Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

In Parshat Shoftim, we encounter four leadership types: The Melech (king, executive and other functions), Shofet (judge, civil servant), Kohen (priest, religious functions & instruction), and Navi (prophet, inspiration/resetting social norms). Note that the acronym of these four positions is MSHK"N, the sanctuary that is the heart of the encampment, the Mikdash that will be the center of the Jewish people's lives. Each position had its role, and each was essential in helping Bnei Yisrael become the national entity that would occupy its national homeland successfully. 

In our Welcome Back! video, we asked students to consider becoming the leaders who make a difference. Many a time we sit back and wait and watch, thinking that others will step up and take on a responsibility. But this year will be different! This year, everyone at KYHS is eager to engage and shoulder the responsibilities of making KYHS an amazing environment in so many important ways. 

It is hard not to be blown away by the positive energy with which our students came to school during orientations and the first week of school. KOSL ran a terrific Arcade Extravaganza which provided everyone with a fun way to transition from summer mode back to a school mindset. Athletic teams began their workouts. Shofar blowing at davening and Sephardic selichot remind us that Elul is a time when Hashem seeks closeness as we gear up for the awesomeness of Rosh HaShana and Yom HaKippurim. Administrators have had the pleasure of sitting in on tens of classes, including the successful on-boarding of handfuls of new and new-to-KYHS teachers.  

Everyone appreciates the ability to see each other's smiles, something we are able to do for the first time in three years as we begin the school year. 

Old favorites like Night Seder, clubs, and Terry serving lunches are soon to start or are up-and-running with a smile! Oh sure, the test calendar will fill, and tiredness from studying and learning may yet set in, but the freshness of the first days of school will provide a powerfully positive turbo boost that will carry us throughout the year.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Levitt

Fresh Take on KYHS

Class of 2026 is Welcomed into School

with Open Arms

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)



This past week, Katz Yeshiva High school hosted two events welcoming new students into our school. First was the transfer-student orientation on Tuesday. Students from all over America, and some from Israel, were greeted by their sophomore, junior, and senior mentors who showed them around the school and welcomed them into our community.

Student Council President Shlomo Ganz (‘23) gave a speech, and teachers were able to introduce themselves to the new students. Afterwards, KOSL played a game with the students which helped them feel a bit more comfortable in their new environment. “It was nice to welcome kids our age from other schools and get to know where they are from and help them smoothly transition into KYHS”, said Talia Leubitz (‘25).

On Wednesday, mentors welcomed the class of 2026 as they took their first steps into KYHS. There was pizza for the mentors as they waited for their freshmen to arrive at school, and once the ninth graders came in, the mentors introduced themselves and the freshmen were brought up to the classrooms to receive their iPads. Members of the faculty and administration such as Kris Ruffo, Rabbi Lanner, Mrs. Kanner, and the guidance counselors introduced themselves and explained the role that they play in our school.

Afterwards, the freshmen took their yearbook pictures and got a tour around campus. “The freshman orientation helped me become familiar with the building and it was nice having an older student to ask questions to,” said Kira Berley (‘26). Both events were successful in bringing the new students into KYHS and making them feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible.

Article by Ariela Leibowitz ('25)

Say Hooray for the

First Day!

Year of '22-'23 Starts Off with a Bang

Video by Mr. Zach Cohen

On August 28th, KYHS students walked into the building buzzing with excitement. It was finally the first day of school! As the students entered the school, they embraced their friends, caught up with teachers they didn’t see over the summer, and introduced themselves to the new students. The energy in the hallways was upbeat, resulting in an amazing first davening filled with kavanah. 

Following the uplifting Shacharit, students were welcomed to grab a delectable Krispy Kreme donut. After the delicious treats and catching up with friends, the students headed to the Beit Midrash for a schoolwide assembly. At the assembly, the entire high school heard words of motivation for the first day of school from Rabbi Levitt and valuable lessons from Mrs. Kanner. The chinuch that the students received from the program was a great transition to the start of classes. 

This school year, KYHS expanded its student body to over 490 students. With the influx of new students, new teachers have also been added to the KYHS family. At the start of each class, teachers reviewed the rules and regulations on the class syllabus. The teachers were welcoming, clear, and informative to students on the first day of class. 

We can’t wait for the new learning opportunities and programming the school has in store for us this year!

Article by Gabriella Asher ('25)

Let the Games Begin

KYHS Sports Storm into their Fall Season

Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

Sports are a crucial part of the Katz Yeshiva High School student experience. They help you learn important life skills including commitment, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork, and many more. One of the fall sports that takes place is girls volleyball. The girls volleyball team is like a family unit. The members of the team are all there for each other and become very close friends. Senior Atara Sredni remarked, “I have been on the volleyball team at KYHS for two years. I love being a part of the team because everyone is looking out for each other. You also get to create bonds and friendships with kids in other grades that you don’t get from walking the halls in school.” 

This team is very competitive and a lot of girls try out. The tryouts consist of many activities to evaluate their skills. There are two tryouts and showing up to both gives you a higher chance of making it. The girls who do make the team are passionate and enthusiastic about being there and playing volleyball. Esther Levy (‘25) commented, “I’ve been playing volleyball for over four years, and being able to play with my friends and in this school with the best two coaches makes it so much more meaningful. I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone has to give for the team, doing amazing, and winning every game!!” 

We are thrilled for another great year at KYHS and are excited to see what the girls on the team will accomplish.

Article by Emma Seghi ('25)

Students Win Big with a First Day Arcade

KOSL Runs a Super Fun Event with

Games, Pictures, and Music!

Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23)

To kick off the first day of the 2022-23 school year, KYHS students were treated to an arcade. The energy was palpable right away upon walking into the gym last Thursday. The lights were flashing, music was blasting, and all the students had big smiles on their faces.

There were an assortment of games ranging from air hockey, to axe throwing, to skeeball, to testing how fast you can throw a baseball. There was an awesome claw machine where students tested their luck and tried to fish out some KYHS merch! A fan favorite was the photo booth. Students lined up to take pictures with friends they haven’t seen since last school year as well as new students who just moved here.

This arcade served as a great ice breaker for freshmen to bond and get to know their new classmates as well as for 10th through 12th graders to get to know their new classmates and make everyone feel welcomed. Teachers joined in on the fun, often challenging students to play against them. Senior Aliza Bokor shared: “Playing air hockey and throwing axes with my teachers was such a unique opportunity to get to know all my teachers outside a classroom setting”. Many students who chose not to play games enjoyed dancing to the music and singing along.

Thank you Rabbi Wolk, Mrs. Hochner, and Student Council for giving students a healthy brain break as students transition from summer to school! This arcade set the precedent for more fun student council planning throughout the year.

Article by Atara Keehn ('23)

Lunch 'n Learn Launches into the New Year

Masmidot Program Kicks off with Learning, Food, and Fun!

Graphic by Rebecca Adler ('23)

This week, our girls Masmidot had their first event of the year in the form of the weekly Tuesday Lunch and Learn. The girls spent time learning b’chavruta and afterwards discussed the topic as a group. In addition to the delicious Torah they enjoyed, Rave pizza and fries were also provided. “I’m so excited to be part of Masmidot for my second year and I can’t wait for all the lunch and learns, amazing speakers, and weekend events to come this year!”, remarked Talia Distenfeld (‘23). Masmidot is off to a great start, and we are looking forward to a meaningful year. 

Article by Zohara Lam ('23)