Hard on the heels of our learning with Rabbi Goldmintz about how to enhance our tefila experiences, and soon after meeting with Rav Yair of TVA and spending time thinking and talking about mindfulness, I would like to pause and reflect on how much effort mindfulness takes. This can be a good thing. Effortfulness can lead to meaningfulness and if we focus on kavanot that imbue what we due with essentiality, all the more power to us and our mitzva performance.  I enjoy finding balance, and while mindfulness can be a goal, it should not always be the target we have in mind.  The consecration of the Kohanim involves placing blood from the initiating Korbanot onto their right earlobe, thumb, and big toe. The symbolism of the act is interpreted differently by our parshanim and it is the words of the Netziv that resonate with me right now. The ear signifies hearing, the hand signifies doing, and the foot symbolizes the making of that doing second nature. I don’t think for a moment that the Netziv was against mindfulness, but I think that we should embrace the idea that there are ritual acts and relationship steps that are supposed to become second nature and smooth in their doing. This is not an appeal for mindless ritual and obliviousness during prayer. Instead I offer a reminder that if we expect skyrockets every time we daven, if we expect the inspiration of Sinai every time we lain, though we may stand in symbolic replication of that event, we may be disappointed. At the moment of their consecration, the Kohanim were enjoined symbolically to pay attention to their mission, to execute their mission, and to smoothly repeat their ritual obligations without delay, hesitation, or unnecessary distraction. Perhaps each time they offered a Korban, they were inspired and that is great. If they weren’t, if they fulfilled their obligations according to expectations, they have done quite well too. As we work our way through the second of four parshiyot focused on the Mishkan, let us keep in mind that while there are many details about vessels, sockets, brackets, and offerings, the goal is for us to build a God-infused society centered around buildings, or rather institutions, that teach and remind us of our mission and drive us to be model communities for ourselves and the people of the world. It is more than okay if at times our actions towards these objectives become second nature and we do not always struggle to associate specific meaningfulness to each and every step, as long as that larger people-building goal is intended.  Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Avi Levitt Head of School

Girls' Basketball Team Storms Miami South Florida Hosts Annual Tournament, KYHS Girls Are Successful as Usual

Graphic by Sivan Mussaffi ('20) This past weekend, the girls' varsity basketball team headed down south to Miami where they competed in the Captain P. Hyman Galbut basketball tournament. They were joined by ten other teams from around the country and had a great time meeting new people. The team won their first three games and advanced to the semifinals where they took a tough loss against Ida Crown Jewish Academy. Despite losing, the team really enjoyed their time in Miami, on and off the court, bonding with each other and other players. Senior captain Lizzy Adler was named the team’s MVP for being the team's leading scorer and giving every game 110%. Sophomore Emma Schenker describes the experience as “a great bonding opportunity for the team, but also with girls from around the country, who I wouldn’t have been able to connect with otherwise. I also really enjoyed the friendly competition.” Junior Sophia Hoffman said that “the tournament was amazing this year and it's always so great to be able to meet new people and play against new competition.” We were so lucky to have competed in this year’s tournament and look forward to another exciting season next year! Article by Eilat Berger ('21)

Gleaning and Giving Freshman Class Head Out to Volunteer Around South Florida

Graphic by Naomi Reichenberg ('22), Chana Schandelson ('22), and Devorah Lome ('22) O n Monday morning, all freshman students had the opportunity to go on a fun-filled chesed field trip. The grade was separated into three groups, each partaking in different activities.  There was a group that went to Pacifica Forest Trace Senior Living. There, students were introduced to the residents and had the opportunity to talk to their partners while engaging in some fun activities with them. First, everyone was given blank picture frames to be decorated with stickers, and then the group made necklaces and bracelets with different key chains. The residents shared their life achievements and taught the students some important life lessons. It was great to meet and spend time with the residents, because they were able to share some of their wisdom with us, and we can learn a thing or two from them! Another group went to Bedner's Family Farm, where they gleaned peppers which were later brought to homeless shelters.  The third group went to local food pantries where they could help organize and pack food for the hungry. The group was split in half; one went to Boca Helping Hands and the other went to Jacobson Food Pantry. At Boca Helping Hands, the students first received a tour of the facility which showed how the production of the food that goes to the homeless shelters works. Everyone was then assigned jobs like packing apples, stacking pans, and so much more!  In preparation for our trip to the Jacobson Food Pantry, KYHS hosted a toiletry drive to benefit the place. The Jacobson Food Pantry feeds 500 to 600 people in need in Boca and Delray. The students' jobs were to put soups and toiletries in bags, then organize and check expiration dates of canned food. This was a vital experience in order to see the struggles that many face in their lives. It made us feel a sense of gratitude for everything we have and realize how privileged we are.  Overall, these experiences taught us valuable life lessons. We are all very lucky to have been able to participate in this experience! Thank you to all who made it possible.  Article by Marielle Askenazi ('23)

KYHS Makes an Impact at AIPAC Students Take to Washington DC to Learn, Educate, and Lobby for Israel

Graphic by Joshua Bernten ('20) This years AIPAC Policy Conference was a smashing success, as usual. Students had the opportunity to hear from some of the most important figures in both the American and Israeli political spheres, as well as to learn from renowned experts in a wide range of fields. Senior Aaron Katz described the conference as “an eye opening experience that changed my perspective on the American-Israel relationship.” Students left DC inspired to make their voices heard and with a renewed sense of understanding of complex political issues. Looking forward to another amazing conference next year! Article by Sydney Freedman ('20)

Sophomore College Night: A Roaring Success One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Sophomores on the Path to College

Graphic by Penina Kahane ('22) and Ariella Mayer ('23) On Tuesday night, March 3rd, KYHS sophomore students and parents attended an informational session known as “Sophomore Night.” At this program, students and their parents heard from Mrs. Seidenfeld, Rabbi Lanner, and Mrs. Mizrahi. Mrs. Seidenfeld, the Dean of College Guidance at KYHS, explained the key factors college admissions offices look for when deciding whether or not to accept a student. In addition, she went through the different things that we as students in high school must do to ensure a successful future for ourselves, including participating in extracurricular activities that interest us. To further our understanding of the academics in 11th grade, Rabbi Lanner, the Associate Director of General Studies, described the courses available for the upcoming year and the decisions that go into which track a student will be placed in. Mrs. Mizrahi, the Director of Guidance, told everyone that although the information may be overwhelming, the Guidance Department is always available to help throughout the process. She described the effects that all of this stress can have on teenagers and the importance of dealing with it in a healthy way. At the end of the program, the audience was able to hand in questions that they may have had throughout the presentations. Students and parents left with a clear view and understanding of what junior year will look like as well as how to succeed while still finding time for personal care. The idea of the “student as a whole” was deeply stressed, meaning that one test does not determine one’s future, rather what he or she accomplished as a whole. This program was extremely beneficial to sophomore students and parents who are approaching a time period that many may find daunting. We’re so grateful to have incredible teachers and administrators who will be there to help us through this exciting new chapter.  Article by Rebecca Henner ('22)

KYHS Geography Gurus Dominate ISSF Geo-Bee Led by Captain Yoni Kurtz, KYHS Flexes Their Geography Muscle

Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23) Most schools have teams that revolve around sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, etc, but at KYHS there is an uncommon yet competitive team: the Geography Team. Tryouts were held at the beginning of the year where arbitrary questions on world geography were asked, identifying students who could compete in the annual Geography Bee competition. The team was divided into two groups, where each member studied one continent rigorously. All throughout the year, meetings took place led by team captains Yoni Kurtz (‘20) and Jenny Lieberman (‘20) in preparation for the Bee. On Tuesday, Rabbi Wolk, Mrs. Hochner, and Mrs. Kaminetsky accompanied students to Miami to compete against other private schools. The teams sat on either side of tables, answering questions one by one, armed with the knowledge they had collectively gathered. The games took place simultaneously in segments of 20 minutes. After lunch the playoffs began, in which team Yeshiva B fought hard but was defeated. Yeshiva A, however, continued to play and claimed third place. The Geography team is an amazing opportunity for students in every grade to have fun, make friends, and learn a lot of geography! Article by Gavi Melnitsky ('23)

Storm Swings Hear from Legendary Storm Athletes About the Coolest Teams at KYHS

Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('20) and Aerin Tripp ('21)

Orah Lasko Gives Meaningful Jed Talk Seniors Hear Story of Struggle and Hope

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23) and Leeanne Mann ('23) Last Friday, KYHS seniors heard from the incredible Orah Lasko. When her son Jakey was an infant, she started noticing strange signs that something wasn’t right with him. He couldn’t hold himself up, couldn’t walk, and had trouble eating food. She took him to a doctor, but he said there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with him. However, over time, she realized there definitely was something truly wrong. She then took him to a doctor who did some tests, but everything came back negative. The doctor wanted her to wait it out and come back in six months if her son still wasn’t improving. Nonetheless, she was adamant that the doctor do something immediately, because she couldn't wait knowing that something was wrong with her son and not knowing what it was or what to do. She asked the doctor what he would do if it was his son, convincing him to do a special test where they check the DNA of the child. She waited in agony for many weeks for the results, taking Jakey to therapy in the meantime to work on skills like standing, walking, and eating. Finally, she got a call from the doctor that they had the results and needed her to come in, and she knew right away that wasn’t a good sign. The doctor told her it was worse than they thought and that her son has a rare genetic disorder, USP7, that fewer than one hundred other people in the whole world have. From then on, Mrs. Lasko has become a huge advocate for individuals with USP7 and with special needs. She goes to schools and speaks about her son to raise awareness about USP7 and other disorders. She started an organization and raised over 150,000 dollars to fund research on gene therapy for USP7. With gene therapy, they may be able to fix the one gene in Jakey and other individuals with USP7 that gives them the disorder. Together with Mrs. Lasko, we can eradicate stigmas against people with special needs and make sure they are accepted and included in society like they should be!  Article by Ma'ayan Tzur ('20)

Saphira's Solutions Woah! A New Highlites Recurring Segment! Read Below!

Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)

Dear Saphira, I am an A/B student in grade level and accelerated classes. I want to move up next year but I am nervous to make the switch and am intimidated by the students in the Honors/AP classes. What should I do? From, Indecisive Dear Indecisive, Moving up is a commitment. It will require you to work harder, but so do most great things in life. If you like learning, I would suggest considering moving up. You have no idea what you are capable of! If you put in the effort you will see the results you desire. It is also important to keep in mind that your success may not come initially, and that does not mean you should give up. It takes time to get used to a class.  In terms of being intimidated by your peers, don’t be. Students in ALL levels often feel overwhelmed, and all students need to put in effort to succeed. Maybe you can study together or share notes! Who knows!? Regardless, if you really want to move up in class rigor, you should. If you put in the effort, you will see the payoff. I have faith in you! It is also extremely important to remember that moving up isn’t always the best option. Sometimes, staying in the class you’re in and working your hardest is the best plan. Moving up isn’t always possible, but you can work, grow, and learn no matter what level class you’re in! The real thing to focus on is doing your best and staying positive and motivated.  Good Luck, Saphira

This Week in Pictures

Highlites Staff