A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 55, Issue 4 • January 2021 / 5781
Students still behind on chesed hours despite more lenient system By Natalie Ryba Fun & Games Editor
Students are missing chesed hours at roughly the same rate as any other year, even after Flatbush made significant changes to the school’s community service requirements to accommodate for the pandemic, Ms. Ovadia confirmed. In a regular academic year, students are required to complete and log a minimum 15 hours of community service per semester. It is customary for students to visit the elderly at Ahi Ezer, interact with mentally challenged adults through Yachad, and cook for the hungry at SBH, among many other activities. While most students usually complete their hours, some fail to meet the required 15 per semester and face at least a five-hour penalty and possibly suspension. This school year, in light of the pandemic, Ms. Ovadia, Community Service Coordinator, changed the policy by adding the concept of “acts of chesed.” Students are allowed to log good deeds they’ve done at home, and are required to complete a “minimum of 15 Chesed hours or 15 Acts of Chesed or any combination of both.” This change in policy has the potential to give students an easier way to complete their community service requirements, as they can be fulfilled with-
out the hassle of leaving the comfort of their homes to visit the elderly or cook in a soup kitchen. However, the loosening of the usual requirements has not had a noticeable effect on the number of students scrambling to make up hours as the semester ends, Ms. Ovadia said. “The kids who always run and do are running and doing,” she said, adding that the students who tend to earn a failing mark on the report card seem to be in the same position as usual. Students like Solomon Cohen say the pandemic has made doing chesed more difficult. Cohen, who is usually active in school and community chesed, said he is behind on his hours this year because “there are less opportunities and less dip into real life chesed.” Senior Yigal Laham, on the other hand, typically finds himself falling behind the deadline for his community service hours; he thinks the new system makes his job easier. “All I have to do is take out the garbage and I get an hour,” he said. Junior Jacob Cohen, who is typically very active in community chesed, also likes the new policy. He believes “The new system is definitely an upgrade from the previous system because chesed shouldn’t be measured on how long it took; it should be based off of what you did.”
Crawford’s hoping to reopen in February By Elie Esses Junior Editor
The Crawford’s location inside the school building that has been shut down most of the school year could reopen next semester, but that reopening is contingent on various factors including the school going to a full schedule of all four grades in the building each day, owner Eddie Antar said. “School just isn’t the same without Crawford’s,” said junior Evelyn Lincer, and she isn’t alone in her sentiment. Walk past the bare café counter where Crawford’s used to be, and murmurs can be heard of students describing how much they miss it, how good the paninis were, how they crave an acai bowl. Crawford’s has been a beloved Flatbush staple ever since its opening in 2018, but due to complications regarding Covid-19, they were forced to shut down early in the 2020 school year. Antar, the owner of Crawford’s, explained that the café remains closed for a number of reasons. First, it’s difficult to justify their opening from a financial standpoint when there are only three
grades in the building at a time and there’s no breakfast, which under normal circumstances accounts for a significant portion of sales. Further, “the restrictions and uncertainty the virus poses make it hard to reopen.” He also clarified that the brief period in which they were open earlier this year was nothing more than a temporary experiment to test the waters and see how feasible it really is to open during these trying times. But depending on every individual’s commitment to socially responsible behavior., it seems that things may change. In regard to a future reopening, Antar stated, “There is a chance I am able to reopen next semester if the school reopens fully and returns to the previous schedule.” As to exactly how they will operate, much is to be decided, but it seems that ordering will be taking place on the Crawford's app that was unveiled in the beginning of the school year. Junior Yvette Dayon speaks on behalf of many students and teachers alike: “I really, really, hope they reopen. I get so hangry without a snack.”
Students embrace surprising upside of masks By Jenna Ashkenazie Junior Editor
It is difficult to find people who enjoy wearing a mask all day. Students often complain that they may feel confining, fog up their glasses, and feel hot and sweaty. But some students have found a surprising upside to wearing a mask: increased self-confidence. The senior director for healthcare innovations at the American Psychological Association claimed that wearing a mask may reduce anxiety that comes from people feeling like they are on display all the time. Many Flatbush students have similar feelings, reporting that they feel more
In This Issue People: Page 2 D’var Torah: Page 4 Fun and Games: Page 6
confident wearing their masks, including an anonymous junior who claimed that she likes wearing a face mask because it covers her braces. An anonymous senior feels that masks help boost self-esteem because “half of people’s faces are being covered by a mask. And everyone is wearing a mask so almost everyone looks the same when it comes to the bottom half of their face. It’s less to worry about if you care about appearance and compare yourself to others.” Others feel that the main benefit is that nobody can see any sort of blemish behind the mask, so they don’t have to worry about pimples, or acne scars, or
anything else that so many people spend hours each day trying to cover up. “I think that most students are less self-conscious because half of their faces are being covered so they don’t have to worry too much about what they look like,” freshman Shirley Jajati explained. “If your face is being covered then you don’t need to worry about any pimples on your chin or food stuck in your teeth because no one will see it. Even though I don’t really worry too much about what I look like, I can see how others are more confident when they know no one sees their face.” Junior Sabrina Zami agreed, saying that although her acne has gotten worse
this year, it doesn’t really matter, because nobody can see it. She also states that she doesn’t feel the need to wear makeup anymore, because the mask covers up anything she might feel self-conscious about. She added that she no longer finds herself comparing her skin to other people with perfect skin, because she can’t see what anybody looks like under the mask, so there is nothing to compare herself to. She also realized that because of the masks, she knows that most people no longer have perfect skin, so it evens the playing field a little bit, and that even when her skin can be seen, she doesn’t
Entertainment: Rewatching shows brings comfort Page 5
Food: Easy almond cookies Page 7
Sports: Chess team enjoying sudden boom Page 8
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phoenix@flatbush.org | 1
Faculty Freshman:
Ms. Baltimore By Diane Azrak Features Editor
The outgoing and experienced Ms. Julie Baltimore is a first-year Flatbush teacher, but it’s most definitely not her first job in the field. While she didn’t initially study education as a student in Brooklyn College, in her heart she always knew that’s where her purpose lies. She graduated with a BA in Childhood Education, then completed her master’s degree in Special Education while working in a special education preschool for students with a variety of disabilities. There, she climbed the ladder to becoming service coordinator, then ultimately director for children 0–3 years old who received early intervention services. She also worked with children in foster care who lived in multiple homes before the age of four. Never ceasing to accomplish, she pursued a postgraduate degree in Supervision and Administration, stopping just three credits short. Baltimore shares, “I plan to return to school for further post graduate classes” at some point.
Before joining the Flatbush family, Ms. Baltimore taught for the Academy class in Magen David Yeshivah elementary. She moved up to be the Dean of Students for grades 1–8, and admits, “I truly loved what I did [but] I had minimal opportunity to work in the classroom, as my role as Dean spanned a wide variety of responsibilities.” Then this past summer she was interviewed (via Zoom) for her current position as a freshman global history teacher; even though she does have to adjust to her new school amid a global pandemic, she is excited to be here. Known as “the teacher who TikToks,” Ms. Baltimore believes learning can happen in any environment specific to each individual student and that they “must feel that they are a partner in their learning.” As Dean, she would keep board games in her classroom for students who couldn’t maintain appropriate behavior in a typical classroom setting. Ms. Baltimore supports an environment of mutual respect that’s interesting and fun. She loves her students, and especially loves learning from them. All of this contributes to her admiration of Flatbush: the value of education, caring students, welcoming attitude, helpfulness, and small gestures that warm her heart. Outside of the classroom Baltimore enjoys Scrabble, walking, cooking, shopping, going to the beach, and spending time with family. “I love … watching Gilmore Girls with my daughter- we’re Rory and Lorelei!” Her daughter is also someone who, like her students, Ms. Baltimore feels she learns a lot by just being around.
Flatbush Family: The Scabas By Merle Kassin Contributing Writer
We’ve been lied to. We’ve been tricked, cheated, and bamboozled. Society has lied to us, J.K. Rowling and Spongebob have lied to us. Some virtues of the Scaba family can help expose these lies. People say you have to be the same as your friend, that you can’t have a relationship with someone so different. As the saying goes, opposites attract. Right? Think about it: when you hear the term “best friends,” who do see? Spongebob and Patrick running around? Harry, Ron, and Hermoine sitting in the Gryffindor common room hunting for horcruxes? Society has tricked us into thinking that your ideal best friend is like you. No one is more similar to Sponge-
bob than Patrick. Who, in the entirety of Bikini Bottom, would spend a month running around blowing bubbles? Only Spongebob and Patrick. Why are basically all of Harry’s friends other Gryffindor
The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Kaden Harari Managing Editor: Adelle Ayash Senior Editors: Michael Oved, Shelley Shamah School News Editors: Vivian Cohen, Joanie Dweck Religion Editor: Jennifer Salzman World News Editor: Etty Jajati Features Editor: Diane Azrak Entertainment Editors: Renee Cohen, Betty Hidary
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Four years for the rest of your entire family’s life Alumni Interview: The Rauch family
From left to right: Julius, Allan, Mitchell, and David
By Belle Shatzkes Contributing Writer
Brothers David, Allan, and Mitchell Rauch attended the Yeshivah of Flatbush JBHS when they were teenagers. They used their skills to become a chairman, lawyer, and a doctor, respectively, and instilled lifelong virtues while at school. But what directly connects these brothers to Flatbush nowadays is their father, Julius, who participates in Flatbush’s current Witness Theater program, where high school students get to know Holocaust survivors, and hear their stories, eventually putting on a production on Yom Hashoah. David graduated from Yeshivah of Flatbush in 1974. He was involved in many programs throughout high school, such as the theater group, the photography club, and the swim team, and claims to have worked harder in Flatbush than in college and graduate school. David lists “hard work, intellectual rigor, and a lifelong curiosity” as values learned from Flatbush. He developed many close friendships over his four years at the high school; he even met his wife as a student here! For college he attended YU and NYU and has an MBA from NYU. David contributes to his community: he is a former president of his shul in Teaneck, NJ, and the former president of Yeshivat Frisch in Paramus, NJ. He is currently the Chairman of the Board at the Azrielli School for Jewish Education at Yeshiva University. Allan graduated from the high school in 1977. He was the sporty, athletic brother: “The Flatbush Falcons were my whole life, it was everything,” emphasized Allan. His fondest memories of school were from the basketball team. He said it was a “one-sport world”: basketball was the sport that brought everyone together. He was also passionate about his secular subjects and gained an appreciation
Food Editor: Evelyn Tawil Fashion Editors: Sarah Benun, Lillian Louz Fun & Games Editor: Natalie Ryba Sports Editors: Joey Alhadeff, Terri Elmann Junior Editors: Jenna Ashkenazie, Daniel Beyda, Elie Esses, Nicole Muravsky, Jennifer Neuman, Jack Saad Sophomore Editors: Simone Amkraut, Ralph Askenazi Design: Carolina Cohen Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
for Jewish history. He also made everlasting bonds: five of his oldest friends from Flatbush still have lunch annually around Hanukkah time. He graduated undergrad from University of Pennsylvania and from their law school in ‘83, then worked for a law firm in Manhattan for nine years. For 25 years afterward, he worked as the head of the legal department for Bed Bath & Beyond. Allan is now retired. Mitchell, the youngest, graduated from the high school in 1984. He was part of the student government and was the president of the senior class. He thrived in Flatbush spirit and adored the Falcons basketball games and the rosh chodesh events. Mitchell said Flatbush taught him how to have a refined character and remain a genuine person. “As you go on in life, being a good person and being an honest person will lead you to many right directions,” he explained. He confidently said that he doesn’t have any regrets from his years at JBHS. Flatbush helped him learn how to learn and study well, eventually bringing him to YU, where he was pre-med. He is now a urologist. Being the children of a Holocaust survivor impacted their lives in various ways. Allan explained that his father never had stability in his younger life, so it was something Allan always sought. Employed at the law firm for nine years and at Bed Bath & Beyond for 25 years, he achieved the stability his father was never granted. Like many graduates, these three brothers learned significant values from Flatbush and carried these values over in their lives long after high school. “Flatbush was able to provide a base, an education, that took me to the next level,” Mitchell said. “It teaches you to be a good-hearted human being.” David and Allan agree that Flatbush founded the
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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
‘College venting’ program kicks off gave things 110%, which is what made By Ronnie Mizrachi him so amazing at his job until today!” Contributing Writer added Ms. Dweck. A new program to aid students in Two attendees of the session were coping with the college admissions pro- particularly inspired by its content. “The cess was launched skills that we take three weeks ago in from high school a joint effort by the carry on into the fuGuidance, College ture, and it doesn’t Guidance, and Pathexactly matter where finders departments. we are, but what we Titled “Where You do within our cirGo Is Not Who You cumstances with Will Be” after a book those skills and by the same name, the where we progress,” program provides seexplained senior niors with a channel Stephanie Tarrab. to “vent” about their Daniella Kohn, anfeelings toward rejecother senior who tions, wait-lists, and attended the session, deferrals from their similarly remarked, or their friends’ col“The session made leges. As suggested by me feel that it is OK its name, the goal of if I don’t get into the program is to help my Early Decision The book that inspired the program students recognize the school because I limited impact rejecknow that my worth tions from individual colleges have in is not determined by whatever college I pursuing dreams and passions. get into.” The first session took place on DeRabbi Yitzchak Rosenblum, a memcember 10, during the week when Early ber of the College Guidance departDecision admission letters would be re- ment, discussed the importance of the leased. Program moderators and AP Psy- program’s goal. Students see college as chology teachers Ms. Caroll Dweck and their ultimate goal and destination while Mr. Teddy Chattah reflected that the first they’re in high school, but in reality session exceeded their expectations. Stu- college is a bridge between high school dents were “open and honest with their and the future. The ultimate destination concerns and comforted one another,” should be a stable family and job, even Ms. Dweck said. Mr. Chattah spent much though collegiate education is certainly time in the session discussing his person- important too, he said. al experience with college rejection. His While all seniors have individual story encompassed the core message of College Guidance counselors with whom the program that the college you attend they discuss college anxieties, this prodoesn’t determine who you will become. gram adds a group component between “He still had that diligent work ethic and students, Ms. Dweck said.
Families still plan to travel over winter break By Jack Saad Junior Editor
There isn’t much difference between this year’s winter vacation plans and last year’s, according to many students. Although the school established guidelines discouraging travel over winter break, including a mandatory checkin on the seventh day of the 10-day break and required quarantine upon return from any travel outside the tri-state area as per New York State law, students say their plans for winter break have not changed much. Some families have decided to stay local this winter break, mostly out of fear of the coronavirus. Senior Jack Hanan admitted that he didn’t want to stay local for the break, but his parents were adamant about it due to the increased infection rates as of late. “This whole Covid situation is out of control, and my parents took that into account when deciding where to go for the break,” he said. And Hanan is not the only one whose parents thought this way when deciding on what to do for the break. Others took the approach of traveling within the
United States—mainly to Florida or to Deal, NJ—instead of internationally. Junior Alan Shamah said that this is “the perfect middle ground approach. Not only are we abiding by the rules set by the school so we don’t have to quarantine, but can also have close to the same experience we would normally have as a family.” While most students haven’t had a problem following the rules set by the school and the state, some plan to travel internationally anyway, despite the risks. Specifically, there are many families planning on going to Aruba, especially because the flight and hotel prices are much lower than usual. Additionally, there has been some whispering of students who plan to flout the school’s requirements. Some families have already notified the school that they will skip the mandatory check-in and opt instead to start the spring semester in quarantine. One anonymous student reported that some students have mentioned that they won’t quarantine once they return, which could potentially be detrimental to the school’s ambitious reopening plans for the spring semester.
Flights to warm paces will be crowded
Overflow students join alternate Witness Theater program By Beverly Dweck Contributing Writer
A small group of Flatbush seniors are participating in an alternate Witness Theater program outside of school, with different survivors and public school students. Selfhelp Witness Theater is a national program that brings together Holocaust surviviors and high school students to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and instill key values in future generations, ultimately through a dramatic performance at the end. There are many branches of the general Witness Theater—individual programs run by varying organizations and schools, including the one at Yeshivah of Flatbush. There were a number of competent students who applied to the Flatbush branch of Witness Theater but could not be accepted. Ms. Shatzkes, the director of Flatbush Witness Theater, emphasized that these students “are fabulous and totally qualified,” but for a number of reasons there just isn’t room for more than 16 students in the program. She referred
some of them to the UJA Witness Theater senior in the UJA program, shared, program. Because this year’s program is “There’s a lot of diversity including racial, being done virtually, the perfect oppor- religious, and cultural. These students tunity arose for may not share those Flatbush our religious students still b a c k g rou n d , seeking particbut they are inipation in Wittrigued in the ness Theater; Holocaust and usually, stuthe surviviors.” dents wouldn’t When the be able to paridea was first ticipate in this proposed to specific prosenior Prissy gram because Baranoff, she they would “immediately have to travel jumped on the to Queens. opportunity Participatbecause I was ing in a Witupset after not ness Theater making it into program in the Flatbush an unfamiliar one and felt environment that this was rather than at meant to be.” school posA recent Zoom meeting for the UJA program She continued, es countless “I was definitedifferences. Rochelle Hafif, a Flatbush ly nervous at first because I didn’t know
what to expect but, as soon as we started meeting weekly, I was reassured that it was going to be a very comfortable and enjoyable environment. … I love how diverse the student body is.” Though experiences vary depending on the specific program, an essential part of the meaning lies in the differences that contribute to the formative and unique journey upon which the participant embarks. YOF Witness Theater participant Emy Shamah points out, “In Flatbush’s Witness Theater, we come from very similar backgrounds and I find it interesting how the UJA program is a combination of cultures fusing together for a common goal. This may lead to greater outreach and impact to those who are not as constantly surrounded by a connection to Jewish history, extending further than affecting the lives of individuals in Jewish communities.” Students in both programs agree with Hafif when she expresses how thankful she is for the opportunity and says, “This program gives you a sense of self and a sense of purpose, and I couldn’t recommend it more.”
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UK, EU finally reach D’var Torah: deal on Brexit terms
Batya: במקום שאין אנשים
השתדל להיות איש
By Stephanie Tarrab Contributing Writer
Boris Johnson signs Brexit withdrawal
By Michelle Belenkiy Contributing Writer
The United Kingdom will officially leave the European Union on January 31 and start an 11-month period during which the country will remain in accordance with EU rules while negotiating a trade agreement between the two countries—the beginning of what is commonly known as Brexit. The UK is set to end this mid-stage period on January 1, 2021. A number of changes are expected for both EU and British residents, the first of which being a new immigration policy. The new immigration system will give EU citizens equal treatment to citizens from anywhere else in the world, meaning EU citizens will no longer have the advantage of an automatic right to work in the UK. This immigration system (similar to other first world countries) will prioritize skilled immigrants with high incomes as well as graduate degrees. On the flip side, British citizens will lose their automatic right to live and work in Europe. Vacations are still an availability (once COVID clears); however, visas will be required for those traveling upwards of 90 days. Businesses have also been greatly affected by Britain’s exit. There are new
guidelines to follow both at home and for international commerce. Customs declarations are now mandatory for products crossing from Britain into Europe. Animal products will require even more paperwork. To make the transition easier, Britain isn’t instituting full import controls on goods from Europe until July. Many of these new regulations could lead to international trade delays, especially at channel ports. With its newfound economic freedom, the UK is projected to negotiate better trade deals with countries, including the United States. In addition, they’ll finally be able to get rid of the notorious “tampon tax.” Overall, experts expect the UK’s short term economy to suffer. Some forecasts predict Brexit will shave as much as four to five percentage points off Britain’s GDP in the coming years. The people in the UK have been divided on the subject, just as the rest of the world has been. However, no matter what one’s personal feelings on the matter is, Brexit is now official. The open trade deal has been passed, and the relations of the Brits to the rest of the world is sure to change. For over four years Brexit has played a major role in national and European politics; now it is coming to a final close, as well as a new beginning.
Students still behind on chesed continued from page 1
Despite the similar chesed deficits this year, Ms. Ovadia said that the new policy has led to one notable change: it sheds light on chesed opportunities that are normally hidden in plain sight. “We usually race to go visit old people in nursing homes and Holocaust survivors,
which is super important, but we also need to visit our own grandparents and our old neighbors who have nobody,” Ms. Ovadia explained. “We need to incorporate that regardless of the pandemic. We need to help out our own first.”
Alumni Interview: The Rauch family continued from page 2
core of their lives. But unlike many graduates, these three brothers are currently experiencing a new layer to their connection with the high school through their father. Julius Rauch is an actively engaged participant in this year’s Witness Theater, which is communicated to his sons. They observe and admire how Julius is so invested and has developed such a fondness for the program. David said, “My father so
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enjoys the program and has become 20 years younger.” Not only is Julius developing relationships, rather each of his sons agree that this program has made them much more appreciative of their parents. All three brothers are grateful for what Flatbush has done for them and their father, and they don’t take for granted how lucky they are to have both.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked characters in the entire Torah has one of the greatest impacts on it as well. That character is known as Bat-Par’oh, or literally the nameless “daughter of the Pharaoh.” This week’s Parasha begins with the turnover from a supposedly friendly and tolerant Pharaoh to one who initiates the systematic execution of Israelite children to effectively halt the growth of the nation. Our longtime hero, Moshe, is miraculously saved when his mother, Yocheved, puts him in a basket along the Nile with only his sister Miriam to watch over him as he drifts away into an uncertain future. When Bat-Par’oh goes to the riverbed to bathe, she spots a child crying in a basket between the reeds, names him, and raises him as her own. Bat-Par’oh had mercy on him despite the intense hatred against Hebrews, especially within her own household. As per Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ chilling analogy, this is the equivalent of Hitler’s daughter taking in a Jew and raising him right under her maniacal father’s nose! It’s an unimaginable feat that’s mentioned in a mere six pesukim in Parshat Shemot, with no mention of any reward or praise for her actions. The Torah’s wording in this pas-
sage is purposely ironic; Bat-Par’oh’s “name” is repeated five times, stressing the fact that the very person that saves Moshe is the daughter of the exact man that planned his murder. The name of “Batya” that we’ve learned to attribute to Bat-Par’oh is one given by sages and rabbis, but the emphasis of the pasuk on her title, “Bat-Par’oh,” draws us to the significance of her name, status, and brave undertaking. There’s a popular phrase from Pirkei Avot that goes as follows: “Be’makom she’ein anashim, hishtadel lihyot ish,” or “In a place where there are no people, strive to be a person.” Bat-Par’oh humbly makes an example of these words of wisdom; despite her prominent status and responsibilities as part of the royal family, she decides to be a person by rescuing an innocent Hebrew and sticking to her core values of humanity. So, why is this such an overlooked passage and overlooked character? We learn that Bat-Par’oh didn’t save Moshe expecting a reward, but quite the opposite: this was a mortal risk. She did it out of the goodness of her heart and she brings Moshe into these next four books of the Torah with grace and dignity. The importance of Moshe later is a praise of Bat-Par’oh and a testament to the power of commitment to the right thing in the face of overwhelming evil.
Students embrace surprising upside of masks continued from page 1
feel as bad because she knows she isn’t the only one who has bad skin. Most students look forward to the
day when masks are not necessary. But while they are required, some Flatbush students are enjoying the upside.
Flatbush Family: Rita and Moshe Scaba continued from page 2
students? Thanks to the Scabas, this article is about exposing this lie and showing everyone you don’t need to be Spongebob to find your Patrick. You can find your Ron outside of your sorting house. Rita and Moshe Scaba are extremely different and their relationship is inspiring. Moshe likes to play video games, while Rita spends more time focused on her work. Moshe says that Rita is loud, while he is a lot more quiet. Even knowing how different they are, they both describe how well they get along. Rita loves having her brother in the same building and talking to him about his teachers. Rita had some of the teachers that Moshe has, so she gives him advice about each class. Moshe says that if he’s missing something then he would turn to his sister. Rita says that having family in the
building has affected her in a very positive light. Any time Rita needed something she had someone to turn to. She likes having a familiar face around school. Moshe describes their close relationship and how his older sister is always willing and happy to help him with his classes. Rita prepared Moshe on what to expect coming to high school. Rita asks her brother for advice because she trusts him. They both even say that there aren’t any negatives to having each other in the same school. Rita says that people always recognize that they are siblings, but only from their last name. Yes they are different and they have a strong bond. They can always depend on each other. The Scabas’ strong relationship proves that we can have a great friendship with someone who is very different.
Entertainment The joys of rewatching When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year … Natalie Ryba Fun and Games Editor
After scrolling through hundreds of shows daily, believing that they’re browsing for practically anything to watch, countless viewers circle back to the same shows: Friends, The Office, Schitt’s Creek, Full House, Gilmore Girls, That 70’s Show, Cheers, Frasier, and Seinfeld, to name a few. Many people today avoid their ever-growing “watch list” of the newest captivating award-winning content by opting instead for TV’s version of comfort food. In 2020, there’s a pressing psychological explanation as to why the newer content is living in the shadows of the cable staples. Life in the past five years or so has arguably become more stressful than ever. The endless tether to the outside world and the new competition in every respect of life has a heavy impact on the human psyche, bringing people to a point where they’re at their capacity for negativity and stress. When people actually find time for television, an overwhelming number of them are emotionally drained and turn to the predictability and warm familiarity of their favorite shows. Senior Yvette Halfon says that she rewatches shows like Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill, “the classics,” for comfort. It’s nice to have familiar voices in the background; it’s better than “sitting around.” Guidance counselor and AP Psychology teacher Mr. Chattah claims that “humans abhor change.” He added, “During a global pandemic, when nothing in this world is consistent, there are no easy expectations, people watch shows that they know will bring them comfort.”
When humans see anything familiar, especially something that has brought them pleasure before, the brain releases dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter. The shows that they’ve grown up watching, or shows that were always on TV, provide a very real sense of well-being. People don’t watch Friends to see a moving performance or groundbreaking plotlines, they watch it so they can see friendly faces with problems that get solved in 30 minutes or less. Sometimes, shows with intense drama and violence or even romance actually worsen the viewer’s original distress caused by external forces. Senior David Cattan watches shows like Fauda and Money Heist when he’s “in the mood” because “it’s a different vibe.” But Cattan admits that ultimately it comes back to shows like How I Met Your Mother and Entourage at any given time of day because they’re “funny, relaxing. I could be on my phone and still know what’s going on. It’s very chill, no like shooting or anything intense.” C o m for ting shows don’t require the same investment and thought that the newest shows bring to the table. In this age of uncertainty, more people are seeking minimal stimulation, happy endings, and to be lulled to sleep by cliches and laugh tracks.
TV Review:
New show brings Efron Down to Earth By Joanie Dweck School News Editor
Recently, Zac Efron partnered with Netflix to release a documentary series that covers ways to improve the Earth. Efron is known for his many iconic roles in movies such as High School Musical, Baywatch, Hairspray, and The Greatest Showman to name a few; though Efron has been utilizing his fame in order to educate his viewers and the general population. In his new show Down To Earth, Efron visits various countries around the world (one per episode) to learn about their history and current living conditions, and explores ways that each location is attempting to solve many global issues like pollution, climate change, world hunger, poverty, and others. But Efron’s main goal is to demonstrate how to live a healthier lifestyle. France, London, Iceland, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica are among the featured countries. In each place, professionals discuss the unique attributes of their specific location and how they contribute to the overall solutions to the mentioned issues. Years ago, Efron came into contact with Darien Olien, creator of Barukas health food snacks and globally recognized “superfood hunter” who has dedicated his life to eating cleaner and healthier. His book, SuperLife: The 5 Simple Fixes That Will Make You Healthy, Fit, and Eternally Awesome, discusses
processes for living a more natural and elevated lifestyle, providing tips and tricks for achieving a clean life to the best of a person’s ability. Olien is the one who inspired Efron to adopt this lifestyle, and joins him on each trip he takes. Not only is Down to Earth educational, but it is also a chance to travel to places maybe never seen or heard, all from the comfort of the viewer’s home. The show was released at the peak of Covid chaos, when most people haven’t traveled or even gotten out in months. Many viewers said that the show, with its compelling and exotic places explored, gave them the sense of renewal that they have been lacking. Down to Earth gives viewers the sensation of learning history, culture, healthy lifestyles, and a way to vicariously experience the wonders of the world.
Book Review: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott By Nicole Muravsky Junior Editor
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is a fascinating novel that details the lives from adolescence through adulthood of the March sisters: Jo the independent non-conformist, Meg the responsible, mature eldest, Amy the creative one, and Beth the quiet yet talented one. The sisters, especially Jo, love to spend time with their neighbor, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, who is a charming, playful young man who serves as a brotherly figure in the girls’ lives. As they grow up, each of the sisters follows her own path. Jo goes against social norms and her aunt’s wishes by becoming a writer; Meg chooses to remain poor and lives a quaint life with her hus-
band; Amy becomes an artist and travels around Europe with her aunt; Beth dies from scarlet fever, which she catches when volunteering to take care of her sick, poor neighbor’s children. Written exceedingly well, the novel depicts the hardships, romantic struggles, and moments of bliss that the sisters experience in a captivating manner. The
highlighted differences in the ladies’ personalities provoke the reader to want to learn more about the characters and how they will overcome their obstacles based on their specific attitudes and beliefs. Even though each sister goes through her own personal growth and journey, the sisters still maintain their close bonds with one another, encapsulating the con-
tradictory ideas of independence and familial unity. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions while reading it, especially from the “bittersweet” ending that through me into a loop. The novel, which has been remade as a movie several times, is a timeless classic that will be read and enjoyed by many generations to come.
phoenix@flatbush.org | 5
Fun & Games Ask Merle
Dear Merle, The new test schedule is messing with my average. What should I do? Sincerely, Bad Test-Taker Dear Bad Test-Taker, Yes. The new test schedule is rather different from our usual routine of eight tests within a school week. Tests are more sporadic, which leaves less wiggle
room for subpar grades. Lucky for us, our teachers are very human. They understand that most kids are not great at test-taking and are probably not going to come out with the best score only having taken a couple of tests per semester. My advice to you is this: 1. Plan out how you are going to improve your scores on tests but also on things like class participation and homework. These will bring up your average. 2. Talk to your teachers. Let them know that you care and are willing to put more effort into their class. 3. Don’t obsess over these things. Some students tend to give in to the negative voices in their heads and are convinced bad grades are the absolute end of the world. Please go to bed at a decent hour, hydrate as much as possible, and eat balanced meals. Hopefully all will feel right in the world! Also, the administration hears your voice and accounts for every student’s feedback. You will succeed. Good Luck, Merle
By Natalie Ryba
Dear Merle, Winter break is coming up and I’m not going anywhere. I’m gonna be so bummed the whole time. How can I enjoy myself? Sincerely, Bored Dear Bored, This year, due to all the difficulties that arrived with the coronavirus, many of life’s greatest pleasures (i.e., traveling) have come to a halt. A lot more people will not be vacationing this year. Do not worry, because you can have a fabulous staycation. You can sleep in, exercise, shopping malls won’t be as crowded, the sky is the limit … literally, because a staycation excludes air travel. You will have the opportunity to get to know yourself more and understand how you like to spend your time. Bon Voyage, Merle Dear Merle, It’s December and school still doesn’t feel quite right. How can I just settle down? Sincerely, Frustrated
Fun & Games Editor
GLASS HALF FULL
• Current goal at the moment is to say “Baruch Hashem” with the same power that Ms. Theil does when someone asks her, “How are you?” • One of my favorite things ever is walking into my house on a Friday afternoon and smelling the lemon-scented Fabuloso floor-cleaner. My dream is to bottle it and wear it out. • I’m 17 and still tune into the Disney Channel for its holiday movies. • I never expected this from myself but I can’t go a day without hearing Adele’s voice. It’s so good!
GLASS HALF EMPTY
• I never realized how impressionable I am until one Shabbat before shul I was staring at myself in the mirror trying to get Nigella Lawson’s signature winged-eye. • It’s been a while since we’ve taken written tests, meaning no autocorrect. Sometimes when I’m sitting minding my own business, words that I for sure misspelled on tests come to my mind and just rub it in. • People have told me since middle school that things slow down in senior year, but now I’m realizing how literal it is. This feels like genuine retirement; I’m waiting for my social security checks to come in the mail.
THINGS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK TV SHOWS AND MOVIES • The Inbetweeners • Rhys Nicholson Live at the Athenaeum • The Grinch • Instant Hotel SONGS • “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Ottis Redding
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Dear Frustrated, This year is clearly not a normal one. There is significantly less human contact no matter how many or how few protocols you follow. People need people. And the balance of life is thrown off because of this lack of vitamin F (the friend vitamin). With Zoom days, a new test schedule, and a void that can be filled only with human contact, people are bound to feel “off ” and “meh.” Hang in there. Do whatever you need to feel alright. Talk to some friends, talk to new people at school, schedule Guidance appointments, and hopefully you’ll find some semblance of stability in your life.
• “Amour Plastique” by Vidéoclub • “Budapest” by George Ezra • “Nana Triste” by Natalia Lacunza • “I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight” by The Ramones • “Don’t You Remember” by Adele
THAT’S SHOW BIZ, BABY
• I’m sitting at the Shabbat table with my family, aunt and uncle, and grandparents, and everyone is talking about renovation. My uncle asks my grandma, “What needs fixing the most? What needs to go first?” My grandma crosses her arms and jerks her head toward my grandfather. Romeo and Juliet have got nothing on them. • In a class with a semi-chill teacher, people were talking and he was like, “Well I don’t wanna yell,” and I said, “Well I do! HEY! HEY EVERYBODY, HE’S WAITING!” Oh, how nice it is to be the graceful senior in a room brimming with foolish juniors. • I take back what I said last year about hating Crawford’s for making hot water more expensive than healthcare. I literally don’t care anymore and would do anything to have hot water for 11th period. This is the exchange I have with the security guards when I try to get my fix from an external source on Avenue J: Me: *Walks up to the desk* Them: “No.” Me: “Please?” *Making the puppiest puppy eyes I can* Them: “No.” Me: “This is so unfair! I can’t believe—” Them: *turning the page of a newspaper* “I’m gonna be here all day, you’re not.” I then trudge down the Commons and retreat in silence to my cubby. Follow me on Instagram @thenatabreeze
The Food Corner I’ve been making these almond cookies forever! I’m obsessed with the chewy texture, robust almond flavor, and enticing smell. This light yet indulgent cookie bakes to perfection and tastes delicious. If you’re an almond or marzipan lover, these cookies are definitely for you; if not, it’s still worth a shot! Ingredients 2 cups ground almonds 1 cup granulated white sugar (confectioners sugar is even better to use!)
By Evelyn Tawil Food Editor
2 eggs Optional chocolate to drizzle over cookies or dip bottoms Directions Mix ingredients together. Batter will be thick- do NOT add water. Shape into teaspoon-sized balls. Press down lightly. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes until golden. Enjoy :) Follow me on instagram @Foodsnobs101
Fashion Balenciaga brings virtual The North Face heats up, style to gaming world getting harder to find By Lillian Louz Fashion Editor
Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Balenciaga, thought of an original way to premiere the brand’s Fall 2021 collection via video game this December. He took what has been a focal point of society’s 2020—technology, or more specifically video games— and is adapting it into a fashion outlet. Balenciaga teamed up with Unreal Engine, the games engine of video game developer Epic Games, to create an interactive videogame debuting their new collection. Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow is the name of the label’s free video game, which can be accessed on Balenciaga’s website. Gvasalia understood from way back in April 2020, the harsh beginning of the pandemic, that traditional fashion shows to which the world is accustomed would be of the question for a while. In turn, he brainstormed outside of the box and came up with the inventive solution of Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow: in place of a fashion show, a select group of
people were invited as first to play the game over virtual reality headsets. His vision for the game has the future in mind where this unpleasant time we currently live in is over. Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow is set 10 years in the future, and fashion has changed. The creative director believes that downline the clothing we wear will be made from almost completely reused and repurposed materials. “People will keep wearing clothes they love until they fall apart. I do myself. So things look quite destroyed, worn-in, pre-crinkled,” said Gvasalia. And so, the avatars in the game are dressed in Balenciaga’s latest collection, what he believes the future of fashion will look like. Everything is oversized and run down to evoke that sustained effect and advertise that clothing can last forever. Gvasalia explains the game to be “hallucinogenic” and elaborates, “It starts in a Balenciaga store in a city center, which could be anywhere. People go to meet in different suburbs, an arty underground area. Then you go to a black forest, led by a white rabbit to an illegal rave...The game ends with breathing in and exhaling. It leads to a breathing app. A horizon where you can breathe,” says Gvasalia. Gvasalia hinted at the possibility of more Balenciaga video games in the future, but most probably with an in-game shopping feature that would allow customers to buy their favorite pieces straight through the game, something Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow doesn’t permit.
Nike x Drake: Two giants collaborate once again By Marilyn Shasho Contributing Writer
Fashion icon and rapper Drake collaborated with Nike for the release of a new streetwear line called NOCTA, which dropped on December 19th. At the peak of December, Drake wrote an extended letter about the significance of NOCTA. He explained, “NOCTA is about creating something for people on the move. People who want functional, comfortable fits that are adaptable from one environment to the next. But as much as it’s about what we make, it’s also about a mindset: an unforgiving and relentless drive. Characterized by the type who are on the road all day, all night — the grinders, the hard workers — trying to accomplish their goals and taking no
shortcuts.” The cozy-centric collection aligns perfectly with Drake’s wardrobe. With prices ranging from $400 to $30, the line features bubble coats, sweatsuits, and socks in black and yellow color schemes and a blend of functional and cosmetic details, including reflective piping and beveled swooshes. About a month prior to the launch, Drake, also known as “ChampagnePapi” on Instagram, teased his 73.1 million followers with a cryptic video that closed with the iconic Nike logo and the date “12.18.2020” stamped underneath. That first video was just one of the few hints the renowned rapper posted. He had fans intrigued, eager, and impatiently anticipating more news about the exclusive drop.
By Sarah Benun Fashion Editor
What was originally created as high performance and functional outerwear for hikers and climbers has made its way into the wardrobes of top models and fashionistas. The North Face puffer jacket was first introduced in the 1990s and started making a comeback among men towards the end of 2018. This season, the Nuptse puffer is the must-have, hard-to-find item among women with demand being fueled by social media. Brands such as Moncler, Sam., and Canada Goose are some of the most popular luxury outerwear brands; North Face was never considered such. However, once models started posting their looks boasting North Face vests and puffers, styles suddenly started rapidly disappearing from stores and online websites. Off-duty models have been combining style with comfort. That doesn’t necessarily mean head-to-toe designer brands, but rather comfortable yet trendy looks. Top models Kendall Jenner, Hailey Beiber, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajowski have been seen sporting their North Face jackets. The trick to nailing this aesthetic is purchasing a jacket in one size larger than usual to match that trendy oversized look. The North Face has pursued a very successful strategy collaborating with other top brands to raise their standing in the fashion world. The brand has seeped into the skate scene and started selling their Nuptse puffers to the downtown skate store, Supreme. On December 10th, Supreme and The North Face dropped three different color fuzzy and furry puffers. The exclusive drops drive NOCTA first debuted on the Nike website on December 19. The line sold out quickly, as anticipated. Junior Elliot Cooper said, “I love the blue bubble coat and the vest. The pieces just sold out too quickly for me to buy anything.” The sold-out items are reselling on websites such as StockX with price markups of up to $200 more than original retail. Drake reflected on his excitement in observing athletes repping the Nike label when he was younger and always believed there was “an opportunity” for the brand to include an entertainer in
demand for the limited inventory available. Items in the collections range from $700 to $25,000 on websites like StockX! The Nuptse has also made its way into the hiphop world: rapper and producer Kanye West and OffWhite CEO Virgil Abloh have been seen in their Nuptse jackets. This past September, Gucci announced a partnership with The North Face to create a unique Gucci-style line of puffers. The launch date is yet to be determined but has already generated tremendous buzz in the press. If successful, this will take The North Face to another level. The puffer jacket reaches maximum sales during October and is pretty much sold out of popular styles by mid-November. The North Face is a durable brand that will last for more than one or two winter seasons. Reviewers say that after five years, the puffer looks as good as new and the quality is like no other, and the brand offers a lifetime warranty. It has been most popular on fashionable Manhattan streets where people don’t want to give up functionality and comfort for looks and style. As streetwear expert Ross Wilson explained in Highsnobiety: “With the icy chill of the Hudson River running through its avenues, the city can become unbearably cold during January and February, so the Nuptse’s simple styling and 700-fill goose down insulation ensured it quickly became a NY staple.” If you are thinking about adding a Nuptse puffer jacket to your wardrobe, you will have to wait until next year … and it is highly suggested you buy early when opportunity arises!
the same manner. “This moment is full circle for me,” Drake said when formally announcing his NOCTA label. “I mean, growing up, Nike was everything. It felt like every shoe I wanted, every athlete I liked, everything I owned was Nike. It didn’t mean anything unless it had a Swoosh.” Drake is already giving fans a glimpse at some new pieces that will be available in early 2021. There is no doubt the second drop will be sold out just as quickly, so be sure to keep an eye out for the release on February 23.
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Sports Queen’s Gambit brings popularity to chess team By Noyah Shebshaievitz Contributing Writer
Chess’s sudden popularity has reached Flatbush students this year more than any other, with chess team tryouts attracting a record-breaking turnout of about 50 students—almost double the numbers in previous years, according to captain of the team David Hidary. This trend can be accredited to the hit Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, which has led to increased interest in chess all over the country. Because of the show, Hidary claims, “The chess culture has expanded and people are much more interested.” Based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, The Queen’s Gambit is a fictional story set during the Cold War era about an orphaned Kentucky girl becoming a teen chess champion. Since its arrival on Netflix in November, The Queen’s Gambit has
attracted a staggering 62 million viewers—making it the streaming service’s most-watched scripted limited series— and sparked an interest in chess and its culture within more students. Online chess-playing sites, retailers, and grandmasters claim that the show has led to a boom in chess players internationally. The online retailer eBay reported that sales of chess sets in the United States have soared nearly 215% since the release of The Queen’s Gambit. Although the series is a work of fiction, it shows the reality that, by thinking ahead, strategizing, and structuring moves, any player regardless of gender, age, and socioeconomic status can be a master. Hidary said he hopes the surge in student participation continues. “We hope to see this type of interest going forward, especially from more female players who
might have been discouraged before the show,” he said. He has encountered many who are enthusiastic about chess solely because of the show. Many people who were already engrossed in the game were still impacted by the show, like senior OrDavid Menashe. “Not in the sense that it got me to play more, but I started to think about my games more analytically,” he elaborated. He believes that the nature of chess, “a game of skill and knowledge, not chance,” combined with the nature of the “captivating” show of a “young girl in the 1950s who is out of place in every sense of the word,” leaves viewers thinking, “Maybe I can play chess. Maybe I have what it takes.” The Queen’s Gambit presents opportunity that viewers didn’t know was there, and motivation at attempting a challenge. Meanwhile, the chess team has been
Women breaking into male roles By Simone Amkraut Sophomore Editor
The glass ceiling is shattering as women are breaking long-held gender barriers in professional sports, and several major cracks in that ceiling have come just in the last couple of months. It started as a familiar sight as any in football: the second half is about to start. The referee blows the whistle, and the kicker sends the ball into play. So what made this play in the Vanderbilt – Missouri game on November 28 more than a usual kick-off? It was the first time that one of the elite college football conferences had a girl playing what had been a boy’s game: Sarah Fuller became the first woman to play football in a Power Five conference. Two weeks later she did one better, becoming the first woman to score when she converted two extra-points against Tennessee. “This whole time has been if I can do it, if I’m good enough to do it,” Fuller said after the game. “It wasn’t if I was a girl or not. So that’s something I’ve really appreciated. At the end of the day, they treated me like an athlete and that’s the best I could ask for.” That is the biggest takeaway from Fullers performance. Fuller wasn’t on the football field because she is a woman. She was on the field because she is an athlete. Fuller stands on the shoulders of giants: women who have played what once was considered a man’s game, albeit in lesser conferences: Liz Heaston for Willamette back in 1997, and Katie Hnida who kicked and scored for New Mexico in 2003. But Fuller is the first to play at the college game’s most competitive level. Beginning the season as a backup
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goalkeeper for Vanderbilt’s women’s soccer team, she eventually earned the starting spot, backstopping her team to the SEC Championship in November. So a few weeks later, when all the kickers on the Vanderbilt football team’s depth chart ended up in COVID-19 quarantine, the coaching staff needed to look no further than their own backyard to find the best available athlete— not the best available man or woman, simply the best athlete. Fuller fit the bill, a bill that started in 1972 when Congress passed legislation known as Title IX of the Education Amendments that states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Once the legally required gates of opportunities were opened, girls began shattering the stereotypes of women as secondary athletes. Fuller’s feat was followed last week by Becky Hammon. In 2014, Hammon became the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA when Coach Greg Popovich recruited her to the San Antonio Spurs. The following summer, she led their summer team to the Las Vegas Summer League title. And last week, Hammon became the first female acting head coach in NBA history when she took over the team mid-game after Popovich got ejected. In an open letter about female coaches, the Spurs’ Pau Gasol wrote, “I’ve played under two of the sharpest minds in the history of sports, in Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich. And I’m telling you: Becky Ham-
mon can coach. And the list of women athletes proving that they can play on the biggest stages—regardless of gender— continues to grow. In 2017, the San Francisco 49ers hired Katie Sowers as an offensive assistant coach, and she became the first female to coach in a Super Bowl when the 49ers played in Super Bowl LIV in 2020. Asked about her accomplishment, Sowers noted, Even though I’m the first, the most important thing is I’m not the last.” Sowers stood on the accomplishments of Sarah Thomas, who in 2015 was hired by the NFL as its first full-time female game official. Her appearance on the sidelines at every game is so commonplace that the only reason she stands out is because of her blond ponytail. And Thomas stood on the accomplishments of Violet Palmer who began officiating NBA games in 1997. Today, there are four full-time female officials in the NBA who owe Palmer thanks for breaking through that glass ceiling. Another gender breakthrough came this year in Major League Baseball as the San Francisco Giants appointed Alyssa Nakken as the first female on-field coach. Nakken will travel full time with the team, will be in uniform before games and will throw batting practice and hit fungoes. “She’s going to be a great coach,” Manager Gabe Kapler said. “Merit and the ability to be a great coach trump all.” And when the Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng as their General Manager, the first major men’s professional team of any kind to appoint a female to the top front-office position, it felt like the glass ceiling, while not fully shattered, was beginning to crack, making room for equal opportunity for women. “When I got into this business, it seemed unlikely a woman would lead a major league team,” Ng said. Fuller, Hammon, and Ng are the latest, but they won’t be the last.
“completely remodeled” into a more structured and competitive team with consistent practices. A new coach was hired in the hopes of seriously competing in the league. The team is attracting and seeking dedicated students who are ready to commit. Even after the excitement over the Netflix series wears off, Hidary said the Flatbush team will be here to provide an outlet for students looking to learn the game or improve their skills. “The Queen’s Gambit has done miracles for chess,” he said. “This hype will die down eventually but the public eye’s relationship to the game has forever changed.”
Sportsman Spotlight:
Zoë Sabbagh By Eddie Hamway Contributin Writer
Zoë Sabbagh, a senior in class 4R and one of the core leaders of the girls hockey team, is among the many Falcons anxiously awaiting Yeshivah of Flatbush’s complete return to playing sports since last March’s shutdown. Although the hockey team completed in some hard-fought, close games throughout last season, it ultimately failed to reach the playoffs. Despite last season’s struggles, Sabbagh, who is the team’s starting goalie, is optimistic they can “hopefully win a game” this year. She adds that the team has shown improvement, and should be able to achieve victory by learning from their mistakes. Because of the current covid situation, the team, like many others, hasn’t had the opportunity to play or even practice together. Sabbagh says that getting back to practice is something she is really looking forward to, as practices are key in fine-tuning skills and bonding with the other teammates. Despite the lack of usual “once or twice a week” practice, Sabbagh says that she is still able to maintain that exemplary team chemistry with the underclassmen through the team’s group chat, where they “vibe all the time.” The team has players from all four grades so Sabbagh has become acquainted with a lot of new faces through the team. “I know the current juniors very well because I was there when they started, so we’re able to bond more,” she said. Being a Flatbush athlete isn’t always easy. Schoolwork and other extracurriculars always manage to find their way into your schedule, but for Sabbagh, “it isn’t usually a problem keeping up with everything.” She says that the workload hasn’t been overbearing this year, and she does a good job managing her time, so it doesn’t create conflict.