Annual Gala/Honorees

Giving

Annual Gala

We are thrilled to announce the honorees and distinguished alumna for this year’s Annual Gala, which will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Hillel Day School.

More details and formal invitation to follow.

SANDY MUSKOVITZ DANTO

2025 Dream Maker Award

Sandy Muskovitz Danto will receive Hillel Day School’s 2025 Dream Maker Award, selected for her commitment to furthering a vibrant, thriving Jewish present and future through community building, social service, advocacy, and Jewish education. She is an accomplished leader and passionate advocate serving locally, nationally, and internationally.

Sandy is the current board chair of The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (the Network), overseeing an association of 180 nonprofit Jewish human service sector organizations throughout North America and Israel. The Network is the thought leader for the Jewish nonprofit sector, advocating for critical human service issues, pioneering research and innovative solutions, advancing best practices, crisis intervention and management, and collaborative structures across North America and Israel. The Network, through its member agencies, assists approximately 2 million clients.

Sandy is also past vice president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and past co-chair of JDC-Israel’s Ashalim Division for Children-At-Risk. She currently serves as an Executive Committee board member, chairs Eshel, JDC-Israel’s Advisory for the Elderly, and is a committee member of the Ashalim Division, Israel Unlimited Advisory for Disability, and JDC’s Resource & Development Committee.

Locally, Sandy is deeply rooted in volunteerism and philanthropy. She was president of Jewish Family Service (2007-2010) and co-chaired the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Annual Campaign (2013-2015). Her extensive past board service and committee services include Hebrew Free Loan, Jewish Senior Life, JVS (now Gesher), MSU Hillel, and the Michigan State University/Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan. She is a trustee of the Jewish Women’s Foundation and a member of Federation’s Israel and Overseas Allocation Committee. Sandy holds a master’s degree in Counseling from Oakland University.

Sandy and her husband Jim believe in and support Hillel’s critical mission to nurture the next generation of leaders and mensches who live Jewish values, contribute to making a better world, and love Israel. They are incredibly proud and loving of children and grandkiddies, Aaron and Julie (Hillel trustee) Feinberg, Tovah Feinberg (New York), and Josh and Julie Feinberg (Florida) and grandkiddies Noa (Hillel Class of 2024), Ari (current 7th grader), Raya (Hillel ECC graduate) and Floridians Olivia and Daniel Feinberg.

BETH & STEVE MARGOLIN

2025 Rabbi Jacob E. Segal (z"l) Award

Beth and Steve Margolin are pillars of Jewish Detroit, embodying the values of tzedakah, leadership, and community engagement. Together, they have dedicated decades to enriching Jewish education and ensuring the vibrancy of the Detroit Jewish community.

Steve, a proud third-generation Detroiter and member of Hillel Day School’s first kindergarten class (and third graduating class), and Beth, a passionate Memphis transplant, have lived their lives as torchbearers of communal responsibility. Since moving to Detroit in 1987, they have immersed themselves in Jewish life, honoring the legacy of their parents and grandparents through tireless service and leadership.

Steve has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as president of Hillel Day School and Congregation Shaarey Zedek. During his presidency at Hillel, he oversaw transformative milestones, including ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) accreditation, a strategic planning process, the opening of a middle school addition, the creation of the Garden of Wonder elementary playground, and the establishment of the Jane Rudy Schostak Outdoor Classroom. Currently, Steve serves as a trustee for the Ravitz Foundation, continuing his commitment to strengthening the community.

Beth’s contributions to Jewish Detroit are equally impactful. After excelling in various lay leadership roles, she transitioned into professional positions, serving as Federation’s Teen Mission coordinator and community grant writer. As the Detroit coordinator of the OnBoard leadership development program, Beth helped prepare the next generation of board members for Jewish organizations. Her dedication to Hillel included serving as a room parent, organizing PTO events such as model seders and hot dog lunches, co-chairing the annual Yom Ha’atzmaut carnival, and serving on the Hillel board.

Beth and Steve’s love for Hillel runs deep. Their three daughters, Amy ('00), Judy (Andrew Landau) ('03), and Rachel (Josh Arbit) ('06), are proud Hillel alumni. Now, the Margolins are delighted to see their grandchildren Emma (ECC4) and Naomi (ECC2) Landau continuing the family tradition at Hillel.

Their commitment to Jewish education extends beyond their family. In 2019, Beth and Steve were honored by FJA for their exceptional contributions, and their Federation Centennial Fund gift ensures the sustainability of Jewish education for future generations.

On the 24th anniversary of Steve’s parents, Arlene and David (z”l), receiving Hillel’s Dream Maker Award, Hillel Day School is proud to honor Beth and Steve Margolin with the Rabbi Jacob E. Segal (z”l) Award. This recognition celebrates their unwavering dedication to Hillel Day School.

Beth and Steve Margolin are shining examples of how commitment to Jewish values, education, and leadership can create a lasting legacy that enriches the lives of generations to come. Hillel is privileged to recognize their extraordinary contributions and celebrate their inspiring journey of service and impact.

POLINA FRADKIN (class of 2008)

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award

Polina Fradkin's remarkable journey is a testament to the profound impact of her Jewish education and her unwavering commitment to heritage, creativity, and Zionism.

Arriving in Michigan from Russia as a toddler, Polina's connection to Israel was solidified during Hillel’s transformative eighth-grade trip to the Holy Land. Upon returning, her longing for Israel was palpable—a passion that would shape her life's path. After graduating from FJA, she joined Kivunim, an immersive Jerusalem-based program that deepens participants' understanding of global Jewry through education and travel to over 12 countries.

Polina continued her academic journey at the University of Michigan, focusing on International Security & Norms, Russian, and Judaic Studies while finding every opportunity to reconnect with Israel. She staffed Birthright trips and spent every break possible in the homeland, fostering her deep ties to the land and its people. Following her graduation, Polina was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in Israel, where her leadership shone as she hosted vibrant Shabbat dinners so impactful they earned sponsorships from Nefesh B’Nefesh and Kickstarter campaigns.

Polina’s Zionism reached a turning point when she made aliyah, viewing it as a pivotal moment in the story of her family—a thread woven from Eastern Europe to Russia, the U.S., and finally back to the homeland. Today, Polina is a trailblazer in her professional life as Creative Director of Deutsch & Co., a private equity firm renowned for its innovative blend of investment and branding expertise.

Polina’s creativity extends beyond the professional realm. In collaboration with Chava Levi, another FJA alumna, she co-founded The Shvesters, a Yiddish vocal duo celebrated for their pitch-perfect harmonies, signature matching outfits, and vibrant social media presence. The duo has captivated audiences worldwide, bridging cultural divides and igniting a renewed appreciation for Yiddish music.

As Polina eloquently states, “If you don’t know where you come from, you’re not going to know where you’re going.” Hillel Day School is immensely proud to honor Polina Fradkin as the 2025 Distinguished Alumna for her unwavering pride in her heritage, her steadfast Zionism, and her exceptional achievements in bringing Jewish culture and values to life.

Featuring a special musical performance by

THE SHVESTERS

We are excited to share the magic of Yiddish and Israeli music, as distinguished alumna, Polina Fradkin '08, together with her music partner Chava Levi (also from Detroit and a graduate of FJA) - The Shvesters - bring their beautiful harmonies to life during the evening.