Yeshiva Highlites: Freshmen Girls' Lock-In, Driver Safety, Sharsheret Day, and More!

Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

In this weeks parsha, Parshat Mishpatim, we read the famous words “נַעֲשֶׂ֥ה וְנִשְׁמָֽע”. These two words loosely translate to, "all that Hashem has spoken we will faithfully observe.” We learn from this pasuk that Bnei Yisrael was committing to follow Hashem, faithfully, without knowing what it entailed. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks shared a beautiful idea on this concept. In a different context, the word “וְנִשְׁמָֽע” is translated as, “we will do and we will understand.” If we use this meaning of the word, it changes the entire message of our original pasuk. Bnei Yisrael will keep the mitzvot, and only after they keep the mitzvot will they then understand why they are doing it and the beauty and importance that comes along with it. Everyone might have a specific mitzvah they connect to, so by doing what is meaningful to you, an understanding for the other mitzvot will follow and you can grow to love all of them.

Picture this: You walk into class and just as the bell rings to start the period your hand shoots up with a question (a real question, not just to get your teacher off topic ;)). You get called on and ask, “Morah, I’ve been really struggling with doing mitzvot and having emunah lately, do you have any advice for me?” And the teacher classically responds, “You just have to fake it ‘till you make it.” Let me tell you a secret – as smart as your KYHS teachers are, they did not come up with this idea. It was put into practice by Bnei Yisrael at Har Sinai.

On top of asking teachers meaningful and insightful hashkafic questions, the KYHS student body had an awesome, fun-filled week! Last Friday, Seniors had the unbelievable privilege of hearing from our very own Dr. Seidenfeld. She told the story of her life and her personal and religious growth. Seniors found her JED talk both inspirational and interesting. Also last Friday, the whole student body attended a driving safety course. We were taught about the responsibility you take on when you get behind the wheel and tips and tricks on how to best stay focused. On Motzei Shabbat, the freshman girls had the unbelievable privilege of having what is called a “Freshman Lock-In,” staying at school overnight and, for many, pulling an all-nighter (To learn more about this please read the firsthand account in the article below, as I was home sleeping soundly in the comfort of my own bed). This past Wednesday was “National Sharsheret Pink Day”. The KYHS student body joined schools all over the world in wearing pink to show our awareness of breast and ovarian cancer. Delicious pink treats were also sold to fundraise for the important organization. Make sure you read all the articles below to learn more about this week!

As we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Adar next Wednesday and Thursday, I am looking forward to what this week and month brings. After having a restful day off on Monday, students should be ready to give it their all at the Eitan Katz concert (and Color War????). I know the KYHS administration has fun things planned up their sleeves, so everyone put on your party shoes!

Before I close I would like to give everyone a bracha: that they tackle everything they do with “נַעֲשֶׂ֥ה וְנִשְׁמָֽע.” Going through the motions even when its hard and then, later on, reaching נִשְׁמָֽע – a clarity of why you are doing it and a real genuine love for the action you are doing. If you read this far I’d love to know – are you pro or against chulent? Find me to let me know!

Shabbat Shalom,

Atara Keehn ('23)

Safety First: Driver's Ed

KYHS Hears From Educational Speakers About the Dangers of Driving

Graphic by Josh Haik ('24)

Last week KYHS had a special driving safety program to educate their students on the potential dangers that come with driving. Students and faculty heard from an officer and a nurse, who showed them the power that someone wields when sitting behind the wheel.

The course was eye opening and incredibly educational as it went into depth on the hard truth of just how many people fall victim to reckless driving. Constant attention and a clear mind are necessary to keep oneself and their passengers safe, as they are responsible for their lives. The program was not for the faint of heart, as they presented the risks of driving with personal stories,images, and statistics. As hard as it was to hear about people losing their lives in preventable accidents, it was incredibly necessary.

As the nurse said, “driving is a privilege”, and everyone in that room learned an important lesson of what it means to drive as a teenager, and how careful each and every one of us need to be. “To learn about the responsibility drivers have, and how big the risk of driving really is, was really mind-altering,” Kira Kornbluth (‘25) tells of her experience at the program. Everyone learned a little bit more about how important it is to be a safe driver and there is no telling the future accidents that have been avoided due to this proactive attempt at keeping everyone informed and safe.

Article by Leila Samuels ('25)

Locked & Loaded!

Freshmen Girls Stay in School for a Night Filled with Fun and Bonding

Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)

This past motzei shabbos, the freshman girls had the fun and unique experience of having a lock-in night. The freshman girls were in school from 9 pm Saturday night to 7 am Sunday morning and the whole event was planned down to the minute. There were activities such as dodgeball, make-your-own ice cream sundae, and a dance party.

From the moment the girls arrived at school the activities began. They started off by doing an art project that Mrs. Lazar and Mrs. Loren Stein had put together in the Makerspace. The art project consisted of puzzle pieces that each girl had to design, which would later be combined on a board to be hung up in the hallway of our school.

Afterwards there was an incredible scavenger hunt where the girls searched for various items and locations around the school. Although there was definitely intense competition, it was a great time. After a tiring game of dodgeball in the gym, the girls enjoyed delicious ice cream to cool off. Finally there was the ultimate dance party. What can be better than good music and dancing with your friends?! Girls came up with dances in groups to perform in front of their friends. This really got them hyped and dancing. After a crazy few hours, a movie was put on for everyone to enjoy.

All the girls were able to genuinely enjoy time with their friends and a few senior mentors. “It was a fun way to bond with girls I don’t usually talk to,” said Abigail Izegueve (‘26). This was really an experience to remember, and we are so grateful for all the people who worked many hours to put it together and make it a phenomenal time.

Article by Miri Wolk ('26)

JED Talk: The Doc is In

Dr. Seidenfeld Shares Her Incredible and Inspiring Story with the Senior Class

Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23) and Rivka Reich ('24)

For last week’s Jed Talk, Dr. Seidenfeld shared her inspirational religious journey with the seniors. Dr. Seidenfeld grew up in a secular household and her family became Conservative after her mother married a rabbi. During this period, she began attending Jewish school and connecting to Judaism for the first time.

She decided to attend Weinbaum Yeshiva High School, and quickly realized that she had found her place in the Modern Orthodox community. She felt a sense of belonging and felt even more connected to Judaism. Dr. Seidenfeld went on to go to Stern and become even more passionate about Judaism.

Elior Basson (‘23) remarked that “Dr. Seidenfeld was such an inspiration. I was able to relate to her story with my own religious journey and was inspired to grow. She showed that it truly doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from and it only matters who you want to be.” Dr. Seidenfeld’s story of finding Judaism was truly an inspiration for every student, especially as we prepare to venture off into the world on our own.

Article by Hannah Shapiro ('23)

On Wednesdays We

Wear Pink

Students Show Their Support For a Truly Incredible Organization

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)

On Wednesday, February 15, all students at Katz Yeshiva High School dedicated a day to support Sharsheret—a national Jewish breast cancer organization that supports women and families with any future genetic risk. Maya Gamil (23’) commented, “It was really nice to see everyone support such an amazing cause.”

During breakfast, there were pink sweet treats being sold in order to fundraise for Sharsheret. It was amazing to see how many students contributed and demonstrated their concern and care. Gitty Sharf (23’) noted that “it was so awesome to see my fellow students all dressed in pink to raise awareness for the wonderful organization Sharsheret.”

Sharsheret is a Hebrew word that in English means “chain”. Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors also showed their support by wearing a pink ribbon pinned to their pink shirts which symbolizes their support for the organization and their recognition of breast cancer awareness. Sharsheret is truly an Infinite chain that strives to save lives through educational outreach.

Article by Debbie Grunbaum ('23)