Spotlight on Akiva Shawel (FYHS '97)

Graduating Year: 1997

Current Location: Cleveland, OH

Tell us a little bit about your family: Married with 4 kids and 1 grandchild

Profession: Nursing Homes (An education wasn't the only thing I picked up in Chicago…☺️!)

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

While I was there, I captured a nice, well-rounded hashkafah as to what it means to be a Ben Torah. I had Rebbeim to seek wisdom from in both high school and after high school. 

I came to the Yeshiva from Dallas and got to meet a lot of different people in the dorms and loved meeting the various types of guys. The locals really opened their homes to me, and I felt like they were a second family for me. I got to grow up in those homes, and they were so welcoming.

Rosh Hashanah was very special. Coming back for the 2nd days of Sukkos was a real treat and Purim a highlight!! (R’ Wender in Shpeil ‘97 my Magnum Opus)

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

I learned what it means to be a Ben Torah - Well-rounded in learning, community activism, and gemilas chasadim. These lessons still stick with me to this day. Having been exposed to other Yeshivas throughout the years, I can say that the Yeshiva is very unique. These experiences really gave me a step up in how to manage people from all walks of life.

Advice for current students:

Enjoy the time there and don't light any spitballs on fire and throw them on the roof. If you know, you know!