Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23) |
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What a week! Facial recognition systems were challenged once more as faces were partially covered by masks and the revolving door of people felled by pink stripes kept spinning. Thankfully a few students (and staff!!) came back, some earlier than originally anticipated, thanks to the new CDC recommendations. Living in Florida gives us a special appreciation for boys' and girls' first names, and Covid-19 gives the planet an opportunity to become well-versed in letters of the Greek alphabet. All of us are quite ready for the (Greek) lessons to end.
This week's Highlites features a different style in this leadoff note: Divrei Torah will (generally henceforth) yield to musings about the week that was and some reflections on the major events that took place over that time. We excitedly remind our readers to check out Ashreinu, the KYHS weekly glossy that is full of rich and inspiring divrei Torah.
On Friday the 25th, Rabbi Yosef Kassorla entertained the KYHS faithful during the Hilula of the Rambam. Ably hosted by Rabbi Wolk on Zoom, the talk featured Rabbi Kassorla reviewing elements of Rambam's thoughts on Mashiach and delving into the unfortunate parsha of Jewish history surrounding Shabtai Zvi. We appreciate Rabbi Kassorla's willingness to share with the KYHS students, numbers of whom enjoyed his shiurim and Zionism course in middle school. Read further to also get an idea about how students really feel about spending a few days on Zoom last week.
Our ongoing JED Talk series continues to introduce seniors to inspiring people and amazing stories, often from the Jewish world. Mrs. Laura Cohen shared the inside story of Tomchei Shabbat (Boca Raton) on December 18th, giving the seniors perspective on the sensitivities and commitments, as well as the practical details, involved in providing food to families in need.
Some students state that the beginning of senior year is the most difficult time in high school. Some students claim that junior year is the most stressful time in life, not just in high school. Yet others debate and argue that any time one is enrolled in a class taught by Rabbi Levitt —that makes for the highest possible high school stress load. Take a look in the 'pages' that follow to see how our students feel about the various challenges they face in the latter half of their four-year passage.
The KYHS mission statement serves as a beacon for our decision making. We continue to focus on challenging and inspiring students, and in this vein, the editors agreed to include a segment featuring inspiring quotes and ideas.
I would like to applaud the editorial team of Highlites for their determined and consistent efforts at producing a high-quality weekly that is the "newspaper" of KYHS. Their efforts bring to you an open window into the life and times of KYHS and I, for one, think they do a fabulous job. Hopefully, you agree. Feel free to send them your thoughts and compliments after you've read this week's Highlites! Enjoy -
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Levitt
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Hilula of the Rambam
KYHS Hears from KHDS Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Kassorla, A bout the Rambam for Yom Iyun
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Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)
On Friday, December 24 (כ׳ טבת), in honor of the Rambam’s yahrzeit, Rabbi Yosef Kassorla, who teaches at Katz Hillel Day School, gave a special presentation on Zoom to KYHS students and their parents. It was amazing to hear Rabbi Kassorla talk about Mashiach from the Rambam's perspective.
He shared many insightful sources that we got to go through with our parents. A father of a KYHS student, Dr said, “I really enjoyed having the time to learn with my daughter beside me and to utilize this topic for more interesting discussions at our Shabbat table.”
We learned what qualifications the Rambam had for mashiach and his belief that we shouldn’t even busy ourselves with discussing the topic since we don’t know what will be. He discussed false prophets and more about the Rambam’s perspective of rationalism versus messianism.
Rebecca Henner, a senior, remarked that, “Rabbi Kassorla's presentation during the Yom Iyun was extremely educational and was a great way to learn about the Rambam, who was such an important person in Jewish history."
Thank you to Rabbi Kasorla for such an interesting Yom Iyun!
Article by Sara Nagler ('22)
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Mrs. Laura Cohen Lovingly Makes Sure Shabbos
is Special
Seniors Hear from Mrs. Laura Cohen the Head of Tomchei Shabbos Boca Raton
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Graphic by Eitan Kaminetzky ('25)
Last Friday the senior class had the privilege of hearing from Boca’s own Laura Cohen, head of the BRS Tomchei Shabbos program. Mrs. Cohen shared the inner workings of the Tomchei Shabbos organization by explaining how she runs the organization in a discreet and timely manner. Mrs. Cohen shared that the program started with around seven families to whom she would personally deliver food boxes every two weeks to keep the program confidential. As the program continued to grow, the families began to each come to pick up the boxes from the Cohen’s home during their allotted time slot. Mrs. Cohen soon understood that the food boxes took away from the Shabbos spirit and the feeling of being able to choose food for oneself. She understood that only parents know what food works best for their families. Because of this, the program switched from giving out food boxes to giving out a rechargeable Publix gift card and a weekly gift card to the Grove Kosher Market. Now, each family comes to the Cohen home to pick up the gift cards. If they are unable to come, Mrs. Cohen mails the cards.
After sharing the process of her job, Mrs. Cohen shared thought provoking stories of what she has witnessed during the past twenty years and the immense ways in which she has seen her actions help people. She then urged the senior class to do chesed and help the community in any way possible, no matter how big or small, as every action makes a difference. She told us about ways to get involved, such as collecting toiletries or donating money to the organization.
Molly Seghi (22’) describes how “amazing it was to hear about the Chessed that happens behind the scenes of our community. I am so comforted by the fact that I live in a community that is supporting and aiding every single member.”
On behalf of the senior class at KYHS and the entire South Florida Community, we would like to say thank you to Mrs. Laura Cohen for all of the incredible work she has done for the past twenty years and all that she continues to do.
Article by Emma Schenker ('22)
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Student Standoff
Students Give Their Opinions on Whether They Think Senior Year or Junior Year
is Harder
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Graphic by Technical Staff
Ever wonder if Junior or Senior year is more challenging? Here’s what two current students had to say on the matter.
Marielle Askenazi:On average, how many tests and quizzes do you usually have every week?
Binyamin Hadar (‘22): On average, 2.5 a week, but it really depends on the point we are at in the quarter. Towards the end, it can be a lot more, with 4-5 a week.
Aden Lyons (‘23): On average, about 2 or 3 per week.
Marielle Askenazi: How much free time do you have? Do you find yourself having a lot of spare time away from school work?
Binyamin Hadar (‘22): On a scale of 1-10, I would say an 8 because school does end quite early, and Sundays are off. So, I do find myself having a lot of spare time away from schoolwork, and I tend to spend it in the studio or the DJ booth, honing my craft and music.
Aden Lyons (‘23): I have a decent amount of free time, with at least 2 hours each night.
Binyamin Hadar (‘22): Due to Masmidim (the best gemara track by far), I don’t have any frees. Usually, a senior who does not choose to partake in any special programs would have 2 to 3 each week.
Aden Lyons (‘23): I have one scheduled free each week.
Binyamin Hadar (‘22): Nope, I have no time to partake in sports, and rarely ever show up to games. Being a budding Jewish celebrity, I tend to be very busy with my time in the studio and gigs. I also live in Miami, so I simply don’t have travel time to make it to practices and games. I chose to prioritize my passion for music over pursuing school sports.
Aden Lyons (‘23): I myself do not partake in school sports, but I find that there is time if someone wants to join a team.
Marielle Askenazi: On average, in a week, how much time do you spend on college preparations, like studying for the SAT or ACT, filling out college applications, etcetera?
Binyamin Hadar (‘22): I probably spend around 20 minutes, or really an hour every three weeks. I am, however, taking the SAT in March, and will probably be putting in three or four hours in the weeks leading up to the exam.
Aden Lyons (‘23): Prior to taking the SAT, I will put in roughly four to five hours each week.
Marielle Askenazi: In your opinion, do you think Junior year or Senior year is harder?
Binyamin Hadar (‘22): Senior year was certainly harder, due to my ever-growing busy schedule that I just can’t slow down. This includes making time for tests, AP classes, SAT studying, college admissions, my music and DJ career, gemara to review, and so much more! However, it is far more enjoyable and fun than any other year has been.
Aden Lyons (‘23): Junior year is harder, because this is the time when you’re really preparing for college and testing. In senior year, it’s a lot more relaxed, as the majority of the college application process is finished.
In conclusion, we can safely say that both years pose different challenges for students. Be organized, motivated, set goals, have perseverance, and don’t forget to have fun!
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Sophomore Schmooze
Sophomore Nava Shekhter Gives Her Scoop on Heading Back to Zoom
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Graphic by Technical Staff
Last week, after many Covid tests came back positive at school, classes switched to online for students from Wednesday to Friday. Remote learning can be difficult for many students because learning new material and listening to class discussions on Zoom can be challenging. I interviewed Nava Shekhter (‘24) to find out how she felt about classes on zoom.
“I think being in school is a lot better than going to school on Zoom because I’m with my friends and I can focus more in class. However, Zoom class is great too because I can wake up later and take a break from school in between classes,” Nava said.
She explained that although she did enjoy being home for a few days and not having to get up early and drive to Boca, she feels that it is definitely easier to learn in person. “I appreciate how hard the teachers try to keep learning as normal as possible on Zoom,” she added.
“Learning online definitely has its benefits, one of them being the flexibility and freedom of being able to get more work done during the school day. I do, however, think that learning in person is the most effective way to learn.” Nava concluded our interview by saying, “whether learning online or in person, our learning experience is always strong and productive and our online experience last week on zoom was important for the safety of our school community.”
We are grateful to be back in the building and look forward to a safe and healthy rest of the school year!
Article by Ariela Leibowitz ('25)
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“Be The Blank Your Mom Wants You To Marry”
Juniors Gabrielle Resnick and Ariana Kenigsberg Speak on Their New
Intriguing Podcast
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Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)
Recently, juniors Ariana Kenigsberg and Gabrielle Resnick started a podcast called “Be The Blank Your Mom Wants You To Marry”. The goal is to help young women explore different career paths.
On the podcast, they interview successful women across different industries, professions, and interests to provide an intimate look at the opportunities, challenges, and rewards for working women. So far, they have recorded five episodes and published four. They also have four more incredible women booked for interviews across the next several weeks. The goal was always to do ten or eleven episodes in the first season and then assess where to go from there. Gabrielle and Ariana wanted the episodes to focus on the traditional professions women think about, as well as some out-of-the-box success stories.
The first interview was with Batya Goldwasser, a Harvard trained physician and dentist. In the next episode they spoke with Vanessa Portnoy, a luxury real estate agent, who shared her experience and advice as a working mother. In the third episode they talked with Emily Perlstein, a fashion brand co-founder in downtown LA, who has created an incredible brand called La Detresse and had to take many risks along the way. She told some great stories. Their most recent interview was with Ilanit Samuels, PA, who just opened her own clinic focused on cosmetic dermatology. Ilanit shared her experience raising three children while having an exciting and fulfilling career.
This latest episode hasn’t been released yet, so the details are still under wraps until next week when it comes out. Ariana and Gabrielle have had fun talking with each of their guests and have learned a lot, which they hope will help listeners.
Gabrielle had considered creating this podcast for a while. She enjoys listening to podcasts and wanted to start her own. Ariana likes to click on “podcasts for you” on Spotify whenever she has a chance, and always finds that she learns something new and interesting. One particularly fascinating podcast for her has been the TedTalk podcast. Gabrielle’s favorite is the “Moments” podcast, which was started by girls around her age.
Once Gabrielle began thinking about colleges and potential career choices, she started to wish that there was some way to find out more about each job that she is interested in. Thus, Gabrielle decided to start a podcast of her own to help girls with a similar dilemma choose the right profession. She invited Ariana to co-host with her because she knew that Ariana shared her passion for the topic.
Gabrielle and Ariana said that the biggest fear they had starting the podcast was interacting with all the successful women that they talk to. Being brave enough to ask them to come on was the first hurdle before actually sitting down and talking to them live. It still is a big challenge researching and structuring the interviews in a way that allows the girls to cover everything that they want to discuss. Also, just staying relaxed and focused in the actual interview and listening to their answers while keeping the conversation on track without getting nervous is something that the girls say they are still working on. Further, there is a huge amount of work that goes into producing a single episode, which Ariana and Gabrielle are still trying to learn and master.
Gabrielle and Ariana both offered wise pieces of advice for anyone interested in pursuing something that they are passionate about. Gabrielle advised that, “If you have an idea, just go for it. Taking a risk and going outside your comfort zone is really rewarding. Try to do as much of it yourself but don’t be too proud to ask a lot of questions and get help as you need it. I was shocked at how willing and excited our guests were when we asked them to do the podcast. So don’t be afraid to pursue whatever you are passionate about!”
Ariana said that, “My advice to someone starting a project like this one would be to do something you're truly interested in. Some people do projects like these to look good, but if you have the wrong motives then you won’t love it. It doesn’t matter what it is, follow your dreams. I’m so glad that I was able to start a podcast with my best friend about a topic that we discussed daily. Both of our parents have always pushed us to get a degree while also having a family. It is oftentimes difficult to decide at such a young age as to what you would like to do, but that is why we have this podcast. I’m so grateful that I have been able to interview such professional women who have similar values to mine.”
The project that Ariana and Gabrielle have started is truly inspiring! Everyone should make sure to check out “Be The Blank Your Mom Wants You To Marry” on Spotify!
Article by Ariella Greenberg ('22)
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Heard in the Halls by Jamie Berger ('23)
Quote Jamie Berger, She May Quote You Back
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Graphic by Chana Schandelson ('22)
During my Chumash class, Mrs. Warman was telling us a story about an exceedingly kind woman she met. She explained how the woman was denied a job position because she had tattoos all over her body. She then stressed to us that it is unfair to judge a person’s character solely based on their appearance — a comment which stimulated a larger class discussion.
During the discussion, Sydney Zucker (‘23) remarked that, “we all have tattoos, just not all of them are visible.”
This quote left my entire class in shock while we all thought about how applicable that statement is to our own lives. Nobody is perfect. Everyone has flaws whether they are visible or not. The woman with the tattoos was judged unfairly when she was rejected from the job and her amazing character was not taken into consideration. In reality, every other applicant for the job also had tattoos that are invisible, but that didn't affect their results.
What makes one person's “tattoos” more accepted than someone else’s? Yes, it is prohibited in the Torah to get a tattoo, but so is judging another person. It is important to see a person for their character and not for their appearance because doing so can cause a person to miss the opportunity to see someone’s inner beauty. We all have tattoos but are nonetheless perfectly imperfect and so are those around us.
Article by Jamie Berger ('23)
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