Yeshiva Highlites 10.27.06

Mazel Tov To:

Mr. and Mrs. Judah Friedman on the engagement of their son, Josh, and to sister Aliza ('10).

Electives are Back...
and Better Than Ever!

By Mr. Adam Dobrick

After a one year absence, electives are back, offering our students valuable enrichment opportunities as a part of their regular class schedule. This year, freshmen and sophomores will have the opportunity to choose between four excellent electives that will give them tools they will be able to use throughout their lifetimes: Spanish, Art, Graphic Design and Jewish Philosophy.

Spanish is being taught by master teacher Mrs. Bette Schroeder who has over thirty years of experience. Mrs. Schroeder’s emphasis in her class is to teach students Spanish as a means of communication so that they go out into the world and utilize their new skills.

Graphic Design is being taught by Mr. Jon Kaweblum. In this high tech class, students will have the opportunity to learn about computer design applications that will allow them to become familiar with technology that is truly changing the world.

Art is being taught by Mrs. Loren Stein, a local artist with a degree from M.I.T. In this class, students will develop their artistic talents by working in a variety of mediums, as well as aspects of art history and art appreciation.

Jewish Philosophy is being taught by Rabbi Moshe Schochet. In this class students will have an opportunity to ponder some of life’s most important questions in the context of Jewish thought and to discuss contemporary issues not addressed during the Judaic studies classes.

Beyond The Classroom
Girls Enjoy Late Night Learning

By Chava Rubin (’07)

At WYHS, learning is not just something that takes place in a classroom; teachers are not just there to test and give grades. WYHS encourages students to learn on their own time, to create relationships with their teachers and to constantly seek inspiration.

One opportunity for students to cultivate their religious and personal growth is at Mrs. Grossman’s Wednesday night chug at her home. Junior and senior girls are invited to spend time learning and discussing topics which relate to women. Girls can develop their reading and analytical skills as well as derive a more meaningful connection to Torah and mitzvot in ways that apply to their everyday lives.

In addition to learning l’shma, without any external motivation, such as grades or credit, the chug gives girls an opportunity to build a connection with a role model. Being out of the classroom setting enables students to develop a close relationship with Mrs. Grossman, where girls feel comfortable “opening up” and asking questions.

Mrs. Grossman’s chug is a place for girls to be inspired in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.

Celebrating Sukkot
In The Holy Land

By Danielle Wolkowicz (’09)

Over Sukkot vacation, many WYHS students and their families traveled to Israel to experience the holiday sitting in a sukkah in the most beautiful, significant place in the world. Arielle Struhl (’09), who has been to Israel every Sukkot for the past five years, remarks “I feel the safest when I’m in Israel. Everything is just different there; people look out for each other more.” Adds Shira Wolkowicz (’10), “it’s awesome how you can go to the mall and eat in the mall’s sukkah. There is no other place in the world like Israel.”

While in Israel, students made the most of their time and visited army bases, danced with mentally disabled children, and gave toys out to patients in a children’s hospital in Haifa. Aryeh Genet (’08), who was also in Israel during this summer's war with Lebanon, comments that “being in Israel during the war, and then two months later for Sukkot, I was able to see how resilient this country is. During the summer, thousands of Israelis were forced to leave their homes. Now, to the best of their abilities, everything is back to normal.”

The students were extremely moved by the entire trip, which reminded them not only of the spiritual influence Israel has on their lives, but also the importance of ensuring the continuation of the state of Israel and that it must not be taken for granted. L’Shana Haba B’Yerushalayim!

Up Close and Personal with

Hebrew Language Department Chair

Mrs. Nili Alcalay

By Alexa Bryn (’08)

The Hebrew language department at WYHS is as innovative as ever. The department's NETA program focuses on spoken Hebrew, as well as Israeli culture through songs, poetry and current events. Mrs. Nili Alcalay, chair of the Hebrew department, tells us what's new with Hebrew language at WYHS.

A majority of Jewish Day Schools have switched to the NETA program. What makes NETA so special?

Mrs. Alcalay: It’s a very modern, innovative program that emphasizes four skills crucial to learning any foreign language: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. Also, the content is modern; it involves spoken Hebrew, nothing old fashioned. Unlike other programs, there are no charts and lists to memorize. Rather, NETA reaches to the students’ creativity and helps them use what they learn in different contexts.

What is the most important thing that you wish to impart to WYHS students in your classroom?

Mrs. Alcalay: I want to give them a love of the Hebrew language and the ability to use it both in Israel and in their Judaic studies classes.

Can you tell me about the Hebrew newspaper you are starting with the students?

Mrs. Alcalay: I am launching the Hebrew newspaper with my highest- level girls’ post-NETA class. The paper will come out once a month and will give students an opportunity to write for extra credit in their Hebrew classes. The topics will cover both America and Israel. But the newspaper will also be a lot of fun; we will have crossword puzzles, jokes, Hebrew ads, and reviews of the Israeli film festival.

As an Israeli, how does it make you feel to see the type of connection our students have with the state of Israel?

Mrs. Alcalay: I’m so touched and proud that there is a connection between Jews in the Diaspora and Jews in Israel. It gives me a lot of nachas. The fact that the younger generations keep connecting to their heritage and their language gives me hope that we will survive wherever we are.

What is one thing that the students may not know about you?

Mrs. Alcalay: When I was in the army, I was an instructor for the new soldiers – I went through basic training with them. After that, I was in charge of all of the nurses and the wounded soldiers in the Asaf Harofeh medical headquarters. The hospital was right by my base and this is where I met my husband.

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Weinbaum Yeshiva High School
7902 Montoya Circle
Boca Raton, FL 33433
561.417.7422
www.wyhs.net
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