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May 6, 2005/Nisan 27 5765, Volume 57, No. 36
Hebrew Academy names new principal
BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN
Special to Jewish News
Hoping to usher in a new era just in time for its upcoming 40th anniversary, Phoenix Hebrew Academy administrators recently named Rabbi Isaac Entin as the school's new principal.
Entin, currently principal of Torah Day School of Virginia in Portsmouth, Va., received word late last month that he will take over the position on July 1.
He will replace Rabbi Harris Cooperman, who will become the academy's director of development after serving as principal for 20 years. The school was founded in 1965 and was the Valley's first Jewish day school.
Entin said it's "very exciting" to go from a school with 50 students to one with more than 130 students, and hopes to build on the school's past success in both Judaic and general studies, as well as find "some new areas to challenge and stimulate the students."
"The academy has almost 40 years of rooting itself in the Phoenix community," said Entin. "The school is an established institution - it's not a matter of starting something from scratch, but rather building on what they have accomplished in that time."
Rabbi David Rebibo, the academy's founder and dean, said the school is entering a "new stage" with Entin's hiring.
"Rabbi Entin's arrival will bring new ideas and leadership that will keep our school on the leading edge of Jewish and secular education," Rebibo said.
An executive committee made up of Rebibo, academy president Irwin Sheinbein, and four others evaluated approximately eight candidates for the position over the course of two years before choosing Entin in April.
Entin said he does not have any big plans or momentous changes in mind, at least not yet.
"I really have to get my feet wet and take a good look at the school," he said. "But definitely, the school has huge potential, and I hope to capitalize on that and make it a very attractive educational institution for Jews from all walks of life to attend."
Benjamin Leatherman is a freelance writer in Tempe.
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