This Shabbat is a packed week. It is a double parsha- VaYakhel and Pekudei as well as Parshat HaChodesh. Parshat VaYekhel describes the building of the mishkan and Parshat Pekudei the making of special clothing for the Kohen Gadol. In the beginning of Parshat Pekudei the Torah makes an accounting of all donations that were made by the people for the construction of the mishkan and its components.
A number of commentaries wonder why there was a need for this accounting. Surely we cannot be wondering whether Moshe skimmed some of the funds and kept some for himself. Rav Moshe Feinstein suggests that this teaches us an important lesson. The artisans had to make an accounting of the materials that they were given and that we all must do the same. Not only with all of the physical gifts that Hashem gives to us but even with how we use the time that He gives us. Do we set aside time to focus on Hashem? Do we do our mitzvot properly without being rushed? When we have free time, what do we use it for?
This is perhaps one of the lessons of Parshat HaChodesh as well. Commentaries wonder why this Mitzvah was chosen to be the very first one given to Bnai Yisrael as they were about to leave Egypt. While Bnai Yisrael were slaves, time was meaningless to them. There was no choice about what to do each day--it was arduous work all day. No point in planning for the future--it would also be the same. When Hashem freed them, for the first time, time finally meant something. Now each day they would wake up and could decide how to spend their time. They could finally choose what their day would be like. They could think about the future--one month or one year ahead--and plan for it. At that stage Hashem teaches us that time is important and what you do with it is important. We can make time holy though our choices.
We are living in an unprecedented time. We are home the vast majority of the day as school buildings are closed and classes are online. Shuls are locked and davening is being done alone. But we all have more free time than usual. The challenge we have is what we decide to do with this extra time. Will we spend some more time learning Torah? Maybe with a family member or friend? Will we see how we can help someone in the community who is having a more difficult time? Will we help out with our own siblings? This is the challenge this Shabbat puts to us. Let us all make our own accounting of our time and pledge to do just a little more.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Benjy Horowitz
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Defeat Boredom Once
and For All
Read Below for Some Productive Ways to Spend Your Extra Free Time
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Graphic by Highlites Chevra
You’re quarantined in your house with your family, and you should be practicing “social distancing.” While this initially sounds like a burden, as you aren’t able to hang out with your friends and you’re trapped inside your house, it actually isn’t so bad.
During this seemingly boring time, make an effort to better yourself and your relationships. Read a book. Draw something. Play a game with your family. Wash your hands with a new kind of soap. Play GamePigeon with your friends, and show them who’s boss at 8 Ball.
Just because we have less class each day doesn’t mean you should be bored. It’s an opportunity to do that one thing you’ve always wanted to do or talk with that one person you’ve always wanted to talk with. With that being said, take advantage of this Shabbos to try something new. Instead of worrying about the virus, try to ease your stress by surrounding yourself with people (only the ones you’re quarantined with) and things that make you happy. Have a great weekend and stay safe!
Article by Alex Lurie ('21)
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Storm Zooms
Hear From Some KYHS Zoomers About Their Experiences So Far
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Graphic by Leora Cohn ('20)
Well, school has certainly taken an interesting turn! With classes now on Zoom, students are figuring out how to manage an alternative classroom setting and style. Many teachers allow students to be unmuted for most of class, while others require a raised hand for the ability to speak. Some teachers have even made it a game to mute the class and randomly give students the ability to unmute themselves to see when the students will figure it out. In addition, students have had the opportunity to meet teachers’ kids and fellow classmates' siblings, cats, and dogs. It’s interesting to see what types of snacks everyone is eating at home and who has bad reception. Many teachers have been taking advantage of Zoom’s screen sharing and screen drawing features, which have compensated for not having Apple TVs or whiteboards. Teachers have continued to assign take-home tests, quizzes, and homework, but of course it’s a little different because we are all at home. Some teachers have even figured out ways to proctor quizzes using zoom! Class has certainly been interesting and students have been able to learn a lot in many different ways.
Article by Ma'ayan Tzur ('20)
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Spotted on the KidCam
With Everyone Home, Teaching Becomes
a Family Activity
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Graphic by Leora Cohn ('20)
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Tuning in to Hear Some QuaranTUNES
Simcha Leiner
Virtually
Performs in Front of Hundreds, Spreading Happiness in Tough Times
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Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23) and Liora Mayer ('20)
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Is Mashiach Coming Soon?
Who Knows? But It's Never Too Early to Start Preparing!
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Graphic by Liora Mayer ('20)
With social distancing and possibly even quarantine, it is sometimes difficult to see the silver lining or light at the end of the tunnel. We cannot ignore the signs that Mashiach is imminent!
It is a widely held belief that Mashiach will come on Pesach, which is in roughly two weeks! Baal Haturim (Parshat Bo) says that, similar to how during the first Pesach people were stuck in their homes, we will also be stuck in our homes in the days preceding Mashiach. We are experiencing this right now with the rampant spread of COVID-19!
We can also consider the spread of this virus a “trial round״ to help us become familiar with
tumah
and
tahara
. After all, last week's parsha discussed the
parah adumah
, which is used to purify those who are
tamei
. Coincidence? I think not.
The connection between Yemot Hamashiach and Coronavirus is self-evident. We can take this as an opportunity to practice
hishtadlut
and bring Mashiach speedily. It is written: “If Israel will keep one Shabbat properly, Mashiach will come.” We are given the opportunity right now! We can’t leave our houses and have been on our devices all week! We can now take a break and enjoy
menucha
for one day to bring Mashiach speedily!
Article by Zohara Lam ('23)
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Ariella's Angle
A Positive Spin on Online Learning
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Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)
This past week, our school, along with many others across the country, began distance learning using Zoom as a platform to communicate with our classmates and teachers. While many of us wish to be back in school already, given our current circumstances we know that distance learning is our best option. Plus, online learning actually has many benefits.
First off, with classes starting at 10:00, we now have a lot of extra time in the morning. This gives us an extra hour or so of sleep and more time for a meaningful davening. Some students also use this time to exercise before classes while other students who usually wake up too late to eat breakfast now use this time to do so.
Additionally, using Zoom helps us maintain contact with our classmates who we can’t visit while we self-quarantine. Online learning helps us stay connected and adds some social interaction to our potentially boring routine at home.
Most importantly, using Zoom ensures we stay on track with our learning. Online learning can be just as productive as in-person classes. It gives us a sense of normalcy and consistency. Furthermore, using Zoom ensures we are prepared for upcoming AP exams and, of course, that we receive our daily dose of Torah.
As of now, we don’t know exactly how much longer distance learning will last, and many of us are already anxious to return to school. However, it’s important for us to remember that distance learning is not only necessary, but actually has many perks!
Article by Ariella Gross ('21)
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Saphira's Solutions
Advice For All the Social Butterflies Out There
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Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)
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Dear Saphira,
Distance learning is keeping me pretty busy, but in my free time, I want to hang out with my friends. I know I’m not supposed to, but I miss the social aspect of school. What should I do?
From,
Socializer
Dear Socializer,
This social distancing thing can be very difficult. It’s very hard knowing that your friends are only a couple of blocks away, and you can’t hang out with them. However, it is essential that you do not hang out in groups. The whole point of online school is to distance ourselves from large groups of people. If you hang out with friends, you are potentially harming yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. It is much better to be safe than sorry. There will be plenty of time to hang out once this passes.
In the meantime, there are many ways to cure your boredom at home. Try finding a book to read, baking a cake, playing an instrument, painting a picture, watching Netflix, maybe even digging up your old rainbow loom! In order to stay active, try going for a run, a walk, or a swim. If you can’t or don’t want to leave your house, maybe follow a dance video online or play some Wii. Once you get creative, you will find that the possibilities are endless!
Just hang in there and stay safe. There is an end to this, and know we are all in this together!
All the best,
Saphira
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