The Phoenix February 2024

Schedule overhaul shortens school day

By Rae Levy Contributing Writer

Starting in September, Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School will be making huge changes to its daily schedule. The most significant of them is that the school day will start later and end earlier, with nine periods each day—a big change from the current 12.

Shacharit will start at 7:45, 15 minutes later than the current 7:30. The administration said they understand that teenagers need time to wake up in the morning and want them to struggle less with getting to school on time. Breakfast will last until 8:50 in order to not rush minyan, especially on days with Torah in the morning. Mincha will also be longer to provide

students with a bigger break to get food and relax before resuming classes.

Each period will last an extra 7 min utes, with 4-minute breaks between peri ods, hopefully allow ing for the transition from class to class to become easier. Addi tionally, all classes will start at a time ending with a zero, to make the bell schedule easier for students and teachers to remember.

With fewer periods

most classes that currently meet 6 times a week will meet only 5 times, and most classes that are now meeting 5 times a week will meet 4 times a week. The overall total yearly class time should stay roughly the same, not affecting the amount of learning teachers will be able to teach. The administration said they do not foresee any issues with Regents classes finishing the curricu-

The biggest change to everyday life

Israel war has many juniors rethinking summer plans

By Sylvia Saad Fashion Editor

During Junior Seminar, Sophie Cattan took to the floor of Tisch with a tear-jerking speech about her experience in Kol Hanearim (KH), a program in Israel where American high school students live in children’s homes alongside children from troubled backgrounds. Cattan’s story from the Bet Elazraki home touched the hearts of everyone in the audience.

After hearing her speech, many began contemplating their summer plans. Students set on ILEAD were no longer sure if it was the right choice.

Many juniors are opting for different programs in Israel this summer, largely due to the war. A gradewide survey revealed a significant drop in the number of students planning to attend ILEAD, from around 65 in 2022 to around 10 this year. Instead, many have chosen to go on alternate and somewhat unknown programs, such as KH, or to not go to Israel at all.

ILEAD, a program dedicated to the personal growth of participants through real-life experiences, is now facing safety

World

D’var

concerns due to its usual lack of protection and supervision. Historically focused on freedom and improvement, this upcoming summer, changes were implemented to ensure attendees’ safety. According to ILEAD staff, armed guards will now accompany students everywhere they go. The general consensus among students is that the spontaneity that the trip once had will be gone this year. Every aspect will be carefully calculated, and many students are turned off by this.

Katie Hidary, however, still has her eyes on ILEAD. “A lot of my family members have gone on the trip and raved about it. I honestly believe that the trip

will be very beneficial to so many, regardless of the unusual circumstances.”  Seniors who attended ILEAD this past summer still highly recommend the program to juniors. “Going to ILEAD is worth it because you get to experience the land of Israel in a way you’ve never done before, learn values for life, and form lifetime connections with counselors who are all former IDF soldiers. It’s an experience that will change people’s lives in very profound ways, for those looking to make a change in their lives and be open to new perspectives on life,” Max Elmann, an ILEAD attendee in 2023, commented.

Regardless of the recommendations from seniors, junior Nina Tawil is on the verge of forgoing her ILEAD dreams. Due to the tragedies of October 7 and families being torn apart, substantial numbers of Israeli children have been put in children’s homes recently. Tawil would rather spend time with them and other people in need, preferring to “focus the summer on helping others than developing myself as a person, especially in these hard times.”

seems to fall onto juniors. Incoming juniors used to be able to choose up to three elective classes, including a science elective of their choice, but now have the option to take only one elective, while physics will be mandatory as their science class. (See accompanying article below for more.) In the students’ one free elective period,

continued on page 6

All juniors will take

Physics

By Robin Shatzkes Contributing Writer

Beginning in September, all Flatbush juniors will be required to take physics.

For many years, Yeshivah of Flatbush’s students have had to take biology in freshman year, chemistry in sophomore year, and an elective in science in junior or senior year. However, it recently came to the attention of the faculty and administration that this may not be the best curriculum for student’s college applications, work ethics, and more.

To many, this may seem like a great adjustment, because most selective colleges look for three years of traditional sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics. So taking a science that colleges find important is vital to students who would like to go to selective colleges. The Yeshivah of Flatbush staff has also spoken with many other high schools and looked at their curriculums; many other high schools require physics for their 11th graders.

Ms. Freedman, head of the science department, shared that she’s been trying to make this change for a couple of years. She hopes that next year, students will have the opportunity to choose from multiple types of physics courses. “I would venture to say that we are going to offer anywhere from conceptual physics, to algebra-based physics, and AP physics, for the higher honors classes,” she said.

Other AP science courses and science electives will be available for juniors who want to take a second science concurrently, and will be available to seniors.

Rabbi Galpert believes that this new adjustment is very beneficial when it comes to colleges. He spoke to other schools and

continued on page 6 continued on page 6

A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School

ILEAD participants on a hike last summer

AGREE TO DISAGREE

Why Starbucks is Supreme

By Shirley Jajati Entertainment Editor

In the bustling heart of Yeshivah of Flatbush high school, where students navigate from normal classrooms to Prep to Touro, one crucial decision stands between them and caffeinated enlightenment: Starbucks or Chock Full O’Nuts?

Throughout the hallowed halls of learning, the clash of coffee ignites passions and stirs debate, but in the end, one emerges as the undisputed champion: Starbucks.

As students embark on their quest for the perfect brew, Starbucks unveils a vast selection, offering an array of meticulously crafted beverages that has students begging for more. From the velvety embrace of a caramel frappuccino to the invigorating jolt of a triple-shot espresso, Starbucks caters to every craving student. In harsh contrast, Chock presents a more limited repertoire, consisting of just regular coffee and two sweet drinks, one red, one yellow, leaving students yearning for the diverse flavors and colors that Starbucks has to offer.

Not only is the taste of their drinks more welcoming, so is Starbucks’s atmosphere. With its cozy ambiance, window seating, and free Wi-Fi, Starbucks pro-

vides the perfect haven for study sessions, group meetings, or just a moment to sit and think. Here, amid the gentle hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, students find solace throughout their bustling day.

“Sometimes I like to just sit there before or after school, with a nice drink and finish my schoolwork,” said Esther Lazerowitz, a Flatbush senior.

Chock, however, has a more cramped setting, being stuck in the back of a convenience store in a small room closed off from the world, not providing the same conducive space for study and socialization. “I like Starbucks a lot better because it just feels easier to breathe there,” emphasized an anonymous sophomore girl.

For students yearning for a place of open arms and connection, Starbucks is the perfect gathering place, where friendships are forged and ideas flourish.

In the Flatbush coffee culture, Starbucks emerges as the triumphant victor, captivating the hearts and taste buds of students with its unparalleled selection, inviting ambiance, and spacious environment. And as the sun rises and sets each day, students flock to Starbucks not merely for a caffeine fix, but for an experience that ignites the heart and stomach.

Forever true to Chock

By Jacqueline Halabi Editor-in-Chief

Arguably the most popular coffee shop among YOFHS girls—and occasionally Rabbi Besser and Rabbi Beyda—is our favorite hole-in-the-wall, Chock Full O’Nuts. Or, at least it was before Starbucks decided to butt in. Regardless, I shamelessly visit Chock every morning before school, my usual order of a hot raspberry tea and toasted cinnamon raisin bagel remaining unmatched for the cold winter.

I’ll admit, at first, I was excited that we’d be getting a Starbucks on Avenue J. However, once it finally came, I realized how much I still preferred Chock. Unfortunately, bigger isn’t always better, and Chock has better prices, better kosher options, and better coffee; it wasn’t a hard decision to make. At Starbucks, I’ll always pay $6 or $7 for a tiny cup that’s 75% ice and 25% coffee. At Chock, even my small iced caramel latte, priced around $4, is the perfect size for a jolt. Not to mention the fact that Chock coffee always tastes less synthetic and bitter than Starbucks. For my regular tea-and-bagel order, I pay a

touch over $5.

I also love the homey feel of Chock. It’s ironic that so much of Starbucks’ success stems from utilizing woody tones to make people feel relaxed and comfortable, because it always feels so corporate to me. Chock’s hidden-gem nature and smiling service make me feel so much cozier, whether I’m visiting alone before school or sitting with friends during lunch. I’d much rather support Alex and Jesús and their small business than the teenagers at Starbucks who probably don’t know who the chain’s founder is and still can’t figure out how to turn on the frappuccino machine.

Faculty Freshman: Dr. Moises Hassan Bendahan

By Sarah Levy Senior Editor

While Dr. Moises Hassan Bendahan always had a passion for his native Spanish language, teaching it to freshmen and sophomores in Brooklyn was not always what he intended to do as his career.

Dr. Hassan was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. He attended the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and majored in economics; however, his interests adjusted when he moved to the United States while

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

attending the University of Stony Brook. He received a Ph.D. at Stony Brook in Language and Literature while also exploring the realms of racial stereotypes and comic books.

Teaching was not just a career choice for Dr. Hassan; it was a calling. His love for the Spanish language and literature runs deep, and he jumps at every opportunity to share his knowledge and passion with others. He said he would not prefer teaching any other subject. However, he doesn’t limit himself to just language; he seamlessly integrates his interests in literature, movies, and other forms of art into his teaching, creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience for his students.

Dr. Hassan viewed the Yeshivah of Flatbush as the ideal opportunity in his teaching career for a significant reason.

When he was interviewed by the faculty of the school, he made sure to ask about the school policy regarding bullying. He sincerely appreciated the way Rabbi Beyda answered him, explaining that it’s a concern that the school has but an issue that they are constantly working on. Dr. Hassan cares for his students and wants to instill supportive environments in his classroom, and he appreciated the way our school was able to acknowledge and address bullying.

With seven years of teaching experience as a professor, Dr. Hassan embarked on a new chapter this year, transitioning to teaching Spanish in high school. Dr. Hassan expressed that the main difference between high school and college students is that he focuses more on controlling the class at Flatbush; however, for college students, he tries to motivate them to participate. He said it’s more challenging to teach sophomores rather than freshmen because he is not aware of the student’s prior knowledge of Spanish. However, freshmen start with a clean slate. He also can connect to them more, as he, too, is

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

new to our school.

Dr. Hassan stated that the start and end times of the classes are challenging to remember, so he constantly checks his schedule to make sure he is running on time. Despite the adjustment, he is fueled by the warm and friendly attitude of his students evoking a sense of familiarity. He said that teaching his students reminds him of his cousins and traditional customs back home.

Dr. Hassan’s main goal at Flatbush is simple, yet profound: to be well-liked by his students. Through his passion, dedication, and genuine care for his students’ learning and well-being, he aims to create meaningful connections and inspire a lifelong love for the Spanish language and culture. He emphasizes the importance of grammar while also providing context and relevance to his lessons, making the material more accessible and engaging for his students. As he continues to settle into his role at Flatbush, he looks forward to the journey ahead, confident in the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of his students.

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

Changes being made to math Regents due to low scores

By Ilana Kroub Contributing Writer

The New York State’s Regents exams in math are being modified after shocking news has come to light about trends in students’ math scores over the past couple years. The New York State Regents exam is a three-hour standardized test given every year in specific subjects to specific grades. The math Regents tend to be among the more difficult exams for students, as the complex multiple-choice and long-answer questions require more brain power. For 9th graders, math teachers prepare the curriculum specifically to cover the material on the Algebra I Regents exam, while the 10th grade curriculum revolves around passing the Geometry Regents and 11th grade does the same for Algebra II. For years, the math curriculum for the Regents has remained unchanged.

However, data trends about students’ test scores in recent years have recently been revealed. As every grade’s math Regents curriculum builds upon the last, failing to master skills in one grade is likely to affect the student’s success in all future math classes. Due to Regents getting canceled during the pandemic, among various other educational setbacks, many

students have not mastered certain neces sary skills, and the results are apparent in plummeting average test scores throughout New York State. And as most New York high schools require passing Regents in order to graduate, city officials have decided that the only solution is to bring in a whole new curriculum.

“Math Regents scores have been un acceptably low for the last several years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ed ucation Department spokesperson Ni cole Brownstein. “We launched our rollout of the Algebra I Illustra tive Math curriculum to address dropping test scores.”

Many hope that this new curriculum is successful in combating dropping

War in Gaza changes students’ connection with Hashem

By Katie Hidary Contributing Writer

Many students at Yeshivah of Flatbush have chosen to change their daily routines in response to the attacks in Israel on October 7, trying to feel more connected to our religion and nation.

Students expressed that they have tried to strengthen their relationship with Hashem through berachot and mitzvot Sophomore Ilana Dabah stated, “Saying berachot on my food and saying asher yazar after I use the bathroom have become essential parts of my day.”

Other students have said they have been more motivated than ever to participate in school chesed events and activities. Frieda Novick, a junior whose brother is currently serving in the Israeli army, said, “My friends in Flatbush jumped on the opportunity to help; Whether it was making desserts, helping set up, or donating money, they were eager to participate.” She raised over $7,000 from the bake sale, which she donated to her brother’s unit.

Many students express that, since the brutal attacks on October 7, they have been internalizing their daily prayers and trying to make them more meaningful and personal. Students and faculty at the school have demonstrated their love for Israel through their prayers to Hashem.  Novick said “I started praying with more kavanah. Every day I try to stop for a moment to pray for all the soldiers in the army, and I hope for all the hostages to be released.”

Students have been attempting to add more about the soldiers and hostages, who need Hashem’s help, in their prayers. Many students say they have been praying for the survival of their metaphorical family. Ms. Ginsberg, the girls’ SAFE teacher, explained that when she prays she focuses more on her “brothers and sisters in Israel” than ever before.

Many students have donated more money to the Israeli army, and the citizens in Israel who require assistance. A few students said when they donate money they feel more fulfilled and connected to their homeland. “I mostly donate money to the people who say exactly where the money is going, not just say it’s going to Israel, because then I feel like my money is going somewhere useful when I know the specific cause,” sophomore Leslie Mishaan said.

Although most students have grown their connections with Hashem and enhanced their prayers, a few students said that they don’t feel like their new connections have lasted. Sophomore Joseph Dweck said, “It might have changed in the first week, but since then it went back to normal.”

Additionally, students have been saying the school has had a greater sense of unity since the war began. Ilana Dabah said, “The rally in Washington was very spiritually uplifting,” and “it made me feel like we are all together as one. It showed me that all Jews have each other’s support.”

Although this war can make students more eager to connect with Hashem and Israel, it can also make people lose faith in Hashem. Ms. Ginsberg said, “For some people, it might make them feel more distant, like how can Hashem allow this to happen.” She explained that, because of her strong belief in Hashem, she knows He has a reason for everything. “I try to hang on to that thought because that’s the only belief that will keep me true to my religion.”

Mishaan explained, “You don’t see your prayers and you don’t see it going through, but you just need to hope Hashem has it.” She said her prayers have been deeper and impactful, but a crucial part of being a Jew is hoping that Hashem is listening.

Pages from last June's Algebra I Regents exam scores, as Regents grades hold a large sway over students’ math averages. “I wouldn’t really know the experience of taking a Regents yet, but if they are making them easier, then that’s better for us,” said freshman Vera Esses. It seems even the prospect of the new Regents curriculum is already lessening students’ stress.

However, not everyone shares that optimistic viewpoint. “I’m a little bit annoyed, as we don’t really have lots of practice, and we have never taken a Regents before,”  commented freshman Isabelle Chalouh. “Lots of us don’t know what to expect.”

Tensions escalate in Northern Israel

By Emily Tarrab Sophomore Editor

A day before IDF soldier Omer Benjo was killed on February 14 in Tsfat, a city in Northern Israel, Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, declared that his organization would continue to attack Israel until it agrees to a cease-fire with Hamas.

Since October 7, the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah has fired over 3,000 missiles at civilian and military targets in Northern Israel, in addition to launching over 600 anti-tank missiles and drones. As a direct result, 80,000 Israelis are currently displaced from their homes in the north, with many more families continuing to evacuate as the Israel-Hamas war progresses.

Thousands of automatically launching Grad rockets and ballistic missiles

are installed throughout 200 Lebanese villages, intertwined with civilian life at the Southern Border of Lebanon. Given this looming threat, Israel’s Iron Dome seeks to secure Israelis living in the north; however, the technology is not foolproof. Even with its impressive interception rate of 90%, 100 out of 1,000 rockets would still touch down.

After a string of days in mid-February filled with rocket barrages and attacks on Israel, the IDF has increased the quantity of airstrikes on Hezbollah’s Iran-backed infrastructure and command centers, succeeding in killing multiple terrorists in response. “We are not finishing this without returning the residents to Metula and all the communities in the north, with a very high level of security,” said IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, proceeding to admit that “it will take some time.”

Musk’s company successfully implants brain chip

By Samantha Ryba Junior Editor

After years of waiting, Neuralink, a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, has finally embedded a chip into a human brain.

The Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a device that controls neuron activity, allowing for external software to be completely controlled by the mind. Because of this advancement, the first people who will be receiving these chips are those who suffer from paralysis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or other diseases that limit proper limb function. The chip is embedded in the part of the brain that controls

movement intentions, allowing people with limited mobility to control their smart devices with just their thoughts.

Neuralink’s BCI is about the size of a large coin with the addition of 64 ultrathin threads that serve to distribute electrical conductors into the brain. During the procedure of implanting the chip, a chunk of the skull from behind the ear is removed and replaced with the BCI. The entire process is done completely by a robot. After implantation, over 1,000 channels are created to induce communication between the brain and the chip.

The patient who received the first chip is currently recovering from the surgery, and Musk said there is promising neuron activity and signs of communication. If this procedure results in successful communication between the brain and the chip, the lives of many who suffer from cognitive and physical disabilities can be greatly improved. The chip will potentially allow patients to speak, type, and even move if the trial advances to its next stages. Musk said that, in the future, the BCI will also

be available to healthy people and can help with other cognitive functions like memory and sight.

Scientists are hopeful about the success of the brain chip, yet some factors of the procedure make prospective patients hesitant. This surgery is very invasive compared to the other brain chip implanting surgeries happening outside of America. This factor may hin-

der future surgeries and the popularity of Neuralink’s BCI.

Though no solid outcomes have been observed yet, Musk is hopeful that this chip will be the future of symbiosis between humans and AI despite any setbacks that Neuralink may face.

An Israeli artillery unit fires from a position in northern Israel toward southern Lebanon

Israel

Students showing support by wearing masking tape

By Olivia Shamayeva Contributing Writer

Over the past month, Flatbush students have been wearing a piece of masking tape on their shirts with a handwritten number indicating the number of days the Israeli hostages have been held in captivity by Hamas. With every passing day, students change the number on the tape, serving as a reminder to themselves and others.

Most students wearing tape said that the idea was first suggested to them by the Hebrew department. Hebrew teacher Morah Hen Lerrer stated that the idea sprouted from the department chair, Mrs. Winkler, who suggested it as “a new gesture Israeli people are doing these days for the hostages’ families.” Morah Hen said

she believes that doing this small action is the least we can do here in America, and mentioned that “it is an easy way to keep [the hostages] as first priority.”

The numbered tape was first worn by Israeli citizen Rachel Goldberg, whose son Hersh was taken hostage on October 7 and is still in captivity. Her daily gesture soon spread throughout Israel and among some Jews around the world.

When Morah Hen shared the idea with her classes, she was delighted to see the quick responses. One of her students, Jaclyn Lazerowitz, shared, “Wearing the tape with the number of hostages is very meaningful to me. It is sad because it is a reminder of all the innocent, Jewish people still in captivity, but at the same time it made me realize how Am Yisrael are all in

continued on page 6

Alum in Israel: Arlette Anteby

By Elisha Kahan Religion Editor

Arlette Anteby is the fourth of five children, but the first of her siblings to study in Israel. “I wanted to spend a year in Israel and immerse myself in the culture, and also being that I’m going to a secular college, I wanted a year to focus on higher-level religious learning,” she explained.

days are off for Erev Shabbat.

Anteby was surprised to see that “all the classes were in English, which was very different from Flatbush, and I found that coming from Flatbush our Hebrew education is very strong.”

D’var Torah: Solving the mystery of Michah

By Elisha Kahan Religion Editor

Rashi cites from Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 19) an enigmatic Midrash regarding the formation of the Golden Calf: “Michah was there, who went out from walls [Gur Aryeh] where he was crushed, and in his hand was a plate on which Moshe inscribed ‘Rise, ox; Rise, ox’ to lift Yoseph’s coffin[described as a רוֹשׁ in Zot HaBracha] from the Nile. And he threw it inside the crucible and out arose the calf.” The Gemara in Sanhedrin 101b elaborates further on Michah: “He is Nivat; he is Michah; he is Shevah ben Bichri. Nivat, who looked but did not see; Michah, who was crushed in the building; And what was his name? Shevah ben Bichri.”

Rashi explains that Moshe beseeched Hashem, asking why he was allowing evil to be wrought onto his nation, such that due to the shortage of bricks, the Jews were now forced to use their sons to fill in the gaps of the walls they were constructing. Hashem replied that the Egyptians were simply removing thorns, and if the children had lived, they would become reshaim. Hashem offered Moshe a chance to see how one such child would turn out, and Moshe pulled out Michah. Michah would later build a temple for Avodah Zara in Sefer Shoftim

Many commentators understand Sanhedrin’s statement as metaphorical, noting the events of the story of Michah occurred centuries before Sheva ben Bichri’s rebellion. If they were not three different people, however, we must consider why the Gemara states that his true name was Sheva ben Bichri. And perhaps more problematic than Michah’s extensive lifetime is Michah’s reappearance at the end of Sefer Shoftim. If Michah actively participated in the forming of the Golden Calf, he would have been killed in the aftermath of the sin, or at least barred from entry into Eretz Yisrael!

Understanding אטח

לגעה sheds light on the personality of Michah. Da’at Zekeinim understands that the primary purpose of the Golden Calf was to act as a substitute for Moshe Rebbeinu. This rejection of the leadership of Moshe is manifest in the actions of Michah. Michah appropriated Yoseph’s along with the form of the רוֹשׁ, perhaps hinting a leader would have been more fit to emerge from Yoseph, forerunner of the kingdom of Israel. Michah, now settled in the hills of Ephraim in the early period of the Judges, similarly rejected centralized worship, crafting forms that were eventually employed by the sons of Dan “all the days the house of Hashem was in Shiloh.”

Ironically, Michah took in the grandson of Moshe as a priest in his temple (Bava Batra 109b). Afterward, however, the lad left Michah to serve the Shevet Dan, taking much of Michah’s Avodah Zara objects with him. This set up the stage for Sheva ben Bichri’s rebellion.  Sheva is described as לעילב שיא, which has a connotation of Avodah Zara (Ketubot 68a), harkening back to his days as Michah. Indeed, Yoav said that Sheva similarly hailed from the hills of Ephraim. Sheva ben Bichri rebelled against Malchut Beit Yehudah, now upset that the kingship had been stripped from Benyamin (Shaul).

Indeed, the Gemara explains that his name was also Nevat, for he saw a portentous sign and expected the kingship himself. Rather, the sign expressed that his son, Yerovam, would become the King of Yisrael. Yerovam would follow in his father’s footsteps, rebelling against the present King of Yehudah, Rechovam, under ben Bichri’s rallying call.  He would further institute two golden calves outside of Jerusalem to prevent worship in the Beit HaMikdash. Shockingly, the people repeated the folly of  חטא העגל, exclaiming: “This is your god, Yisrael, which took you out of Egypt.”

Anteby is spending her year studying in Midreshet Moriah in Baka, Jerusalem. Over 200 girls come to the seminary from all over the Diaspora, including America, England, and even South Africa. Moriah offers a highly flexible schedule. For every 50-minute class, there is a choice of four classes, where students can choose from Gemara, Halakhah, Tanakh, and even Mussar. There are three blocks of classes, from 9:00 to 1:00, from 3:00 to 6:00, and finally from 7:30 to 9:00. Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to chesed, and Fri-

In Flatbush, she thought she had some exposure to the Ashkenaz world, but being immersed as a Syrian girl in an Ashkenaz seminary was quite a different experience for her. Still, Anteby says that she came to Israel looking for exposure to new cultures, and that is what she is getting. For three of four Shabbatot of the month, when the seminary has a “free” Shabbat, Anteby has been trying to stay in as many cities as she can, expressing that it has been “really nice to see all the different cultures.” One Shabbat per month is spent with the school, and the girls get to experience a Shabbaton in different places in Israel.

In Moriah, Anteby has been enjoying

The Midrash itself provides a solution, for Michah was kept alive only as a testament to HaKodesh Baruch Hu’s foresight. Michah would have to fully demonstrate his wickedness as a sign for future generations, craft the Egel, proliferate Avodah Zara in Shevet Dan, rebel against David HaMelech, and raise a son who would split the kingdom!

learning Nakh, including the books of Daniel, Ezra, and Nechemiah. “It’s crazy that there are some books of Tanakh that I’ve never opened before.” Indeed, the seminary offers her the chance to study topics not typically covered in the school curriculum. While many of the girls go to the Beit Midrash to pray between 8:00 and 8:30, Anteby loves praying on her balcony, overlooking the city.

The school continued running on October 8 and on, but 50 of the girls went home, including Anteby. To accommo-

Sheva ben Bichri’s rebellion ended with a wise woman declaring to David’s general, המוחה דעב ךילא ךלשמ ושאר הנה“And behold, his head will be thrown to you from above the wall” (Metzudat David). However, דעב normally connotes a notion of insideness. Michah was ultimately destined to return to the inside of the wall whence he emerged.

date, the Midreshet held recordings of classes. Within two months, mostly everyone had returned. Anteby does note that one of the rabbis went back to reserve duty, and he is still there, not having taught since October 7.

The one downside of Anteby’s experience has been the food. Anteby considers herself a picky eater and prefers her own cooked meals to the seminary’s. The school provides a kitchen area, and she says that she has been learning a lot in the kitchen in the past months.

Every day, Rachel Goldberg, shown here in Jerusalem on Jan. 12, 2024, wears a piece of masking tape carrying the number of days her son, Hersh, has been held hostage by Hamas militants. Jan. 14 will mark 100 days.

Schedule overhaul shortens day

continued from page 1

they will still have the opportunity to take another science, but most juniors won’t be able to take any AP sciences until senior year.  That elective spot has lots of options to choose from, including non-science APs, and a variety of creative classes. This leaves students with the choice between many interesting classes, having to decide which is more important to them.

An anonymous sophomore isn’t happy about these changes: “I love bio and was looking forward to taking AP Bio next year. Physics sounds horrible.” Another sophomore, Yvette Dweck, doesn’t mind physics, “I’m excited. I have high hopes for next year. I think physics will be good for college and the school knows what it’s doing.” Both are happy about ending at 4:36, though, saying it will give them a whole other life after school.

Seniors will also face a huge change in the day. Most seniors end their day at 3:50, something that they have looked forward to all four years. Now they will end at 4:36 like everyone else, a source of complaints from many current juniors. “I’ve been waiting three years to end early,” junior Frieda Novick said.

Seniors will still have three elective slots, but because AP sciences will only be available senior year, this may cause many students to feel pressured to take an AP science. The administration is hoping that senior year becomes more serious and intense and acts as a pre-college year, not a “fake” year, like how some see it now.

Another significant change is the removal of Spanish and Coding from freshman and sophomore schedules. The focus will be on the core curriculum and strengthening English and Hebrew language skills, rather than other languages. However, both these classes will still be available for interested students to take after school during the optional “10th period.”

Although it seems like the school is getting rid of special interests and creative classes, they are actually dedicating more formal time to teams, clubs, and extracurricular activities. Every day from 4:405:26, there will be “Club Hour.” Clubs and academic teams will meet then, once or twice a week, depending on the club. Additionally, a variety of optional elective courses will meet at that time. The “Club Hour” gives students time to explore what they like and socialize with the Flatbush community. The administration also thinks that giving more dedicated time to academic teams will help them thrive. All sports teams will meet at 5:30.

Building up the Flatbush community is one of the main benefits that the school hopes to achieve. Ms. Hidary said that, with all grades ending at the same time each day, she thinks that students will feel more together and unified. She also said that the longer mincha and longer breakfast give more opportunities for quick assemblies and community-building time.

Israel war has many juniors rethinking summer plans

continued from page 1

There are many others with Tawil’s same perspective. “I really want to be in Israel and just help in any way I can. Going to KH is the perfect way that I can contribute even in a small way. I just want to make a difference,” Estee Yazdi expressed. For Yazdi, going on KH is a means of assisting Israel and bringing joy back to the land.

Despite a desire to connect with Israel at this time, some students have faced

constraints due to current conditions. Some parents have decided not to send their children to Israel during this dire time to ensure their safety. An anonymous junior explained, “Before October 7, I was planning on going to Israel for the summer, but since the war started, my parents are not comfortable. I do understand where they are coming from, but it is disappointing nonetheless.”

Students showing support by wearing masking tape

continued from page 5

this war together, how we are supporting our Jewish brothers and sisters, and how we are also fighting this war even from so far away.”

Students all have their own reasons for wearing the tape. Senior Rae Levy said, “I do it because, even though time is passing quickly in my own life and days go by fast, every morning when I write the number I remember that a whole day has passed and that we can’t forget and move on with our lives.” She believes that doing this small act of kindness makes an impact on herself, giving her the extra reminder of the tragedies in Israel.

All juniors will take Physics classes

continued from page 1

the College Guidance department, and they all agreed that physics is vital to all junior’s schedules. “Colleges are looking for more intensity and rigor in your selection in senior year,” he said. “They are looking for students to take higher-level courses in senior year.”

Not all students see the benefits. “I feel like making physics mandatory won’t be beneficial for us,” said an anonymous

sophomore. “What if I was planning on taking AP Chemistry junior year, and forensics in senior year? Now I only get the chance to take one of them.”

Some students feel that it’s unfair that they get to take an elected science only in senior year. Others are frightened that their grades will be hurt by this new addition to the school’s curriculum.

have approached them and asked about the number attached to their shirts, enabling those students to educate others about the current situation in Israel or to remind fellow students of the ongoing crisis.

“I have had a lot more encounters than I expected related to this simple piece of tape,” explained junior Ralph Bakst. “Besides school, I’ve been approached in places such as restaurants, the gym, and even the subway with people who were curious about the number plastered to my shirt. This gave me the opportunity to share my views and spread awareness.”

Most students in class 3HR have been wearing the tape since Morah Hen first suggested it. Several students in the class reported that the effects of this little piece of tape have been much larger than they expected. Many unknowing individuals

Morah Hen is proud that sharing this idea with students has helped spread awareness about Israel’s struggles. She added, “It is our obligation as Jews to educate ourselves about Israel wherever we are.”

SCHEDULE A PATHFINDERS MEETING

Alicia Cohen (left) and Estee Yazdi present their work at Discover Night

What will Apple do next?

By Morris Ringer Contributing Writer

“We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?” said Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple Inc.  Apple has been a profitable stock to invest in since its opening in 1976. However, it seems that those days are finally over, because of their net operating profit. A net operating profit is the complete profit a business makes, which is calculated by subtracting the total income by the cost of the product, such as wages, raw mate rials, etc. Surprisingly, Ap net operating profit has decreased from 2022, meaning their revenue hasn’t gone up, even given their increase in cost.

Many don’t know this because Apple’s operating income per share is up from 2022. This is because Apple has been buying up their own shares to try to increase the price of their shares and to pay less in dividends. Dividends are payments that companies give to their shareholders for owning the stock, way to get income stocks without selling them. Companies generally give dividends to encourage shareholders to buy, while also attracting hedge funds that only buy dividend stocks. This proves that Apple has peaked in its market.

phone with no physical touch, like texting someone while watching a sports game. Despite being a potentially life-changing product, it hasn’t been selling well, as most consumers can’t afford the $3,500 price tag. The Apple Vision Pro will create a market of its own, but needs to decrease in price so more people can afford the product. Apple can try to increase its net profit by selling more of its software, but that will likely interfere with its longtime competition with Microsoft, as both companies produce similar products.

One of the main differences between the sparring companies is that Microsoft’s main asset of income is selling its software to other companies, dominating the office-suite market with Microsoft Office. Apple can try to compete in the Cloud computing industry, but there is a lot of tough competition. Cloud computing consists of servers being paid to store and send data over the internet. Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft Azure currently control that market, so gaining a foothold would be difficult, even for Apple.

Many believe Apple now needs a new

However grim the options may seem as of now, if Apple does not expand to a different market, it will not be able to increase its market cap from its current $3 billion. Perhaps Apple should invest in artificial intelligence, an unserviced market that can be used heavily in the future. Nivida and Microsoft currently control this market, but there is likely room for other companies.

Mistakes provide a Lyft

By Teddy Frastai Contributing Writer

Typos in earnings reports disclosed to investors in publicly traded companies are an extremely rare occurrence. However, the most recent fourth-quarter earnings report released by Lyft had shareholders ecstatic, because the report erroneously stated that Lyft’s profit margins would rise by 500 basis points (5%) in the upcoming year. Lyft’s CEO, David Risher, meant to report that the profit margin would increase by just 50 basis points (0.5%). This led investors to gobble up shares in Lyft, driving its stock price up by 60% from $12.13 to $19.03.

The mistake was corrected almost immediately after the shocking financial

forecast was released. Even after the correction, Lyft shares closed 35% higher than before the fourth quarter earnings were released. Lyft’s CEO commented that the error was caught early and that the mistake was his fault. Risher also added that he didn’t want this mistake to take attention away from the company’s best financial quarter in its history.

Lyft also shared that it expects to be cash-flow positive in 2024, meaning it will generate more cash than it spends during the year. Being cash-flow positive signals a path to future profits.

In four of the previous five quarters, Lyft’s stock price had declined by double-digit percentages in reaction to the quarterly reports.

Risher took the blame for the typo

Entertainment

Oscar predictions: picks for every major award

By Henry Esses Entertainment Editor

As the much-anticipated Oscars approach, film enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement about the outstanding performances and cinematic achievements of the past year. Let’s delve into some predictions for the prestigious awards:

For the coveted Best Actor category, Cillian Murphy’s captivating portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer stands out. Every nuance in Murphy’s performance, from facial expressions to movements, adds depth to the character, making him a strong contender. In the Best Actress category, Lily Gladstone’s poignant and sorrowful performance in Killers of the Flower Moon has left an indelible mark. Her ability to convey emotions with authenticity makes her a standout choice.

Moving to Best Supporting Actor, Robert Downey Jr’s surprising villainous turn in Oppenheimer has garnered attention. His unexpected performance adds a layer of complexity to the film. For Best Supporting Actress, Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s breakthrough performance in The Holdovers is predicted to shine. Her impactful portrayal has brought her into the spotlight and proved her worthy of the Oscar.

Shifting to the writing categories, The Holdovers is expected to claim Best Original Screenplay for its wholesome and enjoyable narrative. On the other hand, Poor Things is anticipated to take home Best Adapted Screenplay for its intriguing plot that keeps viewers engaged. In the

animated realm, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the front-runner for Best Animated Feature. Its popularity and fan frenzy make it a strong contender for the

coveted award.

For the visually enchanting categories, Barbie is predicted to win both Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, thanks to its iconic sets and clothing that have left a lasting impression. Cinematographically, Oppenheimer is expected to secure Best Cinematography, owing to its breathtaking close-ups that intensify the dramatic moments. Anatomy of a Fall is likely to receive the Best Editing award for its impeccable pacing. In the realm of sound, American Fiction is predicted to win Best Original Score for its evocative music that enhances the storytelling.

Christopher Nolan’s masterful direction in Oppenheimer, with its nonlinear storytelling and compelling narrative, makes him a top contender for Best Director. Finally, for the grand finale, Oppenheimer is the predicted front-runner for Best Picture. With its stellar performances, captivating cinematography, and a compelling plot, it stands as one of the decade’s cinematic gems. As Oscar night nears, the world will eagerly await to see which predictions come to fruition and celebrate the remarkable achievements in cinema over the past year.

Taylor Swift: The Tale of The Tortured Poets Department

By Shirley Jajati Entertainment Editor

Long live all the magic Taylor Swift has made with her music. With the world as her stage, she stood at the 2024 Grammys, a beacon of talent and grace, clutching her latest treasure: the Best Pop Vocal Album trophy.  And in a moment that resonated with Swifties worldwide, she unveiled her 11th masterpiece, an album sure to enchant us once again with her symphony

of emotions and melodies, The Tortured Poets Department

All over social media, Swift painted a portrait of her forthcoming album, with enticing cover art that left many wondering whether the new album would be a nightmare dressed like a daydream. Swifties dissected its cryptic allure, anticipating the soul-stirring journey ahead. Set to release on April 19, the album beckons us into Swift’s world, promising a beautiful and heart wrenching story.

Recording studio buzzing with student activity

By Aleen Jaradeh Editor-in-Chief

Flatbush students have been making use of the new basement recording studio at increasing rates, producing a variety of projects across genres. The Phoenix Live podcast, the school’s recent Open Studio album, and a variety of personal projects have all been recorded there in recent months. Some students have even recorded songs for class assignments, including for the hip-hop unit for 11th grade English.

“Our incredible multimedia studios have quickly become the coolest spaces in the building,” arts department chair Ms. Shatzkes said. “From band rehearsal to podcast recordings to music and media classes, these spaces offer infinite opportunities to create and inspire.”

dents have proved that they are capable of producing the highest level of professional grade music.”

Students in the school choir have covered songs as well as written and recorded their own personal songs in the studio, which have been published on Spotify. Choir director Ricky Sasson expressed, Our new state-of-the-art recording studio has provided the tools for our students to realize and capitalize on their unique abilities and talents. With the release of our recent Open Studio album, our stu-

Fearless, Swift unveiled the tracklist, a symphony of 16 tracks with whispers of a bonus hidden gem. Collaborations hold treasures of their own, with Post Malone leading the charge on “Fortnight” and Florence + the Machine lending their magic to “Florida!!!” Though she knows that the world is delicate, Swift is still full of creative expression, and The Tortured Poets Department stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to her own style.

Senior Linda Benun, who appears on the Open Studio album and has recorded and released her own songs in the studio, remarked, “The studio gives students the unique opportunity to take music to the next level and gain experience with music production and recording.” Benun also takes the elective class Making Music, where students learn about the fundamental structures of both modern and classical pieces. “Students in this elective use the studio to create their own pieces of music and experiment with different songwriting techniques,” said Benun.

Senior Rivkah Lahav, who is also in the school’s choir and has recorded her own songs in the studio, finds the space to be “magical.” Lahav commented, “I’m so grateful to have this creative outlet. The studio gave me the opportunity and inspiration to make music in a completely new way and I’ve watched my friends be inspired in the same way. Ricky has been a tremendous help in bringing our visions to life. I’ve never heard of another school that has anything like this.”

Between albums, Swift continued

to shake it off. Re-recording Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and 1989 (Taylor’s Version), her music ascended the charts, while The Eras Tour cleared the global stage, leaving a blank space for Swift to write her name in musical history.

As April 19 approaches, Swifties ready themselves for the unveiling of The Tortured Poets Department For in the realm of her music, emotions run deep and melo - dies linger, inviting us into an enigmatic wonderland bigger than your wildest dreams.

Murphy

Gladstone

Junior Joseph Catton

Junior David Angel

Ask Merle

Hi Merle,

When is school going to end?

Hajed Freshman

Hey, Hajed, Honestly, never. I’m a senior, and I’m exhausted. It seems like the months are just dragging along, like, what am I still doing here? Like why am I being assigned work? Why do I have to wake up at 6:45 in the morning? There are 114 days left until my graduation, but you guys, you little freshies, I don’t know what to tell you. Just some advice: if you want to get through the next four years (for the rest of your life), you should start making a calendar, and check off every day with a nice little red pen and just start counting down. Maybe that will help it go by faster.

Hey, Procrastination,

If I were you, I would just do camp. Have fun!

Merle

Merle,

Why are they adding physics to the schedule?

Annoyed

Sophomore

Hey, Annoyed, I feel so bad for you; you guys got the worst end of this schedule change deal. The incoming seniors should also be annoyed, because they no longer have the choice of getting out at 3:50—this schedule made my senior year.

difference in dismissal is crazy. But now, finding rides to and from school will be much easier for everyone.

Lastly, one thing I will forever be jealous of is the later start. How can it be that I’ve been walking up before 7 for four years, only for it to be changed so suddenly?! Anyway, good luck to all of you.

Love,

Merle

Hey Merle,

Is there going to be a color war?

Anxious General

Hey, Anxious,

Honestly, yes. The administration always seems to be … mmmm … what’s the word … suspicious? They like to keep us in suspense; they see it as a glimmer of hope for the students and just want to hype up

Sorry I wasn’t so uplifting,

Good luck,  Merle

Merle, Any recommendations for what to do this summer?

Procrastination Station

The most controversial part of this whole deal, though, is the number of classes per day changing. Instead of having 10 or 11 classes, everyone only has 8. While fewer classes are easier to juggle, it’s also a longer amount of time in that class.

My favorite part of the deal is the fact that everyone, and I mean everyone, gets out of school at the same time. The number of carpools I’ve had to drop out of because of the

Crossword Puzzle

By Esther Shemia Fun and Games Editor

Fun & Games Flatbush Cartoon

the event more. I can’t wait for Color War. I love seeing who the generals are going to be, and the tea that comes with that. The skits are so hyped up for them to be terrible. The dances are pretty funny, ngl. The best part is that we, my grade, the seniors, lose. Every. Single. Year. Can’t wait to see everyone’s tutus.

Bye!

Merle

Merle,

I’m in a book slump. Any recommendations?

BookTok Lover

Hey Book,

Just ask your English teacher, I’m not a librarian.

Sorry,  Merle

By Jacob Naussbaum Phoenix Cartoonist

Standard of Fabulous

Hot new beauty products for 2024

By Sophia Madeb Fashion Editor

The beauty industry kicks it off with a bang as new products debut this year.

Laura Mercier, best known for its setting powders, has now gained recognition for their Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation. It is arguably the first makeup product to go viral this year, receiving a boost from popular TikTok influencer Glamzilla. She expressed that this skinlike foundation offers long wear coverage for up to 12 hours without feeling heavy. The foundation has a wide range of 32 shades and provides medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish. Despite its many pros, it comes at a slightly higher price than a regular foundation, retailing for $52.

The Mercier foundation was out of stock for weeks after Glamzilla posted her viral video, but it wasn’t the only product that sent people rushing to stores. In the video, she used the Makeup Forever 108 foundation brush. This flat, straight brush interested many influences to review the brush’s ability to seamlessly apply foundation without leaving streaks in the most satisfying way, and so far, the reviews have been positive. This brush is suitable for all types of foundations and powders. Although often out of stock at Sephora, it can be found on the Makeup Forever website for $36.

Glow Recipe, a skincare brand that surged in popularity in 2023 with their Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, dropped a new bronze twist called the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum on February 23.

The serum’s main ingredients are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, designed for uneven texture and brightening the skin leaving a tan tint. Influencers have been reviewing this product, leaving Glow Recipe fans excited to try it out. It will retail for $35.

Glow Recipe is not the only brand to put a twist on one of its best-selling products. Milk Makeup launched the Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip and Cheek Blush Stain on February 6, 2024. Unlike their regular stick blushes, this jellylike blush utilizes collagen for firming the skin and aloe to soothe and keep the skin feeling refreshed. The longwear blush doesn’t smudge, and customers are left in awe. The main reviews are, “Trust me, it works,” and “It looks like candy.”  It comes in four shades and is selling quickly for $24.

finding it almost empty.

However, Summer Fridays didn’t just stop there; they also launched a limited edition lip gloss in the shade birthday cake, on February 15. Like all the shades, it’s made with the same 100% vegan ingredients, but the birthday cake shines a sparkling baby pink color with a hint of a sweet buttercream scent, priced at $24.

In the lip domain, Summer Fridays, an Allure award-winning brand for their lip balm, recently dropped a lip oil on January 18, which hit Sephora’s shelves the next day and sold out within hours. The Dream Lip Oil for Moisturizing Sheer Coverage is available in four shades, designed to intensely hydrate and leave a high-shine finish. Priced at $26, the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Influencer Alix Earle even mentioned at the Grammy Awards that it’s one of the three makeup products she cannot leave the house without. However, others are saying that it runs out too quickly after only using the product a few times and

Another popular mention is Topicals, which gained popularity at the beginning of the year for its Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing and Hydration. This lip product is ideal for dryness, providing long-lasting hydration with its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, while also offering a glossy finish. As the hype grew, this product sold out for weeks and has just now been restocked on Sephora, retailing for $16.

If Elf Cosmetics didn’t copy other brands, or as their followers claim, “dupe” them, it wouldn’t have had a successful start this year. Elf released the Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen on January 20, which many are calling a dupe for Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump. The Pout Clout pen comes in eight shades, including one clear and seven tinted lip plumping gloss that provides a smooth, glossy finish. This lip plumper retails for $8, while the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump offers 16 shades but is priced at $24.

Elf Cosmetics didn’t stop there; they also dropped the camo Liquid blush, which gained popularity at the beginning of the year. Influencers on TikTok began reviewing this product alongside the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. It is seen as almost a joke, for the colors and looks are almost the same. On the one hand, Elf’s blush comes in eight shades that are long-lasting, highly pigmented formulas with a soft and dewy finish. The blush retails for $7. On the other hand, the Rare Beauty blush is known in the beauty community as a high pigmentation and long-wearing formula; it offers 15 shades and retails for $23.

Quiet luxury, from the Gilded Age to now

By Rachael Kopylov Sophomore Editor

With each new season, there’s usually a noteworthy trend that captures the fashion world’s full attention. This spring, the trend is quiet luxury. Full of neutral colors, minimalist shapes, high quality materials, and, most important, invisible branding, quiet luxury emphasizes refined taste and effortless elegance. Quiet luxury staple pieces include classic loafers, cashmere sweaters, midi skirts, and a finishing touch like leather or a sophisticated necklace.

Although quiet luxury may seem like a new trend, it’s actually just a new way to describe a form of classicism: new

money versus old money, a tale as old as time. In New York City from 1870-1910, a time that Mark Twain coined “The Gilded Age,” there was a substantial social divide between generational wealth—established European families who could trace their wealth back at least three generations—and those who recently acquired their fortunes. Even families with billions of dollars weren’t accepted into the highest levels of society because of their flashiness and gaudiness in displaying their newfound fortunes.

Quiet luxury came full circle after the designer label craze that accelerated in the ’70s and ’80s. The rise of designer blue jeans sold at a reasonable price made wealth more attainable, providing a

way for those outside of “high society” to display their wealth to the world, hoping to be envied and respected. Quiet luxury is the exact opposite. It contends that if someone needs to loudly display their wealth through large designer labels, then they’re an outsider to the world of luxury or wealth. To be part of high society, it’s better to have a closet full of timeless and luxurious-looking pieces without any obvious signs of branding.

The most obvious example of modern quiet luxury is model Sofia Richie. Ever since her wedding last June, social media has been full of tutorials on how to achieve her look and how to embrace “old money” elegance.

TikTok pushes ‘mob wife’ trend

By Sylvia Saad Fashion Editor

In the tumultuous world of TikTok fashion trends, a bold aesthetic has taken the stage: the “mob wife” look. Imagine the wife of a mafia leader strutting down the street in extravagant fur, loud gold jewelry, and voluminous hair. This in-your-face style has captured the fashion world. The influencers of TikTok have decided that the clean girl is out and the mob wife aesthetic is in. The days of slicked-back buns and minimalist outfits are gone. Maximalists are having their time to shine and finally getting to live out their Sopranos fantasies.

The inspiration for the trend is drawn from mafia-focused TV shows, where the trophy wives never miss the mark with ostentatious attire that goes against all of quiet luxury’s rules and regulations. Designer labels serve as status symbols, and the combination of all-black ensembles, leather outfits, and classic red lips exudes the sassy attitude that defines the mob wife look. Although the clothes are essential to completing the aesthetic, the attitude that comes with it is a key component. Picture Sandy from the final scene of Grease, add a huge fur coat, and you have officially captured the essence of the trend.

Although the trend seems relatively harmless, much controversy has emerged from it. Italians from New Jersey claim that the TikTok girls are stealing their culture under false pretenses. They assert that the same style has been popular in Jersey for decades. This is present in the Real Housewives of New Jersey, who are sometimes seen as the original mob wives who deserve to be credited for the aesthetic.

Sports

What to expect from Mets, Yankees this season

By Elliot Cohen Contributing Writer

After lackluster New York baseball seasons, both the Mets and Yankees have made moves to restructure their teams to return to their former glory.

The Mets, who won only 75 games last season, have been forced to alter their ways.

Last offseason, the Mets signed a big contract with Cy Young award-winning pitcher Justin Verlander. After a delayed start to his season, Verlander did not perform as well as expected. In his time with the Mets he had a 4.50 ERA, which is high for an ace. Additionally, the Mets were forced to let go of their ace Max Scherzer, after delivering an unsatisfactory season. Despite losing two aces, the Mets were able to brew up a new potential ace in Kodai Senga, who posted a below-3 ERA and, with his nasty ghost fork, struck out 202 batters in his first MLB season.

Since October, the Mets have focused on pitchers with huge upsides despite coming off of disappointing seasons. They signed reliever Shintaro Fujinami, who, despite stats that are not too pleasing to the eye, has great potential.The Mets also brought in former Yankees homegrown pitcher Luis Severino and former Oakland standout Sean Manaea. While not having a good year by any means in the season prior, Severino can bounce back and give the Mets a great #2 option, and the same can be said for Manaea. The Mets also brought in former Yankees Harrison Bader and Luke Voit, who can provide great depth off the bench. Although they have lacked blockbuster moves thus far, Mets fans can look forward to an exciting roster with great upside this season.

The Yankees had a lackadaisical last season, to say the least. After winning the AL East in the season prior, the Yankees

finished fourth out of five, while being plagued with injuries. The Yankees brightest light last season was without a doubt Cy Young award winner Gerrit Cole, who, posting a 2.63 ERA, showed nothing but dominance, and validated the Yankees’ signing of him in the 2019 offseason. However, the Yankees lacked a great second starter, spending the bag on former Cy Young runner-up Carlos Rodon, who did not perform his best. After a late start to the season, Rodon lacked good stuff, and had a 6.85 ERA.

Additionally, after missing out on former MVP Aaron Judge for the majority of the season, the Yankees had a clear gap in their hitting. To fix this, the Yankees traded for young superstar Juan Soto, who, at only 24, has already been in the league for seven years.

Two years after leading the Nationals to a World Series in 2019, Soto was dealt to the Padres in the summer of 2022. After a season and a half there, the Yankees traded for him with one year remaining on his contract. Soto makes for a great fit in New York because, as a lefty who pulls home runs, he will have it easier with Yankee Stadium’s shorter home run porch. Soto is a career .261 hitter at Yankee Stadium with four home runs.

The Yankees also improved upon their pitching by acquiring former Met Marcus Stroman through free agency. They could potentially be looking to make a splash by signing Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, who is still unsigned.

The Yankees made utility moves by signing Alex Verdugo, and trading for Trent Grisham. Both may not start every game, but are important pieces for the Yankees off the bench. Overall, Yankees fans can look forward to an exciting season, potentially reeling in a 28th World Series.

Sportsman Spotlight: Gelber ready for leadership role

By Paulette Saada Sports Editor

Stacey Gelber grew up playing basketball her whole life and joined the Flatbush Falcons Girls Varsity Basketball team as a sophomore. Gelber started to play basketball at a young age and has had a passion for it ever since. She is always looking to improve herself as a player, as well as make her teammates better.

This year, the basketball program at the Yeshivah of Flatbush took a slight turn. The school brought in new coaches who changed the way the program at Flat-

bush used to run. Gelber explained, “I loved the new program this year because we all became totally different players and along with my teammates we all got so much better and grew so much in just one season.”  She said they worked hard all season to get to the place where the team is, and looking back, the hard work was all worth it. “We all became confident and ready to fight every game,” she said.

Gelber will be a senior on the Varsity team next year. She said it is going to

Constructing a perfect March Madness bracket

Heywood Chalom Contributing Writer

Warren Buffet proposed an offer to the world that if a perfect March Madness bracket was ever made, he would personally give that person a billion dollars. If each game were a coin flip, the odds of a perfect bracket are 1 in 9.2 quintillion. As Selection Sunday hasn’t yet occurred, official matchups aren’t set, so let’s take a look at trends in the past five March Madness tournaments, in order to construct a strategic bracket.

Let’s start at the beginning, taking a look at the Round of 64. In 2018 a sixteen-seed shockingly beat a one-seed for the first time, causing one-seeds to be on watch in case it would happen again in the next few years. Last year a one-seed got sloppy once again and lost in the first round. Therefore this year, one-seeds will be extra careful with their first-round matchups. Pick every one-seed to beat every sixteen-seed to advance to the Round of 32.

Eight vs. nine matchups are the closest matchups of the entire first round, or at least that is what many fans think. Surprisingly, the nine-seed has upset the eight-seed 2.6 times on average, meaning that the eight-seed wins only 1.4 times per tournament. This makes an eight-seed less likely to win than an eleven- or a ten-seed, meaning those games are actually closer in odds. Pick two nine-seeds to advance to the second round, and then favor them slightly later on. An average of 1.2 twelve/ thirteen-seeds have upset five/four-seeds respectively, yet this does not mean you need to pick one of each of them to do so this year. Some years, two twelve-seeds upset, and some years none did with the same holding true for thirteen-seeds. Pick either one or two of these upsets, as they happen often but you may pick the wrong one and four/five-seeds often advance to far later rounds than the twelves/thirteens that upset them. On average, 1.7 eleven/ ten-seeds upset six/seven-seeds respectively, and those have been pretty evenly distributed, unlike with the thirteens/ twelves upsets. Picking up to four upsets of this variety is not so far-fetched as these are practically coin-flip games, but pick at least two at a minimum (one from each).

Three-seeds are right in the sweet spot of being a great team, yet not the best; therefore, they know they need to try to win. This makes them dominant in the first round because they try hard and are a significantly better team. Say goodbye to the fourteen-seeds and pick every threeseed to win. In March Madness history, only eleven fifteen-seeds have ever beaten a two-seed; however, this has happened in

feel strange because she is always used to having older people on the team. “Losing the seniors will be very different, the team will be weird and the dynamic will be off,” she said. However, Gelber continued to explain that she will have to take a leadership role next year and will need to lead the team to success.

each of the last three years. Take one fifteen-seed and three two-seeds to advance to the next round.

For the Round of 32, assuming all your picks have been right so far, here’s how to decide who makes it to the Sweet Sixteen. One-seeds have lost in the second round about once on average and, with increased prep being focused on the previous round due to a sixteen-seed upsetting a oneseed last year we can expect that trend to continue, pick a one-seed to lose here. Picking between an eight- or a nine-seed to advance another round is once again a coin flip, but since nine-seeds are more likely to win in the first round, pick one of them to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. As twelve and thirteen-seeds have only won a second-round matchup twice in the last five years, do not pick one of them to upset here. Instead, stick with two of each of your fours and fives. As dominant as three-seeds are in the first round, about 1.5 of them on average did not make it out of the second round, and they often lose to an eleven-seed, so pick one three-seed to get upset by an eleven-seed. That also means no more six-seeds are left still alive in the tourney. Seven-seeds advance past the second round far more often than tenseeds do, so let a seven-seed advance. Each fifteen-seed that upset their first-round opponent has upset their second-round opponent as well, so pick them to advance once again. Even though there are now three two-seeds remaining, another one of them on average is eliminated here as well. This has been true over the past five years, so pick another two-seed to get upset.

In the Sweet Sixteen, roughly two one-seeds advance each year, meaning this’ll be the end for our lonely nine-seed. Four and five seeds are equally likely to advance past this point, so choose one of each of them to advance, with one of our one-seeds being eliminated. Of the fifteen-seeds from the past three years that we’ve been basing our Cinderella run on, all of them have lost in the Sweet Sixteen, so it would be very unlikely for that to change. In addition to that, an average of 1.4 two and three-seeds advance to the Elite Eight, but we’re all out of the seeds that typically would replace them in the next round, so we’re going to allow two of each of them to advance and that’ll be it for our seven, ten, eleven, and fifteen-seeds. At this point, we’re now in the Elite Eight and any team can beat any team, so it’s just luck at this point. Small tip: Four of the last five Finals matchups have included a one-seed.

Despite all of this math, you can still always just make your picks based on vibes and gut feelings.

Although she doesn’t know exactly how she will lead the team as one of the few seniors next year, she is keeping composure and ready to be an example for the team. Gelber is very sad for this season to end but is excited to see what will come next season.

Soto