|
The Weekly Newsletter of Weinbaum Yeshiva High School
Friday, September 23, 2005 / Erev Shabbat Parshat Ki Tavo 5765
Shabbat begins in Boca Raton at 6:58 p.m.
|
|
From the desk of
Rabbi Perry
Tirschwell
Inspiration is something we crave as the
high holidays rapidly approach. We desperately want
to be better people, friends, family, and ovdei
Hashem in the coming year, and we look for
direction, suggestions and motivation to do so.
Our students are in the right place, because
inspiration is what we do at WYHS! This
week, our inspirational teshuva programming
kicks into high gear;
Tonight’s Boys Tisch- an evening of
song and divrei Torah at my home at 9:30
pm.
Saturday night’s Selichot Program- a
melava malka and moving program ushering in
the first night of (Ashkenazic) selichot for 10-
12 graders at 9:45 pm in Hollywood. A bus is leaving
from school at 9:00 pm
and the program will end at approximately 1:00
am.
Daily mini-shiurim- post
breakfast, focusing on repentance and the high
holidays.
Wednesday evening’s Girls Kinnus
Teshuva-
after dinner at the homes of their Judaic teachers,
followed by a
Teshuva Drasha. The
program will end at 8:00 pm. Buses for the girls will
leave then.
Last weekend’s Alumni Shabbaton
in New York, thanks to Rabbi & Mrs. Horowitz and
to Aliza & Noam Salamon ('01).
To accommodate various student requests, our 175
students have slight changes in their afternoon
schedules, beginning this coming Monday. The
changes may affect their dismissal times.
Ask your children for details.
Shabbat Shalom and Ktiva V’chatima
Tova
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell
Principal
|
|
We Came. We Boarded. We Wiped Out.
|
|
|
by Meir
Weiss ('07) and
Joshua
Kaminetsky ('09)
After much hype and anxiety (due to
Florida’s “lovely” weather), the event all freshmen
and juniors had been anxiously anticipating finally
transpired this past Wednesday. The boys met at
Ski Rixen for two of the most extreme fun hours
of
their lives, which included knee-boarding, water-
skiing, wake-skating and wake-boarding. As
they
waited anxiously in line, the “brothers” watched in
both amazement and amusement as some of their
peers expertly maneuvered their boards across the
water, while others hung on for dear life, flying
across a lake at speeds up to 24 mph. After taking
off their arm-floaties and goggles, the Rabbis
attempted to join in on the fun as well. Rabbi
Schochet and Rabbi Horowitz had a great time
maintaining control of their boards for a few brief
moments before completely wiping out, while Rabbi
Spodek had the greatest time of his life struggling to
make it off the dock.
Incredible feats of the day included Doron David’s
(’09) stomach-style surfing and Elan Aiken (’09)
soaring through the air, refusing to let go of the
cable even after his board was long gone. In the
end, whether one was able to successfully complete
his three laps around the lake or not, everyone
had the time of their lives.
Following the boarding, sodas, snacks and a cake for
Josh Kaminetsky, (’09) the Birthday Boy, were
served to the exhausted and famished skiers.
After davening minchah, the boys embarked
on buses for the ride home, where upon arrival they
proceeded to daven maariv. Surprisingly, our
steadfast and devoted Rebbeim managed to drag
themselves to school the next day, despite their
aching bodies.
It was truly the ultimate bonding experience
for both the freshmen and juniors alike.
Special thanks to Meir Weiss (’07) who organized the
entire event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spa Day
with the "Sisters"
|
|
|
by
Chava
Rubin ('07) and
Aliza Wallerstein (’09)
Although there was no school this past
Wednesday, that didn’t stop our freshmen and junior
girls from getting together and having a great time.
Over 40 girls met at the home of Chava (’07) and
Aleeza (’09) Rubin for the latest Big Sister/Little
Sister
event. Joining the “sisters” for their Spa Day were
the female Judaic teachers, as well as Mrs.
Kanner. The teachers were able to forge
closer
relationships with their freshman and junior students
in a more informal manner. The girls spent the
afternoon laughing, eating and bonding with
each other and learning some cool stuff along the
way.
For the first activity Mrs. Tova Spodek, a licensed
massage therapist, gave the girls a mini-lesson on
the art of massage. All the girls attempted to give
one another shoulder and hand massages with the oil
supplied by Mrs. Spodek, and took turns helping
their “sister” relax. After our massages, we
celebrated with a “Happy Spa Day” ice cream cake
and other refreshments. The fun kept coming as we
proceeded to make our own beaded jewelry with the
help of professional jewelry maker, Deena Lurie.
All in all, it was a great two hours for old
relationships to be strengthened and new one’s to be
made in a more relaxed setting than the
classroom provides.
Aliza Wallerstein (’09) commented that the Big Sister/
Little Sister program was more than just a few hours
of fun. “Since I’m a freshman and new to the school,
the Big Sister event showed me the fun side of
WYHS, that it’s not all tests and homework,”
says Aliza. Chava Rubin (’07), Aliza Wallerstein’s “big
sister” remarked that, “as a junior, I was able to
meet new people in other grades that I would not
have normally interacted with.”
This event was an amazing experience for both the
freshmen and the juniors. We hope to have many
more phenomenal programs in the future!
Many thanks to Dr. Stuart and Hindy Rubin for
opening their home to our girls, and to Mrs. Tova
Spodek and Mrs. Deena Lurie for offering their talents
and services. Kudos to Junior Ali Cristina, (’07) the
organizer of this great program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Stars in the Heavens
WYHS Faculty Enjoys Inspiring Day
|
|
|
by Mr. Adam Dobrick,
Director of College
Preparatory Studies
Ongoing professional development is one of
the most important aspects of keeping our faculty on
the cutting edge of education. On September 21,
teachers from Weinbaum Yeshiva High School joined
over one hundred teachers from a number of local
Jewish schools to participate in the 2005-2006 Day
School Educators’ Conference. The theme of this
day long learning experience, sponsored by the
Jewish Education Commission, the Day School
Principals’ Council, and the Partnership for Excellence
in Jewish Education (PEJE), was “As Stars in the
Heavens: On Being a Jewish Educator.” As the title
suggests, this conference promoted the idea that as
Jewish educators, we are key members of the
Jewish community, so we should do everything
we can to connect with and inspire both students
and parents at our schools.
Our day began with a participatory workshop,
entitled “Forging the Teacher-Parent Partnership.”
Chaim Lauer, President of the Board of Jewish
Education of Greater New York, led this workshop,
which detailed ways that teachers and parents can
work together to help students succeed. We
discussed the concept of advocacy, and that
parents and teachers clearly share common
objectives when it comes to Jewish education.
We examined the many reasons why the parent-
teacher relationship is the most pivotal aspect of
Jewish education. For example, when parents
support teachers’ words and actions through their
religious and moral practices at home, the concepts
we teach become much more powerful. As a Jewish
high school, the community is our most valuable
resource, and through a combination of teachers’ and
parents’ expertise and care, students develop into
successful, productive members of the community
themselves. Through active discussions with
teachers from throughout South Florida, our faculty
members discussed how best to serve and work with
the biggest stakeholders in our students’ lives – their
parents!
Chaim Lauer also delivered the Keynote
Address of the Conference, which addressed the
main theme, that as educators, we are “As Stars in
the Heavens.” This thought-provoking speech
connected Jewish educators with Jewish thought
throughout the ages. Lauer’s speech put the
importance of Jewish education into its religious and
historical perspective. Throughout the centuries,
while the world has changed immensely, Jewish
education has kept young people connected with
their roots and has prepared children for their
future in the Jewish community. Reflecting upon
the fact that students and parents depend on us as
educators to support and to help ensure the
continuance of the Jewish community was humbling
and inspiring at the same time.
The WYHS faculty would like to thank all of the
sponsoring organizations who provided such a useful
and enjoyable day of professional development.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Summer to
Remember, Part II
|
|
|
by Mimi Begas ('06)
This past summer, Chava Rubin (’07), Sahar
Zaghi (’06), Yocheved Fox (’06) and I attended the
Yad B’yad summer program as volunteers for
mentally and/or physically challenged individuals, all
of whom were Yachad members. The program
began in Baltimore, Maryland, where the 45 high
school students (or as we were called, “high-
schoolers”) received training courses that prepared
us for our interaction with the Yachad group.
These courses instilled within us a sensitivity
and
a deeper understanding of what it means to be
a Yachad member and how to react or
respond
to their differences and special needs.
Following this week of preparation, we were finally
ready to begin the trip. For four weeks we traveled
around Israel, with jam-packed days of touring,
hiking, site-seeing, rafting, boating, donkey riding,
and shopping. Though our schedules were brimming
with fun and exciting events, it wasn’t the action-
packed itinerary that made our trip so remarkable.
What made the summer so special was the true
happiness that radiated from every
Yachad member and all the high-school
volunteers.
Everyone walked away from the program positively
affected in so many ways. As a high school
volunteer, I can attest that every single high-
schooler returned home from the trip inspired or
touched. As our perspective shifted to a different
point of view, we learned not only to internalize, but
also to actualize the importance of patience and
acceptance. The Yachad members, who
gained life-long friends, were privileged to experience
an unforgettable summer and created wonderful
memories. Yad B’yad is a truly
remarkable
program that exemplifies the concept “ Am Echad
B’Lev Echad—One nation with One heart.” People
of different backgrounds, different appearances, and
different minds had come together for a summer
for the same reason— to love and accept one
another
as people, as companions, and as Jews.
click
on the
logo below to read
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Relationship Continues to Grow
Alumni Shabbaton in NY
|
|
|
by Mrs. Amy Horowitz
Judaic
Faculty
Last weekend, Rabbi Horowitz and I traveled
to New York to visit many of our WYHS alumni. The
transition to college can be very difficult, and we at
WYHS felt that our visit would help ease that
transition by reminding the alumni that we will
always be there for them, in university and
beyond. We also felt that we could share our
expertise as college graduates and be friendly faces
in a sea of new people.
The majority of the boys are studying at Yeshiva
University, so our Shabbat took place on their
campus, but WYHS graduates currently studying at
NYU, Columbia, Queens College, and Cornell joined us
as well!
Alumni Aliza (Atkin) and Noam Salamon (‘01) hosted
the Shabbat meals, and it was no easy task
to cook for 20 people, but the food was
unbelievable! No one wanted the meals to end – not
just because the food was so great, but because
everyone really enjoyed the singing, the Divrei
Torah, and the chance to reconnect with their
friends from home. We particularly enjoyed seeing
boys from all five graduating classes sharing
their college experiences with us and each other.
On Saturday night, I had the opportunity to get
together with many of the female alumni studying in
New York. We spent a few hours sharing stories
about summer experiences, life at WYHS, double
majors, and joint programs. I loved seeing the
fine young women our former students have
become.
One of the goals of our trip was to connect our
alumni with each other and especially with the
Salamons, who provided a warm and open home
throughout the weekend. Noam and Aliza wanted
both the boys and the girls to feel that they
have a home away from home in New York
whenever they need it. We hope this “reunion” was
the first of many opportunities for our graduates to
have a little taste of home and for us to check in
with them as they move forward. We also wanted to
remind our alumni that they are always welcome in
the halls of WYHS, and that we are only a phone call
or email away.
Thank you to everyone who participated, to Noam
and Aliza for opening their home in such a generous
way, and to Chava Turk (’02), our alumni
coordinator, for helping organize the event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STORM Celebrates
their First Bris
|
|
|
by Chava Rubin ('07)
This past Tuesday WYHS celebrated its
first simcha of the year, the
bris
of Baby Ezra Kaweblum! Baby Ezra is the son of
Jonathan and Susie Kaweblum who were very
generous in sharing their simcha with us.
Mr. Jon Kaweblum is WYHS’s athletic director and
basketball coach who led our boys’ varsity basketball
team to the Tier II Championship at the Saracheck
Basketball tournament at YU last season.
The school davened in its regular location,
and afterwards joined with the main minyan in
the Boca Raton Synagogue for the brit milah
ceremony and baby naming. The baby’s paternal
grandfather, Dr. Aaron Kaweblum, performed the
bris itself. After singing many wishes of
Mazel Tov, the students and teachers
headed back to the school for a delicious hot
breakfast of scrambled eggs, bagels and cream
cheese.
We wish the entire Kaweblum family a very heartfelt
Mazel Tov, and may we only celebrate
s’machot in the future.
Boys' Soccer
by
Gil Tansman ('06)
This past Saturday night was a very challenging
game for WYHS. The boy’s soccer team faced
Posnack in a heated exhibition game. It was the best
attended game of the season thus far, with over
50 WYHS fans cheering on the Storm! This
game was a thrilling match that pushed all of the
players hard. The first half ended with one goal
scored by Aryeh Genet (’08) assisted by Dov Lieber
(’06). Although the entire team played hard under
the guidance of Coach Ferdinand, the final score was
Storm 1, Posnack 3.
Thursday’s game against Hillel of North Miami Beach
was one of the most anticipated games of the
season and highlighted the friendly athletic
rivalry between the two schools. Although the
Storm
played their best, they unfortunately lost this game,
2-0. With a few weeks to go in the season, the boys
are still in the running for that elusive playoff spot.
Girls' Volleyball
by Jennifer Fisher
('07)
To some, it does not matter how close you are to
winning, how well the team played together, or how
far you have come. To some, a loss is a loss is a
loss. But to us, the girls’ volleyball team, Thursday’s
game was unbelievable! The starting team finally
began to play as a unit, incorporating teamwork into
every bump set and spike. Our serves were
incredible, with Stephanie Trachtenberg (’07)
pounding a series of aces over the net. The score
was incredibly close, and remained tied for most of
the game. Jordana Kaminetsky (’07), refusing to bow
under pressure, delivered crisp serves during tense
and crucial moments. Leah Bensimon’s (’07) jaw-
dropping saves inspired the rest of the team to push
themselves to make every hit count. Although we
lost,The Storm is enjoying exponential
growth in
skills and teamwork, and refuses to let past
losses dampen the team’s spirit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See You This Shabbat
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DON'T MISS OUT!
Inspirational Night Ahead
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
phone:
561.417.7422
Yeshiva
High-lites
Staff
| Shira Borzak (’07) | Copy
Editor |
| Mrs. Claudia Cohen | Director of
Technology | | Jordana Kaminetsky
(’07) |
Senior Editor | | Chava
Rubin (’07)
| Chief of
Correspondents | | Rabbi Josh
Spodek | Editor
in Chief |
|
|
|
