A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 51, Issue 5 • February 2017 / 5777
Junior Petition Leads to New Schedule Tweaks By Deborah Coopersmith Religion Editor
Yair Chaya, one of many current juniors unhappy about the recently announced changes to the school day for next year, decided to do something about it and created a petition protesting
the new schedule. The petition amassed 213 signatures. He originally planned on 100 to 150 kids to sign it, but his goal was surpassed before the end of the first school day. Later that same week, two students representing the junior grade had a meeting with Rabbi Beyda. After much dis-
cussion, they worked out a way to fix the new senior schedule. “I believe it is safe to declare the petition a success,” Chaya declared. This came as a shock to many students who were not optimistic that their voices would be heard. Many are happy with the newest changes.
In an unprecedented move, the Yeshivah of Flatbush school administration changed the start and end times of all classes and days for the upcoming 2017–2018 school year. School days will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5:15 p.m., with each period lasting 40 minutes. SeContinued on page 3
Many Students Take Elevator Salad Despite Consequences Delivery War
By Frieda Abettan Contributing Writer
New signs inside and outside the school’s elevator reminding students that they are not permitted to ride the elevator without a valid pass appear to be having little effect, as the well-known rule is often broken. Breakdowns of the elevator last semester were due to overuse. Shortly after the last repair, a new banner stating the regulations for usage was hung up inside the elevator. Many students questioned the random warning, since the rule has been around so long. In response, Rabbi Beyda explained, “My hope is that the sign in the elevator is a nice way to say, ‘hey, sometimes we need a little reminder to say please respect the rules.’” When students returned from winter vacation, the same sign was also posted in smaller form on the wall next to the elevator doors on each floor of the school. However, an informal survey con-
ducted by the Phoenix of several dozen students across every grade showed that approximately 75% of those who take the elevator don’t have valid elevator passes. Among those unauthorized riders, around 15% said they have gotten caught and penalized. To get a clearer picture of what really happens in the elevator, an undercover Phoenix reporter rode the elevator at various times. In almost every ride, multiple teachers were present but did not check students’ passes. SeñoraShterenzer disclosed that several years ago, if caught, students had to pay $10. More recently the standard penalty was detention. The penalty was changed once again at the beginning of last year. Now, any student caught riding the elevator without permission is given a lunch hold as punishment, but some students don’t seem to care. Students who ride without passes gave many reasons for their behavior. One student who takes the elevator almost every period without a pass states said it’s a combination of exhaustion and speed: “If a student has a long day, it’s not fair to have to take the stairs from the basement to the fourth floor, then possibly be late to class.” Several other students said that a lunch hold is a light enough penalty to make a ride worth the risk. And if they get to a high enough floor before getting caught, it’s worth the price of a lunch hold. However, several students and ad-
Continued on page 2
In This Issue World News: Waves of bomb threats hit dozens of JCCs Page 3
Entertainment: Reviews of Hitman and Pachinko Page 5
Heats Up By Yvette Antebi Contributing Writer
Yeshivah of Flatbush’s main lunch salad delivery vendor, Jus by Julie, has been facing tough competition from Ouri’s Fruit, a new vendor. Ouri’s Fruit began delivering salads to the high school in early October. Previously, all salad orders went to Jus By Julie. Jus by Julie has been delivering more than 30 salads a day to Yeshivah of Flatbush for over a year now. “I ordered a Jus by Julie salad almost every day this past year, and had no hesitation in spending $13 on a salad because of how good the salads are,” said junior Dubby Sasson. However, Ouri’s Fruit has quickly gained popularity. “It started off with 8–10 orders a day. Before I knew it 20 orders were being sent every day,” said an Ouri’s Fruit employee. Sasson’s classmate Paulette Abraham said that Ouri’s popularity is due in part to its novelty. “People wanted to order Ouri’s Fruit instead of Jus by Julie because it was the new thing,” she said. Junior Sharon Chappan said there’s more to it. “The quality and taste [from Ouri’s] is better, with Jus being so used to Yeshivah of Flatbush’s ‘absolute’ business they got lazy,” she said. “Orders to Yeshivah of Flatbush started to decrease, with no idea why.
We were concerned,” said a Jus by Julie employee, adding that Flatbush orders declined by almost 45%. “Jus was falling behind, so we began sending free drinks with each salad order.” Students say the drop in orders also inspired Jus to improve quality. “They began making their salads with fresher ingredients. We all noticed and now wanted to try the new and improved Jus salads,” said junior Nicole Singer. Several students have been swaying from vendor to vendor. Sasson, for one, finds her loyalties shifting. “Jus began putting more in their portions and Ouri’s Fruit began selling a variety of dressings and even Acai Bowls,” Sasson said. “With all the positives being added by both vendors, I am constantly switching from one to the next.” One thing everyone seems to agree on is that the salad war is benefitting Flatbush students who are now being offered more variety and better quality as each vendor tries to outdo the other. “My friends and I actually enjoy this competition, and love seeing the new food options each vendor has to offer,” said one anonymous student who has bought salads from both vendors.
Fun & Games:
Sports:
First-ever Flatbush Mad Libs Page 6
Isaac Levi manages through four years Page 8
Students Meet a Flatbush Family: Judy, Sara, and Joey Blanka Religiously By Mary Jajati Junior Editor
Having a sibling in high school with you can be overwhelming, not to mention two siblings. But the Blanka family is enjoying every minute of it. Judy (senior), Sara (sophomore), and Joey (freshman) enjoy having their siblings’ company during these short yet meaningful years. The siblings said they are very close both in and out of school and appreciate each other very much. With Judy set to graduate in June, Joey says he’ll miss having his sister around for advice during the school day. However, Judy doesn’t plan on going far. She’s planning on attending a CUNY school, although she isn’t sure which one yet, so she’ll remain close to home. The siblings said “it’s pretty normal” seeing their siblings around but Judy noted that “it can get weird sometimes” when people approach her saying they found out she has a freshman brother because they were able to tell he’s a Blanka.
Sara agreed but said that being able to ask her siblings for advice trumps all annoyances. She enjoyed helping her younger brother out with his entrance into high school. She also passed down all her notebooks from freshman year to assist him. The Blankas have an older sister, Grace, who attended YOFHS and graduated in 2014. She also offered her fair share of advice and assistance. The Blankas differ greatly in their approaches toward school. Judy and Joey agreed that they are the most alike academically: they study, but “not too much.” Sara, however, is known to study a considerable amount and puts in more time and effort than her siblings. In terms of extracurricular activities, Joey and Sarah claim they don’t take part in any, whereas Judy was on the girls’ basketball team all four years of high school. She said, “I truly enjoyed my high school career, and basketball is a huge reason why.” She said she especially loved traveling with the team to Boston and Florida for basketball tournaments. Although each Blanka is an individual, there are notable similarities. Most obvious is the trademark Blanka smile, which all three siblings often display.
Left to right: Sara, Joey, Judy
Inspired By Rabbi Mizrahi By Dubby Sasson Contributing Writer
Rabbi Mizrahi has been part of the Yeshivah of Flatbush faculty for less than two years, but he already has had a profound influence on many students in the school. Eddie Sabbagh, a junior, said that from the very first day the students knew there was something special about Rabbi Mizrahi. Inside and outside the classroom, Rabbi Mizrahi is one of the most loved high school teachers. Rabbi Mizrahi loves learning Torah, a love he strengthened in his gap year in Israel after high school. This love permeates his classroom. He often goes out to lunch with his students, invites them over for Shabbat, and meets with them after school. Richard Silverman, junior, said he enjoys the class Rabbi Mizrahi teaches weekly at Shaare Zion. Some students even credit Rabbi Mizrahi for helping them become Shomer Shabbat. Rabbi Mizrahi said the key to inspiring students is connecting to them. He creates what he calls a “common denominator” and relates to them on their level. He tries to be a positive role model and show his students that learning Torah and doing mitzvot are cool. He helps the students by telling them inspirational stories with religious morals. He shows them how to make Judaism part of their lives, as opposed to separating their Jewish and secular selves. Sabbagh
Rabbi Mizrahi dances with students at Seminar
says that even though Rabbi Mizrahi is a rabbi, he doesn’t talk only about being more religious; he talks about being a good person and, therefore, a better Jew. Rabbi Mizrahi loves his job because he gets to teach Torah and influence others. He enjoys his students and loves to engage them in learning. Jack L. Benun, an 11th grader, said, “Rabbi Mizrahi tells stories. He’s the best storyteller in the world. At the end of every story there’s a religious moral to it, which inspires all the kids and really touches us. He feels like more of a friend than a teacher. We dance with him a lot, and have real conversations about life. He’s young and so much more relatable.” Rabbi Mizrahi uses his youthfulness to relate to his students and inspire them. Junior Maurice Mosseri agrees. “He’s a very positive influence for me—I feel like he really gets it,” he said. Silverman credits Rabbi Mizrahi with “religiously putting [me] in the right mindset.” He added, “The rabbi looks out for me and multiple other kids.” Rabbi Mizrahi is just starting his career at Flatbush and will continue to make a mark. Principal Rabbi Beyda taught him when Rabbi Mizrahi was a student at Flatbush. Rabbi Beyda said he’s “very happy we hired him as part of the Flatbush faculty” and is proud to have him back as a talmid chacham.
Students Take Elevator... continued from front page
Pizza 38 (19.9%) Sushi 29 (15.2%) Big cookie 28 (14.7%) Bagel 27 (14.1%) Meat on Wednesdays 12 (6.3%) Mac & cheese 12 (6.3%) Grilled cheese 8 (4.2%) Traditions soup (ramen) 7 (3.7%) Fruit 7 (3.7%) Tuna sandwich 6 (3.1%) Kani sushi salad 5 (2.6%) Pasta 3 (1.6%) Pancakes 3 (1.6%) Fancy salad 2 (1%) Soup 1 (0.5%) Egg salad sandwich 1 (0.5%) PB&J 1 (0.5%) Simple salad 1 (0.5%) Bourekha 0 (0%)
Student Survey:
What’s your favorite item sold in the lunchroom?
191 Responses
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The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: David Azrak Managing Editor: Jane Zakay Senior Editors: Esther Levy and Estelle Saad Religion Editor: Deborah Coopersmith School News Editors: Naomi Sanders and Sarah Weingarten World News Editor: Mimi Lazerowitz Entertainment Editor: Allan Kurland
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ministrators complained that unauthorized riders take up time and space, limiting the elevator’s availability for those who really need it, such as legitimately injured students and disabled or pregnant teachers. One student with a pass expressed that, “when students take the elevator one flight, it is very annoying because it is so cramped and takes so long as it is.” Mr. Hofstetter shared a similar opinion on the issue, stating, “They [prohibited riders] definitely delay the elevator and make the legitimate kids and teachers later to class.” Some students try to talk their way out of trouble when caught. Teachers say the most common excuses they receive from unauthorized riders are that the student
Music Editor: Rena Weitzman Standard of Fabulous Editors: Sylvia Ashkenazie and Aida Hasson Fun & Games Editor: Diana Hoffstein Sports Editor: Victor Allaham Junior Editors: Daliah Ben-Ari, Dorette Dayan, Mary Jajati Sophomore Editors: Sam Beyda, Ezra Faks Design: Therese Berkowitz Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
forgot the pass, didn’t receive the pass yet for a new “injury,” or is acting as a helper to an injured student (even if they’re not carrying anything). Our undercover rider witnessed a student with books in hand telling a teacher that he was a helper, but when the teacher got out the student gave the “injured” student his belongings back and said, “You limp into class and say I was helping you.” Rabbi Beyda acknowledged that improper use is a problem and shared his thoughts as to why he feels the students take it. “The overwhelming majority of the students respect the rule. It’s just sometimes on the spur of the moment people feel there’s a quick shortcut and they want to take it, not realizing what the impacts are,” he said.
High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari, Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Principal Ms. Jill W. Sanders, Associate Principal / Director of Admissions Ms. Sari Bacon, Associate Principal Ms. Ester Hidary, Assistant Principal
Jewish Centers Face Bomb Threat Epidemic
By Mimi Lazerowitz World News Editor
At least 10 Jewish community centers (JCCs) received bomb threats on February 20, including centers in New York, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, and Alabama, according to local news reports. The latest batch of threats come on the heels of three waves of similar threats to a total of 48 Jewish centers in 27 states last month, according to a CNN study. The Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) reported that there were 60 JCC bomb threats in Canada as well. Most of these threats were made through phone calls and contained promises to kill Jews and destroy their communities. One caller threatened to use a C-4 bomb and declared that “a large number of Jews are going to be slaughtered.” That caller also declared, “There’s going to be a bloodbath that takes place in a short time.” The JCCs responded to these threats by evacuating their members until bomb squads could investigate. While no bombs have been found, FBI officials are hesitant to declare the threats as hoaxes, and are continuing to examine them as potential hate crimes. These incidents, dubbed “telephone terrorism,” have been on a rise since the start of Donald Trump’s presidency. President Trump has not yet addressed the issue directly, but was asked by an Israeli reporter on February 15 about the “sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States” since his elec-
tion. President Trump circumvented the reporter’s question, instead speculating that the amount of electoral votes he received was due to the vast division among the people of the United States. He voiced hope in his ability to change that division, and declared that the Jewish people are his friends, mentioning his Jewish daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. “I think a lot of good things are happening. And you’re going to see a lot of love,” he said. The following day, Chassidic reporter Jake Turx of Ami magazine asked President Trump at a press conference more specifically about the wave of bomb threats to JCCs. Appearing to misunderstand the question, President Trump interrupted Turx, called him a liar, and responded as if Turx had called him an anti-Semite, although Turx explicitly said that this was not the case and Ami magazine has published several pro-Trump pieces. When another reporter at the same press conference asked a follow-up question about the JCC bomb threats, President Trump said that Democrats were behind the threats as part of an effort to discredit him. This incident, in addition to President Trump’s vague answer to the Israeli reporter, sparked much criticism of President Trump throughout the worldwide Jewish community, particularly regarding his lack of response to serious threats to Jewish communities. The American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League were not satisfied with Trump’s answers. The ADL’s national director, Jonathan
Junior Petition... continued from front page niors now will finish school no earlier than 3:50 p.m. Elective schedules are also changing, with AP Biology and AP Chemistry students ending their day at 5:15 p.m., instead of the current 6:15. Furthermore, the school day will end at 1:30 p.m. every Friday, without changing for Daylight Savings Time, and Friday periods will be the same length as the rest of the week. The school feels that this changes will “enhance the student experience … [and] provide a more effective and consistent program.” An e-mail sent out by the school introducing these new modifications said that periods of consistenet length will help “ensure that lessons are even more substantive and educationally sound.” Despite the obvious benefits of a shorter school day, many students upset with these new changes, especially current juniors. Many juniors had been excited for the traditional senior year schedule, which includes taking two electives and then leaving school at 3:15 p.m. Juniors currently taking AP Biology or AP chemistry, which keep them in school until 6:15, were especially counting on this 3:15 departure, and felt like this perk had been ripped away from them. Danielle Duchan, a current junior, was upset at the initial announcement, believing that this new schedule im-
pedes her ability to learn because, despite having a longer school day, “there are fewer elective periods, which means I have less choice in what I learn and what classes I can take.” This was a concern of many juniors because the new schedule removes some of the choices that were previously available to seniors. “There are classes that I would love to take, but can’t now because the new schedule added extra and unnecessary mandatory classes for seniors,” junior Ronnie Menashe explained. Another issue is that students didn’t feel like they were taken into consideration. One junior who stays until 6:15 this year said, “The juniors just spent a whole year getting home really late and now, even if they choose to take fewer rigorous courses next year, they still will be forced to stay until that hour that they struggled with this year.” The new adjustments to the schedule announced after the petition have placated many concerns. Several juniors expressed appreciation at being heard by the administration, and others were glad that some of the current perks of being a senior were put back into the new plan. Menashe likes that the latest plan “gives us more options to choose from” as upcoming seniors now get to choose a 10th-period elective.
Greenblatt, published a statement on Twitter condemning Trump’s response. He wrote, “It is honestly mind-boggling why President Trump prefers to shout down a reporter or brush this off as a political distraction.” David Harris, CEO of the AJC, released a similarly critical statement on Twitter, saying, “Instead of answering a timely and legitimate question, the President chose instead to besmirch the journalist.” Despite this backlash, many Jews are still hopeful in President Trump’s ability to improve the situation for Jews across America and the rest of the world. Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked during a press conference, “There is no greater supporter of Israel or the Jewish state
Billie Taylor evacuating her JCC preschool
than President Donald Trump.” Additionally, Turx said that President Trump’s outraged response to his question proves the President’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism.
Not Taking Notes? Think Again By Regina Saada Contributing Writer
Students who sit around doing nothing in class and rely on their classmates for notes before a test may want to rethink their behavior. An informal survey of the junior grade for data on the percentage of students who do better on tests with their own notes versus a friend’s notes yielded surprising results. A majority of the students surveyed reported doing better with their own notes than getting those from a friend. Overall, it appears that the classes (specifically, 3-HN, 3-HR, and 3-R) and individual students who take their own notes tend to do better academically than those who do not. In both Honors classes, most students take their own notes, getting notes from a friend or classmate only on rare occasions. “Usually when we ask for notes in the [class’s group] chat, it’s when we missed something in class or it’s when we don’t understand a specific topic. We’re usually pretty good with notes and everyone is always taking notes,” said Sophia Sued from class 3-HR. “I do well on my tests and I do believe it’s because I pay attention and I write notes in all of my classes.” Although many of the honors students agreed with Sued, the data varied by class. For example, class 3-R had more students taking notes, and class 3-T had fewer. “Everyone in our class is pretty serious about school. We like to do our own work and we are very independent. We all ask for notes but at the same time most of us have our own to
study from,” said Eddie Sabbagh from class 3-R. As for his test scores, Sabbagh said, “My grades are good and it’s from my notes.” 3-T, on the other hand, had different opinions on this topic. Zookie Terzi said he gets a lot of his notes from his class chat. He relies on his peers to send the notes before the test. “If my friends are able to take better notes than me then I’d rather get the notes from them,” he said. “My grades vary by the classes I understand more. It’s not from my notes.” Allie Hamadani, another student from class 3-T, doesn’t think the same way as Terzi. “I am able to understand and remember notes when I write them on my iPad. It helps me when I study because then it’s sort of engraved in my head in a way. And my grades show that taking notes help me.” Classes 3-S and 3-V were split between students who regularly take and receive notes. They were more or less both a give-and-take situation. Most do both, taking their own notes while also using friends’ notes to study or review. Several academic studies have shown that taking notes is much better when it comes to remembering the material, with researchers hypothesizing that the physical act of writing things down aids in retention. Additional studies have found that handwritten notes are often more effective than notes that are typed. “When people type their notes, they have this tendency to try to take verbatim notes and write down as much of the lecture as they can,” researcher Pam A. Mueller of Princeton University told NPR. “The students who were taking longhand notes in our studies were forced to be more selective—because you can’t write as fast as you can type. And that extra processing of the material that they were doing benefited them.”
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Prayers Are Answered; New Six Years a Slave Tefilah Commission Started By Deborah Coopersmith Religion Editor
By Aida Hasson
and talking, it creates a distracting environment that affects other students,” she said. Freshman Madeline Tawil feels that tefilah should be enforced more among the students. She estimates that around one-fifth of her grade actually prays during tefilah, and agrees that there is a terrible environment that can cause distraction. Many students agree that, for the students who do pray, the way tefilah is conducted currently may not be the best system. Those who do not pray, on the other hand, see it as a great time to get work done or talk to their friends. Amy Sasson, a member of the Flatbush Board of Education and head of the Religious Growth Committee, believes that our greatest strength as a school regarding tefilah is that boys and girls are both required to come early for tefilah. She believes that it is the best way to start a student’s day, and that it gives importance to prayer. She said, “Let’s make proper and better use
A week ago, in Parashat Yitro, B’nai Yisrael was given the Ten CommandSOF Editor ments and Moshe was declared the true A new tefilah commission created prophet of Hashem in front of them all. by junior Jaqueline Mizrachi aims to This week, Parashat Mishpatim starts to address current deficiencies in the high list and describe a numerous amount school’s tefilah program. Teachers and of mitzvoth. The first one discusses the students alike are dissatisfied with the mitzvah of Eved Ivri, what happens to a tefilah program in the school and are Jewish indentured servant. An Eved Ivri trying to change it, starting with the is to work six years and be sent free in new commission. the seventh year. Mizrachi says that one of the reasons The first question to ask is why this she started the commission is because, is the first mitzvah mentioned. Why is when she noticed many distracted stuit so important that it goes before any dents. “For me praying is so incredible. mention of lending money or damagIt’s a time when we get to connect to es? Additionally, why does it specificalG-d, and I felt so bad that people don’t ly state how many years he must work have that connection, understanding or before being released and what should background to enable them to do such happen if he doesn’t want to be set free? a thing. Because of this, I felt obligated The most integral aspect here is his state to do something about it,” she said. of being in servitude and in freedom. Mizrachi originally created the The Torah glosses over the time as a commission for junior girls who are in slave for the time being and talks about the Minyan Mentors tefilah program, it in a later perek. So now another quesbut recently opened it up to all girls and tion is why the time in between is not hopes to eventually include boys. addressed here. In Haftarah Mishpatim we see a passage from Yirmiyahu discussing this same topic. “The word that came to Yirmiyahu from Hashem, after king Tzidkiyahu made a covenant with all the people who were in Yerushalayim to call out for freedom. For each man to send out his [Jewish] servant to freedom, to not make them work. … And all the people who entered the covenant listened … and they sent [their servants free]. Afterward, they reverted [to their wrong behavior] and brought back their Ms. Hidary and Mizrahi discuss plans for the commission indentured servants [by force] … And the word of Hashem came to YirmiyaAssistant Principal Ms. Ester Hidary of that time by improving the quality of hu. … So has said God the Lord of Yisis the commission faculty adviser. Ms. their tefilot, as well as experience.” rael, I established a covenant with your Hidary said, “The goal of the commisMizrachi says that one of our greatsion is to have people who are invested est strengths is the chessed programs ancestors on the day I took them out in seeing tefilah improve join together the school offers, which inspire stu- from the Land of Egypt from the house to discuss, brainstorm, and simply sup- dents and which she says she finds spir- of bondage to say, At the end of seven years you must send away each man his port one another. … We are prioritiz- itual and motivates people to pray. brother that was sold to you, and he will ing [tefilah] because we believe that the Ms. Hidary explained that, to creway we start our day sets a certain tone, ate the ideal tefilah experience in the [have] work[ed] for you for six years, and as a yeshivah we want to create a school, the minyanim need adult lead- and you shall send him free, and your wonderful environment from the first ership and guidance to serve as role ancestors did not listen to Me. … And moment students enter the building.” models to the students. Students need [now] you have returned [to the right She said that some of the commission’s to be taught the laws of tefilah thor- path] and you have done that which is ideas have already impacted the way oughly during minyan and halakha upright … to call freedom … and you the administration plans to approach classes. Principal Rabbi Beyda said, “It established a covenant … [but now] you changes to the tefilah program. seems there is a good deal of frustra- have reverted [to wrongdoing] and you Some struggles students have had tion on the part of many students. In have profaned My Name and you have with the way tefilah is currently run is the coming months, I think we must restored each man his servant … that you had sent free. … Therefore, so says the fact that some people don’t come address these issues.” to minyan at all. Senior Max Shemtob Many students feel they are not get- Hashem, you have not listened to Me to said, “For seniors, people feel like it’s ting the prayer experience they would call out freedom each man for his brothoptional and don’t show up. Sometimes like. Junior Ronnie Menashe said, “Te- er. … I am going to call out freedom for we struggle to get a minyan.” Freshman filah is important to me. It gives me you … to the sword and to the plague Isaac Levy says that people are often time to speak to Hashem. … I look at and to the famine. … And those men talking, which distracts from the con- it as a spiritual moment in this corrupt who have violated My covenant, I will centration of the tefilah. society.” Some students are pessimis- deliver them into the hands of their eneSenior Amanda Hezkiel feels that tic about change actually occurring. mies” (Yirmiyah 34:8-22). This passage shows that during the tefilah would be better if boys and girls Shemtob said, “Students aren’t devoted time of the Neviim there was much conprayed together in the same minyan. to the minyan or Judaism so I don’t exShe said that her minyan usually con- pect to see any positive changes in the troversy and unrest about the mitzvah of Eved Ivri because of the setting of the insists of girls sitting on their phones or environment of the minyanim.” studying rather than using the time to Ms. Hidary explained, “Tefilah is dentured Jewish servant free in the seventh year. This then elucidates that the pray. “When people are on their phones Continued on page 7 mitzvah of Eved Ivri is not merely one of
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the mitzvot listed in the Torah but, rather, it has a key function in the Torah. In prophecy, Hashem refers to Eved Ivri as the covenant he consecrated with B’nai Yisrael on the same day that he took them out of Egypt and thus their own slavery. It explains that violating this mitzvah will have severe ramifications. Now we must ask: why was B’nai Yisrael told about this mitzvah on the day Hashem saved them from Egypt? Perhaps it was to caution them against the primitive human desire to take their anger and pain out on a different person. People who are mistreated and endure humiliation are likely to do the same to others because they completely forget their suffering once they are removed from that situation. This forgetfulness inhibits their ability to empathize with those going through the same situation. Jews have been persecuted in almost every era of Jewish history, so this comes as a necessary warning to feel empathy for others. This warning of Eved Ivri was given on the very day we left Mitzraim to remind B’nai Yisrael to never forget how they suffered under slavery. To be conscious that even though today we have freedom, others will have hard times and we must be sensitive and caring toward their situation. When an Eved Ivri has worked for six years we must not delay his freedom a moment longer like Pharoah delayed B’nei Yisrael’s. This same concept reappears late in the parasha when we are told to not take monetary advantage or cause harm to a convert. This mitzvah isn’t exclusive to a convert, but the Torah treats it as a special one because a convert is new and unfamiliar with the people, language and customs, just like B’nai Yisrael were in Mitzraim. The pasuk states, “because you were sojourners in the Land of Egypt”—as Jews we understand what it means to be ostracized from society, to feel like we don’t belong and deal with the hardships that come with trying to gain social acceptance. Therefore, we must be welcoming to such a person with open arms, going out of our way to make him/her feel included in Am Yisrael because he/she is experiencing the same plight. The opening mitzvah, Eved Ivri, cements the foundational standard that Mishpatim requires in order to enable us to complete the rest of the mitzvot listed, most of which are monetary cases. One must have awareness and sensitivity for others to properly relate and treat them with respect. Just like you would be unhappy if someone broke one of your things out of a lack of care, you should treat someone else’s item with care. Pirkei Avot teaches us, “The money of your fellow should be as dear to you as your own.” The Torah teaches us about a natural human failing and to be wary of it as we move on in life. We should never forget the circumstances we endured, so that when someone else is going through the same situation we can treat them with empathy, sensitivity and awareness.
Entertainment Video Game Review
Book Review
By David Azrak
By Esther Levy
Hitman
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Editor-in-Chief
Senior Editor
Dating back to 2012’s Hitman Absolution, the state of the Hitman franchise has existed in a sort of odd flux. Previous entries allowed players to explore disjointed sandboxes filled to brim with a multitude of ways to reach and dispose of targets, Absolution sought to add more linearity held together by a thin plotline. 2017’s Hitman reboot, simply dubbed Hitman, beautifully meshes the two approaches in possibly the greatest James Bond game never made. Hitman’s environments echo the age-old spy movie motifs that so clearly inspire it, including a spoken mission briefing before each level, a la James Bond. Elaborate parties catered to the social elite, Mediterranean mansions with secret underground biochemical laboratories, and exotic hotels in Far East Asia are some of the areas that truly encapsulate Hitman’s disguise-based social stealth. While the level count is demonstrably smaller when compared to Absolution, the depth and attention to detail is immaculate. Levels are large, multifaceted, and brimming with personality to make each area feel unique and interesting. Absolution’s true highpoints were the large, open sandboxes, but those moments were few and far between, eschewing elaborate, polished environments for the renegade, hunted approach seen in Bond films such as Skyfall. Of course, Agent 47 retains his signature style for elaborate missions that encourage the player’s environmental exploration and ingenuity. And this Hitman encourages exploration unlike no other, with key items being stowed away in remote parts of the map and assassination opportunities abound in errant NPC chatter. That being said, Hitman rarely tries to funnel you into a singular option; it gives you the freedom to dispose of your targets (two or more with a possible side objective per level) through the simplest or most complex means. Clearly, the more complex opportunities provide you with a cleaner, more satisfyingly scripted way of eliminating your targets, but the options exist nonetheless. This all weaves itself rather nicely into Hitman’s improved disguise system. Unlike previous versions, disguises will only be seen through by specific individuals such as a head chef who would clearly realize if one of his staff members was replaced by a brooding, emotionless bald assassin. The revamped disguise system makes scenarios such as posing as a bartender and poisoning a target’s drink all the more plausible. It’s all nicely put into place to maintain an aura of false security that there isn’t a malicious figure standing right in front of you, and it’s all used to great effect while further selling the elite spy motif. Yes, there are silly outfits such as a scarecrow or plague doctor disguise, keeping in line with the series’ heritage, but many are more pedestrian, which gives the game the gritty and suave tone it’s aiming to establish. While the gameplay is the best it’s ever been, there are some caveats. The game’s Challenges, among other replay-encouraging features, are tied to the game’s always-online structure, which seems fundamentally pointless; if servers aren’t working properly (a common occurrence) or your Internet connection isn’t the strongest, you’ll lose out on core features. Additionally, tied to the online mode are so-called “Elusive Targets” that feature whole new characters, opportunities, and dialogue—fairly meaty additions that provide new twists to a given level, which can be completed only once and are available only for a limited time (typically a week or so). These are fun additions to an already impressive game structure that late adopters or those playing years down the line will, as of now, never be able to experience. Finally, while the game’s Season One content is fully released, Season Two’s content will be released episodically. Though not a major grievance, this can be an annoyance for those hoping to purchase most levels up front. My qualms with the game’s release structure and ludicrous online requirements aside, developer Eidos Montreal’s Hitman is among one of the freshest releases in recent memory. It builds off the legacy and standards of its predecessors and manages to create truly enjoyable and immersive experiences. The gameplay is oozing with potential, all of which can be further taken advantage of as Season Two slowly releases throughout the coming year. What awaits cannot be said for sure, but the foundation at hand is decidedly sublime.
It is not an uplifting story. Beginning in 1910 in Busan, Korea and ending in 1989 in Tokyo, Japan, Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko speaks to the sacrifices people must make for their families and the all-consuming sorrow that follows them. It’s a story of loss, grief, pain, longing, survival. Of what it means to crave love, to fall in love, or to be manipulated into love. Of the intense havoc of war. Of deep innate prejudice and discrimination. Of what it means to believe in God, to search for God, to speak to God—or to feel a desire to connect with a greater unknown. It’s a story of defiance, shame, and resistance. Of the strength we need— and the strength we lack—to keep on living even after everyone we’ve ever known and everything we’ve ever loved is gone. It’s a story of life. Pachinko begins with Hoonie, a kindhearted and hardworking physically disabled man whose parents run a boardinghouse in Busan, and Yangjin the daughter of a poor man no longer able to feed her. Thrust together out of necessity, these two individuals unwanted by anyone else have one surviving child, Sunja. The novel follows Sunja as she becomes enchanted by Hansu (a married man who will become the father of her first child) and moves to Osaka with her husband, Isak, a fragile and constantly ill Christian minister who feels he is doing God’s will by marrying her. It examines Sunja’s relationship with Isak’s brother and sister-in-law Yoseb and Kyunghee, before turning the focus to her sons, Noa and Mozasu, and later toward Mozasu’s son, Solomon. Within this meandering third-person narrative, countless other characters are explored, enabling readers to gain a greater grasp on the overall story. By constantly shifting the focus of the third-person narration, Jin Lee is able to weave together storylines and character developments while still maintaining a sense of ambiguity. She allows readers to explore the complex tale through different perspectives and discover each character and the ways in which his or her life is connected to and affected by the central theme. The seemingly infinite number of people in part of one story illustrates that life does not cast a protagonist and antagonist for each turn of events. Real life is messier and less structured than fiction with a multitude of people walking in and out of stories. This is the story of all of those people.
It’s the story of Ayame, a deeply conservative Buddhist who discovers her husband will never be able to love her. It’s the story of Hansu, a manipulative and exploitative man who will forever lurk behind the scenes of Sonja’s life, saving her and her family from death while simultaneously inflicting pain and grief on everything he touches. It’s the story of young Tetsu, who jumped off the roof of his apartment building after receiving death threats from his classmates. It’s the story of Tetsu’s parents. Of Yumi, Mozasu’s wife, who loves to work and dreams of a better life in California. Jin Lee illuminates each person’s presence and effectively carries the message that everyone is a part of the same story. She is effectively able to simultaneously delight and sadden her readers through the exploration of the members of the Baek family. Readers may be deeply saddened or repulsed by some of the novels smaller plot points or developments. (Her kills are direct and swift.) She writes poignantly from a distance but it’s hard to avoid cracking a smile at the dialogue or ironic plot twists. The novel may seem severely serious, but Jin Lee is successfully able to hide her gruesome plot of loss, death, and separation within the framework of a novel that embraces the suffering of life and examines the resilience of those who resist life’s devastation. Jin Lee doesn’t hide the true nature of her novel but rather places a strong emphasis on the familial love found among the characters, the real sense of purpose and calling they each possess, and the connectivity they crave. Her novel transcends the simple two-dimensional façade of any ordinary sad tale and aboids being overpowered by its sad elements. Instead she highlights its sharp antithetical tones to illuminate life’s ever-changing nature. Continued on page 6
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Fun & Games
Merle, My life feels a little emptier without my daily ping-pong match. What ever happened to the ping-pong tables? I can’t be the only one who feels the hole left by the lack of pong. Sincerely, Ping-Pong Champ Champion of the Pongs, I have recently been feeling the lack of “pong.” It seems that one day the ping-pong table was broken and was never fixed. That is, of course, a logical
Forgotten, First of all, I have been saying this since my own sophomore year. The sophomore version of me would’ve been honored to be a part of such a revolution. However, I now know that being the “middle child” is something everyone goes through. It also lasts for only about a year. So until June, look at the bright side: you have more respect, privileges, and knowledge than freshmen. You have less work and stress than juniors. You have two years left, unlike seniors, who need to let go soon. So when you think about it, being a sophomore is pretty great. You may be the “forgotten grade” but it’s all about what happens this year that helps make your junior and senior years great. If that advice didn’t help and you’re still in need of a revolution, sophomore me, senior me, and me me would be more than happy to give a helping hand. Viva La Sophomore, Merle
Merle, I’m looking for some good music to study to. I need to have background noise whenever I study but have gotten bored by the same songs over and over again. Have any recommendations? Sincerely, Musically Focused Musically Focused, I totally understand what you mean. I find it better to write essays and answer my “Ask Merle” questions when there’s music in the background. My go-to study playlists include throwback Disney Channel playlists with artists like the JoBros or good ol’ Hannah, or anything from the early 2000s that just screams out “childhood memories.” Of course, these playlists aren’t for everybody as you might get caught up singing along and lose focus. To those individuals I recommend sophomore music class songs (spoilers for the freshmen). Both semesters’ music is quite relaxing and great for clearing your mind. You’ll be initially distracted with thoughts like, “Ooh let’s see if I remember this song. This has got to be … Symphony 40. Of course!” After a few rounds of testing, though, you’ll be able to get back to work while you enjoy the music for what it is. But then again, taste in music is subjective; just pick what you like. Just Keep Listening, Merle
Have any questions you’d like to ask? Send them to: letsasknotmerle@gmail.com
YOF Mad Libs When I walk into school, the first thing I do is ____________ (verb) in order to sign in. Then I try and ____________ (verb) the elevator but end up ____________ (verb ending in -ing) the stairs anyway. During Minyan I take out a ____________ (noun) from the shelf until I realize that it’s already ____________ (time of day) and rush to breakfast. As I rummage my locker I can’t seem to find my ____________ (lost noun). I take out some of the contents, but realize breakfast is almost over and finally decide to ____________ (verb). ____________ (YOF teacher) isn’t here today. I decided to spend my ____________ (adjective) period in the ____________ (place). I find some ____________ (plural noun) and we spoke about our plans for the weekend. During ____________’s (YOF teacher) class I try and sneak away to the ____________ (place) but ____________ (number) students have already left the room. When the ____________ (noun) finally rings for lunch I sprint downstairs only to realize it is ____________ (type of weather) outside and I must grab my ____________ (noun) to protect me. I open my locker to find my ____________ (same lost noun) underneath a stack of books. I buy myself a ____________ (noun) for lunch and head back, only to realize that there’s six more hours left until the end of the day.
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The novel explores what it means to be a stranger in a foreign land or a foreigner in your own land. It shamelessly mocks optimism and confronts what it means to live a real life filled with sorrow, and loss. It basks in the understanding that life will be sore backs and sore wrists. It’ll be hunching over selling sugar at the market. It’ll be losing your father to tuberculosis and losing your husband to the land you call home. It’ll be a string of manipulation and never feeling autonomy in your own body. It’ll be a series of losses that doesn’t seem to end. It’ll be dark and it’ll be dreary. Yet, each day you will get up early to work, to cook, to clean, to live. And there will also be moments of joy. It’ll be eating white rice and dreaming of the future with your sister. It’ll be doctor appointments and pregnancies and births. It’ll be bringing pumpkin-flavored taffy home for your nephew and reuniting with someone you used to love. It’ll be reading Charles Dickens and falling in love. There’ll be times when you can sit back and smile. This book is a gift. As a reader you will suffer alongside those whose lives you will read about. It’ll leave you empty. It’ll force you to feel this raw sadness. To reevaluate the way you see the world, your family, and those you love. To question religion and search for answers to questions you don’t have. To love those around you and cherish every breath. To cling to your family, the one you were born to and the one you’ve made along the way, whose bonds are stronger than blood. Pachinko urges you to love.
Riddles to Ponder 1. I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but can’t leave. What am I? 2. What comes down but never goes up? 3. If I drink, I die. If I eat, I grow. What am I? 4. What travels around the world while staying in one spot? 5. What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand years? 6. What has four eyes but can’t see? 7. What can you catch but not throw? 8. What gets broken without being touched? 9. What is always coming but never arrives? The letter “M” Mississippi A cold A promise Tomorrow
To My #1 Fan, I am quite honored to have my very first fan! Granted, it is February, but I am still grateful! Thank you for reading! My advice would be to make the most out of your final semester. Talk to the people in our grade whom you haven’t gotten around to yet and form friendships that you might miss out on if you continue to stay in your same comfortable bubble. Enjoy every day at Flatbush as if it were your last, meaning laugh and learn with people you probably won’t see next year, when our grade will be all over the world. You won’t have a greater chance to get the most out of Flatbush and the people here than today. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Love, Merle
Dear Merle, I would like to redeem the sophomore grade. Every grade is special in some way besides us. Freshmen are the newbies. Juniors are preparing for SATs and APs. Seniors are leaving and the oldest of the bunch. Sophomores are the middle children of high school. I think it’s time we get the recognition we deserve. What do you think, Merle? Want to help me with my revolution? The Forgotten Grade
Hi There. The reason for the Ask Merle column is to not only address issues that students themselves raise but to also answer your everyday questions (like this one). To get a response is a compliment, so you’re welcome. :) Merle
Pachinko... continued from page 5
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Hey Merle, As a senior who has not yet caught senioritis but has come to experience the dull lull of the second semester of senior year, I find myself no longer needing to stay up till 2 a.m. studying anymore and suddenly desperate to get the most out of my last year at Flatbush. Any advice, recommendations, or secret senior year ritual ideas? Love always, Your #1 Fan
Hi. Why is there an Ask Merle column? Not a stupid question, I really am curious.
Answers: 1. A keyboard 2. Rain 3. Fire 4. A stamp
Ask Merle
answer. I don’t believe in logical answers. I did, in fact, take AP Conspiracy Theory and we discussed missing objects. I believe that the administration is conspiring with the government to remove all “pongs” and “pings” from the vicinity. Don’t worry, you are not alone in this. The AP Conspiracy Theory students believe you. May the Ping be with you, Merle
Standard of Fabulous Teacher Interview: Ms. Halper By Jessica Vaysman Contributing Writer
Ms. Halper, head of the Hebrew department, never fails to show up to school looking put-together and fashionable. She’s maintained her sense of style throughout the years and always looks super trendy. Ms. Halper said her fashion inspiration is her beloved mother. Her parents were Holocaust survivors and never had money to spare. As a child, Ms. Halper always wanted new clothes but wouldn’t bother asking her mother because she knew there wasn’t enough money. Because of this, Ms. Halper said she couldn’t really express herself through fashion as a kid, and on top of that she had to wear a uniform to school every day. But her mother taught her that fashion isn’t about having money to buy the newest clothes. “She used to say that if you look put-together and
your clothes are neat, you can look just as good as someone who is wearing designer clothing.” One of Ms. Halper’s favorite memories was setting the Shabbat table Friday night. Her mother would make sure the table looked gorgeous even without a nice tablecloth or challah cover. “Even if there was only one onion or potato on the table, a beautiful presentation made the food
taste better,” she said. Ms. Halper’s mom always used to tell her that patching up a hole or adding a button to an old piece of clothing makes it look brand new. Her mother used to say, “Don’t cry about things you don’t have, but work with what you do have.” Ms. Halper still follows that piece of advice today. She says she has only “a couple of pieces of clothing” but she always mixes and matches different tops and bottoms, sews on some buttons and patches, or adds a simple sweater to make the whole outfit look brand new. When she shops, Ms. Halper doesn’t look for brand names or fancy items, but looks for more affordable fashion and just dresses it up. Her favorite places to shop are Fox’s, Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Her advice for anyone who’s trying to wear more fashionable clothing or just experimenting with fashion is that it is important to know that looking good doesn’t mean looking expensive. Because of this mentality and her mother’s words of love, Ms. Halper has waltzed through her life feeling incredible, looking fashionable and expressing her true self.
Fashion Fact of the Month The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers nail polish a household hazardous waste.
Sam Says By Sam Anonymous Student
As a guy who does care about fashion, I feel the need to defend the fashion world to all of you “non-fashion” people who read this section. The above article explains one male student’s point of view on fashion, with which I obviously disagree. Fashion is a mode of self-expression. It’s a way for people to show who they are and what they’re like without even saying a word. It can also make you happier and more confident. Dressing in something that you love and feel you look great in will do that
to a person. Also, frankly, fashion is very fun. Mixing and matching interesting combinations, creating fun and cool-looking outfits, and dressing for how you want to be treated is what fashion is all about. I’m not saying to look at the outside of people instead of their personalities, but understanding someone’s fashion sense can help you actually know someone’s personality even better. If you walk into an important job interview in a baggy sweatshirt, they probably won’t want to hire you because you just don’t look professional. If you go in a plain suit, they will probably consider you. If you walk in with something professional-looking but with a little bit of flair, there’s a good chance people will be more interested. They say “Dress for the job
you want, not the job you have,” and it’s true. Showing your personality from the outside can make you a more interesting and intriguing person to talk to. I do understand the argument of the article that Centrals can be boring. I agree that girls should wear something a bit more exciting sometimes. I also agree that personality is more important than appearance, but appearance can help express personality. Fashion isn’t just clothing, it’s a way of life—and one that you should all try out sometime. So, after all of that, as you may have guessed, this month I will be walking the halls with a bit of flair in my outfits. Remember to e-mail me if you think you’ve figured out who I am!
Tefilah Commission... continued from page 4
time and remain quiet, attentive and
something that schools and Jews across the globe struggle with. What is the purpose of tefilah? How can we best connect to our prayers as individuals? How can we create dynamic and united prayer as a group? Even
engaged.” It is not easy to create the
for those not feeling connected, how can we create an environment of respect and dignity during prayer? I know many shuls struggle with these questions as well—always contemplating how to get people to attend on
perfect environment for tefilah, and to inspire students to pray, but the new commission is trying to get as close as they can to that ideal.
I’m Unimpressed By Max Shemtob Reluctant Writer
Every morning when I wake up I simply throw on clothes, pray they match, and run to school. I don’t spend 25 minutes brushing my hair, I just run my hands through. I don’t spend another 30 minutes picking my outfit, and obviously (I hope) I don’t spend 30 minutes putting on makeup. I have absolutely no fashion sense, so I don’t care what I’m wearing or what people around me are wearing. The only thing I notice about the way girls dress at Flatbush is that they all wear the same exact skirt. Every single girl wears the same black Central, and I don’t even know if I’m using the correct term. From the little that was explained to me so I could write this article, there are a lot of different types of skirts. There are maxi skirts (named after moi, of course), short skirts, pencil skirts, and probably many others that I don’t care to know about. Where things vary is shirts. What bothers me the most about shirts is that half the girls wear a plain old tee and the other half wear a shirt related to Marvel comics even though they probably can’t name a single person on their shirt. In order to increase my interest in the apparently pretty large fashion world, I was commanded to actually pay attention to what people are wearing for once. I was told to go to school and look at people’s clothes and fashion choices. By first period I was already bored. How do people devote their lives to this? I was also told to pay attention to what teachers were wearing and ask them about their fashion choices. The only thing I learned, which I’m not even sure is true, was that if clothes are the same color then they “match.” I didn’t feel comfortable asking teachers why they made their outfit picks that day. Also, I frankly didn’t care enough. So why do I hate fashion? Because I see no point in devoting oneself to clothes. I don’t see the difference between last season’s stuff and the “hot” clothes. But, more importantly, I don’t like people who care more about clothes than about personalities.
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Sports
Sportsman Spotlight: Isaac Levi By Victor Allaham Sports Editor
For the past four years, Isaac Levi has been the manager of the Flatbush Falcons basketball team. Despite not being an actual player on the team, Levi is still highly dedicated and, as strange as it may seem, his presence provides somewhat of a boost to the team. Levi’s managing career began way back in the sixth grade, when after failing to make the team as a player, he was offered a spot as the team’s manager. He immediately accepted the offer and has stuck to it since then. In a recent interview with the veteran manager, Levi stated how much he loves his role: “It’s been amazing! My first year we had a championship and we’ve been craving one ever since. Hopefully this year, six years later, we will reclaim what is ours.” Being the team manager has had several upsides. “Being manager impacted my Flatbush life quite well,” he said. “I made great connections with the coach
Students Split on New Gym Curriculum By Netanel Ben-Shabat Contributing Writer
The Physical Education curriculum has undergone several key changes since 2014, and the students at Flatbush have no shortage of opinions on the transformation. The school’s pool is long gone, as are other old aspects of the way students
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in a student-colleague relationship.” Levi has been able to enjoy the perks of being a member of the Falcons basketball team. He’s traveled on the road with team, including accompanying the team to Memphis this year for a tournament. “Traveling is great, especially to Memphis. It was really an amazing experience that I don’t think most kids in Flatbush get,” he said. Although Levi has been able to travel with the team, and even miss class sometimes to manage games, he said those weren’t the best aspects of the job. “The best part of being manager is getting to see all the fans directly opposite me. You never really appreciate a game like you do when lots of fans show up,” he said. Levi is guaranteed a seat on the Falcons’ bench at every single game, which is an honor people seldom receive. He said the responsibilities of his job can be annoying at times, but in the long run it’s overwhelmingly positive. Levi stated, “Sometimes it [sitting next to the Falcons bench] bothers me because, when Flatbush is doing really well, being with the fans is what it’s all about. But sitting with the team has its upsides. I get to talk to the players and coaches, and give them support face-to-face.” He says he has learned a lot from being the manager, and his love for the game has grown with his knowledge: “When you’re the manger, you’re not only looking at the scoreboard. You’re also documenting each and every event that happens on the court, which in turn makes you appreciate the game so much more.” Levi is unique in many ways, but his steadfast devotion to the Flatbush basketball team year in and year out is especially impressive. Now in his final year as the team manager, Levi continues to play a pivotal role in helping the Falcons make a run for the championship. He will certainly be a difficult act to follow next season. experienced physical education. The new curriculum was designed to expand students’ knowledge of the body as well as providing physical exercise. Some students have grown to like the new curriculum, while others continue to complain. Senior Morris Mamiye is not a fan of the new physical education format. “The standardization of gym in the Yeshivah of Flatbush completely stripped the enjoyable and fun aspects of the class and turned it into something that I dread rather than look forward to,” he said. “Additionally, the available gym times are completely unsuitable for seniors, especially those who are heavily involved in the school and take extra electives and are usually busy during lunch.” Mamiye isn’t the only senior to express criticism of the new gym format.
JV Boys Fall Just Short By Teddy Betesh
devastating four-game skid. However, the team kept their heads held high Contributing Writer and the finally healthy sophomore The Junior Varsity boys’ basketpowerhouse Jack Rosow was ready to ball season came to an end February make his return to Yeshivah League 13 when the Falcons were defeated by Magen David by a final score of 47-27, basketball and pick up his team off the ground. His return led the team terminating their playoff hopes. When the season started way back to three straight victories; Rosow even in September, all was looking great. put up a stellar 41-point performance The JV squad blew out Shaare and against DRS. As of then their record Ezra with a couple stellar team per- sat at 5-4 with one game to go. formances. After these two victories Their last game would be on the they were able to pull off a perfect record in the Hausdorff Tournament. At road against a strong Magen David that point, it looked as if the team was team. A Falcons win combined with poised for an impressive season, and a few losses from other teams in their possibly even a championship if they division would set them up with a spot kept up a high level of play. in the playoffs. A loss, however, would That’s when things started to put their season to bed. The bad news downhill for the group. Despite showcoming into the game that Jack Rosow ing maximum effort, they went on a would not be playing due to injury. There was a lot of hype for the game and the Flatbush family showed up to support. The unusually large Flatbush crowd for a road game had little to cheer, however, as a 20-point loss officially ended the Falcons’ season. Despite only a .500 record, this group of ballplayers has shown that they could definitely bring a championship to our school in the next couple of years. Several freshmen showed promise this year and should emerge as veteran leaders on next year’s JV squad. Sophomores such as Rosow, Eddie Lincer, and Joe Kattan are a good bet to make Varsity next year, joining current juniors like Maurice Mosseri in the quest to bring a banner or two to our gym. The future looks very bright for Sophomore guard Isaaac Rosen boys basketball in Flatbush. Michael Goldstein shared his opinion as well: “Back in the old days, it was the best. They’d throw two basketballs out and that was it.” One big part of the new gym format that has become widely disliked by seniors is the scheduling of gyms during lunches. Seniors Louie Dweck, Avi Tessone, and Rena Weitzman all stated that they believed the new gym format forces students to give up their lunch periods. Dweck even proposed that the gym teachers let out the students several minutes before the period ends in order to give time for the seniors to get lunch. This should be less of a problem next year, as the new schedule includes builtin lunch periods. On the flip side, many students do seem to admire the new gym curriculum. This new physical education cur-
riculum has turned out to be a success and even more the students are excited about learning and playing a whole range of sports. One junior said, “When I first saw pickle ball on the schedule, my friends and I immediately started to laugh. We didn’t know that there was such a sport with that name and we assumed it would be a bust. But when we got to it and we started learning about it, I knew I was wrong. It turned out to be one of the most interesting and fun sports that I have played in my life.” Many of the girls have also been enjoying the new sports in their curriculum. Some girls were resistant to the idea of playing hockey at first, but the sport has proved so popular that Flatbush now fields a girls’ hockey team that competes in the yeshiva league.