The Bnei Yisaschar explains that the halacha of kavtah ein zakuk lah reminds us of an important value that could be lost in our quest for maximum pirsumei nisa. In life, if you try to accomplish something and fail, we often incorrectly believe that our efforts were a waste of time. We fall into the trap of thinking that since there was no lasting change related to our actions, our actions were meaningless. The halacha of kavtah ein zakuk lah, of not being required to relight Chanukah candles that went out, teaches us the opposite. Even if one fails to accomplish their main goals (here being maximum pirsumei nisa), your actions leading you up to this point were not all for naught. All your effort still leaves a lasting impression.

This is true in life when you learn from failure and from your mistakes, but it is also true when considering the goals of living a life of shmirat ha-mitzvot. The time and effort put into the preparation of a mitzvah, the conscious decision to do a mitzvah, and the experience of actually doing it, are what really have a long lasting effect on our souls, even if we don’t feel it at the moment.



Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom,



Rabbi Jonny Gordon

Our own Rav Rotem Shamay returned to Israel this week to continue his brave efforts to defend our Jewish homeland as a member of the Israel Defense Forces.

Before he left for the airport, our high school students and faculty had a special program in the Beit Midrash following Shacharit. We said Tehillim, recited tefillot for Israel and the IDF soldiers, and sang Acheinu, Ani Ma'amin, and Hatikvah. We then said goodbye to Rav Rotem and wished him much bracha v'hatzlacha in his efforts to keep our brothers and sisters in Israel safe.

We look forward to welcoming Rav Rotem back soon! Am Yisrael Chai!

Parents, you should have received in the mail Kohelet parking placards to keep in your cars when you come to campus - drop off and pick up or for an event. If you have not yet received a placard or need an extra one, please email Miriam Morley. For security purposes, it is important that you display the placard in your car when you drive onto our campus.

We are pleased to present the first edition of this year's KYHS newspaper!

Please click on the image below and check out the November 2023 edition of The Kohelet Standard!

Mark Your Calendar!

Please join Kohelet Yeshiva and the greater Philadelphia community for a rally against antisemitism.

When: Sunday, December 10th, from 12:30 - 2:00 pm, during the third day of Chanukah

Where: Rodef Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia

The Mission: In response to the alarming increase in antisemitism globally and recent incidents in Philadelphia, individuals from all faiths are invited to come together this Chanukah. The rally is a resolute call to action against antisemitism, hatred, and terror. The aim to dispel the darkness with our collective light and humanity.

Our Commitment: This event represents a collective stand against antisemitism and a show of support for Israel. More than just a protest, it symbolizes our united values and strength, demonstrating that unity and peace are powerful counters to hatred.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 19th, when Kohelet Yeshiva High School will be hosting our Winter Kohelet Cafe!

Please join us at 5:30 for the Girl's Program (women only) and at 7:00 for the General Program (all welcome) and enjoy the performances by our High School student bands. Dinner will be served during the Girl's Program and desserts and snacks will be available during the General Program. We hope you will be able to join us!

Events like these are made possible largely through the hard work of Kohelet students as well as our Musical Directors, Levi Gornish and Josh Burgos. Donations to help offset the cost of the event are greatly appreciated! You can donate by clicking here. Please indicate that the donation is intended for Kohelet Cafe. Donations of all amounts are welcome.  

Thank you for your support of the arts at Kohelet!

KYLS (Grades 2-5) / KYMS Color War was this week: Team שמן (yellow) vs. Team אור (red)! 

Rabbi Stein had the opportunity to meet up with some of our Kohelet alumni in Israel (they’re all doing well, Baruch Hashem!).