Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)
In this week’s parsha, the Torah focuses on the role of the kohanim. In fact, this is the first parsha in Sefer Shmot in which Moshe’s name is not even mentioned! Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Z”L explained that in other civilizations, all decision-making was thrust into the hands of one person, usually the king. However, in Judaism, there has always been the idea of shared leadership between the kohanim, the neviim, and the king. Each role had a different outlined function and ideally worked together as a team to create a strong society. Leaders could be stronger together than if they acted individually. 

Looking back at this week at KYHS, this edition of Highlites demonstrates that our school values the same dynamism and diversity of leadership which can be understood through this week’s parsha. As shown below, students led on the athletic field through soccer and basketball tournaments, while others shone in the classroom as they engaged in lessons and conversations about civil rights and the lessons we can learn from Black History Month. Students also heard from community leaders, including Mr. Avi Ciment, who presented to seniors about the importance of remembering that God is present in our lives at all times. While we each contribute to KYHS in different ways, it is our collective efforts which allow us to lead our school and broader community in great ways.


Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Seidenfeld
Exhibit A
 Avi Ciment Addresses Seniors About Questions in Judaism

Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24)

JED Talks are an exciting time each week where seniors have the opportunity to hear from a wide range of speakers who relay inspirational and impactful messages. This week’s enthusiastic speaker, Avi Ciment, spoke to seniors about several key parts of the foundation of Judaism and ways that the average person can approach these concepts.

Avi Ciment is an amazing speaker, writer, and author of the new book, Real Questions, Real Answers. During the JED talk, seniors were lucky to get a bit of a sneak peak to his book, which is in very high demand! We discussed the concept of Shabbat, keeping kosher, and the more theological question of how we know that God exists. He offered both practical, textual, and spiritual proofs and reasonings for the three ideas, leaving students eager to explore these concepts further. He shared several mind-blowing stories which emphasized the yad Hashem, hand of God, in this world, allowing us to be more firm in our beliefs. Mr. Ciment encouraged students to look around at the different parts of our life in order to find areas where we can find Hashem.

Chana Schandelson (‘22) said, “Mr. Avi Ciment’s JED Talk allowed me to rethink how I view HaKodesh Baruch Hu in our daily lives. I left the JED Talk feeling inspired and wondering how I could find new ways to see God in my life!” To hear more of Avi Ciment’s thought-provoking ideas and inspirational messages, purchase his book which is currently selling on Amazon! (Link below)


Click Here for Book on Amazon

Article by Rebecca Henner ('22)
Civil War Sensation
Mr. Messersmith’s Class Hears from a Civil War Expert
Graphic by Technical Staff

Mr. Messersmith's U.S. History class had the pleasure of hearing from Jessica Wall this past week about her experiences. Read about Jessica Wall below:

“Hello! 
My name is Jessica Wall, and I am a native of Spotsylvania, Virginia but currently live with my husband in Bethesda, Maryland. I am a graduate of the College of William and Mary where I majored in History and Classical Civilizations. Because I grew up very close to a Civil War battlefield preserved by the National Park Service, my fascination with the war began at an early age. Moreover, as a direct descendant of enslaved African Americans on both sides of my family, I have devoted most of my adult years to researching the cause of the war, the history of American chattel slavery in the western hemisphere, and the ramifications on our society. For the last eleven years I have had the pleasure to serve as a public historian and most recently as a Multimedia Communications Specialist at the United States Capitol. In my time on the Hill, I have created different educational programs focused on the history of the United States for a variety of age groups, but my favorite are those dedicated to Civil War and Civil Rights history. 
In my free time I enjoy reading (my apartment is exploding with books), writing short stories, and watching weird-B movies with my husband. 
As is appropriate for all who work for the legislative branch of the federal government, I am obligated to say that my participation and views do not reflect those of Congress or the Architect of the Capitol. If anyone would like to reach me questions or advice on more educational resources, feel free to email me at jpjacksonwall@gmail.com or jessica.wall@aoc.gov.”
NBA or KYHS?
Hear More About Our ALL-STAR
Basketball Teams
Graphic by Shoshana Weinstock ('24)

This past week the boys and girls varsity basketball teams competed in their district games. The girls fought until the last second and beat Oxbridge Academy by two points. The team played an incredible game and held out until the last second.

Shoshana Stadlan (‘22) led the team in scoring fifteen points, and was excited to have won her first district game of her high school basketball career. After their victory on Tuesday night, the girls moved to the next round of the playoffs. The semi-finals were played against King’s Academy, who unfortunately beat the Storm and ended our district run.

The boys team faced Cardinal Newman High School in the first round of districts, but they unfortunately suffered a 76-48 loss. Benjamin Kahane (‘22), captain of the boys varsity basketball team, says that, “the team fought hard, and that’s the most important part.”

Both teams deserve congratulations for their tremendous effort and amazing playing the entire season. GO STORM!!

Article by Emma Schenker ('22)
Terrific Tourney!
KYHS Hosts the JV Step It Up Tournament  
Graphic by Technical Staff

The boys junior varsity basketball team participated in a tournament this past week hosted by KYHS. The KYHS boys JV team was split into two teams in order to even out the number of teams participating.

Jonah Resnick (‘25) remarked, “I wish the whole team could have played together, but on the bright side this gave more players the opportunity to get involved in the games.”

The tournament started on Sunday afternoon with the KYHS orange team playing against North Shore, and we took home the win. Next, our KYHS blue team played against Frisch and unfortunately we lost.

Nathaniel Hoffman (‘25) said, “although we did not win every game, it was a great opportunity to test our skills against schools from outside of Florida, and to see friends and meet new people from other schools.”

Our KYHS orange team continued on to defeat HAFTR and SAR on Monday, and on Tuesday morning we beat Frisch, bringing the Storm to the championship round. The KYHS blue team was not as successful and only won their first game on Tuesday morning against SAR. Both teams joined together for an intense championship game. The bleachers were packed and the boys did not disappoint. The boys played hard and were victorious, and Zack Izyaguyev (‘24) dunked to finish off the game! 

All the JV boys played great games, and the school is so proud that they worked hard to come out on top.


Click Here for Slide Show

Article by Eilat Berger ('22)
Masmidim Night Out
Rabbi Stohl Goes on an Exciting Golf Outing with Tenth Grade Masmidim 
Graphic by Shoshana Weinstock ('24)

The boys Masmidim program, spearheaded by Rabbi Stohl, is a program catered to students who have a desire to learn at a high level both inside and outside the classroom. The program gives them an opportunity to learn with peers and enjoy fun events. It is also an opportunity to connect and form relationships with like-minded individuals in all grades.

According to Eitan Pitch (’22), “Masmidim is about being part of a group that wants to learn and grow and have a good time together with the guidance of rebbeim that are dedicated to seeing their talmidim grow.” 


As a reward for performing exceptionally on their gemara “midterms”, the 10th grade boys were treated to an exciting outing on Saturday night that was planned and run by senior Masmidim members Eitan Pitch and Avi Gurnin. The boys joined Rabbi Stohl at Top Golf and enjoyed several rounds of golf and fun. They also went out for pizza and bonded as a group, celebrating their accomplishments and hard work for the past quarter.


Article by Merav Berger ('25)
Highlites Staff