Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

So sad that all beginnings come to an end.

Not so in our school. 

While August 25th marked the first day of school, a few short weeks later we are once again facing the first of a new year, Rosh Hashana. The excitement and anticipation of 500 boisterous students flooding our corridors, the smells of new backpacks, sights of bright white sneakers, glistening halls, and freshly painted walls have begun to fade. Our senses will now be inundated anew by the somber sounds of heartfelt prayer, the penetrating blasts of the shofar, the sparkling sight of white kittels and the sweet smell of honey. We are privileged to be able to press the restart button and experience yet another beginning.

But the true barometer of a successful beginning lies in its endurance. The magnitude of Avraham Avinu’s willingness to sacrifice Yitzchak was still manifest three days after his eager acquiescence to G-d’s will, when, still filled with enthusiasm and verve, he unwaveringly saddled his own donkey and set out to bind his beloved son. So too, B’nei Yisrael’s fervid willingness to accept the yet-to-be-revealed Torah was as robust and vigorous on the third day as it was on the first day that they declared “na’aseh v’nishma,” we will do, and only then will we understand.

The midrash informs us that the left horn of the ram sacrificed by Avraham in lieu of Yitzchak was blown at Har Sinai, and the right horn will be blown to herald the coming of the Mashiach. Perhaps the midrash is connecting the enduring enthusiasm demonstrated by Avraham with the lasting fervor of the Jewish people accepting the Torah at Sinai. It is this immutable commitment and perpetual enthusiasm that is echoed in the sound of the shofar. 

It is our challenge to maintain the freshness and excitement of the “beginning” throughout the year by preserving the anticipatory exhilaration of possibility along with the smells and sights of the new each day of our lives. In so doing, may we merit to hear the penultimate blast of the shofar heralding in the coming of Mashiach bimhera b’yameinu.

Ketiva v’chatima tova.

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs. Kanner

Superb Singing and Selichot

KYHS Students Enjoy Musical Program

with Special Guest Uri Ullman

Graphic by Highlites Staff



Selichot is recited by Sephardim beginning at midnight on the first of Elul. Ashkenazim begin reciting it on the Motzei Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah. This past Motzei Shabbat, KYHS juniors and seniors had the unique opportunity to join together at the Young Israel of Hollywood for the first night of Ashkenazi selichot.

The night began with an energetic and uplifting chagigah and then we set the tone of the night with an inspirational kumzits. The combination of the fun chagigah with the uplifting kumzits allowed students to get in the right mood for Elul. The chagigah created a sense of simcha and achdut while the kumzits provided students with inspiration and the right mindset as we enter this important time of year.

Senior Ayden Frank described this idea best, stating, “Selichot night was beyond amazing. Not only was it fun and crazy but it was also powerful and meaningful.” Around midnight we gathered into the shul sanctuary to recite selichot. In unison we all sang and cried out to Hashem asking for his forgiveness. We had the privilege of being with many of our Rebbeim and Morot, who guided us through the significance of what we were saying. 

Ninth and tenth grade girls also participated in the selichot night event as part of their first Junior Masmidot program. Meirav Horowitz ('25) stated, “Selichot night was such an inspirational experience! We began the evening learning with Mrs. Dobkowski and then we joined the 11th and 12th graders for the end of an awesome kumzits! We then went to say selichot, which were accompanied with beautiful music and songs. All and all it was an amazing event!” This night of music and inspiration was beautifully run by Rabbi Kimche as well as singer Udi Ullman. It was a beautiful sight to see KYHS students come together to fulfill this important mitzvah. 

Article by Atara Keehn ('23)

Crazy Clubs and Cool Committees!

Students are Presented with the Opportunity to Join All Sorts of Exciting Clubs

Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)

At the annual club fair, a total of 35 clubs showcased what they have to offer the students of KYHS! The diverse array of clubs offers students options for extracurricular activities and the opportunity to be a part of something that piques their interests.

For example, students who are intrigued by the world of medicine can join the Pre-Med club to learn about different fields of medicine and healthcare as an option for their future careers. The Pre-Med club also gives club members the opportunity to virtually shadow a medical professional! Another amazing club is Sharsheret, an organization that supports people who are going through cancer and their families. Speakers are brought in to educate the club members on this topic and students will have opportunities to visit patients in the hospital to give support!

Yet another example of an incredible club is Storm for Israel, which is such an important part of the philosophy of KYHS. This club brings in speakers to educate students on Zionism and encourages students to learn more about the history of Israel and to further their understanding of current Israeli politics. A completely different option is the Mental Health club, which provides support and teaches coping mechanisms to students experiencing school-related stress. Attending a Mental Health Club meeting provides the space to be stress-free and to participate in relaxing activities like art, dancing, and so much more.

These are just a few examples of the many varied clubs that provide KYHS students with a myriad of opportunities to grow and thrive outside the classroom.

Article by Amira Kahn ('25)

YU? Why Not Me?

Seniors Get a Chance to Learn All About What Life at Yeshiva University Would Be Like

Graphic by Ezra Dimont  ('25) and Orly Dimont ('23)

This week, seniors at KYHS learned about and began the process of applying to Yeshiva University, home of the Maccabeats, where many of our teachers received their degrees. A majority of alumni have chosen to pursue higher education at Yeshiva University as well, thanks to their dual Judaic and General Studies curriculum. 

We kicked off the week with an informational session about all that Yeshiva College and Stern College have to offer. Seniors learned about the educational opportunities that may be available to them in New York, where Yeshiva University is located. Elior Basson (‘23) commented that “the YU information session was very informative and helped me establish an opinion on YU and how it lines up with my other college options. I was able to get an understanding of the academics and student life of YU without having to fly to New York”.

During the subsequent two days, many seniors were interviewed by Yeshiva University admissions officers to determine whether they would be a good fit for the school and to contemplate the penultimate question: Why you? Seniors were able to gain essential skills for future interviewing. Gabriel Melnitsky (‘23) remarked that “it was nice to hear more about the school to help make this important decision”. 

Learning all about Yeshiva University helped guide seniors to make more informed decisions as they refine the process of choosing their post-high school plans. 

Article by Hannah Shapiro ('23)

JED Talk: A Peek Inside the Brilliant Brain

Class of '23 is Amazed and Inspired by

Advice from a Neurosurgeon

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)

On Friday September 16, the seniors had the special opportunity to hear an empowering JED talk from Dr. Daniel Aghion, a successful neurosurgeon who is also a proud KYHS parent. Dr. Aghion told his high school story of being unmotivated and unchallenged, and then the inspiring account of his collegiate background. He went to Tel Aviv University for his undergraduate degree, then went off to University of Michigan for medical school. Dr. Aghion completed his residency at Brown University followed by his Johns Hopkins fellowship before moving down to Florida. 

Dr. Aghion told us that the real people who succeed in life are not specifically the prettiest or the smartest, but the ones with the most determination and grit. He stressed the importance of making goals and sticking to them. Dov Herschberg (‘23) said, “seeing someone, especially a doctor, push through all of the academic hardships to reach his goal is the small push that all students need.” He then showed pictures of brain scans and what a brain tumor looks like in the skull, and then showed us videos of him actually performing the brain surgery and tumor removal!

After the videos, Dr. Aghion proceeded to recount an incredibly inspirational story about his journey as a kidney transplant donor for a young woman. In addition to exemplifying compassion and bravery, Dr. Aghion expressed important messages about dedication that the seniors were grateful to listen to.

Article by Aliza Bokor ('23)

This Week in Pictures