A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 53, Issue 1 • October 2018 / 5779
Rabbi Prag Heads New Beit Midrash Price Hikes Have Many Learning Program for Seniors Students Stretching
By Sam Beyda Editor-in-Chief
One of the more creative ways the administration has taken advantage of the layout of the new section of the building is the updated structure of limudei kodesh. For example, all seniors now have Talmud and Torah in the new building during third and fourth periods. In those periods a new type of learning has been created for advanced Talmud students. Boys and girls head to the new Beit Midrash during third and fourth periods, respectively. There they meet with Rabbi Prag, who will introduce a topic or source. Next the students break up into chavrutot to discuss and further dissect the topic in text. Rabbi Prag stops by all the chavrutot to answer any hard questions and, at the end of the period, the class meets back up to summarize what everyone has learned. The class meets in the Beit Midrash, and Rabbi Prag’s classroom has been
By Albert Saad Managing Editor
Rabbi Prag checks on Jack H. Dweck (left) and Albert Saad moved from room 409 to the new building so that he doesn’t have to walk far to meet with his students there. Many students are very fond of the new program, as it gives them more flexibility in the way they learn and is more conducive to the way the Torah is meant
to be studied. Joe Braha, a senior in the program, said that because of the more “intimate class environment, every student feels engaged.” Many students also believe that the design of the new Beit Midrash contributes to the more spir-
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New Policies Draw Mixed Reactions By Ezra Faks Senior Editor
With the new school year came many new changes to our school life and environment. In addition to the completion of the magnificent new building, the administration has revised and updated many school policies that have long been in place. This includes updates to policies on phone usage, AirPods, testing, food ordering, and minyan timings. Both students and faculty have mixed feelings about these policies, specifically the uniformity and lack of latitude it gives teachers in their own classrooms. Cell phones have an ever-growing place in our lives and can be a major distraction in the classroom. Over the past several years many different policies have been attempted, but with limited success. Most teachers adopted their own policies, but many had trouble enforcing them and students struggled to remember which rules to follow in each classroom. The new policy, mandating that
In This Issue
Alumna: Yael Landman, Tanakh superstar Page 2
no student can leave class with a phone on them, solves this, by creating a uniformity for all students throughout the building. Despite the desire to have their phones with them at all times, many students have warmed up to this policy quickly because the rule is enforced uniformly so they always know what to expect. Teachers, too, appreciate the new policy, and several teachers have remarked that they are able to focus more on teaching rather than policing. The same uniformity and simplicity applies to the AirPods ban as well; however, many students believe that they were never really an issue in the classroom or around the building. Most teachers, however, are in favor of the ban. According to Mr. Gurock, “Back in my day, in Ramaz, students were prohibited from using headphones as it inhibited socializing and communication between peers.” The new rules for make-up tests hasn’t come up much, with few tests scheduled this early in the school year. Thus it hasn’t
sparked many personal reactions among students yet. However, many teachers have expressed their approval of its simplicity as opposed to having students miss class and making teachers find time in their schedules to accommodate them. As for not being allowed to order lunch to be delivered to the school, the students’ reactions have primarily been negative. Students feel that although the menus have changed, the act of ordering from outside places remains vital to their dietary needs. “Ordering lunch should be allowed. I just can’t see any reason why not,” said Eric Ben-Shlomo, a senior. The change to minyan latenesses, in contrast, has been popular. Many students and grade advisors alike praise the fact that lateness to minyan is now cumulative relative to the semester instead of the month. This allows flexibility and “shows an understanding of student’s lives outside of the school,” as one senior said.
Entertainment: Loving To All The Boys Page 5
Food: Turn an empty fridge into a sandwich Page 6
The recent rises in prices for food in the school cafeteria and vending machines has many students up in arms. The sudden increase in the costs of simple school necessities has taken many by surprise. According to Mr. Galpert, the price markups for items in most of the vending machines were determined by Crawford’s, the company that will soon be running the concession stand in the new first-floor café. The vending machines, previously run by Leiby Gutman, are now managed by Crawford’s who now determine the pricing and maintain the machines. Some notable increases include the new $2 water bottles and $2.50 bagels. While some positive changes have been implemented to the lunch system, such as the acceptance of credit cards, most students have been more focused on the rise in costs, especially with nearby restaurants like Pizza Time raising prices as well. These small expenses add up in the long run for students. Some have been forced to ask their parents for increased allowances and lunch money because their current allowance just won’t be
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Dasani now costs $2
Sports: Jack Rosow plans a comeback Page 8 www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 1
Faculty Freshman:
Alumnus Interview:
Ms. Chabot
Yael Landman (’05)
By Claudine Hadef
By Kaden Harari
Junior Editor
Ms. Victoria Chabot is the newest member of the Tanakh department, but this isn’t her first year in the school. Ms. Chabot is a Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School alumna from back when Flatbush still had a pool. As a student she was on the volleyball and soccer teams; now she’s walking through the halls a freshman again, only this time as a teacher. Ms. Chabot spent her first year after high school studying in Israel. She then attended Stern College and later the Bernard Revel Graduate School, earning a degree in Tanakh. She also attended a second graduate school, Azrieli Graduate School in Jewish Education and Administration, where she earned a degree in Jewish Education. But she didn’t stop there. She also enrolled in Advanced Talmudic Studies for Women. In that graduate program she studied Talmud and Halakha. She decided to become a teacher, she explained, because she has a passion for learning, especially about “the wonderful world we live in and more specifically the wonderful Torah G-d has given us.” As a teacher she wants to show others the
Sophomore Editor
Ms. Chabot beauty of this gift and give her students the tools to see and understand the wisdom contained in the Torah, because it is the “key to a wonderful life.” Back at Flatbush after several years away, Ms. Chabot believes that the school has only improved. The new construction and the current staff give her an exhilarating and exciting energy walking through the halls. Ms. Chabot is looking forward to working with her new freshman classes throughout the school year. Meanwhile, being a teacher won’t stop her from continuing to grow. “There is so much to see and so much to learn. While I now stand in the classroom as a teacher, I will always be a student because there is always more to learn.”
Meet a Flatbush Family:
Esther, Betty, and Grace Hidary By Teri Franco School News Editor
The Hidarys are a true Flatbush family. With three sisters enrolled in high school and a father who is the new president of the Yeshivah, it is safe to say that this family loves Flatbush. Esther, a senior, and Betty, a sophomore, are both used to their high school routines by now, but Grace is a freshman who has two older sisters to help her adjust to the
new environment and guide her through high school. Esther loves to enrich her school year by participating in many of the extracurriculars that are offered. In addition to her current position as Treasurer of SGO, she has been on various athletic teams and participated in both the Hebrew play and the choir. She also is a part of this year’s Witness Theater. Not surprisingly, Esther advises Betty and Grace to “get in-
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Left to right: Betty, Esther, and Grace with the youngest Hidary, Katie
The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Sam Beyda Managing Editor: Albert Saad Senior Editors: Jamie Ashkenazie, Ezra Faks School News Editors: Teri Franco, Julie Saadia Religion Editor: Rebecca Coopersmith World News Editor: Sarah Dagmy Entertainment Editors: Raquel Oved, Raquel Silvera Food Editor: Hannah Hasson
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Yael Landman, a 2005 Yeshivah of Flatbush graduate, was a student with a passion for education and drive to succeed in whatever she set her mind to. During her years at Flatbush, Landman was constantly looking for any opportunity to expand her horizons and flex her strengths. She mostly devoted her time to Hidon Tanakh; she won the National Hidon Tanakh competition once, and traveled to Israel to compete in the international competition in 9th and 11th grade, Aside from her accomplishments in Tanakh, Landman was editor-in-chief of the Phoenix and the captain of both the College Bowl and Torah Bowl teams. She is a strong advocate for participating in extracurricular activities: “You spend so many hours sitting in classrooms and rushing in the stairwell from one period to the next. … So much of the growth that happens at school happens outside of the classroom.” Landman explains that through involvement with other programs, connections with new friends are formed and the student begins to attain the qualities of a leader. A highlight of Landman’s high school career was building everlasting friendships, both with peers and faculty. Even something as simple as commuting to school daily on a bus from Staten Island gave her the chance to establish concrete relationships with other students. She also maintains friendships with teachers. She credits the Yeshivah with fostering her dedication and appreciation toward academic studies, such as Talmud, Hebrew literature, and expository writing. “I loved Hebrew literature classes,” she said. “I can still recite some of the songs by heart. I remain grateful for and proud of the true Ivrit b’Ivrit education that Flatbush provided. I have also grown increasingly aware of the equal-opportunity education I received at Flatbush as an Orthodox Jewish girl, especially in terms of Gemara.” Landman carried the lessons she learned in Flatbush throughout her later experiences. She attended Migdal Oz for a year in Israel, a high-level Israeli seminary for women. Flatbush, she said, prepared her for an intensive curriculum. “I am ambitious by nature, and Flatbush nurtured this ambition. Flatbush is a place of excellence and opportunity and I was always encouraged to aim high.” Once she finished Migdal Oz, Landman studied at the University of Pennsylvania to earn her BA. She was very involved with the Orthodox community there while double-majoring in English and Jewish Studies.
Fashion Editors: Sarit Alkadaa, Celia Banbahji Fun & Games Editor: Allie Saada Sports Editor: Jack H. Dweck Junior Editors: Jayne Haddad, Claudine Hadef Sophomore Editors: Kaden Harari, Michael Oved Design: Carolina Cohen Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
Yael Landman Landman went on to Yeshiva University after college to get a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible. She always wished to pursue this subject after spending time with Hidon Tanakh in high school, and a year ago she officially finished her Ph.D. She is able to understand the Tanakh in different contexts and using different approaches. She currently works as Visiting Research Fellow in Judaic Studies at Brooklyn College and also as Acquisitions Editor for Hebrew Bible, Ancient Near East, and Jewish Studies for Gorgias Press, a small academic publisher focusing on areas of religious studies. Additionally, Landman has taught at Yeshiva College, the Drisha Institute, and many shuls. She presents her research at conferences in America and in Israel. Landman happily shared plenty of advice for current Flatbush students. More than anything else, she said students should be open-minded as they find their way. “Don’t limit yourself. Ask hard questions and think critically. Be open-minded. Don’t let cynicism hold you back. … There’s no single right path for everyone. Listen to advice from multiple sources and explore beyond your comfort zone, but ultimately remember to take responsibility for your own path. Think about what is right for you and the person you want to be, rather than what others might want for you.” Landman constantly finds herself comparing her children’s education to her own education at Flatbush. “As a parent who now makes educational choices for my own children, I realize that I cannot help but compare everything to Flatbush as a measure of quality,” she explained. “It’s in my blood.”
High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari, Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Principal Ms. Sari Bacon, Associate Principal Ms. Esther Hidary, Assistant Principal / Director of Admissions
D’var Torah:
This Month in History
Playing the Blame Game Sputnik Launches Space Race
By Rebecca Coopersmith Religion Editor
How many times have you said “I’m sorry. I was wrong.” to anyone? Heartfelt apologies can be difficult, even painful, so instead of apologizing, we play the blame game. None of us want to be the reason for the problem or have to own up to the consequences. This dilemma occurs with the first two people on the planet, Adam and Chava. When Hashem allows Adam and Chava to live in Gan Eden, Hashem forbids them to eat from only one tree, the tree of knowledge, but gives them permission to eat from all the other trees. When the snake convinces Chava to eat from the tree, she doesn’t take responsibility for eating the fruit. Additionally, when Hashem asks her why she did it, she says, “The serpent deceived me,” and
not, “I’m sorry. I should have known better. I was wrong.” Moreover, when Chava gives the fruit to Adam, he points a finger not only at Chava, but also Hashem, putting the blame on “the woman whom you gave to be with me.” We all play the blame game. We all choose to take less responsibility and suffer embarrassment for our mistakes. However, doing the right thing requires that we take full ownership of all our mistakes and their consequences. Hashem gave us free will to choose between right and wrong. We know that we should choose to do what is right, control our behaviors, and lead better lives. It isn’t easy to change our human nature. But if we can find the strength to admit and take ownership of our mistakes, we can avoid making a bad situation worse and begin the healing.
Tesla’s Troubles Continue
A Soviet scientist works on Sputnik 1 before the launch
By Robert Adler Staff Writer
Production of the Tesla Model 3 has bee n delayed
By Sarah Dagmy
backed off this declaration, but the initial announcement made the share prices World News Editor jump and caused investors to buy stock Tesla, the electric car company found- at a price that, as it now seems, was artied by CEO Elon Musk, has been facing a ficially inflated. As part of the settlement, variety of mounting problems in recent which still must be approved by a judge, months, including production delays, Musk will neither deny nor confirm any controversial tweets from Musk, multi- wrongdoing. Additionally, Tesla will pay ple lawsuits, and the loss of several of the a $20 million fine for failing to police company’s most notable employees, in- Musk’s tweets. However, the SEC had initially ofcluding Vice President Justin McAnear, fered a more favorable settlement that Chief Accounting Officer Dave Morton, included a smaller fine and banned Musk and Chief People Officer Gaby Toledano. from Tesla’s board for only two years inLast week, Tesla reached a settlement stead of three. Musk and Tesla publicly with the SEC that allows Musk to remain rejected that offer, leading to widespread as CEO but requires him to step down criticism that Musk’s ego was leading to as chairman for at least three years and bad business decisions. A few days later, pay a $20 million fine for tweeting unMusk gave in and accepted the harsher authorized and misleading information settlement. in August that affected the company’s Meanwhile, as Tesla is trying to meet stock price drastically. Without warnmanufacturing deadlines for the new ing or board approval, Musk tweeted in Model 3, the company faces many comAugust that he was “considering taking plications with mass production, causing Tesla private” for $420 per share. He later multiple delays. And although Tesla has officially denied any concerns about the company’s su st ai n abi l it y, many investors still are skeptical because of the CEO’s bizarre behavior. Several other tweets from Musk’s tweet led to accusations of stock manipulation Musk over the
Man had never been able to touch space for thousands of years. On a quiet October morning, that all changed. The Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 satellite, launched from Site No. 1 in Kazakhstan, broke all previous barriers to the cosmos, taking center stage in the “space race” that would embody the struggle between the Soviet Union and United States for years to come. Only two feet in diameter, and with four radio transmitters, the Sputnik satellite doesn’t seem like a powerful feat of technology today. Its immediate purpose was to transmit a 20-40 Hz radio signal from beyond the Earth’s atmosphere back down to receivers on the ground, its signal pinging to every human who wanted to hear it during its 1,100 orbits of the Earth. But its true purpose was to show the technological might of the Soviet Union. Sputnik was active in space for only two months before burning up on reentry; meant as a media stunt, it left an indelible imprint on the Cold War. For years, the Soviets would be the ones to dominate the cosmos. For years, the Americans tried to catch up. But though the Sputnik satellite began the space race, the Americans would ultimately finish it. After the inauguration of a new summer attracted criticism for a variety of reasons. In July he responded angrily to British diver Vernon Unsworth, who had worked toward rescuing the young soccer players who had been trapped in a Thailand cave. When the diver criticized Musk for using the rescue efforts to get cheap publicity, Musk responded with several angry tweets, including one in which he called the diver a pedophile. The exchange led some critics to speculate that Musk was having a mental breakdown, and Unsworth’s lawyer threatened to sue Musk for libel.
American president, John F. Kennedy, in 1961, the Americans began to invest heavily in their new space program, NASA. President Kennedy declared before a joint session of Congress: “We choose to go to the Moon! We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others, too.“ As the space race heated up the Soviets continued to stay far ahead, sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961. But the Americans soon began to gain the upper hand. On July 21-22, 1969, America became the first and only country to land a man on the moon. This monumental achievement became an enduring symbol of American greatness. Today the two nations still jockey for supremacy in space exploration, with the Russians launching the Mir space station and the United States most recently landing multiple unmanned rovers on Mars. But it was the launch of the Sputnik satellite that gave both countries the motivation they needed to continue breaking the barriers of space for years to come.
And later in August the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against Tesla because of a May 20 tweet in which Musk discouraged Tesla workers from unionizing. The complaint argues that Musk’s tweet interfered with the rights of his employees to freely decide whether to join a union. And then, last month, when Musk was a guest on a well-known radio show, video appeared to show him smoking marijuana in the broadcast studio, further fueling speculation that Musk is becoming increasingly unhinged.
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Students, Teachers Impressed with New Building By Julie Saadia School News Editor
Earning compliments from students, teachers, and even alumni, the newest parts of the high school building seem to be universally beloved. The new wing features the already widely used student commons, a new teachers lounge, a state-of-the-art two-story library, six new luminous classrooms, and more. With the café and terrace expected to be fully open after holidays, it will be an even bigger hit. “The new building really looks fantastic. I’m so excited to take advantage of all of its new amazing features. The building really adds to the atmosphere of the school and I’m so grateful for this amazing space,” said senior Albert Saad. Several seniors have expressed disappointment that they have only one year to enjoy the new facilities, but that is one more year than the school’s alumni ever got. Bella Feldman, a Brooklyn College student who graduated from Flatbush in June, says that she is impressed by the building’s aesthetics and wishes she was able to take advantage of all of it when she was in high school. She particularly
feels that she is missing out on having Gemara classes in the best midrash. “It looks gorgeous. It would have been the perfect place to study holy subjects,” she said. Sarah Tessone, who graduated in June and now attends Barnard College, said she wishes she had the Crawford’s Café, especially on days when it was too cold to leave the building for lunch. Teachers are equally impressed with the new wing. “It’s so beautiful,” said Ms. Shulman, the math teacher. “It gives a fresh feeling to our education.” Many teachers particularly appreciate the new teachers lounge, a major upgrade from the old room on the third floor. Teachers now have a lunchroom with a kitchen, and a separate work area with plenty of computers. “It is very spacious and has so many nooks and crannies,” continued Mrs. Shulman. “I am really able to get my work done there.” Several students mentioned that the large windows in the new classrooms allow for copious natural light that seems to boost everyone’s mood. Shelley Shamah, a sophomore, agrees. She said that the new building almost makes her want to stay in school longer. She particularly enjoys the student commons.
Student Survey What is your favorite change to the building?
The new building has many fans, but it’s not the end of the school’s improvements. According to Rabbi Beyda, as the finishing touches are put on the new
wing, the focus will shift to the old section of the Yeshivah, where many improvements will be made over the coming months and years.
Price Hikes Have Many Students Stretching continued from page 1
Most items have gone up in price, including these drinks
able to feed them anymore. “Income is scarce and I think it’s unfair to make the burden of a necessity such as lunch even heavier on us,” said freshman Eli Zirdok. “And from a parent’s perspective, the school tuition is through the roof; to also have to pay for unnecessary things they haven’t even approved of puts them in an awkward position with their teenage kids.” Senior Joseph Sutton shares the anger many other students are feeling. “I am infuriated by the new prices, especially on chocolate where they basically doubled the price of the stuff I eat every day,” he said. Shelley Shamah, a sophomore, said the negative effects go beyond afford-
ability. “Two dollars for a water bottle is preposterous. Students can easily go out and get water for cheaper elsewhere and the school is disincentivizing hydration and healthy living,” she argued. Some students have even joked about selling water bottles on their own for a lower price. Mr. David Galpert said he sympathizes with the students and hears their complaints, “especially for the price of water bottles, which has doubled since last year.” However, it appears that the new prices are here to stay. Many people have reached out to Crawford’s in an attempt to reduce the prices, but it has yet to lead to any results.
Rabbi Prag Heads New Beit Midrash Program continued from page 1 itual atmosphere around the class. Although seniors are extremely happy with the new Advanced Talmud structure, they don’t think it should be implemented for younger grades. Senior Batya Kairey, for example, said she believes that “learning with chavrutot
requires a lot of help from a teacher because not all of the beginner students understand the Gemara equally, so while the program might work for advanced seniors it shouldn’t be implemented for the whole school.”
Meet a Flatbush Family: The Hidarys continued from page 2
142 responses
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volved as much as possible” to make the most of their time at Flatbush. She looks forward to coming to school every day and hopes her sisters will feel the same way. “I think that balancing school work with extracurricular activities is the most difficult yet most rewarding part of my high school experience,” she shared. Now that Betty’s freshman year is behind her, she said her older sister’s advice and support definitely helped her through it. “Entering high school is a hard adjustment but I was lucky to have Esther guide me,” she said. Most teachers who had Esther in the past recognize Betty as her sister. Betty says that works to her benefit and she appreciates Es-
ther’s good relationships with teachers. Betty recalls Esther’s advice from her freshman year: “There are so many great students, teachers, and administrators to get to know so make sure to take advantage and form relationships with them.” Grace has been in high school for only a few weeks, but she is enjoying it so far. “It is hard to adjust to this new routine with new classes and a lot of work, but I am having a great time—I love the students and faculty,” she said. Grace loves seeing her sisters in between classes and values the advice that they give her. Starting high school is not easy, but having siblings to mentor you definitely makes the adjustment easier.
Entertainment End-of-Summer Albums to Take with You into Autumn By Raquel Silvera Entertainment Editor
Ariana Grande released her new album, Sweetener, in August on which she collaborated with many different artists and styles, including Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj, and Missy Elliot. The album is quite successful, earning her the number three spot on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album reached number one in the US, the UK, Australia, and more. For her fourth album Grande went for a more mature sound, showcasing her angelic voice and impressive vocal range. On The Tonight Show Grande said the meaning behind the title is about “bringing light to a situation, or to someone’s life, or somebody else who brings light to your life, or sweetening the situation.” Her album features cohesive songs that all share the same heavenly and smooth tone that keeps her dedicated fans satisfied and appeals to general audiences. Eminem also
released a new album—his tenth—this year titled Kamikaze, which he dropped without warning in August. As usual, he uses some of the album’s songs to respond to some of his critics who have insulted him and his work. And as usual, some of the new songs are controversial because of his offensive lyrics and references. Eminem’s style of rapping has been consistent over the years; he tends to say his lyrics in an angry manner and is known as one of the fastest rappers. And although his songs may be aggressive, his new album has been received well and he’s still a famous producer of very creative verses and rhymes with his singular style. French DJ and record producer David Guetta dropped his seventh album this September, called 7. He chose the album’s name not only because it’s his seventh album but also because “the number seven also represents the end of a cycle; a week is seven days, the creation of the world in the Bible is seven days.” Guetta also shared that his birthday is on November 7 and said, “That number is kind of magic to me.” He worked with many artists on the album, including Sia,
Movie Review To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before By Raquel Oved Entertainment Editor
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a romantic film for young adults recently released by Netflix. The movie is about Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor), a teenage girl whose secret, unsent love letters to her five crushes are exposed and wreak havoc on her life. One of the boys, Peter (Noah Centineo), suggests that they pretend to be a couple to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. The plan puts Lara Jean in many uncomfortable and awkward situations, but she learns to overcome the obstacles and make the best of the situation. The chemistry between the two stars is undeniable and helps sell the entire movie. It almost didn’t happen, though, because Centineo was actually considered for a totally different role. Originally, he was supposed to play the role of Josh, Lara Jean’s next-door neighbor (and inspiration for another one of the letters), but once Han and the producers saw the chemistry between Condor and Centineo, they knew they’d be perfect together. So perfect that they improvised certain scenes in the movie. For example, when Lara Jean and Peter are in the lunchroom after the back pocket scene, Peter gives Lara Jean a small twirl that was not written in the script. Meanwhile, the role of Josh eventually went to Israel Broussard. Many people don’t know that To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is based on a
novel of the same name, written by Jenny Han. In fact, the movie might not have been made at all if not for the success of the screen adaptation of a different Jenny Han novel. Last June Netflix released The Kissing Booth, a teen romance that had every girl on her toes. After the ratings of the movie went up to 5 stars, Netflix decided to take another one of Han’s books and turn it into a movie. To All the Boys has been such an immediate success that there are rumors that there will be a second movie. Condor herself hinted as much in an Instagram post: “So: I propose we break the internet with this as to ensure we get a sequel… feel me?” She received over one million likes on the post as well as thousands of comments encouraging it. Luckily for fans of the movie, the original novel already has two sequels: P.S. I Still Love You and Always and Forever, Lara Jean. So the wait may not be very long at all.
Anne-Marie, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, and Demi Lovato so he has a wide variety of sound on the album, which includes a whopping 27 songs. Guetta is known for combining different beats and sounds to turn an artist’s song into a more creative
piece. On this album, he decided to take a more fun route with his songs in contrast with his usual rave-like sound. He has been dropping singles from the album gradually to give his fans a taste of what is to come.
TV Review
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan By AJ Fine Contributing Writer
Jack Ryan was released on Amazon Video last month, loosely based on the long series of novels by Tom Clancy. The new series tells the story of Jack Ryan (John Krasinski), a CIA analyst and ex-Marine tracking suspicious financial movements in Yemen. By monitoring one specific account, he discovers a man named Suleiman (Ali Suliman) leading a terrorist cell in Syria. Ryan is forced to leave his desk job and go out into the field to combat this new threat, which poses serious danger to the entire world. The most recognizable name on the production team is Carlton Cuse. He’s been a major part of several different successful TV shows, notably Lost and Colony, and lives up to his reputation here. With a directing team like he hason this one, including Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) and Daniel Sackheim (The X Files, The Walking Dead), you really can’t go wrong. The series is not based directly on any of Tom Clancy’s books; the creators present Clancy’s iconic character with a more modern set of problems, namely radical Islamic terror. The show does not match any previous screen adaptation of the novels, either. It is continuous with the other adaptations only in its discontinuity. Just as different movies jumped around on the timeline of Jack Ryan’s life, this series takes us back to Ryan’s time as an analyst. John Krasinski, best known as “Jim from The Office,” is the fifth actor to inhabit the role of Ryan. Others include stars like Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck, and Harrison Ford, so he has a lot to live up to. He does so well, and is quite compelling in this role. In addition, he gives us a new twist on an old character, emphasizing Ryan’s nerdy side and internal struggles more than the heroic field agent some iterations made Ryan out to be. The primary plot is deeply layered
and very convincing, a true spy thriller in every sense of the word. Despite some slow moments, the plot never ceases its progression, and the action scenes more than make up for any lulls. However, various subplots detract from the main storyline, such as the utterly inconsequential moral struggles of a single drone pilot operating out of Nevada. The romantic subplot seems contrived and out of place for most of the series, although the writers did an excellent job of integrating the love interest (Dr. Cathy Mueller, played by Abbie Cornish) into the main story as more than just as a damsel in distress. Ryan’s more interesting relationship is with his new boss, Jim Greer (Wendell Pierce). Greer has been reimagined more thoroughly than Jack, and is now a disgraced and bitter former CIA station chief finding redemption through the work of this boy genius, whom he must learn to trust. Greer is also a lapsed Muslim reconnecting with his faith after the end of the marriage for which he converted. Character depth always has been an issue with Jack Ryan screen adaptations, but this version handles it well. The main villain is given proper motivation and logical reasoning for his actions, and he is not simply a strawman for our hero to knock over, but is quite cunning. Some minor characters also are given quite a bit of depth, such as Hani (Dina Shihabi), Suleiman’s wife. As for Jack Ryan himself, he is, if anything, over-characterized. The show wastes entirely too much time on his internal struggles with PTSD from his time in the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Overall, the show is definitely worth watching. While it cannot match the brilliance of the original movie The Hunt for Red October, it nonetheless can stand on its own as a positive interpretation of this old classic. Amazon definitely had its head in the right place making this series.
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Fun & Games Ask Merle
Dear Merle, Every single year I tell myself that this will be the year I stay organized, but I always end up losing handouts and notes and by finals I end up in the library photocopying my friend’s notebook. How do I keep organized throughout the school year? Forever Messy Dear Messy, The beginning of the school year is the best time for a do-over; you just need to have a plan so you know what you’re doing. More specifically, you need to create a place for everything. 1. Color code. Buy different subjects’ folders/notebooks in different colors. Color your notes with highlighter and pens. And when rewriting notes, use blue ink so as to remember the info better. 2. Write your name and the date on everything. Every handout you get, and every day you take notes should have the date in case it’s lost later. 3. Put everything onto Google Drive. Essays, assignments, homeworks … literally everything you need to type. 4. Keep tabs on absences so you know to make up work and learn anything you missed when you were out. 5. Give everything a set place in your bag. For example, have folders for all handouts and packets, paper or notebooks for notes, a pocket in your bag for pens. 6. Clean out once every quarter. Usually after a quarter your bag will start to fill up with papers on information you’ve already learned but can’t throw away because of finals. So take some time to staple together tests with their matching notes/study guide you used to prepare for it. Then, keep it at home in a drawer or accordion folder so you can find it later. Merle Dear Merle, How do I avoid failing a class I’m bad at!? Desperate Dear Desperate, Usually, there are two reasons someone fails a class: a) they don’t care about the class, or b) they aren’t studying in a way that’s right for them. During class you should try your hardest to write
Cartoon,
by Allie Saadia, Fun and Games Editor.
Just Five Minutes
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down the most you understand; it’s much better to write something than nothing. Also, have a friend in class who has reliable notes you can use for reference. For classes like math and sciences, do as many practice problems as you can. If you don’t understand a topic you can find them covered in the textbook or, for math, use the Khan Academy website or the app “Socratic.” For classes like English and History, use tables and charts, flashcards for vocabulary, mnemonic devices, and study out loud with a friend. For Spanish and Hebrew, flashcards and Quizlet help you memorize a lot of terms. And when in doubt, search the internet; it’s probably there. Merle Dear Merle, On the first day of school I got yelled at for talking to my friend in class and now I’m convinced my teacher hates me. What do I do? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Chances are this teacher doesn’t hate you, but you seem to have made a bad first impression, which is very easy to fix. Start off by being an attentive student in class, participating in class discussions, asking a question every now and then, and doing all your work. Also, never underestimate the power of shutting up when the teacher wants you to. And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask your guidance counselor for help. Merle Dear Merle, So I hear you’re a senior. … Anything you’ve learned after four years that you wished you knew walking into your first year of high school? Freshie Dear Freshie, For starters, you don’t need a pencil case overflowing with pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, and whatever else you have in there. Also, don’t slack freshman year, because it will pull down your GPA and affect college applications later. Next, don’t underestimate the power of the internet. For essays, use bibme.com for MLA citations, and put essays into any grammar correcting program. Also, you can find most science labs online with answers on a PDF or a Quizlet. Merle
The Food Corner It can be hard to wake up early and make a quick lunch for the day, or to come home from a long day of school and find a snack for energy, especially if your parents say the fridge is full of food and all you see is expired ketchup. In this month’s issue, we are talking about sandwiches. I’m going to show you how to take basic ingredients from your refrigerator and turn them into a delicious sandwich. With these five easy ideas that will make your tummy grumble, you will always see a fridge half full instead of half empty. Bread: Open the fridge or freezer and find some bread. Anything will do: white bread, pita, baguette, bagel, sourdough, etc. If the bread is frozen or if toasted bread is preferred, place the bread in the toaster for a few minutes. (The specific time will be different depending on the type of bread.) Did you know...? Otto Frederick Rohwedder of Davenport, Iowa, invented the first single loaf bread-slicing machine in 1928. It was the best invention since ... I guess it was the best invention. Filling: There are endless delicious combinations and creations, but I’ll name a few of my favorites. 1.Tomato Avocado Mozzarella Slice the—you guessed it—tomato, avocado, and fresh mozzarella. If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, you can use any pre-sliced cheese. Lay the ingredients on your bread and sprinkle it with salt. For this sandwich, I would recommend sliced sourdough. 2. Grilled Cheese This sandwich isn’t the healthiest on the list, but it is definitely something easy and delicious to fill you up. Spread a thin and even layer of mayonnaise (yes, I said mayonnaise) on one side of two pieces of your chosen bread. (Again, I’d go with sourdough.) Next, with the mayo sides on the outside of the sandwich, add the cheese(s) of your choice. Put a frying pan over medium heat for one minute before placing the sandwich in the pan so one of the mayo sides is touching the pan. After 1-2
By Hannah Hasson minutes, or when you like how it browned, flip the sandwich over and cook for another minute. When it looks ooey-gooey and delicious, take the grilled cheese off of the heat and enjoy your cheesy goodness. For more info on grilled cheese and other fun recipes visit www.muffinaroundthekitchen.com. 3. Labne Sandwich Labne is a middle-eastern yogurt that is used in Israeli dishes. If you don’t have labne, use any soft cheese or yogurt such as cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone. Spread the yogurt or cheese on toasted sesame bread or the bread of your choice. Top with kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, arugula, za’atar (a middle-eastern spice mix), sliced cucumbers, and mint. Feel free to mix and match some of these toppings and add more to the list. 4. Tea Sandwich If you’ve ever been to England at tea time, this delicate sandwich will definitely sound familiar. No sandwich is simpler or more refreshing than these cucumber and cream cheese triangles. Spread cream cheese on white bread, add sliced cucumbers, and add a sprinkle of salt. Cut the sandwich into triangles. If you want to be traditional, cut off the crust and have a tea party with your British friends. 5. Upgraded PB&J For the last sandwich, I picked a timeless classic with a twist. Butter two slices of white bread. With the butter on the outside, spread peanut butter on one slice and jelly (any flavor, but I prefer strawberry) on the other. For added taste, texture, and health, add roasted peanuts and any fresh fruit of your choice. I like to add sliced strawberries, grapes, or bananas. Like the grilled cheese, heat a pan on medium heat for one minute before placing the PB&J in the pan so that the two buttered sides are on the outside of the sandwich. After 1 minute, or when it’s nice and golden, flip the sandwich over and cook for another 30 seconds. Those are my five favorite easy sandwiches to make whose ingredients you probably have on hand. I hope this inspired you to up your sandwich game and create your own. Until next time, keep eating!
Standard of Fabulous Calvin Klein Drops Jaws at Men’s Fall Fashion Guide New York Fashion Week By Celia Banbahji Fashion Editor
At New York Fashion Week, you really never know what to expect with the different so-called “trends” designers come up with every year. This year, designers such as Calvin Klein took the movie Jaws as an inspiration for most of their pieces for Spring 2019. Huh? Well, that’s … interesting. That explains the red “blood” carpet, trousers inspired by scuba suits, jumpsuits that looked like they’d be at home on a surfboard, abstract prints that resembled rocks or coral viewed through rippling water, and the best for last, fanmade T-shirts imprinted with an opened mouth shark. I guess now we can all say “Remember that time Calvin Klein put Jaws T-shirts on the runway? Good times.” Here’s the million dollar question: Why Jaws? According to Calvin Klein
designer Raf Simons, the vision they were going for was fear, with the tension between man and nature. Simons took over Calvin Klein designs in 2016. Ever since then, we’ve seen a really big, almost dark side to fashion. Specifically, the dark side to American landscape and culture. In past years, he’s found inspiration in such strange sources as car crashes and a zombie apocalypse. Fashion is able to tell a story—in this case, a really suspenseful one, seconds before the shark appears. Either the shark will miss the girl and swim away peacefully, or she just gets unlucky. Moral of the story, your fate is determined; whatever’s meant to happen will happen, don’t force it. Using these bright colors and vivid designs on the runway creatively, Simons shows the depth beneath the clothes and that fashion indeed has a strong voice of its own.
By Sarit Alkadaa Fashion Editor
Though shopping for clothing can be somewhat less intense for men than it is for women, it is still difficult to pair up a decent combination of clothing for the new upcoming season. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Without further ado, here is the Phoenix male fall fashion guide of 2018: The nineties are back. This means oversized sneakers, tracksuits, and leather jackets are in style again. With the chilly autumn weather approaching, these are perfect options to allow you to mix formality with comfort. Wondering what new shoes you should be buying? Hiking boots are making an appearance on this year’s runways. Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, and Christopher Raeburn are examples of brands that are selling them.
Caramel is the hot color this fall. The ultimate fall wardrobe consists of caramel knit sweaters, oversized coats, and flannels. As the season changes, the environment transitions to a more cozy and comfortable feel and you should reflect that, too! So, on your casual days off, opt for smooth fleece and warm velvet. Couple this with a pair of sneakers and you’ll be good to go. If you follow these fall fashion trends, you are guaranteed to look better than ever with minimal effort!
Fashion Fact: Men wore high heels before women did. … The high heel wasn’t invented for women to suffer, it was invented to stop men from falling off their horses, specifically when shooting at enemies with a bow and arrow. Women started wearing high heels for the look (and pain) much later on. www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 7
Sports Falcon Watch
A Preseason Rundown of Flatbush Varsity Sports By Jack H. Dweck Sports Editor
Boys Basketball: The Falcons Basketball team suffered from a frustrating firstround loss in the playoffs last year after a 6-8 regular-season record, but hope may soon be on the horizon. Star player Jack Rosow hopes to return to the court as a senior for a squad that desperately needs a strong presence in the paint, and this can hopefully help the team in a potential playoff push. Prediction: 8-6 in the regular season and a trip to the playoffs. Girls Basketball: Following a season in which they made it to the playoffs, things seem uncertain for girls basketball this season. Due to the loss of last year’s seniors, current players will have to step up their level of play in new starting roles for this team to exceed expectations. Prediction: 4-6 record.
Boys Hockey: The Hockey team will look to turn it around after a rough 4-10 season last year in which the team lost its star goaltender, Solomon Liniado, to injuries. With his expected return this season, the Hockey team seems to be right on track. Prediction: 9-5 with a playoff berth. Girls Hockey: The Girls Hockey team is currently in a period of transition, as the Falcons have parted ways with former Head Coach Chelsea Donovan. Hopefully this will be the answer that the Falcons have been seeking, and the increasingly talented team will have a breakout season. Prediction: 3-5. Boys Soccer: Led by stars Liel Edri, Abie Soussan, and Albert Hamoui, the Soccer team hopes to improve upon their impressive 5-3 record last year. However, a transition period under the sole leadership of Mr. Amzalag is bound to happen
after the exit of of former Co-Manager Rabbi Skolnik. Prediction: 6-2 record and playoff berth. Cross Country: The 2017 Cross Country defending champions will look to repeat their success this season. The Cross Country team is led by captains Sarit Alkadaa and Julie Saadia, and the speedy runners will look to capture another championship this year. Prediction: Cross Country League Champions Girls Volleyball: Hopes are high for a revamped Girls Volleyball team that had
Will Jack Rosow Stay Healthy?
By Carole Cohen Contributing Writer
Jack Rosow, number 11 on the Falcons basketball team, has encountered many obstacles throughout his high school basketball career. Rosow was a star player for the JV basketball team in his freshman year, but his journey since then has been marred by injuries. Rosow says the severe injuries that have plagued him have only motivated him to become a stronger player and person. In September 2016, Rosow broke his right foot, which caused him to miss extended time in his sophomore season. He took time off to recover and, in February 2017, he was back on the court, scoring a whopping 41 points in his return game. Unfortunately, he injured his left foot after that game and discovered that he had plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes severe pain in the heels. To help deal with the plantar fasciitis, he got a
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custom-made orthotics. These orthotics, shoe inserts to help cushion the feet, irritated both of his ankles, so Rosow played on and off for the remainder of the year, and he never quite felt that he was completely healthy. Rosow was forced to miss the 2017–2018 basketball season due to his health status, and the Falcons struggled without their star, losing in the first round of the playoffs. In pursuit of a long-term solution for his ailing feet, Rosow underwent surgery in March 2018 on both ankles, and had additional surgeries in June and August for his left and right ankles. Rosow has worked laboriously to return to the court to play basketball again. Rosow rehabs daily, training his surgically repaired ankles for his return. However, he says he is not interested in rushing his return, as he is aware of the severity of his surgeries and the need to rehab properly. Through all the injuries, Rosow has never given up on his goals of a return to the court. “I want to keep trying, and why would I want to give up my dream? There is nothing to lose from trying; I can only gain from it,” he explained. Coach Michael Gurock said he’s been impressed with Rosow’s perseverance. “Jack has a great attitude about it all,” he added. There is a possibility that Rosow will be back in time to help the Falcons in 2019, and if so he would be a huge addition to a team that lacks a strong big man in the paint. Regardless, he says that he is going to continue working hard to return and he is just looking forward to playing with his friends and teammates again.
Girls Dance team: Led by Flatbush’s own talented choreographers Adina Cohen and Judy Mizrahi, the Dance team is aiming for gold at the Yeshivah Dance Competition this winter. The pair have led the team to both a first- and thirdplace finish in the past three years. Prediction: First Place Winners.
Boys Hockey Aiming to Rebound from Lost Season By Joshua Dweck Contributing Writer
Sportsman Spotlight:
performed well when they were together on JV. Following a mediocre season last year, the team is revamped with the new additions of many talented juniors to help improve last season’s team. Prediction: 5-5 regular-season record.
The 2018-2019 upcoming season for the Flatbush Falcons Boys Varsity Hockey team is shaping up to be a season with a lot of questions. After a disappointing 2017, the new and improved team is looking to rebound and get back into the playoffs. Last season looked promising, but the team was plagued with injuries. The Falcons lost their star goalie in Sol Laniado, the centerpiece of the team, while also losing the backup goalie, Michael Chattah. This hole in the net prevented the team from reaching its full potential, and resulted in the team ending the season with a record of 5-9. The Falcons had a large, talented starting core who have since graduated. This loss will be felt on the team’s first and second lines, but there is hope that they can be replaced with the new promising crop of incoming sophomores and juniors. Captain and starting defenseman Joe Sutton expressed hope about the new changes to the roster: “We have a solid core of veteran defensemen, which will be supplemented by the additions of some junior blueliners like Mikey Dayan,
and have an upcoming offensive core of Gerry Sabbagh and Marty Elmekies to replace last year’s seniors.” Sutton believes these standout talents will be able to push the Falcons over the hump and hopefully bring them to the championship this year. Even with these new additions, it remains to be seen whether Laniado or Chattah will return to goal for the Falcons. If they do come back and join the new, young core, the Falcons are poised to make a deep run into the playoffs this season. Despite the question marks surrounding this team, the players are optimistic about their chances for the upcoming season. Star center Albert Saad said, “I’m excited for a new year of hockey. We were dealt a bad hand last year but that taught us determination and prepared us to make our return to the playoffs to show what Flatbush is made of.” filled with young talent willing to work as hard as it takes to win. The confidence is at an all-time high and the teamwork is there as well. Saad declared, “This is the greatest that we have been as a team in all my years at Flatbush. We want to win, and we really have a chance this year.”
A healthy Laniado at net is one key to the Falcons’ success