RKYHS Excellence Inspired

8/13/2019 RKYHS Excellence Inspired

1/12

RAE

KUSHNER

YESHIVAHIGH

SCHOOL

EXCELLENCEINSPIRED


2/12

At RKYHS we provide our studentswith the opportunity

to participate in unique programs and experiences thatenhance their academic careers and personal development.

Our students have varied interests, and with the multitude

of co-curricular choices available, they can pursue exciting

activities that build character and expand their personalhorizons.

We take our students interests seriously and help them

focus their talents and passions into disciplined and

constructive approaches. For a small sampling of howour faculty has inspired excellence in just a few of our

students, read on.

EXCELLENCE INSPIRED


3/12

SAMMY CHERNA

RKYHS Junior

I am inspired by innovators in our rapidly changing,technologically advanced society. Ilan Musk, for example, looks at

the world around him and asks himself, How can I make the world

better? or How can I be an aid to society? and then goes out to

improve the world.

MY INSPIRATIONTwo years ago, I bought a kit that taught basic electronics. Both in books and online, I learned

about theories of electronics and thought of all the great uses for that information. We started

engineering club last year and the coding club this year, both of which have given me the oppor-

tunity to introduce others to the field.

THE IMPACT

I have begun to consider what role I want to play in society and how I want to contribute to solving

problems faced in our everyday lives. It has enabled me to become better equipped to address

many of these issues. Additionally, I enjoy learning about how things work, so there is always an

aspect of fun involved. RKYHS has enabled me to form a community of students who either have

already been involved in engineering and/or computer science or want to become exposed to this

exciting field.

RACHEL LUXENBERG

RKYHS Sophomore

Running is one of my favorite hobbies.When Rabbi Miller started putting together a team to run the

Jerusalem marathon to raise money for Shalva, it seemed the

perfect opportunity to combine chesed and my hobby. The

chance to run in Israel was an added bonus!

MY INSPIRATION

When I mentioned the idea to my parents, they were extremely supportive and helped me ev-

ery step of the way. While training for the marathon, I felt the support and encouragement of

everyone in the school. My family and friends helped me with training and with raising money for

Shalva. I was the only freshman in the group, but I felt very comfortable with the other students.

THE IMPACTI was able to accomplish my goals by raising the money for Shalva and complete the race even

when I felt tired. I was inspired by the people around me who cheered me on and helped me

finish the race. Now, whenever I am faced with a difficult task or challenge, I think back to that

experience and I know I can accomplish more than I think.


4/12

EXCELLENCE INSPIRED

ANDREW EICHEN

RKYHS Senior

I am inspired by business and politics becausethey are the fuel on which the world runs. Politics and current events

have always been a staple of my family dinner conversations.

MY INSPIRATION

RKYHS gave me the opportunity to join together with other students with similar interests and

start the Business Chug. Here we discuss business opportunities and entrepreneurship, and

learn about investing. RKYHS gave me the foundation to attend Washington University Scholars

program this past summer, where I took college-level courses in political science and economics

to strengthen my political knowledge.

THE IMPACT

The courses I took over the summer gave me insight into the economy and political systems out-

side the United States, providing me with a stronger background for higher-level education inthese fields. RKYHS has cultivated an environment that has allowed me to grow individually and

given me the self-confidence to develop a new initiative along with my fellow students.

SAMMI PLOTSKER

RKYHS Junior

Israel is threatened on a daily basis and I feelstrongly that I need to be present to defend it in any way I can.

This can be through charity work or political advocacy. AIPAC is my

opportunity to contribute.

MY INSPIRATION

When I entered my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to attend the highschool summit where I learned about the issues facing American-Israeli relations. I knew that I

wanted to help Israel however I could and that the chance to participate in AIPAC was unique to

our school. The idea of speaking to congressmen on behalf of Israel is not an opportunity that just

anybody receives.

THE IMPACT

I learned how to participate in a political lobby and realized how important it is to voice my opin-ion. I know that there are many opponents of Israel on college campuses and, as a result of the

seminars that I have attended, I will be able to defend Israel and teach about Israel to the best of

my ability. Rabbi Kirsch encouraged me to attend the AIPAC High School Summit. As a result of his

efforts, I am developing an AIPAC cadre within the school to educate underclassmen about Amer-

ican-Israeli relations. Without Rabbi Kirschs advisement and mentorship I would have missed out

on what has been an incredible opportunity.


5/12

DANIEL GOTTLIEB

RKYHS Senior

I often try to deal with larger philosophical issuessuch as ethics or morality. The Tikvah class gave me the opportunity

to analyze original philosophical works and discuss real-world issues

in a group setting.

MY INSPIRATION

Sometimes I find it difficult to connect to my Judaic studies classes, butwith the Tikvah Program I have a chance to explore Jewish sources and compare them directly

to non-Jewish sources. It is exciting to see the many connections between the two. The ancient

debates of thousands of years ago are still central points of discussion today.

THE IMPACT

I have learned about the ideas of people who lived hundreds of years apart and learned the con-

nections between them. I can appreciate the common ground between people separated by

many generations and I can see how their values and ideas affected mine. Were taught critical

and analytical thinking skills that apply in all areas of life. Rabbi Chamudot takes time to meet

with me during lunch and lead discussions, which shows me that he finds value in the course and

is strongly committed to helping us find value in it as well.

HANA FUSMAN

RKYHS Senior

When I was a freshman, there were manyseniorstudents who helped me through that first year of high school.Their experienceboth academically and in extracurricular ac-

tivitieshelped me make choices in my high school career.

MY INSPIRATION

Last year I had the opportunity to see the Peer Leaders work with the freshman class, and I

saw the care, concern, and dedication that they showed to students. It matched perfectly with

other mentoring opportunities that I had previously been involved in. After watching last yearsPeer Leaders work, I knew that this was something that I wanted to become involved in myself.

THE IMPACT

Involvement with Peer Leaders is a great opportunity to personally build relationships with fresh-

men and help them in strengthen their relationships with their classmates. I am excited for future

opportunities to use the skills that I am learning in other areas of my life.

A smaller school provides opportunities for involvement in many different programs. Although

applying to become a Peer Leader was competitive, having the chance to be involved in so many

areas of the school in previous years better prepared me to take on the role of a Peer Leader.


6/12

EXCELLENCE INSPIRED

ABIGAIL RUBIN

RKYHS Junior

I am inspired by the passion for Torah that I see inmy classmates and teachers, both in and out of school. I want to enroll

in as many Judaic studies classes as I can to satisfy my thirst for Torah.

MY INSPIRATION

With the guidance of a mentor, Ms. Bochner, I took the initiative in creating

additional Torah learning opportunities. Mrs. Bochner met with me weekly for the entire schoolyear to ensure that all my questions were addressed. After polling the ninth and tenth grade girls

to determine the level of interest in various Judaic subjects, we created classes on modesty, our

foremothers, relationships, and Shabbat. The countless lunch periods which Mrs. Bochner spent

teaching me new skills for studying Torah inspired me do more learning on my own.

THE IMPACT

I now know that if I see a need for change or an opportunity in the school, I can step up to makea difference. This experience has taught me that instead of waiting for an opportunity to come

by, anyone can make positive changes or additions to the school community. RKYHS provides its

students with both the guidance and the encouragement to create and build an even better envi-

ronment for others in the school.

RON SROOR

RKYHS Senior

I am inspired by the various filmmakers andanimators who enjoy teaching others through their work. I always

get a kick out of the fact that a production can have such a deep

impact on others and can be so much fun to craft.

MY INSPIRATION

Ever since I was young I wanted to become an animator and I spent a lot of timedrawing. My father is a photographer, and growing up in a house in which art is valued, inspired

me to pursue it further on my own. Since there are many similarities between animation and

filmmaking, it was an opportunity for me to get a head start on my career. In middle school,

I filmed independently with a mini-DV camera using my brother as an actor. When I came to

RKYHS and heard about the Video Production Club, I knew this was a great opportunity for me to

have fun and be creative.

THE IMPACT

Since joining the Video Production Club, Ive had access to higher-level technology to improve my

filmmaking skills. Now, as head of Video Production, my leadership skills have also developed.

Video Production has influenced me to make both animation and filmmaking a future career.

Mr. Berger (the Video Production mentor) and I have similar creative interests, including a love

for film, animation, and comedy. With his guidance I have gained experience making films and

learning more about all aspects of filmmaking. Mr. Berger made the entire process a lot of fun.


7/12

DINA RAAB

RKYHS Senior

I am inspired by how things are made and howthings come together to create something better. I love math and I am

fascinated by how two things (such as numbers and letters) come to-

gether to create an answer. Teachers at RKYHS, like Ms. Kirson and

Ms. Hunter, have helped me grow this inspiration and pursue my

dreams.

MY INSPIRATION

While learning about engineering and how products are made, I became curious about how en-

gineering influenced the things I learned. RKYHS has always encouraged me to do greater things

and this is the reason that I want to be an entrepreneur. RKYHS introduced me to the Start Up

Technion program, which I attended this past summer in Israel. The program is designed to help

kids innovate new ideas.

THE IMPACT

This past summer at the Technion program, I experienced what it was like to be an entrepreneur.

We had to come up with an idea, build a prototype, and present it in front of entrepreneurs.

RKYHS not only introduced me to this program but also created and is offering a STEM program

so that I, along with other student who share my interests, can continue to innovate new ideas

throughout the school year, further enhancing what I learned over the summer. I know that I will

be using knowledge and experiences Ive gained at RKYHS for the rest of my life.

JORDAN SHANSKHALIL

RKYHS Sophomore

Since my father is Sephardic, I have really enjoyedparticipating in the Sephardic minyan at RKYHS. There is noSephardic minyan in my community, so I appreciate the opportu-

nity to explore the tefillah and customs of my ancestors, and feel

a sense of connection to my heritage. Another great inspiration in

my life is my uncle, who participated in a triathlon.

MY INSPIRATION

When I was in eighth grade, I became interested in physical education and living a healthy life-style. As a freshman at RKYHS, I had the opportunity to participate in a mentoring program with

the PE teacher, Mr. Neuhof. I told him about my uncle doing the triathlon and my desire to achieve

that level of health and fitness. Mr. Neuhof not only encouraged me to do a triathlon myself, he

also created a personal training regimen and healthy diet plan that were essential in reaching my

goal.

THE IMPACTAs I completed the triathlon as the youngest participant, I felt the gratification of having worked

hard to achieve something and the payoff of reaching my goal. RKYHS has inspired me to

strengthen myself both spirituallythrough the Sephardic minyan which speaks to my family

heritageand physically, through Mr. Neuhofs support in reaching my goal.


8/12

TEACHER FEATURE

DAVIDA STADTMAUER

Dean of Academic Affairs

Im inspired by the growth I see in studentsfrom year to year, and by working with talented, dedicated

colleagues.

How did you become interested in teaching?

I became a teacher at age 16 because my father was a principal and he thought I would be

good at it. I loved making a difference, so here I am 40 plus years later! It has become my lifes

pursuit. I have worked with infants and all age children, through high school. I help people;

what can be more rewarding than that?

How has RKYHS impacted your career?

Being in this environment inspires me to keep upping my game. I have taken on new

initiatives, roles and responsibilities and am inspired by the RKYHS students, faculty and fellow

administrators.

rabbi david schlusselberg

Tanach and Talmud Teacher

I am inspired by people who overcome adversityin life and maintain a religious commitment to Hashem. It is not easy

for anyone to stay a committed Jew in this day and age, so I am always

in awe of people who remain strong and convicted to their faith.


I always thought I would pursue a career in business. However,when I spent a year learning in yeshiva in Israel, a flame inside me

was lit. The combination of my love for Torah and religious growth,

coupled with my desire to help people through lifes ordeals, made me realize that I want to

go intochinuchand become a teacher. Since then, Ive never looked back. Over the last eight years,

I have sat in classes observing and evaluating effective teaching techniques. I think long and hard

about goals related to my teaching and how I can make a greater religious impact on the lives of

my students. I am also motivated to work on my ownmidot

(character traits) with constant vigorbecause as a Rabbi, I felt a greater obligation of representing Hashem as a teacher of his Torah.


I am forever grateful to RKYHS for allowing me to do something for which I have a burning pas-

sion. With help from Hashem, I was fortunate enough to get the chance to work at RKYHS. Teach-

ing Torah to our students and doing my best to inspire them every day is the opportunity of a life-

time. I am blessed to be surrounded by a talented group of teaching professionals who continue

to help me along my path of becoming the best teacher that I can be.


9/12

CHANA BAILA KRUPKA

Tanach and Psychology Teacher

I am inspired by the history of the Jewish people.We are a nation that has defied nature through our continued exis-

tence and return to the land of Israel. I am continuously awed at how

our people holds on to our emunah and adherence to halacha, and

how such a tiny minority has influenced so many of the worlds

advancements. Looking at Am Yisraels uniqueness and influence makes

me proud to be a Jewish woman and a teacher of future Jewish leaders at RKYHS.


I always loved working with people, especially adolescents. High school is a time period of pas-

sion, thoughtfulness and growth. I knew that teaching would allow me the opportunity to help

students develop their potential and give me the environment to learn from a population whose

energy and thoughtfulness surpasses any other group.


The administration, faculty and students have instilled within me a passion for personal, profes-

sional and academic development ; the academic excellence of our faculty and students has in-

spired me to continue my education as a PhD student in psychology at Fordham University. The

administrations dedication to the development of their faculty and students has taught me how

to see and foster the potential in others. Most of all, the students have taught me about taking

initiative to help others, both in our school and the larger global community. Be it the Battle of the

Bands fundraiser for children in need, a tzniut fashion show to promote the inner value of an indi-

vidual, or weekly lunch-and-learns, our students are models of Jewish advocacy and leadership.

ADAM KLEIN

Science Teacher

I am inspired by music and by everydayactions that most find mundane but could mean the world to

the right person.


I became interested in teaching in college while teaching a

lab class at Penn State University as part of my degree in ArcheologicalSciences. The idea that I could help create a more knowledgeable population greatly intrigued me,

since I believe that knowledge and proficiency are the key factors in the success of an individual.


RKYHS has given me the freedom to teach the way I want to, and this has led to many student

successes, from a student who tells me, I got my first 100 because of our study session to I got

into my first choice college because of what I learned in your class. Their successes, big and small,are why I teach. I have also found that my students can teach me some great lessons as well. The

way RKYHS students care not only about their education but their educators is unparalleled in my

teaching experience. I am grateful every day to come to work in such an amazing environment.


10/12

LAUREN BLOOM SILVERMANRKYHS Class of 2003

More than 10 years ago, I attended RKYHS and my high school artclass. It was there that I developed the confidence to pursue a career in interior design. I had a pas-

sion for art, and thirsted for direction in all things relating to it, but was certainly no prodigy, withno prior training. I listened carefully to the instructions of my art teacher, Ms. Sandra Blank, hoping

to successfully implement them. She, for her part, was eager to assist me. She taught me skills that

I continue to use today, and she patiently sat with me until I was able to truly see everything, and

view art from different and valuable perspectives.

I continued to follow my passion and majored in art in college. It was a very challenging major to

pursue, but I felt well prepared to meet its demands. Today, I am working as an interior designerat a firm in Manhattan. Although I received my art degree and then obtained a masters degree,

it was that high school art class more than 10 years ago that first provided me the necessary con-

fidence to initially set that course. Had I not received such illuminating guidance and education

from my teacher and been so engaged during high school art class, I may have never found a

profession that I am so deeply gratified by, and so thoroughly enjoy.

ANDREW FREEMANRKYHS Class of 2008

During my college experience, and as Ive embarked on my career in finance, Ive recognized again and again how much I have been shaped by the foundation and

education that I received at RKYHS.

I currently work as an analyst at a large firm in the financial industry in New York Citya path

that began during my years at RKYHS when I took a liking to the quantitative classes. My teach-

ers helped me determine exactly what I was interested in and encouraged me to take high-levelmath classes and AP Statistics. I went on to double-major in Economics and Statistics in college.

The high school classes that I took and excelled in were prerequisites for my majors and helped lay

the groundwork for me to succeed in a rigorous academic university environment.

In a small, intimate environment I was able to get focus and attention from teachers and truly felt

like they knew me and my skills and abilities, and were better able to guide me towards those

classes where I was able to be challenged and flourish. The teachers were always accessible and

willing to help me in any way that I needed. It was an incredible feeling knowing that I was able

to foster these one-on-one relationships with my teachers, and a comfort knowing that they truly

were looking out for my best interests.

I can safely say that the religious aspect of school life at RKYHS gave me a solid foundation in living

my life as a confident, Modern Orthodox Jew. After beginning in one university, I transferred col-

leges after some time. My Jewish life in college was such a key element for me, and I felt that the

first college did not offer much Modern Orthodox student life, and I was seeking a more vibrantOrthodox Jewish environment and community on campus.

That foundation that I received at RKYHS transcended my college experience and prepared me to

work as a Modern Orthodox professional in corporate America. My work lifestyle and hours are

often at odds with living a Shabbat-observant lifestyle, but it is a lifestyle I dont need to question.

INSPIRING ALUMNI


11/12

As the mother of an RKYHS graduate and a current senior, I cant adequately express my Hakarat HaTov to this amazing institution that has played such an impor-

tant role in helping my children become the people they are. At RKYHS, my children not only grew

intellectually through the challenging and stimulating courses they took, both general and Judaic

studies, but as menschen, committed members to Klal Yisrael. The friendships they cultivated at

RKYHS, both with their fellow students and the faculty, have been influential and lasting.

One aspect unique to RKYHS is the tracking of classes by subject, not by student, which means

that my children have been able to get the extra challenge of an honors course in a strong subject,

while also getting support in areas in which they needed more assistance. They also both movedback and forth between tracks in various subjects over the course of the years. The school truly

sees each child as an individual and approaches him or her as such.

As we are now going through the college application process for the third time, I want to draw

special attention to the unflagging support the Guidance Department provides. It certainly wasnt

anything I gave much thought to as the parent of an eighth-grader choosing high schools, but it

has proven to be something very special that RKYHS provides. The counselors truly hold your handthrough the entire process. I know Mrs. Levine gives each of them the attention I expect she would

give her own children in helping them not only figure out what is the best fit for them, but also

making sure they dont miss any deadlines (she emailed my son at 5 am last week because she

woke up with the worry that he hasnt requested his SAT scores be sent to his chosen colleges!).

Personally, I feel the warmth of the school every time I enter. My daughter didnt want to gradu-

ate and still calls on her teachers for advice and guidance. My son told me this year how muchhe LOVES school (what 17-year-old says that?). As a parent, seeing that my children are thriving,

making great friends, forming deep connections with their teachers, and expanding their minds

is all I could ask for.

Amanda ShechterChana Shechter, RKYHS Class of 2011

Jeremy Shechter, RKYHS Class of 2014

I am inspired by the continuity and survival of the Jewish people.Together, we have persevered for thousands of years but we continue to face new challenges. As

a child of a Holocaust survivor, Jewish survival takes on even more meaning. The latest Pew Jew-

ish demographic study shows that the assimilation and intermarriage rates in this country are at

startling and unacceptable levels. The best way to counter this trend is through increased Jewishidentity and pride. That all starts with Jewish education.

When my children at JKHA and RKYHS get excited and share what they are learning in school,

I know there is a future for the Jewish people. Whether it is my youngest telling me about the

parsha on Friday night or my oldest discussing Zionism, I see hope and opportunity. They inspire

me further and lead me to volunteer at the school and with the Greater MetroWest Jewish com-

munity.

Ariel NelsonJacob Nelson, Class of 2016

TEACHER FEATURE

PARENTTESTIMONIALS


12/12

At RKYHS it is our goal to inspire excellencein each of our stu-dents. We offer our students a wealth of opportunities to explore

and discover their interests. Influenced by our dedicated and car-

ing faculty, our students are often drawn to programs that incor-

porate chesed and giving with learning and fun.

Some other opportunities our students are involved in include:

IMPACT: DC - Panim Program

4K4Kids

AIPAC Conference, Washington DC

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Archaeological Program, Israel

Architecture Program, Center for

Architecture, New York

Battle of the Bands

Blue Stamp Engineering Program

Brandeis University Investigative

Journalism Program

Camp Koby

Care One Senior Housing Facility

College Bowl

Columbia Summer Program

Community Food Bank

Cornell Summer Program Diller Teen Fellowship, Israel

Drug Awareness Committee

Editor-In-Chief Program, Columbia

University

EMT Courses

Essex County Superior Court FIT Summer Courses

Habitat for Humanity

HCSSIM - Math Summer Program

Internship with House of Lords in

London, England

Intern for Judge Vichness,

Newark, NJ

Internship at NJ Film Industry

Internship with Attorney,

Elizabeth, NJ

Internship with Newark Bears,

Newark, NJ

Lauder Foundation Camp Szarvas

Fellowship

Mock Trial

Model UN

Montclair State College

NCSY

NCSY - JOLT Summer Program

NCSY Kollel Program in Israel

New York University Summer

Courses

Panim el Panim, Washington DC

Prosecutors Office, Newark, NJ Road Less Traveled Conservation

Program

RPI University Game Design

Program

Special Olympics

Technion Start Up Program Torah Bowl - Boys and Girls

University of Chicago Summer

Program

University of Maryland Young

Scholars Engineering Program

Washington University at St. Louis

Scholars Program

RAE KUSHNER YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL

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