Yeshiva Highlites: College, Night Seder, Spanish & More
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rpt@wyhs.net
Friday, September 18, 2009 29 Elul 5769
Rosh Hashanah Candle Lighting at 7:04 PM
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This Year I'm Going To...
Our new year is not just a day on our calendar after which
we date our checks differently. We believe that Rosh Hashana is the anniversary
of the creation of the first man. An anniversary or birthday is an
opportunity for reflection. The anniversary of the creation of mankind is an
opportunity for all human beings to reflect on who they are, and who they
want to be.
In many ways this is easier for students than adults.
A few weeks before Rosh Hashana the new school year began. Students got a clean
slate in terms of grades, new teachers with whom to develop a relationship, new
activities and teams in which to get involved. Fresh notebooks, different subjects,
new books- it's a totally fresh start.
It's three weeks into the school year. We can already
see which goals we are on our way to accomplish, and which bad habits we are
having a difficult time breaking. Aseret Ymei Tshuva is an opportunity for a
"do over".
Successful change is all about having a plan. I was
able to make a number of changes in my life this year due to a plan, and with
"a little help from my friends" and family. Without a plan, our good intentions
are just "new years resolutions", which will never be implemented.
Help your friends and family devise a plan, and to
ask them to do the same for you, to actualize these goals. Different
plans work for each of us. Personally, I do well if things are in my schedule. Some
need the encouragement of a partner to take a challenge together. Others need
to figure out how to avoid challenging situations.
May the Almighty enable us to reach our objectives-
to become the people we want to be. May we encourage each other to be better
children, better parents, better teachers, better Jews and better human beings.
May the entire WYHS family have a year
of academic, religious and personal growth.
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell
Head of School
Letters to the Editor
Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding this edition of Yeshiva Highlites?
Feedback will be featured in upcoming editions of the Highlites.
Bulletin
YEARBOOK PICTURES ARE IN!
For those of you whose hair wasn't a complete mess on picture day a few weeks back, ordering your school portrait photo isn't such a bad idea!
To order a professional portrait print or some type of cool photo keepsake (who can resist those adorable photo magnets and mugs?), click on the following link,
Friday 9/25 10-12 Grade Boys Dinner @Rebbeim & Tisch @Tirschwells
Refuah Shleima
Simcha bat Luna
Condolences
Chana Spivak on the loss of her son Ben
News Brief
Israel on the Mind AIPAC at WYHS
By Yitzchak Schultz ('10)
This week, WYHS students had the opportunity to hear from one of the foremost experts on Middle East policy, Adam Harris. Adam works at the American Israel Public Relations Committee (AIPAC), and is the AIPAC Director of Early Engagement.
All our preconceptions about the Middle East were shattered as Adam laid down the cold, hard facts about Israel and the problems that besiege the country daily.
Specifically, the idea that Iran may very well be able to create nuclear arms is very troubling, not only to Israelis, but to Jews worldwide. Iranian President Mahmoud Achmedinejad will most likely not hesitate in using his country's nuclear capabilities against Israel.
Adam stressed the idea that although WYHS students are too young to vote, we are never too young to make a difference. To this end, he suggested that we form a relationship with our very own members of Congress, which would allow us to make our opinions heard in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
If we do not take action immediately, and Iran is able to attain its goal of full nuclear prowess, we may be facing the possibility, G-d forbid, that our homeland will cease to exist.
News Brief
Reading for a Cause
WYHS Introduces Reading for the Blind & Dyslexic
By Ariel Clayman ('10)
Imagine being blind. Imagine never being able to see. Imagine never being able to see the pages of
a book, to read, to enjoy literature, or to learn information on your own.
On Tuesday afternoon,
students of WYHS heard about a unique community service opportunity: Reading
for the Blind and Dyslexic. Sonia Hedrick,
Production Director of RFB&D, informed students about the exciting and
rewarding task of digitally recording textbooks for the visually impaired and
dyslexic students in schools throughout the country.
RFB&D is a volunteer-driven,
nonprofit organization that provides auditory resources to those with visual
and learning disabilities. Volunteers
record assigned books in pairs of two in a professional recording studio
according to the needs of the blind and dyslexic communities. The materials read are textbooks for elementary
through graduate school, on a myriad of topics ranging from psychology to
phonics to American history.
Sonia emphasized the necessity for dedicated volunteers
and strongly encouraged WYHS students to get involved in RFB&D. RFB&D is not only a great way to
obtain chesed hours, but it is also a spectacular way to truly make a
difference in the world-one book, one student, one classroom, one school at a
time.
News Brief
Commemorating a Tragedy
Remembering 9-11
By David Hopen ('12)
Eight years later...the world
remembers. As the world pays respect to the victims of the horror
and catastrophes of September 11th, 2001, we must never forget the
fallen heroes, and we must recognize the consequences of a changed world. Dr. Abramson, professor at Touro College South,
stressed in his captivating presentation to the WYHS student body that the aftermath of the
atrocities and mayhem have shaped and altered a dazed world.
As the years
progressed, the nation has been weakened through an arduous war, has plunged into a
terrifying debt, and has witnessed the rise of an appalling terrorist evolution--a series of revolutions
a madman seems to have tactfully launched. However, amid the pandemonium and
the shock, the death and the pain, our wounds are being mended, ashope and strength
have blazed powerfully through American healing.
While the rubble of devastation
from the obliterated towers is recycled into Army ships, and twin spotlights project
two iconic pillars of light into the silent night skies, the world stands still, remembering, rebuilding, and hoping.
News Brief
An Alternative Summer Break Avi Feldan's ('10) Scientific Experience at the Technion Institute in Israel
By John Johnston Boca Raton News
Forgoing the typical vacation, camp, or job this summer, Avi Feldan from Boca Raton was one of 35 students from around the world who donned lab coats and conducted research alongside prominent scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.
The students were part of SciTech, an innovative, three-week program for outstanding high school juniors and seniors from Israel and abroad who have demonstrated an exceptional interest and ability in science and technology. Taught in English, the live-in program on the Technion campus affords these students unrivaled access to cutting-edge laboratories and equipment, and to some of Israel's top scientists and educators as their mentors in research in a broad range of fields within engineering and science...
The program also exposes them to different cultures and perspectives
outside most students' reach, and gives them a competitive edge in
their future academic and professional careers in these fields.
"This program has allowed me to gain valuable lab experience I never would have had at the high school level. I'm studying with some of the best and brightest teenagers I've ever met from all over the world," said Avi...
On Saturday night, grades 10-12 attended WYHS' annual Selichot program at the Young Israel of Hollywood--an event full of enlightenment and inspiration for the first day of Selichot, which we say in preparation for the Yamim Noraim.
After pizza and soda, students watched a video expertly created by Director of Technology Claudia Cohen, which had clips of movies, interviews with teachers, and more, all elaborating on the central theme of the night: passion. Vice President of Torah Affairs Didi Weiss ('11) addressed students and added to this concept and discussed how we, as high school students, can have passion while performing mitzvot. Afterward, new Boca Raton Synagogue Teen Director Rabbi Todd Cohn spoke to students about how we can improve ourselves for the upcoming new year.
Rabbi Houben then posed a thought-provoking question: Who are you? Each student was given a sticker that said "I'm the guy who..." and each student had to complete the sentence. Everyone then placed his or her sticker on a board, which will hang in the hallways of WYHS. The stickers varied greatly, as some wanted to be known as "the guy who shares my notes" and others as "the guy who smiles at everyone." Next was the main event: Selichot. Students, along with congregants of the Young Israel of Hollywood, said Selichot which, after such an amazing program, were truly enhanced.
Storm Headquarters
Make Way for the STORM! Boys' Soccer Home Game
By the Highlites Staff
This Tuesday, many Storm fans--including WYHS students, faculty, and parents--came together to support our team at the first boys soccer home game of the season. The neck-and-neck game against Donna Klein Jewish Academy was extremely well fought by the Storm
and ended in an impressive 2-2 tie.
Led by Captains Lior Goldstein
('10) and Arie Grunberg ('10), the team is improving practice by
practice. As Goldstein noted, "the freshmen on the team are really stepping it up,"
including Andy Agus ('13) who did an amazing job as goalie. Gilad
Bengio's ('11) unbelievable goal and Josh Agus's ('11) skills while playing offense were also important components to the team's success.
GO STORM!
The next boy's soccer game is on SEPTEMBER 24 @ the BOCA JCC
Feature Article
From the Freshmen Point of View...
Inspirational Freshmen Happenings
By Aaron Zimmerman ('13) & Rena Ben-Ezra ('13)
Last Friday, as the last rays of sunlight poured into the diverse houses of Boca Raton, the freshman boys of WYHS made their ways to the Boca Raton Synagogue. After a spirited davening service, the boys divided up into groups to eat at their respective Rabbis' homes for Shabbat dinner.
This past Wednesday night, the 9th grade girls experienced one of the first tastes of WYHS spirit. The freshmen girls were split into groups and welcomed into the houses of their Judaic teachers. Each girl not only enjoyed a delicious meal, but also got a chance to connect with her new classmates. Once the groups concluded their dinners, which were enriched with scrumptious food and philosophical discussions, the boys were ready for the main event of the night: the Mad Tish. The Tirschwell home resonated with sheer ebullience. First, several upperclassmen gave insightful Divrei Torah pertaining to friendship. Next, Rabbi Sugerman successfully impacted the boys with his enlightening D'var Torah about the significance of verbal repentance.
After the meal, all 9th grade girls met at the Horowitz home to enjoy a heartfelt kumsitz. Speeches from various upperclassmen enabled us a class to gain insight as to how to enjoy our freshmen year.
Following the moving orations came the fervent singing. The Rabbis and their students sang and pounded on the tables with jocundity and vehemence until the Tish sadly came to an end. The next morning, the boys davened, had an informative class with Rabbi Horowitz, and enjoyed a delicious lunch, which concluded the outstanding program. The Tish allowed the boys of 2013 to socialize with each other and their Rabbeim in an environment that was both entertaining and educationally productive.
By the end of the night, each girl not only felt closer to her teachers and new friends, but also was inspired--in the true spirit of the time of the Yamim Noraim--to live this upcoming year to the fullest.
Multimedia
Week in Review
As you can tell, this past week was jam-packed with excitement, from the stirring Selichot Program to the exhilerating boys' soccer game. Whether you'd like to find photos of yourself smiling with friends or experience the spirit of WYHS events, click on the the image to the left to watch an upbeat photo montage of this week's happenings at WYHS.
Got Passion?
Click on the image to the left to play the video that debuted at Saturday night's Selichot Program. The culmination of 'zeal,' 'fervor,' 'tenacity,' 'excitement,' 'enthusiasm,' Rabbi Lanner's passion for food, Elle Woods, and movie clips of lockerroom speeches, the film both entertains and inspires, forcing viewers to asks themselves, "Who are you and what is your passion?".
In Focus
Student Council is Stepping it Up
By Joshua Stadlan ('11)
Though
democratically elected by their peers, WYHS student council members dined like
kings last Shabbat, as Director of Student Activities Mrs.
Shira Englander
and Assistant Director of Student Activies Rabbi Allan Houben
graciously hosted royal feasts at their homes for the elite group.Over three savory, scrumptious meals, class
presidents and committee vice presidents discussed their ingenious plans for
this school year.Still, student council
members did more over the weekend than just stuff their faces (daintily, of
course) with Shira's deli rolls; they led the Freshman Boys at the Mad Tisch, assisted
with preparations for the Selichot Program, and learned from a speech by Rabbi
Tirschwell what it means to be an effective leader.
Running
the show are school presidents Michael
Mizrahi ('10) and Daniella Lieberman
('10).Always hard at work, the presidents
haven't yet had the time to appear on primetime NBC, CBS, and ABC in place of
your favorite show's season premiere; however, they just couldn't refuse a
Highlites interview.
----------
Highlites- So, you've announced that this
year's theme is "Step it Up!"Please
explain.
Michael Mizrahi- It's a message to the students- be the best you can
be, and get caught up in the storm!
H- Does "step it up" also apply to student council as well?
Daniella Lieberman- Definitely.We're trying hard to plan more exciting
programs and to add more 'oomph' to all school events.
H- Just
to clarify, student council is involved in..?
MM-Ha!Everything that has anything to do with school!
DL- Every aspect from every angle,
from the Selichot program to midterm scheduling
H-What
is the working dynamic between you two, Shira, and Rabbi
Houben?
MM-Shira and Rabbi
Houben give us direction, then
Daniella and I offer the student perspective and carry out some of the physical
preparations.Daniella's a great
partner- she's nice, knowledgeable, and fun to work with.
DL-Thanks Michael, you are
too.Michael
and I also have some separate responsibilities, as he is the spokesperson to
the boys, and I am for the girls.
H-You two seem to be quite a team.
MM-The other student council members
work extremely well together too.This
year, we have fewer members doing more- they are very focused and dedicated. No extra people standing on the
sidelines.
DL-The cohesiveness is also due to student
council's new structure.This year, the
vice presidents (representatives) of individual committees are also the heads
of those committees as well.
H- Aside from being a showcase of Shira's culinary expertise, the purpose of the Student Council Shabbaton was...?
MM- It served as a force bringing the student council together, preparing
everyone to work as a team.RPT also summed
it up well with his powerful speech on strong leadership vs. popularity.
H
-Thanks for
your time.Any last words?
DL-Get involved, have fun...
MM-...and STEP IT UP!
SpiritualityD'var Torah
The Piano Man
The Key to Yamim HaNora'im
By Daniella Eson ('11)
Imagine sitting down at a piano and just poking at the keys, the black,
and then the white and so on...all you have are sounds, no specific
melody. Now try to put these notes together and mesh them into your
favorite song. The keys work together to compose a melody that you can
enjoy. This analogy can be applied to your aveirot and mitzot.
The black keys represent your aveirot (chasv'shalom), and the white keys represent all your mitzvot. When you press a black key you will probably press a white key next. This is a mashal, a parable, for life: When you put the keys together they mesh to make a beautiful melody, and our tefilot to Hashem are like beautiful songs. The more you play, the more mitzvot you will do that will cover up the aveirot.
In the coming week's parshah, Moshe and Yehoshua speak to BneiYisroel in a song. They are trying to demonstrate to Bnei Yisroel the many things that Hashem does for us, and why we should appreciate him and follow in his ways. This song was joyous because no matter how many aveirot you do, throughrepentence and prayeryour mitzvot will surely overcome your aveirot. Furthermore, now that RoshHashanah and Yom Kippur are approaching, the shofar is blown as a wake-up call for teshuvah.
Even though the shofar blows may not sound like your favorite melody or song, they still are beautiful to Hashem. The blows of the shofar can awaken you in an amazing way, just as if you were playing your favorite song. This is the time when Hashem
is judging us and our actions over the course of the past year, and the
scales will tip, like the black and white keys on the piano, but in the
end they will come together to make a beautiful song composed of our tefilah and teshuvah.
I hope everyone has a Shanah Tovah U'metukah and a spiritual and uplifting holiday. Shabbat Shalom v'Chag Sameach!
