Yeshiva Highlites

Disclaimer: This Edition is Best Looked At On A Computer

Upcoming Events:

Sarachek Basketball Tournament

Mar. 27th - 31st

Drama Production: Brighton Beach Memoir

Apr. 2nd - 3rd

Shalva Marathon

Apr. 4th -5th

The Parsha of Pekudei is remarkable, primarily because it focuses on providing a detailed account, almost like a balance sheet.

In the previous parshiyot, we learned that Hashem instructed Moshe to gather contributions from the people in order to build the Mishkan. Moshe was then responsible for overseeing the construction and the furnishing of the Mishkan. Now, in this portion, we receive a comprehensive list, item by item, of everything that was contributed and how Moshe managed the use of those contributions.

This emphasis in the Torah highlights the vital importance of integrity in leadership. Leaders must be accountable, both to the people and to Hashem, ensuring they always act with honesty and responsibility. But why is this level of detail devoted to this topic in the Torah? One of the key concepts in Jewish tradition is Marit Ayin, the idea that we should avoid actions that could mislead others. For example, walking into a non-kosher butcher to buy bones for a dog could lead people to mistakenly assume the butcher is kosher, or worse, that you are purchasing non-kosher food for yourself.

In Temple times, the Garmu family was in charge of baking the showbread. They kept their recipe a closely guarded secret, and to avoid any suspicion, they never baked bread at home, ensuring that no one would think they were misusing Temple resources for personal gain. Similarly, the Avtinas family was responsible for preparing the incense for the Temple. To maintain their integrity, they ensured that the brides in their family never wore perfume, so people wouldn’t suspect they were using incense from the Temple for their own personal use.

Parshat Pekudei teaches us the significance of Marit Ayin through Moshe's exemplary leadership. His dedication to both doing what is right and ensuring that others see him doing so reminds us that integrity isn’t just about actions; it’s about perception as well.

Shabbat Shalom,

Gabriella Asher ('25) & Joshua Reich (‘25)

Did you hear?

March was once considered the first month of the year.

KYHS is starting Pesach Break 3 days earlier than usual!

Mrs. Segal has run several half marathons. GO! GO! GO!

Upcoming weddings:

Lindsay Munter (‘17) to Victor Allaham from Brooklyn, NY

Moshe Levenson (‘14) to Amanda Klestzick from New Rochelle, NY

Sarina Hilowitz (‘18) to Ryan Turell from Los Angeles, CA

Yaakov Eisenmann (’20) to Yaffa Caplan from Baltimore, MD

Jolie Davies (‘16) to Noam Tansman from Boca Raton, FL

Sara Deichman (‘19) to Jeremy Jesselson from Lawrence, NY

Yitzy Lanner (‘19), to Tamar Mayer from Queens, NY

ARTICLES:

Op-ed: World Zionist Congress Overview

By Ezra Dimont ('25)

Technical Staff

By Avi Harris ('26)

STAFF WRITER

This past Tuesday, students at Katz Yeshiva High School (KYHS) had the opportunity to hear from individuals who participated in Sherut Leumi. The speakers represented an organization called Mizrachi, a global Religious Zionist organization which seeks to promote Jewish identity and engagement with Israel. World Mizrachi is actively engaged in the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections, advocating to gain funds in order to support Israeli soldiers along with Modern Orthodox organizations like the OU, Bnei Akiva, and NCSY. This election can lead to approximately $5 billion over the next five years for Jewish causes in Israel, including helping soldiers and their conditions.

During their presentation, the Sherut Leumi alumni encouraged KYHS students to support their efforts in the World Zionist Congress elections. By participating, students can help ensure that funds are directed toward improving conditions for Israeli soldiers and strengthening Zionist organizations, creating a large connection between America and Israel. This engagement not only aids in enhancing support systems for soldiers, but also promotes the trips and organizations led by Bnei Akiva, the OU, and NCSY. Therefore, the event at KYHS highlighted the pivotal role of Sherut Leumi participants and the significance of the World Zionist Congress elections in shaping the future of Jewish and Zionist initiatives. Those who came to KYHS showed the importance of involvement in these processes to support the well-being of Israeli soldiers and the broader Jewish community as a whole.

Katz on Ice

By Sarita Hirsch ('28)

Technical Staff

By Ava Luebitz ('28)

STAFF WRITER

It started as just another school day, but after Mincha, the Junior and Freshman class were all excited to leave for ice skating. The whole group couldn’t wait to hit the rink. The cold air, the sound of skates gliding, and laughter made the day feel like an unforgettable adventure with everyone there. It was our freshman ice skating trip, and we had been talking about it for weeks. Some of us had skated before, but others had never been on the ice. When we arrived, the cold hit us as soon as we stepped inside. We put on our skates, which were a little tricky, and everyone was a mix of excited and nervous.

The first few minutes were pretty shaky. Some people clung to the edge, while others tried to glide but ended up falling. It was hard not to laugh, but everyone was supportive, offering tips or cheering each other on. Slowly, we started getting the hang of it. Some people picked it up quickly, while others just kept trying.

During a break, we gathered around for hot chocolate and hot pretzels. It didn’t matter who was the best skater; everyone was having fun. By the end of the day, we were all happy about how many new friends we had made and how much fun we had together! For those who didn’t go, it’s hard to explain what made the day special.

It wasn’t just about skating—it was about doing something new together and sharing laughs. It became a memory we’d all talk about for a long time.

PICTURE THIS:

The Best Senior Prank

By Adam Ribault ('25)

Technical Staff

By Abby Tache ('25)

STAFF WRITER

This past Tuesday night, the seniors all came together to make the best senior prank KYHS has ever seen. Unfortunately, it backfired when they were promptly kicked out of the school building for a miscommunication. After bringing every chair back in from the great lawn, the seniors raced home to get rest for what would be a jam packed day. Arriving at school at 6:30 AM, they set to work, transforming the campus into a tropical beach. With 800 pounds of sand, tarps, a kiddie pool, that many seniors would end up belly flopping into, tiki torches, and a palm tree, they created a beach-themed wonderland. They placed sticky notes on the office windows and walls, hung up caution tape, and streamers at the beginnings of the halls.

Not only was there an epic beach set up but later on in the during a Mariachi Band made their appearance. Yishai Schochet ('25) coordinated the elaborate stunt and was very passionate about pulling off this unsuspecting and brilliant senior prank. The band marched through the hallways, followed by almost every student at KYHS, filling the school with excitement, ruach, and heat. Jacob Zucker '(25) spoke highly of the day saying, “It was fun because it was a good bonding experience. It was fun to see everyone come together.” Despite the long cleanup, with water stains still soaking into the carpet, the Class of 2025 left behind a legacy of chaos, creativity, and pure senior energy that will be talked about for years to come!