Our Life & Legacy
Hillel children learn to speak, read, and write Hebrew. They strengthen connections, student-to-student, and develop a rich understanding of Israeli culture by collaborating with the Hofey Hagalil School in Israel.
Hillel children engage with Judaic tradition through daily prayer, the study of Torah, Parsha lessons applied to daily life, Rosh Chodesh luncheons, and holiday celebrations. They are active in local synagogues, temples, and Chabad. Hillel children and their parents actively engage with the larger Jewish community, become leaders and committed participants in Jewish life, and proudly carry on Jewish tradition in Dayton and beyond.
LIFE AND LEGACY is a partnership between the Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in collaboration with the Dayton Jewish Community. LIFE AND LEGACY allow dedicated community members to invest in securing a future for Jewish Dayton, including Hillel Academy.
Hillel Academy was founded in 1962 by a group of Dayton parents seeking to provide their children with a strong Jewish identity and an excellent education. Today, Hillel Academy remains true to that vision by being the only school within six counties to offer Judaic and secular studies instruction to children in kindergarten–6th grade.
Hillel children are independent and passionate learners. They investigate authentic, real-world projects, collaborate on workable solutions, explore ideas with local experts in the field, create imaginative work through the arts, take ownership of their own learning, and communicating their goals and achievements.
Testimonials
Susan Joffe’s Story: A Legacy of Commitment and Care for
Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton
David, Susan, Sarah (daughter-in-law), Benjamin, Michael, and BeckySusan Joffe’s life embodies dedication to family, community, and Jewish education. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Dayton at nine, attending Meadowdale High School and Beth Abraham Synagogue. Her career in nursing, alongside her husband, Dr. David Joffe, MD, helped establish a premier cardiology practice in Dayton, earning widespread trust and admiration.
The Joffe family's deep connection to Hillel Academy includes Susan and David choosing it for their children's Jewish education. Susan also served on the board, participated in committees, and organized the Hanukkah Boutique, greatly contributing to the school's nurturing environment.
Susan has two sons, Michael and Benjamin, and a daughter, Becky, who graduated from Hillel in 1999 after attending from first grade. Michael also attended Hillel from first grade through his sophomore year. Both Becky and Michael forged lifelong close-knit friendships during their time at Hillel, which Susan fondly recalls as providing a solid Jewish foundation for her children.
A notable experience for Becky was a trip to Poland and Israel, organized by Hillel during her sophomore year, which deepened her connection to her heritage. A special part of Becky’s journey was her kindergarten teacher, Sandy Sloane-Brenner. Sandy made a lasting impression, inviting Becky, a competitive ice skater, back yearly to share her journey and inspire Hillel students.
Susan’s son Benjamin, who grew up in Cleveland, attended an orthodox day school, and participated in JCC summer camps, now lives in NYC with his wife and two sons, teaching Latin at a private boys' school. A Yeshiva University graduate, he maintains a strong connection to his Jewish roots and family values of education and community. Michael, a social worker specializing in elder care in Chicago, is passionate about his work and serves as a supervisor.
In retirement, Susan volunteers at Children’s Hospital and Brigid’s Path, supporting mothers in recovery. Susan and David have dedicated their Life and Legacy gift to Hillel, encouraging others to support the school’s mission. Susan’s story reflects a life enriched by Hillel’s values, inspiring others to join the Life and Legacy program to secure Hillel’s future.
-Susan Joffe
"As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me." -Ta"anti 23a
For more information about how you can make a LIFE AND LEGACY gift, please contact Hillel Academy at kmossop@daytonhillel.org
THANK YOU TO OUR LIFE & LEGACY PARTNERS!
Anonymous
Elaine & Matthew Arnovitz
Amy Bloom
Lisa Blum
Jeff & MollyBlumer
Larry Burick
Patty & Mike Caruso
Rabbi Judy Chessin
Ted Cooper
Bruce & Debbie Feldman
Cathy Gardner
Shirlee Gilbert
Rachel Haug Gilbert
Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg
& Hazzan Jenna Greenberg
Danny Glaser
Lois Gross
Jonathan Hakim
Steve Harlan
David & Susan Joffe
Marc Katz & Julie Liss-Katz
Sarah Moore Leventhal
Rabbi Nochum Mangel
David & Joan Marcus
Irvin Moscowitz
Bernie & Carole (z"l) Rabinowitz
Lee & Patti Schear
Andrew & Pamela Schwartz
Rabbi Levi Simon
Joel & Marci Vandersluis
Mary Rita & Norm Weissman