The Ramaz Upper School
Volume XXXVII Number 3
June 2007 / Sivan 5767
Incoming Freshman Class Drops to 90 Students Aministration Insists High Admission Standards Will Remain By Noah Plaue ‘08 The incoming grade to the Upper School will have 90 students, making it the smallest Ramaz class in decades. This number is far from the 107 students of the current freshman grade and the 117 students of the current sophomore grade. It is also far from the 110 students that many from the administration hoped would make up the class of 2011. "We looked for about 110 students for this incoming class," Rabbi Rubin said. "This number might have to change in the future, but currently the admission trends for yeshiva high schools in the Metropolitan Area are in flux. It will take a few more years for
Ramaz Bids Farewell to Rabbi Rubin: A Tribute
Photo Credit: Melanie Gersten ‘09
this entire process to take shape and for Ramaz to see if its expectations for numbers need to be lowered." As a whole, the Ramaz administration attributes this great decrease in admissions to the opening of many new yeshiva high schools in the tristate area. "We have more schools such as SAR to compete with," Mr. Rochlin said. "Besides the new schools, competition has increased because Frisch had a major building project and recently became more desirable to prospective students. We still get top kids, we just don't get the same return we did when we were the only game in town." This new wave of competition has been able to capitalize on the conContinued on Page 2
Slumbering Student’s Rude Awakening
Spring Fever at Ramaz
Administration Cracks Down on Student Misuse of Computers
By David Baruch ‘09
By Caroline Mehl ‘08
By Anya Lichtenstein ‘08
Eighteen years ago, one of education's most idealistic young men arrived here at 78th Street to teach in the Judaic Studies department. Eighteen years later we must say goodbye to this man who has, in every way, bettered the environment he has worked in. Rabbi Eliezer Rubin, the man who helped craft the institution we learn in today, is leaving to go to the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston, New Jersey. "I have had the pleasure of seeing the depth of the student body at Ramaz," said Rabbi Rubin. "I have seen students excel, in the classroom and out, throughout my years here." Rabbi Rubin has seen some of the best years Ramaz has had. Starting in the Talmud department in the high school, Rabbi Rubin continued onto the Lower school where he served as a junior advisor. "I have seen learning develop through many stages, starting Continued on Page 4
March 12 started off the same way as all Monday mornings did for Ilana Foni '09. She got on the bus to school and soon the early morning exhaustion took over her and she fell into a deep sleep. Upon waking up, Foni looked at her phone and saw that it was 8:18. "The first thing that came to my mind was that we were at school and I had to get off the bus," said Foni. However, it was no usual Monday morning. When Foni stood up and looked around her she realized not only that she was not at school, but that she was surrounded by empty seats. "I didn't know where we were or anything," said Foni. Foni passed rows and rows of empty grey chairs as she made her way up to the front of the bus. Her bus driver, Chris, saw her and exclaimed, "No one woke you up!" "I was so confused and had no clue what to do," explained Foni. When Foni woke up, the bus was at 126th Continued on Page 3
Administration and faculty members have recognized the worsening condition of the school computers, and are consequently taking action to prevent further problems. Last month, administrators made the decision to remove all the third-floor-lounge computers due to their increasing state of disrepair. Administrators attribute the damage, which includes the removal of CPU's and multiple broken mice and cables, to student mistreatment of the computers. "The school did not have the financial resources to continue to pay for the repair," said Rabbi Rubin. Rubin said that the decision to remove the computers was a joint decision made by all of the administrators. He explained that the school created the lounge as a response to the request put forth by last year's GO for more productive lounge space. "Much thought and hard work was put Continued on Page 3
Photo Credit: Melanie Gersten ‘09
The weariness of the winter months tend to feed into anxieties about college and the future that lies ahead. Each day seems to feel like an unyielding and endless cycle. Weekends are long anticipated. Students feel as though they are crowded by a relentless darkness and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But, with the arrival of Spring, light animates the school and hope springs forth.
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Low Admissions for Class of 2011 has affected our admissions," Rabbi Rubin said. cerns and wants of many "It has been helpful in the parents and students sense that it allows us to who now see realistic find and attract students alternatives to Ramaz. who are closely aligned "After September 11th, with Ramaz's values." many people began to Beginning this want to stay closer to year, Ramaz has tried home," Mr. Rochlin said. new things to limit the "In many cases, parents effect of this new compedo not feel comfortable tition and attract more sending their children students to Ramaz. The over a bridge, or far from first step in this process home in general." was the hiring of Ms. Ramaz has not Bilger for the newly creatonly lost potential stu- ed position of Admissions dents from other schools Coordinator for the and communities, but Upper School. also an increasing num- Traditionally, there was ber of students from the one person in charge of Ramaz Middle School admissions for all of have decided to not go to Ramaz. Ramaz for high school. Ms. Bilger has "We've had an increasing worked alongside the number of attrition from administration, trying to the middle school," Rabbi make students and their Rubin said. "We need to parents feel more help our eighth grade involved and aware of students better appreci- the admissions process. ate the Ramaz experi- "Our focus was to reach ence." out to potential students However, there is and their families," Ms. still belief that there are Bilger said. "We wanted positive effects that result to make sure to keep the from this increased com- lines of communication petition. "Competition open with these eighth Continued from Front Page
graders and their parents." Besides a focus on communication, new programs for applicants and their parents were set up to attract students. For the first time, parents were invited to Ramaz to visit, talk and walk around the school. In addition, a party was arranged for students after they had been accepted to Ramaz, so they could check out their potential grade for the upcoming year. Although Ramaz enrollment numbers for the high school have still decreased, the administration strongly believes that standards for acceptance have not, and will not be, lowered. "We have not in any way, shape, or form lowered our standards," said Mr. Rochlin. "We still use waiting lists and turn people down. For the first time this year, we have used teacher input to evaluate students. We have made a decision for standards."
Others in the administration agree that standards for acceptance into the Ramaz Upper School will not be sacrificed for numbers. "In part, this drop in admissions was expected, and we made a conscious decision to not lower our standards," said Ms. Bilger. "We need to make sure that students are right for us and that we are right for them." While the administration remains adamant on maintaining standards for acceptance, this doesn't rule out other possible programs in the Ramaz high school for students with different needs. "After the trend of admissions settles and we have an idea of what to expect, we may be in a position to broaden the type of education we offer for different types of students," Rabbi Rubin said. Additionally, a program involving students with below-par Hebrew backgrounds is being discussed among mem-
bers of the administration. This program would allow students who are below average in Hebrew subjects to come and learn at Ramaz. "We're always happy to accommodate students with special needs," Mr. Miller said. "However, these students still need to be able to keep up with the intensity of the studies at Ramaz." As for the fear that admissions to Ramaz will continue to decrease, many of the administration say that this will most likely not occur. "We don't think it will go down anymore," Mrs. Bilger said. "Ramaz is never going to get back to classes of 125 students, but we don't expect the grade size to really decrease further. The percentage of the number of eighth grade students that go to Ramaz from the key schools that Ramaz draws upon will either stay about the same or increase."
Reflections on the Mission to Belarus Edited by Rampage Staff Recently, Rebecca Freidman ‘09 gave a speech to KJ about her experiences on the Ramaz Belarus mission which took place over Shavuot: Crossing the border into Belarus was one of the strangest things I have ever experienced. The second the bus stopped, everyone was awakened and told to sit straight and keep quiet. After two hours of soldiers inspecting our passports and checking our faces, we were finally granted permission to cross the border. It was all so surreal. I did not expect that the country would be so backward. It started to become clear to me then why the Jews there needed our help. The bus drive ahead would be a long one and so we entertained ourselves with games and stories. We were an odd mix of 13 kids, but it was our mix of personalities that helped us throughout the trip. We soon arrived in Minsk where we would spend our Yom Tov. In Minsk we would have our first interactions with the people we were there to help. We needed a plan, a strategy. How would we get through to these people when we don't speak the same language? How would we get every-
one involved? What could we do to leave an impression on these strangers? I think that is when it hit us. This was for real and there was no turning back. In the little time allotted to us we needed to do something that seemed impossible. We needed to show these people what it meant to be a Jew and why they should be proud of their Judaism. But before we could accomplish any of this, we needed to find a way to communicate. We decided to start with a niggun. It
Rebecca Friedman ‘09 colors with a young Belarusian boy.
seemed like the perfect solution- there were no words to learn or to teach and through the niggun we could break the ice and introduce ourselves. It was then that I learned my first Russian words. "Kak ta zavute"what is your name, and "Minya zavute"- my name is. It wasn't much, but it was a start. After walking for about ten minutes in Minsk we arrived at the Lech Lecha Center. In meetings before the trip we learned that
we would be spending much of our time at the Lech Lecha Center, the Jewish center of Minsk. I automatically envisioned the Lech Lecha Center as the Jewish centers I am familiar with. I was seriously mistaken The Lech Lecha center was no larger than your average Manhattan townhouse and the only thing identifiably Jewish about it was a small Magen David carved into the front door. When I walked into the boiling hot dinning room and looked around at all the people there, my heart sank. There were people of all ages there, all of them wearing day clothes, some on their cell phones. They were sitting in groups and talking with friends in a language I did not understand. As I started to feel uncertain about why I was there, I asked myself the real question: "Why were they there?" They felt the need for a real Shavuot experience, and we were there to give them one. We got over our initial discomfort and as Yom Tov progressed we no longer thought of the language barrier as a restriction either. We spent our mornings with the elderly, afternoons with kindergarten children, and at night the teens joined us again. These people were no longer unfamiliar faces, rather fellow Jews.
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Student Wakes Up to Find Herself Lost and Alone through laughter. After her $11 cab ride, Foni walked into school to find Ms. Malamy and Dr. Koplon in the lobby writing late notes. "I am so excused!" Foni exclaimed. After sitting day after day writing late notes for students, the two women were quite skeptical as they waited to hear her story. After Foni Photo Credit: Melanie Gersten ‘09 described her morning and 2nd street about to because we were right adventure they were Dr. Koplon get onto the highway. A about to get onto the shocked. and that mentioned that it is the dazed Foni recognized highway that she was still in the would've been really law that the bus driver must check that no kids city, so her first impulse bad." A tired and fraz- are left on the bus and was to get in a cab and zled Foni got off and the she suggested calling the go to school. "Chris didn't offer bus pulled away leaving bus company. Having arrived at to give me a ride, but I her alone on the streets. guess it was partially my "I didn't realize where I school, Foni's ordeal was fault because I didn't was. At first I got really still not over. After awakreally ask, because I scared, but then I found a ing on the empty bus wasn't thinking," Foni cab after about three Foni had texted fellow said. "I was really lucky minutes," Foni explained bus members and friends Continued from Front Page
Julia Straus, Michael Reidler, and Hannah Eidman '09 saying "Thanks for waking me up guys!" When her friends saw her in school they were laughing and screamed, FONI! Just checking to see if you're awake." "It was so sad no one woke me up," Foni said. "Adam Feldman was sitting behind me so I kind of yelled at him." After school, when Foni took the bus home her bus driver asked her how long it took to get back to school. She told him, twenty minutes. "I felt so stupid. He didn't really apologize but he's been my bus driver since like 6th grade.� The next day Foni was asked to see Mr. Miller to explain what had happened. "Even though it was kind of scary it was
the funniest thing ever so I let it go," Foni said cheerfully. "I guess it's kind of pathetic how no one noticed I wasn't in school and I was kind of sad about that but otherwise it was the funniest morning of my life!" The incident has slightly affected Foni. "For the past few days since it happened if I would fall asleep on the bus for a second I'll automatically wake myself up because I'm paranoid. But I'm sure that'll go away sooner or later," said Foni. According to Mr. Miller, who spoke to the bus company about the issue, the incident had been dealt with appropriately. Contacted by a RamPage reporter, the bus company refused to comment.
New Computer Policy Creates Controversy Among Students away that used to be on the third floor," Kellen into the creation of this said. "It created more of lounge," Rubin said. "We a relaxed setting." feel that this lounge was Rabbi Rubin, howconsidered to be jointly ever, holds that the comowned by the students, puter removal is not necand students were not essarily permanent. "Yes, thoughtful in their treat- we would love to see ment of it." them reinstalled," Rubin The removal has said. "In fact, that's the triggered a number of plan. Through our actions responses from students. we hope to educate the Zach Bienenfeld '08 was students about proper indignant upon hearing and respectful treatment about the removal. "You of this lounge." mean to tell me that they The problem is not moved my locker for limited to the third floor nothing?" Bienenfeld lounge computers. asked, whose locker was Recently, three of the removed from the lounge eight library computers last year to provide room and one of the two library for the computers. catalog computers were Ros Kellen '09, out of order. whose locker is also in "Mr. Kaufman has the lounge, is not quite as had to replace mice, disappointed about the cables, and keyboards change. "They were multiple times since the always broken and being beginning of the year," vandalized anyhow, so I Ms. Nussbaum guess it's not such a explained. loss," Kellen said. Ms. Wiesman Instead, Kellen added that in the past proposes another way to year, many of the balls refurbish the lounge. "I that lie underneath the think I would prefer if they mice have been deliberput more seating space ately taken. "It is impossilike the one they took ble for them to have gone Continued from Front Page
out without an active opening of the mouse," she said. Librarians consider the poor condition of computers to be a result of student mistreatment. "We have a laissez faire attitude about the library," Ms. Nussbaum said. "It is not locked at the end of the day and we allow students to use it as a lounge. We generally trust people, but in this case, our trust has been broken" It is assistant librarian Mr. Gur's belief that although students may not have intended to damage library furniture and computers, a general lack of awareness and carefulness on the students' part has led to such damage. "If you see a chair or computer broken, bring it to the librarians' attention," Mr. Gur said. "Waiting for us to discover it creates an unhealthy environment." "However," he added, "if you're having computer problems, don't
deal with them yourselves. You will end up doing more harm than good." Mr. Gur was referring to the multiple keyboard and internet cables that have had their pins smashed when students have taken it upon themselves to fix computer problems. It is not just the faculty and administration who are frustrated with the lack of working computers. "Students have often complained that there are not enough computers to use," Ms. Wiesman said. In order to resolve the problem, the librarians, along with Mr. Kaufman, who is responsible for all of the school computers, have instituted a new policy. The new policy, sent out by Ms. Wiesman in a school-wide email read, "As of Monday, March 19th, all students will be required to sign in before using any of the library computers. There will be a sign up sheet for each computer."
The letter further explained that the procedure has become necessary because of continuous problems with the computers. It also made clear that student should never touch cables to mice, keyboards, and internet access, and that students should see a librarian should a computer have a problem. "In the end," Ms. Nussbaum said, "we're trying to keep a working environment where everyone can do their work with equal opportunity. That was being compromised, so now we're trying to fix it." Students, however, are not enthused by the new procedure. "It's really frustrating," Lauren Springer '07 said. "It makes me not want to be in the library." "I don't understand how signing our names by a computer will prevent kids from doing more damage," Jason Sugarman '08 said.
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After 18 Years Rabbi Rubin Leaves Ramaz Continued from Front Page
with young first graders," Rabbi Rubin said. However, when the Middle School was being built, it was clear who would be made its first headmaster; Rabbi Rubin took the job and fashioned a place of learning where the students live through the values he imparted there. After several years in the Middle school, Rabbi Rubin was again called to change positions. "The right thing to do should always guide your actions, no matter what. After this, you play out the unintended consequences, good or bad," Rabbi Rubin said. Rabbi Rubin has let a strong sense of self and values guide him through his time at Ramaz. He has understood the role of Ramaz as a "legacy school," as he called it, and he will take its lessons with him to Kushner. "The students
here are special. I will miss the immense sense of community that we have at Ramaz. I will also miss the vibrancy, history, and student programming at this school," Rabbi Rubin says. "The student programming here is incredible. The students are able to do anything and impact their respected communities more so than at any other school." This is not without the aid of Rabbi Rubin. He has been focused on creating a sense of community since day one, and he has brought that sense of community beyond the confines of the school. Ramaz students of all grades and graduating classes feel a connection to each other because of Rabbi Rubin. We are the leaders of tomorrow. One of Rabbi Rubin's favorite things to do is preach on a Friday mornings. "I hope every student understands that he is the future, and with this
comes responsibilities. “Every student has a role to play; learning is a way of life, it is
“The students here are special. I will miss the immense sense of community that we have at Ramaz.” not just academic." Rabbi Rubin has always tried to help students understand that going through high school living from test to test would kill the experience; he has made sure students would not live this way. "I hope every student has a renewed commitment to Judaism and Israel. They must understand that Israel is our country and they need us there. We should never be apathetic," he added. "We have new areas of pride, yet we have kept the old ones
because our past is also important," Rabbi Rubin said. "We have a renewed appreciation of Torah in our lives. We also incorporate the needs of children more now than ever before," Rabbi Rubin continued. The students will miss him as well. "Rabbi Rubin has always been the person in the administration who I have felt most comfortable going to if I had a problem. I am going to miss him a lot," David Hoffman '09 said. Rabbi Rubin has achieved his reputation by standing with his charges, not intimidating them from above. "I have been with Rabbi Rubin since kindergarten. I had him in the Lower school, the Middle school and now the Upper school. He has played an important role in my development as a person, and I am eternally grateful for this," Josh Dachs '09 said. "This has been a privilege that I could
never have dreamed of. To have a role in the premier Yeshiva of the United States; it has been an incredible ride. I am grateful to my leadership, especially Rabbi Lookstein. I have learned volumes about communication, culture, children, and community. I have gifts from every aspect of life that I will take with me for the rest of my life."
Photo by Caroline Mehl ‘08
GO Election:The Results Are In By Aaron Wilson ‘09 and David Baruch ‘09 On Thursday May 17th, the annual GO elections were held. Candidates running for each position presented speeches and debated in a new type of election assembly that the school
hopes to continue for future elections. Candidates included Gabi Magid '08 and Jeremy Banon '09 running for Treasurer; Dara Marans '09 and Eric Moerdler ‘08 running for Secretary; Michael Reidler '09 and Talia Thurm '09 running for
Junior Vice President; Rachel Shnay '08 and James Merkin '08 running for Senior Vice President; Matthew Luxenberg '08 and Sara Zalcgendler '08 running for President. Also introduced this year was a new voting system, which con-
Matthew Luxenburg ‘08
sisted of computerized voting, as opposed to the conventional paper ballots. Students voted during their respective lunch periods. Towards the end of the day, students who hadn't voted were called to the SAC to vote in order to achieve fair results in the very close
Talia Thurm ‘09
Eric Moerdler '08
Sara Zalcgendler '08 James Merkin '08
race between Presidential candidates. In the end, the winners were Gabi Magid '08, Eric Moerdler '08, Talia Thurm '09, James Merkin '08, Sara Zalcgendler '08, and Matthew Luxenburg ‘08.
Gabi Magid '08
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Features College Motivates Co-Curricular Decisions By Melanie Gersten ‘09 and Caroline Alexander ‘09 A recent survey of 50 Ramaz students was conducted about whether or not students participate in co-curricular activities, and, if so, what their motivation is. Results show that while 50% of the students are involved in these activities for their own enjoyment, 46% of students are members of certain after-school activities only to impress colleges. The remaining 4% are not involved in any type of afterschool activities. Upon hearing these results, college advisor Mr. Levine was initially shocked. However, after a moment of thought, he said, “Given that interest is not always reality, I can understand why people would do this. The truth is that depth of participation matters and breadth doesn’t.” According to Mr. Levine, it is not difficult to show up sporadically to club meetings or not put in a concerted effort. However, in the end, colleges are only truly interested in those who really get involved in their activities. These results did not come as a great surprise to Rabbi Rubin. “We understand that students join for a variety of reasons, and we recognize that whatever those reasons might be, joining will be beneficial,” said Rabbi Rubin. In addition to boosting your college transcripts, being involved in Ramaz after-school activities greatly enhances your high school experience. “[Co-curricular activities] are critical for a student’s integration into Ramaz. They connect students to peers who are like-minded and help students feel connected to the school community. They also help students develop their personal interest and passions. In these clubs students find challenges which help them grow,” said Rabbi Rubin. Dr. Zeitchik explained that, although the idea of joining an activity merely to build your college credentials appears to be governed by the wrong motivations, your feelings can potentially evolve into legitimate enjoyment of the activity. While you may just get involved originally for the prospective long-term benefits, if you stay dedicated to a club you may find yourself relishing something that you never expected. “The question is, are there ever times that they actually enjoy doing it? Their number one reason for doing the activity doesn’t necessarily capture their whole experience in a club,” said Dr. Zeitchik. Engaging in an after-school activity ends up having many possible benefits, and the faculty expressed some concern for students who are not involved in any kind of after-school activities. “It’s a problem,” said Mr.
Levine. “You should avoid being labeled as someone who’s not interested. Of course, numbers and GPA’s are seen first, but the key is what is outside the classroom.” Despite the promotion by the school to participate in after-school activities, they are not mandatory. “It’s hard to mandate co-curriculars. It has to come from a student’s interest. You can’t create commitment. We can talk about the importance and encourage participation, and we do have discussions about getting involved, but we cannot mandate students going to clubs,” said Rabbi Rubin. Regardless of the reasons for joining co-curricular activities, students seem to be happy with their decisions. “It’s important to take a break from all your school work and just enjoy yourself,” said chorus member Jordana Goldman ’09. Even Zev Shimko ‘09, a student with the opposite motivations explained, “Of course I’d rather go home and hang out, but sometimes not enjoying an activity is worth it because it looks good on your transcript.”
Jewish Mysticism Club By Noah Plaue ’08 Have you ever wondered about the other darker side of Judaism, the one with all of the Golems, Dibbeks and allpowerful curses? If you answered yes, Jewish Mysticism club might be the right choice for you. Started this year as the brainchild of Rabbi Rubin and Rabbi Ganz, the Jewish Mysticism club takes on the interesting realm of Jewish Mysticism, a topic that is very rarely taught in the classroom. Under the leadership of Rabbi Ganz, the club focuses on Jewish Metaphysics, the study of the traditional physical laws intertwined into traditional Jewish spiritual laws and ideas. “In the eyes of Judaism, all of the physical laws of the universe are also governed by spiritual laws,” Rabbi Ganz said. “In this club, our main focus is taking those physical laws and understanding them in the spiritual sense.” Although the club covers topics associated with the recentlypopular Kabbalah, Rabbi Ganz assures that the club is far from that level of learning. “We study juvenile stepping stones to anything near Kabbalah,” he said. “The club is about machsheva (thought) which is anything from philosophy to deeper perspectives on thought.” A few months ago, the club was visited by a professional ghost buster as a follow up to their discussion of the Jewish ideas on ghosts. The guest was a member of Paranormal NYC, the only resident paranormal group in the New York City area. Paranormal NYC is a volunteer group that goes around investigating claims of paranormal activity, from creepy prisons to spooky old mansions. Jewish Mysticism club will continue next year!
Biology Rocks, Literally By Katie Wachsberger 10
played in three or four shows. Although Mr. Holzinger s band is no longer playing music together, Mr Holzinger is far from being finished with his musical career. In late August a new band was formed, consisting of drums, a keyboard, a bass guitar, and a saxophone. This interesting mix of instruments has a Funk/R&B sound. So far this band in the making has no name and has only had three or four rehearsals, but it plans on having shows in the near future. In addition to Mr. Holzinger having interest in everything from covelant bonding to polypeptides, he also enjoys everything from listening classical music to playing funk on his bass guitar. So next time you sit down for another exciting biology class, just picture Mr. Holzinger rocking out on his bass, and that is sure to put a smile on your face. And remember, there s always more to someone then what may appear.
As you sit in your biology class, taking notes and understanding complicated concepts, did it ever occur to you that the man who stands in front of the class, explaining photosynthesis, is not only a biology teacher, but is an enthusiastic bass player in a Funk/R&B band?! Itallstarted back in Vienna, Austria, when Mr. Lutz Holzinger was sixteen. He took up playing the bass guitar in order to be in a band with a few of his friends. That band ended up staying together for five years. Although he was a beginner, he really enjoyed being part of a musical group, and to this day he still does. Eight years ago, Mr. Holzinger came to New York, and after two years of living in the States he decided to look on Craig s List and to once again be a part of a band. Since Photo Credit: Melanie Gersten ‘09 then he s been in an R&B band, a Jazz band, a Rock band, and a Fusion band. He most was recently in a band called Mohawk Lighting, which played a mix of original Jazz, Rock, and Funk music that is all instrumental. The band consists of a drummer, a guitarist, and a bass player,allof whom are extremely talented. He s the best guitarist I have ever heard in my life! Mr. Holzinger said about his fellow band member. The creative musicians would work together to write the music and would play their original songs on stage. Up until a few months ago, when the band split up due to the drummer moving away, Mohawk Lightning had been together for about a year and had Mr. Holzinger rocks out.
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Underneath Hats, Ties and Shoes By Ellery Kauvar ’09
I felt that as a citizen in a democracy, I should give something back to the How do you like Ramaz so far? country, and since I was always interI like it. The pace—for teachers at ested in military stuff, I just went from least—is much more relaxed than it playing with toy soldiers to the fully was at MTA. If only I could figure out functioning human action figures of the where I’m supposed to be at any given US Army. I also wanted to enlist with a time, I’d be set. couple of friends of mine. There was also the small matter of my failing of math in high school, and getting called up would have been sufficient to get my final grade bolstered slightly. Unfortunately, I was only ever called up after the semester had ended. When did you enlist? I did an early enlistment at 17, and actually entered at 18, a few months after high school graduation.
Coming in, how did you initially perceive Ramaz? As all outsiders do, I thought it was a well-run, efficient, school full of consummate professionals teaching students eager to expand their intellectual horizons. No, really. How is Ramaz different than MTA? There are far fewer Y chromosomes, but they make up for it by a much larger number of X chromosomes. Why do you bike to school? It’s faster and cheaper than the train, it’s good exercise, and I no longer have to worry about being jumped by vicious rival fez gangs that prowl the subways. What kind of bike is it? I started the year with an old onespeed cruiser that I’d had for twelve years, but it developed an enormous crack in the frame. I now have a brand new one-speed cruiser. When did you start thinking seriously about being a teacher? When my wife started thinking seriously about giving birth to the child in her womb, our first child. What is it like teaching kids, especially ornery adolescents? The teaching part’s not so hot, but the part where I yell at and make fun of them? That’s pretty sweet.
funnier, so he created the position of humor editor and brought me on. Apparently he thought I was funny. The two of you also wrote a book together, The Big Book of Jewish Conspiracies. What’s that about? The idea is to explode anti-Semitic conspiracy theories by making fun of them Each chapter is a different absurd conspiracy, stretching from Exodus to 9/11, in which we admit that the Jews were behind all these things, just not in the way people imagine. Again, available at Amazon, Borders, etc.
I know you were born in Israel and lived there for a while. So how did you end up in Milwaukee and then a What did you specifically do in the teacher at Ramaz? army? I know this may not sit well with some I was in the Infantry, 101 st Airborne of the more Zionistically-inclined readDivision, which, name notwithstanding, ers, but I felt that I should go with my is actually helicopter assault, not para- parents. It was a moment of weaktroopers. I was in a line infantry ness, I know, but in my defense, I was squad, and went to Air Assault school only one year old at the time. As for and Marksmanship Sniper school the teaching, I came to New York for (which is, sadly, the less cool sniper grad school, worked at MTA for eight school). By the time I got out, I was a years, and then was given the Lower Team Leader in charge of 3 men. East Side Chair in the History Department when Dr. Berkowitz moved What kind of gun did you carry, and to Israel. And so, the circle is comdo you still have it? plete. I had an M249 light machine gun, an M-203 (that’s an M-16 with a grenade What kind of connection do you feel launcher attached), and in Sniper to Israel? Do you remember it at all? School trained with the M-21. Oddly I was a baby when I left, but I’ve been enough, the army wanted them back. back as an adult, and I absosmurfly love the place. Like most good How did the army affect you as a American Zionists, however, I believe I person? can best serve Israel by staying here Being a left-wing veteran in a world full and enjoying the American standard of of neoconservative chicken hawks fills living as much as I possibly can. me with smug self-satisfaction. You are renowned for your unique Any interesting army story that you style of dressing; your ties and tie want to share? clips, coupled with special shoes In basic training, you’re only allowed a and hats. Why the diversity and few minutes to eat. I ate so quickly, non-conformity? however, that my drill sergeant was I never really understood it myself until afraid I’d choke, so I became probably an expert in adolescent psychology the only soldier in American history spoke to the MTA faculty last year. He actually ordered by his drill to take his went through all the manifestations of time at chow. adolescent rebellion and whatnot, and it hit me that I seem to be suffering I believe that you are the humor edi- from some kind of extended adolestor of Heeb Magazine. What is cence. If only I can convince my hairHeeb? line of that. Heeb is a Jewish cultural magazine for Jewish hipster types who are not nec- Why did you decide to recite a poem essarily into the mainstream Jewish to everyone that you met with on media. It’s sold at every Borders and student-teacher conferences? Barnes & Nobles in the country, as well These things are supposed to be peras independent bookstores and sonal, so I figured I’d try and do a little Heebmagazine.com. something special for each student.
I know you served in the U.S. army. Did the army have an effect on your career as a teacher or your decision to become one, or did teaching lead you to become a soldier? The army taught me that I can put up with almost anything, and have wellshined shoes while doing it. How did you first get involved? My friend Josh Neuman became editor, Why did you enlist at all? and he wanted to make the magazine
June 2007/ Sivan 5767
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Features
Mixed GO Feelings By Noah Plaue ’08 The GO, Ramaz’s student government, has met with various degrees of criticism and praise from students this year. Many feel that the GO, which stands for General Organization, has done a much better job of organizing events such as the Purim carnival and multiple chagigot. However, others believe that the GO has not done enough to make the daily lives of Ramaz students easier and more enjoyable. “I really can’t think of anything particularly noteworthy that the GO has done this year,” said Corey Horowitz ’08. Other students disagree, saying that although the GO is not without faults, it has done a good job in scheduling activities. These events include Ramaz Icon, an American Idoltype talent show, and GO Cares Week. This is a tradition started last year, where the GO tries to make the lives of students considerably more enjoyable over the span of a week before the hectic pace of preparing for midterms. “I think the GO has done important things to bring the Ramaz community together,” said Rebecca Krevat ’08. “Ramaz Icon and GO Cares Week were significant in the sense that they brought students closer.” Although there have been many events organized by the GO, some students feel that there is more to helping the students besides arranging social gatherings. “They’ve done a great job at planning events,” said Yoni Bokser ’07, “but in terms of meeting students’ needs, I don’t think they’ve done their job. Realistically, though, what power does the GO actually have?” The GO, which includes president, vice president, junior vice president, treasurer, and secretary positions, is frustrated by complaints from the students and their lack of support and recognition for the GO’s work. This year, in an effort to get more students involved with the GO, and hopefully settle complaints, the GO has introduced an open door policy allowing students to be present at GO meetings to voice complaints and ask questions. However, very few students have taken this opportunity to communicate with the GO. “I feel that the student body should take a more active role in working with the GO,” said GO Secretary James Merkin ’08. “The GO, after all, is supposed to represent the interests of the students, so when the students do not participate in the process, they are, in reality, forfeiting their right to be unsatisfied”. Gregory Waldstreicher ’07, the GO President, agrees, saying that the
student body doesn’t support them. “There is only so much a student government can do,” he said. “A student government is not effective unless it has the backing of its constituents, and we simply don’t have the ‘encouragement,’ for lack of a better word, from the student body.” Some students are offended that the GO has put the blame on the student body, calling such accusations ridiculous and insulting. “You know something is wrong when the GO is blaming the people it is supposed to represent,” said Joey Heller ’08. “It’s just illogical.” The GO sees the lack of encouragement from the students plus the lack of backing by the administration as the cause for what some see as its poor performance. “It feels like the administration doesn’t have confidence in the GO,” Waldstreicher said, “therefore they don’t want us to do anything. I don’t think they are used to a strong leader and therefore for the past three years they haven’t figured out a way to respond correctly to my abilities, so my abilities to lead have not been utilized as they could have been.” Even of those students who feel that the GO has done a good job this year, some still wish that the GO would do more to encourage school spirit and get people to the games. “The GO needs to try and increase school spirit,” said Krevat. “If there is one thing that the GO can really improve upon, it’s working harder to get more students to come to more games, which includes girl sporting events as well.” Nevertheless, Waldstreicher believes that the GO has done a tremendous amount to encourage students to attend games. “We have had more Ramaz apparel days this year than ever before,” said Waldstreicher. “We have had at least one GO member at every home game and I personally went to 10 straight home games in one week. We also have constant announcements throughout the hallways and Krispy Kreme donuts to promote the games. I don’t see much more that we can do.” This year’s GO elections were held on May 17. James Merkin ’08 was elected Senior Vice President, Talia Thurm ‘09 Junior Vice President, Eric Moerdler ‘08 Secretary and Gabi Magid ‘08 Treasurer. There was a slight controversy with the Presidential elections this year due to the new computer voting system and an extremely close election. As a result the administration decided to have Matthew Luxenberg ’08 and Sara Zalcgendler ‘08 as Co-Presidents for the first time in Ramaz history.
The Real Sarah Bierman do, though, don’t try to By Sandra Rubinchik carry that same conver‘09 sation with her. “What?! You know nothing about It was one of Coldplay!” she was those chaotic B Day caught screaming as an afternoons when I finally innocent freshman managed to grab hold of sulked in the corner. Sarah Bierman ‘09. She “Speed of Sound? That is, after all, a very isn’t even their best song! sought-after sophomore, You call yourself a fan?” and I was very lucky to However, if you chase her down on one really don’t want to of the many hectic days encounter the mad wrath that make up her busy of Sarah, just make sure life, or so she told me you don’t sit on the during our extensive rounded edge of the sixth interview of three min- floor lounge bench on utes in 406. mornings. “He took it again!” Photo By Melanie Gersten ‘09 she screeched in frustration to her friends on one of these mornings, pointing her index finger at friendly giant Akiva Blickstein ‘09 who sat at the aforementioned spot, reciting the first 200 decimals of pi with a pained “Oh! The suicide expression. “Everyone window!” she shrieked, knows that’s my spot!” running to the notorious While Sarah full-length window at the enjoys her position on opposite end of the room, the bottom in her gym opening it in a single class’s pyramids, her motion. other hobbies include I finally got Sarah experimenting with varisettled down in a chair ous shampoos, studying nibbling away carefully at for Dr. Gaylord tests, her Twix, legs crossed, seeing how fast she can and an arm on a desk. eat a bowl of pasta and “There’s a technique to run out of the lunchroom, it,” she remarked non- being stingy with the chalantly between nib- snacks she buys, as well bles. She carried on to as announcing her latest explain something about crush to the entire stuTwix bars and the trouble dent body. Oh and I of them melting in your guess chorus, photograhands. phy and science That’s the thing research, too. you need to understand “Eccentric,” decidabout Sarah, though. ed Miriam Olenick ’09 She’s like no one else. when asked to describe She doesn’t carry these Sarah in one word. conversations for the “Bold,” said Danna sake of attention or in the Shapiro ’09, a regular at hopes of someone see- the sixth floor lounge ing it from her point of where Sarah spends so view; it’s just that she much of her time. “And enjoys the sound of her spunky,” she added, own voice. Take a seat seemingly not comprenext to Sarah in the hending the assignment morning and just listen to to be limited to one word. her ramble on and on “Yummy!” Sarah about Ben Folds, The finally exclaimed as she Feeling, Snow Patrol, took a final bite of her and her other favorites. Twix at the end of her Feel free to take as many speech, and I saw the bathroom breaks as opportunity to fit in my you’d like in the middle, first interview question. because there’s not a Conveniently, the bell chance that she’ll notice rang, and I was left with you’ve left. Whatever you an empty notebook.
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June 2007/ Sivan 5767
Features Movie Review: SpiderMan 3
Movies to See and to Avoid
There are also some sequels that were able to get the actors to The theme of movies this sum- stay, yet still lack promise. Live Free By David Sabshon ’08 mer is the franchise film, with many Die Hard, the fourth installment in the big name franchises coming out with Die Hard series, is a self-indulgent Spider-Man 3 is a discombobulated mess. third, fourth, and even ninth installproject for Bruce Willis. Another Trying hard to out-do the previous installment, director Sam ments. First, there is Sam Raimi’s sequel to stay clear of is Fantastic 4: Raimi sacrifices the warmth and wit of the previous two Spider-Man 3 which has shown itself Rise of the Silver Surfer. Did the profilms for scope and scale. He introduces three new characto be a disappointing yet profitable ducers even see the first one? Rush ters, developing none of them, and clumsily intertwines sevcontinuation of the famous superhero Hour 3, although many will probably eral plotlines. Despite the grandeur and obvious expense of series. Soon to be out this summer, disagree, is another trequel that will the special effects (totaling to a 2.5 million dollar budget), The Bourne Ultimatum, which continmostly likely disappoint. most of this third installment of the Spider-Man series is ues to follow Jason Bourne (Matt On a more serious note there boring. Too often Spider-Man takes off his mask to weep Damon) on his search to find out his are movies like Evening, starring Meryl and sulk over various losses. Although the movie is actually identity, could be better than the first Streep, Glenn Close, and Claire shorter than the previous two, it seems to drag on forever. two movies in the series. Although Danes. It is the story of a woman remAnother flaw is its overt “cheese factor.” It seems some may fear that the story is tired, iniscing on her summers at the lake that no one working on the movie took the third chapter of this chapter will finally answer our while dying of cancer. Although it will Peter Parker’s saga seriously. They made the odd choice questions and resolve the mystery of surely be a sappy tear-jerker, it is hard to include shots of Spider-Man landing in front of an who is Jason Bourne. Ocean’s to resist such talent. Another somber American flag, and ridiculous scenes of swing-dancing and Thirteen is another number three to film is A Mighty Heart, which tells the nightclubs. look out for. Although Ocean’s Twelve story of the capture and torture of The acting is also much worse than that of the prewas pretty mediocre, I’m hoping reporter Daniel Pearl through the eyes vious films. This is most likely a result of the larger range of of his wife. True it is starring Angelina Soderbergh and Clooney realize they emotion demanded of the actors in this action movie, a Jolie, but it could still be somber. owe us one. On the topic of third range out of reach for both Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Not all the original films this movies making up for a sophomore Dunst. summer are quiet so serious. Like the slump, Pirates of the Caribbean: At Although the visual effects in this movie are truly World’s End will certainly satisfy one’s highly anticipated Knocked Up, a eye-catching, they are not impressive enough to save this wacky pregnancy comedy from the craving for swashbuckling pirates and muddle of a plot from its lack of soul. makers of 40 Year Old Virgin, starring special effects, as well as concluding Spider-Man 3 can teach us a great deal about Grey’s Anatomy’s attractive intern the long and confusing saga of Hollywood. No matter how awful a movie may be it is Katherine Heigl and Virgin star Seth Captain Jack Sparrow. The last big deemed a success if it brings in the big numbers on openRogen. third installment this summer was ing weekend. And just imagine they are already making There are a few movies coming Shrek the Third. There was ample number 4. out this summer that could be great, fairy-tale parody to make this trequel as funny as the previous two. Although but could also be total failures. One of which is Stardust, a fairy-tale fantasy it seems that this season is all about the threes, one sequel that should cer- with Michelle Pfeifer as a witch, Robert De Niro as a pirate of a flying tainly get you excited is the fifth Harry ship, and Claire Danes as a princess. Potter movie, Order of the Phoenix. Although not all the sequels this The only thing that is sure is that this summer are something to look forward movie will be unpredictable. Mr. Brooks is another movie that just can’t to. When Jim Carrey declined to get be placed. Of course, it will be exciting involved it should have been a sign to see Dane Cook in a serious role from up above that Evan Almighty, a and Kevin Costner as his first villain, sequel to the funny and successful but can a movie about a businessman Bruce Almighty, was not what god by day/serial killer by night be any intended. The same logic applies to good? the Daddy Day Care sequel, Daddy Have a good summer, please Day Camp, in which Cuba Gooding Jr. silence your cell phones and enjoy the with be replacing the more famous, feature presentation. and much funnier Eddie Murphy. Ms. Elitsky and Mr. Levine, two of the college advisors for Ramaz, By Ellery Kauvar ‘09 are both leaving as well. Ms. Goldberg, the Upper School Music and Drama Teacher is leaving after being honored this year at the Ramaz dinner. She Rabbi Moskowitz, a former principle at the lower school, is going on his first sabbatical in over forty years of teaching, admin- will be returning to direct the school plays. Rabbi Stochel will assume the position of assistant dean istrating, and coordinating. He will be traveling, especially to next year. His duties have not been disclosed as of yet. Ms. Israel where he plans to write poetry and spend quality time with Gorfinkle will be returning to chair the Math department. Ms. his extended and extensive family. Krupka and Ms. Scheinbein have joined the Israel Guidance staff. Mr. Williams, the physics and chemistry teacher has accepted the post as head of the science department at Parker Collegiate after thirteen years at Ramaz. “I’ve really enjoyed myself, and I have learned a lot,” said Mr. Williams. Ms. Sagulo, who taught a chemistry class this year in addition to her usual duties of preparing the labs, is leaving after nearly 15 years at Ramaz to retire to her home in the Philippines. Mr. Roi will be returning to Israel this year after three years at Ramaz. Mr. Gur is leaving after several years at Ramaz. Ms. Lebowitz is leaving after several years at Ramaz. Joe, the copymachine room manager, left in the middle of term, just a short while ago to spend time with his family. Mr. Mark is returning to his alma mater, Princeton, to pursue a PHD in Political Science.
Bye Bye
By David Sabshon ‘08
June 2007/ Sivan 5767
The RamPage
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Features
Iranian Mission By Emily Kaufman ‘08 The GO arranged for 15 members of the Ramaz Upper School to congregate opposite the Iranian Mission on 40th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan every Wednesday morning in order to daven Shacharit in an effort to raise awareness of the captured Israeli soldiers: Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, and Ehud Goldwasser. We also hand out cards to passersby that give personal information about the soldiers and ask that people act by calling the White House, the UN and the Iranian Mission, as personal acts of protest. Last Wednesday morning, I had the privilege of attending this small, yet spiritual gathering. We were one short of a minyan. Our on-site faculty adviser, Ms. Benel, looked around in search of one more. She prevailed in her quest, and we were able to begin our davening. Thanks to that one man, who despite rushing to get to work found it in his heart to be our tenth man and complete the minyan, we were able to daven. This experience was very moving and meaningful to me, though I could not feel my fingers as winter decided to awake with fury that morning. I had not thought to bring my gloves, which made turning the pages of my siddur a great feat. By rotating the students who attend this minyan every week, many Ramaz students will have the opportunity to experience this rather humbling event. While my hopes are high for what this demonstration can achieve, realistically, I have my doubts. Regardless of the doubts and skepticism, I obliged to take action. While I might not be freeing captive soldiers, I am spreading knowledge to people passing by 40th and 3rd at 8:00 in the morning. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.”
Comic By Sandra Rubinchik ‘09 Art By David Sabshon ‘08
SFAC Attack By Sara Zalcgendler ‘08 For the final SFAC meeting of the year, the items on the agenda were the roles of class presidents, the chairman of next year’s SFAC and ways to improve SFAC for next year. Eli Sutton ’07, chairman of the committee, began the meeting with the discussion of the responsibilities of the class presidents. “What do they actually do?” Sutton asked. Jake Wilner ’09, Sophomore class president, explained that he had to help plan the Sophomore Shabbaton. Ms. Arnberg then asked if meetings were arranged for the class presidents to talk to their peers. Greg Waldstreicher ‘07, GO president said, “the class presidents are encouraged to make meeting for their grades.” Alex Reich ‘07, Senior Vice-President then suggested that “there should be grade meetings scheduled instead of come of the advisory periods.” Wilner then said that as class presidents he receives various general complaints about the school with the most recent one being about the lack of dividers between the urinals in some of the bathrooms. Mr. Miller responded that the C level bathroom is being renovated over the summer and will have dividers. He specified that this bathroom in particular was being renovated because that is the bathroom that visitors use and it needs “ a fresh look.” Waldstreicher segued into the common complaint about lack of privacy in the college office. He expressed that many students have requested dividers in the college office. “It can get pretty noisy and also some things, you just don’t want everyone hearing,” he said. Miller rejected this suggestion saying that putting of dividers “would change the culture of the office.” Wilner also mentioned that a common complaint of his classmates was that the third floor terrace is “always locked.” Mr. Miller explained this was because when students are out there, they make a lot of noise and this noise travels up the windows open on that side of the building. He also said that once the terrace is open “students pressure their teachers to have classes outside.” When asked if the terrace could be open just during lunch periods, he said he would work on it. T he topic then seemed to shift to general issues regarding the physical building. Reich said that the third floor lounge needs better furniture. “Students really used that long table that they took away,” he said. Waldstreicher added that the showers in the boys locker-rooms do not have hot water and the maintenance staff and the hockey team keep
their equipment in the showers. Mr. Holzinger brought up a complaint about the lack of practice space. “I’m the soccer coach and we should be able to have more practices or at least practices that do not start after seven,” he said. “Would it be possible for Ramaz to rent space at a nearby school?” he asked. Mr. Miller responded that many of the teams already use the middle school gym to practice. Glazer then asked the administration if it would be possible to build a yard on the roof of the school. Mr. Miller responded that it would be too expensive and that there are zoning issues. However, he did mention that the school has considered creating office space there. “I was pretty young, but I remember the Lower-school roof having a lot of space. Maybe teams could practice there,” Sutton said. Sutton’s suggestion was met with approval and the administration said that they would definitely try to arrange that. Sutton introduced the next item on the agenda, the issue of next year’s SFAC chairman. Sutton expressed his belief that having a student chairman has “driven some teachers away.” Ms. Benel responded by first complimenting Sutton on how he lead the meeting all year and then suggesting that a faculty member and a student alternate leading the meetings by semester. Sutton explained that throughout the year he only received one topic suggestion from a teacher and when “Dr. Gaylord used to head the meetings, teachers were more involved, because he publicized it to the them.” Goldmintz expressed support of the old system that students and faculty would take turns heading the meeting from year to year. “There was a symbolic value to this. It made it so that all were equally invested and that so no one contingency got the upper hand,” he said. Glazer then defended the current rule that a student would always lead the meaning. “There’s no reason that a student can’t get teachers involved. They’re just as capable as the faculty, and I’m there to help them,” he said. James Merkin ‘08, Secretary suggested that a faculty member and a student lead the meeting together because then they can each encourage their own peers to which Rabbi Stochel added that a member of the administration should take part in leading the meeting. The topic was then put up to a vote. If the old resolution was passed, there would always be a student chairman at the SFAC meetingsThe former rotation arrangement won the vote.
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Opinions
Morality and Cheating By Alexandra Lebovits ‘08 In the last two years, in order to discourage unetheical behavior among students, advisory sesssions have been conducted and the new Preludes booklet lists harsh repercussions for those rules. Advisory sessions have been conducted, and the new and improved Preludes booklet lists the harsh repercussions for an infraction of the rules. But are the students really getting the message? Students feel that the intense pressure put on them to succeed drives them to cheat. As Jon Oppenheim ’08 points out, “People find the need to cheat because the atmosphere of the school is do whatever you can to get ahead of the next guy and at times I find that even the most honest students seem to neglect their morals in order to get a better grade.” However, such a Machiavellian approach towards success is simply going against the very message the school is trying to send. Because Ramaz has such high standards, the administration requires each teacher to give a significant number of tests in order to have a solid basis upon which to assess each student’s achievements. Therefore, at times, it is necessary to have weeks where one to two tests are administered per day, which results in enormous stress for students. According to Dr. Zeitchik, however, this “pressure only creates a temptation to cheat.” He further explains that cheating exists in all other schools and contrary to what people believe, it is not simply a problem at Ramaz. “We must make sure that our
perception of ‘the cheating issue’ is rooted in reality; that by exaggerating the extremity of the issue, one is claiming that cheating is normal behavior at Ramaz,” Dr. Zeitchik stresses. No one disagrees that cheating is an immoral act and that it must be discouraged, but like many students, Jon Rapaport ’08 claims that “the school’s methods of preventing cheating are futile as long as students believe that the most important thing they can do at Ramaz is get good grades.” Rabbi Rubin emphasizes that the school tries to moderate the test calendar but sometimes there are “crunch periods that are unavoidable and therefore create anxiety among students. Learning how to cope with challenging situations is a learning experience on the journey of life.” Yet, in the long run, Rabbi Rubin explains that “if a child excels in school by cheating, his/her corrupt behavior will begin to become manifest and he/she will demonstrate similar immoral behavior when dealing with pressures as an adult.” But where is the line drawn? Is copying someone else’s homework considered to be a one time foolish act or will the student’s lack of moral integrity become manifest in the future? It is the responsibility of both the school and the students to be involved in a dialogue which will differentiate between the distinct interpretations of what constitutes cheating. Exercising selfcontrol builds character. It takes a strong person to resist the temptation to cheat so he can achieve on his own meri ts .
Student Privacy By Sandra Rubinchik ‘09 Embedded deep in the fine print of “Preludes” and the Ramaz Terms and Conditions, is one of the first things any Ramaz student is exposed to: The teacher’s lounge is off-limits. So off-limits, in fact, that only a knock will allow you to see the interior. And by ‘see the interior’ I mean catch a glimpse of the room over Ms. Turk’s head as she opens it just enough for her face to poke through. So off-limits that even the cute little window on the left side of the door of the lounge is plastered down day and night with college-ruled paper to prevent all prying eyes. See the teachers in their natural habitat? Pfft; that’s crazy talk. Well that’s fine and dandy and all, but what about the student lounges? Not only are the student lounges exposed to every gawking eye in the building, but there also seems to be no genuine rule about teachers passing through at their own leisure. Sure it’s taboo enough, but an actual rule? Nope; not one. Why a teacher would wish to induce upon him- or herself such an awkward situation is another story, but there they are every once in a while sitting on the edge of the lounge bench on 6 or simply passing through, trying their hand at some small-talk with a student. This not only creates an uncomfortable predicament for the victim of the small-talk but also for the rest of the surrounding students. Suddenly, conversations must be hushed, censored, or altogether stopped. What’s a lounge if you’re not free to hang out, say what you like, and just do your thing (provided that it’s appropriate and yada yada yada)? In short, you can keep your private little lounge, bathrooms, lunch tables, and the ability to cut us all in the lunch line; all we want is a bit of allotted space for ourselves without any intrusion.
A Note from the Rampage As this is only the third issue of the Rampage to be published this year, we feel we owe the school an explanation for the dearth of productivity. Though many articles were written, and many students were dedicated to working diligently, the process of transforming the articles into a complete paper became bogged down by the lack of sufficient knowledge about the technological aspects of putting a paper together and the new editorial structure that was in place. We believe that these issues have been rectified, due most particularly to the hard work of the students listed on the mast-head of this issue. We look forward next year to a great output of creative, challenging, and always informative issues, and we hope to get more of the students involved in the process.
Staff
Contributors
Melanie Gersten Emily Kaufman Ellery Kauvar Caroline Mehl Eric Moerdler Noah Plaue Sandra Rubinchik David Sabshon Aaron Wilson Sara Zalcgendler Marc Zinaman
Caroline Alexander Aryeh Friedman Alexandra Lebovits Anya Lichtenstein Dara Marans Adam Feldman Hannah Rubin Samantha Sharon Lexi Tanenholtz Katie Wachsberger
FACULTY ADVISOR Dr. Steven Milowitz RAMAZ UPPER SCHOOL 60 East 78th Street New York, New York, 10021 Phone: 212-774-8070 Fax: 212-774-8099 RAMPAGE@RAMAZ.ORG
June 2007/ Sivan 5767
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Sports B
Sports
The Battering Ram Girls Varsity Basketball Team Ends Season with Blowout Championship Win By Eric Moerdler ‘08 On Sunday, March 25th, the girl's varsity basketball team faced off against Frisch for the championship. The girls had a great season, and closed it out with a victory in the biggest game. The win meant the fifth championship in eight years, a feat no other team has matched in the history of the league. However, the road to victory wasn't so easy. The first problem for the girl's was the lack of experience on the team. At the beginning of the year, Coach Randy Dulny selected three sophomores, Lauren Schwartzberg 09', Talia Thurm 09', and Rebecca Freidman 09', to join the team. When asked about how these three have made the jump to the Varsity level, Coach Dulny said "The seniors and juniors have taken in the sophomores like they were there for years, they fit right in, and it was the smoothest transition ever". The second problem the team had was depth. They have had to overcome a lot of injuries throughout the season including injuries to Freidman, Helene Weisberg 08', and Emmy Fessel 08'. For Sunday's game, both
Freidman and Weisberg did not play. While talking about the injuries and hardships thus far, Dulny said "Right now we are down to about eight players, and due to Helene's recent injury, if we get some early fouls, we might be in trouble. We lack some depth, but have been getting some quality minutes out of almost everyone at different
Fessel, Neiman and Thurm embrace after the win. Photo by Ari Levine
times throughout the season." After posting a regular season record of 11-1, the team expected to win. As junior forward Emmy Fessel 08' put it: "we have talent and work as a team, and we expect a win from ourselves". Going into the playoffs, they had the number one seed in the league, a championship trophy from Houston, and all the parts to win. In the first round of the playoffs, the girls played SAR.
From the opening tip, the girls controlled every aspect of the game including tempo at both ends of the court, and most importantly, on the scoreboard. The win meant that they would face HAFTR, the only team to have beaten them this season, in the semis. In the beginning of the semifinal game the girls found themselves in an unfamiliar position, losing 10-3 after the first quarter. From there, Jesse Kestenbaum and Lauren Schwartzberg took over. They led the Rams back to within one point at halftime, and then with the help of Emmy Fessel, Kayla Freilich, and Talia Thurm, they took the lead and never looked back. The Girls Varsity Basketball team played Frisch for the championship of the league on March 25th. From the start of the game, Coach Randy Dulny's team took control. Seven points were scored quickly by junior forward Lauren Schwartzberg. The Rams extended the lead to 11-6 entering the second quarter. Frisch fought back and finished the first half 18-15. In the third, Emmy Fessel 08' took over, giving the girls a comfortable
lead. After Frisch made its final run, Captains Jesse Kestenbaum 07' and Daniela Nieman 07' helped put the game out of reach. The 43-25 score marked the girls' third championship in a row, and fifth in eight years.
JV Hockey Recap Continued from Sports A They qualified for the playoffs and lost a heartbreaker in the first round. But after the season, star freshman Michael Reidler '09 moved up to varsity, leaving the team with a lack of scoring. This season they finished 0-10, including one overtime loss, and did not qualify for the playoffs. Captain Adriel Koschitsky '09 could not help but express his disappointment. "I really thought we were going to turn the corner this season," said Koschitsky, "I guess it just wasn't our year." Freshman Josh Lewitess led the team in scoring. Coach Martin Cejka was disappointed, but remains optimistic that they will bounce back next year.
JV Basketball: The Perfect Ending By Eric Moerdler ‘08 On Sunday, March 25th, the JV Basketball Rams played the HAFTR Hawks for the MYHSJVBL championship. The Rams were coming into the game with a perfect 12-0 record. From the beginning of the season there were high expectations for this team, despite losing talented point guard Michael Reich '09, who was moved up to the varsity team. When recalling the early parts of the season, Captain Michael Abramson '09 said that "from the very first practice we clicked. We had the perfect mix of funny kids, like Mike Berg '10, locker-room guys like David Meister 10' and Stephan Sakhai '09, and great players who had no problem coming off the bench, like Ike Greenstein '09 and Ben Stein '10.
After posting an impressive 100 regular season record, the Baby Rams went into the playoffs as the only undefeated team. Here they would face off against their cross-town rivals, the Heschel Heat. In a close game that was decided by a game-winning three pointer by Zack "Zeus" Cooper '09, the Rams marched their way into the championship game. Preparing for the championship, Coach Kevin Flynn said, "I think we have the talent, smarts, and most importantly hunger to get the job done. Win or lose, I'm just so proud of these guys and what we as a team have accomplished so far." With that, the game began. From the first moments, everyone in the stands knew that this would be a great game that would only be decided in the forth quarter. HAFTR took a
2-0 lead right away. But Captain Jeremy Banon '09 came right back with a jumper of his own to tie the score at 2. The lead went back and forth and at the end of the first, the scoreboard read 13-11 in favor of the Rams. In the second, freshman star Max Feldstein took over, scoring 6 of his first half 8 points and giving the Rams a 22-20 halftime lead. The second half began just as the first ended. The two team exchanged blow for blow as the lead went back and forth. Finally, led by Feldstein and Sakhai, the Rams opened up to a six-point lead. When it looked like the Rams were going to pull away, the Hawks rallied behind their star, Mike Gindea. As the third quarter was winding down, HAFTR hit a three to bring them to within 5 points 39-34.
The lead would once again go back and forth until the last two minutes of the game. After the Rams retied the score, Gindea made a threepoint play. The Rams then found themselves in an unfamiliar position: down three with only 90 tics left on the clock. This is when Max would take over. He drove on the next two possessions, getting fouled twice, and getting 5 points for his team. From there, the Rams defense and rebounding solidified the game, championship, and undefeated season with the 51-45 win. After the game, Max Feldstein, with his 19 points, received the MVP trophy. Coach Kevin Flynn said after the game, "This is the best group of guys I've ever been around, and I'm proud to have been their coach".
June 2007/ Sivan 5767
The RamPage
Sports A
Sports
The Battering Ram Boys Volleyball Team Established
Sports Recap
against HAFTR, North Shore, Boys Varsity D.R.S, TABC, and Frisch . "We Basketball Up until recently, volley- have the charisma and chemball at Ramaz has only been istry to be the best Volleyball perceived as a girl's sport; how- team in Ramaz history," Ariel By David Baruch ‘09 ever this spring a Boys Chetrit '08 exclaimed. "They just didn't click," Volleyball team has been creatUnfortunately, they ed. "There has been avid inter- recently lost to Flatbush and said Coach Dulny of this year's Varsity Basketball team. "They est in this sport for the past few SAR. played hard, showed up every years, but in this past year espenight, it just did not work out," he cially, many more boys took said. interest in this sport. The Varsity Basketball Additionally, other Yeshiva team finished a dismal 7-8 with schools have joined this league, a first round loss to Northshore making it more reachable to in Greatneck. Plagued by a lack Ramaz," Mr. Dulny explained. of senior experience-"We only Adriel Koschitzky '09, a had three seniors-" Dulny saidmember of the team, believes the team often struggled closing gym class volleyball was the games out down the stretch. source of inspiration for the new One such event occurred in a team. "A small group of boys felt frustrated during our volley- The Boys Volleyball team strug- loss to Flatbush in which they blew a late lead. They also fell ball game week in gym, gles against Flatbush. Photo by apart in an overtime loss to because they didn't know how to Melanie Gersten ‘09 Heschel in which they gave up play. So, we got together and six quick points to start overdecided we wanted to learn to Girls Varsity time. play the game, and play it seri"It was fun, I am just disously," Koschitzky said. Volleyball appointed that we did not finish The creation of the Boys as well as we could have," said Volleyball team will open up Captain Brandon Aryeh '07. The additional spots on other spring By Eric Moerdler ‘08 team often struggled to play sports. "This new team will take On Tuesday, March 20, consistent offense scoring only away players from the Boys 36 points in their first round playSoftball team, but will create 2007, the Girls Varsity off loss to Northshore. James new spots for other students Volleyball team played their Merkin and Jarrett Goodman, who want to pursue spring semifinal round game against "The Sophomore experiments," sports, who otherwise would not the Frisch Cougars. The girls' as Brandon Aryeh called them, have had the opportunities to team has worked extremely led the team in scoring and play these sports," Mr. Dulny hard this season, and they were rewarded with the 3rd rebounding respectively. said. With this in mind they Rachel Fuld '04, the seed entering the playoffs. The team is led by look toward next season with coach of the Girls JV Volleyball high hopes. "They should be team is the coach of the boy's Arielle Himoff 07', Tanya Low great next year," said Captain team as well. Although captains 07', Brina Tretin 07', Joanna Brandon Aryeh, "The Juniors have not yet been decided Joels 07', Natalie Klapper 07', are well tested and will carry a upon, the team members are Eliana Hollander 07', and Sara eager for the team to be suc- Zalcgendler 08'. Although losing lot of experience into every game." Coach Dulny, too, has cessful and long-lasting. "The to Frisch earlier this year, hopes as well as confidence for first year of any team is never Coach Bock said: "I have all the most successful, and you the confidence in the world that next years' team. "I think we will be better next year. We had a can only seek to improve your my girls will get the job done". The seniors of this team have team made up of mostly juniors techniques," Koschitzky said. and one sophomore, we will The players are headed really put in the effort to succlick earlier and hopefully have in one direction; that of victory. ceed, but it's the juniors who a better outcome then we did "Hopefully, over the next few will be the future looking this season." In addition to the years, our volleyball team will towards next year. The team will be returnjuniors who will be playing next dominate the league," year the team has a strong cast Koschitzky says. Grun believes ing Zalcgendler 08', along with of sophomores coming up next that with enough practice, the Suzanne Miller 08', Alexandra year. Their current team is makteam will be triumphant. "We're Lebovitz 08', Pam Shams 08', ing a championship run. going to make it to the champi- Rachel Shnay 08'. Along with It was a solid season for onships because we have a these talented players, and a great and hardworking team, stellar crop of incoming juniors, the Varsity Basketball team. They played hard and won one that will strive for great- the future of this team, as well as the present, looks bright. some exciting games. "We had ness," Grun explains. a good time this year, they were The team got off to a a good team," said Coach great start winning their first five Dulny. games By Dara Marans ‘09
Boys Varsity Hockey By Eric Moerdler ‘08 On Tuesday, March 20, 2007, the varsity Rams took on the DRS Wildcats in the semifinals of the playoffs, in a rematch of last year's championship game. Prior to this game, the Rams posted a regular season record of 12-1-0-1, one of the best regular season records in school history. The team has been led all season long by its senior captains Josh Hoffman 07', Daniel Reidler 07', and assistant captain Jared Rosenfeld 07'. After receiving the third seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, they played the Frisch Cougars, a team they had lost to earlier in the year. The Rams upperclassmen led the team to victory with four goals by Hoffman 07', one goal by both Reidler 07' and Rosenfeld 07', and great goaltending by Jacob Fein 07'. This led to a 7-0 win. As junior offenseman Mathew Luxenberg put it: "we will only go as far as Hoff, D-Reidler, Rosy, and "Stonewall" Fein will take us". This team has the talent, depth, and hunger to make a statement not only in this game, but the championship as well. The team will most likely make the playoffs next year, but how they do once they are there is up to how much they learn from this season. The question as we look to the off-season will be how well Magid 08, Mermalstein 08',Reidler 09', Luxenberg 08', Schwartz 08', and goalie Jesse Bernstein 08', will be able to take from this playoff experience and use it to their advantage next year.
Boys JV Hockey By Adam Feldman ‘09 The JV hockey team has endured a difficult stretch over the past few years, and it recently wrapped up one its toughest seasons. Following the 2004-2005 season, in which they uncharacteristically missed the playoffs, they bounced back last year and had four wins. Continued on Sports B