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"Into the Woods" Is a Smashing Success

There was excitement in the air this week as crowds of people filled the seats of the Crest Theatre in Delray Beach for the WYHS women-only production of Into the Woods (see pictures at left), a musical drama depicting favorite fairy tale characters whose paths cross during their individual journeys into the woods. From the opening scene to the final curtain call, every member of the cast was outstanding, every voice was inspiring, and every scene was humorous. The professional costumes and scenery lent a sophisticated air, which was enhanced by the incredible acting of the entire cast. Into the Woods was the fourth women-only musical to be performed by WYHS, and was the first comedy. Congratulations to the cast and crew on a memorable production, and especially to Drama Director and English instructor Ms. Liz Saddler on the success of this play!

Looking Dispassionately at "The Passion"

On Thursday, Ta'anit Esther, WYHS Founder Rabbi Kenneth Brander spoke to the entire student body (see picture at right) about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of Christ", which has been a popular topic of conversation since the movie's release last week. Rabbi Brander focused on how Jewish teenagers should react to the movie and to all its surrounding controversy. His message began with a warning not to criticize the movie on the grounds of Biblical inaccuracy for fear of being disrespectful to the Christian religion and its basic tenets of faith. Instead, Rabbi Brander suggested looking to modern Christian leaders to evaluate their responses to the film. From all the research he gathered, Rabbi Brander demonstrated that modern Christian scholars have expressed criticism of the movie based on its manipulation of New Testament sources as well as its use of non-Biblical sources and historical inaccuracy. In addition, many Christian leaders view the movie's portrayal of Jews as inconsistent with the modern Christian perspective of Jews and their role in the death of Jesus. Although Rabbi Brander did not recommend seeing the movie on the grounds that it is extremely violent, he encouraged students to understand the ramifications of the film and the implications of the controversial issues it raises. The ADL's 'Passion' Viewing Guide For Teens »

Basketball Tournament and Shabbaton

Last weekend's Girls Basketball Tournament and Shabbaton was a huge success due in large part to the hard work of athletic director Mrs. Melissa Pereira! The weekend began with a fun barbecue and pool party last Thursday night, hosted by the family of senior Jessica Struhl. visiting teams were especially impressed by the fact that they could swim outdoors at the end of February! Friday's round robin of games was exhausting, but the girls were all excited to begin the playoffs on Saturday night. First, however, the teams spent a beautiful Shabbat in Boca, getting to know each other and becoming friends! The senior girls were particularly excited to meet girls they will be spending next year with in seminary in Israel! Congratulations to the WYHS Lady Storm basketball team on playing hard and placing third in this exciting tournament, which marked the real end of the girls basketball season. To celebrate a terrific season, and in honor of the team's five starters who are all graduating this year, WYHS President Pam and her husband Jonathan Turk, parents of senior and starter Shoshana Turk, hosted a team barbecue at their home a few weekends ago. The entire team and several parents attended to honor their daughters' athletic achievements (see picture, above right)! In other sports news, the WYHS tennis team played Lake Worth Christian this week in what turned out to be an intense afternoon of tennis. Although the Storm were not ultimately victorious, matches were won by senior Bryan Lieber and sophomores Jordan Lieber and Moshe Genet.

WYHS Marches Foward

After Purim, at 8 p.m. on Sunday night, March 7th, the eleventh grade will depart from WYHS for their junior class ski trip to the mountains of North Carolina. After three days of fun in the snow, the juniors will return to South Florida on Wednesday night, March 10th. On Shushan Purim, Monday, March 8th, school will start late with a 9 a.m. davening. March is packed with Town Meetings, which are coming to your community on the following dates; The Miami Beach Town Meeting will take place on Monday, March 8th at 8 p.m. at the home of Dr. Tom and Rhonda Weiss. The Hollywood Town Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 10th at 8 p.m. at the home of Dr. David and Haya Tepper. The Boca Town Meeting will take place at the school on March 22nd. The NMB Town Meeting, at 8:45 PM, at Congregation Shaarey Tefillah, will be preceded by... A shiur for parents on Wednesday March 24 at 7:45 PM, by Rabbi Menachem Liebtag of Virtual Beit Medrash (VBM) and Tanach.org. Rabbi Liebtag is also a noted lecturer and popular teacher at many yeshivot and seminaries in Israel. Rabbi Liebtag will teach a Judaic Studies Faculty In-service on Wednesday afternoon, and will return to WYHS on Thursday to speak to the students. Attention all basketball fans! WYHS has tickets on sale for the Miami Heat vs. New Jersey Nets game on Sunday, March 14th at 6 p.m. The seats are in section 113, rows 8-12, and the price is a real steal at only $20 per ticket! If you are interested in buying tickets to this game, please contact Rabbi Spodek at the WYHS office.