From: Rabbi Perry Tirschwell <rpt@wyhs.net>
Subject: The Amazing Technicolor Yeshiva Highlites: Musical, Models, Mind-boggling Discovery Program
Reply: rpt@wyhs.net

Friday, March 12, 2010
26 Adar 5770
Shabbat HaChodesh
Parshat Vayak'hel-Pekudei

Candle Lighting at 6:10 PM


Click on the images above to jump to the corresponding article
Chesed Requirement:
 A Contradiction in Terms?


 
Though they are a regular feature of high school graduation requirements today, a generation ago Community Service Requirements did not exist in most high schools.
 
A national debate has begun about this trend. Does it make sense to require something which, by its nature, is voluntary?
 
On one hand, we believe that Judaism does require us to do things that others view as optional. Prayer, fidelity to a spouse, and treating our parents with respect (for example) aren't elective. On the other hand, as we say every morning after birkat HaTorah, chasadim are dvarim sh'ain lahem shiur (community service does not have a minimum or maximum amount). 
 
The responsibility of parents and teachers is to explain why certain modes of behavior are appropriate, and to expect and require children to deport themselves in that fashion. As adults, they  will exercise their bechirah chafshit (free choice), but as children living under our roofs, we require our children to eat right, go to bed at a certain time, clean up after themselves, etc. This is doubly true for religious responsibilities such as chesed.
 
Helping others doesn't put more money in your bank account, help you advance your career, put you in better physical shape, or give you more time with your family. It actually takes away precious time when you could be doing any of these.
 
Helping others does give your life a sense of meaning, make you appreciate what you have, give you a sense of community, and make you feel good. It makes you a better person.
 
WYHS created the position of Chesed Coordinator to help students learn this important value. Mrs. Andron's role is to help students identify community service opportunities that speak to them (and to nudge them to avail themselves of these opportunities). She plays such an important role in our school that, in anticipation of her aliyah this coming summer, she has been training her successor throughout this year. We are indebted to her for making chesed part of the woof and warp of our school.   
 
Though chesed is something that we have to do on our own time, WYHS runs an annual chesed program during school hours to expose the students to a community service opportunity that they might not have come across on their own. We believe that participation in these programs is as or more important than the class time that it preempts.  



Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Perry Tirschwell

Head of School
The Coming Week

Sunday 3/14

  Super Sunday
  9:00-5:30pm
  Zinman Hall
 
  No Mishmar
 
Sun-Mon, 3/14-5
  Sophomore & Junior Trips
 
Fri 3/19
  Juniors Daven @Sunset
   @The Beach
  6:50am


Good & Welfare
Mazel Tov
Atara Aroll ('05) engaged to Effie Kleinberg of Toronto

Shoshana Webberly ('05) engaged to Aryeh Sova of Chicago

Hillel Wolf ('05) engaged to Chana Adatto of Seattle
 
Rabbi Mordechai Turoff ('01)- the 1st WYHS Grad to Receive YU Smicha
 
Gavriel & Kayla (Kowal '06) Krauss on the birth of Aryeh David
 
Mr. & Mrs. Rami Ovadia on the birth of a David Ezra Ovadia
 
Chaim Seligman ('07) on enlisting in Tzahal


Refuah Shleima
Simcha Chaya bat Luna
Ruchama bat Dina Malka

Condolences
Mrs. Robyn Struhl
on the loss of her father
News Brief
Never Forget
The Seniors Hear From Holocaust Survivor Ernest Michel





By Ezra Kurtz ('12)

STAFF WRITER

Riveting. Inspirational. Chilling.

These were the adjectives used by the senior class who were privileged to hear Mr. Ernest Michel speak about his experience during the Holocaust.

Tragically, Mr. Michel lost his entire family during the Nazi genocide, yet through determination and a bit of luck he was able to escape during a Death March towards the end of the war. Soon after, he moved to America and has been sharing his stirring and emotional story ever since.

While his story was originally intended as a testament to the horrific events, Mr. Michel noted that it was foremost a warning about the dangerous ideology of anti-Semitism that exists even today. He urged students not to take for granted the world they live in, and to recognize the dangers of this detrimental philosophy that has the ability to permeate even the most cultured of nations.


News Brief
Shteiging, Shabbat, and a Whole Lot of Singing
Boys' Night Seder Shabbaton




By Adam Poliak ('11)

STAFF WRITER

This past Shabbat, participants of the Boys' weekly Night Seder program  attended their second Shabbaton of the year. Just as in the previous Shabbaton, the boys ate scrumptious dinners at the homes of different Rebbeim, sang for hours at the tisch at the Horowitz home, and rejoined for Shabbat lunch at the Tirschwells' where they were honored to have a sicha, discussion, with esteemed Torah scholar Rabbi Rabinovici. With more boys attending Night Seder than ever before, the Shabbaton was definitely a success.

The students would like to thank the Rebbeim for graciously opening up their homes to them and for expertly guiding the learning at Wednesday Night Seder every week.


Check Mate
The Month-Long Chess Tournament at WYHS



Following a month of intense competition, the second-ever WYHS chess tournament officially concluded last week with its highly-anticipated championship game. Twenty-two students and one faculty member of varying skill levels participated in the tournament, improving their skills over three rounds that led up to a  mini-tournament among the top three players. 

Justin Stauber ('11), co-head of the Chess Club, emerged as the champion, but the challenge was truly enjoyed by all. "The tournament was well organized and just a good experience," commented the co-head of the Chess Club, Zack Raab ('10).  Alex Stein ('11), who came in second place, felt that "the tournament gave him something to look forward to during the school day." Similarly, Adam Barel ('11) noted that "it was a nice break from my day of classes that allowed me to socialize with a different group of people."

The Chess Club plays just for fun every Thursday during lunch in Room 107 and is open to everyone. In the future, the club hopes to participate in inter-school games and to hold another tournament even bigger and better than this past one.



It All Adds Up!
9th and 10th Grade Math Competition


By Elana Kaminetsky ('12)

STAFF WRITER

This past week, the ninth and tenth grade honors math students competed against fellow advanced mathematicians across the country through the American Mathematics Contests 10B (AMC) multiple choice exam.  Students who receive a score in the top one percent will be invited to take the 28th annual American Invitational Mathematical Examination (AIME) later in the year.
 

The test proved to be challenging and intellectually stimulating, requiring an advanced understanding in many algebraic, statistical, trigonometric, geometric, and theoretical concepts.  Despite its difficulty, all of the students felt accomplished and enthusiastically discussed the different strategic methods they utilized for certain questions.
 
We were really fortunate to have this unique opportunity to put our skills to the test, and we appreciate all of our teachers' assistance in preparation for the exam.

josFeature Story

Go Go Go Joseph!
The Drama Department's Unbelievable Rendition of
 "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"



Click on the image above to see the spectacular production in pictures


By Joshua Stadlan ('11)

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With professional choreography, thirty eight masterful singers and actresses, a live ensemble, a children's choir, a full crew, exquisite costumes, elaborate sets, detailed props, memorable musical numbers, and two nights of sold-out performances, the girls' Broadway-caliber rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was more than just simply remarkable--it was a musical of biblical proportions

Principal Mrs. Ora Lee Kanner, in her opening remarks, highlighted the essence of the play-that dreams do come true.  Sure enough, the play's message predicted its own dazzling success.

The play, a culmination of six months of rehearsal under the instruction of beloved English teacher and thespian visionary Mrs. Elizabeth Saddler, astounded the audience with its brilliance and exuberance in what has been, by far, WYHS's biggest production yet.

Every scene, from when the actresses first appeared behind the translucent screen to the nine-minute megamix curtain call, featured entertaining songs and lively dances, each in its own unique musical genre with corresponding costumes.  The audience teared up over Chana Leah Batt's ('12) Western-style "One More Angel in Heaven," rocked with Pharaoh-Elvis-Hadassah Tirschwell's ('11) "Song of the King," hummed to Daniella Eson's ('11) French ballad "Those Canaan Days," bopped along to Ariana Genet's ('12) calypso "Benjamin-Oh No Not He," and danced to the chorus's extravagant disco hit, "Go Go Go Joseph."   

Between the dances, the phenomenal narrators Tarynn Katz ('10) and Sarah Katz ('12), in addition to the fantastic Joseph/Aliza Friedman ('10), drew the audience into the storyline with their outstanding performances.   Photo-realistic camels and a full flight of stairs graced the set, while the local day school children's choir (managed by sophomore Rashel Maikhor) and five-piece band greatly enhanced every musical number. 

While the play served as a debut for many budding Broadway stars, it simultaneously marked the last performance for the seasoned veterans.  Senior actresses Tarynn Katz, Aliza Friedman, Tamar Grunhaus, Esther Amram, Debbie Epstein, Daniella Lieberman, Sarah Shabtai, stage manager Shira Mayersdorf, "techies" Jackie Berger, Devora Gutman, and Rachel Danis will be greatly missed. 

Thank you to Mrs. Saddler for her extraordinary guidance, to all of the cast f
or their selfless dedication and flawless performances, to Ana Flavia Zuim for her unbelievable musical direction, to Paola Dawson for her first-rate choreography, and to the crew--the "techies"--for all of their behind-the-scenes work. 

Way to Go Go Go, Joseph!



Having a Ball at WYHS's
2nd Annual Golf Tournament





By Shimmie Kaminetsky

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


Our Second Annual Golf Tournament took place on Monday, February 22 at the Grande Oaks Golf Club in Fort Lauderdale.  Although it rained throughout the night and into the morning, the sixty six golfers who attended were treated to a fantastic afternoon of golf, a delicious lunch, and a wonderful dinner under beautiful skies.
 
When the golfers arrived, they received a gift bag filled with snacks, a hat, a shirt, golf balls, and an umbrella, courtesy of our sponsors.  Following lunch, the golf pro at Grande Oaks reviewed the procedures for the tournament and the teams of four were off to eighteen holes of golf, including several hole-in-one competitions, as well as several additional contests including longest drive and closest to the pin.
 
The event concluded with a beautiful dinner catered by Lasko Caterers and an awards ceremony.  In addition to handing out the many raffle prizes and awarding trophies to the winning teams and competition winners, a presentation was made for tournament honoree, Abbey Berkowitz in recognition of the Berkowitz family's long standing commitment to WYHS.
 
Everyone who attended had a fantastic time and is looking forward to next year's tournament.  Thank you to tournament chairs Phil Baratz and Gary Krasna and to the members of the golf tournament committee: Jay Adler, Alan Berger, Usher Bryn, Doug Cohen, Sam Lasko, Ari Peal, and Yitz Stern.  Special thanks to our generous sponsors and to the many volunteers who helped us over the course of the day.


yunFeaturette
YUNMUN FUN!
WYHS Participates in National Model UN Conference



By LeeLee Borzak ('10)
SENIOR EDITOR

This year, eighteen WYHS students--the largest group so far--attended Yeshiva University's National Model United Nations (YUNMUN). Seasoned Model UN veterans and YUNMUN rookies made up the Model UN team which not only learned a lot, but also had fun.

In order to prepare for Model UN, students who represented either Spain, Ukraine, or the United Kingdom, intensely researched their countries and committees, learning about the various, and sometimes complicated, actions and policies. Once at the conference, students in their respective committees, ranging from the International Labor Organization to the Security Council, eloquently spoke about their countries' view points and worked to solve real-life issues. Although it was Model UN, the issues that students faced in their committees occur today and are dealt with in the United Nations, among them nuclear proliferation, world hunger, genocide, and internet censorship.

Model UN gave each student the ideal opportunity to learn more about worldly issues and how to solve them. It really gave students a more global understanding of the world, and a more acute understanding of how to fix them.

Yasher Koach to the Model UN delegates Paul Hess ('11), Chana Brauser ('10), Martha Baumgarten ('10), LeeLee Borzak ('10), Avi Feldan('10), Shlomit Heering ('11), Ian Schiffman ('11), Ezra Kurtz ('12),  Julie Harary ('11), Ronit Wallerstein ('11), Yitzchak Schultz ('10), Ilana Ben-Ezra ('10), Rebecca Dresner ('10),  Shira Wolkowicz ('10), Justin Stauber ('11), and Sari Bronner ('10), and mazal tov to Joshua Stadlan ('11) and Hadassah Tirschwell ('11) on being named Best Delegate in their respective committees.

A big thank you to Model UN Faculty Advisor Mrs. Amy An for helping delegates throughout the whole process, from leading weekly meetings to coming to the conference.

discIn Focus
Discovery: Innovative Insight
Aish Hatorah's Seminar at WYHS




By David Hopen ('12)
STAFF WRITER

Last week, WYHS hosted esteemed speaker Rabbi Yaakov Salomon of Aish HaTorah's Discovery Program. Appealing to the students' fundamental beliefs and engaging their intrinsic ideology, the Discovery presentation sought to inspire and strengthen religious convictions and address wavering doubts. The bright and always inquiring students of WYHS received Aish HaTorah's renowned program with diverse and interesting reactions as enthralling discussions raged passionately within the student body.

Students found the presentation meaningful as it provided an interesting, more evidence-based view of G-d, which offered a new perspective to their beliefs, while answering many questions people felt about G-d's existence. Many felt it "expanded their view on Judaism from faith to a prescribed knowledge, allowing one to seek facts that G-d is behind and paving the way for spiritual growth," and thanked WYHS for such a stimulating and ardently eye-opening experience. This intellectual and almost scientific view on the Torah and G-d also raised some questions amongst the students, as some thought that codes and numbers are not necessarily the way to relate to the Torah.

Especially intriguing and time appropriate, the concluding Purimfest presentation, which connected the hanging of the 10 sons of Haman and the hanging of the 10 Nazis at the Nuremberg Trials in 1946, was a powerful ending that students particularly enjoyed and appreciated. While many of these alluring proofs provide much intellectual debate and internal pondering, Discovery focused on furthering our understanding of the Torah and the existence of G-d, and truly engaged students and teachers alike in meaningful conversations.

Thank you so much to the Tripp, Zimmeman, Saketkhou, Haar, Dolgow, and Rose families for sponsoring this thought-provoking, interesting, and meaningful seminar.



Highlites interviewer Matthew Wolkowicz ('10) caught up with Rabbi Yaa
kov Salomon and asked him about his work with Aish HaTorah, an organization that focuses on creative Jewish education and leadership training, and his thoughts on the Discovery seminar in general.

Matthew Wolkowicz: Where are you from?

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon: I was born in Manhattan but now I live in Brooklyn so I travel a lot speaking to audiences, mainly about Discovery but also about various other subjects.

 

MW: How were you introduced to this program?

RYS: Twenty years ago, Rabbi Matty Breier from Aish Hatorah spoke about Discovery. I listened to him and I was blown away. When he concluded, I went up to him and said five words "I want to be you." So, the next day I started training to become a Discovery speaker.

 

MW:  What has made you decide to stay with Discovery for so long?

RYS: I've spoken over 100 times and I'm still amazed every time.

 

MW: How is the information discovered and gathered for Discovery?

RYS: Most of this program was put together by two scientists in the 1800's, Tzvi Inbal and Rabbi Shalom Serebnick, and since then, we've just expanded the program.

 

MW:  What is your favorite or most interesting sect of the program?

RYS: Definitely "transmission," which is about what happened at Mount Sinai, because it's the most compelling evidence that G-d is the author of the Torah. In my opinion, the most important part of Discovery and Jewish history is two words-national revelation, which is that the Jews are the only nation that claim that our Torah was given to our entire nation by G-d, this is expounded upon in the "transmission" section of the program.

 

MW: How do you hope the audiences will respond to this presentation?

RYS: I hope to get people to look into Judaism more and for people to study it more; I hope it improves their education. I think of Discovery as the trailer to the Torah, and I ask that after this presentation the audience wants to see the whole movie.

 

MW: What is the audience's usual reaction to this presentation?

RYS: There is always a tremendous positive response. In fact, we took a survey of totally secular audiences a year after Discovery had been presented to them and it showed that 14% of those audiences now kept Shabbat and 60% of them were now more involved in Judaism.

 

MW: What did you think of the few students who attempted to find flaws in your evidence?

RYS: I think they are people who are always thinking about the information they are told; they like to be challenged almost as much as they like to challenge others.

 


fashFashion

Taking the Runway by Storm
WYHS's 2nd Annual Fashion Show


Click on the image above to see pictures of the stylish event

WYHS' second annual fashion show was a perfect opportunity to show how girls can dress modestly and fashionably. After a light dinner and a beautiful singing performance by Daniella Litwin ('10) and Tarynn Katz ('10), the students-turned-models hit the runway, sporting outfits that ranged from dressy to casual and everything in between. Thanks so much to Director of Student Activities Mrs. Shira Englander, to Lizzy Markovitch ('10), and  to Alix Greenberger ('10) for coordinating the chic evening of fashion and fun.


Next Week at WYHS



The Yeshiva Highlites Staff
Joshua Stadlan ('11)
Editor in Chief
David Spektor ('10)
Head of Programming
LeeLee Borzak ('10)
Senior Editor & Sports Liaison
Michael Feit ('10)
Head of Photo Editing
Paul Hess ('11)
Creative Editor
Andy Agus ('13)
Graphic Designer
Amir Tsarfati ('13)
Photographer & Graphic Designer
Justin Stauber ('11)
Graphic Designer




Ilana Ben-Ezra ('10)
Chief of Staff
David Petrover ('10)
Technical Editor
Jonah Katz ('11)
Graphic Designer
Binyamin Feit ('12)
Video Engineer
Aaron Rose ('13)
Graphic Designer
Jeffrey Herr ('13)
Programmer
Dani Louis ('12)
Photographer


Staff Writers

      Simcha Adelman ('12)
      David Hopen ('12)
      Elana Kaminetsky ('12)         
      Ezra Kurtz ('12)
      Jacob Levenson ('11)
      Leora Litwin ('12)


Rashel Maikhor ('12)
Adam Poliak ('11)
Sarah Struhl ('12)
Andrew Wald ('12)
Mathew Wolkowicz ('12)




Mrs. Claudia Cohen    
Faculty Advisor
Rabbi Allan Houben    Faculty Advisor
Mrs. Amy Horowitz           Proofreader

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