The Phoenix 2016-2017 Issue 1

A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 51, Issue 1 • September 2016 / 5776/5777

Israeli Restaurant To Replace Odradek’s

Major Changes Made to Junior Schedules

By Estelle Saad Senior Editor

As the school year began, juniors were welcomed back to school with several new changes to their schedules and curricula. The changes include scheduled gyms, an advisory period, no Jewish philosophy class, and late minyan twice a week for some students.

The administration recognized the hardships that juniors face, and when longtime Jewish Philosophy teacher Rabbi Haber gave his notice late last year, they decided to assist juniors by using the periods usually reserved for Jewish Philosophy to make the changes listed above, Principal Rabbi Beyda said.

Before this year, juniors were forced to schedule two gyms into their busy weeks, so having one gym period already built in lessens that hassle.

The advisory period is a once-aweek time when students can meet with college guidance, Pathfinders, and grade advisors. This time can be used for paperwork such as filling out the Common Application for college, Rabbi Beyda explained. This means that juniors will no longer need to miss class time to handle such matters. Also, grade advisors will be able to speak to students as a class rather than as a grade. When nothing needs to be done or discussed, it will just be a free period.

The fact that Honors students have gotten late minyan once a week has always been a point of contention in the school, and this has been heightened by the addition of another late minyan into some honors juniors’ schedules. Rabbi Beyda noted this is a one-time scheduling quirk.

Many students have expressed concerns about missing out on learning Jewish philosophy; however, Rabbi Beyda said that many of the Jewish philosophy topics will be integrated into other Hebrew subjects. “We want to address all students’ questions,” he said.

Regardless, junior Jack Mishaan said

In This Issue Religion: Life and death in Nitzavim Page 3

By Dorette Dayan Junior Editor

Funny Signs Appear, Then Disappear

By Ronnie Menashe Contributing Writer

During the second week of school, several humorous paper signs mysteriously appeared on walls and doors throughout the school. Some signs were parodies of real signs, while others were printed versions of real traffic signs, such as “No Swimming,” “Deer Crossing,” and “Do Not Enter.”

Within hours, Mr. Galpert had removed all the signs, which were posted without permission and in places other than the bulletin boards where that he wishes that juniors still had Jewish Philosophy, because he has “a lot of questions I want to be answered.”

Junior Jordan Senior mentioned that when he had Rabbi Haber as a teacher last year, Rabbi Haber had alluded to philosophy topics in class. When the students questioned him about these topics he responded that they would “get to it next year.” “Now we will never know,” Senior said.

Twelfth graders who took JP last

Entertainment: Don’t Breathe, Jack White, Nick Cave Page 5

signs and flyers can be posted. Students and faculty were left wondering who posted the signs, and why.

Junior Jack Tawil, in class 3-HR, has the answer. He said he posted the signs just for fun. “Why not? Flatbush is all focused on schoolwork the first week. I figured to have some fun.

I mean, what else am I going to do with six free periods a week?”

Rabbi Beyda said, "Whereas I think it’s kind of cute, it's also a little silly, and I just hope silliness isn't contagious.n year disagreed about whether juniors are gaining or losing. One anonymous senior felt that the class “made me more confused and less grateful for what G-d does for us.”

Senior Naomi Sanders had a better experience, and said, “JP has helped my spiritual growth and has led me to become more interested in Judaism.

I think the juniors are really missing out.” n

Fun & Games: Teachers’Tweets Page 7

Odradek’s Café, the coffee shop next to 7-11 that closed down earlier this year, will soon be replaced by a new Israeli restaurant called Yummy Kosher Grill.

Yummy Kosher Grill is set to open at the beginning of November, soon after the upcoming Jewish holidays, according to an employee of the restaurant.

Although construction is still underway and many decisions still need to be made, there are some plans which can be said for certain. They will be serving custom salads and smoothies up front and falafel and shawarma in back. This will be made fresh by an authentic Israeli chef who previously worked at The Hummus and Pita Co. in Manhattan.

The restaurant will also offer Shabbat and event catering.

A menu is not yet available, but the employee said that prices will be “moderate,” and the restaurant will offer free Wi-Fi. This new hangout will have a long table for large groups. The employee said they have not yet decided on student discounts, but that there will be some sort of special. n

Yummy Kosher Grill is still under construction

Sports: Goldberg plans to go out on top Page 8

Alumna Interview: Lauren Browdy (’08)

By Daliah Ben-Ari Junior Editor

Flatbush alumna Lauren Browdy, Class of ’08, certainly has her hands full nowadays as a lead volunteer in Hillary Clinton’s Presidential campaign.

Browdy at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

Although she works full time in healthcare public relations and just began a new job as a media associate at NY-Presbyterian Hospital, politics is hardly a new passion. “I’ve always been into politics—you can ask Rabbi Levy about our 2008 election conversations!”

She felt it was important to get involved in a campaign, but she did not expect to enjoy it. Her work on the campaign entails duties such as running the call center, training other volunteers, helping with fundraising, and recruiting and registering voters.

My Night at the UN

By Amanda Heskiel Contributing Writer

I was privileged to be at the United Nations on Thursday, September 22, for an event that featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Dayon.

The purpose of the event, Israeli Innovations and Technology in Africa Developing Countries, was for world leaders to learn about the new Israeli products and services designed specifically to benefit Africa.

Just visiting the UN was special, and being in the audience for such an important discussion was an incredible experience. Making it even better was meeting Rudy Rochman, an Israel activist from Columbia University, and Manny Dahari, a Yemenite refugee and pro-Israel activist from Yeshiva University. It was fun and inspiring to talk with people who believe as strongly as I do in making sure Israel continues to stand.

Being the only high school student at the event was both intimidating and gratifying, and not only because of my security escort; I was especially honored to be there knowing that attendance was by invitation only. I was sitting among ambassadors from different parts of Africa, who were all there to listen

The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: David Azrak Managing Editor: Jane Zakay Senior Editors: Esther Levy and Estelle Saad Religion Editor: Deborah Coopersmith School News Editors: Naomi Sanders and Sarah Weingarten World News Editor: Mimi Lazerowitz Entertainment Editor: Allan Kurland Music Editor: Rena Weitzman

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One of the defining moments that helped shape Browdy’s passion for politics was when she saw the documentary War Room about Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign for President. Lauren was further inspired when she had the privilege of attending the Democratic National Convention this year, which provoked her to think about her own political aspirations after hearing about the work of our local and state politicians.

Aside from politics, Lauren was very involved in extracurricular activities during high school. “That was one of my favorite things about Flatbush. You have so many options and ways to be involved in different things that interest you.” Her favorite activities in Flatbush were Yachad and Chamber Choir.

After graduating, Lauren spent a year in Israel and double-majored in public relations and photography in CUNY’s individualized study program.

Throughout college, Lauren pursued her passion for working with children with special needs and immersed herself in many similar events, such as the Yachad Birthright trip and being a PR intern for the Big Apple Circus. The circus is a nonprofit organization that runs community programs such as medical clowning and performances for the special needs in addition to its regular public shows.

Browdy says that working on a national political campaign has been emotionally exhausting but eye opening. “It’s been amazing, inspiring, tiring, nerve wracking—so many things,” she said. But Browdy said she does not merely like the exhilaration of working on Clinton’s campaign, she loves it. n to the innovative ideas that Israeli companies have for solving various problems in Africa. I also sat in the row right behind Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister’s wife. All of it was surprise after surprise!

Better yet, I got to meet Netanyahu and Dayon.

This was an unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime chance that many people our age don’t get, and one that I will never forget. What a truly phenomenal night! n

Heskiel with Danny Dayon at the UN event

Standard of Fabulous Editors: Sylvia Ashkenazie and Aida Hasson Fun & Games Editor: Diana Hoffstein Sports Editor: Victor Allaham Junior Editors: Daliah Ben-Ari, Dorette Dayan, Mary Jajati, Marlene Levy Sophomore Editor: Sam Beyda Design: Therese Berkowitz Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter

Ms. Peles (left) with her husband and six children

Faculty Freshman: Ms. Peles

By Mary Jajati Junior Editor

As the new school year begins, we welcome several new teachers to various departments throughout the school. Among these new teachers is Ms. Nechama Peles, a Hebrew teacher for the 9th and 11th grades.

Although this is her first year at Flatbush, Ms. Peles previously taught in Beth Rivkah High School here in Brooklyn and in several schools in Israel, banking a total of 19 years of teaching.

Ms. Peles was born in Kfar Chabad, Israel, and grew up in Ramat Gan. After high school, she studied education in college, became a certified EMT, and volunteered for the Magen David Adom. She earned her teacher’s degree in Israel, and continued her teaching career when she moved to New York about 12 years ago when her husband’s job was relocated.

Ms. Peles truly has a passion for teaching. “I always knew I wanted to become a teacher and be the one to influence young adults,” she said. The thing she likes best about teaching is “the way some students internalize the lessons.” She says she still speaks to her students from eighteen years ago.

Obviously, Ms. Peles didn’t attend YOFHS but she had heard a lot of great things about the school, such as that “it’s a very serious and fun learning environment.” Also, she says, “Ms. Shulman and I were classmates and she highly recommended this school.”

Ms. Peles is married with six children, ages 18, 17, 15, 10, 5, and seven months. Her oldest, Mussi, is studying in Israel and her next daughter, Cheli, is a senior in high school. Esty, 15, is a sophomore at a high school in Pittsburgh. Mendel and Yanky are in elementary school and Levi is the baby of the family.

Ms. Peles’s hobbies include baking and traveling with her family. They have traveled to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Israel, and Europe. However, Ms. Peles spent this past summer running a day camp in Liberty, NY. As for teaching at Flatbush, Ms. Peles says “it’s been great so far; I look forward to it.” She says that her wish for her students is that they leave her class at the end of the year not being afraid to speak Hebrew. n

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

United States Airstrike Hits D’var Torah: Rejoicing in Wrong Target, Causing Redemption

By Danielle Duchan Global Controversy Contributing Writer

By Mimi Lazerowitz World News Editor

On Saturday, September 17, the United States admitted that its warplanes carried out an airstrike over Syria that resulted in the death of Syrian government troops. U.S. military officials said that the attack, which took place in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour, was intended to target ISIS. Russia, an ally of the Syrian government, called an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the bombing; the Russian Defense Ministry said that 62 Syrian troops were killed in the attack and 100 more were wounded. Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement declaring the attacks to be “on the boundary between criminal negligence and direct connivance with Islamic State terrorists.”

The Syrian government also remained unconvinced that the air raid was meant for ISIS, and said that this incident proves that the United States supports the Islamic State in its attempt to remove President Bashar al-Assad from power and exposes the United States’ “false claims of fighting terrorism.”

The U.S. Central Command denied these claims and expressed sadness over the “unintentional loss of life of

Syrian forces.” The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, was outraged with Russia’s call for an emergency U.N. meeting. She called the move “uniquely cynical and hypocritical.”

This situation has heightened tensions between the United States and Russia over the conflict in Syria.

On Monday, September 12, the United States and Russia agreed to a cease-fire in Syria. It was supposed to culminate in the two world powers teaming up the following Monday to launch airstrikes against ISIS in Syria.

However, Russian envoy to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said he does not have high hopes for the cease-fire’s success.

Churkin said that if Ambassador Power’s reaction is any indication of the U.S. government’s response to the recent events, the cease-fire agreement is “in serious trouble.” He also stated that the airstrike came at a suspicious time, only two days before the United States and Russia were supposed to prepare for joint air operations.

United States representatives continued to reiterate that the true target was intended to be ISIS, and that the attack was halted once the pilots were informed that they were potentially striking Syrian military personnel. n

This Shabbat, the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah, we read parashat Nitzavim. Right before Moshe’s death, he gathers the entire nation and initiates them into a covenant with G-d. It’s fitting that a parasha that discusses the consequences of sin and the eventual repentance is the one we read right before Rosh Hashanah. Indeed, looking closer, one finds many parallels between the messages of this week’s parasha and the main ideas of Rosh Hashanah.

After Moshe initiates all of Bnei Yisrael into the covenant with G-d, he goes on to describe the consequences of sin, particularly idolatry. These include exile from Israel and the desolation of the land. This first part of the parasha mirrors the first part of the musaf of Rosh Hashanah, which we call Malchuyot. Malchuyot discusses the sovereignty and power of G-d, and His role as our King and Judge. Thus, much like the first part of Nitzavim, it discusses G-d’s response to sin and idolatry, and G-d’s true sovereignty over us.

The next part of the parasha mirrors the Shofarot section of musaf. It discusses Bnei Yisrael’s return to G-d

Construction of New Wing Underway

By Naomi Sanders School News Editor

Many physical changes were made to the Flatbush halls over the summer, but much bigger changes are coming in the near future with the construction of the school’s new wing now fully underway.

Rabbi Beyda says that the construction is running smoothly and is on schedule. “We feel confident that we will be able to use the new building come September 2018,” Rabbi Beyda explained. “At least two of the current grades in the school will benefit from the new building, which is really exciting.”

The opening of the new section promises to revolutionize the student experience at Flatbush. Con-

necting to the old building from the back of the lobby will be a path leading into the “student commons” area, a place for students sit and relax. That area will open into a café with an indoor and outdoor patio.

The new section will also include new facilities such as a two-story library and a Bet Midrash.

Several exciting changes will take place in the old building once the new wing opens. The administration is planning on moving all classrooms above ground, which means that future generations can say goodbye to freezing in A01 and A02 and rushing up five flights to the fourth floor from the Music and Art rooms.

Instead, a new Art room, Mac lab, and extra classrooms will be created on the third floor where the

and G-d’s redemption of them. After all the doom and gloom of the discussion of the consequences of sin, it is perhaps the most refreshingly optimistic part of the parasha, discussing how “G-d will make you abundant in all your handiwork” and “G-d will return to rejoice over you for good.” This mirrors the main idea of Shofarot that G-d is and will ultimately be our loving redeemer. To some extent, this part of the parasha also gives us a guide for how we can relate to G-d in a positive manner in the new year. We should not simply view G-d as punishing for sin, but rather should focus more on the ultimate reward and redemption that can come about from love of G-d and fulfillment of the mitzvot.

The parasha ends off with what is arguably the main theme of Rosh Hashanah: life and death. G-d says that He has “placed life and death before you, blessing and curse; and you shall choose life.” This is a very fitting ending to the parasha and ultimately part of the closing of the entire Torah, because ultimately all the commandments of the Torah are due to the fact that G-d wants to teach us how to “choose life.” May we all have the zechut to choose life and witness the ultimate redemption this new year.

Shana tova! n

Artist’s rendering of the new café and library

library and study hall are now, completing the third floor as a center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). The Music room will occupy the space where IT and the yearbook room are now, so that student musicians can go straight from practice up to the stage from the stairs behind the auditorium. The lockers will be moving from the two basement levels and will be inserted into the walls of the second and fourth floors, thus widening the basement hallways.

Other planned changes include new guidance locations and the repurposing of the current Student Lounge into an athletics center/workout room. n

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Mr. Lazar to Head Drama Troupe

By David Azrak Editor-in-Chief

The Yeshivah of Flatbush Drama Troupe, responsible for the annual Hebrew Play and other theatrical performances throughout the school year, has a new faculty advisor this year and it is none other than our own Mr. Lazar of the History department.

Just a few weeks into the school year, Mr. Lazar has already put his stamp on the Troupe, directing them in a performance of the opening number from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton for the freshman during Freshman Day. The Phoenix spoke with Mr. Lazar when he first took the post in June, and again this month, to get a preview of this year’s productions and what we can expect from the Drama Troupe moving forward. Below are excerpts from our conversations.

Phoenix: When were you told you would be heading the Drama Troupe and how did you react?

Lazar: When the position opened up the administration asked all the staff if there was anyone interested in taking over the position. I sent in my request and shortly before Pesach I was offered the position. I was/am very excited and grateful for the opportunity.

Phoenix: What changes and/or additions are you planning for next year’s troupe?

Lazar: While there is nothing concrete yet, we are planning on producing a few smaller performances tailored for specific grades and tied to their curriculum.

Phoenix: Do you have any background in drama?

Lazar: I was both a history and drama/theater ma-

Rediker Replaces DDC as YOF’s Grade Management System

By Marlene Levy Junior Editor

Students, teachers, and parents in the elementary and high schools are all still getting used to Rediker, the Yeshivah of Flatbush’s new computer system.

Although many people were unaware that the old system, DDC, was being replaced with something new until the school year began, the changeover started back in June. The school’s Informational Technology (IT) department worked throughout the summer to make sure Rediker was ready in time for the first day of school.

The IT department also saw a recent change in

Freshman History Now Includes Current Events

jor in college. I performed in a couple of college plays, directed three shows and since college I was in one community theater production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Also, as a teacher I perform every day for my audience of students.

Phoenix: What do you personally feel makes you the most qualified?

Lazar: Being a director is about leading a cast of actors, stage hands, and tech people. I can honestly say that, with the tremendous talent at the Yeshivah of Flatbush, the most important thing I can do is have a good rapport with the Drama Troupe family so that I can help them mold the great productions which they are capable of developing.

Phoenix: What do you think your favorite part of leading the Drama Troupe will be?

Lazar: Working with the great talent at Flatbush will be wonderful. But it is being part of the family of theater people, the relationships and community that is the best part.

Phoenix: How will this impact your history classes, if at all?

Lazar: I’m sure it will make it all the more exciting, though I’m not sure how or why.

Phoenix: You mentioned previously that you were thinking of specific, grade by grade productions; could you elaborate on that in regards to your plans this year?

Lazar: We are planning at least three productions for the year. One for the year, possibly a play in which the female lead decides to rewrite the ending of her play. For the sophomores a bit of Greek mythology, or rather a whole lot of it in 30 minutes. We are also working on possibilities for the 11th and 12th grade leadership, with Dr. Christine Coleman coming on as Director. Dedicating her summer to this project took a lot of time and effort but with the help of the rest of the IT department the website was set for the new school year.

There are many similarities between DDC and Rediker, but the design is very different. Much more important information is now available on the home page, such as class schedule, teachers, cuts, and upcoming events, whereas DDC often required searching through multiple tabs to find some of the same information.

For teachers, keeping track of grades and students is similar in some ways, but there have been some bumps in the road as well. One teacher mentioned that “taking attendance is more complicated under the new system, but Rediker’s gradebook is a little more flexible and easier to use than DDC.” Rabbi Kramer, who works with the IT department in addition to his teaching duties, said that IT is working continuously to better customize the system to our school’s needs. n

Mr. Saadia, who teaches ninth grade History, pointed out additional benefits of the inclusion of current events, explaining that it is important to start training Flatbush students from a younger age to be aware of the world they live in. It is a great skill for the freshman to acquire, he said: “I feel excited that students will learn about current issues affecting them in the present and future.”

By Jane Zakay The freshmen will be discussing current events articles in class once every two weeks, although someManaging Editor times the students will be given homework to find Due to the demands of the Core Curriculum and articles themselves. changes to the Global Studies Regents exam, this The first article discussed in freshman classes was year’s ninth grade History curriculum includes cur- titled, “Are Smart Phones Making Us Stupid?” Mr. rent events for the first time.

Saadia said that it went well and the students were

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Drama Troupe performs a song from Hamilton for the freshmen

in conjunction with Book Day. Phoenix: How’s the workload going so far?

Lazar: The workload has been heavy but manageable, but trying to schedule rehearsals has been challenging since everyone has so much on their plate already. But once I get the cast and rehearsal schedule from Sally Shatzkes, finish up Model UN tryouts, and set up a period for my Latin Tsei U’lemad classes, we should be able to get ourselves on track. As I said, everyone has a lot on their plate.

Phoenix: Now that the cat is out of the bag, do you have anything to say to your awaiting Flatbush audience?

Lazar: Artes serviunt vitae, sapientia imperat! n

Skeleton Tree ... continued from page 5 touch me.”

Nick Cave is an artist, a poet, a man of flesh like the people who die around him, subject to the dark will of G-d. This man will not exploit the death of his son. By any and all means, this expression, this explosive cry and somber whimper, will not feed off of tragedy and grow happy; never will it be the benefit of death. Cave sees this through until the very end, as documented in One More Time Feeling, Andrew Dominik’s cinematic chronicling of Cave’s creation of Skeleton Tree which shares its title with a lyric from the album’s spine-chilling fourth track, “Magneto.”

“The song it spins no more. And now in turn, you turn, you kneel, lace up his shoes, your little blueeyed boy. Take him by the hand. Go move and spin him down the hall. I know the world it would stop spinning now that you’ve been gone.” The record, the Earth, is stopped and spins no more. This is Nick Cave’s power; he stops time. He stops the spinning of the Earth with a masterpiece molded from calamity.n

actively participating. “Students were able to analyze two points of view on the issue, evaluate the author’s evidence, and choose a side,” he said.

Not all freshmen are looking forward to this part of the curriculum, but Barbara Dayan of class 1-R was enthused. “I’m very excited to be up to date with the world around me,” Dayan said. n

Entertainment Movie Review: Don’t Breathe

By Rena Weitzman

Newly released horror film Don’t Breathe, produced by Fede AlvaMusic Editor rez, depicts the thrilling tale of three amateur thieves who attempt to make their “big score” robbing the house of a blind man. The movie begins tediously with a simple break-in, leading horror fanatics to question the validity of the film’s classification as a “horror” film; however, they are proven to be strikingly mistaken as the plot thickens. In an unforeseen twist, the blind man, a military veteran, forges a lengthy and exhausting battle against the rapacious intruders, suffused with precarious obstacles.

The film expertly fabricates a nail-biting and suspenseful aura in the theatre, leaving the audience at the edge of its seats in almost every scene. As soon as it seems that the thieves have made it to safety and viewers find a sense of security, Alvarez sends the characters into an even deadlier predicament. Roque Banos’s diverse score pulsates in the background, injecting each scene with an element of pure suspense and dread. The film captivates the audience by instilling in them the mirrored feelings of panic, dread, and hopelessness that are experienced by the characters.

Moreover, the film solidifies Alvarez’s status as a highly competent filmmaker through his astonishing use of cinematography.

The film is purely driven by the art of visual storytelling as opposed

to dialogue, drawing viewers in deeper as they are forced to pay closer attention in order to comprehend the plot as the protagonists are placed in increasing peril. Alvarez is successful in generating unbearable tension by raising the bar with every scene without reaching the point of overkill.

What distinguishes this movie from other horror films is its lack of a moral compass. The film’s “heroes” can just as easily be viewed as malicious criminals, although their harsh fate kindles an undeniable sympathy toward them from the audience. Additionally, the “innocent” blind man, who turns out not to be as innocent as we thought, is steadily viewed as the villain from the moment he steps onto the set. Ultimately, Don’t Breathe encapsulates all of the pivotal elements of an exhilarating and eerie horror film, making it one of the most expertly studio-produced films I’ve ever seen. n

Music Review: Jack White Acoustic Recordings

By Allan Kurland

In the heart of Jack White’s work, and White himself, rages an evEntertainment Editor er-present conflict, a connection, a relationship never static and always living, an Apollonian and Dionysian wrestling match proving, over the years of his career, to be the essential fuel for White’s fire. The struggle between authenticity and artistic expression of the individual, the overdriven guitar of the overdriven Detroit racing against the pedal steel soul of Nashville, the unapologetically raw blues fighting the childishly irreverent backbone of the innocently pigtailed Meg White pounding whimsically at the modest drum kit atop a peppermint stage. What’s most important in this anthology, a collection of White’s works spanning over his entire career, is White’s development into the model artist he created in 1998 realized gradually and solidifying slowly through 2016.

Jack White is a craftsman carving the form of the true, unadulterated essence of his craft and, more preeminently, himself, the artisan behind the work. This evolution is present over the 26-track running time beginning with the idiosyncratically White Stripes track “Sugar Never Tasted So Good,” dense yet simple with a driving three-chord foundation, all the way to the country-ornate but humbly cogitated and impassioned “Entitlement,” and the finale for both this album and White’s preceding album Lazaretto, “Want and Able.”

As poignant as White’s semblance of the lone mad genius auteur, is, the beauty of his work has been birthed from his myriad of relationships fortunately recorded and embedded in vinyl since 1998. Whether opposite his upholsterer colleague, his thought-to-be sister but truly

Music Review: Skeleton Tree

By Allan Kurland Entertainment Editor

The new album from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds sits in the blood of Cave’s sorrow: warm and fresh and not entirely his. It’s despair slipping from the tear-covered hands of a father collapsing in on himself trying to hold his body up with the bones from which he carved the sound of his lament; Cave created this sonic presence that exists beyond ourselves and it’s breathtaking, nothing less than an obelisk casting an omnipresent

ex-wife Meg, the dream teams of the Dead Weather and the Raconteurs, the Buzzards and the Peacocks which were featured on his previous two albums, or producing Loretta Lynn’s Grammy award winning Van Lear Rose, White pulls the music from the fire of every relationship he finds himself in. White, or his work, is the third man, the middle stripe thriving artistically from the struggle of the two surrounding monoliths.

Practically, there’s a mark where the concept of acoustic mixes is rendered moot, seeing as Jack’s later work especially is all acoustic anyways. So, the newly mined gem of this album is the previously unreleased “City Lights,” a respectably crafted track full of fantastically candid vocals and mountain side folk guitar work. “Never Far Away,” White’s nearly unmentioned work for Cold Mountain, fits into the same folk niche and “Love is the Truth,” a Jack White jingle for Coca Cola, finds its way onto the album’s track listing.

The album displays White’s acclaimed and notable reverence. White essentially built his art on the hardwood foundation hammered together by his predecessors and painted it over with peppermint swirls.

Tracks like “Blunderbuss” and “Entitlement” are deeply traditional and assembled to perfection while the energetic “Hotel Yorba” and “Apple Blossom” sit firmly in a seat carved by and for White himself and White only. But these tracks, these polar contrasts, lie against each other so unnoticeably that the pleasure of listening to an artist so in control of his work becomes strikingly apparent.

The sound of struggle is crafted so brilliantly that it flows with ease.

This anthology, a retrospective of Jack White’s career, tracks the manufacturing of beauty from conflict. This doesn’t happen anymore; the career and life of Jack White, like this album, is special. There’s blood running through the grooves of this record; it lives. n

darkness over the head of beauty, perception. The sadness of the human condition is terrifying; Nick Cave expresses that eerily.

The 39-minute LP follows Cave’s natural evolution from his previous record, Push the Sky Away, with deconstructed organization of ambience and subtlety acting as the stage for Cave’s esoteric and thoughtfully vivid writing. However, tragedy sits with unmistakable prominence in the center of this work. The death of Cave’s son, Arthur, looms over the album from its dawn to its dusk, never leaving Cave alone for a single moment.

The opening track, “Jesus Alone,” sees Cave consumed by swelling instrumentals and persistently ominous warbles, coated around his gruff vocal that suffers through the piece as it calls into the sky. “You cried beneath the dripping trees. Ghost song lodged in the

throat of a mermaid,” Cave hails as he paints the picture of nature weeping with the mourning man, the siren lamenting the lost soul. Crying a cry of despondency for an answer, perhaps Cave is content with knowing ghosts don’t talk back. “With my voice I am calling you,” he repeats incessantly in the despair of the music.

“Are you still here?” asks Cave, supported vocally by the Bad Seeds in the second track “Rings of Saturn.” Expectedly, this album hosts an incredible amount of emotional torque. Cave’s writing is ingenious and, coupled with the solemn instrumentalism, produces a nearly unbearably emotional fragility barely standing under the skin of the record only hoped to be achieved by artists since the most primitive attempts at artistic expression. “Don’t touch me,” cave whimpers shakingly. “Don’t continued on page 4

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Fun & Games Ask Merle

Dear Merle, So. The new Merle. Who exactly are you? And is your name even Merle?

Skeptical and Suspicious Dear Skeptical, I would like to open up with a Gossip Girl quote and say: “Who am I? That’s a secret I’ll never tell.” Is my name Merle? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

But probably not, because, really, how many Merles can there possibly be? Nobody can be sure. Does it matter, Skep, if my name is Merle or not? I’ll be answering your questions and making you less skeptical and hopefully less suspicious. I know you’ll love me.

XOXO, Gossip Merle Dear Merle, Where are the tennis courts?

Tennis Prodigy Prodigy, The courts which you seek are closer than you think. I could make a cheap joke here and give you directions to the roof, but we’re better than that. So instead I’ll tell you the truth: the real tennis courts—the ones that matter—are in your heart. They always have been. If you want to play tennis, don’t go looking on rooftops; look in the mirror. In the tennis in your soul, just like on the roof, you’ll discover that you don’t even need to score to have love.

Stay strong, Merle Dear Merle, Help! I have taken on way too many AP courses and I feel like I might EXPLODE just thinking about it! Will it be as bad as I am imagining?

Stressed Out Junior Stressed, First, take a deep breath. Second, don’t think about it. Third, don’t make

any sudden movements. Fourth, is it hot in here? No? OK, good. Fifth, I just need to cut this b-blue … I mean … red wire. Now that that’s taken care of, here’s your answer: APs can certainly be stressful but you’ll survive. Everybody does. Except for that one guy, but we don’t like to talk about him. Anyway, this year may be stressful and terrifying, but it’ll all be over in May. That’s not even that far away! (See, I took AP Unintentional Rhyming.) Remember to be careful and to follow those five steps if you ever feel yourself about to explode again.

Stay stable, Merle Merle, Which side of the hallway do use? I got run over by a senior and the first month of school isn’t even over.

Confused Freshie Dearest Confused, Are you alright? We were all freshmen at one point and can all remember our first time getting run over. It will get better. Don’t take any offense to the mindless seniors. There are signs around the hallway but those are sometimes hard to read so I’ll just tell you. Basically what you need to do is to keep right and avoid incoming traffic.

Just keep swimming, Merle Dear Merle, My teachers keep mentioning this disease called senioritis. Is it contagious? How do I stay healthy?

Hopefully Immune Senior Hopefully, Unfortunately, 85% of the class of 2017 is already infected with senioritis. So is 42% of the class of 2018, but that’s a different story. I recommend showing up to class regularly, and if you start showing symptoms, report to the school nurse. She’s probably on the tennis courts.

Always, Merle

Teacher Tweets

By Diana Hoffstein Fun & Games Editor

Ever wonder how the faculty spends summer vacation? We hacked their Twitter accounts to find out. You’re welcome.

6 | www.theflatbushphoenix.com

Standard of Fabulous Burkini Ban in France

Recently there has been a huge debate over the ban of the so-called burkini on the beaches of France. The burkini is a full-length swimsuit that covers the entire Contributing Writer body except for the face, hands, and feet. It is worn mainly by Islamic women who wish to go to the beach but at the same time dress in accordance with their Islamic values.

Mayor David Linsard of Cannes, on the French Riviera, banned the burkini on public beaches in late July, saying they are “the uniform of extremist Islamism.”

Although the ban was overturned by the French Council of State a few weeks later, many French mayors sided with Linsard and chose to ignore the court’s ruling.

In addition, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls publicly declared that he supported the ban.

Like all good arguments, there are two sides. On one hand, the ban of the burkini was, in part, a response to the tragic terror attack on the beaches of Nice. In July, when a Muslim truck driver who had reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS drove through a group of innocent people watching fireworks on the boardwalk, killing 80.

Some French people have said they feel threatened when they see what appears to be Islamic extremist clothing (i.e., the burka, hijab, headscarf, etc.). That feeling increases when they see people on a beach covering up in a conservative manner that clashes with France’s liberal topless-beach culture of modern times.

The mayor of one seaside town on the French Riviera is sticking to the burkini ban, saying, “If you don’t want to live the way we do, don’t come. You have to behave in the way that people behave in the country that accepted you, and that is it.

If you are in Rome, do like Romans do. Go in Saudi Arabia and be naked and see what will happen to you.”

On the other hand, the burkini was invented to allow Muslim women to participate more in Western culture. The burkini’s inventor, Lebanese-Australian designer Aheda Zanetti, said that France’s ban is “just hatred” toward Muslims.

“I created [burkinis] to stop Mulsim children from missing out on swimming lessons and sports activities,” she said. “I hope the French prime minister and the mayors see that they should find out how to combine communities, how to work around issues, instead of harming the community, taking the beach away from some people and punishing them. That’s just hatred.”

The tipping point seems to be when photos were released of armed policemen demanding that a Muslim woman remove her headscarf, long sleeves and pants at the beach in France, giving her a ticket for not “wearing an outfit respecting good morals and secularism.”

Around the world, people of various backgrounds gathered outside French embassies to demonstrate against the ban. One woman at a protest outside the French embassy in London, had this to say: “I’m a priest in the Church of England so I am wearing my uniform. I’m wearing it because I heard the story about women exercising their religious faith in a way that is totally unacceptable and must have been intimidating and frightening and I wanted to stand in solidarity with them.”

This past summer, I visited London and many of these protests were going on while I was there. Many people created a makeshift beach with sand castles and toys right outside the embassy to make their point. “I think it’s ridiculous,” said event organizer Fariah Syed about the burkini ban. “No one, regardless of their religion or race, should be told what they should wear and where they can wear it.

It’s important to show solidarity because of the spread of Islamophobia around the globe—especially in France.”

Nicolas Sarkozy, a French politician who previously served as the President of France and is currently running for national office, is happy with the ban. He said, “the burkini affair; everybody sees it as a provocation, a provocation for the service of a project of radicalized political Islam.”

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling disagreed, and responded in a tweet saying: “So Sarkozy calls the burkini a ‘provocation.’ Whether women cover or uncover their bodies, seems we’re always, always ‘asking for it.’”

As Orthodox Jews, we have a tradition of modest dress and have a long history of fighting for our religious freedom. Although we might be the target of many terrorist attacks, this is a topic that is extremely relevant to our lives. What would you think if it was kippot that were banned? n

By Hannah Hasson

Sam Says

By Sam Contributing Writer

Hello fellow students, Sam Says here! Since it’s a new year with new people, I guess it’s time to reintroduce myself. My name is Sam Says—well, at least that’s my pseudonym. I’m an anonymous male student who is here to answer all of your fashion questions from a guy’s perspective. I’ll also give you little hints every month about what I’ll be wearing and how to find me. If you think you’ve figured out who I am, you can e-mail me at itssamsays@gmail. com to claim your prize. E-mail me with any fashion questions or comments. See you next month!

Oh, and you can find me in the halls this month with my cool new green backpack. See you soon! n

Major Fall Trends to Follow: n Anything

velvet jackets n Jumpsuits and rompers n Checks and lace patterns n Bomber

Fashion Fact: The first Doc Martens were made out of old tires.

www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 7

Sports Sportsman Spotlight: Yoel Goldberg

By Victor Allaham

In three seasons of high school basketball, Yoel Goldberg and the Sports Editor Falcons have been close to a championship but have never quite gotten there. In fact, it’s been almost 10 years since Flatbush last won it all. Now in his senior and final year in Flatbush, Goldberg hopes that will all change soon. After falling to DRS in the championship in March for the second time in three years, the Falcons’ big man has a completely new outlook for the 2016–2017 campaign: “This season is the biggest season of our high school careers. This year we will have a more serious attitude around the locker room and we will work harder in order to get that championship.”

Goldberg, who wears number 2 on his jersey, is ready to be number one. “I am very confident in our team. We just have to take it one game at a time and we’ll be fine.”

Unfortunately, last week at a tryout in Pennsylvania for the Maccabi USA basketball team, Goldberg injured his left arm after landing awkwardly while trying to break his fall. At first he was told that it was probably broken, but when doctors discovered that it was only a

JV Boys Basketball Looks to Rebound from Last Year’s Early Playoff Exit

By Sammy Beyda Sophomore Editor

Last season, after leading the HAFTR Hawks by three points at the end of the first half, the Flatbush Falcons JV Boys Basketball team blew the lead and exited the playoffs in the first round after a very successful season; a crushing defeat.

With most of the talent from last year returning this season, along with the addition of a few new freshmen, the JV boys are looking to win it all this year. Sophomore big man Jack Rosow, who averaged 16 points per game last season, is ecstatic to play alongside some of his teammates from last year. “I think it’s great. We have a lot of guys who have gotten better over the summer. We have a lot of great guys.”

Joe Kattan, a returning sophomore who’s vying for the starting point guard job, also believes that the team’s veterans improved tremendously over the summer, due to the fact that many of those players went to Step-It-Up, a basketball training camp.

Coach Michael Gurock is ada-

mant about the team’s potential, saying, “The sky’s the limit.” He said the team could make a deep run in the playoffs this year, explaining, “The sophomores are in the second year of our program already—they know the drill. We also played in a lot of close games last season, so our sophomores are battle tested and ready.”

Close games were an obstacle for the team last year, but Gurock believes that the team is ready to overcome it.

He said that the sophomores’ experience will make them much better at closing out games this season.

Another returning sophomore, Isaac Rosen, agrees. He also thinks that this year’s deep bench of guards will mean plenty of fresh legs to help out at the end of games, propelling the team to more victories.

In addition to the sophomores’ talent, experience, and leadership, this year’s team has freshmen who can contribute right away. Coach Gurock was especially impressed with the freshman guard play. Sophomore Abe Chetrit thinks the freshmen will improve all season long and be a presence on the court, too. n

Girls Volleyball On the Way Up

By Albert Dweck & Aaron Harari Contributing Writers

Senior Sarah Sasson serves for the Falcons

8 | www.theflatbushphoenix.com

As athletic tryouts were coming to a close, we sat down with a few members of the Girls Varsity Volleyball team to grab some information about the upcoming volleyball season. For some, this is their final year to give it all they’ve got. Unfortunately, for the past few years

sprain, Goldberg and the team were relieved.

“This week was hard for me to watch my teammates working together at practice when I was hurt, but thank God I’ll be ready in time for the season.” After being bandaged up for less than a week, Goldberg is now medically cleared to step out onto the court and do what he does best.

Playing alongside longtime teammates including Abie Rosow, Louie Zarif and Kevin Haddad, Goldberg will have a pivotal role in the Falcons’ frontcourt this year.

“I think my role this year will be a defensive specialist and rebounder and help get the ball into the hands of our top scorers.”

The big man says he will do whatever it takes to help contribute to a “W.” Additionally, Goldberg is hoping to help the juniors on the team and make sure they’ll be ready to play at a higher and much more competitive level in varsity ball.

“The juniors never played varsity ball, and I would tell them that it ain’t JV. It’s a totally different game and if they work hard they’ll be able to adjust to it quickly,” he said.

Goldberg and the Falcons opened up the 2016–2017 season Sunday, September 25 in the annual Magen David tournament. Regardless of how the season starts, Goldberg is determined to make sure it ends in victory. n

Seniors Upset Over Gym Scheduling

By Shlomo Husni

The Flatbush Physical Education department has overhauled its gym scheduling policy for the new school year, especially for seniors. Seniors can now choose from a select few timeslots to do their gyms.

Many seniors have complained that the available gym times overlap elective classes or extracurricular activities, making it significantly more difficult to be able to schedule gyms. For some students, the only available time slots are during lunch, depriving the students of having lunch on Mondays and Wednesdays.

“As seniors it’s very important that we go to gym. For some who make PE a priority, it is hard to take it seriously because most gym times are during elective classes.

Gyms during lunches are also very frustrating,” said Esther Levy of class 4-HR. Several other seniors said that missing lunch is much more than merely frustrating. One girl who asked to remain anonymous explained that taking gym during lunch essentially means fasting from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. “However, there is a school rule in place that you cannot bring drinks other than water into a classroom, which means that a hungry senior wouldn’t even be able to drink coffee,” she said.

Another senior explained that, other than lunch, the only convenient time that most seniors can schedule gym is at 4:45.

But as he pointed out, that’s a problem “when many seniors get out at 4:00.”

Coach Gelber said the new scheduling policy for seniors stems from last year’s overhauling of the PE curriculum to focus more on class-based learning. “With the increased emphasis on the education part of Physical Education, grade levels were forced to be separated and each grade was given their own time slots, and the seniors got last pick,” he said.

This is a change from previous years, when all grades were permitted to take gym together, leaving many more time slots available.

Mr. Amkraut, the Athletic Director, said that the new policy was actually instituted with the intention of making scheduling gyms more flexible for seniors. Although it seems like this has backfired, it is still early on in the year and too early to tell whether the scheduling policy is as disastrous as many students now think of it.

Nonetheless, this new policy is only temporary. The PE department has plans next year to have gyms built in to seniors’ schedules, which is already the case for students of all other grades. n

they haven’t had as much success as they hoped for, qualifying for the playoffs only once in the past three years.

Lead by Coach Irene as well as the one and only Señora Shterenzer, the team includes seniors Margo Dweck, Sari Cattan, Jeanne Rahmey, Judy Shalam, Estelle Shamosh, Ester Oved, and Sarah Sasson, along with juniors Marlo Dayan, Nanda Mosseri, and Jessica Vaysman.

Despite recent struggles, the team feels something big is due to happen

because of their experience as well as a new motive: being the last year for the seniors to prove themselves.

“We’re expecting a bounce-back season, after winning only two games last year,” says Mosseri.

When asked about her favorite part of the team, Rahmey said, “Being on the Volleyball team gave us all a sense of team spirit and enhanced the personal relationships among the players.” n

Contributing Writer