December 6th, 2019
8th of Kislev, 5780 


School Logo

  

 
    Parshat Vayetzei
Candle Lighting at 5:10

Climbing The
 Ladder  
 
          Parshat Vayeitzei opens by describing Yaakov's dream, with angels ascending and descending a ladder. This ladder, we are told, has its feet anchored to the ground and reaches up to heaven, and "Hashem was standing over it." Ramban explains that Hashem is showing Yaakov a prophetic vision to teach him a very important lesson: "כי כל הנעשה בארץ נעשה על ידי המלאכים והכל בגזרת עליון עליהם -- that everything done on earth is done through the hand of angels, and everything they do is by the Supreme One's decree." This crucial message could not have come a better time. On the run from his brother, Yaakov is likely questioning how the threat of death and difficult travels play into his life's mission. Hashem, therefore, reaffirms that while Yaakov may not understand the "why" of the moment, he should not forget that the "from Where" is Hashem. We all have ladders, like Yaakov's, that are cemented into the ground. We live lives that are filled with struggles on many levels. Like Hashem's message to Yaakov, we too must never lose sight of the top of the ladder. We must always remember that Hashem is orchestrating the events in our lives to help us grow and develop into the best versions of ourselves.

          The Torah's description of "a ladder set in the ground and its top reached heaven" conveys another critical message about how we deal with momentary setbacks. The Ba'al haTurim writes: "רמז למי שמשלך לארץ לפי שעה, יעלה השמימה - this is to hint that if someone was thrown to the ground for a moment, they will go up to heaven." He means that our success in all areas of life is, in some major way, because we first were unsuccessful. In order to reach lofty heights, we must battle through impediments. Putting ourselves in challenging situations can be a meaningful catalyst for growth. 

          Color War in KYHS is a special time when students put themselves to the test. They do battle in sports, academics, science, the arts, and more. These competitions are less about overcoming the other team and more about rising to unfamiliar challenges. The growth experienced across campus made this time an even greater success. And, echoing the words of Ramban, the great poet, Joey Newcomb, wrote: "Every detail in our lives is a kiss from Hashem," even the krach fun de pickle!


Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Akiva Wolk
Director of Student Life
 
Upcoming Events
Dec. 11th
Blood Drive

Dec. 20-22nd
Freshmore Shabbaton

Dec. 22nd
First Night of Chanukah

Dec. 27th
Chanukah Vacation
Good and Welfare
Births
Yoni ('06)
and Chaya Stern on the birth of their son, Yaakov Shalom  

Engagements
Rebecca Linker ('13) to Yoni Wolnerman from Brooklyn, NY.
 
Weddings
Eliana Feldan ('13) to Daniel Kaplan from Queens, NY 
Condolences
Mrs. Carla (Greer) Levine on the passing of her beloved father, Michael Saxon.
Mrs. Melanie Kaminetsky on the passing of her beloved mother, Mimi Renchner
Meet The Teams!
Psyched School Splits Into Squads And Squares Off
Graphic by Aerin Tripp ('22)
Two
Not Just Sports Anymore
Quirky Color War Events Throwback To 2008
Graphics by Chana Schandelson ('22), Leanne Mizrahi Mann ('23), Abby Rosenthal ('23), and Rebecca Adler ('23)
Two
StorMemes
"That Feeling When You Read A Highlites Meme"
Graphic by Naomi Reichemberg ('22)
Two
Test Your Shtick: Color War Edition
You May Not Understand Them, But Trust Us, These Are Hilarious
Graphic by Penina Kahane ('22) and Sydney Freedman ('20)  
Blue's Big Win
Rabbi Wolk Releases Tons Of Balloons Into Atmosphere
Graphic by Leora Cohn ('20)
Two
The Final Countdown
Click Below To View The Fantastic Finale
Graphic by Josh Bernten ('20)
Article by Avigail Greenberg ('20)

          Over the days before Thanksgiving break, students enjoyed a thrilling three-day Color War! The whole school was called to the Beit Midrash, supposedly for a Thanksgiving presentation, which quickly turned into a much anticipated Color War breakout. Cheers erupted as the two teams were announced: A Blue team - Shabbat vs. an Orange team - Yom Tov. This year's events included many typical sports such as soccer, basketball, kickball, dodgeball and tennis, as well as unique activities like battleship, a musical chairs scavenger hunt, and an Angry Birds competition. We also enjoyed the traditional KYHS Amazing Race that includes almost all students as they demonstrate teamwork to complete many diverse and sometimes strange consecutive tasks as quickly as possible. The Color War days were full of educational shiurim, divrei Torah, and Torah competitions, in addition to trivia contests and bananagram battles. On the last day, Color War concluded with a suspenseful and ruach-filled school-wide assembly where each team presented their lip-sync dances, stomp performances, hearty team songs, exciting videos, and creative murals representing their team's themes.

          While the KYHS students worked hard throughout Color War, day and night, to make the most of our experience, we are all truly grateful to Mrs. Hochner and Rabbi Wolk who spent countless hours preparing this Color War for us.  It is also so special to see so many teachers and administrators participating in Color War with the students as team leaders as well as judges. As Andrew Galitzer ('20) said in the presentation of the Blue Team mural, "We at KYHS, students and teachers, are all one big family."

          Color War is an incredibly important event because of how it bonds the school. Students from all different grades come together to compete, test their abilities, and have so much fun, creating new and lasting friendships. Students also form closer relationships with teachers outside of the classroom, which will surely enhance their learning in the classroom. Color War affords students the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and organizational skills while working with peers and friends to have a great time! As orange-team captain Galia Palmer ('20) said, "Color War allows each student to shine in their own way" as they explore passions they cannot utilize daily in the classroom like art, sports, and more. "It's really exciting to see my students excel outside of the classroom," said Mrs. Amy Horowitz. Another great part of this event is the immense school spirit that can be seen. Everyone is filled with school pride, especially since this year the two colors were representative of our school colors, blue and orange. Color War brings the school together for three days of fun, ruach, learning, and bonding. It's a student and tea cher favorite every year!
Two
Get Your Stuff Already
Check Lost And Found Or You Will Lose Your Stuff, We Promise
Graphic by Highlites Chevra
Open House Mania
Prospective Students And Their Parents Take A Glimpse Into Life At KYHS
Graphic by Sivan Mussaffi ('20)
Article by Nava Shekhter ('24), Prospective Student

          On Sunday, November 24, I went to KYHS for the Open House for potential incoming freshmen. First, we listened to speeches and divrei Torah from KYHS administrators and faculty members. I was really impressed by everything that KYHS has to offer that was mentioned in the Open House video that we watched. Afterwards, we went on a tour of the beautiful building. We visited classrooms, the gym, the science lab, and the Makers' Space. Dr. Wolf showed us innovative machines and gadgets that students can use to create anything in the Maker Space, and we participated in a fun scavenger hunt in the lab. After a short break for refreshments, we went to a classroom and heard model lessons from various teachers. They all taught different subjects in interesting and informative ways. I can't wait to be a KYHS student next year!

This Week In Pictures
The Yeshiva Highlites Staff