Yeshivah of Flatbush Spring Bulletin 2021 by Yeshivah of Flatbush

BULLETIN Y E S H I V A H

O F

F L A T B U S H

Nissan 5781 • Spring 2021

"We are as great as the challenges we have the courage to undertake." —Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l

THE MISSION OF THE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH IS TO

Empower

our students to develop exceptional character and intellect.

EDUCATE

through a rigorous Torah b’Ivrit and General Studies program with a robust set of co-curricular opportunities in a supportive and nurturing environment.

INSPIRE

a love for and commitment to Torah u’Mitzvot, Medinat Yisrael, and Klal Yisrael with responsibility to advance the welfare of all humanity.

Y E S H I VA H O F F L AT B US H

SPRING 2021 |

Letter from the

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Flatbush Family, I am excited to introduce the Yeshivah of Flatbush Spring 2021 Bulletin. It is packed with stories of how our students and faculty continue to add to the vitality of YOF as each school day is filled with creative options during this difficult time that tests our resilience. You will see our wonderful Naomi Houllou A"H Ladies Auxiliary reaching out to keep families connected. Our beautiful Chumash and siddur ceremonies were no less momentous or meaningful, even though they were done on Zoom. Our Early Childhood students are still partaking in fun learning activities, whether they are in person or at home in quarantine. Our brilliant technology team has put together countless opportunities for students to grow their tech savviness, including the Global Hour of Code™. It is also worth noting that we are even holding sports meets on a daily basis, adhering to all state medical and safety guidelines. We are proud to share that our guidance teams at the high school and elementary school, as well as our Parent School Partnership committee, have been taking our students, parents and faculty into account with helpful programs dispersed throughout the school year with the goal of alleviating stressors at home and in school. Our invaluable YOFHS Drama Therapist Ms. Sally Shatzkes never disappoints, even when her students’ performances are forced to be shared on Zoom. It is heartening and exhilarating to see how the students are still able to form close relationships online with Holocaust survivors, and to see what outlets they are using for expression. When you read these three dozen pages, I hope you recognize how much care and effort has gone into every aspect of each program. Although the current school year has not been without challenges, we feel we have conquered them in the best ways possible, and are eager to share our stories with you.

Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman Executive Director Yeshivah of Flatbush

SPRING 2021 |

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Head of School Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari (HS '72) Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda Associate Principal Mrs. Sari Bacon Assistant Principal and Director of Admissions Mrs. Esther Hidary (HS '94) Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser Director of Guidance Dr. Etty Mizrahi (ES '97, HS '01) Rosh Bet Midrash Rabbi Avi Harari (ES '99, HS '03) Assistant Administrator Rabbi David Galpert (ES '05, HS '09)

Editor-in-Chief Ms. Michelle Olveira

President Mr. Abie J. Hidary (ES '91, HS '95)

Principal Emeritus Rabbi Dr. David Eliach

Editorial Assistants Ms. Faith Edeson (ES '04, HS '08) Mrs. Michelle Kopylov (ES '97, HS '01) Ms. Jessica Reznik

Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School

Yeshivah of Flatbush Executive Office

Design Bottom Line Marketing Group

Head of School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi

Executive Director Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman

Principal, Middle School Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg

Director of Annual Giving Mrs. Vicky Amzalag

Principal, General Studies Mr. Robert Berkman

Director of Informational and Instructional Technology Dr. Christine L. Coleman, DPS

Director of Teaching and Learning/ Assistant Principal, General Studies Rabbi Dr. David Saltzman Assistant Principal, Judaic Studies, Lower School Mrs. Chani Gratzman Director of Campus Life Dr. Bethany Strulowitz

Yeshivah of Flatbush Bulletin Staff

Director of Finance Mrs. Faigie Gelbstein Director of Operations Ms. Esther Kizelnik Director of Marketing and Communications Ms. Ilana Lax

Director, Early Childhood Ms. Debbie Levine Greenbaum

Director of Admissions, Elementary School Mrs. Norma Shamah

Director of Student Services Dr. Nicole Yossef

Director of Development Mrs. Hila Stern

Y E S H I VA H O F F L AT B US H

Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School 919 East 10th Street Brooklyn NY 11230 718-377-4466

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Al and Sonny Gindi Campus 1609 Avenue J Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-377-1100 @yofhs @yoflatbush @yofladiesauxiliary Facebook.com/YeshivahOfFlatbush Facebook.com/YOFHS Facebook.com/YOFALUMNI

Witness Theater Prep Students and Survivors Creatively Overcome Tech Challenges

Passport To Support Programs throughout the year assist the entire Flatbush Family

3 Lives Saved

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YOFHS Jason Botnick A”H Memorial Play Brings Broadway Glam to Flatbush

Elective Enlightenment

23 13

Names, Not Numbers©

Listen Up! New Middle School Podcasting Club Now On Air

Their Stories Live On

YOFHS is always taking fresh ideas into consideration for interesting electives.

YOFHS encourages its students to discover and expand their unique academic pursuits, talents and career ideas.

College Guidance On Track to a Successful Year

Strong Applications and a New Team Member Are Duly Celebrated

First Class First Aid YOF Welcomes Two Nurses to the Flatbush Family

Autumn in Action

Going Global Books and Blessings YOF Celebrates 1st Grade Siddur Parties and 2nd Grade Chumash Parties

Better Together

27 30

PSP Lends Parents a Hand

The Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary Helps Everyone Stay Connected

Young at Heart Class of 1947 Friendships Stay Gold

24 25

There was no lack of creativity in Early Childhood as students partook in countless enriching activities to celebrate the season.

YOF Participates in Hour of Code™

We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends

The Show Must Go On

3 Women, 3 Kidneys,

Pathfinders Program

12 14 16 18

Matching Gifts

Falcons Back At Work!

Athletics Returns to Flatbush Sporting a New Normal

Surf’s Up!

Falcons Fly Over the Waves

Thank You to our Annual Donors

An Annual Fund gift supports every aspect of a student’s experience

28 Around Town Highlights Around Flatbush

YOF ANNUAL AUCTION

TABLE of CONTENTS

3 6 8

Letter from the Executive Director

Members of the Flatbush Family become school trivia stars

SPRING 2021 |

WITNESS THEATER

PREP

Students & Survivors Creatively Overcome Tech Challenges Despite the current pandemic, an inspiring group of 16 YOFHS seniors, led by drama therapist and Arts Department Chair, Ms. Sally Shatzkes (ES '95, HS '99), have made sure that the stories of five incredible Holocaust survivors will be told. This year's Witness Theater Program is more important than ever since the elderly population is mostly keeping isolated in their homes. Carving out two nights a week for the entirety of their senior year, participants and students have dedicated

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countless hours and immeasurable amounts of energy to listen to, learn from and embody the stories and wisdom of the survivors. Although all meetings are taking place virtually, the group has been able to bridge the physical distance between them by connecting through laughter, love and empathy. The students meet twice a week on Zoom, once with each other and once with the survivors, the latter whom often have family members who help set up the technical aspects of these online learning sessions. The survivors are paired up with small groups of students in breakout rooms, where the students can delve better into the stories they will

Cipora Weiss

need to portray on Yom HaShoah. Survivor Anita Brown escaped to the U.S. from Germany in 1939 after her father was jailed in Berlin. Sally Muschel fled from Poland as a young child and spent much of her early life in a Russian orphanage. Julius Rauch spent most of his childhood at a Siberian labor camp. Mr. Jack Tavin moved around to various camps in Poland and Austria. Czechoslovakia-born Cipora Weiss survived Bergen-Belsen and Auschwitz before moving to Israel.  At first, there was a fear that perhaps the complications of getting to know one another on Zoom would hinder some of the process, but what is happening is actually quite beautiful to behold. The students are embracing the online platform with almost magical results. Once a week, inspired by their weekly conversations with the survivors, they use Padlet to share their own poems or poems of others they would like to share; they write down their feelings and their difficulties or revelations with the material that was brought forth to them; they create art, brainstorm and share audio files and videos. Mrs. Shatzkes describes the students as “unbelievable,” and explains that not being able to physically disengage from the process or being able to walk away from what they are feeling (since Zoom is a different mode of communication than in-person sessions) is making the students talk “more than ever before” about their psychological processing.

During one meeting, when asked to try to “become” the survivor they are representing, each student took on a different pose— one student molded her body into one seemingly in pain, while another held both hands up as if to reach for something, and a third covered her face in horror. The survivors watched and smiled and cried, and felt the students embody and validate their own traumatic experiences.  As the relationships between the students and the survivors uncover new layers, the students’ love and respect for the survivors deepens.   Senior Stephanie Tarrab shared her experience so far. “Drama as a mode of expression and embodiment is powerful as we attempt to bridge the physical and emotional distance between ourselves and the survivors. We’ve emerged to be a cohesive unit, a “mishpacha,” as one of our survivors likes to call it. Witness Theater has been a transformative experience and it resides in my mind and actively shapes my world view.”

Not only is it a therapeutic process for all participating, but our final product will hopefully speak to the masses and impact them in a way that only powerful art could.

“Not only is it a therapeutic process for all participating, but our final product will hopefully speak to the masses and impact them in a way that only powerful art could,” Stephanie added. We look forward to sharing the culmination of this year’s program in the spring with the entire YOF community. The Witness Theater Program is in collaboration with Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. and the UJA-Federation of New York.

SPRING 2021 |

PASSPORT SUPPORT TO

Programs throughout the year assist the entire Flatbush Family

YOF is fortunate to have the support in place to assist families and faculty members in navigating this time of uncertainty and high anxiety. The school offers a multitude of programs for all members of our Flatbush Family, taking into account academic, social and emotional needs. Both the YOFHS Guidance Department, led by Director of Guidance Dr. Etty Mizrahi (ES '97, HS '01), and the YOF Elementary School’s Student Support Services, led by Director of Student Services Dr. Nicole Yossef, worked with their teams to create programs that are making a difference.

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Before the first day of school, Dr. Mizrahi and Dr. Yossef teamed up with YOF Medical Committee and LEAD committee member Dr. Judy Dayan Namer (ES '99, HS '03) on Zoom to offer parents top tips on how to handle the back-to-school transition during this unprecedented time. They agreed that self-care and self-compassion are two key ingredients necessary for parents in helping their children and themselves through the transition.  At YOFHS, the guidance team has been holding “Faculty Supporting Faculty” lunchtime discussions with themes aimed at supporting working parents, staying organized, sharing positive coping skills, and using art as a coping mechanism as well as an outlet for self-expression. Many faculty members

offer mental health support for children in 1st through 8th grade with divorced parents, and Lunch Bunch groups in Lower and Middle Schools practice social skills during their breaks.

Puppets Tommy and Amy appear as part of a Social Emotional Learning Program geared towards Atideinu through third grade students.

found the “What Day Is It Again?: Staying Grounded in Chaotic Times” meeting particularly helpful and left feeling that they were not alone with their constant balancing act between work and home. The YOFHS guidance team continues to serve all students across all grades individually, offering inperson or Zoom appointments. All freshmen were introduced to guidance team members in person during their orientation day, and met one-on-one with their assigned guidance member throughout the first few weeks of school. One additional focus of the department has been to support students through periods of quarantine– and Covid-19-related difficulties. SAFE teachers Ms. Penina Ginsberg, Mr. Michael Gurock, and Mr. David Dweck (during the fall semester only) meet with each high school class once a week to discuss life skills along with relevant teen pressures and stressors.

Project SAFE held a training program for Project SAFE Teachers, including a presentation by Dr. Yossef on the psychological effects of Covid-19 on students. Middle School psychologists with Project SAFE organized programs for Middle School students on social media safety, internet safety, respect, anxiety, cultural sensitivity, vaping, and self-awareness. Student Services and SAFE even offered a Yoga Night for faculty, led by acclaimed yoga instructor and former YOF parent, Mrs. Michelle Haddad (HS '81). Special thanks to Mrs. Cynthia Kassin (ES '06, HS '10), the Director of Community Education for Project SAFE, as well as our school psychologists and Project SAFE teachers, Dr. Susan Schmool (ES '82, HS '86) , Dr. Shlomo Stern, Mr. Yecheskiel Pivovoz, and Mrs. Joella Goodman. Sixth and seventh graders in the Undercover Chesed Squad used their creativity to spearhead a Chanukah Chesed Zoom for Lower School students, hot chocolate delivery for staff, and the sending of class notes for absent friends. The squad is also working on a student mentoring program, pairing up 6th and 7th graders to support each other academically, socially, and emotionally both in and out of school. Dr. Yossef and her team created a new Student Services Google Classroom for Lower School teachers, where a teacher can find resources on a variety of topics such as "Calm for Your Classroom" and "Fostering Class Creativity."

There is a lot of guidance team support in place at the YOF Elementary School as well. Team members introduced puppets Tommy and Amy as part of a Social Emotional Learning Program geared towards Atideinu through third grade students. In a friendly way, the puppets “speak” to students about such topics as Covid-19 testing and incorporating the Flatbush Five into their Zoom classes. They even "visit" classes in quarantine. Banana Splits Groups

SPRING 2021 |

PATHFINDERS

PROGRAM YOFHS encourages its students to discover and expand their unique academic pursuits, talents and career ideas through its innovative Pathfinders Program, directed by Mrs. Shifra Hanon.

SOPHOMORE SELFDISCOVERY DAY In November, sophomores participated in a Self-Discovery Day, when they heard from alumni Lauren Zalta (HS '12), a PR representative at Ferragamo, and Abie Rosow (HS '17), a coach and founder of Rosow Elite Performance. Students broke out into sessions where they explored their learning styles, values, and interests and spoke about the importance of getting involved in extracurricular activities. The students left the day with a deeper understanding of who they are and where their strengths lie.

ESPORTS The Esports club meets virtually every Sunday afternoon by Coach Jericho, an expert Rocket League player. Coach Jericho teaches students the basic fundamentals and the mechanics of Rocket League to take gaming to the next level.

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This initiative gives students the opportunity to strengthen their college portfolios, build resumes, and network with industry professionals. Flatbush student interns gain hands-on exposure in the field of their interest. Here are just a few of the recent internships and courses in which our students are currently participating.

CODERZ  During  the fall semester, the Naomi Houllou A"H Ladies Auxiliary Coderz League competed in an online robotics competition for elementary and high school students. Led by technology teacher and STEM Coordinator Mr. Nathan Wieand and YOF alumnus Joey Berkovitz (HS '17), students learned Blockly and Python and how to program robots. YOFHS students served as mentors to Lower and Middle School robotics teams. The Lower School team made it into the regional playoffs for the competition.

ENGINEERING CLUB  Students work with industry professionals to develop an understanding of innovative techniques and methods that are relevant and accessible to our modern day world. They study product design, learn how to use 3-D printers, and eventually begin developing their own products.

STOCK MARKET CLUB Students learn the fundamentals of investment strategy and portfolio construction through SIFMA’s “Stock Market Game”.

INVENTORS CLUB In this new club, coordinated by Dr. Sal Parrino, students design, build, wire, and code a new electronic device, then enter it into multiple STEM competitions using Arduino Microcontroller and C++, or Raspberry Pi and Python, aftermarket sensors and effectors. Students design their own 3-D printed materials and build a physical prototype of their invention.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEAM The Software Development team is a group of programming- and design-driven students who enjoy developing websites and applications. They are currently working on project SIT (Seating Information Technology), a program to automatically quarantine students. This team meets weekly.

ZUMI ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The Zumi Robolink robotics competition tasks students with developing AI programs to control a miniature robot named "Zumi". With a 14-member team and mentor, the team has built and programmed the robots in their weekly meetings.

SPRING 2021 |

NAMES, NOT © NUMBERS Their Stories Live On

This past fall, 45 excited 8th graders met for their first official induction into Names, Not Numbers© (NNN), an interactive, multi-media Holocaust program created by educator Tova Fish-Rosenberg and directed here at YOF by NNN program coordinator and Liberal Arts Chairperson, Mrs. Barbara Zelenetz.  Students were eager to participate in their first historical background session led by Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg and have continued to share meaningful experiences together in person and on Zoom. In December, students watched a video about the harrowing experiences of Dr. Moshe Avital, A”H, a survivor of six concentration camps, whose recent passing reminds us of the importance of learning from Holocaust survivors before they will no longer be able to share their stories.   Professional journalist Shira Hanau met with the group this winter and shared tips and tricks on how to conduct a good interview. Student Leah Katash learned that “It’s a good idea to make small talk before the actual interview begins to make the survivor feel comfortable,” and student Susie Masri found it helpful to “Always have a back-up question ready, in case the survivor already answered part of your question.” In addition, professional filmmakers Lou Aguilar and Carlos Sanfer taught students how to film their interviews, frame their shots, and edit their work. The end result—their professional documentary—will be archived at the National

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Museum of Israel, Yad Vashem, and the Yeshiva University Gottesman Library. Mrs. Zelenetz shared, “The students are very fortunate to have this wonderful chance to be a part of history, especially as time is marching on and the window of opportunity for meeting survivors is closing. I am confident that this is an experience that will have a major impact on their lives and one that they will remember forever.” Last year’s NNN students, Jojo Mizrahi, Victor Braca, Leah Lati, Shelley Safdie, Nitza Hanan, Shirley Jajati, and Emma Dayan reflected on the experience of meeting and interviewing survivors in the 2020 documentary, “A Movie in the Making.” The film, watched by more than 1,800 online viewers last December, contained the students’ interviews, actual footage and photographs. Survivors Dr. Rene Alkalay, Mr. Max Lerner, Mr. Erwin Forley, and Professor Smadar Rosensweig (ES '75, HS '79) (on behalf of her mother, Professor Yaffa Eliach A”H) left a lasting impression on everyone involved with the production. Students Shelley and Nitza agreed that listening to the survivors and watching the film made them realize how it is their generation’s job to change the world and stop anti-Semitism. Visit tinyurl.com/ nnnmovie to view the film. Names, Not Numbers© at Yeshivah of Flatbush is made possible by the Suzanne and Lawrence A"H Fishman (ES ‘47) Holocaust Education Fund. The Names, Not Numbers© program is generously supported by a prominent national foundation.

LISTEN UP! NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL PODCASTING CLUB NOW ON AIR

A group of eight Middle School students are having their voices heard via a new afterschool podcasting module. Led by faculty member Mrs. Dalia Appel, the students have published several episodes since November with a goal of producing a new episode every other week, each one highlighting a teacher or parent in the school. The podcast is called GetToKnowFlatbush.

The class, which meets about twice a week on Zoom, plans out interviews and defines each script before speaking with their guests. Some students hold the responsibility of being the interviewers, while others edit or record the podcasts. They choose together which people they would like to interview and have already planned out their first season. “The class is something very innovative that provides not only community collaboration, but also another way for students to feel connected, especially when physical proximity has been a challenge in this pandemic,” shared Mrs. Appel.

Schwekey concerts came to be, and how her aunt Emma Mendelson (HS '57) was the first female Syrian graduate of Joel Braverman High School.

In the inaugural episode, “Rad with Rada,” students interviewed Middle School science teacher Mr. Shmuel Rada about his eyeglass collection and discussed the teacher who changed his life. They learned that Mr. Rada’s best advice is to “always give 100 percent of yourself” towards anything you do. For the second episode, interviewers Galit Alsaygh and Rachael Kopylov led a lively panel discussion with Director of Student Services Dr. Nicole Yossef and her guidance team about life choices, Tiktok, and choosing a career. In early January, YOF parent, alumna (ES ‘88, HS ‘92), and two-time Ladies Auxiliary president Mrs. Ami Sasson spoke to the students about her continued school involvement, how the Yaakov

Student Rachael Kopylov said she is amazed by what she has learned about her guests. “I had no idea that Mrs. Sasson was once a lawyer,” she shared. The podcasting class runs through June. Visit tinyurl. com/yofmspodcasts to listen to each episode. SPRING 2021 |

GOING GLOBAL

YOF Participates in Hour of Code™ The YOF Educational Technology team led our students in participating in YOF’s second annual Hour of Code™ during Computer Science Education Week! The Hour of Code is a global movement that includes over 180 countries and has more than 835 million student participants. It is estimated that over 2.4 million STEM jobs went unfilled in the year 2018 and that STEM jobs outearn non-STEM jobs by 12-30% across all education levels. It is important that our students become familiar and comfortable with coding.

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"Giving our students the opportunity to learn coding and computer science will better prepare them for college and career readiness. Coding teaches students how to think and problem solve," explained Dr. Christine Coleman, DPS, YOF Director of Informational and Instructional Technology. For the Hour of Code™, second grade students learned how using loops can help simplify choreographed dance moves. Students learned a set of instructions or steps called an algorithm. They learned that in order to simplify the algorithm they could loop certain instructions to reduce the number

of instructions overall. Second grade students also visited Code.org to complete an unplugged activity to learn all about coding. Unplugged activities teach programming and computer science concepts without having to access a computer. First graders got a chance to code Angry Birds to catch a pig using a block-based programming language. Students wrote algorithms to command the Angry Bird through challenges.   Nursery students connected the Hour of Code™  to their unit on shadows. During center time, they made puppet shows using a shadow box. Then, the children played the coding cup challenge by giving each other directions on where to place the cups.  Students in third through fifth grade tuned into a special Hour of Code™ livestream from Code.org, in which they heard from experts in the industry who explained how using commands, which can instruct a computer to perform an action, can be used to perform all kinds of tasks. Students used a blockbased programming language to write code and navigate characters through challenges on Minecraft: A Hero's Journey. Students chose characters and programmed them to solve puzzles, collect items and complete many other tasks.

Middle School students tuned in live to Code.org's special Hour of Code™  livestream, Code Bytes. Students learned all about how to use Code.org's App Lab to design apps that would help their community. They used a block-based coding platform in Javascript to brainstorm and design apps. These apps can even be shared and installed on phones. Lower and Middle School Hour of Code™  participants also received a custom pair of Hour of Code @ YOF sunglasses so that they can look ahead toward their bright futures and keep their eyes open for new opportunities.  High School students had the opportunity to participate in an Hour of Code™  by exploring introductions to a wide variety of languages and skills during the week, which culminated in a raffle for the participants. UR HO ODE C OF

SPRING 2021 |

BOOKS & BLESSINGS YOF Celebrates 1st Grade Siddur Parties and 2nd Grade Chumash Parties This past December marked the milestone of our first graders receiving their first siddur and our second graders receiving their first Chumash. Our administration and teachers designed a chagiga that was both meaningful and memorable for the students and parents over Zoom. In anticipation of the event, each student received a special delivery to his or her home by a teacher or administrator. The package contained treats and trinkets along with the student’s personalized siddur or Chumash. At each program, students and parents Zoomed from home so they

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could be together for the momentous occasion. After the parents presented the siddur or Chumash to their child, students enjoyed a video in which the parents each gave their child a beracha. A class parent also blessed the students on behalf of all the parents in the class.  At the first grade chagigat siddur, the students learned from Head of Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi and Lower School Judaic Studies Assistant Principal Mrs. Chani Gratzman about the importance of their siddur. They promised to use the siddur every day to pray for all of the important things that we need in life and to thank Hashem for all of his blessings. Rabbi Tsaidi taught the students how

tefillah is one’s special moment to talk to Hashem and Mrs. Gratzman compared tefillah to a key that opens up the doors of Heaven.  At the second grade chagigat Chumash, Rabbi Tsaidi and Mrs. Gratzman compared how the students got ready to receive their Chumash with how B’nei Yisrael prepared to receive the Torah. The students promised to learn Torah every day just like their parents and grandparents. Rabbi Tsaidi spoke about how Chanukah is a perfect day to receive the Chumash because the Greeks did not want the Jewish people to learn Torah. Mrs. Gratzman explained that as B'nei Yisrael said to Hashem ‫בנינו ערבים בעדנו‬, we are responsible to pass the Torah to our children from generation to generation. Thank you so much to our Siddur sponsors: Isadora and Abraham Haddad, Sari and Matthew Jemal, Gabrielle and Tamir Ouanounou, and Mona and Elliot Stein. Thank you to the gift box sponsors Danielle and Ezra Dweck, Julie and Eddie Ebani, Linda and Sonny Fakse, Jill and Kevin Gindi, Irene and Abe Hanan, Raquel and Louis Jerome, and Tobey and Moshe Salem. Thank you so much to our Chumash sponsors Eddy Antar, Nadya and Gennadiy Belenkiy, Gail and Josef Chehebar, Avital and Jay Cohen, and Batia and Isaac Marcus. Thank you to the gift box sponsors Amy and Joseph Betesh, Michelle and Hy Cohen, Danielle and Ezra Dweck, and Adele and Louis Shamie

SPRING 2021 |

BETTER TOGETHER

Parent School Partnership Lends Parents a Hand

The Esther and Jack A. Hidary Parent School Partnership (PSP) is dedicated to fostering a commitment towards a strong partnership between home and school with innovative and exciting programs. Throughout the fall and winter, PSP committee members Mrs. Nicole Oved, Rabbi David Galpert (ES '05, HS '09), Dr. Bethany Strulowitz, Mrs. Dovrat Levi (HS '89), Mrs. Cheryl Weinberger, Mrs. Rena Ashear (ES '86, HS '90), Mrs. Amy Betesh, Mrs. Sarah Chalouh (ES '01, HS '05), Mrs. Michele Cohen (ES '00, HS '04), Mr. Eddie Frastai (ES '92, HS '96), Mrs. Esther Mishan (ES '01, HS '05), Mrs. Amy Sasson (ES '87, HS '91), and Mrs. Rachel Tabush banded together to plan an enticing and relevant batch of Zoom meetings and activities for parents and children alike. In October, the PSP committee offered parents a screening of the film “Angst”. Through brave and candid interviews, the film told the stories of children and teens who discuss their anxiety, its impact on their lives and relationships, and their hope for the future. The film was followed by a panel discussion of experts including Dr. Jerry Bubrick, senior

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clinical psychologist at the Anxiety Center of the Child Mind Institute; Karin Gornick, Emmy-award winning producer; Charlie Tebele, digital entrepreneur, former president of the SAFE foundation, and former Flatbush parent with experience managing anxiety, and Dr. Nicole Yossef, Director of Student Services at the elementary school. They shared compelling messages of hope and resilience in raising awareness about anxiety and offered tips and tools on how to manage anxiety within one's self as well as within one's home. For a fun fall interlude, first graders and their parents participated in a Fundations Hunt night activity with YOF teacher Mrs. Shayna Statman, to sharpen critical reading skills. Students practiced literacy fundamentals like digraphs and blended sounds while spinning in a circle, flapping their arms, and searching through their pantry for specific items.  The PSP committee also arranged a trio of free virtual “Wellbeing Wednesday” classes given to parents, faculty and staff that taught relaxation techniques and offered tools to cultivate positivity and resilience. Classes included Mindset Coaching with Ms. Sari Dana, HS '85) , Yoga and Meditation with Ms. Marissa (Levy, ES '82) Anteby ERYT and Relaxation and Meditation with Ms. Rachel Dweck.

For parents to gain familiarity with the elementary school’s learning initiative, the committee gave a "Responsive Classroom®, Responsive Parenting" workshop featuring our own YOF faculty members, Morah Renee Bunick (HS '04), Mrs. Claudia Esses, Mrs. Leah Weiner, and Morah Ann Silverstein (ES '82, HS '86). This engaging and informative webinar gave parents a glimpse into the transformative, studentcentered, social-emotional learning approach to teaching and behavior that Yeshivah of Flatbush has adopted. Elementary School Director of Campus Life Dr. Bethany Strulowitz provided parents with an overview of Responsive Classroom® evidencebased practices and its heavily researched benefits, including improved student math and reading scores, self-confidence, self-control, respect, resilience, and a safer and more joyful classroom environment and school culture overall. Most recently, a packed Zoom audience of more then 200 parents and faculty gathered together to hear Dr. Deborah Gilboa speak about “Building Rigor and Resilience in Our Children from Early Childhood to Adulthood”. With her good sense of humor, sage advice, and relatable examples, Dr. Gilboa empowered our parents and faculty with nononsense prescriptions for character development for our children. She shared that stress can sometimes be a good thing for children, and that teens typically want empathy, more than anything else, from their parents when sharing their concerns, worries, or frustrations.

Many parents said that they not only felt supported by the panelists but also better equipped to manage anxiety at home with practical tips and techniques.

Many parents said that they not only felt supported by the panelists but also better equipped to manage anxiety at home with practical tips and techniques. Faculty shared that they gained a critical understanding of student needs, and they look forward to continuing the conversation with students in SAFE classes and beyond. Special thanks to Project SAFE for co-sponsoring the "Angst" program, and to the PSP committee for coordinating all of these helpful programs. Dr. Debra Gilboa spoke to more than 200 parents on raising resilient children.

SPRING 2021 |

MATCHING GIFTS 3 Women, 3 Kidneys, 3 Lives Saved

Yeshivah of Flatbush is honored to count among its staff three extraordinary women who have contributed to Tikkun Olam - repairing the world - by saving a life through kidney donation. Mrs. Esther Kizelnik, Director of Operations; Ms. Susie Shrem (ES '98, HS '02), Elementary School Teacher; and Mrs. Miriam Wielgus, YOFHS Jewish history department chair, each has a unique story of how she became a kidney donor. Seven years ago, a Flatbush Family member was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Mrs. Kizelnik knew him fairly well and was considering donating her kidney to him.  “The fact that I was seeing the recipient frequently in person at our school and knowing that his days were numbered was what triggered me to action. I had the power to change that outcome, which made donating an easy decision,” she shared. “I read up on the effects of kidney donation and was only able to find positive reports. Support from family and friends was the affirmation that I needed to know my decision was the correct one.” In May 2019, Ms. Shrem was originally hoping that she would be a match for a family member. After meeting with the kidney donor organization Renewal, she found out she was not a match, but agreed to stay in the organization’s database for other people in need of finding a matching donor. “Right away, I just knew I wanted to do it. After just a few weeks in Renewal’s database, I received a phone call that I was a match for someone.” Five months later, she donated her kidney to a 75-year-old man. “I helped him get his life back. I’m so happy, because once the coronavirus hit, it became very difficult for ill people to get to their dialysis appointments.” She added, “I am still in touch with my recipient and his family is forever grateful to have their husband/dad/ granddad feeling well.”

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Mrs. Wielgus was inspired to become a kidney donor after a series of coincidental conversations. In a 24-hour period, she read an uplifting story about someone who donated their kidney, then her son mentioned to her that his own rabbi donated a kidney, and a stranger to whom she gave a ride in a thunderstorm mentioned that her father-in-law’s life was saved by a stranger’s kidney donation. “It all seemed like some sort of sign,” she explained. “I came home and immediately called Renewal and started the process.” As an active person who enjoys running and biking as well as other sports, “I felt very grateful for my good health and ability to enjoy all these activities and felt strongly that I wanted to pay it forward” added Mrs. Wielgus.

MS. SUSIE SHREM

MRS. ESTHER KIZELNIK

MRS. MIRIAM WIELGUS

All three women felt that the miracle of their kidney donations was worth the medical appointments, surgery and recuperation period. Mrs. Wielgus’ recipient was able to fulfill her dream of moving to California to be near family and to hold down a job. Mrs. Kizelnik shared how “It was really gratifying to know that a few months after the surgery, the recipient was able to join his son’s family in Israel for Pesach—something he hadn’t been able to do for many years since his dialysis kept him from being able to leave his home for any period of time.” Sometimes, the feeling of being able to do a difficult mitzvah is simple to explain. “I just felt like if I could save a person’s life, why not?” added Ms. Shrem. Mrs. Wielgus expressed, “This was the best thing I’ve ever done and my only regret is that kidneys don’t grow back because I wish I could do it again...I gave life to someone, and that feeling is indescribable.”

THE SHOW MUST GO ON! YOFHS Jason Botnick A”H Memorial Hebrew Play Brings Broadway Glam to Flatbush

The YOF Tony Awards were held right here in New York City, red carpet and all, in an exhilarating feat of preparation and planning as 33 students tackled a musical production in the COVID era, without the ability to rehearse and perform in person. The Jason Botnick A”H Memorial Hebrew Play director, Ms. Sally Shatzkes (ES '95, HS '99), and musical director, Mr. Mordy Weinstein (ES '03, HS '07), created an awards show honoring YOFHS faculty and staff members. This unique production aired to more than 1,400 viewers! Complete with a charismatic host (Coach Michael Gurock), the show, which was almost entirely in Hebrew, began with a red carpet event in the YOFHS Laboz Lobby, where students and faculty got the chance to strut their stuff, and viewers at home lit Chanukah lights with YOFHS Head of School Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari (HS '72) on Zoom. Although it looked completely seamless, the road to the carpet was quite a complicated one. First, Ms. Shatzkes had to conceive and lay out the show’s vision. Then, the original songs had to be translated into Hebrew by Ms. Rachel Winkler (with help from 10th grader Belle Shatzkes) before Mr. Weinstein could arrange the song tracks and send them to the students. Once they received the tracks, the students had to practice and individually come into school to record their parts. Students uploaded their song and dance videos separately, and those videos were all pieced together into a single show by the video editors.

“The Tony Awards represent all that Flatbush stands for - honoring teachers, recognizing accomplishments and showcasing hard work and collaboration. It was a nod to the challenges of the pandemic,” shared Ms. Shatzkes. The play was held in memory of Jason Botnick A”H (ES '90, HS '94), who brought light, love and laughter to all who knew him, on and off the stage. The Tony’s host, Coach Gurock, humorously weaved the show together and awarded Tonys to several faculty and staff members. Each award was followed by a musical number that honored each awardee. The “Never Miss a Beat” award went to Rabbi Harari’s Executive Assistant, Mrs. Shoshana Rosenblum. Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda then spiritedly introduced the first of several Broadway songs of the night, “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” sung by students and faculty and accompanied by vignettes of students singing into toothbrushes and hairbrushes, along with glimpses of faculty member Rabbi Joseph Blumenthal (ES '99, HS '03) playing the drums.  The song “Dear Theodosia” honored five retiring teachers, including Foreign Language Chair Señora Elena Birman, who became emotional during her acceptance speech. “Mamma Mia” honored faculty member and Educational Technology Integration Specialist Ms. Tziri Lamm and High School Coordinator of Educational Technology Rabbi Benji Kramer for their tireless IT efforts throughout the pandemic. Awards were also given to our maintenance and security departments and there was a slideshow and special tribute to the Class of 2021. For the finale, “The Reach and Rise Up Award” was given to Rabbi Harari for his many years of devotion to the school. Special recognition to Mr. Victor Dweck (HS '13) and the AV team for their spectacular video editing, Mr. Danny Shatzkes (ES '94, HS '98) for his sound engineering, and Ms. Rachel Winkler for the Hebrew translations.

SPRING 2021 |

ELECTIVE ENLIGHTENMENT Two new electives pique student interest

A SIGN of the TIMES Ms. Francine Steinhaus teaches her students American Sign Language (ASL), but in so doing they learn about much more than signing. They also learn about deaf culture and the reasons behind the language. ASL is taught visually. “Inspiration from learning ASL depends on the individual’s abilities and motivations,” shared Ms. Steinhaus. “These learning skills are useful for therapists, interpreters and even doctors!” She added that learning about deaf culture also teaches students to respect others with differences. “It also helps them with perceptiveness and receptiveness.”

YOFHS is always taking fresh ideas into consideration for interesting electives. This year, two classes in particular are garnering much attention. Another faculty member, Mr. Jeffrey Dweck (ES '86, HS '90), who normally teaches business law, was asked to sit in to proctor one of Ms. Steinhaus’ classes when she could not be in the room in person. He was quite moved by what he saw. “I learned that a class in ASL is so much more than a class about a particular skill. The students are building a relationship with someone isolated from many aspects of ordinary, everyday life. They are spending time with a person who has challenges they cannot know, but will understand very deeply after several months.  They’re learning about a beauty that resides within every person and surfaces when you get to know them, whether or not that person can express themselves in typical ways,” he shared.

Psychoanalysis Of

ANTI-SEMITISM IN JEWISH HISTORY Eleventh and 12th graders in Mrs. Michal Schulman’s Holocaust and Human Behavior class meet four days a week for a year to explore the psychology of antiSemitism leading up to the Holocaust. “The students have to learn about pre-war European life to really value and understand what we lost,” she shared. Mrs. Shulman trained at Yad Vashem through the organization “Facing History and Ourselves” and personally developed the curriculum for the class. “I injected the course with ideas that I learned in

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my training,” she said. Students learned about the Armenian genocide, how the Kristallnacht Pogram was covered in both national and international media, why people decided to be bystanders and upstanders, and the power of Nazi propaganda. Each lesson is a workshop in which students study diary entries, read and hear testimonials and research artifacts.  “Facing History” asked Mrs. Schulman to create a project that would involve the students and the community. She chose to create a multimedia mural entitled “Writing on the Wall,” that will take its inspiration from diaries, drawings, music and the last words of Holocaust victims. The mural will be on view in the spring.

College Guidance on track to a

SUCCESSFUL

YEAR

Strong Applications and a New Team Member Are Duly Celebrated Amidst the backdrop of multiple global crises, the college application process has persisted for the Class of 2021 and the members of the College Guidance Department have been working diligently to help students successfully navigate uncharted territory while also focusing on continuing to strengthen the department. Since the college guidance team is committed to encouraging students to consider their needs and what makes a strong fit for college, the department’s newest member arrived just in time to help support our large and strong senior class. Rabbi Elie Schwartz joined the team in August and spent the fall getting acclimated to the Flatbush community, meeting students, and making significant contributions to the department. Rabbi Schwartz joined Flatbush College Guidance from the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC) where he served in roles both administrative and academic, and on campuses such as the University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania, and Queens College (CUNY). His experience has already been an incredible asset to Flatbush students.  This year’s college search and application process has presented many unique challenges for the Senior Class of 2021. But with those challenges have come unique opportunities for students to conduct their college searches online. The College Guidance Department provided students with a robust list of these offerings and encouraged students to use the enhanced resources available to them to find best-fit schools. Students also had the opportunity

to apply to college without the pressure and burden that standardized testing (i.e. the ACT and SAT exams) often brings to the process, a trend many hope to see continue in future application cycles as it has the potential to benefit students who do not believe standardized test scores best reflect their abilities. The necessity of online programming also proved beneficial for student and family participation in College Guidance programs. After a highly successful Virtual College Fair and Information night in May 2020 and College Essay Workshop in June, attendance increased over previous years at both major fall events—Sophomore College Night and Junior College Kickoff, which both took place in December. Zoom technology also allowed College Guidance advisors to offer additional support and encouragement to seniors in the form of application workshops during September, October, and November, which led to an increase in timely application submissions—an achievement that should reap earlier admission decisions for students.    While we are proud of the accomplishments of our senior class so far, the college advisors are excited to shift to the Class of 2022. Given all of the opportunities attending college provides, it is always an exciting time to think of the possibilities. College Guidance looks forward to continuing to guide students through the process of finding colleges that will meet all of their individual needs and offer optimal opportunities to learn and grow.  The department’s Conversations with College Guidance and College in the Cafe programs are continuing to be offered this semester.

SPRING 2021 |

YOF FEELS CONFIDENT THAT OUR

FIRST CLASS FIRST AID

NEW TEAM OF NURSES, WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH ESTEEMED YOF MEDICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS DR. MURRAY JONAS,  DR. JACK KATRI (HS '95), DR.  DAVID KHASKI (ES '90, HS '94), DR. DANIEL MATALON (ES '87), DR. JUDY DAYAN NAMER (ES '99, HS '03), AND DR. JOSEPH TAWIL (ES '90, HS '94), AS WELL AS YOF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RABBI DR. JEFFREY ROTHMAN, ARE KEEPING OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF AS SAFE AS

YOF Welcomes Two Nurses to the Flatbush Family

POSSIBLE DURING THE PANDEMIC.

The YOF Elementary School welcomed Ms. Evelyn Glaser (ES '99, HS '03) as the new school nurse last September. Ms. Glaser started her career as an allergy nurse at ENT and Allergy Associates and afterwards joined NYU Langone's (formerly Lutheran Medical Center) school-based health center where she was the sole nurse practitioner at a school-based health center for over a decade. While there, she was responsible for a student body of over 1,200 children, many of whom had complex medical and social issues. In caring for these students and their families, she oversaw everyday healthcare needs, immunizations, medication administration, diabetic and asthma maintenance and supervision, and first aid and emergency situations. While managing this clinic, she personally developed and implemented measures to increase efficiency and was ultimately responsible for training others in the program to use the methods that she had devised.  Ms. Glaser attended Barnard College where she graduated with a major in psychology. She then attended an accelerated combined Registered Nurse (RN) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program at Columbia University, graduating with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Her husband, Joseph E. Glaser, MD (ES '94, HS '97) is an alumnus as well. They are proud Yeshivah of Flatbush parents to Jed  (5th grade), Sammie (2nd grade), and Rebecca (Atideinu). Ms. Glaser continues to oversee the building entry screening process and helps manage quarantine guidelines. YOFHS welcomed Ms. Fayge Kleinbart as the school nurse last September. Ms. Kleinbart earned her RN Associate degree from Kingsborough Community College in 2009, her BSN from SUNY Downstate in 2011 and Board Certification as a Medical Surgical Nurse in 2018. She has extensive experience since 2009 from her work at Coney Island Hospital where she performed a wide range of functions including treating patients with complex medical and psychological diagnoses, administering wound care and assessment, and treating patients with alcoholism. Ms. Kleinbart plays a major role at YOFHS as she continues to oversee the screening process before entering our building as well as tracking the quarantines students and faculty are still needing to maintain. Ms. Kleinbart's impressive expertise, diligence, organizational skills, and commitment are a blessing for YOFHS.

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AUTUMN IN ACTION

Throughout the fall, there was no lack of creativity in Early Childhood as students partook in countless enriching activities to celebrate the season.

Rosh Chodesh  To celebrate Rosh Chodesh Tevet, students joined chef Sylvia Fallas to learn to make yummy chocolate bark. For Rosh Chodesh Kislev, they joined Morah Mindi for a Chanukah-themed game of Find the Logo.

Turkey Tales Early Childhood students clad in festive costumes participated in a Thanksgiving Pow Wow. Some classes brought feathers to adorn a giant turkey, while others made their favorite holiday dishes out of crafts products. Atideinu students sequenced the life cycle of a pumpkin and played math games with pumpkin seeds.

Modern Day Pilgrims Kindergarten classes invited family members to share their immigration stories. The Modern Day Pilgrims program was celebrated by students preparing videos with  family members who were born outside the United States. Students watched each other’s videos and enjoyed learning about foreign places.

Get Out and Vote! Early Childhood teachers set up voting booths (painted and decorated by the students) to create an authentic Election Day look and feel. Students voted for their favorite snacks, flavors and other age-appropriate concepts using iPads. Students showed off their "I voted" stickers after they cast their ballots. To their glee, the winning snacks were brought into school the next day.

Sense-itivity Nursery students went on a “sight walk” to collect leaves while learning about their five senses, then compared and contrasted them and made leaf collages. Atideinu children went on an acorn hunt in their classroom to seek out acorns to store for the winter. They also sorted apples by color. SPRING 2021 |

o t k c a B s n o c l Fa

! K R O W Athletics Returns to Flatbush Sporting a New Normal By Athletics Director Eric Amkraut

Flatbush's Falcons and their dedicated coaches have risen to the challenge of the pandemic adhering to New York State's guidelines in order to be as active as possible for the 2020-21 school year. Starting in late August, the Flatbush Medical Committee met and gave the go-ahead to begin putting together a fall athletics program, to be conducted in accordance with the parameters set by the Governor's Office of the State of New York for intramural and interscholastic activities. Additionally, the Metropolitan Yeshiva High School Athletic League (MYHSAL), the League to which Flatbush belongs for general interscholastic competition, has implemented a plan to "flip the seasons" for this year. With a ban in the fall and winter on indoor competition, the league recommended that member schools engage in the traditional spring sports in the fall, with the hope that conditions would progress regionally to allow for indoor competition in the spring semester. From the outset, Flatbush held tryouts and training in baseball, softball, outdoor soccer, flag football, cross country/track and tennis. Shortly thereafter, tryouts and training began for basketball, hockey and wrestling with student engagement in conditioning activities and individual skills in outdoor settings. It was clear that the Falcon student-athletes were excited to be back on the field, reconnecting and preparing for the opportunity to represent Flatbush in competition. As the weather turned colder and the daylight grew shorter, outdoor venues were soon no longer an option. Once again the Medical Committee was consulted, and approval was given to indoor training for athletics, provided practices would be conducted in small groups (4 to 5 players maximum) with all participants and coaches fully masked at all times. The Falcons accepted the challenge once again, and coaches tailored workouts in the Falcons’ Nest to the individual needs of their student-athletes in basketball, football, soccer and wrestling.

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“Pop Up, Pop Up!” . . . “Carve it!”  . . . “My wave! My Wave!  . . . “Keep Shredding!”  These cries - and more - reverberated along the Jersey Shore as the sun rose up over the horizon and the waves crashed on the shore at the North End of Spring Lake Beach last November when some of the top high school surfing programs in the Northeast gathered to compete as they battled challenging breakers and rolling waves at the annual National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Northeast Regional Championships.   For the first time ever, Flatbush would be represented by a team of four surfers rather than a single surfer.  Juniors Jacob Cohen and Ari Weingarten, sophomore Shimon Elbaz and freshman Norman Esses attacked the waves during the 13 boys' heats in the opening round, with six surfers in each 10-minute heat in which the surfers would try to ride as many waves as possible. Judges would evaluate each ride, with the top two scoring rides for each surfer counting towards their respective final scores.

quality ride of the day for Flatbush, bringing cheers from teammates and supporters watching along from the shoreline. Two heats later, Cohen would soon “pop up” and crest a pair of waves, turning in a performance equal to Elbaz’s.  Esses later got his first taste of high school competition.  And, rounding out the opening round of competition, Weingarten battled the toughest surf of the early morning as his heat capped off the opening round of the event. Although our Falcons did not advance past the opening round, there was a very positive take on the day by all who got in the water. Cohen shared, “Surfing has been a passion of mine for the past couple of years. This year, Flatbush gave my friends and me a great opportunity to represent the school in the Northeast Regional Championships. The atmosphere of the day was unbelievable, and although we didn’t make it so far, it was a really fun day! I was extremely excited to have been given this opportunity.”  Similarly, surf team member Corine Elbaz, who was unable to compete that day, added, “It was so much fun watching and rooting for the boys. I can't wait for our next competition so that I can represent the Falcons, too!”

First into the water for the Falcons was Elbaz. Paddling hard, he popped up and turned in the first

S ’ F R U S UP

y l F s n o c l a F s e v a W Over the OFHS Amkraut, Y By Simone

Sophomore

SPRING 2021 |

AROUND TOWN

Highlights Around Flatbush

Middle School Students Create Collaborative Public Art Installation  Under the instruction of art teacher Mrs. Naomi Hamui (HS '94), Middle School students have been collaborating since last year to create a beautiful display of art. The 12 tribes of Bnei Yisrael are depicted on 18x24 stretched canvases. With vibrant acrylic colors and skillful design, this installation adds to the wonderful environment of the school auditorium.

ERB Goes Digital In November, students in third through fifth grade were tested through the ERB Milestones online portal. Students utilized over 400 new Chromebooks the Yeshivah of Flatbush acquired from the Smart Schools Bond funding it received this year.

Saturday Night Not Live - A Fun-Filled Motzaei Shabbat On Saturday night, November 14, Flatbush families had a special opportunity to connect with one another, sing, dance and laugh during “Saturday Night Not Live”. Rabbi Naftali Besser led the crowd singing ‫ אחינו‬and ‫אם אשכחך ירושלים‬. Rabbi David Galpert (ES '05, HS '09) recited a special Havdallah. Eighth grader Katie Hidary gave a beautiful Dvar Torah about the uniqueness of Tefilat Minha. Dr. Bethany Strulowitz orchestrated a family Kahoot game of parasha questions, and YOF trivia.

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Y E S H I VA H O F F L AT B US H

Cooking For A Cause This year, Cooking for a Cause faced the challenge of how to save its SBH food donation program. Gayle Sassoon founder of The Well, offered the location’s kitchen space to continue safely hosting the students and preparing food to freeze. The events are capped at 12 students, with boys and girls cooking separately. Thanks to our generous sponsors who allow the program to run successfully.

Lishmah Lessons Over 50 Lower School students competed in a Sefer Bereshit Kahoot game as part of a Learning Lishmah Saturday Night Program. Afterwards, more than 100 members of our Flatbush Family joined various classes led by faculty and administrators with a focus on emulating Hashem’s attributes and developing our middot.  Rabbi Josef Yanetz addressed viewers about the Middah of love (at night).

Full ST2EAM Ahead! Fourth graders prepared a ST2EAM (Science, Technology, Torah, Engineering, Arts, Math) collaboration project with art teacher Mrs. Tobey Salem.  First, students decorated a metallic card stock menorah. Then, to incorporate the science component, students were given a lesson on energy from Mrs. Stefanie Douek and used their newfound knowledge to build working circuits to light up the menorahs!

Let it Snow

Early Childhood students enjoyed their snow day on Zoom singing winter songs with Morah Carol, making snowflakes and crafts with their teachers, and sipping hot cocoa while listening along to a story.

SPRING 2021 |

We Get By With A Little Help From

The Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary Helps Everyone Stay Connected

OUR FRIENDS

The Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary, led by co-presidents Mrs. Lillie Sasson (HS '04) and Mrs. Sheila Shamah (HS '99), came up with a safe and innovative way to kick off a very different beginning to the school year. The first ever “Flatbush Family Mystery Gift Exchange” brought a little extra happiness and excitement to the more than 70 families who participated last September.  First, families filled out a questionnaire to tell their mystery gift recipients about themselves.  Next, each family received an email matching them up with another Flatbush family. Finally, each family delivered a small gift to the family to which they were assigned. Smiles and new friendships were created, and the Ladies Auxiliary received an abundance of happy photos and kind messages.  In November, the Ladies Auxiliary held its Thanks and Giving Raffle and Drive with raffle packages themed towards families, Shabbat and relaxation. In early December, students got their pick of books from the Virtual Book Fair. The Ladies Auxiliary also launched a new initiative called “Thinking of You”. Since so many classes were in and out of quarantine, committee members arranged for volunteers to deliver small tokens and gifts to students and teachers who could not be in the building and hoped the small gesture went a long way in making sure all students felt the love and warmth of having a Flatbush connection. Special thanks to all of the mothers who volunteered to buy and package gifts, organize driving routes and deliver the gifts to each home. It was truly beautiful to see everyone come together in these times.

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THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL DONORS

PILLARS ($72,000+) Claudia and Avi Houllou

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)

The Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families Ralph S. Gindi Foundation Harary, Beyda, and Sassoon Family Julie and Steven Montague

SCHOLARS ($36,000+)

Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation I. Chera & Sons Foundation Haddad Brands Family Foundation Hidrock Properties The Oved Family Rachel and Jeff Sutton Beatrice and Jeffrey Sutton Triangle Capital Group

AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)

Gail and JoJo Chehebar The Mamiye Foundation / Marlene and Hymie Mamiye Morris Hanan and Sons Tammi and Solomon Mosseri Nakash Family Foundation Robyn and Seymour Sammell Marlene & Steven R. Shamah and Family Helene and Alan Shamah & Sally and Joey Shamah Adele and Louis Shamie Terry and Isaac Silvera Laura and Joe Tawil

An Annual Fund gift supports every aspect of a student’s experience, providing opportunities for learning as well as the ability for the Yeshivah to be responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges. Annual Fund gifts are unrestricted, making an immediate difference in the lives of students and faculty. Donations to the Annual Fund are directed to where the need is the greatest and are an important complement to our endowment (which is invested for the long term). Annual Fund donations turn ideas into actions and are critical in achieving our mission of academic excellence.

LEADERS ($18,000+)

Reneé and Steven Adelsberg Alice and Harry Adjmi SDI Technologies / iHome Chehebar Family Foundation Lisa and Lee Cohen Franco Foundation James Haber Samantha and Bobby Harary Jamie and Mickey Shamah and Sons Debbie and Jack Saadia Amy and Steven Sasson Betty and Joseph Sitt Arlene and Marty Stein and Family Nathalie and Mitchell Vilinsky

PATRONS ($10,000+)

Lillian and Joseph M. Allaham Vicky and Abe M. Anteby Amy and Joseph Betesh Sol Betesh and Sons Foundation Century 21 Associates Foundation Inc. Chalmé Family - Elliot R. Chalmé Foundation Ninette and Jared Feldman Frieda and Joseph Franco Sarah and Jack Franco Adele and David Khaski Barbara and Robert Matalon Charles and Brenda Saka Family Foundation Ami and Ralph J. Sasson Rachel and Morris Tabush Shari and Saul Tawil Jeanne and Ralph Zirdok

SPRING 2021 |

YOUNG AT HEART Class of 1947 Friendships Stay Gold One of the silver linings to the pandemic has been that many of YOF's alumni classes got together virtually. Several classes organized their own Zoom meetings and now meet on a regular basis, while other classes opened WhatsApp chats that will make it easier to share pictures, memories and classmate updates. However, one Zoom meeting stood out among the rest—the one reuniting the Elementary School Class of 1947.

"We are thrilled that the Alumni Association can facilitate these relationships and be a part of the continuing YOF journey," said graduate Martin Perlmutter (ES '47). This past December, the Alumni Association brought together some members of the YOF Elementary School Class of 1947—Mr. Bernie Hoppin, Mr. Ezra Levin, Mr. Martin Perlmutter, Mr. Monroe Haas and Mr. Alvin Martz. In some cases, this was their first time seeing each other since their 50th reunion in 1997. Now in their late 80s, they continue to exude strength and offer wisdom. The group shared personal stories, talked about their families and careers, and made plans to talk more often. Their fond memories included tales of classmates, teachers and time spent on the basketball court. “The ‘Ivrit B’Ivrit’ curriculum of Yeshivah of Flatbush is still with me over 70 years later,” said Mr. Perlmutter, who credits YOF with his fluency in Hebrew.

After graduation, life took all of them in different directions. Mr. Levin, who became a lawyer, founded what is now a large Manhattan-based law firm, Kramer Levin, that counts many YOF alumni among its staff. Mr. Perlmutter worked for the federal government and eventually moved to the West Coast, making his life in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Hoppin had a corporate career at Macy’s that took him all over the country and eventually brought him right back to Flatbush, where he retired and lives just a few blocks from the Yeshivah and his original home. Mr. Martz worked in the clothing business and reached the top position at major retailers. Mr. Haas had a long career in business and has been enjoying his retirement in Westchester County, NY. The group hopes to visit YOF together in the near future. They were amazed to hear how far their alma mater has come and look forward to meeting some of our students!

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Y E S H I VA H O F F L AT B US H

Friends from the Class of '47 sharing a sweet moment

Graduation photo of the Class of '47

Mr. Ezra Levin

utter in Perlm

Mr. Mart

aas

Mr. Monroe H

SPRING 2021 |

YOF ANNUAL AUCTION SETS THE STAGE (LITERALLY!) FOR A GREAT YEAR AHEAD Flatbush family members become school trivia stars

The livestream production of the YOF Annual Auction on Saturday, January 16, 2021 was unprecedented. The auction’s theme, “Are You Smarter Than a Flatbush Student?”attracted thousands of viewers online. Parents, students, alumni, faculty, donors, and the community at large tuned in from the convenience of their own homes to watch the show. This year's event was new and different, but the goal was the same - to provide an enjoyable and upbeat experience for everyone. While reflecting on the events of 2020, YOF wanted the stars of this year's event to be its students. They have been, and continue to be, resilient, smart, and, most importantly, unstoppable learners. The stage of the high school's Khezrie Auditorium was transformed into YOF’s highly designed production set by Mr. Morris Faks of Faks Productions. The evening started with the Havdalah ceremony by Assistant Administrator Rabbi David Galpert (ES '05, HS '09) and YOFHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, followed by a Dvar Torah from Head of High School Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari (HS '72). The core event of the night - the game show - consisted of two rounds, with Head of Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi

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and six elementary school students playing the first round, and Rabbi Besser and six high school students playing the second round. To guarantee a fun game, the famous comedian Modi hosted the show. A tribute video to the esteemed members of the YOF medical committee was followed by a musical interlude led by the YOFHS Choir. Many great prizes were raffled off at the end of the program to many happy winners. Despite the challenging year and the change of format, the fundraising associated with this event broke all prior records. Top prizes of the night included a $10,000 American Express gift card and a Peloton bicycle. We are thankful for Auction Chairman Mr. Abe Haddad (ES '97, HS '01) and YOF President Mr. Abie J. Hidary (ES '91, HS '95) who served as the evening’s co-hosts, to Auction Host Modi, as well as the many sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks to Auction CoChairs Mrs. Rachel Tabush, Mrs. Esther Chehova (HS '04) and Mrs. Robyn Sammell, Event Coordinator Mrs. Hana Hasson, Director of Annual Giving Mrs. Vicky Amzalag, as well as Director of Operations Mrs. Esther Kizelnik, Director of Development Mrs. Hila Stern and the rest of the Development team for such a delightful and creative evening.

SPRING 2021 |

PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

BROOKLYN, NY PERMIT NO. 1110

Yeshivah of Flatbush 919 E 10th Street Brooklyn, NY 11230

Mazel Tov & Mabrouk! Bar-Ilan University

Hunter College (CUNY)

Pace University

Baruch College (CUNY)

John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)

University of Pennsylvania

Binghamton University (SUNY)

Kingsborough Community College (CUNY)

Pratt Institute

Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY)

LIM College

Rutgers University

Brooklyn College (CUNY)

Long Island University

School of Visual Arts

City College (CUNY)

University of Maryland

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

College of Staten Island (CUNY)

Marymount Manhattan College

The New School

Columbia University

University of Michigan

Tulane University

Drexel University

Monmouth University

Yeshiva University

Harvard University

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Hofstra University

New York University

Yeshivah of Flatbush | www.flatbush.org

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An early congratulations to the Class of 2021 whose members have been admitted to several outstanding colleges and universities so far including: