Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Magazine 2015 by Yeshivah of Flatbush

‫בית הספר התיכון של הישיבה דפלטבוש על שם מר יואל ברברמן‬

Yeshivah of Flatbush

Joel Braverman High School

Four years for the rest of your life... ‫ארבע שנים לכל החיים‬

WElcome!

Dear Prospective Students and Parents: Welcome to the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School! When Abraham approached Hashem to argue for the rescue of the people of Sodom, he established a precedent for all his future descendants. Jews, Abraham taught us, have to develop a close and intimate contact with Hashem, creating strong spiritual connections and emulating his ways. But Jews also have to act in ways that evidence a strong constructive interaction with the world at large and articulate firm commitment to improve the lives of people around the world. The Yeshivah of Flatbush is built on these foundations. Our students are encouraged to develop a strong attachment to Hashem, Torat Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. But they also leave our school with the skills and the dedication to excel professionally and to contribute to the well-being of others. The Yeshivah is an exciting place. In the course of any particular week, our students attend Judaic Studies and Secular Studies classes; compete on athletic and academic teams; reach out to help members of the Jewish community and people around the world; participate in inspiring assemblies and seminar programs; pursue their individual talents and passions in a host of disciplines; express themselves through art and drama; make new friends, strengthen old friendships and learn from outstanding teachers and mentors. The Yeshivah continues to initiate and implement: • Our brand new Laniado auxiliary gym, offering students a multi-faceted athletic program. • Smaller classes for English writing, enabling students to hone this critical skill. • A growing electives program, offering varied courses in all subject areas from Art to Virtual Enterprises International. • Our Pathfinders Program, supporting internships, career exploration and advanced work. • Witness Theater, a groundbreaking Holocaust education project engaging survivors and students. • Increased individualization of students’ programs and attention to students’ personal growth. This energy and the commitment to excellence have established the Yeshivah at the forefront of Jewish education and have made our school one in which our students achieve and succeed far beyond their expectations. They are well-prepared to be committed Jewish leaders, lifelong learners, supporters of Israel and contributing members of society. Please feel free to explore all that the Yeshivah has to offer. We welcome your inquiries. Our Yeshivah is truly one in which we and the students ensure... Four Years for the Rest of Your Life... ‫ארבע שנים לכל החיים‬

Sincerely,

Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari Head of School

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‫ערכי יסוד‬

Core Values ‫ אהבת השם‬/ ‫יראת שמים‬

‫צלם אלקים‬

Awe and love are the foundation for an ongoing

Every human being is created in the image

relationship with Hashem which is cultivated in

of God and therefore should be treated with

order to inspire commitment to Torah and mitzvot.

dignity, respect, and derekh eretz.

‫ שמירת המצוות‬/ ‫תלמוד תורה‬

‫חכמה‬

Ongoing study of the Torah through tradi-

The study of the sciences, humanities and the

tional and contemporary methods shapes the

arts fulfills the halakhic imperative to engage

learner and enables lifetime observance of

God’s world and prepares students to contrib-

the mitzvot.

ute productively to society.

‫אמת‬

‫חסד‬

Honesty, trust, and conduct in accordance with

Acts of loving-kindness within and out of one’s

the highest standards of integrity are religious

social circles develop an individual’s charac-

imperatives and form the basis of community.

ter and foster arevut (responsibility to others).

‫מדינת ישראל‬

‫שלום המלכות‬

The establishment of the modern-day State of

The United States of America is founded on

Israel is a divine gift and the initial fulfillment

principles concomitant with Judaism and

of a millennia-old national longing. It is our

extends kindness to the Jewish people. We

obligation to pray for, celebrate, support, and

proudly support, celebrate and pray for the

strengthen its existence.

welfare of this great nation.

‫לשון הקודש‬

‫השתדלות‬

The Hebrew language is a cherished and

Diligent and persistent effort, especially

sanctified treasure of the Jewish people.

when facing and overcoming challenges,

Conducting Judaic studies Ivrit b’Ivrit and com-

are fundamental to achieving growth and

municating in Hebrew is essential to a com-

excellence.

plete Torah education.

Explore. "welcome Freshmen" Starts Year To help freshmen acclimate to high school, select senior mentors supervised by Ms. Rachel Winkler, freshman grade adviser, organize a “Welcome to Flatbush” series of programs. During the summer, the seniors contact freshmen to let them know that they are looking forward to meeting them at Orientation. On that day, senior mentors greet the freshmen with banners, lots of enthusiasm and special programming such as ice-breaker activities and tours of the building together, followed by snacks and casual conversation. On Freshmen Day this year, the freshmen were treated to a special deluxe breakfast, “meet the principals” and team building

games. Rabbi Besser, Dean of Students, spoke to them about grade unity, kindness and inclusion, so that all students feel comfortable and enjoy their high school experience. Other “Welcome to Flatbush” events include an informative Arts assembly introducing Graphic Design, Art History and Art with explanations from our Art faculty about the importance of art in today’s world, as well as a library workshop. A “Getting to Know You” ice cream party is one more way for our students to meet each other in an informal setting and the Yachad after school program brings them together to engage and enhance their new understandings of unity, kindness and inclusion.

Sophomore Day unites the grade Sophomores celebrated their own day in the Yeshivah with a special teamwork program. Thanks to the imaginative ideas of Mr. Justin Engel, sophomore grade adviser and the sophomore faculty mentors: Mr. Hofstetter, Mr. Kweller, Mr. Lazar, Ms. Marcus, Ms. Ovadia, Ms. Pahuskin and volunteer mentors Ms. Goldberg and Ms. Zeitouni, the 10th graders had a fun educational experience that included videos, a variety of unity building exercises and an Israeli themed lunch. The 10th grade’s energy and cooperation was surpassed only by their appreciation for this new event that is sure to become a Flatbush tradition.

The Doctors In Training (DIT) commission invites medical professionals to speak about their experience to interested students. Two YOF alumni, Dr. Henry Hasson (’93), pediatric neurolgosit and Dr. Faraj Samra (’00), internist, discussed how they became doctors and answered questions about the process, commitment and choices that helped them achieve their career goals.

LITERATURE LIVEs The English Department truly believes that literature should jump off the page. In order to create a more meaningful reading experience for the 9th grade assigned summer reading, “On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet,” by Jamie Ford, survivors of the

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Japanese-American internment camps during WWII spoke to the grade. They discussed their experiences, and their perspective helped our students understand that people’s stories are not a static historical document, but a living portrait.

A strong commitment to academics sustains a Yeshivah of Flatbush education. We develop individuals who are passionate learners, driven to master complex ideas, satisfy intellectual curiosity and better the world.

Learning beyond the classroom Flatbush Students Love to Learn! Torah study is much more than a “subject in school” at the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Whether in formal offerings like Sunday Morning Learning and the weekly Mishmar, or in informal gatherings in a variety of different settings, many Yeshivah of Flatbush students expand their Torah learning with our faculty beyond the standard curriculum. Many of these students continue their Torah l’shma relationship for years after graduation. Yeshivah of Flatbush faculty members welcomed students to their sukkot on chol hamoed to enjoy the chag together. Twelfth grade boys gathered at Rabbi Stern’s home on Long Island for a Simchat Beit Hashoeiva and sumptuous BBQ. Rabbi Avi Harari joined them for the chance to bond with his students. After the meal they shared Divrei Torah and sang Zemirot. It was a great time for all. The rain did not stop our twelfth grade girls from attending Ms. Zaltzman’s annual Senior Girls’ Sukkot Brunch. While they were not

able to eat in the Sukkah because of the rain, all of the students made the best of the experience and furthered their relationships with our faculty and each other beyond the classroom.

Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our outstanding faculty and demanding integrated curriculum. Students are engaged in mastering Jewish Studies in Hebrew, encouraged in their development as well rounded human beings and strengthened in their commitment to a Torah centered lifestyle. YOF teens thrive in an atmosphere of energetic learning, analysis and shared values of chesed, derech eretz and Zionism.

Creativity on Display The Arts are flourishing at YOFHS. Whether it be fine arts, music, dance, drama, or graphic design, photography and videography, opportunities abound for students to explore and develop their talents both inside and outside of the classroom. The Annual Evening of the Arts showcases our students’ creativity to an overflow crowd of parents, faculty and friends. The event is coordinated by our Art, Drama and Music faculty. Intricate hand-drawn design work representative of the Design and Pattern-making class is on display in the lobby. Projects from the Graphic Design and Photography studio classes grace the hallways and lead to the salonstyle gallery show in the student lounge where student artists mingle with guests and discuss their artwork. The second part of the evening is filled with diverse instrumental, vocal and dramatic performances by both students and faculty as

well as our Orchestra and our Chamber Choir. Musical numbers includes standards, pop and classical music; actors’ presentations includes scenes from Broadway plays and interpretations of original student poetry. At the fifth annual Evening of the Arts, our guests also were treated to the latest edition of our award winning Pegasus Art and Literary Journal, highlighting the rich and varied student talents nurtured in our English, Writing and Fine Arts classes.

learn. Experiencing a modern graphic novel Eleventh and twelfth graders experienced a cross-curricular symposium, Book Day. Four hundred students, faculty and guests read Art Spiegelman’s Maus, the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic memoir about his father’s experience in the Holocaust. The program provided a day of lectures, workshops and artistic performances based on the story, themes and ideas in the book to stimulate growth and discussion for our students and leave them enriched.

In his keynote address, Yeshivah of Flatbush alumnus and former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, Abraham Foxman challenged the students to say “no” to hate and discrimination. Students produced original art, drama and film interpreting the themes of the book and were involved in all aspects of creating and presenting the program.

Cross-Curricular Initiative Weaving creative techniques into an already vibrant curriculum and crossing all curricular subject areas, we have implemented Facing History and Ourselves, an exciting and dynamic initiative, which uses bold pedagogical initiatives designed to imbue our students with the confidence and awareness to become upstanders to history. A cohort of our high school faculty representing the

History, Jewish History, Bible, Hebrew and Library departments of the Yeshivah of Flatbush High School, has been trained to enhance student’s awareness of our universe of obligation and the role of the individual and society. By examining the risks of taking a stand, our students become enabled to effect positive change. As a Partner School with Facing History, our students benefit from outstanding visiting keynote speakers, the entire contents of the print and video libraries of the Facing History organization, and the benefit of the Facing History curriculum. Always moving forward and seeking cutting edge developments in education, the Yeshivah of Flatbush High School continues to prepare our students to become leaders in the community and the world.

DIGITAL RESOURCES The library offers our students the latest technological innovations and resources in 21st Century learning. One major investment has been the acquisition of hundreds of e-book titles, easily accessible and downloadable through our online catalog. These digital books, which complement the library’s impressive print book collection, span the gamut of subject areas, including social studies, literature, biography, fiction, math, science, technology, the arts and more. Students can access electronic databases for traditional school research needs and also to find information for numerous extracurricular programs in the Yeshivah. Providing tens of thousands of articles culled from hundreds of scholarly and peer-reviewed journals, periodicals, reference sources, images, charts, multimedia clips, and primary documents, these databases help students reach their goals in all study areas. The library also provides a plethora of “all-in-one” touchscreen computers and iMacs for student use, recognizing the need for state of the art hardware to complement our digital resources and support student learning. These wide-screen computers enable students to engage in schoolwork, individual research, graphic design projects and other tasks in a timely, efficient and user-friendly manner. By making these resources available, the library continues to address the ever-changing nature of educational technology and research methods to provide the necessary tools to help students succeed in high school and beyond.

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Project Based Judaic Studies Electives Connect Students to Torah Sophomores have the opportunity to connect with Torah study through electives that use a project-based approach. Students’ creative output is the basis for assessment. The courses include a wide variety of topics such as Finding Insight into the Weekly Parasha, Jewish Ethics, Israel through Art and Media, and Sephardic Jewish Music.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES FUEL STUDENTS’ IDEAS Robotics In the Robotics elective class, students are encouraged to become creative engineers as they build individual robots and work in groups and collaborate on larger projects. With an emphasis on experimentation, students develop multiple skills through effort, trial and error, and hands-on activities. Students learn to code through Arduino to program their robots, use power sensors like the ultra sonic sensor and touch sensor, use breadboards and hook up batteries and propellers.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD Students and faculty advisors participated in the Jewish Education Project’s Science Olympiad at Landers College in Queens. The twelve events were spilt among the students in groups of two or three. Faced with fierce competition from ten other Jewish High Schools, Yeshivah of Flatbush received medals in five events: Bridge Building Chemistry Lab Compound Machines Green Generation Picture This

NEW LEARNING SPECIALIST INDIVIDUALIZES ACADEMIC SUPPORT As part of our continuing commitment to the educational advancement of our students, we are pleased to announce the implementation of a new academic learning support program in our high school under the direction of Learning Specialist, Ms. Malka Bergstein MS.Ed. We are confident that with her years of experience in program initiatives, education for diverse learners, optimizing the learning atmosphere and professional development, Ms. Bergstein will spearhead an effective and supportive learning program for our eligible students. All course materials and subject matter are consistent with the Yeshivah’s curricula and requirements. Qualified students have the same Regents exams, finals and class assignments. This learning support initiative enriches each individual’s high school experience and achievement. We look forward to a productive year of growth and learning with lessons and activities that stimulate and nurture social, emotional and educational progress.

More Electives and AP’s Offer Students Broad Choices A rich offering of electives is being added to the already extensive list of classes available for high school students to enroll in so that they may stimulate their learning experience on a daily basis. AP Courses: 2-D Design Graphic Arts Art History Biology Calculus AB & BC Chemistry Computer Science Economic English Language English Literature Environmental Science European History Jewish History Music Theory Physics I, C Pre-Calculus Principles of Engineering Psychology Spanish Language Statistics Studio Art U.S. Government and Politics U.S. History World History

Electives Accounting Advanced Graphic Design Advanced Talmud Applied Engineering Arabic Art of Pattern Making Business Law Calculus Coding for Engineering and Invention Contemporary Biblical Analysis Creative Writing Criminal and Constitutional Law Drama and Public Speaking Employment Law Forensics Science French Genetics Human Physiology International Law Journalism

Marketing Photography Pre-Calculus Principles of Education Regents Earth Science Regents Physics Robotics Science of Nutrition Sephardic Jewish History Spanish For Communications and Business Spanish III STEM I, Introduction to Electronic Engineering STEM II, Biology Engineering STEM III, Special Projects in Engineering Virtual Exerprises International (VEI) ...and more!

GRow. CAREER ENRICHING EXPERIENCES THROUGH THE PATHFInDERS PROGRAM The Pathfinders Program, coordinated by Ms. Shifra Hanon and Ms. Doris Anteby, engages in a variety of career building opportunities, exploring student interests outside of the classroom. The industries that the students work in vary from medicine and business to architecture and fashion.

Here is a sampling: •

New York State Supreme Court: court cases, discussions with judges, mock trial competition.

•

Scholars Program for Teens at the New York Historical Society: a fusion of history, journalism and literature. Research and writing for the nonprofit organization, Literary Manhattan.

•

NYU Summer Institute of Music Production: using microphones, sound techniques and industry standard professional tools in a professional studio environment.

•

Women in Science Program affiliated with Maimonides Medical Center: shadow doctors, observe patient care and surgeries, attend resident meetings and lectures and lab simulations.

•

JBS Project Management: read blueprints, organize, get a firsthand view of a construction site.

•

Bank Hapoalim: how banks give loans, letters of credit, meetings with vice president.

•

School of Architecture and Design at New York Institute of Technology: create and cut plans, section models, work on hatching skills in a small group setting and learn about depth, conception and 3D models. Visit conceptual design museums, NYC High Line, Roosevelt Island.

•

Reproductive Endocrinology with Dr. Richard Grazi: shadow office visits, surgeries, participate in new research projects, collect data, spin blood and observe an embryologist work.

•

Brooklyn Courthouse with Judge Leon Ruchelsman: guardianship and financial civil cases.

•

FIT precollege classes: bag design, jewelry making.

Sabrina Abrahim with Dr. Richard Grazi

Morris Mamiye’s Architecture Design Board

INDIVIDUALIZED GUIDANCE — is provided to every student in the freshman year. Sophomores maintain their guidance connection, and sophomore teacher mentors help them get involved in extracurricular activities. Juniors and seniors continue to benefit from personal guidance with the addition of one-on-one Israel and college guidance, and group meetings. Career exploration, internships and mentoring opportunities are available to all students through our Pathfinders Program.

GUIDING YOU TOWARDS YOUR COLLEGE College Guidance helped our 161 recent graduates process 1,025 applications to colleges. The students were accepted to 70 different colleges and universities and received in excess of $3 million in merit scholarship money. The robust offerings of STEM courses, entrepreneurship courses and opportunities, Pathfinders internships and visits to many industries have encouraged many of

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our students to apply to 4 year “specialty programs” in such varied areas as Engineering, Arts, Business, Fashion and Merchandising. Counselors have helped students with all ranges of averages and levels of achievement to explore fine colleges beyond the CUNY system including Ivy league private and state schools in and out of New York.

10,500+ ALUMNI ARE A BAROMETER OF UNRIVALED SUCCESS AND HISTORY – YOF Alumni represent our emphasis on Torah, academic excellence, Zionism and community service, as well as our commitment to the growth and development of individual talents. Ith OUr Praying w

Hearts

fallen soldiers A dedication to the Edge Operation Protective in ael Isr ing end o died def

‫בית ה‬

‫ספר ה‬ ‫תיכון של היש‬ ‫על שם מר יואל יבה דפלטבוש‬ ‫ברברמן‬

Flatbush Yeshivah of ol n High Scho Joel Braverma

Tefillah in Our Lives The Junior and Senior Minyan Mentor Program is continuing to enrich our Freshman and Sophomore students daily with a personal inspirational message. Over 50 Juniors unior and Seniors lead our students into a new and meaningful way to connect to Tefillah. Each month our Tefillah discussion focuses on a specific theme. Through videos, songs and story, our students strengthen their commitment to our Jewish values and Chesed. Chesed projects reflecting each monthly theme are coordinated with the Tzedakah Commission. Examples of themes incorporated include: Achdut, the power of our united tefillot; Thanksgiving, appreciating what we have and sharing acts of kindness; Chanukah, bringing light and hope to the needy. Last year’s program was dedicated to Israeli soldiers who died during Operation Protective Edge; a booklet written by the mentors about each soldier and our tefillah was shared with their families.

Excellence in Jewish Education Mr. Howard Rothbort, chairman of the Social Studies Department, was selected as one of six North American 2015 Awardees to receive the prestigious Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, which recognizes innovative educators who make a lasting impact on the lives of Jewish children. He was chosen based on his ability to develop creative and engaging instructional activities and inspire, motivate and challenge students. He believes that teaching is an investment that says we have hope for the future, that what we do today will make a difference tomorrow.

Heritage Trip to Poland Yeshivah of Flatbush seniors, parents and faculty visited Poland this past spring on the annual Senior Heritage Trip. They visited death camps such as Chelmno, Majdanek and Auschwitz; the Warsaw ghetto and cemetery, and some of the earliest shuls in Poland. For many, the most emotionally enduring part of the trip occurred while standing inside the gas chambers in Auschwitz and singing Shema Yisrael. The trip reinforced their understandings of what they learned in the Yeshivah’s classes and programs as well as their commitment to supporting fellow Jews and humanitarian concerns throughout the world.

Mr. Rothbort provides his students with a multi-media experience in each class, by incorporating nonfiction books, newspapers and the web for just the right picture, political cartoon, quote, movie clip or pop culture song. As a former student recently wrote to him, I really want to thank you - to this day I know that your history class became the foundation for my interest in history and current events. I am currently in graduate school and focusing on Modern Jewish History... you should know that almost seven years after I graduated I’m still thinking back to your class.

ANNUAL CHESED MISSION TO ISRAEL The Chesed Mission led by Rabbi Naftali Besser, Dean of Students, assisted by Ms. Susan Franco, gives students, faculty and parents the opportunity to express their care and concern in a weeklong intensive experience. The trip includes visits to hospitals, special children’s programs, army bases and soup kitchen with gifts and donations for all from YOF sponsors and our Tzedakah commission.

Get Involved. A Student

Publication

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Barcode syste ms and two things that are rarely textbooks are thunderou welcomed s applause. with Yet that the reaction on Orientation was exactly when Rabb Day this year i Levy anno unced to stude that their textb nts in their assig ooks were already waiti ned lockers. ng Organized and imple mented over summer by Mr. Galpert the and Ms. Miny along with the help of an the Book students, Room the new system is meant to season easie r for ers,” Ms. Miny both students and teachan said. With Donated hair books are this system, must be at barcoded, least 10 inches long scanned, signed to and asindividual students. So, in previous unlike years, book sheets aren’t and stude nts don’t have to write used names in book their schoo Each student s. , like this senior, l,” Mr. Galp Students, teach had a locker ert said. He full of books ers, and admi that all princ before the school explained nistrators ipals need year began work durin ed to appro system for and collec g the schoo ve the hour many reaso tion l year but ns, including ly when they get paid was designed of books, and this syste work over the to m just the Senior and the a more secur do just that. “We hope barcode scann veteran Book summer. e inventory ployee Joey for the ing technology Room emadditional of books for Baum said but labor of the the stude that putting Book Room correct combination nts, who get the of books Archon credi By Naomi into each t for their Sanders work” than Junior Edito the old meth r od of deliv ering covered a On the morn love continued on page 4 ing, and thus for teaching and ment girls of Yeshi ing of November or- Flatb chan 16, the vah of Flatb ush was a Most recen ged careers. given a very ush are being no-b raine tly, Mr. E faculty of r. He prais special chese and was the taught Engli ty. Señora d opportuni AP coord sh said they our Yeshivah as brilli ed the Ovadia and inator at Rabbi Sams ant and work as a team seniors Steph Dweck and Yeshiva on Sabrina Abra anie on behalf of students. monly know Rafael Hirsch, more He also says their him are organ com- leade n as Breu that the schoo izer’s. Desp rship is top-n other profe der to parti l’s ite his stude ssion otch and cipate, a dono nts are highthat his three al experiences, Mr. that, By Jane Zak at “the r’s hair must least 10 inche E says quality, diver years at Breu ay be s long. Parti best years se learner’s were the ers who embrace their transporte cipants will Junior Edito of his life d from schoo individual dream for r so far. None he is excite ism; a any teacher. l on that morn be to Hadas, theless, d to be work a local hair ” ing Mr. Ehre ing at Yeshi Flatbush, Before beco salon hair nkranz visite , to have their where he vah of properly prepa ming a teach d the schoo Ehrenkran red and cut er, Mr. Miles 11th grade Engli now teaches 9th and l z, or “Mr. for dona sh contin and 12th E” as he’s ued on page grade Creto Zichron known to ative Writing. 2 Menachem Rochelle, “In particular , a charity that make NY for three in Israel s wigs for , I hope to terms, work an aide to ing what continue doZichron Mena children with cance Yeshivah ed as Senator Josep of Flatbush’s r. chem was Washingto Departme h Lieberman parents of English started by nt does so n, D.C., and in a young boy the well: conv worked in sense of how who died of eying a pubimportant cancer , exciting, clients inclu evant the study support to and relded the State of famil litera ture and the Diddy. Some cation of writi of Israel and similar chall ies who are going throu appliwhere along ng well are P. enges to those gh us,” he expla the way he to every one faced. It serve the founders ined. disof s the entir Mr. E says e country 24 hours a of Israel that joinin day, 365 days g Yeshivah Menachem a year. Zichr of runs vario on us programs is most wellbut it known for distributin g quali-

PHOENIX: AWARD WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER

The Yeshivah’s award-winning school newspaper, The Phoenix, is published monthly. With the help of faculty adviser, Mr. Adam Hofstetter, students from all four grades write and edit New Teache Profile: Mr. r articles for The Phoenix. The content focuses mainly on school news but also includes d’vrei Ehrenkranz Torah, current events, profiles of interesting alumni, the ever popular Entertainment, Sports and Standard of Fabulous fashion sections, a Fun & Games page, and the always-insightful Ask Merle advice column. The student staff has enjoyed unique opportunities to participate in various school functions as working journalists; they grilled the “candidates” in mock political debates and interviewed Anti-Defamation League chairman Abe Foxman when he visited the school last year. More formal educational opportunities, such as last year’s trip to The New York Times newsroom to meet with several high-level editors, are available to the student staff as well. The newspaper, a decades old high school publication, continuously wins awards and kudos from many sources. In 2015 The Phoenix earned the distinction of Second Place among high schools with enrollments of 500-1,000 from the American Scholastic Press Association. Additionally, an article about the school’s bulletin boards written by current Editor-inChief Michelle Harari was one of only four articles nationwide to be awarded the ASPA designation of Outstanding Investigative Journalism. Religion: Parashat Haa zinu gets sym Page 3 bolic

Entertainmen t: Stephen Colbert take s on the Jimm ys Page 4

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE Yeshivah of Flatbush students participate in Areyvut Clown Training to learn how to be Mitzvah Clowns. Each new Mitzvah Clown is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for bikkur cholim (visiting the sick), elderly, and those with special needs. Mitzvah Clowns also learn how to apply clown make-up, create balloon animals, and initiate conversations with others who may be different from them. Students use these skills on various Yeshivah of Flatbush Traveling Troupe outings to nursing homes and hospitals throughout the year. The Traveling Troupe has always had a dual-significance: one for the audiences and one for the performers themselves. The troupe consists of a variety of performers, as well as the mitzvah clowns (Areyvut Program). The joy they bring to the sick and elderly on a weekly basis through our students’ compassion and talents is overwhelming and the very personal acts of chesed are everlasting.

Athletic Teams for the 2015-16 school year: Fall/Winter Sports Boys Basketball - JV & Varsity Girls Basketball - JV & Varsity Boys Hockey - JV & Varsity Girls Volleyball - JV & Varsity Boys Outdoor Soccer - Varsity Girls Outdoor Soccer - Varsity * Boys Cross Country - Varsity * Girls Cross Country - Varsity *

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Spring Sports Boys Baseball - Varsity Boys Softball - JV & Varsity Girls Softball - Varsity Boys Tennis - Varsity Girls Tennis - Varsity Boys Indoor Soccer - JV & Varsity Girls Indoor Soccer - JV & Varsity Boys Volleyball - Varsity Boys Track & Field - Varsity Girls Track & Field - Varsity

Year-Round Sports Girls Dance Team - Varsity Girls Gymnastics - Varsity * Boys Ice Hockey - Varsity * * denotes new team for the 2015-16 school year

Fun and Gam es: “Ask Merle” tackles the meaning of life Page 5

YOF To H Hair Driveold for Cancer Patients

continued on page

Sports: Rosow aim s for hoops champion ship Page 8

Mock Trial Team Soars This educational program co-sponsored by The New York Bar Foundation and offers thousands of high school students the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of civil/ criminal law and courtroom procedures. The 2014-15 Mock Trial team advanced to the quarterfinals [top 8 teams out of over 90 in NYC] and competed against the eventual winners of the NYC bracket. The team’s faculty adviser is Mr. Howard Rothbort and the lawyer-coach is Mr. Jack Erdos. Mock trial team members meet regularly in school from early November until April to dissect the case, review related court cases, interpret any applicable laws and prepare their questions for trial.

STUDENTS JOIN 120+ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT YOFHS – We offer something for everyone: arts, politics, sports, debate, Israel Advocacy, chesed, and so much more!

Israel Activism Students meet weekly to discuss issues and promote a positive feeling about Israel. They prepare for a lobbying trip to Capitol Hill and AIPAC headquarters in Washington, DC and Israel Advocacy Symposium for schools in the metropolitan area. Daily school announcements and educational programs support awareness of current events, including Israel’s achievements as well as BDS and anti-Semitism around the world. Israel Awareness supplements the History of Zionism and Jewish History curricula, and the senior course, Israel in World Relations.

COOKING FOR A CAUSE Cooking for a Cause offers students the opportunity to learn how to prepare a variety of entrees, dinners, and desserts while participating in a chesed event. All of the food they prepare is sent to needy families who can then enjoy delicious homemade dinners. The monthly Yeshivah of Flatbush Cooking for a Cause events are not only a chesed opportunity for our students, but also for Flatbush families. This unique after school program attracts over fifty boys and girls. Parents and grandparents join this chesed project by sponsoring and participating in the Cooking for a Cause food preparation and distribution.

Witness Theater Connects Students and holocaust Survivors Witness Theater commemorates Yom HaShoah as the culmination of a year-long heartfelt collaboration between Yeshivah of Flatbush seniors and Holocaust survivors. The original dramatic production created by faculty and alumna Ms. Sally Shatzkes creatively empowers the students to understand, describe and express the survivors’ stories. Last year, eighteen students and nine survivors became part of each others’ lives and their performance together made a lasting impact on all of the participants and the audience. In one example, survivor Sofia Groysman’s experience was interpreted through a creative dance called “Hands” performed by female cast members and accompanied by a trio of singers. The students and survivors inspired each other so deeply that even after the program ended, the students continue to call and visit the survivors.

Many graduates have close ties to and remain a large part of YOF, including as parents and faculty. They are strong advocates for our school, with fond memories of their YOF experiences and a profound understanding of how our school community has shaped and influenced them in life, faith and career. They tell us how YOF’s emphasis on reaching ones’ potential in learning and achievement results in a lifelong positive value system and work ethic that lead to professional, religious and personal success.

The Newest Falcons Nest

ADMINISTRATION Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari Head of School Rabbi Ronald Levy Principal Ms. Jill Sanders Associate Principal Director of Admissions Ms. Sari Bacon Associate Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda Assistant Principal Rabbi Dr. David Eliach Principal Emeritus Rabbi Naftali Besser Dean of Students Mr. David Galpert Assistant Administrator Dr. Etty Mizrahi Director of High School Guidance

The Laniado Auxiliary Gym

Ms. Michelle Biller-Levy Director of College Guidance

At the start of the new school year, Yeshivah of Flatbush cut the ribbon on the newest gem in the Yeshivah’s line of 21st Century facilities – The Laniado Auxiliary Gym, dedicated by Ronit and Hagai Laniado. At the dedication, Mrs. Ronit Laniado addressed the students, parents and school leaders to explain how this facility is a manifestation of the family’s belief in the mission of the Yeshivah of Flatbush to educate our students to be well-rounded in all aspects of learning - academic, spiritual and physical. Our beautiful new gym is used full time by physical education classes and team sports.

Mr. Robert Frastai President

Blueprint for Excellence We are once again reimagining our students’ educational experience, to excel within the 21st century. Enhancements began with modernization of the science labs, student lounge, lobbies, auditorium and new auxillary gym. We are now designing a Bet Midrash, library, gymnasium, digital arts wing, guidance center, student commons, classrooms and more — in a new North Building! This ambitious campaign is about far more than the look or profile of the Yeshivah. It is about what we can do for each student day in and day out. This campaign will alter the educational experience by providing each student with the opportunities to find and pursue individual passions and to reach his or her highest potential.

Rabbi Seth Linfield Executive Director

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