Spotlight on Daniel Freund (FYHS '97)

Graduating Year: 1997

Current Location: Skokie, IL (right near the Yeshiva!)

Tell us a little bit about your family: Married with 4 boys.

Profession:  Executive Director of Chai Lifeline Midwest and previously the General Studies Principal at the Yeshiva. I was also once a dorm supervisor at the Yeshiva. My history here is very long! My wife Esther is the Assistant Director of Early Childhood at Arie Crown.

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

I got to write the songs and skits for color war at Yeshivas Hakayitz. That was a lot of fun!

I was also a counselor, a rebbe, and a head counselor at Kayitz. I loved participating and then judging color war. I have so many positive memories from those times.

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

Having had the privilege of being part of the Yeshiva in many different capacities over the years, one of the things I've come to appreciate is that a yeshiva is much more than a place of learning. It's a community built on relationships, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Roles change, and people move on to different stages of life, but those connections remain. Even today, in a different professional role, I still consider myself very much a part of the Yeshiva community. To me, that's one of the greatest measures of a yeshiva's success: not just what it gives its students and staff while they're there, but what stays with them long afterward.

Advice for current students:

You should appreciate the Yeshiva as it's a very unique place. You can gain a lot through the friendships, and it's a great all-around education. Alumni who go on from the Yeshiva often do great things!