The Panther

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF YULA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL

The Panther ISSUE 3

Advocacy Pro-Israel

YULA delegation attends AIPAC Conference in D.C.

Tz i t z i t A n y o n e ?

Rabbi Glass’ Six Year Tenure Comes to an End

By JOSH KOHAN ‘13 and ELON SWARTZ ‘13 Panther Editors-in-Chief On Feb. 28, Rabbi Heshy Glass, Head of School, announced that he would not be returning to YULA Boys High School in the coming academic year, and that Rabbi Dov Emerson –– current assistant principal at DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys in Woodmere, NY –– would be succeeding him as the new Head of School.

As students learned of Rabbi Glass’ departure, many reflected on his role in improving YULA over the years.

“He changed the school in so many ways,” one senior said. “It’s a radically better institution than it was when I first got here.”

“YULA! YULA!”

Leading the life of an entrepenur, YULA Junior starts his own business.

Page 3

Board Appoints New Head of School

Sports

Business

Varsity basketball team places third at Red Sarachek.

Page 15

Page 5

News RENEWED GLORY! YULA wins first place in YU’s National United Nations Competition.

| Page 3

Sports PEANUTS & CRACKER JACKS A new coach joins YULA Baseball Team ushering in a new era for the sport at the School.

| Architect’s depiciction of YULA’s planned state-of-the-art gymnasium, underground parking facility, and additional classrooms.

In 2007, the YULA Boys High School administration and board –– led

by President David Nagel –– decided to hire Rabbi Glass as the new of Head of School.

According to the School, Rabbi Glass made the transition with his family, moving from the East Coast to Los Angeles, joining YULA Boys High School’s administration.

Rabbi Glass has been an educator and administrator for over 30 years, according to the School’s website, “As the head of school he oversees all areas of academic counseling and mentoring and coordinates the activities of all the administrative team,” according to his biography on the site.

During his time at YULA, Rabbi Glass coined a new motto, which ultimately became the template for Rabbi Glass’ changes to the school.

“At YULA,” Rabbi Glass said at the 2012 Student Orientation, “We emphasize the sanctity of person, place, and time.”

Rabbi G l a s s c r e ated this m o t t o See

| Page 16

Arts PAINTING WALLS Ben Krombach ’13 designed and produced a unique mural in the hallways of the campus.

| Page 11

Technology ENGINEERS IN THE MAKING YULA’s newly found robotics team brings home the gold.

page 4

| Page 10

YDS Performs 12 Angry Men A New Type of Production

| YULA Boys Drama Society’s performance of Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry Men.

By ASHER NAGHI ‘14 Panther Contributer The death penalty awaits a young, nineteen-year-old man on trial for murder. The question is: Is he guilty?

Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry Men tells the captivating story of twelve jurors who contemplate sending a young man to death row.

Only Juror Eight opposes the almost unanimous vote of “guilty,” and as the play progresses, the jurors’ personalities and motives become clear.

Though the actors’ performances were no less than inspiring, the production could not have achieved the success it did without its intimate seating –– the chairs were

arranged in a large circle around the jury table. Audience members, along with the jurors, gasped in horror as the blade of the irate Juror Three came painstakingly close to Juror Eight’s heart.

“The play was so engaging because I could see the sincere expressions on the faces of the actors, and I felt like I was part of the play,” said YULA grandpare n t , D a n i e l Yo u n g .

See

page 4

2

June 2013

The Panther Don’t From the Editors in Chief let the wind blow your paper away!

In Sep. 2009, YULA Boys High School’s newspaper joined together with YULA Girls High School’s newspaper to form a new magazine publication. The new joint school magazine represented a shift in the layout of the School’s major student publication, as previous newspaper templates were abandoned in favor of a creative magazine design.

In Jan. 2013, YULA Boys High School and YULA Girls High School made the decision to create separate publications once again. In light of this development, The Panther Staff made the decision to return to a newspaper design.

And so, for this third and final issue of The Panther, we present you, the readers, with an up-to-date newspaper template.

In these pages, you will find articles that recap second-semester activities, events, and campus life. While the first issue of The Panther focused on changes at YULA Boys High School at the start of the 2012-2013 academic year, the second issue of The Panther covered first-semester events and student activities at the midway point of the school year; this issue solely covers second semester and its implications for the School’s future.

The publication of this newspaper could not have been possible without the help of YULA alumnus, Jonathan Swartz ’10, former Panther Staff Writer and Student Life Editor. Currently a student at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, Jonathan is a Senior Writer for the award-winning student newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun. With his experience and familiarity in journalism and newspaper design, Jonathan spent countless hours formating this issue’s entire layout and editing articles.

We hope that you, the readers, enjoy this final issue of The Panther for the 2012-2013 academic year.

We look forward to reading and seeing the growth of The Panther –– perhaps with a website –– in the many YULA generations to come.

ELON SWARTZ ‘13

and

JOSH KOHAN ‘13

Panther Editors-in-Chief

The Panther The Student Newspaper of YULA Boys High School Elon Swartz and Josh Kohan Editors in Chief

Ms. Pam Felcher, English Faculty Advisor

Rabbi Joseph Schrieber, Vice Principal Representative of the Administration

9760 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: 310-203-3180 Fax: 310-203-3199

RECYCLE Congratulations to the YULA Boys High School Graduating Class of 2013 Noam Abukrat Yossi Alkoby Asher Alter Joseph Balakhaneh Aron Cagan David Elisha Yoni Elkaim Max Glaser Amit Hadad Jonathan Hermel Andrew Hirsch Elliot Julis Ilan Kaboud Joseph Abraham Kavian Joshua Kohan Eli Kroll Benjamin Krombach Ariel Lalezari Yaakov Loboda Michael Mahgerefteh David Malka Akiva Mandel Allen Manshoory Evraham Menasheraf Shmuel Moadeb Raphael Moradian See

www.yulaboys.org

P

Joshua Morrow Joshua Okanina-Rub Zachary Porgess Jonathan Rabbanian Omer Raviv Leron Rayn Sam Romano Jacob Roth Levi Saada Eden Sarusi Jordyn Schoenfeld Joseph Shuchatowitz Gabriel Simha David Sroka Elon Swartz Matan Talasazan Yoni Talitman Yaacov Tarko Alon Tivon Ethan Valensi Jacob Weinblut Moshe Yadegar Moshe Yaghoubian Daniel Yasharel Daniel Zamanzadeh Zvulun Zeffren Avi Zilberstein pages 8 - 9

NEWS

The Panther

3

Champions

YULA Wins Best Delegation at YU’s National Model U.N. Conference

By EITAN MEISELS ‘15 Panther Contributer From Feb. 3 - 5, the School’s Model U.N. team participated in Yeshiva University’s twenty-third annual National Model United Nations conference and ranked first among 48 Jewish high schools –– a total of 460 student participants –– from North America, Canada, Brazil and South Africa, according to a press release by Yeshiva University.

YULA’s team sent twenty delegates –– three of whom were captains –– to the conference. The team was advised by Dr. Paul Soifer, Director of General Studies. Of the twenty members of the 2013 team, twelve new delegates joined the team this year –– seven boys and five girls.

With so many inexperienced delegates, captains Elon Swartz ’13, Alexa Hanelin ’13, and Shana Salomon ’13, were not expecting the team to thrive.

“We loved the talent we saw in our new teammates from the first day, and we definitely expected to perform,” Swartz said. “But we didn’t exactly know if such an inexperienced team could take home the first place award.”

However, as the season progressed, the captains became more assured by their new squad.

“I really began to see how much talent and potential the team had,” Salomon said. “I started to get a sense of confidence when I saw the dedication of our

team. More so than any other team I had seen in the past, this team really toiled to ensure a triumphant comeback after a few disappointing seasons for YULA.” YULA had not won the conference since 2010, and so, none of the 2013 team members had even experienced a win at the conference.

“We needed to end the drought,” Salomon said. “We had a reputation to uphold.”

This year, YULA represented the countries of Luxembourg, Uganda, and Syria at the conference, according Salomon. Practicing once a week for several months, the team members honed their speaking and debating skills with the help of their captains.

“It was tough,” said one YULA delegate who wished to remain anonymous. “The captains really pushed us. But in the end, we learned to research, and to speak eloquently.”

Soifer and Panther Advisor, Ms. Pam Felcher, English –– the team chaperone –– flew to New York with an unparalleled determination to succeed. On Feb. 3, the YULA delegation travelled to Stamford, Connecticut, where the conference took place.

At the conference, the team met with delegates from other schools around the globe, according to Asher Naghi ’14.

“I was surprised to see how much the other delegates knew about YULA,” said Naghi. “It was easy to detect the way in which our reputation for victory ... affected the conference culture.”

Model U.N. captains pose after their victory with the team’s faculty advisor, Dr. Paul Soifer, Director of General Studies.

Some delegates spent their time in the United Nations Refugee Agency, while others spent time in the United Nations Counter Terrorism Committee. Collectively, the YULA delegation occupied seats in more than ten committees, according to Salomon.

Delegates spoke, disputed, and collaborated for almost ten hours, as they tried to resolve their assigned world problems as well as the crisis –– the surprise component of the conference that forces delegates to think on their feet.

“I was pleased to see our team members adjust to the sometimes overwhelming environment of the conference,” Swartz said. “Throughout the day, members of our delegation were approaching me to talk about concerns, to ask for advice, and to update me on their committee sessions. When I saw this level of engagement, I knew we were performing well.”

Micah Hyman ’14, Noah Kest ’15, and Salomon all earned Best Delegate awards for their committees, while Asher Alter ’13, Deena Felsenthal ’13, Alexa Hanelin ’13, Benji Kurnick ’14, Olivia

Levkowitz ’15, and Lizzie Peled ’13 all earned Honorable Mention awards.

The conference coordinators announed that YULA was the champion of the event, with SAR Academy, New York, NY, and MJBHA, Rockville, MD, finishing in second and third place respectively, According to participants, upon learning of the win, YULA students cheered enthusiastically and walked up to the front of the large ballroom to accept the school’s ninth first-place award of the last fourteen year YULA has participated in the conference.

According to Swartz, as demonstrated by this year’s win, Model U.N. is an extremely prestigious extracurricular activity at YULA, especially given its “rich history and tradition of victory,” Swartz said.

Eitan Meisels can be reached at emeisels2015@yula.org

AIPAC Policy Conference, YULA Faculty Member Recognized

By YONAH HILLER ‘14 Panther Contributer

The speakers lectured about Israence, AIPAC speakers stressed el’s multiple threats, including Syrthat students have a voice that ia’s possession of chemical weapons, For a school that draws matters and that students can Lebanon’s malicious government, and students from religious Ziontake steps to successfully affect Iran’s quest for nuclear capability. ist backgrounds, a deep-rooted change.

All of the speakers agreed that passion for Israel is neither The YULA students started a nuclear Iran is something that the novel nor unexpected. Thus, the conference world cannot tolit comes at no surprise that all seated in erate, and that the YULA’s Israel Advocacy Club bleachers in “The conference helped United States must is one of the schools most the conference us channel our passion for stand strongly with popular extracurricular activhall –– a Israel in preventing Israel into the potential for ities, which sends a strong room much such an occurrence. delegation to the American like a football real, meaningful action.”

The speakers Israel Public Affairs Commit- stadium. also highlighted tee’s Policy Conference each Elliot Julis ’13 TogethIsrael’s miraculous and every year, according to er with the achievements and team members. group, 13,000 breakthroughs in In March, the Club’s 26 people attended the conference technology.

The speakers also emstudent members attended the AIfrom across the world. phasized the Jewish people’s unique PAC Policy Conference –– the single At the plenary and breakcombination of suffering and success. largest high school delegation in the out sessions, YULA students Over the course of the confercountry, according to team members. heard from many speakers, ence, YULA students were accompaOver the course of the con- including Ehud Barak, former nied by Rabbi Pini Dunner, Mashgiference, the group learned of the Israeli Minister of Defense, ach Ruchani, faculty advisor for the importance of political involveIsraeli President Shimon Israel Advocacy Club. ment, and of the need to make a Peres, U.S. Vice President Joe An expert in Jewish history, and serious difference with regards to Biden, and Israeli Prime Minan academic who understands the the Israeli-American relationship. ister Benjamin Netanyahu. complexity of the Middle East, RabThroughout the confer-

bi Dunner provided the team with both an understanding of Israeli politics and a voice of guidance, according to students.

At the conference, AIPAC recognized Rabbi Dunner for his leadership, as he received the “Ally of the Year” award. According to AIPAC, the award recognizes exceptional educators for their work and accomplishments in promoting the US-Israel relationship on campus.

During the conference, AIPAC not only gave YULA students the motivation to actively participate in the political process, but also the tools to do engage, according to Elliot Julis ’13, a longtime member of the School’s delegation.

“The conference helped us channel our passion for Israel into the potential for real, meaningful action,” Julis said. “It helped us take another step forward.”

Yonah Hiller can be reached at yonahhiller@yula.org

4 June 2013

The Panther

NEWS

that as he walked into the School evteams to have practice and gaming ery morning, he was greeted by Rabbi facilities.

Glass, who smiled and wished him and In a bold move that changed YUevery student a good morning. for YULA in 2009. Throughout LA’s education, in 2009 Rabbi Glass “Rabbi Glass makes me feel welhis time at the School, Rabbi decided to promote the revolutionary come every day,” Mahgerefteh said.

Glass continued to speak of his YULA-MacBook program. motto and mission for the school. “He makes YULA feel like my second Designed to “lay the foundation home, and I will miss him incredibly in During Rabbi Glass’ tenure, for exciting and vibrant uses of techthe coming years.” the Board appointed Rabbi Jonology in the classroom,” the program According to students, with the seph Schreiber as the new Vice allowed for each and every student help of Rabbi Schreiber, Rabbi Glass Principal and Director of Judaic and faculty member to receive his or her has essentially eliminated physical bullyStudies for the School. Togethown Apple laptop computer, according to ing, freshman trashing, and other pracer with Rabbi Schreiber, Rabbi the school.

Glass was able to alter the Torah tices that were common in the School’s While many faculty and administration Studies curriculum and the overall past, especially between did not agree with Rabbi Glass’ structure of the school during his freshmen and seniors. development in YULA’s IT, he “There is really a zero tenure. was nonetheless set on bringing tolerance policy for the Whereas previous adminisYULA into the twenty-first censort of horseplay that used trations focused on separating tury. According to Rabbi Glass, to be common here,” one the Advanced Gemara Track as he knew that the initiative prelongtime faculty member a distinct program –– separate sented risks, however, he wanted who wished to remain from the rest of the school –– to “sanctify time” by bringing the Glass-Schreiber administration anonymous said. “It’s truly YULA “into the times.” focused on building one, cohesive amazing what the admin“It’s about training our istration has been able to school, and on urging the entire students to succeed in tomoraccomplish in such a short student body –– rather than a row’s world,” Rabbi Glass Rabbi Heshy Glass, said at a technology panel in period of time.” small segment of students –– to Head of School According to the faculgrow and to reach school goals.

2010. “Technological skill is ty member, under the Glass As the Glass administration a key component to future administration, Rabbi Schreiber was able adjusted to the school and besuccess in any field.” to implement new policies that make gan to change its direction, it According to students, YULA took measures to bring AGT into the school a neater place. As a result, students have become increasingly adept closer contact with the remainder trash no longer sits around hallways or with technology since the introduction of of the student body. For example, classrooms for an extended period of the initiative, and have thus benefited in time, and the school is a much nicer in 2010, the Annual New York ways that will affect their lives long place in which to study.

City trip, which was previously after they leave YULA. “I’m glad the school strictly enforconly for AGT students, became an “I can’t imagine my high school es its liter policy,” another teacher said. official sophomore trip for every experience without my MacBook,” one “It certainly helps to keep my classstudent in the grade. senior said. “The technology has enroom cleaner.”

The annual YULA siyum, riched my educational experience in so In addition to its implementation which previously celebrated the many ways.” of new safety and cleanliness stanaccomplishments of only AGT In addition to the MacBook boys, became an event that cele- dards, the Glass administration has also program, Rabbi Glass also “sanctilived up to its motto of the “sanctity brated the achievements of stufied time” with his schedule reform, as of place” by successfully promoting the dents who challenged themselves he helped to introduce the radically new new YULA building project. in any Judaic Studies course. block-schedule program at YULA. On Aug. 25, 2011, the Los Angeles Aside from changes to AGT, While students in previous years had to the Advanced Torah Track course City Commission approved plans for a sit through anywhere from seven to eleven new YULA gymnasium, an underground developed a broader curriculum classes in a single day, students under the under the Glass administration in parking facility, and additional classGlass administration have been privileged rooms, according to the School’s weborder to appeal to students who to benefit from a newer type of schedule; site. Long championed by Rabbi Glass, might not be as interested in under the block-schedule program, classes the much awaited project will expand Gemara. occur twice to three times a week in lonMichael Mahgerefteh ’13 said the size of the school and allow sports ger modules, so that students have anyContinued from page 1

YDS Director: “They Owned It” Continued from page 1 Indeed, YDS director and producer, Ouriel Hazan ’00, went through extensive technical rehearsals in designing the innovative new set, so as to position the lights correctly for the show.

The set and lighting, however, presented a challenge for the backstage crew.

“Since the lights [were] set up all around the room, pointing at the center, light inevitably shone at certain seats,” said Noah Kest ’15, light technician for the show.

According to Yair Fax ’14, assistant to the director, the crew members were forced to remove a number of chairs.

“Although seating was limited,” Fax said, “those who were in the audience had a more immersive and enjoyable experience.”

According to Fax, the seating was in fact, limited, as the usual arrangement of about 200 was reduced to 140.

Fax said that although there were only a small number of chairs, crowds arrived, filling the theater to its brim.

Feeding off of a spectacular Thursday night performance, the YDS Saturday production was sold out before guests began to arrive, and many had to stand in the back to catch a glimpse of the cast’s rendition of the play.

Many audience members said that this was the finest YDS production they had ever seen. In fact, some who have attended the plays for more than a decade gave the same compliment.

“I have never seen anything quite like this, and I have watched a number of YULA plays,” said one teacher –– who wished to remain anonymous –– after the Thursday night showing. “It was certainly one of the best YULA productions I have ever seen.”

Led by four-year veterans Elon Swartz ’13, who played Juror Eight, and Jacob Roth ’13, who played Juror Three, the cast included other familiar faces from last year’s production –– Sherlock’s Last Case –– such as Jonathan Hermel ’13, Joseph Shuchatowitz ’13, Abraham Kavian ’13, Asher Alter ’13, and Alon Tivon ’13.

Returning from the 2011 production of Room Service were two old-time favorites, David Malka ’13 and Zack Brazina ’14.

Amidst all the veteran presence on stage, fresh faces in this production included Yossi Etshalom

where from five to seven classes in a day.

“I [now] have ... much less pressure in terms of homework because of the block-schedule,” Jonathan Hermel ’13 said. “I have had two days, rather than one, to complete certain homework assignments, and I’ve been given much more freedom to manage my own time.”

Aside from easing the student homework load, the streamlining of the schedule has also opened up space in the day for afternoon electives and additional Judaic Studies classes.

“Because of the block schedule, I can spend an hour in the afternoon studying art,” one sophomore said. “It really gives me a greater range of options as to how to spend my day.”

The Glass administration’s reform of the schedule was perhaps the greatest impetus behind the many new electives that were introduced over the last few years.

Rabbi Glass’ relentless efforts as Head of School helped to propel YULA forward over the last several years. His administrative expertise, his innovative spirit, and his deep-seeded care for the student body and the improvement of the school all made him a headmaster who will never be forgotten.

“Rabbi Glass will long be remembered as a man who bravely challenged the status quo,” one teacher said. “He was never content with just average. He wanted to make YULA the perfect school for everyone.”

Elon Swartz can be reached at elonswartz@yula.org and Josh Kohan can be reached at joshuakohan@yula.org

’14, Michael Shadpour ’15, and Noah Tarko ’15.

“This is really going to be something very different,” Swartz said just before the opening of the production. “After three consecutive comedies, I think the audience is ready for something new. I think they will be excited by the drama, suspense, and profundity that this play has to offer.”

Indeed, 12 Angry Men marked the first YULA Drama Society Boys’ Division production of a non-comedic play since former director Peter Faber’s 2007-2008 rendition of W. Somerset Maugham’s The Letter.

And so, the members of the 2013 Drama Society stood before a daunting challenge –– a play like no other that they had experienced.

“They met the challenge,” said Hazan after the final showing. “I would only choose a production of this caliber if I knew the boys could handle it. And they didn’t just handle it –– they owned it.”

Asher Naghi can be reached at ashernaghi@yula.org

The Panther

5

STUDENTS' STORIES Yo n a h H i l l e r ’ 1 4 : T a l m u d i s t , Lobbyist & Entrepreneur often had to endure financial dry spells, even as expenses in“Not only does he spread Torah and mitzvot creased. “I found myself paying for catalogues, business cards, beyond the walls of our school with great enand other promotional items, while the funds to relay these thusiasm, [but] he also helps rebbeim and stucosts were low,” Hiller said.

This article is part of students’ stories, a series dents who need their tzitzit fixed at school!”

And yet, Hiller’s patience and persistence through toughprofiling students across campus.

In fact, Yonah can often be found in the er times ultimately paid off. Just months after his decision to hallways of YULA, fixing the tzitzit strings of “Tzitzis,” he said over the telephone. “Just expand to the community, he found his sales rising once again. friends and teachers alike. tzitzis.”

Since then, he has sold tzitzit to Jews beyond Los Angeles, “Mitzvah World doesn’t just offer products,” Yonah Hiller ’14 had just received a phone in large cities and in small towns across America. “His rates Hiller said. “We also offer services like talis call from one of the senior managers at Keter and quality of service are tough to beat,” one customer in the and tzitzis repairs and adjustment. I aim to Judaica in Brooklyn, NY. After explaining his tri-state area wrote in an email correspondence. Indeed, Hiller is give customers the full package.” idea to start a small Judaica business so that often quick to offer competitive deals and multi-tzitzit bargains Aside from tzitzit, tekhelet, sefarim, and rehe could cater to the needs of his school comto costumers, especially when the sales will help clients better pair services, Mitzvah World also offers holiday munity, Hiller found himself answering many observe the often overlooked mitzvah of tzitzit. “It’s really less products –– like menorahs and appliances –– questions posed to him by the manager. The about the business aspect,” Hiller said. “I try to never forget such as kosher clocks and shabbat lamps. “I man, speaking in a thick Hassidic accent, wantwhy I started this all in the first place.” don’t need to go anywhere else,” one YULA ed to know what products Hiller was going to Ultimately, parent said. sell. Little did Hiller know that his small idea Hiller’s sale of tzitzit “Yonah has to tie tzitzit on a customized and personalized became so successeverything I basis would eventually blossom into a bustling ful that he decided need.” and meaningful business. to change the nature Out of re“I have always had a special connecof his company; no spect for other tion to the mitzvah of tzitzis,” Hiller said in longer would he local Judaica an interview with The Panther. “I thought it just sell tzitzit in the stores in the would be nice to share my enthusiasm for United States –– Los Angeles the mitzvah with my peers at school.” Indeed, he would expand community, Hiller was often distressed during his freshman beyond all borders Hiller takes year, when he would walk the hallways and and begin to sell extra precausee other students without tzitzit. “I saw that other mainstream tion not to many classmates did not enjoy performing the Judaica products. involve himself mitzvah,” he said. “And I realized that I could “I consulted some in the politics either sit back and criticize, or that I could try very trustworthy or the competito creatively find a way to help people become individuals, people tion of the ininterested in the mitzvah.” with knowledge and dustry; in fact, Because Hiller found that many of the | A U.S. Air Force pilot poses for a picture with his Hiller works experience,” Hiller students did not connect with the mitzvah in new tzitzit that Yonah Hiller ‘14 helped him assemble to meet bothsaid. “They agreed together with a meaningful way, he realized that showing military and halakhic standards. that it was time local busithem how to tie tzitzit could possibly help them to create something greater.” And thus, Hiller said goodbye to nesses rather than competing against them. “I become more interested in the mitzvah. And Yonah’s Tzitzit, and a new company, Mitzvah World, was born. have a personal relationship with the owners so, Hiller immediately went about sharing his Mitzvah World was quick to offer a wide range of new of almost all of the other Judaica stores in knowledge of tzitzit, as he shared the vocabuand interesting Judaica items. Since its inception, it has been the area and I make sure to never take away lary associated with the mitzvah –– gedil, petil committed to the sale of sefarim, or Jewish books. The business from them,” Hiller said. “I send them and chulya. Hiller was also sure to share the company offers both Artscroll and Koren sefarim, as well as customers and they refer some to me as well. competing views of the Rambam, Ra’avad and books by prominent figures such as Rabbi Norman Lamm, We have a special relationship.”

Tosafot on how to tie the tzitzit strings themRabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, and Rabbi Israel Meir Lau. “I try Perhaps what is most amazing about selves. After he began to share his knowledge to sell a vast array of different seferaim,” Hiller said. “I want Mitzvah World is the types of clients and with the school community, Hiller was invited to be able to appeal to a broad range of Orthodox and Jewish institutions with whom Hiller conducts busito conduct a tzitzit-tying clinic at a Bar Mitzcommunities. And so, I try to make the sefarim that I offer ness. In the recent months, Hiller organized vah. Shortly thereafter, interest in Hiller’s tzitzit different and interesting.” a tzitzit drive at Shalhevet High School; and increased, and Hiller began to make sales. As “It’s Hiller’s ability to know his customers and give you in recent weeks, Hiller helped a U.S. Air he got busier, he formalized his then-small just what you want that makes him so unique,” one LA Force pilot obtain and assemble tzitzit matebusiness and dubbed it Yonah’s Tzitzis. “I still community member said. “I know he is connected with the rials that met both military and Torah stanremember when Yonah first started the compaHassidic communities in places like Borough Park and Wildards. After wearing the tzitzit for the first ny,” said one loyal customer. “I was one of the liamsburg, and that he even sells merchandise there. ... When time, the pilot wrote the following letter of first to buy merchandise at Yonah’s Tzitzis, and I need tekhelet on my tzitzit, Hiller is more than ready to gratitude to Hiller: I knew it would become something special.” help.” Indeed, Mitzvah World offers both traditional all-white “Yonah – Thank you for helping my friend When his sales started to rapidly increase, string tzitzit in varying sizes and thicknesses, as well as garSarah make the tzitzit for me. As a pilot, I can Hiller realized that he had far more than a ments with tekhelet, a rare blue-dyed string on tzitzit –– the only wear natural fibers like cotton and wool small project on his hands. “Out of nowhere, color produced from a sea creature called the murex trunculus while flying in case of a fire. All the cotton and people were buying and interested in the –– that is more commonly found in Religious Zionist and wool tzitzit were too hot to wear under all of services I had to offer,” Hiller said. “I was Modern Orthodox communities. Hiller was recently admitted my equipment and I couldn’t wear nylon mesh. surprised, but excited as well. It was time to into the P’til Tekhelet Tiers Bureau from the tekhelet factory The temperatures the last few days have been expand.” And so, Hiller made the decision to in Israel, and promoted as an authorized dealer of the rare anywhere from 104 to 108 just to give you an enhance his efforts at online promotion and string. A lot of Mitzvah World’s focus is on tekhelet and it has idea of how hot it gets. The temperatures are advertisement; he started to send promotional connected Hiller to great leaders in the Jewish world such as even hotter in the cockpit, especially once you offers to schoolmates and community members Rabbi Herschel Schacther, a rosh yeshiva at Yeshiva University, add the layers of flight gear and body armor. via email and Facebook. And as members of and other rabbinic leaders. “I want to be able to help all Jews Having a cotton mesh makes a world the Jewish community of Los Angeles respondin their passion for Torah and for mitzvah observance,” Hiller ed positively, Hiller began to sell tzitzit in difsaid. “I don’t want to restrict myself from certain segments of ferent styles and materials, offering the ultimate the Jewish community.” In fact, Hiller’s passion to reach out to customization of the religious garment.

See page 6 all Jews and to offer products that appeal to a wide base has “It wasn’t always so easy,” Hiller said. helped to spread the fame of Mitzvah World to some unlikely “There were times when responses were very corners of the Jewish world; people from post-denominational low, and I sometimes went days or weeks withcommunities have contacted Hiller on different occasions. out many sales.” Hiller’s small business “Yonah is incredible,” one rabbi at YULA said.

By ELON SWARTZ ‘13 Panther Editor-in-Chief

6

The Panther

June 2013

By ASHER NAGHI ‘14 Panther Contributer At the height of the semester, on Feb. 27, Student Council representatives sent an email to the entire student body from the STUCO email account informing students of the Student Store’s closure.

“Student Store will now remain closed all day,” the email said. “The vending machines will contain all the food that is in Student Store and no one will be available to open the Student Store.”

Without warning to the student body, students were cut off from a major supply of snacks, while STUCO was cut off from a major source of revenue. According to STUCO representatives, STUCO decided to keep the store closed for the rest of the academic year.

According to students, because STUCO took action without warning, students considered STUCO’s decision as controversial. Ultimately, their decision pro-

NEWS

voked a response from the student body.

“I’m very disappointed,” Micah Hyman ’14 said. “I now don’t have the convenience and selection of snacks that I had from the student store in the past.”

In addition to Hyman, other students expressed their irritation with the decision. Some students attributed the closure of the Store to “senioritis,” students said.

Student Store representatives reminded students that –– although the store was to remain closed –– pizza sales and barbeques would still take place, and that the decision to shut down the Student Store was related to serious and practical concerns.

“It was, unfortunately, no longer profitable for the student | Before closing its doors this academic year, the Student Store drew council to maintain the student in large crowds with high demands. store,” Joe Shuchatowitz ’13, manager of the Store, wrote in over theft, and that the student government snacks, and drinks on a regular basis. an emailed response to The did not want to open the doors to the “I hope we did everything in our Panther. “Regrettably, we had Store until it felt that security concerns power to please the students this semesto discontinue that service.” were addressed properly. ter,” said Josh Kohan ’13, STUCO PresiIn the wake of the shutDespite the Store’s closure, STUdent. “I certainly wish next year’s leaders down, some students have CO consistently ran activities throughout good luck.” speculated that STUCO’s deci- the duration of the year. Following the Asher Naghi can be reached at sion was related to a concern closure, STUCO continued to sell pizza, ashernaghi@yula.org

Hiller ‘14 Starts Judaica Business Continued from page 5 of difference! Thank you again for helping me to fulfill a mitzvah, stay within Army aviation flight regulations, and not melt in the process.”

“Hiller’s has an ability to connect to all different sorts of people and to use his skills set to help them,” one YULA rabbi said.

“It is a very rare quality to find in someone his age.” Indeed, Hiller does not only use his unique set of skills in his role as the head of Mitzvah World –– he also uses them as a student and a lobbyist. As one of only two juniors in the senior AGT talmud class, Hiller has been a top student at YULA since his freshman year. In fact, he joined the twelfth grade AGT class as early as his sophomore year and has always been known as one of YULA’s most religiously inspired students.

Additionally, Hiller has been a member of YULA’s Likutei Ohr staff for a number of years, contributing to the weekly tefillah portion of the dvar torah pamphlet. “Everyone knows Yonah,” one classmate said. “His religious commitment is really something to be admired.”

Aside from his special standing as a student, Hiller also is a regular attendee at AIPAC’s High School Summit and Policy Conference –– a key member of YULA’s Israel Advocacy Club. “The number of activities he undertakes is unbelievable,” said Josh Kohan ’13, one of the Israel Advocacy Club leaders. In fact, it is probably Hiller’s unique ability to balance his numerous roles and still maintain a successful and motivational business that makes him stand out at YULA. “He is one of those students who will never be forgotten,” a YULA administrator said. “I have never known of any other teenager with a project like Mitzvah World.” Indeed, Mitzvah World is a project that has affected the lives of many –– from the bustling streets of Los Angeles, to U.S. Air Force bases. It is a project that has inspired many –– from students at a school, to members of one of the largest Jewish communities in the United States. It is a project that has provided quality tzitzit to Jews near and far.

Elon Swartz can be reached at elonswartz@yula.org

P

Read The Panther

Let us keep you informed.

Fun Times

Freshman and Rabbi Arye Sufrin, Academic Dean, enjoy the Annual Freshman Shabbaton in San Diego, earlier thiswith year.

Model U.N. captains pose afterCA their victory the team’s faculty advisor, Dr. Paul Soifer, Director of General Studies.

COMICS AND PUZZLES

1. Sweet and __ Chicken 3. Registrar 5. “Pamphlet of Light” (2 Words) 7. “Cafeteria and library” (2 Words) 11. Thespian outlet 12. Haunts Fenway: The __ Monster 14. Author of Between the Lines of the Bible 16. “Sefer HaPanim” 18. “Third floor” of campus (3 Words) 19. Surname of mobsters based in Williamsburg in late 1920’s 20. Favorite sport 22. “A Pack” 24. U.S. Cliffs 26. Donning black polos 28. News source (2 Words) 30. From the USSR 31. “Gentlemen!”

32. Syn. of “Burper” with an F 34. NY Competition 38. “Sit down to start” 40. An Apple a day 41. Alliteration: teacher name and subject 42. Dinner with “you” 43. Founded in 1979 44. May shatter 45. Memories and signatures 46. Jamming up 2. Tall scientist 3. American IT research and advisory firm 4. Spanish Jewry study hall (3 Words) 6. Outline lecture 8. The IT doctor 9. “First in California”

The Panther Crosswood Puzzle:

10. And tea leaf (2 Words) 12. Unincorporated community in northwest LA County 13. $2 special (2 Words)

7

The Panther

15. TV documentary-style comedy looking into the world of 9-to-5 (2 Words) 17. Purchase kettle chips (2 Words)

18.

21.

23.

24.

25.

27.

Words & Phrases of YULA Life

Making a case (2 Words) Underclassmen activities Abram’s poultry “Put on a collar!”

Flush away here Daily pop quiz giver

29. Italian word for castle 33. “Guarding” your property 34. China’s largest metropolitan 35. Fettuccine __

36. “Naviance?”

37. “Governing body” (2 Words)

39. Helen of __

For answers: armoredpenguin.com/crossword/Data/2013.05/3018/30183305.115.html

Panther Sudoku

Fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column, row, and region contains the number 1-9 exactly once.

Each number in the solution therefore occurs only once in each of the three “directions,” hence the “single numbers” implied by the puzzle’s name. (Rules from wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudoku)

GRADUATION SUPPLEMENT 2013

The Panther

June 2013

9

"The past is never dead, it is not even past" Wiliam Faulkner

TIMELINE CLASS OF 2013

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

2009-2010 Started at Freshman, Freshman Retreat, YULA begins the One-to-One MacBook laptop program, Mrs. Sherrie Singer joins the School as Director of General Studies.

2010-2011 The new block schedule begins, Annual New York City Trip, many new faculty hires, No longer freshmen.

JUNIOR

SENIOR

2011-2012 YULA Varsity Basketball team wins Yeshiva University’s Red Sarachek Competition, the dreaded SATs and ACTs, YULA’s Gym project is approved by the Los Angeles City Com-

2013-2014 Dr. Paul Soifer, History, appointed Director of General Studies, the School expands administration in its newfound admissions department, YULA wins YU’s National Model United Nations conference, Yeshiva Israel Trip, college acceptances, Rabbi Glass announces end of tenure, gradation.

Leadership Seminar.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

––Mark Twain

YULA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION 2013

10

June 2013

The Panther

NEWS

YULA Hires Associate Director of Admissions and Community Outreach

By JORDAN LUSTMAN ‘15 Panther Contributer At the beginning of this academic year, Anna Glatt ’06 joined the administrative staff as Associate Director of Admissions and Community Outreach, according to the School.

“After graduating in 2006 from the Girls School, I never really imagined that I would come back to my alma mater as a staff member,” Glatt said.

According to Glatt, she grew up in Los Angeles and attended YULA Girls High School, after which she attended Barnard College.

“After experiencing seminary, four years of college in New York, and working at the Jewish Federation, being able to return to YULA and give back to the school that gave me so much was a perfect next step,” Glatt said.

According to the School, Glatt spent the last two years working at the Los Angeles Jewish Federation in their Formal and Informal Jewish Education department. According to the School’s website, at Barnard, Glatt majored in Psychology and worked extensively in the Admissions Office as a tour guide and interviewer for prospective students.

“I was excited at the prospect of returning to a campus setting and being able to interact

with students and parents again,” she said.

According to Glatt, at YULA, her current job is “engaging” because she is involved in “a number of areas, including Admissions, Marketing, Alumni and Development,” Glatt said.

“On a typical day, I may be in touch with prospective parents, working on an article for a local paper, putting together our new in-print newsletter, YULA 360, or planning an alumni reunion,” she said. “A good deal of my daily responsibilities vary based on the time of year and what sort of events are taking place on campus.”

According to Glatt, YULA is “an integral part of the Los Angeles Jewish community history,” and she therefore feels that her work at the school is “intrinsically related to the community,” she said.

“A large part of my role is to help create and strengthen the connections between the school and wider community. Our students are already a crucial part of the main Orthodox Los Angeles communities,” she said. “It is so rewarding to highlight this deep tapestry of connections that exist between YULA and the broader community.”

Prior to hiring Glatt, the School hired Joey Small ’00, Director of Institutional Ad

vancement, to oversee “YULA’s admissions, marketing, alumni and development efforts,” according to the School’s website.

“I work very closely with Joey on a variety of areas,” Glatt said. “Many of our conversations revolve around the larger picture issues, such as our admissions events and recruitment, our marketing strategies, and alumni outreach and events.”

Glatt said that she is excited to continue learning about the School and to articulate its achievements to the wider Los Angeles community.

“I would love to see our relationship with the wider community continue to grow, and I believe that our new campus expansion will aid in allowing for further community partnerships,” she said. “I also look forward to developing a deeper dialogue with our parent body by offering engaging programs and partnering with them to help our students achieve their fullest potential.”

Jordan Lustman can be reached at jlustman2015@yula.org

Robotics Program Teaches Students “How to Think Like Engineers” winning their competitions. create unbelievable things that as individuals they According to the Fax, at the end of the could only dream to accomplish.” competition, the highest ranked team faced off According to Chalamish, the team learned lessons In February, the YULA robotics team competwith YULA in the playoffs and together they of organization when they had to write the engineering ed in its first inter-school robotics competition. The notebook –– a comprehensive record of any and all work brought home the gold. team, which was founded last year, spent the first Unfortunately, the YULA team could not on the robot. few months of this academic year designing a robot But even with all its successful training, building advance to the regional finals, as they took in order to compete in this year’s competition, acplace on Shabbat, according to Micah Hyman and teamwork, the squad still had to face a potentially cording to the School. ’14. fatal problem just a week before the official competition, According to student participants, student team “We are disappointed that we cannot furas the robot was experiencing a number of technical difmembers designed the robot to grab big plastic rings ficulties, according to Chalamish. Nonetheless, the leading ther compete,” Hyman said. “Nevertheless, we off of one peg and to put them on other pegs of members of the team were able to step forth with compo- know that we are doing what is right, and we different heights. are tremendously proud of our accomplishment. sure to solve the problems, according to Fax. The competition was essentially designed to teach According to the School, the Girls School hosted After all, it’s only our first year in existence, high school students a wide range of engineering and we’re already performing like champions.” the competition –– a day of many two-on-two matches. concepts, according to Alex Fax, YULA parent, the According to Chalamish, the matches resemteam founder and mentor.

Yair Fax can be reached at bled sports games, with the audience cheering on “Part of the goal of the robotics program was to their various teams, and the “athletes” focussing on yairfax@yula.org teach students how to think like engineers,” Fax said.

“We were not necessarily focused on the deep math, but we did care about the important skills –– breaking big problems into small problems, improving designs through testing, learning from mistakes, and working in teams to learn from one another.”

According to team members, the students of the team had to work together throughout the first semester in order to build the best robot possible.

According to Fax, the leaders of the squad had to effectively illicit the individual talents of every member of the team so that each individual could reach his or her fullest potential and together accomplish the challenging task.

The team members also learned many lessons that were not necessarily related to engineering throughout the year.

“I enjoyed getting to know different types of people,” said Shirelle Chalamish ’13, captain of the team.

“The program ultimately enabled me to fully understand the importance of team work. Through team | YULA’s team hosts the Robot competition in the Rubin Auditorium at YULA Girls High School. work and amicable collaboration, I’ve found that people can

By YAIR FAX ‘14 Panther Contributer

NEWS

11

The Panther

YULA Art Program Grows

By YAACOV TARKO ‘13 Panther Contributer

cording to Arenas.

“The mural forces the viewer to situate his or her body in a specific location to align all the parts [of the painting] properly,” Arenas said.

According to Arenas, with this particular work, the viewer must stand next to YULA’s

Krombach.

According to Arenas, Shmuel Moadeb ’13 and Avraham Menasheraf Over Passover break, a few dedicated ’13 also assisted him in the process students, assisted by Mr. Ian Arenas, Art, of painting. added a new work of art –– a mural of a “Exceptional art, or anything leaping panther –– to a hallway on camelse for that matter, does not happen pus. in one Accoring to 55-minute Arenas, the body class periof the panther is od,” Aremade up of Henas says. brew lettering.

“Complex According to Ben ideas take Krombach ‘13 time to –– the student manifest who designed the and permural and led its fect.” production –– the Acmessage contained cording to within the panther Arenas, is “the concept of the muKedusha of Perral is not son, Place, and the only Time, which has major become an improject portant value at to come YULA,” he said. out of “Also inhis senior scribed on the art class. back thigh is the Omer word YULA in Raviv Hebrew,” Kro’13 has | Painting of a panther on the walls of the school desgned by Ben Krombach ‘13 mbach said. “I designed chose this idea new to give my mural a real connection to the athletic trophy cases and championship banners uniforms for the YULA soccer team school and to the values that I’ve learned to see the mural properly. and the students are currently lookthroughout my years at YULA.” Arenas –– who also coaches the soccer ing for a way to approach manufacAccording to Arenas, upon starting at team –– envisions “a student, parent or rabbi turers, according to Arenas.

YULA three years ago, he met with Rabbi admiring the YULA Boys 2014 Liberty League “Right now my sophomore and Heshy Glass, Head of School, who introChampionship Soccer trophy, and in a haze of junior classes are working on group duced him to the school “philosophy and overwhelming pride, turning around to be flabprojects that I hope will be met motto of Kedusha of Person, Place and bergasted by Ben’s mural,” Arenas said. with the same level of appreciation,” Time,” Arenas said.

Krombach, who will be studying architecArenas says. “We are hurrying to get “Now that we are nearing the end ture at the University of Maryland, said that the projects finished before the end of his tenure, Ben and I wanted to honhe has been involved in YULA’s art program of the year, but we want to keep or Rabbi Glass’ time and contribution to since his sophomore year. This mural –– the them a surprise so they will have YULA,” he said. “So we worked hard to most visible of his projects –– is his latest greater impact on the student body, produce a piece of art that symbolically, piece in a series of artwork he has undertaken, parents, and administration.” and quite literally, manifested that motto in which also includes his forced perspective Star the YULA Panther.” of David in the hallway next to the art classAccording to Arenas, the mural can only room, according Krombach. be seen properly when viewed from only Krombach –– who had been working on Yaacov Tarko can be reached at one location in the hallway. Krombach used the mural project since January –– put over yaacovtarko@yula.org a technique known as ‘forced perspective,’ 100 hours into research, sketches, drafts, and inspired by French artist Felice Varini, acthe actual painting of the mural, according to

By NOAH KEST ‘15 Panther Contributer

“The New York Jewish experience trip gives the students the opportunity to meet and experience different JewOn March 7, the sophomore class travish communities,” Rabbi Sufrin said. eled to New York City for the School’s annual “It enhances their love for the Jewish sophomore trip, which many students anticipated people.” since their freshman year, according to students.

Rabbi Sufrin helped create the From the Class of 2015, a total of 45 sophsophomore experience in 2009 –– at a omore students attended the trip, according to time when travel to NYC was a privthe School. ilege extended only to the Advanced According to director of underclassmen Gemara Track, according to the School. student activities, Rabbi Arye Sufrin, AcademRabbi Sufrin had a vision for the ic Dean, the NYC trip allows sophomores to entire sophomore class –– he wantengage with Jewish culture. ed all the boys to share an “intense-

ly moving experience,” Rabbi Sufrin said.

According to Rabbi Sufrin, with the help of Rabbi Schreiber, Vice Principal, and sophomore students, in 2009, Rabbi Sufrin sent around fifty boys to experience and engage with the Jewish life in NYC. Four years and three sophomore classes later, the trip stands out as one of the hallmarks of the YULA high school experience, according to Rabbi Sufrin.

For many students, this trip constitutes a first time visit to NYC, and for other students, the experience is their first outside of California, according to sophomores.

On Friday morning, the students visited the Novominsker Rebbe and were See

page 14

12

June 2013

By ASHER ALTER ‘13 Panther Contributer In March, YULA hosted its second annual Model United Nations conference for both Los Angeles Jewish middle school students and for current freshmen at YULA. According to faculty advisor to YULA’s Model U.N. team, Dr. Paul Soifer, Director of General Studies, model U.N. stands out becuase it requires many different and unique skills. Students require an in-depth knowledge of the countries that they represent; therefore, students must embrace complexity and a great deal of devotion to research, according to Soifer.

“YULAMUN is many middle school students’ first introduction to online research,” Soifer said. “It allows the students to see the world from a different perspective.”

According to Soifer, model U.N. also demands good debate and public speaking skills, as participants advocate and defend their respective countries’ views amidst a torrent of criticism.

According to student organizers, in this year’s tournament, students were divided into one of four committees. Each committee was given a topic on an international crisis or controversy; students were then asked to solve the issues in accordance with the viewpoints of their countries.

“Each topic chosen present-

The Panther

ed a particular set of challenges. The issues really reflected today’s world.” said Asher Naghi ’14 who acted as Secretary General for the event.

Student participants of the Security Council were asked to address the growing concern that five countries currently hold veto power only because of an antiquated World War II system, according to Naghi.

Naghi said that the students were also asked to consider that Russia’s and China’s actions regarding Iran and Syria may demonstrate an abuse of power in constraint of human rights.

While participants were not judged on the success of their proposals, the chairs of the respective committees paid close attention to the content of the resolutions, according to the student organizers of the conference.

Although delegates had to demonstrate understanding and willingness to compromise, the biggest mistakes participants made were “to betray their countries’ principles,” one student leader said.

According to the organizers, after the resolutions were voted

NEWS

| Students check in for the YULA hosted Model U.N. conference on and passed, and the issues solved, the delegates had to think on their feet as they were presented with crises –– new challenges given to them with no time before hand to prepare. The crises allowed the students who researched their countries to shine through. The crisis challenge also capped-off an engaging and intellectually stimulating all-day event, according to organizers.

At the end of the afternoon, the chairs of the respective committees bestowed Best Delegate and Honorable Mention awards to those delegates who demonstrated excellence, according to event organiz-

nizers.

According to organizers, representatives from every middle school, as well as delegates from the freshman class at YULA, all took home awards.

“Today was difficult, but it was also really fun,” one eighth grade student from Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy said. “I would love to one day be a part of the YULA delegation.”

Asher Alter can be reached at aalter2013@yula.org

Early Start

Middle School students and YULA freshmen participated in YULA’s Model United Nation conference in March.

13

The Panther

SURVEY

SAYS...

THE PANTHER PRESENTS A STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN OF THE CLASS OF 2012AND 2013: CHOICES OF YESHIVA GAP YEAR PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL.

ANALYSIS: As the graph clearly indicates, while many of the same yeshivas remain popular, there are also new and important trends of which to take notice. For example, while yeshivas like Torat Shraga and Reishit continue to attract approximately the same number of students, institutions like Mevaseret are beginning to attract an increasing number of YULA boys. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that Hesder programs –– in which Americans learn alongside Israelis who serve in the army –– are becoming less popular from last year to this year. While Gush and HaKotel garnered a total of six YULA students in 2012, these same yeshivas attracted but one YULA boy between them in 2013.

Compiled by Elon Swartz, Editor in Chief

H av e a r e l a x i n g s u m m e r !

The Panther

14

June 2013

NEWS

The Panther

Sophomores Embark on Annual NYC Trip Continued from page 11 departed the hotel to attend the Comedy Sportz comedy club to enjoy a show.

“It was a great time to relax and laugh after an intense Shabbos,” one sophomore said.

On Sunday morning, the students headed to the city for a day in Manhattan. Students said that they were ecstatic to see Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Madison Square Garden.

After some free time in the heart of Manhattan, the sophomores rode the subway to Yeshiva University, hattan. where they watched the semifinals of the Sarachek Tournament and supported their YULA Panthers, according to Rabbi Sufrin.

According to Ariel Amsellem ’15, the afternoon came to a close as the sophomores visited the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe just outside Manhattan.

“I was looking forward to the experience of visiting the [Lubavitcher] Rebbe’s grave for a long time,” Amsellem said. “It lived up to all my expectations.”

According to event organizers, the grave visit was followed by a drive to the Five Towns –– a Long Island suburb.

According to Rabbi Sufrin, the students were sent to stay at homes

| Sophomores enjoy a day together in Time Square in Midtown Manof various host families in the Five Towns.

On Monday morning, the students headed to DRS Yeshiva High School, Woodmere, NY, for the fourth year of the annual YULA-DRS chavruta study program in which students from each school are paired up to study Talmud together, according to Rabbi Sufrin.

According to students, the learning was followed by a speech from the future Head of School, Rabbi Dov Emerson, Vice Principal of DRS Yeshiva High School.

According to Rabbi Sufrin, after their visit to DRS, sophomores enjoyed a tour of YU

and a presentation from Richard Joel, President of the University.

On Monday, the fourday NYC experience came to a close, and the students headed to the airport for the flight back to Los Angeles, according to Rabbi Sufrin.

“I have been to New York many times,” one sophomore said, “But this was my first New York Jewish experience.”

Noah Kest can be reached at nkest2015@yula.org

| Sophomores visit Yeshiva University on the Annual NYC Trip and hear from Richard Joel, President of Yeshiva University.

YULABOYS.ORG

grateful to receive individual blessings from him, according to sophomores.

According to faculty organizers of the trip, the students then headed to Washington Heights, NY, where they went to Yeshiva University to watch the second round of the Sarachek Tournament in which YULA defeated Magen David Yeshiva High School, Brooklyn, NY. On Friday night, the rabbis led the students to the famous Bobov Hassidic synagogue, a spiritual center that brings around 3,000 Jews together each week to pray, according to Eitan Meisels ’15.

“It was very different,” Meisels said. “But different in a good way. It was quite enjoyable to see so many types of Jews under one roof.”

According to Rabbi Sufrin, at the conclusion of the Friday night service, the sophomores were sent to eat dinner in the homes of various Borough Park residents.

According to Jordan Lustman ’15, after dinner, students and rabbis gathered and sang with Borough Park residents and prominent Hassidic rabbis, such as the spiritual leaders of the communities of Belz, Bobov, Munkatch and Lolov, at the famous Borough Park ticshes –– Friday night gatherings of singing and learning.

“It was quite a change from the Los Angeles scene,” Lustman said. “But I was impressed to see all the different types of Jews enjoying a singular experience.”

According to students, at the conclusion of Shabbat, the students

Sports

The Panther

15

By MOSHE WILLNER ‘14 “The Panthers also got a big fourth quarter from Avi Zilbertstein [’13], who scored Panther Contributor 8 of his game high 22 points in the fourth, and knocked down clutch free throws late This article paraphrases, summarizes and quotes a series of articles from in the game,” according to a press release by YU. macslive.com, Yeshiva University Sports broadcast source.

“Avi has had two unbelievable games for us,” captain Jordyn Schoenfeld ’13 said after the game. “He has really stepped up as a leader, and as a major offensive threat After a successful regular season, the YULA Panthers geared up to defend their title at Yeshiva University’s annual Red Sarachek late in the game.”

And yet, even amidst the incredible offense that Zilberstein provided, it was the Tournament. In 2012, the Panthers won first place at the competition Panther’s “stifling defense [that] was extremely impressive, as the Warriors shot just behind stars Jack Gindi ’12, Matthew Reich ’12, and Yisroel Solomon ’12. Although the core of their team graduated last year, the 30% from the field in the game,” according to YU. “The Panthers defense caused teams players still felt confident as they entered the 2013 tourna7 first half turnovers, and center Jojo Himmelman ’14 had four of the Panther’s six ment. blocks on the day,” according to a press release by YU. “We are still incredibly talented,” captain Leron Rayn ’13 said “When Jojo is defending the post, other teams have reason to fear,” Rayn said. just before the competition began.

On March 10, the Panthers competed in the semi-finals against the Frisch Cougars.

The Panthers’ first game of the tournament took place on March Although the Panthers lost the game, they competed until the very end and nearly ad7, at YU’s Max Stern Athletic Center in Washington Heights, NY vanced to the finals. against the Weinbaum Yeshiva High School Storm, Boca Raton, “It was unfortunate that we could not go all the way this year,” said one YULA FL. The Panthers “started the game on a 14-0 run, and they never fan after the loss. “But considering that we were looked back in a game that they ultimately won, ranked as the eigth seed coming in to the compe57-28,” acccording to a press release by YU. tition, our performance was pretty incredible. We Acccording to YU, the “WYHS Storm looked definitely defied expectations.” sluggish in the early going, turning the ball over Although the Panthers did not advance to the many times in the first half”; but, “YULA was finals, they continued to play in the tournament, as able to open up a sizable first quarter margin with they competed in a consolation game on March 11 their stifling defense,” according to YU. against North Shore Hebrew Academy. “Despite a Acccording to a press release by YU, “WYHS Menachem Solomon ‘15 late fourth quarter comeback bid by the North Shore shot just 19% in the first half, and YULA was able Stars, the YULA Panthers were able to hold on for to capitalize on turnovers.”

“The Storm were held scoreless for almost all the 37-35 win in the Tier I consolation game,” acof the first quarter, finally getting a three pointer from Daniel Lasko cording to a press release by YU. with four seconds left in the quarter,” acccording to a press release According to YU, “in the fourth quarter, the Stars seemed to completely run out of steam, as

by YU. “The Panthers shot 85% from the field in the 1st half, and the Panthers were able to pull away with the lead due in large part to the strong offensive effort of went 3-5 from 3-point range,” acccording to YU. Avi Zilberstein (13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist). The Stars, however, were not done; they were able Acccording to a press release by YU, “the Storm were unable to pull back within the last ten seconds in the game, and trailed by as few as two points. They to make a comeback in the second half, and the Panthers began to were, however, unable to finish off their comeback bid, as Jojo Himmelman (2 points, 4 rebounds) run the clock. The Panthers had nine players tallying points, with was able to steal a pass from the Star’s Avery Lubin in the waning seconds of the matchup.”

Avi Zilberstein [’13] leading the way with 16 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 Overall, the Panthers played a successful game due in large part to the fact that Rayn (8 points, 3PT).”

15 rebounds, 1 assists) dominated from the defensive end of the court.

“We moved the ball nicely,” Zilberstein said after the game. “We “I was happy to see that our players still gave everything they had,” Rayn said. “We didn’t are always at our best when we dominate defensively, and we did come in to the game with a negative attitude, so our defense continued to be a point of pride for that today.” our team.”

On March 8, the Panthers continued their surge, as they domi“The coaches were disappointed in our team’s effort after the Memphis Tournament loss earlier nated the Magen David Yeshiva Warriors to advance to the semi-fiin the year,” Solomon said (6 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound) in a post-game interview. “They were nals. “Up three points and with two minutes left, the YULA Panthers were able to knock down key free throws to seal a 44-36 win really looking for us to come out and finish the Sarachek Tournament strong. I think we did that as best we could.” against the Warriors,” acccording to a press release by YU. Indeed, the Panthers put a great deal of effort into the tournament. And although they did not Acccording to YU, “the Warriors tried to claw their way back late in the game, but were not able to convert on a layup attempt bring home the gold, their impressive Third-Place finish still gave YULA students a reason to be and a few long threes. With the score tied early in the fourth quar- proud. ter, point guard Menachem Solomon ’15 hit two consecutive threes Moshe Willner can be reached at moshewillner@yula.org to give the Panthers a six point lead after starting the game 0-7 from 3-point land.”

“I think we did as best we could”

| Members of the varsity basketball team

huddle during a Sarachek game timeout.

Tradition Back on the Court Continued from page 16 Ultimately, both the staff team and Schoenfeld’s dark horse team were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

“The referees were determined to make us lose out there,” Schoenfeld said after the elimination game. “I think Zeffren’s calls raise possible conspiracy questions, and I urge the commissioners to look into it.”

“Schoenfeld’s team needs to learn to cope with its

loss,” Zeffren said in response to Schoenfeld’s accusations.

“If a team does not advance in the playoffs, it shouldn’t try to shift the blame on innocent referees.”

The commissioners of the league declined to comment on the matter.

Currently, Porgess’ team –– which includes YULA varsity basketball star Jojo Himmelman ‘14 –– has secured one of the two spot in the championship series. “We are very confident about our chances to win it all,” Porgess said.

Meanwhile, Levi Saada’s ’13 team and Rayn’s number one seed team are competing for the second spot in the championship series.

“Porgess should be afraid,” Saada said. “We’re coming.”

Jack Kirschenbaum can be reached at jackkirschenbaum@yula.org and Omer Raviv can be reached at omerraviv@yula.org

S C O R E B OA R D YULA

57

WEINBAUM

28

YULA

44

MDY

36

YULA

39

FRISCH

44

YULA

37

NSHA

35

The Panther

Sports

and by the help of a statistics keeper who has kept tracks of individual player’s points.

“The crowd gives us a tough time,” said Zvulun Zeffren ’13, when asked about the difficulties of facilitating an intramural game as a referee.

“They sometimes forget that we’re just teenagers, not NBA professionals.”

After the long intramural regular season, the playoffs finally began in April. The teams were seeded 1-8 based on their regular season records, with the 1 seed playing the 8 seed, the 2 seed playing the 7 seed, etc. While the first round games were all single elimination by nature, the following rounds –– as well as the championship

By JACK KIRSCHENBAUM ‘14 and OMER RAVIV‘13 series –– have been set up as best of three series.

Panther Contributors This year’s number 1 overall seed is YULA varsity basketball captain Leron Rayn’s ’13 team, Few individuals have the chance to play professional basketball in the NBA, and YULA’s intramural basketball which includes Rayn himself, as well as sharpshooters Joshua Morrow ’13, Jonah Anderson ’14, league is as close as most of the students at YULA will and Ethan Haik ’14. ever experience. Led by commissioners Zach Porgess ’13 “I made sure to draft as many shooters as and Yaakov Laboda ’13, the 11th and 12th grade intramural possible,” Rayn said. “Because when my teammates basketball league has tried its best to mimic the NBA. Every lunch period, two teams have played against each are hitting their open jump shots, we’re unstoppable.” other, while the rest of the students have cheered on their This year’s dark horse to win the Intramural peers. To make the league as legitimate as possible, each Championship was Jordyn Schoenfeld’s ’13 game has been facilitated by the presence of two referees

June 2013

16

team, which received the 7th seed due to some close regular season losses. Schoenfeld drafted a group of players with good chemistry in Joshua Rub ’13, Yaakov Laboda ’13, and Yoshi Roshanshad ’14.

“I’ve played with Rub and Laboda for years,” Schoenfeld said. “We all know each other very well on the court.”

Fortunately, this year’s intramural playoffs tournament also included a staff team, composed of Rabbi Arye Sufrin, Academic Dean, Rabbi Yisrael Maza, Torah Studies, Carey Maney, Director of Athletics, and Joey Small, Director of Admissions. Although the staff team didn’t have the stamina of the other teams, the players used their larger size to try and overpower the smaller students. In doing so, they tried to become the first staff team to ever win the intramural championship in YULA history.

“It’s a pretty lofty goal,” Maney said at the time, “but I think if we play to our strengths, we should be able to make a run at the championship.”

See page 15

A New Age for the YULA Baseball Team

By DAVID HANELIN ‘16 Panther Contributor

With seven senior athletes having completed their high school careers, and a head coach having left as well, the YULA Baseball Program faced a number of challenges as the 2013 season began.

“We essentially needed to rebuild,” said Zvulun Zeffren ’13, a long-time member of the team.

The first step in the rebuilding process was to hire a new head

| Zvulun Zeffren ‘13, a long-time member of the baseball team pitches in a game.

coach. Former Coach T.J. Runnels, was a former professional baseball player for the Detroit Tigers and a consummate professional with a strong resume who seriously improved the YULA baseball program in a number of ways, according to Noah Schiff ’14, a three-year veteran of the program.

“He led us to the playoffs,” Schiff said. “That was new and exciting for YULA.” Although the school had a long list of candidates from which to choose, Coach Eric Johnson was ultimately hired, according to the School. A former pitcher, Johnson said he has played baseball since he was four-years-old.

According to Johnson, while playing for his high school team during his senior year, he earned a full baseball scholarship to Tusculum College, Greenville, Tennessee. In 2004, Johnson said he was awarded the number one pitcher honor with the lowest earned-run-average in Division 2 NJCAA (2004). Johnson has also played on the United States Jr. national team NJCAA ALL STARS and has traveled overseas to compete against professional baseball teams around the world, according to Johnson.

“I was strictly a pitcher,” Johnson said. “But I am glad to still be around the game and to help the youth develop into better athletes –– pitchers and hitters alike.”

Coach Johnson’s presence is not the only change to the YULA baseball program this year. Since several athletes graduated YULA in 2012, the baseball team recruited new members this spring, and gave them the opportunity to train, try out, and potentially join the squad, according to students on the team.

According to Johnson, there are a total of six new freshmen on the squad this year, giving YULA one of the youngest lineups in the Liberty League.

“I felt very blessed to have such a young team this year,” Johnson said. “My freshmen impressed me a tremendous amount, and the future looks very bright.”

As the team adapted to its new coach, many starting positions were in flux throughout the season –– a few freshmen even earned coveted starting slots, according to Johnson.

“I am still trying guys out in new positions and discovering their strengths and weaknesses,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, I feel we can all grow together and continue building YULA’s Baseball Program.”

According to Johnson, in late January, the team began to hold Monday through Thursday practices at Rancho Park, and Sunday practices at Baseball Central; the official season began in February.

According to Noam Posner ’15 –– a new addition to the team –– overall, the Panthers had a win-loss record of 4-11.

“It is tough losing as many close games as we did,” Posner said. “But I think we still proved that we can compete at a very high level.”

“The team continued to improve with every outing,” Johnson said. “The guys played their hearts out, and I am really proud of the efforts so far. I definitely look forward to the upcoming seasons.”

David Hanelin can be reached at dhanelin2016@yula.org