Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayishlach, Yaakov’s name is changed to Yisrael. While we have already seen Avraham and Sarah have their names changed, there are a few unique aspects to Yaakov’s name change. Whereas Avraham and Sarah have their names altered by either adding (Avram to AvraHam) or changing one letter (Sarai to SaraH), Yaakov’s name is completely changed. In addition, after their name changes the Torah never again calls Avraham or Sarah by their previous names, but with Yaakov, the Torah continues to use both names.

Some people suggest that Yaakov’s name change was meant for a different purpose. It came just prior to his meeting Esav for the first time since running away to Charan. Having decided to leave Lavan and to return to Eretz Yisrael, Yaakov hears that Esav is coming to meet him — along with 400 men. Yaakov immediately assumed that Esav was coming to kill him. He prepares for this by sending gifts to appease him. The night before he was to face Esav, Yaakov got up in the night and crossed the ford of Jabbok. Rashbam explains that this was an attempt to escape from Esav. Hashem then sent an angel to fight with Yaakov during which neither can defeat the other, and Yaakov only lets the angel leave after receiving a blessing which is the name change to Yisrael. In explanation, the angel says: your name is Yisrael because “you have fought with God and with man and have overcome”.

Perhaps according to Rashbam the purpose of the name change was to send Yaakov a clear message that he no longer needs to be afraid of Esav. He has fought an angel and is also capable of taking on Esav. The name Yaakov means holder of the heel, a reference to Yaakov grasping Esav’s heel at birth, but it also means follower. In fact until this point, Yaakov is very much a follower. As a boy he is pushed around by Esav. Later he follows his mother’s advice in tricking his father. He allows Lavan to push him around as well. 

In changing his name, Hashem is letting Yaakov know he is also a Yisrael. Someone who can fight the most difficult battles and be a leader, not a follower. He no longer needs to worry about Esav. Hashem will protect him by miraculously hardening his neck if necessary. 

There is a role for both names, as evidenced by his still being called Yaakov. There is a balance in life. Sometimes we need to appease and avoid conflict, and sometimes we have to be ready to face it fearlessly. The search for this balance is a lifelong task and challenge. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Horowitz

Chessed, Avodah, and Torah, Oh My!

Students Continue to Explore the Building Blocks of KYHS and Our World

Graphic by Sruli Muschel ('26)



On Wednesday, each grade split into their Al Shlosha Devarim groups to hear meaningful speeches on Torah, Avodah, and Chesed. Al Shlosha Devarim is a program that allows students to get involved in activities, listen to speeches, get inspired to try new things, learn more Torah, and grow as individuals.

Personally, I chose the Chesed Program because I love helping others and feeling like I changed someone’s day for the better. For Chesed, 3 meaningful  speeches were given by Hatzalah, Friendship Circle, and JFS. “I was particularly inspired by the Friendship Circle representative because I believe it is an important act of kindness to build a friendship with special needs children and make them feel loved,” remarked Aliyah Harrow (‘25).

During the 10th grade Avodah program, there was a speaker who talked about how there are two purposes in life–finding out who you are and where you want to go. Talia Ohayon (25’) explained, “I was inspired by the speaker's words and I realized I shouldn’t wait for the future to figure things out in my life.”

During the Torah program, different Torah leaders sat in a circle and explained the importance of Torah learning. The Torah track program ran a round-robin shiur where students got to enjoy sweets and hear words of Torah from the leaders. “I think it’s important to make Torah study a daily part of your routine and it’s something the Torah track did a great job at by emphasizing that through this activity,” commented Zohara Lam (23’). Each program organized speeches and activities, allowing students to become religiously inspired in their Torah, Avodah, and Chesed.

Article by Ariela Leibowitz ('25)

Connecting Through Coloring on Cars

Class of '23 Shows Their Senior Pride

and Creative Side

Graphic by Josh Haik ('24)

At 10:45 last Friday, seniors got together in the parking lot to decorate their cars. A few took their time to paint their cars entirely and others only added a small phrase or two—worried that the paint wouldn’t come off. Shortly after the activity, some seniors drove home with newly decorated cars, while others decided to wipe them down before returning home.

Aliza Bozor (‘23) states, “It was a really fun bonding experience and I loved spending time with people I usually don’t hang out with.” This activity gave the seniors the opportunity to have quality time with one another and get to know better people who don't share any classes with them.

Others that did not have a vehicle joined in the activity and signed their friends’ cars with messages, initials, and signatures. Seniors ‘23 or “23eniors”, along with “we are seniors!”, were the most common phrases painted onto the cars. A few teachers also permitted students to write on their cars.

Dassie Mergui (‘23) comments, “I had my classmates sign their names on my car. I thought it was really beautiful because it was as if we were ‘signing off.’ It’s always nice to have a unified experience with my classmates. Seeing all of our names together was extremely nostalgic and I appreciate my high school journey even more.” It was a really fun way to celebrate their last year together. All the seniors appreciated this experience and are thankful to the Student Council for coming up with this exciting activity.

Article by Debbie Grunbaum ('23)

College 101: An Exclusive Guide to the Process

Juniors and Parents Learn All They Need to Know about College Applications

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)

This week, there was a college night for juniors and their parents. The goal of this night was to reassure parents and students in terms of going to college. Counselors spoke to the parents and students and talked to them about the significant aspects of college.

These juniors and their parents had an open floor to ask whatever they wanted to know about college and the counselors answered questions and assured students and parents that they will be there to assist them every step of the way. They also explained the process of applying to college and handed out papers containing vital information about college in general.

This program is an introduction to what life will be like for students after high school and how college is an important part of life for any student who wishes to attend. The counselors did an excellent job of reassuring parents that they will be there to help them and teach them more about college for their children. Parents’ minds were put at ease and this college night really took a lot of stress away from these juniors and their parents because they now know that they have help in the application process and in gaining any information they need to know about college for their child. This college night for juniors is a huge benefit for the KYHS juniors who may have been stressed about college or who just wanted to know more about the places they would be attending. 

Article by Amira Kahn ('25)

Kahane's Kolumn

Tips and Tricks on How to Enhance Your Shabbaton Experience

Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

OLIVIA'S GUIDE ON HOW TO HAVE THE BEST SHABBATON:

• Don't forget to pack 
• You definitely do not want to be the person to forget clothing--that is so stressful. Lucky though, you will be with 100 girls who you can always borrow from
• Sit in the back of the bus 
• Let’s be honest, the back of the bus is where the excitement and fun games occur
• The bus ride to the Shabbaton is a great way to begin bonding, especially with classmates you might not have been close with in the past. It gives you the opportunity to hang out in a relaxed environment, and will be a great way to kickstart your Shabbaton experience 
• Put yourself out there
• An amazing plus side to an all-girls Shabbaton is the ability to connect with girls in your grade without the stress of boys being around–do not be afraid to reach out to classmates, and become closer with classmates you would not typically gravitate towards
• Reach out to upperclassmen and/or underclassmen. Girls in different grades can help guide you and give you advice. Do not be afraid to reach out to them, and create a friendship. The environment is one that is unmatched and gives you the opportunity to put yourself out there so do it! 
• Get involved
• Duhh. I know this seems like an obvious one, but do not be the person sitting in the corner of the Kumsitz talking! If you get involved in every activity, even if it is something you would not typically enjoy, you are guaranteed to have more fun 
• Listen to your upperclassman ;)
• With age comes wisdom; although we are barely older, we can definitely give you tips and tricks for your classes and how to have a great experience through your next few years. Trust me, upperclassmen love to pretend they are freshmen, and want to get to know the underclassmen
• We want to talk to you guys–you know, go back to the time in our lives when we were youthful 
• DO NOT GO IN THE POOL 
• It is against the rules, and not worth getting in trouble over. Plus you can never trust a public pool
• Take vitamin C
• You are almost guaranteed to get sick (#flujihara), so take vitamin C and boost your immune system (brought to you by Claritin)
• Don't let the small things get to you 
• There are bound to be things that do not go your way, but do not let them ruin your entire weekend
• It is okay to not be best friends with your roomates, or not be a part of a picture on Friday afternoons- do not let something small get in the way of stepping out of your comfort zone and having a great Shabbos 
• Hang out with Olivia Kahane 
• She will provide great laughs and great times

Article by Olivia Kahane ('23)