The following letter was sent by Mr. Tranchi to the Shalhevet Community this afternoon, announcing his departure from Shalhevet effective this fall:

“There is nothing permanent except change.” – Heraclitus

Dear Shalhevet Community,

With a heavy heart, I must share some news with you. After much deliberation with my family and mentors, I have made the decision not to return to Shalhevet next year and to accept an opportunity at a new school. This was a very difficult conclusion, arrived at after much painstaking consideration, yet one that I feel is essential for my family and my career in education. Nothing feels worse than the prospect of leaving behind my students and colleagues who have become my extended family. I hope that you understand this step I must take and don’t feel that I am abandoning the community. In fact, I leave behind my better half and a firm connection to Shalhevet.

It is impossible to sum up my experiences as a part of the Shalhevet community, so I won’t attempt it. My time here has been rich, challenging, enlightening, and provocative. I have laughed, cried, mourned, and celebrated with this community. Coming in 11 years ago, I could never have expected to find a home among a Modern Orthodox Jewish community, but you have embraced and accepted me, even daring to call me a mensch, of all theaccolades, the one of which I am proudest.

I’ve often implored my students to continually challenge themselves to live in a zone of discomfort because this is where growth and development take place. We do not thrive when we are too comfortable, and I’ve decided it’s time for me to engage in this growth myself. As many are aware, I will begin doctorate studies in the fall and will be heavily occupied with my studies and coursework. As such, I could not imagine giving the full extent of the effort and focus that my role here would require, which is unacceptable in my book.

Shalhevet is on the verge of a new beginning, and while I will not physically be with you, I wish nothing but the best for the school. I will be watching avidly and hope to see Shalhevet thrive in its future under its new leadership. I am confident that Rabbi Segal and his team will steward the school to new heights. Many core faculty members remain, as does their devotion to building moral, spiritual leaders and mensches. This mission and themodel of the Just Community have always set Shalhevet apart in my mind and mustcontinue to drive the school. Have patience, as any transition is difficult, but this school must and will continue to thrive.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some of the key members of the school community for their support over the years. First and foremost, I wish to openly thank Dr. Jerry Friedman for bringing his vision to reality and founding this school in which so many students, faculty and administrators alike, have learned the values of a Just Community. I have benefitted tremendously from his guidance and trust in my leadership, and owe so much to Dr. Friedman. I must also publicly thank the Feders, and Esther in particular, for their zeal, passion, and sacrifice for this school. Esther has been a critical figure in helping me to grow as a leader.

Over the years, I’ve developed some incredible relationships with students, families,and colleagues that I hope shall remain intact for many years to come. The Shalhevet alumniare as distinguished as any group of citizens in the world. We should all be proud of whatthe educators of this institution have accomplished in conjunction with the network ofsupport from parents and the community. You deserve the best that we have and I strivedto provide this during the past four years as principal and the past 11 years as a teacher. Inreturn, I’ve received your love and support, without which, I could never have beensuccessful. Thank you for making me who I am today. You have all contributed to helpingme to grow. I hope that we will continue to stay in touch.

Shalhevet has always felt like much more than work to me and I leave endowed with the greatest gifts. I met my beautiful and talented wife, the best teacher you could ever have, here at Shalhevet. We married with much joy and celebration from most of the community and relished sharing with you our excitement over the arrival of our first son. As such, I leave bearing priceless treasures. I wish for nothing but the best for your children and continued excellence from the institution. The flame of Shalhevet will always burn in my heart. Thank you for all the light that you have brought into my life. Thank you for everything.

Humbly yours,

Phu Tranchi