Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

"וַיָּבִ֤יאוּ אֶת⁠־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ אֶל⁠־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת⁠־הָאֹ֖הֶל וְאֶת⁠־כּל⁠־כֵּלָ֑יו קְרָסָ֣יו קְרָשָׁ֔יו בְּרִיחָ֖ו וְעַמֻּדָ֥יו וַאֲדָנָֽיו"

“They brought the Tabernacle to Moshe: the tent and all its vessels, its clasps, its boards, its crossbars and its pillars and its sockets”

This week's parsha describes that Bnei Yisrael brought the Mishkan in front of Moshe after its completion. Rashi tells us that this is because they weren't able to erect it themselves – it was too heavy. He also quotes a midrash recounting the discussion between Hashem and Moshe. Moshe asks how it would be possible for a human being to erect such a formidable structure by himself. Hashem answers that he should pretend to lift it: to “play with it”. The midrash then describes that: “he appeared to be erecting it, but in fact it set itself up and rose of its own accord.”

If Hashem knew Moshe couldn't lift it by himself why did He ask him to do so? What was the point of Moshe pretending to? 

The story is told of a man who is running late to an important business meeting. He is circling the parking lot trying to find a spot. He calls out to God saying that if he can find a spot he’ll make a generous donation to his shul. A second later a spot opens up and the man says: “never mind, I found one”. 

Rabbi Bogopolsky explains that Hashem wants us to put in our greatest effort – our hishtadlus. We need to work hard and try our best. We can't sit back and expect tasks to be accomplished. However, at the same time we need to remember Who is really making things happen. When studying for a test or writing a paper, we need to work hard. We can't merely daven and hope things will turn out for the good. However, when we do receive that good grade we must remember Who made it possible. We need to remember Who gave us the answer after our minds went blank for a couple of seconds. 

May we learn the message from this week's parsha that we must continue to work hard to achieve our goals but ultimately recognize Hashem in our accomplishments. 

Good Shabbos,

Naftali Keiffer ('23)

Happy National Pi Day

Graphic by Joshua Reich ('25)

Hola, Somos KYHS

Spanish Classes Take a Trip to Jupiter

Graphic by Esti Distenfeld ('26)

This past Wednesday, students in the Spanish Language Elective embarked on a captivating journey through time as they visited a historical lighthouse in Jupiter, Florida. This area was discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon, who was a Spanish conquistador in the early 16th century. Today, this lighthouse serves as a museum and an educational center, allowing students to learn about the history and the culture of the early arrivals. Aviva Sered ('27), highlighted the educational value of the trip as she mentioned, “On this trip, I learned about the lifestyle of the early settlers, as there was a museum exhibit showing how early arrivers lived their lives.”

The students had the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse to see the amazing view of Jupiter, Florida. “We went to the Jupiter inlet lighthouse and museum. The tour around the area was given in Spanish, allowing us to apply all the skills we have learned to a real-life situation. This was a fantastic experience!” said Abby Bienenfeld ('26). The students were able to understand the tour as it was given in Spanish; this allowed the students to realize how much their skills had improved. Lastly, Raquel Cohen (26’), shared the following, “I am so fortunate to have experienced this amazing trip as it was such a fun way to bond with my classmates and my teacher.” The trip to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum was more than just an excursion, it served as a break from the regular classroom setting and created the golden opportunity for amazing memories. 

Article by Reese Zombek ('26)

KOSL or POSL

Sneak Peak on the Planning Process of Purim at KYHS

Graphic by Ezra Dimont ('25)

Jacob: What is your favorite dress up day and why? 

Rabbi Wolk: We've only had one so far, but I'm particularly looking forward to "Family Heritage Day." I'm excited to see students and teachers dress like their ancestors. I'm hoping for creative and colorful clothing. 

Mrs. Hochner:  I always love dress like a student/teacher day. To me it helps reinforce the student/teacher bond which is always important.

Jacob: What sparks your creativity? 

Rabbi Wolk: We try to look at the year's calendar and sprinkle in fun, so that school isn't just "school."

Mrs. Hochner: Everything sparks my creativity. Trying to think of creative new programming is my favorite part of my job.

Jacob: Why do you feel it is important for the school to be engaged in Purim specifically when most of the other holidays we don’t have a week of themes/ activities?

Rabbi Wolk:  We try to fulfill משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה. It's not only about the one day of Purim, but the whole month of Adar. We need to pack in enough simcha so that it carries over even when Adar ends.

Mrs. Hochner: We also have a week of activities for chanukah but I wish we could do it for every holiday!

Jacob: Do you get creative blocks and if so how do you get over it?

Rabbi Wolk: What helps (at least for me) with creativity is talking to students. Many students stop by the KOSL to talk and make wild suggestions for programs. Most of the time they're pretty outlandish and unfeasible, but they spark other ideas.

Mrs. Hochner:  Honestly, no.

Jacob: What goes into planning school wide activities like stormania?

Rabbi Wolk: For Stormania, Mrs. Hochner spends a lot of time trying to refresh the activities from previous years. We discussed which games were fun, and which competitions students didn't really enjoy. We also get suggestions throughout the year from teachers (and even KYHS parents). If they are good, we try to make them happen.

Mrs. Hochner: I have a file open on my phone all year where I write down my ideas for Stormania. It is by far my favorite program of the year and I work on it constantly.

Article by Jacob Zucker ('25)

It's Kigel Time

The Girls Hear from Inspirational Speaker Who Gave Some Insight on Their Lives

Graphic by Danielle Zaretsky ('24)

On Thursday March 14th, world-renowned speaker and author Devorah Kigel came to Katz Yeshiva High School to speak to the girls about the beauty, depth, and implications of  internal and external modesty. Mrs. Kigel spoke separately to underclassmen and upperclassmen, and she opened both speeches with the story of her journey in the realm of tzniut and negiah. As a ba’alat teshuva, Mrs. Kigel easily connected with her audiences, since she understood that many of the girls listening feel challenged by these mitzvot. 

In her speech to the juniors and seniors specifically, Mrs. Kigel elucidated on the importance of relationships – including relationships formed during high school – being built on a foundation of substance and meaning. She explained the importance of building communication skills and respect in relationships by focusing on developing communication and trust without physical intimacy. Mrs. Kigel explained that the goal is to one day build a unique relationship that has space for both emotional and physical intimacy, but now is the time to learn the skills it will take to get there.

Batsheva Smierc (‘25), a junior who had the privilege of hearing from Mrs. Kigel, exclaimed afterward that, “the speaker really inspired me and my Judaism. It really changed the way I see things now.” Mrs. Kigel's insightful presentation left a lasting impact on the students, empowering them to approach relationships with wisdom, patience, and integrity. Devorah Kigel was truly inspiring!

Article by Lauren Tabbouche ('25)

Sha...Sha...Shalva Marathon

KYHS' Shalva Team Runs in the Jerusalem Marathon

Graphic by Technical Staff

This past week, a group of KYHS students went to Israel to run the Jerusalem Marathon in support of Shalva. Shalva, the Israeli association for Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, is dedicated to providing quality care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families and promoting social inclusion. Team Shalva is a worldwide family that brings the joy of sports to people of all abilities. It is a fun-filled three day weekend experience, as well as a unique and dedicated training program that unites runners of all backgrounds and ages, helping them prepare to run, walk, or a combination of the two in the annual Jerusalem Marathon. Team Shalva is committed to getting you to the finish line of your track goal: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K. It is an incredible event that brings together people from all walks of life to support a good cause. This race is not just about running; it is about making a positive impact on the world and helping out those in need. 

Shaina Freidman (‘25), who ran for Shalva, said: “It was the best experience of my life and I’m so excited to do it again next year.” If you are looking to challenge yourself physically while making a positive impact, participating in this marathon is an excellent choice. Senior Rina Pollock (‘24) also ran for Shalva and said, “The unified atmosphere and excitement amongst the runners, topped with the beautiful view of Jerusalem, made for an unforgettable run.” 

It is amazing how everyone is able to come together despite their differences to support such a beautiful cause. It is also so great to see all the positivity and great things going on in Israel. Am Yisrael Chai!

Article by Emma Seghi ('25)

Highlites Staff