| December 1, 2025
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Thank you to the many alumni, parents, and friends who joined us in early November for an unforgettable Melave Malka and Kumzitz hosted by Eitan and Avigail Schechter. With uplifting music from R' Baruch Levine, inspiring Divrei Torah, and amazing ruach, it was the perfect kickoff to our HTC103 campaign.
As we look ahead, we're excited to invite you to the HTC103 Gala on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Ateres Ayala in Skokie. This year, we are proud to honor Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef and Bracha Polstein, Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Tova Perl, and recognize Mrs. Rita Lipshitz—pillars of the Yeshiva family whose dedication continues to inspire generations.
If you or your son were part of Yeshivas HaKayitz, we'd love to include your stories and photos in a special tribute to Rabbi Polstein. Share your memories at htc.edu/kayitzmemories.
And for prospective families, don't miss the FYHS Open House on Tuesday, December 2—a chance to "Step Inside the FYHS Experience!"
Read on for more updates, photos, and ways to stay connected!
All the best,
Rabbi Shmuel L. Schuman CEO, HTC | | This monthly email newsletter is sponsored by: | | | GGM Associates, Inc. was established with a strong foundation and understanding of the healthcare industry's accounting and business operations. With decades of public and private accounting experience, GGM can help you grow your business and achieve your goals. Visit ggmcpas.com to learn more! | | | | HTC Kicks off HTC103 with a Melave Malka and Kumzitz with R' Baruch Levine | | In the beginning of November, Yeshiva fathers, grandfathers, alumni, and supporters came together for a Melave Malka & Kumzitz launching the HTC103 Campaign, hosted by Eitan & Avigail Schechter and featuring the incredible R' Baruch Levine. With soulful niggunim, delicious food, and uplifting camaraderie, the night reflected the heart of our Yeshiva — generations united through Torah, song, and shared purpose. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and support the launch of HTC103!
| | | | Launching This Year's Names, Not Numbers Program | | We're thrilled to kick off this year's Names, Not Numbers Holocaust Education Program at FYHS. The opening session set an inspiring tone as Rabbi Aaron Leibtag, FYHS Principal, introduced the program and its mission. Students heard a special video message from program founder Tova Rosenberg and watched a moving interview with Holocaust Survivor Dr. Moshe Avital. They also participated in an engaging workshop led by Regine Schlesinger, WBBM 780 reporter and proud Yeshiva grandmother, who guided them through interview techniques and sensitivities...
Click here to read more | | | | Rosh Chodesh Kislev at Sarah Hartman Women's College of Touro | This past Rosh Chodesh, Sarah Hartman Women's College hosted an exciting and inspiring pre-Chanukah program led by Mrs. Bari Fleischer and Mrs. Kochava Yitzhak. Mrs. Yitzhak shared meaningful insights into the deeper themes of the upcoming Yom Tov and guided students through a hands-on workshop in preparing sfinj—a classic Sephardic treat and a flavorful twist on the traditional sufganiyah. The evening brought together learning, culture, and great food, and sfinj may now become a new favorite on the College's Chanukah menu! | | | | FYHS Intramural Football Season Wraps Up | Earlier this month, the intramural football season wrapped up with a championship showdown between Kluk's Blook Jooks and Herman's Handsome Men. Congrats to Kluk's Blook Jooks on taking the title with an 8–4 win! | | | | Dual Credit Program at SHWCT Helps Students Get Ahead | Sarah Hartman Women's College offers a Dual Credit Program, giving 11th & 12th grade students the opportunity to take their existing classes, taught by eligible faculty, for college credits. These credits, offered at a significant discount, allow students to move quickly toward a degree, and can be transferred to other programs, or used in conjunction with our Israel Option Program for the most effective way to complete a BA. Interested? Contact Mrs. Mann: 224-406-8960. | | HTC is proud of our students, past and present! Take a look at this month's spotlighted alumni. | | | Alumnus Name: Dr. Josh Younger Graduating Year: 1999 Current Location: Great Neck, NY
Profession: I am a dual trained OB/GYN and Anesthesiologist with subspecialization in OB Anesthesia. I am the director of OB Anesthesia for Northwell Health's Long Israel Jewish Medical Center.
Tell us a little bit about your family: I am happily married to my amazing wife, Michelle. We have three wonderful children—Aiden, Hannah, and Eva. This summer, Aiden will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah, and the whole family is incredibly excited for this special milestone and simcha. It's such an exciting time for us!
What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz: It's so hard to pinpoint just one memory! I really enjoyed exploring the Yeshiva, especially since I was a dormer. I loved discovering the ins and outs of the tunnels, dorm and beis midrash and making memories while doing all this. My classmates were all so diverse and talented, which made it such a pleasure to be there. The Yeshiva had the perfect balance—it was big enough to offer a variety of experiences but small enough to feel comfortable no matter where you fell religiously. I appreciated the wide range of guys, from those with black hats to those with little background, all coming together with a common goal. Everyone's diversity was truly embraced. One especially meaningful time at the Yeshiva was collectively sharing with the rebbeim and other students for the Yamim Noraim. The chazanim and yeshiva created a tefillah that was both memorable and meaningful.
Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz: I was taught to be a well-rounded and anchored person, and the Rebbeim didn't just treat their work as a job—they viewed it as a calling. I'll never forget when Rabbi Polstein had us over for Shabbos. He lit a candle before Shabbos so that it would burn down onto a log, which would ignite the log during Shabbos. It was such a beautiful demonstration of sensitivity to Halacha while still creating a warm, homey atmosphere. I also loved how Rabbi Segal, despite having another job, still made time to teach Torah. Rabbi Weiss, a math genius, gave a shiur that was always insightful. Rabbi Kaminezsky's passion for Torah was infectious. And Shalom Abowitz— ran tisches for us in the dorms, creating a special sense of community. So many great memories!
Advice for current students: L'kol Zman V'et – where you are now is not where you will always be. Enjoy what you have in the present. These are experiences and environments that have been time-tested. The Yeshiva has been around for so long and has been doing something right all these years.
Anything else to share: When I reflect on the Yeshiva, I have only fond memories. I only see the good.
| |  | | Student Name: Dani Greenland Grade: 10th Grade, FYHS Class of 2028
Shiur: Rabbi Sussman's Shiur
Favorite Class: Mr. Verdageur's History Class
What Career are you Interested in pursuing: I'm still figuring it out
Best memory at FYHS so far: Going to the Colombus Baseball Invitational!
Best Part of the Yeshiva: The learning! | | | Divrei Torah from Alumni and Rebbeim | | | Fully Satisfied
By Rabbi Gedalia Finkel
There is an interesting observation in Parashas Vayishlach where Yaakov confronts Eisav and comments on how much cattle and property he has, as the pasuk reads: "And I have acquired ox and donkey, flock and servant, and maidservant..." This seems strange. Certainly Yaakov does not want to incite Eisav's jealousy against him. The point is that Yaakov is conveying a very important message to Eisav, and that message is that whatever he, Yaakov, has is coming from Hashem. This is true for everybody. There is nothing in life but the will of Hashem. | | | | Hagar's Ordeal
By Rabbi Yeshaya Zimmerman
In Parashas Vayeitzei (28:20), Yaakov makes a vow to Hashem that, at first glance, seems difficult to understand.He seems to be saying that if Hashem will lead him safely back to his father's house, then He will be his God.How can Yaakov, who is clearly a tzaddik, make such a vow? How can one who has spent years learning Torah, who has just experienced a prophetic vision of Hashem, base his faith and his loyalty on what Hashem will do for Him? Hasn't the direction of Yaakov's entire life been determined by his relationship with Hashem? | | | Our Alumni Serving in Israel | | Please continue to have our alumni in your tefillos. Some of our past talmidim are currently in Gaza and up north fighting on behalf of Am Yisrael. | | Check Out Our Updated Brochures! | | | | |
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