2025-2026 FALL/WINTER REPORT
The Jaime & Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program continues to shine as a powerful expression of leadership, chesed, and community pride at Scheck Hillel. During the first half of the year, our Ambassadors have embraced meaningful opportunities to serve, welcome new students, connect across divisions, and strengthen our bond with Israel. Guided by our core values, they are helping build a school community anchored in purpose and belonging.
Their initiatives have already made a lasting impact, uplifting peers, honoring those who support our campus, and inspiring pride in our heritage and responsibility for our future.
As we reflect on the first months of the 2025-2026 Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program, we are proud to share the impact of their initiatives so far.
Jeremy Dejman ‘27
Aviv Zohar ‘26
Shira Sager ‘27
Jaia Herdan ‘26
Dana Shiro ‘27
SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRESS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
This semester, the Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors have strengthened our school community through meaningful initiatives rooted in leadership and kindness.
They supported Grade 9 orientation through team-building activities, connected with Kindergarten students through reading, and engaged in powerful learning opportunities with IDF veteran and Hillel alumnus Benjamin Jaffe ‘16, and Yad Vashem leaders. They also organized a breakfast and created personalized posters to honor our Maintenance, IT, and Cafeteria teams.
Breakfast and heartfelt thanks for our campus teams.
AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHTS
Aviv Zohar ’26
Aviv led a letter-writing initiative for soldiers at HaBayit Shel Benji, encouraging students to send messages of gratitude in their native languages and strengthening our community’s connection to those serving in Israel.
Kindergarten reading visit.
Dana Shiro ’27
Dana co-led an interview with Hillel alumnus and IDF veteran Benjamin Jaffe ‘16 , and is organizing a Tu B’Shvat cookie bake in honor of Hersh Goldberg, z’’l, inviting students to learn about his story while baking his favorite chocolate chip cookies.
Interview with IDF veteran Benjamin Jaffe ‘16.
Learning with visiting Yad Vashem leaders.
Jeremy Dejman ’27
Jeremy launched the Teacher Assistant (TA) Program, offering peer tutoring and study support to help students feel more confident and connected. He also co-led the interview with alumnus Benjamin Jaffe ‘16 , deepening student engagement with his story of service and resilience.
Jaia Herdan ‘26
Jaia played a key role in Kindergarten reading visits, helping younger students engage with stories and share their ideas. Her gentle leadership and positive energy continues to enrich Ambassador activities throughout the school.
Shira Sager ’27
Shira is developing a student to student video exchange with a partner school in Israel, helping Hillel students connect through Hebrew prompts and shared reflections. She also participated in Kindergarten reading visits, strengtheningconnectionstoIsrael andsupportingyoungerlearners.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH PURPOSE
Our Ambassadors will lead December initiatives including the Community Chanukah Celebration, the schoolwide toy drive, and the Grade 5 Light Up the World with Chesed activity. We look forward to all that awaits in the second semester of the year.
Gilinski family, we are profoundly grateful for your vision and generosity. Your support empowers our students to grow as leaders, deepen their connection to Israel, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.