Graphic by Aaron Newman ('24)

In this week’s Parsha, all misunderstandings between the sons of Yaakov seem to be thrown out the window as soon as Yosef reveals himself. Yosef immediately downplays everything that had transpired between him and his brothers by telling his brothers that Hashem had this planned so I can feed you, (45:5-7). There is no reason for us to have any animosity.

What can we learn from the sibling rivalry that occurred between the sons of Yaakov? How can the tensions of the holy Shevatim reach such extremes? To answer these questions, we need to look no further than the Mefarshim (commentators) to gain an appreciation of the catastrophic consequences of misunderstandings.

In the opening moments of the story, Yosef “snitches” on his older brothers to his father. The Malbim (37:2) writes that Yosef thought his brothers were doing actions that were improper and he thought the best way to correct their actions was to tell his father. In turn, his father will give them Mussar and encourage them to go on the proper path. According to the Malbim, Yosef did this to help his brothers. Unfortunately, Yosef’s youthfulness failed to see or predict the consequences of his actions, Seforno (37:2). His brothers however, thought that Yosef was trying to anger them so they would sin and the sin would lead to their downfall, Seforno (37:19).

While sibling rivalries may be commonplace, how can the sons of Yaakov ever think of such an extreme action, to kill their own brother?  The Seforno writes that the brothers thought that Yosef was trying to kill them, a Rodef. The Gemara in Berachos (58B) and elsewhere writes that if one is coming to kill a person, that person being chased should kill the person first before anything happens to himself. Therefore, the brothers had a right or even an obligation to kill Yosef. For this reason, the Seforno 37:18 writes that when Yosef was sent by his father to see how his brothers were doing, his brothers thought that Yosef was planning to kill them.[1] (In actuality, Yosef was trying to fulfill the Mitzvah of honoring his father.  Rashi (37:13) writes that Yosef was so eager to fulfill the Mitzvah, that he went to check on his brothers, even though he knew that his brothers hated him).

The Seforno takes note that the Passuk describes that right after throwing Yosef  was thrown into a pit, the brothers had a big feast. How can anyone ever feel good about throwing their brother into a pit? The Seforno (37:25) writes that it must be that the brothers thought that they acting appropriately, that they had the audacity to have an entire Seuda right after throwing their brother into the pit.

While the Seforno does tell us the sin that the brothers thought he was guilty of, the Ramban does not. However, it is clear in the Ramban’s commentary that the brothers thought that Yosef was guilty of something. For example, the Ramban (37:22) writes that it must be that the brothers did not know that there were poisonous snakes and scorpions in the pit. Why? Had they known, they would have immediately gathered that Yosef was righteous and would have taken him out of the pit.[2] Later on in the story, Reuven rebukes his brothers that they should have not treated his brother the way that they did (42:22) There, the Ramban (42:22) writes that Reuven’s rebuke to the brothers was that he sinned because he was a young child. We, the brothers should have ignored the sins of someone so young. Clearly, the brothers felt that Yosef was guilty of something.

In conclusion, it is important to be conscious and aware that any action done can be taken in multiple ways. It is important for us to place a premium that actions are not misread nor misinterpreted   For example, the Gemara in Beitza (9A) writes that one is not permitted to move  a work ladder outside lest one think that they are fixing their roof on Shabbos. The Gemara continues and writes that one is not allowed to hang up their clothing to dry on Shabbos, lest one come to think that clothing was laundered on Shabbos. (Of course, laundering is forbidden on Shabbos). It is evident that the Gemara expects us to act in a way that others do not suspect us of any wrongdoing. While these are examples of Bein Adam LeMakom suspicions, this is intuitively true for interpersonal relationships. On top of this obligation to not be misunderstood, one must continue to be diligent, to always judge everyone favorable, Avos (1:6).[3] If only both the doer and the observer would constantly be looking to straighten out any potential misunderstandings, how many families and businesses would be saved from complete devastation.

[1] The Seforno writes that Yosef was either trying to find fault in them or cause them to sin, which would then lead their father or Hashem to curse them to death.

[2] Meaning, only a righteous Tzaddik is protected from these harmful animals.

[3] This Mishna is undoubtedly dealing with normal people since the Gemara in Shabbos (97A) writes that someone who suspects an upright person is deserving of Makkos.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Berman

1/3 Blood Drives

KYHS Students Had the Opportunity to Give Blood for Those in Need

Graphic by Ezra Dimont ('25)

The Big Red Buses pulled into the Katz Yeshiva High School’s hectic parking lot earlier this week. Although the bright red exterior caught the attention of the younger classmen, they had to sit out since only those sixteen and older were eligible to give blood. Amazingly, many students jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this incredible act of chessed. Students whose typical diet consists of the delicious Lenny’s pizza or sushi from the Grove, opted for more iron packed nutritional food. Prior to the blood drive students were scarfing down spinach, lentils, and nuts for their iron levels to increase and meet the criteria to donate blood. Despite some students' diligence in dietary prep, they were turned away due to the safety regulations of the blood drive. Hannah Markovich(‘24) expressed that she “worked really hard because [she] always wanted to give blood since it's such an incredible opportunity to help people, but unfortunately [her] blood pressure was too high” she continued that “ this won’t deter [her] from trying again in the future!”

Lucky for Hannah and for other students who missed it, the blood drive will be returning! Hopefully there will be enough time for students to get over their fear of needles and eat plenty of steak, so that they can partake in this tremendous mitzvah. 

Organized by Mrs. Lysee Stein, the school blood drive is a unique chessed opportunity. The drive enables students to help others immensely with only missing half a period. As School President Nava Shekhter (‘24) put it, “it’s such an incredible opportunity that only takes 20 minutes out of my life yet can save someone else’s.”

Article by Sarah Posner ('24) and Gabriella Asher ('25)

Yachad Yachad

Students Sell Merch to Support Yachad

Graphic by Joshua Reich ('25)

This past week, on December 5th and 6th, Yachad hosted their two day event that focused on raising money for their organization. Yachad is a non-profit organization that runs social programming for people with disabilities and helps and creates relationships with diverse people. People that have volunteered in this amazing organization have expressed that whenever they attend a Yachad event they feel the happiest and everyone’s personality shines. Although Yachad provides a safe and loving environment for people with disabilities it also builds long lasting leadership roles for the volunteers. On a personal note, from someone who volunteers for Yachad on a regular basis, I feel as though I retain much more from interacting with these smiley and kind individuals. They teach me the importance of accepting everyone no matter what they look like, to act patiently, and to always live in the moment.

Since Yachad is a non-profit organization they rely solely on donations. This is why these giving days are so important and necessary to the organization. Specifically South Florida Yachad had a goal of raising $70,000 this year. We were able to go above this goal because of the dedicated people raising money. Every person that volunteered to raise money created a team, totaling sixteen teams, most of them being the students at KYHS. These teams total donations reached up to almost $73,000! 

The teachers and students were ecstatic to help join this special cause and made a donation for a Yachad swag in return. Emma Seghi ('25) and Shoshi Greenblatt ('24) rolled a cart around the school asking the student body to make donations. They offered cool Yachad swag, which included reusable ice cream cups, decorative iPhone wallet cases, and useful notepads. 

Giving Day enables current Yachad participants to continue their volunteering, and new people to get involved in this remarkable organization. The overwhelming success of Giving Day will facilitate the continual chessed Yachad creates for our community.

Click Here to Donate!

Article by Emma Seghi ('25)

Bella’s Un-Bella-Ievable News

Design and Donate!

Graphic by Technical Staff

The Design and Donate club, run by Mrs. Lazar, Mali Blanka (‘24), and Tahel Peretz (‘24), recently completed their latest and greatest project. They ingeniously created no-sew blankets by cutting fringes on fabric to tie together instead of sewing; the results were unique blanket borders. The club used all different kinds of colors and designs to make these blankets look incredible. 

Once completed, they donated the blankets to an organization called Project Linus. This organization donates to children who are seriously ill and are in hospitals all across South Florida. In addition, they donate to victims of domestic abuse, newborn intensive care units, child protective services, and others in need. These blankets really help bring comfort and love to those who are struggling. 

Their newest project is creating pillowcases, which will, G-d-willing, go to people currently displaced people in Israel. The club heads are working tirelessly with faculty members to get their donations to Israel. In addition to the pillowcases, they are planning more projects aimed to help Israelis as much as possible in hopes to make them feel more comfortable, even if they can’t be in their homes. 

In contrast to the no-sew blankets, two pieces of fabric will be sewn together and decorated to create beautiful pillows. Not only are they great to donate, but they are so fun to make! 

This club produces such impactful chessed, and it reminds us that we can always do more to help people in need. No contribution is ever too small, so we should all take a moment to think of others. Especially during Chanukah, when we are having yummy food and amazing fun, we should remember those who do not have the privilege to have the same experiences.



Article by Bella Srugo ('24)

Yeshiva and Seminary Presentations

KYHS Seniors Here About Possible Gap Year Programs

Graphic by Technical Staff

This past week, Katz Yeshiva High School seniors had the privilege of hearing from representatives of various Yeshiva and Seminaries in Israel. As many seniors have already finished their college applications, the following step is next year, which for many involves going to Israel either to a Yeshiva/Seminary or gap-year program. However, with so many options, it is difficult to find the right program. Consequently, many seniors opted to attend presentations from Aish EFG, Mevaseret, Shaalvim, Yishrei Lev, Netiv Aryeh, and Derech Ohr Sameach. Each Yeshiva brought in a different Rabbi or admissions representative to discuss the daily routines and Yeshiva goals, hoping to inspire students to delve deeper into what the upcoming year might offer and consider their choices carefully.

Josh Haik (‘24) says the presentations were “very helpful in answering my questions and helping narrow down my decisions of where I want to go next year.” Similarly, Zev Kay (‘24), who plans on going to Yeshiva next year, says that the presentations “showed how intense or relaxed learning could be.” Additionally, he notes that the ability to be in a place “where all the kids my age are either fighting for Israel or learning and volunteering to help their efforts” is truly remarkable.

All the seniors who attended the visits gained valuable insights into the potential opportunities for the coming year and left with a new understanding that will surely help in their post-secondary decisions! 

Article by Eduardo Kornworcel ('24)