A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 58, Issue 2 • October 2023 / 5784
Eizenberg Mismatched floors in new classrooms returns to leave students, teachers disappointed Holy Land By Margie Souid Contributing Writer
Eizenberg in Israel
By Sylvia Saad and Leah Katash Editors
After eight years living in the United States, Flatbush junior Ariel Eizenberg made aliyah, without his family, on November 29. “I love the Flatbush community and everyone I have met here, but Israel is my home. I can’t be away any longer,” Eizenberg said. He is now living with a family friend in Jerusalem and attending the local high school. Eizenberg was just eight years old when his family moved to Brooklyn from Israel, planning to one day return. At the time of their arrival, Eizenberg did not speak a lick of English. He enrolled in Crown Heights Yeshiva for a year and, after learning the language, transferred to the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School for fourth grade. Eizenberg quickly adapted to his new environment and made lifelong friends. He eventually rose to the top of his class and graduated elementary school as valedictorian. Although he was very successful in Flatbush, Eizenberg yearned to move back to Israel from the beginning. On their usual summer vacation to Israel in 2021, Eizenberg and his family planned to extend their stay and officially live in Jerusalem long term. Unfortunately, their plans fell through, but Eizenberg did not give up hope. After years of begging and pleading, Eizenberg’s parents finally agreed to return this upcoming summer. Eizenberg still had his suspicions that
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In This Issue
World News: Page 4 D’var Torah: Page 5 Ask Merle: Page 9
After a few weeks of learning in the newly renovated east wing classrooms, students have noticed the large new windows, the updated heating and lighting … and the odd mix of floor tiles. In most of the new rooms, roughly half the floor is made up of the old floor tiles, and the other is new, lighter colored tiles. Which sections of the floor are old or new varies from room to room. Many students have grown curious about why there is such an apparent oddity in otherwise beautiful new classrooms. “The floors don’t give that new vibe in the classrooms,” said one sophomore girl who asked to remain anonymous. “I noticed the split tiling and it bothered me. The different tiling do not fit together. It changes how the classroom looks as a whole.” She thinks they should change the floors in the future and attempt to make them all one color. “It looks like they put in the effort
Room 201 has three difference colors of tiles
and stopped half way,” an anonymous senior said. “If they’re going to start the job, they might as well have finished it.” Another senior said that the floors “ruin the whole aesthetic of the room.” Several teachers complimented most
aspects of the new rooms but mentioned that the floors detract from the otherwise clean new look. Biology teacher Ms. Mikhli said, “In general, I do like the new classrooms, but many areas of the floors
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Despite war, senior interest in Israel gap year remains strong By Jacqueline Halabi Editor-in-Chief
As Flatbush seniors consider their plans after high school, the ongoing war in Israel is a large factor affecting whether they choose to spend a gap year in yeshiva or seminary. Senior Ralph Braha explained that, “it makes some of us want to go more. My parents are a bit more edgy, but they’re still letting me go.” Joe Vidal agreed, saying, “I didn’t wanna go before, but now it sounds more appealing.” Other seniors, however, are having a harder time convincing their parents that it will be safe to go. Ezra Harari stated, “It’s going to be harder to go now because my parents are worried about how the war might affect my experience.” Grace Bawabeh explained, “I was never allowed to go, and now it’s not even up for conversation.”
Business Chaos at Chat GPT’s parent company Page 7
Ms. Miriam Wielgus, Jewish History department chair and Israel Guidance counselor for senior girls, has faith that girls will still choose to go. “Certainly at the beginning people were very nervous, and parents who had said yes were now rethinking, but as the war has been progressing, there’s the sense that eventually it will be over,” she explained. She also finds that students are more eager to support Israel by being a part of the action, saying, “there’s a sense of ‘I want to be there; I want to be a part of the story that’s unfolding.’” Though Syrian parents tend to lean more toward the overprotective side, Ms. Wielgus is overjoyed that a lot of them “are supportive of the idea again, with the caveat that they have to see what will be happening.” As for the seminaries that shut down during the outbreak of the war, “just about all the schools are open now. The Syrian girls have been slower to
return, but they are still returning.” Rabbi Avi Harari, Rosh Bet Midrash and Israel Guidance counselor for the senior boys, said that “some boys who would’ve been more certain to go are less willing to engage in more serious conversations about it now.” However, he hasn’t found any definitive “no’s” because of the war, just a little bit of ambivalence and hesitancy. The Rabbi has also had students express that their parents are also more tentative about whether to grant permission to go, but the yeshivas have “enhanced reassurance and push that things will be safe and it’s the right place for you to be.” Ms. Wielgus and Rabbi Harari both remain optimistic. Ms. Wielgus said, “As long as the situation will improve, I am not seeing a lessening of numbers of kids who are interested, which I find very exciting.”
Entertainment: New map revives Fortnite craze Page 9
Sports: Flatbush teams win, get ignored Page 12 phoenix@flatbush.org | 1
AGREE TO DISAGREE
It’s always Pizza Time Benny’s is just better By Marsha Kairy Contributing Writer
It’s 11:19 and the bell just rang. Shoot, what am I eating for lunch? I could go to Chock, but I’m not in the mood for a bagel. Ooh, maybe Bennys. No, no, Pizza Time. It’s a perfect day for a hot, cheesy, crunchy, crusted slice of pizza. The sauce-to-cheese ratio is on point. The temperature of the slice when taken out of the oven is hot enough to melt the cheese but not burn your tongue. A lot of people miss out on the Pizza Time experience because of the cash-only rule, but when there’s an ATM a block away at 7-Eleven, that’s no valid argument. The variety of slices, from a grandma thick squared slice to an original slice, is phenomenal. Not many pizzerias can constantly make the perfect pizza but, no matter the time or day, there is always a fresh pizza ready to be made. Another bonus of eating at Pizza Time is the service. From the minute you walk in, Judah will greet you with a smile and a “How’s the family,” and will continue to walk around throughout the
meal to make sure everyone is comfortable. It’s not only about the pizza but also about the service. This affordable lunch has satisfied many high school students throughout the years and continues to be the top pizza place for Flatbush students’ preferences. There are many competitors on Avenue J for best pizza, including Benny’s, but Pizza Time will always take the win. Benny’s might be slightly closer and have other food options, but their pizza isn’t fresh. You walk in and see the slice lying in the display case, and that’s the one you’re getting. The pizza always looks like it’s been sitting out for days. Walking into Benny’s, it’s dark and dull. The cashier is always making annoyed faces and never smiles. Just a nice hello and have a nice day would be enough, but the service just makes the place duller. Pizza Time has been around for so long and has even been approved by the famous Dave Portnoy from Bffspod. If the restaurant reached TikTok fame, it is definitely worth the visit. Avenue J wouldn’t be the same without the community pizzeria, Pizza Time.
Faculty Freshman:
Mr. Or Badihi
By Albert Shamah Contributing Writer
Mr. Or Badihi’s life has been anything but boring. After finishing high school, our new-
The Phoenix Staff Editors-in-Chief: Jacqueline Halabi, Aleen Jaradeh Senior Editor: Sarah Levy School News Editors: Leah Lati, Bella Shamayeva Religion Editor: Elisha Kahan World News Editor: Aliya Abergil Features Editor: Nitza Hanan Entertainment Editors: Henry Esses, Shirley Jajati Fashion Editors: Sophia Madeb, Sylvia Saad
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est and definitely most interesting Tanakh teacher/Shalichah from Israel studied for a year before joining the Israeli army, as was customary at the time. In the IDF, he joined the Paratrooper division. According to Mr. Badihi, paratroopers no longer “paratroop” during war. They train for it, but the last time Israeli soldiers were actually jumping out of planes during war was in the 1956 Sinai campaign against Egypt. After the army, he enrolled in university as a history major. While progressing through his academics, he decided to fulfill his dream of 9 years of becoming a teacher. It wasn’t until after he graduated that he decided he wanted to teach Tanakh. At the school where he taught, he became a Machana, in charge of 25 students, while also teaching Tanakh to 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Mr. Badihi loves to travel and explore different places. In Jerusalem, where he
By Aleen Jaradeh Editor-in-Chief
The bell just rang, signaling the beginning of lunch. While there are many places to go to grab a bite, what could be better than Benny’s? Their large variety of food options ensures something for everyone. From pizza to pasta to salads to fries and more, they have it all. Their pizza has the perfect cheeseto-sauce ratio and is always cooked to perfection, leaving you with a slice that isn’t too floppy, yet not burnt. The cheese never gets congealed, and the sauce is perfectly seasoned, as it isn’t too sweet or too herby. Their batter-covered fries are always fried perfectly, so you never have to worry about having soggy french fries. And if you’re in a healthy mood, they have a large variety of salad ingredients and dressings that always taste great. And don’t forget their pasta, which is always a hit. When you walk in, you’re met with a calm atmosphere and not too many
grew up, he knew many American Israelis, so, naturally, he became curious about the American Jewish community. Additionally, he thought it could be beneficial for his family to experiment with a new lifestyle for a while, and thus he resumed his exploration. This year he moved with his wife of six years, Renana, his four-year-old daughter, Karem, and six-month-old Yahel to New York, the birthplace of his wife’s family. His neighbor in Israel, a former Ramaz Administrator, helped him learn about modern Orthodox schools in New York. After investigating and interviewing with Ramaz and Flatbush, he ultimately decided on the latter as Ramaz had only an opening for a Hebrew language teacher and not his preferred subject, Tanakh. One aspect of teaching Mr. Badihi finds different in Flatbush than in Israel is the level of understanding of the students. In Israel, he explains, his “students have an easier time understanding the actual pasuk and more difficulty with the deeper meaning and commentary.” In his opinion, Flatbush students are the opposite; we “understand Mefarshim” but have a harder time grappling with the
Fun & Games Editor: Esther Shemia Sports Editor: Paulette Saada Business Editor: Eric Azrak Photography Editor: Victor Braca Junior Editors: Leah Katash, Galiette Mita, Samantha Ryba, Bobbi Salama, Nina Tawil Sophomore Editors: Yvette Dweck, Rachael Kopylov, Emily Tarrab Design: Carolina Cohen Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
people, so you don’t have to worry about waiting too long to get your food. This leaves you with a decent amount of time to eat and get back to school without being late for your next class. Because I am a frequent visitor at Benny’s, Eli (the known Benny’s worker) already knows what I want to order from the moment he sees me walk in, making ordering my lunch take little to no time at all. Though he may sometimes seem distracted, Eli is actually an extremely kind and caring person who ensures you have a great experience eating your lunch. You also don’t have to worry about bringing cash only, which you would if you were to go to Pizza Time. And while there is an ATM a block away from Pizza Time, going to get money just takes up your precious lunch minutes. Furthermore, Benny’s is only a block and a half walk from the school, which is beneficial, especially on very cold days. Benny’s is a great place to go out for lunch with your friends, and will always leave you coming back for more.
meaning of the pasukum. He also finds that the students here “appreciate and respect Tanakh,” whereas in other places, “it is not always like that.” In Israel he was responsible for everything involving his 25 students. He would collect money for and plan trips, talk to parents, come up with extra curricular activities, take care of sick students, and act as the IT expert. He is amazed at how many departments and resources our school offers, granting him more time to focus on teaching. When war broke out on October 7, Mr. Badihi was called back into action, leaving his family and job to serve his country. During that difficult time, he is grateful how the Flatbush family “took care of his wife and children.” Mr. Badihi is very happy with his decision to teach in Flatbush. Even though American yeshiva tuition is expensive, whereas Israeli schools are part of the public system and are tax-funded, the students are very similar in their behaviors. One difference, he said, is that Israeli kids are more “asmaye,” or independent, “going and coming on their own.” He hopes to return home in a few years, hopefully to a safe and happy Israel!
High School Administration Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of School Ms. Esther Hidary, Associate Principal Rabbi Yigal Sklarin, Associate Principal Dr. Michael Atlas, Associate Principal Rabbi David Galpert, Assistant Principal
$6M donation funding Despite war, Chesed YOF’s Shoah Institute Mission is still on By Rachael Kopylov Sophomore Editor
Yeshivah of Flatbush graduate William S. Levine donated $6 million to the school last year to be used to improve Holocaust education. This is the largest donation since the school’s founding in 1927. This money was used to create and fund the William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute, an institute whose mission is to help develop and teach Holocaust studies, understand and combat antisemitism, and educate and advocate for Israel. This institute is directed by Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg. Rabbi Hertzberg formerly was the principal of Yeshivah of Flatbush Middle School and has a Ph.D. in Modern World History from St. John’s University. His expertise in modern history helped him in developing curricula, but his 30 years of experience as principal assisted him more in terms of running programs and logistical development. Because the donation was an endowment, the program uses the interest gained from it and not the actual donation. Not only does the institute’s reach span within the walls of the school, sponsoring the high school’s Witness Theater and the middle school’s Names Not Numbers program, but it extends to Washington D.C., Poland, and Israel. This past summer, the institute led a tour of the United States Holocaust Museum in D.C. and is preparing for the high
school’s senior Poland trip. Most recently, the institute has been funding the new Israel Achdut missions as part of its Israel advocacy component. While the institute was originally geared more toward Holocaust studies, it became the logical place to work on Israeli activism. “Seven weeks ago we were talking about developing curricula, and now we’re running these [Israel Achdut] Missions,” Rabbi Hertzberg said. The institute has also been working in close collaboration with Yad Vashem in Israel. Specifically, it’s working on sponsoring a conference at the Yeshivah of Flatbush for teachers and high school seniors. The goal is to create an ambassadors program that will start with Flatbush and eventually open up to other select high schools. “I would hope that in five years we will have a very strong and developed responsive relationship with Yad Vashem, that we’re Yad Vashem’s representative here, and that we will be the go-to institution for Holocaust education, Holocaust programs, and Israel advocacy,” Rabbi Hertzberg explained. William S. Levine has made a tremendous impact on Holocaust education worldwide; he’s an enthusiastic supporter and board member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. “I am proud and lucky to be able to give back to the Yeshivah of Flatbush,” Mr. Levine said to the Yeshivah of Flatbush 2023 Winter Bulletin.
Last year’s Chesed Mission included visits to children with special needs at Meshi (left) and children recovering from heart surgery at Save a Child’s Heart (right)
By Galiette Mita Junior Editor
Whether the war in Israel will impact the 20th annual Chesed Mission this year has been on the forefront of the many anxious students’ and parents’ minds. However, despite such tentative and uncertain conditions, the answer to this question is quite concrete. Rabbi Besser clearly confirmed that the mission is still planned to happen
Changes to Senior Heritage Trips By Nitza Hanan Features Editor
This year seniors are only offered Poland as an option for their senior heritage trip, a significant change from past years, when many trips were offered, such as trips to Spain, New Orleans, and the Italy-Israel trip. Twenty five students will be chosen for this trip based on attendance, behavior, and their responses to the trip’s application form. Rabbi Beyda explained that, for several years, students were only offered options of Poland and Spain. However, when Covid restricted international travel, the administration wanted to try out multiple new trip options. He quickly realized that these extra trips resulted in too many staff members being
away at once, “and created too much of a disruption to school for other grades.” Also, students “felt pressured to participate on trips which were too expensive,” he added. With the expense of the Spain trip growing each year, the decision was made to keep only the Poland trip. It is “more cost-conscious because it is short and we have some outside funding for it,” Rabbi Beyda explained. Many students, however, believe this decision isn’t fair. Seniors who aren’t interested in the Poland trip feel disappointed. “I would’ve gone to one of the USA trips, but now I can’t,” senior Norma Chazanoff said. Even those who are interested in the trip to Poland are still disappointed in the small number of students allowed to participate. Senior Shelley Safdie said, “I think that it would be an amazing expe-
rience, especially since I’m a part of Witness Theater. However, I’m scared I won’t get on.” Rabbi Beyda explained that the limit is not to prevent anyone from attending but rather because 25 students is a manageable group, and if there is a high demand for this trip there is a possibility that another group can be taken as well. Discussing plans for future senior grades, Rabbi Beyda said that in the future if the Spain trip is offered again, it would be during Thanksgiving or winter vacation. This is so the trips don’t disrupt school by pulling too many teachers away at once. It seems as though Poland is the only trip that will be offered during school time to senior classes in the future.
and that there is no anticipation for that to change in the upcoming weeks. “If everything stays status quo, then the places we go to are very, very safe,” Rabbi Besser said. Jerusalem, where most of the trip’s activities will take place, is very much unaffected by the war in Gaza, which is located far to the southwest. Understanding this geographical separation, Rabbi Besser also noted that the only potential concern that could have any effect on the trip are the attacks with Hezbollah in the north. He said, “If there is a war with Lebanon in the north and it gets more intense, then we will not go.” However, he reassured that that is an extreme possibility and is not expected to occur. “Thousands of people in the last three weeks from America … have gone to Israel. Every single one came back and said it was safe,” the Rabbi added, hoping to enforce the idea that there is no real evidence to deem the trip unsafe. Though the 2024 Chesed Mission is still expected to happen, it seems that there will be fewer Flatbush students occupying those El-Al seats in January. A handful of juniors who were eagerly awaiting their seemingly life-changing trip to Israel had to request a refund, as their parents didn’t feel comfortable sending them to Israel with the current situation. Junior Emma Kamagi shared her sorrow for having to withdraw from the trip, saying, “I was looking forward to going to Israel with my friends, but now none of us are really going anymore.”
In addition to Poland, last year’s seniors were offered trips to (left to right) Kentucky, New Orleans, Houston, Italy, and Spain
phoenix@flatbush.org | 3
An inside look at Flatbush Yemeni Houthis emerge Achdut Mission to Israel as global threat
Houthi supporters chant slogans holding signs reading “Death to America, Death to Israel”, as they attend a rally marking eight years for a Saudi-led coalition
By Rae Levy Contributing writer
Last month, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Yeshivah of Flatbush took students to a war zone: the land of Israel. Among the many trips to bring support to Israel from New York schools and organizations, Flatbush was the only one to bring students, kids from grades 10-12. On November 5, a group of 20 rabbis, parents, and students landed in the near-empty Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, immediately jumping into their plans. The Achdut Mission lasted four days and the group visited army bases, displaced communities, hospitals, etc. They got to hear stories from October 7 survivors recovering in Tel Hashomer hospital and from a grieving father at Har Herzl cemetery. They even saw a fighter jet take off on its way to Gaza. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Flatbush trip if there wasn’t a kumzitz at every stop. By traveling to Israel, Flatbush students had the unique opportunity to connect with people the same age as them. When visiting army bases, the students were able to offer support to soldiers just a couple of years older than them. Senior Charles Azrak reflected on those moments: “Seeing soldiers that are around my age ready to go into combat to defend Israel made me realize how much we need to do to help them.’’ Other students said it was inspiring to hear how ready our soldiers are to risk their lives. One of the nights, some students were able to visit a secure army base. They had to take a special bulletproof bus to ensure
their safety. Rabbi Hertzberg, the leader of the trip, described the driver, an old man, as “the typical rough Israeli.” When the students returned at the end of the night and thanked the bus driver, they noticed a tear in his eye. The driver told them, “I should be thanking you,” as he was so happy that kids were coming to visit soldiers. One of the places they visited was the Cramin Hotel, which was housing the relocated Shlomit community. On October 7, the kibbutz Shlomit was forced to evacuate and move their community into a hotel. Thankfully, the community of Shlomit was able to successfully defend itself against the violence. However, once the community was safe, many of the men chose to leave and help the neighboring kibbutzim; some didn’t return. The group got to hear about the stories of these men from their widows, four brave women. Flatbush adopted this community and has been helping them have some sort of normalcy. When Flatbush went to visit they brought multiple bags of toys for the children. They played with the kids and ate lunch with them. They heard their stories. Sophomore Robin Shatzkes described the feeling she felt walking into the hotel as “overwhelmingly bittersweet.” She said, “It was incredibly inspiring to see these kids and their mothers have faith and joy in a time like this.” Many of the mothers from Shlomit expressed confusion when they found out that young students were a part of the Flatbush trip. They were shocked that their parents would let them come to Israel at this dangerous time. The parents
By Aliya Abergil World News Editor
As the Israel-Hamas war continues, a terrorist group from Yemen, the Houthis, has joined Hamas’s efforts in attacking Israel. The Houthis have launched several missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and attacked a United States boat in the Red Sea that was believed to be shipping aid to Israel. In past conflicts with Gaza, Israel has always been concerned about the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah joining, but that the attacks from the Houthis appears to have been unforeseen by Israel. The Houthi movement was established in Yemen in the 1990s. It is predominantly made up of Zaidi Shias, a sect of Islam. When they first emerged, the Houthis rebelled against Yemen’s Sunni government, accused them of corruption, and criticized their alliance with Saudi Arabia and the Uniton the trip were proud that their children wanted to go to Israel. “It’s so important for Jews currently in the galut to connect with our brothers and sisters in Israel,” remarked one of the student’s parents. The decision to bring students came easily to Rabbi Beyda, who said, “Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard as a school to shift to a student-centered approach to education. When we talked about an Achdut mission, the first thought that came to mind was that it needed to involve students.” Everywhere the trip went, the students were the main
ed States. Funded by Iran, the Houthis have been given resources, aiding them in their rebellion. Their rebellious movement dragged Yemen into its ongoing civil war. The movement’s main goals are the governance of all of Yemen and opposition to the United States and Israel. In addition to attacking Israel, the Houthis have also attacked Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. Since 2014 the Houthis have attacked 1,500 United States, Saudi Arabia, and UAE assets. These attacks include launching missiles, using artillery, and attacking aerial assets. Part of the Houthis slogan is “Death to Israel” and “A Curse upon the Jews,” highlighting its alliance with Hamas over their shared goals and ideals. Additionally, both the Houthis and Hezbollah are funded by Iran, which is pressuring them to pursue attacks on Israel.
focus. Flatbush students got the opportunity that students from other schools didn’t: they got to connect with the people who are experiencing this war firsthand. They got to hear stories that will remain with them forever. A second Achdut Mission visted Israel earlier this week, and Flatbush plans to send more missions and take more students to Israel. The Flatbush community stands with Israel; the students stand with Israel.
US veteran receives first successful human eye transplant By Samantha Ryba
Science in English:
Junior Editor
In 2021, U.S. veteran Aaron James accidentally touched a 7,200-volt wire while at work, resulting in him losing a large portion of his face and an arm. Before his surgery in May of 2023, there had never been a successful fulleye transplant. Typically, when one refers to an “eye transplant,” they actually mean a corneal transplant. A corneal transplant is a procedure in which the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, is transferred to someone with a corneal disease. This procedure is very common and has been done for nearly a century. However, while corneal transplants were commonly performed, there had not yet been a full-eye transplant ever done before. The reason for this is that once the eye is detached from the
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head, the optic nerve is severed, which eliminates a person’s sight. If the optic nerve is damaged, sight cannot be restored. For this reason, surgeons don’t see a need to transplant an eye that won’t function. However, James’ surgical team at NYU Langone Health proceeded with the operation in May of 2023 and successfully transplanted the eye, although the patient has not regained his sight as of yet. The procedure took 21 hours and 140 surgeons, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The reason they proceeded with this nearly impossible plan to restore James’ vision was due to a key component in the procedure that might result in a repaired optic nerve. While harvesting the facial skin flap and the eye, the surgical team also harvested stem cells, cells that do not have a specialized function yet, from the donor’s bone marrow. They then injected these
stem cells into the optic nerve to encourage its repair, and possibly restore the connection between the eye and the optic nerve. As of now, James still hasn’t regained vision, but his doctors state that there is remarkable blood flow to
his retinas and that this surgery is a great milestone for the field of medicine. “If I can see out of it, that’s great. But, if it’ll kick-start the next path in the medical field, then I’m all for it,” James said.
Israel Alum in Israel: Elliot Soffer
D’var Torah: Strengthening Israel one candle at a time Jojo Mizrahi Contributing Writer
Soffer (third from right) with classmates and teachers
By Ralph Braha Contributing Writer
During his time in Flatbush, Elliot Soffer (HS ’23) saw no reason not to spend a year in Israel after he graduated. It offered him a unique way to grow and develop, as well as push himself to become more independent. Going for the year wasn’t a question he had to ask himself; he knew how necessary the gap year in Israel would be. Soffer, however, struggled with picking a yeshiva. He ultimately decided on Yeshivat Moreshet Yerushalayim because of the schedule they offered him, the top rabbis, and their Arab Soba Sephardic tradition. Due to it being the Syrian yeshiva, it brought a sense of home and family that no other yeshiva could offer. The first month or so was unbelievable. It was everything Soffer expected. He spent hours every day learning Torah while becoming closer to his friends and rabbis. Among everything they learned, they also acquired the values of bringing the Torah into everything they did, becoming better people as they grew, and working on their time management skills. The yeshiva provided Soffer with everything he needed. But then, after the tragedies of October 7, everybody from Moreshet got sent back home to Brooklyn. While they were all scared and thought that this was for
the best, they nonetheless had the dying urge to return. Soffer was committed to making his way back to Israel. “I left all my clothes there as a statement that I would be back,” he said. The yeshiva quickly organized a daily schedule of a few rabbis to learn with the boys in Brooklyn. However, Soffer felt that learning in Israel was simply a stronger experience. After a few weeks, Moreshet wanted to bring some students back to Israel. On November 5, Moreshet’s doors were opened once again to the first six boys who decided to return. At last, Soffer was where he belonged. Over the next few weeks, more and more waves of boys came in, and everybody was getting back to their old routine. They built many more chesed activities into their original schedule, such as packing for displaced families, spending time with soldiers, and more. As they adjusted, they regained a sense of safety and security. Soffer feels that his few weeks in Brooklyn showed him how valuable his short time in Moreshet was, increasing his appreciation for his ability to return. Along with that, he’s motivated to get a lot more done because of all the horrors of the war. Now, he’s giving it his all to make the most of the year. He took it upon himself to do much more independent learning.
The ( בה״גBaal Halachot Gedolot) says something fascinating regarding the mitzvot of lighting the menorah candles on Chanukah and reading Megillat Esther on Purim. He says that they are a מצוה דאורייתא, from the Torah. This is incredibly astonishing, as we know that these mitzvot were established as a result of miracles and are seemingly not mentioned whatsoever in the Chumash itself. The Chatam Sofer explains that the בה״גlearns this from a קל וחומר. If Hashem commanded Bnei Yisrael to sing praises to Him in remembrance of being brought out of Mitzrayim, a story in which Hashem brought us from slavery to freedom, all the more so should it be obvious that we have to sing His praises when being saved from extinction as we were in Purim. And if we have a mitzvah to praise Hashem for saving our physical lives, all the more so a mitzvah should be applicable in a holiday in which our spiritual lives were saved from inevitable death. The main goal of the Greeks was not to wipe out the Jew, like was the mission of Haman or Hitler. Rather, it was to destroy our identities as Jews, to make us no different than any non-Jew. They wished to assimilate us completely into their culture, educate us in their secular studies exclusively, and wipe Judaism out of our systems. This is the great miracle of Chanukah, the saving of our ability to follow the Torah, follow its statutes and laws, and lead great lives in the eyes of the Creator. This, according to the Chatam Sofer, is why the בה״גstates that these mitzvot are from the Torah. While practically we don’t hold like
Every day he learns a perek of Yehoshua and a perek from Melachim. He also started doing Shenayim miqra ve’ehad targum every week on the Perasha. Now he has a bigger purpose: he’s not there only for his learning and growth, but
this in regards to halakhah and assume that lighting the menorah is a mitzvah d’rabanan, this brings out a meaningful point of the holiday of Chanukah. We celebrate on this holiday our beloved Torah and the mitzvot which we are so lucky to have. The Bayit Chadash, or ב”ח, writes that Hashem allowed the Greeks to attack the Jews was because they lacked commitment in serving Hashem and following and learning the Torah. Only once the Chashmonaim showed they were willing to fight for our Torah and our relationship with Hashem did Hashem allow us to have a military upset for the ages. This could very well be the key to our victory in the war which Klal Yisrael finds itself in right now, against the terrorists trying to wipe out Jews from Eretz Yisrael, attempting to kill us and the Torah with us. Hashem wants to see our dedication to Him and His Torah, whether it be taking upon oneself to act kinder to their friend, pray with more intentionality, or set aside time to learn Torah when one isn’t forced. Though we went out in the streets of Washington to march and get the attention of politicians to show our love for Israel, we must also show Hashem we care about Him and the Torah, as the ב”חsays. So this Chanukah, while the darkness of Hamas, anti-semitism, and anti-Torah sentiments run wild throughout the world, it is our job as the chosen nation to banish the darkness and celebrate the light of the Torah which we enjoy, and recommit ourselves to the lives of truth we as Jews live. Be’ezrat in this zechut we should see a quick salvation and safety and health for all of Am Yisrael.
also to help those directly impacted by the war. He’s making a real impact to help whoever he can during these dark times. Even with everything going on in Israel, Soffer says, “This is the best year of my life.”
Interest in Aliyah renews amid global antisemitism By Elisha Kahan Religion Editor
Jews globally are expressing increased interest in immigration to Israel as they face antisemitism in their home countries. Many Jews feel insecure as they view blatant antisemitism rage across college campuses and city streets. Although Israel is currently at war, it offers a homeland where people can identify as Jewish without fear.
France has seen a 400% increase in new Israeli immigration files over a similar span of time last year, while in North America there has been an 81% increase in interest in Aliyah. In the first half of 2023, interest had been decreasing, but the war has reversed that effect. Jews in European countries such as England, France, and Spain face particularly harsh hatred. Despite the ongoing war, many Jewish students have decided to prematurely
leave home and attend Israeli university programs. Meanwhile, many schools have postponed start dates due to their students joining the Israeli army as reservists, allowing the previously undecided to join before programs start. NYC-born Eitan Safra, after being let go from his Yeshiva in Beit Shemesh, decided against plans to apply to YU and instead now attends the Raphael Recanati International School in Israel. Non-Jewish workers are also see-
ing opportunities in Israel. Sri Lankan workers are rushing to replace gaps in the Israeli agricultural and construction workforce left behind by fleeing Thai workers, Palestinians, and Israeli reservists. Familiar with the reality of conflict, Sri Lankans can expect to make up to 10 times their wages in Israel as opposed to their homeland.
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Eizenberg returns to Holy Land continued from page 1
their plan would once again not come into fruition: “My parents have been saying, ‘This summer we’ll stay,’ forever. I just wanted to make sure it actually happens this year, so I made the decision, after months of convincing, to stay with
my family friend in Jerusalem and have my family join me in Israel this summer.” While he is currently finishing up his last two years in school, Eizenberg is also training for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). His dream is to be accepted into an elite marine unit called Shayetet 13, and is going through extensive regimens to help him get there. He began training while still living in New York, explaining that he’s been, “running a lot and swimming for miles at a time.” He promptly enlisted himself in a rigorous training program as soon as he touched down on Israeli soil. “When I set my eyes on something, I do everything in my power to achieve it,” and his future is no exception.
Eizenberg in his new backyard (top), and at a goodbye meal on his last day at Flatbush
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Mismatched floors in new classrooms leave students, teachers disappointed continued from page 1
are damaged and need to be completely redone. I also don’t like the mix of tile types—it looks as if kids slapped together tiles.” Sophomore Nathan Lapp also finds the floors unappealing, but for a slightly different reason. He said, “I don’t really like the floor that much. The new tiles are so bland.” He shared that he prefers the old tiles over the new ones. Rabbi Galpert explained that the flooring was a simple matter of cost. Replacing all the flooring in each room would have cost “many thousands of dollars”—possibly over $100,000 for the entire old building. He elaborated, saying, “there was a plan to redo all of the floors in the new classrooms; however, it was discarded as part of the value engineering process [so] we wouldn’t be spending extra money.” Instead, the administra-
tion decided to replace the tiles only in areas that were necessary. Rabbi Galpert shared that there is still a possibility that they might decide to change the floors in the future, but he has not received any complaints on the mixed look. Meanwhile, some users of the new classrooms feel that the tiling is not a problem. Math teacher Ms. Coopersmith said, “It must not bother me since I didn’t even notice the new floors. But I don’t think it changes the aesthetic of the classrooms. Maybe I’ll notice it next time I’m in the classroom.” Junior Abigail Fuzaylova agreed, saying that she likes the brightness of the new classrooms and isn’t bothered by the tiles. “I barely notice it,” she said. She mentioned that she would like the flooring to be renovated, but it is not necessary.
The floor in room 403 is split down the middle between old and new tiles
Business Does cryptocurrency have a OpenAI heads in a new money laundering problem? direction—or so we thought By Eric Azrak Business Editor
Cryptocurrency is back, but not without some hiccups. The term “cryptocurrency” encompasses any and all digital forms of currency. Beginning in 2008 with Bitcoin, “crypto” has turned heads since its inception given its discrete nature. Purchasers, traders, and developers are all kept secret, and no single government or centralized body issues or governs the market. All transactions are made secure by the Blockchain, which you can think of as a digital notebook that many people can use and trust. In this notebook, instead of having just one person in charge, everyone helps to keep it secure and accurate. Yet, crypto has consistently caught flack from critics eager to point out the security holes in the alternative currency. Chiefly, many worry that drug cartels, thieves, and other criminals can manipulate the anonymous currency to launder “dirty money.” Of course, the money spoken of here is not funds that are physically dirty, but rather acquired in devious and illegal ways. Money laundering is the process in which dirty money is made “clean” by integrating it into the greater monetary system and swapping it out for ordinary dollars. Here’s a pertinent example: John Doe sells $100,000 worth of narcotics, but must somehow make that money seem legitimate. So what does John do? He “invests” in Bitcoin (currently valued at just short of $40K), and either reports his gains by way of cryptocurrency prof-
its OR utilizes that Bitcoin itself for other transactions. Smells like clean money! After years of turning a blind eye, the U.S. government has finally begun to end its period of noninterference. Binance, the world’s leading crypto exchange, has recently been slapped with $4.3 billion in fines for violating money-laundering regulations, and, most notably, lost its founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao. Zhao pleaded guilty in Seattle federal court, where prosecutors insisted that Binance coerced its users into unnecessarily obscuring their location in order to sidestep U.S. money-laundering law; he will be paying $50 million in criminal fines. The situation sounds pretty bleak for those in the cryptocurrency space, but it’s proven to be just the opposite. During this time, Bitcoin fell a bit (less than two percent), but has regained its ground and then some, hitting its one-year high. Even Binance Coin, Binance’s native coin, has remained steady despite its legal troubles. After a weak 2022 and mediocre 2023, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency as a whole are set to make a large splash in 2024. The coin had been consistently declining since the 2021 cryptocurrency bubble (where Bitcoin peaked at over $68,000) but is now on its way back to the mid-five-figures. Binance and the U.S. government’s recent legal dispute remains just an inconsequential blip in crypto’s recent meteoric rise, and there is no telling when it’ll fall. One thing’s for certain, though: cryptocurrency is anything but simple.
Popularity contest: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday By Jacob Hanan Contributing Writer
The days following Thanksgiving include the biggest shopping events of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These consumer extravaganzas mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season, enticing bargain hunters with irresistible deals and discounts. As shoppers get ready to kick off their holiday shopping spree, the debate of Black Friday versus Cyber Monday continues to make customers wonder which is more popular. Black Friday starts off early in the morning, with crowds of shoppers lining up outside stores in anticipation of huge discounts on the merchandise they are selling. The in-store atmosphere is filled with excitement and urgency as shoppers navigate the aisles to snag limited time discounts of everything from electronics to apparel. Though Black Friday remains a tradition for those who enjoy in-store shopping, it is worth noting that the sale event is becoming more geared toward the online shopping demograph-
ic as well. According to Google, shoppers spent $9.12 billion online during Black Friday in 2022, accounting for 47% of all Black Friday sales. With no shortage of deals to be found online, many Americans clearly enjoyed Black Friday discounts without ever leaving their homes. Originally created to encourage online shopping, Cyber Monday emerged as the digital sibling to Black Friday. The two main differences between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are that Cyber Monday is only online and the prices vary throughout the day, unlike Black Friday sales, which tend to remain constant throughout the day. Cyber Monday gives a Black Friday-style boost to online-only businesses. It also allows online retailers, like Amazon, Etsy, and Wayfair, to give great shopping discounts without having to compete with department stores. Consumers also enjoy Cyber Monday because it allows them to buy merchandise from the comfort of their own homes—no line, no wait, and no stress. According to demandstage.com, 196.7 million people shopped online during Cyber Monday 2022, spending a
From left Nadella, Altman, Sutskever
By Bella Shamayeva School News Editor
ChatGPT has developed into one of the most powerful tech platforms in the entire world. However, OpenAI, the “mother company” of ChatGPT, has been recently put under a different spotlight: power. This time, it’s not only about the technological power of the company but rather concerning the power struggle of its leaders. From owning a small nonprofit in 2015 to a billion-dollar company today, CEO Sam Altman (along with co-founder Greg Brockman and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever) brought OpenAI to the next level. His success seems brilliant at first glance, but in reality, members of the board began to see OpenAI as a safety threat to society and believe Altman was the chaotic spark of it all. “We don’t have a solution for steering or controlling a potentially superintelligent AI, and preventing it from going rogue,” said Sutskever in a blog post. “Humans won’t be able to reliably supervise AI systems much smarter than us.” Sustkever and others claimed that Altman was prioritizing the business prospects of the company and it was time to prioritize safety, even if it would decrease the profits of investors. Hence, they banded together to take Altman down. This public outing on Friday, November 17 created a chain of humiliation for Open AI. Altman was hired by Microsoft, one of OpenAI’s most prominent investors, just three days later. Meanwhile, Brockman resigned out of loyalty to Altman, and more than 500 of the company’s 770 employees threatened to resign if the board didn’t reinstate Sam Altman. His followers are so loyal that they even posed to recreate OpenAI platforms outside of the company. This potential uprising made the current board worried total of $11.3 billion. The battle between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is not about declaring that one is a winner, but studying the evolving world of consumer preferences. While Black Friday continues to hold its position as a tradition for those who enjoy the in-store shopping experience, Cyber Monday continues to grow and gain momentum as the go-to day for those who enjoy the hassle-free online way of shopping. According to explod-
about the future of the company and they quickly called back for Altman. For some time, it seemed as if it was too late to bring Altman back and that the damage was already done. OpenAI assigned Mira Murati as interim CEO for two days, then switched to Emmett Shear as another interim CEO for a little over a day. But to everyone’s surprise, Altman made a swift return as CEO of OpenAI. Some skeptics speculate that this fiveday facade could have been orchestrated to strengthen OpenAI as a whole and its partnership with Microsoft. This is especially believable since the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, has a great alliance with Altman. By strengthening their relationship, Microsoft won’t need to create an AI structure of its own but will still be involved with present-day technological advancements, claims Mike Isaac of The New York Times. Now that Altman is back in action, his new board is centered around business and tech professionals rather than the previous academic and research professionals. Sustkever remains an executive of the company but is no longer a part of the board. This brief standoff raises a lot of questions and concerns about the future of artificial intelligence. There are two opposing sides here: those who want to advance technology to help benefit all of humankind and those who want to take things slow, steady, and safe. Altman being the ambitious and strategic person he is, went a bit overboard, but now it seems that there might be a system of “checks and balances” to keep things in order at OpenAI and prevent something like this from ever happening again. The ultimate goal is that no one side will be able to outweigh the other and OpenAI can do what it does best while equally protecting and advancing humanity. ingtopics.com, the number of shoppers on Cyber Monday grew from 165.8 million online shoppers in 2018 to 186.4 million in 2020 and to a whopping 196.7 million in 2022. Clearly, Cyber Monday is a growing event and more and more people are recognizing Cyber Monday each year. The success of both shopping events depends ultimately on the preferences of the consumers.
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Entertainment
New Map Revives Fortnite Mean Girls The Movie: Craze The Musical: The Movie By Joseph Shamayeva
By Shirley Jajati
Contributing Writer
Entertainment Editor
Since Fortnite released its arguably biggest launch ever two weeks ago, gamers have been going crazy. Perhaps even just as crazy as they had been during the original release of the game in 2017. The main reason for this resurgence is because Fortnite brought back an older map, named OG, from more than six years ago. The nostalgic wave brought to gamers as they play using almost the exact same map from so many years ago is both satisfying and exciting. An anonymous freshman boy explained that he really likes this map because it’s nice to relive his favorite Fortnite moments from his childhood. He was both surprised and glad to see it come back. Even though this map is loved by many, not everyone is completely sold on it. Another anonymous freshman boy complained that this map’s competition is very intense, as people are familiar with the map and already know the tricks to getting around it. It is harder to get a Victory Royale because people are so good at the game they have played for years. However, this is only one of the new features included in Fortnite’s new update. The real new event of Chapter 5, dubbed the “Big Bang,” had fans specu-
Get in, loser! We’re seeing the new Mean Girls movie! In the fictional landscape of high school where shades of pink symbolize power, Mean Girls is making a triumphant return to the screen. This new movie adaptation is not a reboot of the original 2004 film, but a film version of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical. So brace yourselves for January 12, 2024—a date that’ll definitely be marked in the infamous Burn Book. The original 2004 movie follows the journey of Cady Heron, a teenager fresh off the African savanna, who is thrust headfirst into the intricate web of high school social dynamics while meeting a range of new schoolmates. Regina George, our reigning queen bee, is back in this new film to reclaim her throne, this time portrayed by the talented Reneé Rapp. Meanwhile, Christopher Briney, known for his role on the hit TV show The Summer I Turned Pretty as love interest Conrad Fisher, expects to flutter hearts once again as Aaron Samuels, asking girls that timeless question: “What day is it?” Adapting to the 2018 Broadway musical, this movie promises a unique storytelling experience where dialogue and plot development can blend into a perfect melody. The soundtrack itself, however, is said to stray a little from Broad-
The “OG” map has ignited a craze
lating that it would mainly consist of an outer space theme. Released on December 2, the new map is mainly snow-covered mountains, but also includes a mansion and subway stations and tunnels. Another rumor that has been spreading for a while is that Fortnite will be further extending their collaboration with Lego to actually include it in the game. If there were any time for this to come true, hopefully it will be soon, because a teaser photo has shown fans a Fortnite Llama made out of Legos. Furthermore, Rocket League, also created by Epic Games, might also make an appearance in Fortnite, as a racing mode will supposedly be added to the new chapter. With both of these possible additions, Fortnite will be adding a music feature where gamers can make their character sing and dance. The game might even add famous rapper Eminem to the virtual world along with his own skin. It doesn’t look like the Flatbush Fortnite hype will be ending anytime soon. In addition to the return of the OG map, the hype comes from the rumors for Fortnite’s biggest launch with many cool features to make game time more enjoyable.
way music and add some pop flavor to the movie by featuring musical sensation Olivia Rodrigo’s hit music. This musical evolution will promise a symphony of drama, humor, and the timeless allure of Mean Girls. This film will enchant audiences as it features all three mean girls versions– film, stage, and now musical movie. So grab your popcorn, throw on some pink, and get ready for the drama to unfold because, on January 12, 2024, we’re all invited to join the plastics’ table for what we hope to be a cinematic masterpiece.
Movie Review:
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes By Leah Katash Junior Editor
After having read all four books of the Hunger Games series and watched all five movies, I can honestly say that the film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is nothing short of perfection. Although it does not capture every element of the lengthy book verbatim, it does a seamless job of including key points of the plot. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this film and has not gone unnoticed by its dedicated fans. Like every Hunger Games film that preceded it, this one exceeded my expectations. There is no way to describe this film other than calling it a masterpiece. The cinematography captivated me instantly. I no longer was sitting in the
dingy chair of the Sheepshead Bay movie theater, but rather alongside the characters I had read about. Similar to the rest of the Hunger Games movies, the camera drags you along with them as if you are right there in Panem. This hooked me in and enchanted every single viewer in the theater. I was seriously struggling to unglue my eyes from the screen at the end of the film, hoping there would be more. This is not to say I was left with unanswered questions, but rather to express the fact that it was so well developed. Additionally, I cannot stress enough how perfectly this cast was chosen, as each one beautifully embodied their role. The film starred Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow and, although we weren’t given access to his inner dialogue, he was able to ef-
Blyth and Zegler in a scene from the film
fortlessly communicate his character’s thoughts through the expressions on his face. Alongside him, Rachel Zegler did justice to the character of Lucy Gray Baird, ripping the character straight off the novel’s pages and breathing her to life. Contrary to popular belief, there was truly no one who could have played Lucy Gray more eloquently than Zegler. She didn’t just act, she lived as her character, and from the way she sang in the film, you would’ve thought that she was born to play this role. Zegler has been receiving a lot of criticism over the past couple of months, mainly because of her off-putting and brutally honest personality. Over the course of her career, she has been in-
terviewed several times for her various projects, such as Shazam and the live action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Many critics voiced that Zegler comes off as ungrateful, especially when she was asked why she decided to film Shazam and she replied with, “I needed a job.” Many believed that her starring in the newest Hunger Games film would bring down its overall viewings, but the film is doing quite well and has already exceeded its projected earnings. Even if you haven’t yet indulged in the Hunger Games franchise, I highly encourage you to give this film a watch. I can say that it has definitely earned five stars from me, and that I will be rewatching.
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Fun & Games Ask Merle Merle, Why aren’t the seniors fun this year? boredsenior234
Hi, Bored, Seniors aren’t fun this year because they just can’t be. It’s a sad truth, but it isn’t in our bones to be. We aren’t united enough, no one is bold enough, and we need strong leaders. Wait! We do have strong leaders; I’m sure Senior Council and SGO are trying very hard so don’t worry! Also, no one has a DJ set! Danny Levy’s set is stuck in Deal for the whole year, apparently, and so is Jojo the Baller’s. Can’t wait for Urban Air; I’ll see you all there to pick up our sweatshirts. Love, your fellow bored Senior, Merle Merle, It’s getting cold now, so what do I do with my jacket, especially since there’s no coat room and my lockers are a mile away? hotncoldfreshie Hi, Hot, I really wish I could tell you exactly what to do, but I can’t. The coat issue is
a hard balance. Half the rooms are boiling with it and the other half are freezing and therefore you need it. If you put your jacket in the locker you will need to trek to retrieve it. It’s a hard decision: Should I, Should I not? Will I be cold? Will I be hot? Personally, I recommend bringing it to your first class, because that’s when the school is usually the coldest, but as the day goes on and lunch starts, you could drop it off. Good luck with your decisions, Merle Merle, How can I get good grades this year? sweatyhonorskid
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Tired, Honestly, idk. It is a ridiculous rule. Apparently, the reason is because “it will distract you,” but like, how can coffee distract you?! It doesn’t do anything, it can’t move. Also, putting it next to everyone else’s outside will confuse you, so it’s just a bad situation. I hope the rules get changed. Rooting for you. Love, Merle
Hi, Annoyed, Principles are doing this for you, I’m positive. 99% sure. That other one percent is telling me they want to make sure you’re in class and doing the right thing. So when they ask you, they’re just looking out for your well-being. They would feel terrible if you missed a minute of class, they don’t want you to fall behind. So by understanding where they’re coming from, I’m sure you’ll be more OK with the questions asked. Love, Merle
By Jacqueline Halabi and Aleen Jaradeh
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Marsha
Why can’t I bring my coffee into tefillah? tiredsenior
Merle, Why does every principal ask me if I have class when I’m sitting innocently in the commons? annoyedsophmore234
Matching names to faces
By Esther Shemia
2
Throwback, OMG! Wow, what a question, it brings me back to the good old days. I hear Yanny, and I think it has to do with some science thing, that certain people hear a certain decibel. Ms. Freedman would know. Maybe listen to it a lot of times until you hear both. I was able to do this once and it was an out-of-body experience. Love, Merle Merle,
Sweaty, The way to get a good grade this year is to try. Try as much as you can; study a week in advance for that daunting final. Make sure to do practice. Make sure you are reviewing your notes, and make sure to be a participating student. It can’t be that hard, can it? I mean, some classes are harder than others, but hard work beats talent every time talent fails. You can take this into your own hands, I’ll be rooting for you. Let me know how it goes! Love, Merle
Fun & Games Editor
Merle, I don’t know if I hear Yanny or Laurel. Half my family hears Laurel but I hear Yanny. Am I going crazy? #throwbackthursday
Editors-in-Chief How closely do you “watch” your teachers? Guess which watch is whose! 1. Ms. Zaltzman 2. Rabbi Besser 3. Mr. Hofstetter 4. Nurse Fayge
5. Rabbi Beyda 6. Rabbi Hayoun 7. Dr. Atlas 8. Dr. Mayer 9. Ms. Mayer 10. Ms. Marcus
Standard of Fabulous Wrap yourself in these coat trends YOF boys
By Sophia Madeb Fashion Editor
As warm winter jackets return, so do this year’s coat trends. Here are some of the best. According to Teen Vogue, relaxed leather jackets have become popular for people to transition into the season. This jacket creates a balance between comfort and seasonal standards. “I bought a leather jacket from the Frankie shop. It’s my go-to. I wore it during the holidays when it was cold, the past few Shabbats on my way to shul, and when I went to the city,” said a content sophomore. This jacket’s versatility allows it to be paired with various outfits and is considered a staple piece of clothing. Additionally, bomber jackets have a similar effect. As the season becomes cooler, one should consider warmer jackets. Leather jackets with fur interior or puffed leather jackets are good options. Various sizes and colors with excellent quality can be found on sites like Zara and H&M. “I purchased a black leather puffer jacket from Zara in my sophomore year for a reasonable price. I still intend to wear
it when it gets cooler out,” said a money-conscious senior. Nonleather puffer jackets have also risen in popularity this season. Puffer jackets emerged as a trend in the past few years and have continued to be the staple winter coat. Popular stores like The North Face, known for their 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket, and Aritzia, recognized for their Super Puff jacket, are great options. The North Face jackets come in different colors, prints, and patterns, and the Aritzia super puff jacket comes in various colors and lengths, from
cropped to floor length. In addition to leather jackets and puffers, people also favor sherpa jackets this season. Prevalent brands like Alo, Madhappy, and Lululemon are popular for purchasing sherpas. Scarves and hats can be great accessories when paired with winter jackets. Acne Studios is an upcoming brand that sells stylish and quality scarves. “I love their scarves. Their prints, like their plaid ones, have great qualities and look like they would keep me warm,” said senior Sylvia Ebrahimoff. Hats, particularly beanies, match well with jackets. Popular brands to purchase beanies are Kith, Alo, and Madhappy. More affordable beanies can be found at Amazon, Zara, and Urban Outfitters.
Uggs: Which style should you get? By Sylvia Saad Fashion Editor
Ugg boots and slippers have become the shoe of the season, as temperatures continue to fall. The eclectic style options have Flatbush students in a chokehold this winter. Whether it be the ultra mini boots or the Tasman slip-ons, there is an Ugg to add to your Hanukkah wishlist. One of the main appeals for Uggs is the fact that sometimes people don’t feel like wearing sneakers on a cold day. Sometimes the only way to go is with a
warm, comforting Ugg slipper to start the day on the right foot. The dark colors available also add to their winter appeal. Whether navy, chestnut, or olive, the palate will fit right in your wardrobe. Even when it is a gym day, losing a point over wearing the comfortable option is worth it at times. Just make sure to double check the weather; rain and Uggs do not match. Platform Uggs, specifically, have taken over our school. Although critics call them clunky, the height they give is unmatched for short girls. Looking cute and tall is on the top of some potential danger to be considered before purchasing these trendy platform boots. “I love my Uggs, but it constantly feels like I am about to fall over,” platform ultra mini owner Estee Yazdi commented. When walking up and down the mountainous terrain in Flatbush, also known as the
wearing tzitzit By Eli Gindi Contributing Writer
After the October 7 massacre in Israel, Jews from around the world have been contributing whatever they can, in whichever way they can, for Israel. Whether it’s donating money, showing up to rallies, or even going to Israel to do all different types of chesed, everyone is taking time out of their daily routines to help those in need. But something that hasn’t been talked about too much is all the mitzvot that people are starting to do in honor of the soldiers. Many are starting to keep Shabbat, eat kosher, or pray three times a day. And recently, there has been an increase in the amount of tzitzit being worn throughout many Jewish schools in the United States. Many Flatbush students have started wearing tzitzit to school. The reason for this is to show their support for Israel during these troubling times. One of the students said the reason he just recently began wearing tzitzit is because “it is a reminder that God is always with us.” Another reason students have started wearing tzitzit is because now, all soldiers serving in the Israeli army are wearing tzitzit. By wearing the tzitzit, we are telling the soldiers that they are supported by all Jews around the world. If students wish to take part in this “trend,” tzitzit are easily accessible throughout the school, thanks to donor Joseph Shamosh (HS ’13) and to Rabbi Safdieh’s Inquiry class. They tied many different sizes of tzitzit for any student who desires a pair, and they are available to students free of charge. This act is inspiring to many people, as there is no better time to wear tzitzit than right now.
stairs, Yazdi finds herself “gripping the railing for support.” The Tasman slippers are gaining traction because of their convenience and comfort. They are perfect for people in a hurry, who need to slip shoes on quickly. Uggs always seem to make their way back into style, so many believe they are worth the investment.
Senior Jacob Cayre wearing tzitzit
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Sports There are other teams, Falcons win it all in you know Memphis By Shirley Jajati
to the semifinals and, as team member Ezra Rosenfeld states, “I don’t think anyEntertainment Editor one even knew we made it that far. It’s Throughout Flatbush, where the never announced or anything.” cheers for the basketball team echo Speaking of unnoticed, let’s discuss down the halls, there exists a quiet realm the Girls Dance team. The team is not of triumphs and victories that often go just a group of performers, they are athunnoticed. It seems as if our school has letes in their own right. Their intricate forgotten that there’s over 20+ boys and routines require physical strength, engirls athletic teams durance, and preworking hard every cision that rivals single day, whose any traditional achievements are sport. And they overshadowed by win! The dance the thunderous apteam regularly plause reserved for The girls tennis team almost won it all last year wins or places the basketball stars. in the top three It’s time to lift the in almost every veil and shed light on the victories that competition. And yet, every year, Flatdeserve acknowledgment and recogni- bush neglects to invite them to the antion. nual Sports Night where they acknowlUnbeknownst to many last year, the edge students’ achievements in sports. tennis courts became a stage for silent And this is not the only way in which the victories. With Marsha Gindi playing school has overlooked these dance stars. first singles last year and winning in the For years, the dance team has had no finals along with the tennis team itself designated practice area, always getting winning second place in the whole entire kicked out of the auditorium and gyms tournament, one would think there’d be to accommodate the needs of other acsome sort of celebration or recognition tivities. These dancers commit hours to to commemorate their hard work, right? hone their skills and showcase dedicaWrong. The only ones notified of this tion and teamwork, and yet they go on victory was the Instagram committee, being underappreciated by the school. summoned to the game to photograph From the thunderous triumphs of the the star tennis players for one post on the basketball court to the whispered victoFlatbush Instagram page. Yvette Dweck, ries of the tennis players, the fierce battles a junior on the Girls Tennis Team, stat- on the volleyball court, the meticulously ed, “I didn’t even notice the trophy in choreographed performances of the girls the display case until someone from the dance team, each deserves their moment team pointed it out for me.” Meanwhile, in the spotlight. These sports teams, and the Basketball Team, whose trophy is on many others, deserve better than being a special podium at the entrance to the hidden in the shadows of others. They building. deserve respect, support, and the same This is only one of the many victories level of recognition as any other sports that go unnoticed in our halls. Last year, team, and as a school, it is our job to prothe Boys Varsity Volleyball team made it vide that for them.
By Salomon Dayan Contributing Writer
Every year the Cooper Invitational Tournament is a competitive, nationwide tournament hosted in Memphis, Tennessee. It comprises 16 of the best Jewish varsity high school basketball teams across America. Just being invited to this tournament is an enormous accomplishment, and this is the first year Flatbush has been invited since Covid. After playing a preseason seeding tournament, they were seeded 5th out of the 16 invited teams, with teams such as North Shore, Valley Torah, Magen David, and Rochelle Zell placing above them. The Falcons were not so pleased about their seeding. They felt they should’ve had a better seed and been placed over Rochelle Zell. Since they were seeded 5th they would have to play Fasman, the 12th seed. The Falcons, unfazed by their seeding, blew out Fasman, with a final score of 73-31. The next game was a big one. It was against the 4th seed, Rochelle Zell. This team was a lot wiser than Fasman, with a very good, tall center making great plays. Flatbush, however, wasn’t caught off guard. They played great defense, making key stops, and paired it with a great offense to pick the defense up. The final score was 60-38. Next up was HAFTR. The first half was very close, with HAFTR going into halftime up by one. After a great speech by Falcons coach Matt Malc, the Falcons were able to blow them out in the second half. Falcons Beni Keda and Issac Cooper played especially well. They ended up blowing HAFTR out in the second half, which took the team into the finals. The time had now arrived for them
to play the Magen David Warriors, their longtime rival. The stakes were rising, and the tension of the players was palpable. After losing to Magen in the preseason tournament, the Falcons craved redemption. After gaining a healthy lead by halftime, the Falcons were smelling victory. In the second half, however, the Warriors came out of the locker room strong. They made a comeback with a very strong second-half offense. Albert Khaski described it as a “dog fight.” After a long battle, the Falcons ended up winning 63-57. Beni Keda was their top scorer with 18 points throughout the game. Khaski said that it felt great to win, especially in his senior year. “We’ve been on the same team since sixth grade, and as seniors, it was our last chance to win together.” After winning, the Falcons were welcomed back as heroes. Rabbi Beyda granted all students a double lunch in celebration of the victory, even letting the freshmen go out for lunch. The win in this tournament left Flatbush as the firstplace team of the Yeshivah League across the country. They are hoping to keep up the lead and continue their undefeated season with their record now being 5-0.
Sportsman Spotlight:
Chira goes for three By Elliot Cohen Contributing Writer
Many freshmen come into the Yeshivah of Flatbush overwhelmed and overworked. A vast majority of them are fearful to take on the responsibility of being on a team. Most are likely to delay their allegiance to the team, saying that they will “join next year,” or that they “have too much homework.” This was not the case with Samuel Chira. As a freshman last year, Chira took on an active spot on three different teams and didn’t let them slow him down. Not simply a member of the basketball and football teams, Chira became an avid participant at the pivotal position of center on both teams. However, as he will tell you, his pride and joy is the base-
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ball team. His power, skill, and baseball IQ gained him not only a starting spot at first base as a freshman, but what is looking to be a captain spot as a sophomore. Being on three teams during his freshman year was no easy feat. Chira claims that the thing that helped him get through it was time management. Looking ahead at the schedule is a big thing for him, as it increases his awareness of what is going on around him at all times. Chira credits his parents and coaches for being a big help when it came to advice. One of Chira’s biggest skills is his ability to stay calm in the face of pressure. According to him, the easiest way to do so is to take deep breaths, and most importantly have tunnel vision. In baseball, Chira’s way of doing this is to keep his thoughts on only what he can do, and
Chira (4) is a center on the JV basketball team
keep his mind in a place where it is only him and the pitcher in the ballgame. Whether it be basketball, baseball, or
football, Samuel Chira is a player who will show hard work, crude skills, and dedication to the game.