The Phoenix 2014-2015 Issue 8

INSIDE: The High Price of Manicures • Father’s Day Gift Ideas • New Gym Near Completion

A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Issue 8 • 2015 / 5775

Mysterious Anti-Bullying Signs Baffle Students and Faculty Gabi Cohen, 3-HR On Monday, May 11, a number of anti-bullying posters appeared on bulletin boards and walls in various stairwells at school, along with several anti-drinking and anti-gambling posters. Students and members of the faculty spent much of the day wondering about the source of the posters, and the disappearance of many posters within the next 24 hours only heightened the mystery.

The anti-drinking and gambling posters were done by Mrs. Berkowitz’s Graphic Arts class for a SAFE contest.

Mrs. Berkowitz said, “The students were given a list of specific topics that I received from Ms. Ginsberg and Mr. Amzalag, and bullying was not one of them.” She also stated matter of factly that the maker of these signs did not make them in the Mac lab, because she would have noticed

12 Faculty Members Leaving YOF Daliah Ben-Ari, 1-HR As we bid farewell to the 2014-2015 year, a full dozen of our beloved faculty members will be parting from the Flatbush family. Whether this was their first year teaching or their 45th (kudos to Mr. Cohen), whether they’ll be moving down the street or to other continents, they will always be in our hearts. These faculty members are known for their hard work and dedication in doing their job, and of course, caring for us students. As freshman Dorette Dayan said, “My teachers influence me so positively.

They’re not only my teachers, they’re my friends, too. They really do look out and care for each and every one of us.”

For Ms. Benun, who is departing after three years at the Yeshivah, the most enjoyable part about teaching at Flat-

the student working, and she could also see that at least one of the pieces was probably created with Microsoft Word, not Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.

The anti-bullying posters, however, were “illegal” according to the school’s rules. Permission from any of the administration is required to hang signs; unauthorized signs are taken down.

When asked, Rabbi Levy said that since the bullying signs had positive messages, only the ones posted on walls were removed, while those on bulletin boards were allowed to stay.

While the Guidance Department and SAFE teachers agreed that the posters had students and teachers alike buzzing, they had different views of the method.

Dr. Mizrahi, Director of Guidance, said that while the message is important, posting signs without permission was not the right way to convey it. Ms. Ginsberg added that there seemed to be an undertone of hurt feelings in the wording of the signs.

Mr. Amzalag expressed that if the posters were followed up by more than just one day of activity, their effect would have

been more profound. He also revealed that the signs were posted by a few girls who felt personally victimized by bullying.

Ms. Ginsberg said that the signs increased awareness and discussion in her SAFE classes, confirming Mr. Amzalag’s claim that the signs affected more girls than boys.

Students had varying reactions to the signs. Some assumed that they were posted by the school administration. Marielle Tawil of 3-HR said, “I was surprised to learn that the signs were put up by a student, because I didn’t realize kids in the school were bullied to such an extent.”

Others, however, found them to be inspiring. Freshman Sarah Halari excitedly exclaimed, “I took pictures of them!

I hope they were effective and people start listening to them.”

bush is being able to spend time with the student body. Her relationships with her students, and with other students who aren’t a part of her class, are so strong that she’s often referred to as the ‘‘mommy of the school.” Ms. Benun especially loves being able to teach the children of her relatives, friends, and former classmates.

Ms. Hanau, who is leaving Flatbush to pursue a doctorate in psychology, also loves to spend time with her students outside of class, especially on seminar, and when she earns her degree she hopes to continue working with teenagers.

Many of our teachers love being able to affect students in a positive light, and said it is essentially the reason they continue doing what they do. “I love working in a school that feels like a real community,” says Ms. Robinson, who is getting married next month and making Aliyah.

“Whatever your role is in this school, we all work under the same roof and treat each other with respect.”

As much as we learn from our teachers, they learn an extensive amount from us, too. Just ask Ms. Stein, who started at Flatbush in 2013 as a maternity leave

substitute. The most interesting things Ms. Stein has learned while teaching are the definitions of the terms “bae” and “on fleek.” She was also surprised to notice that many students say “LOL” in addition to actually laughing out loud. Judaic Studies teacher Ms. Schwartz says, “I’m Ashkenaz, and the one thing I’ve learned a great deal about, by far, is the Syrian culture. I’m fascinated with the pieces of culture and history that my students shared with me.” Mr. Cohen, who teaches Chemistry, says, “I learned so much about Israel, and acquired from my students a much deeper love and appreciation of Israel than I had before I came here.”

Although all of our departing teachers will be missed, they have new, exciting plans Here’s to you, Ms. Robinson

New to the Physical Education classes,but with a record of involvemnt with athletics, intern Gus Kennedy is truly enjoying his time at the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Coach Kennedy is constantly busy due to the many responsibilities he holds at the school including gym teacher, head coach for both the sixth grade Middle Division and High School Junior Varsity boys’ Basketball teams, and assistant coach of the Varsity boys Basketball team. But the hectic schedule doesn’t bother Coach Kennedy because of his passion for teaching and learning, and his love for meeting new people.

Coach Kennedy says his love for the school as a whole and for his occupation comes in part from the level of commitment demonstrated by the administration and faculty of the school, “which is only surpassed by their dedication to and passion for academic excellence.” He also mentioned that in addition to the commitment to their students’ education and betterment, “a deep philanthropic resolution to exercise their gifts for the amelioration of the lives of the Jewish community is reflected by all of the Yeshivah of Flatbush family.” Coach Kennedy says he’s extremely grateful to be a part of and learn from such a celebrated faculty.

After growing up in Queens as an only child, Coach Kennedy had the opportunity to work as director of basketball operations at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where his duties included scouting, recruiting, scheduling, and assisting in practices. Furthermore, he learned the game working at a scouting firm that helps colleges recruit players,

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New Teacher Profile: Coach Kennedy Mary Jajati, 1-HR

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Alumnus Interview: Daniel Landman (‘03)

Meet a Freshman: Isaac Kraiem, 1-V

Merle Dweck, 3-HR

Jane Zakay, 2-R

Daniel Landman is known to his friends as Dani, to his children as Abba, and to his various employers as a Halacha teacher, translator, and crossword puzzle constructor, among other things.

Father to two little boys, Landman graduated from Yeshivah of Flatbush in 2003 and spent two years at Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush) in Israel before attending Yeshiva University. Used to the spiritual yet demanding nature of Flatbush, Landman says, “I specifically chose a college where I could pursue a sophisticated, top-tier higher education in an environment where I could simultaneously engage in advanced Torah study and substantive spiritual growth.” After graduating from college, Landman and his wife made Aliyah, where Landman spent several years learning in the kollel at Yeshivat Har Etzion.

Flatbush influenced Landman’s choices not only about which college to attend, but his choice of both his major and minor in college as well. Picked chemistry as his major for no reason other than having enjoyed it in high school, and he minored in music because he “wanted to improve the music theory and a cappella arranging skills I picked up from AP Music Theory

and chamber choir, respectively.” Landman even goes as far to specifically credit Mr. Cohen, Mrs. Mauskop, and Mr. Henkin (former Flatbush choir director) for the educational direction he took in college.

Landman explained that, although he didn’t participate in any extracurricular activities that directly affected him later on, “the most important role a student can have in high school is simply that of a student, whose job is to go to class and learn as much as he or she can.”

Landman adds that he did take great pride in only losing one College Bowl match in all his years on the teams (two of which he was captain) and that he participated in choir and chamber choir as well as acting as the lead in Senior Play.

When I followed up with the question of whether Landman felt he was ready to enter the world upon graduating from Flatbush, Landman deemed the term “encontinued on page 6

The High Price of Manicures Shani Zenilman, 4-HR The New York Times recently published a series of shocking articles detailing the lives and working conditions of manicurists. With the growing popularity of salons, the injustices within them have also drastically increased, including working closely with toxic chemicals, having to pay the salon $100 for the privilege of getting a job there, and being paid well below minimum wage.

According to the articles, newly hired manicurists are forced to pay $100 in order to be hired at all. Then they perform the menial jobs, such as sweeping up nail clippings and washing towels, and learning how to do manicures. The newly hired worker isn’t paid until he or she proves himself or herself, a process that can take several months. Until then, the manicurist must live entirely off tips. After a few months, they are started on a salary of $30 to $40 a day.

Although nail salon workers are considered “tipped workers,” which means their employers can legally pay them slightly less than minimum wage ($8.75 per hour), workers are typically paid far less.

The stereotype that only Koreans are manicurists is also addressed in this article.

According to the piece, there is a hierarchy in the nail business, with Korean workers on top, followed by Chinese. Lowest in the hierarchy are Hispanics and other nonAsians, who are often forced to do undesirable jobs such as male pedicures. While Korean workers are paid twice as much as their peers and are given the “desirable” jobs in the industry, salon owners prey on illegal Hispanic workers, as they are desperate to repay their debts to the “coyotes”

who smuggled them into the country.

Ana Luisa Camas, an Ecuadorian immigrant who was interviewed for the article, stated that the Korean manicurists were allowed to talk to each other on the job, while she and her Hispanic coworkers were forbidden to speak during their 12hour shifts.

The publicity of this mistreatment led to an overwhelming response throughout New York City. New government safety regulations requiring the use of gloves and masks during work were immediately instituted. However, the government wasn’t the only one to respond to the new information; hundreds of citizen volunteers flocked to the streets, handing out fliers that contained information—in multiple languages­­—about workers’ rights, such as paid sick leave and how to handle harmful chemicals safely. Volunteers stood on street corners and at subway stops where local manicurists are known to congregate. According to The New York Times, there were mixed reactions: “Some who took the fliers swiftly dumped them in the nearest trash bin. But others asked for extras to give to relatives and friends who work in the industry.”

Although the steps taken by the local and federal government are a start, the problems are by no means solved. While some salon owners reacted well to the news of new regulations, others reacted with annoyance. Even some of the mistreated manicurists themselves are skeptical that the industry can be reformed; Maria Ganzhi, an immigrant from Ecuador who makes $20 less per day than her Korean colleague, stated that she “[doesn’t] know if anything will change.

JZ: What elementary school did you attend?

IK: I went to Yeshivah of Flatbush elementary.

JZ: Do you have any sibling who have attended Yeshivah of Flatbush high school?

IK: No, I’m the first in my family.

JZ: Why did you come to Flatbush in the first place?

IK: Friends and location.

JZ: What do you like most about Flatbush?

IK: Going out for lunch on Avenue J. JZ: Who’s your favorite teacher?

IK: My favorite teacher is Ms. Stein; I love English.

JZ: What commissions are you involved in?

IK: I was in Spring Concert. I play the guitar and bass.

JZ: What do you do when you’re not in school?

IK: I draw. I have the best of both worlds. My mom’s an artist and my dad’s in a band.

JZ: What’s your father’s band called?

IK: The Invitations.

JZ: What’s it like to have your parents out of the house all the time?

IK: It’s not bad.

JZ: Throw any parties?

IK: Nah, I’m too cool to throw a party.

Thank You, Goodbye, and Welcome Michelle Harari, 3-HR As the school year comes to a close, we remember all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into putting this newspaper together and making it a success.

Fortunately, we had a terrific team producing the award-winning Phoenix this year, leading the way for the issues to come. It has been a journey indeed, one filled with laughs and sobs and the occasional freak-out. It’s safe to say that we are rather forlorn to see the seniors on our staff leave us; however, we are all the more excited to see them embark on new and exciting journeys of their own.

Current Editor-In-Chief Shani Zenilman will be leaving her comfortable position as a Flatbush senior and reentering the frightening status of a freshman at Cornell University, where she plans to study animal science on her way to becoming a veterinarian.

Abby Shegelman, our Managing Editor, will be attending Johns Hopkins University, where she plans to double major in English and pre-med so she can eventually apply to medical school.

Next up we have Religion Editor Sarah Levy, who will be leaving us for Princeton University. In addition to her rigorous courses, she is contemplating joining the archery club, simply because she wants to learn a new skill.

Entertainment Editor Rebecca Zami will take a break from entertaining us and will instead be entertained by Israel’s natural beauty and all that seminary Midreshet Lindenbaum has to offer.

Our Sports Editor, Joey Cohen, replies that he will be “attending Columbia University. What else do you need?”

You’re right, Joey, that really is kind of typical and boring. He says he’s looking forward to taking Art History again.

Merle Cohen, a.k.a. “Ask Merle,” a.k.a.

Fun Page Editor, will be studying in Israel, where she will attend Midreshet Eshel for a year before returning to New York to attend Brooklyn College.

Our Standard of Fabulous Editors will no doubt raise standards wherever they go. Emma Burekhovich will be “fol-

The Phoenix Staff Editor-In-Chief: Shani Zenilman Managing Editor: Abby Shegelman Religion Editor: Sarah Levy Entertainment Editor: Rebecca Zami Sports Editor: Joey Cohen Fun Page Editor: Merle Cohen Standard of Fabulous Editors: Emma Burekhovich, Nicole Yankovich Photography Editor: Robyn Dweck Web Editor: Joey Baum Junior Editors: Albert Dweck, Merle Dweck, Michelle Harari, Sarah Torgueman, Gabriel Vizgan Sophomore Editors: Mimi Lazerowitz, Jane Zakay Design: Therese Berkowitz Faculty Advisor: Adam Hofstetter

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High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari Head of School Rabbi Ronald Levy Principal Ms. Jill W. Sanders Director of Admissions Associate Principal Ms. Sari Bacon Associate Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda Assistant Principal

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New Gym Near Completion Gabriel Vizgan, 3-HN

“The new gym offers us so many opportunities,” said Athletic Director Mr. Eric Amkraut. The Yeshivah of Flatbush student body has long awaited the completion of the new auxiliary gym. For months, classes have been disturbed by the noise of construction and girls have had to make do with the Beit Midrash for physical education, but that is all soon coming to an end. With the nearing completion of the gymnasium, speculation is rising. What will the new gym feature?

How will sports teams benefit? How will it be used during gym classes? When will it finally be done?

The new gym is designated for use by the hockey, soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics teams. Hardwood flooring is being installed, chosen for its ability to stand up to heavy sport play. Unlike in the old gym, seating for fans and players is separated from the court in a way that promotes safety and will give fans a great view. Separate seating for Home and Away teams right at the edge of the court allows for quick substitutions and a feeling of being in the game, even while benched.

The gym is to be technologically up to date with its very own AV booth, hightech lighting and surround sound system, a comprehensive score board, and a widescreen stationed in perfect view of the audience that will play a live feed of the game below so that everyone can get the best view of all the action.

The additional gym will be a great asset to the Flatbush Falcons. Until now, with different sports competing against each other for timeslots, teams have been limited in the amount of time they are able to practice. Some teams have been forced to practice at very late times, while

others have had to settle for only two or three practices before the start of their season. However, with the added gym space, two teams can now practice at the same time. There will be less competition over gym space, and practices can start earlier in the year.

“This will really give our athletes a leg up over other schools,” said Mr. Amkraut excitedly.

The new gym will allow for teams to better their game, including the baseball and softball teams. That’s right, the new gym will be furnished with a rollaway batting-cage. “The weather always plays a big factor in the amount of practice our baseball and softball teams get,” stated Mr. Amkraut. “Now, that won’t be an issue.”

Now, come rain or snow our batters will be

Raised bleachers will offer fans an optimal view, as well as safety from rogue balls or pucks.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas Estelle Saad, 2-HN

Everyone makes a big deal about Mother’s Day, while Father’s Day is often brushed off or forgotten. Out of the 30 girls in classes 2-HN and 2-HR, only three even knew that Father’s Day is on the horizon and planned on doing something for their fathers. This Father’s Day, show your dad that you care about him by putting together something special. It may be during finals time, but even the smallest act will make your dad happy.

Gifts are always appreciated, so if you think of something your dad would like, get it for him. Ms. Yaari plans on getting her husband something for his barbecue.

Jojo Aini of 1-HR said, “I have a ritual of getting my father a new tie every year.

He loves it, and wears it on special occasions.”

If money is tight, making something special for your father can be a great, inexpensive option. Art projects involving mugs, ties, and the color blue can be cute, yet juvenile, so put a mature spin on an otherwise childish art project.

Sophomore Emily Waldman said that she plans on “making a collage of pictures of the two of us, writing a card, and going for lunch. A heart-

able to work on their swings all year long.

During school hours, the new gym will be used primarily for girls’ physical education classes. That is not to say that the boys will never use it, but most of the time it will be occupied by the girls. Included in the construction of the gym is a new girls’ locker room, which has been situated to allow the girls direct access to both gyms. The boys will continue using their current locker room, with access to the new gym by means of a door in the original gym via a bypass entry way.

The new gym will be stocked with removable matting for phys ed classes as well as gymnastics practice. Fitness skills and basic gymnastics will be a staple of the physical education program, in addition to basic skill and strategies in in-

felt card and a hug are really all you need, but my father means so much to me that I like to go the extra mile.”

Take a hint from Waldman and, at the very least, try making a sentimental card for your dad. A card can sometimes express emotions better than words spoken out loud, and it is something Dad will cherish forever. Take the time to tell your father how much he means to you.

Allison Tawil said, “My siblings and I always make my dad breakfast in bed on Father’s Day. He loves chocolate chip pancakes, so we wake up early to make them fresh.” Breakfast-in-bed is always a pleaser, whether it’s a bagel from the freezer or a three-course meal.

Father’s Day was created in 1910 by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd to give fathers a day like Mother’s Day and to honor her dad for all the hard work he did for his children and for his country in the Civil War. Our dads work just as hard as our mothers, so they deserve a day of recognition as well. Although it may be at an inconvenient time, remember how much your father does for you, and try to put a little something together for him.

dividual and team games. The new gym will be a major asset in delivering the school’s revised phys ed curriculum.

Now for the big question: when will it be done? Construction has come a long way. Foundations are solid, walls have been erected, and the wiring has been run. The only major projects left are the furnishing of the girls’ locker room and the flooring of the gymnasium. “We have been promished it will be ready for play September first,” promised Mr. Amkraut.

All in all, the new gym will be a great asset to the physical education department at the Yeshivah. The new physical education space, team practice location, and indoor batting cage will be a great addition to the Standard of Excellence, and will be enjoyed by students for years to come.

New hallway allows for easy access between gyms and locker-rooms.

D’var Torah: A Second Chance Sarah Torgueman, 3-HN The lengthiest parasha of the Torah is Parashat Naso, which contains the story of Matanot Hanesiim as well as numerous laws, like Sotah and Nazir. Because Parashat Naso is the lengthiest parasha of the Torah, we are given the opportunity to learn plenty of mitzvot this Shabbat, and also some important lessons.

One of the focal ideas in this parasha is repentence.

A specifc method of repentance is taught in the parasha. The mitzvah of repentance is strenuous; it requires effort to achieve it. According to Talmud Yoma, the difficulty of the mitzvah is confessing one’s transgressions in the correct verbal manner. The path to repentance includes three steps. One must experience sincere regret for one’s past misconduct or sin.

Then, one must approach the person affected negatively by the sin to ask for forgiveness. For example, a slanderer must ask forgiveness from the person he or she spoke about negatively. If the sinner is refused forgiveness three times, the sinner does not receive punishment for his or her actions. Finally, the sinner must make the

firm decision to never repeat the crime.

The Torah teaches us that the sinner must be sincere in his or her apology.

Parashat Naso also details the laws of Sotah. If a woman is suspected of adultery, she must undergo a complicated and somewhat humiliating process. The punishments for breaking God’s mitzvot are harsh. But the Torah gives second chances. The Jewish people can extract at least one important idea from this parasha. We learn that, although we strive for perfection and work to the best of our ability in everything that we do, mistakes are expected. Hashem gives us the opportunity to repent and correct our transgressions. Second chances show us that no human being is perfect and that mistakes can and will happen. The way that we handle mistakes reveals who we truly are. The Torah teaches us to repent in order to fix our sins and avoid them in the future. As emphasized in Parashat Naso, we must try our best to avoid transgressions and live righteous lives in the path of Hashem. But when we fail in doing so, we can correct our errors. www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 3

Entertainment Movie Review: Pitch Perfect 2 Music Review:

The Helio Sequence Rebecca Zami, 4-HR

The Helio Sequence’s new self-titled album (the band’s sixth full-length release) is a clear call for a fresh, new identity. The duo’s familiar sound can be heard through the unwavering alternative sound that their voices project, but the instrumental meshing differs from their past work. The breezy, psychedelic tone flows effortlessly like a windy summer car ride.

The band’s two members, Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel, reported that they had recorded over 20 tracks in one month and had friends and family narrow down the selection to 10. The rushed idea may be efficient and exciting, but it didn’t leave much room for a great amount of diversity on the album. However, as the duo is trying out this new sound for the first time, its consistency is respectable and many tracks contain their own highlights.

In the opening track, “Battle Lines,” the artists sing about a new direction, an appropriate opening for their new sound.

The delicate guitar fingerpicking and humming voices are a soothing and invigorating entrance to the rest of the album’s alternative simplicity and beachy tones.

These summer-eqsue techniques continue throughout the rest of the album, most prominently in the head-bopping “Stoic Resemblance” and the beautiful heartbreak story told in “Seven Hours.”

The energetic highlights of the album come in the more instrumentally builtup tracks like “Inconsequential Ties” and “Red Shifting” in which the keyboard and tambourine add an extra layer of depth to the beat. Lyrically intriguing tracks like “Upward Mobility” are especially enticing with nervous questions (“When you go there/ Who will you see?/ Yeah, who will you call?”) and the sound of desperation for answers are felt.

The calm, kaleidoscopic sound in “Leave or Be Yours” epitomizes Summers and Weikel’s new take on their alternative roots. The simple and refreshing harmonies add depth to the band’s sound that hadn’t been there before. The closing track, “Never Going Back,” is a plain and soothing summary of the new sound and feels like a summer sunset, an appropriate closing for such an album.

After multiple albums, this self-titled album is a turn in a new, different direction. While this isn’t a major change from their old sound, The Helio Sequence has proved that they are favoring a shift in the pace of their music. This album can very possibly become my alone-time summer soundtrack.

Jane Zakay, 2-R Aca-believe, Pitch Perfect 2 is finally here! Pitch Perfect 2 is a much-anticipated sequel to Pitch Perfect, a heartfelt comedy about college a capella singers that became a surprise hit when it was released in 2012. Most stars from the first movie returned, most notably Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittney Snow, and Skylar Astin. The premise of the film is once again centered around the Barden Bellas, an all-girl a capella group; this time the Bellas enter an international competition that no American group has ever won. No one has faith that their amateur group can win, so even though the competition is fierce, the Bellas are determined to prove the world wrong.

Like the original, Pitch Perfect 2 is deeply enjoyable. However, he songs in the second film don’t measure up to those in the first. It’s not that the songs are horrible, but it’s hard to improve on your best self, and the songs in this film don’t mesh together as well as the mashups from Pitch Perfect. However, the

Ask Merle Merle Cohen, 4-HR Dear Merle, I have a problem. As a senior, school is basically over for me, yet I keep finding myself still in the building. I’ve even sat in on sophomore classes! How do I get over my love affair with the Yeshivah of Flatbush?

Help!

Need To Move On Dear Need To Move On, I’m totally on the same level as you are right now. Seniors are stuck in this limbo between being students and not students, and the more time you’ve invested into the school the harder it will be to let go. I’d suggest ripping off the Band-Aid slowly. Hop in a couple times over the next few weeks to “tie up the loose ends” but when summer hits it’s time to explore new horizons and create new paths. Best of luck! Always keep Flatbush as a stepping-stone but know that the coming years are yours to experience in your own unique way.

Yours, Merle Dear Merle, Have any good books to recommend for the summer? I’ll read anything fiction- fantasy, historical, realistic.

Thanks!

Sarah Levy (true identity disclosed at the behest of Rabbi Taler) Dear Sarah Levy, I find that summer reading for me is a selection of books that are light, airy, and not too analytically heavy. I’ve re-

songs are on point and are performed by great singers who are very talented, which is incredible to behold.

In terms of the script, PP2 is just as funny and lively as the first. Although certain jokes might be a little offensive to some people, the filmmakers had in mind a general audience who would laugh even at stupidity. Although each individual ethnic group probably has its own complaints, overall the film was very funny.

Maybe it’s just the fact that I didn’t want it to end, but the film probably could’ve been extended. The main action of the movie didn’t really come until the last 30 minutes, so a few more scenes could have definitely been added. I was disappointed that it was only two hours.

I love the way the Bellas are portrayed cently picked up The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall, which I found really interesting. While it was a quick read it held some crucial and impactful themes that will definitely stick with me. Other than that I’m at a loss for suggestions but I do urge you to ask around the library and English Department for their opinions; I’m especially sure Ms. Bloom has something up her sleeve for you. Best of luck!

And remember, a day at the beach isn’t truly complete unless you have a good book with you.

Yours, Merle Dear Merle, It just occurred to me that next year I won’t have to wear Centrals every day. In fact, I don’t believe college has any sort of dress code at all. But I’ve spent twelve years in the Yeshivah of Flatbush! I’m used to just putting on a black skirt and a solid-color shirt. How do I cope next year with the overwhelming ability to choose between different length skirts, among other things?

Signed, Uniform Conformist Dear Uniform Conformist, Without saying anything too controversial (Hi, Rabbi Levy!) let me leave you with this piece of advice: college gives you much more leeway in regard to dress code than Flatbush does, but you need to be true to yourself and the Jewish values you’ve grown up with. When you get dressed every morning, have in mind the statement your clothes will make to those who see you. The idea of modesty manifests itself not only in the length of your skirts, but also in your actions, so perhaps don’t be so quick to fret over skirt length before thinking about

as a family. They all work together to reach their goal. Even though their task seems impossible, as long as they work their hardest and have fun, their relationships matter more than the outcome.

The film shows that eventually you do have to move on and think about the future, although you can always have fun on the journey.

I know I did. what you do or say. Best of luck! And go a little crazy: instead of “relaxed fit” try “extremely relaxed fit!”

Yours, Merle Dear Merle, What’s an appropriate gift to get the teachers who wrote your college recommendations?

SOS, A Little Late Dear A Little Late, Nothing says, “I should have given this to you about three months ago” better than a groveling handwritten card with a $60 gift basket from Oh Nuts. But in all seriousness a nice letter should suffice. Best of luck! And if those teachers liked you enough to write you a recommendation, then I should hope they’ll over look this little “mishap.”

Yours, Merle Dear Merle, Thank you for answering my questions all year long. Can I have your autograph?

Signed (I hope), Your Biggest Fan Dear Your Biggest Fan, Oh man, that’s pretty sweet. You’ll probably want to get your hands on my autograph now so that when I become a professional advice giver you can sell it for millions! Best of luck! And if you need any help next year just email me at askmerle2014@gmail.com.

Yours,

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Standard of Fabulous Teacher Interview: Ms. Michal Schulman SOF: What does fashion mean to you?

MS: Fashion means looking good, updated and fresh.

SOF: How would you define your personal style? What does it say about you?

MS: I’m not sure I have or that I follow a specific style. Sometimes I feel like dressing elegantly and other days more causally; it really depends on my mood.

Every morning, I just look at my closet and think to myself, “What should I wear today?” I guess just like all women

out there. I really like to combine colors and fabrics and to mix and match to create many different outfits!

SOF: What are your favorite colors to wear?

MS: In general, I love colors! However, not all colors go together or agree with me. I follow my palate that I had done a while back by an expert in L.A. SOF: What is your favorite piece in your closet? Why? MS: My favorite is usually the newest piece in my closet. As of today, my favorite is a cream dress that has brown flower lace for sleeves. It’s really beautiful!

SOF: If you had to pick one store to shop at for the rest of your life what would it be?

MS: I love shopping at Pinkyotto. It’s completely my cup of tea! It’s a boutique style store that has few locations.

SOF: Do you have a fashion icon?

MS: My fashion icon would be my

This Month’s Fabulous Freshie: Ariel Malka, 1-V You may recognize this Fabulous Freshie by her impressive voice at choir performances; however, she also has an awesome sense of style. Ariel likes to wear bold accessories such as necklaces and bracelets that highlight her outfit or hairstyle.

She mostly dresses in dark colors that complement her skin tone. One of her favorite pieces of clothing is a red long-sleeved lace dress that complements her long hair. If she had to choose one store to shop at for the rest of her life, it would be Forever 21 because it has a wide variety of clothing for many different occasions. Ariel especially loves wearing dresses from H&M for Shabbat and other special events. Be sure to keep an eye out for this month’s Fabulous Freshie!

grandma, Mom-Mom, a real beautiful lady. Actually, she was able to walk the streets of Vienna during World War II without raising suspicion that she was Jewish and she still holds herself as a model. My Mom-Mom has a very European flare. She taught me lots of tips. I’ll share one: always wear a slip under the dress or skirt so it flows.

SOF: What’s more important: fashion or comfort?

MS: The ultimate is a combination of both, but I’ll always pick comfort over fashion! Actually, I just ordered online a Dr. Scholl’s sandal. I’m sure it will be comfy and I hope it looks as good as it does online, too.

SOF: Favorite accessory?

MS: I don’t wear accessories. I only wear real jewelry (something I got from my Mom-Mom). The only things I wear are belts, which I like especially if I wear unfitted shirts or dresses to create a waist line.

Trending: 1. Black & White Prints 2. Twosies 3. High-Waisted Skirts 4. Neon 5. Circle Sunglasses

SOF: Advice to someone who is trying to find her own style?

MS: My advice: figure out which colors agree with you and play with them.

Don’t buy things because other people have them and make sure what you buy flatters your body. Otherwise leave it in the store.

Fashion Fact of the Month: During the Renaissance period, it was fashionable for people to shave their eyebrows.

6. Head to Toe White 7. Summery Maxi Skirts 8. College Apparel 9. Short Hair 10. Espadrilles

Letter from the SOF Editors: Thanks for a fantastic year to everyone who contributed to the success of the fashion section of The Phoenix. Special thanks to Mr. Hofstetter for being a fabulous faculty advisor.

As we are graduating, Aida Hasson and Sylvia Ashkenazie will be taking over the Standard of Fabulous next year as sophomores. We had a great time working on this section and we wish everyone lots of luck keeping up with the latest Flatbush trends!

Have an amazing summer and stay fashionable! <3 Emma Burekhovich and Nicole Yankovich

Seniors Wear More Than Hearts on Their Sleeves Naomi Shapiro, 4-HN Our seniors have recently created a new fashion trend: wearing apparel with their future college logos. From shirts to hats to sweatpants, our seniors have it all.

This year the Yeshivah of Flatbush seniors were accepted to over 70 different colleges and universities. After working tirelessly for four years, they finally have reached a successful end. As they are all very proud of their accomplishments and extremely excited to embark on their new journeys next year, they wish to show their future school spirit. To do so,

many seniors have bought various types of clothing from their respective colleges.

Others have explored different items, buying drawstring bags, sleep masks, and even Rubik’s Cubes.

While they visit the school they will soon be attending, it is impossible not to notice the abundance of current students wearing clothes with their logos. Jonathan Fuzailov got himself a baseball tee from his future home, Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus. Abby Shegelman, seen recently sporting a V-neck

Johns Hopkins University tee, feels immense pride in her future college. Abby simply cannot wait to begin majoring in English on her way to becoming a doctor.

Michael Dayan, passionate about physics and engineering, couldn’t contain his excitement about attending Cooper Union. Michael purchased many objects with the Cooper logo, including a drawstring bag, shirt, Rubik’s Cube, pen, and Purell case.

The variety of items one can purchase from a college store is seemingly endless,

and our seniors are already in possession of many of them. Sarah Levy, who is on her way to Princeton University, simply couldn’t decide between an English or Hebrew shirt and bought both. Levy said she wanted to show her love for Hebrew, even at her college.

The college admissions process is a tiresome and challenging one. Once a student is accepted and commits, he can’t help but feel a sense of pride and joy. And what better way of expressing these feelings than through fashion?

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Sports Sportsman Spotlight: Helen Menashe Marlene Levy, 1-HR You might see her walking the halls, basking in senior glory, but Helen Menashe had to work long and hard to achieve what she has.

Menashe is the captain of both the girls Varsity Soccer team and the Dance team.

She has been on the Dance team for all of her high school career, but she has been on soccer only for her junior and senior years.

It seems like a lot, but Menashe handles both roles with the same beautiful grace.

After being asked why she loves dance so much, Menashe replied, “I’ve been

dancing since I’m a kid. It just flows in me and gives me that happy, giddy feeling you get when something amazing happens.”

One of her favorite parts of these teams is watching all of the different kinds of girls come together to play a sport that they all love. Other than being center stage and a shining star on the dance team, Menashe is also a very crucial player on the Soccer team, helping to set up goals and sometimes even scoring goals herself. “My favorite part about playing soccer is either setting up or receiving a great pass; it’s

such a rush when something magical and perfect happens.”

In addition to dance and soccer, Menashe was also on the Junior Varsity Volleyball team. She manages her week very efficiently, marking up her calendar with game days and putting aside a few days a week for work and friends, equally balancing her school and social life.

With Menashe’s high school career coming to an end, her teammates will certainly miss her leadership, poise, and athleticism. Good luck in college, Helen!

Faculty Leaving... cont’d from front page

hoping to pursue her doctoral degree, find a job teaching literature, and take more time to focus on her art. Ms. Stein is planning to enjoy summer vacation before moving to England, and to read 30 books before December because, well, why not?

She won’t be teaching next year, but is hoping to stay connected to the world of education as an e-tutor.

Ms. Benun, Mr. Cohen, and Ms. Mizrachi from the Science department have other plans as well. Ms. Benun is hoping to either continue teaching, start a business, or anything in between. She is very excited to start a new chapter in her life by exclusively focusing on any goals she sets for herself. Unlike the other teachers who are leaving the Yeshivah, Mr. Cohen is going on sabbatical. While he is away, Mr. Cohen is planning to focus on his photography hobby and spend time

traveling. Ms. Mizrahi, who joined the faculty this year to teach physics, is getting married June 10 and is entering a PhD proMr. Cohen gram in Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University.

Other faculty members who are leaving are Mr. Gombo, Ms. Fleischman, and Ms. Mann. College Guidance counselor Mr. Gombo will be joining the college

ahead of them! Judaic studies teachers who won’t be returning are Ms. Hanau, Rabbi Nochlin, Ms. Schwartz, and Rabbi Gez. Rabbi Nochlin is not going far, as he will be teaching at the YOF elementary school next year. Ms. Schwartz will be moving to Chicago with her husband, and she’s very excited to have found a new job teaching at a Jewish high school there. Rabbi Gez is planning to become a principal at a school in Israel.

The teachers from the English department who won’t be returning are Ms. Robinson and Ms. Stein. After her wedding and her big, intercontinental move, Ms. Stein Ms. Robinson is Alum Profile... cont’d from page 2

tering the world” nebulous and supplied multiple answers. “If it means supporting oneself financially, then the answer is no—I was very set on learning Torah in Israel and going to college first. If it means starting a family, the answer is still no (though it didn’t take long; I married my Flatbush classmate Sarah Chabbott three years after we graduated). But if it means being able to look at the world with mature, adult eyes, then the answer is a confident yes, and I probably have Flatbush to thank for providing a healthy setting to foster that kind of growth.”

Landman grew after he graduated, and, currently, Landman works in several interrelated fields; teaching Halacha and life skills in a post-high school Israel program for special needs students called Yeshivat Darkaynu, translating Torah articles into English, freelance writing, and constructing crossword puzzles that have been published in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Landman divulges that he is indebted to the Yeshivah of Flatbush for 12 years of Ivrit B’Ivrit that helped him in his work as a translator and made his transition to life in Israel much smoother. Most important, Landman utilized the Hebrew language while he was training as a chaplain during his service in the IDF in 2009-10.

Asked to share one lesson he has learned since leaving Flatbush, Landman answered,

“In high school, I constantly tried to be the best at things, or at least one of the best—it was an incredible thrill. I still love the idea of being the best, but since leaving Flatbush that has become increasingly unrealistic as the pool of people in my consciousness keeps growing. The truth, I’ve learned, is that unless your name is LeBron James or someone of his ilk, there will always be someone out there who is better than you at what you do. But I also learned two things that made me feel better about not being the best. First, you are a composite of your parts; any individual can be “the best” at their unique combination of skills and strengths. Second, and more importantly, comparing yourself to the people around you—rather than evaluating yourself on your own merits—is overrated. The expectations that family, teachers and peers have of you can be a powerful motivator. Sometimes these expectations can be a helpful force, but don’t let yourselves be held back by them if you want to pursue something different or unconventional.”

Landman thanks the Yeshivah for helping him find his identity and claims he wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. “I learned a tremendous amount in Flatbush, and all that learning set the stage and formed the foundation for a lifetime of learning, making me a better person with a more profound connection to the world around me.”

guidance team at The Frisch School. Ms. Fleischman is planning to travel (especially to Israel to see her grandchildren), take art classes, and enjoy her mornings by sleeping late. Ms. Mann is looking forward to working closer to home, since her current commute to Flatbush takes two hours.

Students and faculty alike offer heartfelt thanks to each departing member of our Flatbush family. We will truly miss everyone dearly and we wish them great luck and success!

New Teacher... cont’d from front page

which helped him hone his skill of “seeing and acknowledging talent.” Coach Kennedy developed a love of the game of basketball as a teen because his closest friends were great players who all went on to play Division I college basketball.

However, growing up, Coach Kennedy also ran track and played baseball, football, hockey, and tennis. “Ultimately, sports has expanded my horizons and I have learned so much,” he says.

One of the best choices he ever made and the highlight of his life, Coach Kennedy says, is working at Camp Seneca Lake. The camp was a site of learning for him, as he learned about himself and

about the Jewish community. He says, “I have met so many wonderful people that have become part of my family.” He even said that this experience has led to the great fortune of continuing his education, which ultimately led him to the Yeshivah of Flatbush.

Coach Kennedy says the students treat him with the utmost respect and impress him with their unwavering commitment to achieving academic excellence. Seeing the students applying the skills they acquire makes it easy and exciting to be a part of their development.

There’s no doubt Coach Kennedy is proud to be a Flatbush Falcon.

Goodbye, Welcome... cont’d from page 2

lowing my dream of becoming a fashion designer and going to FIT!” Her copilot, Nicole Yankovich, is already registered for an intriguing Holocaust class as part of the Brooklyn College Scholars Program. She says her interest in the subject was sparked by her participation in Witness Theater and the Heritage trip.

Lastly we have senior Robyn Dweck, our Photography Editor, who will be joining Rebecca and Merle in the Holy Land, but doing something completely different in Midreshet Amit. In Amit, the girls learn and are assigned to families with adopted children where they complete activities with them, in addition to choosing their own chesed every week.

Graduating Phoenix staffers, please accept our congratulations, our gratitude, and our fondest wishes for continued success in everything you do.

While we are left feeling bittersweet about the seniors’ departure, we are feeling only one thing regarding our incom-

ing editorial staff for next year: ecstasy.

Not only was it being promoted to Editor-In-Chief (thanks, Mr. H) which supplied this surge of excitement (for me, at least), but also our competent, creative, diligent, and fun new staff members.

Our new Managing Editor will be Miri Zenilman. Joining Miri and me will be Senior Editor Gabe Vizgan; School News Editor Gabi Cohen; Religion Editor Sarah Torgueman; Sports Editor Albert Dweck; Entertainment Editor Daniella Babaee; Music Editor Esty Fromer; Fun and Games Editor Merle Dweck (the future “Ask Merle”); Standard of Fabulous Editors Sylvia Ashkenazie and Aida Hasson; Junior Editors Diana Hoffstein, Mimi Lazerowitz, Naomi Sanders, and Jane Zakay; and Sophomore Editor Mary Jajati.

Yes, it’s a mouthful, but that only means plentiful ideas in store for next year, so stay tuned! We’re all looking forward to another informative and successful year. See you in September! www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 6