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From: Rabbi Perry Tirschwell <rpt@wyhs.net>
Subject: Yeshiva Highlites featuring Open House and Boys Basketball
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Yeshiva Highlites featuring Open House and Boys Basketball
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The Weekly Newsletter of
Weinbaum
Yeshiva High School

Parshat Miketz
Friday, December 7, 2007
Shabbat begins in Boca @ 5:11

rpt

From the desk of
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell

What is WYHS' view on integration of subjects? Do our English and Chumash teachers coordinate topics? Is there value to the synchronization of the math and history curricula?

Brain based research teaches us that we remember new facts by connecting them to other things we have learned. The more connections we can make to other memories in our brain, the more likely we will remember what we are learning. We even remember things better if there was something unusual about the place we learned them, an unusual odor in the room, or out of the ordinary music that was playing in the background.

This scientific research is the basis for the Integration movement, which posits that students will remember more of what they learn if it was connected with what they learn in other subjects. Schools began reorganizing their curricula and their schedules to enable all the teachers of the school, for example, to be teaching about Egypt (in literature, math, Judaic studies, and history) at once.

Though at first glance Integration may seem like the pinnacle of Torah UMadda- the combination of Judaic wisdom and western culture, WYHS believes that it is contrary to its mission of college preparation. It may be an excellent idea for elementary or middle school, but the colleges and college boards (SAT II and AP exams) are focused on the mastery of particular disciplines.

When integration will not sacrifice college preparation, we do integrate courses. Our 9th grade Art course parallels our Ancient Civilizations course, 10th grade the European History course and 11th grade the American History course.

WYHS is always striving to be more effective in its teaching. Our divining rod to navigate our way through new educational fads is always what will prepare graduates best for yeshiva, seminary and college.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Perry Tirschwell

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Upcoming Events

  • Chanukah Chagigah
    Monday, December 10
    5:45pm @ BRS
    Click Here to RSVP for the Chagigah

  • WYHS Sports Experience
    Tuesday, December 11 in B"M

  • Panopluka
    Wednesday, December 12
    6th and 7th periods

  • Guys & Dolls Performance
    Tuesday, December 18
    7:30 pm for women only
    Click Here to Buy Your Play Tickets

  • Fast of Asara B'Tevet
    Wednesday, December 19
    1:45pm dismissal

  • Click Here To Order
    Your Storm Klipped Kippahs



  • Good and Welfare

    Mazel Tov To:

  • Zach Stander ('02) on his upcoming marriage to Sivan Vinick

    Condolences To:

  • Mrs. Tilda Fisher on the loss of her father



  •  

    Click On Picture For Our Thrilling Open House Video


    Welcome To Our House!!


    WYHS Opens Its Doors to over 170 Prospective New Parents and Students


    By LeeLee Borzak ('10)

    This past Sunday, WYHS hosted its annual Open House, an incredible and interactive way for prospective families to get a first hand look at what WYHS has to offer. Over 170 eighth grade students and their parents attended this event and learned about the many wonderful aspects of WYHS.

    On a picture perfect Florida winter morning, parents and students were greeted outdoors by student ambassadors and Principal Rabbi Perry Tirschwell. They directed the prospective families to student council members, who were waiting at fourteen different stations set up throughout the plaza in front of the school. There, the families filled out inquiry cards-their first steps into high school. In reward for submitting their contact information, Program Director Rabbi Josh Spodek gave each family the new, "hot off the presses" WYHS Viewbook and great WYHS chatzkas.

    The program really helped incoming students and parents understand WYHS from different points of view. Ben Scheiner ('09) spoke about his experiences at WYHS as a student, and Mrs. Lisa Baratz, mother of Zack ('10) and Elie ('08), shared a parent's perspective on the WYHS experience. Associate Principal Mrs. Ora Lee Kanner focused on the care that the school gives to each individual student and highlighted the significance of being in a school where everyone knows your name and what your strengths are.

    A highlight of the program was the fantastic video created by Jeremy Hodkin ('09), Admissions Director Melissa Pereira, and Director of Technology Claudia Cohen. Interviews with current students, great video footage of school activities, and tons of pictures really showed prospective students where WYHS excels. The families were then treated to a full WYHS day (in 36 minutes!). The faculty gave the attendees a taste of the rigorous and rewarding academics at WYHS through model lessons in most subjects areas.

    A great component of the program was the extracurricular round robin, where students and parents experienced the excitement that takes place outside of the classroom. They got a first hand look at the great WYHS Storm athletic program, the eighteen student committees, WYHS' use of technology, and a sneak peek of the upcoming WYHS musical, Guys and Dolls, which will take place on December 18th.

    The Open House was a great success and prospective students and parents got an in-depth look at WYHS. We hope to see them next fall at WYHS!

    Thank you to Melissa Pereira, the entire faculty and all our student volunteers for all your hard work.

     

    The Real Chanukah Miracle

    Rabbi Riskin at WYHS

    By LeeLee Borzak ('10)

    This Monday, WYHS students were privileged to hear Rabbi Riskin, dean of Ohr Torah and Chief Rabbi of Efrat, speak about the incredible miracles of Chanukah. One of the main ideas that Rabbi Riskin highlighted was that, contrary to popular belief, the original battle on Chanukah was not fought between the Jews and the Greeks, rather it was a battle within the Jewish people.

    A minority of the Jews were secular and embraced Greek culture. They had high authority and tight connections with the Greeks who wanted to Hellenize the Jewish people. However, only few people saw the dangers of assimilation. Soon, the assimilated Jews came to realize that the religious Jews were “winning” the battle. They came to recognize the Torah again and, thanks to the inspiration of the few faithful Jews, they left Greek culture and returned to their Jewish roots.

    Nowadays, Rabbi Riskin explained, we, like the Jews in the times of Chanukah, are fighting two battles: one between the Israelis and the rest of the world, and the other is the battle within ourselves. In Israel, there is so much tension between the chilonim (non-religious Jews) and the datiim(religious Jews).

    Although not everyone realizes this, we, as a Jewish nation, need to work on the conflicts within our own people. Only then can we win the battle with the other nations. In the bracha of “Ve’Lemalshinim” (“And for the slanderers…) in the daily Shmone Esreh, we pray that Hashem will protect us from other nations and moreover, from the evils within ourselves. This concept must always remain central in our minds.

    Rabbi Riskin brought many new insights to the forefront of our minds. The miracles of Chanukah and the Maccabees' victories, both their internal and external conflicts, apply to us today. We must always hope that Hashem will end disagreements between Jews, and that there will be peace amongst the Jewish people.

    May the miracles of Chanukah last forever and help us again in our current battles, and may Mashiach come Bemhaira Beyamainu.

    Thank you to Rabbi Riskin for your enlightening speech to the WYHS student body.

     

    Click Picture For

    An Awesome Slideshow


    Boys Varsity Basketball

    Kicks Off At WYHS


    By Eli Baratz('08)

    The Boys Varsity basketball team started off this season amazingly, winning its first two games against arch rivals Hillel and Hebrew Academy and capturing the title of South Florida Jewish Day School Champions for the first time in WYHS history.

    That success though, did not carry into the first four games of the regular season. The Storm lost hard fought games against heavily favored teams, including a devastating three point loss to 3A Pope John Paul II High School.

    In the next two games, the Storm bounced back, winning convincingly against overmatched FAU High by 60 points and Boca Christian by 30 points. Captain Anosh Zaghi ('08) has played spectacularly, and even led the nation in scoring for a while, according to JVElite.

    Freshman starter Matt Orlinsky has grown into his role as point guard and has been deadly from three point range. Role players Michael Schiff ('08), Ronnie Rosenbaum ('08), and Aryeh Genet ('08) have been contributing greatly, and the Storm hopes to continue to improve and get ready for another run at the district championship and a YU Sarachek tournament title.


    Next Game on


    Tuesday at 7:30


    at Boca Prep




    Come Cheer


    Us On!!!

     

    The ChanuPalooza 5768


    Excitement Continues!



    Three Great Events Planned For Next Week

     


    Up Close and Personal


    with Mrs. Simone & Zachary Griff,

    Prospective Mother and Son



    By Daniella Greer ('09)

    On Sunday, December 2nd, prospective students and parents from all over South Florida gathered for the annual WYHS Open House. Excited to start their high school careers, students and their parents spent the morning learning about WYHS' mission "to challenge and inspire" and got a first hand look at what WYHS has to offer. Below, Simone Griff and her eighth grade son, Zach, tell us what they thought of the Open House and why WYHS is a good match.

    What is the one aspect of WYHS that draws you to it most?

    He said: The main aspect that draws me to WYHS is the motivation of the students. You can tell that everyone really wants to succeed.

    She said: I want Zach to continue his school career with not only excellence in secular education, but also with superb Judaic studies. Knowing what a great school WYHS is academically, we think it will be a perfect fit for him.

    Which of the teacher presentations excited you the most?

    He said: The English program sounds very exciting. I’ve heard from other students that English at WYHS is one of the best classes. The curriculum seems to be by far the best.

    She said: Honestly, there was not one better than the other. I was very impressed with all the teachers. They showed us that the classes they teach are on a high level. Both the Judaic and secular teachers were so enthusiastic!

    What are you looking to get out of the WYHS experience?

    He said: I really want to enhance all of my Judaic studies classes and at the same time advance in my college preparatory classes.

    She said: I want Zach to continue with outstanding secular studies so that he'll be well-prepared for college. In terms of Judaic studies, I want him to continue learning, go in depth, and take his studies to a whole new level. I want him to go as far as he can go.

    Was the Open House different than you expected?

    He said: It was great. I can’t think of one bad thing to say about it. The organization, the atmosphere…amazing!

    She said: The Open House was highly organized. I was so impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by not only the teachers, but the students who were there as well. Getting a sneak peak of the drama production was great, and the slide show that we saw in the beginning really informed us about WYHS. I saw that there was truly a high level of academics and that the kids love being there.

     

    On the Eighth day of Chanukah, WYHS is kicking off its first ever Panopluka.

    Many students are wondering what this great program is all about.

    So today we ask you, our readers, what is Panopluka?


    Color War
    Typo of Chanupalooza
    New way of cooking latkes
    German word for jelly-doughnut making

    View Results

    poll poll poll poll

     



    "The students from WYHS are so welcoming and friendly.

    I love being in Boca Raton!!

    I have already learned so much here

    and have made connections and friendships that will last forever. "



    -- Student from Kiryat Bialik

    visiting Boca Raton through the Jewish Roots Program


    Yeshiva Highlites Staff

    Danielle Wolkowicz (’09)

    Editor-in- Chief

    LeeLee Borzak (’10)

    Assistant Editor

    Mrs. Claudia Cohen

    Director of Technology

    Alana Dweck(’09)

    Photo Editor

    Daniella Greer(’09)

    Features Editor

    Josh Kaminetsky(’09)

    Layout Editor

    David Petrover(’10)

    Assistant Photo Editor

    Aleeza Rubin(’09)

    Chief of Correspondents

    David Spektor(’10)

    Assistant Photo Editor
    Rabbi Josh Spodek Staff Advisor

    Weinbaum Yeshiva High School
    7902 Montoya Circle
    Boca Raton, FL 33433
    561.417.7422

    www.wyhs.net
    RPT@wyhs.net

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    Weinbaum Yeshiva High School | 7902 Montoya Circle | Boca Raton | FL | 33433