Give a Student an Explanation, He Passes a Test. Teach a Student to Learn, He Studies for a Lifetime.
Students often ask me, "If Hashem wanted us to understand this pasuk (Torah verse) like Rashi explains it, then why didn't He just write that in the Torah itself?" I always answer that Hashem wanted US to work to uncover these hidden ideas. Had He just written everything explicitly, with no room for OUR exploration of a topic, we would find it extremely difficult to connect to the Torah.
If we want our students, our children, to want to spend a lifetime learning Torah, they need to know that they are active participants in that learning. How do we get to that stage? We start by engaging our students in discussions about the texts they are learning. Through the study of the classical commentators, we encourage our students to find the perspective that most resonates with them. The ultimate goal is to inspire each student to find his or her own voice by offering his or her own suggestions to explain a textual problem.
We certainly focus a lot of our time in Judaic classes on studying the words of our sages. These scholars were Torah giants who had an intuitive understanding of Tanach and Halacha, and studying their commentary is the necessary starting point for any serious student of Torah. But in order to create a meaningful connection to learning Torah, we must allow each student the room to express his or her own approach or understanding.
As a teacher, there is no greater feeling than witnessing a student offer new insight into an old problem. If we can successfully inspire this active learning in our living rooms and classrooms, then we will see our children grow into adults who have a lifelong love of limud Torah.
Rabbi Benjy Horowitz Director of Judaic Studies
Coming Attractions
Motzei Shabbat
Boys Soccer Game
8:00pm at Pope
Girls Soccer Game
8:30pm Boca JCC
Mon Nov 15
Winter Sports
Parent Mtg 8:00pm
Thurs Nov 18 Yearbook Picture Retake
Sun Nov 21 Open House
for Prospective Students & Their Parents
9:30am-12:30pm
Mon Nov 22
Golf Tournament
Sponsorships still available. Click here to e-mail Shimmie Kaminetsky.
Condolences
Gregg Waman on the loss of his mother and to grandaughter Emily ('09)
Refuah Shleimah
Eliyahu Refael ben Zehava
News Brief
The Sun Will
Come Out
Prayers Inspired
by Peaceful Panorama
Click on the image above to view the Photo Gallery
Written By Josh Stadlan ('11) Graphic By Jonah Katz ('11)
True, the sun never showed up, but the entire senior class did.
The 12th graders headed down Palmetto Park Road in the early hours of Friday morning, their eagerness to recite a beachside shacharit clearly overpowering their desire to go back to sleep. Meeting up at the gazebo, the students joined BRS members in tefillah, as the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves crashing upon the shore enhanced the overall kavanah, the prayer concentration, and ambience. Though thick clouds concealed the typically brilliant sunrise, the majestic view of the ocean and horizon still managed to foster an appreciation for G-d's natural wonders among the students.
Despite their disappointment, the seniors were still glad to be vatikin, those who perform mitzvot at the first time possible. Of course, alacrity has its perks: the seniors were treated to a royal breakfast buffet of bagels, scrambled eggs, and hash browns at European Cafe. Often separated because of varying courses and levels, the seniors enjoyed eating, chatting, and relaxing together before facing the usual hustle and bustle of a school-day.
News Brief
Shiur, Shirah, Shabbat
Shabbaton Emphasizes Importance of Night Seder
Written By Adina San Solo ('11) Graphic By Andy Agus ('13)
This past Shabbat, WYHS celebrated the annual Girls' Night Seder Shabbaton. Shabbat was inspiring and filled with a beautiful sense of camaraderie, showcasing what Night Seder represents. On Friday night, students ate at various teachers' houses, followed by a moving tisch filled with ruach.
On Shabbat day, students attended a Kiddush and shiur at Rabbi Hochman's house and went to Rabbi Tirschwell's house for lunch, where students enjoyed Divrei Torah from fellow classmates. Thank you to Rabbi Hochman, who coordinated the Shabbaton and gave an excellent shiur, Rabbi Tirschwell for hosting Shabbat lunch and his continued support of Night Seder, and Shimmie Kaminetsky for always helping out and assisting with the coordination of Girls' Night Seder.
We hope that participation in Girl's Night Seder continues to grow, especially after a Shabbaton that took this program to new heights.
News Brief
Have No Fear, Mrs. Roberts is Here...
...To Kickoff Junior College Application Processess
Written By Elana Gelman ('12)
Graphic By Andy Agus ('13)
This past Tuesday, the Junior class was treated to the annual College Application Kickoff Seminar given by Mrs. Marcy Roberts. Here are some of the tips they recieved in order to successfully pursue a higher education.
1. Remember that there is a college for everyone. If you read directions and meet deadlines (emphasis on dead) you will find the college for you.
2. The admissions process is not easy. There are a record number of high school students applying to colleges now, and colleges' admissions rates went from 20% of high school graduates in the 1940s to 65% of high school graduates who are applying to high school today. Therefore, it is important to do everything you can to stand out.
3. Consider many factors when applying to a college. Location, athletics,Jewish communities, size, majors, and cost should all be considered.
4. Be well rounded: Colleges look for many things in an applicant, including grades, SAT scores, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
5. Postpone within reason: You do not have to take SATs (or ACTs) the first time available if you will not be ready; however you should take both the SAT and ACT once before June.
News Brief
To Israel and Back
Mrs. Kanner Visits Class of 2010
Written By Ezra Kurtz ('12)
Graphic By Andy Agus ('13)
Whether in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh or the Galil, Principal Ora Lee Kanner brought her trademark WYHS flair to seminaries and alumni throughout the State of Israel.
During her week-long tour of over fifteen seminaries, she was able to assess the strengths of each school. Though many of the schools are very similar, Mrs. Kanner noted distinctions in learning style and programming between each seminary, which will allow her to advise future gap year students on which seminary they will find most appealing.
Mrs. Kanner also met with many WYHS alumni spending this year learning in Israel.She helped the girls ease into their respective seminaries, discussed their classes with them, and brought a much-welcomed piece of home to the girls. Finally, Mrs. Kanner received much nachas from the growth she has seen in the students, from their spiritual progress to their increased appreciation for Israel.
Feature Story
Laziness + Talent = Rosh Chodesh Kislev
Written By Sruli Fixler ('13) and Sarah Katz ('12) Graphic By Binyamin Feit ('12)
Tired from their usually busy schedules, the boys of WYHS got off to a fun start at the school's annual Lazy Man Olympics.
Given the opportunity to shine in sports in a unique and unconventional way, the students began their morning with a "lazy" start, participating and excelling in entertaining and distinct activities that required little energy, if any at all. Students were thrilled to battle against their peers in lazy yet competitive sports such as golf, ping-pong, foosball, wiffle ball, chess, air hockey and several virtual sports games on the Wii. School champions were crowned in each event, and, as David Hopen ('12) and Gilad Bengio ('11) declared, after back-to-back wiffle ball home-runs sealed the "WYHS World Series game," nothing beats the Lazy Man at WYHS."
The event was clearly a success, thanks to the creative contributions of Rabbi Houben and Shira Englander, and the students are already looking forward to the next annual Lazy Olympics.
In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the girls of WYHS gathered to celebrate by putting on a talent show. Nine extraordinary acts were performed, from Sophomore Nechamie Saxon's sign language rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore," to Juniors Rashel Maikhor, Cailtin Schechter, and Simita Barrocas's dancing performance of "Single Ladies."
Each act was extremely different and entertaining, thus creating a diverse and exciting production. The show began with juniors Leora Litwin and Becky Shachter's mash-up of many of our favorite classic Jewish songs, and continued on to showcase the musical talents of Liel Reinfeld ('11), Daniella Eson ('11), Talia Len ('12), and Ariella Len ('13). The Judaic studies teachers also contributed to the fun and sang their own version of Madonna's "Material Girls," changing the words to humorously sing about the WYHS girls.
Ariella Saslafsky ('14), Nina Landau ('13), Rebecca Bensimon ('14), and Ayelet Petrover ('12) performed another remarkable act, showcasing their unbelievable gymnastics capabilities. The show closed with the seniors' spectacular rendition of Glee's "Walking on Sunshine" and an impromptu song by junior Sarah Katz. Overall, the talent show was an incredible success, and I would like to thank Leora Litwin and Shira Englander for all of their hard work.
Rabbi Nissel Shares Stories and Amazes With His Accent
Written By Darren Jacoby ('12)
Graphic By Aaron Rose ('13)
This Wednesday at WYHS, students were privileged to have Rabbi Menachem Nissel inspire and inform us about the true purpose of leading a Jewish life. He broke Judaism down into three main beliefs: that we were created by G-d, G-d has a plan for us, and the world is progressing towards something. Rabbi Nissel also spoke about the power of the reincarnation of the Jewish neshamah. Rabbi Nissel was born in London, and after years of learning he made Aliyah and now travels the globe as a speaker. I was fortunate to be able to ask him a few questions about himself and his work.
DJ: How did you begin as a speaker?
RN: Well I didn't really have any formal beginning, I just used to talk and people liked listening, so I got into it and now I'm where I am today.
DJ: Why do you feel that sharing this message is important to share with teens?
RN: I think the purpose of Judaism and life in general is important for all, but it's especially important for teenagers who are venturing out into the secular world. Teens need to make sure their belief is strong enough to resist the outside world.
DJ: Where do you teach now?
RN: I teach at Yeshivat Yishrei Lev in the old city of Jersualem.
Poll
Due to Parent-Teacher Conferences, school began at 8:45 on Tuesday. Here is a breakdown of what WYHS students did with their extra 45 minutes.
Where They Are Now
Lets Hear it
for Heering!
Class of '08 Alumnus
Rallies For Gilad Shalit
Written By Andrew Wald ('12)
Graphic By Binyamin Feit ('12)
One of the most personable graduates of the class of 2008 was certainly Eitan Heering, as his stress-free attitude is frequently recalled by his friends and teachers. After his tenure at WYHS, Eitan started a trend by becoming one of the first graduates to attend Mechinat Avnei Eitan (LYA) in Israel. Last fall, he began classes at the University of Maryland along with many other WYHS alumni. He is adamant that the dual curriculum in WYHS prepared him for the rigors of college.
In addition to maintaining his religious beliefs and practices on campus, Eitan is also making an impact with his vocal support for Israel. He helped organize the "1600 for 1600" rally in Washington D.C. This rally, which was held on November 11th, helped to raise awareness about the capture and mistreatment of Gilad Shalit by Hamas militants. The event also marked the 1600th day Shalit has been held hostage.
Ashreinu
Click on the image above to view this weeks edition of Ashreinu.
