Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24) and Ariella Mayer ('23)

You can be HUGE! We can all be HUGE! The only thing stopping us from getting there is… ourselves. This may be the most insidious problem in religious communities today: we don’t dream of being HUGE Jews. Me? A great Torah scholar? Me? A great ba’al chesed? Me? Following every single halacha properly (even the “unpopular ones”)? Yes! You!! Avraham Avinu may have had the same questions. Me? A man known forever for his unwavering faith, ready to jump into a fiery furnace for God? Me? A man of unmatched chesed? Me? A man who follows every single thing that God tells him, even when it’s difficult and unpopular? Yes! You, Avraham! You! Hashem famously tells Avraham (beginning of Parshat Lech Lecha): Go! You can be HUGE! So Avraham went. But Hashem kept pushing…more challenges…harder challenges. Avraham continued to go. Finally, in this week’s parsha, before instructing Avraham of the most difficult, unpopular, least sensible mitzvah — to slaughter his own son — Hashem told Avraham yet again: Go! “Lecha lecha” again! You’ve come so far, but still…you can be so much greater. Go! And Avraham went. Avraham became Avraham. Hashem is telling each one of us: Go! You can be HUGE. If you give 10% a year to tzedakah, you can give 11%. If you learn Torah for 1 hour a day, you can learn for 1:15. If you find a few halachot difficult… you can find the strength and keep them! Dream big. Be HUGE! Good Shabbos, Rabbi Stohl

What Do You Meme? Don’t Worry College Board, These Memes  Are Just Theoretical

Graphic by Naomi Reichenberg ('22) and Olivia Kahane ('23) The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, otherwise known as the PSAT, was taken last week by all three grades at KYHS. The PSAT is taken by many high school students in order to prepare them for the oncoming SAT and evaluate where they are at and where they need to get to. The test consists of different sections such as reading, grammar, and math, each with different time limits, with the entire test lasting about three hours. During the test, students were given 5 to 7-minute breaks to stretch and have a snack. Following the PSAT, students were sent back home to enjoy the rest of their day. Although many students in the school were able to take the test, online students weren’t able to do so and had to reschedule their test for a later date. Because of this, many of the online learners decided to join their friends in school for the day in order to take the test, but some didn’t. Liav Amsalem, a 9th-grade student who did not take the test, made a statement saying, ”It felt wrong because I feel left out even though it’s just a test.” When asked if he felt lucky that he has a little more time to prepare for the test he will take in a few months, Liav answered, “Yes of course, but I would rather have done it so I won’t have to take it later.” Overall, students had a variety of different reactions to taking the PSAT. Many students said that it felt very stressful to take such a big test, but knowing that taking it would prepare them for the best made them feel better. In addition to such, the students also felt as if they learned something from the test that would help them in the future. Article by Alan Benabou('24)

Senior Sunrise Seniors Rise Before Dawn to be with Hashem at Dawn

Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

Last Friday morning, the senior class woke up bright and early to drive in the pitch black and gather at Boca Beach. Socially distanced, we said Shacharit on the pavilion, staring out at the vast ocean that lay before us. As we said the Amidah, the sun began to rise, and everyone davened with the beautiful scene unfolding in front of them. Senior class president Adam Dennis remarked, “It was a very meaningful and moving experience watching the sunrise with the whole chevra.” Many classmates agreed that being in the midst of nature enhanced our connection with Hashem because we were surrounded by God’s creations. We also had the opportunity to watch the sun rise, which we normally aren’t up early enough to see.  Afterwards, we all headed towards Logger Run Park for an awesome breakfast of eggs, bagels, cream cheese, tuna salads, and grilled cheeses. We all hung out there for a while; some played a (Covid-safe) game of frisbee while others engaged in conversations. After about an hour, we headed back to school in time for second period. Ultimately, it was a great experience and an awesome way to make the best out of the limited activities that the virus allows us. This was an amazing way for the grade to bond and start off senior year!  Click Here For Senior Sunrise Pictures Article by Sophia Purow ('21)

And The Winner Is...TBD Ariella Greenberg (22’) Talks About the Recent Presidential Election

Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23) and Rebecca Adler ('23)

With the presidential election on November 3rd, politics seemed to be on everybody’s minds this week. But for Ariella Greenberg (‘22), politics have been prevalent for far longer. Over the summer, Ariella worked for political campaigns, making calls to unregistered voters and helping people gain access to mail-in ballots. Though her calls sometimes went unanswered, Ariella says the few people she was able to help register and vote made her efforts well worth it. She added, “Helping the people who are able to vote actually get their votes in is extremely important to me because I personally am not able to vote yet.” She explained further that it is very important for young people to get involved in politics—even those who can’t vote—because, ultimately, politics shape our future. For those under 18, learning about politics now will also render you an educated voter when the time comes. Do not let your age stop you from creating a better future for yourself and others, whether by voting or helping those who can! Article By Kira Jacoby ('22)

Challah for a Chashuv Cause Night Seder Takes on the Sharsheret Challah Bake Via Zoom

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)

Last week, as part of Girls Night Seder “Unplugged," KYHS had the opportunity to participate in a virtual community-wide Pink Challah Bake hosted by Sharsheret, an incredible organization that provides support and resources for people who are battling breast cancer. The program was intended to spread awareness for breast cancer in the Jewish community and teach people about the organization’s mission. Students were able to pick up pre-made dough from Aroma and were taught how to make beautiful, intricately braided challahs for Shabbat. Even those who did not make challah were able to join and hear inspiring words to uplift us during these frightening times. The Challah Bake was a very meaningful and educational experience for the students who attended. Just like the individual strands of dough are braided together to form one beautiful challah, we were able to connect as a school and a community even while physically apart. Article By Hannah Shapiro ('23)

It is Time to Click Submit Hear Ariella’s Angle on Recently Due  College Applications

Graphic by Highlites Staff

From sunrise davening to Friday dress-up days to graduation, senior year is full of fun and momentous events. But there's one rite of passage that all seniors dread: the college application process. With standardized tests, essays, multiple deadlines, and more, it seems easy to get lost in the shuffle. However, with November 1st behind them, many KYHS seniors have finally completed their first round of applications.  So what is this process exactly? From the outside, it may seem like a hodgepodge of confusing forms and to-do lists. But, with support and insights from our college guidance department, students are best able to navigate this multi-step process and put forth their best selves in their applications.  Researching schools is a crucial component of the college process. Colleges offer varying arrays of courses and majors so, if you already know your intended major or career interest, look into schools that accommodate your passion! Undecided students, on the other hand, should explore colleges with copious options and remember: most colleges encourage first-years to explore multiple areas of study before officially declaring their major! As ironic as this may sound, college isn’t all about academics. Students should consider factors such as campus and city life, student activities, and, importantly, the Jewish community, as well as the cost of attendance and financial aid options. Additionally, students often begin taking standardized tests—the SAT or the ACT—in the middle of their junior year. Though many colleges have suspended their standardized test requirement this year due to COVID-19, these policies may not be upheld. Therefore, underclassmen who have taken both the PSAT and Pre-ACT may use their results to determine which test they prefer and study for the one that suits them best.  The college application itself, which students complete within the first half of their senior year, contains manifold components: most notably, the personal statement, where students may share stories of overcoming obstacles, discuss their most pervasive interest, or choose from a host of other essay options. Many colleges also require supplemental essays with prompts such as “Why us?” and “Tell us about your most meaningful extracurricular activity.”  Though the college process may sound tedious and overwhelming, there is no reason to panic. For now, while seniors may be busy writing supplemental essays, ninth through eleventh graders should focus on their grades and extracurriculars. But, it is important to remember that the college you attend does not define you. Whether you end up in the university you’ve been dreaming about or somewhere entirely different, keep your eyes peeled for the boundless opportunities ahead. Article By Ariella Gross ('21)

Saphira's Solutions Saphira Helps You Stay Connected in More Ways Than You Can Count

Dear Saphira’s Solutions, First quarter is ending, and I am stressed. I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped this quarter, and I am worried about my end of the year grades. What should I do? First Quarter Qualm Dear First Quarter Qualm, First-quarter stresses are totally legitimate. It can be stressful seeing a bad mark in an important class. However, this does not predict what your grades will be for the rest of the year. The first quarter is always a learning curve: getting used to teaching styles, tests, and more. Don’t be discouraged by a bad grade in one quarter; you have the rest of the year to bring it up! Instead of worrying about the past quarter, focus on preparing for this next quarter, mentally and physically. Get organized: make sure you mark down due dates on your schedule. Prepare for tests: now that you know the teaching style, you know what study guides to make. You can do this, I believe in you! Good luck! Saphira  P.S. Offering your teacher to do extra credit work to bring that 89 up to a 90 never hurts ;) Article By Saphira Samuels ('21)

Highlites Staff