Graphic by Ariella Mayer ('23)

In this week’s parsha we begin to transition from Avraham the individual to Avraham the father of a nation. Avraham is not only a man who buries his wife but someone who recognizes the need to stake his claim on the land of Israel for the sake of his future descendants. Avraham is not only a father who wants his son to find a wife but a visionary who recognizes that the values of the nation will be shaped, in part, by the character traits and actions of the person who his son marries. Avraham not only sees what needs to be done to help his family in the present, but recognizes what he needs to do to establish a nation where ethical monotheism is at the center. Avraham is a man of action who understands his mission and whose every action is in service of accomplishing that mission both in the present and in the future. 

This past week at KYHS was not only focused on developing ourselves in the present but in taking actions that will shape our future as well. The Torah track of Al Shlosha Devarim organized a Melave Malka that featured a shiur from Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, a kumzits, and some deep discussions about how to grow in our Avodat Hashem. The Admissions team and our Student Ambassadors held an Open House for prospective students that showcased the various ways in which students grow and develop during their years at KYHS. And the Guidance Department organized a series of speakers from CCSA to raise awareness amongst the students, faculty, and parents about drug and alcohol use within the Jewish community. All three of these programs highlighted that we must not only focus on what we need to do in the present but also on what we must do to promote continuous growth in the future. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs. Perl

YUTorah: KYHS Edition

KYHS Students Have the Honor of Hearing From Rabbi Lebowitz

Graphic by Josh Haik ('24)



Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz is a seasoned rabbi. He is head of semicha at Yeshiva University and is well known for his 10 minute halacha shiur on YUtorah.org, but he is most famous for being the brother of our very own Mrs. Michal Zisquit.

While Rabbi Lebowitz was visiting Boca last weekend, we had the privilege of hosting him a few times. The senior class enjoyed hearing him share an inspiring message about gemilut chasadim at the weekly JED Talk. Seniors walked out feeling a sense of pride for being part of a community that places such a strong value on acts of kindness. As part of Al Shlosha Devarim, the Torah track arranged a Motzei Shabbat program featuring Rabbi Lebowitz.

The girls gathered at Mrs. Perl’s house and heard an engaging shiur where they got to participate in choosing the topic they wanted to discuss. The topics were based on actual halachic questions that have been posed to Rabbi Lebowitz and ranged from issues of lying to the ethics of donating years of your life to someone else. The girls couldn’t choose just one topic and asked to hear the answers to all of the riveting questions. It was truly a unique and enlightening experience. Senior Naomi Baredes stated: “The event at Mrs. Perl’s house sparked halachic insight that I can implement in my everyday life”. 

The boys also shared an inspirational experience singing and hearing words of Torah. Senior Jonathan Davidson shared: “Rabbi Lebowitz brought a humorous, intelligent approach to Judaism.” We thank Rabbi Lebowitz for taking time out of his schedule to come speak to us.

Article by Atara Keehn ('23)

Come One, Come All!

KYHS Hosts an Incredible Open House for Prospective Students and Families

Graphic by Abby Rosenthal ('23)

This past Sunday, November 13th, the KYHS Open House for prospective students was a smashing success. Beginning at 9:30am, eighth grade students from schools across South Florida gathered on the KYHS campus to see what our school is about and what we have to offer. Walking into the building, boys and girls from grades 10-12 welcomed guests with warm smiles and energetic spirits. Soon-to-be students were ushered into the cafeteria for light refreshments including fresh orange juice and tasty pastries. After a brief opportunity to mingle we transitioned into the Beit Midrash, where students and parents sat down for introductory speeches from Rabbi Levitt and student body president Shlomo Ganz (‘23). We then watched a captivating video showcasing the various sports, extra-curriculars, and educational programs that we offer at our high school. The video ended with loud applause from students and parents, as well as staff. 

Once we finished watching the video, we were separated into groups. The parents of prospective girls were ushered into the cafeteria for questions and speeches while Mrs. Bejar and Mrs. Horowitz took the girls themselves on an interactive walking tour of the KYHS campus. Meanwhile, the boys and their parents were given model lessons taught by Dr. Isaacson, Mrs. Crowther, Mrs. Epstein, Rabbi Kimche, and Rabbi Wolk, giving the prospective students just a taste of what the KYHS classroom atmosphere is like. Once the girls finished their walking tour, they headed back to the Beit Midrash to participate in a Student Council panel. At the panel guided by Mrs. Hochner, the eighth graders were able to ask our Student Council any questions about things like school schedule, extra-curriculars, homework load, and which classes they enjoyed the most. 

Once the boys finished their model lessons and the girls finished the Student Council panel, we swapped and did it all over again! The boys toured the school and participated in the panel while the girls learned from Mrs. Dobkowski, Mrs. Horowitz, Mrs. Crowther, Mrs. Epstein, and Dr. Isaacson. The day ended with parting gifts of school swag – KYHS tote bags for the girls and KYHS kippot for the boys. 

All in all, our Open House was a hit! We hope to see these now-familiar faces roaming our halls next year.

Article by Aliza Bokor ('23)

Watch Open House Recap Video Here

Watch Open House Video Here

KYHS Learns to Confront Substance Abuse

Students Hear Inspiring Stories of Personal Struggles with Addiction

Graphic by Orly Dimont ('23)

This week, students participated in an informative and powerful drug and alcohol education program. The program included a personal account from a representative of the CCSA (Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction) about his experience with substance abuse from a young age. The presentation, given by someone from a background and environment similar to ours, gave us insight into the effects of using alcohol or drugs as a teenager. The presenter also gave helpful information on how to get help or help someone who is going through addiction or abuse.

Following the presentation, students had the opportunity to make videos or signs about drug and alcohol safety. Sophomores Michael Mitchell (‘25) and Nachi Rosen (‘25) made an especially meaningful skit representing how peer pressure pushes people to these substances and can cause dangerous addiction. Additionally, students then got to try on goggles that simulate being high or drunk, and had to perform regular tasks, like walking in a straight line, identifying colors, drawing their way through a maze, or catching and throwing a ball back and forth.

Nathaniel Hoffman (‘25), a sophomore who participated in the program on Monday said, “When I watched people do those easy tasks before me, it seemed crazy that I wouldn’t be able to do them. But when I had my turn I realized how impaired you are under the influence.” Most kids felt the same as they laughed watching their friends wearing goggles and mixing up a blue card with a green card. However, when their turn to put on the goggles came up, they didn’t do any better.

The course gave a compelling insight into the severe effects of drugs and alcohol on people and it benefitted all of the students to see what they are really dealing with when it comes to these dangerous substances.

Article by Yonah Greenberg ('25)

Storm Speaks

Seniors Share Their Impressions of Seminaries and Yeshivas that Visited KYHS

Graphic by Sruli Muschel ('26) and Eitan Kaminetzky ('25)