Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

In this week’s Parsha, Noach is commanded to build a teivah.The Hebrew word teivah, "ark," can also be understood to mean "word."

According to the Baal Shem Tov, when Hashem tells Noach to enter the ark, He is also saying, "enter the word." Which word? The words of prayer. God's instruction to Noach is also an instruction to all of us. We're meant to go deeply into the words of tefillah.

The instructions in the Torah continue: Noach should make a tzohar in the ark, to let in light. 

There is an obvious problem understanding what tzohar means, since the word does not appear anywhere else in Tanach. Everyone agrees that it is referring to a source of light. But what exactly was it? 

Rashi famously tells us that this tzohar is either a window or a precious stone that gave light to the people and animals on the teivah. What is the difference between a window and a light-producing stone? A window's light comes from the outside, while a tzohar stone shines from within. 

We need to ensure that every word we speak is one which brings light to the world. In everything we do, we need to make sure that Godliness can shine in.

The grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudlikov, writes that there is always light hidden in the darkness. Sometimes, the light seems to be covered and we can't access it at all. At those times, it's our job to open up the covering and reveal the light, because light can be found even in the darkness. Maybe especially in the darkness, because darkness is what makes us seek the light.



Klal Yisroel is in need of light. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to find a way to create light, whether through tefillah, song, tzedakah, volunteering, or advocacy. Use your unique talents to bring light into our world and shine through the darkness.   

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs. Stein

Kumgigah

Keeping our Chayalim in Mind as we Come Together for a Meaningful Kumzitz

Graphic by Sruli Muschel ('26)

This Rosh Chodesh chagigah was one of the most meaningful chagigahs the KYHS student body has ever experienced. What made this chagigah like no other was the tremendous amount of unity, allowing everyone to feel part of a nation and family. As soon as the students and teachers entered the Beit Midrash on Monday, everyone was given a special piece of paper with a soldier’s name on it to think about and pray for their safety. The student body and faculty acknowledged the severity of what is going on in Israel by having a slow and emotional kumzits as Israel and the IDF continue to fight against our enemies. During this moment, the level of achdut and togetherness expressed by the student body was something no one had ever before experienced, showing the true power of tefillah and unification. This kumzits was followed by a chagigah full of spirit, fueled by our pride in our soldiers and our emunah that we are in Hashem’s hands.   

Although this event was only 45 minutes, it exemplified what the Jewish people are capable of doing compared to any other nation. As people in Israel are feeling tremendous pain, KYHS and all the Jewish people across the world feel this pain along with Israel. Although Jewish people in America are not enduring sirens or rockets, we are feeling pain simply because every Jew is connected. 

So how could we dance while all of these terrible events are taking place? It started when the student body was presented with a very special video from an Israeli soldier, saying how many soldiers are currently unable to daven, dance, and sing because of their duties in protecting Israel. This soldier asked us to daven, dance, and sing on behalf of him and all the other soldiers! This chagigah was so powerful, it proved to every person at KYHS that they are capable of doing amazing things and are even stronger when they are unified. עם ישראל חי!  

Article by Avi Harris ('26)

P.S PSATS Are Now Online

Reflecting on the Past PSAT Given Electronically

Graphic by Joshua Reich ('25)

PSATs typically mean number two non-mechanical pencils and bubbling in answer sheets, which can sometimes be more difficult than the questions themselves. This traditional method leads to cramped hands covered in a film of lead and, lightly put, an excruciating experience. To make matters worse, the exam usually takes upwards of three hours with breaks and the anxious wait in the exam room prior to beginning. 

This year, however, we were blessed with the chance to use the new and improved online PSATs. New benefits include reduced testing time, no non-calculator math sections, and best of all, no pencils or fill-in bubbles! Now, students can focus on answering their questions rather than trying to make sure they are filling in the correct circle among the hundreds of empty bubbles on the testing page. The process of signing into and beginning the online exam was also simple and required less instructions than the writing exam does. Students also felt that this year's PSATs were easier than previous years, in terms of questions and format. Joseph Norman (‘25) felt that “the digital format made it easier to manage [his] time and provided [him] with many helpful tools.” Such tools included the option to mark questions for review, an exam timer on the screen, and the ability to return to past questions whenever you want. Overall, the transition to the new online PSAT had an overwhelmingly positive reception due to changes made for the convenience of test-takers.  

Article by Joshua Reich ('25)

Thank You to Our Dedicated Security

Graphic by Dan Himelstein ('24)



The events going on in Israel right now are truly heartbreaking and devastating to people all around the world. This has been on our minds and in our prayers since October 7th. Watching the news and reading about what has been happening makes us more cautious of the danger in the world and more aware of the importance of our safety. We’re all taking extra precautions to protect ourselves. We are so fortunate to already have amazing security in our school and all around the Jewish Federation campus. Devoted security guards check the cars every morning as they come onto the campus, making sure that everything is in order. Not only are the guards incredibly cautious, but they also do their jobs with smiles on their faces. As you come into school, you do not feel a sense of danger, rather you truly feel an awareness of all the necessary safety precautions that have been put into place. All day long these security guards protect our school and make sure everything is running smoothly. Right now is a stressful time, and the last thing we need is to feel unsafe in our own schools. We should all show our gratitude and appreciation to the security guards who make us feel safe and create this kind of environment all around us. I encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day and thank the security guards, showing them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to our safety every day. 

Article by Emma Seghi ('25)

YU Should Go to YU

YU Comes to Do Presentations and Interviews

Graphic by Esti Distenfeld ('26)

This week, KHYS seniors had the opportunity to hear from representatives of Yeshiva University. Students learned about the different programs and paths that YU has to offer and heard more about the rigorous process of applying to the university. Yeshiva University, home of the Maccabeats and where many of our teachers received their degrees, has a very close relationship with our school. Each KYHS student is given an interview, regardless of their intentions to apply. During the two days of interviews, seniors had a chance to have conversations with the university representatives to determine whether they would be a good fit for the school. 

Below is an excerpt from an exclusive interview with senior Shoshana Weinstock (‘24):

How are you feeling at this point of your senior year?

I’m feeling stressed because the early decision deadline is coming quickly, but I am very excited for the stressful part of applications to be over.

During your YU interview, what kind of questions did they ask you?

 They asked questions about my plans for next year, my extracurriculars, my favorite books and hobbies to get to know me better and learn what is unique about me.

What kinds of things did you hear about YU that you liked?

I liked that they have so many extracurricular opportunities at YU and that being Jewish and religious is acceptable and easy in comparison to other schools nowadays.

Did you gain any essential skills during the interview that you think could help you in future interviews?

Yes, I now have more confidence going into future interviews especially since I feel like the first one is the scariest.

Article by Ariela Leibowitz ('25)