Michael Dinin (z”l) Shabbaton Program


Family Founded LA Hebrew High

Michael Dinin’s (z”l) family was deeply involved in the Los Angeles Jewish Community. In 1949, Michael’s father, Dr. Samuel Dinin (z”l), then head of the L.A. Bureau of Jewish Education, and his father’s best friend, Rabbi Max Vorspan (z”l), officially started Los Angeles Hebrew High School.

Impacted 100s of Students

Michael came to LA Hebrew High as a teenager. He even carpooled with former County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Michael really loved his teachers, particularly Dr. Michael Singer (z”l) and Eliezer Slomovic (z”l).

Camp Ramah played a huge role in his life, his friendships and his love of Judaism. Michael spent his youth at Ramah as a camper, counselor and Winter Camp Director.

After receiving his Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies from the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University) and serving as Hebrew School principal in multiple communities, Michael joined LA Hebrew High’s faculty. We were very lucky to have Michael as a committed teacher who impacted the lives of 100s of our students – he touched so many lives.

Unfortunately, Michael dealt with the debilitating effects of MS for many years. Especially during his illness, LA Hebrew High enabled Michael to continue to make a difference, which had great meaning to Michael and his family.

IMG_2357
Fall 2015.2

Michael Dinin Shabbaton Program

Michael’s great passions were Judaism, celebrating Shabbat, Camp Ramah, teaching and most of all, his beloved family.

With this in mind, we are so excited to announce the establishment of of the MICHAEL DININ SHABBATON PROGRAM!

We cannot think of a more meaningful way to honor Michael’s memory, his enormous contribution to our school and students and his amazing legacy.

The Baran-Spiwak Family has a special and long-standing relationship with both LA Hebrew High and Michael and his family.

To make this project an even greater success, they have graciously agreed to match every dollar that you donate for this program up to $50,000.

From Baran-Spiwak Family

“Growing up in the LA Jewish community we experienced firsthand Michael Dinin’s deep love of Judaism and Jewish education, his positive energy, his kindness, his unique and vital spirit.  The strength, courage, dignity and grace he and his family showed throughout his devastating illness touched our hearts. LA Hebrew High School stood by Michael during this very difficult time allowing him to teach, be productive and continue to impact the lives of his students.”

From Dinin Family

“Michael was able to teach and share his love of Judaism at Hebrew High. It would mean so much to him to know he is a part of this—having students experience a Shabbaton and continue their love of their Judaism!  It means so much to us, his family!”

Michael Dinin – REMEMBERED WITH LOVE!

Son, Student, Camper, Teacher, Principal, Husband, Father, Grandfather and lifelong Friend.

So many friends and family remember and love Michael. Most especially his immediate family which includes:

  • Wife Glennie Kipper Dinin
  • Daughter Rena (Esther) Dinin Katrikh and her husband Mark Katrikh
    and their children, Gabriel Hirsh, Eliza Bella and Raya Michal
  • Son Joel David Dinin and his wife Sarah
    and their children, Meira Ella and Michael Leor

See Images from our Launch Party

About Shabbaton

At the Shabbaton Retreat we offer our students a unique opportunity to put into practice the values and traditions to which they are exposed in the classroom. The program is comprised of interactive, socially, and educationally exciting activities that integrate learning, playing, and Jewish living centered on various themes we select each year, and of course special creative traditional prayer services. The beautiful scenic campground provides the ideal setting in which to conduct our program. We have outstanding counselors and dedicated staff members who work hard year-long to plan the retreats and make them a unique memorable experience, so that students will enthusiastically return year after year. One of the highlights is the Saturday night talent show where students perform. A bonus feature of the Shabbaton is that students are not charged for attending the Shabbaton as it has traditionally been a fully subsidized component of the school curriculum.