The students next viewed a video that described (in a voice-over that sounded suspiciously like Rabbi Houben's) the physical accomplishments of Oscar Pistorius, an Olympic and Paralympic athlete who has no feet, and the spiritual accomplishments of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, who overcame his "common" background and became a gadol ha'dor, despite being debilitated in his later years by Parkinson's disease. The students learned the limitless power of determination, and that they should always have the confidence that they can accomplish anything.

The program concluded with a story by Joseph Bensmihen (JB), who was born with cerebral palsy. The Canadian government classified him as "disabled" and placed him into a separate elementary school, which he found unacceptable. He fought the establishment, pushed himself to his limits and beyond, and eventually prevailed, managing to get into the school of his choice and graduate with flying colors. The students appreciated the lesson of self-confidence and resolve, and sat up just a little bit straighter as they recited their penitent selichot prayers. The night was rife with meaning and introspection, marking WYHS's most impactful selichot program yet. 

WYHS 5773 Selichot Video	Selichot Program Speakers: Joseph Bensmihen, Hedva Tirschwell ('13), & Rabbi Allan Houben