Team Shalva, an organization that supports children with special needs, once again participated in the 2023 Jerusalem Marathon on Friday, March 17, in Jerusalem, the heart of the holy land. Many students from destinations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States all arrived in Israel in anticipation of this meaningful opportunity. They sought to give back to the community of Shalva by running various distances in the marathon itself. Whether runners navigated a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon or, more remarkably, a full marathon, each distance was worth the cause The primary goal of the organization is to give individuals with special needs the opportunity to challenge themselves and show the world their inner strength. The team comprises children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities, and the team has a unique approach to running They focus not on time or distance but on the personal journey and development of each person.
In support of Team Shalva, HAFTR High School sent a team of enthusiastic students, consisting of 11th and 12th graders, to represent the yeshiva. Upon arriving on Thursday morning, the team headed straight to Shalva’s headquarters, receiving a tour of the beautiful campus and various facilities available to members of the organization Later that evening, with other schools and seminaries attending, Shalva held an opening ceremony, including with its esteemed founder, Rabbi Kalman Samuels Rabbi Samuels delivered powerful remarks about the significance of Shalva and its evolution throughout the years.
On Friday, the big day came, and all runners set off in the streets of Jerusalem on their runs, exploring the true beauty of the city while facing challenging terrain and exerting strenuous effort It was all worth it in the end, especially at the finish line in Sacher Park, where celebratory spirit spread throughout the park and racers received shiny silver medals for their accomplishment But the joy did not conclude there With a fun-filled Shabbat planned, students from many participating schools congregated once more, taking part in delicious meals, developing new friendships, and even having the special chance to hear again from Rabbi Samuels Tamir Goodman, a former American-Israel basketball player, also shared inspiring words about his career in professional basketball and some unfortunate challenges he faced from antisemitism, which hurt but did not dominate his motivation for the sport Soon after, students joined together and filled up the dance floor while celebrating Shalva and closing out Shabbat a true icing on the cake It was a perfect end ready looking forw
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Students at HAFTR High School had the privilege of joining together to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day On the morning of April 18, the entire school joined in the auditorium to hear words from Rabbi Yechiel Spero, renowned author and Torah scholar, who spoke of the hardships that the Jews faced during the Holocaust and shared his family story He highlighted the resiliency of the Jewish people and the hope to which we always cling Rabbi Spero displayed a canteen ticket, which his grandmother was given to receive scraps of food in the camps and carried with her throughout the war She carried it through a death march, and through the rest of her life He explained that she held on to this ticket because she believed she would survive and be able to show this to her future family It became a symbol of her perseverance and hope Rabbi Spero’s words were extremely touching and inspirational
Following the assembly, students in the sophomore class traveled to Times Square to visit a unique exhibit organized by NCSY, where participants were able to sit inside a replica of a cattle car that was used to transport Jews to concentration camps in the Holocaust. When students entered the car they were asked to sit on the floor for the entirety of the simulation. Once the doors were closed images were projected on the walls to depict the experience that families had as they were pushed into the cattle car. The simulation was narrated by two survivors who shared their experiences during the war. The first survivor related how her family was separated. She described her fear and despair. The second individual spoke of the way his father saved his life by lying about his age and profession, and described the terror he felt for his life. Although filled with tragedy, each story resonated with strength and hope.
The events of the day triggered so many emotions for me and my fellow students. All I could think about during this showing was: What if it were me? What if I were separated from my family with the risk of being murdered simply because of my faith? Fear, isolation, and the unknown; it would be chaos. Programs like these remind us that we can never forget and that it is our responsibility to memorialize those who were murdered. This is very personal for me because my greatgrandfather, Herbert Lewis, was a survivor. I heard stories firsthand of what occurred to millions of people and I strive to ensure that his story, along with the millions of others, will never be forgotten.
The excitement was palpable as students from grades 9-12 gathered in the HAFTR High School auditorium, ready for a day of activities and celebration in honor of the 75th birthday of their own Jewish state, Israel. As students arrived at school on Tuesday, April 26, they began the day with a beautiful davening, which then led to a full day of festivities and a school-wide grade competition. Each grade represented a different Israeli city: Jerusalem, Teverya, Tzfat, and Chevron. The day promised a series of competitive sports, games, music, festivities, and a delicious lunch.
The events kicked off with a school-wide Chidon Eretz Yisrael–a Kahoot game all about Israel. Enthusiasm was high as each student competed for their team, and then traveled to North Woodmere Park and participated in various sports. The colors of blue and white shined bright, along with an array of colorful t-shirts assigned to each grade. The highlight of the celebration was the friendly competition and fierce battle of strategy between the grades. Students played a series of games including softball, tennis, spike ball, racing, and more. The beautiful weather only added an extra layer of joy to the event. The sun shone bright with a cool breeze, making it a perfect day for outdoor activities
After the many activities, students fueled up and enjoyed a delicious Israeli-style lunch of falafel, schnitzel, pita, Israeli salad and more, followed by an exciting raffle offering great prizes. As the sports began to wind down, art students in each grade displayed a beautifully painted banner representing their team’s Israeli city, demonstrating their creativity and effort. The program didn’t end there; before returning back to school, students and teachers gathered around the baseball field for a faculty-student softball game. Laughter and smiles captured the spirit of the game and spectators cheered in support
Overall, the day was a huge success as students gathered together to celebrate their love for their Jewish state. The Yom HaAtzmaut festivities and games brought everyone together in a friendly, competitive atmosphere and highlighted great sportsmanship This was the first HAFTR Maccabiah grade war, and looking at its success, it certainly will not be the last.
HAFTR High School ended the academic year off strong with a Celebration of Excellence/Student Appreciation Luncheon for students in grades 9 through 11. This event took place on May 30, and celebrated students’ achievements in academics, Torah, foreign language, chesed, the arts, STEM and athletics. The Celebration of Excellence began with welcoming remarks from Ms. Naomi Lippman, principal, who congratulated students on their outstanding accomplishments, and Dr. Josh Wyner, associate principal, who talked about the students’ great potential to make their unique contributions to HAFTR. Students then enjoyed a video of the ceremonial lighting of the candles to represent the pillars on which the National Honor Society stands: Character, Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Torah. The candles were lit by Stephanie Marcus, Jacob Wolf, Ethan Muchnick, Michal Mari, and Abbi Kammerman. The incoming president and vice president of the Deah Chapter of the National Honor Society, Kaitlin Pollack and Esther Gaon, then recited the National Honor Society pledge. Along with this presentation, the HAFTR faculty created a montage video expressing their thanks for their students' consistent hard work and dedication throughout the year. They offered unique and heartfelt messages to students, explained valuable lessons that the students have taught them, and shared their pride in the achievements of their students. Following the program, students gathered in the beautifully decorated gym for a delicious lunch of sushi, pizza, and Rita’s ices.
During the luncheon, students had the opportunity to learn about exciting new programs and activities for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. In addition, students were presented with awards for their scholastic achievements in both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies. Students were also included in the Deah Chapter of the National Honor Society, Principals’ Honor Roll, Distinguished Honor Roll, Honor Roll, or Certificates of Merit. Students were also nominated to specific honor societies for achievement in art, chesed, foreign language, hatmadah, speech & debate, and STEM.
HAFTR’s values are reflected in this initiative - that hard work pays off. Our school is aware of each and every student’s drive to succeed and improve in an academic, social, spiritual, and emotional sense. This success is not limited to students with perfect scores but is open to all students who are motivated, hardworking, have a solid work ethic and are willing to push through challenges. The culture of HAFTR is about highlighting the positives of every student and finding areas where each individual can shine. Congratulations to all students on another successful year at HAFTR!
HAFTR High School freshmen and sophomores recently participated in a program organized by the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education, CIJE. This Innovation Day competition encourages students to think critically and create innovative solutions to real-life problems. On Tuesday, May 23, students nationwide gathered to present their unique problem-solving products. The event was held at The American Dream Mall, where participants were given the platform to pitch and demonstrate their inventions in front of a panel of judges Congratulations to Tara Dagan, Moses Muller, and Ethan Chesir on their 3rd place trophy in the Engineering for Pets category with their product, the Auto-Bowl, an automatic pet feeder. These products were entirely designed and created from start to finish by HAFTR students with help from Mr. Fiber and Mrs. D’Alto. All participants had a memorable experience and look forward to challenging themselves to create inventive products of the future.
HAFTR High School was proud to send juniors Maya Karasanti, Michal Mari, Kaitlin Pollack, Dasi Well, sophomore Sophia Feiler and freshman Noa Sharon to compete against over 6,000 students at the recent National Speech, Debate & Model Congress Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona They were accompanied by 11 other Shabbat-observant students from New York, New Jersey and Florida representing the Citron Online District (www citrononline org)
In fall of 2022, the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) awarded a district charter to Citron Online for students who cannot compete on Fridays or Saturdays Historically, the National Tournament has been held during the week, but in order to qualify students were required to compete on the Sabbath NSDA recognized this problem and agreed to create the national Citron Online District to qualify yeshiva students for the National Tournament
HAFTR High School was the first yeshiva high school to join the NSDA and was proud to offer this opportunity to the other yeshiva high schools HAFTR Coach Mr Alex Libkind petitioned NSDA for a special, national online district to accommodate Shabbat-observant students
“I am pleased that NSDA has recognized the need to expand the National Tournament to yeshiva students,” said Alex Libkind, coach of HAFTR Speech, Debate and Model Congress Team and Chair of Citron Online “To compete effectively in NSDA, students have to evaluate topics from multiple perspectives and argue both for and against the proposed topic Being able to persuasively speak for a proposition the student does not necessarily agree with makes them appreciate the other side and hopefully reduce polarization in our society ”
Students competed in multiple events at the National Tournament, including Congressional Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Extemporaneous Debate, and Worlds School Debate
Kaitlin Pollack, a junior at HAFTR High School, recently made history by becoming the first yeshiva high school student to earn Academic All American recognition from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). Kaitlin also holds the highest ranking in the Citron Online Speech and Debate District, which was created to allow Sabbath-observant students to qualify for national NSDA competitions
Kaitlin broke both high school and district records by achieving the rank of Superior Distinction through competition. This accolade places her among a select few. Out of a total of over 134,000 students in the entire United States, only 2,674 or 4% have achieved this Superior Distinction ranking and even fewer have been named Academic All American.
“I am very proud of Kaitlin for being awarded this very prestigious honor,” said HAFTR Speech and Debate Coach and Chair of Citron Online District, Mr. Alex Libkind. “In order to achieve this ranking a student must compete and win in numerous tournaments throughout the year Since her freshman year, Kaitlin has shown an uncompromising commitment to speech, debate and model congress. Starting from winning the Yeshiva League Model Congress in her freshman year, Kaitlin earned recognition at YUNMUN two years in a row and earned a prestigious qualifying slot in the Nationals Model Congress. She has shown exceptional leadership as President of the HAFTR High School team, chair of the student committee of Citron Online, and captain of the YUNMUN team.”
As Kaitlin continues to make strides in her academic and debate endeavors, she is setting a great example for other students to follow. Her achievement is not only a testament to her personal success, but it also reflects the quality of education and support provided by HAFTR High School.
“I am very proud to earn this distinction,” said Kaitlin Pollack “I hope to be an example to all yeshiva high school students who I feel can also earn this distinction by being active in both the National Speech & Debate Association and in the Citron Online District ”
Kaitlin's dedication and hard work have earned her this rare achievement Her exceptional academic and competitive debate skills make her a valuable asset to HAFTR High School.
The annual Celebrate Israel Parade made a triumphant return to the streets of Manhattan, the 13-mile island, filling them with a rich wealth of music, colors, and a sensation of camaraderie The parade, eagerly awaited each year, summoned approximately 40,000 this year from various backgrounds to honor and support the State of Israel Sunday, June 4, marchers exhibited their dedication and support by waving Israeli flags and striding down the parade route while appearing in Israeli-themed garments
It commenced at 5th Avenue, prominently known as the Millionaire's Row, and 57th Street, proceeding down 5th Avenue until 73rd Street, the concluding point of the march. As participants reflect on their experience, many agree that the procession couldn't have arrived at a better time, as the globe recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel's declaration on May 14.
Preparations for this year's parade were evident throughout HAFTR High School in the week preceding the march. Excitement permeated the building as students were given parade shirts and dispersed with instructions and information. Each division of the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway helped to promote this historic event. Students, faculty, and administration walked side by side, beautifully emulating the unity of the HAFTR family and the unanimity felt with Israel. The pride HAFTR students wore exemplifies the relevance of the State of Israel and helped foster a sense of further solidarity among New Yorkers Marching respectfully, students sang songs that illustrated their deep connection to Israel depicting their solemn love for the country
The Celebrate Israel Parade is evidence of the community in New York City's unwavering support for Israel. The procession's numerous groups, which include schools, neighborhood organizations, and many Israeli associations, were praised and commended by spectators crowding the streets. The parade also recognizes Israel's accomplishments and portrays the city of New York's continuous notion of unity with and devotion to the holy land The students at HAFTR High School are privileged to have participated in this march and look forward to showing their enduring support in next year’s parade.
Warmest congratulations to our students on all your unique accomplishments this year.
We wish you a safe, joyful summer!
We want to express our special appreciation to Mrs. Lauren Mandel, faculty advisor to the Roving Reporters Club, and to Mrs. Amy Snow, HAFTR High School database manager, for their assistance in coordinating, editing and designing HAFTR Happenings. And, of course, we thank the talented student writers in the Roving Reporters Club who contributed articles to this edition.
