Good & Welfare:

Engagements

Talia Distenfeld ('23) to Noam Goldberg from Los Angeles, California

Jacob Tokayer (‘16) to Maayan Braha from Nov, Israel 

Pearl Katz (‘18) to Evan Froman from Englewood NJ




Births

Aryeh (‘15) and Gabby Schultz on the birth of a baby boy

Rabbi Shua and Dr. Bracha (Brauser ‘13) Katz on the birth of twins, a boy and girl 

Yaffa (Shekhter ‘20) and Jordan Stebbins on the birth of a baby boy

Ariella (Davis ‘09) and Lior Sameah on the birth of a baby boy

Jacob (‘16) and Miri Berger on the birth of a baby boy

Jake and Tova (Wax ‘18) Domsky on the birth of a baby boy

Condolences

Dr. Noam (and Aliza) Salamon (‘01) and Meira (Salamon ‘11) Zharnest on the passing of their beloved father, Dr Bennett Salamon z”l

Jason Segelbaum on the passing of his beloved mother, Debbie Segelbaum

Am Yisrael Is Stronger Together

KYHS Hosts Their Annual Yom HaZikaron Tekes

Graphic by Technical Staff

This past week, our school community came together for a powerful and emotional Yom Hazikaron Tekes, honoring the Israeli soldiers who gave their lives for the State of Israel and the Jewish homeland. The evening was thoughtfully designed to help students and families truly connect to Eretz Yisrael and feel the weight and meaning of this national day of remembrance.

The program began outside the front of the school, where parents, grandparents, students, and children were welcomed by moving memorial posters and photographs of fallen soldiers. From there, guests made their way to the Beit Midrash, passing through hallways lined with black coverings and glowing candles that set a reflective tone for the night.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Rabb, who introduced the purpose of the Tekes. While Yom Hazikaron commemorates all fallen soldiers, he explained that this year’s program focused specifically on combat medics, heroes whose sacrifices often go unrecognized. His words framed the evening and encouraged everyone to think more deeply about the individuals behind the stories. Students played a central role throughout the ceremony. Many shared stories of fallen soldiers, guided different parts of the program, and explained the meaning behind each segment. One of the most impactful moments of the night was a skit performed by Avi Harris (‘26) and Sruli Muschel (‘26). Their performance depicted the final moments of combat medics risking their lives to save others, which left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. The Tekes was conducted in both Hebrew and English, which added to its authenticity and helped every guest connect more personally to the experience. As the ceremony came to a close, several honored guests were invited to light remembrance candles. These individuals were selected for their service in the IDF and their continued contributions to Israel.

One of the honored guests was my father, Dr. Chanoch Harow, who served in Givati during his regular service and continues to work as a medic in the reserves. When the Tekes was over, he reflected that “the Tekes and student presentation of the selfless way the medics sacrifice themselves to save a wounded soldier was incredibly moving for me. It brought me back to the way my medical unit felt in Gaza, that we had a mission to save lives.” Overall, the evening was incredibly meaningful and successfully captured the importance of Yom Hazikaron. It allowed everyone in attendance to connect more deeply to Israel, to remember those who have fallen, and to appreciate the sacrifices made every day.

A special thank you to the Hebrew department for organizing and carrying out such a beautiful and impactful event.

Article by Emma Harow ('27)

Where Darkness Meets Light

KYHS Hosts Their Annual Yom HaZikaron and Yom Hatzmaut Community Event

Graphic by Blimi Farkas ('26)

On Tuesday night, KYHS hosted their annual community-wide Yom Hazikaron-Ha’atzmaut celebration. The event began with a powerful Tekes that commemorated the many fallen IDF soldiers and terror victims. Beautifully spoken in Hebrew and English, different students organized a presentation, through acting and song, about the tragic stories of former soldiers. The solemn program created an atmosphere of sadness and meaning, but the Tefillah Chaggigit helped transition the event into the festivities of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Mourning transformed into celebration in an instant.

The event took place outdoors in the KYHS parking lot, where many booths and activities were available for the community to enjoy. People celebrated with a variety of Israeli foods and treats while exploring the different stands promoted by Jewish community organizations like Friendship Circle, Yachad, and more. Various food trucks, including Playa Bowls, ICEE, and Rita’s Ice were brought to add to the night’s festivities. Guests could spot two nine-foot-tall light-up men flashing in blue and white, which brought the energy of Yom Ha’atzmaut to new heights (literally). To commemorate Israel's 78th birthday, there was a DJ playing hype music in order to get parents and students energized for the holiday. People danced for hours and still had plenty more energy left!

A breathtaking light show filled the sky with images that represented our Homeland, like a saluting soldier and a roaring lion. The excitement for Israel was palpable in the air. The dancing resumed after the light show as headbands, flags, and tutus soared through the air. Everyone, young and old, danced through the night, disregarding the late hour.

Our KYHS students had an unforgettable night and cannot wait to celebrate Israel’s 79th birthday!

Article by Gabi Aghion ('27)

Yom HaZikaron Assembly

KYHS Honors and Hears From Israeli Soldiers and Alumni in School wide Assembly on Yom HaZikaron

Graphic by Adira Baitner ('26)



This past Tuesday, in commemoration of Yom Hazikaron, KYHS students and staff had the great privilege of hearing from three special individuals who have all had a significant impact on Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Shortly after filling up the Beit Midrash at the beginning of first period, the room fell silent as each speaker vulnerably shared their story.

First, we heard from Nechama Gutman, a KYHS graduate from the class of 2002, who survived a triple bombing in Jerusalem on December 1, 2001, during her year in seminary. Leading up to the bombing, Nechama explained that it was just a normal Motzei Shabbat for her and her friends; they went out to eat, and then the unimaginable happened. Despite surviving the bombing, Nechama dealt with many emotional struggles following the event. She stayed in her room for weeks, unable to go outside. Eventually, though, one of Nechama’s teachers in seminary convinced her to go away for a Shabbat to stay with a sick child in a hospital so his parents could spend Shabbat together. It was on that Shabbat that she met another survivor from the attack.

By that point, Nechama decided she would transform her traumatic experience into living a life of impact. She now serves as NEVUT’s Lone Soldier Coordinator and supports IDF veterans from around the world as they transition back to civilian life. Reflecting on Nechama’s speech, Abby Bienenfeld (‘26) stated, “Nechama brought to our attention that Yom Hazikaron is about the collective loss of all Jews in Israel and reminded us that while we remember soldiers, we must also remember people whose lives have been lost in acts of terror.” Nechama taught us that you never know what someone is going through and to always be cognizant and mindful of the way we treat those around us.

We then heard from Sarah, who enlisted in the IDF in 2018 and served in the Caracal Battalion, a co-ed combat infantry unit. Before October 7th, she was living in Florida, and once the war broke out, she felt a strong urge to return to Israel and help in any way she could. She returned and rejoined active duty and has since spent 400 days in combat operations along Israel’s northern border, including Lebanon and Syria. Sarah pointed out that regardless of the role you’re playing in the army—whether it’s peeling potatoes or fighting on the front lines—everyone’s role is crucial to the success and unity of the IDF.

Lastly, we heard from Z.M., the cousin of KYHS student Eitan Schultz (‘28), and a Master Sergeant in the reserves. He was born in the U.S. and raised in a Charedi family. Since enlisting in 2008, he has continued to serve in the reserves, including over 300 days during the current war, with deployments in Gaza and Lebanon. He relayed the importance of persevering in times of struggle and never giving up. Overall, the assembly was meaningful in commemorating those who lost their lives protecting Eretz Yisrael and inspiring, as we had the opportunity to hear firsthand from those who are supporting and fighting for Am Yisrael.

Article by Eden Pardau ('26)

A Story That Should Be Remembered

KYHS Hears from Holocaust Survivor, Mr. Edgar Awin, to commemorate Yom Hashoa

Graphic by Lexi Newman ('28)

Last week, in honor of Yom Hashoa, students had the opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Mr. Edgar Awin. As everyone made their way to the Beit Midrash, tables were set up with candles for students to light in memory of the 6 million Jews who perished during this horrific time.

Throughout his speech, Mr. Awin repeatedly expressed how lucky he felt. As a young boy during the outbreak of the war, he did not fully understand what was happening as Jews were being rounded up and sent to concentration camps. At first, the war still felt somewhat distant to him, until one day, the Germans came for him and his family.

Realizing the danger they faced, Mr. Awin’s parents made the courageous decision to jump off a train with their little boy and flee on foot. Though it was extremely challenging, Mr. Awin and his family were eventually able to secure passage on a ship to India, escaping the danger in Europe.

Jakie Kirschner (‘27) reflected, “It is crazy to see how the war affected not just those sent to concentration camps, but even those who were able to avoid them.”

Mr. Awin’s story serves as a powerful reminder that nobody was safe from the Nazi regime. Even those who survived were often forced to completely uproot their lives, leaving everything they knew behind.

Article by Avi Weinstock ('27)

The Fun Is-Real

KYHS Honors Yom Ha'atzmaut in an Unconventional School Day

Graphic by Esti Distenfeld ('26)

Last Wednesday was anything but a normal school day. In honor of Israel’s Independence Day, KYHS students took part in Grade Wars, where each grade competed against each other to win the greatest prize of all, bragging rights.

The day started with a school-wide davening, followed by a really beautiful musical Hallel with the KYHS Band, Ami Kieffer (‘26), Izzie Gately (‘26), Eliav Bar (‘26), and Alex Eisenberger (‘26), which set a positive tone for the whole day. Furthermore, the energy of the chazan, Yehuda Cik (aka Yehuda!), father of KYHS Alumni Daniel Cik (‘23), Jacob Cik (‘25), and current student Hannah Cik (‘27), started the day filled with ruach and good vibes.

After davening and breakfast, we got right into dodgeball between the Juniors and the Seniors. The Seniors somehow lost the first game, but came back and won the second game, despite having around 25 less men than the Juniors. Unfortunately time ran out and there was not enough time to play a tiebreaker, but definitely stay tuned for a future rematch.

Then came soccer, and the seniors pulled through with a big win, led by soccer phenom Sam Shapiro (‘26), who basically put the seniors on his back and led them to victory.

After that, everyone headed to the Beit Midrash for Rabbi Wolk’s mega raffle. Prizes ranged from Bamba to falafel mix. There was a shockingly wholesome moment when Eitan Lasry (‘26) didn’t win the falafel mix, but someone who did gave it to him. This is just one of the many acts of chesed that happened on that day.

Arguably the best part of the day was lunch. Not only because it was actually free but because it was some of the finest Israeli salad, chummus, techina, fries, falafel, shawarma, and warm pita that I have ever had.

To end things off, there was a full carnival with bouncy houses, mazes, and even human foosball! Simultaneously there was an ICEE truck for students to get a nice refreshing drink. Even after being in the sun all day, the atmosphere was electric.

As the day came to an end, Shira Nyer (‘26) put it best: “While today has been more than fun, it’s important for us to take time and recognize our love for Am Yisrael and the meaning it gives us in our lives.”

And I don't think she could have said it any better. Yes, it was fun, loud, and competitive, but it also meant something much bigger than any of us. It was a chance to come together to celebrate Am Yisrael as a school community. It was truly a special day.

Article by Avi Harris ('26)