Lion's Tale Volume 38, Issue 4 by The Lion's Tale

The Lion’s Tale Magazine / CESJDS / March 2021 / Volume 38 Issue 4

A Lost Year On the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown, a look at how life has changed

Contracting COVID pg. 21-22 You shouldn’t unfriend someone because of their political beliefs pg. 25

Dear Reader, We are so excited to publish the first edition of the Lion’s Tale magazine created by our new staff. While we miss our seniors, we are incredibly proud of our staff and how well they have acclimated to their new positions. The Lion’s Tale staff has shown great commitment to providing frequent and trustworthy news to all our readers on our website and this issue. Recently, CESJDS was one of 14 schools that received the First Amendment Press Freedom Award for our student-press rights agreement with the administration. This agreement ensures our First Amendment rights as an independent school newspaper, and we are grateful that the administration recognizes these rights. We would like to thank our past Editors-in-Chief, Alex Landy and Oren Minsk, as they put a great amount of work into negotiating this agreement and helping ensure our rights as a student-run newspaper. The Lion’s Tale has always made accurate and thorough reporting our first

— news — Prayer panel: Council of high school representatives works to improve Zman Kodesh program pg. 4 Israel Trip Delayed due to Border Closure: Class of 2021 was supposed to depart for their trip on Feb. 22 but are yet to leave pg. 5 New principal to step in over the summer: Future administrator enthusiastic to join staff from Bullis High School pg. 6-7

priority, and this agreement helps ensure that we are able to do just that. As we embark on a full year since our initial COVID-19 lockdown, we are so happy that our staff has expanded greatly this past year and that we are now able to see our whole staff at in-person meetings outside. Most of all, we are thrilled to be Editors-in-Chief this year. We both love the Lion’s Tale and are so thankful for the opportunity to continue learning and progressing as journalists. We look forward to growing the Lion’s Tale magazine, website and community throughout our time as Editors-in-Chief. We wish you the best and hope that you enjoy our new issue.

— opinion — Conspiracy theories must be shut down: pg. 8 Saying goodbye to gerrymandering: Governor Larry Hogan’s executive order takes necessary steps towards protecting our democracy pg. 9

Editors-in-Chief

— in-depth — A lost year: On the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown, a look at how life has changed pg. 12-17

Pro vs. Con: You shouldn’t unfriend someone because of their political beliefs pg. 10-11

Catching up with former principal Marc Lindner: A look into past administrator’s new job at Sinai Akiba Academy in California pg. 7

— features — Connecting classmates: Grade governments work to continue organizing engaging events despite the constraints of the pandemic pg. 18 Back to the beginning: Seniors return to the Lower School to help proctor classrooms pg. 19

— sports — Staying active: Exercise is an outlet for stressful times pg. 22 Spring sports: Athletes share their excitement about the upcoming spring season pg. 23

— a&e — Convenient coffee stop: A cozy cafe on Rockville Pike is the perfect place to hang with friends after school pg. 24 The show must go 0n: Pandemic impacts performing arts pg. 25 Pull Up a Seat: A guide to local spots for outdoor dining pg. 26-27

Contracting COVID: For students who test positive, uncertainty and fear arise pg. 20-21

March 2021

The Lion’s Tale Staff

Ella Waldman is currently watching “The Vampire Diaries.” Her favorite character is Damon.

Editors-in-Chief Mischa Trainor & Eva Bard Managing Editor, Copy Rochelle Berman Assistant Copy Editor Harry Davidson In-Depth Editor Maya Preuss News Editors Sophie Kaplan & Daniela Abrams Features Editors Ella Waldman & Ivan Endelman Sports Editors Matan Silverberg & Aaron Gallo Arts and Entertainment Editors Eitan Malkus & Zara Ducker Editorial Cartoonist Ariana Ravitz Reporters Aaron Adams, Lincoln Aftergood, Jonah Beinart, Sam Berns, Elliot Bramson, Lielle Coombe, Ellie Fischman, Kaylah Goldrich, Benny Hasenberg, Rena Katz, Sasha Karasik, Ellie Levine, Sean Levitan, Hannah May, Lena Nadaner, Nini Panner, Eliot Rogal, Jared Schreiber, Max Schwartz & Shani Schwartz Staff Adviser Jessica Nassau Adviser Emerita Susan Zuckerman

Harry Davidson’s favorite fish is a hammerhead shark because they look different than all other fish.

If Lincoln Aftergood could be named after any U.S. president, he would want to be named after Calvin Coolidge.

Editorial and Ethics Policy As the student newspaper of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, The Lion’s Tale is a public forum for student opinion and expression. All content is determined by students. Its purpose is to inform the CESJDS community and to express the views of its staff and readers. The staff has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of its news. Signed columns reflect the opinion of the writer; staff editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of The Lion’s Tale editorial board. The Lion’s Tale staff welcomes

letters to the editor and guest columns, all of which must be signed. The staff reserves the right to refuse any material and may edit letters or columns for length, clarity, libel, obscenity and/or disruptiveness. All other contents copyright of The Lion’s Tale. All rights reserved. Submissions may be emailed to jdslionstale@gmail.com, mailed to The Lion’s Tale or brought to room 320. The Lion’s Tale is funded by The Simon Hirshman Endowment for the Upper School Newspaper and The Kuttner-Lev-

enson Endowment for the Upper School Cultural Arts and Student Publications, and community advertisements. The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse advertisement for any reason. The staff will adhere to the ethics policies of The Society of Professional Journalists and the National Scholastic Press Association. The adviser will be held to the Journalism Education Association’s Adviser Code of Ethics.

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

— news —

Prayer panel

Council of high school representatives works to improve Zman Kodesh program Matan Silverberg Sports Editor

Zman Kodesh student council, led by learning specialist Brett Kugler, began meeting this semester to brainstorm ways to improve the virtual version of Zman Kodesh, the morning prayer program. “Hopefully, our goal is to increase attendance in Zman Kodesh and have more people enjoy it and learn something,” said freshman Alec Silberg, who is a member of the Council. “To me, the Council is a way for us to make the most of our time in what could be the most impactful time at school.” Previously, running the Zman Kodesh program was one of the responsibilities of the Director of Jewish Life; however, that position has been vacant since the end of last school year. Kugler, who has been a prominent leader in Zman Kodesh for 15 years, currently leads the Sephardic Mechitza Minyan. Kugler was temporarily appointed to the role of overseeing the Zman Kodesh program until the Director of Jewish Life position is filled. Head of School Rabbi Malkus decided it was not necessary to fill the vacancy while in distance or hybrid learning because many of the position’s responsibilities, such as running Shabbatonim, are not relevant right now. “We’re not recruiting right now for a Director of Jewish Life … we made

Zman Kodesh Council statistics 4

March 2021

a decision that we did not want to bring anyone in from the outside in the middle of COVID. It just felt like it didn’t make a lot of sense,” Malkus said. “Mr. Kugler is someone who has expertise in tefillah (prayer), and he’s been involved in the work we’ve been trying to do with tefillah, and so it made a lot of sense for him to step into that role.” Kugler came up with the idea to create a council. He gathered two representatives from each high school Zman Kodesh to meet every two weeks and brainstorm ways to improve the experience. Kugler wanted to give students a chance to share their Zman Kodesh experiences and make suggestions for improvement. He tried to get a mix of genders and ages in order to make everyone feel that their voice is heard. The Council has met twice thus far. The meetings were mainly introductory as students shared their experiences and aspirations for the program. Junior Talia Jacobsohn, a member of the journaling Zman Kodesh and a representative on the Council, enjoyed hearing the experiences of other members. “It’s interesting to see how the other minyans are doing and the struggles they’re having,” Jacobsohn said. While many believe virtual Zman Kodesh does not foster the same connection as in-person, Kugler noted that having a virtual program indeed comes with significant bene-

representatives from each Zman Kodesh are on the Council

“I hope that the start of the Zman Kodesh library and the Zman Kodesh council are the beginnings to... inspire students so they can feel like, ‘Wow, this is an opportunity that I have that I want to get up early in the morning for.’” - Learning Specialist Brett Kugler

Kugler has led Zman Kodesh for

years

fits. The virtual platform has allowed Kugler to bring in guest speakers from all over the world to speak to his minyan, including Micaela Pavoncello, owner and founder of Jewish Roma Walking Tours. “To be able to speak to somebody who is sitting in Rome who is a member of the great synagogue of Rome is incredibly empowering,” Kugler said. “To have that opportunity on Zoom, to be able to look and have an entire screen where everyone is praying in that same synagogue because all of the students tour this synagogue, is an amazing thing.” In addition to the council, Kugler is opening a Zman Kodesh library section in the Levitt Media Center, which aims to serve as a helpful resource for staff and students to read about prayer and other aspects of Zman Kodesh. Kugler hopes that the Zman Kodesh Council and library will be foundational for enhancing and progressing the Zman Kodesh program. “A spark in a dark room is pretty powerful, but if you can build that spark up to a big fire, it’s tremendous how quickly that can take over in a really positive way,” Kugler said. “... So I hope that the start of the ZK library and the ZK council are the beginnings to... inspire students so they can feel like, ‘Wow, this is an opportunity that I have that I want to get up early in the morning for.’”

Council meets

1 time a month

Israel trip delayed due to border closure

Class of 2021 planned to depart for their trip on Feb. 22 but are yet to leave Sam Berns Reporter ffffThe Irene and Daniel Simpkins Israel Capstone Trip has been postponed due to the Ben Gurion Airport shutdown, which reopened for a controlled number of Israeli citizens on March 7. However, American citizens are still not allowed into the country. CESJDS is trying to have the seniors arrive in Israel before spring break so that the seniors can avoid quarantining during Passover. As of now, it is not known whether this is a realistic goal because of the extended airport shutdown for foreigners. “I believe that they will go; they won’t have a 12 week trip, but I believe they will have at least a seven or eight week trip,” Dean of Students and Interim High School Principal Roslyn Landy said. “At the moment, AMHSI [Alexander Muss High School in Israel] is still trying to get them to leave before Pesach. There is another week to 10 days when that can happen; and if not, then right after, during Chol Ha’moed [intermediate days of a holiday when travel is allowed], there is another big window for them.” Israel closed the Ben Gurion Airport in an attempt to end the spread of the coronavirus coming into the country. In the past, Israel’s lockdowns have slowed the spread of the virus, but cases always rise when the country reopens. Israel is hoping that the combination of mass vaccine distribution and the closing of its borders will drastically minimize

cases. According to The Jerusalem Post, over half of Israel has received at least the first dose of the vaccine. Though COVID-19 has raised some safety concerns about the trip, senior Ariel Wasserstein is still looking forward to the trip and trusts that JDS will keep everyone safe while in Israel. “I am not really nervous personally. I am not ignoring that [COVID-19] exists or saying that [COVID-19] is not a big deal because we all know it is,” Wasserstein said. “I trust what the school has been doing, and I trust that the school will make this the best and safest trip that they could possibly do.” Once the seniors arrive in Israel, they will quarantine for two weeks together. To ensure their safety, they will travel and live in a bubble to limit their exposure to the virus. Once in Israel, the seniors will not longer have to social distance from one another. In addition to the variety of activities that individuals are participating in to fill their free time, there have also been a limited number of programs planned through AMHSI. “We had a meeting where we met the teachers we will have once we get to Israel and we had a Kahoot where we learned about Israeli history and the AMHSI campus where we will stay,” senior Sophie Shrock said. But despite school activities and other diversions, seniors are apprehensively awaiting a decision regarding their trip.

Senior Spotlight

Brian Epstein

“I have been able to see my friends outside with masks when the cold isn’t too terrible. My friends and I also have developed a great passion for college basketball, so we spend a lot of time watching games and talking about it with each other.”

BY THE NUMBERS 3 weeks

after the class of 2021 was supposed to leave for Israel, they are still in Maryland

63%

of the grade is planning on attending the trip

“It’s difficult every day just waiting and living life in a loop. It’s not a situation in our control, so I feel powerless,” Wasserstein said. ffffWhile awaiting updates from the Israeli government, Landy understands that seniors and senior parents would like daily updates but asks for understanding, as the decisions are out of the school’s hands. “We just ask for everybody’s patience. We are sharing every piece of news that we receive … it is all in the hands of the Israeli government right now,” Landy said.

1.5 months

after Israel’s borders closed, they remain closed to foreigners

45%

of Israel’s population has been vaccinated

Seniors Tali Kuperberg, Jack Weizner and Jonathan Morris utilize extra time to explore the outdoors. photo courtesy of Jonathan Morris

*as of March 10 *statistics according to Roslyn Landy and The Jerusalem Post

As time passes still in the country, the weather gets warmer and Tess Mendelson spends more time outside reading. photo courtesy of Tess Mendelson

Emma Nitkin

“I hang out with my friends when it is safe and we can do things outdoors since we don’t want to get sick before the trip. … I have been sewing and binging ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ since I finally have time to catch up on all of the seasons.”

photos courtesy of Brian Epstein and Emma Nitkin

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

New principal to step in over the summer Future adminstrator enthusiastic to join staff from Bullis High School Kaylah Goldrich Reporter or incoming High School Principal and Associate Head of School Dr. Lisa Vardi, working in education was not something that she always dreamed of. In fact, she “kind of stumbled into it” when living in Israel with her Israeli husband. Vardi was looking for a job when she came across an advertisement in the newspaper; the Ministry of Education was looking for native English speakers to teach in schools. The rest is history. Vardi has been working in education for 24 years, initially a teacher in Haifa at Leo Beck Junior High School. When she moved back to the United States she worked at Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, Maryland for eight years as a teacher and Global Studies Coordinator. She taught AP NSL government and AP Comparative Government and Politics.

For the last 13 years, Vardi worked at Bullis School as the director of Teaching and Learning. She also received a master’s degree in secondary education and received a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University in May of 2020. “I loved being with kids,” Vardi said. “I loved thinking about how to be creative in the classroom, how to empower students and also how to be part of really young vibrant individuals that will go on and make change in the world.” Additionally, Vardi prides herself on being very student-centered and is always thinking about what is in the best interest of the students. At her past three schools, Vardi worked hard to prioritize the needs of the students and hopes to bring this value to the CESJDS community. Her two children also attended the Lower School several years ago,

“I loved thinking about how to be creative in the classroom, how to empower students and also how to be part of really young vibrant individuals that will go on and make change in the world.”

-Dr. Lisa Vardi

so working here feels like “coming home” for her. “I know the JDS community, and I just know the great reputation of the high school. So I am super excited to be able to join it,” Vardi said. Working in education during a pandemic gave Vardi the opportunity to think about infusing more technology in education in order to enhance what goes on in the classroom. “I think there’s an opportunity to change the way we assess students,” Vardi said. “Like this paper and pen kind of test, can’t really do that this year… so might there be a better way that students can demonstrate their learning?” She believes the most important aspect of a school is building a relationship with the students and teachers. It can be difficult to achieve that while online, so her initial goal as new high school principal is to ensure that students and teachers are moving forward as a community.

Get to Know Dr. Lisa Vardi

Israel

Education

Hobbies

Vardi with her two sons at the beach in Tel Aviv. Although her husband is Israeli, she no longer lives there and went back for a summer vacation.

After completing a three year long course at the Peadbody College of Education at Vanderbilt University, Vardi was filled with “pride and joy.”

Vardi is in the process of reading this stack of books. Her love for books plays a big part in her being an “avid learner.”

March 2021

One of the reasons Vardi pursued this position is because JDS has such a strong, pluralistic community. Vardi believes that many of the values she holds align with the values the school espouses. Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), for example, is infused into the JDS curriculum. “That’s sort of beyond community service,” Vardi said. “But how do you empower students to go out and be change-makers in the world?” Vardi is also a big believer in experiential education. When she was in high school, Vardi joined a program called Amigas de Los Amer-

FAST FACTS Vardi made an appearance as Madonna in “The Wedding Singer,” the musical at Bullis. Vardi spent one month studying Russian at Pushkin Language Institute in Moscow, Russia.

icas, where she spent four weeks in northern Costa Rica vaccinating baby cows. This specific experience altered the way she values experiential learning and global studies. Vardi believes working in education taught her to take risks, persevere and always be a learner. She is enrolled in Harvard’s Certificate in School Management and Leadership online course, and she has recently finished the Leading People course and hopes to finish the other courses in the program over the next year. She is looking forward to getting to know the high school stu-

dents and is prepared to incorporate her background into her new role. “I can only bring in my values and I can only bring in my learning,” Vardi said. “I think it’s premature to say, ‘Here is my vision and here is what I want to do.’ I can bring in my experiences, I can look, learn and listen.”

Catching up with former principal Marc Lindner A look into the past administrator’s new job at Sinai Akiba Academy in California Dr. Lindner overlooking the beautiful view of Los Angeles from his home. Stepping into the new role as Head of School at Sinai Akiba Academy.

Mischa Trainor Editor-in-Chief Former principal Dr. Marc Lindner returned to Los Angeles to assume the role of Head of School at Sinai Akiba Academy. Lindner was High School Principal and Associate Head of School of CESJDS for four years. During his time, he oversaw the beginning of distance learning. As Head of School, Lindner oversees all of the operations of the school, supervises all the administrators, works on the budget and represents the Sinai Akiba Academy community. Sinai Akiba Academy is a Jewish day school that runs from kindergarten through eighth grade. “My favorite part about my new job is that I get to build on a very strong foundation, strong Jewish tradition, Jewish values that have been here and find ways to move the school to its next levels

“We hope to be able to visit and definitely welcome anybody from JDS that happens to be visiting, you know, LA we’d love to see them.” -Dr. Marc Lindner

and to the future,” Lindner said. Lindnerhenjoyedjmany aspects of JDS during his time working there, and he believes that JDS is an amazing school that excels both in general and Judaic studies. “When I moved to Maryland to work at JDS, I had the expectation that it was really [one of the best] Jewish day schools in the country in terms of its program, both in general studies and Judaics, or Jewish studies. That was true. And I still believe that to be true,” Lindner said. “So I miss, you know, all of the excellent work that students and faculty do at JDS.” Lindner and his family made the move from Maryland to California over the summer. Despite moving cross country during a pandemic and having to observe social distancing guidelines, it went well. Lindner

and his family lived in California previously so coming back was an easy adjustment. “This is where my wife grew up. She was born here and where she grew up, where I lived for 20 years before we moved to Maryland. So it felt very much like just coming back home,” Lindner said. The people at JDS are one of the things that Lindner misses the most about his time there. Lindner and his family look forward to visiting Maryland in the future and reconnecting with the JDS community. “I miss the people at JDS,” Lindner said. “JDS is a fabulous, wonderful community of bright, ambitious, smart, soulful people in my opinion, and I really do miss the people very much and the entire community.”

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

— opinion —

Cartoon by Ariana Ravitz

Conspiracy theories must be shut down Conspiracy theories are not a new phenomenon, but recent platforms have brought them more attention and strength than ever. These conspiracy theories are immensely dangerous to both the credibility of our information and the Jewish people, who are continually targeted. People in power that support conspiracy theories, such as Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, continue to exacerbate the problem. Along with many other absurd theories, Greene claimed that “Rothschild Inc.” was responsible for forest fires by shooting space lasers down to Earth. The Rothschild family accumulated great wealth in the 18th century from their banking establishment and serve as the perfect example of Jewish power and wealth. Many of the conspiracy theories Greene continues to support and advance are rooted in a fear of Jews having too much power. Similarly, in 2018, Washington, D.C. Council member Trayon White Sr. posted a video claiming that the winter storm was caused by climate manipulation by the Rothschilds.

March 2021

But it’s not just Greene or White. In 2020, The New York Times found that 37% of Americans believe that there is one group secretly controlling the world. Instead of trying to understand the complexities of the world, conspiracy theorists take the easy route out and search for simple explanations, even though they are often absurd. Why learn the intricate science behind climate change when you can just explain this phenomenon with something more basic? With a multitude of stereotypes attached to Jews throughout history, Jews never cease to be the scapegoat. So long as there is a stereotype of power-hungry and rich Jews, there will be conspiracy theories rooted in the idea that they control the world. In addition to conspiracy theories being a result of antisemitism, they also can dangerously encourage and spread it. Because these conspiracy theories make Jews out to be all-powerful and threatening, people feel more justified in attacking them. Although both White’s and Greene’s comments were about the weather, at their roots these conspiracy theories are perpetuating

“Without putting a stop to these theories, they simply linger in the air, waiting for another public figure to give the theory a bigger push into the spotlight.”

the antisemitic trope that Jews are corrupt and control the world. Instead of taking action against conspiracy theories, we often just make fun of them and laugh. While this might be the easier response, we can no longer accept it as an appropriate reaction. We must put more effort towards supporting trustworthy news outlets and calling out media that spread misinformation. We must advocate for a more comprehensive study of antisemitism in all curriculums and engage in more conversations with non-Jews about Jewish history. Without putting a stop to these theories, they simply linger in the air waiting for another public figure to give the theory a bigger push into the spotlight. We must shift our reaction from laughs to actions, and do as much as we can to put these dangerous theories to rest.

-The Lion’s Tale

Saying goodbye to gerrymandering Governor Larry Hogan’s executive order takes necessary steps towards protecting our democracy

Jared Schreiber Reporter reedy partisan redistricting, known as gerrymandering, has undoubtedly contributed to America’s current political divisiveness. Maryland has, unfortunately, been guilty of this for too long. However, Governor Larry Hogan’s Executive Order, which he signed on Jan. 12, will finally address this issue by creating a nonpartisan commision to draw district lines. This revolutionary order will not only help to facilitate political unity, but it will also return sovereignty to the people. The number of congressional and state legislative districts apportioned to states are determined using census data taken every ten years. The partisan state legislatures can then pass redistricting plans that are skewed to benefit their political party and ensure that they keep their seats in the state legislature. While governors do have to approve these plans, the state legislature can overturn a governor’s veto.

Historically, gerrymandering has been a major issue in our state. After Maryland’s 2011 redistricting, GerrY more than 700 thousand peoples’ mandeRing voting districts, including 70 thouGuide sand Republicans, were changed according to the Brennan Center for Justice and The Atlantic. For reference, 700 thousand is about A phrase used for double the population of Howard manipulating the County and roughly 100 thousand district lines shy of the total population of Baltimore County. This shifting of districts was In order to ensure clearly a political power play. Forthat a party wins mer Democratic Governor Martin as many seats as O’ Malley explained in a deposition possible in the that part of his intent in proposing government new districts was to make it more probable for Democrats to win congressional and state legislative Both Republicans seats. This intentional voter interand Democrats have ference is truly problematic as the gerrymandered government has an equal responsibility to represent all its citizens, regardless of their party affiliation. The Republican voice has The U.S. conducts been silenced in Maryland by a new census to Democratic gerrymandering, which determine state gives the representatives in-power populations, and no incentive to take Republithen they create can opinions into account. This new district lines every ten years furthers the political divide since the congressmen are only representing the Democratic interests, as opposed to all of the interests of their district.

What Why

Who

When

Hogan’s order will address these issues in various ways. By creating a commission consisting of equal numbers of Democrats, independents and Republicans, one political party is unable to have complete control over how the maps are drawn, which reduces the chance of gerrymandering. To further increase the people’s involvement in the process, the commission is also required to hold public hearings, giving assurance to those not on the committee that their vote will have meaning. The concepts of popular sovereignty and republicanism is fundamental to our society. This order will restore sovereignty into the hands of the people and will further carry out the intent of republicanism, ensuring that representatives will be held more accountable to their constituents. Even though Hogan is fundamentally a Republican governor, this action will truly benefit everyone and the principles of our democracy. By ensuring political equality in our state, the commission will allow the voice of the Maryland people to be heard regardless of which party has a majority in the state legislature.

thoughts on gerrymandering History teacher Natalie Levitan

Junior Zach Abrams

“Often the districts that are drawn are drawn to benefit one political party and that’s not necessarily taking the people’s best interest in mind ... If you have more rural parts of your state, it seems more fair to have that as one voice and the cities be one voice.”

“I like the idea that you have both parties working at drawing the district lines because both of the parties are making the decisions, so hopefully there is enough back and forth that any sort of influence or advantage anyone is trying to gain is canceled out by someone else on the committee.”

Photos courtesy of Natalie Levitan and Zach Abrams

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

PRO Hannah May Reporter A good friend will support you no matter what your political beliefs are. An even better friend will challenge you to dive deeper into your opinions. Without these difficult conversations, we would always be stuck in our old ways. At sleepaway camp, I had a friend whose opinions I disagreed with. One night, we got into an argument about abortion rights. Even though I did not agree with his point of view, while he was talking I had no choice but to stay quiet and listen. By the end of the argument we both walked away with a newfound respect for the opposing side. Now that I acknowledge his viewpoint, I am able to better understand where he’s coming from and even how to strengthen my own argument. Having friends with different viewpoints is essential for keeping an open mind and staying educated on important topics. It is important to know that your friends follow

their own moral compass. It is acceptable to distance yourself from them if they refuse to listen to other ideas. Also, if their beliefs are outright offensive or completely ignorant, leaving them is understandable. But if they simply have different opinions, hear them out. A political conversation is dangerous ground, but while these conversations may be perilous, they are essential towards building an educated and prepared society. We live in a persistent social media echo chamber: an environment where a person only comes across information or opinions that reinforce their own. We are not used to hearing opinions other than our own. That is why it is more important than ever to have in-depth conversations with those we disagree with. These conversations can change our own views and strengthen relationships with people on the opposite side. Echo chambers only reflect our own beliefs, leaving no room for us to learn and grow politically. According to “Inside the Social Media Echochamber” written by Jack Karsten and Darrell M. West, about a third of social media users do not see much diversity of opinion appearing on their feeds. Furthermore, a TechTank study by Jack Karsten and Darrell

“We

are not used to hearing opinions other than our own. That is why it is more important than ever to have indepth conversations with those we disagree with. These conversations can change our own views and strengthen relationships with people on the oppostive side.”

M. West states that 35% of social media users say posts from friends or family present just one set of viewpoints. This means that we are not hearing the flipside of the coin when it comes to political debate. Our feeds merely reinforce our own opinions. Therefore, finding your information from a friend with different beliefs is more important now than ever. Meanwhile, 69% of social media users say they would like to see more diverse viewpoints from their online social circle. This data from the same study emphasizes how crucial conversations about opposing opinions can be in maintaining relationships. If I hadn’t discussed abortion rights with my friend from sleepaway camp, neither of us would have had the opportunity to understand what we are truly fighting for. Moreover, without these discussions, we would drift away from each other, convinced the other person would never understand, without really trying. Having debates with friends who you disagree with helps develop personal opinions and has the power to change their opinion. If you can manage a calm and mature conversation with your friends, I encourage you to have one.

Share your thoughts at lionstale.org 10

March 2021

You shouldn’t unfriend someone because of their political beliefs

CON

Ellie Fischman Reporter Coexistence between people of conflicting ideals is a myth. We cling to it like a buoy in the middle of the vast sea of the modern political landscape, when all it does is weigh us down and force us to sink. It is an illusion that compels us to sacrifice our morals simply because another person may not share them. Political conversations can be productive and re-shape our views, but they can also cause rifts between friends with irreconcilable values. It is natural to drift from your friends in such a politically-charged time, so if that happens, it is nothing to feel guilty about. Personally, my politics are not simply guided by my values—they are ingrained in the fabric of my being. I am a member and an ally of minorities. For me, conversations about politics aren’t simply musings about the world we live in and possibilities for the future—they are personal. Learning that friends have harshly different political opinions has taken a toll on the mental health of a large percentage of the population. A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the collision of friends and politics stresses out nearly 40% of Americans. A jarring 4% reported

politically-related suicidal thoughts, which is roughly ten million people. Friendships with people that hold different views lead to unavoidable tension, and when they are taken to an extreme, they can harm one’s mental health. I do not intend to say that you should never be friends with someone who has different opinions than you do. However, I think we should be conscious of the effects these friendships may have on us. We always need to be aware of it and ask ourselves certain questions: Are our political conversations tolerant or toxic? Do I feel like the values guiding our opinions align? Does knowledge of this friend’s political opinion make me less inclined to trust them? Knowing our friends’ views can enlighten us to the core values that guide them. If someone has a drastically different opinion on a certain issue, chances are that they have good intentions and merely see the issue differently. However, they also may have alternative priorities that will inevitably create a divide in the relationship. I might be able to disagree with someone about something semantical, but if a friend of mine doesn’t recognize the inherent value of human life, I will lose my ability to be tolerant. This fundamental difference in values will express itself in other ways within our relationship regardless of whether the conversation is about politics. Political scientists Shanto Iyengar from Stanford University and Sean J. Westwood from Princeton University found that sepa-

“I believe that you are allowed to be sensitive. You are allowed to take politics personally. You are allowed to stop being friends with someone because they hold views that attack your identity, especially if they aren’t willing to change.”

ration based on politics is strong enough to make people hostile toward one another. “[People of opposing political beliefs] engage in confrontation rather than cooperation,” their findings said. Is this really a healthy foundation for a friendship? If that hostility is present, you need to put yourself first. There have been times when I’ve seen a tweet or article online that makes me shake with anger because it attacks who I am in such a fundamental way. That fury, frustration and disbelief that I am certain we have all felt recently is like poison to a friendship. Friendships where we can confide in each other about precisely these emotions are essential for us to cope with the current state of the world. In our polarized society, there is a lot of pressure to support some illusion that it is weak to combine our emotions with our politics. There is a culture of needing to “toughen up” and a prominent idea that standing up for yourself is intolerant. I believe that you are allowed to be sensitive. You are allowed to take politics personally. You are allowed to stop being friends with someone because they hold views that attack your identity, especially if they aren’t willing to change.

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

— in-depth —

A lost year On the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown, a look at how life has changed

Maya Preuss In-Depth Editor

Ivan Endelman Features Editor

Daniela Abrams News Editor

Cover and In-depth photos by Noah Hoch

March 2021

ne year after a two-week lockdown was announced by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on March 12, the world has yet to return to normal. Daily life has significantly changed this past year as the mask mandate and heavy restrictions are still in effect. The anticipation of receiving a vaccine is now a prime topic of conversation. While CESJDS students have had to adjust to new ways of learning and social interaction, they have simultaneously stepped up throughout the community. By manufacturing face shields, participating in social justice initiatives and maintaining a sense of community, students stepped up to the challenge. Social life goes virtual Throughout the last year, COVID-19 significantly changed students’ social lives, forcing them to adapt to a new normal in order to maintain their friendships and come up with creative ways to spend time together while still taking precautions. It can be hard to maintain consistent communication with friends if the only contact is over the phone. Constant texts can be tiring, and they do not replace seeing each other in person. “I have definitely become more distant with some friends but not because of a fallout or anything,” sophomore Yaeli Greenblum said. “It’s not because I wanted to but just because it’s a lot of work to text twenty people all day.” Sophomore Samuel Schreiber also feels that he has drifted from friends because of the ongoing pan-

demic. It is especially hard during winter when outside hangouts are not as pleasant, and students feel less inclined to go see friends because they do not want to endure the cold. “I don’t see friends nearly as much anymore, and basically everything we do is outside,” Schreiber said. “Also, at the beginning of quarantine, I didn’t see friends at all because my parents were really cautious and strict.” Other students chose to keep a positive outlook on quarantining and the pandemic. Some students still feel that they have been able to maintain their friendships and do not mind virtual communication. “My communication with friends has definitely changed a lot, since now there’s a lot more communication through my phone. But I think after I got used to it, it didn’t turn out to be too bad,” junior Adam Drexler said. “And at the very least, we’ll all have improved our virtual communication skills by the time this pandemic is over.” According to Greenblum, she has not been able to see her friends as often because it is harder to socialize during school hours when there are so many safety precautions in place. “I’ve noticed that hanging out with friends is more special now, so when it does happen, everyone’s more excited to see each other,” Greenblum said. Students have come up with creative ways to make seeing each other more enjoyable, especially throughout the colder months of the year. Many have been making bonfires or doing physical activities

Jan. 11

The first death caused by COVID-19 was recorded in Wuhan, China Data courtesy of Think Global Health and The New York Times

“So all those things have been challenging. I can tell you I have been at this job for 44 years. I have never worked so hard because everything is new, and we need to create and recreate often.” - Dean of Students and Interim High School Principal Roslyn Landy

Jan. 21

The U.S. confirms its first case in Washington state

to keep them warm. “Some of us have fire pits, so we will gather around the fire and just wear really warm clothes and pretty much stay outside until it’s too cold and then text our parents, ‘We’re frozen. Can you pick us up?’” Greenblum said. Not only is socializing with friends more challenging, but it has become increasingly harder for grades to bond. As congregating in the hallways is no longer safe, many do not come in contact with students who are not in their classes and typically only see their classmates in-person during hybrid learning. However, Dean of Students and Interim High School Principal Roslyn Landy hopes that when the weather gets warmer, there will be more opportunities for grades to have events after school on Wednesdays. Grade events help students bond with their peers, which will be especially helpful for new students. For example, sophomore Elana Skolnick-Einhorn recently moved to Maryland, and it has been particularly hard for her to become close with other students during the pandemic. “It’s been much harder to adjust to a new school during COVID just because I do not really know what a typical year at [CESJDS] has been like,” Skolnick-Einhorn said. “The kids I’ve talked to have been welcoming, but it’s definitely an adjustment and it’s much easier when we’re in person.” While students have suffered during this tough time, many of them will come out of the pandemic with important communication

Jan. 30 WHO declares the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern The Lion’s Tale Magazine

skills that will be useful later in life and help students stay in touch with friends they do not see often. JDS transitions to hybrid After a summer of preparation and investments in COVID-19 precautions, JDS began the complicated process of transitioning to a hybrid model. Administrators have had to work at trying to get as many grades in the building each week while abiding by the state’s COVID-19 safety requirements. After working out these problems, a new routine for JDS students emerged, involving two days of in-person school a week, long lunches and COVID-19 friendly classrooms. When the general classrooms were unable to accommodate large classes, the school utilized unconventional classroom spaces and added plexiglass to many classrooms once students began to attend in-person school. “So all those things have been challenging,” Landy said. “I can tell you I have been at this job for 44 years. I have never worked so hard because everything is new, and we need to create and recreate often.” With this new model, teachers had to decide whether they would teach in-person or continue online. For those that were able to come into school, classes gained a semblance of normality, even with masks and plexiglass. But for those teachers who remained online, zooming into a classroom filled with students was another bizarre situation. “Teaching from home while in hybrid-learning mode has been a challenge both because of techno-

March 12-13 States across the U.S. announce school closures

BY THE NUMBERS 11%

of Maryland’s population has completed vaccination

>18,000

people have died from COVID-19 in the DMV

6,152

reported cases per 100,000 residents in the DMV

people are currently hospitalized for COVID-19 per 100,000 in Maryland Data courtesy of The Washington Post

logical hurdles and the fact that it feels even harder to connect with students than it does when everyone is at home on Zoom,” Jewish history teacher Dr. Dan Rosenthal said. “However, everyone is stepping up to make sure that things are still running as smoothly as possible and that classes are still valuable, challenging and rewarding.” For students, the new and unique hybrid schedule has provided some with surprising benefits, such as increased free time. With longer breaks between classes and a 55 minute lunch break, students have the opportunity to catch up with friends, leave campus for a meal or simply relax. “Lunch is now a time where I can decompress with friends and take a break from all the stressful tasks I attend to today. Having a long lunch also allows me to go outside a lot more than I did back when we had school five days a week,” junior Sean Rich said. As students, teachers, administrators and JDS families have adapted to online learning and then hybrid learning, new and unique hurdles have arisen. However, hybrid learning has proved to be a key step towards an eventual return towards normality. “I have been absolutely blown away by the resilience of our community… people pulling together and facing the challenge and disappointment with a collective grit and a tenacious, positive, can-do attitude. I have also been impressed by the dedication of our faculty and the strength of our students and families,” high school guidance counselor Melissa Gartner said.

Students use their voices, support community Whether it was volunteering, spreading awareness for social issues or raising money, JDS students stepped up during a difficult year. While traveling and large gatherings were restricted, that did not deter students from participating in online events and remaining active on Instagram. Junior Zoe Wertlieb was one student who did not stop using her voice when the coronavirus hit. From fitness related social media posts to activism events and clubs, Wertlieb played her part in bettering the community. “I think a part of it is just being in 11th-grade; there are a lot more opportunities open for me, so I don’t know how different my activism would be if COVID wasn’t happening,” Wertlieb said. “I think that for the social media part of it, I definitely have more time to be on social media and look at the news and everything because I’m at home all the time so I think in that sense it has increased.” Wertlieb also attended events that focused on spreading awareness about sexual assault and racial injustice, and she participated in two fellowships with a focus on feminism. “Since the majority of our student body is white or white-passing, I think it is even more so our responsibility to educate ourselves instead of relying on other people, like Black people, Native Americans, Latinos, just minorities in general,” Wertlieb said. While students like Wertlieb

March 13

April 28

Former President Trump declares a state of National Emergency

The U.S. records over one million coronavirus cases

March 2021

have increased their activism in general, other students have done community service directly correlating to COVID-19. As the need for masks in the community became apparent, eighth-grader Jenna Bortnick decided to do her part by manufacturing bands for face shields and drawstrings for masks. By using technology from science department chair Kimberly Agzigian, she was able to create hundreds of face shields and distribute them to hospitals and other local businesses. “I was actually watching this commercial about people 3-D printing masks, or parts for face shields, and I thought to myself, ‘You know, I can do that,’” Bortnick said. “So I brought home the printer and got to work.” Bortnick’s 3-D printing class is what inspired her to tackle this project, and it turned out to be much easier than planned. Much of the coding was preprogrammed, so the difficult part for her was fixing the printer when there were mechanical issues that arose. “I started over the summer, and with the help of my mom, made around 10 a day, so by the end of the summer we produced more than 500 products,” Bortnick said. “It felt good, you know, because I actually feel like I made use of my summer at home.” Distributing vaccines Over the past year, first responders have had to step up to care for the ones who need it most. At the beginning of November, Emily Briton, vice-president of Professional Services at MedStar Wash-

ington Hospital Center and parent of second-grade student Maya Briton, signed on to co-lead the vaccine program being administered by MedStar Health. Part of her role is to organize the vaccine distribution and make sure MedStar’s distribution program runs smoothly. “It’s been probably one of most rewarding parts of my career to be able to not just help lead the effort but to feel so good about when you see the people walking through our vaccine centers and the relief that’s on their faces,” Briton said. Both frontline healthcare workers and those behind the scenes have had to adjust their schedules. At the beginning of the pandemic, Briton and many coworkers would spend six to seven days at the hospital while also sleeping there. Whether people are spending more or less time at home because of the pandemic, everyone has had to adjust to a new way of life. The pandemic has additionally taught many people, including Briton, new aspects of themselves both personally and professionally. “With as tough as work is a lot of times [and how] just emotionally and physically draining some days [are], when I go home and I see my kids and my family and I get to be with them that’s what it’s all about,” Briton said. “It’s about being able to find joy in those things.” What’s next? There are many lessons to be learned from this past year, and many practices that were once thought of as abnormal that can now be brought into life after COVID-19. Although

if you knew about the Impending Pandemic last year, What would you do differently?

“I would have told myself not to stress as much and enjoy the free time by getting ahead in work and seeing friends more.” - Sophomore Noam Cohen

“I would reach out to more friends and keep in touch with more people and travel as much as I could before it started.” - Junior Eve Murdock

June 24

July 7

Sept. 28

Trials for a COVID-19 vaccine begin in South Africa

Former President Trump notifies Congress and the U.N. about their withdrawl from WHO

Global COVID-19 deaths pass one million

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

Best shows to binge during lockdown “Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun” Junior Nathan Gershengorn “iCarly” Sophomore Ella Elimelech “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Junior Rebecca Bender “Schitt’s Creek” Sophomore Coby Malkus “The Office” Freshman Sela Wertlieb “Outlander” Sophomore Brooke Cohen

Zoom and mask-wearing were once foreign concepts for most, they have become integral parts of society that could even remain useful after the end of the pandemic. Even though people are more adjusted to the virus than they were a year ago, it is still significantly affecting people’s daily lives. Within the school, all occupants are required to wear masks at all times unless at a social safe distance outside. “I think 99.9% of students are wearing their masks properly and maybe one slipped down. I certainly do not see that as a problem,”Landy said. “I think our students have done a wonderful job following the rules.” Additionally, even though the pandemic is at a turning point because of the distribution of vaccines, many questions continue to be left unanswered regarding a true return to a pre-COVID-19 life. “The real question is will you have to social distance six feet or three feet. If it’s three, it’s a little easier; you can supposedly get 20 kids in one classroom, but it has to be plexiglass,” Landy said. “The other question is are you all going to be vaccinated, and that’s a question that hasn’t been answered.” Through these unexpected times, everyone has had to adapt to a significantly new social climate, which has affected everyone in many different ways. People have learned how to maneuver the many changes in all aspects of life. People throughout the JDS community have suffered losses over the past year, whether with the death of a friend or family member or of what their life once was; every-

“With as tough as work is a lot of times [and how] just emotionally and physically draining some days [are], when I go home and I see my kids and my family and I get to be with them that’s what it’s all about.” - Vice President of Professional Services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Emily Briton

one has had to persevere through these difficult times. “We are connected and we are grateful, we are giving, and therefore, as a community are as resilient as any group of individuals can hope to be as we have weathered this hardship,” high school guidance counselor Rachel Soifer said. Since the ongoing pandemic has separated many people from their support systems physically, people have been forced to find new ways to be with family and friends. This has taught many that there is less of a need for elaborate outings, and sometimes it is better to simply spend time together, whether on Zoom or in-person. “I hope that we all learn from the past year what it means to be with those that we love and spend time with each other in a more meaningful way,” Briton said. “I hope that people take away from it that we don’t need all of those extra things that we thought that we needed sometimes; it’s nice to just be with our close family and friends that we’ve been able to be with.”

Dec. 11

Dec. 23

Feb. 22

The U.S. approves the first COVID-19 vaccine, PfizerBionNTech

The U.S. administers its first one million COVID-19 vaccines

The U.S. surpasses 500,000 coronavirus related deaths

March 2021

&AN epidemiologist

An ethicist

Rabbi Janet Ozur Bass

Do you think it’s okay for people to visit with extended family with holidays coming up?

“Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) has to come before everything else ... Yeah, we want to be together, but we figured out how to do a Zoom seder before, and we can use all the tools that we learned over this past year and do it again.”

In relation to the vaccine, to what extent do you think it ethical to prioritize certain groups’ health and safety?

“The people on the bioethics committees, they’re the ones who should be evaluating and setting up the protocols. And the rest of us, we just need to wait our turn and do our thing.”

Is there anything you feel like you want to add about this topic?

“I am now two weeks from my second shot, so I am fully, fully vaccinated and my immune system, God willing, is fighting COVID every time it encounters it. But in doing so, when I walk by you in school, I am protecting you too because you can’t have that vaccine. So I think that’s a really beautiful way to take care of you and to take care of all the people I work with and to take care of all of the people I care about in the larger community and even those people I’ve never met.”

dr. Enrique Schisterman

Once the vaccine is more widely available, do you think there should be a COVID-19 vaccine requirement to go back to school?

“I think the same way that we have a vaccine requirement for other serious diseases, there should be a requirement. So I think it’s part of the values of the JDS school to vaccinate everybody, to protect ourselves as well as protecting the community that’s around us.” Do you think it’s okay for people to visit with extended family with holidays coming up?

“What we do is what we call mitigation, so we try to reduce the risk as much as we can. So the more safety precautions are in place, the more safe it becomes. Not every family is going through the same situation. Some have grandparents or parents who are in a higher risk situation or kids who are in a higher risk situation, so it’s not that one shoe fits all.”

Is there anything you feel like you want to add about this topic?

“If you are in a group that is allotted to get vaccinated, please do so. It’s important to get vaccinated, the sooner the better. And on the other hand, if you are not, wait your turn.”

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

— features —

Connecting classmates

Grade governments work to continue organizing engaging events despite the constraints of the pandemic

Ella Waldman Features Editor With steam from boiling water fogging up their Zoom cameras, a small group of the junior class took the opportunity to chat, bond and have a good time from the comfort of their own kitchens as they waited for the water to be ready for the mac and cheese they were making. The cooking lesson was just one example in which the junior grade government had to adapt, but all grade governments have had to modify their plans because of the constraints that come with a pandemic in order to create fun and engaging programs. “It’s definitely more difficult than if we were in-person because a lot of grade bonding happens when you’re physically in the building and when you can hangout,” Talia Sporkin co-president of the Class of 2023 said. However, a year after quarantine began, more opportunities have opened up. Last spring, all events had to be completely virtual, but in recent months, in-person events have become possible. The sophomore and junior

grade governments both hosted inperson outdoor movie nights in the fall, and all grades held numerous online events, including a talent show, a Kahoot game night and a virtual movie night. Although students have enjoyed many of the programs, the overall experience of communicating with all grade government members and staying organized when everything is virtual has posed significant challenges. “The hardest part about virtual meetings is the lack of communication because our communication skills have to really be on point, … like when there are two groups of people doing the same thing and we have to clarify that, or it’s harder to get ideas across,” Gaby Goldberg, copresident of the Class of 2024, said. To deal with these challenges, the freshman class has been working hard to stay organized. The system they created includes a shared Google Drive where all members of the grade government have subfolders with their project materials. They also created to-do lists that they go through weekly to ensure they are staying on track. Through these efforts, the

BY THE NUMBERS

virtual events have run since the start of the pandemic

in-person events have occured since the start of the school year

students on average attend grade government events

students participate in grade government

grade governments are meeting their goals. Aside from grade bonding events, the junior grade government has made an effort to reach out to classmates to ensure that everyone is staying connected and enjoying the events. “We tried to set up a program where someone on [grade government] would send a text to everyone in the grade just to make sure that everyone was getting reached out to,” Nathan Gershengorn co-president of the class of 2022 said. Through the past year, grade government representatives feel they have worked diligently and continued to refine their practices. Looking ahead, they are excited for the opportunities that the coming months will bring. “I think our grade government has done a really good job during [COVID-19]. We’re definitely improving more; we’re planning more,” Sporkin said. “We’re thinking about the upcoming months, what can we do when the weather gets warmer, how can we help our grade. So I think that the class of 2023’s grade government is doing a good job.”

Pictured on left: the Junior class gathers at the back of the school to watch a movie at their outdoor grade event. Photo courtesy of Interim Assistant Dean, math teacher and Professional Development Coordinator Tori Ball. Pictured on right: Class of 2022 grade government members gather for a meeting to discuss an upcoming event. Photo courtesy of freshman secretary Julia Rich.

March 2021

Back to the beginning

voices from the den Senior Vivi Arking

Seniors return to the Lower School to help proctor classrooms Ari Werbin-Gradel Reporter As senior Vivi Arking walked into the Hebrew classroom she was proctoring, the Aryot characters and Hebrew books all over the room immediately caught her eye. They reminded her of days spent at the Lower School as she recognized each book from her early childhood. Now she and seven other senior proctors are able to share with the students the same experiences they had as lower schoolers. When the school began to transition from distanced learning to hybrid learning, proctors were needed to monitor classes for teachers who could not go into the building. With so much free time on their hands, some seniors decided to take the job. The proctors’ jobs are to help out in any way possible. They are on lunch and recess duty, substitute for teachers who are not in school and help tend to the kids who are learning virtually. “Because I am not going on the capstone trip to Israel, proctoring at the Lower School does a good job filling the void I might otherwise have from leaving [CESJDS] by allowing me to stay connected with the community, including other proctors from my grade,” senior proctor Jacob Svoysky said. For former students, going back to where it all started in the Lower School building is a memorable way to finish their time at JDS. Because of this, remembering and sharing great memories played a big part in their first weeks proctoring at the Lower School. “Hearing the morning announcements and proctoring during indoor PE in the upper gym and recess in the lower gym have also caused me to reminisce; even some of the music played during PE is the same and has some of my old memories attached to it,” Svoysky said.

Not only is proctoring beneficial for the seniors from a nostalgic and experiential point of view, it is also beneficial for current JDS students too. Students now have someone proctoring their classes that is relatable to them, as they have experienced a similar curriculum and learning environment. “The most enjoyable part of working there is the kids. The kids are so sweet, and they always find a way to make me laugh. I love seeing how they learn and how they interact with others,” Arking said. Proctoring is a useful opportunity for the seniors, especially since they do not do much during the day now that they have finished classes. “Since we are out of school, it is pretty boring at home especially since the weather was cold. So I really enjoy going into the school,” Arking said. The former students have been well received by the Lower School staff, who are extremely thankful for the help. Faculty also enjoy watching students reminisce about their early years at JDS, such as Lower School Principal Rabbi Matthew Bellas. “I heard some of the proctors walking in the hallways pointing out where their old lockers were and saying that the classroom looks so much smaller from what they remembered… They are definitely taking a walk down memory lane,” Bellas said. As former students return to their beloved Lower School, they receive the chance to experience one last memory before transitioning to college. “Just being inside the building, seeing my former classrooms and teachers and playgrounds and gyms have drawn out happy memories from my younger years,” Svoysky said.

“The morning announcements [are] probably the first thing I reminisced about. They have changed a lot and got much longer, but I remember hearing them everyday at the Lower School. I work in a first grade class and in the past two weeks, we have been making megillot. I remember doing this exact same project with in first grade so it was fun for me to tell the kids about my experience.”

Senior Ella Messler

“I did reminisce a lot about things that happened to me in the Lower School, like which classrooms I had been in and the way Rabbi Bellas does the morning announcements every day. The students still use some of the same curriculum and books that I used when I was at the Lower School, and It’s really fun to remember everything I did.” Photos courtesy of Vivi Arking and Ella Messler

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

Contracting COVID Families who experience the virus struggle with fear and uncertainty

Illustration by Talia Jacobsohn

Rochelle Berman Managing Editor, Copy On Saturday morning in early April 2020, freshman Reyut Wasserstein knew something was wrong. She felt ill, lost her sense of taste and suffered from swollen “COVID toes.” Although the public knew very little about the details of the virus at this time, Wasserstein felt certain she had contracted COVID-19. “I woke up, I was feeling fine, and [suddenly] everything was terrible,” Wasserstein said. At the beginning of the pandemic, those who contracted COVID-19 were often blamed for breaking social distancing rules or not being especially careful. In con-

March 2021

trast, Wasserstein had been closely following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, and still does not know how cumulative tests at JDS she got the virus. “We had been staying inside, and we went to the grocery store once a week and that was it,” Wasscumulative erstein said. “I didn’t see any of my positive tests friends or anything, so it was kind at JDS of a mystery when all of a sudden I got sick.” Similarly, junior Shira Neufeld was carefully following COVID-19 cumulative test restrictions. As it was March 2020 positivity rate and still early in the pandemic, Neufeld’s only possible exposure *as of March 11 was through one of her parents who Data courtesy of JDS went grocery shopping for the fami-

15,0286 22

.14

ly, though they still took proper precautions. Neufeld’s whole family contracted COVID-19, but her brother and sister were asymptomatic. Since the risk of severity of the virus increases with age, Neufeld was especially worried about her parents’ health. “[I was concerned] since my parents were having some symptoms that I wasn’t having,” Neufeld said. “My dad … wouldn’t be able to get out of bed for some time, so that was scary, and my mom had respiratory symptoms, so she was having trouble breathing. For me it was more … manageable.” In addition to the virus phys-

thoughts on quarantine Junior Shira Neufeld

Freshman Reyut Wasserstein

“So [my brother and sister] had to basically do everything for us. They took care of the dog, made all of our meals, etc. They put our food on trays outside of our doors and for a couple days I had to stay in my parents room, the three of us, because I wasn’t able to share a bathroom with [my sister].”

“I was definitely hit the hardest, but it was nice because my sister was home for about two months from Israel. It was sad that I didn’t get to see her that much, and then I got sick and she would stand right outside of my door and we would just FaceTime each other.”

Photo courtesy of Freed Photography

Photo courtesy of Avital Zeev-Turgeman

ically taking a toll on the Neufeld family, it was mentally taxing to be sick at a time where there was so little information available about COVID-19. “It was the beginning, so no one really knew how it worked,” Neufeld said. “We were quarantining for the period of time that the CDC said to, and then we also quarantined for a week extra … it was pretty bad.” Wasserstein also suffered from misinformation and uninformed doctors due to her early experience with the virus. After suffering from flu-like symptoms, Wasserstein was finally able to get an appointment for a COVID-19 test. “You had an iffy shot if it was even worth getting a test because they were so inaccurate,” Wasserstein said, who tested negative. However, the next few days of sickness brought on more symptoms such as a lack of taste and smell. Wasserstein saw swollen toes listed as a common COVID-19 symptom on Facebook, but her description of this symptom to her doctor did not confirm a diagnosis. “[The swollen toe symptom] was how we knew it was COVID and not the flu,” Wasserstein said. “But the nurse didn’t even know what that was since it was so early and she

hadn’t heard about it yet.” Although Wasserstein was left with minimal information about the details of living with COVID-19, she quarantined in her room with her mother. Wasserstein felt isolated from the rest of her family, but she still found ways to communicate with her siblings, such as FaceTime calls with her sister who would stand outside her door. In contrast, since Neufeld’s parents were both sick, her older brother and younger sister tended to the symptomatic family members. “They [my siblings] took care of the dog and made all of our meals,” Neufeld said. “They were doing everything and still managing school while tending to us, so it was crazy.” But family dynamics were not the only part of their lives that comopletely changed. Neufeld and Wasserstein also had to figure out how to share the information about their illness with friends. “I was scared to tell [my friends] because back then, because when someone said they had COVID, it meant that they were being irresponsible or being unsafe,” Neufeld said. “I was scared of the judgement, but I eventually told them because I was stuck inside and I just had to.” Although her friends were un-

“I was scared to tell [my friends] back then, because when someone said they had COVID, it meant they were being irresponsble or being unsafe.” - Junior Shira Neufeld

derstanding from the beginning, Neufeld still thinks that contracting COVID-19 a year into the pandemic would have looked and felt quite different. “We would’ve been less scared [at the beginning of the pandemic] because when we had it … we didn’t know how long to quarantine for, and we weren’t able to see my dog because we thought that dogs could get it,” Neufeld said. “No one knew anything, so we were all just scared … I think if we had it now it would just be more manageable and less stressful.” Since Wasserstein’s direct experience with the virus, she has had time to reflect and understand the implications of a worldwide pandemic in a personal way. She is especially concerned about those who are not seriously considering the dangers of the pandemic even as it continues to take lives. “It makes me very nervous and gives me a ton of anxiety about what’s going on in the world … It’s definitely made me lose a little bit of faith in humanity which is very sad,” Wasserstein said. “I just don’t want anyone else to get sick.”

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

—sports—

Staying Active Exercise is an outlet for stressful times Harry Davidson Asst. Managing Copy Editor unior Ariella Ball hops on her treadmill, bracing herself for the upcoming workout. As she starts running, the cloud of stress that has hung over her throughout the pandemic disappears, and she can focus solely on herself and on maximizing the workout ahead of her. Over the past year, the closure of many exercise facilities has restricted people from going to in-person exercise classes and gyms, which has impacted people’s typical exercise routines. As a result of these difficult circumstances, students and faculty have been forced to come up with new ways to remain active while staying safe. This includes taking walks or runs, participating in online exercise courses and participating in CESJDS sports. To increase athletic participation during this challenging time, JDS attempted to offer as many sporting opportunities as possible. “I think by offering athletics throughout the whole year, even when school wasn’t in person, we really showed how important it is to exercise,” Director of Athletics Becky Silberman said. “We want to provide as many [athletic] opportunities as possible, and we’re actually having significantly more people participate this year than we usually do.”

March 2021

Students who exercise throughout the pandemic have found that while it is more difficult to find ways to work out, their motivation has increased due to the free time and pent-up energy that they have. For example, junior Eli Gordon feels he is more driven to work out now that he spends so much time inside. “Honestly I think I’m working out more now [than before the pandemic,]” Gordon said. “I think I’m just more committed because I was inside for so long so I have more motivation that I had before.” Additionally, staying motivated and exercising has been beneficial for students’ mental health, especially during a time in which stress levels are more extreme. Sophomore Josh Einhorn exercises throughout the week by participating in JDS basketball practice Monday through Thursday, as well as practicing on his own. “Having a normal exercise routine makes me move around a lot more than I would otherwise, which helps me keep my mental health up,” Einhorn said. “It also gives me something to do in the free time I have instead of other things I’m no longer able to do.” Many people who didn’t typically exercise a lot before the pandemic have also started working out more

BY THE NUMBERS 14%

of people use exercise as a way to manage stress according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America poll

minutes a day is a reccomnded time to excerise while stressed

million people exercise and own a treadmill

22.5%

of people exercise on a daily basis according to Popsci

Freshman Ari Blumenthal lifts weights after basketball practice. Photo by Mischa Trainor because it can serve as a way to cope with the hardships that COVID-19 has brought and can be used as an escape from your everyday life. “Before the pandemic, I never used to exercise, but when it started I realized that I had all this free time and so I started filling up my time by exercising,” Ball said. “Especially in the pandemic when there are so many unknown things and you feel like you can’t control anything, I think that exercise is something really helpful for you to look forward to throughout your day.” Research shows that exercising can help prevent stress. According to the National Institute of Health, exercise can relieve anxiety and greatly improve people’s mental health during high-stress times, due to the increased blood circulation in the brain. “I realized that [exercising] had so many mental health benefits because I just felt so much better once I had exercised,” Ball said. “It was just something beneficial to keep me occupied and to look forward to throughout my day.”

“Everyone should work together and encourage each other… and I hope everyone helps everyone else get better… The best people can always improve...and we should all have fun and play tennis.” -Freshman Alec Silberg, Tennis Team

“[The spring season] is a great opportunity to hang out with your friends especially since you may not have classes with them… We [the Dance Team] are sending in [videos] during Kab Shab to have everyone watch what we have been working really hard on.”

Athletes share their excitement about the upcoming season Aaron Gallo Sports Editor

“Hopefully, we [the volleyball team] can practice more and become a strong team and support one another while practicing and playing.” -Sophomore Ella Elimelech, Volleyball Team

Fun Fact:

The spring weather in Maryland is 55-78 degrees.

- Junior Kayla Liss, Co-captain of the Dance Team

“[Track and Field] is a team sport, so work as a team, don’t compete against each other. You are really competing against yourself.” -Freshman Ethan Safra, Track and Field Team

Spring Sports

“My main goal is to get better at defense...I hope the team is able to play real games this year.” -Sophomore Jonah Bassin, Soccer Team

Fun Fact:

Trails are in more use in the spring compared to other seaons in Maryland.

“I’m excited [for the spring season] because… I feel that [basketball] is a great way to spend [time] with my friends doing a sport that I love to play.” -Freshman Matan Fox, Basketball Team

Fun Fact:

The spring season boosts mental health by 38%.

“I’m just excited to play softball with JDS again… I hope the team can work together and form strong bonds and work together as a team.” -Junior Iara Rattner, Softball Team

Lion’s Tale Magazine

— a&e —

Convenient coffee stop

A cozy cafe on Rockville Pike is the perfect place to hang with friends after school

Eitan Malkus Arts and Entertainment Editor

ucked in the shrubbery on a stretch of bustling Rockville Pike sits a cozy neighborhood coffee house and bakery. The local gem Java Nation opened its first Kensington location in 2012 and has recently expanded to a larger North Bethesda locale convenient for students coming or going during commutes. In addition to coffee, the cafe offers an expansive menu including traditional brunch fare, sandwiches and a touch of Latin influence. Live music is also offered outdoors on specific weeknights. Immediately when walking into the coffee house, I noticed the homey and cozy furnishings and decorations. The shelves are filled with trinkets; large sofas and chairs dot the room. The sounds of the coffee brewing can be heard over the din of people speaking outside. There is limited indoor seating, but most people chose to sit on the large outdoor deck with heat lamps covered by a tent. I was plagued by what to order from a plethora of breakfast, brunch and lunch options. In addition to the large menu, there is a long counter flooded with baked goods, ranging from beautiful crumbly muffins to stacks of creamy cakes and loaves. My party ordered a chocolate

24 March 2021

croissant, the morning glory loaf, the huevos rancheros, the french toast, a veggie green omelette and a slice of avocado toast. For drinks, we got a chai tea latte as well as a java brew. The coffees ranged from $2 to $5 depending on add-ons and the breakfast options ranged from $6 to $11. The pricing was slightly lower than I expected, making for a pleasant surprise. The pastries and baked goods were made to order and we were able to enjoy them as we got to our table. We opted to eat outdoors and the seating was well-designed for safety and weather. Eating outside on a rainy 30 degree day turned out to be surprisingly pleasant with Java Nation’s tented porch and numerous heaters and fans. For safety reasons, one side of the porch was open, but it felt as if we were eating inside with the heat cranked up. Once we selected our table, we began to enjoy the gooey and crispy chocolate croissant and the delicious morning glory loaf. Both pastries were freshly baked and contained the perfect amount of sweetness. After quickly chowing down our pastries, the coffees arrived at our table. Both coffees were foamy and tasty, and they instantly satisfied my craving for a homemade warm coffee. Java Nation’s hot beverages arrive with aesthetically pleasing designs on top of

Photos listed from top to bottom: Huevos rancheros Chocolate crossiant French toast Veggie green omelette Morning glory loaf Photos by Eitan Malkus

the steaming coffee. The beverages were a cozy addition to such a blustery day. The food arrived quickly after, with each item carefully plated to perfection, reflecting the coffee house’s eye for detail. The huevos rancheros had a unique taste, and the beans, tortilla and eggs perfectly blended together to create an eye catching and tasty dish. The veggie green omelete was especially creamy with a much needed crunch from the vegetables. The arugula salad provided on the side was a good addition to the omelete. The slice of avocado toast did not disappoint, with eggs carefully cooked and avocados ripe to perfection. However, the French toast was a bit of a disappointment as it was layered with too much cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a much too sugary taste. Nevertheless, quickly indulging in another bite of the avocado toast put my mind at ease. Leaving the coffee house proved to be the hardest part for me, as I was inching towards trying another pastry or breakfast option. While walking in the rain away from the cafe, I knew I would be back soon to try another crispy baked good or a foamed coffee. The experience proved worthwhile and is definitely a must visit for those who live in the area or find themselves passing by the local gem.

The show must go on Pandemic impacts performing arts

Netanya Shaffin Reporter Alan Paul, director of the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., remembers the moment that COVID-19 shuttered the theater world. With two shows that suddenly had to be cancelled, Paul gathered his company one last time at the theater on Friday, March 13 to say goodbye in person. The impact of that closure is still affecting the whole creative community, from actors to writers to directors, Paul said. “Many theaters in the area have had to furlough employees, which means keep them off of salary for a period of time. And many theaters had to, unfortunately, terminate a lot of staff because they, without anything on the stage, weren’t making any money,” Paul said. “So it’s been a really difficult time for everyone in all facets of the arts, along with theater. I think that goes for any kind of cultural institution, like a museum or symphony.” There are currently over 20 theaters in the D.C. area, all of them restricted in their abilities to put on a show. Some have been able to offer limited productions online, but many have simply not gained enough revenue to keep their theaters running. Because of this, around 52% of actors and other creative workers all over the country are out of work, the National Endowment for the Arts reported. “This is the profession of so many people. Not just actors, but designers, ushers; even restaurant owners near the theaters, depend upon theaters being open,” Director of Arts Education David Solomon said. Since the pandemic shuttered business, theaters have found new ways to produce new musicals and plays, with many transitioning to create digital performances. These digital performances usually consist of a pre-recorded performance on stage. Signature Theatre, a popular spot for musicals in Arlington, Virginia, is hosting classes and streaming virtual shows, including “Signature Vinyl” and “Midnight at the

Never Get.” “The building is sort of chopped up into various zones and there’s a section of the building in which rehearsals are happening for our current digital season that we’re producing,” said Matthew Gardiner, Associate Artistic Director of Signature Theatre. Shakespeare Theatre has also increased its virtual offerings, including Patrick Page’s one man show, “All the Devils are Here.” But even plays without a live, in-person audience present safety concerns. “We filmed that onstage like you film a play ... but it was really complicated because there’s so many COVID protocols that the different unions … have in place to protect everyone working on it,” Paul said. Other theaters are bypassing some of the difficulty of filming onstage by offering Zoom plays, such as Roundhouse Theatre’s “Homebound” series or radio plays, such as Studio Theatre’s “Kings” and “I Hate It Here,” in addition to filmed on-stage performances. Signature Theatre has multiple masterclass sessions coming up that involve writing, lyric interpretation and musical theater. Shakespeare Theatre has multiple classes for both adults and children involving playwriting, ensemble performance and auditioning. While the pandemic has limited theater lovers’ ability to see plays in-person, theaters’ creativity during the pandemic has allowed people to see shows they would not have been able to see otherwise. For example, a simple subscription to Disney Plus gave millions the opportunity to watch “Hamilton.” Pre-COVID-19, the cost of a theater ticket would have put the experience out of reach for many Americans. “I have always said that limitations spark creativity, and we are seeing some very creative responses to this very difficult situation. So much online theater is available and people doing new and interesting things in the digital world,” Solomon said. “We may be witnessing the very start of a new art form.”

theaters to support Roundhouse Theatre

“It’s important to donate to local theaters in our area like Roundhouse because we don’t want them to go out of business and be closed when the pandemic is over.” - Sophomore Lindsay Shell

Broadway Cares

“My family donated to Broadway Cares because they are a really good organization that helps fight AIDS along with helps actors who are now unemployed due to COVID-19.” - Junior Eli Gordon

Shakespeare Theatre

“I went here to see the ballet with my family and I really enjoyed it. I know that they offering virtual classes, so if that’s something that interests people, they should do it.” - Freshman Dalya Brickman Photos courtesy of Zara Ducker and Creative Commons

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

Pull Up

A guide to local spots

Ted’s Bulletin Ted’s Bulletin in Gaithersburg is the ultimate comfort food destination. The heated patio and dining bubbles are perfect for privacy and safety, with one side of the bubble staying open for airflow. Offering all-day breakfast, lighter options and classic entrees, like fish and chips, Ted’s Bulletin is great for everyone. The Ted’s Tarts are unique pop tarts offered in many flavors that are definitely worth a try. This upbeat restaurant is a must for outdoor-munching.

Lia’s In the heart of Chevy Chase, Lia’s offers excellent outdoor dining. This American Italian restaurant has delicious housemade pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches, various meats and yummy appetizers. With a large outdoor patio, the tables are spread out past physical distancing requirements. Each table has multiple heaters which kept me so warm that I took off my coat and felt toasty. All servers wore masks and offered blankets for extra warmth and comfort. Lia’s is exceptional for celebrations or even just a night out with close friends.

Raku With a unique take on outdoor dining, Raku in Bethesda has not only a heated tent, but glass houses with an open window for airflow. These glasshouses create a private space for a meal of fine Asian dining with dishes ranging from warm Dashi broth soups to tasty rolls and pieces of sushi. Compiled by Lena Nadaner

26 March 2021

a Seat

for outdoor dining

Silver Conveniently located in downtown Bethesda, the Silver New American Brasserie has a fantastic menu with a variety of dishes and festive outdoor seating. With large tents and heaters, Silver is a lovely spot for all-day brunch, lunch and dinner. From avocado toasts to tuna tartare, Silver has something for everyone. Additionally, Silver has a flexitarian menu with vegan, vegetarian, glutenfree and lower-calorie options using locally sourced ingredients. The fun music emanating from the speakers adds to the festive and joyful atmosphere.

JINYA Ramen Bar JINYA Ramen Bar in Pike and Rose is centered around a lovely fireplace, which makes for a warm and cozy spot to eat. The QR scan menu allows customers to order without handling menus, creating a safe environment. The slow-cooked customizable ramen is unbeatable. Broths are simmered for 10 hours, making it some of the most promising ramen in the area to grab with friends.

Founding Farmers MoCo’s Founding Farmers has a heated, ventilated tent with a cozy fireplace. Situated in Park Potomac, everything from brunch, kettle corn and housecrafted chocolate are available. Handmade pasta, stews and never-ending options make it the perfect place to dine.

Photos by Lena Nadaner, Eva Bard, Eitan Malkus, Jessica Nassau, Zara Ducker and Mischa Trainor

The Lion’s Tale Magazine

LT the lion’s tale

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School 11710 Hunters Lane Rockville, MD 20852 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Guess who? What your mask says about you

Sparkles You are energetic and outgoing

You are creative and elegant

pattern

n95

You are safetyconscious and vigilant

PSA: A face shield is not a mask!

face shield

surgical You don’t feel the need to express yourself through your mask

Illustration by Ariana Ravitz

You are colorful and entertaining

animal print

Lion's Tale Volume 38, Issue 4

Articles inside

with friends after school

staff from Bullis High School

fornia

pandemic