February 27, 2015

8th of Adar 5775


  

 Parshat Tetzaveh
Candle Lighting at 6:02 PM
 
A Full Expression of Modern Orthodox Judaism

 

Israel is at the center of our education and plays a critical role in our religious identity. As religious Zionists, we find religious meaning in the political autonomy that Jews have gained in our homeland--we have taken a certain measure of control over our destiny. In describing the miracle of Chanukah, the Rambam highlights the political reign of the Chashmonaim, which lasted for more than 200 years. In principle, it was wrong for the Chashmonaim to serve as kings since they were kohanim, and the Torah requires separation of powers between royalty and priesthood. Nevertheless, the Rambam seems to view their reign positively. Perhaps the Rambam is suggesting that there is a religious value to Jewish political autonomy even if it does not correspond exactly to halachic ideals.


In addition to the value of political autonomy in our historic homeland, I think there's another remarkable religious value in the modern State of Israel. The State of Israel presents the greatest opportunity for full expression of Modern Orthodox Judaism. Living in the Diaspora, Jews do not need to completely engage the world in its fullness. In the Diaspora, Jews can survive as a people by retreating into our insular world, engaging in only those issues that interest us or seem safe to us. If we are making our own country though, we need to engage in every aspect of existence: What does Judaism say about war? What does Judaism say about how a government should care for the underprivileged in society?  What does Judaism say about operating a modern economy on Shabbat? What does Judaism say about international political treaties? The list goes on and on. The State of Israel demands that our community embrace the modern world in its entirety; it provides the ultimate opportunity for us to live the ideals of an integrated Modern Orthodoxy.


I'm so proud of our students and staff for the devotion they show to the State of Israel, and I'm particularly grateful to Rabbi Hochman for putting together the entire Israel Education Week program.

 

Shabbat Shalom,


Rabbi Jonathan Kroll
Head of School
 
Good and Welfare

Engagements

Malka (Hizkiya '07) to Binyomin Edinger


Marriages

Yocheved (Tirschwell '08) to Moshe Abrams

  

Brooke (Bienenfeld- '11) to Avromy Elberger

  

 

Faculty Mazel Tovs

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Firester on the birth of a baby girl!

 

Rabbi Perry and Miriam Tirschwell on the marriage of their daughter Yocheved


Condolences

The Bronner Family on the loss of their husband and father, Mr. Bernard Bronner


 

 


Upcoming Events
Wednesday Mar. 4
Taanit Esther. Early Dismissal
Purim Chagiga

Thursday Mar. 5
Purim. No Classes

Friday Mar. 6
Shushan Purim. No Classes


Israel Education Week
Guest Speakers, Interactive Programming, and Special Classes Highlight the Week

 Graphic by Simcha Stadlan ('16)
 Article by Rabbi Avi Hochman

The Torah tells us in this week's parsha, Tetzaveh, that the purpose of the kohanim's clothes were to be "l'chavod u'litifaret "-"for glory and for splendor" (Shmot 28:2). It is interesting that in such a holy place there would be such a strong focus on material beauty. The Netziv in his Ha'emek Davar explains that the special clothing was necessary because of the important message it projected to the Jewish people. He explains that it was crucial for the kohanim's service--and especially for the Kohen Gadol--that the kohanim be respected and held in high esteem. Their clothes were elaborate and beautiful, elevating the stature of the kohanim by projecting a sense of dignity and inspiring feelings of awe.

 

I believe that the same is true of our students and their relationship with the State of Israel. In a day and age where Israel is portrayed in a negative light on college campuses and cities around the world, we, the students of WYHS, need to become ambassadors for our homeland. We need to "wear" Israel proudly, "l'chavod u'litifaret"--"for glory and for splendor."

 

It is our job to celebrate, advocate, and educate ourselves and those around us about all that Israel has to offer. To share with people the wonders of the only democracy in the Middle East, the threats that its citizens regularly face, the economic and technological growth, and the sacrifices that our soldiers make for our people.

 

Thank you to all those students who gave their time, knowledge, and effort towards making IEW (Israel Education Week) a huge success.

Please click here to watch Rabbi Avi Weiss' speech, capping off IEW.

A special thank you to the Kaskel family for sponsoring IEW in memory of
Elie Berdugo, z"l.



A Memorable Morning
Mrs. Rachelle Fraenkel Addresses Local Students at WYHS
 
Graphic by Highlites Staff 
Article by Eli Litwin ('18)

Two weeks ago, the entire WYHS student body was privileged to hear from Mrs. Rachelle Fraenkel, the mother of Naftali Fraenkel, who was tragically murdered this past summer along with Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach. While Mrs. Fraenkel was noticeably saddened by her immeasurable loss, she displayed a tremendous amount of emunah, faith in God. One might have imagined that a person who has gone through as much as she has would sound bitter and angry. Yet, she radiated positivity, reiterating that everything in life happens for a reason and even though we don't know Hashem's plan we must maintain our religious faith. She proceeded to open the floor to student questions, answering them graciously and patiently. It was truly an honor to hear from such an inspirational speaker and I encourage you to watch the video of her unforgettable talk.  

 

Click here to watch Part 1 of Mrs. Fraenkel's talk

Click here to watch Part 2 of Mrs. Fraenkel's talk 

Israel Tech  
Rabbi Lanner and Mrs. Chait Attend Engineering Education Conference in Israel 

Graphic by Shara Saketkhou ('16) 
Interview by Matthew Samilow ('17)

Rabbi Chaim Lanner and Mrs. Ellen Chait visited Israel in mid February on an educational program for teachers participating in the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education. While there they visited Tel Aviv University, Ace University, Power Mat, Hadassah Hospital, and the Zomet Institute. Highlites staff member Matthew Samilow ('17) sat down with them to discuss their trip.

Matthew Samilow: You visited and saw a range of fascinating places on your trip. Which
one, now back in Florida, stands out to you the most?

Rabbi Chaim Lanner: GeoMine. GeoMine uses geothermal imaging and vegetation comparison to locate the degradation of land mine leeching Nitrogen 15 isotope. What is amazing about the technology is both the technical innovation it requires, but also the practical impact it can have on Israeli civilians.

Mrs. Ellen Chait: The innovations in the area of cardiac catheterizations made at Hadassah Hospital.

MS: Israel has the second highest number of startup businesses in the world, trailing only the United  States. Why do you think technological innovation flourishes in Israel?

MEC: While we were there, we were told that Israel gives economic incentives to start businesses there. Israel wants startups, and is willing to put effort into attracting them. 

RCL: The biggest reason that the companies of Israel are so innovative and numerous is that they think outside of the box. They have a no rules attitude that lends itself towards discovery-nothing is ever too far out. I would describe it as a "healthy arrogance."

MS: If you could visit one of the companies or institutes again, which would it be?

RCL: It would be the Zomet Institute. It's just an amazing place. It's an example of where Jewish Law and technology come together in practical applications. They've created devices that enhance people's Shabbat, while allowing them to observe it. They are not trying to help people get around Shabbat; rather they are making their observance more fulfilling.

MEC: I would agree it's the Zomet institute. It was wonderful to see how they help people on Shabbat by creating things that operate via indirect electricity. They have created an electric scooter that helps physically handicapped people get to synagogue on Shabbat.

MS: Mrs. Chait, given that this was your first time in Israel what was your favorite place?
Rabbi Lanner, I know this isn't your first time, but I am going to ask you anyway.

MEC: The Western Wall, and the entire old city in general.

RCL: The whole city of Jerusalem. I love all of Israel, there are so many amazing places-but there is no place like Jerusalem.
Rosh Chodesh Adar
Hypnotist Sam Simon Thrills Current and Prospective Students 

Graphic by Gabi Frohlich ('17)
Article by Akiva Stadlan, 8th Grade (Prospective Student)

This past Thursday, close to 100 eighth graders from Hillel Day School of Boca Raton, Brauser Maimonides Academy, and other area schools joined together for a fun-filled Rosh Chodesh Adar program to get a small taste of WYHS. First, we had the chance to meet the eleventh graders and learn about Purim with them. After a d'var torah by Rabbi Kroll following the learning, we were given pizza, french fries, and salad for lunch. We were then brought to the main event: a performance by Sam Simon, a renowned hypnotist. Brave juniors and seniors ran to the stage to participate in the show. Once the hypnotist lulled the volunteers to sleep, he had control over their subconscious minds and made the volunteers do some funny things. For example, when he told the participants that they were eating a melting ice cream cone, the students on stage began licking their hands. When they were told that they were on a bus with no air conditioning, the participants fanned themselves and started to pant. With each hilarious motion and hysterical remark made by the hypnotized students, the audience laughed and enjoyed the show. All in all, the eighth graders had a blast and cannot wait to be freshmen at WYHS next year.   

 

A special thank you to the Groman and Ben Hanan families for sponsoring the program in memory of Yechiel ben HaRav Moshe Groman and in the merit of a refuah shleima for Shlomo ben Chana.  

 

Click here to watch parts of Sam Simon's performance 


Girls Basketball Team Heads South
Successful Season Ends with 2nd Place Finish at
Hebrew Academy Tournament

 
Graphic by Ariel Schneider ('17)

Faculty, Alumni Reunite
Alumni Shabbaton in Teaneck, a Far Cry from Sunny Boca
 
Graphic by Tamar Ciment ('16)
Article by Nikki Charlap ('12)

This past weekend, Shimmie Kaminetsky, Mrs. Horowitz, Rabbi Hochman, and Rabbi and Mrs. Schochet joined 30 WYHS alumni in Teaneck, NJ for a meaningful and fun Shabbaton. The teachers and former students from the classes of 2010-2013 shared delicious meals and words of Torah together in Congregation Rinat Yisrael.  Everyone had a wonderful time catching up with teachers and old classmates. It was amazing how close we all felt despite the years that have passed and that the bonds that we formed throughout our high school years have not faded. WYHS's connection with its alumni is a huge attribute to the school and is part of what makes it such a special place.  The teachers at WYHS have made indelible impressions that have impacted who we are today. No matter how many years have passed, we will surely continue to feel connected to our roots at WYHS and are forever grateful and indebted to a place that has always and will always welcome us with open arms.
This Week in Pictures

Graphic by Efraim Shachter ('16)