Save Hillel

228 responses so far ↓

• 1 Truth // May 28, 2008 at 5:55 am

  The board and administration are incapable of honesty. They had a plan to clean house and minimize Judaic studies right from the start. It was the unpublished part of the blueprint. This has become abundantly clear. It is an exact replay of what the Head of School accomplished at his last position. We heard it all from the Hyman Brand parents and alumni last year on this site.

  Parents begged and pleaded for honesty and open and public dialogue. It didn’t happen last year and it won’t happen now. The leadership is not interested in any conversations. What makes you think anyone in a position of power cares about anyone posting here? They are having a good laugh at all us poor pathetic souls who need to vent our frustrations via the internet because our voices have been stifled.

  As long as there is a parent body that supports the new regime, we will never hear any honest words from the leadership. The only way to see change at this point is for all parents to withdraw their children and let the school collapse. But that won’t happen because the new parent body knows nothing about what this school once was, and neither do they care. They want what they want and the board is delivering that to them.

  Hillel will not, in the near future, return to what it was. That is the sad truth and the only truth you will see on this site.

• 2 Angry Parent // May 28, 2008 at 8:31 am

  We cannot talk about reforming the board until we know how we are going to do it. I propose that:
  – we all withdraw our kids from the school for the school year 2008-2009. We should not worry about a prospective school because this is not the issue here. We will re-enroll our kids under the new administration. We want to turn Hillel around and this current administration has to go!
  –If we are successful, they will be forced to sit with us since their income will be significantly low compared to their expenses, which may drive them to bankruptcy.
  –At that point we may consider negotiating with them only if they fire on the spot the Head of school, the current principals (Upper, middle, and lower schools), Druin, and all those that have no commitment to Judaism, Jewish Education, and Klal Yisroel.
  –Then we will hold elections for an entirely NEW BOARD!
  –After that we can blow the shofar (The Media) to make the entire community know that Hillel needs them to take their responsibility in promoting Jewish Education. We cannot let greedy people trample our heritage simply because they funding the school.
  –If they don’t want to listen to us, we have enough resources, if not too much, to put up a new school overnight, can’t we? That’s how much we love our kids and are committed to Jewish Education! We know where to find top notch teachers, don’t worry!
  Remember the essence of Jewish Education:

  :דחא הוהי וניהלא הוהי לארשי עמש
  :ךדאמ-לכבו ךשפנ-לכבו ךבבל-לכב ךיהלא הוהי תא תבהאו
  :ךבבל-לע םויה ךוצמ יכנא רשא הלאה םירבדה ויהו
  ךמוקבו ךבכשבו ךרדב ךתכלבו ךתיבב ךתבשב םב תרבדו ךינבל םתננשו
  :ךיניע ןיב תפטטל ויהו ךדי-לע תואל םתרשקו
  :ךירעשבו ךתיב תוזזמ-לע םתבתכו
  ךיתבאל עבשנ רשא ץראה-לא ךיהלא הוהי ךאיבי-יכ היהו
  -אל רשא תבטו תלדג םירע ךל תתל בקעילו קחציל םהרבאל
  :תינב
  Devarim 6:5-10( Shema, part1)

  :הנממ רוסי-אל ןיקזי-יכ םג וכרד יפ-לע רענל ךנח
  Proverbs 22:6

  דמע אל םיאטח ךרדבו םיעשר תצעב ךלה אל רשא שיאה-ירשא
  :בשי אל םיצל בשומבו
  :הלילו םמוי הגהי ותרותבו וצפח הוהי תרותב-םא יכ
  והלעו ותעב ןתי וירפ רשא םימ יגלפ-לע לותש ץעכ היהו
  :חילצי השעי-רשא לכו לובי אל
  :חור ונפדת-רשא ץמכ-םא יכ םיעשרה ןכ-אל
  :םיקידצ תדעב םיאטחו טפשמב םיעשר ומקי-אל ןכ-לע
  :דבאת םיעשר ךרדו םיקידצ ךרד הוהי עדוי-יכ
  Tehilim aleph

  הוהי ךמע יכ תחת-לאו ץרעת-לא ץמאו קזח ךיתיוצ אולה
  :ךלת רשא לכב ךיהלא
  Joshua 1:9

  holden, holden
  ץראב םורא םיוגב םורא םיהלא יכנא-יכ : ועדו ופרה

• 3 Realistic Person // May 28, 2008 at 11:37 am

  Angry Parent,

  If you take your kids out for a year only, you will end up with very angry kids. Let’s not make them pawns in this. If you want jewish education, there are several good schools in the tri-county area.

  Can you put up a new school over night as you say? If you have the time and lots of money - go for it!! I wish you the best.

• 4 Angry Parent // May 28, 2008 at 2:55 pm

  When I say let us withdraw our kids, I mean for the upcoming year as a threat to bring about open dialog. If this does not happen, my kids will go to either Pine Crest or another good school. As a matter of fact, earlier today seven other parents including myself visited certain schools after having meeting among ourselves. That is a total of 22 kids out of Hillel, mind you! I do believe that other parents will do the same from this point on. They must, otherwise they will complain as much as they want after realizing that they children were the ultimate victims. You can recall faulty cars but you can’t recall a child that received a poor education. Remember that Education is probabilistic!

• 5 Anonymous // May 28, 2008 at 4:21 pm

  You know Angry Parent, there are far more of you out there than people realize.

  Many have already enrolled their kids elsewhere for next year.

  Heck, even the Schecks have done it–it’s been said that one Scheck is enrolled at Krop…

  The question to Angry Parent is this: Are there enough parents out there talking, mobilizing, and ready to make something like this happen?

• 6 Angry Parent // May 28, 2008 at 11:31 pm

  Anonymous, the whole point to raise awareness. We hope this blog encourage other parents like myself to talk, mobilize, and take further actions. If there are no students there can’t be a school! They’ll be out of business.
  The intent is not to drive them out business but to drive the goyim administration out of the school. If they rather close the school down instead of giving up, they would have made clear that Jewish Education means nothing to even their traitor rabbi druin! That is so sad.

• 7 Realistic Person // May 29, 2008 at 8:31 am

  Angry Parent,

  There are parents who are supporting the school. Though, I do believe most of them have children in the younger grades. So, they can afford to have the HS fall apart because by the time they need it, it would be “rebuilt” as the school they want.

  My suggestion (and suggestion only) is stop thinking about Hillel. Your kids come first. Put them in a school that meets their needs and move on. Become happy and stop being angry.

• 8 Observer // Jun 2, 2008 at 4:55 pm

  I was just at a Shabbat Dinner this past weekend.

  Ironically, there were a lot of Hillel Alumni there. All of us had graduaded between the years ‘99 and 02. (And all of us had various levels of observance.)

  The sad thing is… should we live in florida, none of us would even consider sending our children to Hillel as it stands now.

  If Hillel isn’t for us, then who exactly is it for?

• 9 OBSERVER // Jun 3, 2008 at 8:38 am

  I was surprised to hear that moneys collected for teacher presnets (end of the year and go away thanks presents) are been collected by some people of the school stuff which I mknow they are putting some of the cash in there pockets.

  I know peronally of one incident when a school stuff memeber went to purchase something in the school name. made a dicition her self , commited to pay 50% more per item , did not check other supllier prices (normally you should get 3 quotes and then make a decition)

  the school ….Paid.

  then we get the “need to save money message”

  Suit yourself first

  see how and who is makeing money and expences decition

  try to do some purchasings using a comeety.

• 10 ANONYMOUS // Jun 6, 2008 at 1:55 pm

  Arrogance, or is it Ignorance, begets Arrogance. While Rome(Hillel) burned, the administrators were walking around, singing and humming. Bonilla in particular is very thrilled to see his faculty leave. Parents are pulling kids out of every division now and losing their deposits. They know that sometimes you have to cut your losses. Bon voyage to the veterans who are leaving and best of luck. You are the lucky ones.

• 11 Angry Parent // Jun 6, 2008 at 5:37 pm

  Chutzpah, chutzpah! the whole administration is a heap of shame. Let their flesh be eaten by worms and be tormented day and night for what they have done to the students, parents, teachers, and our community and general. They hide their mediocrity behind the Blueprint for Excellence which is, in fact, a blueprint to dishonor the Jewish people and Judaism altogether. They infiltrated our community, aided by just a few should-not-be Jews, to destroy us from within. Let the Leviathan enslave their souls. Let their blood serve as fuel to burn their conscience as they endure nightmares after nightmares. Baruch HaShem, my kids are gone!

• 12 Anonymous // Jun 6, 2008 at 8:15 pm

  Amen!!!

  They have ruined one of the formerly largest Jewish day schools in N. America and they feel no remorse.

  Chaval!

• 13 Sockeye // Jun 7, 2008 at 10:15 am

  To think I actually considered applying in March - for a teaching job - so I could go back -no way would I do so now! I would rather go back to public school and teach in Dillard than teach in a Hillel gone sour! (I said once that I left public so I could stop teaching remedial classes(I am looking at private schools!))

• 14 Only You Can Prevent Narcissism // Jun 7, 2008 at 6:16 pm

  How many years is it going to take you people to understand that these sociopaths who run Hillels are not going to change?? The corporate culture is sicko. They lust for power, money, and networking with the so-called “players.” If you want to raise children with values and discipline and Yiddishkeit — run, don’t walk away from this place. Its in a run -down disgusting trashy neighborhood on top of it.

• 15 Anonymous // Jun 8, 2008 at 10:50 am

  It’s true. I ran into a friend of mine who went Jewish schools growing up herself. She now has small kids at Hillel. I told her that her kids would not be getting the same kind of quality Jewish education we got and she said, “I know. But I don’t really care about that.” So there you have it.

  The parent body is now primarily a group of Jews who don’t care about being Jewish. They just don’t want their kids rubbing elbows with public school kids.

  Of course, there are still a few ignorant parents out there. Nothing that anyone can do at this point in the game. In five years, things may change.

• 16 Admin // Jun 9, 2008 at 11:06 pm

  An excerpt from Rafa Russ’ Annual Meeting remarks…
  Dear Friends,
  This evening we installed the 2008-2009 Board of Governors, and I am honored to pass the
  charge to my good friend Gil Bonwitt as Chairman, to new officers and to our new Board.
  It has been a lot of very hard work, although exceedingly rewarding. But I stand here
  before you mainly with a deep sense of gratitude to G-d for giving me the opportunity to
  serve this precious institution. I am indebted to Hillel for all the learning and personal
  growth it allowed me to accumulate during these years, as well as for giving me new friends and relationships I
  will treasure for the rest of my life. I thank G-d for the opportunity to serve Him in this most important cause of
  Jewish education.
  I have learned so much from my fellow Board members and Hillel parents. I respect each one of you and
  profoundly value your priceless contributions to our Hillel. I also recognize those volunteers who are not Board
  members but who make a difference everyday. In and out of the classroom, parents demonstrate a shared
  commitment to Hillel, and I am confident you are inspiring more to join us. You are the source of vitality from
  where the present and future of our school emanate. I also extend my gratitude to our Head of School,
  Dr. Adam Holden and his professional team. We have worked together hand in hand for the betterment of the
  school, and I truly admire Adam’s commitment to Hillel’s mission.
  Lastly, I share my satisfaction in seeing that we have re-established the dignity, respect and standing of the
  school. We have again ONE institution, ONE school, ONE mission. This is largely the legacy I hope we leave for
  those coming after us: unity, humble servant leadership and hard work.
  Unity is when everyone puts the institution first, as opposed to individual interests that create false kingdoms or
  silos. This can be achieved only when we all perform from a position of service; it doesn’t matter how much we
  do, we still can do more…rather than look for what the institution can do for us. And this will be sustained only
  if we continue to work toward excellence. This is the formula – the same one used by G-d with the Jewish
  people when we left Mitzraim: the hard work of free empowered people, the humility of service to G-d and the
  Jewish people, and the sense of unity speaking with one heart and one voice. Toda Raba and Yashar Koach.

• 17 Hillel '06 // Jun 11, 2008 at 12:04 am

  “Lastly, I share my satisfaction in seeing that we have re-established the dignity, respect and standing of the
  school. We have again ONE institution, ONE school, ONE mission.”

  ONE school, with enrollment and teacher-student ratios plummeting like no other Jewish school in South Florida. You have not reestablished the standing of the school, Mr. Russ. You have not even stopped the bleeding.

• 18 Realistic Person // Jun 11, 2008 at 8:06 am

  I think I’m going to be ill.

• 19 Truth // Jun 11, 2008 at 8:48 am

  Good job Mr. Russ -

  What a piece of total garbage!

  The one and only thing you have accomplished is to force families out of Jewish education because you have destroyed the one school that was a true COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL for EVERYONE.

  Take a close look at the families who left last year and are leaving this year. These are the families who were truly committed to a Jewish education for their children and who NEVER would have left the school had you and your board not destroyed it. Many of these families had been at the school for years, had older siblings graduate from Hillel, and had every intention of continuing their children’s Jewish education at the one school that was accepting of all Jews of all backgrounds.

  As posted here by our own alumni, no one serious about Jewish education would even consider Hillel now. It has become a haven only for those who want a Jewish style, not serious Jewish learning.

  With an obnoxious and noxious administration, Hillel has committed a Chilul Hashem in the manner in which they have treated Jewish educators.

  Mr. Russ - look around carefully. The only reason you think you have ONE SCHOOL is that you have effectively kicked out anyone with an opposing viewpoint. That is NOT unity. You have stifled the voices of those opposed to your plans and have created exactly what you pretend to oppose - your own little kingdom of power.

  Mr. Russ - do we live on the same planet? Do you have any idea at all of the effect your “humble servant leadership” has had on real families and real students?

  I suggest you speak to the students. The word from the middle and high schools is that they hate what has happened to their school.

  I suggest you speak to the families who left and experienced the heartbreak of, for the first time in their lives, enrolling their children in non-Jewish schools.

  Mr. Russ - feel no pride in your victory. For as much as you think you accomplished, you have been a destroyer. A destroyer of teachers who gave their lives to Hillel, a destroyer of families who trusted Hillel, and worst of all, a destroyer of Jewish education for over a thousand Jewish souls.

  What an unbelievable chutzpah you have Mr. Russ - comparing your plan to G-d’s own plan.

  And as for your formula, Mr. Russ, there were no “free empowered people” at Hillel OTHER THAN YOU AND YOUR SUPPORTERS. Those of us who disagreed were threatened, bullied, and eventually forced out.

  How can you sleep at night, Mr. Russ, knowing that you have effectively ruined the lives of so many? You took a thriving school with some problems and destroyed its Jewish soul.

  Mr. Russ, you are in serious need of a wake-up call. You and your good friend Gil Bonwitt have no idea of the damage you have wreaked.

  And that is the sad sad truth you refuse to see.

• 20 ANONYMOUS // Jun 11, 2008 at 9:30 am

  Yes, it is one school now. One Very Bad School.
  It will go down in flames and those who were safe this year will be engulfed in those flames. That is of course the fate of all capos.

• 21 Anti - Suck up // Jun 11, 2008 at 6:00 pm

  Russ’s main qualification for the job is that he is a dupe - a person who unquestioningly or unwittingly serves a cause or another person. The naive parents of the elementary school children may fall for these people — but if your children are in high school — this is your last opportunity to get your children’s education on track and accomplish. The future of American Jewish education is the charter school supplemented with religious classes just like in England. Enough of these premadona blood suckers.

• 22 Anti - BS // Jun 11, 2008 at 6:42 pm

  The powers have had many years to hone their skills — from Baltach’s farcical mass general board meetings with the 20 lunch room workers serving 50 cakes while you thought about who to vote for. To Kovlosky advertising her real estate firm more than helping the school. Avi Markowitz “dean of discipline” whose main ability that he was a friend of Baltach. The place has been a den of narcissism for a long time.

• 23 Hillel '06 // Jun 13, 2008 at 1:12 am

  My friend, this is really not so difficult. Just look at the numbers, as they do not lie.

  Whatever mistakes happened in the past–and yes, there were plenty– it was insufficient to cause a drastic decline in the number of teachers and students at Hillel. The current decline is singularly the work of the current board. If the New Order had not appeared on the scene, it is likely student enrollment and teacher-student ratios would have remained as they were when I graduated.

• 24 Admin // Jun 13, 2008 at 4:29 pm

  Message from the Rabbinic Dean
  Rabbi Michael Druin
  Dear Friends,
  Every Friday night, Jews around the world sing L’cha Dodi, which states: סוף מ ע שה
  במחשבה תחלה – — the last action was the first in thought. This means that a final
  planned action reveals the initial primary thought behind all the preceding actions. This applies to G-d who
  created man last, indicating that man was the initial primary purpose for creation. This applies to us today as
  well, instructing us to measure and see whether we accomplished by the end of the school year that which we
  planned to achieve at the start. Hillel’s mission states that we “seek to create a nurturing, respectful and academically
  inspiring environment, imbued with traditional Torah values and designed for college preparation and
  admission.”
  Indeed, we have achieved many of these goals. Even though all decisions made at Hillel are examined and
  evaluated from a perspective of traditional Torah values, I believe we still can do better. There is clearly more
  respect for the institution, however, just as our college acceptances once again make us proud, we can do
  more to create an “academically inspiring environment.”
  Thank you to our students, parents, Board, faculty and administration for holding each other accountable to
  live up to our mission, which clearly states what we are here to achieve. I look forward to another summer of
  planning and an end of year when we can see whether we achieved our very own סוף מעשה במחשבה תחלה

• 25 Admin // Jun 13, 2008 at 4:35 pm

  2008-2009 Board of Governors
  Gil Bonwitt, President/Chairman David Wolf, Vice Chairman Jorge Woldenberg, Treasurer Rossana Franco, Secretary
  Michelle Amselem Anita Lapco Eva Rub
  Sara Bejar Sherri Lebwohl Rafael Russ
  Uri Benhamron Jeffrey Levinson Rachel Sapoznik
  Helena Broide Rabbi/Dr. Ezra Levy Marty Scheck
  Dr. Judith Dach David Lichter Dana Yemin Schrager
  Michelle Diener Rabbi Avrohom Lipszyc Mike Shalom
  Anita Givner Gary Mars Jill Shockett
  Dr. Jan Hockman Diana Mundlak Hedy Whitebook
  Matt Kuttler Joanne Papir

• 26 ANONYMOUS // Jun 13, 2008 at 4:35 pm

  Ha Ha Ha
  That’s got to be a joke.
  How can a man of faith lie like that?
  He is surely selling his soul.

• 27 Parent // Jun 13, 2008 at 5:09 pm

  From the very words of Rafa Russ and Rabbi Druin, you now have confirmation of the fact that what is going on at Hillel is an inside-job. They’re proud of what they have done to us parents, our children, the teachers, and our community altogether! Now, what is our responsibility as a community? We have been misled from the beginning. Baruch HaShem they made those statements openly. Now, they have no more credibility in our community. An Angry Parent laid out a plan in this forum already. If we really care about our children and our survival as Jews, Then now is the time to wake up, stand up, and take actions! This needs to stop. In every generation arises a Haman threating our very existence. In this generation, we are given the opportunity to do what our ancestor, king Shaul, failed to do. As a result we had Haman and Hitler, the first one paved the way for Purim while the other made the holocaust. Do you all remember? How much longer are we going to sit there grieving our love ones when we could have prevented their lost, had we taken actions? All that is written in the Tanach is for our instruction.

  a.hav.ti et.khem a.mar a.do.nai va.a.mar.tem ba.ma a.hav.ta.nu ha.lo-akh e.sav le.ya.a.kov ne.um-a.do.nai va.o.hav et-ya.a.kov:
  I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say: ‘Wherein hast Thou loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD; yet I loved Jacob;
  ve.et-e.sav sa.ne.ti va.a.sim et-ha.rav she.ma.ma ve.et-na.kha.la.to le.ta.not mid.bar:
  But Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.
  ve.ei.nei.khem tir.ei.na ve.a.tem tom.ru yig.dal a.do.nai me.al lig.vul yis.ra.el:
  And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say: ‘The LORD is great beyond the border of Israel.
  Malakhi 1: 2, 3, 5

• 28 Sockeye // Jun 13, 2008 at 5:11 pm

  He seems to have read Machiavelli…

• 29 Anonymous // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:15 pm

  Amalek indeed.

• 30 Admin // Jun 16, 2008 at 12:28 pm

  The Board has endorsed the recommendation of the Budget & Finance Committee and the administration to right-size our school community of students, faculty and administrators.

  Enrollment will be capped at about 1,000 students, which means a student body 15% smaller than our current one. Faculty will be right-sized by 16-20%, and administration will be rightsized by 22%. Lower School classes will continue to be capped at about 20 students per class, and Grades 6-12 now will be limited to 66 per grade. Enrollment to date is very close to these numbers; as we recently have shared, waitlists already have developed in several grades.

  We are pleased to share that CAJE President/CEO Dr. Chaim Botwinick has spent a great amount of time with our administration and has approved our thoughtful, just process. Coupled with a comprehensive administrative review, Hillel has right-sized throughout every division.

  As in every fine school, Hillel contracts are extended based upon a variety of criteria including qualifications, ability to enhance school community (i.e. leading enrichment activities) and an overall skill set of professionalism, dedicated work ethic, flexibility, organization, educational philosophy and abilities to reflect, problem-solve and inspire children to reach their full potential.
  We have in fact also recruited new teachers. Yet, these are mainly in the Upper School where parents, Board and administration have identified a significant need for program improvement.

  It is your continued partnership that will ensure the success of what clearly is a turning point for this institution. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to be in touch.

  Dr. Adam Holden, Head of School
  Rabbi Michael Druin, Rabbinic Dean

• 31 Parent // Jun 16, 2008 at 12:33 pm

  Chutzpah! How dare you? Why would we support and institution that is humiliating our community! Are you serious? It’s unfortunate that other parents still fall for your crap! My other sisters’ kids and mine are gone, Baruch HaShem. Enjoy your mess.

• 32 Anonymous // Jun 16, 2008 at 8:00 pm

  I will no longer give any money to Federation or CAJE. There are better places my money can be spent.

  Chaim Botwinick–This is on YOUR head.

  How do you sleep at night knowing that Jewish souls are not being properly educated to be future Jewish leaders?

  That the school’s enrollment is decreasing as we speak….

  SHAME ON YOU!

• 33 Observer // Jun 17, 2008 at 9:45 am

  Scary Rumor: Due to the nature of this pasy year’s teacher massacre, (”we’re not firing, you can keep your old job but we’re going to have to pay you a lot less…”) many ex-teachers are getting little or no severance.

  Scarier Rumor: CAJE completely supports the fact that these ex-teacher are getting little or no severance.

  Will someone please confirm or deny these rumors so that we can put them to bed?

• 34 Realistic Person // Jun 17, 2008 at 4:03 pm

  Observer - Please read the posting from Admin 6/16

• 35 ANONYMOUS // Jun 17, 2008 at 9:14 pm

  TRUE,TRUE,TRUE

• 36 Anonymous // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:11 am

  Clearly CAJE supports this and the watering down of Jewish education.

  CAJE should be renamed to CAJA — Central Agency of Jewish Assimilation.

• 37 Anonymous // Jun 19, 2008 at 4:53 pm

  It’s all about the CASH!
  Can you even imagine what are their salaries & benefits these days?
  “The Scheck’s Secret Society”

• 38 ANONYMOUS // Jun 20, 2008 at 7:54 am

  I recently heard an interesting tidbit. Someone was recruited from out of state to teach drama, computer science and something else. Maybe this person can also do Jewish history, algebra 2 honors, english honors, the learning center and all the judaics that are needed-there shouldn’t be too many of them. Just as predicted, quality is going down the drain. Parents, take your children and run the other way.

• 39 Anonymous // Jun 22, 2008 at 11:36 am

  I heard he was a former teacher at Holden’s old school in Kansas - I did not realize there were such top notch teachers in Kansas

• 40 A Nation of Wimps // Jun 24, 2008 at 10:59 am

  The administration is accused. The parents are accused. Both are out of line. Both have created a school of wimps as have so many of the baby boomer helicopter parents. If you think the administration has a attitude — what do you think you parents have done to them? How are they supposed to react. What we have all done to this generation of children is not healthy according to A Nation of Wimps. We have all overinduldged our children to an unhealth extent. Beyond these improper attitutes has there been improper financial transperacy? Sure as in most organizations. But this is only a small problem compared to the overindulgence we parents have imposed. Someone order 500 copies of this book and hand it out to all “Hillel Parents.” Parents need to back off. Just because we are paying doesn’t give us the right to helicopter parents and micromanage our our children. The results are toxic. Read the book.

• 41 Realistic Person // Jun 24, 2008 at 3:26 pm

  What does all that have to do with taking the Judaism out of a Jewish school?

• 42 A Nation of Wimps // Jun 24, 2008 at 8:20 pm

  Isn’t it obvious that being a decent person as we say derech eretz has a little bit to do with Judaism and Torah. Of course taking so much of the religious course out of Hillel is not good, but I would suggest that even with 90% less Judaic course, if Hillel parents would cease to be toxic helicopter baby boomer parents as is a nationwide phenomenon even at the university level, even a small dose of Torah would create healthy strong virtuous Jewish young adults. Overinduldging children is per psychologist a form of child abuse and destroys the children’s soul. Read the book, I am not making this up. Keeping an an air of fighting and bullying the administration to fight for your children’s “rights” and instilling a fear that your child’s life will be ruined because of a teacher or administrator is abuse of the teacher and administrator. How do you expect them to function if they are subject to continual virtual harassment. This has gone on too long and only the children will suffer. 100% of the day of Torah classes will not be beneficial with the attitudes of parents like this. I understand that alot of hiring companies already know this, and look to hire children from lst generation families who did not overindudge their children. Read the book.

• 43 ANONYMOUS // Jun 27, 2008 at 6:57 pm

  And it came to pass in the land of OZ that a former student (who was not very good) became a middle school social studies teacher (who was not very good). Then, the wizard pumped up his smoke machine so that all was smoke and mirrors and the next year (2008-9) turned this being into an algebra 1 and 2 teacher. And all the people cheered because the wizard said it was a school of excellence and they could not see beyond the smoke machine.

• 44 Anonymous // Jun 27, 2008 at 7:06 pm

  Remember, many of these parents really don’t give a darn whether their children learn algebra or not.

  Many of these parents don’t know how to do algebra themselves and after their kids go to FIU, they will take over the family business.

  They have so much money that educational standards are irrelevant.

  The whole school is one big farce at this point.

  I’m so sorry for the handful of truly qualified teachers still left there and for the few truly excellent students who are being cheated of a real education.

  Man, they must be desperate for teachers.

  So many classes this year just had one substitute teacher after another in several of the subject areas.

  Looks like the situation ain’t getting any better…but we all knew this was coming.

• 45 Multi-Dimensional Problem // Jun 27, 2008 at 8:02 pm

  The Hillel Industrial Complex is a multi-dimensional pathological situation in many respects. Good people are at acting at their worst. Bad people are acting at their best. There is a last of trust. There is a lack of social fabric. There is a lack of honesty and communication. Tales of power, money, lust, and greed. Not very aspect is wholly evil but many are. Some kids and parents can get through the process unscathed, but many may be caught up in the web of negativity. An extremely bright child may end of in the Ivy Leagues, but the tone of the complex seems to point to Daddy’s business and FIU. In my experience, the good souls I meet in the community are Hebrew Academy graduates. The scammers tend to be Hillel graduates. How can one take this gamble with your children’s education and soul? I wouldn’t.

• 46 Fly on the wall // Jun 29, 2008 at 8:58 am

  Hillel has a culture of cheating now at all levels.Students boast that they are hiring other people to take all kinds of tests for them.This includes computer generated tests and even the SAT’s.Fake id’s have always been popular with teens but now they are using them to get others to take their tests.If you can afford it,A’s are easy when someone else takes online courses for you.All of this is out in the open.More than one source has told me this.Hillel graduates grow up and think they can buy whatever they want.That is the HILLEL standard of excellence.I just heard about parents who wanted to take their kids out(lots of them) but were told they were locked into their contract. They will be gone in one year. Most of the good ones will be gone too with them.Why pay for mediocrity wrapped in a veil of deception?

• 47 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  Yes. And we’ve been hearing for years from students all around the county who use Hillel as a testing center to take the Sunday SATs that massive amounts of cheating go on during the SAT exam.

  The proctors seem to be inexperienced or don’t care. Many of them type on the computer during the exam– despite the fact that the typing noise distracts students and despite the fact that the proctor is supposed to actually be proctoring.

  Some proctors have called time a minute before time was up on each section. This has also adversely and unfairly affected scores.

  The problems are reported and the school does nothing. Someone should report this to ETS.

  It’s been going on for a good few years now.

  But then again, why bother?

• 48 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2008 at 2:41 pm

  As for parents who were told they were locked into the contract, that’s baloney.

  Many parents broke the contracts anyway.

  They rightly claimed that when they signed the contract they were under the impression that their children would be taught by x, y, z.

  When they asked for the names of specific teachers lined up for specific courses for next year, the school had no good answer.

  They rightly clained that it was the school who broke their contracts to parents.

  They pulled their kids out.

  Don’t be fooled by this claim. They have no recourse. You, too, can pull your kids out.

• 49 Multi-Dimensional Problem // Jun 29, 2008 at 2:45 pm

  I’m sure there are 1000 more things going on like Fly on the Wall sets forth. That’s what goes on in an unhealthy environment, which not only includes Hillel but many places where the overindulgent parents gain control. Hillel just seems to be quite a bit more so, just like alot of things in South Florida Children are overinduldged. Helicopter baby boomer North Dade parents will stop at nothing to get their children every advantage they deserve or don’t deserve, that they need or really don’t need, that is seemingly healthy or in reality poison. H-ll has no fury like a helicopter parent on a rampage. Cheating, lying, debauchery, deception, hurting others is par for the course. At some point, everyone will hit a brick wall — well maybe we are already at that point in many respects. $18,000 net for high school — you have got to be out of your mind. Have 3 kids? Do the math. Entrenched management of the Hillel Industrial Complex did not care. Can’t afford it? There is the door — there is another kid coming on the next plane from Caracas. We don’t need you is the attitude. Hubris at all levels. And you don’t think these attitudes don’t have an effect on the children? It destroy’s many of their souls and they fall into selfish self-centered indulgance and have no fortitude. When Daddy’s business meets a blip in the road, they will not be able to handle it. I simply do not think the Hillel Industrial Complex can become a healthy place. It needs to close. But the question is, where would new people with understanding and good attitudes come from to start anew in the proper way. I don’t think they live in South Florida.

• 50 Admin // Jun 29, 2008 at 3:35 pm

  From early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel offers a curriculum that is rigorous and deeply rooted in Jewish values, matched with an expansive student life program. Hillel’s administration, faculty and staff share a goal to instill in all students a love of learning, a curiosity about their world, a sense of respect and responsibility toward others and an understanding and appreciation of timeless Jewish values.

  In early childhood, Hillel recognizes and supports the importance of play as the most effective vehicle through which children learn and grow intellectually. From Kindergarten through Grade 5, programs incorporate differentiated instruction to help each student meet his or her potential.

  In Middle School and Upper School, from Grade 6 through
  Grade 12, Hillel offers an active, engaging environment in which students are encouraged and challenged to think independently to become lifelong learners. Hillel prioritizes critical, independent, creative thought and expression in the classroom and has high expectations for students.

  Hillel invites and values the diversity among its students and staff and recognizes all students’ individual learning styles.

  For specific information about Lower School, Middle School or Upper School, click on the links below or to the left. Feel free to contact any of our principals with any questions. We invite you to learn more.

• 51 Parent // Jun 29, 2008 at 5:56 pm

  Oy vey, I am confused! Are you talking about the old Hillel or the Hillel after you? I do believe that you are not describing Hillel’s current state of being. Unless you are delusional. Since you have no shame, I can only tell you to wake up and stop disrespecting our community. Though some should-not-have-been Jews are associated with you, Oops…are using you to wipe their butts, you still are not qualified to speak for or on behalf of respectful Jews. Know your place butt-wipers and professional brown-nosers. These qualities of yours have nothing to do with Jewish values. They have taught you wrong.

• 52 Diane Weber // Jun 29, 2008 at 5:57 pm

  Post 38 “I did not realize there were such top notch teachers in Kansas”
  Insulting. Have you nothing better to do?

• 53 Multi-Dimensional Problem // Jun 29, 2008 at 7:01 pm

  Is that a robot speaking in Admin #49?? Sounds like it. But even the robot in Lost in Space displace more humanity. Or probably its just someone doing a really good job as spokesman for the Hillel Industrial Complex.

• 54 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jun 29, 2008 at 7:12 pm

  More acurately, Admin of the HIC (Hillel Industrial Complex) is simple propoganda and of the “euphoria type” and “big lie.”

  Euphoria
  The use of an event that generates euphoria or happiness, or using an appealing event to boost morale. Euphoria can be created by declaring a holiday, making luxury items available, or mounting a military parade with marching bands and patriotic messages.

  Even Wikipedia knows it — Propaganda is a concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large number of people. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the cognitive narrative of the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda.

  Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.

• 55 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jun 29, 2008 at 7:24 pm

  Admin is good at these types of propoganda also:
  Glittering generalities
  Glittering generalities are emotionally appealing words applied to a product or idea, but which present no concrete argument or analysis. A famous example is the campaign slogan “Ford has a better idea!”

  Half-truth
  A half-truth is a deceptive statement which may come in several forms and includes some element of truth. The statement might be partly true, the statement may be totally true but only part of the whole truth, or it may utilize some deceptive element, such as improper punctuation, or double meaning, especially if the intent is to deceive, evade blame or misrepresent the truth.

  Virtue words
  These are words in the value system of the target audience which tend to produce a positive image when attached to a person or issue. Peace, happiness, security, wise leadership, freedom, “The Truth”, etc. are virtue words. In countries such as the U.S. religiosity is seen as a virtue, making associations to this quality affectively beneficial.

• 56 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2008 at 7:31 pm

  Diane,

  Welcome back. I’m not post #30, but I know things must be getting heated when you come back on to the scene. Did Mr. Holden give you a shout to come help out?

  Of course there are top notch educators in Kansas, but there are plenty in Miami too.

  The ones in Miami don’t appreciate being fired so your buddy, Adam, can hire all his old cronies from back home.

  The cronyism just reeks of corruption, but since we have a board of directors who believe in nepotism and lifetime terms, what’s a little cronyism gonna make a difference?

  We keep dreaming Adam will click his heels and take Toto back to Kansas with him, but it sure isn’t going to happen for at least another 3 years.

  By then, the Hillel high school will be gone and the board may tire of Adam, although never of his accent, when they realize that while he has just saved the school hundreds of thousands on paper, he has cost them the cream of the crop in terms of students, faculty, and parents. In fact, he probably will cost Hillel the entire high school which is bleeding students by the day.

  The board may spit him out at some point like they’ve done to all the deans and principals who preceded him. And there have been several.

  Ma Nistanah?

  The fact that he’s cuter and has a sexy accent may only take him so far. This is a shallow society after all, but his Machiavellian mind may take him farther. Maybe.

  At some point the board will eventually tire of him and then he can go back to Kansas with Toto and you guys can play together again.

  Maybe not.

  Time will tell.

  “There’s nothing new under the sun” –King Solomon.

• 57 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2008 at 7:43 pm

  Some of our teachers have run in to members of the Kansas Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy community who have told us that slowly but surely enrollment has started to increase for them again with the departure of Adam Holden. Interesting.

• 58 Truth // Jun 30, 2008 at 8:02 am

  After Holden’s departure, they hired a JEWISH head of school.

  You can also see from their web site the future of Hillel - watered down Judaics, athletics as king.

• 59 Anonymous // Jun 30, 2008 at 1:13 pm

  Hillel’s web site is hilarious. They revamped it.

  The first image is kids with tefilin on, I believe.

  What a misleading image — no one is fooled.

• 60 Realistic Person // Jun 30, 2008 at 3:56 pm

  What are you all writing about anymore? Seems like this blog has lost it’s focus and purpose.

• 61 Truth // Jun 30, 2008 at 3:59 pm

  I assume Admin’s post #50 is from the web site or other PR materials.

  I wonder if the parents who believe this garbage have spoken recently to any high school students or parents.

• 62 Anonymous // Jun 30, 2008 at 5:07 pm

  Realistic Person,

  None of us are lost in the conversation. I guess you are not very conversant with what’s been going on. Sorry you’re out of the loop. We can fill ya in if you wish.

• 63 Multi-Dimensional Problem // Jun 30, 2008 at 6:07 pm

  Ditto “Realist Person”, sorry you do not compute.

• 64 Realistic Person // Jun 30, 2008 at 7:27 pm

  Oooppsss, maybe I got lost on the wrong blog. Or maybe you should fill me in but please start with last year.

• 65 Let it be // Jun 30, 2008 at 7:31 pm

  Maybe everyone just needs to get a life and move on. The school sucks. Get over it.

• 66 Anonymous // Jun 30, 2008 at 10:24 pm

  LOL

• 67 Realistic Person // Jun 30, 2008 at 10:45 pm

  I know I’m over it.

• 68 Anonymous // Jun 30, 2008 at 11:14 pm

  I’m with ya

• 69 Let it be // Jul 1, 2008 at 7:48 am

  So now that this blog is down to a handful of posters who are probably all out of the school anyway, why not admit defeat, shut down, and move on. Anyone left at the school by now is either happy with the way things are, or, unfortunately, high school students who don’t see any alternatives and just want to finish up in peace.

  Congratulations to the board and their hired hands on a job well done. In a time when Jewish education is acknowledged to provide the only guarantee of a Jewish future, Hillel has forced families out of Jewish education by destroying a top notch Jewish Day School that served the entire community.

  Of course Holden could care less about Jewish education, he’s just the hired hand. Russ, Bonwitt, etc. are held accountable here. All the Jewish souls now in public school have them to thank.

  Sleep well gentlemen.

• 70 Realistic Person // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:37 am

  Well said - Let it be!

• 71 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 1, 2008 at 11:54 am

  Well said Let it be — as they say, “leave evil where you find it”

• 72 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 1, 2008 at 11:57 am

  The people who want this environment based on their understanding cannot understand the danger of the HIC at this point. But these comments hopefully can save some families from being duped by the HIC propoganda. All that glitters is not gold.

• 73 Realistic Person // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:24 pm

  None of those people ever read this blog. They are happy, why would they?

• 74 Anonymous // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:30 pm

  You know, for me, I’ve heard from insiders how bananas this blog drives the administrators and the board.

  If for *nothing else*, I enjoy posting here because I am of the belief that when someone gives you hell, you can give them a little hell back.

  Why wait for the karmic retribution to be fulfilled? Life’s too short.

  Call me petty, but I just LOVE the fact that this blog is such a thorn in their side.

  And I will keep posting and exposing every last piece of corruption that I catch wind of and enjoy the fact that they can’t silence me the way silenced so many others.

  Aw shucks…

• 75 Realistic Person // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:47 pm

  Go for it!!

• 76 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 2, 2008 at 12:41 am

  The HIC has not been a victimless endeavor. It has given the Miami Jewish community way too many self-absorbed young adults who lack the virtues to be happy, content, and contributing members of the Jewish community. Hillel should have been and should be a place where our children should be taught virtues to guide them in the difficult Wasteland called South Florida. Mothers lined up in the car pool with their plastic bodies and short skirts in their BMW’s and Mercedes are Hillel’s Woman of Virtue. Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties with undulating Dancers — no problem. South Beach parties - no problem. Don’t like it — there’s the door is the attitute. We have another plane coming from Caracas tomorrow. We don’t need you. Hillel’s typical product is a lacky in Daddy’s business or a real estate agent (now SOL). Where are the community leaders produced by Hillel over the past 20 years? (Besides the crown princes annointed by Daddy). How did we get here? Unfortunately Miami lacks the depth of educated parents as is found in the New York, Chicago, Boston, etc. Jewish communities. An additional negative ingredient, is and has been that the Hillel parent community is too full of (and I hate to categorize) narcisstic Latins who have grown up bullying Indians in South America and who feel a great sense of Entitlement and superiority over us mere mortals This has certainly added to the negative mix. The value system is too much of that of the South Florida Wasteland. As an example, our children were taught that contrived (and of course well publicized) acts of charity were genuine. Sure making sure chickens are given proper manicures is really Tzedekah — just make sure the Jewish Journal makes an article about it and save it for your college application.

• 77 ANONYMOUS // Jul 2, 2008 at 8:07 am

  Word is coming out from an excellent source that the high school may not last long because too many parents are pulling their kids out.It would do everyone a favor(except Dorothy and Toto) if it would fold this year.School of excellence is a myth.Teachers of excellence is a joke.In fact, the whole thing is one Telemundo soap opera. Mrs. Heiblum has just been let go.Let’s face it. They don’t need her.They don’t have that many students.We are approaching the bottom now of the downward spiral.Parents,forget the down payments,save your children. Run.
  s fac

• 78 Realistic Person // Jul 2, 2008 at 8:18 am

  I just hope that the JCC doesn’t sink also.

• 79 Is it over? // Jul 2, 2008 at 10:45 am

  HIC - Though I agree with you on some points, there is not reason to be nasty. I’m sure your angry like most of us are, but getting personal is really not going to change anything.

  Also, there is nothing wrong with being business people. And “educated parents”? What does that mean? College degrees do not make you a good parent or a good person.

  Last I looked there were plenty of BMW’s and other great cars in other cities.

  You mention bullying other people? I think we in the US are great at that too.

• 80 Anonymous // Jul 2, 2008 at 12:01 pm

  HIC is dead-on in their estimation of the situation.

  Also, the high school will fold eventually–it’s only a matter of time.

  The irony is that most parents don’t read the blog but the word has gotten out and is continuing to spread.

  We predicted this last year and tried to warn people of what was to come. Our words fell on deaf ears.

  Anyone on that board listening? The few who are get silenced or thrown off.

  The board is to blame for undoing the second largest Jewish high school in N. America.

  Great work, board!

  Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll keep getting the same results and worse.

  Wake up and listen to your detractors before it’s too late.

  The JCC program–I assume you refer to the theater program– will not go anywhere. It’s being run by the sharpest and most virtuous female parents in this area of South Florida.

  The people who have helped make that program happen are the type of parents who should have been running Hillel. If they were, we would not be in the situation we find ourselves in now.

• 81 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 2, 2008 at 1:02 pm

  Sure “Is It Over” it is not nice to be “nasty” and “angry”, but let’s be real. What the HIC has done for the past 20 or more years was hurtful to the South Florida Jewish community and real Jewish children who were to be our future leaders. They took the communities’ and parent’s money and delivered a product on the level of the South Florida Wasteland. They have followed the drum beat of every trendy “exciting” idea of the week. That is one of the favorite words of HIC - “exciting” this, “exciting” that. Propogandaish appeals to the emotions. Duh. They have been entrusted with a generation of the Jewish community’s children and turned too many of them into mush, only capable of functiong as Daddy’s little prince. Where are the young capable and confident traditional young couples like Hebrew Academy has produced? Where’s the beef?

  Of course being a business man is not a bad thing, duh. But the Hillel parent businessman like most in South Florida tends to be the type that is, let’s say, doesn’t belong to the Rotary Club and is not the old fashion pillar of our community type. Certainly the “rag merchants” of the lower East Side in the 1920’s imposed more of a stress on education and virtue than our Hillel businessmen. Of course simply having a college degree does not make you a good person or parent. Duh. As to ad hominem criticism, sorry, if these social and power climbing people want to be the King’s courtiers, they are responsible for their actions. Since when in the world can people take bad actions and feel they are not responsible, simply because the pointing out of their behavior is “criticism”. The HIC has hurt alot of children and parents who do not speak up. HIC has sucked the parent’s tuition money without mercy for years. The courtiers of the Royal Court prance around the campus with their clip boards and noses up in the air. Too bad for the bad actors–when it comes to hurting innocent children and the South Florida Jewish Community’s future, its time to get personal.

• 82 Anonymous // Jul 2, 2008 at 5:07 pm

  Amen.

  Judy Dach particularly is always talking about what’s new and exciting.

  For the past 10 years or so, every time you see her, she will tell you how everything is wonderful because is everything is changing for the better.

  I think she is Pollyanna wearing rose-colored glasses. She buys all the bs she is being sold.

  Everything is changing alright and certainly not for the better.

  The school is in a precipitous decline and spiraling to its demise by the minute.

  She can’t see that.

  She subscribes to the fallacy that “newer is better”.

  So does Joanne.

  Well, Holden and Druin are still new. When they are no longer new and there is no longer a high school, she and Joanne will start looking for the next “new” trendy thing on the block and then Holden and company may be gone.

  I have been watching her do this with Joanne for over a decade now.

  I don’t know why these 2 think that they have what it takes to run a school. Ironically, Joanne’s daughter had several “mediocre” teachers this year and I’m sure she’s not going to have too many better ones next year.

  You reap what you sow.

• 83 Parent // Jul 2, 2008 at 6:14 pm

  Why is Holden driving out teachers with Doctorate Degree? What threatens him so much? Does he have a doctorate degree? If yes, from where???

  Check this out!

  “Adam Charles Holden “Ed. D” has a B.A. in Education from Southampton University, Southampton, England; M.A. in Education from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas; and Doctor of Education, California Coast University, Santa Ana, California. His professional educational and leadership programs include Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Stanford University School of Education, Stanford, California, and Mansfield College, Oxford University, Oxford, England.”

  While California Coast University does not offer Doctorate degree, Holden claims to have received his Doctorate degree from that university. Perhaps, he received it from Harvard or Stanford University just like Rabbi Druin! What is next, folks?

  Good luck with that.

  Doctoral Degrees

  I noticed that CCU no longer offers Doctoral Degree programs. Does CCU plan to offer Doctoral degrees in the future?

  The University was awarded Accreditation with the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC.org) in January 2005. At that time, the accrediting agency’s authority did not extend through the doctoral level. Therefore CCU discontinued accepting any new applications in the doctoral degree programs. Students who were previously enrolled in a doctoral degree program were allowed to complete (teach-out) that program.

  Since that time DETC has been approved to offer first professional doctoral degrees, which means CCU is now eligible to apply to DETC for approval of such degrees. CCU is currently in the early stages of developing a doctoral degree program and is communicating with DETC on the policies and procedures to do so. We look forward to being able to once again offer these programs to our students, however, at this time; we are unable to predict how long the development and accreditation process will take. Our tentative goal is to offer a Doctorate of Education degree program by the end of 2008. Interested students should continue to check our web site for updates on our progress. When we have a more definitive timeline we will be sure to post this information on our web site.

  Return to Main Menu

  © Copyright 2006 California Coast University. All rights reserved.

• 84 Delusion // Jul 2, 2008 at 9:03 pm

  “Anonymous” is right on target. “Dr.” Judy and Dental Assistant Joanne (Miami Dade College graduate? and Univ Penn dropout?) seem to act as if drunk with their ego and power. Dr. Dach hum — just like Dr. Phil who is presently self-destructing out there in California (and he is apparently a real psychologist). She a doctor of what? Anthropology — that’s something to go around calling yourself a “doctor”?? That in and of itself is an extremely delusional and egotistical action. Where are the wise philanthopists that are the so called “stake holders” while this garbage is taking place. These two know the right emotional words of propoganda to push - exciting, new, new, new, new. These are classic tools of propoganda. These two seem to be like delusional with assertions of educational knowledge. Certainly a person can learn alot over the years, but they don’t seem to have. The only thing they seemed to have learned is how to suck it up, retain “power”, and be the hatchetmen and poor gasoline on the fire while Rome burns.

• 85 Is it over? // Jul 2, 2008 at 9:20 pm

  The Dr. Holden or Mr. Holden story is old news. That was discussed for weeks last year.

  Same with the backgrounds of the officers.

• 86 Think about it // Jul 2, 2008 at 10:30 pm

  Re Post # 77:

  The high school might fold, but I would not be surprised if it is either part of the plan or at the least anticipated. It is much easier to build from scratch than to deal with the baggage of teachers, students, and parents who remember the old Hillel.

  As for the parent asking why Holden would drive out teachers with doctoral degrees - wake up! It’s out with the old, in with the new. The veteran teachers are too expensive and too connected to the old Hillel. Why would they drive out the incomparable theater and music programs? It’s only because their directors had powerful histories and connections.

  What surprises me is that anyone was surprised by what happened this year. It was obvious what was coming!!

• 87 Admin // Jul 2, 2008 at 11:51 pm

  “While my detractors objected to my methods, it is these very methods that my supporters cite as to why they like me”. “It’s my job as head of school to take the heat for my decisions,” Holden said. “I don’t care if we have egg on our face, and I don’t care what the perception is outside these walls. I care about doing what’s right and following the process.”
  Gil Bonwitt, the board’s Chair says the decisions are purely for the betterment of the school’s level of education. Bonwitt says that the process challenges each teacher: “Are you educationally sound in the way that you do things, and if not are you willing to grow with us and be that person?”
  But Holden insists that budgetary concerns did not come into play in Hillel’s case. “At no time has any teacher’s contract been reviewed in terms of salary,” he said.
  Today, as parents and students watch and wait in the hope that their favorite teachers will be reinstated, the board is prepared to support their Head of School in whatever his final decision may be.
  “The Board’s shared intention with the administration is to strengthen Hillel so we may fulfill our mission,” says Rafa Russ.

• 88 Parent // Jul 2, 2008 at 11:55 pm

  Oy Vey, ma nah? Chutzpah!!!
  I don’t understand. I wish I could slap that chutzpah out of y’all mouths. My community does not deserved and will never deserve to be spoken to with such arrogance and disrespect. You don’t care? Is that right? Then we will see if you really don’t care!

• 89 Anonymous // Jul 3, 2008 at 12:00 am

  Indeed. The grand plan was to get rid of the old guard and many people like Joanne and Judy love Holden for doing this.

  Holden is just their Hatchet Man. It’s not entirely his fault. He, on some level, is just following orders.

  I think they’ve miscalculated though.

  Because as someone above just pointed out,” It is much easier to build from scratch than to deal with the baggage of teachers, students, and parents who remember the old Hillel.”

  The problem is that they have so marred Hillel’s reputation in this process that no good teacher wants to work there. In fact, very teachers want to work there at all. So now they’ve gotten rid of most of the old guard but they have fewer and fewer teachers to replace them with.

  Some kids in the high school had 4 teachers for one subject throughout the course of the year.

  They are having a real problem finding teachers.

  So good luck to them building this newer, better Hillel.

  They don’t have anyone worthy to staff it with.

  One of their new grand ideas is to introduce an IB program.

  Well, the incoming students from elementary are not going to be the caliber of kids capable of IB.

  And the kind of teacher who can teach IB has no interest in Hillel.

  So much for new ideas.

  He who laughs last laughs best.

  Just a shame that my laugh is at the expense of Jewish souls being robbed of a Jewish education or any quality education for that matter.

  Frankly, what they’ve done is nothing short of criminal.

• 90 Anonymous // Jul 3, 2008 at 12:03 am

  Look at this hysterical Parent. Seems we’re ruffling someone’s feathers. Someone struck a raw nerve. Guess the truth hurts.

  Do I hear threats? Bring it on, baby. We’ll see who’s sorry.

• 91 Anonymous // Jul 3, 2008 at 12:26 am

  “Parent // Jun 29, 2008 at 5:56 pm

  “Oy vey, I am confused! Are you talking about the old Hillel or the Hillel after you? I do believe that you are not describing Hillel’s current state of being. Unless you are delusional. Since you have no shame, I can only tell you to wake up and stop disrespecting our community. Though some should-not-have-been Jews are associated with you, Oops…are using you to wipe their butts, you still are not qualified to speak for or on behalf of respectful Jews. Know your place butt-wipers and professional brown-nosers. ”

  What the heck is this parent talking about? Sounds like a wack-job.

  Whoever you are sweetie, I don’t know which community you represent. I’m scared to guess. You don’t wipe your butt with me. I don’t work for Hillel and I don’t bend over for you.

  What kind of parent talks about other human beings this way? Do you view human beings as your cheap, expendable servants? We already knew that. Please don’t live up to the stereotype. It’s so disappointing.

  The way you’re talking is only serving to confirm what HIC and others have been saying.

  If you represent the current parent body, normal parents should really take their kids out and run for the hills.

  All I can say is keep talking please, I enjoy wiping the floor with people like you. And there’s nothing you can do to silence me. Try me.

• 92 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 3, 2008 at 1:02 am

  Amen to you “Anonymous” about “Parent”. I’ve found that usually the most foolish thoughts follow the expression “how dare you (blank)…” or “the chutzpah of you to do (blank)”. I think they call this righteous indignation. Yep.

  Let’s start with the basics folks. See Holden work. Holden get paycheck. Holden don’t want to lose job. Holden don’t want to lose paycheck. Holden want good recomendation for next job. Holden want to build resume. Holden know he hurt self by ruffling the feathers of the people who write check. Understand folks? That is the way the world works. Holden no really care about your children. Holden care about himself. Holden care about paycheck.

  This is basic human nature folks. This is nothing personal about Dr. Holden. Virtually anybody will do this in his place. What do you expect? This is not his life. He isn’t from here. He isn’t Jewish. These are not his children. What do we want from this man? Certainly he is not stupid although he may have a mailorder PhD. He may not be the best, but he certainly is not the worst. What does anyone think goes on in reality in any workplace? People need to keep their jobs — especially in today’s world. They are not standing in line to pay you the $175,000 plus benefits he probably makes. You really think he’s going to take a chance of losing his meal ticket to do the right thing?? Let’s us all dummy up.

  We have met the enemy folks and it is us. We the Jewish Community of the Wasteland of South Florida. Ashamnu. Bagadnu. Every single one of us are like (l’havdil) “Willing Executioners” . We stand by, not willing to speak up and rock the boat, afraid to be a “trouble maker” or unpopular or lose business connections. Certainly virtually all the Hillel Parents are good people — but we are vitually all good people doing nothing when things are wrong. We think we can raise our children by throwing more and more money at them and their tutors and educational testers and buying them every advantage in the marketplace. It is a vicious circle — Parents pressure the Teachers/Administration. Teacher/Administration become self-defensive. The whole vicious circle brings out the worst in us all. Add to this the lack of social fabric due to the vast diversity of the community’s background and transciency. Add to this the lack of financial transparency and dirty tricks (which are not unique to Hillel and certainly found in so many organizations), and you have a toxic cocktail.

  But the world is changing as we speak and what improperly passed for virtuous behavior will be shown for what it really is.

• 93 Think about it // Jul 3, 2008 at 8:10 am

  Anonymous - they’ll find teachers. New teachers looking for a first position or out-of-towners sucked in by the “new” and “exciting” programs who don’t know any better. Then they’ll groom them to be whatever this new Hillel is looking for.

  Admin - Out of curiosity - where were those remarks of Holden and the Board taken from? Of course Holden only cares about following the process - I bet he got a nice fat bonus for what he accomplished this year!

• 94 Anonymous // Jul 3, 2008 at 10:06 am

  Very true. You can’t blame the man for doing what he was hired to do. And he’s not stupid. Quite the contrary. It is the people who put him up to this who are acting despicably.

  You say that they’ll find teachers. They did find some teachers this year. In the high school this year, they had a revolving door of teachers. You must not have heard.

  The high school parents heard…why do you think they’re pulling their kids out?

  One teacher came to school drunk. Others were totally unqualified. And the best history teacher they’ve ever had and may ever have, Aileen Konovitch, walked mid-year. Who could blame her?

  Good teachers are a rare find.

  I know the Parent above believes she wipes her butt with teachers (I’m assuming it’s a female parent…it’s rare I hear men speak in such a catty way) and she’s probably too illiterate to care that the new teachers being hired aren’t qualified, but I’m telling you that the word is out in the world of teachers to stay far, far away from this place.

  I spoke to one teacher who unknowingly took a job last year at Hillel. He/She is not one of the fired ones and yet this person is dying to get out. Dying. They’ve never seen such a mess before.

  So let’s say they can find a few good teachers who don’t know what they’re getting themselves into–those teachers ain’t sticking around more than a year–certainly not if they are good. There are plenty of prep schools and top public schools that are DYING for GOOD teachers.

  Again, I firmly believe these parents miscalculated.

  I may be wrong. Time will tell.

  For now, seems like Hillel can’t stop the bleeding of students.

• 95 Parent // Jul 3, 2008 at 11:34 am

  If we look to our tradition, we see that Judaism is about taking action. Yes, it is important to have intention, which we call in Hebrew kavanah. But all the good intention in the world is worthless without action. And so, when it comes right down to it, Judaism’s God prefers action with bad intention to good intention without action. It’s better to give money to charity grudgingly than to want to give and intend to give, but never get around to actually doing it.

  A parable: There was a student who, day after day, didn’t do his homework. Each day when the teacher asked for it, the student said, “I didn’t do it, but I feel really guilty about it.” The student not only failed the class, he didn’t learn the material.

  If we stand before God during the High Holidays and say, “I’ve done nothing to change my life, but I feel really guilty about the bad things I’ve done,” we fail too. Not only do our sins remain. We also learn nothing about becoming better people, and improving the world with our presence in it.

  Because we are not alone in this world. We are members of a variety of communities—our family circle, our neighborhoods, our congregation, the Jewish people, the United States, and the world—and we have responsibilities to all these communities. When we work to make ourselves better, we are engaging in tikkun olam, repairing the world. So by taking no action to atone for our sins, we hurt not only ourselves, but our communities, even if we feel guilty.
  Guilt by itself is not moral progress. It’s not that guilt doesn’t have an important role to play in our lives. But feeling guilty by itself fixes nothing. To be useful, guilt must spur us into action, to correct whatever it is we feel guilty about.

• 96 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 3, 2008 at 1:03 pm

  “Parent” — okay, nice platitudes, but you speak in circles. Enough poetry. We are all asking for action.

  Bottom line, HIC is not changing today, tomorrow, or the next day. Parents need to make decisions in their children’s best interest. Perhaps some kids can scweak by for another year or so. But the HIC will not produce good or the very best for most children.

  Get another Jewish charter school set up in Miami just like the one in Broward and the one being set up in Brooklyn and the Greek charter school in Tampa. There is not enough money in the Jewish world to sustain a HIC. You can have all the religious studies you want after school. You’d be suprised that without the negativity of HIC, alot more kids will run to learn Torah.

  Just keep the HIC “Players” out of the new Dade Jewish Charter School.

• 97 Is it over? // Jul 3, 2008 at 1:57 pm

  OK - I feel guilty and I will work to get rid of the current officers, board and administration.

  Now I will be useful!

• 98 Anonymous // Jul 3, 2008 at 3:10 pm

  Good luck to you–and I mean that sincerely!!

• 99 Is it over? // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:17 pm

  I was joking. I am very over Hillel. Couldn’t care less anymore. Hillel who??

• 100 Think about it // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:19 pm

  I suspect “Is it over” was being sarcastic.

  They just renewed Holden’s contract - what makes anyone think they can make a difference now? The coffin has been nailed shut and buried. The Hillel of old is dead.

• 101 Anonymous // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:34 pm

  True

• 102 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 3, 2008 at 5:14 pm

  All true. Best just to walk away and leave the evil where you find it. HIC ain’t changing. But it is an obvious case study of the masses being asses and sinking to the values of the South Florida Wasteland, but I wouldn’t recommend anyone at all wasting their time trying to “change it”. They will make a monkey out of you and twist your mind. Only thing I suggest — is run don’t walk away from this place.

• 103 ANONYMOUS // Jul 4, 2008 at 8:07 am

  The teachers who were let go or left on their own are the lucky ones. Its the teachers who stayed who will suffer. Watch out for Mr. Clipboard and Dr. Brownnose.

• 104 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 4, 2008 at 4:28 pm

  The lack of sensibility is even evident in Ms. Clipboard’s dress with usually an inappropriate amount of cleavage shown for the learing animals.

  True the teacher who stay may not have a good time, but they are adults and can survive and chose to work there. Sucks for them if they aren’t smart enough to figure it out and get a job in a healthy environment. What is sad is the innocent children who are put into this misguided environment.

• 105 admin // Jul 4, 2008 at 4:39 pm

  Hillel Industrial Complex, can you please make your email address consistent every single time you post so that I don’t have to manually approve your comments? I don’t care if it’s not your actual email address. Thanks.

  ~the admin (of this site, not of Hillel)

• 106 Public School Teacher // Jul 4, 2008 at 6:53 pm

  I must admit, I haven’t looked at this site in almost a year. I am surprised and dismayed by the vitriol, on both sides. I believe the biggest problem facing Hillel now is its lack of child-centeredness. The administration (and, yes, it IS incredibly narcissistic) has worked hard to make itself “look good” - the spin is so fast and furious it makes me dizzy. Right-sizing? Please. But the negativity on the part of parents is a bit confusing, too. Yes, losing the Androns, Mrs. Tuchinsky, Mrs. Konovich, et. al. was very telling but they’ve moved on. So why are your children still there? Why are other teachers still working there? I believe that everyone makes choices. The faculty is NOT the hired help. They are professionals who deserve our support and respect. It pains me to see them walking around the campus in total terror, like deer in head lights. The TEAM is not a collaboration (as education should be) but a sporting competition - if you can’t play the game the way I coach, get off my team. In case you haven’t noticed, there is a critical teacher shortage in America - get a job elsewhere. I really have no patience for teachers who tell me they have no choices. This is NOT putting children first. The choice is stay and be miserable, or go elsewhere and try to make a difference. Teachers should put children first, parents should put children first (do you want your child taught by a person who is terrorized by an administration that just wants you to help them look good to parents?) - that’s why excellent people left of their own accord. They put the children first by not compromising their standards of excellence. Not everything that’s “new” is better. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” But that doesn’t work when you put yourself, and not the children, first, when you have to make yourself look like the person responsible for all the good things in the school. But that only works for a limited time. Eventually, all schools (and institutions, businesses, governments, etc.) must show results. You can’t fool all the people all the time. So stop whining, already, trust that the truth will eventually come out, and do what’s right for your kids, however hard that decision may be. I valued a certain kind of Jewish education and that’s why my children went to Hillel. But I also refused to abdicate my responsibility in the process. I did what I had to do at great financial hardship to make sure they got what they needed (and I’m not talking about material possessions “A Nation of Wimps”). And then I moved on. Boruch h’shem, they are shomer shabbat, kosher, learn torah on a regular basis, and are raising beautiful families of their own. I am grateful to Hillel for the education they received - but their core values came from me.

• 107 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 5, 2008 at 11:44 am

  Well put Public School Teacher. But maybe someone should have some vitriol, when “powers that be” misuse the South Florida Jewish Communities school as their own board game and in the process hurt children.

  Where were and are the questions about the big shots on “Steering” regarding the fact these people brought us Rabbi Finklestein who apparently has many accusers of inappropriate contact with children over the years from when he worked in New York? He apparently destroyed many Jewish children’s souls. Just do a google search. How was he brought here? Where was the big shots when he was brought? Didn’t they find out what was an open secret? Did the possible fact that Baltach was sorta a really strange dude, to put in mildly, have anything to do with it — ie. blackmail from his financial dirty tricks? Did anything happen when Finklestein was here? Why did the community and children have to suffer all those years of having a Dean which such a possible character. Having 3 strange dudes running Hillel, with Baltach with the rumours of a Avi Markowitz boyfriend, couped with the dirty financial tricks blackmail, allowed the HIC to spiral down. All 3 left in strange circumstances with possible hush money. How did these wonderful people with their names on the building let this happen? I would suggest that this had alot to do with how HIC got to where it is today.

• 108 Anonymous // Jul 5, 2008 at 12:52 pm

  HIC–these people you mention are indeed of dubious moral character and I won’t re-hash all that you just said which is pretty much common knowledge today. From an academic standpoint, a big problem began when that particular Dean allowed Yeshiva High School of Boca to recruit the best and brightest Hillel kids right under everyone’s noses. At the time, there were people trying to stem this process and the Dean did nothing to help. Many teachers and parents sought to open up a yeshiva track to entice and keep those kids–some of our best–and the Dean dropped the ball. It could easily have been done. At that time, we had the staff who could do it and we had parents who wanted it. That was a big part of when we started to go downhill.

  Ultimately, however, I would posit that we ran into our biggest problems when a middle school principal was appointed high school principal without having the credentials for that position.

  At the end of the day, who brought us all these people?

  How many board members were critical in the decision making process and have even more power today?

  I can think of at least 2 ladies. Their names begin with J.

• 109 Think about it // Jul 5, 2008 at 9:34 pm

  The irony is that it’s the students who always call it correctly. The students told us that particular middle school principal was a disaster as a high school principal. They knew that their best teachers were leaving because of it.

  Instead of fixing all of this with a strong Jewish leader, the board decided to put their faith in a non-Jew who cares nothing about Jewish education. So instead of trying to fix the problems of a basically strong COMMUNITY school, they pushed out every successful program and the core Jewish education. Now all that’s left is a school where no one wants to teach that only serves a small portion of the South Florida Jewish community.

  Every other school, Jewish and not, has benefited from the loss of what were the best of Hillel’s students.

• 110 Response to HIC // Jul 6, 2008 at 5:48 am

  It is very easy to point fingers at others and blame others. I am assuming you are not of the Jewish Faith or of limited knowledge. I am new to your site and know George Finkelstein, my question to you is , do you really feel it is appropriate to spread Lashon Harah about others (gossip). Continue hiding behind your “HIC”
  You must know a lot about education and must be a successful individual.
  You must be a successful son/daughter.
  You must be a successful mother/father.

  It is easy to point fingers at others, maybe you should look at yourself.

  With Continue Success,

  Steve.

• 111 Is it over? // Jul 6, 2008 at 11:40 am

  What does all this have to do with “Saving Hillel”? The past - whether good or bad is over. Better to use our time in coming up with a plan on how to pick up the pieces when the current regime moves on, like they are trying to do in KC.

  Or just to move on and forget Hillel.

• 112 Is it Over // Jul 6, 2008 at 12:02 pm

  I agree,
  Why do many of you bring up the past. It has no affect on the present. To bring up past administrators, who are all successful in their new locations. Get over it HIC and the rest of you. Just like Kansas did, move on. You have a bored, you have Adam Holden, make it work.

• 113 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 6, 2008 at 12:58 pm

  As to Response to HIC — lashon hara is one thing. But duh, when there are possible and apparent facts that children suffered due to a adult abusive conduct, is it proper not to speak up? Not to speak up is evil and cowardice. But it is a common pattern. To speak up when no one will is not lashon hara. To not speak up is cowardice and makes you a “willing executioner.” Look what happened with the Catholic priests and abused children. To put a man into a position where children could be hurt or potentially to be hurt is EVIL. For adults not to speak up so as not to rock the boat or be labled a trouble maker is cowardice and evil. Apparently this was an open secret in New York for many years. Supposedly wrestling with boys — that is sexual touching. Then the people with their names on the wall bring him here without a concern??? And then you wonder why the place falls apart??? The whole place became a den of intrigue with possibly alot of truth behind it. Add to this all the dirty financial tricks and lack of financial controls and adults falling all over each other to get their names on the golf tournement or poker game or tennis match. Kovlosky put it best when she called the Hillel board members at each meeting the “players” — yeh the players of the Hillel Parent Boardgame. The players main concern was and is too often to get their business on the Hillel marque. Where is the humbleness? Where is the dedication without the narcisstic payback?

  The past is not over until it is brought to light and those who acted EVIL are brought to light and taken away from any position of power or influence and the Evil Corporate Culture is set aside. What is happening now is not a fresh start, it is the continuance of the power of those who acted EVIL and their present actions are to a large degree skewed to keep a cover up of their prior irresponsible and evil actions that acted to the detriment of a whole generation of innocent Jewish children.

  There seems to be a cause of the downward spiral and dumb decisions. It is that the primary concern was not the Jewish children and their eduction — it was the board game of HIC. How does a lady go from lesson planner to MS Principal to HS Principal in 2 years??? How does it happen that a temporary measure to bring in a non-Jewish head of school becomes permanent? How does a activities coordinator become a Dean of Discipline in one year? When people put themselves into a position of potential blackmail, they will do things to protect themselves and not care about the consequences to others including the children. It also suits the people with their name on the wall and their retention of power, ego, social standing and most importantly the ability to keep the lid on their prior conduct.

• 114 Is it over? // Jul 6, 2008 at 1:35 pm

  What does all that have to do with Saving Hillel? Start another blog and write it there.

• 115 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 6, 2008 at 2:21 pm

  If you can’t understand what it has to do with “Saving Hillel” then you are part of the problem and severely lack an understanding. Or is it you are one of the bad actors who doesn’t want his or her improper conduct reviewed.

  Could you explain what “Saving Hillel” means anyways? Its not as simple as saving a tree or a whale. Seems to me it is understanding where we are, how and why we got here, what are the values of the community and school, what values are proper for a Jewish community school located in one of the most materialist and valueless areas of the United States. Saving Hillel would also involve financial accounting and transparency. All this is probably too much to ask for a school in the heart of the South Florida Wasteland, a mere stone’s throw from Aventura Mall. Apparently it is the nature of narcisstic ventures not to change until they hit rock bottom.

• 116 Think about it // Jul 6, 2008 at 2:31 pm

  No matter what went on behind the scenes, the strength of Hillel was always in its dedicated and talented faculty.

  Administrators came and went, the business office was awash in who knows what kind of behavior.

  The important thing was that Jewish children were receiving a top notch Jewish education and a strong secular education as well.

  Children flourished in outstanding extracurricular activities and there was positive energy and school spirit.

  Long, long ago, children wished there would be a Hillel college so they woudl never have to leave.

  The miscalculation of the current leadership is that the school could stand up to a complete eradication of its strength and history.

  Without top notch faculty, real Jewish studies, terrific secular academics, outstanding arts programs, what is left?

  Only a memory of a true community school that once, despite problems (which, incidentally, could probably be found at most institutions), produced the type of adults like Post # 106’s grown children.

• 117 Hillel Industrial Complex // Jul 6, 2008 at 2:53 pm

  Hey “Think About It” — it did and does matter what “went on behind the scenes”. Are you out of touch with reality. You ever hear of cause and effect? Business office awash in “who knows what kind of behavior” — you want to play “hear no evil, see no evil”. Things apparently did go on in the business office which ad a DIRECT EFFECT outside of the business office by way of almost blackmail. Dirty financial tricks let to leverage to force poor educational and personnel choices with the secret cabal always making decisions to cover their tracks and to continuously confuse the community from an understanding.

  Who said Jewish children were receiving “top notch Jewish education” and a “strong secular education”? Where are these children/young adults/young community leader