The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel has selected a group of 26 high school students to be Bronfman Fellows in an intensive five-week program of study, travel, and programs in Israel designed to develop future community leaders committed to Jewish unity. The program was founded by Edgar M. Bronfman.
Brandon Kaplowitz of West Windsor is one of the people chosen for this year’s program. A junior at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hapshire, Kaplowitz attended Maurice Hawk and Village schools before being home schooled for middle school. He was one of two winners in the Junior Division Paper category of New Jersey National History Day and a national finalist in the 2008 National History Day.
Kaplowitz has been named a Davidson Young Scholar and received a state award from Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. He is currently the front-page news editor for the Exonian newspaper. His parents are Risa and Alan Kaplowitz.
“We have the privilege of working with young participants who are already leading in their communities,” says Rabbi Mishael Zio, co-director of the program. “We, in turn, instill in them a love for learning Jewish texts, a commitment to pluralism, and a sense of social and Jewish responsibility.”
The youth are asked to devise and lead Jewish community or social action projects upon returning home after the summer. “The five weeks in Israel are an entry point to a lifelong community of Jewish leaders,” said Rebecca Voorwinde, director of strategy and community engagement. “Our hope is that our community can serve as a talent bank for the Jewish people.”
An Octogenarian Flies in Plainsboro
Margaret Page-Miller, right, of Plainsboro has always liked a challenge, especially when someone tells her she can’t or shouldn’t do something. The author, artist, world traveler, and founder of the Children’s School in Stamford, Connecticut had her adventurous nature kick in when friends questioned her interest in learning to fly.
“I’m just a doer, and I told them I was determined to try flying,” said Miller, a resident of Windrows, an independent lifestyle community. Page-Miller took a flying lesson at Princeton Airport to celebrate her 80th birthday. “The flying lesson was so fabulous, I’m hoping to go up again soon.”
Raised in Virginia she has fond memories of visiting relatives in the Princeton area as a child. One was a professor at Princeton University who lived on Prospect Avenue. She also had relatives in New Hope, Pennsylvania. When it came time to retire she and her late husband chose to move to Meadow Lakes in Hightstown. She moved to Plainsboro eight years ago.
A graduate of Longwood College, she received master’s degrees from Virginia University and Antioch College. She is the author of “Taking Children Seriously” and “To Start a School.” She began her teaching career at Montessori schools.
Relatives, friends, and neighbors held a party at Windrows to share in Page-Miller’s birthday and latest endeavor. Her two sons, both in the film business in New York City, and their families attended.
“I’ve flown a great deal commercially — and have always thought about flying,” she says. “We flew to Sandy Hook and saw people on the beach and mansions on the shore. It’s the most wonderful feeling and makes you feel like you can do anything.”
