THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR HANNAH HOLSTEN SHARES HER STORY ON THE HARVEY CAMPUS
On Jan 15, 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Hannah Holsten visited The Harvey School to share her story The English and History departments, in collaboration with the Jewish Culture Club, organized the event to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Memorial Day Department chairs Ms. Holmes and Ms. Falcon partnered with the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center in White Plains to arrange a speaker They worked closely with Executive Director Millie Jasper and Bette Sparago as the liaisons between the school and Mrs Holsten
According to the organization’s official website, “Holsten lived a normal life in Nuremberg, Germany in 1938 with her mother, father, sister, and brother – until the Nazis came on Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) ” On that night, the Nazis destroyed all of Holsten’s family’s personal belongings, and the family was rounded up and imprisoned overnight Following this experience was a two-year period when Mrs Holsten went into hiding all over Europe and fled from Nazis She was granted entry into the United Kingdom, and she lived in Cardiff before traveling by boat to the United States
Now, Mrs Holsten lives in Hartsdale and has three children, 10 grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. She led a long career in Jewish education and worked up until a decade ago Giving her testimony, she said it was an “obligation” to share her story “I’m here,” she exclaimed, “Six million of my brethren are not.”
While only students in the Jewish Culture Club had the opportunity to hear Ms. Holsten’s story in person, Mr Nate Alexander and senior Benji Cutler were able to record her testimony. The edited version was later presented to the entire Upper School community Feb. 11.
Anyone who listened to the story of Hannah Holsten would recognize the undeniable artistry of her storytelling Observing nearly every student in the room glued to the screen, Ms Holmes explains, “Not only is the content in her story so powerful, but she herself was such a dynamic speaker that the Harvey community was listening to every word she had to say ”
By Logan Kreisberg
Mrs Holsten began her testimony by outlining the causes of the Holocaust, emphasizing that Hitler was elected by the people She detailed the restrictive regulations targeting Jews and other marginalized groups But what ultimately allowed Hitler to assert hegemony across Europe was widespread complicity; Holsten states, “Whatever he did, it was in silence No one at all spoke up ”
As Mrs Holsten shared her story, she recounted anecdotes that illustrated both the inhumanity of the Holocaust and the moments of luck and action that shaped her fate After the Night of Broken Glass, when her family’s home and jewelry store were raided and ransacked, her mother put Hannah and her brother on a train to Amsterdam Though they were not allowed to disembark, Holsten’s Dutch aunt boarded and convinced them to exchange their toys for new ones. Holsten later revealed, “My mother had built in jewels to give to my father ” Her father was able to use these assets to hire smugglers and begin their escape
Mrs. Holsten additionally described almost being at the end of the line during certain parts of her journey. To be transported, her family was placed on a platform at the bottom of a hay wagon “We rolled along the countryside and, of course, we were stopped The Nazi officers took their pitchforks, and they put them in the hay Who was looking after us? Maybe it was G-d Maybe it was destiny Maybe it was luck They did not penetrate us They were so high that what they hit was really hay, hay, hay, hay, and not us ”
When the farmer transporting them could go no farther, he directed them to a nearby bridge that would allow them to cross into Belgium. Mrs. Holseten recalled, “When you looked at the bridge, what was standing there was a troop of soldiers with bayonets aiming at us again But again, Miracle of Miracles … these soldiers turned around and allowed us to cross the bridge Was it empathy, was it they saw a young woman with three children, and they were not gonna kill them? So they turned around. We were safe. We got into Brussels ”
Once in Belgium, her father used the family’s remaining funds to immigrate to Great Britain. After a year of enduring blitzkriegs, her family moved to the United States before they were trapped in a war-torn Europe While Mrs Holsten’s immediate family made it out of the Holocaust, not all of her relatives were as fortunate
At the end of her testimony, she shared the story of her aunt in the concentration camp “My aunt was betrayed at the same time as Anne Frank in Holland She went to Auschwitz She had a son whom she gave away as a 4-year-old to complete strangers ” Telling the story of her aunt made Mrs Holsten tear up at the thought of someone giving away their own child so they have a better chance at life. Her aunt remained in Auschwitz for the remainder of the Holocaust, but her uncle was killed on a Death March shortly after liberation.
Mrs Holsten later shared that this child is alive, and he currently lives in Israel. However, the story of her aunt and uncle demonstrates the struggles and dehumanization of the Holocaust.
The Harvey administration intends on sharing this testimony every four years, so every class that graduates the school has the opportunity to hear Mrs. Holsten’s story. As the number of Holocaust survivors lessens over time, it is even more crucial to preserve their testimonies so that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten
Mrs Holsten speaking with Harvey students Photo taken by Mr Nate Alexander
OP/ED
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
WHY SMALLER-MARKET NBA TEAMS DESERVE MORE ATTENTION
Dear Harvey Community,
We all know the teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics They dominate headlines and highlight reels, even when playing subpar basketball But what about the small-market teams – the ones a casual fan might overlook because they aren’t getting the daily dose of publicity served by national sports networks? The way the National Basketball Association (NBA) covers teams is unfair and detrimental to the growth of the league as a whole The NBA’s greatest stories and most exciting players are not exclusive to big cities they are everywhere, including in the so-called small markets.
Take this year’s NBA season, for example The two top-ranked teams so far are the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, two significantly less marketed and location-beneficial franchises Yet, if you judged by media coverage, you would think they were buried in the league standings Meanwhile, Bronny James, who has spent the entire season in the G-League, gets more airtime than these young, small-market so-called “superteams” combined The disparity in coverage between big-market teams and smaller ones highlights a significant issue within sports media and fan culture
The disparity in coverage isn’t new According to the NBA community, teams like the Lakers, Knicks, and Golden State Warriors continue to receive the most national television slots, even when their on-court performance doesn’t justify it
By Brandon Levine
Last season, for example, the Lakers had 40 nationally televised games despite finishing as a Play-In team, while teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets who dominated the regular season had fewer appearances This imbalance doesn’t just impact viewership but also the perception of the league. A casual fan is more likely to watch and follow a team that is constantly featured on prime-time broadcasts, making it harder for small-market teams to build their national fanbases
This bias extends beyond television broadcasts Social media pages and mainstream sports sites flood their coverage with updates on big-market teams while neglecting storylines that could be just as compelling Consider how much attention the Warriors’ struggles have received this season compared to the surging Thunder or Cavaliers. The league’s supposed parity is undercut when the marketing machine favors certain teams over others, making it harder for emerging stars in smaller markets to receive the recognition they deserve
That said, credit should be given where it’s due the NBA is making efforts to bring more exposure to smallmarket teams. According to league officials, the 2024-25 NBA season has seen an increase in nationally televised games for teams like the Thunder, Cavaliers, and the Sacramento Kings, reflecting a shift toward recognizing actual on-court performance rather than just market size This is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t fully resolve the issue The habits of sports networks, advertisers, and even casual fans still lean toward promoting the big names and legacy franchises, keeping the cycle of small-market obscurity alive
Additionally, the league’s media landscape is evolving NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting, along with a broader mix of networks airing games, is expected to diversify coverage and help elevate teams that have historically been overlooked The NBA is aware of the imbalance and has taken steps to ensure a more equitable distribution of national attention
Social media and independent media platforms have also played a role in giving underappreciated teams a voice, allowing fans to access content beyond what traditional networks provide Podcasts, YouTube channels, and basketball analysts outside of ESPN and TNT have been instrumental in promoting teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, and Indiana Pacers
Despite these improvements, the reality remains that small-market teams still face hurdles when it comes to media exposure, free agency recruitment, and overall recognition. Superstars are still more likely to sign with teams in major markets due to the allure of increased opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, and lifestyle perks This creates an uneven playing field where small-market teams must rely on exceptional drafting and player development to remain competitive The Nuggets’ championship run last season was a testament to this strategy, yet even Nikola Jokić, the 2023 NBA Finals MVP, often receives less media attention than the aging stars in bigger markets
The league and major sports networks must continue to prioritize talent and performance over legacy franchises if the NBA truly wants to expand its fan base Imagine how much more engaged the average fan would be if they were exposed to the electrifying young core of the Thunder or the defensive dominance of the Cavaliers on a regular basis The league is at its best when all teams are given a fair shot at national recognition, creating a more balanced and exciting product for fans worldwide
Still, there’s no denying that progress is being made The NBA’s increased emphasis on showcasing emerging teams and NBC’s return to broadcasting signal a shift in the right direction If the league continues down this path, the days of small-market teams being ignored might finally come to an end Fans should embrace this change, as it only enhances the league’s overall appeal and competition The problem isn’t the talent these teams boast some of the brightest young stars in the game The problem is the spotlight, and it’s time for the NBA to shine it more evenly across the league
Sincerely,
Brandon Levine, Sports Editor
Photo of Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder two small-market superstars
Photo from NBA.com.
REPORTS
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
24 HOURS OF THE PRESIDENT’S PROMISES
By Daniela Rynott
On Jan 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated into office as the 47th President of the United States of America. During his Inaugural Address at the White House, President Trump gave a speech about his plan for the upcoming four years
Among the points he made, he stressed the importance of beginning raids in major cities in an effort to crack down on the entrance of undocumented immigrants According to NBC News, “Some of the locations under consideration include the Washington, D.C. area, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.”
Two major issues President Trump has been receiving criticism on is the pardoning of the Jan. 6 mob that stormed the Capitol Building in 2023 and the issue of birthright citizenship. President Trump commented, “They’ve been treated very unfairly The judges have been absolutely brutal The prosecutors have been brutal ” He continued to say, “I see murderers from this country get two years, one year, and maybe no time, but they’ve already been in jail for a long time.” The Justice Department has been directed by the President “to dismiss all pending cases related to the Jan 6 attack, including hundreds of prosecutions in which defendants were awaiting trial or sentencing,” as The New York Times reports.
Regarding birthright citizenship, the 14th Amendment has recently come into question. It states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Traditionally, this law has been interpreted through the lens that anyone born on United States land is an American citizen, but President Trump has recently stated that it “has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States ”
The New York Times expands on his statement, “The order would mean that citizenship would not be extended to a child whose mother and father are not authorized to be in the United States at the time of birth. Mr. Trump has long said that conferring American citizenship on the children of undocumented immigrants was unacceptable to him ”
However, since the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, such an order would likely face significant legal opposition Changing the Constitution would require a majority vote in Congress by ratification from three quarters of the states.
In addition, President Trump began taking action on some matters immediately after entrance into office Two of the dozen executive orders signed include the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and from the Paris Climate Accord
President Trump first tried to leave the United Nations’ WHO during his first term in office as 45th President of the United States
He lost trust in the organization, as he felt it was “severely mismanaging and covering up” the spread of the coronavirus. As for the Paris Climate Accord, Trump felt this agreement would not be beneficial regarding his goal of drilling to increase the country’s capacity of oil.
In the federal sect, President Trump has set new precedents in motion, including a hiring freeze and a mandate for government employees to return to in-person work Furthermore, Trump administration officials have announced their plan to “end DEI inside the federal government.” During his inaugural address, he said, “We will forge a society that is colorblind and meritbased ” He plans to do this by cutting funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the government.
Geographically, President Trump has expressed a desire to pursue the notion of Manifest Destiny, which is a belief that states that American settlers have the divine right to expand their settlement of land.
Through this scope, the President stated at a Mar-a-Lago news conference, “We're going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory, the Gulf of America What a beautiful name And it’s appropriate It's appropriate And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.” Referring to the Gulf, he said, “It’s ours.” He said that the country has a duty to claim it, as he believes it is being run by cartels In a recent weather report, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has bolstered the name, referring to it as the “Gulf of America ”
CONT. ON PAGE 10
President Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America.
Photo taken by Evan Vucci of AP News
REPORTS
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE IN DREAMS DAVID LYNCH: JAN. 20, 1946 - JAN. 16, 2025
David Lynch, a filmmaker, visual artist, musician, actor, and a visionary, has died He is known for his mind-bending visuals, occasionally disturbing imagery, and storytelling. He was perhaps one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, and we were fortunate enough to witness his once-in-ageneration career Having been a lifetime smoker, he was diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, as reported by Variety Magazine He was 78 years old.
According to Britannica, Lynch was born in Missoula, Montana During his childhood, due to his father’s career as a research scientist with the U.S. Forest Service, he rarely stayed in one place for very long. Early in his life, his ambition was to be a painter, and after graduating high school in 1964, he enrolled in the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston Later, he would enroll in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, which he attended from 1965 to 1969. It was here that he directed his first short film.
His experience of attending art school in a dilapidated and hostile area in Philadelphia inspired his first feature length film, “Eraserhead.” Lynch worked on the film throughout the early 70s in a series of shorts before working obsessively on it for five years, according to IMDb, before officially releasing it in 1977
“Eraserhead” was my first introduction to Lynch’s filmography I remember seeing a video of the gritty environment the main character inhabits and the uncomfortable, occasionally confusing imagery. It was truly something unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It was like a fever dream from the deepest parts of my psyche
By Connor Harrington
This is not out of the ordinary from Lynch, as many of his films are weird, for lack of a better word They feel like bizarre dreamscapes yet there is a comfort in his films despite the strange images. Often in his films, he explores themes such as the corruption of the American Dream, the fragility of reality, and the unsettling nature of the subconscious mind
Moving forward in his career, audiences really get to see these themes presented in obscure ways. Films such as “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive,” and “Lost Highway” all explore these ideas in a surreal way and almost feel like what you’re watching on screen isn’t actually happening Due to the surreal nature of his films, many still discuss what point Lynch is trying to make; it’s not uncommon to see various interpretations of his work.
While Lynch is no stranger to the big screen, he also revolutionized television with his series “Twin Peaks,” now considered to be a landmark television show. The original run of the show heavily influenced the “prestige” genre in television, paving the way for shows to develop a more intricate narrative and deepen the character development we see on the small screen.
In typical David Lynch fashion, “Twin Peaks” is weird While initially starting as a murder mystery of a small-town girl, the first season ends by revealing the identity of the girl’s murderer, but there is a second season By the second season of the show, it rapidly becomes more and more obscure and ends the original run of the series leaving the audience asking, “What just happened?”
The series does pick up 27 years after the run of the original series in 2017 with the continuation of the series “Twin Peaks: The Return.” Not only is the final season of “Twin Peaks” seen as one of his greatest works, but it simultaneously manages to tie up loose ends while making audiences ask more questions
David Lynch is undoubtedly a master of television and cinema, and while his full-length projects have garnered plenty of critical acclaim, he also has a whole back catalog of obscure shorts that are worth your time if you have fallen in love with his bizarre dreamscapes.
Among these shorts that are worth your time is the bleak and eerie “Rabbits” or the somewhat silly “What Did Jack Do?”. Maybe you would rather just listen to Lynch tell stories in a more natural environment, in which case “Cooking Quinoa with David Lynch” is perfect While not all his shorts are masterpieces of film and are occasionally more uncanny than his full-length projects, they do give more of a glimpse into Lynch’s mind.
CONT. ON PAGE 10
David Lynch (right) on the set of "Blue Velvet" with Kyle MacLachlan (left) Photo Courtesy of De Laurentis Group, via Everett Collection.
SPORTS NEWS
THE RISE OF JEREMIAH SMITH THE PULSE | SPRING
By Arav Shah
The Ohio State Buckeye Jeremiah Smith is a generational player He was a 5-star player out of Chaminade-Madonna, a college preparatory school in South Florida. Florida is a breeding ground for elite football players This is because the Florida heat creates tougher, grittier players
For example, Jeremiah Smith had to do a 50-yardplus incline run in the scorching heat, according to The Athletic Also according to The Athletic, "The Hill is something different," Smith said "That hill made me a man. I went out there every Saturday, offseason, during the season, in the summer with Coach P, running that hill 20 times That made me tougher " Everyone knew he was going to be a generational player As reported by The New York Times, his mentality was off the charts He was 6' 3" and 218 pounds as an entering freshman at The Ohio State, which is impressive. His maximum speed was 23.39 miles per hour
Even Chip Kelly, an offensive coordinator at Ohio State, was in awe of Jeremiah Smith, and he has never seen a wide receiver like him, especially since he was only a freshman According to The Athletic, he was a leader as well, because other players were crying during the workouts while Jeremiah Smith never complained
This is what separates one from being good at something versus being great at it Sports run in the genes, as his older cousin is Geno Smith, a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) Also, his uncle Danny Smith was a two-time Olympic sprinter, who is from the Bahamas. Also, in the 1970s, he won an NCAA hurdles title for Florida State
2025 ISSUE
Smith’s genetics are one of a kind, and it is made clear that he is a generational player. Florida is always a breeding ground for elite NFL players This probably has to do with how it's sunny; everyone takes advantage of it and plays sports outside.
According to Fox Sports, there was so much attention to Jeremiah Smith in high school that he almost hired police officers That's how elite and prominent he was in high school. Smith had so many one-handed catches that the coaches didn't even blame him for practicing those types of catches, as usually you're supposed to catch the ball with two hands. He may have been the best player in high school because his rival ranked him the No 1 player in the Class of 2024
Ohio State was the perfect fit for Smith, because Ohio State is known for developing elite wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr , Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, and now Jeremiah Smith, who will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come He has a true passion for Ohio State, as teams offered him $4 million-plus after his first year at Ohio State to get into their school. For Smith, though, it's not about the money but more about getting developed correctly
Jeremiah Smith's one-handed catches versus Michigan State are catches he has practiced in the past He also made the game-clinching route in the National Championship game versus Notre Dame
As a freshman, Smith has won the 2025 Rose Bowl, the 2025 Cotton Bowl, and the National Championship His freshman regular season stats tallied 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, an average of 17 yards per catch, and 15 touchdowns, which is fantastic for a first-year student, as reported by ESPN He has one rushing touchdown, as well, and his most extended play is 70 yards
Jeremiah Smith will definitely be a top pick in the 2025 draft and in the Heisman contention in the future He will always have elite stats and highlightworthy catches
THE
Lead
Benji Cutler
Logan Kreisberg
Sports
Brandon Levine
Writers
Jack Amann
Teddy Clement
Connor Harrington
Eli Klagsbrun
Daniela Rynott
Rohan Singh
Arav Shah
Sophia Thilo
Faculty Advisor
Virginia Holmes
Special Thanks: Chris Del Campo
Photo of Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith making a tough play Photo courtesy of ESPN
REVIEWS
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
SCHOOL IN THE SAWATCH
Nestled between the peaks of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountains of Colorado and just outside the small town of Leadville, the High Mountain Institute (HMI) is an alternative semester school for juniors and seniors This fall, I had the incredible opportunity to spend the first half of my junior year living and learning at HMI
Students at HMI spend four months living on a beautiful campus near the small town of Leadville, Colorado, with up to only 50 other students, 10 or so teachers, and seven “apprentices” (people just out of college who study under the teachers). Of course, a community this small quickly grows to be incredibly close
Days typically begin around 7 a.m., and students spend their mornings getting ready for school. This begins with a quick breakfast of bacon, eggs, and fruit that is nothing if not consistent After breakfast, students complete a few morning chores and then head off to class Classes run until 5:35 p.m. While that may seem long, there are few days that do not fly by.
That normal schedule is interrupted every three weeks (at the end of each “academic block”) by a nine to 14-day “expedition.” Expeditions, or “expeds,” as most HMI students refer to them, are backpacking trips run by the school that happen at the beginning of every third of the semester
Expeditions, though physically taxing, are commonly the highlights of students’ semesters They are incredible characterbuilding, bonding, and overall rewarding experiences that require little to no prior outdoor experience.
By Eli Klagsbrun
A testament to this is the fact that I, after completely dislocating my ankle only five months prior, still had a truly extraordinary experience.
When on campus, students attend up to five one-and-a-half-hour-long classes per day These classes are almost entirely student-driven and discussion-focused. This focus on dialogue and long class runtime allows students to reach conclusions on their own, which inevitably leads to a greater understanding of key concepts
The U.S. history class at HMI is the best example of this focus on discussion. The class focuses almost entirely on discussion; most days are spent debating an article, essay, or other reading that the students had studied the night before and the cumulative assignment for each academic block is a verbal argument based on a structured debate that is held in class.
In the English class, students spend the first academic block reading and discussing some great contemporary poetry In discussions and annotations, students analyze the techniques the authors use in their poetry to evoke emotion in their audience. In the second and third blocks, students read and study “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler and “Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko
In math classes, students spend the majority of class time working together, figuring out how to solve problems based on their notes The school offers any section of math that juniors and seniors could be taking so that students will not be behind when they return to their sending schools.
HMI’s science classes are unique They occur only twice a week and each lasts for three hours This long runtime occurs so that students can go off campus and perform labs around Leadville.
During their semester, students will go to the site of a recent wildfire, a glacial moraine, and Leadville’s historic mining district In the few classes that are on campus, students usually spend their time discussing articles or giving presentations.
I hope that if you have read this far, you are starting to consider applying to attend HMI in your junior or senior year The application process is very straightforward; all that is required are three 300-word essays, two letters of recommendation, and your high school transcript Applications for the semester program are due each year on Feb 15, and for any current seniors, the school also runs a great gap-year program.
In my experience, HMI is an incredible experience for any student You would be hard-pressed to find any student from my semester who has anything negative to say about the program. I met some of my favorite people during my time there and, overall, I feel incredibly enriched by the experience I cannot thank Harvey enough for all its support, both in the application process and in my transition coming home.
An aerial shot of the HMI campus covered in a layer of snow Photo taken from the HMI website.
REVIEWS
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
HAZAMIR: ACHIEVING HARMONIOUS UNITY
By Sophia Thilo
HaZamir, the international teen choir, is a musical organization that is based on the idea that Jewish choral music can be both recognized and performed beautifully. Jewish teens, from all backgrounds and practices, come from all over the Unites States and Israel to partake in one of the most moving festivals of their adolescent lives Not only are young singers given the opportunity to perform on some of the most iconic stages, but they are also welcomed into the tight knit community of HaZamir
HaZamir holds its singers to a very high standard. Nevertheless, regardless of their youth, the singers are highly capable of both reaching and exceeding such standards Singers are taught to recognize the difference between simply singing notes and truly making music The scores are expertly chosen for their significance, story, and emotion. Each piece will have a certain amount of time dedicated to it, and conductors will skillfully teach their singers each layer of the music
One of the most important aspects of making music is recognizing the details of the scores. Each piece is arranged with high attention to detail, as it creates a more immersive and attractive performance The song Netzach Yisrael is full of choral layering, in addition to having frequent rhythm alterations and volume adjustments. The beauty of this song is truly sourced in how every section is special regardless of a singer’s range, whether they are anywhere from a bass to a soprano
The choral organization functions by organizing small chapters, from all over the states and Israel, rehearsing individually weekly to prepare to come together for larger events like Intervis and Festival
Overall, there are 36 chapters in total, amounting to more than 300 young performers who come together to display their passion for music through their singing
Intervis marks the halfway point of the program, consisting of the majority of the U.S. chapters (excluding the ones from Israel). It is a place for singers to branch out from their chapter and meet other teens from all over the United States In many instances, lifelong friendships and deep connections are sourced at Intervis. Intervis also is hosted as a preparatory event for the upcoming event called Festival
HaZamir's Carnegie Hall 2024 performance! Photo courtesy of JNS org
Festival consists of both the final show and the days leading up to it During the beginning of Festival, all the chapters will come together to perfect the music they have been studying for the past couple of months. The schedule consists of both “Tutti” rehearsals (when the whole choir rehearses), sectional rehearsals, and fun activities led by team leaders
My first year of HaZamir, while being a new singer, I was welcomed almost immediately by the vibrant community I adjusted well and improved greatly when it came to my singing capabilities. When the time came for the final Festival, I sang by heart with passion and confidence
Last year, the destination for Festival was none other than Carnegie Hall. Being given the opportunity to perform on one of the world’s most famous stages was absolutely riveting The memory of walking into the colossal hall, adorned with beautiful art, where the seats seemed to fade off into the heavens, has still stuck with me to this day. Not only was it stunning, but when my voice became one of the many that filled the hall with an orchestral boom, I felt as if I was part of a greater purpose The acoustics of Carnegie Hall exceeded one’s expectations, for as we performed, our voices shook the rafters high above us.
Ever since I joined HaZamir, I have felt incredibly welcomed and valued by both the conductors and the community of singers HaZamir provides an experience that is one in a lifetime and truly is cherished by those who have participated in it. The organization's expertise and inclusivity are the core characteristics that make HaZamir so unique Described by HaZamir to be “harmonious unity,” the experience is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.
REVIEWS
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
TREKKING DOWN THE VERMONT SLOPES
Skiing through the slopes of Vermont
Vermont is home to some of the best ski mountains on the East Coast, and each offers its unique appeal From family-friendly resorts to advanced terrain for thrill seekers, there’s no shortage of wonderful ski options.
First, there’s Killington, also known as the "Beast of the East," which is the largest and arguably the best ski mountain in Vermont. It offers more than 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, 73 miles of trails, and 20 chairlifts, including two gondolas: the K-1 Express and the Skyeship Gondola These gondolas make sure to have quick and comfortable access to the slopes Killington also offers fast passes at all lifts to help minimize wait times. For an extra $75, Killington offers a fast pass, allowing you to skip the entire lift line It’s one of only two mountains in Vermont to provide this option, making it a game-changer on busy days.
Killington’s six lodges are spacious and modern, with the K-1 Lodge standing out as the centerpiece The lodge has all glass windows and a vibrant atmosphere, and all six Killington lodges also offer a wide variety of food options that are both affordable and high-quality compared to other resorts
By Rohan Singh
Beyond the infrastructure, the mountain offers everything from family-friendly areas like Snowshed to challenging trails like the World Cup-famous Superstar. With its vast terrain, cutting-edge facilities, and unbeatable convenience, Killington sets the standard for East Coast skiing
The next mountain is Stowe, which has a luxurious skiing experience Stowe offers 485 acres of well-groomed trails suitable for all levels While it can’t compete with Killington in size or variety, it makes up for it with a polished, highend vibe. Stowe’s slopes are known for their immaculate grooming and picturesque views, making it a favorite for skiers seeking a snowier experience
The town of Stowe adds to the appeal with upscale dining, fancy shops, and cozy lodges, making it an excellent choice for a more relaxed and calmer ski getaway However, serious thrill seekers or those looking for diverse terrain might find themselves wishing for Killington’s variety
Sugarbush is the perfect mountain for those who love a quieter skiing experience With its snowy and Scandinavian-like atmosphere, it feels like something straight out of Sweden Known for its relaxed vibe and challenging terrain, the mountain has two main peaks, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, which offer a mix of expert trails and cruisers.
The town surrounding Sugarbush has a welcoming, local feel with friendly residents, high-end shopping, and Michelin-star restaurants. It’s a favorite spot for Vermonters and those looking to avoid crowds While it doesn’t have the covered snow scene or massive snowmaking operations of other resorts, Sugarbush with its natural look and powdery slopes makes it a fun place for skiers who prioritize quality over quantity.
Okemo is a family-friendly mountain with a strong emphasis on fun and accessibility. Its main lift, the Sunburst Six, is a heated chairlift with a bright orange bubble cover It has long wait times, though, of up to 40 minutes during peak hours Okemo doesn’t have a gondola or a fast-pass system, which may be frustrating for those used to quicker options. Additionally, conditions can be horrible after noon, and they get extremely icy, which makes it unsuitable for skiing
That stated, Okemo makes up for it with its impressive village, Ludlow, which is the largest ski village in Vermont Ludlow offers plenty of dining, shopping, and movie theater entertainment options, making it a great destination for families or anyone looking to enjoy activities off the slopes. The town’s lively energy and convenience attract a lot of skiers Additionally, they have free bus services all-around town to take you from the Okemo slopes right back to your hotel, house, or lodge. Even though Okemo Mountain’s conditions aren’t ideal, the surrounding areas make up for it
When it comes to skiing in Vermont, there’s truly something for everyone. Killington stands out as the best destination, but no matter which mountain you choose, Vermont’s ski resorts promise a winter adventure with unforgettable ski moments
Photo taken by Aarav Singh
REVIEWS
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
THE RIGHT TIME AND THE RIGHT GUY
By Eli Klagsbrun
On Feb 9, in the most-viewed Super Bowl halftime show ever, Kendrick Lamar delivered a resounding end to his beef with Drake and a scathing indictment of the United States’ treatment of its Black citizens
The show began with Samuel L. Jackson dressed in a red, white, and blue suit introducing himself as our Uncle Sam, while ominous vocals underscored his performance After this, he made another introduction, this time to a central theme of the show, by declaring that “this is the Great American Game.”
Then, the camera showed Lamar perched on the hood of a 1987 Buick GNX, performing what some fans have speculated is a teaser for a new song, before declaring, “The revolution boutta be televised; you picked the right time but the wrong guy ” This, like much of what Kendrick Lamar says, has a clear double meaning
The first is in reference to the fact that President Donald Trump was in the audience for the Super Bowl that night With this in mind, Lamar seems to be admonishing the American public for the election of Trump, the “wrong guy,” at a time when news outlets from either side of the aisle have been declaring that America is in crisis
The second is in reference to the NFL’s selection of Kendrick Lamar to play the show in the first place, as he is not there to merely entertain and distract the audience; he is there to say what he has to say
After this line, Lamar played “squabble up” from his newest album, “GNX ”
Uncle Sam cuts off this song, declaring it, “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” and asking, “Mr Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?”
Here, audiences begin to understand what message Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show is intended to send A popular video from comedian Josh Johnson of “The Daily Show” has reflected the dominant interpretation of the performance: that the “Great American Game” and the Halftime Show, as a whole, is meant to represent the way that American society works to stifle its Black citizens and have them act in a way that makes the country’s other citizens comfortable
Following the interjection from Uncle Sam, Lamar performed “HUMBLE , ” “DNA ” (both from his album, “DAMN ”), “euphoria,” and an acapella rendition of “man at the garden,” all seemingly authentic songs, the songs that Kendrick wanted to play. After “man at the garden,” Uncle Sam, once again, interrupts the performance to chastise Lamar for bringing his, “homeboys with [him], the old culture cheat code,” further emphasizing the video game symbolism
After this line, Lamar played “peekaboo” but quickly stopped the song to tease the much anticipated “Not Like Us” for the first of a few times during the show Lamar chose not to play the diss track at that point, casually calling out Drake by observing, “I wanna perform they favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” This is a clear reference to Drake’s threats to sue Lamar for defamation and harassment
Declaring that he wants to slow it down, Kendrick Lamar performed two of his most famous songs, “luther” and “All the Stars,” both with SZA. Based on Uncle Sam’s reaction to these songs, they seem like almost a way to appease him and the audience However, as Uncle Sam urges Lamar, “You’re almost there, don’t mess this u–” he gets cut off by the beginning of “Not Like Us.”
Lamar prefaced the song by declaring, “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music,” a clear reference to the reparations that slaves were promised but never given postCivil War. Here, to no one’s surprise, Kendrick Lamar tells his audience that his performance is more important than entertainment or a break during a football game: it is a statement about America’s treatment of its Black citizens.
In his show, Kendrick Lamar points out that American society censors Black culture and only accepts it in forms that are marketable, as revealed by Uncle Sam’s reaction to Lamar choosing to perform his most famous songs with SZA, both of which are more popular than almost all of his other songs (based off Spotify statistics)
The final song Lamar performs is “tv off” from his new album “GNX.” Fans speculate that this is meant to urge the audience to stop watching, take action, and bring about positive social change in America.
Kendrick Lamar standing on a Buick GNX at the start of his performance. Image taken from the live recording of his show
THE PULSE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE
PRESIDENT TRUMP CONT. FROM PAGE 3
Another expansionist action President Trump has taken is regarding his plan to take back the Panama Canal In the early 20th century, the U S built the canal, but, after years of protest, the U.S. signed a treaty with Panama during President Jimmy Carter’s presidency in 1977. The agreement stipulated that the United States would slowly give up control of the waterway.
President Trump has recently called Carter’s decision “a big mistake” because he believes Panama has been allowing China to operate the canal.
In his inaugural address, President Trump stated, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female ”
Although followed by thunderous applause in the room, there has since been backlash from the LGBTQ+ community A Trump official expanded on the President’s statement when telling CBS News, “So what we're doing today is defining that it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female These are sexes that are not changeable, and they are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. You are no longer going to have robust and long drop-down menus when asking about sex ”
Finally, a popular choice within Generation Z, President Trump has delayed the ban on TikTok by 75 days. On Jan. 19, TikTok was shut down and banned for four hours before being reprieved by the President’s promise to extend its allotted time to be sold to an American company. With 120 million American users, many influencers and small businesses are reliant on the hope of the app resurfacing, as they have found careers online As of Jan 28, TikTok was removed from the App Store, so those who deleted it could not redownload it On Feb 13, TikTok became available again for downloading
Overall, President Trump’s inaugural address entailed many plans for the upcoming years. Even within the first 24 hours, some of his executive orders have come into play.
DAVID LYNCH CONT. FROM PAGE 4
When asked what Lynch movies make you feel, junior and David Lynch fanatic Olivia Crucitti, stated, “David Lynch’s movies make me feel like I’m having the greatest nightmare of my life Every time I rewatch or finish one of his movies, I’m left with a different perspective or emotion I didn't have before I always feel a sense of confusion that's somehow enjoyable, like a ‘what the heck did I just watch’ and ‘it was amazing’ at the same exact time ”
While Lynch is most known for his work as a director, his creative ability should not be limited to one aspect of his career. Throughout his life, Lynch also dabbled in music, releasing two studio albums entitled “Crazy Clown Time” and “The Big Dream.” He also had endeavors in painting and photography, and his work has even been exhibited in galleries. Much of his art mirrors that of the styles of his films, something that can only be described or understood in dreams
His work with transcendental meditation also played a key role in his creative influences, which is evident when watching any number of his creative efforts Lynch’s fascination with meditation even expanded to his beginning of his own foundation, which promoted meditation for mental well-being
Needless to say, it is difficult to overstate Lynch’s influence on cinema and storytelling, from influencing directors such as Christopher Nolan, Ari Aster, and Denis Villeneuve His ability to tell stories in both conscious and subconscious spaces has shaped modern storytelling Hopefully, David Lynch is resting in some bizarre yet comforting dream with a damn fine cup of coffee and a pack of cigarettes.
KENDRICK LAMAR CONT. FROM PAGE 9
Of course, a performance of this nature will be met with controversy Fans have been praising Kendrick Lamar for his pointed and insightful commentary on American society during a time that desperately needs those with influence to take action against bigotry. Critics of the performance have taken to calling Lamar, who recently won five Grammys for just one song, is easily the greatest rapper of our generation, and won a Pulitzer Prize for his album “DAMN , ” somehow unqualified to perform at the Super Bowl.
Personally, I thought that the show was genius Kendrick Lamar, as always, implemented an incredible use of symbolism to make not only incisive but critical commentary on American society On top of that, he put on a wildly entertaining show
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