Coming from a long line of lawyers, Rabbi Hersh Hiller certainly did not imagine that teaching second grade students is where he would land. And yet, nearly two decades later, Hiller has had the rare privilege of doing what he loves for the past 19 years: teaching elementary school Judaic studies.
Hiller grew up in Milwaukee and began his Jewish education at Hillel Academy. When Yeshiva Elementary School was founded in 1989, his family made the move there. Hiller was in second grade at the time. After graduating eighth grade, he attended high school in Pennsylvania and then continued on to Israel for college, where he earned both his teaching degree and rabbinic ordination. It is fitting, then, that Hiller ultimately found his way back to where his curiosity first took root. Now in his 12th year at Yeshiva Elementary School, he cannot imagine himself anywhere else.
For half of the day, Hiller teaches second-grade boys Judaic studies. During the other half, he oversees all things technology, which includes “anything with a plug,” as he likes to say. While he has a deep love for educational technology, the only thing he enjoys more is teaching Judaics in a Jewish school. At Yeshiva Elementary, he gets to combine both passions in one place.
While studying in Israel, Hiller had the opportunity to work at a rehabilitation program in Jerusalem, where many of the participants were struggling with addiction. That experience had a profound impact on him. “It was very eye-opening,” he shared. “So many of those kids said the same thing, that something had happened to them when they were in elementary school. Abuse, trauma, really harrowing stories. They ended up there because of it.” That realization helped solidify his desire to become an elementary school teacher.
Another contributing factor was Hiller’s own experience as a student. He often felt misunderstood in school and suspected there were many other children like him: students who are bright, curious, and excited about learning, but who don’t always fit neatly into traditional academic boxes. “That’s my drive,” he explained. “To find those kids who are smart and excited about learning, but don’t necessarily ‘get’ school.”
That philosophy is evident in the amount of thought, creativity, and care he puts into his teaching. Hiller is known for bringing Torah to life through what he calls “keystone events.” These include elaborate projects such as a reenactment of the Biblical war between the four kings and five kings that becomes a student-produced movie, a Purim skit, a dramatic (and fiery) destruction of Sodom, and a menorah contest, just to name a few.
Throughout his years of training, Hiller has had the opportunity to learn from many visionary educators, including Rabbi Newhouse, Rabbi Sheftel Skaist, and Rabbi Jonathan Rietti. He credits them with much of his success in the classroom. Rather than taking courses simply to earn certificates, Hiller fully immerses himself in what he learns and thoughtfully applies it with his students. He describes himself as a “culler,” referencing the book Steal Like an Artist: “If you take other people’s ideas and use them to your benefit, you’re not stealing, you’re encouraging growth and learning.”
Hiller also attributes significant professional growth to his first teaching position in the United States at the Torah Day School of Seattle. At the time, the school was just getting started and had only 52 students. He taught grades first through fifth and described the experience as a blessing. What was supposed to be a one-year stay turned into seven years. By the time they left, the school had grown to 125 students. “My wife and I were consumed by that school,” he recalled. “We really grew up there and worked incredibly hard.”
As their family grew, the Hillers decided it was time to return closer to home. Yeshiva Elementary School welcomed both Hiller and his wife, Elisheva, with open arms.
In January, Hiller and Elisheva were honored alongside the Eisenbachs with the Commitment to the Community Award at the annual Yeshiva Elementary School banquet.
Hiller said he cares deeply about his community. He lives on the West Side of Milwaukee with his wife and three of their four children; their oldest is currently studying in Connecticut. In his free time, Hiller enjoys being part of Milwaukee Makerspace and spending time outdoors with his family.
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MEET AN EDUCATOR
Writer Nicole Boico is the associate director of the Coalition for Jewish Learning of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. This regular feature, from the Coalition for Jewish Learning, is to celebrate local educators. To suggest someone for coverage, contact Boico at NicoleB@MilwaukeeJewish.org.
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