Volume 28, Issue 1 (October 1995) - The Rampage

The Ram Page.

October 1995 / Chc!hvun 5756

Volume XXVIU Number t

Seniors Suffer From Summer Assignments

by VM!\lallnn EAlcnsive o.ssisnmcnts plagued seniors 1his summer. causing major complnin1s among form VI students.

The ndvnnccd placemen! courses in particular cauSt"d the greatest ruckus. 801h the biology :mc.J chemistry t\P's required J ctupicrs of reading \\ ith following questions. For chemistry. there \\'Crc :ipproxim:i1cly JO quc.st,ons with mulliplc pan . For biology. there "'"" abool 20 qucstion.s 3lso w11h multiple pan.

Many studenis felt 1lu1 lhe m.agnitudc of the work was UOOC'C'CSS:t.ry. o,a�ha Allen. "ho is llking AP Chcmi,;1ry.

"1id tlul she 1hought th:11 the work lood -put a chmper on

====-.=:::u,nm.er rc.l:ur• . 1Jon.

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w::as :usignmcntl o,·cr-dcnunding.Somc \.\'CfC more :innO) cd by 1hc time limit.! that were SCI on the :i.ssignmcnLJ. The three AP Chemistry 1L<S1gnments had 10 be sent to the reacher at different rimes over the course (continued on page JI

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Inside this Issue: Overcrowding

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Supertrans Crash page5

� Humor Page6

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Technology Wave Hits Ramaz

by Tamara Mann During 1he months of July and August, 1he Ramaz building underwent significant technological advancement as its compu1cr, telephone, and PA sy stems were expanded, and the Book Room management updated.

Every classroom and office w:15 equipped with a computer hook•up wired to the central network. This will allow for increased accessibility to a variety of educational progmms. Mr. Miller no1cd 1hn1 1his -should have a greal impact on the way we teach and homeroom, "There were some on the curriculum here."

The 1elephone sys1em was 1cchnical problems concerning lhc issue" that precluded also upgraded to provide immediate action. according to faculty members wilh voice The mail. The system allows Rabbi Goldmi nlz. administration reconciled parents and students to leave these hindrances this year by personal messages on teachers' adding to davcning time since, machines. Teachers c a n on most days. the ma.in minyan retrieve their me.5S3£CS 3. l any finh,hed with • fcw-minuw,• lo Luna of d::.y•.Jro.rn ll� homes Spart before lhe firs! bell. Five or from school. Ms. Goldberg minutes were then removed said that she "loves" the from mincha time in order to system. for in the past ••it was preserve 1he length of lhe difficult to get messages sometimes. and it was school day. .. never In order to accommodate clear who was callin£. Now, 1he eaters, the school has (continued on pag, 6) ensured th:11 1he vending

New Break for Breakfast

by Ariell11. 01jk In an 3ttcmpt to satisiy the demands of both s1Udcnts and parents. the .idministration has allercd the daily schedule to ollow time for brcakfosL The new schedule features :1 five minute addition 10 Lhc lime .l()ILCd.Jo_.shacfw'il. and a five mlnutc rcduttlon ln-.nrncn time.

According to Rabbi Goldmintz.. the desire 10 fit an C3ting break in10 1hc schedule W3.J nol 3 new one. For years, students and parents alike have quoted the Gcmarah in Oerakhol I Ob as the source for their claim. The Gcmarnh.

according lo Preludes, "makes it clear 1h:u one should not cat before one davcns in the morning. for to do so rc-prcscnts a sense of misplaced priorities and even, perhaps. some disrespect to Hashem ... .Spiritual nourishment should 1al:c prcccdcnce over physical ollrlsfiffici11.-

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The breakfast issue w::is brought 10 the forefront, however. during a parent liaison meeting 13tc last year.

Given the administration's adamant resistance to stretching out the day or robbing the students of

(continued on page 4)

Students Attend Forum on German-Jewish Relations

by Erin L<lb bo:ord member of 1hc JCRC. On Scplcrnber 15. seniors and 1he hosl of lhc event I le Abigail Kahn. Erin Leib. Mark saw the meeting :u "a Sm11h. and Laura Worenklcin. continuation of an clTort that leaders of 1hc Social Action h:1.s been mndc by the German Committee and the I lolocau�t govcmmcnl'' to discuss issues Oral Hosiory Club, joined 20 that hnvc arisen from the Jcwi�h communily leader"' and ··events 1hat lrnvc hound 111:; 1wo mc:mtxrs of the German 1ogc1hcr. Wilhoul beginning lo govcrnmenl. 10 discuss 1hc forgive or forget," he prc�cnl 5Wtus of Germon• continued, "we nrc looking to The 1he ncxl 50 years." Mr. OresI er J e w ish rela1ions. representatives of the Gernum then bricny spoke of 1he government were Dr. Fricdbcrl impurlance of young people Pneugcr. a member of 1he g>1hering 10 address Comminccs on Foreign AffaiM Gcrmnn•Jcwish issues and "to and Defense. and Dcpuly continue 1hc process of healing Consul General Hnns Von by a person 10 person. one on S1ac�lcbcrg. lnc meeting was one, meeting." sponsored by 1he Jewish To Ms. Horricl Mandel.

Community Relation, Council Director of Isrnel and (JCRC) and 100k place in 1hc ln1erno1ionol Affairs at 1hc board room of the 1:aw firm JCRC. 1he objective of 1hc S1roock. S1roock. and Levan. convocJtion was two-pronged.

The mct,ling began wi1h 1he From educational an words of Mr. Mnr1in Bresler. a

perspective. she st:1ted...we luwc to remember the pnst in order 10 inform the future.:· TI1c Jewish community. which continues to pcrpctuntc rncist o.nd stereotypical o.llitudcs toward Germans, ostensibly has not lcnrncd the crucial lesson of abhorrence of prejudice. According 10 Ms. M a ndel. ii is our duty, therefore, to hear about Germany 1oday in order to c o mbttt the very s:11nc discriminatory forces that threatened 1he Jewish community only 50 years ago.

From • political pcrspec1ive, Germany plays • critical role in both world Israeli and affairs affairs.specifically. due 10 iis centrality and strong economy.

German-Jewish relations. therefore. :ire necessary

because. "only by innuc.ncing (Germany) in a conslructivc way can we hope to ho.vc influence on German policy."

Dr. Friedbert Pneuger. a member of the German Bundes1ag. 1ook 1he noor next. recalling his first encoun1er with Jews. Dr. Pfleuger said 1ha1 "vrry early on {he] had cmo1ional sympa1hics for Israel ... {and] a quite positive attitude, but no real knowledge." He had learned of 1hc Holocausl "jusl like everyone else:· but it remained nn even! of lhe very dislanl p>St until in 1976. when he joined a dclcga1ion of student leaders on a visit to Dachau. This experience, which proved to be "a very moving one."' was the first in a series of encounters (collfiflutd on page 5)

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The RamPage

Editorials

October 1995 / Cheshvan 5756

Letter to the Editor

What About the Right?

teflllah groups and reading the Dear &J11or.

The February I 995/Ador Torah therein. This is a 5755 edition or the Rom Page mistaken impression which In the wake or the recent advancements in the which featured the repon on requires correction. I never Middle East peace agreement, the student body has �n my approving Torah reading in heard the Rav·s approving or addressed by several speakers. In a welcoming assembly, the womcn·s teflllah group on womens tcfillah groups. I Abraham lnfeld, Director or Gesher Educational Tuesdays when the Torah is suspect that had I asked him Affiliates, spoke or the current strife within Israel to read. contained a reference to about the idea he would have treasure the past while, at the same time, confront the an alleged ruling by my revered discouraged it.

What actually hoppened future. Israeli Ambassador Yehudah Avner presented teacher, Rabbi Joseph B. his views orthe Israeli dilemma to the sophomores. Most Solovcitchick. or blessed was that a group of Brandeis recently, Steven Flatow, father or Alisa Flotow (z"I), memory. The aniclc said that University students wanted to discussed the sanctity or Jerusalem and the necessity or ··The women ·s reading the establish a womcn·s tcfilloh sacrifice in order to ensure the survival orour homeland. Torah is halakhically group and they asked a young according to Rabbi rabbi who was close to the Rov Each or the above speakers rocused on different aspects pennissible how they should do it. The Solovcitchick:· orthe current situation. Each ostensibly tried his utmost The impression conveyed Rav. without approving or to avoid one-sided political discourse by repeatedly by this article. which was disopproving or the idea itself. acknowledging the legitimacy of and gracefully derived from a memorandum simply indicated that if they conceding to o pposing viewpoints. which I sent to faculty. is that wanted to do something like Yet, each speaker inevitably proved transparenL the Rav approved or women ·s that. there were certain ways in

Leftist comments surfaced in abundance, albeit while dues were being paid to the right wingers in the audience.

While we do not condemn the opinions held by these men, we do find fault with the prevalence of their politks. The school's decision to invite only Jen wing representation was deceptive, for it did not accurately reflect Jewry's divisiveness. The peace process, an issue of monumental concern to most Jews, has spawned fierce reaction from both its proponents and opponents. To ignore the right wing is to deny the complexity of the issue at hand.

As part of an educational institution intent on generating awareness, let us not forget that the right wing deserves a podium too.

The Ram Pagetf

EDITOR-IN-ClllEF Erin Leib

EDITORIAL BOARD Dvasha Allen ♦ Alex Krause ♦ Charles Levine ♦ Haviva Malina

JUNIOR EDITOR Karen Puuennan

FACULTY ADVISER Mr. Alben Goetz

which to do it. It is those guidelines which I used-and which many women·s tcfillah groups use• to allow Torah reading with brachot said in a particular manner. Rabb, Soloveitchick. to the best or my knowledge. never gave general a p p r o v a l or c onducting women·s tcfillah groups.

I hope this clarifies any con fusion about the reference to the g r e a t e s t h a l a khic authority or our day as far as the Yeshiva University rabbis arc concerned. I also hope that our women ·s tefillah group will continue to nourish in 5756.

Rabbi Haskel Lookstein

G.O. Letter ' S. Tutoring• The G O A Letter From Your host Elizabeth Swados" ·11te Hating Poi:• a powerful play tutoring program will be Student Government

As the holidays come to an about racism performed by end and the school year begins twenty teenagers. Not only is in earnest. your GO is b.ud at the play fantastic, but j1 is work planning events and extremely relevant to us as representing you. We hbpe Jews.

3.Discounttd food• The that the exciting and inspiring e Simchat Bcit Hashocva was GO is preparing a list or stors just the beginning or a great where Ramaz students can year. Herc is a look forward at receive discounts. The list will be distributed to the entire coming weeks: I.Basketball Matchup• student body within the next On Thursday. October 26. few weeks.

4. Curriculum Advisory Ramaz fans will be treated to a srcllar contest between two Committee• Continuing the work or last ycor·s GO. we undefeated teams. the varsity basketball team and the Ramaz hope to cstobhsh a commlltcc faculty. The gome. which will that will be composed or be followed by dinner. will students whose responsibility hopefully begin a season or it will be to review and suggest incrcosed student suppon for oltcrations or the curriculum. the ,•arious sports 1cams in the The committee wall be patterned after the student school.

2. Broadway comes to committee that convened Ramaz• On Thursday. during the Middle States November 9. lhc anniversary evaluation two years ago. or Kris1allnacht. Ramoz will

staning soon. As has been the case in previous year.;. students in need of lutoring wi.11 receive

aid from upperclassmen volunteers. In addition, the GO will be implementing a peer-mentoring program with the help or Mr. Zcitchik.

Details will follow.

If you have a problem. complaint. question. comment or suggestion. please come down 10 the SAC and talk with one or us. In order 10 best represent you. we need input and interest on your pan. It is crillcal thot each and every swdent take an acuvc role in student government.

Jordana R,khs. President Josh Zable, Senior Vice President Michael Gerber. Junior Vice President Jonathon Gribctz. Secretary

Ramshackles by Leora Platt

October 1995 I Chcshvan 5756

ThcRamPage

Page3

Opinion

Ramchops Congratulations to Mr. Goetz who was asked to deliver a speech at the International Congress on Math Education which will take place ncxl July. The paper 1hat Mr.Goetz will deliver will describe a zero mathematics based

lnternetteled

by Mollhew Roscolf The ln1erne1 , found in Ramaz in the form of e-mail,raises a slew _o f u _nprecedenled moral questions. The school admm1strat1on has addressed these issues in the recent addendum 10 Preludes and in the special e-mail rule sheet. But the new code 1s too strmgen1 where it should not be, and is silent where it must be stricter.

According 10 Preludes. every upperclassman who uses the Ramaz c-�ail system must sign a sheet promising to report transgressions of the computer code by fellow students. Such a request is unreasonable. especially when first and foremost amo�g e-mail crimes is "frivolity." (I think 1ha1 I have yet to receive a piece of e-mail that could not be classified as '"frivolous.") The school does not apply this strict honor system when dealing with other rules, why should computer inf ractions be any different?

The administration and computer facuhy place 100 much power in the hands of cerrnin s1uden1s granted ··extended privileges·· 10 the computer system. The rules do not address 1he fact !hat the computers at Ramaz arc maintained largely by two juniors who have enhanced access 10 the network. In theory, these students can open all of 1he files thal arc saved on the network. including those belonging to teachers. Mr.Berman. 1he manager of the systems. refuses 10 acknowledge this access. He did, however. admit that several Computer Club heads have gained . afler "significant work," more access lhan others. He would not spell out precisely what 1his increased access entails, saying !hat he in1en1ionally keeps 1ha1 information confidential. The students involved deny their ability to read others' files. "I never tried," said one, "so I would never know [1f I had 1he capability]." But !he fact is. they do know.

In a time when most 1csts and all finals are wrinen on computers, this is an unacceptable policy. One empowered student sa,id !hat "1hc teachers 1rus1 [him!,"' yet, in truth, teachers ntc unaware of \he capachy or these stuelcms to read lhe\r mes.

The only way teachers can ensure their absolute privacy is to put

a separate password on every saved file.

It was suggested at a SFAC meeting lasl year !hat lhc maintenance of the e-mail system would be impossible wi1hou1 1he students with extended network privileges. If this is clear, 1hc choice is clear: e-mail must go.

The computer rules arc both impractical and impracticable.

The a dministration 's exp e ctations of all students are unrealis1ically demanding. Our computer policies need fundamental rethinking.

curriculum. This curriculum

Post- dav�ning traffic jam.

Students or Sardines?

by Karen Putlcrman

The school building is undoubtedly overcrowded. The very pressing problem is apparent from our firs! moments in school. as hoards of people try 10 move up 1he stairs. Those who have Rabbi Gordon or Mr.Goetz lry franlically to push their way through. oflen to no avail.

The Ho locaust Oral History Club was recently featured in the newsleller of 1hc developing Museum of Jewish Heritaee. The club

stress-inducing. Five minute breaks no longer provide ample time to traverse 1hc gridlock of the fourlh through sixth floors.

Classrooms, lockers. and stairways join together in several spots to create impeding traffic zones. The third floor continues 10 baffle wilh its s1ra1egically placed stairway that runs diJcctly in10 two rows of lockers.

Not only arc lhe hallways packed, but so are 1he classrooms.

I know of many classes tha1 are replete wi1h 30 students.Ramaz parents spend thousands of dollars each year to provide for their children a fine private school education. Still, I barely get called u_pon in classes because there are 29 other students to contend wilh, How rnuch mor-e c.Joc3 one need 10 puy for- aucndon?

The building is simply exploding. Every comer of 1he school has a locker shoved inlo it. often in inappropriate places.

Sophomores and juniors are stuck on the third floor with 1he junior high.A few poor souls arc even banished to the gym.

Imagine the trauma of the student who, after davcning, must run down to a locker on SC and then up to room 70 I on a stairway so crowded 1ha1 he can only move 1wo steps per minute. Let us not forget that he mus! have his notebook and textbook opened before the second bell rings. The task is herculean!

Rumors that Ramaz is expanding have no visible substance. I cannot understand why the adminis1ra1ion decided 10 welcome 56 new students inlo a building already filled 10 its capacity.

Apparently they recognized tha1 Ramaz students already bear close likeness 10 sardines. Only sardines have oil between 1hcm.

the New York based museum last year when its members videotaped reviewed testimony of hidden children.

The s1udcn1s were asked to summarize from the two-hour

This year. even sw itching classrooms has become

Summer Assignments

initiated a rel;tionship with

version the most relevant

historical and cultural data.

The newsle11er stated that "The fruits of the students work .. . will become a v:aluoble.. r�ourcc ro the Museum as ii proceeds to plan and create its core and

changing exhibits."

On Friday, October 201h, Mr. Goetz's senior calculus class raised 69 dollars in the annual AP Math envelope auction. The money will be put toward a Chanukah chcsed project in which hospitalized children will receive coloring books and crayons.

We arc sorry 10 inform 1he student body of the passing of

(cn11t11111r,I from page I)

of 1he summer. The first chapter (re ading and quesiwns) was due no later 1han July 17. 1hc second one wa< due by Augusl 15. and lhc third one was due the first day of classes. Another senior who is Inking AP Chemistry noted 1hat "the lime limits were unfair. [They were] very time conslrammg and nerve racking while [she was] busy wilh [her) summer plans."

Still olhcrs were upset by 1hc fact Iha! bolh 1hc biology and chemistry summer material were covered by a 1es1 during the firs! week of school.

One senior noled, "I understand the reason for doing 1hc chemistry problems, but having a test on it 1he first

involves the abandonment of conventional teaching techniques.One musl "forget aboul 1ra di1ional algebra and geometry...Stan with a tabula rasa, a n d p u l into the curriculum only those topics that one feels arc relevant now."

L1wrence Zuckem,an.

package 10 review conccpls of 1rigonomc1ry and functions.

They were then required 10 answer 63 questions on 1he malcrial,lo be handed in on lhc first day of classes.

The AP European History

"Everyolle on the administration feels that the volume of work is very wrong." assignment was to read a book of approximately 130 pages about the technological inno vations

betwe en

1400-1700 and then 10 write a 4-5 page 1ypcd essay based on the book. One senior noted lhat "the history was unfair.. .and In significant 10 the week is unfair," The AP Ma1hemotlcs-BC course." Another senior hod o class also had • large similar view. She said, "It assignmcnl. Students were dldn 't seem 10 me 1h01 !here asked to read a 68 page was ony poinl to i1." Rozelle

Hollz, who<c only advanced pla cemen! course is AP European History said !hat the "assignmcnl wasn 'l too bad . .. but if I had three Al's it would have been a workload." n,c AP English class was required 10 read four lengthy books over the summer. Josh Weiner (VI) failed 10 understand lhe need for lhc assignment, saying that 1he AP course is 1augh1 at many other high schools, none of which demand such work. While the assignment was quite time consuming. the lack of wrillen work tempered students· atlitudcs toward it. Jesse Rodin, a senior taking AP English, BC Math, American History and Music remarked 1hat " 1he English was not that bad. . .lhc scicncci; and maths ore worse." Zoe Leibowitz, whose only summer work was AP English reading, olso said

1ha1 1he English was "not 100 bad."

Mr. Miller explained 1h:11 the rationale behind the summer assignments i s that

teachers feel 1ha1 without the assignments they will not be able 10 complete t h e curriculum.H e acknowledged 1ha1 lhe workload can be

"unfair'' when one takes more

than one demanding AP. He said !hat "everybody on the administration feels that the volume of work is v e r y wrong."

However, he continued, the material must be covered at some time outside of the classroom. Therefore, ony assignment cut out of the summer requirement wi II continue to be inconvenient. as the alternn1 ivc is Pes ach VOCDlion.

Mr.

Zuckem1an was a graduate of 1he class of 1990.

Congratulations to the new freshman class presidents, Rosie Guroek ond Noam Woldoks.

We wish a rcfuah shlcmnh to Mrs.Bralove.

Come Join the RamPageS

Pogc4

October 1995 / Chcshvan 5756

ThcRnmPagc

French Saviors Accompany Holocaust Survivor at Taped Interview M Indy Eisenberg Mr.Herman Prebor, father of Rabbi Prebor, together with his" ife and his French saviors, Ms. Christiane Deveaux and her h u s b a n d Mr. R obert Iglesias. joined the Holocaust O r a l H i s tory C l u b o n September I 8 fo r a taping of Mr. Prebor's H o locaust survival story. Ms. Bene! conducted the interview with the help of Ms. Lassncr's translation.

On July 16, 1942, as the .. Big Roundup.. of the Jews of France was taking place. 1',1r.

Prebor's mother decided to search for a place to hide her only son. She contacted a man tilled Monsieur Henri who was known 10 find housing for Jewish children. He informed her of lhe Catholic Deveaux family who was willing lo protect Jewish children from the hands of lhe Nazis. Mr. Prebor and one of his older cousins were subsequently brought to lhe Deveaux house to live. Mr. Prebor was nine years old at the time.

Mr. Deveaux. the father of Chrislian e . worked as a gardener in a local cha1eau. He was a very religious Catholic who made a concencd cffon to treat all equally. In fact, despite his poveny. he made sure 10 give his childre n and

Mr. Prebor equal ponions of revealing his incriminating, bread at meal time. fluency in Yiddish. During his The Deveaux family took lime at lhe Deveaux house. Mr. great precautions in order to Prcbor and his cousin allendcd ensure the safely of lhe Jewish school and Mass. They picked boys.

They repeatedly apples during non-school changed locations. with the hours. After lhe family was warnings of policemen who forced to move, however, lhe came to warn the family of children could nol attend imminent trouble. school, for it was 100 fra away.

At such a young age, Mr. Instead, they tended to goalS. Prebor had lilllc understanding The Deveaux children got of the danger that surrounded along well with Mr. Prebor and him. He told of an encounter his cousin. According to Ms. wilh German soldiers, during Ch ristiane Deveaux, the which he almost exposed his children were happy to have Judaism. After the guards more kids in the house, and questioned his suspicious "besides, ii was war-lime." knowledge of German (as a Ms. Deveaux added that she French youngster). it was only was nol aware of Mr.Prebor's a kick from his older cousin, Judaism. or knew liule of what t h at st opped him from ii meant 10 be a Jew.

Breakfast

weeks of this September. Ms. De veaux and her husband stayed with Mr. Prebor and his wife for the duration of their visit lo New York.

The meeting ended with R a bbi Prcbor sharing his thoughts on the cxlr.lordinary aclS ofldndnessofthe Deveaux f a m ily. He t h a n k e d Ms. Deveaux and her father (in absentia) .. who, in some way, was r e sponsible for [his] existence. Rabbi Prebor added that it was "not just [his] father that was saved. but also lhe next few generations." ttls hope ,s lhat one day "we can reach a level in the world where m o r a l behavior is normal behavior."

Letters to the Editor can be sent to:

(continu�dfrom page I I machines be equipped with foods that arc suitable for breakfasL Student response to the revamped schedule has varied.

One junior noted that she liked this idea because, "the brief break after mincha was so slight anyway that taking ii away won't change much. Bui (she] counlS on homeroom for a 101 of things especially since the morning goes by slower when (one has] second shift .. lunch. Junior Miriam Tauber concurred. "Personally I don't think I'll eal anything anyway, but this whole thing is a sign thal the school really cares. II cares about following halacha, and it cares about filling our st omachs before c l asses begin."

Several students arc still troubled by lhe schedule, c l aiming that ii d o e s n't alleviate the problem, for there is still no 1,mc for breakfosl.

Juniors Sharon Schuster and Mondy Eisenberg complained that "it would be one thing If we actually had cnough 11mc 1oca1, but practically every day there have been announccmcnls

In 1944, Mr. Prebor's mother, w h o s e w a r - l i m e experiences were not explored during the interview, picked up Mr. Prebor and his cousin from the Deveaux home. She fell 1ha1 the situation was safe e n ough to allow for their return. Upon leaving the Deveaux family, Mr.Prebor fell upset, for "they were (his) friends."

The Prebor family sent gifls and Ieners 10 the family every year after the war. Mr. Prcbor saw lhe Dcvcauxs again in 1951, when Christian's Iwin sister married. The families also mel in France in 1980, during a stop en route to Israel f o r Rabbi P re bor's Bar Mitzvah. During the early

after davening giving barely enough lime 10 even ca l quickly while standing outside of lirsl period classes. lei alone cal properly al our leisure. The school should leave us more time and have the lunchroom open so 1ha1 people c an comfonably sil down." Alex Krause (VI) also found faull with the slighted mincha .

"There is simply not enough time between davening and classes 10 repack your school bag or gel something 10 cal."

Goldminlz Rabbi responded 10 these grievances by pointing out 1ha1 one cannot make a valid judgement about the schedule change due 10 the confusion 1ha1 the chagim bring. He noted that "saying slichol . .. and adding in other special 1efillo1 like aveinu malkainu during the ascrel y'imei tshuvah also conl ribulcd to shachar it's ending later than usual." Rabbi GoldminlZ has already brought lhe sh ortcomings of l h e schedule l o the GO's nllcnlion, nddong 1ha1 "if anyone is awnrc of these problems it is [him)."

rampage@ramaz.pvt.k12.ny.us

Ramaz Committees Unite

by Fredric ROl<llbtfl

attendees objected 10 the means Ari Kel l m a n (VI) of raising the money. They repr�scn1ing the Jewish Aff� On Thursday, September dissented on the grounds th.it it Com mittee, S3id t hat his I, m embers of the GO, is misleading for studenlS and c om mit t e e plans 10 r u n z.cdakah, Jewish Affairs, and faeully 10 give money to a . .projeets fo r Rosh Chodcs!I Chcscd Committees met in the specific cause ooe week and and chagim .... Nothing SAC to discuss possible have some of that money used major." fncrgers.

The meeting, toward • different goal.

The Chescd Committe� p rganizcd by Danny Essner The Tzcdakah Committee suggested several ideas. Chief [VI), the co-Presidem of the pr oposed having teac hers among them were a coal drive pesed Commi0ec, allowed collect donations •I the s1ort of Purim bo�kets, and aid for the I he variou1 aroups 10 Friday classes instead of childicnofChcm obyl. i:ommwllcate with each other having srudcnts it11errup1 class rcprescnta t i vu proposed earablisb joint pcojects and in order lo p�nt the wcek·s fundin g this thr o u gh oid duplicating efforts. charitGble cause. However, the lnter-Yeghiva Chesed Cou E!smd opened tho meeting 1mplcmcn1ation of such a � explaining that committee system proved unlikely when i nvolv i n g s evera l Joca y«:$hlvot. � ders are vasue and their Rabbi Ooldminl.zobjoctcd to it.

The meeting lasted one hal ponsibililies are not clearly hour during which time all o lneated. He then raised the Tzodakah reprcscnlative the eommiuecs in a1tendanc j>OSSlbllity or Tzcdakoh Md Debra To n l lcff (VI) a l s o were made aware of ea Chescd wcrklng together lo SCI expressed the committee's others· activi1ie i and pledg � side some of the money desire 10 raise funds for Ute to work 1ogc1he r on issue ollecled each week to fund a expensive undertaking of inclndi ng th e creation or ,ll¢morlal for Mr. Bloch (z"I). training a guide dog for lhe memorial for Mr. Dlcch (z"I) While everyone liked the Idea blind. r a rnemorlal, su:_eJal__________

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October 199S I Chesh,•an S7S6

PageS

The RamPagc

Supertrans Late Bus Crashes; Students Shocked but Safe

Fourteen New Teachers Join Faculty Team A Look at Five of the Newcomers

by Alison Jacobovlcs and Karen Puttennan

to learning physics to the classroom.

Rabbi Schick Ell Dr . Martin P. Levine (Ta nach)• Rabbi Schick (Chemistry)- Dr. Levine recicvcd smicha from Yeshiva rccicved his PhD in chemistry University. In addition to from NYU and undergraduate teaching at Ramaz, he is lhe deg=s from CUNY. He has assistant rabbi ot The West been leaching for 27 years and Hampton Synogogue. He has is a Professor of Chemistry al also held several other Manha11an Community positions of Jewish leadership College. Prior 10 _teaching he including programming for was involved in b:isic research children in a Russian summer in air and water pollution and camp. Rabbi Schick is happy today is active in Occupational lo join lhc Ramaz staff. He Health and Safety concerns said, "I like everything about Mr. Anthony Soldano Ramaz.The adminis1ta1ors are (Physics)- Mr. Soldano was supportive and lhc students are schooled at Community well behaved and cwtious.'"

College of New York. Fonlh:lm Dr. Judith Ballan (Muslc)­ University. and NYU. He Beforc coming to Ramaz, Dr. taught physics at the New York Ba llan taught at Rumson Jnslitule ofTechnology for five Fair haven Regional High years and New Rochelle High School for two years and then School for 25 years. His goals in Mamaroneck, N.Y for three arc 10 bring Jove of learning. years. Dr. Ballan holds a BA curiosity about the physical from Smith. a Ph.D from Yale world. and a practical approach

and a JD from Boston University.

Mr. J trr y Zeltchlk (Guidance)- After recicving his BA in Philosophy al Yeshiva Univer sity, Mr. Zeitchik earned a JD at Cordoza Law School. He is currently completing his PhD in clinical psychology at Adelphi. Mr. Zcitchik joins the Ramaz staff as lhc head of the Guidance Department. His plan is 10 change lhc view that the students have toward guidance, and then to build relationships with lhcm based on ltUSI and confidence. Mr. Zcitchik finds the school to be an ..energetic cnvironmenr."'

He also finds th,u "the people have a lot 10 say. There arc a lot of points of view and people arc encouraged to say what's on their minds:·

German-Jewish Relations Aucndccs at 1hc mccling included second generation Holocaust survivors, as well as representatives of the Anti Defamation League, American Jewish Joint Distribution Co mmillcc, and Shvil Hahhav. The audience was given the option 10 pose quesiions to the German delegates.

The role of Germany in Israeli security was the subject of much di scussion. Dr. Pfleuger assured the group that Germany docs everything it can in order 10 suppon Israel.

With a smile he said, "I think that the Israeli government knows that it has a friend." Dr. Pfleuger emphasized that Germany's responsibility cm:matcs not from ils tragic Jewish connection of the past, but rather from a common present. "Israel is fighting for democracy ... (II] is pan of a single c i vilization, [for] Wcslem civiliza1ion is one...

[Germany and Israel) arc connected in many ways."

requested that each student give her his/her phone number so that s h e could i nform parents of the situation.

Within moments of the accident, the highway mirrored a parking Jot With only one lane open and excessive rubber necking, 1taffic was brought to a halt. The 1taffic si1uation was exacerbated further when policemen, ambulances and firetrucks arrived at the scene.

S1uden1s were requested to lill out numerous police forms.

Then, since all were minors (under the age of eighteen), 1hey were unable to waive their rights 10 medical examination.

Instead, after crossing highway barriers. all were brought by ambulance to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for observation. En route to lhc hospital, students' blood pressure and pulse counts were recorded.

Students arrived at the hospital 10 find some informed parents waiting frantically for their children. Olhcr parents, unaware of the events until later phone calls, soon arrived, signed the necessar y documents to release their children, a n d e n d e d t h e evening o f aavenrun:.

Relationship initiated by JCRC

(continuedfrom page I)

with the Jewish past and present.

In I 985, Dr. Pfleu g er traveled to Israel as an aid 10 Richord Van Wciz.sacker, then the president of Germany. He recalled the warm welcome 1ha1 he received on lhc mission, the lim visit of a German president 10 Israel since World War II. Together with the president, Dr. Pfleuger demonstrated his devotion lo the Jewish cause.

A fter speaking of his personal experience with the Jews, Dr. Pncugcr relayed his perception of the collective German modern-day experience. He said, "Young [Germans] think 1ha1 the burden is not on them because Germany has so many problems.. . We, as the older generation, have 10 tell the young Germans that they must remember . . . They arc Germans and therefore the Holocaust belongs lo !hem, and they must deal with that.''

by Jordanna Pulitzer, Robin Mlndlln, and Noam Mllgrom­ Elcott On Wednesday, October 11 , at 6:30 PM, the Supertrans late van left Ramaz carrying eleven students headed for Riverdale.

Twenty minutes later the van was involved in a three car accident.

W hile t h e commuting students were sleeping , listening lo music, or getting an early scan on their homework, a car travelling in the far right lane cul across 1wo lanes, ending up perpendicular 10 the Supertrans van in the left lane.

The bus driver spotted the approaching car and quickly slammed on his breaks to avoid collision. The car was too close, however, and the van hit the car. Instants later, lhe van was hit from behind by another car that failed to break in time.

The Riverdali•ns first reaction was shock. Humor soon followed, though, when they recognized that no one had been injured. "This is a good excuse for n o t d o i ng homewor k," said one freshman.

One concerned citizen. known only as Wendy, pulled over 10 help tho v1n. She informed the students aboard that she had telephoned 911 via cellular phone. She also

Other issues that were raised were Germany's methods of Holocaust education, German aui1udcs toward the recent wave of Russian Jewish immigration, and Germany's delayed involvcmcnl in lhc Bosnian connicl (and the implications that bears on its sense of moral responsibility).

The meeting ended with various a11cndecs relating anecdotes of personal encounters with Germans or German culture. Many people shared an instinctual repulsion of the German tongue and German-made products. One man remarked 1ha1 he still cannot imagine a love song being sung in German.

Ms. Mandel helped conclude the meeting by lauding the efforts of the group to recognize, personali1.c, and begin 10 come 10 terms with the irr•tional, though unders1andable, feelings 1ha1 cloud Germ an- Jewish relations.

by Erin L,lb Ramaz's involvement with the Jewish Community Relations Council was the dirccl result of Ms. Harriet Mandel's desire 10 include Jewish student leaders "in the process 1ha1 t h e Jewish community is involved in with countries with which we have common in tcrcsls a n d concerns.'' She s•id, " I want you ... to know how the process works [and] to inspire you 10 know what your role is in the Jewish community and in the world community.''

To Ms. Mandel, th e Director of Israel a n d International Affairs a t the JCRC, the Jewish community has recently been plagued by apathy and inactivity due 10 its perceptions of Jewish sltength in America.According to Ms. Mandel, this passivity can be counteracted throu g h education. I I is her intention, therefore, 10 expose Ramaz students to the bsks of Jewish organizations, and invite lhem, l hc rcprescn1a1ives of

future Jewish leadership, 10 be ..more ac1ive."

Laura Worcnklein (VJ) allended the September 15 meeting and returned "exhilarated.'' Fascinated by modem German reac1ion to the Holocaust, she was excited by "the incredible interest and desire of [both Germans and Jews] 10 communica1c honestly.''

Abigail Kahn (V I) added 1ha1 Mr. Pneugcr's exci1cmcn1 about t h e meeting w a s palpable and odded a lot t o its cffec1iveness.

The Social Action Committee will soon discuss its plans for bringing the messages of the meeting back to Ramaz. Through such interactions with Jewish organizations, Mr. Rochlin, together with the committee. hopes to increase the awareness of the student body regarding issues 1ha1 arc presently part of the Jewish agenda.

r•ngc 6

The Raml'agc

Humor

Oelohcr 1995/ Chcshvan 5756

Ram Ch imes Ring and Children Sing

by Arl Frlodlandrr S1udcn1s 311cnding Ramaz 1hi, year will be 1rca1cd 10 a new intercom sy.stcm. This sy,1cm include, 1hir1een bell lone, wi1h which 10 signal 1hc f bc ginni ng or end o each period. The admin istra tion apparcn1 ly decided 10 add 1he new tune� in rcspon'-lc lO the overwhe lm ing number of comp la in ls f1ha1 l i1cra l ly 0ooded lhe o fice la\! year.

The �HK.Jent,' m.:un grievance W3' 1ha1 hearing lhc same bell bdorc aod oflcr every penod on ly increased 1he unbearable monolony.

11lC new system also offers an unheralded ad, anccmcnt m inlcn:om lcchnology; usc of1hc olfo<"e phone 10 1311. o,cr 1hc intcrrom. lbcrc i, no longer a need for Ms. 1icgman lo Sloop o-.r lh>I hll lc ,peal.er on lhe wa ll be hind her dc,I., wh i le

relaying 1hooc vi1al mcssogcs during homeroom.

. . . the designers of the system were seeking a perfect wailing so1111d for the begi1111i11g of each period . . . and a triumph ant blast for lunch.

S1uden1S my,1ificd by lhe plclhorn of intcn:om 1oncs need on ly reca ll 1ha 1 1hcy were planned in E lu l, w1th Rosh H aS ha n:a d nw ing near.

Rumor has ii lhai lhc dc<1gners f o the <>Siem "'ere seek ing a sound for 1he pcrfcc1 wailing f beg inning o each perio d, • broken sigh for lhe cod of each period. aod • 1numphan1 blo.i for lunch. Fa iling 1ha1, 1he planners designed an o llcmalC 1cshuvah Jystcm with thirlecn

v11rio1ions, so perplexing os lo eonfu,c even 1he So1an---0r al leo,1 most of lhc s1uden1 body.

The acsihe l ic quah1y of the lones can be measu red by observing 1hc music facully tC-<ponding 10 lhc bells wi1h fingers flrmly plan1cd in lhcir cars, undoub1cdly in order 10 avoid �udden rt1p1ure while wulking down 1hc halls. f The inua l ln lion o lhc 00Ram -chimc� ·· is ju.st one more r cxomp le o how far lhe admini(;uation is willing to go r 10 indulge e,ery whim o 1hc pre ssured s1 udcn1 body.

I lo'Acvcr. eve ry silver lining has a rlood. A lrcady, lone-dcaf s1 udcn 1-. arc c ircu lat i ng a a l leging pe 1 i11on d1\Cr1m1nation.

Senior Sukkah Night "In vigorates" Crowd

by Dvo�hu Allen

On Th u rs d a y n igh,.

Oc1 obcr 1 21h. appro� 1matcly 25 sleeping bag 101 ing sen iors ga 1hc rcd al KJ ·• 91h noor ,ulkoh ror a full c, ening of l e a r n i n g . s i n g i n g . a nd rc l:u:u ton. The event w as or gan ized by sen ior closs prc.,dcni,, Ari Mark and Nooh Drt,ner. 'The a11eod 1ng faculty m e m be r s i nc l uded M r.

Rueh hn, Rabbt l..oohlci n, Dr. War,hall. Rabb, Wei,c r, Robbi Rot hch ild. Ra bbi Bocnen fe ld.

Vcrcd Dror, a R:am.iz :al umna. and a spcc i•I guesl oppcaroncc

by Ra bbi Pre bor.

The e v e n i ng beg a n a l 8·4S l'M w11h a <hi ur given by Rabbi Look slein enlil lcd " Hale

for a Purpose:· Thef topic wu (VI) commen1ed 1hn1 "ii wos discussed in ligh1 o lhc currcn1 nice 10 see lhe grade singing I sr ae l i polit ic s 1hai have w i 1h so much ruach." The divi ded a nd slirred much kumsitz lu lcd un1II 1 2:Jp, when Mr. Rochlin fi nall y haired omong Jews.

We i ser l hcn dec i ded 10 c onc l ude 1 hc Ro bbi .. dc h \'ered an inv igorat i ng " si nging. The boys procccdcd shiur on 1hc 1opic of mu k1uh downsiairs 10 1hc fourlh noor laws regarding lu lav1m and s u k k a h , wh i l e 1 h e g ir l s e1r0gim. One sen ior remarked, remai ned on the nin1h noor.

Aflcr receiving minim:il "J u.st a.s i1 neared my usual bcd1imc, lubbi Weiser spoke amoon1< of sleep, the seniors joined KJ for the 7:00 morning ond totally inv i goraled me."

A k u mSIIZ w i 1 h Robbi minyan. Thcy relurncd 10 the Ro1hc h i ld began a r1cr 1hc Ramu Upper Sc hool for a rabbiJ' prcscn1a1 ion,. Seniors, sukkoh brcok fos1 prepared by accompan ied by Mr. Roc hhn. Ms. Comet.

Rabbi Prebor, and Vcrcd Dror, song songs lhal ranged from cl:issic Jcwi d1 n, gguni m 10 A merican iuncs. R:o ,e llc lloh1.

Technology

(Nm tinurtl from 1x1,:c I )

-.he continued. ·· 1 ran e ven rall 10 reduce lhc number of lo,1 and "illegally ,wo ppcd" book s, 1n r,om home."

I n add 1 1 i o n lo 1he a bar code was placed in every a fm c rncnl 1oncd change�. the book. This revamping procc« PA ,y�1cm wa, ahcred 10 ncccssi 101cd 1hc arduous I ask of include 1 hc room-. lh:11 were rcorganiulion. Dr. De1kow111, 01hc1w1,c excluded (lhe SAC 1 h c m o noger of l h c Oool and mom 70 1 . for cxomplc). R oom. o long with several and lo accounl for i1s faihngs Ramaz •lumni and M 1ch,el due lo 11, old age. TI1e new Novich (V), cleaned, \Orled, ,y ,1crn cmne, fully equipped and bar coded every book. w11h cighl bell lone,. 1hinccn Tiocy gave away lhc 1a11crcd al.um ,ound\, a comp3cl disc b o o k s 1 h a 1 were nol player, and • rad 10. h al,o h>< sol vagcnble.

On o r l e n 1 0 1 i o n d o y , . lhc c o puc11y IO provide ror ,1 udcnt1 were a,kcd t o prc�cnl bell-free ••scmhlie<. ·n,e llook R 1� 11n now al<0 1 hcir b:ir coded idcn1ificn1lo11 rcnp, 1hc hcne f 1 1 , of l h c card upon collec 1 i ng 1hclr Crn11pu1cr A ge. In o n ollempl book,. In Ilic fa<hion of n ,upcr

m11ke1. la ,cr gun, sho1 beams of red •• books were linked w1 1h 1hcir righ1 ful owners in lhc con1 pu1er me mory. Wi1h lhis c 1 1 a l ogued i n form:a t i o n . ,1uden1S w i l l be complc1cly accounlable for all of l hcir book,.

The adminislr:uion now boa<I< in Preludes 1ha1 " Romaz i, reolly on lhe culling edge when ii comes 10 computers.

We arc one of lhe lcadmg high school< n,ound in lcmu of 1he k i n d or fo c i l i 1 i cs a n d nppor1uni11c, we provide. \Ve ore . . . on a path w here few schools have gone before."

Students Construct Playg rou nd For Disabled Youth

by Mindy El«nbcfll sawdust to conslructing a swing set.

Captur ing 1hc spi ril of Bc1h Wi_soisky ( V), one of Toshrci, lhc Chcscd Commi nce lhc few s1udcn1S who he lped, hos al reody orrnnged several said lha1 lhe project wos ··• very ae1ivi1ies. Before 1hc "art of good idea. bu1 ii would have classes. 1hc com miucc sent 11 been mo re su ccess ful had more leucr to lhc st udcn1 body, people from Rom:,z come." asking them 10 he lp build • She noted 1hot pcrho ps 1hc playground in • summer camp reason for lhc lack of studcn1 for d i sab l ed c hi l d re n on in ,•olvcmcnl rcslcd upon 1hc Sundoy, Sep1e mber I 0. Thi, foct th:u the const ruct ion si te e ndeavor was org1n izcd by ,,., in ups1a1c New York. ond U J A , bul sev e r a l R o m o z getting 1 ran,portat ion horn siudcnls panicipa1cd. A few of areas 0lher than �1anha11on ond 1hc c hildre n for whom lhc B rooklyn. pl aygrou nd wo, buih were 01 The Chescd Commillee 1 hc s i 1 e , we l c o m i n g l h c al,11 coll cc1 ed j:or s of honey ond volun teers. ca ns or gc fillc fish for Doro!, an The v o l u n 1 c c r , w e re organi zmion wh ich dis11ibu1ed divided in10 four groups based lhc g o ods be fore Rosh on le ve ls of con<1mc1 ion ski ll. ll aShonah.

Eoch group w 0 < os,i gncd various lasks, from rollng

F a c u l tYi - S t u d e n t Basketball Resu lts: Varsity-· 33

Varsity-- 36

Fem ales Males

Facul ty-2

Faculty-- 35