Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

Be Holy! That sounds simple enough!? It's kind of vague, don’t you think? 

While there are many commentaries explaining what the Torah is trying to tell us (see Rashi and Ramban), I would like to highlight (excuse the pun:-) the opinion of Rabbi Shimon Shkop zt”l. 

When we talk about holiness, we can’t ignore the fact that Hashem is the epitome of holiness. Yet, all that Hashem does is for us. He does nothing for himself. Even when things seem bad or disappointing, Hashem is doing it for our benefit. Therefore, Rabbi Simon Shkop (in his introduction to Sha’arei Yosher) says that holiness is making sure every action is done for the sake of others. When seeking sanctification for one’s self, a person must refrain from self interest and dedicate himself to others. To attain this level of selflessness, one must act consciously in such a manner that every action or pleasure is used to benefit others. When satisfying basic needs, ideally, a person’s mindset should be that he is satisfying himself, so that others who are dependent on him, can benefit from his actions. 

Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz zt”l, the famed mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, comments in his sefer Da’at Torah that our life must be lived for the sake of the klal, the congregation, and not selfishly, for ourselves. A self-centered person, he says, is like a dead person.

He relates a parable of a person who was on a boat and was drilling a hole in its bottom. When his friends asked what he was doing, this man responded that he was drilling the hole under his own seat, so why would it matter to them? The answer, of course, is that a hole in the boat will cause the entire boat to sink.

The entire klal is threatened by the actions of a few and, similarly, the positive actions of an individual have positive ramifications for the entire klal. This week, we at KYHS experienced moments of kedusha and coming together as a klal. As we commemorated Yom HaZikaron and celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut we felt the pain and shared in the joy of Jews around the world. The more we come together, albeit our differences, the more kedusha and pleasure it will bring to the world, ourselves, and our Creator.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Hochman

Remembering the Fallen

Students Lead Beautiful Ceremony to Commemorate Yom HaZikaron

Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

This past week, KYHS students commemorated the significant day of Yom Hazikaron with an assembly put together by the eleventh graders and their Hebrew teachers. The ceremony was so well done and extremely touching as students read meaningful poetry and presented videos about fallen soldiers and innocent victims of terrorism. The presentation captured the essence of the day and the student body was able to memorialize and mourn those who were lost to us in terror and war. The tenth graders, however, had a more personal experience with the day. The following was written by a tenth grade student who is currently on the Israel trip and experienced the country’s commemoration firsthand: 

“Being in Israel during Yom Hazikaron is an unforgettable experience. From the moment the siren sounds, everything comes to an abrupt halt. Cars stop in the middle of the road, everyone freezes in their tracks, and a still silence takes over. It is one of the most intense and emotional experiences to be in Israel during this day. Everyone from all over Israel comes together to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the Holy Land. We were on the bus when the siren went off and we immediately stopped in the middle of the highway to hear it. The blaring sound echoed through the air, signaling a moment of remembrance and mourning for those who have fallen while defending Israel. In the lead up to Yom Hazikaron, there are many ceremonies that take place. Families of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism come together to share their stories and memories. The 10th grade class was privileged to meet up with the 8th graders from Katz Hillel Day School to hear the outstanding story of Roi Ben Tulila. Hearing his story left us in complete and utter shivers. After asking one of the students about her first time in Israel on Yom Hazikaron, Miriam Marcus (‘25) said, ‘It was extremely beautiful and meaningful for me. I really feel lucky to be in Israel during this time. It is so special to hear the sirens in real life. It was amazing to witness the unification of all of Israel. We are so lucky to have brave soldiers protecting us and the country of Israel.’ The whole day was filled with sadness and compassion for those families who lost their loved ones. The experience was so raw and inspirational for everyone. All the soldiers and victims that were lost will always have a special place in our hearts.”

Article by Melissa Tabbouche ('25)

KYHS Hits it Out of

the Park!

Schools of South Florida Have Incredible Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration at Marlins Stadium

Graphic by Josh Haik ('24)

This past Wednesday marked the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence. The KYHS Yom Haatzmaut festivities began Wednesday morning. Buses set out from Boca and Hollywood to meet in Marlins Park following a beautiful festive davening. KYHS was one of 20 schools that participated in celebrating this momentous occasion in the stadium. Making up a total of 6,000 students, organizers of the event attested that this was one of the largest gatherings of Jewish day school students in South Florida ever. Upon entering the venue, students were given wristbands, walked around the field, and were then shown to their seats for the program. The music was constant and had everyone on their feet, dancing and cheering, amplifying the excitement of the day. There were spectacular performances by chayalim and students. The enthusiasm was palpable. 

The musical performances were interspersed with cameo appearances on the Jumbo-tron from both American and Israeli celebrities wishing us all a happy Yom Haatzmaut. Even Prime Minister Netanyahu wished us a Chag Sameach! The program was followed by a delicious barbeque, where friends from different schools had the chance to spend time together. It was also a time for students to make new friends to celebrate with. 

Although the festivities themselves ultimately came to an end, the momentum of the event stayed with us as we headed back to school. Finally, the day was rounded off with a meaningful mincha.  

Hopefully next year we will be privileged enough to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut with even more people in Eretz Yisrael! 

Check Out Pictures from the Day HERE!

Click HERE for the South Florida Zionists Video

Article by Sarah Posner ('24)

Senior Spotify Wrapped

Sending Off Class of 2023 with a Fun-Filled Week of School

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)

What a week it was for seniors! This week was filled with so many different emotions. While seniors did have a jam-packed weak of fun, there were definitely feelings of sadness floating around as we came to the realization that it was our last week in KYHS.The senior girls arranged dress-up days for every single day this week. On Monday, girls showed up in their "white lies", holding signs that weren't true but written as if they were. This served as a funny way to celebrate our last Monday of classes.

Tuesday was Yom Hazikaron, so seniors, along with the whole school, showed their support by wearing white tops and black bottoms. On Wednesday, we celebrated Israel's 75th birthday along with the South Florida Jewish Community. The whole school went to Marlins Park and joined many other schools, all decked out in Israel apparel. We danced, sang, marched, and were treated to a delicious BBQ. This was an unbelievable last field trip of our senior year (stay tuned for Guatemala).

On Thursday, senior girls came in wearing the merch of the college they committed to. It was a nice way to see where everyone will be spending their post-high-school years. The whole senior class was also privileged to walk across the street and have a BBQ and picnic. People set up blankets, chairs, and games. Everyone had a blast as they took in their final grade-wide activities. On Friday, senior girls came in wearing KYHS apparel. This was the perfect way to pay a final tribute to KYHS and all the amazing things the school has done for us over the last four years. Senior class president Jamie Berger (‘23) states, "It was so nice that on Thursday seniors got to wear college apparel and be passionate about their futures, but on Friday, the last day of senior classes, we wore KYHS apparel to show how we got to that point and to thank the amazing teachers and administration that helped them get there."

While our classes may be over, we still have lots to look forward to. In the coming weeks, we have The Final Journey, senior kumzits, senior trip to Guatemala, senior seminars, and the senior dinner. Seniors will miss KYHS being part of their everyday lives, but it is clear that they will never forget the happy memories we all shared here.

Article by Atara Keehn ('23)

Checkmate: Another Win!

KYHS Chess Club Hosts and Competes in Amazing Tournament

Graphic by Danielle Zaretsky ('24)

On April 20th, the KYHS Chess Team proved that they are a force to be reckoned with by winning the Jewish school tournament against other Jewish schools like Scheck Hillel and Posnack. The tournament was a team-based competition, where the collective record of each team determined the winner. KYHS brought two teams, and both teams performed exceptionally well, securing a victory for the school.

Ami Harow (‘23), a member of the team that went undefeated with a 4-0 record in their matches, said, "It was really special being able to represent KYHS and to help expand the chess program." Ami's success and dedication to the team is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all members of the chess team.

Chess is a game that requires both skill and strategy, making it a popular pastime for people of all ages. The KYHS chess team is a perfect example of how chess can bring people together and create a sense of community. The team is made up of students from different grade levels, with varying degrees of experience, but they all share a passion for the game. This year, the team has grown in popularity and success, with impressive results in every tournament they have participated in. Although chess is not as widely recognized as other competitive sports, the continued success of the chess team is changing that narrative. The team has turned a once low-key club into one of the most successful teams at KYHS.

The chess team's victory at the Jewish school tournament is a remarkable achievement for the school and the team. It is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the sport. Congratulations to all the members of the chess team for their success, and we look forward to many more victories in the future!

Article by Zachy Gross ('23)

Seniors, I Choose You!

Highlites Honors All Its Fantastic Editors

Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23)

Ariella Mayer: What would we do without you? You are the epitome of a Highliter. Your dedication to Highlites will be missed, whether editing graphics during lunch on Friday or staying late on Thursdays to finish up each week’s edition. You have contributed so much over the course of your Highliting career. We might not be able to function without you. You were always there to patiently teach newbies how to use Photoshop, and we can always rely on you to teach us a weird new Photoshop skill that you learned. Truly, you will be missed!

Orly Dimont: Thank you, Orly, for your one-of-a-kind contribution to Highlites. Your face of joy when walking into "the cave" will be missed. Your ability to keep Highlites organized, including the extremely neat list written on the white board, will forever be cherished. You have given your staff the lessons of patience and kindness as well as your Photoshop skills. Although the Highlites squad will miss your presence, we know you're just a phone call away ;). We will miss you!

Olivia Kahane: Thank you so much for your work coming up with the amazing ideas for our beloved Highlites each week. Your detailed explanations allowed the technical staff to create awe-inspiring graphics. You were always there to explain an idea or help a student who was struggling with bringing the ideas to life. We will miss you but we wish you the best with any and all of your ideas in the future.

Zohara Lam: Thank you so much for your care and consideration as Highlites Writing Editor. Every week we looked forward to seeing what funny and elaborate text you came up with to announce who was writing that week's article. You were very accommodating when students had trouble finishing their articles and you made sure all the articles were fun and interesting. The Highlites team won't be the same without you. We will miss you! 

Judah Frohlich: Thank you, Judah, for all your hard work and care over the course of this year. Your timely manner and keen attention to detail helped highlites run smoothly. You made sure that the writing staff environment was fun and lively as well as hardworking. You made sure to answer writers’ questions quickly and you were there every step of the way to help. We can’t wait to see what you will do in the future! Thank you! 

Thank you to all the seniors on Writing and Technical Staff for working so hard to make Highlites truly incredible!