Parshat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Candle Lighting at 7:30 PM
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What's For Dinner
on Monday May 12?
The WYHS Annual Journal Dinner will take place on Monday evening,
May 24, 2010 at B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. The guests of honor
this year will be Dr. Sam and Arlene Lasko and Dr. Zorik and Ellen Spektor. The
faculty award will be presented to Mrs. Heather Andron.
Dr. Sam and Arlene Lasko hosted one of the first meetings in
Hollywood to discuss the concept of a Yeshiva High School in South Florida
several years before WYHS opened. Sam has served as WYHS' President for
six years and in that capacity has been involved with all aspects of the school
and witnessed the school's exponential growth. Arlene has served on
several school committees and has worked tirelessly on behalf of school dinners
and other events.
Dr. Zorik and Ellen Spektor are members of WYHS' Keter Society and
have resided in Boca Raton for 15 years. Zorik has served on WYHS'
Executive Board for three years and is a highly respected Pediatric ENT.
Ellen served on the board of Hillel Day School for several years and both Zorik
and Ellen were very involved in The Community Kollel in Boca Raton for many
years.
Mrs. Heather Andron has left an indelible mark on WYHS in her tenure as
founding Chesed, Israel and Tzedakah Coordinator. Organizing a school-wide
Chesed Day, serving as faculty advisor for seven student committees, and
matching students with community service opportunities are amongst her most
memorable contributions. Heather has served as our Press Coordinator, founding
Girls JV Basketball Coach and Mrs. Kanner's assistant. Heather will be making
Aliyah to Israel this coming summer with her family.
As this is our major fundraising event of the year, I encourage
all of you to participate by either placing an ad in the journal and/or
attending the dinner. I would like to thank those families listed below
who have already generously agreed to join our Tribute Committee. Please
consider joining this group at the minimum donation level of $1,800 which
includes two tickets to the dinner and a full-page ad in a special section of
the journal.
Please feel free to contact me or any of our chair people whose
names are listed on the ad blank if you need further information.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mr. Shimmie Kaminetsky Executive Director
Good & Welfare
Mazel Tov! Aryeh Genet ('08) on completing his service in the IDF Devora Greer ('06) on her engagement
to Rabbi Simcha Shabtai Refuah Shleima Simcha Chaya bat Luna
Coming Attractions
May 4-13 AP Exams
May 12 Yom Yerushalayim Student Leadership Awards Banquet
Shabbat May 14-15 Freshman Shabbaton
Mon May 24 Annual Dinner
Wed May 26 Sports Banquet
Wed June 2 Graduation
Journal Dinner Tribute Committee in formation
Anonymous Prosper & Pamela Abitbol Jay & Ellen Adler Phil & Lisa Baratz Menachem & Alyssa Baumgarten Al & Evelyn Begas Marc & Lori Ben-Ezra Billy & Batzi Berman Howard & Carol Bienenfeld Michael & Darlene Bokor Steve & Yael Charlap David & Sheri Dennis Ben J. & Dorit Genet David & Monica Genet Charles & Simone Griff Stanley & Ana Haar Jeffrey & Jodi Harris Samuel & Anita Heering Moshe & Shari Hirth Steven
& Sarah Jacoby Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky David & Sharona Kay Gary &
Judi Krasna Sam & Arlene Lasko Robert & Linda Levy Bruce & Cindy Nimhauser Jose
& Fay Poliak Michael & Jill Rose Isaac & Eugenia Rosen Stuart & Hindy Rubin
Benjamin & Diane Saketkhou
Bennett & Chani Salamon
Barry & Dana
Schechter Zorik & Ellen Spektor Marshall & Sharon Stauber Ted
& Linda Struhl
Alumna's Yom HaZikaron experience at WYHS & Israel
While WYHS students remembered the fallen Israeli soldiers through their
own Yom HaZikaron program, WYHS Alumni in Israel paid their respects to our
heroes alongside the citizens of Israel. Alumna Tamar Ruben's
('09) Yom HaZikaron experience
was especially meaningful, as she visited the grave of IDF hero Michael
Levin z"l on Har Herzl with
fellow alumni Doron David ('09), Dani Matilsky ('09), Aryeh Genet ('08),
Brandon Gelbart ('08), and thousands of others. Last year, WYHS
students watched a powerful tribute to Michael Levin and were inspired by his remarkable love and devotion to the Jewish People.
Below, Tamar Ruben recounts the profound impact of her past two Yom HaZikaron experiences. __________________________________________
Yom HaZikaron 2010 at Michael Levin's Graveside
By Tamar Ruben ('09) WYHS ALUMNA "Last year I attended one of
the most
moving programs I had ever been to at WYHS. The students sat in an
eerie
silence as we watched "A Hero in Heaven," a forty- five minute video
about the
short life of Michael Levin. He died in
combat
at the young age of twenty- two.
His story has stuck
with
me. I think about him often. One of my goals for this year in Israel was to go to the cemetery on Har
Herzl to visit Michael's grave. Today I achieved my goal, one year to the date that I was first introduced to Michael
Levin.
When I entered the
cemetery at 10 AM, it was jam packed. Soldiers and volunteers everywhere were
handing out
flowers, books of tehillim, yizkor stickers, etc. so that no grave
would go uncovered. I
walked
over to the map to find my destination; D6- the section where Michael
Levin's
body lies, where all his friends, family, and fellow Jews would be on this day.
All day I had been feeling as if I was in mourning,
and I was
preparing to share that with my brothers and sisters. However, the feeling in the air was not that at all. People smiled as they shared stories about their fallen loved ones, celebrating their lives.
At 11 AM,
the moment the siren went off, the entire country
stopped everything they were doing to stand together as one to
commemorate our fallen brothers and sisters.
As I and many of my classmates from high school sang Hatikvah at the graveside, I reflected on the beauty that can come out of a death.
Michael
Levin's death affected the lives of thousands of people. Here they
all were brought together, supporting each other. Each grave paradoxically replenishes thousands of souls. Michael Levin changed my life forever.
Michael Levin is remembered
for his contagious smile that would light up a room, and I know he would have wanted
everyone there to be smiling with him.
You can
imagine my surprise when Michael's roommate and best friend who spoke at the cemetery turned out to be an acquaintance of
mine who
I have met several times this year in Israel!
That showed me that there are not six degrees of separation between Jews.
We are
all brothers and sisters, and we are all connected directly. This put a
huge
smile on my face (beneath my tears) which is exactly the inspiration
Michael
has given me- to remember to keep smiling, no matter what I'm going
through, because
Hashem will make beauty come out of every tragedy."
During
lunch this past Thursday, the WakeUp Committee displayed its
informative Earth Day
exhibit to the students, looking to teach students ways to improve our environment. Led by WakeUp Committee Head Arie Grunberg ('10), members created posters and even baked
cakes to teach the importance of preserving our
natural world. Each committee member was assigned a different topic to research
and subsequently spoke to the students about how they
could adapt eco-friendly habits.
Some
fascinatingly innovative tips from the WakeUp Committee on saving the planet by being conscientious about some daily tasks:
Recycle,
recycle, recycle! Plastic, aluminum, paper and batteries are all
recyclable materials.
Use
both sides of a paper when photocopying, and save the scrap paper for notes
Tinfoil beats plastic.
Turn
off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth.
Avoid
paper grocery bags; bring your reusable ones to the store.
Sports HQ
Storm Season Summary
Boys Baseball Season Wrap-Up
By Andrew Wald ('12) STAFF WRITER
This past WYHS boys baseball
season was definitely one to remember. Despite compiling only two wins
and a tie under Coach Brian Domenico, everyone on the team made drastic
improvements and had a great time.
The captains, Lior Goldstein
('10)
and Matthew Jacoby ('11), displayed incredible consistency and were
major factors in almost every game. The rest of the team also made solid
contributions with numbers of breathtaking
defensive plays and
numerous clutch hits.
The highlight of the season was a
decisive victory against
rival Hebrew Academy by a score of 8-5. While the talent and leadership
of the grizzled veterans will be missed, the Storm baseball team can hardly wait
to get back on the diamond next year.
A
somber assembly commemorating fallen Israeli soldiers for Yom HaZikaron
was highlighted by a showing of Operation Thunderbolt. This movie
depicted the real life heroism of Israeli soldier Yonatan Netanyahu during
an operation to rescue Israeli citizens from an airplane hijacked by
terrorists. While Yonatan's unit was able to liberate every hostage,
Yonatan unfortunately was unable to rejoin them in the holy land,
as he gave his life for the mission. The program also consisted of a
ceremony memorializing each Israeli war and a moment of remembrance, concluding with the piercing siren heard throughout Israel on Yom HaZikaron.
Here are what some of the
students had to say about the program:
"After seeing the movie I truly appreciate Israeli heroism. I now walk
through life with a new perspective on the dangers our soldiers face
every day." -- Andy
Agus ('13)
"It
was important for me to see what really happened in the story of
Yonatan Netanyahu. I am now able to deeply appreciate his courageous
actions." -- Seth
Fisher ('13)
"The movie was powerful and inspiring. It strengthened my
connection to Israel and I feel proud to be a part of this nation." -- Elana
Kaminestky
('12)
"The film strengthened my gratitude towards the chayalimand made
me want to make aliyah." -- Sara Tepper ('11)
"The program emphasized the importance of Israel being there for the
Jewish people, as well as how HaShem is always on our
side." -- Arie Hizkiya ('11)
"The program helped me see the devotion of our chayalim to the protection of Israel. The siren truly moved my heart and helped me connect to
the program even more." -- Daniella Litwin
('10)
To celebrate 62 years of independence for the State of
Israel, this past Tuesday WYHS joined Hillel Day School, Torah Academy, and Donna
Klein Jewish Academy in a display of love and devotion toward our Jewish homeland.
To begin a day of true simcha,
all schools joined for an inspirational davening, followed by an even more moving Hallel. The ruach in the room was like no
other and it was certainly clear that everyone was there for one
communal purpose--to rejoice over the country that we are so blessed to
have.
After much vigorous dancing, Rabbi Adam
Englander, middle school
principal of Hillel Day School, and Rabbi Yaakov Green from Donna Klein addressed
the students. Both spoke, with true passion, of the meaning of the state
of Israel and the development of our Jewish identities. All of the
poignant speeches strongly expounded on the fact that Israel is not only an
amazing place to visit, but also that it is a land of tremendous history
which shall never be forgotten. The speeches concluded with a powerful
rendition of Hatikvah by all assembled and a lively Israeli flag
presentation. After a tremendous blow of the shofar by Ari
Shachter ('10), the marching began.
To conclude the festivities, all schools marched
proudly, Israeli flags in hand, around the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
campus. All students enjoyed the day and everyone certainly walked away
with a true appreciation for our well-deserved and passionately-loved
homeland, Israel.
In Focus
Health for Heroes WYHS Senior's Organization for Veterans
Idioms are not for Idiots Breaking Down a Language
By LeeLee Borzak ('10)
Although we wouldn't dare use them in any of our English essays, idioms exist everywhere outside the world of academia. Be it a reference to domesticated pets falling from the sky in the event of a rainstorm or two friends who are as close as two certain legumes in a pod, idioms are all around us. While we have grown up both hearing them and using them, these curious-alright, downright ridiculous-phrases riddle our daily conversations, and confuse non-Americans everywhere.
According to www.phrases.org, most idioms or phrases originate from one of the following three sources: William Shakespeare, sailors at sea, or the Bible. Apparently when Shakespeare wasn't writing about love-struck yet ill-fated teenagers or the assassination of a Roman dictator (well, technically when he was writing about those), Billy S. was creating phrases such as: "a sorry sight," "dead as a doornail," "fair play," "fight fire with fire," "good riddance," "green eyed monster," "vanish into thin air," and "in a pickle." While his contributions to the world of literature and drama aren't exactly chopped liver, his contributions to the world of idioms are certainly underrated.. Without his phrases, Green Day would never have composed such a classic hit (I'm referencing "Good Riddance," for those of you who aren't paying attention) and expressing that we are in a quandary or a difficult situation would be a lot less fun.
Idioms that we usually associate with pirates really originate from sailors, such as "walk the plank" and "shiver me timbers." Seriously, try and imitate any pirate without using those idioms and you just won't be able to do it. The Bible has contributed phrases such as "a man after his own heart," "at his wits end," "bite the dust," "sour grapes," and "the writing is on the wall." If the Bible's value wasn't clear before, it certainly should be now.
The real question at hand is one that we've been asking since we learned how to speak: Why? Why do we use idioms? What possesses us to say that something easy was "a piece of cake" instead of just calling it "simple"? ....
Find out more by checking out the latest edition of the Brainstorm here.
SpiritualityD'var Torah
Lessons of Our Land
Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
By Rebecca Fuchs ('10) D'VAR TORAH EDITOR
In this week's double parshah, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim,
we are given many commandments that dictate how to live
moral lives. Towards the end of both parshiyot, G-d explains that
as a result of their immorality, the nations living in Eretz Yisrael are expelled, and the land is given to Bnei
Yisrael. The psukim also warn us that if we are to succumb
to our bad inclinations and disregard the commands enumerated in the parshah,
we will be treated similarly.
This week we celebrated Yom HaZikaron
and Yom HaAtzmaut, two days during which we appreciate the soldiers that
have sacrificed for us and the land for which they have fought so bravely. Israel is our
land, our home--the one place where we can truly feel safe. Israel is
not just a place to visit on occasion, but a safe-haven for Jews, a
symbol of our unity, and a testimony to our everlasting relation to G-d,
who had promised us the land 3,000 years ago. The overwhelming amount
of miracles that have occurred throughout the history of the state are
undeniable proof that G-d wants us in our land. He reminds us, however,
in this week's parshah that even our current acquisition of the
land is conditional.
We have been given the land
of Israel, and all that we have, as a gift from G-d. In return,
we must be willing to observe His commandments and live the moral lives
that He demands from us. Otherwise, the warning is very clear. The pasuk
says that we have been separated from the nations, the ones that
rejected G-d and disgusted Him with their immorality. We have been
distinguished as the light
unto the nations, the people of G-d who continue to earn this
distinction through our dedication to Torah.
We have been thrown out of our land for our sins and we cannot be
foolish enough to make the same mistakes again. Israel is our land and
we must continuously earn our right to it. Through our adherence to the mitzvot,
may we also merit the coming of the Mashiach, who will return us all to
our Holy Land.
Alumni Reflections
Jewish Music
