Misplaced Pages

#931068

76-646: From c.1996 a group of Hillel Day School parents led by Jeff Garden pitched to the local community leaders the idea of starting a new Jewish high school. Eventually they earned support from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. In April 1999, Rabbi Lee Buckman of Congregation Beth Israel (Milwaukee) was named the future school's headmaster. In January 2000 the Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit (JAMD) held an open house, helped by guests from Boston's New Jewish High School . By that time

152-626: A K–8 school. In 2005, Hillel Day School closed its teachers’ union after a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling prevented union organizers at a Roman Catholic Brother Rice High School from joining the Michigan Education Association . Both schools (and many more religious schools across the country) used the same precedent to de-unionize their teachers: the National Labor Relations Board v. Catholic Bishop of Chicago case that went before

228-458: A K–8 school. In 2005, Hillel Day School closed its teachers’ union after a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling prevented union organizers at a Roman Catholic Brother Rice High School from joining the Michigan Education Association . Both schools (and many more religious schools across the country) used the same precedent to de-unionize their teachers: the National Labor Relations Board v. Catholic Bishop of Chicago case that went before

304-600: A blend of Hebraic-religious and general studies, influenced by Conservative Judaism and Zionism . By 1963, enrollment was 115 students in grades K–6. By 1966, Hillel grew up into a K–9 school and, in 1967, held the commencement exercises for its first graduating ninth grade. The next year's graduates were the first students that completed ten years of education at Hillel, from kindergarten at school's founding in 1958 to ninth grade. In 1970 Hillel moved to its current home in Farmington Hills. The school rapidly grew:

380-533: A blend of Hebraic-religious and general studies, influenced by Conservative Judaism and Zionism . By 1963, enrollment was 115 students in grades K–6. By 1966, Hillel grew up into a K–9 school and, in 1967, held the commencement exercises for its first graduating ninth grade. The next year's graduates were the first students that completed ten years of education at Hillel, from kindergarten at school's founding in 1958 to ninth grade. In 1970 Hillel moved to its current home in Farmington Hills. The school rapidly grew:

456-416: A deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank . In 2019 the school changed its schedule with a later start time, with school days running now from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Starting one hour later helps the physical and mental well-being of teens, who were often too sleepy to be focused for early-morning classes. As part of its mission, FJA inspires students to dedicate themselves to Jewish tradition, peoplehood , and

532-730: A dual curriculum. The Jewish curriculum includes modern Hebrew , Jewish history , Jewish prayers and holidays , the Tanakh , and Rabbinic literature . The secular curriculum follows the Michigan Department of Education academic standards. In 2012, University of Michigan's linguistics professor Andries Coetzeea observed Hillel's 7th grade Hebrew class, taught exclusively in Hebrew with only occasional English explanations for Coetzeea. Despite his MA in Biblical Hebrew,

608-490: A dual curriculum. The Jewish curriculum includes modern Hebrew , Jewish history , Jewish prayers and holidays , the Tanakh , and Rabbinic literature . The secular curriculum follows the Michigan Department of Education academic standards. In 2012, University of Michigan's linguistics professor Andries Coetzeea observed Hillel's 7th grade Hebrew class, taught exclusively in Hebrew with only occasional English explanations for Coetzeea. Despite his MA in Biblical Hebrew,

684-710: A form more palatable to some for whom the Beth Yehuda seemed too oldworld". However, it was only in 1979 that Hillel formally affiliated with the Schechter Day School Network of schools that identify with Conservative Judaism. Hillel went on as a K–9 school for 22 years from 1968 until 1988. Sometime around 1980 the ninth grade became the entry point for local public high schools, and enrollment to Hillel's ninth grade dropped. In 1988, Hillel Day School held graduation exercises for its last graduating ninth grade class. Since then, Hillel continued as

760-569: A form more palatable to some for whom the Beth Yehuda seemed too oldworld". However, it was only in 1979 that Hillel formally affiliated with the Schechter Day School Network of schools that identify with Conservative Judaism. Hillel went on as a K–9 school for 22 years from 1968 until 1988. Sometime around 1980 the ninth grade became the entry point for local public high schools, and enrollment to Hillel's ninth grade dropped. In 1988, Hillel Day School held graduation exercises for its last graduating ninth grade class. Since then, Hillel continued as

836-467: A long period of planning, by a group of Detroit educators, Rabbis and leaders of the community. The group was spearheaded by Rabbi Jacob Segal, who was consequently recognized as the founder of the school and its honorary life president. The school began with 29 students in the kindergarten and first grade, a further grade being added each following year. By 1960 it grew into a modern elementary day school with 51 students in grades K–3 that offered

SECTION 10

#1732782760932

912-467: A long period of planning, by a group of Detroit educators, Rabbis and leaders of the community. The group was spearheaded by Rabbi Jacob Segal, who was consequently recognized as the founder of the school and its honorary life president. The school began with 29 students in the kindergarten and first grade, a further grade being added each following year. By 1960 it grew into a modern elementary day school with 51 students in grades K–3 that offered

988-662: A new head of school Rabbi Azaryah Cohen who improved the school's outreach to Reform rabbis and launched a STEM lab. In 2020, FJA was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic . On Governor's orders, all Michigan schools closed in March and went online. However, recognizing the limitations of virtual learning, FJA started the 2020-2021 academic year returning to on-campus, in-person instruction with stringent health safeguards. Remote, synchronous classes were made available online for students who preferred not to be physically present. FJA offers

1064-491: A new headmaster, Rabbi Eric Grossman. The academy, founded on the premise of welcoming students from all Jewish denominations, had a large body of Reform and non-affiliated students. However, the school's elected board had few Reform representatives, and the school's Judaic department's hiring policies remained biased against Reform rabbis (the policy required all who teach Judaic studies courses or lead minyans to be shomer Shabbat , i.e. Shabbat observant). Some students felt that

1140-473: A separate pre-school wing, an indoor gym, all-season outdoor athletic facilities, an "innovation hub" with a greenhouse and makerspace, and a café with a kitchen. In 2005, Hillel controversially closed the teachers' union. In 2008, Hillel ended its affiliation with the Conservative movement and became a non-denominational Jewish day school. The Hillel Day School was established in the fall of 1958, after

1216-412: A separate pre-school wing, an indoor gym, all-season outdoor athletic facilities, an "innovation hub" with a greenhouse and makerspace, and a café with a kitchen. In 2005, Hillel controversially closed the teachers' union. In 2008, Hillel ended its affiliation with the Conservative movement and became a non-denominational Jewish day school. The Hillel Day School was established in the fall of 1958, after

1292-520: A strong college-preparatory dual curriculum in secular and Judaic studies. Researchers at Niche.com repeatedly ranked FJA one of the best private high schools in Michigan: #5 in 2017 and #6 in 2020. The school utilizes modern technologies; for example, in 2011 it gave iPad 2s to all its students. FJA has the Genesis S.T.E.M. Lab that "bring[s] study of science, technology, engineering and math into

1368-425: Is a private , non-profit corporation administered by a headmaster , who acts under the direction of a board of trustees . Initially, executive management of the school was carried by one of its founding members in a position of school's president. As the school grew, positions of a supervising teacher, principal, and, finally, headmaster were introduced. Hillel Day School Hillel Day School , named after

1444-614: Is also a performing arts studio, several student lounges and a media center. In 2019, FJA signed a 10-year lease to remain at the JCC, received a 17,000-square-foot expansion in the JCC's lower level and started converting the 4,550-square-foot-space of the Aaron DeRoy Theatre into a black-box theater to enhance its performing arts offerings. The students use the JCC's café, lounge area, pool, gyms, soccer fields, art studios and other JCC amenities. FJA went into 2008-2009 year under

1520-632: The Catholic League division. The school doesn't play from sundown Friday to sunset Saturday because of the Jewish Sabbath. In 2005, the school sued the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) that discriminated against it by scheduling tournament games on Saturdays. In 2009, FJA won the ruling in the state appeals court. In 2021, FJA junior Merrick Michaelson who qualified for state meet

1596-776: The State of Israel . The senior-year Israel trip is now part of the curriculum. In 2019 the school created the Frankel Merit Scholars Program , a four-year, merit-based $ 20,000 per year scholarship for up to 15 new students. At that time, tuition was $ 25,000 per year. To increase enrollment, in 2022 FJA introduced the Shorashim Grants where current and incoming families, regardless of the ability to pay, can choose up to $ 10,000 per student annually. FJA has an active theater program that produces up to two productions per year under direction of Mitch Master,

SECTION 20

#1732782760932

1672-556: The c.  1870 German School historic building (better known as Little Red Schoolhouse) that from 1970 to 1987 was used for the kindergarten class. By 1979 the school added another four classrooms. Due to increasing enrollment and overcrowding, in 1983 the school had to start using portable classrooms . In 1986, the school added the Davidson Wing with 12 more classrooms and a multi-purpose room for special events. In 1996, an $ 8 million expansion and renovation added to

1748-493: The c.  1870 German School historic building (better known as Little Red Schoolhouse) that from 1970 to 1987 was used for the kindergarten class. By 1979 the school added another four classrooms. Due to increasing enrollment and overcrowding, in 1983 the school had to start using portable classrooms . In 1986, the school added the Davidson Wing with 12 more classrooms and a multi-purpose room for special events. In 1996, an $ 8 million expansion and renovation added to

1824-599: The 21st century". In 2018 Frankel robotics team represented U.S. in Israel at international competition, and in 2019 received first place for its 3D CAD design of a fuel injector . The school's business elective course produced a few entrepreneurs. In 2012, juniors Matthew Tukel and Sawyer Altman started their own energy drink business 313Energy . In 2015, junior Max Feber developed a cold coffee brewing apparatus BRUW and raised more than $ 10,000 from more than 180 backers on Kickstarter for its production. Eventually, he landed

1900-478: The FJA board at its November 2011 meeting passed a resolution "reaffirming its support of our school's mission, philosophy, head of school and hiring practices". The conflict kept steaming. In 2012 FJA changed its governance from the original membership model, in which parent members elected the board, to a directorship model (self-perpetuating board) in which current board members select their own replacements. This model

1976-510: The FJA until 2008. In 2009 he departed Michigan to begin his post as head of school at the Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy in Atlanta, leaving behind "a joyous legacy of learning". Rabbi Eric Grossman (2008–2015). Rabbi Grossman became the head of school for the FJA in 2008, after serving seven years as founding head of its Bible department. His tenure as FJA's head of school

2052-546: The Jewish Community Center, at 15110 West Ten Mile Rd, Oak Park. From 1963, Hillel also held classes at the nearby Congregation B’nai Moshe at 14390 West Ten Mile, Oak Park. The era of renting came to an end in 1968, when the school broke ground on an 11-acre site in Farmington Hills. In 1970, a 20-room new school building was ready and Hillel moved to its permanent home at 32200 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills, with 270 students. The site included

2128-470: The Jewish Community Center, at 15110 West Ten Mile Rd, Oak Park. From 1963, Hillel also held classes at the nearby Congregation B’nai Moshe at 14390 West Ten Mile, Oak Park. The era of renting came to an end in 1968, when the school broke ground on an 11-acre site in Farmington Hills. In 1970, a 20-room new school building was ready and Hillel moved to its permanent home at 32200 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills, with 270 students. The site included

2204-471: The Jewish law principle of pikuach nefesh , prioritizing human life above other religious rules. Headmaster Freedman stated, "As a religious school, we can determine whether refusal of the vaccine has any religious merit, and we decided it does not." In 2004, Hillel started offering "lateral entry" for sixth graders without prior Jewish education. Before that, students were urged to join by second grade due to

2280-418: The Jewish law principle of pikuach nefesh , prioritizing human life above other religious rules. Headmaster Freedman stated, "As a religious school, we can determine whether refusal of the vaccine has any religious merit, and we decided it does not." In 2004, Hillel started offering "lateral entry" for sixth graders without prior Jewish education. Before that, students were urged to join by second grade due to

2356-881: The Jewish religious leader, sage and scholar Hillel , is an independent Pre-K – 8 Jewish day school in Farmington Hills, Michigan , a city in the Detroit metropolitan area . Founded in 1958, it became the first non- Orthodox Jewish school in Michigan. It provides both secular and Judaic studies instruction for students from preschool through eighth grade . Hillel initially rented space from various Jewish organizations. In 1970, it settled into its permanent home in Farmington Hills. In 1980s–1990s, portable classrooms were necessary due to overcrowding. Since then, Hillel's campus has undergone significant expansions and renovations. It now features open-space learning areas,

The Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit - Misplaced Pages Continue

2432-545: The Schechter network and reestablished itself as a community (or, non-denominational ) RAVSAK Jewish day school to better attract Reform and non-religious Jewish families. In 2009, Hillel changed its governance from the original " membership model ", in which parent members elected the board, to a directorship model (self-perpetuating board), in which current board members select their own replacements. Then, in 2010, Hillel launched its Early Childhood Center , opening

2508-488: The Schechter network and reestablished itself as a community (or, non-denominational ) RAVSAK Jewish day school to better attract Reform and non-religious Jewish families. In 2009, Hillel changed its governance from the original " membership model ", in which parent members elected the board, to a directorship model (self-perpetuating board), in which current board members select their own replacements. Then, in 2010, Hillel launched its Early Childhood Center , opening

2584-436: The U.S. Supreme Court in 1979. In that case, the court ruled that the lay teachers at religious schools are exempt from the federal collective bargaining agreement. At the time, Hillel Day School belonged to Schechter Day School Network of Jewish day schools that identify with Conservative Judaism . Many conservative rabbis criticized Hillel for ending recognition of its teachers’ union for collective bargaining. Among them

2660-436: The U.S. Supreme Court in 1979. In that case, the court ruled that the lay teachers at religious schools are exempt from the federal collective bargaining agreement. At the time, Hillel Day School belonged to Schechter Day School Network of Jewish day schools that identify with Conservative Judaism . Many conservative rabbis criticized Hillel for ending recognition of its teachers’ union for collective bargaining. Among them

2736-440: The academy had already identified department heads of social sciences, mathematics, science, performing arts, Hebrew, and Jewish studies, and selected the leads of professional development, recruitment, and academic affairs. The school was set to open with ninth and 10th grades to start, tuition for a year would be $ 10,000, and every family whose child was accepted would receive a $ 2,000 subsidy. The school opened on August 28, 2000 at

2812-408: The decline: from 550 students in 2010 to 441 in 2017. 2014–2017 marked major upgrades to Hillel's physical facilities, just in time for a series of 2017–2018 alumni and community events in celebration of its 60-year anniversary. In 2020, Hillel was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic . In March, the school closed due to a teacher testing positive for COVID-19, one of the state's first 12 cases of

2888-408: The decline: from 550 students in 2010 to 441 in 2017. 2014–2017 marked major upgrades to Hillel's physical facilities, just in time for a series of 2017–2018 alumni and community events in celebration of its 60-year anniversary. In 2020, Hillel was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic . In March, the school closed due to a teacher testing positive for COVID-19, one of the state's first 12 cases of

2964-518: The doors to 69 pre-K students. In 2013, Hillel's ECC became the first licensed center in the Farmington or West Bloomfield area to receive a rating under Michigan's "Great Start to Quality" program, which evaluates state preschools. In 2019, the school expanded its ECC facility and started the year with 173 pre-K students. However, while the ECC grew, the school's K–8 population in 2010s was still on

3040-410: The doors to 69 pre-K students. In 2013, Hillel's ECC became the first licensed center in the Farmington or West Bloomfield area to receive a rating under Michigan's "Great Start to Quality" program, which evaluates state preschools. In 2019, the school expanded its ECC facility and started the year with 173 pre-K students. However, while the ECC grew, the school's K–8 population in 2010s was still on

3116-550: The first twelve years, Hillel rented space from various Jewish organisations. The school opened in 1958 with a kindergarten and first grade in the facilities of the Hayim Greenberg Center at 19161 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit. Then, in 1960, the school relocated to United Hebrew Schools at 18977 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit. In 1962, the school moved to the Jewish Center, later known as Jimmy Prentis Morris Branch of

The Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit - Misplaced Pages Continue

3192-413: The first twelve years, Hillel rented space from various Jewish organisations. The school opened in 1958 with a kindergarten and first grade in the facilities of the Hayim Greenberg Center at 19161 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit. Then, in 1960, the school relocated to United Hebrew Schools at 18977 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit. In 1962, the school moved to the Jewish Center, later known as Jimmy Prentis Morris Branch of

3268-469: The funds not be used for construction. In 2003, Jean and Samuel Frankel were revealed as contributors of this gift, made in the form of a 2-1 challenge fund: to receive the full $ 20 million, JAMD and the Jewish Federation must raise $ 10 million. Jean Frankel and her husband, longtime Detroit-area real estate developer Samuel, had a long and distinguished history of involvement with and giving to

3344-713: The historic Little Red Schoolhouse was repurposed into a hub for athletic support. Hillel welcomes Jewish children from all affiliations. Its religious policies aim to make all children, irrespective of their observance at home, feel comfortable and involved in school activities. Hillel requests families to respect classmates' levels of observance when arranging celebrations like birthdays and B'nai Mitzvah parties. Hillel mandates full student vaccination for admission and continuous enrollment. In 2015, amidst Michigan's high vaccination waiver rates, Hillel announced it would no longer accept religious or philosophical waivers from parents who reject vaccination. Hillel based this decision on

3420-713: The historic Little Red Schoolhouse was repurposed into a hub for athletic support. Hillel welcomes Jewish children from all affiliations. Its religious policies aim to make all children, irrespective of their observance at home, feel comfortable and involved in school activities. Hillel requests families to respect classmates' levels of observance when arranging celebrations like birthdays and B'nai Mitzvah parties. Hillel mandates full student vaccination for admission and continuous enrollment. In 2015, amidst Michigan's high vaccination waiver rates, Hillel announced it would no longer accept religious or philosophical waivers from parents who reject vaccination. Hillel based this decision on

3496-517: The local university, cultural organizations, hospitals, and Jewish schools. Soon after, the JAMD was renamed The Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit (FJA) . When the academy opened in 2000 with 51 ninth and 10th grade students, classes were held in the basement of the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. In 2001, students moved to modular classrooms . In 2007

3572-405: The lower level of the Jewish Community Center building in West Bloomfield. Gabriella Burman of The Forward noted on the occasion of JAMD opening that it was part of a national explosion of new non-Orthodox high schools: from 30 to 45 within three years, with 12 of the 15 new schools being community, or non-denominational, schools. She added that "the boom in Jewish high school education outside of

3648-405: The outbreak. Soon after, another teacher, coach Tony Sanders, died from COVID-19 complications. The school shifted to remote learning. Before their virtual graduation, the eighth graders had a "trip down Memory Lane" car parade around the school for a nostalgic farewell. The 2020-2021 academic year began with most students in physical classrooms while eight out of 92 teachers taught remotely. In

3724-405: The outbreak. Soon after, another teacher, coach Tony Sanders, died from COVID-19 complications. The school shifted to remote learning. Before their virtual graduation, the eighth graders had a "trip down Memory Lane" car parade around the school for a nostalgic farewell. The 2020-2021 academic year began with most students in physical classrooms while eight out of 92 teachers taught remotely. In

3800-691: The playful combinations underscore a deeper connection, noting the Talmud 's description of Hanukkah as a "holiday of thanksgiving." In 2006, the school added an eighth-grade Israel trip to the curriculum. The school's mascot is the Hawk. Hillel's athletics start in kindergarten with intramural programs and continue with interscholastic programs, where the Hillel Hawks compete against independent schools in various sports such as basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Hillel Day School

3876-527: The playful combinations underscore a deeper connection, noting the Talmud 's description of Hanukkah as a "holiday of thanksgiving." In 2006, the school added an eighth-grade Israel trip to the curriculum. The school's mascot is the Hawk. Hillel's athletics start in kindergarten with intramural programs and continue with interscholastic programs, where the Hillel Hawks compete against independent schools in various sports such as basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Hillel Day School

SECTION 50

#1732782760932

3952-429: The renovation, designed by school architect Prakash Nair , included the "Central Heart" (an open space with a presentation platform and capacity for 300 people), the "Innovation Hub" with an art studio, science lab, a greenhouse, an audio-video studio and a makerspace , and the café and kitchen in place of the old small gym. In the second phase, existing main hallways lined with lockers and classrooms were demolished to

4028-429: The renovation, designed by school architect Prakash Nair , included the "Central Heart" (an open space with a presentation platform and capacity for 300 people), the "Innovation Hub" with an art studio, science lab, a greenhouse, an audio-video studio and a makerspace , and the café and kitchen in place of the old small gym. In the second phase, existing main hallways lined with lockers and classrooms were demolished to

4104-507: The school a new media center , a gym , and a new school wing housing the 7–8 learning community on the second floor. In 2006, a $ 4 million expansion added to the school a bigger gym doubling as a theater with 800 seats capacity, along with a new lobby, offices, and an outside playing field. In 2014–2017, the school underwent an extensive renovation, funded by the William and Audrey Farber Philanthropic Endowment Fund . The first phase of

4180-453: The school a new media center , a gym , and a new school wing housing the 7–8 learning community on the second floor. In 2006, a $ 4 million expansion added to the school a bigger gym doubling as a theater with 800 seats capacity, along with a new lobby, offices, and an outside playing field. In 2014–2017, the school underwent an extensive renovation, funded by the William and Audrey Farber Philanthropic Endowment Fund . The first phase of

4256-400: The school was not offering an "open" attitude toward liberal Judaism. The disagreements had been brewing for several years and finally became public, as a fresh incident involving a "Denominational Differences" class at FJA pushed things to the forefront. In August 2011 a group of Reform rabbis wrote a formal letter to FJA complaining at a "marked lack of denominational sensitivity". In response,

4332-477: The school's founding director of fine and performing arts. Occasionally, the school invites younger local actors for its bigger productions, such as Munchkins and Flying Monkeys for 2004 production of The Wizard of Oz or orphans and Fagin's gang of thieves for 2012 production of Oliver! . The school's mascot is the Jaguar. The FJA Jaguars (or, Jags for short) participate in interscholastic sports, competing in

4408-433: The school's intense focus on Judaic studies. Tuition for the 2014–2015 academic year ranged from $ 11,280 for kindergarten to $ 17,975 for grades 1–8. In 2013–2014, 54 percent of the school's 564 students received financial aid. For the 2020–2021 school year, Hillel administered more than $ 3.2 million in financial aid, among 54 percent of the student body. From its founding, the school teaches Jewish and secular subjects in

4484-433: The school's intense focus on Judaic studies. Tuition for the 2014–2015 academic year ranged from $ 11,280 for kindergarten to $ 17,975 for grades 1–8. In 2013–2014, 54 percent of the school's 564 students received financial aid. For the 2020–2021 school year, Hillel administered more than $ 3.2 million in financial aid, among 54 percent of the student body. From its founding, the school teaches Jewish and secular subjects in

4560-436: The school, having grown to 81 faculty and staff and more than 220 students, moved to a newly constructed facility on the third floor of the Jewish Community Center. Thanks to an $ 8.5-million campaign, the 50,000-square-foot facility has 27 classrooms, a fully equipped science suite that includes four classrooms and two labs, and an 1,800-square-foot Beit Midrash /Chapel, which houses the academy's Judaica library collection. There

4636-502: The shell and rebuilt to create three open space learning communities: K–2 David and Nanci Farber learning community, the 3–6 William Davidson learning community, and the 7–8 learning community. The latest addition to the school building happened in 2019, when the school expanded its Early Childhood Center wing. In 2022, a $ 3 million upgrade of the outdoor athletic facilities added an all-season synthetic field, running track, and two multi-purpose athletic courts. As part of this renovation,

SECTION 60

#1732782760932

4712-502: The shell and rebuilt to create three open space learning communities: K–2 David and Nanci Farber learning community, the 3–6 William Davidson learning community, and the 7–8 learning community. The latest addition to the school building happened in 2019, when the school expanded its Early Childhood Center wing. In 2022, a $ 3 million upgrade of the outdoor athletic facilities added an all-season synthetic field, running track, and two multi-purpose athletic courts. As part of this renovation,

4788-453: The students had a better command of the language. Hillel debuted its first student spring musical,"Fiddler On The Roof", in 1965 and has since maintained a vibrant performing arts department. Hillel students celebrate both American and Jewish holidays. In 2018, instead of closing the school for the federal holiday named after Dr. King, Hillel honored his legacy by organizing diverse events, programs, and inviting speakers in order to educate

4864-453: The students had a better command of the language. Hillel debuted its first student spring musical,"Fiddler On The Roof", in 1965 and has since maintained a vibrant performing arts department. Hillel students celebrate both American and Jewish holidays. In 2018, instead of closing the school for the federal holiday named after Dr. King, Hillel honored his legacy by organizing diverse events, programs, and inviting speakers in order to educate

4940-570: The total enrollment went from 270 in 1970 to 533 in 1989 to 636 in 1992 (at those enrollment level, the school had to use portable classrooms) and to 712 in 1997. The school's growth was partially due to the inflow of Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union: in 1979, Hillel had 20, and in 1992, 49 Russian students. Hillel was recognized at the time as "a crown jewel of Conservative Judaism in Detroit" because it offered Jewish education "in

5016-454: The total enrollment went from 270 in 1970 to 533 in 1989 to 636 in 1992 (at those enrollment level, the school had to use portable classrooms) and to 712 in 1997. The school's growth was partially due to the inflow of Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union: in 1979, Hillel had 20, and in 1992, 49 Russian students. Hillel was recognized at the time as "a crown jewel of Conservative Judaism in Detroit" because it offered Jewish education "in

5092-428: The yeshiva world, where high schooling has been standard practice for much of the last generation, is further proof of the triumph of day schooling as a communal response to rising intermarriage rates and a perceived decline in Jewish affiliation." In 2002, JAMD received a $ 20 million endowment, the largest endowment ever received by a Jewish high school. The donor, who requested anonymity, set only one stipulation — that

5168-407: The younger generation about promoting diversity and stopping prejudice. In 2013, Hillel marked a rare occasion as Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah coincided for the first time since 1888. Students celebrated "Thanksgivukkah," creatively merging symbols from both holidays and crafting paper mashups like menorah -turkeys and bird- dreidels . Saul Rube, Hillel's dean of Judaic studies, said

5244-407: The younger generation about promoting diversity and stopping prejudice. In 2013, Hillel marked a rare occasion as Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah coincided for the first time since 1888. Students celebrated "Thanksgivukkah," creatively merging symbols from both holidays and crafting paper mashups like menorah -turkeys and bird- dreidels . Saul Rube, Hillel's dean of Judaic studies, said

5320-664: Was Rabbi David Nelson, religious leader of the Conservative synagogue Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park, Michigan, who said if "you understand Jewish law, you have to have sensitivity toward the working person". Rabbi Jill Jacobs defended the rights of workers to unionize and authored conservative movement's top lawmaking body 2008 teshuvah , or religious legal ruling, dealing with unionization and other related employment issues. In 2000s Hillel's enrollment tapered, from more than 760 in 2001 to 596 in 2005. The school reacted to this with some major changes. In 2008, Hillel broke off

5396-608: Was Rabbi David Nelson, religious leader of the Conservative synagogue Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park, Michigan, who said if "you understand Jewish law, you have to have sensitivity toward the working person". Rabbi Jill Jacobs defended the rights of workers to unionize and authored conservative movement's top lawmaking body 2008 teshuvah , or religious legal ruling, dealing with unionization and other related employment issues. In 2000s Hillel's enrollment tapered, from more than 760 in 2001 to 596 in 2005. The school reacted to this with some major changes. In 2008, Hillel broke off

5472-473: Was given an accommodation by MHSAA: he ran the challenging Michigan International Speedway cross country course all by himself on Friday, one day before the actual state meet Saturday. Running solo was something that had never been done in the nearly 100-year history of the cross country state meet. Rabbi Lee Buckman (1999–2008). Rabbi Buckman, 37, from Conservative Congregation Beth Israel in Milwaukee ,

5548-833: Was lauded for improving the school's outreach to Reform rabbis. Hillel Day School Hillel Day School , named after the Jewish religious leader, sage and scholar Hillel , is an independent Pre-K – 8 Jewish day school in Farmington Hills, Michigan , a city in the Detroit metropolitan area . Founded in 1958, it became the first non- Orthodox Jewish school in Michigan. It provides both secular and Judaic studies instruction for students from preschool through eighth grade . Hillel initially rented space from various Jewish organizations. In 1970, it settled into its permanent home in Farmington Hills. In 1980s–1990s, portable classrooms were necessary due to overcrowding. Since then, Hillel's campus has undergone significant expansions and renovations. It now features open-space learning areas,

5624-560: Was popular among independent schools: the neighboring Hillel Day School had the same directorship model since 2009. However, a group of FJA parents felt violated by perceived lack of transparency and in 2013 filed a legal complaint against the FJA board in Oakland County Circuit Court. FJA board president Bill Newman maintained that "the process we conducted was equitable, legal and binding". A few months later, parents dismissed their complaint. In 2015 FJA received

5700-602: Was recruited as the future school's founding head in April 1999, having been chosen from about 80 applicants for this position. He built a group of administrators and faculty that shared his passion for the school and opened it in 2000. During his nine-year tenure, the school grew from 51 students to 223. "It is very difficult to make all Jews happy, but Rabbi Buckman was able to walk that line," said Debbie Wrotslaysky, FJA mathematics department head. "He did an unbelievable job in keeping all of his constituents happy." Rabbi Buckman served

5776-406: Was tainted by school's prolonged standoff with the local Reform rabbis over FJA hiring policies. Rabbi Grossman left FJA in 2015 to become head of school at Manhattan's Ramaz School ; at his departure, FJA had 225 students. Rabbi Azaryah Cohen (2015–present). Rabbi Cohen became the head of school in 2015, after several years of serving as its Judaic studies principal and Talmud teacher. In 2017 he

#931068