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

Atara (Goldberg ‘18) and Calev Minsky on the birth of their daughter, Kaila Emunah

Marriages:

Lindsay Munter (‘17) to Victor Allaham

Condolences to:

The Struhl family on their loss of their beloved father and grandfather, Mr. Harold Struhl

Debby (and Rabbi Avi) Levitt, grandfather of Sammy, Saadya ('21), Nesya ('24) and Yamin ('26) on the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother, Joan Aharon

KYHS Boys Flag Football Wraps Up a Memorable Season

The KYHS Boys Flag Football team wrapped up a season filled with heart, growth, and unforgettable memories. From the very first practice to the final whistle, the team’s energy, dedication, and unity made every moment special. As the coach, I couldn’t be more grateful for the hard work, commitment, and passion shown by every single player. Their thirst for knowledge on both offense and defense made coaching them an absolute pleasure.

Throughout the season, the team’s determination was on full display, outscoring opponents by a dominant 172–47 margin. But beyond the stats, it was the bond between players that truly defined their success. Freshman Evan Levontin (’29) reflected, “The team was super fun to play with and as a freshman they included and welcomed me with open arms. They also gave helpful tips and encouragement to me. This helped create a strong bond between me and all of the other players.”

Though the season didn’t end exactly as hoped, the memories far outweigh the scoreboard. Senior Abie Kaweblum (’26) summed it up best: “Although the season didn’t end how we wanted it to, the great vibes at practice and games is something I will always remember and cherish.”

Senior night was especially meaningful to me, as I learned a few new Hebrew words to write personalized messages for each senior that I used to convey my love for them. Senior Ilan Attias (’26) said it simply: “This season was memorable, had a great time with a very unique set of guys and an amazing coach.”

Mazel Tov to an incredible team and thank you for an unforgettable season!

Good Shabbos,

Coach Toms



Graphic by Matan Aghion ('29)

Last Thursday, the flag football team celebrated Senior Night during a thrilling matchup against Hillel NMB. As students, parents, and fans walked to the game, Ashi Pelikow ‘26 greeted them with his lovely BBQ tailgate outside the media room. As is the custom at KYHS, many students decorated signs in order to support their friends on the team. The sidelines were filled with funny signs and pictures that added to the cheerful environment. The crowd celebrated every catch and interception, erupting in excitement.

To nobody’s surprise, our Storm won 37-7 and dominated the entire game on both sides of the ball. The defense had FIVE interceptions including one pick-6, while the offense used that momentum to drive into the endzone multiple times. Star wide receiver Abie Kaweblum (‘26) had a monstrous game, torturing the defense on every route and scoring FOUR touchdowns. Elite pass rusher and captain Avi Bloom (‘26) expressed that “the fans pushed the team to this powerful victory.”

Following the game, Coach Toms presented a meaningful gift to each senior on the team. Everyone gathered around as every 12th grader received a football with a personalized message from the coaches written on it. In order to show their appreciation as well, the team framed a picture of them and gave it to Coach Toms. The evening was filled with fun as everyone celebrated another Storm victory.

Article by Golan Aghion ('26)

Graphic by Netanel Asher ('28)

Last Thursday, our students had the incredible privilege of welcoming Gavy Friedson, Director of International Emergency Management and Global Ambassador at United Hatzalah of Israel. After making aliyah with his family, Gavy began volunteering as an EMT at just 15 years old and has since dedicated his life to saving others. United Hatzalah is Israel’s largest independent, nonprofit, fully volunteer emergency medical service organization, responding to about 2,000 emergencies per day.

That Thursday marked 748 days since October 7th, 2023. It also marked just over a week since the release of the final living hostages. Together, as a school, we reflected on living with conflicting emotions: joy and relief for those who have returned, and deep sorrow for our fallen brothers and sisters. Gavy helped us reflect on that tragic day and honor the memories of those who were brutally murdered on and after October 7th. He shared powerful stories of the heroic United Hatzalah volunteers, who risked their lives to save others that day. Evie Lewinger (‘27) stated that “It was incredible to learn about how many civilians – including Arabs – stopped what they were doing and quickly volunteered to help on October 7th.” As part of honoring those who were killed on October 7th, KYHS has started our Memorial Rock Garden, where students write the names of the fallen on individual rocks to commemorate their memory.

Article by Anabelle Sokal ('27)

Senior Sunrise

KYHS Seniors Continue an Annual Tradition

Graphic by Lexi Newman ('28)

This past Friday, the KYHS Class of 2026 gathered for the annual Senior Sunrise Minyan. Students arrived at the beach at 7 a.m. and enjoyed the serene beach setting as the sun rose, glistening over the crashing ocean waves. The beautiful sunrise elevated our davening experience, making it significantly more reflective and spiritual; we were able to stop and take a moment to appreciate the nature around us while davening. While waking up early was challenging for some, it was well worth it in the end because there is something truly special about starting the day with a nice dose of sunlight.

The Senior Sunrise Minyan wasn’t just about having a meaningful davening, though; it was also an opportunity for seniors to connect with one another and share a meaningful morning of reflection and unity. “Watching the sunrise on the beach while davening was such a great and uplifting experience,” said Kira Berley (‘26). Following davening, the girls and boys joined together for a meaningful kumzitz overlooking the beach, enhancing the overall spiritual experience—a perfect way to conclude the school week while ushering in Shabbat.

After davening, the seniors split up to enjoy breakfast together: the boys headed to Golan Aghion’s ('25) house, while the girls gathered at Daniella Frist’s ('25), where they enjoyed delicious breakfasts before returning to school for second period. For KYHS seniors, the Senior Sunrise Minyan set the tone for a year filled with connection and unforgettable memories.

Article by Reese Zombek ('26)

Be Cara-ful!

Cara Filler Talks to KYHS About the Importance of Driving Safe

Graphic by Serena Fialkoff ('27)

This week, our school had the incredible opportunity to hear from motivational speaker Cara Filler, whose story moved and inspired everyone who attended. Cara began her speaking career after facing an unimaginable tragedy—the loss of her identical twin sister in a car accident just days after their 18th birthday. Rather than letting grief define her, she turned her pain into purpose, dedicating her life to empowering young people around the world. Over the years, Cara has spoken to more than two million students across five countries, spreading her message of resilience, courage, and self-worth.

During her visit, Cara spoke to the 9th and 10th grade students about her sister’s accident and the lessons she learned through grief and healing. She emphasized the importance of staying safe while driving, making smart choices, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Her honesty and humor made her story relatable and powerful.

The 11th and 12th grade girls had a special session where Cara shared tools to build self-esteem and confidence, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and strength. As Avra Fried (’27) reflected, “The assembly made me realize the importance of speaking up for what’s right. It inspired me to think more carefully about my and my friends’ actions.” Cara’s message was more than motivational. It was a reminder that even through tragedy, we can find purpose, strength, and the power to make positive change.

Article by Emma Harow ('27)

He Brought Them Home

KYHS celebrates the return of the Hostages with a school wide assembly

Graphic by Serena Fialkoff ('27)

Over Sukkot, more specifically, on Hoshana Rabbah, the remaining living hostages in Gaza were, Baruch Hashem, brought home after being in captivity for over two years. Upon our return to school, we had an assembly to celebrate and acknowledge the meaningful and sentimental occasion of our brothers’ and sisters' return to Israel.

We started with an emotional video that brought many students to tears: watching video clips of many of the hostages reuniting with their families after years apart was such a heartwarming experience. After two years of davening and saying Tehillim every day, our Tefillot were finally answered.

After the video, we heard from Chaya Cohn (‘26), who shared her experience of being in Israel when the hostages were brought home. She recounted how she could feel the change in atmosphere and how excited every single person was. She added that everyone was glued to their phones, constantly keeping up with the news and ensuring that the hostages were returned as promised. People eagerly waited for the moment that our people—our missing piece—were finally home.

The assembly concluded with Rabbi Horowitz leading the school in Tehillim to daven for the continued safety and success of Israel. As the whole school was together, with everyone saying the Hebrew words at once, the sense of community at KYHS could truly be felt. This speaks volumes about our school community and the Zionist environment we are a part of. Each of us cares so deeply for Israel, showing that although we are miles away from the Holy Land, we feel so connected to our people. We davened every single day for the return of the hostages, and we are so grateful to Hashem for answering our Tefillot.

Article by Orlee Shemesh ('28)

Find Your Place!

KYHS Hosts Their Annual Club Fair

Graphic by Adira Baitner ('26)

On Wednesday, September 17th, KYHS hosted its annual Club Fair: just within one lunch period, the Beit Midrash was transformed into a hub for creativity, leadership, and school spirit.

With tables lined up across the room, each representing one of the school’s many student-run clubs, the fair gave students the opportunity to explore new interests and to converse with like-minded peers. Senior Max Olsen (‘26) shared, “It was amazing to see how many different clubs there are. There's something for everyone. The energy was great, and it made me want to get more involved this year.”

While the Club Fair served as a sneak peek into the various passionate student-led groups, more importantly, it was a tangible reminder of how common interests can lead to connections. Whether it’s debating in Model UN, designing graphics for the Yearbook Club, or talking about the stock market in the Business Club, clubs give students the opportunity to take their interests and hobbies to the next level—with the Club Fair serving as the perfect way to get started.

For many students, it also served as a meaningful opportunity to take on leadership roles, inspiring younger students to join clubs and help shape the school community. Ultimately, the goal of the Club Fair was to encourage students to explore their interests and build community through shared experiences. The fair, being an exciting showcase of extracurricular life, was also a reminder that KYHS is a place where every student can find their people and go all out with whatever it is that they are passionate about.

Article by Aiden Olsen ('28)

 From Flood to Fun

KYHS Celebrates Parshas Noach With a Petting Zoo

Graphic by Blimi Farkas ('26)

Sukkot is a beautiful holiday … until it’s 2 A.M., you’re drenched in the Florida humidity, and a mosquito is incessantly buzzing your ear. Meanwhile, the “I sleep in the sukkah” crowd is out there pretending to be spiritual warriors while secretly wishing they were inside. The Torah says, “You shall dwell in the sukkah,” not “You shall turn yourself into a sweat-drenched mosquito buffet.” There is a clear difference between dwelling and suffering.

Judaism values joy in mitzvot—and joy is a lot easier to find in your bed with working air conditioning and no lizards. Sleeping indoors does not mean you are less committed; it means you are more practical. You can still eat, sing, and celebrate in the sukkah—then, head inside to sleep like a normal, functioning human being.

The sukkah is meant to remind us of Hashem’s protection, not test our mosquito and humidity endurance. So while some people wake up with Schach in their hair and some bragging rights, I’ll wake up refreshed, bug-free, and ready to enjoy the chag—from the comfort of my air-conditioned room.

Article by Aviva Sered ('27)

Graphic by Blimi Farkas ('26)

When the Torah says, “You shall dwell in the sukkah,” it doesn’t mean “Sit there for five minutes, eat a cookie, and go back inside.” It means to live there: to sleep, to dream, and to maybe even get woken up by a curious mosquito or two. There’s something unmatched about lying under the Schach, gazing at the stars, and feeling like you’re part of something ancient and real. It’s a once-a-year chance to trade A/C for authenticity.

Sure, your bed inside might be softer and your Wi-Fi stronger, but the sukkah connects you directly to generations of Jews who did the same thing without electricity or comfort—just faith and fresh air.

Sleeping in the sukkah isn’t just a mitzvah; it’s an experience, a spiritual sleepover with Hashem. So, grab a blanket, brave the Florida humidity, and join the exclusive club of those who don’t just visit the sukkah, but live in it.

Article by Avi Weinstock ('27)