"They Were Loved, Cared For, Embraced": Merrill Hendin Reflects on Two Decades at PJA
"They Were Loved, Cared For, Embraced": Merrill Hendin Reflects on Two Decades at PJA When Merrill Hendin moved to Portland from Israel in 1989, she knew she wanted to be part of a Jewish day school. Having grown up in Jewish day schools in Brooklyn New York, being a part of a Jewish educational setting, was core to her values and wishes for her own family. Merrill started as a Jewish Studies teacher at Portland Jewish Academy, then became a board member and classroom volunteer as her own children grew up there. In 2006 she returned as Director of Jewish Studies and in 2009 became principal. During her tenure, PJA has grown from 85 students in grades K-6 to a school with a middle school, a stronger student support team, and a commitment to "think for yourself, work for the world." As Merrill prepares for retirement, she looks back on what has changed, what has stayed the same, and what she hopes students carry with them.
What first drew you to PJA?
When we first moved to Portland from Israel with our one-year-old in 1989 for Perry's medical residency, I knew I wanted to work in a Jewish day school and that eventually, we would want to send our children to Jewish Day School. That's how we found PJA all those years ago. I taught Jewish Studies at PJA in the first year we lived in Portland, and as our family grew, my involvement was more as a lay leader, serving on the board and spending a lot of time in our children's classrooms.
What did you expect this job to be like, versus how it turned out?
Having never been a school administrator before, I really did not have a sense of what the work would look like. I was honored to be working so closely with teachers who had taught (were teaching) my children, and to be in a place so close to my heart. The learning curve was, and still is, tremendous, and every single day has been one of learning and growth.
Is there something at the school today that exists because of you?
There is nothing that happens at PJA because of one person. We work together as a collaborative team. I like to think that I have helped support the student-centered, inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching at PJA, and I have not done this on my own.
How have you changed as a leader since you started?
Since I started as a true novice, I have learned a great deal about leadership since 2006 when I started at PJA. My leadership has always been one of collaboration and it remains so today. I have worked with so many incredible leaders who have taught me so much along the way and have gained skills from working alongside them.
How is the school different now than when you arrived?
When I first arrived at PJA we were a school of 85 students, K-6. We did not have a middle school and we occupied only a few classrooms on the main floor of the building. PJA has not only grown physically, but philosophically as well. The school is guided by our middot of learning, respect, identity, gratitude, responsibility, and community. We have a strong connection to the Portland Jewish community and work with other Jewish agencies in different capacities. We have grown our service learning programs and are a school that truly believes, and lives by our tag line, think for yourself, work for the world. Our student support team has grown and provides support that is appropriate, relevant, and research based. PJA provides joyful Jewish life and learning at all ages and in developmentally appropriate ways. I could keep going. Strong commitment to inquiry based learning with professional development that provides teachers with opportunities to grow in their capacity and understanding of inquiry. The list is long!
What's stayed the same throughout your tenure?
The deep love and commitment for Jewish life and learning, the emphasis on community.
What do you hope students take with them when they graduate? Or is there one lesson or value you hope stays with them?
I hope our students are always strong advocates for good in the world. Embedded in all of the work that we do are our middot (values), all of which are essential to being a mensch in our world. My hope is that our students can be inclusive, respectful members of their communities as they leave our halls. I hope they continue to participate as is fitting for each of them, in communities where they can bring the Jewish values of respect, identity, learning, community, responsibility, and gratitude to everything they do.
What do you want students to remember about this school years from now?
That living Jewish lives is joyful and fulfilling in whatever way one chooses. That they were loved, cared for, embraced for who they are. That they were given tools to do good in the world, and that PJA is always a home they can return to.
How do Jewish values show up in everyday school life?
Every day and all the time we see our students showing kavod, taking responsibility, and doing acts of chesed in large and small ways in our classrooms hallways, and on the playing field. Our emphasis on repair- tikkun- teaches students how to communicate their needs, acknowledge missteps, and strengthen connections.
How has the school helped build the Jewish community here?
While at PJA our students connect with community members in a variety of ways. Our students partner with seniors at Rose Schnitzer Manor and develop strong and important relationships. Our graduates go out in the greater community and become leaders in their high schools, colleges, and beyond. Whether in professional or volunteer capacities, we see so many of our graduates doing important work to make this community and others, stronger.
Is there a Jewish teaching that's guided you as a leader?
Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor v'lo ata ben horin l'hibatel mimenah: It is not for you to complete the work, nor are you free to desist from it. There is always going to be work to do to make our world a better place- Make sure to stay in community (al Tifrosh Min Hatzibur) and do the work together.
What do you hope for the school's future?
To continue on the trajectory we are on now of being an inclusive Jewish community that continues to grow and thrive and bring out more mensches into our world.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
Staying healthy and having time. Having time to do some of the things in the community I have not been able to do over the past 20 or so years. Continuing my connection to PJA as a community member instead of a professional. Reading more books, taking long walks, being with my family and friends. Exploring. So many possibilities!
