Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23) |
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A major theme underlying perhaps the entire Sefer Bereishit is the principle of “maaseh avot siman l’banim”. Ramban introduces this theme beginning with the story of Avraham Avinu, but explains it best and most succinctly in his introduction to Sefer Shmot. Ramban explains that these three great individuals, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, were not only the founding fathers of our Nation, but they actually created the future for Jewish People. Allow me to explain. On a basic level, this concept of maaseh avot siman l’banim — that the actions of the avot are a siman to us, their descendants — can be understood to mean that the stories in the Torah are there for us to set a bar for quality of character and Avodat Hashem. This is certainly true. But the idea, understood properly, tells us something much more fundamental. The phraseology of Ramban in his introduction to Shmot is telling. He writes: “mikrei avot...yetzira l’zar’am” — that the lives the Avot lived created a reality for their descendants. Their lives and efforts created patterns and cycles in history which we, today, are living out. The stories of Bereishit now take on huge historical importance. The Avot literally created history for future Jewish generations.
A fascinating example of this takes place in this week’s parsha. Perhaps the most famous, and most enigmatic, episode involves Yaakov Avinu being confronted by a “man” whom he fights and grapples with and ultimately defeats. It is not clear who this man is and why he is fighting with Yaakov Avinu. Chazal inform us that this “man” was, in fact, the Angel of Esav. He was the physical embodiment of Yaakov’s arch-enemy. This battle was, then, between Yaakov and the anti-Yaakov, between Yaakov and the forces seeking his destruction. They fought, we are told, all night long, and Yaakov finally overcame his nemesis as the sun came up.
With the backdrop of our principle of “maaseh avot yetzira l’zar’am”, this story has deep historical significance. In very beautiful language the Sefer Hachinuch explains this episode as a foreshadowing, or setting in motion, of the eternal fight between the Jewish People and those seeking its destruction. The Jewish People will have to fight throughout the long, dark night — a metaphor for the long exile where the Presence of Hashem is not visible — but ultimately we will prevail just as Yaakov did. This entire story captures the sweep of Jewish history in one shot. Yes, Yaakov does get injured — the Jewish People will suffer pain and get scars — but ultimately these scars will be healed, as the pasuk intimates, with “the rising of the sun”, the ultimate redemption.
Offering a fascinating interpretation, the Sefer Hachinuch explains that the prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve — the nerve that got damaged in Yaakov’s fight with the angel — is there to serve as a hopeful reminder that despite the scars and bruises that we will accumulate over our long exile, we will nevertheless overcome.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kimche
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College 101
The Class of 2022 Prepares to Start
College Applications
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Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23) and Rebecca Adler ('23)
On Tuesday, November 24th, juniors and their parents joined Mrs. Seidenfeld and Mr. Wolff over Zoom for an informational college night.
Though we’ve heard the word “college” since elementary school, it still makes everyone nervous. Thankfully, the College Guidance team reassured everyone that there is nothing to fear, and that they will be with us throughout the entire process.
They discussed topics ranging from course rigor and GPAs to standardized tests to extracurriculars. Students received a list of tasks to complete for specific deadlines, including writing an autobiography so our college guidance counselors could learn more about us.
To add some fun to a very educational night, attendees participated in a “guess that college” game. Mr. Wolff screenshared a picture of a college, and players chatted him their answers. Shayla Saida (‘22) perfectly summed up the evening: “As juniors,” she said, “we are starting to think about college, and the stress is beginning. College night was great as it helped to relieve our stress. Mrs. Seidenfeld and Mr. Wolff explained all the information that we needed to know and provided us with a packet so we could follow along. The presentation was amazing and very helpful in easing us into the college process. Overall, college night was very informative, interesting, and enlightening.”
Thank you to Mrs. Seidenfeld, Mr. Wolff, and Ms. Kessler for working hard to pull off a great night.
Article by Rebecca Henner ('22)
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Winner Winner
Turkey Dinner
Ariella Gives Her Angle On an Astounding Thanksgiving Break and Black Friday Sales
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Graphic by Highlites Staff |
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From sweater weather to pumpkin spice lattes, everybody loves this time of year. People across the U.S. count down until Thanksgiving, a holiday full of feasting and expressing gratitude. But the next day, Americans crowd malls and shopping centers in search of the best deals. These back-to-back phenomena raise the following question: how can we display such appreciation one day but aggressively pursue material goods the next?
These two antithetical days actually share a common theme: humans’ craving for happiness. While people often view possessions as a source of delight, we also yearn for a deeper, more meaningful sense of fulfillment—a feeling we can obtain through conveying thankfulness.
Human gravitation towards popular items is innate; after all, buying what’s trendy—essentially, society-certified goods—garners compliments, and humans love flattery. Just look around our school and you’ll see plenty of Nike swooshes and Adidas trefoils. Consumer fervor on Black Friday stems from a desire to fit in and a fear of missing out. No, not everyone buys the same pair of white shoes, but the similar styles we all wear reflect a widespread desire for belonging. However, fashion is fickle, and Black Friday shopping only offers us fleeting bliss.
Beyond delicious food, relaxation, and time with loved ones, Thanksgiving helps us obtain sustainable happiness. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, all expressions of gratitude—ranging from simple thank-you notes to prayer—improve our relationships, increase our optimism, and deepen our overall satisfaction with life. Many even link thankfulness to better health, arguing that appreciative people feel less stressed and therefore lead happier lives.
Thus, as we don our new shoes and sweatshirts, let’s remember to be grateful for everything we have. However, while we emphasize our appreciation on Thanksgiving, it is important to continually express it throughout the year. With COVID-19 permeating our lives, we should be extra thankful for our family, friends, school, and health. By balancing our desire for materialistic goods with a strong sense of appreciation, we can achieve true happiness.
Article by Ariella Gross ('21)
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Zoom Vs. School
Which One is Better? You Decide.
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Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24) and Dan Himelstein ('24) |
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Do you prefer free periods over zoom or at school? Why?
Brandon: I prefer free periods in the comfort of my home with little to no COVID-19 restrictions compared to when in school.
Leeanne: I prefer free periods at school. After a long, maybe hard day at school, it’s nice to have a longer break to refresh your brain, hang out with friends, study, and maybe catch up on homework in the school environment.
What do you do during your free periods when you are on Zoom?
Brandon: I usually take a quick power nap, catch up on some TV, or run an errand.
Leeanne: It depends. Usually, I spend time watching Tiktoks or Netflix, and I sometimes even call my friends. But if I have a test or quiz coming up, I study for that.
What do you do during your free periods when you are at school?
Brandon: I try to take a break from all the screens by hanging out with my friends—socially distant, of course!
Leeanne: My free periods at school haven’t really changed from last year except for the masks and social distancing. I like to go on walks with my friends, study, or eat snacks.
What did you do during free periods last year (leaving campus, etc.)?
Brandon: I went out to eat, hung out at my friends’ houses in Boca, or played a quick pickup game of ball in the gym.
Leeanne: Last year was my freshman year, and I was not allowed to leave campus. So, I would usually study or go on walks around the school with my friends, and I may or may not have made Tiktoks in the bathroom.
Article By Zohara Lam ('23)
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Feeling Fond of Physics
New Teacher Mr. Shachar Gives Us
the Low Down
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Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23) |
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Where are you from? What was your childhood like?
I was born and raised in Silicon Valley, California. My childhood was fun and full of great memories. The lifestyle is a bit different compared to Florida; we actually had different seasons.
What are some of your hobbies and things you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, I like to make time to learn, whether it may be Tanach, Gemara, or Halacha. As fun hobbies, I like to bowl, workout, and socialize with my friends.
What is your favorite part of KYHS so far?
By far, my favorite part of the job is interacting with the students. You are all unique and awesome in your own way.
What’s your favorite scope of physics, and what inspired you to go into this field?
Fun fact, my actual field is biology, yet my favorite science subject is actually chemistry. If I had to pick one scope, I would say my favorite part of physics is Optics. Hopefully we'll be able to touch upon some of it this year.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
As of now, my biggest accomplishment would have to be graduating from college but before that would be graduating from the commanders’ course in the IDF.
If you could choose one place to travel to, where would it be and why?
Dubai. The countries of my origins are not exactly safe to enter. The UAE is currently the closest culturally, and I want to learn more about my roots.
What’s your favorite memory at KYHS so far?
My favorite memory at KYHS so far is the day I knew I would become a teacher. Since then, the great memories have just been accumulating every day.
Article by Marielle Askenazi ('23)
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KYHS Meets NCSY
Pirkei Avot
Students and Faculty Contribute to the
NCSY Pirkei Avot Project
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Graphic by Chana Schandelson ('22)
KYHS is Shepping Nachas for Batsheva Shekhter ('20), Yaffa Shekhter ('20), Andrew Galitzer ('20), Chani Kaminetsky ('20), Talia Stauber ('20), Benny Frank ('21), Rebecca Henner ('22), and Rabbi Avi Hochman for contributing to the NCSY Pirkei Avot Project.
NCSY ran a nationwide school project to highlight Pirkei Avot in writting, design, and thought.
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Saphira's Solutions
Saphira Helps You Stay Connected
in More Ways Than You Can Count
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Dear Saphira’s Solutions,
Between Thanksgiving and weekends, I’ve been seeing more and more people hanging out. Social distancing is so annoying and I want to see my friends, but I know that it is wrong. What do I do?
From,
Social Distancing Social Dilemma
Dear Social Distancing Social Dilemma,
Your frustration is not unfounded; no one wants to continue being vigilant with social distancing. That being said, this is not the time to relax. According to worldometer.info, the United States has been seeing around a million new cases per week throughout November, and the predicted amount of total deaths is on an increasing exponential curve. This past Wednesday marked the highest record of deaths per day in the U.S. Plainly speaking, the situation is worse than ever. We all have to continue being careful, even if it’s the boring thing to do. These circumstances are challenging, but there are other ways to see friends! With the weather getting nicer, it is easier to grab a coffee and sit outside. Walks, picnics, and other previous social distancing activities are still feasible. Although social distancing and remaining mindful of COVID precautions can be annoying, we all must continue to do it. Don’t let selfish actions hurt others; your social life has to come second to public health during a pandemic. I wish you the best of luck!
Article by Saphira Samuels ('21)
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