Dear Hillel Community:
We are pleased to present Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit’s Path for Reopening.
The plan is the result of months of painstaking deliberation, with the safety of our precious students, faculty, and community at the forefront of our decision-making process, in consultation with governmental and medical professionals, along with valuable input from you, our parents.
As you read through the many sections of this plan, I ask you to reflect deeply on the teachings of Rabbi Hillel, our school’s namesake, found in Pirkei Avot:
אם אין אני לי, מי לי? וכשאני לעצמי, מה אני? ואם לא עכשיו, אימתי?
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?”
These three rhetorical questions are not intended to be read independently, one from one another; rather, they are inseparably linked together. Taken together, they teach us to always be mindful of the fact that not only are we responsible for protecting our individual health and safety, but we are equally responsible for protecting everyone within our community, now and for all time. This lesson was the guiding spirit in the creation of this plan.
The Path for Reopening describes three academic models that we are prepared for: in-person, remote, and flexible. It also enumerates every precaution that will be taken when we are on campus. As a school community, we are also inspired by the ancient teaching of Rabbi Akiva who says, also in Pirkei Avot:
.חביב אדם שנברא בצלם
”Beloved is humankind, for it is created in the image [of God].”
In the midst of the uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, we have carefully constructed this reopening plan supremely mindful of the safety, health, and spiritual well-being of every student, staff member, and teacher.
We need your help in preparing for our in-person opening on September 1, and during the school year. Please continue to do what is necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus -- physically distance from those who do not live in your house; consistently wear masks outside of your house; wash your hands regularly; and avoid traveling to hot spots wherever they may be (and however that may change over time).
As Jews, we never lose sight that each member of our school community is imbued with a Divine spark, and that you have entrusted us with the sacred task of nurturing the souls of your children. We are excited about opening school for our 63rd year, proud of how far we have come, and optimistic about where we are headed.
May we continue to go from strength to strength.
Sincerely,
Dr. Darin S. Katz