“...Know that every deed counts, that every word is power...” —Abraham Joshua Heschel
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 5"
SPECIAL 7TH GRADE EDITION""
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APRIL, 2015
Justice for the Unconvicted:! Mayor De Blasio Introduces Plan To Clear Backlog of Overdue Trials at Rikers Island Correctional Facility! By Abigail Sylvor-Greenberg!
Yom HaShoah at Heschel! By Tova Kleiner! ON THE 16TH of April we observed Yom HaShoah, a day when we remember the Holocaust--those who perished and those who survived. We began our day of remembrance with a joint sixth and seventh grade Tefillah. After the in-school Bat-Mitzvah of the day, we shifted into more solemn gear. Shoshana Jedwab told us about her father who miraculously survived the Shoah, while on a death march. She also spoke movingly about other family members, such as her grandmother, and their incredible stories. Karen Dorr read a poem, “Shema,” written by well known writer and survivor, Primo Levi." Throughout the day, groups of students, teachers, and parents made visits to the Room of Remembrance in the Beit Knesset, where we took time to pause and think about the suffering that so many of our ancestors endured. It offered an opportunity to meditate on their lives and on their deaths. In the room, soft music played while images from the Holocaust were projected on a small screen. "
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“FOR THE FIRST time, our city will work with the courts, law enforcement, district attorneys and the defense bar,” said New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, in a recent statement."
Yom HaZikaron ! By Abigail Sylvor-Greenberg! ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd, Heschel students and teachers, clad in blue and white, assembled in the Beit Knesset to observe Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance. Through song, poetry, film, and storytelling, in both Hebrew and English, students honored the lives of Israeli soldiers lost in defense of the land of Israel. This year there was a special focus on the siblings of fallen soldiers -- their grief -- and members of the Student Council recited poetry written by them. Sixth grade students, Ness Krell and Abbie Orlinsky, accompanied by Ido Naor on guitar, graced the community with a song dedicated to the memory of a specific soldier, written by his sister. The assembly was full of beautiful mixedmedia presentations which helped the school interact with the difficult and emotional content of the day, thanks to the Student Council and Rebeca Rydel’s thoughtful design." Even in America, it remains vital to connect to the soldiers who perished, to honor their service to us, and to look with awe and respect at the individuals who "
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De Blasio promises to take long overdue action to combat a serious issue: the tremendous backlog of unresolved criminal trials for inmates at Rikers Island Prison." According to a report from late March, 2015 published by The New York Times , there are over 400 residents of Rikers Island Correctional Facility who have been waiting two years or more for their trials. Six arrestees have been waiting for over six years, living the lives of the incarcerated while never having been proven guilty at all. This is all due to dysfunction on the part of the city "
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April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5
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Letter from the Editors!
the eighth grade editors, and see what is in store for us next year. "
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Dear Heschel Herald Readers,"
2014–2015 Seventh Grade Editors! Abigail Sylvor-Greenberg" Tova Kleiner" Noa Levine"
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Staff Writers! Anna Dubey" Sophie Fisher" Jacob Fraiman" Ayelet Kaminer" Talia Kahan" Maya Lukeman" Aliza Sirota" Lexi Wenger" Ness Krell (Hebrew)" Shira Oz (Hebrew)" Eliot Safier (Hebrew" Idan Gutland (Hebrew)" David Nass (Hebrew)" Noah Helfstein (Hebrew)" Moses Lemon (Hebrew)" Sara Horvath (Hebrew_" Abbie Orlinsky (Hebrew)" Dylan Kassin (Hebrew)" Ricky Sutton (Hebrew-rap)" Nathan Daniels (Hebrew-rap)"
Art! Tova Kleiner" Tal Tetzeli" Brooke Verschleiser" Eliana Solomon"
Photography! Karen Dorr"
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Faculty Advisor! Karen Dorr" Judy Katz" Rinat Levy-Cohen (Hebrew)"
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Layout & Design! Karen Dorr
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We hope you enjoy this edition of the We are excited to announce the newspaper!" publication of the annual Heschel Herald 7th Grade Editors’ Issue. " Sincerely," During the weeks that the 8th graders Noa Levine, " have been in Israel, we, the editors have Abigail Sylvor-Greenberg, " been working hard to offer you a paper and Tova Kleiner." full of current events, reviews, art, writing, and recipes. We are also including coverage of the latest special events at Please send us your opinions Heschel, including Yom HaShoah, Yom and responses to any of the HaZikaron, and Yom Ha'Atzmaut all of articles or editorials you read which have made these past two weeks, in the Heschel Herald. We will incredibly meaningful. Additionally, we print your letters; it’s fun to are inaugurating Hebrew language articles see your name in print. Try it. in this edition. " It has been a lot of fun for the seventh graders to get a glimpse into the work of "
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The Journalist of the Issue:! Jon Lee Anderson! By Noa Levine! JON LEE ANDERSON, born January 15, 1957, is an investigative reporter, war correspondent, and staff writer for the The New Yorker, reporting from Afghanistan, Iraq, Uganda, Israel, El Salvador, Ireland, Lebanon, Iran, and throughout the Middle East. He has also written for the New York Times, Harper’s Magazine, Life, and the Nation. " He has been a staff writer for the New Yorker since 1998, and in addition to his many investigative articles from war zones is the author of many books, among them: The Fall of Baghdad (2004), Guerrillas (2002), The Lion’s Grave (2002). One of his books, Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life, was named a New York Times notable book of the year. " He has covered a vast array of topics, from the 2010 earthquake in Haiti to the Panama Canal. His recent articles include “Isis and the Destruction of History”, and “Libya On Edge”. "
Anderson began working as a reporter in 1979 for a Peruvian daily paper, and later reported from Central America for Time Magazine. Joel Simon of the Committee to Protect Journalists said of Jon Lee Anderson, “Jon Lee has covered wars from Afghanistan to Somalia...his dispatches are beautiful chronicles from ugly places; they are full of empathy and humanity.”"
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April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5
Woman In Gold is as Good As Gold! Movie Review"
By Talia Kahan! ONE OF THE few movies playing now that keeps your attention for every second you are sitting in the theater, and lingers with you long after you leave, is Woman in Gold. " This superb movie, directed by Simon Curtis and written by Alexi Kaye Campbell tells the true story of a Jewish Austrian State Gallery, and the family in Vienna, Austria whose artwork museum is very persistent in not wanting was stolen by the Nazis. The most famous to return the painting to Altmann. " piece of art that was stolen from this The sixty-year-old Altman is played family, the Bloch-Bauers, is a portrait of by Helen Mirren, a well known English actress. Maria Altmann and her lawyer, Randol Schoenberg, played by Ryan Reynolds, decide to travel to Austria. There they meet a friendly journalist by the name of Hubertus Czernin, who helps them throughout their journey. " During a conference about restitution (the return of stolen art), Maria Altman gives a heartbreaking speech about her past as an Austrian Jew, her experiences both before and during World War II, and the importance of art restitution. Maria and Randol negotiate with the Austrian leaders of the art restitution committee but after all that hard work the Austrians still do not agree to return the painting to the rightful owner. Part of the reason for their refusal is that the portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt had Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt. It is become very beloved by the Austrians. named “ Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” It is known as the Mona Lisa of Austria." but is known as, “Woman in Gold,” Woman in Gold has scenes that because Klimt adorned the painting with are suspenseful, joyous and, emotionally gold leaf." wrenching. For example, the movie Around sixty years after the Nazis includes documentary footage of invaded Vienna, Austria, Maria Altmann, Austrians cheering when Hitler invaded the niece of Adele Bloch-Bauer, decides to Austria, intense moments, that reveal attempt to get her painting back from the the prejudice of people during that time. Austrians. At the time that Altmann Another moving moment comes when, decides to fight for the return of this after the Nazis have taken over, Jews are painting, the painting is owned by the are forced to hand wash the streets in
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Vienna. These poignant scenes evoke questions about how and why human beings are capable of such cruelty? Woman in Gold has many superb features, such as its suspenseful plot, and excellent performances, particularly Tatiana Maslany, who plays the role of the younger Maria, who leaves her family behind in Austria to escape the Nazis. " I strongly recommend seeing this film. Woman in Gold is now playing in movie theaters in NYC. " After seeing the movie, you can visit the actual portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer. It is on display at the Neue Galerie on Fifth Avenue and 86th Street."
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Tale of the Ghost! by Anna Dubey! An Original Story! Hunter awakened to the sound of wailing." Without bothering to change out of his pajamas, he rushed outside. The wails led him to the house of Lady Munda. There, he stopped and stared at the house. The windows were made darker by charcoal grey shades. This could only mean one thing, Hunter thought, his stomach churning. The Ghost had been there last night." No one knew what the Ghost really looked like, because he wore a deep grey hooded cloak that covered his whole body. Two nights ago, the “First Haunting”, as the villagers called it, took place. A usually kind and generous man named Mr. James, who always shared his bountiful crops with the less fortunate, had claimed two nights ago to have had a bad harvest. He didn’t give any food to those who came knocking on his door. His housekeeper reported that later that night, she had heard strange noises in the night. When she went downstairs in the morning, Mr. James was lying on the floor dead, and the curtains that hung on the windows had been replaced with grey shades. The Haunting the night before last night had almost been worse. Mr. Portello had holed himself up in his house all day instead of volunteering to help the less fortunate, like he usually did, too terrified to come out of his house. But his efforts had not helped him, for the Ghost had found him anyway. Last night had been the third Haunting. Hunter listened to the cries of Lady Munda’s husband inside the house, knowing with a heavy heart that there was nothing he could do to stop them. He heard one villager talking to another as they passed the house. “I heard she spent all her money building a barricade to block the Ghost, but he got
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Poetry & Fiction
around it. Word is he walked right through it.”" It was then the reality of the situation crashed down on him. While Lady Munda was alive, she had always donated to the poor to help them live comfortably. People called her an angel in disguise. But now she was dead, and anyway she didn’t have more money to give to families she supported." Hunter’s family was one of those she had supported." How would they live? Hunter thought frantically. Would his tiny sister grow lean and pale, his mother suffer even more? No. He couldn’t let that happen. He would do what he had to do to keep his family alive and well." Sadly, he knew exactly what he had to do." Turning his back on the grieving house, he headed back to his own small cabin. As soon as he entered through the short doorway, his mother grabbed his arm." “Who was Haunted?” she asked breathlessly." Hunter shook his head, unable to speak. Eventually he managed, “Lady Munda.”"
His mother gasped in shock. “But… what will we do?” she voiced, gazing at the infant wrapped up in her arms." “I don’t know,” Hunter said distractedly, while pulling his few possessions off of his shelf. “Just leave me alone.”"
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“Hunter!” his mother’s voice rising. “There is a problem, and I am TRYING to find a solution! So would you please listen to me?”" Hunter sheepishly slung his now-full bag over his shoulder. “Sorry. But I already have a plan. I’m going to go to the Old Lady of the Valley and ask her about our troubles and how to defeat the Ghost.” Although Hunter took on the responsibilities of a man, in some ways, he was still a boy. He pictured himself
bravely wielding a sword, plunging it into the depths of the Ghost’s cloak. Everyone would cheer for him, and hoist them on their shoulders, and--"
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Heschel Celebrates Poetry!! APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY Month, and though Heschel was only in school for part of the month due to the Passover break, the school was buzzing with poetry! Poems sprung up in stairwells and on elevators. Students practiced “Random Acts of Poetry” by memorizing an Emily Dickinson poem and “carrying” it into unsuspecting classrooms to recite it. The celebration culminated in Poem in Your Pocket Day, when faculty and students all brought a favorite poem folded up in their pocket to share with classmates and friends. Keep the buzz going…"
Poetry & Fiction
! Spring!
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Spring upon us," weather fluctuating," sometimes warm, sometimes cold," air heavy with ginkgo trees" and pollen," mingling with the last vestige" of frost." Sunny yet chilly" cool breeze." Morning in a coat," afternoon in a light sweater" Rays of sun," sometimes blinding." The streets vibrant, the afternoon endless," walking in the warmth." Glorious, unreliable," irrational," Spring."
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By Tova Kleiner!
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Poetry & Fiction
Tale of the Ghost! Continued from page 4!
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“Are you insane?” Hunter’s mother shouted. “Do You think that you-- a small peasant-- can defeat the Ghost? I forbid you to go to the Old Lady of the Valley!”" “You know what?” said Hunter, seething. “I’m trying to help our family! If you have a better idea, go and do it! I’m going to the Old Lady of the Valley!”" Hunter slammed the door behind him and walked off, his head steaming. But it was a dangerous descent down the mountain to reach the Valley, and he knew that he should be thinking about the trip. If he traveled swiftly, it was only a few hours journey. He walked as fast and far as possible, but his shame caught up with him. Did he really yell at his mother for something so small? He resolved to continue on his journey and apologize profusely when he returned. And so he walked and walked." As the hot sun beat down relentlessly on Hunter’s back, he hunched over to shield his eyes from its blinding white light, so almost missed the creature lying on the ground and nearly tripped over it." It was a bird sprawled across the ground,its wing sticking straight up from its slumped body. “Whoa!” he cried out. He stepped back and studied the bird. He quickly realized that there was no way the bird could survive. But as he turned his back on the helpless creature, it let out a small whimper of pain. Hunter was reminded of his little sister, Ruth. Almost without thinking, he scooped the bird up tenderly and placed it in his cupped palm. He looked around the rocky mountain landscape. Not much that he could use to make a splint for the bird’s wing here. He wasn’t too far from where the Old Lady of
the Valley was supposed to live; he’d just carry the bird with him until he reached her house." Holding the bird carefully in front of him, he quickened his pace. The bird still lay feebly in his hand when he spotted a small hut about a hundred yards away from him. He gazed up in wonder at the mountain that he had just descended. It didn’t look nearly as majestic from the top. Down here, he could truly see the mountain’s might." “Come on! Come on! Hurry up!” urged a loud voice." Hunter spun around. Someone was waving her hands from out the door of the hut. The Old Lady of the Valley! he thought immediately. He started to race towards her." As soon as Hunter reached the front door, panting and out of breath, the old lady ushered him inside. The air inside was cool and the light was dim." “Hurry, hurry, we don’t have much time,” the old lady said in that noisy voice of hers while searching her tiny mud hut for something.. “It’s almost too late!”" Hunter approached her eagerly. “Miss, could you tell me how to defeat the Ghost and save my family?”" “Not now, you numbskull,” the old lady blared, frantically combing her hut. “We have to save Arthur!”" “Arthur?” Hunter asked in confusion. He looked down at the weak bird in his hand. “You mean the bird?”" “Of course I mean the bird! Pay attention!” The old lady straightened up, having found what she was looking for, a
box that was glowing purple from the inside. “Get out of the way and watch!” She gently lifted Arthur from Hunter’s cupped hands. She then tossed him into the air." Hunter stared, shocked." “Flap and fly to the sky!” the old lady shrieked. She flung a few handfuls of a powdery purple substance from inside the box at the terrified, swiftly plummeting bird. The room was instantly filled with a magical purple smoke. Hunter coughed. When the smoke cleared away, Hunter looked around but couldn’t see Arthur anymore." The old lady cackled with glee. “Look up!” she cried." Hunter obeyed her instructions and surveyed the short, sloped ceiling of the hut. Arthur was circling joyfully overhead, his wing stretched out over the air. Hunter’s mouth hung open. How had she done that?" The lady was clucking proudly. “A job well done,” she commented." “Excuse me, but could you help me with my problems with the Ghost?” Hunter asked longingly. He looked around the hut. Would she give him the mysterious vial of orange liquid? Or maybe the sparkling red gel in the tub? Or-" “Oh, right. I’ve already given you everything you need.”" Hunter gaped at the old lady. “But… you didn’t give me anything!”" The old lady smiled. “It’s not the tools you have, it’s if you can use them to make a bench.”" Hunter was even more confused. “Now I have to make a bench?”" Her expression soured. “It’s a metaphor. Now go.” And she pushed a baffled Hunter out the front door, Arthur following merrily."
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Poetry & Fiction
Tale of the Ghost! Continued from page 6!
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The sun was just starting to set when Hunter reached the village. His legs felt like lead from walking so much. He decided not to return right to his home. It was still a ways away from him, in the middle of the village while he was barely on the outskirts. Besides, he didn’t know how his mother would feel about seeing him back. Hunter forced himself to walk down the path until he reached the house of Mr. and Mrs. Collinson. They had kind souls, and were always willing to let anyone in need spend the night. A housekeeper opened the door when Hunter knocked." “Can I please have a room?” Hunter asked." The housekeeper shook her head. “The master and his wife aren’t letting people in anymore. They figure they have to be cautious, what with the Ghost and all.”" “Please?” Hunter said, trying not to let his voice quiver." The housekeeper softened at his plea. “I guess so, but don’t tell the missus, or she’d have me fired.”" She eyed Arthur while showing Hunter to a room, but to her credit she didn’t say anything. The second she left, Hunter catapulted himself onto the bed and fell asleep before his head hit the pillow." He woke up in the middle of the night with a sickening feeling of dread. The Ghost had only Haunted families who
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had a reputation for being friendly, kindhearted people." Like the Collinsons." He bolted through the door and down the stairs. He had to warn everyone to get out of the house!" But it was too late. Hunter could only watch helplessly as the front door creaked open." The Ghost’s grey, grey cloak was all Hunter could see of the Ghost. It slowly stretched out a long grey arm. An arm that was reaching for Hunter." Suddenly, Hunter had a horrifying thought. Was it possible that the Ghost hadn’t come for the Collinsons? Was it possible that the Ghost had come for him?" He tried to back away, to run away, to do anything, but he was unable to move. He could only watch through panicked eyes as the Ghost’s arm drew closer… closer…" A loud cry echoed from the stairway. Hunter tried with all his might to turn around so that he could see, and found that he could! He spun around and saw Arthur flying, his brown feathers shining. Hunter couldn’t describe the feeling it gave him, seeing Arthur looping beautifully about on his two perfectly healthy wings. Arthur let out another cry." And just like that, the Ghost started to shrink. His arm retracted back into the depths of his cloak. His figure withered and hunched over, and then, just like that, was gone. As Hunter gawked at the place where the Ghost had been standing, Arthur circled down to perch on Hunter’s shoulder."
The Old Lady of the Valley appeared next to Hunter. “Sometimes a cry of kindness from the smallest creature can melt the greatest force of evil,” she said wisely. And then she disappeared."
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Fashion Spring Fashion Goes Colorful! By Sophie Fisher! IT’S OFFICIAL! SPRING is finally here. The weather has just started getting warmer, and hopefully will stay that way. Out of all four seasons, spring is my favorite clothing-wise. This spring I’m more excited then ever, since there are so many fabulous trends coming our way that I don’t know where to begin." One thing that will be big this spring is pastel colors. Specifically, pantone colors like Lucite Green, Classic Blue, Tangerine, Custard, Marsala, Glacier Gray, Aquamarine, Strawberry Ice, and Scuba Blue. " Aside from the colors Marsala and Glacier Grey, these colors are bright and vibrant, which are perfect for spring." Another big trend we will see this spring are floral patterns. However, this is not the first spring that floral is big. Floral prints are perfect for the beach. They give a very wild, bohemian look, especially if you mix them up, rather than try to match them. This leads me to the next fashion trend, the bohemian look inspired by 70’s
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
fashion from the “summer of love.”" Bohemian is all about crazy floral prints, floral headbands, jean jackets, long colorful skirts, and especially adorable jumpsuits. So toss the blue jeans for a chic jumpsuit or a long skirt and you’ll be good to go!"
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April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5
Cooper Hewitt Reopens! By Tova Kleiner!
THE COOPER HEWITT Smithsonian Design Museum is back from a three year long renovation in which it has been brought up to the twenty first century in more than just the architecture. It has fresh new interactive technology in addition to its expanded gorgeous interior." Located in the Carnegie Mansion, at 2 East 90th Street, The Cooper Hewitt first housed the collection of the sisters Hewitt. They were art collectors whose eyes were caught by all sorts of unusual (and usual) objects. It is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design." The museum now features, in addition to its vast design collection, a special stylus pen that allows you to create your own favorite collection of designs. When you get your ticket, you receive a stylus, which has a plus sign at the end. Your ‘pen’ is connected with a link, which can be found on your ticket. Throughout the museum, if you see anything that
catches your eye, you can press the plus sign on your pen, to one near the object, and add it to your collection. In addition there are various design screens throughout, where you can design
Making Design is the first installment of an exhibition that plans to show the entirety of the Cooper Hewitt extensive collection. It showcases many objects of exquisite design from furniture to chess sets. Another way to interact with the art and create your own designs is in a gallery called the Immersion Room, where one can design wallpaper and see it projected on the wall. In another gallery there is the Process Lab where you can play designer with paper fabric and other materials to experience first hand how designers think and get to solve real-life design problems. Some exhibits focus on the thought process behind the design while others on the beauty of the design itself." The Cooper Hewitt Museum is fun anything from hats, to lamps, to wallpaper, and interactive, showing how design plays and add these to your collection as well. Your collection can be accessed through into many aspects of our lives. " your link once you leave the museum."
See my personal collection at https:// The museum hours are weekdays and collection.cooperhewitt.org/visits/xf7r/ Sundays, from 10am to 6pm." 4051155/, to sample this description."
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Outdoors in New York City!
Governors Island Park will reopens to the public on May 23, 2015 ! The first 30 acres of new park and public spaces opened to the public in 2014.The new 30 acres of park include Liggett Terrace, a sunny, six-acre plaza with seasonal plantings, seating, water features and public art; Hammock Grove,
By Ayelet Kaminer! Now that the weather is getting warmer, we can don our best pair of shorts and comfortable shoes and actually go outside. " But once we do that, where do we go? Here are some ideas for places to visit and explore while the sun shines."
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Brooklyn Bridge Park:!
The perfect place to go and watch the sunset, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a popular park in Brooklyn Heights. It features attractions such as Jane’s Carousel, a 1920’s merrygo-round. Aside from that, the park hosts events like Smorgasburg, a giant one hundred vendor food festival featuring everything from doughnuts to horseradish to grilled cheese sandwiches (AprilNovember Saturday + Sunday, 11am-6pm Saturdays in Williamsburg – 90 Kent Ave. at N. 7th St.Sundays in Brooklyn Bridge Park – Pier 5)" Ninth Avenue International Food Festival:! As the oldest and largest food festival in New York, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival is very popular for people of all ages. The festival features vendors from Hell’s Kitchen and Ninth Avenue. Local restaurants also have stands where food can be sampled. Though some might think that it is a generic street fair, the festival has many different varieties of food." (May 16th & 17th 2015 9th Avenue 42nd - 57th Streets)"
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The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
Central Park Carousel:! Everyone went here as a child, but revisiting the famous carousel is definitely worth it. There have been many different carousels where it currently stands, the first one built in 1871, and returning to it after years of not going there is a very fun experience (plus it’s only three dollars per ride). " (Mid-Park at 64th Street)"
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The High Line:! Commonly forgotten, the High Line is a beautiful place to go for a walk on a weekend afternoon, and now that it’s spring the High Line will be full of bright flowers. There are also events all spring and summer. On Tuesdays from dusk to 9 P.M. through October 27, anyone can come to gaze at the stars and stay after for dinner and desserts from local vendors. I definitely recommend looking at the highline website for many other awesome events (seriously, look at the website)."
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Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge:! If you want to get a good picture, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Make sure that you have at least two and a half hours free, put on comfortable shoes and grab a camera to take a gorgeous shot that will last forever (or just post it on Instagram)."
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a sunny ten-acre space that is home to 1,500 new trees, play areas and 50 hammocks; and the Play Lawn, 14 acres for play and relaxation that includes two natural turf ball fields sized for adult softball and Little League baseball. In addition, new welcome areas have been added at the Island's ferry landings, as have key visitor amenities, including lighting, seating and signage throughout the Historic District. Great bicycle trails around the island as well as good walking trails. Great picnic areas and often the site for poetry and music festivals." Directions to the Governors Island Manhattan Ferry " The Governors Island ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The ferry terminal is accessible as follows: " By Subway:" 1 to South Ferry station" 4, 5 to Bowling Green station" R to Whitehall St. station"
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April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5
! Rikers Island Prison! Continued from page 1! government, whose courts have become so overloaded with pending trials that a massive pileup of long-overdue hearings has formed, leaving those who cannot afford to pay bail imprisoned. According to the Constitution, everyone is guaranteed a “speedy trial,” and our court system is supposed to enforce this. " Although everyone is “innocent until proven guilty,” Mayor de Blasio stated, “Too many people have been detained at Rikers, sometimes for years, while they wait for trial.” New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman also had a few words to say on the subject. “What drives a judge crazy,” Judge Lippman said, “is a culture that seems to think that it’s O.K. that people sit around incarcerated.” He continued, “ And when they’re called before the court, everyone’s got some reason we don’t proceed. That’s the frustration that we see.”" This is just one of many initiatives being made by the city to address various issues in this Bronx prison, and other local prisons. In the past two decades the population at Rikers Island prison has been cut in half due mostly to changes made by the city to divert low-level offenders and the mentally ill into rehabilitation programs as opposed to traditional incarceration. " However Rikers has continued to be heavily scrutinized, its administration accused of neglect and abuse of its residents. Within the prison, a “ culture of abuse” has developed. According to The New York Times, 129 inmates at Rikers, 77% of whom were mentally ill, have suffered injuries in altercations with guards, the treatment of which were deemed beyond the ability of prison doctors. Guards have been repeatedly found guilty of physically abusing inmates, especially those with mental
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
illness. The mayor has recently put an end to a longstanding overuse of solitary confinement at Rikers, by banning this system of isolation inmates under the age of 21, vastly improving the lives of young people in prison. De Blasio has funnelled millions of dollars into new therapeutic
programs in prisons, as well as other new systems and options. “With these reforms, New York City has taken an important stand for basic human rights and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of prisoners, prison staff and our communities,” said Donna Lieberman, the executive director of The New York Civil Liberties Union. The mayor’s latest initiative to accelerate the resolution of court cases acknowledges that to get to the core of, and ultimately repair the issues in local prisons, steps must be taken which go beyond the jail complex and into the infrastructure of the city’s justice system." Among other things, this plan consists of the placing trial dates on the calendar for all court cases for which defendants have been incarcerated for over a year within 45 days. Since the largest contributor to overpopulation at Rikers (a significant factor in its mismanagement and history of abuse) is the length of time the incarcerated stay, and that amount of time will be considerably reduced by the decrease in
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wait-time for their trials to be resolved. This proposal promises to reduce prison population by 25 percent. Additionally, a digital tracking tool is being developed in order to help authorities to monitor and control court cases, and prevent backlogs. In regard to a more permanent fix, a team of officials is working to delve deeper into the causes of court delays. “Speedy disposition of justice is just an incredibly important moral obligation for a state,” said the mayor. The New York Times argued that in accelerating the speed at which trials are completed and sentences carried out, the use of court delays as a legal strategy to blur the memory of witnesses and break down defendants to the point where they are entirely prepared to take plea will no longer be a viable option. Therefore this institution will not only respond to the need for a speedy trial, but a fair one. " The plan shows that the city is working to untangle the knots in its justice system, but controversy remains as to whether Mayor Di Blasio will succeed in creating a better system for those imprisoned."
April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5!
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Yom HaShoah! Continued from page 1! Visitors could light candles and post hand-written memorials with the names of family members or friends who perished. As the day progressed, the number of posts grew on the wall. In the back part of the room was a table with one candle elevated and many around it, signifying the people who died in the Holocaust, named or not. At all times during the day, small groups of two to four volunteer students were stationed by it, honoring the presence of the dead and making sure they were never alone." In addition, all students participated in classes, in which either Karen, Rachel, or Mari read the story, The Terrible Things, An Allegory of the Holocaust by Eve Bunting, and led lively discussions. We spoke about the connection between the story and the events of the Holocaust, in addition to its significance today in the choices we make." Yom HaShoah here at Heschel was a meaningful and beautiful way to remember our history and the people who died and survived the Holocaust."
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Yom HaZikaron! Continued from page 1!
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continue to serve. Together, students and teachers remembered strangers as if they were family, keeping Israel close to their hearts. The issues raised in the assembly were followed-up in our Hebrew classes later that day. It was an emotional occasion, executed with grace and beauty, to honor those who nobly gave their lives for the state of Israel. "
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April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5
Yom Ha’Atzmaut! By Noa Levine! ON YOM HAATZMAUT, teachers and students participated in fun, Israelrelated activities all day. We showed our support for Israel by sporting all sorts of blue-and-white combinations, including facepaint, tutus, capes, and more. The day began with Tefillah, in which sixth and seventh graders prayed together. After that, we split into teams based on our respective classes: Tal, Matar, Shemesh, and Yareach, and engaged in a rotation of educational and interactive activities to help us connect to the theme of Israeli innovations." In Israeli dance with Dancing Dan, each group learned a different Israeli dance corresponding to a specific time period in history. We used these later to compete against each other. In song with Joe, each group learned their own song and later performed in a song competition. The competitions proved to be fun, with Tal winning both the song and the dance competition." In science with Sara and Gary, the groups learned about desalination through observing two different eggs and gummy bears that had been in water and corn syrup to understand the way the membrane in the desalination process worked. " In Israeli inventions with Mumik and Ido, we did a quiz game. After all the classes were completed, we went to the gym for a dance exhibition. Once that was completed, we all had lunch. After lunch, we had the song exhibition. At the end of the day, each grade watched a movie relating to Israel. The sixth grade watched Little Heroes and the seventh grade watched Noodle. It was an amazing and fun way to celebrate and learn about Israel."
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
!
" !! 13
April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5!
Gardening Club: Spring Update!
Fields”, a piece intended to evoke Pennsylvanian coal mining at the turn of the 20th century. Wolfe, incidentally, is the mother of Heschel student, Lev Gordon, an 11th grader. "
Pulitzer Prizes, 2015! By Abigail Sylvor-Greenberg!
By Anna Dubey, Aliza Sirota, & ON APRIL 20TH of 2015, the annual Talia Kahan! list of Pulitzer Prize winners was Spring has finally arrived! That means no heavy coats, more sunshine, and Gardening Club spring preparation! Gary, the advisor for the Gardening Club, reports, “We’re growing peas, tomatoes, chard, and fava beans.” The Gardening Club will replant them outdoors when the weather gets warmer. They plan to also replant the three fig trees outdoors when there is no danger of frost in the evening. The Gardening Club and Gary want to be one hundred percent sure that there is no chance of frost, or else the plants can be damaged or killed. April is a fickle month, weather wise. The Gardening Club will buy more plants in addition to those which they have already grown. By the end of the school year, they hope to be growing kale, onions, zaatar (an herb grown in the Middle East) black beans, and parsley. If you are interested in helping to grow and harvest crops, try joining the Gardening Club for your club or elective." You are always welcome to come by to see how the garden grows."
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
announced. The awards have honored the highest level of work in twenty-one sub genres of journalism, literature, arts, and musical composition in the United States since 1917." This year’s prizes were awarded to a wide range of newspapers, individual journalists and photojournalists, fiction and nonfiction writers, composers, poets and playwrights, each with a singular voice and mission." The journalists and journalistic staffs recognized were honored in many different categories, from “Editorial Cartooning” to “Criticism” and Explanatory Reporting.” These awards went both to local newspapers, the Daily Breeze of Torrance, CA for example, and news pillars like The New York Times." Post and Courier, a newspaper from Charleston, SC, won the “ Public Service” prize, which The New York Times called “ the most prestigious of the Pulitzer Prizes for journalism.” The Pulitzer was for a series on domestic abuse in South Carolina. The series, called “Till Death Do Us Part”, is “a riveting series that probed why South Carolina is among the deadliest states in the union for women, and put the issue of what to do about it on the state’s agenda.” " Adam Zyglis of The Buffalo News was awarded with his prize for, " “Editorial Cartooning,” an award which honored his poignant use of images to convey complex concepts and issues,” said the prize committee." In the realm of the arts, the award for music went to composer Julia Wolfe, for her composition “Anthracite
!
" !! 14
!
Julia Wolfe!
Poet, Gregory Pardlo was recognized for his work entitled, “Digest,” praised by judges as being a collection of “ clearvoiced poems that bring readers the news from 21st Century America, rich with thought, ideas and histories public and private,”. " The winner for fiction was Anthony Doerr, for his novel, All the Light We Cannot See, inspired by World War II, which centers around the theme of technology and the intricacies of human nature." This year’s Pulitzer Prizes honored the very best individuals and groups, both well established, and little-known. Themes of work were diverse, the voices unique, and as always, the standards incredibly high."
!
April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5
Recipes: Spring Rolls & Chili Lime Dipping Sauce! By Tova Kleiner! Spring is upon us at last, and while some of you might think it's enough to simply wander around the streets in the sunshine, I assure you that you are most definitely missing out on the seasonal spring foods. While people generally think of spring food as light salads and cold deserts such as sorbet or ice cream, here is a less oft thought of spring dish: the spring roll. However, Summer rolls are a delicious alternative. In a soft rice wrap with all your favorite spring vegetables and herbs, dipped in a delicious sauce, the summer roll is a definite spring food not to be missed." Spring rolls:!
!
Ingredients for spring rolls:! 8 cloves garlic, minced" ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (You can also use Basil too)" 16 (8½-inch diameter) rice paper rounds (banh trang)" 4 ounces Asian vermicelli noodles" 8 scallions, thinly sliced" 4 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated" 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil (such as canola)" 1½ tablespoons ground coriander" salt and freshly ground pepper" Leaves from 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped" ½ head Napa cabbage, finely shredded" Optional: 1 block of thinly sliced and sauteed tofu (make sure that it is really dry before you saute it)" Directions:! Soak 4 ounces Asian vermicelli noodles in a bowl of warm water until softened, for about 15 minutes. Drain." Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil (such as canola) in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute 8
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
cloves garlic, minced, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add tofu if wanted." Cook vermicelli noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add soaked and drained noodles to boiling water and cook, stirring frequently to break up any clumps, until al dente, 2-3 minutes. Drain cooked noodles in a sieve and run under cold running water to halt cooking. Drain noodles again and set aside." Make filling: In a large bowl, toss together ½ head Napa cabbage, finely shredded, 4 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated,leaves from 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped (reserve stems for dipping sauce), ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped, 8 scallions, thinly sliced, 1½ tablespoons ground coriander, cooked tofu and cooked vermicelli. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside." Make summer rolls: Set out 16 (8½inch diameter) rice-paper rounds (banh trang) beside a shallow pan or bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Immerse 1 round in water. Immediately grip rice-paper with the fingers of both hands and carefully flip over. Continue flipping until just softened, for around 30-60 seconds. Use both hands to pull rice-paper out of water, taking care not to let it collapse on itself or tear. Lay rice-paper flat on a damp kitchen towel. Place 3-4 tablespoons filling mixture near edge of wet paper. Fold edge of rice-paper tightly over filling. Fold in sides of ricepaper at either end of filling to seal. Roll up until rice-paper snugly encloses filling. (Summer roll will look like a small burrito.) Repeat with remaining rice paper rounds and filling. Cover summer rolls with a damp towel until ready to serve." To serve, you can cut the rolls in half crosswise, or leave them whole. Serve with dipping sauce (recipe below)." Recipe: Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce! Active time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes (includes cooling) Makes: about 1½ cups"
!
" !! 15
!
Ingredients:! 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped" 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced" 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (canola)" ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons of unseasoned rice vinegar" 2 tablespoons Asian chili garlic sauce" ½ cup of sugar" Directions:! In a medium saucepan over mediumhigh heat, sauté stems from 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, in 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil (such as canola) until garlic begins to color, about 5 minutes. " Stir in ¾ cup unseasoned rice vinegar + 2 tablespoons, 2 tablespoons Asian chili garlic sauce and ½ cup sugar and let simmer until sugar has dissolved, 3-5 minutes. " Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. " Add 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more vinegar, salt, lime juice and/or pepper, if needed."
!
Adapted from WSJ Summer Roll recipe! **********************!
A Poem Found In a Pocket! “This Is Just To Say”" By William Carlos Williams"
!
I have eaten" the plums" that were in" the icebox"
!
and which" you were probably" saving" for breakfast"
!
Forgive me" they were delicious" so sweet" and so cold"
April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5!
פיתוחים ישראליים
ביום העצמאות למדו תלמידי בית הספר על פיתוחים ישראליים .הנה כמה מההמצאות שהם הכי אהבו… דיסק-און-קי! מאת איילת קמינר ! ההמצאה שהכי אהבתי היא ה׳דיסק-און-קי׳ .זה קטן מספיק שאפשר להכניס לכל תיק לצרור אותו ולחבר המפתחות שלך! . ׳דיסק-און-קי׳ עוזר לי להיות מסודרת -אני יכולה לפתוח את העבודות שלי מכל מחשב ולהוריד עבודות ממחשבים שונים למקום אחד .הוא גם עוזר בעבודה בקבוצה -כאשר כל אחד עובד על המחשב שלו בבית ,כל אחד יכול שלו העבודה את להעלות ל׳דיסק-און-קי׳ ,להביא אותה לבית הספר ולאחד את כל העבודות לעבודה אחת.
תחבושת אישית של צה״ל!
!!?Puzzled Scan the barcode and read !it in English
!Waze מאת משה למון ! ההמצאה שהכי אהבתי היא ׳וואיז׳. ׳וואיז׳ זו אפליקציה שאומרת למשתמש איך לנסוע ממקום למקום בדרך הכי יעילה .האפליקציה עובדת כמו מוח - המידע כל את אוספת היא שהמשתמשים נותנים ומחשבת את מסלול הנסיעה הכי מהיר .למשל המשתמשים משתפים מידע על ניידת משטרה שראו בדרך וכך עוד משתמשים יודעים שיש משטרה בדרך .האפליקציה אומרת לך איפה יש מכמונות מהירות, פקקי-תנועה ,ותאונות .מידע זה מונע מהמשתמש להתקע בתנועה ועוזר לו להגיע ליעד הסופי בדרך הכי מהירה.
!April 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3
מאת אליוט ספיר ועידן גוטקינד! היום כאשר מישהו מבקר בישראל הוא רואה שדות מלאים פרחים, פירות,
וירקות.
זה
שונה
מאוד
מישראל של לפני חמישים שנים וגם מהמדינות שבמזרח התיכון .מה קרה? מה היתה הסיבה לשינוי זה? הסיבה היא מערכת ההשקיה של נטפים.
הישראלים
היו
צריכים
לחשוב מחוץ לקופסה כי אין הרבה
! מחשב מסלול מחדש…
מים בישראל כדי לגדל פירות וירקות. בארץ
מאת נס קרל ! היא אהבתי שהכי ההמצאה ׳התחבושת האישית של צה״ל׳ . התחבושת עוזרת לאנשים פצועים אשר מדממים .היא עוצרת את הדם בצורה יעילה .התחבושת מגיעה בשקית קטנה וסטרילית .כאשר מישהו נפצע ויורד לו הרבה דם מוציאים את התחבושת מהשקית וחובשים את המקום המדמם. התחבושת מיוחדת כי היא מפעילה לחץ על המקום המדמם ובכך היא עוצרת את הדם .התחבושת גם מיוחדת כי מי שמטפל בפצוע לא צריך ללחוץ על הפצע כי התחבושת עושה את זה לבדה. זה חוסך הרבה זמן ומציל חיים של אנשים.
נטפים -מערכת השקיה!
המציאו
את
השיטה
של
מוביל-איי! מאת שירה עוז ! ההמצאה שהכי אהבתי היא ה- ' מוביל -איי ' .ה ' מוביל -איי ' מונעת התנגשויות בכבישים בין מכוניות או בין מכוניות ואנשים .המוביל-איי נראה כמו שעון .המכשיר נמצא בין שני הכסאות הקדמיים ,על לוח המחוונים .על המסך כתוב כמה רחוק הרכב מרכב אחר או מהולך-רגל .אם קרובים מדי להולך-רגל, האיש במסך הופך אדום .אם קרובים מדי לרכב המכשיר מסמל גם את האוטו במסך בצבע אדום .המכשיר הזה עוזר אנשים להרבה בנהיגהבכך שהוא מונע תאונות .הוא עוד מעט יהיה בכל מכונית בעולם.
! 1" 6
השקיה בטיפות מים .בשיטה זו אפשר להשתמש בפחות מים ולגדל יותר פירות וירקות .היום מדינות שבהן אין הרבה מים משתמשות בטכנולוגיה של מערכות ההשקיה של נטפים .זאת דוגמה איך ישראל משנה ומשפרת את העולם ואת החיים של מיליוני אנשים.
! !The Alan B. Slifka Middle School
חגי ישראל
שירה ליל הסדר!
ישראל!
מאת דויד נאס
מאת נח הלפשטיין
!
! !
!
כל המשפחה יושבת סביב לשולחן. כולם מקשיבים לאבא וסבא.
יום הולדת 67לישראל !
הם מספרים על יציאת מצרים.
שמחה בלב כולם!
כולם קוראים בהגדה.
רוקדים ושרים
על השולחן יש קערה של פסח,
אנחנו אוהבים!
כוסות של יין ,ומצות. כולם שרים שירים של פסח.
לחגוג ביום העצמאות
כולם שמחים כי אנחנו לא עבדים, אנחנו בני חורין.
ל״ג בעומר בישראל !
!
מאת שירה עוז!
! ! !
ראפ יום העצמאות !
בתל אביב ,בל״ג בעומר! , כולם עושים מדורות! .
ומרשמלו על האש!.
כל ההורים לוקחים את ילדיהם לחוף הים !
לבסוף ,אחרי לילה כיף וארוך !
נפגשים עם הכיתות שלהם לעשות מדורה! .
כל הבנים עומדים מסביב למדורה !
ההורים מדליקים את המדורה!.
ועושים ׳כיבוי צופים׳! .
כל הילדים משחקים ׳אמת או חובה׳! ,
ההורים באים לאסוף את הילדים !
רצים ומשחקים! ,
וכולם הולכים הביתה! .
שרים ורוקדים! ,
כל מה שנשאר זה ערמות עצים שרופים !
מכינים קרטושקה )תפוחי אדמה צלויים(!
שנשארו מהמדורות.
!April 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3
!! 17
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מאת ריקי סוטון ונתן דניאלס לצפייה סרקו את הברקוד
! !
! !The Alan B. Slifka Middle School
חגי ישראל בבית ספר השל
! מיליון כוכבים /עמית פרקש !
טקס יום הזכרון! מאת שרה הורבץ!
!
יום הזיכרון ,תשע״ה!.
רצית לעוף ,רצית כבר הלאה!
השנה הזאת כמו בכל השנים הקודמות ,מועצת
עם חצי חיוך עלית למעלה!
התלמידים השתתפה בטקס יום הזכרון :שרה הורבץ, טליה קהן ,דילין קאסין ,איילת קמינר ,נוח לינדנבאום ,סאם מוריס ,איתן נילי ,ומייסון גלר שהיה המנחה של הטקס .התלמידים מכיתה ז׳ אמרו שהטקס בשנה שעברה היה מאוד מרגש לכן רצינו שהטקס בשנה הזו יהיה אפילו יותר מרגש.
תופסים את הצבע שלך בעיניים ! תן רק עוד שנייה אחת לומר לך שלום!
!
קבלנו את המסכת ביום חמישי -ביום השואה.
ֿרצית לעוף ,הלכת רחוק מידי!
תרגלנו את הקריאה ביום שישי ,שני ושלישי .זה
בתוך הטירוף אין מי שישמור עלי!
היה שווה את המאמץ .בטקס קראתי שלושה
מיליון כוכבים בשמים !
קטעים בעברית .לקראת סוף הטקס אביגיל
תופסים את הצבע שלך בעיניים !
אורלינסקי ונס קרל ,שתי תלמידות מכיתה ו׳, שרו את השיר ׳מיליון כוכבים׳ והמורה עידו נאור ניגן בגיטרה .הם שרו שיר שעמית פרקש ,אחות של תום פרקש ,כתבה .עמית שרה את השיר בפעם הראשונה בהלוויה של תום .לאביגיל ולנס יש קול נפלא .זה היה כל כך מרגש .כולם התרגשו וחצי מהמורים היו בדמעות .אני עדיין שומעת את המנגינה מתגנת בראשי .תודה לכל מי שהשתתף בטקס :לאלו שקראו ולאלה
תן רק עוד שנייה אחת לומר לך שלום!
!
אני רציתי לשיר אתה הרמת גיטרה! מלאך מנגן לי עכשיו אז איתך אני שרה! מיליון כוכבים בשמים ! תופסים את הצבע שלך בעיניים !
שרו .זה היה טקס מאוד מרגש לכולנו.
!
לשיר בטקס יום הזיכרון!
!
מיליון כוכבים בשמים !
מאת אביגייל אורלינסקי!
רציתי לשיר לך לומר לך שלום!. רציתי שנייה אחת לומר לך שלום!
תן רק עוד שנייה אחת לומר לך שלום
נס קרל ואני שרנו את השיר ׳מיליון כוכבים׳ של
עמית פרקש בטקס יום הזיכרון .כאשר קמנו לשיר הרגשתי ממש שמחה כי ידעתי שמה שאנחנו עושות הוא דבר ממש חשוב .הייתי מאוד נרגשת
!
כי השיר כל כך עוצמתי ,ולא רציתי לפשל. כשהתחלתי לשיר הרגשתי בנוח לשיר את השיר וזה ריגש אותי .כשסיימנו לשיר הרגשתי מאוד גאה כי ידעתי שמה שעשיתי היה הדבר הנכון לעשות.
תום פרקש ז״ל! )(2006-1983
!
סרקו את ! הברקוד והקשיבו לשיר
לשיר לזכר תום שלא איתנו עוד.
!April 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3
! 18
! !The Alan B. Slifka Middle School
חגי ישראל !כהן-ראיון עם המורה רינת לוי מאת דילן קאסין
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School! !
19 !
April 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3!
Attention: The Heschel School Community In light of the devastation in Nepal, we are collecting money to benefit Nepal Earthquake Relief, organized by The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (http://www.jdc.org). This organization is working with area partners to bring medical supplies and on-the-ground needs to devastated areas.! ! We are asking all members of our community to donate any amount of tzedakah to this important cause by Friday for Nepal relief. Given the urgency of need, we hope you can make a donation as well. It can be in cash or check payable to The Heschel School, and given to Tefillah teachers on Friday morning or placed in Rabbi Jack’s mailbox.! ! Together with the Lower and High Schools, we will make our initial contribution to Nepal Earthquake Relief by The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee within the week, and continue to donate throughout the coming weeks.!
! Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nepal.!
The Alan B. Slifka Middle School!
!
!
April 2015, Volume 5, Issue 5