A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 56, Issue 2 • Novemberber 2021 / 5782
Longer first-period AP Rise in early applications classes don’t improve stressing seniors, staff grades, data shows By Aliya Abergil Sophomore Editor
By Alan Shamah Contributing Writer
An examination conducted with first-period AP class final exam scores of students across 2018, 2019, and 2021 has revealed that longer classes may not improve student performances. Raw final exam scores, which are more objective than AP Scores because of the inherently subjective AP curve, were obtained by The Phoenix for multiple first-period classes, including AP Psychology and AP Calculus AB. The aim was to investigate whether any correlation existed between class length (including the extra 15 minutes a day added to class time during what is normally time for breakfast) and student performance. The scores from years that classes were longer, such as 2018 and 2019, were compared with scores from 2021, when first period classes lost 50 minutes of class time per week. A logical assumption would be that class time and student’s grades would have a positive correlation, meaning that as class time increased, so would stu-
dents’ grades; however, the scores indicated otherwise. For 122 students in two AP Psychology classes with extended time, such as in 2018 and 2019, the average final exam score was 84.3, with a median score of 87. When class time was reduced in 2021, the average final score went up more than two points to an average of 86.6, with a median of 91. In shorter AP Psychology classes, the average was 2.3 points higher, with a median 4 points higher. The results from the AP Calculus classes are similar. The average final score for students in Dr. Wolowelsky’s and Mrs. Shulman’s first period classes was 60.5, with a median of 63, during longer classes in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, the average score was slightly higher at 61.4, and the median stayed the same at 63 when class time was shortened. The results indicate that as the class time was shortened, student performance improved slightly. Dr. Teddy Chattah believes that longer class time and the further removal of student leisure time may not be the best
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Seniors have been sending in early college applications at increasing rates over the past few years, according to College Guidance, with 2021 being a high mark that has caused stress among many Ms. Natov works with senior Grace Betesh on her application Flatbush seniors. Twenty-four percent of the current students are taking college more serioussenior class submitted binding Early De- ly, and are also becoming more decisive cision applications this year, according to about what college they want to attend Ms. Long, the Director of College Guid- since Early Decision is binding. ance. This represents over a 10% increase College applications are known to in Early Decision applications over last be stressful, but applying early increases year, she said. anxiety and condenses the workload for For colleges, the binding nature of students. Senior Morris Zalta relayed, “I Early Decision (ED) applications (any feel extremely stressed and full of anxistudent accepted through ED is required ety from having to apply to college early.” to attend that college) is a way for them ED is more taxing on students not just to minimize the number of accepted stu- because applications are due sooner, but dents who enroll in other schools. also because it requires them to research For students, ED offers a greater colleges much earlier and then decide on chance at being admitted to their dream just one. college. But the downside is that applicaDespite the stress, many students have tions are typically due in November, two found it to be beneficial. “I applied earmonths before most “regular” January or ly because I knew what school I wanted February deadlines. to go to, and I knew that Early Decision This increase indicates that Flatbush would give me a better chance at being accepted,” senior Rena Angel explained. Another reason that students choose to apply early is because it sets them apart from the myriad of other students from Flatbush and around the country who apply to the same colleges. “I applied to a school Early Decision because a lot of students from Flatbush do apply to that school. I wanted to apply Early so that they wouldn’t take other Flatbush wise choices.” Although the testing prostudents over me,” senior Grace Betesh cess seems to always have a hushed tone described. about it, Rabbi Beyda doesn’t necessarily Moreover, there are more students encourage that. He elaborated, “We want who apply to Macaulay—a CUNY honpeople to know we’re doing it because ors program that awards full tuition word gets out pretty quickly, and peoscholarships to its students—now than in ple adjust their behaviors accordingly.” past years. Macaulay’s deadline is usually in early December, but this year it was Flatbush vs. public schools moved to November 16, reducing the In public schools, drug testing may applicants’ time to complete the applicaonly be performed on student athletes, tion. Many students tolerate Macaulay’s as mandated by federal law. If the school early deadline because of the prospect wishes to test a nonathlete, there must of a tuition-free college education. “Mabe reasonable suspicion that the student caulay is free. … It also affords students is using drugs. As a private school, Flat-
Drug testing explained: an interview with Rabbi Beyda
By Jeanette Cohen Junior Editor
Six years after Flatbush began testing students for banned substances, the student body still had numerous unanswered questions about how it works. The return of drug testing last month after a yearlong hiatus had many students asking those same questions once again. In a recent interview with Head of School Rabbi Beyda, The Phoenix was given the chance to find some answers. What was the motive behind the testing? Testing for banned substances at
In This Issue People: Page 2 D’var Torah: Page 4 Sports: Page 8
Flatbush began when vaping first rose in popularity. The administration felt that randomized testing would not only identify guilty students so that the school could provide them the help that they need, but also serve as a deterrent to students who might want to try it in the future. “When we first started we had a lot of positives, but once people saw that we were doing it, we started getting a lot less,” Rabbi Beyda said. “We care about the health and well-being of our students. Alongside education, both formal and informal, testing helps us maintain a school environment in which students can be healthy and make
Entertainment: How I Met Your Father Page 5
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Fun & Games Ask Merle gets advice from original Merle Page 6
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Fashion: State bags are a must Page 7 phoenix@flatbush.org | 1
Taking a chance, giving hope Alumna Interview: Orly Wahba (HS ’00) By Linda Abramson Features Editor
Orly Wahba is a perfect example of someone who pursues her dream, even if that entails taking risks. After graduating from Flatbush in 2000, Wahba followed her love of filmmaking and English at Brooklyn College. She then returned to her alma mater, teaching biblical studies at the elementary school. From a young age, Wahba understood the importance of kindness in a person’s life. She had undergone several traumatic experiences when she was 15 years old. Because she was not treated with compassion or kindness at the time, she developed a constant anger that was aimed at either a single person or the world at large. Her anger led to depression. Wahba had changed from a person full of hope and determination to one who couldn’t care less about anything life
Faculty Freshman:
Ms. Mayer
By Daniela Nacmias Contributing Writer
Having pursued psychology in college, Ms. Shoshana Mayer went on to work as a school psychologist for a total of eight years at a few schools before interning at Flatbush nine years ago. Ms. Mayer said that she loved interning at Flatbush and even asked Ms. Zimmerman for her opinion about working there full time. “I always imagined myself coming back,” she said. Flatbush didn’t have a full-time position available back then, but when Ms. Zimmerman left the department this past June, Ms. Mayer jumped at the chance to come back. Ms. Mayer finds the Flatbush guidance team as the most effective and en-
had to offer. This all changed one morning as she got ready for school. As Wahba looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t recognize the person staring back at her. This person was not the girl who dreamed of changing the world. Instead, she was a hollow shell of her former self, which instilled a sense of fear greater than anything she ever encountered before. At this moment, Wahba promised herself that she would be there for people in the way that she wished others were there for her. In September of 2010, while teaching at Flatbush Elementary School, Wahba started a nonprofit organization called Life Vest Inside. Her mission was to encourage others to embrace kindness in order to “keep the world afloat.” She continued working on this organization over the next 12 months; the following September, she quit her job in order to focus on her fledgling company—mainly on
joyable department that she’s been a part of. “The Flatbush experience and the department’s approach is so different from others,” she explained. “I love that it is a big department because we are really a team, and it’s a very supportive environment. For instance, when I worked in the public school, it was a much, much smaller team, and I was the only psychologist,” she continued. Working as a guidance counselor and catering to the needs of hundreds of students can result in an unpredictable schedule. “It’s never really what I expect,” Ms. Mayer explained when discussing how there are days scheduled with many meetings, while there are others that are quite uneventful. When she isn’t busy, Ms. Mayer can be found touring the school, immersing herself in Flatbush’s culture, and meeting new people. “There are always people out in the Commons to talk to; it never gets boring,” she says. Ms. Mayer’s favorite part of the day is meeting with students and helping them navigate and adjust to their new environments, especially for freshmen. Ms. Mayer wants to spread a message to students: “The biggest misconception is that [students] need to have guidance. I feel like guidance is not a need, it’s a plus. So, [students] don’t have to come because [they] have a need to; sometimes [students] just want to come and talk and get to know people and have a space or a break from learning and talk about whatever’s on [their] mind.” When she’s not at work, Ms. Mayer entertains herself with an array of things. She loves traveling and tries to get away three or four times a year. She
The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Nicole Muravsky Senior Editor: Jack Saad School News Editors: Marc Lessler, Alison Mudick Religion Editor: Ronnie Mizrachi World News Editor: Sabrina Zami Features Editor: Linda Abramson Entertainment Editors: Jenna Ashkenazie, Marcelle Setton
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creating a video for it. Although she was excited, she hadn’t used her film skills recently and was worried about how that would impact the video’s effectiveness. “Oftentimes, the greatest things that can come into our lives comes from taking a leap of faith,” she said. This proved true as the video went viral, with millions of views within a few months, and acted as a starting point for the success of the organization. In addition to running Life Vest Inside, Wahba began working with the company Wisdom, whose purpose is “reconnecting Jewish teens to their Jewish identities.” Under Wisdom’s social impact initiative, Wahba used her teaching and startup experience to create courses that guide students in bringing their ideas into fruition. She even started a club aimed at helping students tackle Wisdom’s courses and helping them go from devising an idea to mastering it. Wahba also developed Abraham’s Legacy, an app created in her grandfather’s memory. This app allows people from all over the world to collectively
also loves reading and strives to complete at least one book a week. Her record is 150 books in one year! Ms. Mayer also finds pleasure in writing and believes it’s a good creative outlet. As for her relationship with her twin—Ms. Sari Mayer, who teaches En-
glish—Ms. Shoshana Mayer stated, “We are very close. I would say she is my best friend.” Even so, the Ms. Mayers liked having separate workplaces because they always had their own creative spaces, so working together is a new challenge.
Calendar of Events 1. November 24: Boys Varsity Floor Hockey Competition 2. November 25–29: Thanksgivukkah vacation 3. November 28: Varsity Boys Flag Football Double-Header 4. November 29–December 6: Hanukkah 5. November 29: Boys Floor Hockey vs. Ramaz 6. November 30: Commemoration of the expulsion of Jews from the Middle East and Iran 7. November 30: Girls Varsity and JV Volleyball vs. North Shore 8. December 2: Jason Botnick Memorial Hebrew Play 9. December 2: Boys Floor Hockey vs. Magen David 10. December 3: Jason Botnick Memorial Hebrew Play 2.0 11. December 5–7: Hausdorff Basketball Tournament 12. December 5: SAT Exam 13. December 7: ED Venting Session
Fashion Editors: Grace Hidary, Jennifer Neuman Fun & Games Editor: Joyce Louz Sports Editor: Simone Amkraut Junior Editors: Jeanette Cohen, Beverly Dweck, Isaac Dweck, Lydia Ezon, Maurice Silvera Sophomore Editors: Aliya Abergil, Jacqueline Halabi Design: Carolina Cohen Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
finish a book of Psalms in seconds. Additionally, Wahba’s past inspired her to create Project Hope Exchange, a repository of anonymous messages of hope left by people who have gone through adversity so they can comfort those who are going through similar situations. Wahba hopes that her story will motivate others to take a chance on their dreams and not be blinded by fear of failure. Although she had a steady job, she embarked on a journey to follow her aspirations and has created multiple organizations and companies aimed at spreading kindness. She stated, “We need to be OK with the fact that we m a y fail, because we will all fail at some point.”
14. December 7: Junior College Kickoff Night 15. December 9: Senior Parent Breakfast 16. December 12: Varsity Boys Football vs. YDE 17. December 12: ACT Exam 18. December 13: Boys Floor Hockey vs. Haftr 19. December 14: Asarah B’Tevet— Early Dismissal 20. December 15: Most Early Decision/Action Decisions Released— good luck, seniors! 21. December 15: Boys Floor Hockey vs. North Shore 22. December 16: Pathfinders Career Day 23. December 19: Varsity Boys Football vs. Ramaz 24. December 19: Chesed Day 25. December 20: Varsity Girls Basketball Game at Barclays Center 26. December 20: Boys Floor Hockey vs. Rambam
High School Administration Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of School Ms. Esther Hidary, Associate Principal Rabbi Yigal Sklarin, Associate Principal Rabbi David Galpert, Assistant Principal
New religious guidance Backpack “sushi” prank initiative aims to inspire spreading quickly By Leah Lati
Rabbi Harari learning with sophomores after school
By Nicole Muravsky Editor-in-Chief
The administration aspires to boost religious growth within Flatbush students with the religious guidance initiative, a new program that debuted in September. The program is intended “to strengthen opportunities for our students’ religious growth. We want them to have more opportunities to interact with teachers, learn, pray and keep mitzvot better,” according to Rabbi Beyda. “Torah at Flatbush is not limited to class.” One of the most significant aspects of the program is that teachers are staying at school for longer hours to talk to students in their free time, which Rabbi Beyda “[doesn’t] think is something that the teachers ever [did] before.” The Tuesday night learning program is a popular way for teachers to learn with students after school. There are three slots for learning on Tuesday nights: 4:00 - 4:40 for seniors who finish early, 4:40 5:20 for those who finish school at 4:30, and 5:20 - 6 for students who finish later. Encouraged with sushi and mazza, sophomore Jojo Tawil participates in the program and enjoys learning about the parsha. He stated, “Food and class. What’s not to like?” Another new part of the initiative is the Sunday morning tefillah group, put together by Rabbi Cherba. Senior Elie Ojalvo appreciates the opportunity to pray in school, stating, “It’s beautiful praying in the Bet Midrash on Sundays. It’s quiet, and it feels like I’m in shul while I’m in school. The scenery definitely makes me feel more connected.” Rabbi Beyda also noted that the administration is encouraging teachers to have more students visit their homes for Shabbat, to increase religious growth inside and outside of class. Additionally, this year, students are able to schedule one-on-one meetings with faculty if they want to discuss religious topics.
Senior Jacob Cohen went to Rabbi Avi Harari with questions about staying religious in college. Cohen said he prizes the opportunity to meet with Rabbi Harari and voice his concerns. He explained that Rabbi Harari “broke down to me what he’s seen happen with other students and discussed values and boundaries that are important to me. We discussed how it’s a new chapter in my life, and I have to be more mindful of things because it will not be easy. But [Rabbi Harari helped me see that] it’s definitely a reality to have religious growth on campus.” An anonymous sophomore girl who has been scheduling meetings with Ms. Samantha Chabot was glad that there is someone to talk to about anything religious in a more personal manner, including problems that she’s been having. The sophomore explained, “Once I saw this, I was like, ‘I should definitely join this!’ I really wanted and needed someone to talk to… One thing that I love about [working with Ms. Chabot] is that I know in her mind, she says to me to not give up and we’ll fix it. Moreover, Ms. Chabot works with this sophomore on remembering to say berachot before and after eating and when coming out of the bathroom, and saying Modeh Ani. She stated, “I actually try saying it since I have someone to motivate me.” Ms. Chabot proudly supports the new initiative. “We want to create a more spiritual and religious environment in the school and to me that’s like infusing your day with thinking about G-d and following through with halakha,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard to approach a Rabbi because [some people] don’t feel so comfortable with that.” Ms. Chabot is grateful to have the opportunity to make connections with others who find it easier to talk with her. The program has positive results. “We’ve seen more students learning at our programs than ever before. There’s number of good stories of students making stronger commitments to Torah and mitzvot than before,” Rabbi Beyda said.
Rise in early applications stressing seniors continued from page 1
a wonderful education,” Ms. Bloom, the chair of the English Department, added. “Ultimately where you go for your postgraduate degree matters more than your undergraduate degree. To do so without any debt is marvelous.” Ms. Bloom and a few other select English teachers help seniors with their college essays, and the increase in students applying early has left them overwhelmed by frantic students looking for
advice and proofreading help. “There is literally not enough time in the day to help everyone,” Ms. Bloom expressed. Stress among the College Guidance has also been higher than ever. The department has been swamped with loads of work in a short amount of time, especially since Macaulay’s deadline is earlier than usual. “The College Guidance counselors have been busier than ever,” Ms. Long
and telling them which bag to sushi. We ended up flipping around ten bags.” Contributing Writer The junior also claims to be the origIt’s finally lunchtime. You leave your inator of a new method to sushi bags bag in your next class. You come back af- called the wasabi. The junior explained, ter lunch, quickly sit down for class, and “[It’s] when you take two bags. You first reach for your backpack to get a pencil. sushi the bags, and then you swap the And that’s when you realize it’s hap- contents of the bags.” pened to you: your bag has been flipped The fast, free, and relatively harmless inside out, or, as it’s more commonly act entertains many and is generally seen called, “sushied.” as humorous. This action is when a student’s back“Sushiing bags came back because pack is emptied, then flipped inside out, it’s funny, and it makes a good meme. I and then refilled with the original con- saw someone do it one day and I realized tents and zipped back up. that it is a genius idea. The look of sheer It doesn’t take much thought to un- panic on the victim’s face is priceless,” an derstand why people do it. It’s funny. You anonymous senior said. “Sushiing bags anxiously await the reaction of the victim have positives and negatives. … If you when they realize what has been done. are having a bad day, it can make you When the bag is flipped inside out, it be- laugh. Seeing someone else getting fruscomes unrecognizable. It gives you quite trated because they can’t find their bag the rush. A few questions run through a is extremely entertaining. It’s because person’s head while waiting for the vic- your bag could be in the same place the tim’s reaction. How long will it take them whole time, but you won’t recognize that to notice that their bag has been in front it’s your bag. One time I started to freak of them the whole time? Will they be out because I couldn’t find my bag for a mad? Will they laugh? Will they make a full five minutes and I had a test the next scene and get in trouble when the teacher period, but it was in my face the whole notices? Will I get in trouble? time.” Sushiing bags has been happening for Moreover, junior Ronnie Hidary emseveral years, but it’s a trend that’s been phasized that “sushiing bags is a culture. spreading like wildfire over the past few It’s not annoying at all. I’ve had it done to weeks in Flatbush, especially among the me, and I appreciate that I was part of the junior and senior boys. culture. Sushi culture is fun for both the An anonymous junior who claims to sushier and the sushied.” be the one who revived the trend stated, Despite the trend’s popularity, there “We have been doing this since seventh are some students who are fervently and eighth grade. Towards the end of last against it. A junior who asked to remain year, we started taking people’s bags and anonymous to prevent others from sushijust passing them around a room. We put ing her bag explained, “I think sushiing the bags in corners, under the garbage bags is very inconvenient for students. bag, and other places.” It’s plainly not nice in general [since] Nevertheless, what started off in people have places [where they need] to just a single classroom became a trend be. If their bag is sushied, it’s very annoythroughout the school. The junior con- ing to have to put it back. And it’s a dumb tinued, “Before, we weren’t sushiing bags prank.” every day. It was a once-a-day type of Freshman Zach Steinfeld agreed: “To thing. But nowadays, my classmates can’t do it, you have to take everything out. get up to blow their nose without their And to put things back in, you have to bag being taken. You’ll be surprised by un-sushi it. The whole point of a bag is to how fast two people can flip a bag. We have an easy way to carry things around, were also only doing it to people in our and if you can’t have that, then what’s the class. Now it’s like if someone sees a bag point of a bag? It doesn’t even look good unattended on the fourth floor it’s auto- when you do it.” matically sushied.” Some people even just leave their The same anonymous junior is per- bags sushied because it happens so often, petuating the sushiing trend through in- and it’s a hassle to fix. An anonymous venting alternative ways to sushi. “I com- sophomore said, “I see people starting to mitted the first-ever mass sushiing in the walk around with their bag sushied, just Commons. I gathered seven juniors. I so that they don’t have to deal with flipstood up. I took charge directing people ping it inside out like five times throughout the day.” State bags are the easiest ones to sushi. Avi Lati explained, “The material is not too thick and [it’s] flexible. It is a pretty popular bag in our school.” It doesn’t seem like the act of sushiing bags will come to an end soon. “The hivemind will continue to sushi for the pure chaotic energy it develops,” explained Ronnie Hidary. The rush of pure joy that sushiing bags brings for some is astonishing for the Juniors show off their “shushis” simple action that it is. said. “Most of our work helping students decide on schools, secure recommendations, and complete all components of the application had to be done primarily in the month of October. This was in addition to everything we do to support
students behind the scenes. … To put it simply, it’s been a whirlwind! But our fabulous team has handled the influx with more efficiency, and the same great care and resolve as we always do.”
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Drug testing explained: an extended interview with Rabbi Beyda continued from page 1
bush often is not held to the same rules as public schools and the Yeshivah clearly strays from the guidelines of this particular law. Does this mean that Flatbush is more suspicious of its students than public schools are? Rabbi Beyda said no, explaining that the school’s use of drug testing shows care rather than distrust. “We care about all our students, and it’s not a deterrent if it’s only for certain people,” he said. He also mentioned that other private schools, including some in Brooklyn, have similar testing policies. Education Law section 912-a states that drug testing of students may occur only upon the written request or consent of a student’s parent or legal guardian. If a student is 18 years or older, he or she can independently grant consent. When Flatbush students are selected for drug testing, the school does not request parents’ consent, even though most students are under 18. However, Rabbi Beyda explained that consent is implied, as the policy is mailed to students and parents at the start of each year. Ultimately, he said, “We just do it. It’s a private school—we can do whatever we want.”
The tests themselves
The testing occurs approximately four times a year, with somewhere between 20-50 students being tested each time. The test results specify whether alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or hard drugs are found. The school has never had a false positive, but we may never know how many false negatives they’ve had. The test results are always pretty consistent; Rabbi Beyda stated, “There are always a few positives.” When asked for the overall percentage of positive tests each round, he responded that he was “not interested in providing a precise number.”
Is it really random?
Rabbi Beyda readily admitted that the testing is not completely random. He called it “random-ish,” explaining that if someone has given the school a reason to suspect them, then they will be selected. However, the majority of students selected are randomly selected and play a role in concealing the students who are intentionally tested. The goal of the drug testing is to identify people who need help, and sometimes to do that you can’t be 100% random, Rabbi Beyda explained. He even mentioned a time when he let a group of students decide how students
would get chosen. He did this to prove that it does not matter, seeing as it is mostly random anyways. The randomization also helps to give the administration an idea of what’s going on in the school and what they need to look out for.
What happens if you test positive?
To confirm accuracy, tests that show up positive are double-checked by the independent lab who does the testing. Once the positive test is confirmed, the student is then required to be a part of a rehabilitative program that is very specific to the person and their rehabilitation requirements. “You work with a professional, and it is a real system with benchmarks and checks,” said Rabbi Beyda. The school is involved as well and checks up on the person to ensure that they are fulfilling their obligation. It is very important to the administration that they maintain the confidentiality of students who get caught. There are no school-related disciplinary punishments, which makes it easier to be discreet. “You really won’t know unless the student makes it known,” he added. Parents’ reactions to their children having a positive drug test are generally all expected responses. Many parents may have a hard time believing their child would do something of the sort, but they eventually come around and cooperate with the school. There have never been any parents who refused to give their child the required rehabilitative treatment.
Does this infringe on student rights?
An innocent freshman who gets pulled out of class to give a urine sample may feel uncomfortable and even violated. Initially, this was actually the school’s cause of hesitation around starting drug testing. However, the administration determined that the discomfort some students feel was not enough of a drawback to prevent them from introducing testing. Now that testing has been around for several years, Rabbi Beyda sees it not to be as big a deal as he initially thought. There has been an array of students and parents who have gotten upset over drug testing, but never has there been an overwhelming or alarming number. He added that he thinks most students are in favor of the testing and appreciate the opportunity to show that they’re clean.
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decision for the future. “As Parkinson’s Law states, ‘work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.’ The addition of extra time to classes may not be worthwhile, and the time might be better spent allowing students to retain their relaxation time,” Dr. Chattah explained. Senior Sarah Greenberg attested that the longer classes are a detriment to her attention span. She stated, “I love AP Psych and I always pay attention, but during those 55-minute classes, I sometimes find myself daydreaming.”
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D’var Torah: Hanukkah’s Origins: The Talmud and the Book of Maccabees By Ronnie Mizrachi Religion Editor
When Jews today reflect on the story of Hanukkah, there are two elements to the narrative that are most widely recognized: the first is the success of the Maccabean Revolt to Antiochus’s rule of Israel, and the second is the legend of the oil that lasted for the menorah for eight days. Interestingly, Hanukkah is one of the least cited holidays in rabbinic texts, and unlike Purim and the other festivals, it is not even given a full volume in the Mishnah or Talmud. The elements of Hanukkah are found sporadically across these texts, one of which is found in Massekhet Shabbat 21b. The Talmud asks: “What is the reason for Hanukkah? … When the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils in it, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil which… contained sufficient oil for only one day’s lighting; yet a miracle occurred there and they lit the lamp for eight days.” Although this Baryata identifies both these elements as part of the holiday, there is an argument between Bet Hillel and Bet Shammai that occurs a few paragraphs earlier that may suggest an additional historical underpinning to the holiday. With regards to how one should light candles on Hanukkah to be “extremely zealous” (mehadrin min hamehadrin), Bet Hillel held that one should begin with one candle and add one each day, so as to increase the sanctity of the holiday and not detract from it. However, Bet Shammai held that one should begin with eight candles and remove one each day, so that “it shall correspond to the bulls of Sukkot.” (The reason this would correspond to Sukkot is that on Sukkot there are 13 bulls that are sacrificed on the first day, 12 bulls on the second day, 11 on the third day, and so on until the seventh day.) The reason for Bet Shammai’s connection of Hanukkah to Sukkot is one that may seem unapparent and unrelated, but it actually
hints to an element of the Hanukkah story that many people tend to overlook today. Though it was excluded from the canonized Bible, the Book of Maccabees sheds tremendous light on the historical context and progression of the Hanukkah story and its relation to Sukkot. In chapter 10 of its second book, it is written that when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple on the 25th of Kislev, they began repurifying it and celebrating their victory: “They celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), remembering how not long before, during the Feast of Booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. Therefore, bearing ivy-wreathered wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to Him who had given success to the purifying of His own holy place. They decreed by public ordinance and vote that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year.” This excerpt from the Book of Maccabees illustrates that the reason why the Maccabees rejoiced after reclaiming the Temple was to essentially perform a “make-up” for the previous year’s Sukkot, during which they could not celebrate under Greek oppression. On the 25th of Kislev, they grabbed the minim, and performed their own Sukkot in the Temple — that is why they observed it as a holiday. In fact, recognizing this part of the story is essential in clarifying Bet Shammai’s opinion on the candles as an attempt to further strengthen the essence of the holiday, as it was essentially a connection of the hanukkiyah ritual to the Sukkot “make-up.” Yet unlike the Talmudic presentation, there is no mention of the classic miracle of the oil in the Book of Maccabees, which is thought to be a tenet of the holiday today. Rather, this source adds an element to our observance of Hanukkah that most tend to overlook, and elaborates on the value in understanding the historical context of our practices.
Entertainment The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day By Belle Shatzkes Contributing Writer
Carnegie Hall hosted a riveting performance titled The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day on Wednesday, November 10. Conducted by Ian Weinberger, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s played familiar war songs including those popularized by Glenn Miller, recognizable movie pieces, and even songs sung during World War II. The orchestra was accompanied by four singers, all of whom have performed on Broadway and some of whom were making their Carnegie Hall debut. Historian John Monsky narrated the lives of four prominent figures during the war: Ernest Hemingway, Robert Capa, J.D. Salinger, and Lee Miller. He relayed
the whole of their stories during the war to an audience that consisted of West Point students, war veterans, and even a 105-year-old woman who carried mail to Salinger during the war. The emotional presentation featured pictures that were taken during the war, and Monsky connected each one to the lives of the four historical prodigies. With every picture came a new story, a new connection, a new song, and a new scene. The show was brilliantly presented and beautifully performed. It brought tears to the eyes of many audience members and provided a relatable background to all the characters, even those whom some thought they could never relate to, such as Hemingway and Salinger. This production proved that World War II will forever remain in our minds.
A League of Their Own will make you laugh and cheer Entertainment Editor
A League of Their Own, released in 1992, tells the partly true story of a group of women recruited to play in a new female baseball league when all the men are away fighting in World War II, but you don’t need to be a feminist or a baseball fan to enjoy it. The movie follows two sisters, Dottie (Academy Award winner Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty), who play in the league on opposing teams. The league is funded by a wealthy candy maker, Walter Harvey (played by Garry Marshall), and Tom Hanks plays Jimmy Dugan, a former Major League superstar who is now a drunk; he thinks the league is ridiculous but takes the job because he needs the money. Because the movie is set during the 1940s—a time when women were considered best suited to staying at home—Dottie, Kit, and the women’s teams struggle to win over fans and gain the traction that they deserve. The women face discrimination from the audiences, coaches and scouts. On top of all that, they are forced to play in skirts
The Father cast, with Duff front and center
By Marcelle Setton Entertainment Editor
Underrated Movie Review:
By Jenna Ashkenazie
How I Met Your Father spin-off coming to Hulu
and to have chaperones at all times. Eventually, the women prove themselves on the field and gain respect and spectators. This movie perfectly embodies how women were treated during the era. It represents the feeling that women had of being used and favored when needed and discarded when they weren’t. However, these women weren’t completely forgotten, as many of the real-life players that the movie’s characters are loosely based on were honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The country needed a morale booster during the war, and these women delivered. They most certainly made their mark. The story is both funny and heartwarming, and the script includes several quotable lines. (“There’s no crying in baseball!”) The impeccable cast includes Academy Award winners Hanks and Geena Davis, along with Madonna and several other standouts. The actors all perfectly portray their characters and what they were going through at that time, especially by playing roles that went against societal norms in the movie and in reality. They also were able to recreate the camaraderie and sisterhood
How I Met Your Father, a spin-off of the beloved sitcom How I Met Your Mother is set to release in early 2022 on Hulu. This sitcom will star Hilary Duff, Chris Lowell, Francia Raisa, Josh Peck, and others. As the original did for protagonist Ted Moseby, the spin-off follows the journey of a woman named Sophie (Hillary Duff), explaining how she met her son’s father in the modern world of dating. It’s “a story that catapults us back to the year 2021, where Sophie and her close-knit group of friends are in the midst of figuring out who they are, what they want out of life, and how to fall in love in the age of dating apps and limitless options,” Hulu stated. The cast began filming on September 1. The show is set to be a ten-episode series, each a half-hour long. The structure will be similar to that of the original series, containing flashbacks and narrative
that the women created while playing in the league; the actors on set and off truly loved each other and what they were doing. And even though Kit and Dottie are in constant competition, as sisters often are, it is easy to see just how much they love each other, and just how far they’d
voice-overs. On the other hand, How I Met Your Father’s cast is extremely diverse, correcting one of the mistakes of the How I Met Your Mother cast by adapting to 2021 standards of diversity. The original series’ creators, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, are back as executive producers on the project, along with the How I Met Your Father creators Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger. Pam Fryman, the director of almost all 208 episodes of How I Met Your Mother, will return to direct the pilot episode of the new series. As of now, no one from the original cast is set to reprise their role in the spin-off. Even so, fans suspect that Barney may be the perfect crossover character in How I Met Your Father. This may be because at the end of the series of How I Met Your Mother, Barney had a child, but the identity of the mother wasn’t mentioned. Could this possibly be part of the plot in How I Met Your Father? Fans will just have to wait and see.
go to help each other. Every member of the league has their own personal journey, but they all go through their journeys and grow together. The movie is available for rent on Amazon Prime.
phoenix@flatbush.org | 5
Fun & Games Merle Asks Merle Dear Merle, It’s me! No, I mean it’s you! It’s Merle — Merle from the past! I came to check in and see how you’ve been handling my Phoenix advice column. I like what you’ve done with it — not bad. Not bad at all. I may have to return to the future and take a swing at my old position if my real job doesn’t work out... Best of luck, The Original Ask Merle Dearest OG Merle, Wow! Come on in. Make yourself comfortable. I can ask the sophomore editors to get you some tea. If you need anything at all, let me know. I have so many questions. Everyone wants to know who, how, what is a Merle?! I’d love for you to come in and explain. Then maybe I can show you around to some of the cool new features of the school. Did you know that we have an entire hallway now that’s a mile long just to sit in during free periods? Sincerely, Modern Merle
Dear Modern Merle, Back in prehistoric times when Mr. Rothbort was still a spring chicken and Rabbi Levy ruled the Kingdom of Flatbush, I was a senior in high school. The year was 2014 and Mr. Hofstetter invited me to be part of the Flatbush Phoenix. At that moment, I knew I had an opportunity to leave a real legacy at school with my literal name. So I jumped on the chance to start the advice column that I called “Ask Merle,” which is apparently still around today. Cool! All in all, what I mean to say is that Merle is a real person, and that real person is me. But I have a question for you! How’ve you been holding up? Can I give the advice-giver some advice, Merle to Merle? Best of Luck, OG Merle Dear OG Merle, Things have been going pretty well here, thanks to some of the great new improvements Flatbush has put in. There are lots of students, lots of food, and so
much around the building to tour and see. It’s sort of like a state fair except without any circus animals, and the only ride we have is the elevator to the sub-basement. A question that I know has been on everyone’s minds at least once or twice is, “Is it really four years for the rest of your life?” The seniors are nearing the end soon. Cats have nine lives, but I guess Flatbush students only get four years! SOS, Modern Merle Dear Modern Merle, I found myself in Flatbush the other day, and it felt like I stepped into another world! Back in those Flatbush prehistoric times that I was talking about there was a swimming pool and a library on the third floor. Also, instead of the Commons and Crawfords, we had a literal house, called the Annex, where we used to serve detention. To say that Flatbush is a little different is an understatement. But what really hasn’t changed is the connection you make with your friends, teachers, and the school as a whole. It used to be a competition, who stayed later in school the night before. Something
Merle Cohen (HS ’15), the original Ask Merle
tells me that hasn’t changed. When a teacher says, “Four years for the rest of your life,” not only is it incredible marketing, but it’s the truth. The values, the work ethic, the relationships, they all stay with you. Or at least they have with me. That’s why my last piece of advice to you is to recognize the opportunity you have as a Flatbush student, whether you’re a senior, junior, or freshman. It goes by faster than you think. Best of luck, OG Merle
Faculty Fun Facts Flatbush Crossword
Match the faculty member with the fact! By Joyce Louz Fun & Games Editor
1. Mr. Robertson 2. Mrs. Shulman 3. Ms. Mayer
a. Has a degree in medieval history b. Collects Harry Potter memorabilia c. Interned at Google
4. Rabbi Galpert
d. Can name all 50 presidents in order (backward and forward)
5. Ms. Long
e. Played in a semi-professional football league
6. Emily Anteby
f. Used to coach the Flatbush gym nastics team
7. Mrs. Levavi
g. Coded a radar simulator for the Spanish Navy
8. Coach Stern
h. Has traveled to six continents
9. Rabbi Sklarin
i. Speaks Yiddish
10. Ms. Lamm
j. Was quoted in the New York Times and Washington Post
Answers 1. d 2. g 3. h 4. i 5. e
6. b 7. f 8. a 9. j 10. c
Faculty Fun facts Answers:
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Standard of Fabulous Why State backpacks are a Are fashion colors-of-theschool essential this year year worth forecasting? By Nina Tawil
By Grace Hidary
Contributing Writer
Fashion Editor
State bags are seen all over the halls of Yeshivah of Flatbush. They are the “it” bags of the year. But why does everyone love them, and what makes them so popular? State bags appeal to all ages. They have a wide variety of designs from bright, shiny, and metallic to purple and blue color blocks. These bags give off a modern vibe while still being fun and playful. The new trend is that older students are considering the youthful, childish look as cool and chic. Slightly more expensive than the average backpack, a State bag is considered more exclusive compared to other brands. Their logo gives off a modern vibe and has a fancier look compared to o t h e r backpack
Every year there are certain colors in the fashion industry that are purchased and styled the most. The masterminds behind this are the largest companies in the fashion world. They come together to decide what colors are going to be worn the most. However, some believe that this method of predicting colors is inaccurate. The experts of the Color Marketing Group (CMG) identify the direction of color and design trends and translate them into sellable colors for manufactured products. A committee member of each big company presents research detailing colors that they see as promising. That’s why, when someone goes to a fashion show, one notices that the runways all have the same color scheme. However, recent research shows that color forecasting is no longer completely accurate. The Pantone Color Institute, a globally recognized lead source of color expertise, predicted Radiant Orchid (aka lilac) to be the Color of the Year in 2014. However, data showed that pink was the leading trend color of 2014. Navy, pastel blue, brown, and red were all colors that were sold more than Radiant Orchid. Roseanna Roberts, Director of Color Trends at The Color Association of the United States (CAUS), said that
brands. State bags allow students to keep organized. They have two main compartments and more than fifteen small pockets. There is no need for a pencil case because there are more than eight pockets for pens and pencils. There is also a padded laptop sleeve to keep your computer safe. Coming in mini, average, and large sizes, the bags suit many students’ needs. Wearing these bags also conveys a meaningful message. On the State website, it says, “For every State bag purchased, we’ll support American children and families in need ... in the ways they need it most.” People are not just buying it for the look; they are also purchasing the bag to help and donate to children in need around the world.
forecasts are made two years in advance of each season. Think about it: can colors that are going to be in style really be predicted so long beforehand? Additionally, some trends spiral almost instantly on social media, changing predictions of what colors will be popular in one click. For example, khaki green can become a hit simply because Rihanna stepped outside in public wearing something in that shade. Certainly, color is critical. It has always been a way to get consumers to invest in the new. The Pantone color trend report for Spring/Summer 2022 are Popcorn, Fragile Sprout, and Bubblegum. However, from the previous information it can be concluded that color predictions aren’t always accurate. So, what do you think? Are they even worth predicting? And what colors do you think will be in style this season?
The Dos and Don’ts of modern fashion By Teri Chalouh Contributing Writer
Neon leggings under denim skirts. Dangling microphone earrings. Afros. Bright purple eyeshadow. Magenta lipstick. Orange foundation. These were the “Dos” of style in the 80s. Clearly, as society advanced, people’s styles advanced as well. Here are some “Dos” and “Don’ts” for the newer 2021 style. The Don’ts: Number one, never mix two seasons in one outfit. It may show you were trying to be original, but it may also throw the whole outfit off, and you’ll look disorganized. Number two, avoid extremely high heels. People will move away from you in fear of being stepped on, and you might appear outlandish to newer generations. High heels can also be very uncomfortable, which may be a huge inconvenience at a party or a night out. Number three, never wear the same outfit for two-three days maximum. Peo-
ple will notice, especially since it’s unhygienic. The Dos: Number one, take risks! Put different pieces together, be original, and add accessories if necessary. It may seem peculiar at first, but in the bigger picture it can be a very fashionable thing. Number two, express yourself. Don’t always follow the outside trends; follow yourself! If everyone’s wearing blue, wear orange. Standing out is better than blending in. Number three, wear clothes that fit your body type. Never wear clothes that are too tight or too loose, it’s all about being comfortable in your own skin.
phoenix@flatbush.org | 7
Sports Maswarys pushing boys’ Female athletes still football toward success struggle for equality By Henry Esses
and we’ve been more effective than ever.” Varsity wide receiver Jack Alhadeff Contributing Writer also emphasized that the mentality that New coaches Joe and Mo Maswary both Coach Maswarys try to develop in are upping the rigor of the boys’ flag foot- the team is different compared to what ball team with more frequent and more previous coaches have done in the past. demanding Alhadeff statpractices in ed, “The ‘doan effort to whateverget the team it-takes’ and back to the ‘win at all championcosts’ menship, and it is tality that we already payall embrace ing off. as a team I Practices think sepathis year are rates us from “much more the teams of grueling,” acSeniors Jojon Sassoon, Eddie Keda, and Jacob Cohen the past.” cording to juThe team (standing, left to right) on offense against YDT nior Sammy this year is Weinwurzel. He explained that there are also testing out different strategic tac2-3 practice sessions per week, whereas tics for future games. For example, Ojallast year practice was only once a week. vo elaborated, “We say ‘meow’ followed Moreover, the practices are usually over with a number—like, ‘Meow 52!’ We act two hours now instead of the previous like it’s a play to mess around with the one hour. other team, but it has no meaning.” OjalThis year the team’s strategy is pri- vo explained that, since the head coach, marily focused on improving the de- Coach Joe, is only a bit older than the fensive game plan. Contrary to previous team—he graduated in 2020—“he’s chill” years, the team plays zone defense in- with the team and allows them to employ stead of man-on-man. Senior Elie Ojalvo such a silly tactic. clarified the difference between the two Gani also enjoys having a young plays. A zone play occurs when “each coach. “Because the coaches are about defensive back takes a certain part of the our age and attended the Yeshivah of field (right, middle, or left).” Previously Flatbush, we all have a very great connecthe team played with the man defense, tion with them,” he said. which is when the “defensive back plays Coach Joe said, “Over the last three defense on an assigned receiver on the games our varsity team has completely opposing team.” changed. From the start of the season, The team believes that the new coach- it felt a bit lost. Our team wasn’t feeling es are turning their defense into “one of like a family. There were more people the top in the league,” according to Wein- who just know how to play but aren’t wurzel. Senior Jack Gani agreed, stating, playing together. … Our team now un“The new coaches have taught us an im- derstands that they are more than a team: proved way of how to run our defense, they are brothers. It takes time, effort,
By Simone Amkraut A recent high school hockey game in Kittanning, Penn., highlighted the lack of inclusion and equality in sports that female athletes still face despite all the strides that women have made in athletics since Congress passed Title IX in 1972, prohibiting discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal funds. Since the advent of Title IX, many schools across the country that traditionally had boys’ sports teams and still can’t field teams for girls—including Mars Area High School in Kittanning— have complied with the law by providing girls the opportunity to play on the boys’ teams. Mars Area High School’s ice hockey team was playing a game against local rival Armstrong High School. Fans of the Armstrong team were bothered by Mars Area High School having a girl in goal. This girl’s skill is evident in her being the team’s only netminder and by the fact that she is also the goalie for the local club team. Nevertheless, 50-60 of the student-fans of the opposing team spent the entirety of the game jeering, mocking and generally degrading the young woman. Even so, not one official on site did anything to stop the torment that she endured. “We’ve had plenty of girls in this league before and never heard anything like this,” her coach commented after
the game. “With all the training we’re required to do as coaches about safe sports and sportsmanship, this should not happen. For it to fail this badly, it’s really disappointing,” the coach continued. There is room for progress in the college and professional leagues as well. Consider the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournament championships: from scheduling to travel arrangements to meals to training facilities, the allocations were far more plentiful and accommodating of the men’s programs than the women’s. Even the moniker “March Madness”—which every college basketball fan knows is a reference to the NCAA Basketball Tournament—was legally restricted to use for the men’s tournament alone. Going forward, the NCAA has stated both the men’s and women’s events can use the “March Madness” title. Even the protocols of the Metropolitan Yeshiva High School Athletic League (MYHSAL)—that the Flatbush Falcons teams abide by—include different standards for its boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball programs, providing more competitive opportunities for their boys teams than their girls. Boys’ varsity programs in the MYHSAL play a 14-game regular season, while the league’s girls’ programs are given a schedule of only 12 games. There is no doubt that much progress has been made for girls and women in sports; however, there is still a long way to go.
and—most importantly—brotherhood. To put the importance of the team and winning before yourself and to be happy even though you may not play is what it’s about. The guys on the team are starting to get all of that, and their love for the game is unmatched.”
It’s no surprise that Coach Joe prizes brotherhood and camaraderie: He was a player for three years when the league first started, and assistant coach Mo Maswary is his brother. He stated, “With my brother at my side as co-coach the process becomes a lot easier.”
Sports Editor
Sportsman Spotlight:
Shoushou Ashkenazie focused on basketball
By Mark Levy
Contributing Writer
Shoushou Ashkenazie is one of the most dedicated student athletes at the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Over her four high school years, she has been a team member on four sports teams: track, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Ashkenazie’s love for sports began as a child, stemming from her time spent with her uncle, who taught her how to play football and basketball. “I used to watch him play,” Ashkenazie stated. “I guess it just clicked early for me.” Fast-forward to middle school: Ashkenazie was on the girls’ basketball team at Barkai Yeshivah, where she had the opportunity to advance her basketball skills to a substantial degree. She was nervous to try out at first, stating, “I didn’t think
8 | phoenix@flatbush.org
I would be good enough.” However, her height was advantageous, allowing her by the eighth grade to outperform the rest of the team. Adjusting to a new school in ninth grade that has a much larger student population than Barkai, Ashkenazie and a few friends joined the soccer team. She elaborated that joining the soccer team “gave me the opportunity to make friends I wouldn’t have made any other way.” In tenth grade, Ashkenazie made the decision to join the track team and made the basketball team, while still retaining her position on the soccer team. When the school shut down due to COVID-19 toward the end of that year, she passed time while in quarantine by practicing and improving her basketball skills. In eleventh grade, Shoushou moved up to varsity basketball; she is currently
a forward for the team. She then dropped out of track and soccer to focus more on basketball practice and her studies. But her streak of focus ended abruptly when she decided to join the volleyball team, thus going against her original plan to gain more time for studying. Ashkenazie said, “Volleyball seemed fun, and I had some extra time, so why not.” Once again, her height gave her an advantage on the team, just like in middle school. Going into senior year, Ashkenazie dropped volleyball as she assumed her role as vice president of the Senior Council, but she remains an important part of the basketball team. Ashkenazie appreciates the teamwork she experienced on all four teams. She stated, “the collective team work just makes it more fun; everyone is receptive.” In addition, having to work with people
whom she wasn’t familiar with or whom she was already friends with gave her the ability to create deeper relationships with them. For example, Ashkenazie met one of her closest friends, Tunie Hanan, while playing for the team.