The Phoenix 2019-2020 Issue 3

A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 54, Issue 3 • December 2019 / 5780

Adult choir Students mixed over school’s taking off monitoring of class chats

By Stella Lessler School News Editor

Flatbush is currently testing a new alternative to Whatsapp in order to monitor student-teacher chats more effectively.

Over the past several months, the school has introduced many new rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and teachers. One of these new regulations requires at least two adults in any class or commission Whatsapp chat that includes a teacher. This restriction was set into place to ensure that no inappropriate or unsafe interactions were happening in these chats.

However, this rule has its drawbacks.

Chiefly, a second teacher added to a chat Members of the Forte at rehearsal for the sake of monitoring generally does not have the time nor patience to comb through the thousands of messages enBy Isaac Chabot Contributing Writer

The Flatbush Forte, the new choir for Flatbush parents, alumni, and staff, organized by Flatbush choir director Mr. Weinstein, Sarah Chrem ,and Ralph Shamah, seems to be a hit.

Thirty adults attended tryouts for the choir, which were held November 19. “It was hard to gauge how many people to expect, but I’m pleased with the turnout,” remarked Mr. Weinstein.

The adults who came to tryouts were, as requested by the flier announcing the choir, a mixture of mostly alumni, parents, and faculty members as well; all of these people have a relationship with the school and all love to sing.

The idea for the choir came from a few parents of Flatbush students, who had seen basically the same concept in Yeshivat Ramaz in Manhattan. The choir director at Ramaz runs a community choir, and the parents who observed this thought it would be a great idea to bring into Flatbush.

The new choir is set to rehearse on Tuesday evenings at the high school, and participants will learn and hone a mixture of different styles of music. Once the choir is ready, it will perform at different Flatbush events as well as at local venues.

In This Issue

Special Feature: Surviving Flatbush without getting enough sleep Page 3

tering their phone from said chat and therefore many such teachers keep those chats on mute, defeating the purpose of their joining the chat in the first place.

To counteract this problem, Flatbush has begun to test out a new class communication application named “Class.me.”

This messaging app allows the school to monitor chats without having to have a second adult scroll through thousands of messages manually. The new app is currently being put through a trial run with several commissions to test its performance.

Associate Principal Ms. Bacon stated that the school is “interested in safe ways that students and teachers can be in communication” and that she thinks that the new app is “worth trying.”

Some students seemed to agree with Ms. Bacon. Senior Isaac Levy stated that, considering the methods former Flatbush teacher Jonathan Skolnick used to

contact students, it is “a great thing that the school is able to monitor what is happening between teachers and students.”

Sophomore Jack Saad also believes the addition of the new application is a good idea, as it is “less annoying” to have a chat that the school monitors than to have two adults added to the current chats.

However, not all students agree with the school’s step into further monitorization. Many students who spoke on the condition of anonymity complained that the school monitoring their messages is an invasion of their privacy, and others simply found it creepy. Several students compared the situation to being watched

by Big Brother in George Orwell’s novel 1984, stating that it makes them uncomfortable to know that someone is always watching them.

continued on page 4

Seniors serenade bride and groom

By Jayne Haddad Managing Editor

Flatbush seniors serenaded a couple on their wedding night on November 16, the Saturday night of Senior Seminar.

The seniors had spent the entire day staying out of the way of the wedding party, but late Saturday night the wedding had ended and the students were allowed back into the main atrium of the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. The couple, a principal and teacher, walked toward the windows on the main floor at 1:30am to find all 130 seniors arm in arm, singing passionately around the hotel’s grand piano.

The happy newlyweds then requested the song “Soldier” by Gavin DeGraw, a heartwarming song about a man hopelessly in love with his significant other, for whom he would do anything even in the toughest times. Ricky Sasson, who was at the piano, immediately began playing the melody, and the students started singing the first verse as the couple swayed and held each other close.

Entertainment: Frozen grows up Page 5

After a full weekend of inspiration it was only fitting that the grade as a whole was able to make the couple’s special weekend extra special. “For me, being able to play piano added even more joy to the occasion. I was able to bring people together to make others happy, and that feeling was amazing!” said Sasson.

The unity of the grade in that moment was represented by the union of the newlyweds. The atmosphere was filled with love. One of the managers of the hotel whipped out his phone to record the moment. When the song ended, the bride and groom shared a kiss and the room erupted in applause.

The Kiddush Hashem was so powerful that the couple extended an invitation to Rabbi Besser to join their breakfast the next morning. They said that they thought what the students did was

beautiful. The Berkeley staff seemed to agree, and the hotel posted a video clip of the scene on its Instagram profile.

The serenade alleviated the hotel’s worries about hosting two big productions simultaneously. One of the other hotel managers even called Rabbi Besser to express how he was sorry for not being at the hotel at the time it happened.

Everyone involved, it seems, was deeply moved by the beautiful moment.

Fashion: Hip-hop artists as designers Page 7

Sports: When your teachers were Falcons Page 8

The wedding was Saturday afternoon

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Flatbush Family: The Frastais

Faculty Freshman:

Ms. Shalom

By Maurice Silvera Contributing Writer

By Ralph Askenazi Contributing Writer

Ms. Shalom just started teaching in Flatbush and teaches four Writing Workshop classes (one freshman class and three junior classes). While teaching is admittedly a challenging job, Ms. Shalom is truly enjoying teaching her students.

Since the beginning of the year, Ms. Shalom has learned a lot about teaching: “The classroom is a perfect segue into teaching, into exploring what works and doesn’t work as a teacher. … The classroom allows for me to create good relationships with my students.”

Each teacher has something that they want their students to take away from their class, and this is no different for Ms. Shalom. “Something I say frequently is that I want every piece of work my students hand in to me to be a piece of work they are proud of, something that indicates that the student put in 100% effort, and they can hand it in with pride because it’s something they are personally proud of,” Ms. Shalom said, adding that she wants students to learn responsibility and accountability.

A final thing she hopes that students will get from her class is for her students to think independently, forming their own thoughts or ideas, and hopefully having the confidence to share them while hearing other people’s.

Shalom did just that when she was a student at Flatbush. After graduating, she attended Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She is currently completing a master’s degree at Brooklyn College, which means she

spends her days on both sides of the teacher’s desk.

“As a new teacher, I stress about messing up. What if I say the wrong thing?

What if I teacher the wrong thing? What if, what if?” and even despite a teacher’s worries, and work, each teacher has something that is most important to them.

For Ms. Shalom that would be getting the student’s motivated to learn. As much as this is important to her, she notes that it’s important for her students to keep that yearning, and keep on learning.

“I absolutely loved school as a student. I guess that’s evident—I love it so much that I came back to teach! I felt important,” Ms. Shalom said, noting that it is especially rewarding to come back to Flatbush, a place she considers her home.

When she’s not at school or taking graduate classes, Ms. Shalom likes baking, reading, and exercising.

Even with all the effort Ms. Shalom puts in her job, there are still some things she wants to fix. “I hope to better manage my time. I strive to learn ways to further engage and motivate my students.”

Even with these struggles, Ms. Shalom still loves the job. “The fun part of teaching is seeing my kids every day. I finally understand what Mr. Engel meant by, ‘My children.’ I get it. I feel it.”

In the beginning of the school year, ninth grader Danielle Frastai was nervous entering a completely new environment, but her older brother Alan, a junior, made sure to help ease her nerves by giving her small tips.

He told her to make sure to remember her schedule, hand in her homework on time for certain teachers, and study extra for specific tests. He made sure she knew the ins and outs of the school. Alan mostly tells her to use her time wisely and study instead of getting distracted by social media. He thinks that if she does well in Freshman year, it’ll be smooth sailing for her next three years in school.

Danielle wasn’t nervous about living up to her brother’s achievements. In fact, she felt that since he was known in the school, she would be known by association. She was right: she came on the first day with her teachers already knowing how hardworking and kind she was from their past experience with Alan. However, the teachers did need some help from Alan to make the connection.

If she needs anything, Alan will always lend Danielle something—whether it’s a pencil, a book, or even money—“because she’s family.” Danielle doesn’t feel quite the same way about lending her brother things; she’ll lend him money or pens, but when it comes to books, that’s where Danielle draws the line. “I don’t really trust Alan with my stuff because I honestly don’t think he’s that responsible to hold my books for me,” she admitted.

Danielle says they never needed to share notes, but that they’re learning the same thing in Talmud, so sometimes she’ll even help him.

The winding path to journalism Alumnus interview: Meir Zeitchik

By Rachel Lincer Entertainment Editor

Today Meir (Steven) Zeitchik (HS ‘92) is a staff writer for the Washington Post, but when he was a student at Yeshivah of Flatbush 27 years ago, he never focused on writing. Instead, he was involved in basketball, mock elections, and Mishmar.

To Zeitchik, his relationships with classmates were the most essential to maintain. He attended many school trips and says he received a wide appreciation for New York from school trips to baseball games, Broadway shows, and other parts of the city. He cared most for the moments he shared with individuals and says it all helped him navigate adulthood.

Although Flatbush did not directly

steer him toward a career in journalism career, many things he learned in high school have helped him along the way. He says Yeshivah of Flatbush gave him both knowledge and basic reasoning abilities, which he tries to implement in his professional and personal life on a daily basis.

The teachers in Flatbush taught Zeitchik many different valuable lessons to take with him in life. Despite all the time that has passed,

The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Raquel Silvera Managing Editor: Jayne Haddad Senior Editors: Claudine Hadef, Bonnie Melamed School News Editors: Diana Gindi, Stella Lessler Religion Editor: Rose Sternberg World News Editor: Sarah Dagmy Entertainment Editors: Rachel Lincer, Danielle Mehani Food Editor: Sarina Shalom

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he still remembers Rabbi Prag’s commitment to and devoted love of Judaism, and Ms. Kaplowitz’s passion for current events and being a part of the wider world.

A moment that still stands out to Zeitchik came at the end of his senior year. Mr. Hausdorff, z”l, refused to allow him to join the Arista vs. Faculty basketball game because his grades

Fashion Editors: Rose Kurland, OrDavid Menashe Fun & Games Editor: Reuben Goldstein Sports Editor: Nathan Sidaoui Junior Editors: Carole Cohen, Terri Elmann, Kaden Harari, Michael Oved, Jennifer Salzman Sophomore Editors: Elie Esses, Nicole Muravsky Design: Carolina Cohen Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter

Alan (left) and Danielle Frastai Danielle doesn’t mind Alan hanging out with her friends, because they think he’s funny and nice. Alan feels the same way about Danielle in front of his friends.

They both like that they go to the same school now, because they can relate to similar issues, see each other in the halls, and “bother each other,” as Danielle said jokingly.

Both siblings feel closer to each other and that they have a stronger bond than before, because now they have more things to discuss and connect on. They compare teachers, talk about their classes, and even have private jokes.

While it may be good that they’re closer than they were before, Danielle feels that they don’t really get time apart.

“We live in the same house,” she explained. “We only get time apart when we’re sleeping.” However, Alan says they split up once they get home, as Danielle goes to her room and they start their schoolwork. But he says that they still talk and relax and even make Tik Toks together.

Overall, Danielle is grateful for Alan because he tells her what to expect from his own firsthand experience. She says, “It’s really to my advantage that I have an older sibling in high school with me.” missed the cut-off. Although at the time he was upset, it couldn’t have worked out better. He learned that the only way to succeed in life is by picking yourself up after failing and never giving up until you achieve your goal. This lesson still applies to his life today.

Reading many journalists and authors fueled Zietchik’s passion to write.

He didn’t care much for school assignments, but he understood early on that he enjoyed writing about what he witnessed happening around him.

After high school, Zeitchik attended Yeshiva University and earned a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Political Science and minoring in American Studies. He then received his master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

At the Washington Post, Zeitchik deals most with reporting, writing, navigating editors, cultivating sources, and finding

continued on page 4

High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari, Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Principal Ms. Sari Bacon, Associate Principal Ms. Esther Hidary, Assistant Principal / Director of Admissions

No sleep till Brooklyn

Flatbush teachers and students struggle to survive without enough sleep

By Kaden Harari

acknowledges, “I usually am tired during the day, but I think if I was taught how to Junior Editor deal with my workload in advance then Slumping through the halls, many I’d get more sleep at night.” According to sleep-deprived students groan about be- junior Betty Hidary, “It’s not really a mating consumed by the build-up of exhaus- ter of whether you’re in Honors or not. tion. Although it may be overlooked, Even though I might have less work to students are not the only ones facing “a do than my friend, I still end up going to monstrous workload during and after sleep at the same time as her.”

The lack of this critical skill contribschool hours,” as one overwhelmed junior put it. Teachers are also tied to ob- utes to the lack of sleep, but often the ligations, and whether school-related or day is simply too short to accomplish not, some of them may be even more tir- all there is to be done. “Sometimes,” Hidary adds, “people who are better at time ing than those of students.

The National Sleep Foundation sug- management are involved in things that gests that the average adult should receive push everything off and force them to 7–9 hours of sleep per night, though it sleep later.”

Much like their students, teachers jugwould appear that the faculty at Yeshivah of Flatbush are not that privileged and gle much more than classroom responsioften get significantly less sleep than that. bilities. Many teachers play other roles in Assistant administrator and Tana- school outside their regular teaching pekh teacher Rabbi Galpert admits that riods. For example, Señora Ovadia runs he usually sleeps five hours on a regular two commissions, manages Hallway Sunight; during special events such as Sem- pervision, and is in charge of community inar or Chesed Mission, he gets as little service for every grade, all in addition as 3 hours of sleep. Similarly, Ms. Marcus to teaching Spanish and Halakha. And sleeps 6 hours a night, but “events like these are merely her responsibilities to Color War, parent-teacher conferences, school, which must be addressed on top or Seminar obviously force me to deviate of life’s other obligations, including being a spouse and parent. from any schedule I have.”

Ms. Marcus acknowledged that the On the other hand, Mr. Rothbort asserts the importance of maintaining a reasons behind receiving minimal hours consistent sleep routine. He regiments of sleep and pulling all-nighters have himself so as to rarely deviate from the changed throughout the stages in her recommended 7 hours and to ensure life. But as an adult, she realizes that “stuthose hours are restful: “I do read before dents are actually better suited to deal sleeping for the night and try to avoid with less sleep as, generally speaking, they have fewer responsibilities. I know electronics a half hour before bedtime.”

Mr. Rothbort also advises to con- no kid thinks that, but they will as they sume caffeine in moderation; he has one get older.”

Throughout a school day, students cup per day (and none after 1pm), while Señora Ovadia depends on two cups ev- who receive the same amount of sleep as ery morning. Others, like Rabbi Galpert, teachers usually display the signs of exhaustion more prominently than teachavoid caffeine at all costs.

Teachers may take different routes in ers do. Senior Audrey Sutton claimed, “I dealing with exhaustion, but the destina- don’t often see teachers yawning. If they tion is the same: in Mr. Rothbort’s words, do, they attempt to make it discreet.” On teachers must constantly be “on” in the the other hand, tired students sometimes classroom. Ms. Marcus strives to be on doze off in class and often can be heard her “A-game” for her students in school complaining about the dark bags under their eyes. One senior even admitted that and her children at home.

Students have a similar struggle. Not a teacher once thought she had a black only are students required to be “on” eye because of how dark her under eye during class, but also they participate circles were from lack of sleep.

Biologically speaking, younger adults in extracurriculars and have work to be done at home. In addition to these fac- might not possess the same capacity to tors, sleep is often deterred by a more function on low energy levels as adults, so they are therefore physically more expowerful force called procrastination.

Most teachers and students agree that hausted and express it freely. Alternativeorganizing priorities and managing them ly, the difference between tired students in a timely manner is the first step toward and tired teachers can be attributed to gaining sleep. Freshman Solomon Terzi their respective mentalities. Ms. Marcus finds the strength to fight fatigue from loving what she does. Additionally, her enthusiasm is naturally brought about in the day, being as “pressure energizes me.”

Otherwise, she’ll tell herself, “Fake it until you make it.”

Rabbi Galpert, who has become accustomed to little sleep, emphasizes the significance of “waking up like a lion,” as instructed in the Shulchan Arukh. “This applies to our daily lives. We must conquer the day focused on what we have to do, ready to do what we have to do.”

For teachers and students alike, getting an appropriate amount of sleep may seem unrealistic. It takes effort, but implementing time management skills and Exhaustion hits some harder than others regulating oneself to a steady routine are

Sleepy students often grab naps when and where they can, like seniors Rose Kurland (top) and Esther Spigel (above) keys to a healthy lifestyle where one’s productivity is maximized at optimal energy levels. When healthy sleeping habits are derailed, most agree that ways to cope include eating clean foods, stay-

ing hydrated, and maintaining the right mindset to take on the day. After all, Elizabethan writer Thomas Dekker once said “sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”

New commission creating app

By Nicole Muravsky Sophomore Editor

The App Club, a new commission for innovative Flatbush students started by sophomore Marc Lessler, is working on making a fully functioning app by the end of this year.

Each participant gets to learn about “react native,” a framework created by Facebook that is used to make Android and IOS apps, as well as learn the computer language Javascript. The main goal for this club is to have an app on Google Play/App Store by the end of this school year. The participants aspire to possibly compete in upcoming years in app design.

Lessler said, “I had this idea for a long time to make a commission where everyone would work as a team to create an app.” This idea sprouted once Lessler worked with others on coding apps during the summer in a program in Manhattan recommended to him by the Pathfinders team.

Lessler stated, “I started the commission, but Mrs. Hanon really propelled it forward.” What started as an idea is now a productive commission, with the help of Mrs. Hanon and Flatbush alumnus Ikey Benzakein.

Benzakein is the perfect match to help the students advance in coding apps, as

he himself now attends MakeSchool college in San Francisco and learns full-time how to create new software. He started a program for coding apps with MakeSchool during the summer of his junior year at Flatbush, which Mrs. Hanon found for him. Since then, Benzakein has created two iPhone games and a couple of websites.

“When Mrs. Hanon said she wanted to get an app club going for the school, it was a no brainer for me to jump on as an advisor,” Benzakein explained. “It’s the exact program I wish the school had when I was there, and I was happy to repay the favor to Mrs. Hanon for leading me to where I am today.”

The participants in this club are extremely excited to have this opportunity.

David Mosseri, a sophomore in the club, said, “I’m excited to learn the fundamentals of creating and using apps. Nowadays, jobs all over the world are requiring more and more knowledge in computer science and this course is a great way to learn it.

Another enthusiastic participant of this commission, sophomore Evan Rosenfeld, explained, “I like to be involved in activities that I enjoy that can also benefit others. I also like technology and I think we can create an app that helps the school.”

Benzakein (middle) advises the club

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Protests In Iraq Lead to PM Mahdi’s Resignation

D’var Torah:

Home is where the heart is

By Rose Sternberg Religion Editor

Parliament will decide on Mahdi’s fate amid continuing anti-government protests

By Sarah Dagmy World News Editor

Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s Prime Minister, announced his resignation last Friday after Iraq’s bloodiest day since Iraq’s anti-government protests began almost two months earlier.

On November 28, more than 45 individuals were massacred, and collectively approximately 400 individuals have been killed at anti-government protests since the beginning of the protests in October.

The protesters continue to riot against the country’s soaring corruption, high unemployment rates, and abysmal public services. They have also been demonstrating against Iran’s influence on Iraqi affairs. They have accused Mahdi of being a puppet of the Iranian government, and chanted “Iran out of Iraq” as they attacked the Iranian consulate with firebombs.

The first wave of protests began on October 1st and ended on October 9th after Mahdi promised to reform the

country according to the protesters’ demands. He agreed to combat corruption by reconstructing his official cabinet and by minimizing the salaries of political officials. He also said that he’d launch new solutions to reduce the unemployment rate, specifically among the youth.

However, after about two weeks the second wave began as protesters returned on October 25th to accuse Mahdi of not following through on his promises. Most of the protesters are under the age of 30 and demonstrate against the government since they are unemployed. Much of the protests ensued in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, specifically in the Green Zone, Tahrir, because the protesters wanted to dismantle the Iraqi government and political system that was established there post-2003.

Security troops opened fire with live ammunition and tear gas against the protesters in the second wave, killing many protesters. In reaction the demonstrations spread across the country.

Home isn’t where you lay your head today or tomorrow or the place where your family is. It is quite the opposite actually, as we learn from Lavan and from Esav, who were meant to make Yaakov a home to rest in, a place where he could feel safe and secure in the company of his family, but instead chased him out and cheated him.

Home is the place that you make for yourself—your sanctuary and solace in times of trouble. Home is with the people who make you who you are, who comfort you in your moments of despair, who teach you the beliefs that shape you into the person you become.

It’s the people in our lives who inspire the greatest action from us.

Like Yaakov, who moved the enormous stone, which normally took more than five men to move, on his own, and who worked for seven years to be worthy of Rachel’s hand, but felt as though only days had passed. Like Rachel and Leah, who were both so desperate for children they prayed as they never had before, and their prayers were answered.

The love we feel for others can

be a shield that protects us from all pain and harm others might throw our way, strengthening us so we can become the best versions of ourselves. The people in our lives can bring out the best in us.

But they can also bring out the worst. It’s a double-edged sword, the love we feel for others, and it can hurt us and all those around us.

Like the love Yaakov had for Rachel, which blinded him from her crime of theft, and caused him to curse her unknowingly. Like Rachel and Leah’s love for their husband, which led to a cruel and brutal competition between sisters for the love of a husband and warmth of children.

Like all the betrayal and mistrust between Lavan and Yaakov, from Yaakov’s suspicion that he would be cheated out of a wife, to Laban’s suspicion that Yaakov, his own family, had stolen from him. Or Rachel, who had actually stolen from her father.

In the end, the choices we make are a reflection of not only who we are, but who we keep around us.

Choices we make, not based on family or blood, but based on those who saw us through the lowest points of our lives and not only helped us get up again, but also accepted us as we were and still helped us grow.

Students mixed over school’s monitoring of class chats

continued from page 1

Others believe that the app is simply unnecessary. Senior Joey Blanka stated, “I think it’s fine if kids contact their teachers on Whatsapp as long as their teachers aren’t sending anything inappropriate; I don’t think they need an entire other app

for texting.”

Several junior girls agreed with Blanka, saying they believe the app is “just extra,” “inconvenient,” and that there is “no need for it.”

The winding path to journalism Alumnus Meir Zeitchik (HS ’92) continued from page 1

Protests streched from Baghdad to Basra

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the truth. The job, he says is, “a lot of calling around, picking people’s brains, angling for a tip or a new way of looking at a story. And then trying to make sense of it with a blank screen in front of you. But once you get rolling it can be really fun.

And the finished product, if you do your job right, offers an incomparable sense of achievement.”

Although it depends on the story being written, according to Zeitchik, making readers laugh, feel, or relate to your story means you have good content. “All you really want is the readers interest in your story. But, if you’re able to achieve more than one in the same piece, that is amazing.”

In addition to the Post, Zeitchik likes reading many newspapers and maga-

zines, including The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and The Atlantic. In his free time he enjoys movies, playing sports, and traveling. However, he is wary of free time because these activities can sometimes get in the way of his work.

Zietchik advises future writers to, “Read, read, read. Read any publication with good writing. Also, write every day.

Whether it’s an assignment for school, a piece for The Phoenix, a little family or friend project you take on for yourself, even a recap of a favorite TV show—it’s all helpful. You’ll begin to see huge leaps in your abilities. And you’ll soon want to try out new forms and tricks. That’s when it really gets fun.”

Entertainment LaBrant family is doing good Is Selena really over Justin?

By Jenna Ashkenazie Contributing Writer

The LaBrant family, a popular YouTube family with over 10 million subscribers, has begun using their fame to help people.

Husband and father Cole, 23, got his start on Vine making 6-second videos with his two best friends, John Grice and Baylor Barnes. In 2016, he and his then girlfriend, Savannah, started their YouTube channel, Cole&Sav. They got married in 2017, and have a one-yearold daughter, Posie, and a seven-year-old daughter, Everleigh, who also has her own YouTube channel, Everleigh Opens Toys, with over 2 million subscribers.

After Posie was born, the family changed their YouTube channel’s name from Cole&Sav to The LaBrant Fam. Their channel mostly consists of family vlogs and challenges, like whoever stays in the pool the longest wins $1,000.

Two of their more recent videos really stand out. In these two videos the family went door to door to pay people’s rent and also went to a grocery store and paid for everyone’s groceries. In the intro to both these videos Cole talks about how every year in November and December the family loves to do charity, but they nev-

er actually got it on camera it until now because they didn’t want it to seem as though they were only doing good deeds to get views.

They decided to video themselves this year after they were inspired by another YouTube channel, That Was Epic. They hoped that their videos will help inspire others to help others.

In the rent video, Cole and Savannah went door to door at apartment complexes asking people how much they pay for rent. They then gave each family the amount of money they said the rent was, ranging from $600 up to $2,700. The joy was apparent on not only the receiving families faces, but also on Cole and Savannah’s. It was clear how happy being able to help strangers made them.

And in the grocery store video, they went up to everyone in the store individually and offered to pay for their groceries. They even encouraged people to fill up their carts as much as they could.

They brought their kids with them to the store to show them how it feels to give to others.

Charming, cute, and funny, it’s clear why the LaBrant family has such a large following.

Movie Review:

Frozen 2 grows up with joy Simone Amkraut Contributing Writer

In the six years since Frozen first premiered a new version of the Disney princess, one who’s as much a tempest as she is a snowflake, the movie’s original fans have grown older and so have the characters and the story they have to tell; Frozen 2 leaves no doubt that both have aged well.

In the sequel’s second song, when the ensemble sings, “Some things never change / Somethings stay the same / But I can go out and seize this day,” they capture the essence of the movie’s message: unlike Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, all the rest of us must grow up, and as it so happens, growing up is a fine thing to do!

Amidst the stunning visuals of the Disney animators that make us all wish we could live among the snowflakes and icicles, our beloved Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven retain their enchantment and yet manage to convey a more grown-up grasp of the world and the emotions that make the movie’s fantastical characters so real and relatable. As Elsa sets out to right the wrongs of a past generation and Anna once again proves that bravery can belong to mortals as much as to wizards, the two sisters prove that, no matter the pain people cause each other, there is always a bridge to

redemption if one is only willing to try.

While the original Frozen established the iconic characters—the tough-as-ice princesses, the romantic but bumbling boyfriend, the naive but good-hearted snowman—and gave us a traditional fairy tale plot of the heroes rescuing others, Frozen 2 is much more a journey of self-discovery. As Olaf sings “When I Am Older,” he and all the characters come to terms with life’s transitions as they explore many more grown up themes like love and marriage, betrayal and forgiveness. Nevertheless, even as Olaf sings about growing and adapting, he remains the movie’s perpetual child, providing comic relief to the delight of the children—and the young at heart— in the audience as he gently guides us into the reality that, even though we must all grow up, transitions don’t have to be scary; they can be full of new adventures and deeper understandings.

Disney’s animators outdid themselves, transforming water into a fantastical ice stallion, creating crystalline snowflakes, and designing glacier palaces, all gleaming against a midnight backdrop. And the introduction of a new capture-your-heart character, a fiery snow-licking salamander named Bruni who brings vibrant magenta and lapis blue to the permafrost world, will send children running to the stores for a new

By Elizabeth Nadjar Contributing Writer

Pop artist Selena Gomez announced her comeback to the music world on November 21 with her new album, SG2 (to be released on January 10, 2020). This will be her first full album since the 2015 release of Revival. Gomez excitedly told her fans, “This album is my diary from the past few years and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Before the release of her upcoming album, Gomez decided to share two singles from the album, “Lose You To Love Me,” which has become her first song to make it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and “Look At Her Now.” Both of the songs reference her failed relationship with Justin Beiber, who married model Hailey Baldwin earlier this year.

In “Lose You To Love Me,” Gomez seems to be speaking directly to Bieber with the line, “In two months you replaced me.”

Only two months after their split, Beiber was seen getting cozy with Hailey Baldwin.

In addition, Gomez insinuates in “Look At Her Now” that a previous boyfriend had cheated on her. It’s easy to brush this off as just a love song, but because of her complicated love history we can’t help but wonder if it’s about Beiber.

The release of these two singles stirred up some controversy online as Gomez’s fans suspected Hailey Bieber, through one of her social media posts, was “throwing shade” at Gomez, and Gomez’s fans were quick to attack. Gomez later took to Instagram Live to tell her fans to stop tearing other women down.

Gomez and Beiber had an on-again, off-again relationship dating back to 2010, when they claimed their relationship was strictly platonic, but then went public in February of 2011 (known by fans as the birth of “Jelena”). After taking several breaks throughout their relationship, Selena finally walked away in May 2018, claiming it was the healthiest solution for the both of them.

Soon after Beiber and Baldwin became engaged, Gomez spent her time avoiding the limelight, reuniting with family, catching up with old friends, and building a support system to help her heal and reach a better place. She also revealed that she suffers from the kidney disease lupus, and has been healing after undergoing a transplant in 2017.

She says she is open to dating, but right now she is solely focused on herself and enjoying life. Maybe this new album is her chance to speak about how she felt seeing Beiber move on so quickly after an almost eight-year relationship.

Disney+ gives High School Musical new life as series

By Danielle Mehani With the release of the new Disney+ app, the new series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (no, that’s not a mistake, that’s the actual name of the series) came as well to excite all of us Troy Bolton fans.

The original High School Musical, released in 2006, led to the creation of a whole genre of high school movies filled with drama and teen romance.

The creator of the new series, Tim Federle, knew that trying to replace original stars Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens with new actors would leave him drowning in criticism from fans. So he decided that this new series would be a return to the halls of East High, where the students are putting on a production of High School Musical. Not only is it a basic teen drama that we all hate to admit that we love, but Ferderle decided to take a new twist by

filming it in a mockumentary style, just like The Office.

The first episode begins with a new theater director arriving at East High, excited to create the production of High School Musical. She urges the students to try out for the play, which many students do, including main character Ricky, who never had an interest in musicals before, but does it to get his girlfriend Nini back.

Federle explained that, “at a certain point you have to get away from Troy and Gabriella,” which means introducing more of the characters’ academic lives and including scenes set outside of school.

When the original movie aired in 2006, it was one of the most-watched premieres ever for the Disney Channel.

Within a year, the move generated $500 million and it is estimated that over 225 million people around the world have seen it. This series is clearly very exciting news to fans all over the world.

favorite stuffed toy.

Frozen 2 has tremendous musical shoes to fill, as the first movie produced so many hits that have become Disney classics. In this challenge, the movie does not fail. The songs in Frozen 2 have an almost theatrical, big-stage Broadway feel.

Kristen Bell brings surprising depth to her songs, Idina Menzel’s voice rings out with the crystal purity of the ice figures that pour forth from Elsa’s fingers.

Like its predecessor, Frozen 2 asks us, “Do you want to build a snowman?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Entertainment Editor

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Fun & Games Ask Merle Dear Merle, Why do I have all of my classes after breakfast and lunch on the fourth floor?

It’s frustrating and painful.

Any advice?

Sick of Stairs Dear Sick, Sometimes life throws us curveballs and it’s what we make of them that count. The stairs may seem challenging and insurmountable, but remember: There’s always gonna be another mountain, You’re always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose Ain’t about how fast you get there Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side It’s the climb!

Best, Merle P.S. The climb is also a great way to get some exercise in. No pain, no gain.

Hi Merle, Lately I’ve been feeling as if I’m drowning in schoolwork, and downtime is so out of reach. Any advice on how to keep afloat in all this work?

Sincerely, Swamped Student Dear Swamped, First off, I feel you.

Secondly, with very tight and demanding schedules, it is essential to plan, or at least outline how you spend your time. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a play-byplay of every hour of your evenings and weekends. But try to at least have an idea of how that time will be spent and the desired outcomes. This will help you visualize and work toward your goals.

When it comes down to it, don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Take some time to do something that makes you happy, something you love.

After all, everyone can use some me-time once in a while.

Best of Luck, Merle

The Natareeze

b

GLASS HALF FULL

• Chanukah is the superior Jewish holiday • Seminar!!!!

• I feel so accomplished by the fact that I love school. It’s like we (school and I) went to couples therapy and we learned to love each other.

• In class, the teacher brought up my research paper topic and it set me off. After he and the whole class told me to be quiet, I started arguing with myself for a good two minutes about two opposing points pertaining to my project.

• In English, my teacher and a classmate had a vocab showdown. It was something to witness.

GLASS HALF EMPTY

• I’m considering bringing a hot water dispenser to school because I like my 11th-period tea but not when it’s $100.

Don’t @ me. I’m salty.

• Seminar drama (fake drama, but still).

• I wanna donate blood but I’m a chicken. Let me rephrase that. I’m sorry this is selfish, but I don’t understand how one can calmly sit with a needle stuck in their arm as this pouch it’s attached to fills with blood. Again, I’m sorry.

• I really do not know how to spell anything. You couldn’t pay me to spell “Tomorrow” without a million Ms and Rs. • On Plus Portals, it says I cut a class and I never cut class or come late to school.

I’m freakin’ out, man.

• The semester is practically over and before ya know it, SATs and Regents

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By Natalie Ryba Staff Writer

THINGS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK SHOWS+MOVIES You’ve Got Mail Love Rosie The Spectacular Now Victorious

SONGS “Blues Run The Game” by Simon and Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel “Blackbird” by The Beatles “Walk Right In” by the Rooftop Singers

THAT’S SHOW BIZ BABY

• My math teacher looked at my homework and laughed. I don’t know how bad you have to be at math to have a teacher laugh at your homework.

Seriously. They can be disappointed, suspicious, angry, happy, but not amused. She looked at it as if she were flipping through a book of Archie comics.

• In class, a teacher of mine constantly mistakes one of my classmates for a specific sophomore (If you aren’t keeping up, I’m a junior) and it’s become a running joke in the class.

• One day I was on the train, and I saw the sophomore. I approached him as if he were a celebrity. It was highly embarrassing for me and highly entertaining for his friends Follow me on Instagram @thenatabreeze

Hey Merle, Seminar is around the corner and the pressure for rooms has kicked in.

I have a group and I’m ready to submit my form, but I know a person without a room who wants to join mine. The only problem is, the majority of my group says this person makes them uncomfortable. Do you have any advice on how to keep both parties happy?

Righteous Junior Dear Righteous, Seminar is great but room drama isn’t.

Seminar is all about having fun and being spiritually uplifted. If you know of someone who needs a room but your friends don’t feel comfortable with that person, don’t force it. Though it sounds like a nice thing to do in spirit of Seminar, it most likely will backfire because your friends won’t be their usual selves.

They may be more

The Food Corner Chanukah! The Festival of lights, gifts, and fried food. What better way to celebrate it than with fresh, homemade doughnuts? Enjoy the classic confection anyway you want—filled, glazed, or even powdered! Bring these to your next Chanukah party or Secret Macabee gift exchange. They will not fail to impress!

INGREDIENTS: • 1 ¼ cups milk • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one package) active dry yeast • 2 eggs • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon salt • 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough • 2 quarts neutral oil, for frying, plus more for the bowl.

DIRECTIONS: • Heat the milk until it is warm but not hot.

• In a large bowl, combine it with the yeast. Stir lightly, and let sit until the mixture is foamy.

• Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, beat the eggs, butter, sugar and salt into the yeast mixture.

Add half of the flour, and mix until combined • Mix in the rest of the flour slowly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Add more flour if the dough seems too sticky.

withdrawn and won’t enjoy Seminar.

While it does depend on the group of people, in general, forced coexistence isn’t successful. If you really care about this person, help them find a room with another group of people. If you need further advice, chat it up with someone in the guidance department or Rabbi Besser; they are on your side.

Best, Merle Have questions for Merle? Send them to askmerle2020@gmail.

By Sarina Shalom Food Editor

• Grease a large bowl with a little oil.

Transfer the dough to the bowl, and cover. Let rise at room temperature until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

• Turn the dough out onto a wellfloured surface, and roll it to 1/2inch thickness. Cut out the doughnuts with a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.

• Knead any scraps together, being careful not to overwork, and let rest for a few minutes before repeating the process.

• Put the doughnuts on floured baking sheets, leaving plenty of room between each one.

• Cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until they are slightly puffed up and delicate, about 45 minutes.

• About 15 minutes before the doughnuts are done rising, put the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 375 degrees.

• Carefully add the doughnuts to the oil, a few at a time, either with your hands or a spatula.

• When the bottoms are deep golden, after 45 seconds to a minute, use a slotted spoon to flip; cook until they’re deep golden all over. Transfer the doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate, and repeat with the rest of the dough.

• Once cool to touch, but still warm, decorate as you wish. Roll in cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar, dip in glaze, and/or fill with any jam or custard you’d like!

Standard of Fabulous Evolution of Fashion

Hip-hop artists are becoming bankable fashion brands

By Judy Tawil Contributing Writer

Over the past few years, rap has made its way into mainstream media and dominates the charts more than ever before. The urban influence on today’s youth doesn’t just stop there.

These times have also brought us the rise of streetwear and “hypebeast” culture.

And we have some of our favorite rappers to thank for that.

Perhaps the biggest rap influence on the fashion industry is Kanye West. West launched his own sneaker line, Yeezy, with Nike in 2009 and later switched over to Adidas in 2013. West’s cultural impact is comparable to Michael Jordan’s wave of sneakers back in the ’90s. Yeezys account for about half the annual sales of Jordan’s.

Some of Kanye’s earlier sneaker designs sell for up to thousands today.

The brand also ventures beyond sneakers. Yeezy apparel has a very consistent style. Everything West designs is neutral-toned and simplistic. His latest completed collection, Season 6, consists of anything from coats to accessories for men, women, and kids.

Just like any other rapper, Kanye drops merch with any tour or upcoming album.

His infamous The Life of Pablo tour came with merchandise designed in collaboration with artist Cali Thornhill Dewitt. He has collaborated with well-renowned artist Takashi Murakami, on the album covers of Graduation and more recently Kids See Ghosts. The Kids See Ghosts hoodie released in 2018 consists of Murakami’s artwork as well as designs by Virgil Abloh, the designer behind Off-White. Every merch drop coming from Kanye is just as highly anticipated as some of his Yeezy drops.

However, his Sunday Service merch brought controversy with its Christian themes.

Many argued that he was profiting off religion, but this did not hurt sales. In fact, West continued on with his religious theme throughout his latest album, Jesus Is King, also followed by merch.

Tyler the Creator is another pioneer in the hip-hop/ fashion field. The 28-year-old has already animated his own cartoon, become an Internet personality, created Odd Fu-

ture, written and produced his own album, produced his own music videos, and created his own fashion label.

Tyler established Golf Wang in 2011 and began a collaboration with Vans in 2012. The brand mainly appeals to skaters and can be found at almost any streetwear store today. In 2016, at a Golf Wang fashion show, Tyler announced GOLF le FLEUR, a collaborative sneaker brand with Converse. Similar to Yeezys, GOLF le FLEUR sneakers and apparel get resold at a premium on secondary market platforms.

However, Tyler’s style embodies nothing of the “hypebeast” rap culture.

Tyler has said during multiple interviews that his sense of style used to get him mocked. The man often experiments with bright, “feminine” colors and bold designs.

Staying true to his vision is the best thing Tyler could have possibly done.

Both his brands are major successes.

They are recognized for originality and authenticity coming from the designer himself. All of Tyler’s designs seem to stand out as flamboyant and possibly gender neutral. This has gotten him a lot of hate in the past, but Tyler continues to experiment with his sound and fashion.

Rakim Mayer, also known as ASAP Rocky, who happens to be Tyler the Creator’s best friend, is an extremely fashion-oriented rapper.

He references his love for fashion in most of his songs, often name-dropping his favorite brands and designers, such as Rick Owens, RAF Simmons, and Prada. He confidently wears outlandish styles out in public or to events and speaks out about his own influence on the fashion industry.

Although Rocky doesn’t have his own fashion brand, he has a line of merch, and is one of the faces of Calvin Klein and Dior. Rocky is also vocal about being seen as the most attractive rapper in the game. He is heavily invested in his overall image. Some of Rocky’s fits are deemed iconic.

The evolution of his style interests many designers and he has collaborated with brands in the past.

Travis Scott, alongside Kanye West, is responsible for the tremendous rise in rap merchandise. Many people are critical of this epidemic, as album sales are no

longer purely about content, but also the merch that comes along with it.

Scott released a massive line of merch with his Astroworld album in 2018. All sales came with a copy of the album. He sold 357,000 album units within the first week of sales, but of that sum, only 270,000 came from actual album purchases. Rapper Nicki Minaj was infuriated, as her album, Queen, dropped around the same time. She was expected to reach #1 on the Billboard charts, but was severely overshadowed by Astroworld. Minaj claimed her shortcomings were due to the commercialization of his album. The controversy then became an ongoing feud between the two rappers.

The debate as to whether the power of celebrity merch diminishes the art of the celebrity is still often discussed. The Astroworld tour has grossed $34.4 million so far. The saying printed on most of the clothing in the line is “Wish You Were Here.”

The impact Scott made on tour merch is not his only contribution to the fashion industry. Every sneaker Travis puts out spikes in value. He’s done endorsement work with Reebok, Nike, Helmut Lang, and Air Jordan.

Is it simply not enough to produce music as a rapper in today’s day in age. A rapper today is also a marketer and influencer. The world of hip-hop continues to bleed into different worlds of culture as rappers continue to collaborate with artists and designers, and of course, create brands of their own.

Net-a-Porter gives an exclusive about SS20

By OrDavid Menashe Fashion Editor

At any given point in time the fashion industry always poses a single question: What should we expect/create for next season? On November 14, Net-a-Porter, a strictly online luxury brand web-store, hosted an event to showcase upcoming trends for the 2020 Spring/Summer collections.

Larry Curran, Head of EIP Buying, curated a presentation of the trends that buyers should expect. The event was held in the Net-a-Porter HQ in Union Square, NYC. Guests included over 50 VIPs, socialites, and four select Flatbush students accompanied by Ms. Danielle Chera of Pathfinders.

The primary and probably most notable trend of the upcoming season is an homage to the ’90s. Specifically, we would refer to it as a “Make-under,” because many designers, such as Givenchy, Gauche, and even Christopher Ezber, are taking ’90s designs and making them far more revealing with a modern twist.

Another trend that should be on our radar are women’s suits. Of course this trend is not a novel idea, but it does revamp the look that many business- or even trend-savvy women try to achieve. Many designers have decided to buy into this trend, and we think that it’s something worth exploring.

It seems that large and powerful dresses are also back. With their bold colors and elegance, these dresses give off the illusion that the wearer is confident and powerful. Loewe, Valentino, and Nina Ricci are just a few of the designers that truly embraced this trend.

And next up, who would’ve guessed it? Apparently black is the new black.

Well, more accurately, black and white are the new black. Black and white were never actually considered “out” or un-

fashionable, but the trend is making new strides. Although many designers are committing to this trend, we recommend keeping an eye out for Valentino.

Lastly we have what’s known as the “Canadian tuxedo,” a dismissive term for when a person wears a denim shirt or jacket with jeans. This often-mocked look is now making its way to runways.

A couple of names to keep in mind for this look are Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, and Brandon Maxwell.

Just like any another season, the Spring/Summer 2020 season is jam packed with new trends. There are plenty of looks we love and some we don’t. The most important thing to remember is that although something may be trendy, it’s more important to be comfortable with what you’re wearing than to fit in.

www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 7

Sports Flatbush teachers were once Falcons

By Nathan Sidaoui Sports Editor

You have two tests the next day, an essay due, and a hockey game the same night, and you begged the teacher to move the test but he won’t budge. A little hard to believe he was ever in your shoes, right? Hard to believe that he was dealing with the same stress while representing the same school. But our faculty is full of former Falcons who once representing our school the same way many of our students do today.

Mr. Rothbort, the chair of the History department, was a Flatbush hockey legend, playing goalie on the team from 1985 to 1987. In fact, Mr. Rothbort’s grade started the hockey team and entered the Yeshivah league on their own. “Since we made our own team, we weren’t the Falcons, rather we called ourselves the Flatbush Flyers and bought Flyers uniforms with ‘Flatbush’ in the front,” Mr. Rothbort recalled.

The team had Mr. Cohen, the current chair of the Science department, as their coach; Mr. Rothbort said that Mr. Cohen is extremely knowledgeable and was a great coach. Their first year in the league, the Flatbush Flyers made the playoffs but lost to Ramaz because of the Rams’ home court advantage and rubberized

court that made it difficult to play on.

Mr. Rothbort emphasized that the bonds and memories that were made with his friends and upperclassmen were extraordinary.

As the team progressed over the years, so did the competitiveness. Rabbi

the only ones who were serious about the team; the student body was just as invested. Rabbi Blumenthal added that when they had home games Flatbush students would fill the gym, the fan count spanning 300 people and the crowd would go wild as they won their games. Even Rabbi Levy, the head of the school at the time, would announce their wins on the loudspeaker.

H o w e v e r , throughout his time on the team he said that they were always the third best, trailing DRS and HAFTR every year. In his final game in a Falcons uniform, they lost 2-1 to DRS in the playoffs. He says the emotions were Mr. Rothbort’s old Flyers jersey still fits intense, and players were even crying beBlumenthal, who played on the Flatbush cause they had put so much heart into hockey team from 1993 to 2003, said, the game.

“Hockey was life. It wasn’t just a decision.

Rabbi Blumenthal added that he It was high school.” valued his time playing hockey, always Rabbi Blumenthal said, “Although holding onto those memories, but said I was on the small side, I was very fast that unfortunately we don’t really see and had quick hands. I once scored two that kind of dedication and devotion toshort-handed goals in one game.” day.

The intensity of the team was immeaSeeing the development and continusurable. Rabbi Blumenthal explained ity of Flatbush sports over time, it’s mesthat practices every Thursday night were merizing to recognize that many of our extremely serious and tiring. He said, teachers laid the groundwork for many “No one missed practice or a game, ever. of our teams. As we continue to evolve, If you did, you probably wouldn’t be we will begin more teams like Mr. Rothback.” bort did and try to keep the competitive The players and the coaches were not spirit that Rabbi Blumenthal described.

Sportsman Spotlight:

Michael Dayan dominates in five sports

By Joey Alhadeff Contributing Editor

Senior Michael Dayan has made his mark on Flatbush athletics over his four years in high school. Not on one team, not on two, but on five. Grappling with this rigorous practice schedule, he saw some difficulties along the way, but his passion for the sports outweighed any challenges that came his way.

Playing for the hockey, tennis, volleyball, football, and softball teams, Dayan has lead both the tennis and volleyball teams to undefeated seasons as their captain, and won a championship with the tennis team in his freshman year. “Hopefully we can take our teams to the next level and make a run at a championship,” said Dayan.

With a full five days of practice a week,

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Dayan still manages to stay committed to the classroom. Being in an Honors class only makes the challenge tougher, Dayan said. “Sports are definitely a priority but I manage to keep my grades up. Sometimes I even study on the bus with my team if I need to.”

Michael Dayan has made a large impact on his teammates, some of whom are his close friends, while others are lowerclassmen who see him as a role model. He and his friends love to compete and they even watch film from previous Dayan serves... games to learn from their mistakes.

“Michael is a great teammate,” senior Jakey Tawil said. “When we feel like we have nothing left and no chance to win, Michael is the one to motivate us and push us to keep going.”

Dayan looks to enjoy his senior sea-

sons with the Flatbush sports teams and to help bring home another championship—or five.

...on every court

Rosows back as JV coaches

By Carole Cohen Junior Editor

It’s an exciting year for Falcons basketball as YOFHS alumnus Abie Rosow is coaching the JV Boys team with his younger brother, Jack, who graduated last year.

“It is surreal that I am able to coach at the school I went to and used to play for. I love coaching and it is a great opportunity for me to be able to give back to the kids and the school that gave me so many opportunities as a student,” Abie said.

Coaching with a brother sounds fun and straightforward; however, Abie says that he and Jack get into disagreements just like any two coaches would. He says it’s all about “learning how to work with each other.” Abie said that he and Jack have a positive relationship and a powerful bond, which is why they operate together very nicely.

The brothers emphasize to their players how powerful teamwork is.

“The guys know how integral to the team each and every one of them are,” Abie said. They tell the players to take advantage of every year they play on the team and to perform at their best during every practice and every game. They took that to heart and began the season with a 4-0 record, putting them in first place. Abie concluded that “If they keep this up, don’t be surprised if we are holding up that trophy in March.”

Both Rosows are experienced and talented basketball players. Abie, once a star Falcon, played on the Hunter Hawks basketball team. He recently took a step back but is hopeful about returning next year. Jack, a top player on last year’s varsity team, is the assistant coach who is currently studying at Brooklyn Macaulay, which is why he can only coach parttime.

“I love the kids,” Jack said. “They have the determination to be great, not to mention they are a very talented group of boys.”

In addition to coaching the team, the Rosow brothers recently took on a new venture: a basketball training company called “Rosow Elite Performance.”

Constantly improving their knowledge of the game, Abie and Jack are well suited for the task in Flatbush. Jacob Cohen, JV’s center, commented that Abie “knows a lot about the game and from day one he demanded our respect, hard work, and teamwork.”

JV’s hot start shows that the new coaches are making an impact. With Abie and Jack’s strong work ethic and passion for the game, there may be a banner on the gym wall by the end of the season.