A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Issue 1 • 2015 / 5776
New Textbook Distribution System Earns Raves
By Mary Jajati Sophomore Editor
Barcode systems and textbooks are two things that are rarely welcomed with thunderous applause. Yet that was exactly the reaction on Orientation Day this year when Rabbi Levy announced to students that their textbooks were already waiting in their assigned lockers. Organized and implemented over the summer by Mr. Galpert and Ms. Minyan along with the help of the Book Room students, the new system is meant to “minimize theft and make back-to-school season easier for both students and teachers,” Ms. Minyan said. With this system, books are barcoded, scanned, and assigned to individual students. So, unlike in previous years, book sheets aren’t used and students don’t have to write their names in books. Students, teachers, and administrators longed for a more efficient distribution and collection of books, and this system was designed to do just that. “We hope for a more secure inventory of books for the
Donated hair must be at least 10 inches long
Each student, like this senior, had a locker full of books before the school year began
school,” Mr. Galpert said. He explained that all principals needed to approve the system for many reasons, including the financial costs. The costs included not just the barcode scanning technology but the additional labor of the Book Room students, who get Archon credit for their
work during the school year but get paid hourly when they work over the summer. Senior and veteran Book Room employee Joey Baum said that putting the correct combination of books into each student’s locker was “definitely more work” than the old method of delivering continued on page 4
New Teacher Profile: Mr. Ehrenkranz By Jane Zakay Junior Editor
Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Miles Ehrenkranz, or “Mr. E” as he’s known to his students, held public office in New Rochelle, NY for three terms, worked as an aide to Senator Joseph Lieberman in Washington, D.C., and worked in public relations for a Manhattan firm whose clients included the State of Israel and P. Diddy. Somewhere along the way he dis-
In This Issue Religion: Parashat Haazinu gets symbolic Page 3
covered a love for teaching and mentoring, and thus changed careers. Most recently, Mr. E taught English and was the AP coordinator at Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch, more commonly known as Breuer’s. Despite his other professional experiences, Mr. E says that his three years at Breuer’s were the best years of his life so far. Nonetheless, he is excited to be working at Yeshivah of Flatbush, where he now teaches 9th and 11th grade English and 12th grade Creative Writing. “In particular, I hope to continue doing what Yeshivah of Flatbush’s English Department does so well: conveying a sense of how important, exciting, and relevant the study of literature and the application of writing well are to every one of us,” he explained. Mr. E says that joining Yeshivah of
Entertainment: Stephen Colbert takes on the Jimmys Page 4
Flatbush was a no-brainer. He praised the faculty of our Yeshivah as brilliant and said they work as a team on behalf of their students. He also says that the school’s leadership is top-notch and that, “the students are high-quality, diverse learners who embrace their individualism; a dream for any teacher.” Mr. Ehrenkranz visited the school continued on page 2
YOF To Hold Hair Drive for Cancer Patients By Naomi Sanders Junior Editor
On the morning of November 16, the girls of Yeshivah of Flatbush are being given a very special chesed opportunity. Señora Ovadia and seniors Stephanie Dweck and Sabrina Abrahim are organizing the school’s first-ever hair drive. In order to participate, a donor’s hair must be at least 10 inches long. Participants will be transported from school on that morning to Hadas, a local hair salon, to have their hair properly prepared and cut for donation. The donated ponytails will be sent to Zichron Menachem, a charity in Israel that makes wigs for children with cancer. Zichron Menachem was started by the parents of a young boy who died of cancer at the age of 15. The organization provides support to families who are going through similar challenges to those the founders faced. It serves the entire country of Israel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Zichron Menachem runs various programs but it is most well-known for distributing qualicontinued on page 4
Fun and Games: “Ask Merle” tackles the meaning of life Page 5
Sports: Rosow aims for hoops championship Page 8 www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 1
Student Survey:
How did you spend your summer this year? 6.8% r Othe
6.8 Va % ca tio nin gw /F am ily
4.7% Academic Progra m
6.3% Job Summer
50% Camp
11.1 % Isra el P rog ram
ip % 8.9 rnsh e Int
50% Camp 11.1% Israel Program 8.9% Internship 6.3% Summer Job 4.7% Academic Program
Sports Team Members No Longer Exempt From PE By Miri Zenilman Managing Editor
Students who participate on sports teams will have to partake in Physical Education class twice a week beginning this school year in an effort to demonstrate that Physical Education is an academic course that is part of the school’s curriculum. In previous years, Flatbush has allowed student athletes to sit out from PE once a week due to their participation on a school team. However, the Board of Education and the administration decided to abandon that rule beginning this year. The decision was made over two years ago, prior to the arrival of our Athletics Director and Supervisor of Physical Education, Mr. Amkraut. It was then given to him as a directive when he was hired. Last year the PE curriculum was updated and shaped into an academic course, Mr. Amkraut said. The goal of the change is to provide students with the skills that will help them be successful in life.
Left to right: Danielle Ashkenazie, Esther Cohen, Moey Levy, Joesph Balassiano
Big Plans From New SGO By Dylan Sutton Contributing Writer
3.7% Deal 6.8% Vacationing with Family 1.6% Bumming 6.8% Other 195 responses
“The program that’s in place is designed to teach students how to take care of their bodies, what it means to be healthy, what it means to be physically fit, and how to monitor that fitness,” he said. “In the past, the Physical Education program was basically glorified recess, with a format of, ‘Here’s a ball, go play.’ Students played different games, which was fun, but without any direction about how this is going to help you overall in life.” The new curriculum includes units on fitness skills. Assessments of fitness levels are conducted at the beginning and end of the year so students can monitor their improvement. They can also compare their progress against students across the country, Mr. Amkraut said. The other part of the program is to teach students skills for lifelong physical activity. “We want our students to be comfortable in any kind of setting,” Mr. Amkraut said, “whether it’s how to play softball, volleyball, [or] racquet sports. These are games people engage in throughout their lives.” Many student athletes are upset about the loss of their exemption from gym class once a week. “Boys are constantly complaining about it, but it’s not within our purview,” Mr. Gelber, lead Boys Physical Education teacher, said. Besides, he elaborated, students who received exemptions due to their status as athletes would rarely put the time they saved to good use. It’s not just the boys who have complained. “I practice basketball after school for more than four hours a week,” said one senior, who plays on both the girls’ basketball and soccer teams. “Why do I have to spend an hour and a half per week in gym when I get my exercise in?”
A new school year means a new opportunity for the SGO to make an impact on student life. Under Ms. Marcus’s wing, President Danielle Ashkenazie, Vice President Esther Cohen, Secretary Moey Levy, and Treasurer Joe Balassiano are working tirelessly to make the school a better place. Here’s how. Ashkenazie said that the SGO is currently working extremely hard on the Commissions Fair (set to take place October 15). As it does each year, the fair will showcase dozens of commissions for students of all different types to join. Clubs like Model UN, Tzedakah Commission, Debate, Cooking for a Cause, and much more will have tables where
Mr. Ehrenkranz... continued from front page several times before the year started, and he says that these visits helped him to be prepared for the first day of classes. After each visit he found himself admiring how helpful everyone has been, and every visit made him more excited to get into the classroom and start making a positive difference for the students. He is sure the students will do the same for him. So what kind of teacher is he? If you ask one of Mr. Ehrenkranz’s former students how to describe him they would answer “unique.” His license plate reads, “MISTER E,” which he says reminds him that he and his students have made positive changes in
The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Michelle Harari Managing Editor: Miriam Zenilman Senior Editor: Gabriel Vizgan School News Editor: Gabrielle Cohen Religion Editor: Sarah Torgueman Entertainment Editor: Daniella Babaee Music Editor: Esty Fromer Sports Editor: Albert Dweck Fun and Ganes Editor: Merle Dweck Standard of Fabulous Editors: Sylvia Ashkenazie, Aida Hasson Web Editor: Joey Baum Junior Editors: David Azrak, Diana Hoffstein, Mimi Lazerowitz, Naomi Sanders, Jane Zakay Sophomore Editors: Daliah Ben-Ari, Mary Jajati
students can get more information and sign up for meetings and events. It’s the easiest way for students to learn what’s available and get involved. The SGO also hopes to improve school spirit. Ashkenazie and the rest of the SGO hope to organize ruach rallies in order to boost spirit and unity. They also plan on hanging lively pictures around the school to increase morale. Balassiano, the famous Dropbox King, told The Phoenix about the SGO’s not-so-secret plans to bring back a pingpong table to the student lounge for students to use during lunch and free periods. He also said that the SGO is hoping to increase the amount of break time the students get, so that we will be able to socialize a bit more during school. Levy also said that the SGO hopes to bring more trips to the school. He and the rest of the SGO believe that trips help students get to know one another even better and give the students a break from their stressful school work. If this doesn’t all sound exciting, don’t worry. According to Cohen, there is much more in store than the sneak peek they offered the Phoenix. And of course, there’s still Color War.
their lives. As a teacher, he says he strives to not be tough or easy, but fair. “Whatever grade you earn you will receive,” he declared. The most satisfying part of teaching for him is “facilitating and observing students’ academic progress and increased self-esteem through reading, writing, and healthy academic discussions.” Mr. Ehrenkranz gives credit for his teaching career to his mother, who allowed him to realize that the field of education is where he belongs. She also recognized his love for reading, writing, and learning. Welcome to the Yeshivah of Flatbush, Mr. Ehrenkranz!
High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari Head of School Rabbi Ronald Levy Principal Ms. Jill W. Sanders Director of Admissions Associate Principal Ms. Sari Bacon Associate Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda Assistant Principal
Design: Therese Berkowitz Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
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D’var Torah: Right as Rain By Michelle Harari Editor-in-Chief
A Summer with StandWithUs By Sarah Torgueman Religion Editor
Pursuing an idea or hobby that matters to you may take you on a journey that encompasses extraordinary moments. When you realize that an experience ignited a spark within you, never let that fire burn out. This summer, I began to embark on a journey where I would take my passion to the next level. I had the privilege to apply to work for StandWithUs, a nonprofit pro-Israel organization that educates and advocates for Israel around the world. Out of about 500 applicants, only about 80 were chosen to be Teen Interns for StandWithUs for the coming year. When I found out I was one of those 80, I was completely ecstatic. I couldn’t believe it! I was chasing
Ushpizin: An Underrated Part of Sukkot By Mimi Lazerowitz Junior Editor
When people think about the holiday of Sukkot, the first things that come to mind are usually eating meals in the sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog. While these are very important elements of the holiday, one other ritual is just as important and is often forgotten. This is the custom of welcoming the ushpizin into the sukkah. The ushpizin are seven exalted guests who are invited into the sukkah through the recitation of an Aramaic prayer. These guests are Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef, and David. According to the Zohar, these seven leaders leave Gan Eden to participate in the Sukkot holiday, since a sukkah is an area containing a high level of kedushah and G-dliness. The Patriarchs we invite into our sukkot all overcame their own hardships in life and spread their blessings throughout the world. On Sukkot, we follow in our forefathers’ footsteps and sacrifice the comfort of our own homes to live in sukkot and serve Hashem. Each of the seven guests has a certain attribute that makes him special. Avraham teaches us hospitality, Yitzchak teaches strength, Yaakov exemplifies spiritual glory, Moshe and Aharon are examples of leadership, Yosef used his faith to rise to a position of power, and David ruled Am Yisrael using his belief and trust in Hashem. This is an
something that I love: Israel. StandWithUs flew all 80 of us to their headquarters in Los Angeles for training. With my goal in mind, I decided that if I was going to extract everything that I could from this week of training for the rest of the year as an intern, I would have to break down the walls. Getting out of my comfort zone was essential. Traveling alone for the first time would require alertness. There would be 80 teens from all around the United States and Canada that I’ve never met before. I would need guts. Keeping my head in the game was important. Upon arrival at LAX International Airport, the 80 of us met our mentors and I began meeting many new teenagers with a shared enthusiasm for a cause. Everyone was extremely friendly. The training confercontinued on page 4
opportunity to learn from those who came before us, which inspires us to live our lives like they did. There are different customs regarding the welcoming of the ushpizin. On each successive night of the holiday, we recite a prayer in honor of a different guest, beginning the first night with Avraham and so on. Many Sephardim reserve an ornate chair for the ushpizin in their sukkot, and place a fine cloth and holy books on top. Some Jews light candles in honor of the ushpizin, and others invite historical figures into their sukkot such as the women of the Tanach and modern Jewish leaders. Some people even welcome family or community members who have passed away into their sukkot. The custom of inviting ushpizin to a sukkah is meant to encourage people to invite the less fortunate and downtrodden to their sukkot as well. These needy guests are served the meals that would have been served to the symbolic guests. This part of Sukkot reminds us that we are obligated to help out other Jews and welcome them with open arms. From the example of inviting the ushpizin into our temporary homes, we are brought closer to our fellow Jews. There is even a film called “Ushpizin,” which touches upon the concept of inviting the less fortunate into a sukkah, and the rewards one gains from doing so. This is a great movie to watch in preparation for Sukkot.
In this week’s parasha, Parashat Haazinu, Moshe addresses B’nai Yisrael with his glorious song and tells them to think of their convent with G-d, the teachings of the Torah, like the rain or dew that waters the ground. Why rain? Symbolically, rain purifies. So perhaps one explanation can be to think of the Torah’s teachings as not merely enriching but renewing one’s spirituality. Too far-fetched? We can go for a simpler explanation: rain yields good harvest. So maybe Moshe meant that we should have fruitful lives filled with ceaseless blessings. Simpler still, without rain, there is no growth; there is no life. Certainly the same can be said for the Torah. What else is it about rain? It’s the impact it has on the harvest it helps produce. One rainstorm equals
Syrian Refugee Crisis Reaches Fever Pitch By Marlene Levy Contributing Writer
Civil War is bloody and terrifying. Civilians trying to protect themselves and their families start running in every direction—even to dangerous or unfamiliar places—to get away. But this is old news to the estimated four million people who have fled Syria over the past four years. The Syrian refugee movement is the largest recorded refugee migration in history. Some neighboring countries initially welcomed the fleeing Syrians but have since severely limited the numbers they are currently accepting or have closed their borders entirely. Even those refugees who have been lucky enough to find temporary homes in these countries have suffered worsening conditions in overcrowded refugee camps run by underfunded humanitarian agencies. Several other nearby Arab nations have refused to accept any Syrian refugees at all. Turned away by many nearby countries, many of the refugees have sought to find shelter in Europe. However, most of the fleeing citizens are stopped by border police, unable to cross to a new country. The crisis garnered much greater international attention in early September when huge numbers refugees arriving at the Hungarian border were greeted by riot police throwing water bombs, tear gas, and pepper spray at them. The ugliness and desperation of the incident in Hungary has moved several
multiple fruit trees. One Torah equals multiple teachers. The Torah is a beautiful holy scripture; it gives rise to many individuals who each educate in their own ways. The fascinating thing about the Torah is that it can have multiple interpretations. If it could be interpreted in only one fashion, one may deem it to be rigid or outdated, G-d forbid. But no. The Torah is like rain: lively, constantly giving rise to new life, new educators, and new individuals. No two olive branches are exact. Similarly, no two sages are exact in their outlooks or teachings. And that is exactly what G-d intended. G-d is one, and that One gave rise to millions. As Moshe teaches in the parasha, we should always compare the Torah’s words to rain. It is a constant source of life. Rebirth. Renewal. And it is likewise important to remember that it is absolutely OK to be different. As a matter of fact, that is what was intended! Individualism is a critical component of being a part of this society in this world. One’s own contributions, one’s own thoughts, one’s own teachings are what help add to the many layers of this community and even more so to the many layers of the Torah. countries to act to help the refugees. Germany has since agreed to welcome 500,000 refugees, the UK will accept 20,000, and France will house 24,000. Additionally, President Barack Obama announced days later that the United States will welcome at least 10,000 displaced Syrians over the next year. The U.S. will also increase the number of worldwide refugees it accepts per year from 70,000 to 100,000 in 2017. So where did all these Syrians come from? In March 2011, what started as a peaceful pro-democracy protest against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad led to a violent crackdown on protestors by Assad’s forces. As rebel forces were organized to battle the government, the violence escalated quickly and the country descended into a civil war that is still ongoing. By early summer of 2013, 90,000 people had been killed in this war. By late summer of 2014 the number of casualties had more than doubled to 191,000, and by March 2015 the number of deaths stood at 220,000. How have so many people been killed so quickly? In addition to the traditional means of warfare, various international sources claim that Assad’s forces have used chemical weapons on rebels and civilians. Frequent bombings in crowded areas have killed militants and random civilians as well. Many of the fallen citizens have been children. No mercy has been shown on either side of the conflict. Russia is widely believed to be supplying the weapons to the Assad government; a fear of waging war with Russia is the reason that many countries have not gotten involved in the conflict. Meanwhile, the death toll keeps rising and the civil war in Syria continues. The United States and Britain had been aiding the people of Syria with medicine and other supplies, but stopped providing supplies because they didn’t want the supplies to be stolen by rebel groups. With scarce supplies and constant deadly violence, it is no wonder so many Syrians have chosen to flee their homes.
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Entertainment Music Review: No Closer to Heaven By Esty Fromer Music Editor
The pop-punk powerhouse The Wonder Years has recently released its eighth album, No Closer to Heaven. This unique band has released albums every two years giving each album its own concept and feel, including an actual concept album in the wake. Their latest offering, No Closer to Heaven, offers up a variety of moods, from gloomy and unhappy to exuberant and passionate. The first single from this album, “Cigarettes and Saints,” is composed beautifully into a sad sounding song with intricate chord progression and impactful lyrics like the haunting statement, “I’m scared of being happy.” Few other bands can rival the upbeat tempo and creativity of The Wonder Years. No Closer to Heaven will bring you to a realization that heaven isn’t too far off. It’ll bring you closer to a sense of self.
StandWithUs... continued from page 3 ence was to take place for the week at Camp Alonim, a sleep-away camp in Brandeis, California. This was no ordinary pro-Israel conference; we don’t just like Israel, all 80 of us are tremendously passionate about Israel. Like a sponge, I tried my hardest to absorb everything I could from those around me and from the various speakers and interactive discussions we had throughout the week. As I learned from the other interns, they also learned from me. It was import-
TV Review: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert At first glance, Stephen Colbert seems like the complete opposite of late-night talk show host. Decked out in a suit and smart looking spectacles, Colbert looks more suited to be giving a college lecture than to be cracking jokes. This serious persona
he emits is quickly dissipated as soon as he opens his mouth. Equipped with his sharptongued, quick-witted humor, Colbert catches you completely off guard with how funny he really is. Colbert’s show is structured in a similar fashion to those of rival late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel: monologue, news, and celebrity guests. But all similarities end there. Each of the three hosts has a distinct style of humor that is uniquely his. Kimmel’s humor is more focused on his over the top stand-up comedy, his clever use of video, and his exploitation of a roster of earnest sidekicks that includes several members of his family. Jimmy Fallon is noted for his musical humor and his skits, which often include his celebrity guests and which are clearly rooted in his days on Saturday Night Live.
On the other hand, Colbert’s previous show, The Colbert Report, pulled its humor mainly from the world of politics. Not surprisingly, his new show is all about witty humor that doesn’t go overboard. On opening night, he spent several early minutes wringing laughs out of an extended metaphor that compared mocking Donald Trump to eating an entire box of Oreos, showing that both activities made him feel guilty but were ultimately irresistible. Other than this unconventional humor, Colbert shows another side of himself. Unlike other comedians who usually shy away from the more serious stuff, Colbert isn’t afraid to get real. His first week’s guests included presidential candidate Jeb Bush and a particularly heartfelt interview with Vice President Joe Biden. Colbert showed America that there is more to him than comedy.
ant that we helped each other out. StandWithUs split us up into regions (I am part of the northeast region), and we sharpened our knowledge on the facts about Israel’s history. We were trained to identify anti-Semitism in the media and to peacefully respond to anti-Semitism using a strategic form. One of the most beneficial discussions that we had was our ice-breaker session. Each of us shared the reason that we are passionate about Israel. Sometimes you can love something so much that it is difficult to pinpoint the reason for loving it. Once you can pinpoint your reason,
your love may be enhanced even more. I dug deep and let it all out. It was an emotional two hours of listening to and understanding those around me. It was incredible how different each of us really were, even though we shared a powerful interest. As I became close with the other interns, I learned so much from them. I felt fortunate that I am privileged to live in a Jewish community and to attend a Zionist, Jewish high school. Many interns explained to me that their cities and schools are highly anti-Semitic. Ben told me that he got beat up in school
because he is Jewish, even though he is not religious. Stephanie told me that she was spat on while she was walking home from school last year. This hurt. I couldn’t fathom that teenagers my age have to go through this. Those around me contributed to increasing the flame inside of me. After all of the fun, excitement, and extensive knowledge and skills that I extracted from that one week in August, I am ready for this year. I am ready to continue my journey through the StandWithUs Teen Internship this year to fortify my passion for Israel.
By Daniella Babaee Entertainment Editor
Textbook Distribution... continued from front page stacks of books to various classrooms for teachers to distribute. “It was a very tedious job,” Baum said, but added that he thinks the new system “will make it easier to keep track of who has what textbook.” Since this is the first year the system has been put into action there were a few unexpected complications. Such complications included keeping track of the collection and redistribution of books for juniors and seniors who switched their elective classes during the first two weeks of the school year. The administration is thinking about how that can go more smoothly. The placement of the correct books in each student’s locker, while not integral to the new system, is easily its most popular aspect. Teachers were as pleased as students to hear about the new system, mainly because having books already distrib-
uted before the year started meant less hassle and more teaching time on Day One. Some expressed hope that the convenience will last all the way until finals time, when books need to be collected. “I think it’s one of the best things they’ve done in years,” said Señora Ovadia. “I’m so grateful for everyone who worked hard to make this happen because it truly does make a difference.” Students, furthermore, are ecstatic that the books were placed in their personal lockers prior to the first day of school, eliminating the need to spend the first day of school carrying armloads of heavy books from class to class. “I was shocked to see my textbooks in my locker already,” said sophomore Fortune Manopla. “It doesn’t get more convenient than this!” Clearly, it’s safe to say the new book distribution system is a hit.
Hair Drive... continued from front page
ty wigs to cancer patients who have lost their hair to harsh treatments such as chemotherapy. The organization gives children not only hair, but with it the confidence to stand tall despite their hardships. “How does my hair look?” We’ve all heard this question coming out of our friends’ mouths or even our own from time to time. Hair is precious to us as individuals; when our hair looks nice it makes us feel beautiful, stylish, and even confident. For some of us it has even become part of our identity. As someone who has become known for her intense blonde curls, I can definitely confirm that my hair is something that helps make me who I am. However, I felt that it was unfair that my hair could bring me so much joy, while there were girls out there who thought they were ugly because they didn’t have any. When I decided to donate my hair about a year and a half ago, I was reluctant. Although
I was not sure how I would pull off short hair, I chopped off a 14-inch-long ponytail. About a month later, a letter came in the mail from the organization to which I gave my hair, saying that they have received my hair and are using it, along with other people’s ponytails (it takes about 3–5 ponytails to make one wig) to make a beautiful wig. In the letter they thanked me for helping them change someone’s life, ultimately allowing someone who lost her hair to stand tall with hair on her shoulders once again. From then on, I wore my short hair with pride, knowing that one day it would grow back, but more important, knowing that I had made the right decision. Now it is time for the girls of Flatbush to stand tall for this beautiful cause. To get involved, speak to Señora Ovadia or Sabrina Abrahim, or contact Stephanie Dweck at (347) 587-9102.
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Fun and Games Ask Merle By Merle Dweck Fun and Games Editor
Dear Merle, What is the meaning of life? Lost Soul Oh, Lost Soul, There is no meaning other than joy. It’s simple, really: all you do is spin the wheel and hope for the best results in which your family car doesn’t break down and you can add a baby or two to your carriage. Sometimes, you’ll want to give up, but I encourage you not to. The world will try to update itself in all the ways it possibly can but you have to strip it down to its original form. I have to say, when I first went in search of Life, I was also conflicted on whether to choose Monopoly, Life, or Hungry Hungry Hippos. Choose Life. Don’t feel lost, it happens to the best of us. We’re in this together. Till next time, Merle
Dear Merle, Am I allowed to sit in the lounge for lunch if I’m a freshie????? Frustrated with the unspoken rules Dearest Frustrated, I will try to help you in any way I possibly can but remember, there is only so much
Copy and Paste You’ve all experienced a “copy-paste” situation: you’ve been copying and pasting the same message to so many different people, whether it be an ad, an invite, or even homework, that you mistakenly paste it to someone unintentionally. Cue the embarrassment. To make you feel a little better, we went around school asking people, at random, to paste us the last thing they copied. Here are the results: • Please bring the 20$ from gas money to school • Guys she dresses like a ningina too • HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH
I could do. There is a certain hierarchy that comes hand in hand with entering high school. It’s a scary place, the Dukes are left unrewarded, the king and queen are not to be named, and the lords aren’t even lords most of the time. It’s confusing, yes. I wish I could grant you with a greater understanding but, frankly, if I tell you all the rules of high school and give you a handbook to the secrets it contains then what’s the fun of it all? How will you learn? If I give that to you, I have no purpose. All I could say is to hang on. There are rewards to patience. Ignorance is bliss. Except perhaps in this case, where your ignorance serves as more of a nuisance than happiness. Frustrated with the Unspoken Rules, you have yet to enter the castle. When you do, I assure you, you will be prepared. I will however, hand you one secret: those excessive question marks? Ditch them. Less is more. Till next time, Merle Dear Merle, How can I better manage stress at school? Stress Almighty Ah, Dearest Stress Almighty, I was waiting for one of these (if not for the fact that I may soon release my insider quotes that happen to fit perfectly into this situation then for the simple fact that I was expecting it). So, Stress-almighty. I’m assuming you’re defining stress as “having too much work.” In that case, you just de-stress. Take a break. After each homework sheet you do, take a ten minute breather, drink water and have some sugar to jog your mind before getting back to the table to cram in some study time. If you’re like me, and you never assume (except for those rare occasions where you’re the advice column) you can manage your stress by thinking about how much more things teachers have, and I quote, “if you think that’s hard, try being a teacher.” Now, I’m not here to start up any fights, but students
• 4 695187368 • I already took the garbage out bae • C an you sell SGO supplies during lunch today? • I can take you to school tomorrow • P OLLIICCEEEE STALKERR ALERT LEAVE ME ALLOONNEEE • W here are you guys now? • T wins • G oing out with ren and fo come •
and teachers alike have stress constantly. The stress you are referring to, Stress-almighty, may not even be school related at all and you didn’t even notice! Next time you feel stressed, try to peel back the layers of panic into the core definition and cause of your stress. That way, you can find the answer. Till next time, Merle Dear Merle, So I’m a senior and I know I’m supposed to be super cool and run the school but I kind of don’t know how to cut class and not take notes. I’m not a teacher’s pet, I just don’t know how to be “out there.” Please help! Sincerely, Wannabe Cool Sen16r Wannabe Cool Sen16r, You need more confidence. The simple fact that you’re a senior is enough to make you “cool.” You run the school by doing what you do, being who you are. Notes are awesome. Seriously, what would life be without them? I would never know to buy the already-cut-heartsof-palm instead of the full ones like my sister likes ‘em. And what about Rachel McAdams? She would have never figured out the puzzle of her lost memory without her sticky notes! Oh, the tragedy; if Channing Tatum couldn’t fulfill his vow? Every girl’s heart would break. Don’t worry about the teacher’s pet nonsense. Was Ferris Bueller a teacher’s pet? In regards to being “out there,” opportunities will present themselves to you, don’t worry about it. If you feel like an outsider, act like an insider. People feed off of vibes. If they see you as a confident senior, they’ll believe it until, eventually, it becomes the truth. Till next time, Merle Dear Merle, Every time I leave the classroom I always
• D id u c the pic I tagged u on on instagram • 1 7325395259 • M om you have to tell Gregory to get the stuff from my room • I ’ll take one loss for all the wins he’s given me • D id you have to read the pages in order to answer the questions? • C an I have a sweet potato roll and a spicy tuna avocado roll • W hatever you want either I can stop by or you can give to Maurice whichever is easier • U SYOF1609 • 1 040 east 9 Btwn j and k • I just want to say how much I love having u as a sister. You’re such a great girl to be around and u grew to be such an all around girl. Love u • P erfect prom date • Th is report is gna be a disaster • I thought my score went down from
think: does my teacher know I’m not really going to the bathroom? Teacher Deceiver Teacher Deceiver, Ha! Can you sneeze with your eyes open? Swallow without your tongue touching the roof of your mouth? Sorry to break it to you, but you cannot see China’s wall from space, a duck’s quack doesn’t echo, you cannot kill someone by throwing a penny off the Empire State Building, and the Five Second Rule is not healthy. Myths, Teacher Deceiver. All myths. Your teacher knows. Till next time, Merle Merle! Where’s Joey and why isn’t he in class? Joey-Obsessed J-O, If only you knew the enormity of your question. People have been wondering where Joey is for a while. Sorry to break it to you, but we live in a world where Joey could be a baby kangaroo in his momma’s belly or he could be the American sit-com from Friends (if you type Joey into Google, you will see where I’m at). Honestly, I don’t know why every Joey isn’t in class (even the kangaroos). They should be. You know what? You could start a Joey census and get back to me on that one. Look at you, changing the world. One step at a time. Till next time, Merle Hey Merle, What is the best place to get coffee on J? Caffeine Addict Addict, Nope. Not gonna do it. Call 311. Till next time, Merle
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before the summer so I started flipping out like meltdown not getting into college type 1887 Dawes Act 160 acres given to heads of household/ family 5 years farming and improvement Mug-Burke Act
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Standard of Fabulous Letter from the SOF Editors: Hey, fashionistas! It’s your new editors, Aida Hasson and Sylvia Ashkenazie, here. We are so excited to take over as the new editors of Standard of Fabulous! We know Emma and Nicole were magnificent, so we’ll try as hard as we can to fill their incredibly stylish shoes. We hope you enjoy our very first Standard of Fabulous issue of the year! If you have any questions, comments or want to write something for SOF, e-mail standardoffabulous@gmail.com. Stay fabulous! Your fashion experts, Sylvia and Aida
Dress-Code Chic By Sylvia Ashkenazie SOF Editor
It’s almost impossible to go through the whole school year without waking up late and throwing together a random outfit so that you’ll make it to school on time. You’ll usually come to school that day wearing some random T-shirt with a black Central skirt. But most people do that every day of the year. Some students think the school’s dress code limits them to black Central skirts and solid or button-down tops, but that’s not true. According to the rules, skirts must be mid-calf or longer, sleeves must go at least half way down the upper arm, and collars can’t be too low. There’s a very wide variety of clothes to wear that meet these descriptions. Even white button-down shirts and solid long sleeve shirts can be transformed into some very fashion-forward outfits. Pairing a white button-down with a color-
ful skirt and some accessories like a statement necklace or scarf can immediately transform the outfit from drab to fab. Of course, wearing the right pair of shoes can completely change your look. Instead of an old pair of Converse or Supergas, try wearing flats or cute booties to make your normally casual, everyday school outfit a little more high-class. Even the way your hair is done can change the way your outfit looks. French, Dutch, fishtail, and waterfall braids are all quick and easy ways to elevate your outfit. But who has time for all that, right? I mean, who cares how you look at school? Everyone looks the same anyway and I’ll probably just embarrass myself because I can’t pull that off. Centrals are more comfortable anyway, right? WRONG! There are so many ways to be fashionable in your own way and look great while being comfortable. Truth is, the way you dress really does matter. Wearing colorful and fashionable clothes to school helps me get through the long day. I’m a lot happier, more confident, and less moody than I would be if I were wearing the same clothes as everyone else. Even the smallest change improved my day. So my advice to you: Embrace the dress code and look good doing it!
Tokyo: Fashion Capital By Aida Hasson SOF Editor
Looking for the coolest street fashion in the world? Some people will tell you to go to New York City and others will say Paris is the place to go, but if you’re really looking for some impressive fashion, Tokyo is your city. After spending the last two weeks of summer in Japan walking through the streets and subways, I am sure I saw some of the most fashionable people in the world. Japan started to westernize in the late 1800s and it is apparent from their fashion that they still continue to do so. Tied together with their own norms and traditions, the result is outstanding. That is why when you walk through Japan you can see both traditional and modern clothing. One of the most commonly known traditional Japanese clothes is the kimono, a loose, floor-length robe with a wide sash tied across the abdomen. Kimonos are not casual, everyday clothes; they are worn for special occasions such as weddings, religious holidays, formal meetings, and family events. There are different types of kimonos for different people. For example, the Yukata is a kimono worn by both men and women, usually during the summertime. These robes are lightweight cotton and are usually accompanied with wooden sandals. I saw many different Kimonos and even wore one myself. They are very beautiful and have many different layers. Modern Japanese clothing is very different from traditional clothing. One very popular type of modern Japanese style that is popular among teenagers is known as cosplay. Cosplay concentrates on dressing similarly to a
person’s favorite manga, anime, or video game character. There are many cosplay contests held in Japan to find the coolest outfits. Another popular type of Japanese style is known as Lolita. Lolita style ranges from a sweet, porcelain doll look to a Goth and punk look. The Lolita style consists of covering one’s face with paint and wearing lots of lace and ribbon. What stood out the most was how the Japanese tie our western ideas with their own norms and traditions to achieve an impressive outcome. They seem to be willing to take risks while maintaining their sense of class. The result is chic and cool. Many women paired funky, chunky heels with mid-calf skirts or culottes (for those of you who don’t know, culottes are long pants that are very loose and look like you’re wearing a skirt) and a cute shirt to match. I immediately noticed that Tokyo women’s style is often feminine, mixing bows, heels, ruffles, or lace with a touch of cool like flats or brogues. Few women wear jeans or shorts or pants at all. The traditional influence of the kimono seems to influence their modern style to be classy and even modest and they look fantastic. Japanese women like to dress up. They seem to take pride in their appearance in a nonchalant way and are well dressed in all scenarios, even in the amusement parks! Some of my favorite looks were how they paired culottes and tulle skirts with casual Ts and funky sneakers. I bought tons of clothes from Japan because how could I not? They all look great, happen to be modest enough for school, and have the coolest style.
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Fashion Through the Ages Fashion is constantly changing because of new discoveries of how people choose to express themselves through their clothing. Something the modern world might see as strange was considered normal in the past. It’s fascinating to see how much fashion has developed over the years. Every month, we will give you a glimpse of what fashion was like in different times. During the 17th century... - Men began to wear underwear - France became the center of fashion all around the globe. - Women began to bind their feet with their own hair to create the small, perfect feet that men preferred - In England men wore high-heeled shoes with ribbons or flowers
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1, 2, 3 - Modern Street Style 4, 8, 9 - Lotila and Cosplay 5, 6, 7 Traditional Japanese Clothing 7 9 8
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Dress Code Moves From Controversy to Compliance By Diana Hoffstein Junior Editor
The school dress code has long been a controversial topic at Yeshivah of Flatbush; it’s been teachers and administration versus students for what seems like ages. In an effort to end the battle for good, the Yeshivah of Flatbush made a major change in the rules last year and began requiring all girls to wear skirts at mid-calf length or longer. Many students reacted with anger when they heard the news, furious that a piece of their freedom was being taken away in one of the few areas where they felt they had real choices. Some students even worried that the new rules were merely the first step in a march toward school uniforms. A year later, however, the air seems clearer and the tension is pretty much gone. With last year’s seniors having graduated and two successive freshman classes having entered school under the new rules, the ankle-length black skirts known as “Centrals” are just the new normal. Associate Principal Ms. Bacon proudly noted that, more than a week into the new school year, only one student had been cited for noncompliance to the dress code—a drastic decrease from previous years. “It’s no longer us against them; nobody is hiding anymore,” Ms. Bacon said. She added that she is glad she can build relationships with the students through the other work she does at the school, such as her position as the principal of the freshman and sophomore grades. Several teachers expressed relief at the newly peaceful atmosphere, explaining that policing students’ clothing is no longer an issue and that the stricter dress code has thus made their jobs more enjoyable. “Two years ago, half my female students were in violation of the dress code. It created many awkward situations,” one teacher said. “Now I almost never see dress code violations, and I can just focus on teaching.” Of course, there is no greater expert on the Flatbush dress code than Ms. Pat Musco, whose job is to check for dresscode compliance as students enter the building every morning. She said that not only are teachers more comfortable this year, but students are more comfortable as well: “It’s a matter of tzniut and a matter of respect for themselves. It’s not that hard to obey the dress code here.” As Pat suggested, even many students admitted that the stricter rules have their benefits, though none of them allowed The Phoenix to use their names. Some students said they’ve learned to love how comfortable the longer skirts could be, and some even said out loud that they feel the dress code is appropriate because, after years of students not following the rules, something needed to change. Of course, not everyone loves wearing Centrals, and several students still grum-
SOF Behind the Scenes at Fashion Week An Interview with Flatbush Graduate and FIT Student Daphna Ben-Ari By Marlene Levy Contributing Writer
SOF: How did you express your passion for fashion during your years in high school? DBA: In high school, especially with a dress code, it maybe difficult to express yourself how you want. But honestly high school was stressful enough with the 11 classes that I didn’t even put an effort into my clothes; I concentrated mostly on my school work and friends. SOF: Has your perspective on the definition of fashion changed now that you go to Fashion Institute of Technology? DBA: Now that I’m in college, especially in FIT, many walks of life surround me not just in class and around the campus, but also on my way to school. I realized that there are many fashion trends and styles going on at the same time in the same season, so nobody has to conform to what everybody is wearing. Choose your own style and rock whatever you want to wear. I certainly have a lot of fun walking around school and seeing all the different outfits everybody is wearing and how they accessorize them. SOF: What kinds of classes do you take? DBA: I’m majoring in Fashion Business Management, so I take an assortment of different classes: fashion business practices, Intro to Fashion Industry - which is the history of fashion and all the facets of the fashion market, advertising and promotion, excel for business, Pilates :) , English composition and Statistics. SOF: What compelled you to apply to FIT? DBA: I always knew that I wanted to be in fashion, I honestly didn’t expect myself to end up at FIT. I thought I would just study general business at a classic col-
Sam Says By Sam Anonymous Student
Sam says: care about what you wear. Throughout the year you can look to ble about the dress code. Some girls complained that they feel messy-looking and out of place in Centrals, and others argued that it’s not fair that everyone has to suffer just because some people couldn’t follow
lege with a campus. But I realized that the only way to get connections in the fashion industry is to go to a fashion school, so that’s why I decided to go to FIT. SOF: I heard through the grapevine that you are working at Fashion Week! What is it like? What kinds of jobs do you have to do? DBA: I was really excited and nervous to be volunteering in Fashion Week. I was a volunteer for a fashion presentation, which unlike a runway show, the models stand on a platform modeling the clothes for about an hour while PR and photographers walk around and take pictures of them and see what the designer created. It was very hectic and I had to steam clothes and dress the models. SOF: Did you follow or go to any Fashion Week events as a student here at Yeshivah of Flatbush? DBA: When I was in high school I followed Project Runway and a few bloggers such as The Blonde Salad and Something Navy. You can also subscribe to NYFW. com (New York Fashion Week) and WWD. com (Women’s Wear Daily) to get updates on the Fashion Week shoes, and updates on everything fashion-related, respectively. SOF: What’s it like transitioning from watching Fashion Week from your television (or in person) to working behind the scenes? DBA: If you were to be a guest at a fashion show, the experience is very different from actually working for it. Working it is very hectic and not glamorous. Yes, you get to see the designs and see the models, but if you were to be a guest, you would enjoy the show, meet famous people, and get a gift bag. SOF: Are you planning on working at future Fashion Week events? DBA: Hopefully next season for Spring Fashion Week, I will be able to get a more well-known designer, and at a runway and not a presentation. SOF: What kind of job do you wish to have in the future? DBA: You never know what the future will hold, but I hope to start out as a buyer for a department store. A buyer basically has to know the market and trends and buys the clothes from the manufacturers and designers, and sets the prices and places them in the stores. SOF: Can you give any fashion tips to the students who go to Flatbush now? DBA: If you want to be in the fashion industry, read the newspaper! I know that doesn’t sound like fun, but an advantage anybody can have is information. If you
read fashion magazines, The New York Times Style section and Women’s Wear Daily, you will have a lot of knowledge and be in the know of what is happening. And you should follow blogs, too. Get involved with anything you can get your hands on because you never know what can help you. Last year I did the Business Plan Competition with Mr. Kweller and I made a plan about a fashion business, and now in one of my classes I have to do something similar, so every skill that you learn will always be used. Also I took AP Graphic Design with Mrs. Berkowitz and now in another one of my classes I need to make a few advertisements. So what I am saying is to try out everything you can. Having a lot of knowledge will never hurt you. SOF: Do you think that the average high school girl can still be fashionable while wearing a Central? How? Is it the shoes? DBA: That’s a funny question, but you can always accessorize with headbands, necklaces, bracelets and of course your shoes!
me for male fashion guidance. Look out for me this month wearing my favorite fall accessory, the sweater vest. If you think you found me, e-mail: thisissamsays@gmail.com to win a getout-of-class-free card. This is not a joke; I will actually be wearing sweater vests. Now, you can either laugh, or get out of
class free. Sam says: Flatbush boys think about what they wear more than they would like to admit. An easy and subtle way to start dressing with some style is to wear some cool socks. A little can go a long way.
the dress code. One student even said one of the reasons she was so against the dress code in the past was her inability to walk in a long skirt. “I was just so afraid to trip and fall in front of everyone,” she said.
SOF Survey: What’s Your Style? E-mail your answers to: standardoffabulous@gmail.com and check back next month to see people’s styles. A) “I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” - Gilda Radner B) “I’m a girl who loves fashion. I’m such a Cinderella—I love to put on a great dress and heels. It’s fun!” - Maria Bello C) I care about fashion … just not in school. D) I wish I could be fashionable, but I’m afraid to take a risk.
Dress codes of any kind are rarely popular among students, but whether students like it or not, they are finally following it. It seems that the Centrals are here to stay.
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Sports Sportsman Spotlight: Abie Rosow By Victor Allaham Contributing Writer
After heartbreaking losses ended the past two seasons for the Flatbush boys’ varsity basketball team, forward Abie Rosow is eager to lead the team to a much-desired championship. “I feel great! I can’t wait to start practicing with all the guys,” Rosow stated. “I feel very confident in us going to the championship.” To Rosow, basketball is all about hard work, dedication, and helping his teammates win games. “In every game I look forward to going out on the floor with my teammates representing my school, giving 100%, and
Season Preview: Girls’ Volleyball New Coach Brings High Hopes By Michelle Harari Editor-in-Chief
This fall, coming to gymnasiums near you, is the Flatbush Falcons’ very own Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team! The girls are extremely excited for the new season. Returning varsity player Roberta Saban, senior, exclaims, “I’m really looking forward to this season. We have a new coach formerly from Shulamith and we have a lot of returning players from both the JV and Varsity teams.” Saban said that even though the team has only had one practice so far with both new and veteran athletes, everyone gets along well and the group dynamic is phenomenal.
getting that W.” Rosow takes great pride in being a Flatbush Falcon. He said, “I love everything about it. I enjoy the practices with my teammates and the camaraderie that I build in the locker room with the players and coaches.” He said he worked on his game the entire summer and is thrilled to finally be able to go onto the court with his teammates and compete after a long offseason. Rosow said, “We’re all hungry to bring home a championship and we’reready for the grind of the season.” Rosow and the Falcons will kick off their basketball season next month when they compete in the Magen David tournament.
The season will not be without its challenges. The team is coming off a losing 2014–2015 season and had to replace several of last year’s now-graduated seniors. Nonetheless, Assistant Coach Lauren Zalta expressed high hopes for this season and confidence that the Falcons will bring home a new banner with which to decorate the school gym. In regard to practices, Zalta shared that the Varsity team would like to strive for two practices a week to really work on their spiking skills. She also listed her familiarity with the players as an asset. “This is my third year as a coach of the Flatbush volleyball team and my first time coaching the varsity team. Both the juniors and seniors on the team have been with me since the beginning and I’ve watched them start from not being able to hit the ball to forming into varsity volleyball players with strong bumps and serves and now moving into bumpset-spike,” Zalta said. She explained that a strong athlete-coach relationship is critical for the success of the team, and she is proud of what she has achieved with her current players over the years. Zalta adds that she is “looking forward to the new season and with hard work and with passion and love for the sport and the team, I know we will do great!”
Season Preview: Boys’ Hockey New Gym, New Attitude By Albert Dweck Sports Editor
The 2015–2016 school year looks like it’s going to be a great one for the Yeshivah of Flatbush Athletics Department. There seems to be a new vibe in the halls of Flatbush, a feeling that something great is about to happen, and will happen from any one of the multitude of sports teams here at Flatbush. A big part of that, especially when it comes to hockey, is the completion of the new hockey gym where the pool used to be. New varsity hockey coach Hymie Anteby says the new gym “will aid the performance of our players by giving them an actual sense of a home in their own gym.” The Falcons seem to have gone all-in this year, with many new acquisitions on the coaching staff in addition to the
upgraded facilities. This dedication has not been lost on the players, according to returning forward Sam Beyda: “It feels great knowing we have the support of the school behind us, and that we can now practice in a beautiful facility. It can only really help our game.” Despite the support of the administration, the parents, and the board, one thing that has been lacking recently is support from the students, as student turn out to games has been in a steady decline over the past few years. Several athletes said that training and practicing to do the best they can for their school can get frustrating when they see little fan support in the stands. With hockey tryouts just recently completed and the final team roster still being set, it’s hard to say whether the team will have what it takes to put fans in the seats. However, curiosity and excitement about the new gym is expected to help attendance at home games early in the season. It will be up to the team to provide the stellar play and on-floor success that will keep up that interest. This is true not just for Falcons hockey but for every sport at Flatbush. As girls’ varsity basketball point guard Victoria Gindi said, “Every fan matters. Every person out there showing support for us gives us all the more reason to go out and win every night.”
PE Exemption... continued from page 2 An exemption from Physical Education would give her more time to study for her upcoming SATs and complete the Common Application for college admissions, she said. Senior Barbara Schwartzbard, who plays for the tennis team, said that she, too, feels student athletes deserve the exemption. “My practice outside of school is equivalent to gym,” she said. “I put physical
energy into my practice.” “I can certainly appreciate the time constraints that participating on an athletic team can place on a student, particularly here at Flatbush. And, the ability to balance academic schoolwork with commitment to an athletic team is a big part of what makes that achievement so attractive to prospective colleges,” Mr. Amkraut commented. “But more to the point, the class as it now
exists is not about providing students merely with time to be physically active, it is to provide them with the tools for life-long success – just like every other class in the overall school curriculum.” Girls’ gym teacher Coach Black said that student athletes are role models to other students, and should therefore have to participate in physical education as well. “The true athletes, athletes who love to
move, don’t complain about it,” she said. Mr. Amkraut noted statistics show that young people should exercise for at least 60 minutes a day, but at Flatbush there are only 30 minutes of “actual active contact time” with the teachers in one class period. “Physical education is a laboratory classroom,” he said. “You have to actively move and perform the skills to understand how they work and why they are beneficial.”
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