Flatbush remembers Rabbi Harari
By Samantha Ryba and Sylvia Saad
Editors-in-Chief
Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari z”l was a beacon of kindness and warmth to all those who knew him. He was dedicated to bestowing a love of learning and Torah into all his students, in and out of the classroom. He touched countless lives and inspired so many with his infinite wisdom and stellar midot. In fact, he probably wouldn’t be thrilled to know that a newspaper article was being written about him, but the stories of his commitment to Torah values and influence on the Yeshivah’s community need to be heard. Here is are some reflections from students and faculty on his tremendous impact on Flatbush and beyond.
“My grandfather really meant the world to me. I was lucky enough to be able to learn Gemara with him every week. When I was learning Gemara in school, my mom suggested that I could learn the material in advance with my grandfather. Every week he made time for me and we learned for 30 minutes or so. One time I couldn’t make it to his house and I had a test coming up, so we learned on Zoom. He would make dinner for me and give me Vitamin Water. He also drove me home every week. I felt so special, since he really cared about my success and my well-being. Learning Gemara is very hard but he made it easy and fun. I will miss him.”
— Rami Harari (HS ’26)
“I got a 57 on my first Gemara test. It was the only test I’d ever failed. When Rabbi Harari asked to speak with me about it, I was terrified. But there was no disappointment, no patronizing comment about knowing I could do better. He didn’t mention my grade at all. We spoke for only a few minutes, and his faith in me was shockingly apparent, encouraging me to rethink my entire approach to learning
Gemara. When I showed him how I’d restructured my notes just before the second exam, he smiled and told me that I had it. I scored a 97 on that test.
Rabbi Harari was my first true mentor in Flatbush—he saw me fall and taught me how to stand back up.”
— Rivkah Lahav (HS ‘24)
“26 years ago. I was new to Flatbush, new to JH, the subject I was teaching, and new to teaching big scary seniors. … Rabbi Harari had taught JH previously and, without my even asking him—but sensing I was in dire need of help—he called me over and gave me a big manilla envelope that contained an entire year’s worth of lesson outlines on index cards. He then proceeded, in his signature gentle and brilliant fashion, to teach me how to teach. What was my ‘motivatsia’? How should the board be organized? How should the lesson be structured? Twenty-six years later I will never forget the kindness extended to me by quite simply the nicest, most gifted yet self-effacing educator I have ever known.”
— Ms. Miriam Wielgus
“When Rabbi Harari was retiring from being the Rosh haYeshi-
vah, the Board of the Yeshivah wanted to honor him with the dedication of a Sefer Torah. Rabbi Harari always ran from the spotlight, so he did not want to allow the school to do this mitzvah in his honor. His close friends and family pushed him to see that it was less about honoring him than it was
about the Yeshivah and more about having the Yeshivah and the entire Yeshivah Community perform the mitzvah of Kavod Talmidei Chakhamim. Only when he realized it was ‘not about him’ did he agree to receive the honor. This was typical of Rabbi Harari’s genuine humility.”
— Rabbi Joseph Beyda
“One Friday during my senior year, while waiting for an event to start, I stepped out of the beit midrash and saw Rabbi Harari z’l. I went over to greet him
AP exams going digital
By Avital Rokhkind
Contributing Writer
Starting in May 2025, standard paper testing will be discontinued for 28 AP exams, the College Board announced. In-
Opinion: Page 2
World news: Page 4
D’var Torah: Page 5
Ask Merle: Page 10
and chat for a few minutes. Before we parted ways, Rabbi Harari told me to grab a Tanakh because he wanted to highlight something interesting in the parasha. We opened the Tanakh, discussed a few pasukim, and I left with a piece of Torah to share with my family that night. This brief interaction perfectly sums up who Rabbi Harari was. He was the kind of person you always wanted to greet, knowing that, without fail, you’d walk away with a new piece of Torah wisdom. He infused Torah into everyone’s lives wherever he went.”
— Anonymous
“I was first exposed to genuine learning during my freshman year in Rabbi’s class. I sat in the back, captivated by his charts and masterfull teaching style. At the time, I was a shy student and rarely contributed to the conversation, but just being in Rabbi’s presence left me looking forward to the next double period and contemplating the latest Mishna. I remember one day in particular: I wasn’t feeling my best, and, being the perceptive person he was, Rabbi noticed immediately. He came over to me and said, “Salchah, you are just a great listener. Anytime I want to see if the class understands the Gemera, I look at you and I’ll know right away.” It was the first time in high school I felt seen. Thank you, Rabbi, for making sure all of your students knew they truly mattered.”
— Sylvia Saad (HS ’25)
of
stead, these exams will move to the Bluebook Digital Testing Application. Sixteen exams will become fully virtual, twelve exams will be hybrid, and there are plans for an additional eight exams to become virtual in the future.
According to the College Board, “accelerating the digital transition will help us preserve the integrity of the AP exam experience for students and educators.” Many Flatbush students, however, feel it will cause more harm than good.
“I think APs becoming digital makes them more difficult, since you can’t write notes by the questions and it’s harder to read from a screen,” expressed Joseph
Catton, a senior. A few students share this concern, stating that it is more difficult to focus when taking the test on a screen, and it can become tiring to stare at it for extended periods of time. Also, many students prefer annotating the questions and reading passages, which is something that they will not be able to do anymore.
An additional worry involves the hy-
continued on page 6
A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609
Hundreds
mourners attended the funeral
Rabbi Harari laughing with his students
AGREE TO DISAGREE
This year’s testing schedule is better
By Margaux Lincer Fun and Games Editor
This year’s new test schedule is a major improvement from prior years. Unlike previous years, where students faced tests almost every day or were overloaded during a high-stress “test week,” exams are now spaced evenly across the semester. This shift brings huge benefits for all types of students for a variety of different reasons.
Arguably the most exciting part of this change is the additional time to fill. Students can now have school nights that aren’t dominated by studying, allowing them to spend more time with friends, enjoy family dinners, or just relax. This also opens up more opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities such as clubs, teams, and chesed opportunities, since students no longer have to choose between studying for a test or joining a school program.
“Now instead of sacrificing my test grades, I can study in advance for tests and don’t need to study the same night I have a basketball game,” said one student. With a more balanced approach,
students can be both academically focused and actively engaged in school and their social lives.
In previous years, it often felt like testing never ended. Nearly every day, students were juggling multiple exams or projects, leaving little time to focus on understanding each subject and forcing students to simply memorize the night before an exam. “I would just cram the night before a test, take the test, forget it all and then do the same thing the next night,” said another student.
With the new system, tests are more spread out, allowing students to concentrate on one test at a time and go through their semester with a more manageable schedule. This flexibility means they can plan out their time without the constant pressure of back-to-back exams hanging over them.
Compared to both the relentless daily test schedule and the high-pressure test week, this new approach is a breath of fresh air. It’s clear that students now have the chance to learn more deeply, live more balanced lives, and enjoy their time in high school to the fullest.
Faculty Freshman: Ms. Shaina Gitler
Olivia Shamah Junior Editor
Ms. Shaina Gitler has always been passionate about Judaic Studies and Torah. Her passion began to manifest into a lifestyle when she was in high school and found immense joy in learning and teaching her peers Torah. She cites this as her inspiration for becoming a teacher: “All I wanted to do was to learn more Torah, and teach it to anyone, at any time!”
Before coming to Flatbush, Ms. Gitler had the opportunity to teach all over the country, in places like Hawaii, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, to a wide variety of students ranging from middle schoolers to adults. However, her favorite age to teach is high school students.
This was one of the reasons she chose Flatbush, but she also came here because her husband, Rabbi Moshe Gitler, is currently in his third year teaching here. After seeing the welcoming environment
and friendly people at the seminars she attended with him, she fell in love with the institution and made it her mission to become a teacher at Flatbush. Her first impression spoke volumes about the school, and she stayed because of the warm atmosphere and the values that she shares with Flatbush, such as Jewish pride, Torah, and Zionism.
While Ms. Gitler enjoys teaching and learning all Judaic subjects, her favorite has to be parasha and the role of women in the Torah. Supporting women in Judaism is so important to her that, for the last two and a half years, she had been studying full-time to be a Yoetzet Halakhah, or a halakhic advisor for women for halakhot involving family purity.
At home in Crown Heights, Ms. Gitler lives with her husband Rabbi Gitler, of course, and their two children, three-year-old Chaya and two-year-old Yoavi. Ms. Gitler enjoys spending her free time with her family, and loves to
Bring back the old testing schedule
By Olivia Shamayeva Junior Editor
You just finished your math test and are feeling burnt out from studying the whole night. The only thing you want to do is go home and sleep due to exhaustion. Instead, you get a text from your friend saying you have another exam tomorrow, along with a quiz to top it off. You still haven’t finished your project that is due in two days, and are struggling to stay on top of everything. As you open your books, your eyes start to close, and you wonder how you will manage to finish studying and doing your assignments without falling asleep.
This is what many students at Flatbush are experiencing due to the new testing schedule. While some tests are a week apart, others are back to back, making students feel like there is no escape from the exams. Junior Rebecca Tamir expressed her opinion on the new testing method: “The new test week is extremely stressful because it packs all of the exams into one week, giving us less time to study and focus on each exam individually.”
Unlike the testing format from last year, in which there was a free period after each exam, or the test week from two years ago in which it was a week of
explore nature with them. Her kids love meeting their parents’ students, and the Gitlers have hosted many of them for Shabbatons in the past.
Ms. Gitler feels that working in the same building as her husband has only strengthened their relationship. She feels blessed that she is able to spend time with her husband both at home and at work while still being able to teach Torah every day.
Working at Flatbush has been a great adjustment for Ms. Gitler. Even though she feels fulfilled by her work and loves teaching, her biggest struggle so far has been balancing raising a family and being the best teacher she can be for her students.
Ms. Gitler is most looking forward to getting to know her students this year and helping them live to their fullest potential. She believes that every student can find greatness within themselves, and she is excited to help them on their religious journeys. “I’m also super excited
finals-style testing without classes, this new method of exams seems to create more pressure and anxiety. Students get burnt out after each test, making it more difficult for them to maintain focus in the classes that follow.
Although some people like this new way of testing, others feel extremely overloaded with work from a handful of their classes. In addition to exams, students might have an upcoming quiz, a project due, another assignment, classwork, or possibly have to study for their next exam in advance. This is difficult to manage for many of us.
“In classes where a test isn’t given, some teachers give us quizzes to help us review the material for their upcoming test,” remarked junior Joy Harari. “So during every week we end up having about two to three tests a week, and a couple of quizzes on top of that, which makes it very stressful.”
This weekly recurring pattern makes the new test schedule feel never-ending due to the constant burden of the workload. Just when you think you’ve finished all your tests, you check the test calendar and see that another one is coming up in two days, repeating the studying grind all over again.
to get to know the incredible staff at YOF and become even more a part of the super warm and caring YOF family!” Ms. Gitler shared.
High School Administration
Editors-in-Chief: Samantha Ryba, Sylvia Saad
School News Editors: Galiette Mita, Nina Tawil
Religion Editor: Katie Hidary
World News Editor: Victor Shemia
Features Editor: Raquel Gindi
Entertainment Editors: Leah Katash, Caroline Palacci
Fashion Editors: Irene Cohen, Rachael Kopylov
Fun & Games Editor: Margaux Lincer
Business
Photography
Junior
Sophomore Editors: Lyla Ashkenazie, Shlomo Lahav, Sylvia Mizrahi
Design: Carolina Cohen
Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of School
Ms. Esther Hidary, Associate Principal
Rabbi Yigal Sklarin, Associate Principal
Dr. Michael Atlas, Associate Principal
Rabbi David Galpert, Assistant Principal
The Phoenix Staff
Sports Editor: Colette Chehova
Editor: Emily Tarrab
Editor: Bobbi Salama
Editors: Elliot Cohen, Salomon Dayan, Yvette Dweck, Lili Hanan, Emme Nidam, Olivia Shamah, Olivia Shamayeva
Club Hour increasing student engagement in extracurricular activities
By Valerie R. Tabush
Contributing Writer
One of the most significant changes to the school schedule this year has been the addition of Club Hour at the end of each day.
Prior to this year, clubs have taken place mostly after school, with a few during lunchtime on Fridays. With last year’s 5:15 days, after-school clubs were difficult for some students to attend because the clubs would last until around six o’clock. As a result, students would hesitate to stay for clubs on nights where they’d have studying and homework to complete. In addition, when clubs ended late students had trouble finding rides home from school. Club meetings also often conflicted with sports teams’ practices and games.
This year, after 5:15 days have been eliminated, all clubs have been moved to after school at 4:40 pm, a time now designated for clubs, teams, and student groups to meet, with a select few still meeting during Friday lunch. New clubs have also been added, such as Beit Midrash learning, Tefillah Club, Science Research Club, Pickleball Club, and more. The introduction of new and exciting opportunities, along with the revised club schedule, has brought about many posi-
tive outcomes.
With a set time for clubs to take place there has been increased participation in extracurricular activities. Students are able to commit to extracurricular activities and plan out their schedule more easily. Club hour also leaves students ending their days earlier and having more time to do schoolwork at night.
“Having club hour is perfect because now I have the opportunity to participate in all of my desired clubs, while also having enough time to focus on my school work,” said sophomore Jenny Khabih.
The new meeting schedule also allows students from all four grades to attend meetings together, an improvement over past years when grades had different lunch periods and dismissal times.
Club hour also allows students on athletic teams to attend clubs before they have practice.
Pathfinders had high expectations for extracurriculars while creating the new club schedule. Head of Clubs, Ms. Tara Harary, feels that their expectations for Club Hour have been met. “The organization of the extracurricular activities has created a more inclusive environment, allowing more students to participate and balance their commitments effectively,” she said.
Colleges’ changing SAT requirements separate juniors from seniors
By Sarah Kezra Contributing Writer
For decades, most colleges have required students to submit an SAT (or ACT) test score along with their college applications, but in 2022 hun dreds of colleges made SATs and similar standardized tests optional. Now many colleges are talking about reverting back to being test mandatory once again for this year’s juniors and beyond.
nounou said that as soon as he heard that tests may be mandated again, the pressure he put on himself definitely changed. He stated, “Originally I was going to judge my submission based on my score, but now that I may not have that option, I have to do well no matter what and don’t have any backup plan.”
Yeshivah of Flatbush senior Katie Hidary and junior Liam Ouanounou shared some insight on SAT mentality for students who are following the test optional system vs. students who will most likely be required to submit a test score.
As a member of the Class of 2025, Hidary is not required to take the SAT or submit her test score, but she has chosen to take it regardless. She said an opportunity arose for her to get extra study help and tutoring for the SAT, and she decided to take advantage of that opportunity and put in the effort, since taking the test “couldn’t hurt.”
In contrast to that spontaneous attitude, Ouanounou expressed that he has made SAT studying a commitment from the beginning of junior year by setting time each night to study, regardless of other obligations.
Another factor in taking the SAT is the stress that comes with it. For Hidary, having the option to omit a test score from her college applications removed one stressful component from the application process. Although she put in effort and countless studying hours for her SAT, Hidary confirms that knowing she didn’t have to submit a score if she performed poorly decreased the pressure.
When asked the same question, Oua-
The difference in these two outlooks can bee seen as a blueprint for the opinions of many junior and senior students. The test-optional system reduces stress for seniors, while the mandatory test system induces higher levels for juniors.
Hidary is strongly in favor of the optional testing method. She stated, “I think it should be optional because some students aren’t great with tests, and there are so many other factors like extracurriculars that can prove a student worthy of attending a certain college.” She believes that the four years of your life after high school should rely on more than just one morning of testing, and that there are so many more important elements of an application.
On the other hand, despite feeling the pressure of SAT prep, Ouanounou feels that the test should be mandated. Because the test is standardized, he said, it’s a fair evaluation of where a student stands in the necessary subjects like basic high school mathematics and reading comprehension. He disagrees with the assertion that it’s “just a number” as well. He believes that it also tests work ethic: a high score is evidence of not merely intelligence but also months of hard work. Both parties agreed that all students should take the SAT regardless of whether they plan to or are required to submit their scores.
Flatbush community mourns Sammy Harari
By Isaac Didia
Contributing Writer
Sergeant Sammy Harari (HS ’07) was killed while defending Israel against Hezbollah in Lebanon over Sukkot. Harari, age 35, was a father of three and had a classic childhood as a Syrian Jew, attending Flatbush for 12 years and praying at Ahaba Ve Ahva. Throughout
his years in Flatbush he had his mind set on one thing: going to Israel and fighting for his country. His parents were not ecstatic to hear their son wanted to make Aliyah but he did so anyway. After spending a year in Israel he decided to stay and became a Madrich at multiple schools, such as Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi.
Rosh Yeshivah Rabbi Joseph Beyda said that Harari was always persistent
in his dreams, and although he was not a leader during his time at Flatbush he was still able to make an impact on the broader community. “Even though he wasn’t an outstanding student in a particular way, he still managed to be a hero,” Rabbi Beyda said.
The administration is making plans to memorialize Harari: “Even though we had a unified Mincha, we do understand
the importance of him and his heroism and are finding a way to memorialize him” Rabbi Beyda said.
Harari’s heroism and death helped show just how close the Flatbush community is to Israel and its soldiers despite the great physical distance.
Students use spaghetti and marshmallows to build at a recent Robotics Club meeting
North Korea graduates from empty threats to full-throttle military action
By Victor Shemia World News Editor
Although making threats and cozying up to its Communist ally Russia is a usual occurrence for the dictatorial regime of North Korea, the country has moved from words to action by sending thousands of soldiers to Ukraine to support Russia’s attack. With soldiers’ boots hitting the grounds of foreign soil, this decision may open up a Pandora’s box of global instability.
With relations between Russia and the US at an all-time low since the Cold War ended, Despite occasional threats of violence, North Korea had not been involved in a major military conflict since the 1950s; however, on November 5, that streak was broken.
According to Ukraine’s head of counter-disinformation branch, “the first North Koreans have already been shelled in the Kursk region.” Due to
language barriers and improper identification, the number of casualties are still undetermined. It was confirmed by the U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller that nearly “10,000 North Korean soldiers” were positioned in Russia’s Kursk region, which is situated along the border of Ukraine. In only a few days time, the estimate increased to 12,000 soldiers, including infantrymen, storm corps, generals, officers, and “elite soldiers.”
Although this onslaught of soldiers is intimidating, their performance in actual battle along with their methodology of training is unknown. Sources seem to speculate that only 7,000 of the 12,000 North Korean soldiers are equipped by the Russian military, leaving the soldiers’ current positions unclear.
This intervention was the direct result of a pact made on October 24, in which Russia and North Korea agreed to assist each other. North Korea would
provide ground soldiers, and Russia would exchange sought-after military technology. This pact caused many sour reactions from a variety of nations, as providing an unstable nation such as North Korea with technology regarding ballistic missiles could be disastrous.
Yet this series of harrowing decisions is just some of many that North Korea has chosen to make, and they don’t intend on stopping. Just a day prior to the scuffle in Ukraine, North Korea fired a series of ballistic missiles into the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan. This caused dismay from Japan, as it was not only a breach of security, but a threat toward the military bases of their allies in the surrounding area.
Concern was also expressed by South Korea, as this wasn’t the first jab from their unruly neighbor. Earlier in October, South Korea was accused by North Korea of breaching their airspace with drones to drop propaganda leaflets onto their citizens. In response to those alleged actions, which South Korea denies, roads and railways lines shared by the two nations were severed by North Korea.
This, along with vague threats to wipe South Korea “off the map,” prompted responses from the US and its allies, who condemned the behavior and reevaluated security concerns.
North Korea’s motives are still undetermined. Some speculate that the strategic alliance with Russia, along with escalating tension, could be used as leverage in easing sanctions, along with setting a precedence of their relevance to the US during the election period.
Shlichim from Israel making YOF their home
By Viviane Baghdadi Contributing Writer
The Azaria family moved to America from Israel as shlichim this past September with a mission to bring religious Israeli culture to American students.
Mr. Ariel Azaria teaches Tanakh in the high school, and his two older children attend Flatbush Elementary School. Mr. Azaria’s wife, Techalit, gave birth to their new baby boy on October 3, and the school had the honor of hosting his Brit Millah in the Bet Midrash—a first for the new building. Students and faculty members joined in the simcha to congratulate the Azaria family.
Mr. Azaria said had never left Israel until this past September, when he came to America, and he never expected to leave Israel. However, he feels the need to connect more people to the land of Israel, Torah, and mitzvot. Being in America became his mission and he was excited to come and spread his culture. Despite the difficult transition, he was motivated to help others deepen their connection with Jewish values.
“I believe that with time it will be possible to create a deeper connection that’s significant and deep between the students and the Torah, and between the students and the language. These students in a few years will have families of their own, and I hope that these values and mindsets will continued on page 6
From pests to heroes: Giant rats help detect landmines, tuberculosis, and wildlife smuggling
By Victor Shemia World News Editor
To most people around the world, the thought of a three-foot rat would be a nightmare. Yet soon, the narrative may start to switch, as rats may become the newest essential components in fighting the thriving illegal wildlife trade. From detecting landmines to busting major smuggling operations, these giant rodents are proving themselves in more ways than one.
New research has shown that African pouched rats are able to successfully detect hidden contraband. Although the species is often cited simply as one of the largest rodents in the world, many overlook their impeccable sense of smell. With nearly 1,000 olfactory genes, they are able to detect scents that are quite difficult to perceive by most other animals.
Noticing this innate ability of scent recognition, the organization APOPO (Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development) was among the first to put them to work. The nonprofit organization started experimenting with the rats in 1997, as the
Belgian founders Christophe Cox and Bart Weetjens saw the potential in using the rodents to detect landmines in Sub-Saharan Africa. After a series of tests were conducted on the rats’ abilities to detect explosives, it soon became apparent that they were more than capable than other species and, in fact, a safer choice. They are considered massive in rodent terms, yet they weigh under the 4.5 kilogram minimum needed to set off a landmine.
wastelands of mines back into usable space.
The organization decided to build on that success and go beyond landmines into other areas.
In 2007, experiments with human samples containing tuberculosis were picked up by the rats. This led to a massive operation in regions such as Mozambique, Angola, and Ethiopia, unexpectedly bringing about major breakthroughs in detection of the deadly disease, while also calling out prior ineffective testing methods.
The majority of illegal wildlife exports are from Africa, where proper security is often lacking because it is very difficult and expensive to patrol such large natural habitats. This, along with clever tactics in masking the illegal contents, makes smuggling quite easy in comparison to other crimes.
This, along with being low in cost to maintain, made them the perfect candidates for the job. With this in mind, APOPO made their way to Tanzania to combat the hidden landmines all over the African continent. Naming their furry friends “HeroRats” is an understatement, as they converted
In their most recent efforts, these rats have made incredible strides in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade, which has been a persistent and seemingly unstoppable issue. Worth nearly $23 billion yearly, the wildlife trade is one of the most lucrative and uncontrollable illegal markets.
Experiments were conducted to incorporate the rats into the inspection process, and HeroRats proved to be extremely capable. After being trained to differentiate between a variety of smuggled wildlife products such as “pangolin scales, rhino horns, elephant ivory, and African blackwood,” the rats were not only able to recognize them, but they were also able to reject decoys used by smugglers. As most of these smuggling operations occur on Africa’s infamously cramped and bustling seaports, the rats’ ability to maneuver around various sites nimbly is perfectly suited to the task. Although these results are purely experimental and in controlled environments so far, there is no doubt that our HeroRats will prove their ability once again.
A group of North Korean soldiers poses for photographs before preparing for battle
Sniffing out a land mine
D’var Torah: How scolding equals love Israel The life of an Israeli high school student
By Katie Hidary Religion Editor
In Parashat Vayera, Sarah is abducted by Avimelech. Hashem helps Avraham by spreading a plague in the house of Avimelech and tells Avimlech what he did through a dream. Avimelech then presents Avraham and Sarah with many riches.
Later in the parasha, there is an additional meeting between Avraham and Avimelech. In this meeting, Avimelech reaches out to Avraham, asking him for peace between their descendants for three generations. Avraham agrees but brings up an occurrence where Avimelech’s servants used his well without permission. Avimelech didn’t know about this until then, and apologizes. Avraham seals the treaty by giving him livestock. He gives an additional seven sheep as testimony that Avraham built the well. The place was called Be’er Sheva. Avimelech then leaves and Avraham establishes an Eshel (Bereshit 21:22-34).
Why is Avraham so worried about a simple well? The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 54:3) says it is deeper than just the well. Reprimanding leads to love, as it says, “Rebuke a wise person and he will love you” (Mishlei 9:8). The Midrash even goes as far as to say that love
is dependent on rebuke, and without rebuke, there is no love. This is why Avraham reprimands Avimelech about the well: because he loved him.
Before Avraham leaves the area, he establishes an Eshel and invokes the name of Hashem. The Midrash determines that Eshel can mean one of three things: an orchard, an inn, or a court, but it focuses on the inn, which is more inviting than the other options. Avraham would invite people to eat at the inn. He would tell them, “Say a blessing,” and they would ask, “What shall we say?” and he would reply, “
“Blessed is Hashem of the universe, whose food we have eaten” (Bereshit Rabbah 54:6).
We find that Avraham teaches two polar opposite lessons in this week’s parasha: to reprimand others respectfully, and to bring others closer. It is hard enough to be an expert in one of these middot, but Avraham, as great as he was, was able to master both. While we have a role to be open and inviting to others, we must also be able to reprimand them without hurting their feelings. To do this, we must find a balance between the two approaches. B’ezrat Hashem, may we grow in these essential middot, learning to love others while simultaneously caring for them.
Alum in Israel: Shelly Shaoul
By Helene Shamah Contributing Writer
“I’m so happy I made the decision to come here,” Shelly Shaoul said.
Shaoul is spending her year in a seminary in Israel: Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim, or MMY. This school is focused on one’s internal growth and spiritual development through biblical study, which is one of the many reasons Shaoul chose this seminary. She is able to grow and learn every day, which has deepened her understanding of both the texts and herself.
She feels that the environment at MMY encourages her to challenge herself intellectually while also deepening her connection to Hashem and her spirituality. One of the many reasons Shaoul loves her seminary is that it is so accommodating to the Sephardic girls
there, even though there are not so many. “They got us seats in the Sephardic shul for every single holiday even though there are only six of us,” she said.
Shaoul was waiting her whole life to go to seminary, but when September came she was a little nervous. However, those worries soon disappeared. “As soon as I walked in on the first day, I was able to talk to so many people, even though I had never met them before, and instantly created amazing relationships.” She explained that all of the people there are so nice and every person has so much to learn from one another. Additionally, “the classes given by the rabbis and the teachers are so thought-provoking and inspirational.”
The experience in Israel this year looks a little different due to the ongoing war. Shaoul feels that the war doesn’t have the biggest impact on her everyday life, yet it
is something that is constantly being discussed. During her time off, she took it upon herself to go to a hotel that houses evacuee families and bring them entertainment.
She is very appreciative of her free time, which allows her to go and explore Israel. Her seminary is located in Jerusalem and is relatively close to the Kotel, the Shuk, and Ben Yehuda Street, which are all popular locations in Jerusalem that she visits often.
Shaoul looks forward to the ways in which this year at MMY will shape her future and she is extremely happy she made the decision to come to Israel. She also hopes that everyone that has the opportunity should go to Israel for the year after high school.
Tamar’s experiences are typical of many Israeli high school students
New policy shifts bring mixed results from students
By Celia Aini
Contributing Writer
This school year began with some significant changes: the school day is shorter, class periods are longer, and phones are getting confiscated for a variety of infractions. Two months into the year, how well are these new policies working? It depends on who you ask.
Shortening the duration of a school day is one of the most drastic changes the school has ever made. Previously, students had to stay in school as late as 5:15 p.m., which left them with little time to complete their homework while pursuing other activities. After a new change in policy, students can now enjoy extracurricular activities while coming home at a more favorable time and still having time to do schoolwork. “Students get out at a more reasonable time,” Rabbi Galpert said.
activities. “Getting out at 4:30 is so much better,” said sophomore Rachel Catton. “I feel less tired and drained. I also have more time to do school activities and work harder in school.”
Another policy change for this year is the penalty for missing minyan. The school is taking away phones if students come later than 7:50 a.m. four times in a quarter. Though many students are unhappy about the rule, it has proven to be effective. “Taking away phones has improved minyan attendance,” Rabbi Galpert confirmed.
How Flatbush students celebrate Thanksgiving
By Lili Hanan Junior Editor
Known for its iconic turkey feast, Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated and beloved holidays in the United States. From immense gratitude, family gatherings, hearty meals and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there are so many traditions to celebrate. As a modern orthodox Jewish school, at the Yeshivah of Flatbush there is a range in the ways our student body celebrates this American holiday and its traditions. Their celebrations include vacations and traveling, true festive meals, restaurants, or even no meals at all.
and may even make her meals potluck style in order to celebrate giving thanks.
Junior Joyce Betesh spends the day getting cozy with her cousins as it leads up to the big family meal, while freshman Joelle Hanon spends the entire day watching football with her family. “We love football, and to my family nothing captures Thanksgiving more than watching football on the couch with my cousins,” Hanon said.
Many seniors remain upset about the change, because they could have gotten out of school even earlier under the old schedule. But most other students are loving the 4:36 dismissal. They are less stressed about coming home late, and are more willing to participate in after-school
AP exams going digital
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brid exams. On the hybrid exams, students will answer multiple choice questions and view free-response questions online, but will handwrite their free-response answers in paper booklets. “This makes it all the more difficult because now you’ll have to constantly look back and forth at your computer and test papers in order to answer the question,” said junior Boaz Harel.
On the other hand, Abigail Fuzaylova, a senior, does not feel bothered by this, and actually prefers that graphing questions were kept on paper. “I think it is a good thing,” she said. “It would be much
The threat of losing their phones forces students to come to school on time because they need their phone for Apple Pay, schedules, and of course texting. Although most students have their schedules on their phones, they are able to print out the schedule beforehand, since “they know ahead of time if their phone is being taken away,” said Rabbi Galpert.
One student who wanted to remain anonymous shared, “I have been coming earlier to school since I don’t want my phone taken away.”
more difficult to graph online.”
Another advantage is that internet connection is needed only to begin the test and to submit responses at the end. This soothes concerns about losing the internet connection while taking the exam. If internet service malfunctions during the exam, students can continue testing without any problems.
Lastly, accommodations such as extended time are provided by Bluebook, which makes this initiative all the more accessible.
Shlichim from Israel making Flatbush their home
continued from page 4
be passed on to their children,” Mr. Azaria said.
Moving across the world, with plans to stay in America for only a few years, was very challenging, mostly because of all the physical items that needed to come with
them. The airport’s limit of only two pieces of luggage per person caused the Azaria family to have to leave a lot of things in Israel with other family members. It was very difficult for them to part with the life they left behind. Mr. Azaria
A variety of students’ families disregard the holiday’s true intentions and see it as a way to spend an extended weekend in the sun. “During Thanksgiving I usually travel somewhere far because it’s a holiday without any religious obligations (besides Shabbat), and I usually fly Wednesday night in packed and chaotic airports,” said senior Morris Ringer. Ringer uses this vacation as a way to spend time with his family and loved ones. For Thanksgiving dinner, his family eats at a restaurant without any traditional foods.
Other students state that they used to travel, but after Covid, once they couldn’t travel and had to celebrate the holiday the traditional way, the families never went back. “My family decided after Covid that they like it better home with a festive meal and all our cousins,” junior Sammy Ashkenazi commented.
Many students celebrate the holiday with the classic festivities: traditional food, family, and football. “My family and I love and look forward to Thanksgiving,” said sophomore Bonnie Dweck. “For us it’s a time to reconnect with family after a hectic two months.” Dweck, like many other students, eats a big turkey, apple pie,
As we all know, Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude, and junior Rita Setton described her celebration of the holiday as a way of making more time to express gratitude and thanks to Hashem. She said, “I usually don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in a typical traditional or ceremonial way, but I try to add a religious aspect to the thanks and gratitude of the day. I love being more conscious of all of the things Hashem gives us, and Thanksgiving is the perfect day to express that gratitude.”
On the other hand, some people don’t even celebrate at all. History teacher Mr. Saadia, for example, believes that there is “a separate religious aspect at the roots of Thanksgiving,” and feels uncomfortable to celebrate as a Jew. Therefore, Mr. Saadia acts as if the holiday is just a day off from school.
Thanksgiving at Yeshivah of Flatbush showcases the diverse ways our student body honors this holiday, blending traditional American culture with different family takeaways. Whether through travel, festive family gatherings, or a more introspective approach to gratitude, students engage with the holiday in unique ways. This variety reflects their individual backgrounds and a broader understanding of giving thanks, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and gratitude in celebrating the spirit of the season.
said that saying goodbye to family was especially hard for his kids. When they left Israel, they were young, but when they go back in a few years, they’ll be older, and their extended family won’t get to see his children’s next several milestones.
Rabbi Beyda, who initiated the shlichim program, said that “it’s super important to have them in Flatbush and they are valuable in multiple ways. Since they are native Hebrew speakers, it is helpful for both the school and the students to learn from them. With the new
program, Ivrit B’Ivrit, it is essential to have teachers speak to the students in such fluent Hebrew. Having the Azarias here also helps connect the students to Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael in an authentic way.” Rabbi Beyda found the Azarias through the World Zionist Organization, which arranges for shlichim to go to Jewish communities around the world. Members of the school staff played a large role in settling the Azarias in America, including helping them find their home and giving them some furniture for their new house.
school
Student leaving school at 4:36 p.m.
The Azaria family at the bris
Rabbi Beyda and Mr. Azaria during the ceremony in the Bet Midrash
Business
Oil prices dip after Israel’s measured retaliation Musk’s “robotaxi” may soon give you a ride
By Emily Tarrab Business Editor
Following Israel’s recent retaliation against Iran, oil prices took a steep dip, dropping by more than $3 per barrel. Brent Crude, sourced near the North Sea, experienced a 4.1% drop, trading at $72.92 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 4.4%, trading at $68.63 per barrel.
Israel’s “precise and targeted” airstrike eased concerns of disruption in the oil-producing region, which would normally result in raised oil prices due to a fear of potential supply shortages. For example, Iran’s initial strike on Israel, firing 200 ballistic missiles, prompted a 4% jump in oil prices.
As the world’s seventh-largest oil producer, Iran’s stability directly impacts global oil markets, making peace in the Middle East crucial. Fortunately, global oil prices today are somewhat less influenced by the decisions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which includes many Middle Eastern nations like Iran. This is because many non-OPEC countries (including the U.S.) have significantly increased their oil production and have access to a wide variety
of energy sources. Additionally, advances in extraction technology now enable for a rapid increase in supply when prices rise.
Israel’s measured response eased market concerns and ensured a stable oil supply, ultimately lowering prices. Energy analysts report that a gallon of gasoline currently costs less than $3 at more than 50% of U.S. gas stations. Low oil prices benefit both business owners and consumers by reducing overall business costs, particularly in transportation and manufacturing. Conversely, high crude prices drive up the cost of commercial products for everyone; however, they can also create jobs and stimulate trade, as higher prices make it financially viable for companies to explore and extract oil from inaccessible or more expensive regions.
On a broader economic level, Andrea Pescatori, an economist at the International Monetary Fund, attempted to measure the correlation between stock prices and crude oil prices in 2008. His study found no significant correlation between the two, with a confidence level of 95%. This suggests that while fluctuations in the oil market can have a tangible effect on industries and businesses, they may not create a substantial impact on the stock market as a whole.
By Joseph Belenkiy Contributing Writer
Just a few weeks ago, Elon Musk unveiled the prototype of the Tesla robotaxi, which he hopes will be a common sight across our cities in a few years. With these automated vehicles, Musk hopes to reduce operating costs and lower prices for consumers by eliminating
Hurricanes lower GDP, raise unemployment
By Baruch Elmann Contributing Writer
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have had a devastating economic impact on those living in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee these past few weeks. While financial costs are still being assessed, latest estimates amassed $50 billion per hurricane, making them among the costliest in history.
These storms have disrupted supply chains, limited the money consumers spend on nonessential items, and caused a decrease in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the monetary value of all goods and services made within a country. As a result of Helene and Milton, established businesses such as restaurants, event spaces, retail stores, and art establishments have been decimated. Hurricane Helene specifically triggered a large surge in initial unemployment claims, with 258,000 new filings in the first week of October alone. This spike indicates potential economic instability and may signal a slowing job market.
Despite these difficulties, the economic consequences of the hurricanes are significantly alleviated by reconstruction efforts that followed. According to data from Implan, an economic analysis firm, the aftermath of a single hurricane can in-
directly create close to 248,000 jobs (mainly in construction), producing over $17 billion in wages. While certain workforces that aid in the reconstruction efforts will experience a shortterm boost in activity, other industries, crucial to the states’ local economy, face severe setbacks, such as tourism. Due to the current disruption caused by the hurricanes, Florida’s usually booming tourism industry is weakened, as visitor numbers are sharply declining, directly affecting employment opportunities there as well as in other tourism-dependent states.
Moreover, Implan suggests that a hurricane’s aftermath has the potential to add $30 billion to the GDP, due to significant government and private aid toward reconstruction, stimulating growth. This spending targets rebuilding infrastructure, housing, and businesses, potentially offsetting initial losses. Wells Fargo Investment Strategy Analysts say that these hurricanes could trim roughly 0.28% off GDP over the next two quarters; while a decrease in GDP indicates the slowing growth of the U.S economy, it is unlikely
the economy will be adversely affected in a significant way.
The economic effects of all types of natural disasters tend to be temporary. While they can disrupt consumer spending and service jobs in the short term, recovery efforts often boost GDP as rebuilding takes place in the long term. Hurricane Katrina, for example, cut 0.60% off the GDP, but the economy rebounded as recovery efforts took action.
While Hurricanes Helene and Milton have inflicted significant economic damage by raising unemployment and lowering GDP, it is likely only short term and the economy should restabilize, as recovery efforts entail job creation and increased investment in the US economy.
drivers from the taxi business. Tesla plans to expand beyond just creating new car models by introducing a new revenue stream through the robotaxis. Musk believes that this project will be highly profitable; with the elimination of a driver and the lower operating costs of an electric car, Tesla can significantly reduce all expenses typically associated with taxi services. A ride in the robotaxi is expected to cost only 15% of what a “normal” taxi ride would be.
According to Tesla’s presentation, each car costs roughly $30,000 to produce; however, analysts speculate that upon its release in 2027 the price of the taxi will increase.
Critics have expressed a wide range of concerns about the release of this self-driving taxi: many worry about the negative impact on the livelihoods of millions who currently provide taxi services, while others are concerned about the potentially poor quality of vehicles priced around $30,000.
Since Musk proposed this idea, several other companies have introduced similar plans, including a collaboration between Uber and General Motors. With these giants in the market, many other car makers will want to avoid being left behind and are expected to enhance their own lines by adding self-driving cars for taxi operators. If this plan comes to fruition, the U.S. unemployment rate will likely markedly increase.
Moreover, people fear that Tesla’s promise of an affordable car will come with significant mechanical issues, especially after Tesla’s Model 3 became infamous for its technical mishaps. The older model reportedly had flimsy construction, which resulted in important parts malfunctioning, and the self-driving feature had trouble breaking and detecting other cars.
Robotaxi could be another futuristic idea, further cementing Elon Musk into the book of history, or it could be a never-ending affliction, plaguing society with higher unemployment rates and a ruined taxi industry.
A traffic sign warns drivers as Hurricane Milton bears down on the Gulf Coast in Sarasota, Florida
The new Tesla Cybercab prototype —no steering wheel, no pedals, $30K price tag
Entertainment
Jewish authors getting canceled for Zionism
By Sylvia Saad Editor-in-Chief
Zionist authors are having their book signings and events canceled, solely based on their stance on the Jewish ancestral homeland’s right to exist.
After a tumultuous and heart-wrenching year for the Jewish and Israeli people, many non-Jews around the world have succumbed to proHamas propaganda and misleading rhetoric running rampant on social media platforms. These ideas have seeped into the minds of some bookstore owners and employees.
go bookstore “to maintain what they believed a safe and comfortable space for the group.”
Actor and comedian Brett Gelman was also a victim of antisemitism in the literary world. His book signings in San Francisco and Illinois were canceled because he visited Israel and condemned terrorists for their horrific actions on October 7—or, as the San Francisco bookstore owner put it, Gelman “made intemperate and ill-advised remarks … against some other ethnic and social groups.”
Interview with Brooks Nader, supermodel and DWTS star
By Sylvia Mizrahi Sophomore Editor
“We don’t want a Zionist on our stage,” one store manager was videoed saying after canceling an event with a pro-Israel moderator and writer, Rabbi Andy Bachman, at Brooklyn bookstore Powerhouse Book Arena. While Palestinian authors are welcomed into literary spaces as “diverse voices,” some Jewish and Israeli writers are pushed out and ignored.
Even prominent authors, such as Gabrielle Zevin, author of current bestseller Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, who have never publicly spoken about Israel or expressed support, have received pushback and hate.
Zevin has identified herself only as part Jewish, but nonetheless has been placed on Pro-Palestinian boycott lists. A list titled, “Is your fav author a Zionist???” was created; the Jewish Book Council compared it to the Nazi-era book bans and burnings. Zevin’s book was taken off the poll list for a book club at a Chica-
Even when Jewish authors are allowed at their own events, protesters are sure to remind them that they are not welcome. Actress and Jeopardy! host Mayim Bialik, a leading voice in Israel advocacy, was present at free-speech organization PEN America, where protesters had to be physically removed from the venue for causing such a ruckus.
Just a month later, hundreds of writers contributed to an open letter demanding that PEN America come out with support for the Palestinian writers, and to “name their murderer: Israel, a Zionist colonial state funded by the U.S. government.” Dozens of award-winning writers have broken ties with PEN in opposition to their spotlighting Bialik, a “hugely influential racist who has incited ongoing slaughter.”
Many Jewish writers feel isolated and exiled solely because of their identity, regardless of whether they have spoken out for Israel.
Survivor 47 Letter of Recommendation:
By Yvette Dweck Junior Editor
“Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.” This slogan regularly draws around 10 million people to watch one of the oldest and most viewed reality TV shows: Survivor Since 2000, CBS has been releasing two seasons of Survivor per year, making the current fall season number 47. Out of 16,000 applications, only about 18 contestants make it to Survivor Island each season. From there, contestants face a series of brutal challenges and back stabbings, seek immunity idols, endure hunger, and anxiously await the tribal council to find out who the “sole survivor” is.
Contestants are split into two or more tribes at the beginning of the game. Every week the tribes battle it out for rewards, food, flint (to start fires), and, most important, immunity. At the end of every episode, the tribe without immunity has to go to tribal council and vote a member off the island. What makes Survivor so ad-
dicting is the plot twists, drama, challenges, and secret alliances.
Outwit. Arguably, the most important and trivial part of winning Survivor is strategy, also known as wit. In the beginning of the season, every player tries to craft the best alliance for themselves, but the problem they often face is that nobody knows whom to trust. A contestant may trust someone one day, and that person may stab them in the back the next. They may create an elaborate plan with their alliance, only to learn that they were the true target all along. To win Survivor is essential to manipulate, lie, read people, trust people, and betray closest allies.
Model and influencer Brooks Nader enjoyed competing on the new season of Dancing with the Stars, a TV show in which celebrities compete against each other while paired with professional dancers. Shortly after getting eliminated on October 15, Nader sat down with The Phoenix for an exclusive interview about the experience.
Nader explained that she got an email last year from the show’s production team asking her to join for season 33. Having always been passionate about dance, growing up watching the show, and wanting to take on a new challenge, she eagerly accepted the opportunity to take part in the iconic show.
Reflecting on her high school days, Nader shared that she was on her school’s dance team. While she did not make it onto the team in her freshman year, she dedicated herself to improving, and by sophomore year, she earned a spot. This experience, she said, helped her build confidence and pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Those attributes have remained past her adolescence and served her well on DWTS
While on the show, Nader described the toughest challenge as spending five hours a day on intensive dance routines, leaving her little time for her social life. Additionally, she noted that the hardest dances for her to perform were the first ones she learned, as she was just getting used to the new styles of dancing. She revealed that in the end, her body strength and dancing skills have improved as a result of the grueling practices. Nader also enjoyed seeing all the details and talent that a live show entails, such as the cameramen, props, and lighting.
Outplay. Every season of Survivor is jam-packed with challenges. These contests include physically and mentally draining races through the ocean,
obstacle courses, puzzles, mazes, and what Survivor is most known for: its endurance challenges. The longest Survivor endurance challenge was in season 10, when the final two contestants in the challenge stood on a wooden log holding their hand on an immunity idol for eleven hours and fifty-five minutes before they made a deal. The winner of this challenge eventually went on to win the whole season. Being able to win these mental and physical challenges puts contestants at a large advantage, as their
Unfortunately, Nader got eliminated on “Dedication Night” during Week 3 of the show. While her fans found that disappointing, Nader shared that it was her favorite night of the entire experience. It was the most memorable, she said, because her sisters were able to participate in the dance with her, and her entire family came to support her. She explained how special her bond is with her sisters, as they are not only her colleagues but the people she gets to come home to every day.
Despite the challenges and elimination, Nader stated, “My goal was to try new things, grow as a person, and say yes to everything. I definitely think I achieved that. I had the best experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.” Nader also proved to herself that she was capable of overcoming her fear of stage fright by just doing it. “I proved to myself that I can do anything. And I hope girls around the world see that they can do anything they put their minds to.”
Additionally, Nader confessed that in the beginning of her journey she was very insecure and was in situations with a lot of drama. However, she stated, “If you’re a good person, everything is going to follow you. You can do anything you set your mind to, no matter how big or small.”
Before being recruited for DWTS, Nader got scouted at age 18 to become a model without having any previous intention of going into the industry. While modeling brings several challenges such as traveling frequently, long hours, and little time for a social life, like DWTS, Nader would not have it any other way.
She also revealed that she is working on several behind-the-scenes projects, such as a family TV show and collaborations to launch her own clothing line, speculating that they will release some time next year.
teammates don’t want to vote them out because they are such a help in challenges and help the tribe gain immunity.
Outlast. After about a month on the island, there are only three survivors left. One of these survivors will become the Sole Survivor and take home $1 million. A series of challenges are played in the finale episode and the winner is decided by a jury vote. The jury consists of the last eight players to get eliminated from the show. These players vote for who they think played the game best and deserves the money. The winners outwitted everyone. They outplayed everyone. They outlasted everyone. And we get to watch it all.
Fun & Games
Ask Merle
Hi Merle,
Coming out of October, which was basically a month of no school, how am I supposed to get through November, which basically has no off days?
—Bored
Hey Bored,
Honestly, I also don’t know how I’m gonna make it till Thanksgiving. The only way to take it is day by day–or even class by class. Also, if we’re looking at the grand scheme of things, winter break is only two months away. ;)
I keep having basketball games the night before tests. I have time after the game to study but not enough to ensure a good grade. What should I do? My mom will kill me if I fail but so will my coach if I don’t come to games.
—Freshman Baller
Hi, Baller, I think this is the hardest part of high school to figure out: balancing your grades and activities. But once you figure it out, it gets much easier. While this is the advice no one wants, you’re going to have to study in advance. Even if it’s just a quick read of your notes for a few nights before the game, it’ll make it so much easier to just review it quickly postgame.
Good luck with your mom!
Dear Merle,
Should I go to Israel for the year?
—Debating Senior
Dear Senior, I’m having the same thoughts right now, and I can’t really tell you what to do but I can tell you some pros and cons.
Pros: It’s Israel! It gives you more time before “real life.” It’s a chance to meet new people. You’ll learn great Torah. And it’s a very fun year.
Cons: You’re deferring college; maybe you want to start “real life” already. You’re away from home and your family. The
food, and figuring out how to eat healthy, can be challenging. And sharing a room. Don’t forget, you could always go for half the year! Best of luck deciding!
Merle
Hey Merle,
Should I take the SATs or is it a waste of time since most schools are test-optional now? I don’t want to waste my time studying for a test I’m not even going to submit.
—Confused Junior
Hi, Junior!
First, good for you for being so early to the college process! Second, this is a very complex question you have asked. It truly is different in every case, depending on whether schools you’re applying to require it, whether your grades could use a little boost, and whether you’re a good test-taker. The SAT might actually be required for most colleges next year, so I’d say take at least one and see where you’re at after evaluating your options with College Guidance.
Good luck, Merle
Merle,
Hi, Sophomore, I’m a writing lover myself! It’s super easy to get involved. There are always many articles that need writing, so you can ask the lovely editors-in-chief, Sylvia Saad and Samantha Ryba, to keep you in mind for an assignment for an upcoming issue. That’s exactly how I got involved! You should also join the Phoenix club, which meets on Wednesdays.
How can I write for The Phoenix?
—Writing-loving sophomore
Merle,
What’s your go-to lunch on a school day?
—Hungry Freshie
Hey Hungry, Without a doubt a toasted sesame bagel with butter and a red drink from Chock, but unfortunately for you, you can’t go out for lunch yet. :(
Maybe next year!
Merle
Flatbush Cartoon
By Jacqueline Tebele
Cartoonist
Phoenix
Standard of Fabulous
Influencers penetrating fashion and beauty worlds
By Irene Cohen Fashion Editor
In recent years, influencers have become powerful figures in the con sumer industry. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube in fluencers reach millions of screens across the world. Many of these influencers are “ordinary” people who rose to fame and built a strong following by sharing their lives, person al style, and advice. Due to their relatability, many see them as a source when considering purchasing products.
to others, sharing personal experiences that many can identify with. This relatability allows their followers to trust their recommendations.
This shift has transformed the way brands promote themselves. Companies have moved from promoting products by advertising, runway shows, and celebrity endorsement to promoting products through collaborations with influencers. Many of these influencers often select products they know and love, making their endorsements seem more genuine and less scripted. These partnerships allow brands to promote their products in an authentic and engaging way.
Unlike celebrities who may seem out of touch with the world around them, influencers illustrate their lives as relatable
Emma Chamberlain has attracted millions of followers from platforms like Youtube and Instagram by sharing her true self. She has worked her way through the fashion world and Chamberlain is now in partnership with brands like Louis Vuitton, through which she attends fashion shows and promotes the brand’s collection.
Similarly, Katie Fang (inset), a beauty influencer known for her honest reviews and relatable content, has become a trusted voice for many beauty consumers. Her collaborations with brands like Glow Recipe, a popular skincare brand, allow the products to reach a greater audience in an authentic way.
The rise of influencers in the fashion and beauty industry signifies a large change in how consumers engage with products. By presenting products in an understandable way through the lives of influencers, brands can generate authentic connections with consumers.
Business casual hits the streets
Business casual is leaving the office and becoming a popular style on New York City’s streets this fall. Building upon the quiet luxury trend of early 2024 and the demure trend of this past summer, the corporate workwear style features neutral colors, sweaters, dress pants, pencil skirts, loafers, and other office-appropriate clothing.
After Covid-19, remote work and hybrid offices created the need for outfits that are both comfortable enough for home wear and formal enough for meetings. This change in corporate culture and the influence of athleisure contributed to the modernization of the standard “business casual” dress code. Brands modified
Sustainable fashion continues to improve
By Lyla Ashkenazie Sophomore Editor
As the fashion industry becomes more aware of its negative impact on the environment, it is working to make production and design more sustainable.
Renee Cho, member of the Columbia Climate School, ran a study and found that “fashion is responsible for 10% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of global wastewater, and uses more energy than the avia tion and shipping sectors combined.”
The amount of water required to make a single pair of jeans is equivalent to the amount of water one person would typically drink over the span of ten years. Cotton, used for almost every clothing type, is considered a thirsty crop. It is also grown with toxic chemicals and pesticides, which pollute soil and bodies of water. This can lead to eutrophication, which is the excess growth of plants, and the resulting death of animals. Cho also wrote that “the dyeing process for fabrics, which uses toxic chemicals, is responsible for 17 to 20 percent of global industrial water pollution.”
wastewater usually ends up as fertilizer for agriculture, rivers and oceans, and eventually pollutes the air. “It’s estimated that 35 percent of the microplastics in the ocean come from the fashion industry,” Cho says.
There isn’t much that the fashion industry can do about their excessive use of water, but to help put a stop to eutrophication, the industry is now using organic cotton more often, as it is grown without any toxic chemicals. Eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled polyester and hemp are used more often as well. These fabrics are durable and recyclable, while still providing a soft, high-quality touch that consumers look for. The use of these sustainable products also allows consumers to wear their clothing more often, as they don’t wear out so quickly.
businesswear for comfort by using softer materials and looser cuts. Since these corporate pieces are now more comfortable, they also became more versatile. Influencers and designers started incorporating corporate pieces into more casual looks.
Although this style of dress originated in the office, it quickly caught the attention of various celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, Kendall Jenner, and Selena Gomez were all photographed wearing blazers incorporated in their streetwear looks, and Hailey Bieber was photographed wearing an entire gray suit with a white button-down, complete with a red polka-dotted tie.
Like all trends, after being adopted by celebrities, it was adopted by fashion magazines. Vogue is all over the corporate workwear trend this fall, declaring loafers to be “the ultimate cool girl staple,” and,
Fashion also has an impact on product waste. Today’s recycling technologies aren’t advanced enough to separate the dyes and fabrics in clothing, so less than one percent of clothing is truly recycled to make new garments. Clothing made from synthetic fibers typically shed microplastics when washed. This contaminated
seeing how often Hailey Bieber wears them, they are. Vogue specifically shouts out black loafers, but celebrities have been spotted wearing beige, brown, and white loafers as well.
Vogue also called collarless blazers the “fall jacket trend to rely on for effortless polish.” Collarless blazers were seen on runways at Toteme, Victoria Beckham, and Jil Sanders. Corporate workwear in general was seen all over the runways this season. It was featured in 33% of Bottega Veneta’s collection, 35% of Alexander McQueen’s collection, and 32% of Michael Kors’s collection.
Additionally, during the process of manufacturing clothes, at least 15% of valuable fabric ends up unused and thrown away. A new design process called the Zero Waste Pattern is now being implemented in fashion establishments. The idea of this process is to cut and arrange pieces of fabric to fit like puzzle pieces, so no fabric ends up on the floor and in the garbage.
Clothing companies are trying their best to make their products more sustainable, but it’s still a work in progress as they have yet to come up with a longterm solution for water waste, microplastic pollution, and contributions to climate change.
Rachael Kopylov
Fashion Editor
Formula 1’s successful American takeover
By Yvette Dweck
Junior Editor
It is impossible to go a day in Flatbush without seeing at least five different people wearing Formula 1 hoodies.
F1 is the most popular international motorsport, in which 20 drivers and 10 teams compete in high-speed races, called Grands Prix, 24 times a year in 24 different cities on 5 different continents. Drivers compete to win points for themselves, as well as points for their team.
Over the past five years, F1’s popularity in the US has grown around 30% and continues to grow. F1 made its grand entrance into the US with its first American-based team, Haas, in 2016. At the time, there was only one Grand Prix each season in the US, called the United States Grand Prix, but there were no active American F1 drivers. In 2019, a documentary series focusing on F1 drivers and teams, called Drive to Survive, came out on Netflix and took America by storm. A poll in 2022 revealed that 53% of American F1 fans credit Drive to Survive as the reason for their engagement in the sport.
With F1’s rising popularity in the US, it was time for another Grand Prix to be established. The Miami Grand Prix debuted in 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium, attracting fans from all over the US. Americans became even more excited when the first American driver since 1978, Logan Sargeant, signed with Williams Racing.
That same year, the streets of Las Vegas were shut down for months to prepare for the first ever Las Vegas Grand Prix, where drivers raced through the Vegas Strip. This was monumental as there was now an American driver, an American team, and three American races.
Recently, F1 has been getting even more popular as its drama floods social media. Fans are upset that Williams let Sargeant go after only a season and a half, and are heartbroken about the most beloved racer on the grid, Daniel Riccardo, being let go as well.
With F1’s newfound popularity in the US, big clothing companies such as Pacsun, Holister, H&M, and Puma have been releasing F1-themed clothing lines.
Although F1’s popularity continues to grow in the States, many Americans don’t think it’s a real sport. Junior Sarah Kezra said, “I wouldn’t categorize F1 as a sport; it doesn’t specifically require athleticism.”
In many fans’ opinions, this is far from correct. Drivers go through rigorous physical training, driving for two hours straight in a cockpit that can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, requiring sharp reflexes. Junior Michael Mosseri said, “Some say F1 isn’t a sport, but what sport has stadiums that span cities and have cars that drive in the pouring rain day and night? What sport makes even Vegas stop and stare? Their ‘big game’ happens 24 times a year. This is no ordinary sport. This is F1.”
The very different lives of two 17-year-old students
By Elliot Cohen Junior Editor
Two 17-year-olds walk into their respective schools, over 1,000 miles away from one another. They both walk into a place where every attendee knows their name. The difference? One is a school of 700 kids. The other? 38,000.
The difference between these two kids is monumental. One, at Flatbush, is a high school senior, like most 17-yearolds across the country. The other is Ryan Williams, a college football standout with more than 500,000 Instagram followers and highlights all over ESPN, Bleacher Report, and other popular social media sports outlets.
Williams’s dramatic rise to fame started in his younger years. Throughout his high school career at Saraland High School in Saraland, Alabama, Williams shined brighter than any other stars in high school football. After amassing 1,641 yards in his sophomore season, he was offered a verbal deal to come to the renowned University of Alabama.
This was a rare and prestigious opportunity for a high school sophomore, but after proving his worth and putting up similar stats in his junior year, Williams was reclassified and allowed to graduate high school a year early.
After some worry when acclaimed Alabama head coach Nick Saban retired, Williams decided to stick with his origi-
Sportsman Spotlight: Gabriella Kopolovitz
By Colette Chehova Sports Editor
Although Gabriella Kopolovitz did not start running competitively until her sophomore year, she quickly turned into the track champion she is today. Kopolovitz joined the Flatbush track team as the only girl and, through her self-determination, soon dominated the sport.
At first running was hard for her, but Kopolovitz wanted to work on endurance. She began running every other day and stayed consistent throughout her training. She believes consistency is the key to success, especially in track and cross-country, where slacking off will lead to a slow race.
Kopolovitz’s consistency paid off when she won first place in the girls’ mile with an impressive time of 6:57 at the track championship this past May. And this past Sunday she was the third overall female at the cross country championships. She said will continue to strive for even greater feats in this year’s races and hopes to win more often.
As the track and cross-country team captain, Kopolovitz strives to motivate others by setting an example for them. She is adamant that if someone is hesitant to start their running journey, “they don’t need to run for so long or a certain pace. Everyone starts at zero, so be consistent and build your endurance from there.”
Kopolovitz aims to continue running
after high school. She plans on joining a college track team as well as continuing to run on her own time.
nal decision. He played in the high school All-American game, scoring an impressive touchdown in the process, to bring his high school story to a close.
Williams’ illustrious statistics were not only what set him apart. His stardom started from a YouTube video. AJ Greene, a famous YouTuber in the football world, released a video titled “This 10th Grader is ALREADY Committed to ALABAMA! (RYAN WILLIAMS SARALAND)” In this video, Greene explains that he was in Alabama to attend a different high school game that got canceled, so he was looking for a new game to attend and a video to shoot. He received a DM from a user named “Hollywood.” Hollywood told Greene to come to his game at Saraland, claiming to be a University of Alabama commit in his sophomore year. With nothing to lose, Greene decided to bring his friend and his cameraman to this game.
It turns out that Hollywood was no joke. On the first play of the game, Ryan “Hollywood” Williams broke out for a 75-yard deep bomb. After a few trade-off scores, on first down from their own 12, Williams broke out for another deep touchdown. The normally hyped up AJ Greene had hit a new stride. Knowing that he had found a diamond in the rough, Greene was ecstatic, jumping up and down and running up and down Saraland’s sideline. Williams broke through for a huge rushing touchdown, and later threw one from the 20 on a flea flicker, ran in another one, and then had a short receiving touchdown for good measure. That was six touchdowns in one game, an impressive feat under any circumstances.
The thing that has always set Williams apart is being able to shine bright regardless of the stars surrounding him.
Williams has since become a household name among college football fans, and continues to shine. In an immensely important game against the second-ranked team in the nation, the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Williams had 6 catches for 177 yards, including two Louvre-worthy highlight plays.
The people who had known Williams prior, or who had done their research, understood that this was nothing new. This is just what he does, and that is what sets him apart from the high school senior who walks into Flatbush each morning.
Senior at Flatbush, or star at Alabama?
Max Verstappen's Red Bull leads at the start of the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix