Yeshiva Highlites March Madness: Soph/Jr. Retreats, Chesed Day, & Spring Sports
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rpt@wyhs.net
Friday, March 19, 2010 4 Nisan 5770
Parshat Vayikra Candle Lighting at 7:13 PM
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Believe it or not,
I Love the Week
Before Pesach!
Each day this week and next, alumni with glowing faces
pop into school to see their teachers and schoolmates and share their
amazing experiences in Israel and at college.
There is nothing that brings teachers greater
satisfaction that seeing their students continue to develop their personas.
The visiting alumni also serve an important role as the older role models that
our present students do not have in South Florida, due to the fact that most of
our alumni go to school in the northeast after they study in Israel for a year
or more.
The question I always ask alumni is, "could we have
prepared them better" in terms of textual or critical thinking skills. The
feedback I get from them is overwhelmingly positive, and the suggestions that I
get from them are taken very seriously.
Our faculty members receive frequent calls from alumni
who seek advice about schooling, religious quandaries, careers, and
dating.Though they are busy with
increasingly larger classes, they are only a text or e-mail away.
This coming Thursday at 11:00am we invite the
students from the Class of '09 to join us for a shiur, lunch and quality time
with your friends and teachers.
Though there is school next week Monday through Thursday and
after Peasch on Thursday and Friday, Yeshiva Highlites will appear next on
Friday, April 16.
Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom and a chag
kasher v'sameach,
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell Head of School
Coming Attractions
This Sunday 3/21 Incoming Boys Class Outing 1:30-3:30pm @Hillel Day School
Thursday 3/25 Class of '09 Shiur & Luncheon 11:00am
Fri 3/26- Wed 4/7 Pesach Vacation
Good & Welfare
Mazel Tov Eliana Rosenblatt ('03) on her engagement to Micah Katz
Refuah Shleima Simcha Chaya bat Luna Ruchama bat Dina Malka
News Brief
Haiti: The Aftermath
Freshmen and Seniors Hear First-Hand About Haiti's Devastation
By LeeLee Borzak ('10) SENIOR EDITOR
After participating in community service projects Monday morning, the freshmen and seniors had the privilege of hearing from Mr. Dieunor Luccin. Mr. Luccin and his family endured the catastrophic earthquake
that tragically struck Haiti in January. Mr. Luccin graphically described the actual earthquake, the resulting devastation, and the experience of
not being able to reach his family until the day after the tragedy. He explained the pre- and post-earthquake poverty with which Haiti struggles.
Mr. Luccin emphasized to the students that South Florida is closer to Haiti than it is to New York, and thanked our students for raising money on behalf of earthquake relief.
Thank you to WYHS Parent and Board Member Mr. Steve Danis
for coordinating this, and enabling the 9th and 12th grades to hear this
moving first-hand account of such a terrible tragedy.
Memorials for WYHS's Esteemed Librarian and the Weinbaums
By Sarah Struhl ('12) STAFF WRITER
Over the past few weeks, the students of WYHS took time out of their
hectic schedules to commemorate those who unfortunately have passed but
have contributed so much to the growth and success of our school and
its entire student body.
First, we heard from attorneys and dear friends of the Weinbaum family,
who shared with us the kind nature of the Weinbaums--their true love for tzedakah, children, and Jewish education. Tragically, both Jack and Ginger
Weinbaum passed away but we are fortunate to be the recipients of their
legacy as we walk the halls of the Weinbaum Yeshiva High School.
Also, this past week
the students heard a touching eulogy for our beloved
librarian, Edith Sherman, who unfortunately passed away at the beginning
of January 2010. Mrs. Sherman's brother shared with us the overall story of her
life, describing her valiant struggle to attend night college while raising a family and caring for her ill husband. He also emphasized her passion for Jewish culture and devotion to chesed, as she headed a JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options) office and served as the director of a Holocaust library.
We are so
fortunate to have had Mrs. Sherman as an essential part of the WYHS
faculty, and all that she brought to the school will never be forgotten.
By Eram Zaghi ('12) RESIDENT SEPHARDI Birkat Ilanot is a blessing said at the initiation of the spring season in the Hebrew calendar, when the trees (ilanot)
begin to bloom. The blessing is frequently recited in Israel,
however Sephardim have the custom to say it even outside of Israel.
The Sephardic Minyan at WYHS, after an inspirational Rosh Chodesh davening Tuesday
morning, went to the home of the Zaghi family in order to recite this
timely blessing. Once the students arrived at the Zaghi's backyard, siddurim were provided and the students had a wonderful chance to fulfill the mitzvah of
thanking G-d for the scenic trees that bloom during the spring season.
The weather was astounding, which made the experience that much more
pleasurable. After concluding the blessing with Kadish, the students had a delicious breakfast, complete with great food and conversation.
Overall, our Birkat Ilanot experience was a fun and spiritual occasion. The minyan thanks the Zaghis for graciously opening up their home.
News Brief
The Perfect Storm Three Victories in One Day
By Andrew Wald ('12)
STAFF WRITER
Victory is ours!
The Storm experienced a rare day of perfection last Tuesday. For the
first time in WYHS history, all three spring sports teams simultaneously defeated their opponents! The baseball team, led by captains Lior
Goldstein ('10) and Matthew Jacoby ('11), saw their first win of the season in
an 8-5 victory against rival Hebrew Academy. The excellent tennis team, also emerged victorious over Lake Worth Christian, marking their 3rd
win of the year.
WYHS's first-ever girls softball team, coached by Mrs. Loren Stein and Mrs.
Noa Bejar, started their season with quite a bang, winning their inaugural
game against Hillel of North Miami Beach. Elana Kaminetsky's ('12) superb
pitching, Becky Shachter's ('12) grand slam, backed by a stellar defense
effort, paved the way for the exciting victory.
Despite
their valiant effort, the softball and tennis teams did not fare as well this week, although the baseball team managed to win their second straight
game.
Hopefully last Tuesday's perfect record for the Storm will be the first of
many days of perfection, a testament to the athletes' hard work and skill.
Sophomore and Junior Madness! The Unbelievable 10th and 11th Grade Trips NCAA Bracket Style
A Swimming Time in the Keys By Jacob Levenson ('11) STAFF WRITER
The
Junior class trip of 2010 provided much-needed rejuvenation and
relaxation. After a rigorous morning of SAT testing for many of the
Juniors, the bus was filled with feelings of relief and excitement when it
finally departed for the first stop--Laser Quest. Following the
fun-packed laser-tag games, the Juniors enjoyed watching the Heat defeat the
76ers in the American Airlines Arena before riding to Key Largo and settling down for the evening.
In the Keys, the Juniors headed to Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, where they enjoyed
an impressive performance from the parrots, the most intelligent specie of
bird, and watched memorable dolphin and sea lion shows. The Junior getaway came to a close with an exciting
snorkeling and kayaking adventure. A few students
even had the opportunity to pet baby sharks, hold parrots, and kiss dolphins
and sea lions.
The trip was a great opportunity for
the 11th graders to bond with friends and teachers--chaperones Rabbi Horowitz,
Noa Bejar, and Shira Englander--outside of school and enjoy a refreshing break
from their hectic Junior year. Thank you to Director of
Student Activities Shira Englander and Junior class presidents Tamar Singer, Joshua Stadlan, and
Hadassah Tirschwell for planning the unforgettable retreat!
The Race to Daytona By Rashel Maikhor ('12)
STAFF WRITER
This past Sunday and Monday the sophomores embarked on their long-awaited trip
to Daytona Beach, Florida. From the four-hour long bus ride to the
racecars at Daytona 500 International Speedway to bowling, canoeing, kayaking,
and the beautiful view of the beach, the sophomores enjoyed every part of their
two-day trip. Accompanied by lots of laughs, great moments were shared and
bonds were formed.
The sophomore class thanks Shira Englander and the its lass presidents David Hopen and Jessica Wolff for planning an
awesome trip. A huge thanks to the amazing chaperones Rabbi Houben,
Mrs. Schochet, and Coach Jon Kaweblum for making the trip so memorable. We
cannot wait until next year!
WYHS in Pictures Click on the images below to watch the slideshows
Junior Retreat: Key Largo Sophomore Retreat: Daytona Spring Sports
SNAPSHOT
the girls gracefully harmonize to the song "B'shem Hashem" as they prepare for the spirit of Shabbat during a kumsitz last Friday
Featurette
The Perfect Formula
Freshmen and Senior Chesed Day
While the juniors and sophomores were on their
trips, the seniors and
freshmen partook in WYHS's annual Chesed Day. After being split into
groups, students participated in various chesed activities, from
serving the homeless in a soup kitchen, to playing with underprivileged
children, to working with members of JARC. Thanks so much to Chesed
Coordinator Mrs. Heather Andron for planning this meaningful and moving
day.
In Focus
The Storm Has Arrived
The First Ever Girls Softball Team at WYHS
By Elana Kaminetsky ('12) STAFF WRITER
For the first time ever in WYHS
history, WYHS has an official girls softball team! The team is
especially pumped up and excited for an incredible season after
winning its first game last week. The players have learned to play and
work as a unit, focusing not only on skill, but also
sportsmanship and teamwork. Each girl has exhibited enthusiasm and
devotion to the team by practicing hard, playing her best, and cheering
on teammates. Coach Loren Stein and Assistant Coach Noa Bejar have infused the team
with a sense of unity that will definitely lead the team to a
successful season.
Check out the Pop Quiz Grid below to get to know the team captains and
assistant coach Noa Bejar:
Music
Jewish Music Pick of the Week
By Zack Raab ('10)
MUSIC CORRESPONDENT
Album:Shema Yisrael Group: Menucha
Shema Yisrael, which is Menucha's second album, was just
released earlier this week. This three-man group is led by Eli Gerstner
who has released many great Chassidic albums and continues to show his
brilliance at composing and producing Jewish music. Menucha's songs are a
combination of inspiring lines from the Torah, Davening, and Zemirot from Shabbat.
Their unique harmonies enhance every song. This album is great for fans
of The Chevra, The Yeshiva Boys Choir, and any other Eli Gerstner
produced albums.
My favorite songs on this album are: Shema Yisrael V'Yizku Shema Unplugged
Click on the image above to listen to album samples.
WYHS Publications The Brainstorm
The WYHS BRAINSTORM
Click on the image below to read the latest edition of the Brainstorm in a revolutionary online format
SpiritualityD'var Torah
Feathers Are Fine
Parshat Vayikra
By Rebecca Fuchs ('10) D'VAR TORAH EDITOR
In this week's parshah, Vayikra, we learn about the
sacrifices offered to G-d and the many laws surrounding this service. One
sacrifice offered is a small bird. Compared to the larger sacrifices, a
bird seems very insignificant and unnecessary. It also seems odd that
the bird is burned with its feathers still attached.
We are told by Rashi that this offering was mainly brought
by the poor who could not afford much, and yet despite their hardship,
still wished to serve G-d. The bird is already tiny and the removal of
its feathers would make it appear even smaller, causing embarrassment to
the poor man who brought it. We learn here of G-d extreme sensitivity
to a person's dignity, and how He is so careful not to cause shame to a
human being, especially one who wishes to serve his Creator. We should
similarly take extra care not to cause embarrassment to another person.
Rashi also notes that
burning feathers create a very unappealing smell, and yet G-d describes
the smell of this bird as a "satisfying aroma," the same language used
to describe the huge animal offerings. We can learn yet another lesson
from a detail as small as feathers. It does not matter to G-d how big
the sacrifice is, or how much we can give, as long as we are sincerely
dedicated to the service of G-d.
News Brief
Jewish Music
