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Friday October 7, 2011
9 Tishrei, 5772
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Erev Yom Kippur
Candle Lighting at 6:43PM |
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Believe In Yourself
and in your ability to do anything
Harry Ganz ('08) often wore a bow tie on shabbos in high school. A good natured, extremely bright young man with a great sense of humor, Harry loved school in general and Mrs. Rainbeau in particular. Though Harry was solidly committed religiously and universally respected by his classmates and teachers, he was not on student council and did not found any clubs or programs at WYHS.
After high school, Harry dedicated his post secondary year to Torah study at Yeshivat Har Etzion ("Gush") in Israel, and then began Cornell, an Ivy League school distinguished by its great programs in the sciences.
It is hard to exaggerate the role that Harry plays in orthodox life at Cornell. I had the privilege of spending shabbos last year at Cornell. Harry is the gabbai of the minyan, which means not only appointing chazzanim and baalei kriah, but making sure that there is a minyan each morning and evening. This is no small feat at a school with 60 Orthodox Jews spread over a huge campus which is engulfed in frigid winter weather for much of the academic year.
In addition to the kosher dining room at the Center for Jewish Life, kosher lunch is served at the other end of the campus in a university dining room. Harry is the mashgiach there a few days a week. This is in addition to the significant amount of time he dedicates each week to original scientific research and, of course, his classes.
In high school, my best friend's mom taught me an important life lesson- our only limitations in life are those that we impose on ourselves. Harry is the proof of this.
Each Yom Kippur, the reason we have difficulty tackling our most vexing personal challenges is that we don't really believe in ourselves and our ability to do anything we set our minds to.
We often look at others and think that I would be like them if I was as bright, as good looking, as artistically or athletically talented, born into privilege, etc.
Each of us can do everything we set our minds to. This Yom Kippur, as you take stock of where we are and where you want to be a year from now, believe in yourself and your ability to be all that you desire to be.
Yeshiva Highlites will appear next on Friday, October 28.
Gmar chatima tova, Shabbat Shalom, and Chag Sameach
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell
Head of School
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Coming Attractions
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Sun. Oct. 9
No mishmar
Oct. 12-23
Sukkot Break
No Classes
Sun. Nov. 6
Annual Journal Dinner
honoring
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Good and Welfare
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Mazel Tov
Jeremy Gelbart ('05) on his engagement to Chani Feldman of Brooklyn
Chaya & Rabbi Elie Berkowitz on the birth of their son, Pinchas
Nechama (Natalie Horowitz) & Ido Gutman on the birth of a daughter
Dr. Michael & Mrs. Ora Lee Kanner on the birth of a granddaughter
Dr. Josh Light & Sara Jackson on their engagement
National Merit
Semi-Finalists Josh Gittler ('12) and Ezra Kurtz ('12)National Merit Commended Student Razi Katz ('12) Condolences Dr. Michael Matilsky on the loss of his father Mr. Marc Leff on the loss of his father |
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Feature Story
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 Graphic By Jesse Slomowitz ('13)
Written by Ezra Kurtz ('12)
Often it seems as though Jews worldwide fall under categorizations that seem to divide us rather than unite us. We are Orthodox, Conservative or Reform. We are Sefardi or Ashkenazi. We hail from a multitude of social backgrounds and dozens of nationalities that span the entire globe. Consequently, it is nothing short of miraculous when such a vast and diverse people can rally behind a common cause. This past Wednesday, our cause became the safe return of our brother, our hero and our chayal, Gilad Shalit. As part of a monumental consortium of nearly 100 Jewish day schools of all denominations, located both nationally and internationally, WYHS was privy to join in a special Atzeret Tefillah, communal gathering for prayer, for Gilad. The program consisted of many inspirational speeches regarding the beauty and strength of mass prayer, which were interspersed by the awesome occurrence of thousands of students simultaneously chanting choice psalms for Gilad's safe return. Also featured were a variety of musical acts that brought a key emotional element into the program. An incredible collection of Jewish leaders addressed the students, including Gilad's father Noam Shalit, Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Rosenblatt of RJC, the Chief Rabbi of England, Lord Jonathan Sacks and the "voice of the Holocaust", Dr. Elie Wiesel. WYHS was also privileged to have senior Michael Krasna lead not just our school, but the entire teleconference, in Psalm 130. As the assembly concluded with a heartfelt mi-sheberach for all the captive or missing Israeli soldiers, many students could not help but remark on the powerfulness of the program. Though all 254 students had seen and heard the same thing, the amount of ways in which the program impacted them was truly incredible. For instance, sophomore Samantha Leff was floored by the incredible show of unity and observed that "it was inspiring seeing all these Jewish schools connect to show how much we all want Gilad to come home," a sentiment no doubt shared by many. Conversely yet no less validly, senior Shmuli Goldis was touched by the "Tehillim coming straight from the soul and the most timely rendition of Ve'hi She'amdah". With the thousands of prayers ascending to G-d's heavenly throne, it is our hope that 5772 will see the long overdue return of Gilad Shalit.
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Featurette
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Saturday Night Selichot
Annual Program Puts Focus on Peer Pressure
Graphic By Eric Ditchek ('14)
Written by Gabriella Sobol ('13)
This year's Selichot Program was an amazing success. The theme of the night was battling peer pressure and choosing to do what is right no matter what others may think of you. The Chabad of Fort Lauderdale was a lovely location for the event, and students also enjoyed munching on a dinner of pizza, soda, and candy. Torah Affairs Chair Yisrael Weiss ('13) kicked off the program with an introduction to the night's events. Afterwards, Student Council President Sarah Katz ('12) read an inspiring story which relayed the message that every single person is unique and must utilize all the gifts that make him or her special.
Following this, students were broken up into groups to discuss different scenarios that involve peer pressure, and what choice to make in the given situations. The teachers explained why certain choices would be correct, and what the consequences of giving in to peer pressure could be. In its essence, the message was to self-evaluate and determine what the right answer is in a situation based on what is best for your personal growth.
Students then pondered their personal goals for the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, as well as the rest of the year. To aid this process, students were given a bookmark to record their steps towards improving their relationships with G-d and others. On the back of the bookmarks were a mirror and a poem to remind students to be true to themselves.
The program finished off with a moving and beautiful recitation of this year's opening Selichot. This year's program was truly inspirational, as junior Yonina Loskove ('13) related that "the program inspired me to reflect on my life and challenge myself to be a better person, as well as to be a better Jew with a great relationship with Hashem. It also taught me that I am unique to Hashem and He will love me no matter what I do. Selichot truly encouraged me to overcome the barriers of peer pressure and become a more devoted person to my goals." The Selichot program was a great way to start off the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, and students are now prepared to make many positive life changes throughout the upcoming year.
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Featurette
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Juniors Get a Jump Start
Juniors and Their Parents Get All of the Information about College Preparation
Graphic By Binyamin Feit('12)
Concept By Shoshana Linzer ('12) and Rashel Maikhor ('12)
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| Storm Center |
Golf Team "Tees Off"Graphic By Josh Firestone ('13) and Jonah Stein ('13) Concept by Andrew Wald ('12)
Written by William Parker ('13)
This year is the second season of the WYHS Golf Team, and the team's record so far has been a smashing 6-0-3, guaranteeing a winning season. The entire team has been hard at work, meticulously practicing for the district playoffs. Due to the improvement of the team's overall scores, the squad was able to come out victorious against teams that beat them last year. During practice, the entire squad utilizes every second to hone and refine their skills for the upcoming matches. We're getting better everyday and the future of WYHS Golf is looking bright.
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News Brief
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Mingling at Mozart
Sophomore Girls are Treated to a Special Lunch
 Graphic By Ariel Haar ('13)
Written By Elyse Tripp ('14)
Where were the sophomore girls during lunch on Tuesday? None of them could be found in the halls, classrooms or anywhere on the school grounds. That's because the sophomores were out being treated to an exciting lunch with their classmates and teachers at the new Mozart Café in Deerfield Beach.
Shuffling into the faculty members' cars, all the girls were excited for the delicious meal and the quality bonding time with their fellow classmates. While enjoying the tasty salad, pasta, and pizza, the girls hung out and relaxed with their friends and created lasting relationships.
After some inspirational words from Sarah Barrocas ('14) and Principal Mrs. Ora Lee Kanner, each girl wrote one positive adjective describing every single classmate. This exercise taught the girls the essential lesson of seeing the good in each and every person. The sophomore girls greatly appreciate the faculty's efforts to sweeten their year. The lunch at Mozart Café will forever be a WYHS memory that stands out for each sophomore girl.
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Picture of the Week
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 Graphic By Jonathan Razon ('13)
Written By Jessica Wolff ('12)
On September 7th, the WYHS Chesed and Tzedakah Committee launched its first chesed drive of the year in order to raise money for Tomchei Shabbos, a unique organization that seeks to help needy members of the community purchase food for Shabbat and chagim. For a few weeks, committee members sold snacks throughout the day to benefit the cause.
The campaign reached its zenith when the members took charge and signed up students to pre-order muffins and hot chocolate, with proceeds of the sale benefiting the organization. The drive culminated this Thursday successfully as students and faculty enjoyed their muffins and hot chocolate during breakfast.
Between the two sales, the drive was able to exceed its monetary goal and donate significant sums to Tomchei Shabbos in Boca Raton, Hollywood and North Miami Beach. Thank you to all who helped raise money for this amazing organization, and a special thanks to Mrs. Lysee Stein and Chesed Chairs Elana Kaminetsky ('12) and Jessica Wolff ('12) for making the drive a success.
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News Brief
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Teshuva Times Ten
Teachers Give Over Inspiring Aseret Yemei Teshuvah Drashas 
Graphic By Eric Ditchek ('14) Written By Bracha Brauser ('13) At WYHS, the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah don't just mean an extra half hour of selichot during davening. Additionally, every morning during these crucial days of repentance, the students hear Teshuvah drashot geared towards inspiring everyone to truly better him or herself. The students are fortunate to hear from different Judaic Studies teachers each day, and they all expound on ways to find meaning during these special ten days. These drashot facilitate a renewed understanding of the extremely important concepts of Teshuvah. The speakers provide for a multifaceted approach to the concept of repentance before Yom Kippur by utilizing unique stories, personal experiences, and lessons to inspire the students. Each teacher employs her own creative style, producing an informal environment where each student is able to find his or her own personal meaning. Whether through powerful tales or insightful parables, a brilliant message is conveyed to all the students. These lessons leave everyone inspired and affects each student's understanding of the purpose of Yom Kippur. Click here to watch Mrs. Horowitz give over a message of teshuva. |
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Alumni |
Graphic By Ariel Haar ('13) Written By Kelley Tripp ('13) Josh Kaminetsky graduated from WYHS in 2009 and currently studies at University of Pennsylvania, the latter which he describes as an experience "nothing short of amazing." While Josh plans to eventually pursue a career in medicine, his current major is economics. He has fond memories of his days at WYHS, and Josh notes that "the teachers prepared [him] well for the rigorous demands of a college curriculum, and the extracurricular activities exposed [him] to numerous people that have taught [him] to always be open to new opportunities."
Despite his time-consuming academic career, Josh decided to generously donate his time to assist current WYHS students by hosting a free SAT/ACT workshop last Sunday. This informal session greatly helped current juniors become familiar with the standardized tests that they will encounter in the upcoming year. Josh decided to give up his time for this in gratitude of the plethora of helpful advice he received in high school during the stressful and challenging time of test taking. Accordingly, he felt that this was his chance to give back in a meaningful and lasting way.
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Mo-ed
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The Mo-ed is a publication of Divrei Torah about Jewish Holidays written by the students of WYHS . It is released in conjunction with each chag. This is the year's inaugural edition. Click on the graphic above to view this edition of the Mo-ed. |
| The Yeshiva Highlites Staff | 
| Sarah Struhl
Editor-in-Chief |  |  |  |  |  |  | Ezra Kurtz
Senior Editor | Aaron Rose
Technical Editor | Shoshana Linzer
Creative Editor | Rashel Maikhor
Creative Editor | Jeffrey Herr
Layout Editor | Darren Jacoby
English Editor |
 |  |  |  |  | Aaron Zimmerman
Chief-of-Writers | Amir Tsarfati
Chief Photographer | Josh Firestone
Video Editor | Binyamin Feit
Asst. Tech. Editor | Jonathan Razon
Asst. Tech. Editor |
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