Good & Welfare:

Engagements:

Noah Brown (‘16) and Adi Rubin ('18) -KYHS's 31st couple

Jordan Burger('18) to Harleigh Meyer from West Boca, Fl

Births:

Rena (Bensmihen ‘19) and Ben Leifer on the birth of their son

Marriages:

Lindsay Munter (‘17) to Victor Allaham

Have you ever had something happen to you where you really feel Hashem's Hand?! Welcome to "HP MOMENT OF THE WEEK" where students have a chance to share something that happened to them during the week that was truly Hashgacha Pratis (HP).

I looked down at my hand and my silver Hadaya ring was gone.

That Sunday morning, before losing my ring, I had gone to a playground dedication at shul for a girl in our community who passed away at nine years old. This special girl was truly indescribable. She had an infectious smile, a contagious laugh, and I loved her like a little sister. After an emotionally hard day, hearing speeches from her parents and remembering all of the pain that her family and our entire community faced, that ring was something that usually brought me comfort. It was inscribed with a pasuk that I recited for her every single Shabbos during the thirteen months of her illness. Each time I fidgeted or looked down at my ring, I felt like I had a piece of her with me.

So after an especially hard day, I was really missing her. I felt like I needed that extra comfort, which was my ring. I said the tefillah of Rebbe Meir Baal Haness for finding lost objects, and so many people searched literally through garbage bags for the ring. Once it got late, I came to terms with the fact that I wasn't going to find it. The timing of this situation felt incredibly purposeful and the second I realized I lost it, I knew it had to mean something. I really don't lose things often, and to lose this ring on the day of the playground dedication in her honor felt like there was a reason. And I was determined to find it. I showed up to school, unable to stop my tears from falling, because I was so certain Hashem was trying to tell me something, but I was so upset because I could not see it. I was feeling heartbroken, and I felt like I needed that ring in the moment, and I was mad at Hashem for taking it. My friends told me things like “she’s engraved in your heart, you don't need the ring” or “at least it's something replaceable” or “maybe Hashem is saying it is time to move on” and even if those things are true, none of them sat right with me.

My heart was feeling so heavy, and not because I lost the ring, but because all of the emotions and feelings of grief were still so raw. I went to Mrs. Mirzoeff to talk, and I opened up about my confusion surrounding my feelings. Grief is supposed to go away. Each day is supposed to get easier. Yet, I sat there feeling like it never will. This child passed away two years ago, and the pain still feels like yesterday. I was grappling with these feelings, and trying to make sense of it all.

On Wednesday, I was talking to Mrs. Horowitz, and she heard I lost my ring so we were talking about it for a few minutes. She asked me if I would mind sharing what pasuk was on this ring. I answered “gam ki eilech.” That pasuk from Tehillim means: “Even if I walk through the valley of death, I won't fear because You (Hashem) are with me.” Those were the words I said when I really was going through the deepest pain I’ve ever known. Mrs. Horowitz looked at me and said, “Abby, that is a really heavy pasuk. Maybe Hashem is trying to tell you to find a new pasuk, one that reflects the positive memories and her kindness, rather than the painful parts.” The second she said it, something felt right. I finally got an answer that made me feel content. I decided I would look for a new pasuk that is still meaningful and connected to my special friend, but one that has a different focus – a focus on her smile, chesed, and ahavat chaim.

An hour after our conversation, my friend told me my rings had been found! It made no sense at all, but it was true. I realized what Hashem was saying. He was telling me that I should indeed find a new focus and elevate her memory, rather than focus on the pain and heaviness. And as soon as I learned that lesson Hashem said, “here you can have your rings back, I just needed you to receive that message.” Someone sent me a picture of my rings, and they weren't just lost, they were completely crushed and bent out of shape. The weirdest part was I wasn't upset. I felt like, “okay, this is not the right pasuk anymore.” I am supposed to find a new pasuk and shift my focus, and in doing so I’ve honestly never felt more comforted. I went and picked up my rings and when I drove home there was a rainbow above my house (I promise I'm not making this up, you can ask me to see the picture). I felt Hashem so present in these few days and in this entire situation. This wasn't just a story about me losing my rings and finding them. It is proof that Hashem is watching our lives and He’s active in them. I really learned that when I look for Hashem, He will make Himself seen. So look for Hashem every day, every minute, because you will always find Him.

Good Shabbos,

Abby Bienenfeld ('26)



Junior Grade Night

KYHS Juniors Go Ice Skating!

Graphic by Technical Staff

Last Monday, the junior class enjoyed a special night out to relax, ice skate, and chill at Boca Ice! For many, this was a long-awaited class bonding experience. Despite the varying degrees of skill on the ice—from those who immediately found their balance to those who needed some assistance from kiddie walkers—the night was filled with fun and excitement.

The junior class appreciated the unity and friendship: Noah Marcus (‘27) remarked, “It was a great time! Hanging out with the whole grade, making snowballs, and skating around.” Aliya Blumenthal (‘27) said that one of her favorite parts was, “racing on the ice with one of the other kids in the grade!”

Aside from a few slips and dramatic falls on the ice, the trip was the perfect opportunity for students to strengthen relationships with their classmates in a fun environment. Once our feet had tired out from the endless circles around the rink, the amazing KYHS staff served us a delicious Smash House dinner including hot dogs, hamburgers, and a side of chips. By the end of the night, everyone had “chilled” in more ways than one; it was the perfect class event to help us not only break the ice, but take a well-deserved break from an already busy year.

Article by Rachel Rosenhouse ('27)

Glouberman Tournament

The KYHS Girls Basketball Team Participates in an Annual Tournament Hosted in LA

Graphic by Blimi Farkas ('26)

Last week, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team flew to sunny Los Angeles, CA to compete in the Steve Glouberman Annual Basketball Tournament. We landed early Wednesday morning and competed later that night against SAR in a close game. The following day, we played North Shore, winning by five points in overtime! It was truly an amazing game and a real nail-biter, ending with a victory. After a long day of games for everyone, every team in the tournament gathered to socialize and enjoy delicious food at the annual Glouberman BBQ at Shalhevet High School. On Friday, we competed against YULA Girls in another close game.

Aside from the exciting basketball games we had the opportunity to watch and play in, we explored LA’s incredible kosher restaurant scene, trying all the popular spots like Lenny’s Casita and Jeff’s Gourmet. Over Shabbat, we participated in the Glouberman Shabbaton, where we met players from other teams, reunited with camp friends, and bonded as a team. On Motzei Shabbat, we played our final game against Hebrew Academy and then watched the championship games. When asked what she thought about the tournament, Tye Halperin (‘27) remarked, “It was such an awesome experience; I really loved meeting everyone from all the different schools and creating memories with my teammates. I can’t wait to start the season!”

The trip, a true bonding experience, was something we will never forget. We showed our ability to work together as a team, highlighting our potential on the court, and can’t wait for the upcoming season!

Article by Lauren Schebovitz ('26)

Senior Pictures

KYHS Seniors Get Ready As They Take A Picture that Will Stay With Them For the Rest of Their Lives...or Not🤔

Graphic by Adira Baitner ('26)

Usually, waking up at 8 a.m. on a non-school day is a total burden. But today, it actually felt like a reward (since I’d been tossing and turning all night with excitement). That’s because it was senior picture day! While everyone else at KYHS was sleeping in, I was already up, getting ready to take the perfect photo. It honestly felt like preparing for the Met Gala but with musty fluorescent school lighting.

The prep obviously started a week in advance—with Crest 3D Whitening Strips every night. The sore, sensitive gums meant nothing once I saw my teeth getting whiter. I also made sure to pick out the perfect black sweater. You’d think any black sweater would work, but no—Zara has way too many options, and yes, I tried on every single one (multiple times). At one point, the fitting room lady started recognizing me. I even painted my nails the most stunning and unique color, baby pink. Sure, they wouldn’t show in the photo, but they added to the overall vibe of the day.

The morning was the most stressful because everything had to be perfect. I planned out every detail the night before and literally just waited for my alarm to go off. Obviously, I started with a Pilates class (not too sweaty) and a matcha (not too much caffeine) to get me in the zone. Then came the ultimate “everything shower,” perfected after watching countless TikTok routines. I used my special detox shampoo and completed my six-step skincare routine. Then, because I’m just a girl, I changed into my matching pajama set—even though the day was far from over. Even though I blow out my hair once a week, I’d never been this stressed to do it. The Revlon brush suddenly felt foreign in my hand. But somehow, the blowout turned out to be spectacular—like Jennifer Aniston in my inspo pic. Once the blow-dryer noise disappeared, I queued up High School Musical to really channel my inner Sharpay. Because if I’m going to spend hours getting ready, I might as well sing “Fabulous” while doing it.

Then, it was makeup time. After way too many color swatches, and with Rhode’s new Sephora launch in hand, I finally curated the ultimate makeup lineup. Three bronzers, five shades of blush (a mix of powder and cream, obviously), and endless setting spray later, I was finally done. Well, almost. First, I had to test my look with selfies in every type of lighting because you never know what you’ll get on camera. Once my hair cooled (two hours later), I added curls. I debated between S-waves or ribbon curls, and after stalking Pinterest for five hours, I decided S-waves complimented my bone structure best. Then came the hardest choice of all: which necklace to wear. Between bat mitzvah gifts and Evry Jewels, I have around 75. And don’t call me basic, but I ended up picking the classic gold heart that every girl in my grade owns. I couldn’t do too many chains since it would distract from the makeup and hair that I worked way too hard on.

Phew, I was finally done…just kidding. Obviously, I had to make at least 30 TikToks and take 50 selfies to curate the perfect Instagram story. Then, I drove to school where I posed for literally five seconds (because of course it makes total sense to get ready for five hours just for someone to press a button). But it’s fine because I’m already planning on taking retakes. It’s practically a rite of passage to hate your senior photo anyway.

Article by Raquel Cohen ('26)

On the other hand...

On Wednesday, all the students had the day off in honor of parent-teacher conferences. Like everyone else, my friends and I used this day off to relax and take a break from our otherwise packed school week. Heading home from a calm afternoon with my friends, I answered a call from my mom and quickly noticed the urgency in her voice. “You have pictures in 25 minutes!!” she yelled through the phone. I quickly confirmed with my classmates that senior pictures were in fact that day, and rushed home. I hastily buttoned my shirt, threw on my suit and tie, and sprinted out the door. 10 minutes later (thank God I live in Boca), I was standing in the gym lobby waiting for my picture to be taken. Per my request, the photographer took as few pictures as possible, and I was back on my couch watching basketball in no time.

Article by Golan Aghion ('26)

Memphis Basketball Tournament

Boys Varsity Basketball Represents KYHS as they take on the "Yeshiva League" in a Memorable Tournament

Graphic by Matan Aghion ('29)

A HIGHLITE of Storm Varsity basketball is opening the season with the 2025 Memphis Invitational held at Cooper Yeshiva. On Wednesday, October 30th, our team and coaches boarded the plane thrilled for the new season. Cooper Yeshiva and their community hosted 20 Orthodox yeshiva high school teams from across the country, which included some of our local rivals, Posnack and Ohr Hatorah, as well as TABC, LA CLUB UNITED, Valley Club, and North Shore Hebrew Academy. Despite suffering a couple of losses to NSHA and HAFTR, the Storm came back strong on Erev Shabbat to beat Fasman Yeshiva in a stunning Tier II overtime win. In that game, Jordan Kogan (‘27) hit so many 3’s that the announcer designated his spot as "Kogan's Corner”. This was followed by a victory against the Maimonides M-Cats on Motzaei Shabbat and a thrilling Tier III championship victory against the Montreal Heat in which Nir Ovaknin (‘27) had a game-high 35 points.

Off the court, the Memphis community takes this tournament seriously, and their Hachnasat Orchim is truly remarkable for both the student athletes and their families. The community made sure that the event ran smoothly and even gave the team some delicious Ricki’s Cookies and Challah.

On Shabbat, each team ate at a host family for dinner and then met up in the Cooper middle school for a mentalist show and snacks. The food, davening and attention to detail left every team feeling happy and satisfied—win or lose. Student athletes created long-lasting friendships that will remain throughout the years. For our seniors, this was their final tournament at Cooper. Ami Kieffer (‘26), who has played all four years for the Storm, said, “seeing the whole community come together to support the big tournament was a tremendous experience.” Although we came up short this year, we’ll be back next year hungry for the trophy.

Article by Gabriel Cohen ('26)

This week’s treat: Protein Ballin’ 💪🏀

As both our girls' and boys' basketball teams are representing STORM at Glouberman and The Memphis Invitational this week, we figured, what better way to support them from home than with the perfect workout snack? These no-bake protein balls are delicious, energy-filled, and ridiculously easy to make…so what are you waiting for? Go make them!