Graphic by Gabriella Asher ('25) | |
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Upcoming Events:
Sep. 20th
Boys and Girls Onegs in Hollywood and Boca
Sep. 23rd
Speaker Dr. Matt Bellance
Sep. 28th
Selichot Programming- 9:15
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Our Parsha, Ki Tavo, stands out primarily for the “tochecha", the curses and punishments that will befall us if we don't follow the Torah. This sounds very similar to the "tochecha", the warnings and curses we read about in Parshas Bechukosai. Yet there is one glaring difference that stands out between the two Parshiyos (among many others). When speaking about the curses in Bechukosai the Torah ends off with words of comfort, nechama, while in contrast our Parsha provides no consolation, no comfort, and seemingly no hope for a brighter future. Why the difference and how are we to understand the absence of any words of affirmation after these powerful words of tochecha?
A beautiful idea is brought down in the Sefer Shaarei Orah where he explains that the punishments are due to the fact that we treat Hashem in a casual manner, which causes him to reciprocate accordingly. Our inability to recognize Hashem's involvement is in itself, a tremendous punishment, and therefore must be followed with words of comfort thereby allowing us to recognize where everything comes from. To contrast that in our Parsha, it is made very clear that all the curses are meted out by Hashem. If we can understand and recognize that all punishments come directly from the Almighty, then this isn't considered a curse rather it should be viewed as a father correcting the inappropriate behavior of a child. Therefore, no words of consolation, no words of comfort, are needed at all, because when we recognize everything comes from Above then there is no such thing as a curse! Maybe you can call it "tough love", but it all comes from a place of purity and love for each and every one of us.
As we continue our journey through Elul making our way to Rosh Hashana, never forget that everything is directed from above and all the messages and reminders that are sent our way are truly for our best! May we all be Zoche to hear and see the messages sent to us and be written for a year of health, happiness and much spiritual growth!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eli Zians
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16+ Can Now Register to Vote in Florida!
Teach Florida Visits KYHS to Promote Voting in the Upcoming Election
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Graphic by Esti Distenfeld ('26)
Created in 2012 as an easy and fun way to get citizens involved in the election process, National Voter Registration Day has inspired millions across the country to do their part and head to the ballot box in November. On this day, many civic groups go out of their way to make sure that people know how to register and what issues they’re voting for. In particular, Teach Florida, an advocacy organization focused on school choice and Jewish education, has worked with Florida private schools and politicians for the past eight years in order to ensure that, come adulthood, the next generation of Jewish voters will be educated and knowledgeable adults.
To commemorate National Voter Registration Day this past Tuesday, seniors and juniors were able to hear from Teach Florida about how to do their part this election day. Watching a short video in the Beit Midrash, students listened as people such as Representative Jared Moskowitz, Teach Florida Director of Special Projects Danny Aqua, and even our own Matthew White ('25) explained the importance of voting and how each person can make a difference. In particular, students learned about how to actually sign up for voter registration and that, even if they are not yet eighteen, they can still register with their driver’s license and social security number. Afterwards, many students were given Teach Florida t-shirts to show their strong commitment to registering and being a part of the voting process.
The assembly this week showed that students are devoted and ready to stand up for what they believe, even if they can’t vote just yet. Perhaps if more people come together as a community as the upperclassmen did on Tuesday, we can beat the growing hate and antisemitism felt throughout the country today.
Article by Sammy Jacobs ('25)
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Graphic by Adam Ribault ('25)
Over the course of Wednesday and Thursday the seniors’ minds were all on Yeshiva University. Yeshiva University’s visit to KYHS kicked off with a presentation led by Maccabeats singer, Ari Lewis. Students heard about academics, clubs, Israel programs, athletics, and more! Following the opening presentation, interviews began. Students from the class of 2025 were asked about their hobbies, proudest moments, favorite books, etc. Not only did this process get many seniors thinking about how to handle future interviews, but it caused us to reflect on our values and talents.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I was extremely nervous before my interview. I anxiously awaited my allotted time, preparing by asking myself any questions I could think of that might be thrown at me. However, as soon as I stepped into my interview, I felt my nerves slowly melt away. I was interviewed by Mrs. Elaine Frankel, who helped me through my interview, prepared me for further interviews, and asked me some really interesting questions! For example, she asked: if a magic genie could give me an extra hour of my day, where would I add it and why. I said I would add the hour in the morning, because that is when I am most productive. After speaking to some of my friends about their interviews, I realized how different we all are, but yet we are still so close. Even though our answers could not have been more different, we still have so much in common.
Thank you to Mr. Ari Lewis, Mrs. Elaine Frankel, Mr. Aharon Goldwasser, and Ms. Ayelet Strauss for coming down to Florida, educating us about YU, and interviewing us! We will see you soon!
Article by Kira Kornbluth ('25)
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Club Fair at KYHS
Students Learn of All the Clubs that KYHS has to Offer
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Graphic by Sarita Hirsch ('28)
On Tuesday, KYHS hosted its annual club fair during lunch. Students had the chance to showcase the clubs they lead by presenting them to the rest of the students. The club leaders created sign boards and offered interactive activities to appeal to other students and encourage them to join.
Clubs provide students with the opportunity to get involved with the school and participate in activities that they have an interest in or may be passionate about. A few of the many clubs that KYHS has to offer are: The Chasidism club, Mahjong club, Yearbook, Storm for Israel, and Girls Who Code. This diverse range of clubs allows every student the opportunity to pursue their interests, because each one is unique. “I really enjoyed the club fair because it was amazing to see new opportunities to participate in activities such as crocheting and the music club. I can’t wait to begin learning to crochet,” said Chaya Cohn (‘26). Students at KYHS are encouraged to join clubs as they can develop new passions and create long lasting friendships with others with similar interests. This outdoor fair was a great opportunity to see what clubs KYHS has to offer and to get involved with the school.
Article by Reese Zombek ('26)
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Check Out Our New Highlites Podcast!
With Hostesses Rebecca Freedman ('25) and Rhyan Rackman ('25)
Thank you to Aaron Rosenhouse ('25) for filming and editing! This is only an intro so keep an eye out for more episodes!
Click here for the Podcast
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