Spotlight on Eli Kohananoo (FYHS '02)

Graduating Year: 2002

Current Location: Toronto, CA

Profession: I'm the Menahel of a day school, Ohr Emet, and the rav of a shul

Tell us a little bit about your family: 

I’m married with 3 kids 

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

Basketball in general was a lot of fun for me. Obviously, hitting the game winner against the Academy! I also loved being with the chevra. I loved hanging out with the dormers. When I was a senior, I needed basketball shoes and Rabbi Polstein took me to buy them at Lincolnwood Town Center. We got to schmooze the whole time. He really cared about us. I loved Kayitz as well!

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

I appreciated that they had a place for us. There were rabbis and teachers who understood where we were coming from. A lot of guys from my class were learning in Kollel for many years. We got a love of learning. I'm makir tov that I was in that school that let us grow.

Advice for current students:

Find the right rebbe to build a relationship with. It will help you throughout life. Don't be shy, build the relationship.