Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

Every rule has an exception. And that rule is, in fact, its own exception.

Allow me to share with you another rule and its exception. 

 All beginnings are difficult - "כל התחלות קשות"

That’s the rule. 

The exception is this past week at KYHS.

Just one week ago, all of us at KYHS began a new school year, with new students, new teachers, new classes, new notebooks, new seforim, new swag, new friendships, new expectations, and new aspirations. 

And despite all the new, there was a palpable familiarity and intimacy that simply would not allow our beginning of school to be difficult. It was truly an exceptional first week back!

We would be wise to follow the Torah’s example in this week’s Parsha to keep our opening momentum alive. As the Jews are told of their eventual new beginning in the land of Israel and of the first fruit they will eventually enjoy, there is a three-part mantra they are asked to recite. They are called upon to remember where they came from that got them to where they are, to be thankful to HKB”H for choreographing their accomplishments from behind the scenes, and to joyfully celebrate their successes and victories in life. 

We at KYHS must always remember how we got to where we are today and the people responsible for getting us here. We must be grateful to HKB”H for enabling us to consistently produce the magic that exists in our classrooms and hallways. And finally, we must remember to celebrate the wonderful produce that our KYHS parents entrust to us day after day.

May HKB”H continue to grant the entire KYHS family continual success and happiness as we embark on another new school year together.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Lanner

First Day Blast!!

KYHS Students Back at the Best Place

Graphic by Esti Distenfeld ('26)

The first day of school arrived with a unique blend of enthusiasm, uncertainty, and excitement. Ushering in a fresh academic year is a big milestone, and students, parents, and teachers all have a special place in their hearts for it. To kick off the KYHS 2023-24 school year there were delicious donuts served at breakfast as well as a first-period assembly. Students watched a video to get into the proper KYHS spirit, heard from our new acting CEO and School Leader, and watched our teachers complete ridiculous tasks in order for the students to get to know all the teachers. 

Noah Hoffman (‘27), a new addition to KYHS, described, “I felt the assembly was a great way to get a real feel of how much the KYHS staff wants the school to be an enjoyable environment filled with positive energy.” 

The first day of school is a chance for students who are transferring to a new grade or school to meet new friends and establish new relationships. Returning students are just as excited to reunite with their peers after the long summer break. Students can’t wait to meet new teachers, reconnect with ones they already know, and hear about all the courses they'll be taking in the upcoming school year. 

Yael Melnitsky (‘25) shared, “It's not just the learning that gets me excited to come to school every day; I love coming to KYHS and seeing all my friends and favorite teachers. The people really help make the place!”

Lastly, along with the first day of school comes back-to-school photos. Many students took photos holding our KYHS Instagram sign or in front of the new KYHS banner. We welcome everyone to a great year at KYHS!

Article by Merav Berger ('25)

Freshmen Orientation

KYHS Freshmen Come to Hear all About their Coming Year

Graphic by Sruli Muschel ('26)

The incoming freshmen eagerly entered the building for Orientation on a bright Thursday morning, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Each freshman checked in and received a sticker with their name and a room number. Welcomed by their mentors, they were guided to the Beit Midrash, a space where they will make many fond memories and have many meaningful experiences. There they gained insight into what the school is all about, what it stands for, and all the values that it holds. They also had the amazing opportunity to hear wonderful messages from various important staff members. 

Following this, the freshmen navigated the hallways with excitement, arriving at their designated classrooms. With their mentors by their sides, they received Chromebooks and schedules, along with instructions and guidance from their mentors and teachers. Not only did they learn the practicalities of using technology as a KYHS student, but they also had the privilege of meeting a spectrum of staff members, representing various departments within the school, such as athletics, guidance, conduct, and academics. The day continued with picture-perfect yearbook pictures and a delicious pizza lunch. 

The orientation concluded with an engaging icebreaker that linked unfamiliar faces and brewed the start of many new friendships. Finally, the famous Katz Yeshiva High School video was played, leaving the incoming freshmen with pure and utter enthusiasm for the adventures, the lessons, the friendships, and the growth that the next four years will hold. Wishing all the freshmen an easy and smooth transition into the KYHS family.

Article by Melissa Tabbouche ('25)

EVENT-full Week

6 Days 6 Activities Sick Smiles

Graphic by Joshua Reich ('25) and Eitan Kaminetzky ('25)

This week, Katz Yeshiva High School welcomed a delighted freshman class, transfer students from all over America and some from Israel, and returning students. After the informative and welcoming freshman orientation on Thursday, where mentors welcomed the class of 2027 as they took their first steps into KYHS, school began on Friday with a fantastic treat from Krispy Kreme to start the day right! Afterward, there was a fun assembly during the first period, which showed the new freshman class and students from other grades the ruach and values of our school. As an inspiring video played with clips from color war and STORM sports, the students saw the countless opportunities offered at our school, exciting them about what’s to come.

On Monday, to kick off the first full week of school, students and faculty enjoyed make-your-own sundaes in the cafeteria during breakfast. On Tuesday, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors enjoyed a show hosted by David Blatt, a world-renowned mentalist who performed mesmerizing mind tricks on volunteers from the audience. Wednesday was National Toasted Marshmallow Day! We celebrated with a small fire pit set up outside the rotunda with marshmallows for the students to roast and enjoy right in the middle of their first week! Thursday was KYHS Merch Day. During lunch, Ishay Ribo played loudly on the speakers in the cafeteria as KYHS hats and sunglasses were being handed out to all the students who represented the school spirit in a fun way! These activities throughout the week brightened my first week at KYHS this year, and I am so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store!

Click Here to See the First Week Video!

Article by Ariella Leibowitz ('25)

Rabbi Nachbar Returns Home

After a Sabbatical, The Rav Returns to His True Passion

Graphic by Danielle Zaretsky ('24)

How does it feel to be back at KYHS?

Thanks for asking. It feels great to be back at KYHS. It feels like I'm back home with my family members. My hundreds and hundreds of family members who I must elbow in the hallways in order to survive and make it to my next class unharmed. 

In all honesty, it feels great to finally reunite with Terry. He is the real reason why I'm back. 

What is the biggest change, if any, KYHS has undergone since you left?

There are, like, WAY more people in the building. Tons. We need a Hunger Games-type situation in order to bring the numbers down-in my humble opinion. I'm obviously joking. Well, half joking. And by half, I mean, like, 85 percent. 

Is there any one thing you are looking forward to most during the school year, now that you are back at KYHS?

I really find it hard to pick JUST one thing. I'm pumped for the shabbatons, kumsitzes and tisches, getting trampled in a hallway stampede, causing shenanigans with Terry, fighting to the death for a parking spot with other KYHS staff members – just to name a few. Above all, I'm really looking forward to learning with the students here again. 

What is the best part of teaching at KYHS? 

Students want to learn and be inspired. Teachers here want the same things too. It's a great match. There's a lot of excitement in the building and the classroom – you can feel it. It's a great vibe for learning and living. 

What is your favorite memory from your previous stint at KYHS? 

GREAT question. I think I would have to go with my first day at KYHS. It was the first day in the new building for everyone, actually. There was a Hachnasat Sefer Torah, and everyone was celebrating in the hallways and dancing, throwing candies…the energy was awesome. I still feel that same energy in the hallways from the students and teachers. It's special. Either that or the day the Grove opened up in school. That was a big day for everyone. 

Do you have any advice for the other new teachers?

I don't know if I'm someone to give anyone else advice, but I guess I would say: don't take yourself too seriously, laugh at yourself, laugh with your students. And don't take my parking spot. I will exact revenge. 

Article by Jacob Zucker ('25)

Student Standoff:

Starting School on Monday vs Friday

Graphic by Technical Staff



Many people might think Friday would be a better start because it is immediately followed by a weekend. Others might prefer the clean start of beginning on Monday. Sophomore Naomy Djament (‘26) expressed, “I think Mondays are a better start because then you have an extra Friday off, which is one more day of summer vacation and an extra day of sleeping in. And it’s more time to finish summer homework.” Senior Avi Bejar (‘24) disagreed: “I like Friday because it’s like a fake day but I still get to see all my friends and I don’t have to do any work yet.” It seems that there’s no perfect day to start a new school year. Whether its a Friday or a Monday, or any other day, you just have to jump right in and get back into it!

Article by Tali Bejar ('24)