YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN
thoughts of an [anonymous] alumnus
It had to happen eventually. There’s a saying, “You can’t go home again” and that’s what some of our Alumni (me included) have tried to do. Many of us had spent twelve or more years at Hillel. We felt invested in the school. Personally, I had always wanted to send my eventual hypothetical children to Hillel. Others wanted to send their actual children to Hillel. This will probably not happen now. You can’t go home again.
It has been suggested that if only middle school and high school families were allowed to vote, the election would have gone the other way. I know many supporters of COG feel that way. However, when asked if that means we have to deal with the upper school differently, considering we know that the majority of those parents are discontented, the answer is “No, we have a mandate.” And the sad thing is, they do. You can’t go home again.
Every teacher who attended the election is in danger. Perhaps they won’t get fired, but I am sure they will be pressured to leave. Holden doesn’t have a choice at this point, and I don’t blame him. How can he run a school where he knows that the teacher aren’t beholden to him? (Forgive the pun.) Every new teacher and administrator he hires to replace a veteran will be a someone who won’t remember Dr. Levy or Mrs. Cole or Rabbi Raab or Mrs. Gorin or Rabbi Bald or Mr. Baltuch or Dr. Zakon or Mr Feilich or Rabbi Dr. Grant or the many others who came before them who helped build up the school. And it doesn’t matter because the school they built is dead. On the morning of June 6, my Hillel was near-dead corpse. We were trying to coax its soul back in, but it was too late or just impossible. That Hillel is dead and we can’t go home again.
A new Hillel is being built on the grave of the old. A different Hillel. I don’t know if its better. I do know that it is a Hillel that my parents would never have sent me to. I do know its a Hillel that I could not send my eventual hypothetical children. (In fact, I know that this new Hillel is a Hillel that some current members of the board who helped birth it would not have sent their already graduated to… but that is another topic for another time…)
And this Hillel will be haunted for a while- it will be haunted by the Ghost of Hillel That Was. But as every member of the old guard leaves, the ghost will become more and more transparent and eventually, it will become unnoticeable.
As suggested, upper school parents may try to get involved for some time, but six years from now, those parents will no longer have children in the school. And the parents who swept Holden’s board back into office will have their children in high school. Those children will have a different Hillel experience than I have had.
I’m curious- when those children grow up and go to college and then go start their lives and they see that a group of new parents are trying to changed Holden’s Hillel into something different… will they make a fuss? Will they put up a fight? Or will Holden’s Hillel teach them what mine could not, what life had to teach all of us alumni- You can’t go home again.
36 responses so far ↓
1 another ex-exec board member // Jun 10, 2007 at 10:53 am
My children graduated years ago. I had 3 daughters who went through Hillel and for over 20 years worked to help in any way I could. My family has fond memories and am grateful to Hillel- teachers, admin, parents and donors.
Now it is time to let the parents who have children in the school to take over and they are. I read in this blog that over 500 people attended the election meeting- I cannot remember a time that so many parents and friends of the school cared enough to show up and take an active role.
There is much to be gained from the past and much to be learned from those that came before. I may not agree with the derech of the school nor with the treatment of the teachers. But it is up to the parents whose children are in the school to drive the direction and they have by voting last week and more importantly with their children. Hillel will change and it must to meet the needs of the current student body. Hillel is not what is was 20 years ago nor should it be.
2 huh // Jun 10, 2007 at 11:31 am
are you saying that only elementary school parents were allowed to vote?
3 anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 11:34 am
To the alum:
We welcome you back at the school even though it is not the same. I completely understand. They are currently encouraging alumni to become involved and that includes you! Alumni can make a difference and have already!
So again, below is a repost as it is the belief of many that this is the heart and soul of our school.
May it be echoed that it is THANKS TO OUR DEDICATED HARD WORKING TEACHERS THAT OUR CHILDREN CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND ACHIEVE.
After all, without teachers, where would our society be?
Our teachers are the lifeblood of our school - - they fill our campus with warmth, love, a nurturing environment, caring, compassion and most importantly, they fill our classrooms with knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise.
Let us remember who is responsible for our many achievements and successes.
….and for those who do not know - - we have had sports teams under the direction of Richard Kaplan - - a veteran of the school who has stepped in and up to the plate on many occasions!
As previously mentioned, our graduates have always been accepted to the top colleges and universities. The elementary school has had a curriculum map for many years that is unparalleled in the community. It was done by Dr. Wander and is an outstanding document.
We have had a wonderful choir for many, many years. We have had yearbook, science competitions, and many of the other special events and projects - too numerous to mention. However, we never touted them and blew our horn. Therefore, they are using it as an opportunity to flaunt our achievements.
Our alumni have achieved greatness in their accomplishments. Many continue to graduate from top notch universities and attain professional positions all over the country in a variety of industries. They have grown and earn many prominent positions in our community as well as many others across the United States and other countries. These individuals should be welcomed back to mentor our children. Again, l’dor va dor.
Let it be known that this school has roots. If they continue to break them, the foundation will crumble. Ignoring the past is dangerous. The past does exist and with much glory. Without the past, they are no alumni.
The board and head of school must understand the history and not continue to communicate these ideals as firsts. Bring honor to those before you, without their accomplishments, you would not be in your role as their would be no school.
Do not continue to remove momentos and plaques from the past. Rededicate and renew honoring the original donators, dedicators, and endowers as well as those wishing to renew, refurbish, and rededicate. It not only provides history and honor to the past but links generations to generations.
Honor our teachers with the respect they deserve and our school with the love it requires.
Move ahead with positive energy, community awareness, and most importantly - effective, honest, open, and clear communication!
4 Another Teacher // Jun 10, 2007 at 1:07 pm
HILLEL: A CASE STUDY OF THE TRAGEDY OF “WOODEN-HEADEDNESS”
“Woodeheadedness, the source of self-deception, is a factor that plays a large role in government. It consists of assessing a situation in terms of preconceived fixed notions while ignoring or rejecting any contrary signs. It is acting according to wish while not allowing oneself to be deflected by the facts. ”
–Historian Barbara Tuchman in The March of Folly (on The Vietnam War).
Many people claim that wooden-headedness plays a remarkably large role in all organizations and, indeed, in all human affairs.
Former Alumni:
It is true. You can’t go home again. The Hillel that is being created today is a Hillel that you and your favorite teachers would never recognize.
It has lost its heart and soul.
It does not care to sincerely thank and appreciate its teachers in any real substantive way (with the exception of the small handful of high school parents who remember the Hillel that once was).
The New Hillel thinks that lip service is enough.
The New Hillel is still being run by the Old Hillel: Judy Dach and Joanne Papir. Judy Dach has been said by many to have destroyed her last school. She was kept in check by leaders in the past who are no longer there to stop her from tinkering and trying to improve upon a commodity that was never broken in the first place.
While parents were asleep at the wheel, she eventually destroyed the school you all knew and loved. She destroyed it with the best of intentions, but she destroyed it nonetheless.
You would not recognize the place any more. It is a shadow of its former self and its ghost is definitely haunting.
You would cry to see and hear how unhappy and mistreated your favorite teachers who are still there are . You would cry. Many alumni have.
In fact, many parents and teachers also cried or went home to cry when the election results were announced.
How Judy believes that a man who mistreats teachers so terribly is in any way, shape, or form “G-d’s gift to Jewish education” is mind boggling.
How Joanne believes that “Adam Holden is an excellent person” is astounding. Joanne’s body language did not even seem to convey that she believed her own statement. She nearly choked on the words “Head of School” as she tried to get them out of her mouth and her voice was cracking as she spoke these words. One wonders if deep down she knows the truth. We would hope that she does.
When did these two caring ladies stop listening to their teachers? At what point did wooden-headedness take over them?
If alumni and teachers, major stakeholders, had a vote, the New Hillel would not have stood a chance.
If more parents had spoken to teachers, alumni, etc., the New Hillel would not have stood a chance.
When something you love dies, there is a mourning process that takes place. We are now all sitting shiva together.
When you have children, should you live in South Florida, you may all be able to unite and build a school in the image of the school you once loved for you will not want to send your children to this one.
There is a dearth of good Jewish day schools in South Florida so one with ruach and love for Judaics and teachers would be more than welcome.
The school you loved is Gone With the Wind.
Turn a new page and move forward now. The lessons that your rebbeyim and teachers taught you, the love they instilled in your hearts is still very much alive. Take this love of learning, this love of Judaism and Israel, this deep love and respect for your teachers and go and build a masterpiece.
You are our masterpiece. Now make us proud and go create your own.
5 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // Jun 10, 2007 at 3:09 pm
“The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
_______________________________
“He who controls the past controls the future, and he who controls the present controls the past.” –George Orwell
Wipe out any memory of the past and you have carte blanche to recreate the future any way you’d like.
______________________________
“Estragon: Didi?
Vladimir: Yes.
Estragon: I can’t go on like this.
Vladimir: That’s what you think.
Estragon: If we parted? It might be better for us.
Vladimir: We’ll hang ourselves tomorrow. Unless Godot comes.
Estragon: And if he comes?
Vladimir: We’ll be saved.
________________________________
[last lines]
Vladimir: Well? Shall we go?
Estragon: Yes, let’s go.
[They do not move] ”
–Samuel Beckett: Waiting for Godot
How long will teachers continue to wait for Godot? Godot never arrives.
______________________________
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Rome did not fall in a day either. The decline of the Roman Empire ushered in the Dark Ages.
6 Hillel Parent // Jun 10, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Some of us have tried to call to get on committees and have been told with disinterest that if we were needed in the future we would be contacted. The school is not really interested in having us help them. Say goodbye to Hillel.
7 Aaron // Jun 10, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Hillel is dead. Long live Hillel.
8 Anon // Jun 10, 2007 at 3:48 pm
R.I.P.
9 Good Wolf // Jun 10, 2007 at 4:03 pm
sniff.
10 Anon // Jun 10, 2007 at 4:27 pm
BARUCH DAYAN EMET.
11 Anon // Jun 10, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Don’t give up keep calling them. Write down who you speak to and how many times you have called. Let’s see who this Board will answer to? Parent’s its says to call them to be put on a committe to help them.SO just keep calling them over and over.Make sure you get on budget so you see where your money is going to .Diana Kahn would of saved Hillel being on the budget. She knows her stuff make sure she gets on budget that way you all will know where your money is going to ..
12 Anon // Jun 10, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I have heard that she was turned away
13 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 5:09 pm
“Every teacher who attended the election is in danger. Perhaps they won’t get fired, but I am sure they will be pressured to leave.”
Almost every single solitary teacher was there whether up front, in the back, or scattered around.
He cannot fire every teacher. That is ludicrous.
Teachers should not be afraid of being fired for showing up to the meeting.
They may be disgusted that no one cares about them and that more will be fired in the future but not as a result of attending the meeting.
That is an erroneous paranoid belief — understandable that teachers have it — but it’s erroneous.
“There is much to be gained from the past and much to be learned from those that came before.
I may not agree with the derech of the school nor with the treatment of the teachers…”
Ex Exec Board Member, I am so disappointed in you. You don’t agree with the treatment of the teachers and yet you stand silent.
Tacitly condoning the mistreatment of teachers by not fighting for them and throwing in the towel by saying ‘que sera sera’ or that new parents now have the right to ignore the plight of teachers in the name of change is nothing short of sinful.
Watching others be mistreated and standing by silently is a sin.
That is the lesson of the Holocaust. Just ask Elie Wiesel.
14 anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Do not give up - - call and insist on joining a committee - - if you are turned away, let it be known. Document with whom you speak, time, and date.
WE must not relieve the pressure, we must apply more. This is a battle that can be won.
We have been taught throughout our lives to never give up - - APPLY THIS PRINCIPLE NOW!!
Keep hope alive….
Don’t let the light burn out. We can overcome!
Strength in NUMBERS!!! There is much work to be done.
15 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Helena Broide is sending out canned form letters that essentially say: if, and when, we need you in the future, we’ll let you know.
In other words, don’t call us; we’ll call you.
In other words, we’ll never call you.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Thanks for letting us pretend and for letting us carry out this charade that we actually care to include more voices when our ACTIONS have already told the real story.
You can only be turned away so many times.
16 Mindy // Jun 10, 2007 at 5:59 pm
What is going on here????? We are getting mixed messages. First we read on June 8, Post #15 on thread Get Involved– Take Action a post from Anonymous:
“Perhaps once the current board won the election, they became less on the defensive and more gracious to include others in the process because they do not fear being attacked by faceless individuals anymore.
I am very proud to see parents on all sides of the situation, stepping forward now, getting involved, and working respectfully with each other.
To see this makes me very proud!!!!!
Rafa Russ is being very helpful to ALL of the parents and is going out of his way to build those bridges of communication that were missing in the past.
I would like to commend him for this.
I commend every one of the board members who is now reaching out to the parent body at- large.”
Now, on June 10, in Post # in thread You Can’t Go Home Again, Hillel Parent writes”
“Some of us have tried to call to get on committees and have been told with disinterest that if we were needed in the future we would be contacted. The school is not really interested in having us help them. Say goodbye to Hillel.”
We also read a post about alumni—a post which does not make sense. Only alumni who are living in Miami are welcome to become involved? From where is this coming? Most schools have alumni “scattered around.” Is anyone able to shed any light on this?
I am strongly suggesting the following:
1. RE: taking action and becoming involved. I agree with the suggestion to write down date called, name of person to whom you spoke, gist of conversation. Keep records! Do not stop calling. Do not give up.
2. RE: the alumni. Tread carefully, those of you who may be saying this. SACS is most specific re: the treatment of alumni.
3. And to everyone who cares: Continue to communicate via this site. Most likely some people thought the site would be taken down post-election. But, having this site is still vital—even if a lull occurs over the summer. Before we turn around, school will be back in session. And, as has been said in other posts, the community is now watching. If respect is not restored to all—to parents, to alumni, to teachers—we now know that we can take action. We do not need to wait until April when contracts come out. Respect is the key word.
There is one goal: our children. Do not lose sight of this. Everyone— new teachers, veteran teachers, new parents, veteran parents, administers— should/must work together.
17 Mindy // Jun 10, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Why? Why?Why? Why can’t we just get along? Why can’t we get past what has happened? Why are people being turned away from wanting to volunteer their time to/for the school? It was said here that at least 8 board members understand. Please hear us. Please let us hear from you. No one wants to do any harm. Please. Please.
18 Anon // Jun 10, 2007 at 7:04 pm
to #2 huh - no, I think that the elementary school parents are just not the same as the high school parents. It’s a new generation of Hillel people. I think that’s what this alum was trying to say.
19 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 7:22 pm
The elementary school parents have young children so there children have not yet gone through the system and cannot yet rave about the difference so many teachers made on their lives.
The high school parents are aware. The elementary parents are not.
The high school parents have been worn down by all of this though. If it’s a war of attrition the other side was trying to fight, they certainly succeeded in wearing the parents down. I don’t think too many have the energy to keep battling for no reward. For those 8 board members who side with teachers, most are not going to actively fight any battles. Some have tried to speak out and don’t get too far. Others just kind of silently agree.
Many know the truth but I don’t really think any are going to actually do much to change a thing. That takes too much energy for them.
20 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Teachers have some real decisions to make — accept the situation or leave. That’s about all your options left are at this point.
21 Mindy // Jun 10, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Parents who voted for the old board: Do you think that your child’s education this year was not a good one? Do you think that your child is not receiving the correct skills and strategies for the SAT? for college? for a future as a productive member of the Jewish community and the community at large? Do you think there are not enough extra-curricula activities/clubs to appeal to and meet the needs of students’ interests and skills? If you DO think these things, then why are you willing to keep your child at Hillel another year? High school is four years. It will take some time to “clean house,” as many have suggested is the goal. If you DO NOT think these things, then just what was so bad about this year? Or last year? Just what is so bad about cooperating?
22 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Mindy, the parents are happy but they went to bat and they lost . What more do you want them to do already?
23 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Mindy,
Florida and most of the US is facing a Critical Teacher Shortage.
Many schools have teaching positions open and are hiring both young and older veteran teachers as we speak.
Tauber, Sinai, Lehrman, Hebrew Academy, Maimonides, Donna Klein, Posnack, Aventura Charter School, Ben Gamla Charter School, Highland Oaks, Krop, Ruth K. Broad, YHS Boca, Miami Country Day, Nova University School, Pinecrest, American Heritage…the list goes on.
These are all good schools with good teachers and good kids. There can be life after Hillel. Maybe a better life.
The teachers in these schools report being happy. Why do you insist on remaining where you are not valued? Because you are too afraid of change? Sounds like a personal problem. Why aren’t you even looking??????????
24 Mindy // Jun 10, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Of course there can be life after Hillel. I hear and feel your frustration, but please do not be so unkind to me. We are not against one another.
25 Anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 9:17 pm
It is frustrating and heartwrenching to hear this pleading– the pleading sounds so undignified . What would you advise your own child to do in such a situation? You would tell your own child to leave would you not? It’s painful for me to hear teachers being victimized and pleading this way with their oppressors who will not bother to read their outcries or hear their pleas in the first place.
26 anonymous // Jun 10, 2007 at 9:56 pm
What is left to be said????
If Helena Broide is sending out such letters - she should be ashamed - this is someone who has worked hard for the school - - and to think they are making such a puppet out of her - - she deserves better - - however, again if this is the case - she is obviously a willing participant and is to blame. After all, if she disagrees with the practice, she should speak up and refuse to be associated with the deception.
and Rafa Russ and his board - - if the offerings related to becoming part of the committees were hollow remarks - -SHAME ON THEM FOR OPENING DECEIVING THE HILLEL COMMUNITY.
It is absolutely astounding that they would have the audacity to do so in such a public forum.
Again, strength in numbers. We cannot give up - - this is ABOUT OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR WONDERFUL TEACHERS.
We must mobilize and continue the work we have started - - continue talking to the parents and continue to gain support for change.
CONTINUE TO MOVE AHEAD!!!! WE CAN AND WILL OVERCOME. There is NO choice!
27 Mindy // Jun 10, 2007 at 9:58 pm
I can see now how you interpreted my words as pleading….was not the intent. I, for one, will continue to do whatever I can to correct some wrongs. And I will maintain my dignity.
28 Anon // Jun 10, 2007 at 10:24 pm
You all have a steep, uphill battle ahead of you.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you the best of luck and admire your unflagging determination.
It will probably take a few years to straighten this mess out assuming that it can even be done at this point. Someone will have to run against Judy Dach again in a few years again. I don’t know any parents who care to do that but you might enlist some if you start now.
In fact, I advise that you start campaigning now. Build your support base among parents of the Latin community and elementary school and
ECE. Those are the future voters. The high school parents on your side will soon be gone.
The demographic of this school is such that the constituents will vote for whomever the Schecks and Rafa tell them to– unless you can somehow convince them otherwise.
That means if the Schecks and Rafa continue to stand behind Judy Dach and Joanne Papir, you will have a very tough time of it.
If, on the other hand, you can make your case to these individuals, they can sway the voting in teachers’ favor.
That’s the only shot you’ve got assuming that Adam Holden and Rabbi Druin don’t fire you in the next couple of years and that’s assuming that you have the wherewithal to continue on continuing in the face of so much emotional abuse and toxicity.
You should also start pleading your case to Michelle Amselem and Rosanna Franco. Without these 2 women on your side, you stand no chance. Their word carries great weight in their communities as well.
Ultimately it comes down to the Schecks and Rafa though.
You have a lot of work to be done. I suggest you start now and be prepared to wait it out for a very long time.
Good luck to everyone.
29 Good Wolf // Jun 11, 2007 at 10:17 am
That’s the way!
30 Juno // Jun 11, 2007 at 10:24 am
Most of us are quick to blame g-d whenever things go wrong in our lives, but how many ever remember to thank Him for the storms? This storm, after all, could be His way of teaching us a lesson of some kind, something we need to know that we could never learn any other way. It could be a test of our faith to remind us Who is in charge. Or, it could be a situation He wants us to personally experience so that we can later use it to help someone else.
31 Carrot Top // Jun 12, 2007 at 5:55 pm
http://www.slack-time.com/music-videos/Rock-Music/Evanescence/Everybodys-Fool.shtml
32 anon // Oct 15, 2007 at 2:47 am
re #23
lehrman and tauber have had lots of changes - rumor has it that the head of lehrman was competing with holden for the job at hillel
Is rube still there? gordon? what happened?
33 Anonymous // Oct 15, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Don’t know.
34 Anonymous // Oct 16, 2007 at 4:51 pm
When you say Head of Lehrman ..
do you mean Linfield?
He would be AMAZING!!!
35 anon // Oct 16, 2007 at 5:40 pm
that is what i heard
36 Anonymous // Oct 16, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Too late - we got Holden & Co.
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