Spotlight on Yonatan (Yoni) Kohn (FYHS '98)

Graduating Year: 1998

Current Location: Yad Binyamin

Profession: I'm on the English team of Tzurba M'Rabanan, a series of halacha books used in schools and shuls around the world. I also recently completed my Doctorate on the Rashbatz (1361-1444).

Tell us a little bit about your family: 

I’m married with 7 kids

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

So many great memories and moments. I remember the competition around a “Jeopardy”-themed review in Rabbi Polstein’s shiur, when Aaron Slotnick came up with a big answer for our team.

Once, Rabbi Twerski walked into shiur a bit late. Nobody was learning. He wrote on the chalkboard, “מותר ללמוד תורה בבוקר” (One is allowed to learn Torah in the morning)! His little grin made us crack up!

I also really benefited from Mr. Schaffel’s guidance and optimism. He had a willingness to talk and guide us.

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

I learned to be a Ben Torah at the Yeshiva. The musar schmoozes on Tuesday left me with life lessons. For example, things like picking up the garbage from the ground and just being sympathetic and kind to people when they are down. They taught us that a Ben Torah is being a good ethical person and then building your ruchniyus on top of that.

Advice for current students:

Don't be afraid to do the right thing. 

Anything else to share:

I felt that Rabbi Kamenetzky had a profound impact on me, because he treated us as young adults and not just little kids.