Yeshiva Highlites: the Beach, the Babies, the Brainstorm
Reply:
rpt@wyhs.net
Friday, October 30, 2009 12 Cheshvan 5770
Parshat Lech-Lecha Candle Lighting at 6:22 PM
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Is It Ever Too Early To Plan?
As the due date for our first child approached, I began
planning every detail of a bris. I created an invite list, compared caterer and
synagogue rental costs, obtained the numbers of mohelim, and gave thought to
whom we would give honors such as sandek and kvaterim. Mazel tov! It was a
girl!
I went through the same motions a year and a half later
(Mazel tov on daughter #2!). For our third, fourth and fifth children, I
figured that I was being a little too methodical, so I didn't make any plans.
My wife and I are, thank G-d, proud parents of five girls.
Attention to detail and anticipating the unexpected are two
major benefits to advance planning. Lack of flexibility and wasted time and
resources are two downsides.
One of the most important things students can learn in high
school is to plan in advance. Not waiting to write a paper or an essay the
night before it's due, studying for a test on a quiet night, filling out a
summer or college application as soon as it is available, are examples of Advanced
Planning 101.
WYHS tries to model advanced planning. We buy planners for
our students and teach them how to use them.
We painstakingly devise a test schedule to help students manage the
challenging dual curriculum. We try to stick to our schedule and calendar.
I'm happy to announce that next year's (2010-11) calendar is
on Edline, as well as this year's midterm schedule. Just keep clicking the
right arrows to go to future months.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell
Head of School
Next Week
This Wednesday
November 4
Parent Teacher Conferences
Israel Night for Senior Parent 7:00pm
College Finance Seminar 8:00pm
Next Shabbat November 6-7 Hollywood Family Shabbaton
Good & Welfare
Mazel Tov Yoni Schiff ('06) on his engagement
Refuah Shleima Simcha Chaya bat Luna
Nachum Chaim ben Yehudit Rivka
Dovid Menachem Chaim Halevi ben Esther Bayla
Chesed Corner
WYHS Walks the Walk
Student Involvement in the Sharsheret Breast Cancer Walk
By Elana Kaminetsky ('12) & Sarah Struhl ('12)
STAFF WRITERS
On Sunday, October 25, the Boca Raton Synagogue hosted a Sharsheret walk & run, in which many WYHS students and families participated and volunteered.
Sharsheret is an organization that dedicates its time to "linking young Jewish women in their fight against breast cancer." Sharsheret, named for the hebrew word for 'chain', endeavors to connect and support women affected by cancer and their families.
The day started out with an early morning community run and walk. Whether walking, running, or volunteering, the WYHS students and families involved indubitably demonstrated support of our community and displayed enthusiasm to be a part of such an incredible and inspirational chesed opportunity.
Afterward, all participants enjoyed a fun and exciting "family fun day" with gelato, cotton candy, face painting, and much more. Finally, the day concluded with an impressive and uplifting speech delivered by one of the Sharsheret representatives, explaining the importance of this amazing organization and thanking us for our exceptional show of support.
We are thankful to Sharsheret for this incredible opportunity and are looking forward to participating in more Sharsheret events in the future.
While School Was Out Early...
WYHS Students Help Others
By Yisrael Weiss ('13)
On Wednesday, October 28, when school was out early, a few WYHS
students went to the Youth Activity Center, which provides
underprivileged children with academic support and fun, safe
activities. We introduced ourselves to the children, played tag,
started a game of Red Rover, and raced with them.
After the sports,
some kids received one-on-one attention, doing art projects
individually or getting help with their homework. We all had a meaningful experience, and it was hard to tell whether we or the children had more fun!
News Brief
Not So Junior Anymore... The 11th Grade Begins College Planning
By Adam Poliak ('11)
STAFF WRITER
This
past Wednesday evening, Mrs. Marcy Roberts, the school's amazing college
guidance counselor, met with the entire junior class and their parents
to initiate the junior college process. During the college kickoff,
Mrs. Roberts gradually and smoothly introduced the class of 2011 to the
rigors of college application. Here are a few key points the juniors got
out of the meeting:
Keep up grades, especially junior year grades.
Regarding involvement in extra-curriculars, quality is more important than quantity
Choosing a college is like choosing a spouse; find the best school that works for you as an individual.
We are more than our test scores.
News Brief
Avi Chai Experiences WYHS
By LeeLee Borzak ('10) SENIOR EDITOR
This week,
Avi Chai Foundation Program Officer and avid Highlites
reader Rachel M. Abrahams visited WYHS.
Avi Chai is a philanthropic
organization that has It has provided WYHS with many grants, including Educational Technologist Kathie Yuz, professional development opportunities for administrators, starter Judaic libraries for students new to Jewish day school, support for our school library, and NETA.
Abrahams, who has been wanting to come to WYHS
for a long time, had the opportunity to experience the school as "a
sophomore for a day." She described WYHS as "energetic"
and is proud to be a supporter of this school. As a quasi-tenth
grader, she noticed the "engaged student body enjoying classes" and
particularly enjoyed her Gemara class. All around, it was a "wonderful visit."
News Brief
Meet the Parents Freshman Parent Melava Malka
By Ilana Ben-Ezra ('10)
CHIEF OF STAFF
This past Motzei Shabbat, parents of the freshman class were treated to a lively melava malka at the Tirschwells. At
the vibrant social program, parents enjoyed meeting the parents of their children's friends,
not to mention snacking on the delicious food. Needless to say, the melava malka truly left the parents feeling the deep sense of unity, caring and community that radiates through the halls of WYHS.
Feature Story
Eitan Katz Concert, Baby!
First Baby Bash/Chagigah of the Year
By David Hopen ('12) & Rashel Maikhor ('12) STAFF WRITERS
After months filled with anticipation and eager excitement, our
first chagigah had finally arrived.The students
quickly shuffled through the doors and hallway and into the ballroom.As everyone began to settle down, the senior
girls entered the ballroom dressed up in gowns as a "wedding' theme wardrobe;
their unique gowns amused everyone.
Rabbi Tirschwell started off the
event by sharing a few words on how WYHS is a true family.Rabbi Schochet and
Ms. Sardano
also shared some beautiful words about the guests of honor, Keren Ora ('27) and Nahla
Dolce ('27).Following
the heartfelt and emotional presentations by Ms.
Sardano and Rabbi Schochet
proudly explaining their babies' names and origins, Eitan Katz
took the stage to wild cheer and applause.
The room was instantly transformed into an inspirational concert, the
enthusiasm palpable and the students brimming with energy.
Everyone was dancing their hearts out to the music and really
portraying the true WYHS ruach. At first, each grade had their own dancing
circles, however, by the time the concert came to an end, everyone was merged
together as one school.All grades danced
together, as Simon
Markovitch ('12) exclaimed, "the
ruach with my peers made this chagigah pretty hard to top." Music flowed,
students grinned, and the Rebbeim and teachers alike stormed the dance floor, united and stirred by the moving and
melodic brilliance of Eitan
Katz.
The students joined their teachers in an enjoyable and comforting
break from the usual demanding and rigorous classes."It is really nice to see how much the
school cares for the faculty and allows them to share their smachot with
all of us; especially by celebrating them with a great concert that was
amazing!" saidMelissa Adler ('10).Students happily and firmly declared their
appreciation of the fun-filled time, channeling the uplifting performance into
a meaningful Minchah. Pouring out of school into their evening
activities, students left boosted and thrilled, enthusiastically look forward
to the next chagigah.
Congratulations to Rabbi and Mrs.
Schochet and Ms. Sardano and her husband Luis
Hernandez on the births of their daughters, Keren
Ora and Nahla Dolce, and thank you to Eitan Katz
for an awesome concert!
Featurette
Basketball + Beach = Blast!
The Senior Extravaganza
It's
only
been two months of school, but for the seniors, each day is jam
packed. This week, the 12th grade did not just have a night out--it was
an extravaganza. After a pizza dinner, the seniors went to the opening
night Miami Heat game where they not only watched the Heat beat the
Knicks, but also had a chance to hang out with each other.
The next
morning,
despite some severe sleep deprivation, the class of 2010 davenedShacharit during
sunrise, ate breakfast, and chilled out on the beach--all before first
period. While they juggle college essays, seminary and yeshiva
applications, and their every day classes, the seniors still find a way
to take advantage of their seniority, dressing up at any school event
(or just a normal day of school) and adding excitement to WYHS.
In Focus
A True Hero Israel Awareness Committees Hear From Wounded IDF Soldier Izzy Ezagui
By Andrew Wald ('12) STAFF WRITER
During
lunch on Monday, Izzy
Ezagui spoke to members of the Committee
for Israel Action (C.I.A.) and the IDF committee about his experiences in the Israeli
Defense Forces. Izzy, who is originally from
Aventura, courageously decided to join the IDF when his family was considering making Aliyah. During
Operation Cast-Lead, Izzy's unit was called upon to enter Gaza, but immediately before they could
attack, a rocket hit Izzy's tent, taking off his left arm.
Izzy was
introduced to the WYHS students by a representative of One
Family, an organization that helps victims of terrorist attacks in Israel and that
is helping Izzy get the most up-to-date prosthetic arm available.
I had
the privilege of sitting down with Izzy for a few minutes after he finished
speaking.
Andrew
Wald: As an
American Jew, what made you decide to join the IDF? Izzy Ezagui: I thought about the history of
the Jewish people and how important it was to me. Also, I wanted to make Aliyah and this
was part of the process.
AW: Izzy, how different is it
being in Israel
now that you're a soldier in the IDF? IE: I feel more of a connection to Israel and I
realize that I really belong there. I
plan to stay in the army and hope to rejoin my unit.
AW: What would you say to other young
American Jews considering serving in the IDF? IE: The IDF is only for someone who
thinks it is the most important thing he or she can do; it is not the only way
to help the Jewish people and the State of Israel, yet it is a very important
one. However, it is crucial to make sure
your parents support your decision, which means you might have to explain to
them why joining is what is best for you.
Multimedia
Katz, Babies, and YOU
Click on the image to the left to view the photos and play a slideshow from Thursday's energetic, ruach-filled concert & Baby Bash.
Picture of the Week
Picture of the Week
How many people does it take to unroll a miniature Torah? Ask Rabbi Ben Sugerman's Gemara class or just count the students in the panorama below.
Arts & OpinionThe Brainstorm
The WYHS BRAINSTORM
Click on the image below to download the Brainstorm.
You may print it out or read it online.
By Chana Brauser ('10) & Shalva Ginsparg ('11) BRAINSTORM EDITORS IN CHIEF
The Brainstorm,
the school's Arts & Opinion magazine, provides a forum for students
to develop and realize their talent as thinkers and writers.
In Volume IV, Issue I of the Brainstorm, our writers fearlessly tackle the issue of health care,
stripping it of its technical jargon and presenting the opposing views
in laymen's terms. Confronting another hot-button issue, "Global Warming: Fact or Fiction" depoliticizes the controversy by promoting eco-consciousness. "Should You Give It a Shot?" explores the pros and cons of in-school swine flu vaccination. We invite you to "Play the Memory Game" but don't wait "Until Text Time." Consider the health of iTunes as our writers debate its future. We feature a review of Matisyahu's latest, Dan Brown's newest, and Sci-fi's deepest, along with "Back to School=Back in Vogue," a demystification of fall fashion. The Brainstorm is "Breaking the Mold" with its new feature, a personal story showcasing the unconventional travails of today's teens.
We encourage you--nay, dare you-- to read on and acquaint yourselves with the pulse of a generation.
SpiritualityD'var Torah
Taking the Elevator
Parshat Lech-Lecha
By Rebecca Fuchs ('10) D'VAR TORAH COORDINATOR
In this week's Parshah, Lech Lecha,
G-d speaks to Avraham for the first time and instructs him to leave his
homeland for the land of Canaan, known presently as Israel. When the pasuk describes
Avraham's journey, it states that he "went up from Egypt." Literally,
this means that he ascended to Israel, since it is geographically
higher than Egypt. Despite this simple interpretation one may still
wonder why that particular word choice is used. After all, we clearly
know that Israel is literally higher than Egypt, and no words in the
Torah are used without a cause and a deeper significance.
The Zohar explains that Avraham, through this journey, ascended, not only physically, but spiritually as well. This
is a very nice idea, but could Avraham really gain new spiritual
heights by just changing his location? He was already at such an
incredibly heightened level of spirituality, and yet he somehow managed
to rise even further by merely moving. What is so great about this
journey?
Egypt
represents more than just a place on a map. Egypt was contaminated with
immorality, filled with inhabitants who were completely immersed in
idol worship and various other meaningless activities. By moving to the
unbelievably holy land of Israel, Avraham could connect with G-d on a
different level and become even greater than before.
Of
course, moving to the land G-d has chosen for us is a wonderful and
ideal endeavor, but it is not so simple for all of us. We can still,
however, learn an incredible lesson from Avraham. We can elevate
ourselves spiritually, not just by picking up and moving
to an entirely different country, but by changing our surroundings.
Often we may be put in a situation where spiritual growth is not so
easy. Our task is to remove ourselves from the situations that may
distance us from G-d and, and like Avraham, make the spiritual journey
that is possible when we surround ourselves with the right influences.
May we continue our journey to new spiritual heights, and through our
efforts, eventually make the true elevated journey to Israel with
Mashiach!
