:58 pm
He should not bother to show up anymore…We hope is long gone!
55 Mindy // May 20, 2007 at 4:14 pm
He was not on campus the entire week. Posted on this site early last week–that he would be gone the entire week.
But perhaps this is ok, for he would have once again made use of his charm and charisma and elementary parents and alumni would walk away thinking how wonderful everything is.
56 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Many people are dazzled by pretty packages, especially when they have no idea of there’s nothing of substance underneath the pretty wrapping
All that glitters……………
57 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Our Jewish of this Jewish day school must be saved. On Yom Yerushalayim this week, the 40 th anniversary of the reclamation of our holy city of Jerusalem, the high school did not have one activity or acknowledgement of this special day. We are not only a Jewish school, but a school that believes in and loves Israel. We want our students to celebrate these days and remember what they did at school. There were individual teachers who took it upon themselves to discuss Yom Yerushalayim in class. Thank you, teachers!
58 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 4:39 pm
How despicable!!!
In Jewish day schools across the country and right here in Miami, Yom Yerushalayim was made into a very big deal!
This administration has no idea how to implement Hillel’s Mission Statement and this board of directors (for the most part) seems not to care one iota.
It’s time for regime change. Vote them out.
59 Another Teacher // May 20, 2007 at 4:46 pm
What is Rabbi Druin good for if he can’t even put together a Yom Yerushalayim program?
Why did the school hire him? To stand and look pretty next to Holden?
On a scale of “1 to 5″ for Coordinating Jewish Programs, he clearly ranks “0″
Good call whoever hired this one!!!!
60 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Holden does not know what Yom Yerushalayim is and Rabbi Druin is too inept to make sure that our children do!!
61 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Pretty wrapping? Why does everyone think this man is physically attractive? Give me a balding bearded Jewish man any day! Beauty emanates from within. Al tistakel bakankan ella mah be’emtzah.
62 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Let’s not use this very important site to continually rag on the administration.
It has been proven by many actions that they are grossly incompetent and incapable of running a Jewish School.
The goal now is to muster all of the support we can to spread the word, inform them of what has and is continuing to occur and bring out the facts with clear, truthful information.
It is unimaginable the things that are taking place down to mandating that all of us who have hundreds of dollars invested in our childrens uniforms will now be unable to use them as it is a priority of the Head of School to make everyone purchase new uniforms for the NEW LOGO - - that they school is paying to create. LIKE THIS WILL CHANGE HOW PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT THE SCHOOL.
Not only is he mandating that but mandating the ONLY ONE PLACE THEY CAN BE PURCHASED like it or NOT. No longer will parents be able to purchase the quality and brand they wish and have the logo put on - - this will NO LONGER BE PERMITTED - SO SAYS THE HEAD OF SCHOOL.
These are the issues that need to be brought to the forefront.
We have already proven the incompetence!
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
63 bambi // May 21, 2007 at 6:47 pm
alikeness…
rigidity is not really good for creativity.
I have had to deal with school uniforms, specifically branded to the point where I am ready to scream (and this is public school).
A dress code I can ‘get’.
64 On a real mission // May 26, 2007 at 4:16 pm
the mission of what a real Jewish day school looks like:
http://www.ramaz.org/public/mission.cfm
65 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 1:31 am
We have a mission - it is an excellent mission. However, we have a misguided board who is enamored and brainwashed by the Head of School. He is an evil wicked man - - on the likes of Haman!
Both the Head of School and Associate Judaic Head of School are cold blooded individuals. They don’t have their heart in the school. For them, this is job. They don’t have a vested interest in the Jewish Education. Just as they did at their other schools - - they make a mess and then they leave - - -they don’t have to stay for the after affects of their damage.
So to the board members sanctioning this chaos - - BEWARE - - you are here to stay - unless you are moving or withdraw yourselves from the board. YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE DAMAGE AND THE DESTRUCTION WILL LIVE IN YOUR CONSCIENCE!
The methods of ruling by intimidation are merely the tactics used to make themselves feel superior and in control.
Our teachers have had enough! In case no one noticed, Holden has disappeared from the campus for the last 2 weeks. No one seemed to know where he was or when he would be back. Is that normal? Is it normal for staff to not know where the Head of School is or when he is coming back? How could they not know? Protocol would dictate that the divisional principals would be made aware - - -NOT IN THE CASE OF HOLDEN - HE ANSWERS TO NO ONE. And our BOARD ALLOWS IT! They are grossly negligent in the performance of their duties.
Guess it is another one of his PAID vacations! It’s a shame our students are unable to go on field trips and our teachers need supplies…..but we have enough money for soundproofing, glass offices, new conference rooms, plasma tv’s, trips to Kansas, and let’s not forget the Marketing firm and new logo production etc…….
For sure this is how to run an educational institution???NOT!!!!!
Let’s get with the program, support our teachers and our students. Vote for change to restore and SAVE HILLEL!
66 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 9:32 am
We have a mission. It is an excellet mission. Unfortunately, our board is misguided, brainwashed, if you will, by a cold, heartless Head of School and the Associate Judaic Head of School. They have NO vested interest here.
They do what they do and they move on! They have no respect for our Teacher, Parents, or Students. It is unbelievable what the students think of them. Take a survey - - you will be amazed what these kids know!
Their insatiable methods of ruling by intimidation are merely the tactics used to make themselves feel superior and in control.
To our Officers - you have been grossly negligent in the running of our school. Keep in mind, these individuals whom you hired will move on once their destruction has been done. YOU WILL NOT, YOU WILL BE HERE, AND YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESTRUCTION AND CHAOS YOU ARE SANCTIONING AND SUPPORTING. THESE ACTIONS WILL BE ON YOUR CONSCIENCE. Act now and bow out gracefully before it is too late.
TO ERR IS HUMAN - TO IGNORE IS UNFORGIVABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE!
The parents have had enough! OUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND DESERVE BETTER!
In case no one noticed, Holden has disappeared from the campus for the last 2 weeks. No one seemed to know where he was or when he would be back.
Guess it is another one of his PAID vacations! It’s a shame our students are unable to go on field trips and our teachers need supplies…..but we had enough money for soundproofing, glass offices, new conference rooms, plasma tv’s, trips to Kansas, and let’s not forget the Marketing firm and new logo production etc…….
WE MUST ACT NOW AND DO ALL WE CAN TO SAVE HILLEL!
67 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:15 am
To the voting members of Hillel:
There is no school, public or private , that would allow an individual who misrepresented credentials on an education resume to continue on. That individual would be fired immediately as soon as the fraud was discovered.
In the Hillel contracts offered to the teachers , section 9. Representations by Employee states:
“…Employee represents and warrants that all of the statements and facts in the Employment Application (and any accompanying qualification documents including resume, transcrpts, dgrees, etc.) are true and correct and that there has been no omission of fact therein…”.
Not revealing during the Head of School’s application process, that the 4.00 gpa earned in a doctoral program from California Coast University in 2001 was unaccredited clearly violated this Agreement.
Moreover, # 10 : Teaching/Academic Administrative Positions states:
“Employee warrants that he/she is licensed and qualified to teach in an accredited school in the State of Florida and possesses a current Florida Teacher’s Certificate or licensefrom the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE)”.
The current Head of School does not have a Florida Teacher’s License and his Kansas teaching credentials do not include doctoral credentials.
The Department of Education in Kansas confirmed this information and said they would never give credit for a doctoral degree from California Coast University 2001.
Moreover, #10 of Hillel contracts states;
“Employee further agrees that he /she will comply with all of the requirements and standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)…
SACS Standard 5.11 “Professional ethics are strictly observed in hiring practices” has also been violated by both the Head of School and now the current Board who hired him.
In universities, students are immediately dismissed if they have been found to lie or misrepresent themselves on their college applications.
Why is the current Head of School, and the Board who hired him, allowing this fraudulent situation to continue?
Why are Hillel’s teachers held to different ehtical and legal standards than the Head of School?
This lack of respect shown to Hillel’s faculty is indicative of the current Board’s lack respect for Academic Integrity.
Please vote on June 6th for the new slate of Board Members so that Academic Integrity and respect can be restored at our school.
68 Baa Baa Black Sheep // May 27, 2007 at 1:25 pm
This is a curiously interesting question…if a teacher had faked their documents or certificate or anything, would that person been allowed to continue?
Think about it!
69 Aaron // May 27, 2007 at 2:23 pm
As long as we’re swapping mission statements, why not this one? (Of course, I’m biased on this account.)
http://nshahs.org/Mission.html
70 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Well, Aaron, as stated here previously, we need Rabbi Grant back at Hillel!!!!
And, as also stated previously, we need his wisdom to explain the dynamics of the happenings here– the threats, the lack of integrity, the double standards, etc.
71 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 2:55 pm
“If I am not for myself, who is for me? And being only for my own self, who am I? And if not now, when?” Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:14
Voters…Please attend the June 6th meeting and make a much needed change.
72 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I love the last lines of that mission statement:
“Most important, we will strive towards the ideal of educating students who will go on to improve themselves and the world in which they live, in the spirit of our great sage, Hillel in Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:14 “:
“If I am not for myself, who is for me?”
We must STAND UP for ourselves….clearly no one else will.
“And being only for my own self, who am I?”
We must STAND UP to defend what is right not only for ourselves or on behalf of our own selfish vision–we must stand up for what is right for others; we must stand up on behalf of what an entire consituency is demanding.
“And if not now, when?”
NOW is the time. It’s now or never.
And let us not forget that Rav Hillel is the one who this school is named after–who stated that the entire Torah rests on the basic principle that we must treat others as we would treat ourselves. We must re-establish an atmosphere of respect, integrity, and compassion. We must live and breathe a mission not just mouth empty, hollow words. Talk is cheap.
73 Anonymous // Jun 2, 2007 at 2:07 pm
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE………………?
The Ben Gamla Charter School in Hallandale – Head of School: Rabbi Adam Siegal,
Solomon Schechter of Palm Beach County– Head of School: Rabbi Matt Berkowitz
YHS Boca– Head of School: Rabbi Kenneth Brander
Hebrew Academy of Miami Beach – Head of School: Dr. Roni Raab
Ramaz – Head of School: Rabbi Haskel Lookstein
Yeshiva of Flatbush – Head of School: Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari
The list goes on and on and on …..in every Jewish School across the US …except of course…..
HOW IS IT THAT THE BOARD MEMBERS OF JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA – from Reform to Conservative to Modern Orthodox – even the local public school for heaven’s sake — are able to find qualified, honest, competent, EXCELLENT Jewish leadership and THIS BOARD CANNOT DO SO AND FAILS TO UNDERSTAND WHY IT EVEN SHOULD?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
74 Anonymous // Jun 2, 2007 at 2:13 pm
If we live to see the day that we take Hillel back, I propose we host a Shabbaton and invite the Jewish community of Kansas to celebrate with us!!!
75 Adam Holden Head of School Must Go // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:48 pm
From all the threads I have read from parents, teachers, students, and alumni from the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy of Kansas…all signs seem to point to the fact that the DSM IV might just classify Holden as anti-social narcissistic personality disorder or own as a sociopath.
A liar who ruins people’s lives with no remorse.
A liar.
Frankly, the more details I hear about this man, that I’m unfortunately not at liberty to publish here, the more frightened I am becoming.
76 anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 8:25 pm
It’s time to tell all. Don’t hold anything back because maybe someone can take the ball and run with it. After all, now Hillel will have a new and improved athletic department.
77 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Speak up folks. It’s not my information to tell or I’d spill it . I am just sick right now.
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