RISE: Futurism by Ramaz School

Dedicated in honor of The Ramaz School with tremendous gratitude for providing the best Jewish education to our family for the past 50 years. Diane ‘87 and David Rein Alexander ‘16, Oliver ‘19 and Sophia ‘21

Cover: Alexa Gribetz’s chemistry notes

Est. 2014 Volume VI Issue I Spring 2021

RISE The Ramaz Creative Arts Magazine

The Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein Upper School of Ramaz 60 East 78th Street New York, NY 10075

MISSION STATEMENT Students of the Ramaz Upper School created all of the featured articles, photographs and artwork you will find here. Our goal is to present the way each of our participants is inspired by the rich culture of the city. We encourage individuality with regard to every facet of artistic and intellectual expression.

Daniela Woldenberg ‘23

FUTURISM (NOUN) 1.

a movement in art, music and literature begun in Italy in about 1909 and marked especially by an effort to give formal expression to the dynamic energy and movement of mechanical processes.

a point of view that finds meaning or fulfillment in the future rather than in the past or present.

8/13/20: We held our first brainstorming workshop for Rise Futurism. Every creative work in this magazine began as a post-it note. Sit back, relax, and watch our ideas come to life...

THE ARCHITECTS Rise was founded by Moselle Kleiner ‘17 & Tamar Sidi ‘17 in 2014. Thank you to Netanel Kamel ‘18 & Tamar Sidi ‘17 for your invaluable help & guidance throughout the making of Rise Futurism.

Thank you also to Dr. Rotenberg, Mr. Klotz, Joe Sambolin, Rabbi Stochel & Ms. Scheerle for your support & assistance. 10

Keren Kubersky ‘21 Sophia Rein ‘21

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief

Sashah Aminzadeh ‘24 Samara Blatt ‘22 Anna Braun ‘22 Maya Chaovat ‘21 Jenny Davis ‘23 Mia Denti ‘22 Avigail Dupont ‘21 Lizzie Fisher ‘24 Ita Newman-Getzler ‘21 Alexa Gribetz ‘23 Eitan Goldberg ‘22 Jeremy Goodman ‘21 Talia Halaas ‘21 Jem Hanan ‘23 Rebecca Kalimi ‘23 William Kremer ‘21 Fortune Laboz ‘22 Jacqueline Landy ‘23 Ella Low ‘22 Talia Leifer ‘23 Charlotte Newhouse ‘23 Ari Porter ‘23 David Rivietz ‘21 Taylor Roslyn ‘21 Adrian Rosenfeld ‘24 Evie Rosenfeld ‘24 Emily Schnipper ‘23 Ilan Schochet ‘21 Jacob Schwartz ‘21 Jake Slochowsky ‘21 Eliana Sobel ‘22 Yonah Taragin ‘21 Norma Tawil ‘22 Adam Vasserman ‘21 Daniela Woldenberg ‘23 Alex Zemmol ‘21

Writer Writer Photographer Writer, Photographer & Model Writer & Photographer Designer Photographer Writer Writer Writer & Artist Photographer Photographer Artist Writer Artist Staff Writer, Artist & Model Writer Staff Writer Writer Photographer Writer Writer Writer Writer Writer Writer Writer Writer Artist & Designer Writer Writer & Photographer Staff Writer & Photographer Staff

Ms. Abramson Ms. Litwack Ms. Rabhan ‘92

Faculty Advisor Faculty Editor Faculty Advisor

TABLE OF CONTENTS Editors’ Note ....................................................... 14 Anticipation ......................................................... 16 Ten Years From Now ............................................. 22 The Future is Now: Neri Oxman ......................... 26 NFTs & Crypto .................................................... 30 The Epic Empire State ........................................ 36 Chuck Close ........................................................ 38 Bruce Nauman’s “Disappearing Acts” ................ 44 Music ................................................................... 52 Literature ............................................................. 56 The Passing of Time ............................................ 62 The Untitled Experience ..................................... 64 The Decameron Project ...................................... 66 Two-Week Social Media Cleanse .........................68 Fashion ................................................................ 74 Influencer Interview ............................................. 80 Teenage Minds During the Pandemic ................. 84 Pandemic Routines .............................................. 86 Reiki .................................................................... 90 Sunscreen Basics ................................................. 96 Sustainable Skin Protection ................................. 98 Recipes by Season .............................................. 100 Things I’m Grateful For ....................................... 102 The Class of 2024 ............................................... 104

Q: ARE YOU EXCITED??

Ari Porter ‘23 13

Eliana Sobel ‘22

DEAR READERS, This issue of Rise is a time capsule that forever documents a transformative period. A flexible theme, Futurism is a blank canvas for wondering, aspiring, innovating and predicting. Here, we explore and showcase our personal take on the future of culture, art, beauty, fashion, literature, music, technology, entrepreneurship, psychology, health, travel and cuisine. Every contributor is given free rein to daydream about the days ahead and investigate the intersection between the past and future. In honor of Ramaz’s current theme, “Rise Together,” Rise Futurism is an interactive experience. While visiting the pages ahead, take time to reflect on the questions we pose. Join us by answering the questions on post-it notes and uploading pictures to Instagram with #RiseFuturism. Let’s build our legacy together.

BEST, Keren Kubersky ‘21 & Sophia Rein ‘21 Editors-in-Chief

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ANTICIPATION

Q: HOW DO YOU

PREPARE FOR CHANGE ON THE HORIZON? In the midst of writing our college applications, we began to create this issue of Rise. We were preparing for a new chapter of our lives filled with unknowns. During many of our workshops, we were tense and anxious—but also excited and eager. It was hard to be fully present. We decided to answer this question by documenting our experiences before and after opening our big college decisions in December.

Sophia Rein ‘21

I’m overwhelmed by feelings of denial. I am throwing

myself into activities to suppress any thoughts I have about what tomorrow or the next four months could entail. I keep on telling myself to have faith. But I don’t even know what I am having faith in. Do I have faith that I’ll get in? Or do I have faith that I’ll end up at the right place? I’m not really sure which one it is. The other anxiety racing through my mind is the anticipation of my friends’ decisions. How do I react? How can I serve as the best possible friend I can be during this strange time? What if I experience happiness and my friends experience disappointment? How do I reconcile these two feelings? That is something that I am very worried about. The stress, however, feels strangely exhilarating. It feels like a new chapter of my life is on the horizon. I feel happy thinking about the amazing things that I will see, study, experience and explore in the future. And for that, I am excited.

—Keren

12/13/20

It’s hard to pinpoint when the anticipation started. Was

it the summer I spent writing college essays or was it freshman year as I watched seniors opening their decisions in the lounge? What I can know for sure is that it’s been building up inside of me for weeks. It’s like climbing a mountain for the sake of enjoying the picturesque view—but you don’t even know if the view will actually be there when you reach the summit. It used to be that the anticipation only imprisoned my mind during the daytime when I was daydreaming or listening to podcasts. But now, as I inch towards the deadline, it gets more and more pervasive. I check the date while brushing my teeth, sitting in class, eating dinner, and when midnight strikes I celebrate the passing of another day. I’ve been tracking time and it’s honestly pointless. There’s nothing productive about anticipating the future. I know rationally that whatever happens happens. I still can’t help but glance at the time and count the days. I’m BEYOND ready to rip off the bandaid.

—Sophia 12/14/20

Opening the letter filled me with anxiety, followed by

extreme excitement. I felt that all I had worked for finally paid off. The moments where I felt unworthy or that I couldn’t succeed rushed before my eyes and quickly disappeared. I felt proud and all of a sudden tears were rushing down my face. Three years earlier, I could not have imagined that I would be in the position that I am in right now. Three years ago, I did not view myself as a student. All I could think about when I opened that letter was my growth into a student and as a person who loves learning. I am so excited to go to college and find my path and subsequently find a way to make a difference in this world.

—Keren

12/14/20

The moment was weird. All I did was click a button

and the results flashed before my eyes on the computer screen. For an hour or so I was ecstatic, jumping in circles. It was a huge relief and dramatic celebration. Ironically, at the moment I was celebrating “adulthood,” I could feel myself reverting back into childhood. It felt like I was swinging in a playground or jumping into a ball pit. It was a rush of joy, but as time progressed the adrenaline leveled off. It’s overhyped. By midnight, I was tired in bed. Falling asleep, I realized how overly attached I had been. The world is a busy place and your successes and failures have little impact beyond your bubble. College can sometimes become a status game or metric that measures an individual’s value. I experienced that aspect of the process and I didn’t like it. I’m extremely grateful and proud of myself, but part of me feels lost.

—Sophia 12/16/20

Sophia Rein ‘21

TEN YEARS FROM NOW

Avigail Dupont ‘21

During early December, the seniors participated in Ramaz’s annual career showcase. Twenty-two Ramaz alumni spoke about their professional journeys & offered advice to seniors considering similar careers. We asked Yonah Taragin & Ita Newman-Getzler to reflect on the career fair & predict where they will be in ten years.

hen I was watching the alumni speak at the career fair, I thought about how they used to be Ramaz students. Then, I thought about how I will be an adult with a job one day—which sounds ridiculous. I can’t imagine where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing in ten years and thinking about it feels pointless; however, the group sessions sparked my curiosity. I saw alumni who worked in education, entertainment, marketing, and journalism. I realized how fortunate I am to have so much to learn and explore in the future, as well as so many options. I can’t wait to hopefully take classes in all those subjects—and more—in college. Although I am super excited for college, I’m slightly unsure about my future, and leaving Ramaz after fifteen years—I don’t know anything else. The career fair opened my eyes to the opportunities I could have, but for now, all I can do is sit back and enjoy whatever comes my way. As for my career, I would love to be involved in sports business. I see myself in ten years running out of my apartment on Central Park West, trying to catch my flight to the Olympics; I will be watching the opening ceremonies live from my private box with Beyoncé. I got this seat from my job—as I’d be working for MLB in marketing and corporate sponsorship and they asked me to go as a representative of the company. Aside from my own personal life, though, I think that in ten years, there will be a female president of the United States and that there will mostly be electric cars. One Direction will be back together and there will be many movies and TV shows about the year 2020. I hope that people will start to listen to each other and become more understanding of what others go through, especially those who are not like yourself. And in ten years, I’ll go visit Ramaz to see the picture of me on display in the lobby, commemorating what a brilliant student I was. ITA NEWMAN-GETZLER ‘21

fter applying to college, beginning the gap year application process and dealing with the workload of firstsemester senior year the only thing I’m capable of thinking about is the present. Thinking about myself ten years from now is terrifyingly exhilarating because the truth is that I have no idea where I’ll be at all. We’ve all been raised in a community that’s glorified the value of money and trained us to go out into the world and dominate. Whether it be in finance, real estate, or marketing, it’s all about the MONEY. Unfortunately, my passions lead in the opposite direction. I like to dream that I’ll be on stage performing my songs in front of thousands of people, maybe I’ll have a book of poetry out for millions to read, one day everything I’ve learned in the eighteen years of my life will all come together and allow me to chase my dreams and I’ll pursue something that will make me happy. But who knows?! I don’t even know where I want to go to college yet or whether or not to do a gap year program. I don’t know what I want my major to be in college. I don’t know where my friendships will end up. I don’t know me yet. The future’s uncertainties scare the living hell out of me, but recently I’ve been able to find the beauty in them too. The past four years of our lives have been a preparation for the next step, wherever that may take you. The truth is that none of us really knows where we’re going to be in ten years, but the magic in uncertainty lies in the countless possibilities ahead. No, I don’t see myself sitting at a desk job ten years from now. But I do see me being me. YONAH TARAGIN ‘21

Q: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN YEARS?

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THE FUTURE IS

NOW:

NERI OXMAN MAYA CHAOVAT ‘21

here is no one else quite like her. Neri Oxman is reinventing art, design and architecture using an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability. She is looking to the future. Oxman was born and raised in Haifa, Israel, a beautiful environment filled with nature. It is not surprising that she integrated this part of her upbringing into her art. Oxman created the Mediated Matter research group at the MIT Media Lab, a one-of-a-kind research lab that promotes cutting-edge innovation. Her team works on synthetic biology and computational design, focusing on cells and massive architectural structures. Oxman’s goal is to “augment the relationship between built, natural and biological environments by employing design principles inspired and engineered by nature.”

Anna Braun ‘22

Q: HOW WILL INTERDISCIPLINARY DESIGN SHAPE OUR FUTURE?

Oxman approaches sustainable design by working with nature rather than against it. She creates structures and projects using natural materials instead of plastic. She “design[s] for, with and by nature.” An example of this is her silk pavilion exhibit. In this project, Oxman used a CNC (ComputerNumerically-Composed) machine and silkworms to build a silk structure. The machine printed a primary structure of silk threads. The silkworms were placed on the structure to fill the gaps in a secondary structure. After weaving the silk threads, the silkworms were removed from the structure. A revolutionary structure, Oxman’s silk pavilion resembled a hollow cloud. Understanding the threat to biodiversity, Oxman’s Mediated Matter group works with biodiverse materials. In one project, the Mediated Matter group studied the biological makeup of melanin and then translated that into design processes. An enzyme converts an active chemical into melanin, which can be turned into liquid or powder to create environmentally friendly inks that are printable. Oxman explained, “the technical goal is to understand, explain and predict how melanin can, along with other derivative pigments, be generated on demand; the environmental and human factors involved in its creation; and how its formation can be tuned or even reversed to sustain and perpetuate diversity on our planet.” Oxman is looking ahead while using what has always been here.

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NFTS AND CRYPTO

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Q: WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF OWNERSHIP?

“WHAT IS AN NFT?”

I curiously typed into Google, after discovering them on a Clubhouse* discussion about the intersection between fashion and technology. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are digital assets based on blockchain technology that represent cryptographic tokens—such as digital artwork, designer items, sports cards and other rare items. The moderators on this particular Clubhouse conversation were discussing a recent sale of digital sneakers using NFT technology—which sold for millions of dollars. I was fascinated by the value that people had assigned to a pair of virtual shoes that didn’t actually exist. After hearing this conversation, I couldn’t help but wonder: does the future lie in NFTs? So you’re probably wondering, how does one purchase an NFT? NFTs are often purchased using cryptocurrencies on marketplaces like OpenSea and Zora. OpenSea is a large marketplace that contains everything from trading cards to artwork and anyone is able to create, sell or buy NFTs. Zora is an example of a marketplace that places a larger emphasis on democratizing art and fashion. Zora’s aim is to abolish the hierarchies associated with big fashion houses and artists by establishing a community that celebrates creatives who may not necessarily be famous. People are sick and tired of the same large corporations owning everything and suppressing creativity. The future consists of communal creativity—NFTs and, more specifically, inclusive NFT marketplaces.

*Clubhouse is an invitation-only social media app that facilitates auditory communication through rooms.

NFTs are being utilized in many industries—but most popularly and recently in the art world. Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple, created a digital art piece titled Everydays: The First 5,000 Days, which Christie’s virtually auctioned for approximately 69.3 million dollars. The transaction made international headlines and sent waves throughout the art and business communities. The piece is a collage containing 5,000 pictures, all created by Winkelmann over the span of 5,000 days—creating one picture a day. The first thought that entered my mind after hearing about this purchase was: how can a digital image cost 69.3 million dollars? Anyone with a computer is physically able to see Beeple’s art piece online, so why does it cost so much? The buyer of Beeple’s piece, who goes by Metakovan, is the only person who has the original JPG file of the digital artwork. Although anyone can see the piece, Metakovan is the only person who has the right to it. Metakovan claims that his purchase is an investment because he predicts that this piece of crypto art will be worth 1 billion dollars in the future. After this historic sale, art auction houses began shifting towards the world of crypto. Sotheby’s announced that they would start allowing art to be sold using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. Sotheby’s will also be partnering with a digital artist to auction off one of his or her crypto art pieces. Christie’s will continue to work with digital artists and sell pieces through NFTs. The shift towards crypto art could also mean more investments in digital artwork. Cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin will most likely gain popularity as a means to invest in digital artwork. The real question is—are NFTs only a trend or are they the future?

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Q: HOW DOES NEW YORK CITY’S RICH CULTURE & ART INSPIRE YOU?

Norma Tawil ‘22

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING STATS: - UBER’S TOP DESTINATION IN 2018 - WORLD’S MOST PHOTOGRAPHED BUILDING, ACCORDING TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY IN 2011 - 1,454 FEET TALL - STRUCK BY LIGHTING AN AVERAGE OF 25 TIMES A YEAR - 1,872 STEPS TO THE 102ND FLOOR OBSERVATORY

THE EPIC EMPIRE STATE NORMA TAWIL ‘22

My dad moved close to the

Empire State Building around seven years ago. It always feels like we are living in the sky, among the white and gray clouds. Going out every day feels like stepping into the world portrayed on Instagram: tall and modern buildings, trendy coffee shops, and crowds of free-spirited New Yorkers. Unlike the uptown lifestyle, it feels more magical sitting at my desk with the Empire State Building straight ahead. With its nightly display of lights, the Empire State Building sets the tone for the surrounding residential buildings. Falling asleep in the environment of my dad’s home is like being away from reality for multiple nights of the week. I can’t help but capture the same pictures on

my phone each week—only with new light colors and distinctive weather in the sky every day and night. Before we moved, I had never thought about the Empire State Building’s history, though I could never get sick of admiring it. Knowing more about its purpose brings the building to life, as opposed to seeing it as a tourist attraction. I am, however, interested in going to the top of the building and looking into that telescope—like the scene in Gossip Girl of Chuck and Blair trying to find each other at the very top.

Photos taken from Norma’s window

CHUCK CLOSE DAVID RIVIETZ ‘21

huck Close is known for his large-scale photorealist portraits of himself and others. He works from gridded photographs, translating the photographs into paintings one stroke at a time. Because he translates the colors and forms in each cell so precisely, his final products often look like blown-up photographs. You can only tell that they are paintings through closer examination. Graham Thompson, a professor of American studies at the University of Nottingham, described Close’s work as “one demonstration of the way photography became assimilated into the art world… during the late 1960s and early 1970s.” Creating paintings that look like photographs became a new art form that blended the past with the future. Close was not the only pioneer of photorealism; Richard Estes, Denis Peterson and Audrey Flack also worked from photographic stills to create photorealist paintings. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Close faced hardships throughout his rise to success. As a child, Close suffered from dyslexia and facial blindness, which caused him to perform poorly in school. When Close was eleven, his father passed away and his mother fell ill with breast cancer. Amid these tragedies, Close suffered from kidney disease, leaving him bed-bound during sixth grade. As a form of support and comfort, Close turned to art. 38

In 1961, Close won a prestigious scholarship to the Yale Summer School of Music & Art. He then received a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Yale University in 1964. His classmates at Yale included Brice Marden, Vija Celmins, Janet Fish, Richard Serra and many other big names. Between 1965 and 1967, Close taught at the University of Massachusetts. While teaching, he began to evolve beyond elements of abstract expressionism and opted towards photorealism—which became his signature technique later in his career. Tragedy struck Close on December 8th, 1988. He suffered a spinal artery collapse that left him paralyzed. Once again, Close persevered through art. He adapted to his condition and now works with a brush strapped to his wrist—a truly remarkable achievement. As an artist who uses grids in the city grids, Close has left his mark on New York City. In 2010, Close was commissioned by MTA Arts & Design to create twelve large mosaics for the 86th Street Subway Station on the 2nd Avenue Line. The mosaic portraits feature Lou Reed, Philip Glass, Kara Walker and Close himself. The different cultures and stroke styles in Close’s portraits serve as a fitting parallel for the melting pot of New York City.

Maya Chaovat ‘21 Photos taken at the 86th Street Station 40

A TYPICAL AFTER-SCHOOL EXCURSION FOR RAMAZ STUDENTS...

Maya 42

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Chao

THE MET 43

BRUCE NAUMAN’S “DISAPPEARING ACTS” MOMA PS1 Q:

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST SOLO ART EXPERIENCE?

SOPHIA REIN ‘21 February 2019

never expected that my first time visiting a museum alone would have such an impact on me. Stepping into MoMa PS1, I began to feel a pounding in my chest. I was there to observe and photograph Bruce Nauman’s “Disappearing Acts” for Rise. As I looked around for the exhibition, I was scared to make eye contact with all of the museum-goers. Everyone else seemed to belong. They were all artsy and confident, studying the artwork with sophistication. I was paranoid. I believed that they knew I was an outsider—someone who usually doesn’t do this kind of thing. I wandered up and down a staircase, fearing that I was lost. I remember stumbling upon the dimly lit basement. Alone, I took a sigh of relief and regathered myself. I looked up in awe. The basement was filled with beautiful scrolls showcasing Chinese characters and patterns. The red and black inks were intense, yet also delicate. I walked in circles admiring the same pieces over and over again, only to discover that I had become the very individual I was so intimidated by fifteen minutes earlier. There’s something very liberating about soaking in an artistic atmosphere alone.

I strolled through the museum to “Disappearing Acts,” still processing this complete shift in my mindset. Entering Nauman’s exhibition, I looked around in shock. There was a pyramid of foam cows hanging upside down from a ceiling. Colorful skulls shot water out their mouths into a central pond. Neon lights outlined erotic scenes. I was horrified, thoroughly uncomfortable, nervous, and confused. This is what I’m supposed to photograph for Rise?! I didn’t want to get into trouble or to be associated with any of this. Finally, I wandered into an area where the art wasn’t completely unnerving. Every wall had video projections of Nauman walking up and down a hallway. You could hear his breathing and his footsteps. It was creepy, but I could handle it. I took some pictures and hurried out of the museum. My first time visiting a museum alone turned out to be an emotional roller coaster. It was terrible and amazing at the same time. Over the last two years, I became more comfortable being alone at museums. The more I observe art alone, the more it feels like meditation. I’ve never been able to recreate the chaos and adrenaline I first experienced with Nauman’s art—but I wish I could.

MY PHYSICS NOTES

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“Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” —Niels Bohr

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Rei

BORED ALREADY? TAKE A BREAK FROM READING, PLAY SOME TETRIS!

SCAN ME!

MUSIC

Ari Porter ‘23

Jere

odm

an ‘

LYRICS

FROM ILAN SCHOCHET’S SONGS “I don’t want to wake up worrying about life, How bout next time that I wake up, I just start living it right.” “Good things take their time, Is there a difference between waiting and wasting your life?” “Be careful where you plant your seed before you go and grow a garden.” “Be my light in the darkness, Give me life when I’m heartless.” “Sit in the dark searching for sparks, But I can’t find none. Play old CDs, See these memories, From when I was young.”

FUTURISTIC TUNES

Recommendations by Jacob Schwartz ‘21 “Harder Better Faster Stronger” Daft Punk “Bloom” ODESZA “Trapped in the Sun” Future “One More Time” Daft Punk “Ain’t it Different” Headie One “Across the Room” ODESZA “Peso” A$AP Rocky

Samara Blatt’s Fantasy Book Recommendations Science Fiction Mistborn Trilogy, Brandon Sanderson Drama Red Queen series, Victoria Aveyard Mystery The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air series), Holly Black Horror An Ember in the Ashes series, Sabaa Tahir Action & Adventure Six of Crows series, Leigh Bardugo Coming of Age Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas Romance A Court of Thorns & Roses series, Sarah J. Maas FrostBlood series, Elly Blake 56

L IT E RATURE

Fortune Laboz ‘22

READY PLAYER ONE:

A NEW TYPE OF DYSTOPIAN NOVEL Jem Hanan ‘23

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The Young Adult book market is saturated with dystopian novels, which range from forgettable to masterful. After the wild success of The Hunger Games, it’s difficult to find a science fiction or fantasy book that isn’t set in a dystopia. After a while, books in this genre become cookie-cutter, often using the same tropes to set a dreary tone. These plots tend to focus on points in time when the main population is on the brink of unrest. This predicament causes heroes to change the way the world is run. That’s where Ready Player One comes in. Ernest Cline’s debut novel takes a different, and arguably more realistic, approach to the dystopia. The novel takes place in a world plagued by global warming and an impending energy crisis. Rather than preparing for a rebellion, Wade Watts, the protagonist, escapes through the OASIS—a virtual reality that anyone can access with the correct equipment. The creator of the OASIS, a recently deceased James Halliday, left behind an Easter egg. The person who finds it will get control of the OASIS and Halliday’s inheritance. To find the Easter egg, you must use clues left behind by Halliday. Having hit rock bottom in the real world, Wade spends almost every moment within the OASIS searching for the Easter egg. Ready Player One’s humans are lazy and afraid. Rather than seek solutions for their problems, the people in this world attempt to escape reality. This, I believe, is the most realistic approach for the dystopia that we are currently approaching. Today, we see similar forms of escapism through video games, television, movies and, ironically, books. We believe that once the issues become too much to handle, we’ll be forced to create solutions. However, Cline thinks otherwise. Cline believes that our need for escape will grow greater as our problems grow larger. The novel also integrates pop-culture references successfully. The references do not feel forced, but rather like another element of the plot. In other novels, it is sometimes obvious when a reference is shoehorned into the narrative in order to better “relate to the youth.” The references in Ready Player One, however, help the reader see the world through Wade’s eyes. Additionally, they are mostly ‘80s popculture references, which prevents them from getting stale. All in all, Ready Player One is a captivating novel with an immersive, diverse world and a compelling mystery-action plot. It’s difficult to put down.

rt Po

‘23

“There was never any more inception than there is now, Nor any more youth or age than there is now, And will never be any more perfection than there is now, Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.” -Walt Whitman

THE PASSING OF TIME SOPHIA REIN ‘21

Q: HOW DO PAST

THINKERS INFLUENCE THE WAY WE PERCEIVE TIME?

In my junior year English class with Ms. Litwack, we studied

Transcendentalist thinkers such as Emerson and Thoreau. I was captivated by their unique outlooks on our relationship with nature, God, morality and individualism. That year, one of my favorite essays that I wrote was about Walt Whitman. It was a personal essay based on Whitman’s words. I compared our perspectives on the passing of time. Here is an excerpt from my essay: Whitman understood the transient and spontaneous nature of time as I do. I cannot stop time from passing, but I can view time optimistically instead of dreading the future. I had always thought that time arrogantly holds a dagger to my neck and that I live at its mercy. I believed that one day, time would lose its patience and the dagger will slip. Over the course of high school, I realized that this is an unhealthy outlook. I should instead live my life accepting that my existence relies on time’s presence, but time’s presence does not rely on my existence. Time is an infinite predecessor and I am simply part of the wake it leaves behind. This does not mean that I should hate time and try to control it. As a minuscule piece of the universe’s puzzle, my job is to seek my proper place—not understand it. My battle to grasp time is foolish because mankind was not created to understand why the laws of nature exist. I have engaged myself in a futile chase to understand something unfathomable. Now, I am out of breath, dripping with sweat, and ready to accept that there is no finish line.

Eitan Goldberg ‘22

THE UNTITLED EXPERIENCE MAYA CHAOVAT ‘21

In January 2021, Maya Chaovat & Ita Newman-Getzler visited the Artechouse Immersive Light Exhibition. Inspired by the spectacle, Maya wrote a poem:

The transparent drops of human emotion flew into The vast night sky We thought it was going to say goodbye But the tears kept flying up Ripping away every ounce of sadness and turning it into light As the dimensions shifted We sat unsettled Becoming more comfortable Instead of running away Time was ticking, I thought As we got closer and closer to it It got brighter and brighter Until its glow burned our eyes Then like an arrow leaving a bow It disappeared into the darkness Leaving us gazing at a blank canvass Blank. Except for a flaming rim of blue left We had felt it touching our faces Which were reflecting a faint blue Wait. A burst of color just shot at us We were then swimming in waves of iridescence Silence. And suddenly we were brought back Back to ourselves Back to our thoughts And back to our futures The drops fell back down And washed over us We tried to compartmentalize our thoughts To prepare for the chaos beyond art

THE DECAMERON PROJECT WITH

Avigail Dupont ‘21

JAKE SLOCHOWSKY ‘21

Q: WHAT STORY DO

YOU WANT TO HEAR? VISIT https://decameron.ramaz.org

s we move deeper into the future, we find ourselves more taken away from the ones closest to us and the ones we never got to meet. Have you ever heard a story from someone and felt like you knew them significantly better after those few minutes? We learn a great amount about a person whether they are our best friend or someone we THOUGHT we had nothing in common with. The stories we tell become more and more valuable as we move into the future. Our ability to share stories with others is a powerful gift. Storytelling is the time machine that brings us back to the past, to embrace, to rejoice, and to learn for the future. The Decameron Project portrays the beauty of storytelling. Everyone gathers together to share personal stories. The stories people tell offer deep insight into their lives. We are all one community, one nation, and storytelling brings us together as we all board the plane headed into the past of our fellows. Give it a try. Get a few friends on Zoom or in person. Put those phones away and just spend time together telling stories. Try to climb into the story and really feel as if you are there. Discover something you never knew about a close friend or potentially make a new friend! Come in with an open mind, an open heart, and of course be prepared to be blown away!

TWO-WEEK SOCIAL MEDIA CLEANSE

Q: DOES SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECT SELF-ESTEEM & WORK ETHIC?

FORTUNE LABOZ ‘22

merican media has always influenced beauty standards. During the 1950s for example, Hollywood media idealized Marilyn Monroe’s curvy body, full makeup and done-up hair. Today, social media is inescapable. It advertises unrealistic beauty standards and completely influences the way we view ourselves. Social media also shaped the way I view myself. When I began high school, I would become mad at myself for not looking like an Instagram model. I realized that social media’s impact on my self-esteem was a problem. During October, I wondered, if I delete social media, will I accept myself? The experiment was simple: for two weeks I would delete all social media. The only apps I allowed were messages and phone calls. On the first day of my experiment, I noticed changes in my habits. I woke up and meditated for the first time in weeks. I ended the day by reading a book that sat untouched on my bedside for a month. For the first few days, I felt extremely disconnected from the outside world. I was unable to communicate with family and friends in my usual fashion. But, I slowly learned to enjoy my own company. I became completely absorbed in my own thoughts. I realized that I don’t need anyone to validate my feelings, thoughts and opinions. I came to the realization that it’s okay if I don’t meet the beauty standards. I became more focused on adjusting my morals. Adjusting the way I act made me more confident than ever. The standards that I compare myself to aren’t beauty standards anymore; they’re internal moral standards. I started to use my free time to reflect on my core values that I wanted to start practicing more often—like being a better friend and person in general. I spent more quality time with my family. For instance, one Shabbat I was with my family, gathered on the couch. My sister screamed “Shabbat’s over!” and instead of rushing up to my room to check my phone, I continued to talk with my family.

Before my experiment, I would spend hours mindlessly scrolling through TikTok and Instagram without realizing the time I was wasting. There were times that I needed to study for a test, but ended up staying on my phone for thirty minutes— doing nothing. I did this because studying doesn’t make me feel good. I don’t get a rush when I finish memorizing ten flashcards. But, I do get a rush when I’m on my phone interacting with people. Without social media, it became easier for me to retain information. I also started paying attention more in class and taking better notes because I didn’t have the option of going on social media. It was hard to divide my “social media life” from my “real life” before my experiment. There were times that I was with family while texting my friends on Snapchat. This shifted my focus away from spending time with family. One reason I did this experiment was that I wanted to see if social media has an impact on my relationships. I’ve been hanging out and making time for people who want the best for me. And that’s the best part of all of this—taking out all that negative energy and making room for relationships that I want to strengthen. After returning to social media for the first time, I sat in bed on Instagram for thirty minutes once again. I became scared that I would fall into bad habits again and just deleted it off my phone. I created a rule for myself: when I have hours of work to finish on weekdays I refrain from social media and on Friday afternoons I redownload the apps. It’s been working because I am more productive. I noticed that Snapchat is an unnecessary app and just makes me upset. I felt like a tween with it on my phone and it sparked unnecessary thoughts. So, I deleted Snapchat forever. I have a very healthy relationship with media as a whole now. My priorities and beliefs are clear to me. This experiment helped me grow so much. Anyone who feels like they rely too much on social media, try doing a two-week cleanse.

When Talia Halaas ‘21 gets stressed out, she designs mood boards. It’s aesthetic, calming, and a great way to pass the time.

Q: HOW DO YOU DE-STRESS?

KEREN KUBERSKY ‘21

Q: WHAT IS THE

FUTURE OF FASHION?

@LIVSCHREIBER & @ITSBYALEXIS TALK VIRTUAL NYFW JENNY DAVIS ‘23 & ALEXA GRIBETZ ‘23

ew York Fashion Week (NYFW) was forced to go virtual this year. While some questioned the need for fashion week, others applauded the resilience and creativity shown by the fashion industry. Liv Schrieber (@livschreiber), a digital creator and founder of marketing agency Brand Caffeine, thinks that the changes this year were for the better. “There are so many different ways to love fashion… of course, I love the glam and being at fashion week, but as for actually paying attention to the Spring/Summer collection for 2021, I couldn’t care less. Seeing lanky models walk down the runway is exciting, but if you’re asking me to watch it virtually, I’d rather just look at pictures on Vogue tomorrow.” Liv loves to be part of the glamour associated with NYFW but prefers the social aspect over the styles coming down the runway. She also adds that the in-person effect can’t be replicated online. Liv claims that this year, there was not as much “hype” prior to fashion week. “Did you hear about fashion week? No! Did anyone? No! fashion week is a week, or a month, with all of these events, but ultimately it becomes excessive. And honestly, some hard things are a blessing in disguise… I think that Corona made it very evident that fashion week is wasteful.”

Kubers ky ‘21 Keren

On the other hand, influencer and model Alexis Fried (@itsbyalexis), believes that fashion week was conducted in a more productive and accessible way. The fashion shows on Zoom and social media were an opportunity for young influencers like herself to attend shows they previously could not. Alexis also enjoyed the innovation. “Now, people didn’t have to stick to using the straight-line runway, so they were able to be super creative in how they presented their collections.” Alexis also adds that she “saw a lot more inclusivity on the runway.” For example, the Versace show used plus-sized models for the very first time. Although this year’s circumstances were unusual, Alexis hopes that NYFW will use new aspects of this year’s unconventional show in the future. This year’s fashion week forced designers to think outside the box. The fashion industry showed great resilience in its ability to produce art and design during the pandemic. The innovation and creativity were felt during NYFW and left a footprint on the future of fashion.

E R TU N: U F HIO ITY E L TH FAS ABI ‘21 OF TAIN UBERSKY S EN K U S KER

The future of fashion is sustainability—whether it be through responsibly-made clothing, vintage shops, consignment stores, or rental services. I believe that it is important for people to start shifting towards mindful consumption to help eradicate the fast-fashion industry. Although it might not always be possible, try buying a few responsibly-sourced items. Here are a few of my recommendations to start transitioning towards more sustainable consumption: CONSIGNMENT PLATFORMS & RENTAL SERVICES Dora Maar The RealReal Rent the Runway THRIFTING & VINTAGE SPOTS Beacon’s Closet Buffalo Exchange Depop Su’juk Lifestyle Store RESPONSIBLE BRANDS Paloma Wool Alternative Apparel Naadam Brother Vellies BOUTIQUES Isalis Lisa Says Gah

INTERVIEW WITH @LIVSCHREIBER & @BATSHEVAHAART ON BEING INFLUENCERS CONDUCTED BY JENNY DAVIS ‘23

How would you describe your job? LS: It was all an accident! I never expected to have a presence online, but fell in love with content creation and digital marketing while working as a broker in NYC. I have been able to monetize on these skills through my digital marketing agency, Brand Caffeine, as well as through my personal presence @livschreiber. BH: I do content creation on social media to advertise for different brands with a targeted audience of women in NYC between the ages of 18 to 35. When did you know you wanted to become an influencer? LS: It fell right in my lap. I’ve always had a love of helping others with confidence and style—having a platform of over 50,000 amazing humans has allowed me to be the role model I always needed. BH: I began posting on Snapchat and then in July of 2017, I joined Instagram. In the beginning, all of my friends followed me and people took an interest in my Instagram. My audience began to grow, so I started doing social media full time and switched my college major to marketing part-time.

ARE SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS THE “NEW CELEBRITIES”?

@LIVSCHREIBER

@BATSHEVAHAART

When did your career really take off? LS: My career took off at the beginning of quarantine. Recognizing that retail needs to hold hands with a digital partner has allowed for seamless partnerships for both my platforms and @brandcaffeine. BH: Since I got TikTok, I have gained a lot of followers. I reached over 1.3 million followers on TikTok! At one point, I was gaining 60,000 new followers a week! What is the biggest collaboration, client, or brand you’ve worked with? LS: I was able to close Sorel’s fashion show in NYC last year! I’ve also done promotions for Luke Bryan’s new album and work a lot with Revolve. BH: I’ve worked with so many, but some that stand out the most are Vivrelle and Neutrogena. How did you find your personal aesthetic? LS: I post things that will make me and other people happy! BH: I post all my interests—like fashion, food and travel! What advice do you have for high-schoolers looking to pursue a fashion industry career? LS: Don’t care what other people think! Do you! If there is anything you need, please DM me @livschreiber on Instagram and follow @livschreiber on TikTok. BH: Take a class in the field you like and photograph everything!

TEENAGE MINDS DURING THE PANDEMIC

INTERVIEW WITH MS. BERNFELD CONDUCTED BY DANIELA WOLDENBERG ‘23

What do you think are the most significant challenges faced by adolescents, specifically Ramaz students, during COVID? There are so many challenges. The main one that comes to mind is the isolation—the transition from being surrounded by friends eight hours a day to barely seeing them. Even though there are great outlets, such as virtual platforms for socializing, it is not the same. Many big milestones were also taken away, such as the senior journey to Israel and graduation. Other plans and celebrations were canceled. We have been forced to spend much time with our families and although it is an opportunity, it can also be very stressful. Spending so much time with family could potentially exacerbate previous tensions.

Maya Chaovat ‘21

How do you see social media impacting the health of teens during COVID? I want to highlight that anyone who vilifies social media is making a mistake. Although it is true that too much consumption has an impact on how we see ourselves, the upside is that these platforms help people feel connected. TikTok, especially, is a creative outlet that is entertaining and can relieve surrounding misery. The main issue with social media is that it’s what people want to project about themselves, making the pictures less authentic. This leads people to constantly compare themselves to others—and comparison is the thief of joy. Even if you are content with what you have, social media will make you reconsider your satisfaction. On the flip side, people have been more authentic during this period. Social media also allows for positive comments. Those who may be having a tough time might see floods of supportive messages and feel better. What are the best ways to combat the anxiety, pressure, distress, and depression associated with COVID? Things work differently for different people. Reminding yourself of your support system is helpful. You allow yourself to be honest with other people and they will likely be the same with you. All feelings at this time should be validated and not fought against. Arrange a schedule and stick to it. People think they can stay up until 2:00 a.m., but they need an organizational structure in their lives. Self-care rituals are vital. Anything can be classified as a self-care ritual if it is calming, whether it be taking walks to clear your head or burning a candle while reading your favorite book. Limiting screen time when it’s not necessary is good, especially when we are doing virtual learning all day. Even if you have very limited energy, make sure to go outside.

PANDEMIC ROUTINES

Avigail Dupon

t ‘21

WITH DANIELA WOLDENBERG, TALIA LEIFER, JACQUELINE LANDY & CHARLOTTE NEWHOUSE

SELF-CARE DW: I love reading during this time, as it is a way to escape

the chaos of our current reality and enter a new reality. I just finished reading Normal People by Sally Rooney and loved it.

TL: I am catching up on sleep. I’m trying not to stay up late

because it’s not good for me and my academics. I also spend more time with my family. We used to have dinner at many different hours of the night, but now we have family dinners. TikTok is also a form of self-care for me. TikTok videos can be really funny and are only 15 seconds each.

JL: I am really enjoying baking. It is something I did before

the pandemic as well, but I am trying out some new healthy recipes now.

CN: I try to do all of my assignments as soon as I can so that

I am not stressed out. I am also visiting new parts of New York that I haven’t had the time to explore in the past.

MOVEMENT DW: I began biking to school on the days that we are in person. I live across Central Park and find the bike rides in the morning peaceful and the wind in my face usually wakes me up. I also take walks with my mom once a week.

TL: I do a lot of TikTok dances. My family and I also

started going to the gym and doing family workouts. Little things like getting up out of bed in the morning make me feel like I’ll have a productive day too.

JL: I run along the boardwalk in Atlantic Beach, where I spend my weekends.

CN: I like the Chloe Ting workouts because they’re short (only about twenty minutes), but also intense. They make me feel healthy. They were trending on TikTok last April and I started them. Everyone just did them for about two weeks, but I continued to do them because they are challenging and convenient. I really see a difference!

Sign photos taken by Jenny Davis ‘23

PRODUCTS DW: I am quite sleep deprived lately and the Versed

Look Alive Hydrating Plumping Mask definitely makes me look like I got a good night of sleep.

TL: I started washing my face twice a day with Curology,

which I didn’t really have time to do before the pandemic. I really enjoy using the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment on my hair. I always put it on the tips of my hair after I shower and also before using heat products to limit frizz. I’ve had this for over a year and a half now and there is still so much left. I really love this product!

JL: I really like the R+Co High Dive Moisture Plus Shine Creme.

CN: I like a BalanceFrom yoga mat from Amazon that I use for my workouts.

Bra

‘22

WHAT IS REIKI?

EMILY SCHNIPPER ‘23 Q: ARE “NEW”

TRENDS REALLY NEW? 90

eiki, a 19th-century Japanese therapeutic practice, has recently emerged as a new fad. Reiki is a form of energy healing—in English, it translates to “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” Energy healing is the belief that practitioners can channel energy into a patient in order to heal them. During a Reiki session, the patient relaxes while the practitioner places their hands slightly on top of bodily energy points or injuries. By doing so, the practitioner transfers energy to the patient and extracts the patient’s harmful energies. Reiki practitioners often utilize chakra wands and crystals during the sessions to help protect the patient from harmful energy. Reiki is a controversial practice. There is a scarce amount of science backing up the health benefits it promises, but millions of adults try Reiki each year. Today, Reiki is commonly used to alleviate anxiety and help treat physical diseases such as cancer or heart disease. According to a University of Minnesota study, Reiki’s patient outcomes have varied results. Some Reiki patients report feeling more relaxed and claim that their medical issues, such as headaches, disappeared. Other patients, however, felt no different after trying Reiki. Anyone can become a Reiki practitioner by training and learning about energies. The training takes about ten hours of in-person classes. Constantly drowning in tests and projects, maybe Ramaz students could benefit from Reiki. There are many popular Reiki studios in Manhattan that students could try, including Ohm Reiki, NYC Reiki Center and Satori Holistic Studio. Give Reiki a chance and tell Rise about your experience.

REIKI WITH ZOHARA TARAGIN

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY YONAH TARAGIN ‘21 92

Anna B

raun ‘2

In your own words, what is Reiki? Reiki is a deeply relaxing healing touch on your own body or someone else’s where you gently put your hands along the lines of the parasympathetic nervous system of their upper body. How did you first find out about Reiki and begin your practice? A friend introduced me to the idea. I signed up to do a level-one training program with the friend and had a Reiki session with a teacher from the program. That night, I had the best sleep of the past twenty years of my life. How has Reiki impacted you? Reiki has given me a method for easily relaxing at any time of the day, especially at the end of the day. On an energetic level, it’s helped me transition from a traumatic stage in my life to a happier calmer place. What are some challenges you have faced while practicing Reiki? Learning to do Reiki to other people has been the biggest challenge for me. I wish I had more time to develop my practice and share it with others. What kind of person benefits the most from Reiki? Everybody. Are there any pieces of advice you have for someone interested in Reiki? Get a treatment from a really good practitioner, read about it and take a class.

Dish Soap Eitan Goldberg ‘22

Q: ARE SCIENCE-BASED COSMETICS THE FUTURE?

SUNSCREEN BASICS JENNY DAVIS ‘23 No one likes wearing sunscreen. It can feel too oily, creamy, sticky, or slimy. But, everybody can agree that there are huge benefits to preventing sunburns by wearing sunscreen. A sunburn means that one spent too much time in direct sunlight without using proper protection. Everyone—no matter their natural skin tone—is susceptible to sunburns. Although sunburns go away, they can have later consequences such as skin cancer and premature skin aging. Therefore, everyone should wear sunblock everyday—even on cloudy days as about 80% of the sun’s rays still reach Earth. Indoors, one should wear sunscreen because UV rays can penetrate through windows. SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF number describes how long it will take for you to burn. On days with limited sun exposure, an SPF of at least 15 should be applied. On days with higher sun exposure or if you are standing in direct sunlight, an SPF of at least 30 is best. SPF 30 protects against about 96% of UV rays. SPF 50 protects against only 2% more UV rays. Any SPF above 50 is the same as an SPF of 50 because it is impossible to have 100% protection from sun exposure. Many moisturizers have SPF in them, so it is easy to incorporate SPF protection into your daily routine. 96

My Recommendations: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Spray SPF 30 Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 Everyday Humans Rosé S’il Vous Plaît SPF 30 Hint Sunscreen SPF 30

Ari Porter ‘23

SUSTAINABLE SKIN PROTECTION

SPOTLIGHT ON SUPERGOOP! TAYLOR ROSLYN ‘21

he skin around our eyes is the thinnest part of our face. It is very sensitive and susceptible to premature wrinkles and skin cancer. 10% of skin cancers are found around the eyelids. UV rays can harm our eyelids and sunscreen around the eyes is necessary at all times. People tend to avoid putting sunscreen around their eyes because they fear irritating their skin or eyes. This left Holly Thaggard troubled and she knew she had to help. What emerged was Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow—the only eyeshadow on the market with SPF. This eyeshadow leaves you feeling pretty and protected. More than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour and having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. This eyeshadow can prevent these detrimental consequences. Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow is environmentally conscious. Their products follow European cosmetic laws, which are stricter with product ingredients than the U.S. guidelines. Makeup and sunscreen can be extremely harmful to the environment, containing harmful ingredients like parabens, artificial fragrances, microbeads and nanoparticles.

Daniela Woldenberg ‘23

The microbeads in your everyday products wash into the oceans and harm marine life. 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed by harmful pollutants such as sunscreens. Supergoop! is reef-safe, natural and harm-free, so it won’t leave you feeling guilty. Supergoop! doesn’t just make eyeshadow with SPF. They manufacture many makeup products such as foundation and setting powder with SPF. When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, you may shy away due to fear of white-cast. Overly white sunscreen occurs when sunscreens are mineralbased with tiny white powders. No matter how many times companies promise that their mineral sunscreen is invisible, it never is! For years, Holly Thaggard worked with chemists to create a new mineral sunscreen that eliminates white-cast. Supergoop! incorporates a mineral blend technology that helps mineral particles disappear into the skin more easily. Supergoop! is a skincare and cosmetics company that makes it easy to wear SPF daily. They have created the perfect products with no room for complaints. Supergoop! is the future of cosmetics and skincare.

RECIPES BY SEASON SAMARA BLATT ‘22

WINTER:

CHOCOLATE-BANANA BREAD PUDDING Ingredients • 2 ½ cups bread • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2 eggs (can substitute for flax eggs) • 2 tbsp cocoa • 2 cups of milk (can substitute for almond milk) • ¼ cup sugar • ¾ cup chocolate chips • 1 ripe banana, sliced to ½ inch • Salt Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Place bread in a dish 3. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla, & cocoa in a medium bowl 4. Pour over bread & gently mix 5. Mix in chocolate chips & sliced banana 6. Allow to sit for 15 min 7. Bake for about 35 min until firm

100

FALL:

SWEDISH APPLE PIE Filling Ingredients • 4 cups of firm baking apples, peeled & chopped • 2 tsp cinnamon • ¾ tsp nutmeg • 1 tsp sugar (can substitute for brown sugar) Topping Ingredients • ½ cup coconut oil, melted & warm (can substitute for butter, melted & warm) • ½ sugar (can substitute for brown sugar) • 1 ½ tbsp vanilla extract • 1 ¼ cups rolled oats • ¾ cup & 1 ½ tbsp almond flour (can substitute for oat or all-purpose flour) • ½ tsp baking powder • Salt Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Stir filling ingredients together in a mixing bowl 3. Place apples evenly on the bottom of a pie pan 4. In a different mixing bowl, stir topping ingredients together, add a pinch of salt, & spread over the apples in the pie pan 5. Bake for 40 min until topping is firm

SUMMER:

SPRING:

LEMON BARS

STRAWBERRY LASAGNA

Crust Ingredients • 1 cup flour (can use any flour) • 1/3 cup coconut, melted (can substitute for butter, melted) • 1/3 cup maple syrup

Ingredients • Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought) • Graham crackers • Strawberries

Filling Ingredients • 3 eggs • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (can substitute for plain coconut milk yogurt) • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1/3 cup lemon juice • 2 tbsp vanilla extract • Salt

Directions 1. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a rectangular pan 2. Place graham crackers on top of the first layer of whipped cream 3. Add a second layer of whipped cream on top of the graham crackers 4. Thinly slice strawberries & place them on top of the second layer of whipped cream 5. Repeat steps 1-4 6. Refrigerate until the graham crackers are soft (a few hours or overnight)

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Mix flour, butter, & maple syrup in mixing bowl until combined 3. Scoop dough into baking tray & spread it thinly to cover the bottom of the tray 4. Bake for 20 min & let cool for 10 min 5. Mix lemon-filling ingredients in mixing bowl until smooth 6. Pour filling onto the baked crust 7. Bake for 30 min & let cool

cca

lim

i ‘2

101

Anna Braun ‘22

THINGS I’M GRATEFUL FOR

MAYA CHAOVAT ‘21

Q: WHAT ARE THE SMALL

THINGS THAT YOU APPRECIATE?

102

My room My bed The bridge lights, airplanes, stars & moon in the night sky Sunlight shining through my bedroom window Iced chai lattes with vanilla cream cold foam Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman Gilmore Girls, New Girl, & other comfort shows Stretching Cold, crisp winter air Kind strangers Laughs with friends Family Supportive & loving friends A good slice of pizza Warm showers on cold days New York City & its energy Pinterest Snowfall Subway rides Airpods Music The ocean Eyeliner Dinners with friends Car rides Myself 103

104

r ‘23

Ari Porte

Dear Class of 2024,

We’re not typical freshmen. We began high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and have mixed feelings about this past year. Our grade went into the building three days a week, which created a grade-wide sense of isolation. We only got to communicate with classmates in our grade, so maybe you could call us close. But we never had retreats or shabbatons. Most of our friendships are based on who we see in classes and it’s hard to meet people outside of school. It’s the end of the year now and some of us still don’t know each other’s names. There is closeness, yet also distance at the same time. High school is freer than middle school, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like that. We have a lot of questions. What’s a real history paper like? How is the school food? What’s it like to be in the building five days a week? And what’s a normal workload? What’s it like to stay in school for clubs? What are the retreats and shabbatons like? Do people become closer during these trips? What’s it like to watch the freshmen as upperclassmen? And lastly, what will it be like for us to observe next year’s freshmen? Over the past year, we’ve established many goals to achieve during high school. We want to explore, meet new people, join new clubs, collaborate with other grades, and connect with the community as a whole. We want a real high school experience. We want to see the whole school in one room during an assembly. We want art classes in the art room, not the auditorium. We want normal sports and are particularly looking forward to next year’s basketball season. We want to explore interests such as architecture and Model Congress. Sure, some of us don’t really know what we want to pursue—but we can’t wait to figure it out.

—Sashah Aminzadeh, Lizzie Fisher, Adrian Rosenfeld & Evie Rosenfeld

er g

ol db

‘2

Q: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?