Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

This week we read about how Noach prepares for the impending flood. He works hard, day after day, constructing his ark so that he, his family, and the selected animals can survive the deluge. The Torah also describes, in great detail, how Noach sends out a raven, and then dove, in order to determine the status of the receding waters. Why all the details? If Hashem was going to miraculously save Noach, why not do it without all of the drama? 

Rav Shimon Schwab suggests that the Torah is teaching us a lesson about patience while waiting for Hashem’s redemption. Noach “waited another seven days” (Bereishit 8:10) before sending out the dove and, sometimes, we too have to wait. The results of prayers and yearnings may not come right away, but we must have patience. This message is timely as we step out from the shadow of the Yamim Nora’im and Sukkot. Many of us make personal resolutions with the expectation that results will come immediately. That is rarely how things work – patience is the key. We should not overlook the daily, incremental gains that lead us to our ultimate goals, nor should we be discouraged when things take time to develop. 

A major goal of KYHS is to create an unmatched experience for our students, both inside and outside of the classroom. This week, we packed our days with meaningful learning and activities which will help us in achieving the year(s)-long target. We were visited by the staff of Kol HaNe’arim, an amazing chesed-based summer program, and NCSY Summer, to hear about their amazing opportunities. We also had seven students participate in Math League, a national competition. Amir Rindsberg (‘24) scored a 100%, which is a first in KYHS history! Tuesday brought a festive Rosh Chodesh davening, delicious bagels, and the PSATs. Wednesday (also Rosh Chodesh) was highlighted by a rockin’ Chagigah, filled with dancing and ruach, as well as a Parshat Noach petting zoo. What a week to be in KYHS!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Wolk

Hard Work + Skills =

Big Win for KYHS!

Math Superstar Students Participate in 

National Competition

Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23)



This past Monday morning, the mathematicians of Katz Yeshiva High School had the opportunity to participate in a math league contest hosted by our beloved Mrs. Epstein. The participants were asked a total of six questions ranging from basic to sophisticated. Aaron Newman (‘24), Aaron Kornbluth (‘23), and Amir Rindsberg (‘24) shared with us their relationship with math and the skills they have retained from the subject. 

Gabriella: Thank you Amir, Aaron, and Aaron for joining me and answering some questions about math. How should a student aspiring to be a part of the math league prepare for this type of contest?

Aaron Newman: In order to prepare for this type of competition, a student should pay attention in class most of all, and also be interested in the lesson. I have found that when we have more curiosity about something that we have passion for, we work harder to excel in it and want to succeed more. 

Amir Rindsberg: The best way to study for anything is to practice similar questions. For this competition the previous competition questions can be found online. Doing general math puzzles is also helpful for these sorts of creative questions.

G: How do you study for a math test? Any tips you would like to share with me?

Aaron Newman: I study for math tests by first reviewing my notes and what we did in class and then I do practice problems. One specific study habit that I have that really helps is to review all the problems I got incorrect on the homework or during class. 

Aaron Kornbluth: I have found the most successful way to study for math tests is by doing practice problems. I consult my notes when I am struggling with something, but to be sure I understand it well I have to repeat the formula twice. 

G: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received about math?

Aaron Newman: I think the best advice I have ever received about math is putting it into a real-life scenario. When learning about derivatives my math teacher introduced them by giving us one real-life related math problem. She taught us a problem about the speed of a car that we knew how to solve and the other was the one about derivatives (I don't want to bore you with the specifics). A great way to do this is with word problems. 

Aaron Kornbluth: There are only two pieces of advice I would give to someone: First if you need help with something ask Aaron Newman. Second, find a friend to compete with (for me it's Zachy Dennis). It will help motivate you. 

Amir Rindsberg: Don't be afraid to get the wrong answer. 

G: What do you like to do for fun? Is it math related?

Aaron Kornbluth: Where should I start? Things I do for fun include golf, ping pong, wakeboarding, and most importantly, bothering Rabbi Wolk. I also enjoy doing calculus problems, just not so much in my free time.

Amir Rindsberg: I like reading books and playing games. I enjoy video games during the week and board games on Shabbat.

G: Thank you again for taking some time out of your day to answer. I’m sure our fellow peers will definitely use your tips. 

Rabbi Levitt made an appearance in the competition and impressed the crowd with his math skills! He shared a bit about his experiences as well.

G: Thank so much for taking the time to answer these questions. 

Rabbi Levitt: Sure!

G: Are you a fan of math competitions?

Rabbi Levitt: Yes! Math competitions enable students to think about concepts and ideas they likely already know in new and innovative ways.

G: Why is it important to see your students succeed in math? 

Rabbi Levitt: Analytical thinking and problem solving using tools are a big part of what success looks like in the twenty-first century. Mathematics is not arithmetic computation. Being able to take principles learned and apply them to new situations gives students a mindset that can make them excellent entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, and halachists. 

G: How do you use math in your daily life?

Rabbi Levitt: As I explained to one geometry student a few years ago, it is about being able to take from the math arena to other areas of life. She wanted to become a physical therapist and had no interest in geometric proofs. Well, the patient and the current condition is like the diagram and the givens. Good health is like the proof line. The PT techniques available to her are like the theorems and concepts of the geometry course. Getting from the diagram to the proof line involves a sensible or logical progression through the steps of the proof, using the theorems in a coherent order. So too in PT: the therapist has to be able to figure out how to use her recommended exercises, stretches, and other tools to get the patient from here to there with a plan that works. 

G: Thank you! This was a valuable learning experience. 

Interview by Gabriella Asher ('25)

Playful Parsha Pets 

Students Get to Experience Torah Brought to Life with a Super Fun Petting Zoo

Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

This week’s parsha is Parshat Noach. In this parsha, we read about how Hashem commands a man named Noach, the best of his generation, to build a teiva, an ark. On the ark, Noach is commanded to bring his entire family along with a pair of every non-kosher animal and seven each of the kosher animals to survive the flood. In honor of this, KYHS had a petting zoo come to visit!

On Wednesday during lunch, Cock-A-Doodle-Doo Petting Zoo parked their van on the Great Lawn and set up various exhibits for students to interact with their animals. The petting zoo is a student favorite, as Elyada Shabtai (‘23) remarked: “I feel like I go to camp during the week of Parshat Noach. The animals really make the parsha feel alive.” The petting zoo included all sorts of animals, including a piglet, a chicken, a calf, a goat, baby chicks, and several bunny rabbits.

Students got a unique opportunity to observe and connect with Hashem’s wonderful creations in this way. Meirav Horowitz (‘25) said, “The petting zoo was an amazing experience. Although we are older, we still love the animals. This was a really fun way to incorporate the parsha of the week into our day.” Thank you so much to Rabbi Wolk and Mrs. Hochner for this wonderful experience! 

Article by Aliza Bokor ('23)

KHan't Wait for the Best. Summer. Ever.

Amazing Programs Visit KYHS to Tell All

About Options for the Summer

Graphic by Ezra Dimont ('25) and Eitan Kaminetzky ('25)

This week we had special representatives from Kol HaNe’arim and NCSY visit KYHS! Not only did they bring pizza and sushi, but they also presented amazing summer program opportunities for students to consider. The representatives were so kind and ready to talk through options with students who were seeking advice on what summer program to attend. It was truly inspiring to see all the different ways a student can experience Israel, each program personalized to fit an individual's needs.

How a summer is spent is an important part of the high school experience, and the way these programs take the time to ensure you find the one that's best for you proves that they’re worth looking into. There really is a program for everyone, and being spoken to directly by those who represent them is the best way to learn about them. “It showed me how many options I have, and all the ways I can spend my summer. It was so helpful!” Tali Leubitz (‘25) said.

Having organizations like Kol HaNe’arim and NCSY come and speak to us about their programs is potentially life altering and gives students the opportunity to learn about all the ways they can broaden their religious and personal horizons. Through programs like these, students really develop a deep love and connection to their Jewish identity and Israel.

Article by Leila Samuels ('25)

3 Unique Speakers Walk into a School...

KYHS Seniors are Inspired Through a Wide Range of JED Talks over the Past Weeks

Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24) and Shoshana Weinstock ('24)

Over the past few weeks of JED Talks, KYHS seniors had the opportunity to hear from Andrew Galitzer (‘20), Sarit Scher (‘20), and Daniel Aqua. Each person’s story was incredibly meaningful and taught important lessons. Ezra Cohen (‘23) commented, “It was really impactful hearing stories from our own alumni and how life after high school affected them.”

Andrew Galitzer took students through his creative journey in publishing his Parsha Comic book. Since grade school, Andrew has enjoyed doodling in class and the habit slowly turned into a big part of his identity. He progressed in his artistic skills throughout school and began doodling entertaining comics of each parsha. He realized that he could compile it into a book. He struggled to find a publisher at first, but he finally found publishers who loved his idea and turned his dreams into reality. His story taught the importance of perseverance and pursuit of dreams despite difficulty.

Sarit Scher (‘20) talked about her struggle with anorexia and how she combatted it, now spreading awareness for it. Her struggle with anorexia began in college. When her parents noticed, they ensured that she sought help. After individual and group therapy, she started an Instagram page in order to spread awareness and to help other people who may be going through similar struggles. 

Daniel Aqua discussed the school system, Attention Deficit Disorder, and his Teach Florida initiative. He played an educational animation, which explained how the school system is outdated and not beneficial to students who aren’t receptive to the standard methods of teaching. He shared a personal story about how he struggled with school, starting medication for his own ADD in order to thrive in law school (which he graduated top of the class). After not liking his job at a law firm, he decided to dedicate his life to helping people in the school system by working for Teach Florida. He has helped increase funding in schools and specifically increased funding for Jewish schools to about $50 Million just this year. 

Overall, each speaker gave important and impactful messages that could not be taught in a typical classroom setting, focusing on perseverance and the importance of doing things that you love.

Purchase Andrew's Torah Comics with a Special KYHS Discount! 

Article by Zachy Gross ('23)