How often do we get to show our hakaras ha’tov to an individual who has done so much in a relatively short time? This year’s Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls’ mother–daughter brunch paid tribute to Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman, SKA’s talented and devoted principal, grades 9–10. Faculty members, parents, and current and former students of SKA gathered to honor Rabbi Rothman on Sunday, February 12, at Congregation Kneseth Israel (the White Shul). As expected, the turnout was terrific!
In the eight years that Rabbi Rothman has been at SKA, he has earned the respect and adoration of all. In addition to his own classroom teaching duties and heading of the Torah sheb’al peh and halachah department, Rabbi Rothman has shared his knowledge of technology with SKA’s faculty, training faculty, and students with modern educational techniques. (He has also won the reputation of “great rebbi.”) Sensitively running the school’s test schedule, Rabbi Rothman never loses his patience, even when confronted with conflicts from both faculty and students. The alumnae benefit from his weekly phone shiur, and current students always have his listening ear; there is a constant line outside his office. Of course, he is always available (with a smile) to everyone else in the school.
In charge of recruitment and admissions, Rabbi Rothman is one of the first SKA administrators prospective and incoming students meet. His academic credentials are quite impressive: Rabbi Rothman holds a doctorate in Jewish education from Azrieli Graduate School of Yeshiva University and has a master’s in public administration from New York University, an M.S. in secondary education, and semichah from YU. He also received the 2008 Grinspoon Steinhardt Excellent Teacher Award.
Reflecting on his eight years at SKA, Mrs. Helen Spirn, head of school, paid tribute to Rabbi Rothman, who plays such an important role in the school. A video produced by students offered mazel tovs and good wishes as the girls shared their upbeat feelings about their principal. All enjoyed the other administrators’ gag gift presentation!
Thanks go to the heads of the parent council, Mrs. Naomi Nachman and Mrs. Elaine Steinmetz, and their wonderful committee members who worked so hard to make this event such a success!