Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

In this week's parsha we are confronted with the first tochacha – rebuke. We are told of the potential severe consequences of not following Hasham and His mitzvot. The Torah chooses an interesting word to describe how the people act. In perek 26 pasuk 21 we read the following: “Ve’im telchu imi keri” – if you behave “keri,” where the commentaries struggle to explain what the word “keri” means. In fact the word is used four times in the perek to negatively describe Bnei Yisrael’s actions, but what does it mean? The Artscroll Chumash translates the word as “casually” – that we perform the mitzvot erratically and treat them as a matter of convenience, as opposed to performing them in a way of getting closer to the Creator of the world. 

I have sometimes walked into class and a student has said to me: “ok, Rabbi, I am ready for you to inspire me”. While I appreciate that the student thinks so highly of my ability, the truth is that the student is mistaken. Inspiration comes from a person actively looking for it and challenging themselves to find it. Sometimes it is hard to ignore, as many of our sophomores discovered on their recent trip to Israel with its fabulous itinerary and powerful experiences (read below!). Sometimes you have to put in extra time to find inspiration, as our Masmidot girls do on a weekly basis and with their shabbaton (read below!). Sometimes it is there in your regular day – in davening, classes, and by learning from your teachers, friends, and family.

There are decisions to be made every day. What to wear, what to eat, how much to study for my test, and how to spend my time. But it is also a decision to be open to seeing what is all around us.  How will I end the day more inspired? How will I let what I experience today impact me? Where can I look to grow? Let us choose to actively look for these moments and not treat them “casually”. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Horowitz

The Storm Never Stops

Student Athletes Receive Awards

for their Hard Work

Graphic by Danielle Zaretsky ('24)

This past week, KYHS students commemorated the significant day of Yom Hazikaron with an assembly put together by the eleventh graders and their Hebrew teachers. The ceremony was so well done and extremely touching as students read meaningful poetry and presented videos about fallen soldiers and innocent victims of terrorism. The presentation captured the essence of the day and the student body was able to memorialize and mourn those who were lost to us in terror and war. The tenth graders, however, had a more personal experience with the day. The following was written by a tenth grade student who is currently on the Israel trip and experienced the country’s commemoration firsthand: 

“Being in Israel during Yom Hazikaron is an unforgettable experience. From the moment the siren sounds, everything comes to an abrupt halt. Cars stop in the middle of the road, everyone freezes in their tracks, and a still silence takes over. It is one of the most intense and emotional experiences to be in Israel during this day. Everyone from all over Israel comes together to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the Holy Land. We were on the bus when the siren went off and we immediately stopped in the middle of the highway to hear it. The blaring sound echoed through the air, signaling a moment of remembrance and mourning for those who have fallen while defending Israel. In the lead up to Yom Hazikaron, there are many ceremonies that take place. Families of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism come together to share their stories and memories. The 10th grade class was privileged to meet up with the 8th graders from Katz Hillel Day School to hear the outstanding story of Roi Ben Tulila. Hearing his story left us in complete and utter shivers. After asking one of the students about her first time in Israel on Yom Hazikaron, Miriam Marcus (‘25) said, ‘It was extremely beautiful and meaningful for me. I really feel lucky to be in Israel during this time. It is so special to hear the sirens in real life. It was amazing to witness the unification of all of Israel. We are so lucky to have brave soldiers protecting us and the country of Israel.’ The whole day was filled with sadness and compassion for those families who lost their loved ones. The experience was so raw and inspirational for everyone. All the soldiers and victims that were lost will always have a special place in our hearts.”

Check Out the Banquet Video HERE!

Click HERE for the Hype Sports Video-

made by Dov Herschberg ('23)

Article by Abby Tache ('25)

Girls Just Wanna

Have Fun! Part Two

Masmidot Girls Celebrate their Annual Shabbaton in Hollywood

Graphic by Technical Staff

This past Shabbos was the second annual Masmidot Shabbaton! The shabbaton was an expedition since it was hosted in the far-off land of Hollywood, Florida (sources say that Hollywood has been right there the entire time)! The girls were graciously welcomed into the Kogan, Markovitch, and Distenfeld homes for delicious meals. Dinner Friday night was sprinkled with Divrei Torah and followed by a powerful tisch. Shabbos day began with Shacharit at the Young Israel, then lunch and games at the Markovitches, and a meaningful conclusion of Shabbos with shaleshudis at the Distenfelds. 

The end of Shabbos, however, did not bring an end to the festivities! On Saturday night the girls went bowling. Mrs. Dobkowski showed up with some killer moves and an appetite to win. But she wasn't the only one with an appetite! The girls feasted on delicacies which rivaled those from Shabbos: pizza and fries. Like all good things, bowling unfortunately came to an end, bringing the shabbaton to a close. 

Mrs. Dobkowski, the Director of Masmidos, intended to “create a Shabbos with fun, singing, and kedusha”, and was evidently successful since Masmida Rivka Reich (‘24) stated that it was a “weekend filled with zemiros, inspiration, and shiurim.”  Nava Shekhter (‘24) added that it was “a really great bonding experience for a lot of the girls with Mrs. Dobkowski and each other”, and “it was nice that girls with similar goals could come and spend time together.” Many Masmidot agree that this shabbaton will forever be in the top two for Masmidot shabbatons.  

Article by Sarah Posner ('24)

Goodbye to the Old, Hello to the New

Welcoming the Incoming Freshmen with Mentors and Meat

Graphic by Josh Haik ('24)

This past Sunday, after the incoming freshmen completed their math placement exam, their mentors for next year introduced themselves. The incoming juniors and seniors showed them around the school and shared how amazing KYHS is, getting them excited about the next chapter of their lives. The mentors and mentees enjoyed a delicious barbecue (cooked by Terry), and reviewed the unofficial student handbook together. The mentors aimed to inspire and get the incoming freshmen excited for what lies ahead. 

In addition to the delicious food, the event included fun activities. The boys and girls split up to get to know each other. Everyone enjoyed playing games together and, afterward, watched a hype video featuring color war, Purim chagiga, sports teams, as well as numerous clubs showing the ruach our school has and the many opportunities provided for students. This video, along with the welcoming event, gave the incoming freshmen an idea of how amazing our school is, getting them excited for the next four years of their lives. 

Article by Ariella Leibowitz ('25)

Sophomores Take on Israel

10th Graders Give Over their Amazing Experience in the Holy Land

Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24)

As the tenth graders of Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida landed in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael, they witnessed a beautiful sunrise which was the perfect way to start a momentous trip. The excited travelers were glowing as they walked the famous path and returned “home’’.  After missing the traditional Katz Hillel Day School Israel 8th grade graduation trip due to the pandemic, the KYHS administration scheduled the trip this year for the entire tenth grade. Some of the activities the students experienced during the trip were a lively Yom Haatzmaut celebration, meaningful prayer at Kever Rachel, and exhilarating Jeep rides in the Golan Heights. The knowledgeable tour guides led the group across Israel, teaching about the significant historical and spiritual sites, such as the ancient city of Shiloh. The students also had some fun adventures, like rafting on the Jordan River. Every aspect of the trip was designed to reinforce the students’ love and appreciation for Israel, but one of the biggest highlights was being in Israel to celebrate Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut.

On the morning of  Yom Hazikaron the students stood in the sun to listen in silence to the siren. Later in the day the students had the privilege to hear words of wisdom from Rabbi Leo Dee. He exclaimed that what happened to him and his family is a personal loss but also a national fatality. Mrs. Kanner added that Rabbi Dee’s perseverance can be compared to Miriam’s tambourine. Miriam shelved the tambourine after the loss of Moshe being put into the Nile. She knew that after the hardships in Egypt there would be another time to take it out and play with it once again. “Reb Dee, we know that you have not thrown away your tambourine, you still have it, and we see it. Although we cannot comfort you right now, the Katz Yeshiva High School tenth grade’s Israel trip leaves you with a bracha. That bracha is that you and your family and your beautiful children will once again take out that tambourine and lead all of in dance and song to greet Mashiach,’’ shared Mrs. Kanner. A scribe was coincidentally finishing his Sefer Torah right there in the shul where Rabbi Dee spoke to us, and many students were able to share in the mitzvah to write a letter in the Torah. It was a beautiful way to end the afternoon with a mitzvah and with such an extraordinary person as Rabbi Dee. 

To kickoff the celebration of Yom Haatzmaut the tenth grade class came together with hundreds of other Jews for a celebratory and joyous davening led by Rav Shlomo Katz. Everyone sang their hearts out for Hallel and danced with strangers, all to rejoice over Israel's independence and 75th birthday. Nearing the closing of the celebrations the students had a spiritually uplifting davening at the Kotel. 

Other memorable moments of the trip included an opportunity to hear inspirational words from Tzur Goldin. He spoke about the importance of brotherhood and to always remember the names of fallen ones. Tzur was standing in front of wind chimes which were made as a memorial for his brother and all the innocent people that have died to protect Israel. He said, ’’The wind chimes symbolizes that their spirits always exist around us.’’ Tzur took strength instead of weakness from his tragedy and has moved forward to become a lawyer, husband, and a leader for all of Am Yisrael. 

Additionally, spending Shabbat in Yerushalayim is always special, and staying at a hotel with such a close proximity to the Kotel gave students the chance to daven Kabbalat Shabbat there on Friday night.  Before entering the path leading to the Kotel, the entire tenth grade class formed a circle and sang together as Shabbat entered. People walking by were impressed by the unity of our group and started snapping pictures or singing along. It was a bonding experience that enhanced our Shabbat. 

The tenth grade class will always look back on this trip as a meaningful and transformative experience and will hold onto the memories for a lifetime. A big thank you to the staff chaperones and our touring group in Israel, and most of all to Mr. Dan Katz, for this one of a kind opportunity.

Article by Gabriella Asher ('25)