Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24)

Back to the beginning and back to basics!

What are the principles of our faith?  What is so axiomatic that everyone needs to believe in order to be considered part and parcel of our people? If you were to pose this question to anyone with some background in education, typically they would cite the Rambam’s 13 principles of faith. Although certainly a challenge for anyone to rattle off all 13 on the spot, there are songs, like Yigdal, that have aided in memory. 

Rabbi Yosef Albo was a Jewish philosopher and rabbi who lived in Spain during the fifteenth century, principally known for his composition of the Sefer Ikarim, literally the book of fundamental principles in which he distills the number of core beliefs down to three. Where the Sefer Ikarim departs from the Rambam is well beyond the scope of this article.

One of his main proofs to the notion of three fundamental principles is none other than the Rosh Hashanah Machzor. Where in the Machzor do we see the three axioms?

The mussaf of Rosh Hashanah is unlike any other Amida that is said during the year.  The standard Amida is a composite of 18/19 brachot with the central brachot made up of various requests both individual and communal; alternatively, the Amida can be comprised of seven brachot where the central bracha is a single one honoring the day of either Shabbos or Yomtov. On mussaf of Rosh Hashanah, Chazal have inserted three central brachot sandwiched between the three brachot of praise and three of thanks. The Mishna in Rosh Hashanah together with the Gemara go over how critical these three central brachot are. Each of the three are filled with 10 pesukim culled from Tanach that speak to the themes of that particular bracha.  

It’s exactly these brachot, says Rabbi Albo, that direct us to these core beliefs. The rabbis centered these brachot in the mussaf of Rosh Hashanah so we could have an annual communal review.

Let’s take a short look at these brachot and how they remind us of our core beliefs.  

Malchuyot, literally translated as God’s monarchy, references Hashem’s existence and His creation of the world. 

Zichronot, literally translated as memories, is where we are reminded that every action of ours is remembered and recorded and we will be accountable for each of those actions. 

Shofrot, as the name indicates a reference to the shofar, reminds us of the Divine revelation. Hashem appeared to the entire Jewish people at Har Sinai giving us direction and instructions as to how to live, otherwise known as the transmission of our Torah. 

Wishing all of us a happy and healthy new year!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Sugerman

Never Forget

KYHS Commemorates 9/11 with

a Powerful Speaker

Graphic by Joshua Reich ('25)

As we gathered for an assembly in the Beit Midrash, a thick silence hung in the room as we readied ourselves to commemorate a day that forever altered the course of history: September 11, 2001.

The assembly began promptly at 10:28 AM, a time that holds immense significance in the narrative of that day. At 10:28 AM, the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, the final blow in a terrible series of events that left the entire country in shock.

After watching an introductory video of news reports and coverage that took place during the terrorist attacks, we were privileged to hear from Frank Bazzicalupo, a retired firefighter who had an impressive 25-year career with the FDNY. Frank detailed his experiences during the incident. Originally from Ladder 37 in the Bronx, he responded to both the 1993 and 2001 World Trade Center attacks. On September 11th, Ladder 37 rushed to the South Tower as soon as they heard it was hit, and despite its collapse upon arrival, Frank and all the other first responders’ unwavering dedication willed them to put themselves into harm's way to save other people. 

As we listened to Mr. Bazzicalupo recount his experiences at the Twin Towers, it became very clear that he was not just talking about himself, but he was representing the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on that tragic day. Each name, each face, represented a story of courage and selflessness that will forever be remembered. Though he retired in 2002 due to 9/11-related injuries, Frank continues to educate and honor 9/11's legacy by telling his story to the younger generations and teaching them valuable lessons about life. 

As we left the Beit Midrash, we were left with a feeling of solemnity but also hope – hope that no matter what happens, the people will unite under a shared feeling, a shared goal of keeping our friends, families, and fellow citizens safe.

Article by Joshua Reich ('25)

Guess Who?

Parents Meet and Greet the KYHS Staff

Graphic by Sruli Muschel ('26)

"Meet the Teacher Night" is a special evening at KYHS, a time when parents step into the shoes of their children, seeing what it’s like to go to this amazing school and meet the awesome teachers that support us on our educational journey. This event blends the experiences of KYHS students, parents, and teachers into one, creating a sense of community. As the evening started, parents arrived, eager to see into the world of their children's education. 

The first order of business was to receive their kids' schedules and then, armed with this crucial document, parents were ready to start their adventure. The transformation from parents to students was complete. With schedules in hand, they navigated the maze of hallways, finding their way as if they were freshmen on their first day of school. Parents then made their way to the classroom of each teacher that taught their child. In each classroom, parents spent a brief but informative seven minutes with the dedicated teachers. This was their chance to hear firsthand about the courses being offered and the expectations set for the year. Teachers passionately shared their backgrounds, teaching expectations, guidelines, and visions for the classroom. It was a chance to connect with the teachers, and to put faces to the names that would be guiding their children's education.

As the night ended, parents left with a deeper understanding of their children’s academic journeys, and had a new sense of involvement in their education. As the teachers shared stories the next day about their interactions with our parents the previous night, we were proud our parents took the time to engage with our teachers and felt a renewed sense of partnership and support. 

Article by Keren Lazar ('25)

Teshuva Program

Growing through Giving

Graphic by Dan Himelstein ('24)

This past week the students of Katz Yeshiva High School had the privilege to hear from incredible speakers in an inspiring teshuva assembly. When the students were all in their seats silently and respectfully, they had the opportunity to hear from Mrs. Mirzoeff, one of the extraordinary guidance counselors at KYHS. She started by speaking about a personal tragedy that happened recently and continued to teach the students a life lesson. She remarked that it is so common to wait until the “right time” to do a good or right deed. She explained that as humans, it is our tendency to push off easy chesed opportunities because we might not be praised for them or acknowledged for the act of kindness. Mrs. Mirzoeff exclaimed that if she could give us any advice it would be not to wait to be kind to our peers, not to hesitate to clean up after ourselves, and not to wait to connect with a fellow Jew. There wasn’t a single student who was not affected by her words of wisdom. 

This Rosh Hashanah we have to try to be open to be benevolent to others. On Rosh Hashanah we recite the words “Avinu” and “Malkeinu” more than a hundred times and Mrs. Mirzoeff explained to the students the power of these holy words. As Jews fighting with other Jews we can never forget that Hashem is also our “Avinu” – our father and not just our “Malkeinu” – the Omnipotent King. She said that Hashem being our father comes first, it’s not enough that we accept Hashem as our king because that is the uncomplicated part. Hashem is like our loving parent and a parent’s worst feeling is to watch their children fight. The harder aspect is accepting Hashem as our father because as much as we can love Him with our whole heart so, too we have to love our Jewish brothers and sisters. 

Rabbi Horowitz then took the stage and offered and suggested many chesed opportunities the students would have the chance to partake in. He introduced Chana Gibber, a Chai Lifeline representative who is always looking for volunteers to join this amazing organization. To conclude the program, the students watched short videos of alumni Shlomo Ganz (‘23), Jonah Schenker (‘23), and Meir Lanner (‘23) to encourage the joy of volunteering. The students walked out of the Beit Midrash with inspiration from the incredible Mrs. Mirzoeff and an understanding of kindness for the new year.

Article by Gabriella Asher ('25)

The Perfect Way to Start Selichot: Baruch Levine

Faculty and Students Join to Set the Mood for the Upcoming Chag

Graphic by Esti Distenfeld ('26)

Selichot is a way to awaken your heart and draw yourself closer to Hashem. We start repenting for our sins each morning, beginning after the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah and continuing until Yom Kippur. This past Saturday night many Katz Yeshiva High School students came together to say Selichot at the Young Israel of Hollywood. This was a great way for students to connect and grow spiritually together. The school sponsored transportation from Boca to Hollywood and back to ensure that everyone had a ride and was able to be there for this uplifting experience.

The event started with delicious pizza, ice cold drinks, and conversations to catch up from Shabbos. The incredible singer Baruch Levine led us in a kumzits, singing songs that related to Selichot, which got everyone in the mood for the Selichot to follow. We were so fortunate to have Baruch Levine recite Selichot for us, and it was an extremely spiritually connecting experience. As Shoshana Weinstock (‘24) recalls, “It was so nice to see everyone bonding and spending their Saturday night singing and davening as one.”

On Monday morning everyone in the Ashkenazi minyan once again came together to recite Selichot. The students were handed Selichot packets as soon as we entered the room and found our seats. As the Chazan led us in these unusual annual tefillot, the sense of connection and kavanah was tangible in the room. This was a very special moment because we all got to say Selichot together as a school. Coming together with our classmates and friends was the most special part of the KYHS experience, and it really helped set the tone for the high holidays coming up. 

Article by Miriam Marcus ('25)

Bella's Bits

The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the School Halls

Graphic by Highlites Staff

B”H KYHS is growing at a rapid pace! However, this may pose a problem to all the students trying to get to their next class on time. Have no fear, for there are solutions for preventing tardiness!

For the freshmen:

Step 1: Attach yourself to the first random senior you see—they may be going the same way as you and they really know how to handle the crowd. 

Step 2: Wear a sign that says exactly what room you’re going to next, and someone will come flying to your rescue. 

For the sophomores:

Step 1: Wave frantically to the security cameras and the guards will come to your rescue. (This also works if you are stuck outside without the PDK app). 

Step 2: Do a bit of crowd surfing (while making sure not to hurt anyone, obviously). 

For the juniors:

Step 1: Obtain a fork from the cafeteria and split the crowd like Moshe split the Yam Suf—come on, we believe in you!

For the seniors:

Step 1: You already know what to do—it’s your fourth year!

Step 2: If you are still unsure of how to navigate through the crowd, just close your eyes and daven to Hashem. 

The most important advice I can give is don’t take all advice so seriously. Seeing your friends in the hallway on the way to your next class is one of the best parts of school! Yes, the halls seem full now, but you will come to love that aspect of KYHS. Enjoy this awesome time while you have it! Shana Tovah!

Article by Bella Srugo ('24)

It's Freshmen Trip, Get On the Bus

The Freshmen Get their Well Deserved Outing After the First Hard Week

Graphic by Danielle Zaretsky ('24)



Transitioning into high school or a new school can be difficult when it comes to making friends. Every kid has their own ways of connecting and socializing with their group, but branching out and making friends is another story. At KYHS, the teachers planned and scheduled an icebreaking activity to help the freshmen bond. The girls went to Urban Air while the boys went to Sky Zone. The girls had the opportunity to go on ziplines, ropes courses, trampolines and even battle each other over a massive foam pit while taking a break for some incredible pizza! The boys had the chance to play basketball, dodgeball and go on slides, trampolines, and foam pits. The boys also enjoyed delicious pizza. The day enabled students to open up and get to know each other in a fun and natural way. 

A bonding experience like this one provides the perfect opportunity for students to build friendships that will support them through the school year, and potentially for life. In addition to classmates bonding, they developed a stronger relationship with their teachers. Sharing a bond with a teacher is a very important part of going through school and growing with someone you can look up to. 

The excursion enabled the freshmen to create friendships they will never forget. This experience at the beginning of high school will hopefully set the tone for the full four years of high school, the beginning of many experiences the Class of 2027 will remember forever! 

Article by the Gabriella Aghion ('27)