Katz Yeshiva High School, for now, is running in a digital environment. So it is appropriate that I am writing the introduction to this week’s Highlites, because the school’s backbone is technology. Four years ago the administrative team had the foresight to roll out a one-to-one iPad program. Therefore, we were ready in seconds to transfer to digital classrooms during this crisis. Every student has an iPad, and as soon as we knew we had to go home to learn, apps were deployed to give all students the ability to “Zoom”.  And Zoom we did. Mrs. Kanner quickly converted the classroom schedule to a digital schedule, so now we see our friends and learn together online. But it’s more than that: we daven, we sing, we have Night Seder and Zumba class. The drama team is still practicing the spring play. This new online community is truly amazing. The guidance department and college guidance are up and running and functioning. Clubs and committees are meeting. And the yearbook is almost done as students are working from home to record and create amazing memories. I am also very proud of our Highlites staff as they too are working from home to deliver a beautiful Highlites every week to keep you informed of school activities. Side story -- this week I ran a Zoom session with my 92 year old mother (yes, she figured it out herself), my 85 year old aunt, and 3 cousins. We laughed until we cried at our attempts at this new technology. At the end of the day, we set another time to do it again. A multi-tiered, multi-generational connection was discovered with amazing results, and that is what we are doing at digital school every day!  Sacrifices, that is the message of the week. And I can’t think of more that we are doing this month then sacrificing basically our freedom for the greater good. You should be proud of yourselves, teachers, students, and parents as we navigate these unknown waters.   Since my passion is photography, I direct you to revisit the activities that occurred throughout the year. Click here for all the albums on our website. Shabbat Shalom,  Claudia A. Cohen

Physically Isolated, Emotionally Present Read this “‘Rona” Recap of KYHS Events That Happened in Isolation this Week

Graphic by Highlites Chevra We are still trying to adapt to the new realities of online school, but this week, Zoom brought every single student at KYHS a unique experience. Whether it was the minyanim in the morning, Tehillim, clubs, or just regular classes, this week was full of excitement. Throughout the entire week, the daily davening minyan gave students a chance to get up and daven while feeling connected to our community even when we can’t be together. The Mincha and Maariv minyan also gave students this opportunity. On Wednesday, led by Shimmie and Rabbi Levitt, hundreds of students and faculty members got together virtually to recite Tehillim and pray for the safety of everyone during these hard times. We ended the uplifting experience by singing Acheinu. Additionally, following a hard day of classes, boys’ and girls’ mishmar gave students a chance to hear some incredible words of wisdom and Torah from graduates back from Israel. Sadly, there was no pizza, but that’s ok because Torah is food for the soul! Thursday morning was Rosh Chodesh, so Shimmie led an amazing Hallel with lots of singing and happiness. There was also a quick Torah reading performed by Shimmie. Several clubs met this week, with the Harry Potter club getting together to have a Harry Potter merch showcase and the Biomedical Club being addressed by Rabbi David Shabtai about the coronavirus and the global situation. In terms of regular classes, several students remarked how it is still weird to be doing online school, and that some of their teachers have had to change their style of teaching and material. Shoutout to the teachers for working so hard! Wishing everyone stays safe and healthy in these challenging times. Article by Judah Berman ('21)

Living the Leora Life Experience a Day in the Glamorous Life of Highlites Editor Leora Cohn

Pandemic Playlists What Kind of Social Distancer Are You? Click on the Playlists Below to Find Out!

Descriptions by Sivan Mussaffi ('20) and Sydney Freedman ('20)

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

Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)

Dear Saphira, I understand that I can’t physically hang out with my friends, but I miss them. Snapchat isn’t cutting it. How do I stay social? Forlorn Friend Dear Forlorn Friend, I completely understand what you are going through, I think most of us are feeling the same way. Social media is helpful to some extent, but sometimes it can make you feel even lonelier. It is important to stay connected with friends in these uncertain times. When social media feels dull and overused, there’s always FaceTime, Skype, and of course everyone’s favorite, Zoom! Instead of watching TV, FaceTime your friend during lunch. You’ll almost feel as if you’re in the lunchroom at school. Or if you and a group of friends (of the same gender) are feeling stressed, have a FaceTime dance party! Or if you don’t feel like moving and just want to relax, go to Netflixparty.com and sync a movie to watch all together! You can even just eat dinner together over Zoom- anything to feel connected and keep up with your friends. Many activities are offered by the school itself. Try participating in the girls’ online Zumba and yoga classes. Or go to online night Seder. The school is even offering community service opportunities via the internet. It is important to remain connected to your community and friends, and participate in school communal activities to feel unified. Remember you are not alone in this! גם זה יעבור! Hope this helps! Saphira

This Week in Pictures

Highlites Staff