Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

The Al Cheit and Vidui prayers are pivotal components of the Yom Kippur experience, enabling individuals to reflect on their actions from the past year. While embarking on the path of teshuva (repentance), we must scrutinize our own deeds. The Al Cheit serves as a tool for this introspection. 

Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi (a.k.a. the Alter Rebbe zy”a), the founder of the Lubavitch Chassidic dynasty, emphasized that even during moments of sin, Hashem is never distant from us. He writes: 

“Rather, we understand man’s capability to sin based on two friends sitting and facing one another. When one faces in a different direction, there is distance of hearts and sight (so too with man when sinning). Teshuva is the restoration of the closeness of being face to face.” 

The Alter Rebbe emphasizes that God's presence is constant, and teshuva restores the closeness between us and the Ribbono Shel Olam.

The concept of vidui is also discussed by Rav Yitzchak Meir Alter (a.k.a. the Chiddushei HaRim zy”a), founder of the Gur Chassidic dynasty. He cautions against dwelling too deeply on past misdeeds, as it can hinder our ability to do teshuva. He writes: 

“When a person is focused on the negative, it is certain that teshuva can not be done, because their mind has materialized and concretized the sin once again. When focused on the misdeeds of yesterday, the sins become “real” all over again.

Instead, he urges us to focus on shunning evil by directly doing good and approaching Yom Kippur with a sense of leaving our sins behind completely. 

Rav Yitzchak Meir even suggests reciting the Al Cheit swiftly to avoid lingering in negativity. He quotes the Baal Shem Tov’s zy”a fundamental teaching that we are found wherever our thoughts are. Dwelling on the past can keep us trapped in that past. The emphasis on Yom Kippur should be on acknowledging Hashem's reign, power, and unconditional love for us, His children. 

Engaging with Al Cheit and Vidui is indeed essential for self-assessment, but this year we should incorporate the teachings of the Alter Rebbe and the Chiddushei HaRim as well. Let the experience be nuanced-filled with a desire to recognize Hashem's kingship and a commitment to personal growth.

May Hashem bless us with the ability to view ourselves positively and build on that foundation to become better individuals in the coming year. While we must not ignore our past, we should release the burden of negativity that accompanies past mistakes. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov zy”a teaches that the dangerous weight of sin lies in the impression it leaves. We should be blessed with opportunities to do good, and, finally, leave the burden behind. Let us strive to be in constant communion with the Ribbono Shel Olam so we can once again, be face to face. Good Shabbos and Gmar Tov.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Nachbar

The Best Mixture!!

Splash of Torah and Singing in Preparation for Yom Kippur

Graphic by Joshua Reich ('25)

This week has been full of pre-Yom Kippur inspiration. Every day started with a Teshuva Drasha before first period. These drashot focused on working on Bein Adam LeChavero. Junior Abby Tache summed it up perfectly: “I loved listening to my teachers share specific middot that they are focusing on and that we should focus on. It was a really inspiring way to go into the school day and into Yom Kippur.” The students were very moved by the powerful shiurim. 

On Thursday there were two school-wide kumzitses, one for girls and one for boys. The kumzitses were especially inspiring because teachers got up between songs and shared either inspirational stories or Yom Kippur chizuk to elevate the kavana and passion in the room. After her first kumzits at KYHS, freshman Aviva Sered (‘27) said, “At first I had no idea what to expect and just felt uncomfortable sitting on the floor, but once it started I have never felt more comfortable in my life. The kumzits was a great way to bring all the girls together. I felt connected to everyone just because we were all singing together. The Divrei Torah about Yom Kippur from the teachers also made the experience great and now my Yom Kippur will be even more meaningful.” 

The students were moved by all of the special programming for the Aseret Yemei Teshuva. 

Article by Kira Kornbluth ('25)

Bella's Bites

The Post-Fast Feast

Graphic by Danielle Zaretsky ('24) and Esti Distenfeld ('26)

The difficult fast of Tzom Gedaliah is suddenly made worth it when it’s time to eat and drink again. There are many different family customs for what to break the fast on. I have a few opinions on what type of person you are based on what you break your fast on:

• The same fleishig food you ate before the fast: you have an iron stomach and/or you don’t care what the status of your stomach is.
• A small bite of any food to not overstuff yourself: you are smarter than the rest of us, and we are all trying to be like you.
• Pasta with cheese (e.g., baked ziti): listen, we are all Jewish here so we need to be honest and say we are all lactose intolerant. That being said, there is no way your stomach is okay throughout the night (my condolences).
• Pizza: refer back to the former.
• Soup: I maintain that soup is a must-have, because it is not too heavy and not too light either.
• Salad: we all wish we were you, but also we don’t because we need something that actually feels like food.
• Straight to dessert: I respect your cut-to-the-chase attitude, but I also question your sanity.
• Regardless of what you and your family choose to eat, we should all respect and love each other for our choices. We cannot forget that Tzom Gedaliah commemorates how Jews did not act kindly towards one another and the atrocities that ensued because of that hatred, so we should make sure to rectify the mistake. 

Article by Bella Srugo ('24)

Teacher Spotlight:

Get to Know our Very Own Mrs. Frizzle

Graphic by Eitan Kaminetzky ('25)

This year we’re welcoming Ms. Alvarado to KYHS as our newest chemistry teacher. She has so many fantastic things to share with us, so we asked her some questions in this interesting interview.

Thank you so much for joining us. To get started, where did you grow up and what college did you attend?

I grew up in Miami Lakes, Florida and attended the University of Florida.

How many years have you been teaching? When did you decide you wanted to become a teacher?

I have been teaching for about five years. I got into teaching at UF. During my undergrad years I was a mentor for first-generation college students (like myself) and found that I had a passion for helping young students. I then went on to teach in the UF microbiology lab for about two years before I moved back down because of the pandemic, and I began to teach high school students here in Boca Raton.

Why do you love chemistry? Is there anything cool about it that you'd like the student body to know?

Chemistry is fascinating! It's fundamental to our understanding of the world and biology, though many people don't think about this. A lot of students don't think that it's an important subject, but it helps you understand how things work around you. If you understand basic chemistry, you can become an informed adult who can properly navigate the world!

For people who are interested in chemistry, what kind of career paths could one take?

Chemistry is very vast, there are numerous paths within the subject and numerous jobs. Chemistry has five main branches. Within each of those are unique job opportunities but it all boils down to usually falling within two areas: industry or academia. Industry would be working in a lab trying to create something that a company wants to make, whereas academia would be working to figure something out or create something that you are interested in making, usually within a university. Most people in any chemistry field, however, have advanced degrees such as a Masters or Doctorate.

What could you tell your students to get them excited about chemistry this year?

Chemistry is very hands on. We're going to be doing some experiments and projects that I hope you have fun doing! 

Is there anything else you are passionate about?

I love the arts. I love to paint and I am currently learning ceramics. I'm also an avid reader.

We’re so glad you’re here! Thank you for your time.

Article by Rachel Rosenhouse ('27)

Club Fair

Welcome to the Grove Cafe. We are Serving Clubs, Clubs, and Some More Clubs

Graphic by Ezra Dimont ('25)

Last week, students flooded outside during lunch to learn about many of the amazing clubs the school has to offer, and to even join some. Crowded with thrilled students passing from table to table, this year’s club fair was a great way for people to be involved in the school while still pursuing their interests.

This year, students had numerous options to choose from, with clubs like the Women's Empowerment Club, the 1980s Club, and the Club of Finer Things, allowing students to express their passions while on campus. Each club is unique in its own way. Students are able to choose a club that aligns with their interests, whether it be love for fashion or a passion for Israel. One specific, as well as interesting, club that was at the fair last week was the Biomedical Club, which is a great way for students to learn about biology, with engaging activities like dissections throughout the year. Like the Biomedical Club, many of the clubs that KYHS provides are based around the interests of their members, flourishing with their engagement.

The club fair is considered by many to be a highlight of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. Regardless of whether you actually join a club, it’s a nice experience to just walk around and look at all of the incredible people that were able to take their interests and hobbies and expand it into something more. There is also always an upbeat, friendly atmosphere at the club fair, as noted by Adam Ribault (‘25), who says that: “The club fair is always a positive and welcoming experience.” The fair is an especially great way to allow freshmen, along with other new students, to get involved in the school in a way that is genuinely engaging. KYHS had a great turnout for this year’s club fair, and it will be exciting to see what amazing things these clubs will achieve this year.

Article by Samuel Jacobs ('25)

The Thrill of the Storm

Stay Tuned for More Sports Updates

Graphic by Sruli Muschel ('26)



Katz Yeshiva High Schools’ endless programs make it such an amazing and fun environment for students. One of the most popular programs the school has to offer is sports. From the volleyball, golf, and cross country teams, to the basketball tournaments for JV and varsity, there is a sport for everyone to enjoy at KYHS. There are always many students and supportive fans cheering at games no matter what the sport is. The energy of these teams is successful in bringing everyone together through school spirit. One exciting sport at the start of the year is flag football, with a team led by senior quarterback Netanel Kieffer ('24). When asked what is special about the team, Kieffer responded that: “if one person is off, it affects the whole team. Everyone needs to work together for the team to succeed; it is like a community.” He continued to say that “[we] always play as a team. We are an extremely talented team, but once in a while someone will make a mistake, or something will go wrong, but everyone knows that we have each other’s backs both on and off the field.”

The football team and sports program represent the unity we strive to achieve in school. We should remember to be there for eachother and offer support; this is the essence of the KYHS community. We always stick together and have each other's backs, and that is why the football team, at 3-0, is successful and undefeated. 

Article by Yonah Greenberg ('25)