Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick
August 17, 2026

In my former capacity as head of school, principal and now executive coach and day school
consultant, I am often asked to describe the characteristics of an outstanding or exemplary
head of school or day school principal.
Although there are a wide variety of responses to this important query, the answer is not a
“one-size fits all”.
More often than not, our Jewish day school and yeshiva community confuse management
skills with leadership skills. But demonstrated exemplary leadership goes far beyond the
limitation of only ensuring that the trains are “running on time”.
Being an exemplary day school or yeshiva educational leader requires a skill set which
transcends scholarship, knowledge, experience or expertise. Although these attributes and
characteristics are essential, exemplary leadership also demands a mindset, personality,
demeanor and insight into human nature and a sensitivity which transcends the need to
embrace empathy, middot tovot and menchlichkeit.

Definition:

Head of school excellence is an executive leadership responsibility for establishing,
monitoring and scaling the highest academic and operational standards across one or
multiple campuses.
As opposed to focusing only on daily administrative details like a traditional principal, this
role centers on broad strategic developments, curricular frameworks and alignment, data-
driven student performance and the professional coaching of teachers.
Today, the head of school plays a critical role in driving school excellence by serving as the
primary visionary, cultural leader, and strategic anchor of an educational institution.

Achieving excellence as a head of school requires balancing community engagement, staff
empowerment and the establishment of rigorous academic norms and standards.

Head of School Leadership Characteristics

Instead of managing just the day-to-day logistics of a single building, the head of school
focuses on macro-level strategic planning, cultivating a uniform culture of peak
performance and standardizing best practices.
In addition, the exemplary head of school creates and fosters a healthy community culture
and manages strategic operations to ensure that students and teachers and staff reach their
fullest potential.

The “Four Pillars”

There are essentially four “pillars” of school leadership excellence.
They include: strategic alignment, community engagement, holistic support systems and
collaborative teaching teams.
In addition, the top attributes of exceptional school leaders are radical transparency –
fostering an atmosphere of trust by keeping families, staff and students actively informed;
data-informed guidance by using student achievement and performance metrics to
differential teacher support and eliminate localized learning barriers; people investment
by cultivating leadership pathways for staff through focused mentoring and targeted
professional development; and embracing fallibility by demonstrating humility through
learning openly from mistakes in order to model resilience for the students.

The Jewish Component of Exemplary School Leadership

When identifying the Jewish characteristics of exemplary school leadership, there are
several significant attributes which are very evident.
They include displaying middot tovot, developing and implementing policy decisions which
are embedded and anchored in Jewish values and dass torah, modeling value-based
behavior as Torah observance individuals, acting in accordance with Kiddush HaShem and
modeling derech eretz to students, parents, teachers and members of the community.

In addition, exemplary Jewish school leaders engage in their own Torah learning
obligations and scholarship in order to help inform others understand and appreciate the
profound centrality and critical importance of Torah study, learning and scholarship.
Finally, expressions of love, passion and affinity for eretz yisrael, medinat yisrael and am
yisrael are critical dimensions of a head of school’s role and value proposition.
As we know, head of school leadership from a Jewish perspective is deeply anchored in
service, humility, modesty, and moral responsibility rather than autocratic power. As such,
the professional Jewish school leader acts as an empowering teacher and as a servant of the
community.
When directing a day school or yeshiva, the exemplary leader views and demonstrates the
highest form of leadership. This requires helping faculty and students see, think and adapt
in new ways rather than issuing top down directives or commands.

The Empowerment Model

One of the most critical attributes of a high performing head of school is recognizing that no
one person can lead alone and that sharing responsibility with other staff and faculty and
actively mentoring and training others to lead becomes paramount.
Empowering teachers transforms them from mere instructors into autonomous leaders
who deeply impact student academic, social and emotion growth and success. True
empowerment therefore requires shifting from rigid, top down control to a school culture
of deep trust, professional respect and shared decision-making.
This “empowerment model” also guarantees that there is leadership continuity and
sustainability and helps ensure leadership succession in the event the head of school
moves on. Finally, it offers faculty and staff the opportunity to share in the success, growth
and development of the school through real-time hands-on leadership responsibility and
obligations.

Identifying, Creating and Sustaining Exemplary School Leadership

As indicated, educational leadership does not happen in a vacuum. As such, every Jewish
day school or yeshiva Board endeavors to identify and hire the most outstanding person to
lead their school. But, as we know, reality dictates that this is not always feasible. To be
sure, professional day school and yeshiva leaders are just not sitting around ready to be

engaged or hired. They are in all probability already engaged by a school and are
committed to their positions.

Engaging Leadership

The characteristics and attributes of exemplary school leadership as just indicated may
appear to be simple and straightforward. This may be true. But it does not necessarily
suggest that there are a pool of such leaders just ready and willing to be hired and engaged.
There are essentially three approaches (and possibly more) in order to identify and engage
exemplary day school and yeshiva leaders.
One approach is by conducting an extensive and comprehensive search. The other
approach is by engaging the current head of school in a comprehensive and extensive in-
service coaching and training program. The third approach, which is usually the most
common, is to search for a new head of school with the understanding that he/she will
require extensive coaching, mentor and guidance in specifics areas.
The slight advantage in pursuing the third approach is that the professional is already
somewhat familiar with the culture of the school. This reduces the learning curve and
hopefully, the training experience.

A Word of Advice and Caution

Every day school and yeshiva wants to hire and engage the most qualified and outstanding
person for the job.
Searching and engaging for a day school and yeshiva head of school is always challenging at
best. It can be extremely stressful for the school faculty, board and school community; or, it
can be a surprisingly smooth straightforward process.
Critical to the success of this challenge is for the school search process to identify those
leadership characteristics and attributes that represent the highest priority for the school.
Once this leadership baseline is established, the search process takes on a new, exciting and
important dimension. By the same token, if a school does not engage in this process,
educational excellence and exemplary school leadership will be very difficult if not
impossible to achieve.
Finally, the day school and yeshiva that continuously and passionately strives for
educational excellence and exemplary chinuch will in all probability achieve it over a period
of time.

This institutional aspiration will however require high levels of motivation, laser-sharp
insight, a clear vision and unswerving perseverance. But above all, it requires a willingness
to accept failure, learn from that failure and then immediately move forward to succeed.
Friends….remember, there are very few if any excellent day schools that are lead by poor or
mediocre leaders. But, there are many poor institutions that are led by less than average
leaders who lack leadership skills.
This differentiation should be obvious and straight-forward.

About the Author:
Dr. Chaim Botwinick is an organizational consultant and senior executive coach. He served as
president and CEO of the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and Miami and as
head of school and principal for a variety of Jewish day schools and yeshivot. As an Influencer
in education, Dr. Botwinick has lectured published extensively on topics relating to strategic
planning, leadership development and school change. He is the co-founder of LEV Consulting
Associates and the producer and host for the Chinuch Horizons podcast series. Dr. Botwinick is
the author of Think Excellence, Books, 2011.

After Nearly a Decade: EL AL Launches New Safety Videos Featuring Advanced, First-of-Its-Kind Technology Starring Gal Gadot, Rotem Sela, Deni Avdija and Lior Raz, Joining the Global Trend That Has Turned Airline Safety Videos Into Flagship Productions

After nearly a decade during which EL AL’s safety video starring Lior Suchard accompanied passengers and became one of the airline’s most recognizable brand assets, EL AL is launching a new series of safety videos created using a unique technology being utilized for the first time and featuring Gal Gadot, Rotem Sela, Deni Avdija and Lior Raz, among the most successful Israeli stars worldwide. The videos will be screened on all EL AL flights beginning in August.

In recent years, airline safety videos around the world have evolved into major productions.
Rather than relying on standard instructional videos, airlines are incorporating creativity, humor and global celebrities to capture passengers’ attention, increase engagement with safety instructions and encourage them to watch the video from beginning to end. EL AL’s new safety video series was created with the same approach and with the goal of transforming the safety briefing into a modern passenger experience designed for 2026.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, EL AL integrated advanced AI technology into the production of its new safety video series, creating an innovative and dynamic content platform. As part of the initiative, approximately 10 different videos were produced and tailored to specific destinations. Instead of presenting a single safety video across all flights, passengers will enjoy a changing viewing experience in which visual elements vary according to the destination, while selected flights also include destination-specific recommendations.

The technology enables EL AL to create multiple versions of its safety video, refresh and adapt content over time, incorporate new stories for different destinations and continue enhancing the customer experience in the years ahead while increasing passengers’ attention to critical safety messages.

The initiative was produced in collaboration with Samsung and integrates Samsung Galaxy devices and Galaxy AI technology as an integral part of both the storyline and the visual language of the videos.

Levy Halevy, EL AL CEO:
“We are proud to continue bringing our customers one of the most advanced travel experiences in the world. The new safety video series combines creativity, technology and high-quality content, allowing us to communicate important safety messages in an innovative and relevant way while joining a standard now embraced by the world’s leading airlines. The decision to feature Israeli stars who have achieved success on the international stage reflects EL AL’s values of excellence, innovation and Israeli pride, while adding another layer of connection to Israel and the story we bring to the world.”

Kenny Rozenberg, one of EL AL’s controlling shareholders:
“EL AL continues to strengthen its position as a global airline that adopts the most advanced standards in the aviation industry and brings them to its customers. This initiative reflects the way we view EL AL: an airline that leads through innovation, remains connected to its roots and proudly represents Israel wherever it flies. As an Israeli airline, it is important for us to continue showcasing the Israeli spirit, innovation and excellence that define who we are.”

How Marc Shoshan Is Building Community Through the Magen Society By South Florida Community Voice

As the general contractor who built Founders Shooting Club in both Fort Lauderdale and North Miami, Marc Shoshan had a unique perspective. Once the clubs opened, he watched something unexpected happen. What began as a place centered around shooting naturally evolved into a place where people gathered, built friendships, supported one another, and developed a genuine sense of community.

Fundraisers for Israeli soldiers, community events, and casual conversations between strangers often turned into lasting friendships, business relationships, and a growing sense of belonging. Watching that transformation inspired a new idea.

“I realized this was about far more than shooting,” Shoshan said. “It was about confidence, belonging, and creating a place where our community could come together.”

Like many in the Jewish community, Shoshan watched with growing concern as antisemitism increased around the world and the conflict in the Middle East left many people feeling unsettled. Rather than respond with fear, he wanted to create something positive—a place where people could come together, build confidence, strengthen friendships, learn practical skills, and develop a deeper sense of belonging.

“I felt our community needed more than another organization,” he said. “We needed a place. A place where people feel welcome, where they can meet, practice, socialize, support one another, and leave feeling more confident than when they arrived.”

That realization became the inspiration behind the Magen Society, a private membership community hosted at Founders Shooting Club. With the support of Founders owner Victor Grillo, Shoshan developed the initiative specifically for South Florida’s Jewish community—a place where members can connect, build relationships, practice shooting if they choose, learn self-defense and first aid, attend events, support charitable causes, and simply enjoy spending time together.

A Different Kind of Club
Walking into Founders Shooting Club feels more like entering a private social club than a traditional shooting range. Comfortable lounges, large-screen televisions, workspaces, a cigar lounge, and premium amenities create an atmosphere where members can work, meet friends, relax, or spend an evening together.

“We wanted people to have a place they actually enjoy spending time,” Grillo explained. “Whether someone comes to practice, watch a game, smoke a cigar, meet clients, or simply unwind, this should feel like their club.”

“You can finish dinner or an event and say, “Let’s go to the club,” Shoshan said. “Sit together, have a conversation, enjoy the atmosphere, and leave feeling better than when you arrived.”

Building Confidence and Belonging
Although firearms training is available, Shoshan emphasizes that it is only one part of a much larger vision.

“Our goal isn’t to make everyone a shooter,” he said. “Our goal is to help people become more confident—whether that is through learning a new skill, meeting supportive people, or simply feeling they belong somewhere.”

“What impressed me most was watching Founders build a membership that truly feels like a family,” Shoshan said. “People know one another, they help one another, and they genuinely enjoy being together. I felt our community needed a place that creates those same kinds of relationships.”

The name Magen, the Hebrew word for “shield,” reflects that philosophy—not only protection, but a community that supports, strengthens, and stands beside one another.

Networking That Happens Naturally
“The networking happens naturally,” Shoshan said. “People start talking, discover common interests, and before long they have made a new friend or found someone they can help—or someone who can help them.”

Giving Back
The organization has committed to allocating 10 percent of its proceeds to charitable organizations serving the community, supporting different causes throughout the year.

A Vision for South Florida
For Shoshan, success will not be measured simply by memberships. “If someone walks through our doors feeling uncertain and leaves with greater confidence, new friendships, stronger connections, or simply the feeling that they have found a place where they belong, then we have achieved exactly what the Magen Society was created to do.”

An introductory event for the community will take place on August 9, giving prospective members an opportunity to tour the new facility, meet the leadership team, and learn more about the Magen Society’s vision for strengthening South Florida’s Jewish community.

Dr. Chaim Botwinick

As a child, I can vividly recall how my father, z”l would describe the manner in which he and his United
States Army Chaplain colleagues liberated concentration camps at the end of World War II
I recall hearing how he and other army Chaplains and officers, together with then General Eisenhower
where the first to enter these camps of death only to witness first-hand the pile of deceased souls next
to the skeletal bodies lying in the mud or in filthy wooden barracks, barely still breathing.
My father’s memory of these images were so evident and vivid throughout his Rabbinic career that they
became a central theme for many of his drashas, diveri Torah and speeches, interspersed with powerful
words of chazal and inspiration.
His numerous sermons during the Yom Tovim and on Shabbat were replete with images and stories of
holocaust victims (whom he referred to as true tzadekkim). He would describe how he and his
colleagues helped nourish them back to life in displacement camps. Until this very day, his drashas are
still seared in my memory.
As he described these experiences, he would often say – “My friends, it can happen here!”
For many, especially for me as a child, his words resonated with alarming reflection and realism. This
was especially the case for those who they themselves experienced the horrors of the Holocaust.
Friends, I often think that if my father were to be alive today, how he would respond to the volcanic
explosion of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic violence now sweeping the globe. I dare not wonder how he
would have reacted with fire and brimstone, anger and consternation at the current state of global anti-
Semitism and Jew-hatred in public spaces
My father was a man of true shalom. He was also known to be a brilliant Talmud Chocham, an influential
orator and a powerful speaker. As a realist and pragmatist he was haunted by his memories of those
images of thousands of emaciated concentration camp inmates he held, carried and comforted in his
arms after their liberation.
Today’s growing global anti-Semitic cancer now metastasizing in our communities is overwhelming. This
new hatred is no longer restricted to the fringes of our society but are now being fomented by many
public figures, politicians, and the media. It is now the new post-October 7 th normal to publically hate
Jews.
The recent events in New York City are just one example of how harmful public comments and rhetoric
can spark and ignite a firestorm of hatred, not unlike the burning blaze of pre-Nazi Germany.
I keep hearing my father’s voice echoing in the background “it can happen here”

There are those who feel that the only solution is aliya to Israel; yet, there are others who strongly
believe that we must fight this malignancy domestically with all of our resources.
My father of blessed memory would suggested that complacency, apathy or running away from Jew-
hatred is not the solution; and with the conviction that if unchallenged, history will repeat itself. Having
said that, he probably would have also opted to encourage aliya for those who have the resources,
ability and means to fulfill the mitzvah of yishuv eretz yisrael – to settle in Israel.
Throughout Jewish history, we have confronted the face of evil and the daunting reality of persecution,
pogroms and hatred. Yet, as a people we were resilient and we survived.
This survival does not happen in a vacuum, but is rather the result of a fight or flight reality which is
baked into the DNA of Am Yisrael and the result of our unswerving bitachom and emuna in HaShem.
Having just observed Tisha B’Av and the horrifying stabbing of a young Jewish man in the streets of
Upper Manhattan, we are all a bit on edge and unsettled about when and how the next shoe will drop,
whether it be in Manhattan or in any other major metropolis.
Just last week, I heard a story on a national podcast about child who asked his mother, “Mom, do I need
to wear my kippah in public”. The mothers response was “I would rather you wear a hat…. and please
tuck-in you tzitzit when in public’.
My dear friends, I never thought I would ever witness the day when a child in the United States would
be fearful to wear a kippah or his tzitzit in public. But unfortunately it has become a harsh reality.
Of course there a growing number who would opt to wear kippot and tzizit in public. And to those who
do, I say kol Hakavod!
We must continue to be proud of our Jewish identity and not shy away from displaying it publicly.
As a People we are all very effective confronting these concerns and fears from behind a typewriter or
laptop, or even by delivering fiery speeches from a podium. But are we as a global Jewish community
really and truly ready to confront antisemistm and Jew-hatred head on.
When the entire world is turning against the Jew in public spaces, it is so daunting and disconcerting to
confront an enemy with such savagery, barbarism and hatred.
Chazal teach us that we should never be discouraged and that we must always continue to focus on the
positive – especially when confronting evil.
Throughout our history, we learned how to never give up hope and that adherence to Torah values
ensures our resilience. We learn that Holocaust survivors created new families, schools and
communities…. proving that life and faith can start over and even flourish after total destruction.
Jewish history is defined by a cycle of crisises and renewal …where communities repeatedly transformed
moments of near-destruction into cultural and spiritual resilience and rebirth.
Several of these remarkable turning points included the return to Zion when 538 BCE Jews were finally
allowed to leave Babylon and return to Yerushalayim, the permanent abolition of the Spanish Inquisition
in 1834; the UN Partition Plan (Resolution 1810), and the Freedom of Soviet Jewry in 1987.

Moving into the Future with Hope and Promise
As we continue to focus on the impact of anti-Semitism, Jew hatred and anti-Israel violence, we must be
mindful that we will always be protected by the fact that we were endowed by HaShem as an ohr lgoyim
and as a mamlechect kohanim.
No individual, group of individuals or country will ever change this reality. Nor will any government or
governmental official ever take this honor and endowed privileged reality away from us.
When I think back to by dear father’s warning that It Can Happen Here, I sincere believe it can. But I also
firmly believe that with HaShem’s oversight, acheinu bnai Yisrael has the ability, capacity and ratzon to
fight this growing cancer head on.
But first and foremost it will require a true sense of urgency anchored in reality on our part and a
commitment to ensure a safe, strong, viable Jewish community.
As our summer respite comes to a close and as our children return to school, let us hope and pray to
HaShem that they, their families and achienu bnai yisrael remain safe, vigilant and aware of the
potential dangers and threats surroundings us.
Not doing so would be foolish, unwise, imprudent and delusional.
In the words of my dear father z’l, “it can happen here”!
We are hopeful that it will not, but today’s reality points to a strong indication that it may.
Are we as a community prepared?
Am Yisrael Chai

About the Author
D. Chaim Botwinick is an organizational consultant and senior executive couch. He served as president
and ceo for the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and Miami. He also served as head of
school and principal for a variety of Jewish day schools an yeshivot. As an Influencer in education, Dr.
Botwinick has written and lectured extensively on topics relating to strategic planning, leadership
development and school change. He is the co-founder of LEV Consulting Associates and host of the
Chinuch Horizons podcast series. Dr. Botwinick is the author of Think Excellence, Brown Books, 2011.

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news

By Sivan Rahav Meir

What Did You Take Home From Israel?
“What will you take home with you from your visit to Israel?”
I put that question to a group of American college students who had come to Israel for a
week of volunteering and Jewish learning with Birthright Israel and Manhattan’s MJE. We
were standing on the rooftop of the Aish HaTorah building, overlooking the Western Wall,
after a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service.
Here is what they said. I think Israelis need to hear their answers too.
The first student said she had not felt well all week. “But when I went to a pharmacy, I could
tell that people really cared. They tried to help me and make me feel better. Our Israeli
guides kept checking in on me too. That doesn’t happen in New York. I truly felt at home.”
The second student described her experience in two words: “beauty” and “healing.” She had
grown up in Oregon with little connection to Judaism, and being in Israel had simply been
good for her.
Then another student said he felt “a sense of magic and wonder.” Those were the words he
chose to sum up an intense week of working in the fields, packing food for families in need,
visiting a yeshiva, the site of the Nova festival, Tzfat, Masada and the Dead Sea, and finally
spending Shabbat in Jerusalem.
Magic and wonder.
The fourth student was even more poetic: “I feel whole. After spending a week with other
Jews in the Land of Israel, I feel more complete as a person. But I also feel that when I am
here, the Land of Israel is somehow more complete too.”
These were not poets or prophets. They were American college students who had spent just
one week here .I told them that this week’s Torah portion speaks to this very idea. Moshe
urges those who will have the privilege of entering the Land of Israel to understand that this
is no ordinary place. It is precious and sacred, and we must live here accordingly.
Thank you to the group, led by Rabbi Mark Wildes, for this important lesson.
Blessing the New Month of Elul
There is something special in the optimism of a new month. We renew ourselves, just like
the moon, since we have the chance to start all over again. This coming Shabbat morning in
synagogues throughout the world, we will recite the blessing in honor of the new month of
Elul which will arrive next Thursday and Friday.
The month of Elul is especially significant since it is the last month of the old year (5786) as
we prepare for the new one (5787). Elul presents us with the opportunity to ask: What is it
that we wish to improve, to change, to upgrade? In which areas of life, during this blessed
time, has our potential yet to be fulfilled? Here is a translation from the new month’s
blessing:

“May the Holy One, blessed by He, renew it [the new month] for us and for the entire nation
of Israel, wherever they may be, for goodness and for blessing, for gladness and for joy, for
deliverance and for consolation, for livelihood and for prosperity, for good news, for
complete healing, for imminent redemption, and let us say: Amen.”
Parashat Re’eh: Seven Words That Change Everything
The opening verse of this week’s Torah portion presents us with a revolutionary idea. Let us
pause over the seven words God addresses to us and explore them together:
“See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.”
SEE — In Hebrew, God addresses each of us personally, using the singular form:
Re’eh—“See.” Stop for a moment. Pay attention. Take a close look at the profound principle
we are about to learn.
I SET — God is giving each and every one of us something personally. We wait to hear what
that gift will be.
BEFORE YOU — The verse now shifts from the singular, re’eh—“see”—to the plural,
lifneichem—“before all of you.” Every small action you take affects the wider community.
Every mitzvah—and, God forbid, every action to the contrary—has an impact on us all.
TODAY — Not thousands of years ago in the desert, but now—today, at this very moment.
At every moment, you choose how to act. This is not ancient history. It is current. It is
happening right now.
A BLESSING AND A CURSE — And here we reach the heart of the verse. God has given us an
extraordinary power: the ability to choose how we act in this world. The all-powerful God
grants us, human beings, free will—the choice between blessing and curse, between good
and evil. The choice is ours.
And what happens when, God forbid, you stumble and make the wrong choice? Go back just
one word and remember: today. Today—and every day—you can begin again.
Now read the verse again.
May we choose well.
Want to read more by Sivan Rahav Meir? Google The Daily Thought or visit
sivanrahavmeir.com