The Panther Post Issue 3

COMMUNITY

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4

May 2017

Sivan 5777

Rabbi Emerson announces departure, as Rabbi Sufrin to assume Head of School Benjamin Tarko, Staff Writer

On May 3, Head of School Rabbi Business and holds a Masters in Education Dov Emerson announced in an email to from the Azrieli Graduate School. He is curthe YULA Boys High School student body rently in the third year of an education docthat he and his family would be relocating torate program. Before his embarking on his to New York this summer so that he could career in education, Rabbi Sufrin worked as take a senior educational position at Mara Deloitte auditor. sha Stern Talmudical Academy (MTA) in

In Rabbi Sufrin’s eight years at Washington Heights.

YULA, he has served as a rebbe, Director

An email from the school board of Student Activities, and Principal. Some of to the community that same evening exhis initiatives included the 10th grade New pressed gratitude to Rabbi Emerson for his York experience trip, the 11th grade Poland four years of service to the school and comtrip, and the all-night learning program for munity, and announced that Rabbi Arye Shavuot, as well as the newly implemented Sufrin, currently the YULA Boys Princihalacha curriculum, Jewish Thought departpal, will become Head of School on July 1. ment, Tanakh Masters and the Masmidim

During his time as Head of School, track.

Rabbi Emerson oversaw numerous im Rabbi Emerson wrote in his email to provements at YULA, including new staff the student body that he is working closely hires, smaller class sizes, and a streamlined with lay leadership to ensure a smooth transiadmissions process. tion. Rabbi Emerson also expressed his con In its email to the community, the fidence that Rabbi Sufrin would continue the school board wrote that Rabbi Emerson progress the school has made over the last was “instrumental in making YULA Boys Rabbi Dov Emerson (pictured) will assume a new position at MTA after four years as few years, writing in his email to the student School stronger and better positioned for body, “I know that Rabbi Sufrin will continue Head of School at YULA Boys future growth.” to build on his success as a rebbe and Princi “Rabbi Emerson came to us knowing that change was neces- pal as he assumes the role of Head of School next year.” sary,” Mr. David Nagel, Chairman of the YULA Boys School Board of The Emerson family will depart to New York shortly after the Directors wrote in the email. “Under his leadership we saw first-hand school year ends. Ezra Emerson (‘18) said that the move “will be tough” that change is good.” but that the whole family is looking forward to the new opportunities that

Rabbi Sufrin is a graduate of Yeshiva University’s Syms School of it will provide. (cont’d on pg. 14)

What’s Inside: Opinion

Parting thoughts: saying goodbye to Mrs. Drebin Rivka Abrams, Staff Writer

Dealing with college rejection (pg. 13) Feature

Dennis Prager (pg. 6) Torah

Shavuot d’var Torah (pg. 7) Sports

Spring Sports Recap (pg. 10)

It is with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes that students at YULA Girls High School say goodbye to one of its longest standing staff and administrative members, Principal of General Studies Mrs. Bluma Drebin. Words can’t even begin to adequately describe Mrs. Drebin and her amazing legacy. She has been one of the main leaders at YULA Girls steering the school and its students towards excellence for the past twenty years. Her passion for teaching is evident in her students, as she infuses her girls with inspiration and motivation to maximize their potentials both academically and spiritually.

Mrs. Drebin began teaching at YULA twenty years ago when she and her family moved to Los Angeles from Chicago. She has taught math from algebra through pre-calculus, 10th and 12th grade Chumash, and an Ahavat Torah class to 12th grade. She then became General Studies Principal seven years ago.

Mrs. Drebin recently announced that she will be leaving YULA Girls to accept the position of General Studies Principal for SKA Girls High school in Hewlett Bay Park in the five towns of New York.

Mrs. Drebin wholly invests herself in the well-being and growth of her students. Throughout her time at YULA Girls this has been her clear top priority. She passes down her love for Torah to all her students; and her engaging teaching style connected her with her students, helping to build individual relationships with each girl.

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Thoughts on the ground: My time at AIPAC Policy Conference 2017 Eliana Sisman, Staff Writer

In Mar. 2017, I joined a large contingent of students from YULA’s Israel Advocacy Club to attend The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) 2017 Policy Conference.

The conference had a pretty impressive speakers’ list, which included Vice President Mike Pence, Congressional leaders Paul Ryan, Kevin McCarthy, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, and Chuck Schumer, Senators Kamala Harris and Bob Menendez, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, and foreign leaders Tony Blair, Stephen Harper, Paul Kagame, Isaac Herzog, and Bibi Netanyahu.

The primary focus of the conference was on the importance of preserving and celebrating a bipartisan, diverse, and unified pro-Israel coalition.The conference’s official theme was “Many Voices, One Mission,” and speaker after speaker talked about the importance of bipartisanship and discussed how their extraordinarily diverse backgrounds, ideals, and political beliefs had led them to fight for one common cause, namely supporting Israel and preserving its strong relationship with America.

For example, Californian Senator Kamala Harris described her family history, her commitment to “social justice,” and Israel’s diversity and vibrant democracy as reasons why she supported Israel. When asked why she so passionately supported Israel, Nikki Haley invoked her identity as (cont’d on pg. 14)

COMMUNITY

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

YULA Girls hosts 6th annual fashion show Meital Gershov, Staff Writer

YULA girls smile for a photo op in the auditorium-made-runway during the 6th annual fashion show

The YULA Girls fashion show is an annual event where modesty is showcased in a fashionable way. It is also a fundraiser for Sharsheret, an organization that supports Jewish women with breast and ovarian cancer.

A lot of hard work went into planning this year’s show on Sunday, March 16, which, as in past years, proved to be excellent.

This year’s theme was “Empowerment of the Jewish Woman.” The fashion club used pesukim from Eishet Chayil to determine which styles were presented. Principal of General Studies Mrs. Bluma Drebin, the emcee, would announce a style, the pasuk from which it was derived, and the models wearing the articles of clothing. The categories were bohemian chic, casual, fancy, business/preppy, children, and student made. Miriam Waghalter (’17) and Neriah Hadad (’17) created several pieces showcased in the fashion show. All the models wore one or more of the styles as they walked down the runway, after being presented by Mrs. Drebin.

Starting two weeks before the show, all the models were provided with one or two outfits from local Jewish boutiques. Hair and makeup were done by makeup artist Tehila Orenstein, volunteers from the Santa

Monica College’s Cosmetology Department, and YULA students.

The day of the show, each model arrived to YULA Girls to prepare.

Makeup was done based on the model’s outfit and there was a practice run with all the models before the show. The auditorium was converted into a runway where the models walked down to exhibit the clothing. The event started with the YULA Girls choir, who performed two songs. Following this performance, there was a charity auction for Sharsheret, featuring donations from Mickey Fine Pharmacies, Karen Michelle Boutique, Nagila Pizza, Holy Grill, Pizza Station, Ditmas Steak House, Meshuga for Sushi, MK Nails, Munchies, and Jeff’s Gourmet.

At the end on the show, there was a beautiful display of food for everyone to enjoy. Model Juliette Guetta (‘18) said that the models “were nervous before the runway show,” but that most had a great time. Another model, Samantha Ferszt (‘18), commented that “getting ready was a bit hectic, but it was all worth it for the end result.” In the end, the models all looked beautiful on the runway, and the show was a huge success.

Boys’ school holds first-ever school-wide Shabbaton

Polymatheus wins Gold Crown Award from Columbia

From Mar. 17-18, the YULA Boys High School held a school-wide Shabbaton at the David Oved Retreat Center in Running Springs. This was the first school-wide Shabbaton in YULA Boys history.

The weekend’s activities included a flag-football tournament, tubing, divrei Torah from all of YULA rebbeim, zemirot, and a havdalah with special guest Reb Moshe Storch.

The Shabbaton was organized completely by the students, for the students. The trip’s success is attributed to the close collaboration between the students and Rebbeim during its planning phase.

“It was an incredibly uplifting experience,” said Principal and incoming Head of School Rabbi Arye Sufrin. “The administration owes full credit to the student leadership and student council for really taking on this responsibility.”

“Of course there were incredible programs and activities, but, more importantly, the Shabbaton was an opportunity for the school to build unity and have a meaningful Shabbat together,” said Noam Gershov (‘17).

YULA Boys School’s Polymatheus, an annual journal that compiles students’ best work in each subject, won a Gold Crown award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) in late Mar. 2017.

Earlier in the year, the CSPA announced that Polymatheus won a gold medal, and qualified to win a Gold or Silver Crown Award, but it wasn’t until Mar. that they announced that they won a Gold Crown.

Each year, winners are chosen by a panel of judges that convene at Columbia University “to view all entrants, whether they are newspaper, magazines, yearbooks or online media” according to the CSPA’s website.

“No set number of Crown Awards is required; the awards are discretionary, based on the evaluation by the Crown Judges. Decisions of these judges are final. They consider all aspects of value to the reader or viewer: content, design or presentation, coverage, photography as well as writing and editing.”

This is the first time Polymatheus has received such a prestigious award. Polymatheus Faculty Adviser Ms. Pam Felcher said that “hard-working, motivated, and talented students at the helm” as well as “[the design editor’s] brilliant theme pulled the entire publication together

Ilan Bocian, Staff Writer

Jonathan Mizrahi, Community Editor

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(cont’d on pg. 14)

COMMUNITY

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

The YULA Moot Beit Din experience Meital Gershov, Staff Writer

Micah Steinberg to skip 12th grade, attend USC Benjamin Tarko, Staff Writer

The YULA Girls’ Moot Beit Din team took home third place in the Cardozo I division in their second appearance at the annual Moot Beit Din conference

YULA Girls High School’s second appearance at the annual Moot Beit Din conference on Sunday, March 19 in Houston, Texas, was an incredible experience for the eight girls that attended. YULA brought home third place in the Cardozo I division.

Moot Beit Din is essentially a mock Jewish court. Prizmah, previously known as RAVSAK, organizes it. Each member school is given a modern day case to solve with halachic sources. The YULA team submitted its ten-page written decision in February and presented its case at the national conference in March.

Miriam Waghalter (’17) heard about this opportunity from her friend that attends Milken High School. Her friend was on the Milken team a few years ago and this experience sounded interesting, so Waghalter brought this club to YULA last year. Although there were ten people in the club, only two of them were able to attend the national conference in Florida last year. This year, Waghalter arranged for eight team members to attend, which is the maximum amount of students allowed per school.

Before leaving to Houston, much preparation took place. There were weekly meetings throughout the year, and during the week of the (cont’d on pg. 14)

In early April, Micah Steinberg (‘18) announced his departure from YULA Boys High School. At the end of the year, he will drop out of high school to attend the University of Southern California.

Steinberg, a junior, was admitted to USC in April as part of a special program that reaches out to high school juniors performing at an exceptional academic level. The highly selective program, called the USC Resident Honors Program, accepts only 2030 students each year. It is no surprise that Steinberg got in, seeing as he received a perfect Steinberg, who received a perfect score on his ACT, celebrates in his Trojan cardinal and gold score on his ACT in Nov.

Steinberg will be the first YULA student to participate in the program. Although the 11th grade will surely miss Steinberg, they are all happy for him that he is moving on to better things. “Micah’s absence will leave a big hole in our grade next year,” said classmate Daniel Silvera (‘18). “But we’re all really proud of Micah and wish him luck next year.”

Even with a shortened high school career, Steinberg has left a large impact on YULA Boys. He was captain of the robotics team and a member of the volleyball, tennis, and mock trial teams.

In an interview, Steinberg said, “It was a very difficult decision to make, and I am sad to be leaving YULA, but I feel like I am ready for college and looking forward to the opportunities that the program provides.”

Steinberg is currently in the pre-med track, but he plans to transfer into the engineering school after his first semester.

A recap of the seniors’ Israel trip Noam Gershov, Executive Editor

For nine years, Rabbi Shimon Abramczik, the YULA Boys High School Director of Israel Guidance, and Rabbi Dror Baalhaness, a Torah Studies teacher, have led a group of YULA seniors to Israel during winter vacation.

On the trip, the students visit more than 15 yeshivas to help narrow down the decision of where to study upon graduating from high school. However, there is a second purpose to the excursion: to travel and experience the land of Israel.

This year’s trip began Jan. 15th and ended Jan. 21. The 20-hour journey from the U.S. to Israel, consisted of a layover in Newark, seemed even longer due to an unfortunate leg of the flight in which the airplane’s multimedia system was not operating. After finally landing in Tel Aviv, the students headed to a beautiful -- albeit small -- apartment in Rechov Yaffo in the center of Jerusalem. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment was a bit cramped for the 14 seniors and two rabbis, but the crowdedness helped foster camaraderie and a sense of family. The group then enjoyed a delicious shawarma meal at a nearby restaurant, and to top off the first day, davened ma’ariv at the Kotel.

The following day, Tuesday, the trip be-

gan in earnest. The rabbis managed to arrange visits to five yeshivot – Gush, Orayta, Mikdash Melech, Yesod HaTorah, and Derech Ohr Samayach – all in one morning. At each yeshiva, the seniors had the opportunity to meet with respected rabbis, speak with current students, and participate in a tour of the campus.

After the trip, Eitan Tennenbaum (’17) said, “I entered Israel with almost no knowledge of the

yeshivas I was looking into. The ability to talk with the rabbis and students as well as experience the campus in person was crucial in making my decision.”

In addition to the yeshiva visits, which continued throughout the week and generally lasted until 1:00pm, the second half of each day was even more tightly-scheduled with fun trips and meaningful activities. On one afternoon, for instance, the group attended Caliber 3, an anti-terrorism training program that taught them, among other useful skills, how to properly shoot a gun.

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In addition to the lengthier yeshiva visits, each day was interspersed with smaller visits to holy sites such as the Ma’arat HaMachpela, the burial place of King David and many other significant Biblical figures, the Ponevezh Yeshiva, and the closest location to the Kodesh HaKedoshim, the holy of holies, accessible by Jews.

The intense schedule was exhausting, so each day also included a stop at a fancy restaurant for dinner.

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the weeklong trip was Shabbat in Jerusalem. On Friday night, the group prayed at the Kotel, surrounded by thousands of other Jews, and then enjoyed a delicious homecooked meal at the home of Rabbi Abramczik’s mother in the Old City. Following dinner, the group returned to the apartment for an uplifting oneg with YULA alumni, many of whom slept in the apartment with the students on Friday night.

On Shabbat morning, each person prayed at the synagogue of his choice and then reconvened for a YULA lunch.

“The Shabbaton created a really awesome opportunity to catch up with old friends and get an insight from people who have gone through what we are going through now, to really explain to us what their experiences are like,” (cont’d on pg. 14)

COMMUNITY

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Break a leg! YULA Drama Society brings comedy (and drama) to YULA Daniel Silvera, Opinion Editor

The cast of School Ties poses in front of the stage in the YULA Girls’ School auditorium

Every year, the YULA Drama Society puts on two shows for the community: one from YULA Boys and one from YULA Girls. And every year they are well received and impactful to audience members. This year is no different. Director Ouriel Hazan, long-time director of both productions, has ramped up the ambitions and challenges of this year’s play by choosing not to produce a pre-existing play, and instead adapt a famous movie for the stage. The movie, School Ties, describes the story of young David Greene, a Jewish high-schooler in a poor neighborhood in 1950s Pennsylvania, who’s given the opportunity to go to an expensive, upper-class Christian private school on a football scholarship. Greene, played by Roni Etshalom (‘19), fights anti-Semitism both on and off the field, and struggles to maintain his identity in this strange new setting.

With comedic moments, serious themes, and a cast of both veterans and new faces in the drama department, the story and the performance do not disappoint.

The production won’t only be unique and memorable for its intense subject matter. “We’re doing things a little differently this year,” Hazan said. “We’re adapting a movie into a play, something we’ve never done before.” The ambitious move has its ups and downs, according to actors.

Jonathan Hay (‘18), who plays a stressed-out student, said to The Panther Post, “It’s sometimes hard to work when the script is constantly changing; scenes are added, removed, changed around, and moved to different parts of the play, so it gets challenging once we go off-script. That’s just part of an actor’s struggle, though. We just have to roll with the punches and give the people who paid for their seats a great show.” Hay is a returning actor from last year’s production of Terra Nova, along with star Roni Etshalom (‘19), Nataniel Sawdayi (‘18), Aaron Reiss (‘18), and Gidon Amsellem (‘18), and this reporter.. Ari Yonaty (‘18) and Yosef Talasazan (‘18) are new to the cast, and Joey Schlesinger (‘18), from 2015’s play A Few Good Men, returns to the Drama Society. (cont’d on pg. 14)

After four years with Bnei Akiva in L.A., the Fridmans say their goodbyes

Eyal and Toby Fridman, long-time Bnei Akiva shlichim in the Los Angeles community, will head back to Israel at the end of this summer after four years of service.

Thanks to Michelle Kaplansky, a Bnei Akiva representative in Israel, the couple was offered the opportunity to move to Los Angeles in 2013 to become Shlichim (literally, “messengers”) to spread a knowledge and love of Israel in the Los Angeles community.

They arrived in Dec. 2013. Having little time to prepare for their move, they came with open minds and hearts. During their time in Los Angeles, the Fridmans created a new Bnei Akiva branch in North Beverly Hills, trained many teenagers to be Jewish leaders, and led a countless number of programs.

The Fridmans’ main goal was to strengthen the connection between Bnei Akiva and Jewish day schools. Whether that meant hav-

Madeline Rubin, Staff Writer

ing pizza parties, participating in a fun activity demonstrating the importance of a Jewish state, or learning traditional Jewish texts, they made sure that there were opportunities for kids of every age to take part in Bnei Akiva activities.

Mr. Fridman initiated “I Squared,” a student-run program that brings high school students together for ice cream, while learning about the importance of the state of Israel through various speakers throughout the year. The Fridmans also helped coordinate Bnei Akiva programs that were run by high school students for elementary and middle school students around Los Angeles.

Ezri Menachem (‘17), one of four mazkirim (high school seniors who oversee all of Bnei Akiva’s youth programming), said, “Eyal has given every person he meets the attention and respect they deserve, Whether they are kids at Snif [the 2nd-5th grade branch of Bnei Akiva] or counselors, he is always there to guide them 4

and give them a helpful hand.”

Jenna Kirshenbaum (‘17), a mazkirah, praised the Fridman’s efforts to push counselors to better themselves. “[Eyal and Toby] never lets the madrichim (counselors) settle for mediocrity, but instead pushes them in the right direction to reach our potential as a leader in the Jewish community,” Kirschenbaum said.

The Fridmans also enhanced the community commemoration and celebration of Yom Eyal and Toby (pictured) will return to Israel at the end of the summer after their four-year shlichut

Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut, leading the ceremony of transition held at Beth Jacob Congregation each year of their Shlichut.

Mr. Fridman said that what he hopes to impart most upon his students is “the importance of remembering that Israel is our home, and that we should honor it through teaching others and spreading the love for our land.” (cont’d on pg. 14)

COMMUNITY

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Giving back: The SCATCH program at Shenandoah Elementary Itzchak Maghen, Staff Writer

At 2:30 p.m. every commitment.”

Friday afternoon, over a doz The program, which en YULA Boys and Girls stuhas had YULA participants dents pack into the library of since 2011, isn’t all about the Shenandoah Street Elehomework and projects. Many mentary School with students times, after the kids are finfrom that school to help them ished with their homework with their homework as part of and projects, they’ll sit with the Shenandoah Caring Adults their YULA tutor and play a Teaching Children How board game. In addition, on (SCATCH) program. Kids the last week of each month, from the elementary school SCATCH hosts an event called are paired with YULA stu“Day of Talent.” Instead of dents early on in September, doing homework, YULA stuwhen the program begins, undents teach the kids their own til late in May. Although many hobbies, which most of the of the kids are reluctant to be students could not afford to paired with YULA students at learn outside of school, such first, after a couple of weeks as dancing, drawing, and playmany of the kids form a bond ing musical instruments. Many The SCATCH program (pictured) has had YULA participants since 2011 with their tutors, which lasts of these students have fallen in throughout the year. love with what the YULA students teach them. And perhaps, this is what

“The kids really care about their tutors and get upset when their most YULA students enjoy about SCATCH: the chance to pass on what tutors can’t make it. The tutors form a real bond with their students and they know to other students. become very invested in ensuring that the kids reach the expected level in SCATCH’s aim is to give back and build relationships with these their general studies,” said Noa Zarur (‘17). “When I’m teaching a kid how kids. As Mr. Barry Levine, the program director puts it, “This [program] to do a math problem and they reach the point of understanding, they get really builds a relationship between two communities who would not have all excited and tell me that they ‘feel so much smarter,’ and that they want any contact with each other--even though they live in the same neighborto practice more. It’s truly a great feeling knowing that you’ve helped a hood--if it wasn’t for the program. I see an exchange of values and inforstudent. I really think that you learn so much from the kids and the situa- mation between two communities that need to meet each other. I see the tions that arise. It’s an opportunity to give back while not making a huge whole program really as relationship building.”

YULA Boys holds Torah fundraiser to coincide with end-of-year celebration Yonah Berenson, Staff Writer

YULA Girls in transition with an eye towards the future Hanna Gootin, Staff Writer

With the impending departure of the YULA Girls High School’s Head of School, Rabbi Abraham Lieberman, incoming Head of School Rabbi Joshua Spodek has been busy preparing the school for the 2017-18 academic year, and beyond.

During Rabbi Spodek’s frequent visits to Los Angeles, as he winds down his tenure as Head of Judaic Studies at Scheck Hillel Community School in South Florida, he has met parents, faculty and students and has gone from class to class to observe teachers and students.

“I have spent time observing the culture of the school, it’s norms and traditions over these past seven months. It is really important to me to see the school from a student and faculty perspective, in addition to hearing from our parents. I have spent considerable time learning about the academic, athletic, and co-curricular programs and schedule,” Rabbi Spodek said in a recent interview via email.

Rabbi Spodek has said that his main goals are to make a) YULA the preeminent Torah study center for girls in Los Angeles, b) to enhance the school’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) education, and c) to redouble our emphasis on strong social, emotional, religious, and academic support and guidance.

In one email that Rabbi Spodek sent to YULA Girls parents and students, he wrote, “In the coming year, there will be enhancements made over time to the program of studies, curriculum, and bell schedule...There will be new faculty and staff joining YULA next year, and some current faculty not returning.”

Overall, 16 faculty and staff members at YULA girls will not be returning for the 2017-18 school year.

However, there will be many new faculty members joining the YULA family in the fall. Ms. Miriam Plavin will be coming in as YULA’s Limudei Kodesh (Judaic Studies) and math instructor, as well as the school’s tefillah coordinator. Yoetzet Halacha Ilana Gadish, will be teaching Talmud and halacha, and will work with YULA’s biology teachers to make a health and nutrition education program. Ms. Dana Kind will be teaching Tanakh and Zionism/Israel studies.

In addition to new Limudei Kodesh faculty, YULA Girls is investing in Israel education and advocacy as well as Holocaust awareness. Rabbi Spodek plans to have Israel workshops, classes, and clubs to give the students opportunities to advocate on behalf of Israel and Jewish causes. Rabbi Menachem

On June 2, YULA Boys High School plans to launch a fundraiser called the “I Love Torah Because...” campaign. The school has a $50,000 fundraising goal, every dollar of which will be matched by the school board. The campaign will last for two weeks, ending on June 16, one day after graduation.

According to Ryan Hyman, YULA Boys’ Director of Institutional Advancement, who is in charge of school fundraising, the focus of the campaign is to help parents understand that “at its core,” YULA’s goal is to “inculcate in all its students a true love of Torah.”

The fundraising will be run through a website which allows donors to tell the public what Torah means to them. Mr. Hyman hopes this feature will personalize the campaign and allow donors to “not only invest in and support what YULA is doing, but also to tell us […] what inspires them about their children’s Torah learning,” he said. A link to the website will be featured on the YULA Boys website homepage when the campaign begins on June 2.

The campaign is connected to YULA Boys’ annual Celebration of Torah and Siyum which will be on June 6 this year.

Mr. Hyman emphasized that having a fundraising campaign specific to Torah is important because YULA’s uniqueness stems from “the Torah that emanates from our rebbeim and our Beit Midrash every single day.”

Mr. Hyman stressed the challenge and goal of 100 percent parent participation: “One-hundred percent participation in any campaign is often a challenge, but we really want to show our entire YULA community how important it is to give back...It shows simple hakarat hatov [gratitude].”

(cont’d on pg. 14)

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COMMUNITY

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Moving up and out: A snapshot of YULA seniors Miriam Waghalter, Community Editor & Noam Gershov, Executive Editor

Amira Felsenthal 2017-18: Migdal Oz 2018-: Stern Amira Felsenthal will be attending the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women Migdal Oz of Yeshivat Har Etzion in the fall, and then Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women Honors Program.

“I’ve chosen to go to Migdal Oz next year because I like the fact that there are no limits on the advanced Gemara opportunities they provide for you,” says Felsenthal. “I also like that it is an Israeli seminary so I am going to get the full Israeli immersion and be able to improve my Hebrew skills.”

Eitan Lavian 2017-18: Yeshivat Lev HaTorah 2018-: Yeshiva University or L.A. Valley College Eitan Lavian will attend Yeshivat Lev HaTorah in Beit Shemesh in 2017-18, and then will either attend Los Angeles Valley College or Yeshiva University in the fall of 2018.

“I believe that Lev HaTorah can truly help me accomplish everything I want to fulfill next year,” says Lavian. “I also chose Lev HaTorah because of my interest in the different types of classes they offer such as Business Ethics with a Torah perspective.”

Michaela Rosenberg Eitan Tennenbaum 2017-18: Midreshet Harova 2017-18: Yeshivat Mevaseret 2018-: Rutgers University Tzion Michaela Rosenberg will be at2018-: Yeshiva University tending Midreshet Harova in 2017Eitan Tennenbaum will attend 18 and then the Rutgers University Yeshivat Mevaseret Tzion next Honors College in fall 2018. year, and then Yeshiva Univer“I chose Harova because of its Zisity’s Honors Program in fall onist ideology and amazing com2018. munity,” Rosenberg said. “The “I’m going to Mevaseret because The above graphic is based on data collected from a survey of 31 YULA seniors Rutgers Honors College provides their focus on Gemara learning the variety of classes and organizations that a public university offers, but will is amazing,” says Tennenbaum. “I’m going to YU because it is the only provide a tight-nit community and unique opportunities to me.” place in the world where I can continue to practice Judaism intensely while getting a secular education.”

Laura Nickowitz 2017-18: American University of Paris (University of Southern California) Jack Levkowitz 2018-: University of Southern California 2017-18: Yeshivat HaKotel Laura Nickowitz will be attending the American University of Paris next year 2018-: University of Pennsylvania through the University of Southern California.

Jack Levkowitz will be attending Yeshivat HaKotel in 2017-18, and “I’m excited because I am going to live in a foreign country which is some- then the University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 2018. thing I have never experienced before—it is going to really broaden my hori- “I’m going to Yeshivat HaKotel next year because I think it is the best zons,” says Nickowitz. “I want to go to USC because I really like the campus place for me to grow spiritually and expand my Judaic knowledge,” and the community feel. There is such an amazing alumni network, especially Levkowitz said. after you graduate that helps you further your career.”

Joshua Partovi Batsheva Berkowitz 2017-18: Yeshivat Mevaseret Tzion 2017-18: Midreshet Torah v’Avodah 2018-: Yeshiva University 2018-: Brandeis University Joshua Partovi will be attending Yeshivat Mevaseret Tzion for the upBatsheva Berkowitz will attend Midreshet Torah V’Avodah and then coming fall, and then Yeshiva University in New York City.

Brandeis University.

“I made this choice because when I visited the Yeshiva in January, I “The reason I chose TVA is because I was looking for a place where I would felt a connection and I felt that I belonged there,” Partovi said. “After not be sitting and learning all day, but I would also be learning outside the beit Yeshiva, I will continue my education at Yeshiva University because I midrash and all around Israel,” Berkowitz said. “The reason I chose to go to want to be surrounded by people that live lives of Torah.”

Brandeis is because I was looking for liberal arts colleges where I can grow as a writer. I also chose it because it has a Jewish background and a big Jewish Mikey Szabo community.”

2017-18: Aardvark 2018-: University of Southern California Talya Sawdayi Mikey Szabo will be attending a gap year program called Aardvark for 2017-18: Nishmat the upcoming fall, and then the University of Southern California.

2018-: University of California, Berkeley “The main reason I chose this program is because of the opportunity it Talya Sawdayi will attend Nishmat at Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Ad- provides in the form of internships in Israel as well as the vast amount vanced Torah Study next year and then the University of California Berkeley. of free time they give so I can explore Israeli culture,” says Szabo.

“I chose Nishmat because I want to be in an Israeli environment,” says Saw- “After my gap year, I will be attending the University of Southern Caldayi. “I am going to Berkeley because of the amazing engineering opportuni- ifornia. I’m not quite sure what I want to study yet, but USC gives me ties that the school and Bay Area provides.” the option to delve into any subject I’d like to.”

IN THE NEWS WITH ELIANA SISMAN:

How and why Senate Republicans went nuclear, and what’s next for the Supreme Court

Tom Tancredo, a former Republican congressman from Colorado, and Jeff Merkley, a Democratic Senator from Oregon, disagree on almost everything. Both, though, believe that April 6, 2017, when 52 Senate Republicans eliminated the filibuster on Supreme Court nominees, was among the most important days in modern American political history.

After Senate Republicans deployed what is known as “the nuclear option,” Merkley, who had spent 15 hours on the Senate floor talking about why he believed it was vital that the Senate vote to reject Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation, tweeted, “The dark deed is done. McConnell just put a knife into the heart of our

We The People republic.”

Tancredo, on the other hand, wrote a celebratory column praising Senate Republicans for showing “unusual courage and uncharacteristic stamina,” hailing Gorsuch’s confirmation as “a turning point in history,” and announcing that he was rejoining the Republican Party, which he had left about a year earlier.

These two political figures are not alone in their belief that the confirmation of Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and the events surrounding it were of extraordinary importance. To understand why, we must begin by examining exactly what happened on April 6, as well as the series of events that led up to this point.

6

It starts with the unexpected death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on Feb. 13, 2016.

Scalia was respected by nearly everyone for his brilliance, integrity, and excellent sense of humor. An ‘originalist,’ Scalia believed that the Constitution should be interpreted through the lens of how American society understood it upon its ratification, an approach favored by conservatives and generally opposed by progressives, who believe the Constitution is a “living document” that must continually be reinterpreted in line with the views of the times.

Before Scalia’s death the Supreme Court had been split between conservative and progressive

justices, with Justice Anthony Kennedy often serving as an unpredictable tiebreaker. Senate Republicans, knowing that President Barack Obama would nominate someone who was far less of an originalist than Scalia to fill Scalia’s seat, announced that they had no intention of considering any potential Supreme Court Justice nominated by Obama.

They argued that Scalia’s seat ought to be left vacant until the American people voted in the Nov. 2016 election. Their resolve was tested when Obama nominated Justice Merrick Garland, a moderately liberal federal court judge who many Republican Senators had voted to confirm as a fed-

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

TORAH

Shavuot, Bikkurim, and Matan Torah

Shavuot, the Chag we celebrate as Zman Matan Torateinu, the time the giving of our Torah, is introduced to us in the Torah as Chag Ha-Bikkurim, the holiday of our first fruits.

For this chag we harvest our first crops (Shemot 23:15, 34:22, Bamidbar 28:26) and have the mitzvah to bring the ommer.

(Vayikra 23:15-21). In fact, it is interesting that the Torah does not tell us of any connection to the major event of Har Sinai, namely the giving and the receiving of the Torah, on Shavuot. What is the reason for this very clear and glaring omission? It is well known that all major Jewish philosophers point to Maamad Har Sinai as a pivotal and important foundational concept in our religion. Rabbi Yehuda Halevy in his Kuzari points out many times, that the event at Har Sinai is the cornerstone of Judaism. Maimonides in his Mishneh Torah (Yesodei Ha-Torah 8:1) explains that only after the Sinai experience did the Jewish people come to a point of faith after many doubts and speculation, hence the importance of Matan Torah. Nachmanides (Ramban, Devarim 4:9, Sefer Hamitzvot)

Rabbi Abraham Lieberman, Head of Girls School

in fact rules that it is a Biblical negative Mitzvah (Lo Taaseh), to not ever forget the Revelation on Mount Sinai. Therefore our question is even more pronounced. Why is it that the Torah makes no mention of a holiday of Matan Torah and what is the connection to the Bikkurim?

The Chatam Sofer in his commentary on the Chumash, Parashat Vayechi poses this question and compares it to a related one: why there is no specific mitzvah of celebrating a Bat or Bar Mitzvah? One would think that as one crosses to the obligation of keeping mitzvot one would celebrate the occasion and Torah would make such a point, but the Torah does not. The mitzvah of bikkurim, the first fruits, which are brought to Yerushalayim, start a process where the farmer plants, worries and eventually re-

From King Balak to King David?

(cont’d on pg. 15)

Sefer HaPekudim: emphasizing our individuality through counting

Rabbi Sandy Shulkes, Boys School

The book of Ruth details the strength and courage of a convert named Ruth as she prevails against all odds, establishing herself as the eventual matriarch for the Davidic line. Widowed and poverty stricken, Ruth takes a great leap of faith as she joins her mother-in law in returning to Israel and bearing a child with Boaz. While Ruth’s personal perseverance and great emunah is reason enough to justify someone like Dovid Ha-Melekh descending from her, the Gemara in tractate Horayos 10b instead justifies Dovid and the Davidic line’s spiritual roots through another, more surprising biblical figure: Balak, the evil King of Moab. The Gemara says:

Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav: A person should always engage in the study of Torah and performance of mitzvoth even for ulterior motives, because through learning Torah and doing mitzvoth for ulterior motives he will eventually come to learn Torah and do mitzvoth for their own sake.

The proof for this is that in reward for the forty-two sacrifices which the wicked Balak offered, he merited that the proselyte Ruth should descend from him. For R’ Yose the son of R’ Chanina said: Ruth was the granddaughter of Eglon, King of Moab, who was the grandson of Balak.

What is even more astonishing than tracing the kingship of Israel back to the evil king of Moab is the fact that we derive practical lessons from his actions as well. The Gemara explains that Balak’s offerings serve as a prime example of worshiping God selfishly (lo lishmah) and positive consequences, nonetheless, being reaped. Putting aside the above dialectic for now, one has to wonder why the Gemara would choose Balak’s sanc-

alizes as the first fruits are coming out that he needs to thank Hashem. This is the mitzvah of bikkurim, where the farmer recites specific pesukim that recount Hashem’s involvement in our history. The giving of the Torah, however, does not need such a reminder. In our daily life, on our own, we should realize how fortunate we are that we as a people have received this great gift. We make a Birkat Ha-Torah each day. If Hashem would have commanded us to celebrate the giving of the Torah as a mitzvah, we would do it because there would be a duty to fulfill it, and not because we on our own truly appreciate it. The bikkurim became the impetus for us, to celebrate on our own initiative, through real joy and happiness to treasure our great gift. The same notion applies to a Bat or Bar Mitzvah; the child needs to feel this excitement of accepting the yoke of mitzvot on its own recognition. It should be self-evident and real. Therefore there is no specific mitzvah to celebrate this milestone in a child’s life. The Hidduchei Ha-Rim points out that we refer to Shavuot as Zman Matan Tor-

timonious sacrifices to derive this lesson from. Was there no one else in history more apt for such a distinction?

What is unique about Balak is that unlike other nations, such as Amalek, who attack through war and violence, Balak chose a different means to accomplish his ends. Balak hired the prophet Bilam to beseech God hoping to swap the Moabites’ fate with that of the Israelites.

Even though Chazal explain that Balak was an enemy of God and the Jewish people, he still recognized God’s power and hegemony. Accordingly, he understood that the only way to successfully attack the Israelites was through the power of prayer. With this in mind, it really is no surprise that David Ha-Melech, the master articulator and composer of prayer and supplication is Balak’s descendant. The Gemara even explains that the essence of the name Ruth points to the fact that David served God by means of song and praise.

As seen in the case of Balak, the results are not always immediate and even could take a few generations; nevertheless, the results are clear regarding the power prayer could have on future generations.

Shavuos is the time that we re-accept the Torah and inspire ourselves once again to delve into the Torah’s depths with a night of teaching and learning. Unlike Balak, who was attempting to destroy the Jewish people by changing God’s ultimate plan, we must use this to our advantage because.

God is truly on our side and wants our prayers and learning. This Shavuos and throughout the year, we must endeavor to attain the ethereal level of worship in which we are able to connect to God in a completely selfless way.

Rabbi Yaakov Cohen, Girls School

Chazal refer to the fourth book of the Torah as Sefer HaPekudim – The Book Of Counting. Presumably this is because of the census found in this week’s Parsha, Parshat Bamidbar. However, this is not the first census Bnei YisraeI took. We find a similar census in Sefer Shemot. What is unique about this census that Chazal would name an entire Sefer by it?

Counting can be used for two purposes. One purpose for counting is to combine individual elements as a group. The other purpose for counting is to give each of the different elements within a group its own identity, giving the individual the feeling that “he counts.”

This is accomplished by focusing on each individual separately, rather than on the group as a whole. The purpose of the counting found in Sefer Shemot is to unify the Jews as a nation following their exodus from Egypt. In Sefer Bamidbar we find the expression “bemispar shemot” – “they were counted according to their names.”

The reason for this is that the focus of this counting is to emphasize the individu7

ality of each person within the group. Identifying a person by his name is a way of focusing upon his individuality. This expression does not appear in Sefer Shemot, for if the function of the counting is to unify the people as a nation, there is no need to identify individuals by name.

Very often when a person is part of a large group, he senses a loss of his individuality and self-expression. To compensate for this, he has a tendency to break away from the group. The message of the counting in Sefer Bamidbar is that there is room for individuality and self-expression within the confines of the group.

Indeed, interpersonal relationships within the group can enhance individuality and offer the opportunity for self-expression.

This explains why the division of tribes and their banners are mentioned in the census of Bamidbar, and not in that of Shemot. The ability to identify oneself in connection with a particular tribe and represented by a particular banner, further enhances a person’s sense of individuality.

FEATURE

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

From a yeshiva in Flatbush to a radio icon: An interview with Mr. Dennis Prager

Nationally syndicated radio show host, nationally syndicated columnist, president of a university, and author, Mr. Dennis Prager is a very busy man. In addition to his daily radio show and endless travel and speaking schedule, Prager is currently working on his magnum opus, a commentary of the Torah’s first five books, which he plans to complete in just over two years.

But, nonetheless, he made time to be interviewed by The Panther Post, on topics ranging from his upbringing and career path to his thoughts on Jewish education. Below is a lightly edited transcript of the interview, which was conducted via email.

Noam Gershov, Executive Editor

him.” I have worked to preserve the dignity of every caller to my show. I never mock them or public figures.

During the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, I forbade listeners from telling any Monica Lewinsky jokes. She, too, is in God’s image, I told my listeners.

PP: Having studied in an Orthodox school and having sent your son to an Orthodox school and yeshiva in Israel, do you have some comments/ suggestions for how to improve Orthodox education?

Dennis Prager speaking at the 2016 Conservative Political Action Conference (Source: Gage Skidmore)

DP: I think that there is too much concentration on teaching Gemara at the expense of Torah and Tanakh, and on teaching Halakha at the expense of

Hashkafa.

But most important, nearly all yeshiva students leave yeshiva with little or no sense of a Jewish mission to humanity. We were chosen by God – but to do what? Ignore the world by retreating into Jewish ghettos? The only Jewish Orthodox group to reach out to non-Jews is Chabad.

Panther Post: How did you go from a yeshiva student in Brooklyn to becoming one of the nation’s foremost radio hosts and commentators? Did you set out from a young age to reach your current positions?

Mr. Dennis Prager: When I was in high school, I wrote in my diary that I wanted to devote my life to “influencing people to the good.” The reason was PP: YULA students who go to basically any American college except for Yethat I hated evil since I was a child. One of my favorite verses in the Tanakh is, shiva University will likely experience anti-Zionism like they’ve never expe“Those who love God must hate evil.” I was blessed to have a mission in life rienced. Why do you think college campuses have become so anti-Israel? from my youngest years.

DP: There is only one reason: the left has taken over nearly all Western uniPP: What are some specific events in your childhood and teenage years that versities. And the left all over the world is anti-Israel. have had a profound impact on your personal development?

PP: Do you find a connection between high school success as a student and DP: I was raised by tough parents. And that made me tough. Otherwise I success in life? couldn’t fight as hard as I do for the values I believe in, given all the flack I get.

DP: No. Nor have I found much correlation between what college you go to PP: How many jobs and professional responsibilities do you have? Could you and later success. Given how important getting into a prestigious college is to please briefly describe each of them? most Jews, it has become a form of avodah zara.

DP: I have a daily three-hour nationally syndicated radio show. I write a nationally syndicated column every week, plus a column for the Jewish Journal every other week. I am the president of Prager University, the online university of free courses – all five-minutes long – which now gets a million views a day. I have written six books. I am now in the last two-and-a-half years of the greatest project of my life, a commentary on, and explanation of the Torah, to explain its greatness to people of every religious and national background.

PP: If you could discuss any topic on the radio for an hour, what would you dedicate that hour to?

DP: How you feel is infinitely less important than how you act.

PP: Who are some role models of yours? Both ones you had growing up, and ones you’ve had as an adult.

PP: When you were in high school, what type of student were you? What did DP: As a child, my parents exemplified ethical lives. And the TV character you prioritize in terms of your time and energy?

Bret Maverick – with his ability to stay cool under trying circumstances – was, amazingly, a very profound influence.

DP: I graduated 92nd in a class of 120. I didn’t do one homework assignment in four years. I devoted all my time to learning about the world – listening to PP: What is the best compliment anyone ever gave you? radio broadcasts from all over the world, reading articles and books on almost every subject, teaching myself Russian. I also taught myself how to conduct: I DP: That given how many people – the great majority of whom are non-Jews will be conducting the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra at the Walt Disney – I talk too, I do a lot of Kiddush HaShem.

Music Hall this August. I was a normal kid with abnormal interests.

PP: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

PP: What are some things you learned in yeshiva (whether from Jewish texts or from interactions with teachers) that have significantly impacted your prac- DP: The belief that I am bettering many people’s lives. And the extraordinaritice and understanding of Judaism? ly large number of wonderful people I have met and brought into my life.

DP: First and foremost, that behavior is more important than thought and more important than feelings. Judaism is a behavioristic religion. That was the greatest teaching I learned in yeshiva – that behavior is everything. That has shaped my views on everything; and I have in turn brought that teaching to millions of people.

Second, that the greatest battle in life is not with society’s flaws but with our own flaws. This is probably the greatest difference between a religious and a secular education.

Third, that while the moral is the most important thing in life, the holy (kedusha) is also indispensable to a good life and good society.

Fourth, that “whoever humiliates his neighbor is considered as if he had killed

PP: Can you describe what a normal day in L.A. (not traveling) in the life of Dennis Prager looks like?

DP: I get up at 7:45 – just early enough to make to my radio station before the 9:05 AM start to my radio show. The show ends at noon. Then I record ads and promos for various stations around the country.

I leave the station around 1:00 PM. If it’s a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, I work out with a trainer, leave the gym around 2:45 and then have a late lunch – usually my last meal of the day – with my wife. Then, depending on the day, I record my weekly Fireside Chat for Prager University, or conduct some other business for PragerU. I then get home and pretty much 8

(cont’d on pg. 15)

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

FEATURE

In YULA Girls’ changes, board president sees a bright future Noa Radaei, Staff Writer

As YULA Girls High School faces numerous changes in both the administration and faculty, the Panther Post sat down with Mr. Seth Berkowitz, board president of YULA Girls, to discuss how such changes will affect the school and more specifically, the students. The following is a transcript of the interview:

ever they might look like. I am very hopeful that we will make some big strides in that area, even in the coming year. The third area would be to become a center of excellence in respect to STEM education. The school has already made some inroads there through the Schlesinger Fund. There has also been a fair amount of after school programming, but what we would like to see is that it will be made part of something that is real and tangible and open to girls to experiment with. I think that those are the three focus areas. However, in terms of tangible quantitative and qualitative goals, I will leave that to Rabbi Spodek to share with you. I think that setting those goals is more in his realm, and we will be here to support him, the entire administration, and the community in that effort.

Panther Post: What have you learned about YULA Girls High School during your experience as a board member?

Mr. Seth Berkowitz: Well, as a board member I don’t really interact with students on a day-to-day basis. As board members, we have three general responsibilities. The first one is to support the head of school and their performance. The second one is the fiduciary health of the school and ensuring that we are doing our job in terms of fundraising. The third one is ensuring that the school is achieving its mission, broadly speaking. Most of my student interaction comes from the fact that I have had three of my daughters attend YULA Girls High School thus far. Most of my exposure to YULA students and their experiences comes from knowing my daughters, their friends, and the alumni network. So, it is through being a general part of the Los Angeles Jewish community and raising a family here that I have gotten to know YULA students as opposed to being a board member.

PP: What are some specific long-term goals that you would like to see beginning to take place at YULA Girls High School?

SB: If we focus on the students at YULA, when it comes to their lifelong Jewish learning and even more specifically their Israeli experience preparation, we would like to see more girls participating in a year or more of post-high school Judaic studies. We would love to see more girls continuing in Jewish learning oriented programs post high school. I think that that is the way that we are going to start measuring long term outcomes. Beyond just attending programs, we would also like our girls to feel like they are getting the best experience possible on par with the best schools across the country. I think that Los Angeles has a big Jewish community with a massive amount of resources, so there is no reason why girls should have to compromise their experience and connection to Jewish learning, religious observance, and Jewish culture. If we look over a long period of time I would love to have girls come back from Israel and say that they got the best possible preparation they could get in the United States to live a committed Zionist and Modern Orthodox life. I would also like to hear girls say that they got the best academic, social, and emotional tools to make the most of that experience in Israel and beyond to become a long life learner. I think that the same thing would go for STEM. What we could measure is college acceptances and the degree to which girls are able to get into the programs that they want to get into. However, I think that there could be measures beyond college such as girls having the opportunities to pick up the skills in the STEM fields that will prepare them for 21st century jobs. Even if girls choose to work in a non-profit sector or if they decide to commit wholly to their families and choose to opt out of a professional track, we want to make sure that everyone got the chance to pick the skills that they most needed in these four short years at YULA. I would love to see us begin to measure those things and to see success over a five-to-ten-year period.

PP: So, through being a parent and being part of the YULA community, what are some things that you have noticed about YULA Girls High School that you particularly like?

SB: Well, I think that the YULAcommunity stands at the heart of the LosAngeles Jewish community. It is among, if not the most important, educational institution for anybody that is a committed religious Zionist and a Modern Orthodox Jew. That is why YULA stands so close to my heart personally, and why I am deeply invested in the place. I cannot think of an institution that is more central to the Jewish future. Of course, I am speaking about both the boys’ school and the girls’ school. I do not think that there is anything more important to ensuring the Jewish future than giving people the opportunity to get an education at YULA so that they can lead successful lives as religious Zionists and as Modern Orthodox Jews.

PP: YULA Girls

High School is going through many changes both in the administration and in general. In regards to Rabbi Spodek, what made him stand out among other candidates and what made him seem like the best possible fit for YULA Girls High School?

SB: I think that what stood out about Rabbi Spodek in the search for a new head of school was his experience, his energy, and his passion. In terms of his experience, Rabbi Spodek started out as a teacher but also held various administrative roles starting out in student life in his six years at Boca Raton. Then, he was responsible for Pre-k through 12th grade education for an institution in Florida for roughly 1,300 students. I think that those experiences made him stand out because by being a teacher, student life coordinator, and administrator he has seen the gamut. In terms of his energy, when we were receiving references about Rabbi Spodek what seemed to stand out to everyone was his enormous energy. I think part of that is a function of being a parent. By having kids in both high school and elementary school, Rabbi Spodek has become super invested in the communities that he is involved in. Rabbi Spodek is one of those highly energetic people that are always on top of things. Lastly, I think that Rabbi Spodek’s passion is probably the most important thing. You do not run across that many people that are dedicated religious Zionists and are also committed to Modern Orthodoxy. I think that it was his experience, energy, and passion that ultimately were the things that convinced us that he was the right person to take YULA Girls High School into the next decade.

PP: Something that a lot of students love about YULA Girls High School is the open-door policy that the administration holds. Is that something that you would like to see continue?

SB: Absolutely. I cannot imagine any reason that that would change. Obviously, there is going to be a new Head of School coming in and there have been changes amongst the administration and faculty, but I do not think that the ultimate fabric of YULA Girls High School and what has made girls comfortable, secure, and thriving should change at all. With newness and with change everybody is going to have to find their comfort level. However, there is certainly nothing about the three stated goals and what precipitated the changes that are being made that in any way is countered to that open-door environment. I would imagine and hope that people will feel much the same way as they get used to the incoming administration.

PP: Is there a possibility for YULA Girls High School to undergo a renovation and/ or expansion?

PP: What would you like to see Rabbi Spodek accomplish in his first year as the new

SB: First of all I would like to mention that YULA Boys High School has generously made offers to enable us to maximize our own use of aspects of their facilities.

Having said that, through conversations with students I think that there is a desire for there to be more amenities and a homegrown YULA Girls facility with its own opportunities. So, I think that we have to separate out short term and long term plans.

The hope would be that over the coming months and into the summer that there will be facility upgrades associated with this campus that are consistent with the three goals that I laid out. For example, if we are going to have a Torah center for women, we need a place where people can learn. If we are going to have a first class STEM program, there needs to be a STEM laboratory or innovation space. Our hope is to have all of that ready for September 2017. In terms of the longer term, to the extent that the school is able to grow back to 200-plus students, I think the focus is going to be on what we could do to improve the space for athletic programs. That could be supplemental space or some other facility plan. Those conversations are underway but it is still too premature to be able to point to a specific change or move that we are going to make. There is a feeling that this facility, while wonderful, is certainly not providing the opportunities, specifically in athletics, that the new YULA Boys High School facility will. This is something that we have put on the front burner and that we would like to see change over the next three to five years.

head of school of YULA Girls High School?

SB: Well, I actually sent a letter to the community outlining the three major things we would like to focus on. The first goal is for YULA Girls High School to become the Torah center for women in the greater Los Angeles community. What that means is for the auditorium to be a Beit Midrash and that YULA Girls High School begins to see itself as a place that is educating 200 plus girls. In addition, YULA Girls High School should be a place that attracts women from all around the community to make this their home for Torah learning. The school has made some effort to accomplish this to date, but if we could have a goal for the coming year it would be for YULA Girls High School to have a Torah center. That would involve things like a Rosh Beit Midrash or somebody that is dedicated to being in the auditorium, which we hope to convert to a Beit Midrash. It will also have, over time, outreach and adult education efforts, so that YULA Girls High School can be the home for women’s Torah learning in the greater Los Angeles community. The second goal that we would like to see is that we invest more in social, academic, and college counseling and assistance for girls to basically look at the whole student and not only at their academic performance. We would like counselors to look at what students’ goals and aspirations are and at how they are faring socially and emotionally. I think that that is an area that we would like to become much more invested in, both in terms of having personnel dedicated to that but also in terms of girls having a plan in regards to what they are trying to achieve at YULA. I think that the entire faculty and YULA community should be working with individual students to help them achieve those plans, what-

PP: Finally, what advice would you give to students as to how to deal with the changes going on and how to welcome them?

9

(cont’d on pg. 15)

FEATURE

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Amidst leadership change: An interview with the YULA Boys Board President Noam Gershov, Executive Editor

With a leadership change at YULA Boys High School, The Pan- vated students. The quality of education today to what it was 10 years ago ther Post reached out to board president and chairman, Mr. David Nagel cannot be compared. to ask him about YULA’s future. Mr. Nagel discussed his personal attachment to the school, the Campus Completion Project, and the general future PP: Do you believe these changes, for the most part, have been accomplished? of YULA. Below is a transcript of the interview: DN: No, but we have made a great impact already. We’re just still not done.

Panther Post: Please describe a little about yourself. How did your family There are great rebbeim in the school and great general studies faculty in arrive in Los Angeles? Where were you educated? What is your line of the school, but there’s always room for improvement on every level. The curriculum can always be more enhanced. Whether it’s the introduction of work? more interesting electives or taking STEM to a much higher level. More Mr. David Nagel: I’m born and bred in Los Angeles. I was raised on the specifically, the area that I truly want to enhance is the 12th grade expeHancock Park side of town, went through Yavneh, and at the time when rience, so that no student ever feels that it would ever make any sense to I went to high school in 1973, there was no YULA, so I went to a school consider going for 12th grade elsewhere. called Rambam. Rambam was a weak school, so in my 12th grade year, I left Rambam and went to MTA. Being on the east coast inspired me to get PP: In order to prevent 12th graders from going elsewhere, what do you educated in New York, so I stayed at YU for my freshman and sophomore think about the idea of offering college courses and internships to the seyears. After my sophomore year, I went to NYU/Stern to get a business ed- niors? ucation. I then came back to Los Angeles, and after working in the real estate DN: I think college courses and internships are a great idea, and we’ve business with my father, I decided to stay in Los Angeles, eventually getting talked about it but never implemented it. We need to do it. The 12th grade my MBA at USC Marshall School of Business. I’m in the real estate destudents should have the option to take courses that they hopefully will velopment busiget college credness for more it for. Also, we than 30 years. should take adWe’ve now vantage of our created a comlay leadership pany that goes who are in so beyond simply many different having a real businesses from estate portfolio, healthcare to so it’s more of a real estate, from real estate investment and development business where we are investing finance to law, and we should offer our 12th graders internships where and developing multifamily apartment communities as well as commercial they can be mentored by the various different industries that dominate office and retail property. We provide value, adding improvements and throughout our YULA community. I would love to see this be implementupdating old communities. We do this to create great social environments ed by Rabbi Sufrin as he now takes the reign going towards the future. for our tenants, and, in turn, communities in which tenants.

PP: When did you become the president of YULA, and why have you so PP: With regards to the YULA Campus Completion Project, how will this graciously decided to devote so much of your time and energy specifically project further YULA’s mission? Have you been frustrated at all by the to YULA? delays and hiccups?

DN: When I became president of YULA ten years ago, there was almost no lay leadership involved in YULA at all. Rabbi Hier did an amazing job founding the school, but the lay leadership never got involved enough to take ownership and make it a great school. I saw that this was missing in the school.

The campus was old and tired before my parents got involved. Students were learning in trailers. Once my parents got involved, and helped sponsor the rebuilding of the campus, people would tell me about all the different things that were going on in the school that I found to be very disappointing. I -- either smartly or foolishly -- spoke up, and as a result, I saw that the only way I would be able to create change was to take a leadership role myself. I came in and made a real board, and tried to implement change.

I devote time and energy because it comes naturally to me. Everything that I do, I’m either going to go all in or I’m not going in at all. I also saw that my father was very much that way, and my father was very devoted to the community. In seeing my parents being so dedicated to the community, it became very natural to be willing to give up my own time so that ultimately, I’m leaving a mark on society.

DN: The purpose of the expansion of the campus is to enhance the curriculum, anywhere from robotics and the innovation lab, to the art department, to the athletics. All those departments are going to be taken to a much higher level by having the facility that will allow us to do that. We also felt that with a new campus, there will be a new sense of excitement for education, a new sense of excitement for the kids to come to school. It unfortunately took a very long time to accomplish. This was not a new idea of mine, but as soon as I became president, I knew that this was needed.

People were talking about giving the school a gym for 30 years, but my idea was to build much more than a gym, by adding classrooms, an innovation lab, a robotics lab where tournaments can be held, a beautiful art lab that can compete with any school, and, of course, adding more parking.

The delays from rain are extending our project by approximately 60-90 days from March of 2018. I hope and expect that the class of 2018 will be able to have their graduation inside of the Samson Center.

PP: Where do you picture YULA being 20 years from now?

DN: Whether it’s five years from now or ten years from now or 20 years from now, my hope for the vision of YULA is that it will truly be the finest yeshiva high school in the country. There are many people who say YULA is already the best high school on the west coast, but for me, that’s not enough. There are many good schools, but our goal is to make sure that it is clear and that it is obvious that our school is one of, if not the finest Yeshiva high school in the country. We need to be able to provide an excellent education for all types of students, all of who follow the most important thing, which is the school’s hashkafa.

PP: What specific changes did you and the Board think needed to be made at the time of your appointment?

DN: Changes have been evolving now for ten years, and it takes a long time for change to get implemented in a non-profit business, where the ablility to raise revenue is limited and can only be achieved over time.

When I saw YULA, there was one main thing that bothered me: the quality of education. While parts of it were good, it was still lacking to give a great PP: What are some general concerns you have about the state of Jewish education for all types of students, from motivated students to non-moti-

education, whether at YULA or in general?

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(cont’d on pg. 15)

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

SPORTS

Did Kevin Durant make the Warriors better?

Jonathan Hay, Staff Writer

Durant, an eight-time NBA All-Star, helped lead the Warriors this season to their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance (Source: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Over the 2016 offseason, the Golden State Warriors acquired the biggest name in the NBA’s free agent market: Kevin Durant. After the signing, people thought that the 2016-17 Warriors team could be the greatest NBA team ever assembled. However, the Warriors failed to reach 70 wins—a mark that last year’s team surpassed on the way to a league-record 73 wins.

While Kevin Durant was injured, the Warriors went 16-4, including a 13 game winning streak to close off the season. During that run they beat the Rockets twice, the Spurs, and the Thunder—all premier teams in the league. During that stretch, they also shut down Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard.

Advanced metrics show that the Warriors are much better defensively without Durant. They allow 7 fewer points a game, and opposing teams shoot significantly worse when Durant is not playing.

It seemed like a no-brainer at the time for the Warriors to give up Leonardo Barbosa, Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights, and Brandon Rush in free agency to acquire the consensus second-best player in the league. So, then, why are the Warriors worse than they were last year?

When the Warriors got Kevin Durant over the offseason, they

got another great scorer. And if you look back at the all-time great teams, they all had a good mix of different types of players. The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s are a prime example. They had good mid-range players: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They had long-range shooters: Steve Kerr and John Paxson. They had great rebounders: Horace Grant and Dennis Rodman. The San Antonio Spurs of the early 2000s also serve as a prime example. They had Tim Duncan rebounding, Tony Parker controlling the offense, Manu Ginobili providing energy off the bench, and a variety of three point shooters including Robert Horry, Steve Kerr, and Danny Green. The Miami Heat early in this decade had to learn the lesson of being spread out. They had Chris Bosh rebounding, and LeBron James and Dwyane Wade doing most of the scoring and passing. However, the piece that team was missing was a solid three point shooter. Therefore, they acquired Ray Allen, Shane Battier, and Mike Miller. As a result, the Heat came back and won the championship.

When Durant went to the Warriors, all it meant was more shooting and scoring. The Warriors already have arguably the two best shooters in the league in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, yet they added one more. Instead of diversifying to get a good shot blocker and

(cont’d on pg. 15)

The mysterious cases of the dissapear- Former NFL player coaching YULA Girls Madeline Rubin, Staff Writer ing tennis and golf teams

Coached by former NFL player, Dayvon Ross, the YULA Girls High Caleb Aranoff, Staff Writer

Most years, YULA has sports teams for baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, and cross-country. This year, however, tennis and golf were conspicuously missing.

Their absence led to speculation among students that the nonexistence of these teams was due to a lack of funding in the athletic department. But Athletic Director Damian Rodriguez said in an interview that the golf and tennis team’s absences were decidedly not about budget cuts, but a lack of student interest.

“I do plan to bring both sports back in the near future. We have it on hold,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “Student interest in sports changes every year, so we have to decide what is a trending sport in the school and what is not. We want student commitment, and not the coaches begging for players to come to practice.”

With YULA students’ hard schedules and workloads, the commitment to practice and games may be difficult to make. Tough schedules, coupled with changing interest and a small student body make it inevitable that, in some years, certain sports disappear from the school’s athletic department while new ones emerge.

11

School’s flag football team is feeling confident this season.

Coach Ross was able to improve the team as a whole and prepare them for their upcoming games. Not only does he understand the skills required for victory, he also has a great understanding of how to help each individual girl while also enhancing the success of the team as a whole.

Ross realized that in order to improve each girl’s individual performance, he needed to work on the team’s communication and all around effort as a unit. Due to the fact that for many of the students, it’s their first year playing flag football, Coach Ross instructed them on an essential running drill to condition their bodies and prepare them for the games.

Co-captain Naomi Weberman said, “I chose flag football because it was something I never had tried before. It’s always been a sport I’ve heard of but never actually experienced playing the game.”

The girls have had one official game, which they won against Yeshiva High Tech, and they have also had one scrimmage against High Tech, which they lost.

Elinorah Kavosh (‘20) said, “This is my first time ever playing flag (cont’d on pg. 15)

SPORTS

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

A farewell to our basketball seniors Noah Hyman, Sports Editor

Alan Gindi: The four-year superstar of YULA basketball and captain this past year left his mark on YULA basketball. Alan is best known for his freakish athleticism and unbelievable finishes around the basket. Alan’s work ethic served as a great example for the others on the team to follow. Famous quote: “Who’s the baddest on the court?”

David Haboosheh: The four-year power forward, David put everything into basketball. Nicknamed “Haboosh,” or “boosh” for short, David took on the starting spot for his senior year. Haboosh is best known for his tenacious rebounding and a sweet midrange jumper. Haboosh also loved giving pregame speeches to pump up the team. Famous Quote: “Be scared of them” or “Are we gonna run Omaha?”

David Sassoon: Although David did not play basketball in 10th grade, his impact was greatly felt these past two years. David served as captain this year and is best known for his elite defense consistently making life harder for the opponent’s best player. Famous Quote: “I’ve got a good feeling about this one.”

Gal Ben Shushan: The true center of the team, Gal joined the team just for his senior year but made immediate contributions. Gal is best known for his phenomenal interior defense, and acted as “the enforcer” on the glass for this team. Gal’s energy inspired the team and he constantly pushed everyone to work harder. Famous Quote: “Full speed guys!”

Evan Teichman: Another captain of this year’s team, Evan is best known for his knock-down shot, consistently hitting threes throughout the season. Evan also established himself as great free throw shooter, assuming the duties for technical throughout the season. Famous Quote: “Come on, big Boosh.”

Elchanan Gabbai: A big transfer from the soccer program to basketball, Elchanan joined the team just for this year. Elchanan is best known for his buckets 2k character at the Cooper Tournament, earning him the nickname “2k Elchanan.” Famous Quote “Slide in and slide out, yaa.”

Baseball and volleyball seasons close another year of YULA athletics Noah Hyman, Sports Editor

The YULA Boys baseball and volleyball seasons have come to a close, crashing to a finish despite early hopes for successful seasons. Both teams finished with only two wins, capping a forgettable year for YULA athletics. The flag football team also had only two wins, while basketball took an early exit in the tournaments and soccer finished with a 6-8-1 record.

The baseball team looks to the future, as it will lose senior captain and four year veteran AJ Kahan (‘17). Reflecting on his time playing for YULA, Kahan said, “I’ve had an incredible time these past four years. There’s nothing better than being on the baseball diamond after a long day of school and I’ll definitely miss that.”

Kahan has confidence that the team can carry on his legacy, with rising senior Justin Hanelin (‘18) trying to fill his cleats as captain next season.

For the volleyball team, the future looks bright. The team, which had no seniors this year, will retain their roster for next season. Co-captain Eli Isaacs (‘18) is excited about the possibilities for next year, saying, “With a season of experience under their belt, I’m confident these players will improve for next season.”

The volleyball team after the season’s final game

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Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

OPINION

How to survive rejection from your first-choice school Miriam Waghalter, Community Editor

With May 1st behind us, everyone is talking about where this year’s graduating class will matriculate for college. A much less common (not to mention unpleasant) topic for discussion is which schools people did not get into. While this may be an upsetting topic for many people, it is an important one. When you hear constantly for your first three years of high school about getting into a good college, you won’t be prepared for any rejection. I know that many of my friends know where I got accepted, but few of them know about where I wasn’t accepted – simply because I don’t talk about it.

Personally, I set my eye on Princeton University. Not only did I work hard throughout high school to maintain the grades I needed, and study hard for college admissions tests, but I also spent hours and hours on my early action application. I knew going into this process that the chances of being accepted were slim, but I was so scared of feeling shame that I didn’t tell anyone that I was applying – even some of my best friends. The day that I was deferred I was devastated, because I knew that the likelihood of me being accepted during the next round of applications was next to nothing – and sure enough, I was ultimately rejected.

However, between the time that I was deferred to the time that I was rejected, I realized several things important to know about the college process that I wish I had known before I applied.

First of all, don’t make the mistake that I made about keeping your application a secret.

While I was glad that no one was whispering about my deferral behind my back, I realize now that I needed my friends to support me. I realized this the day afterwards and so I told them, and I instantly felt much better. You can still have your application be on the “down low” while maintaining a support network.

It took until everyone heard back from everywhere they applied to for me to learn that there is an element of randomness in admissions, in the sense that the applicants will never know exactly what a certain school is looking for. I got into places that my friends did not get into, but these same friends got into places that I did not get into. Not getting into a school that you wanted doesn’t make you any less than those who did get in, and your self-esteem shouldn’t depend on what a college admissions board thinks of you.

Also, it didn’t really register, until recently, that college is what you make of it. Success is not determined by the name of a school that you go to--it is determined by your work. You can go to Harvard but not study, which would make it

unlikely for you to get into the graduate program or job of your choice. On the other hand, you can go to a lower-ranked school, work hard to graduate at the top of your class, and you will keep this work ethic to succeed in career endeavors.

At the end of the day, as long as you apply to a good number of safety schools, targets, and reaches, you will end up with good options. In the worst-case scenario that you do not get into any university, we are fortunate to live in an area with top-notch community colleges. Higher education is a privilege that many Americans are not privy to. Going to any form of college is an incredible opportunity, and it’s up to us to take advantage of it.

The best piece of advice I can give to someone who does not get into the school of their dreams is that you simply have to accept that that’s the way it is, and roll with it. At the end of the day if it doesn’t happen then there is another path that you are meant to take. The colleges that ended up being my main considerations were primarily schools that I never thought I would go to—one of which I had not even heard of until last year.

I, along with the rest of my class, will start this next chapter of our lives with many opportunities open to us, but we will have to search for them and take advantage of them ourselves.

When I opened my rejection letter from Princeton, all I could do was laugh at myself for all the stress that I put into something that doesn’t mean all too much in the end. Life goes on when you don’t get into that number one school.

Our vastly changing climate

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Climate change. It’s the issue every celebrity piggy-backs on to get a round of applause while accepting an Oscar. It’s the reason Bill Nye is still famous. And it’s also a pressing issue that many people refuse to deal with. According to a recent NASA report, an overwhelming majority of scientists agree that the earth is warming and that mankind needs to take action.

NASA has confirmed that 2015 was the warmest year on record and that 9 out of 10 of the warmest years on record took place since 2000. And yet, President Donald J. Trump tweeted in 2015, “It’s really cold outside, they are calling it a major freeze, weeks ahead of normal. Man, we could use a big fat dose of global warming!”

In an interview with presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway in 2016 concerning Trump’s climate-change denying tendencies, she was evasive regarding Trump’s position on climate change, knowing that establishing him as a conspiracy-theorist climate-change-denier would paint him in a poor light.

At this point, with alternative facts and fake news growing rapidly in popularity, many Americans don’t know what to believe. Is climate change caused by humans? A natural process? Both? Above all – is our President making the right choice when it comes to America’s policy towards the environment?

Without fake news or alternative facts, here’s a concise look at the scientific basis for climate change.

The world’s temperature is rising at an unnatural rate. According to NASA, Jan. 2016 was the warmest January in 137 years of modern record keeping. Jan. 2017 was the third warmest, while 2016 was the warmest year on record--a full 1.01˚C warmer than 1880, when modern temperature recording techniques began.

1.01˚C may not seem like much, but in reality it’s a colossal amount when you consider the energy required to raise the global average temperature one whole degree (which is approximately 5,000,000,000,000,000,000 Joules.) It would take 4 million years for the U.S. to use that amount of energy. Even the most conservative graphs say that by 2100 the average temperature will go up 2˚C.

This rise in temperature is wreaking havoc on the earth. The oceans absorb much of this heat and energy, the warm waters melt the ice sheets, the melted runoff cause the sea level to rise this past decade at a rate double that of the last century. Glaciers are retreating, the arctic sea ice is declining in thick-

After director James Gunn’s critically acclaimed box-office smash Guardians of the Galaxy surprised fans in the summer of 2014, the franchise’s second installment had big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, it paled in comparison. I still recomend the movie if you haven’t seen, but, if you have, feel free to read my thoughts on the plot bellow.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

While the movie was tonally on point, once again nailing the classic tongue-in-cheek and self-aware dialogue from the first movie, the writing fell a bit short. Some of the movies funniest gags (like Drax’s laugh or Baby Groot’s naivete) were far overused.

The story also felt a bit confined. The movie mainly focuses on explaining Peter Quill’s backstory by creating some tired father-son drama between his dad Ego. While I do appreciate that Gunn and the writers tried to introduce a compelling villain after the forgettable antagonist in the first volume, I would’ve liked to see something a bit more interesting.

I also would’ve liked to see more development of the Quill-Gamora relationship, which sought a “will they or won’t they?” type of relationship dynamic (comparable to that of Rachel and Ross in Friends), but felt more like, “I know they will, so stop stalling.”

Not to mention the unnecessary rivalry with Gamora and her sister that felt more like bad page-filler than interesting narrative conflict.

Just to clarify, by no means was this movie bad. It just wasn’t good.

In other words, if the best part of the movie was the very non-romantic relationship between Drax and Mantis then there’s a bit of a problem.

Daniel Silvera, Opinion Editor

(cont’d on pg. 15)

Jonathan Mizrahi, Community Editor

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Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Rabbi Emerson announces departure, as Rabbi Sufrin to assume Head of School cont’d from pg. 1

Students expressed gratitude to Rabbi Emerson for the work he has done during his time as Head of School, and looked forward to seeing how Rabbi Sufrin will continue to elevate the school to new heights.

“We all appreciate what Rabbi Emerson has done,” said Jonathan Hay (‘18). “We’re also looking forward to seeing what Rabbi Sufrin will bring next year as Head of School.”

“The future of YULA is looking bright with Rabbi Sufrin at the helm,” said Mikey Szabo (‘17), during whose entire high school tenure Rabbi Emerson was Head of School.

Rabbi Emerson concluded his email to the student body by wishing them luck in the years to come: “I wish you all nothing but hatzlacha, bracha, and the fulfillment of your outstanding collective and individual potential,” wrote Rabbi Emerson. “I am absolutely certain that there are great things ahead for all of you, and I look forward to a continued relationship and being able to see your accomplishments in the days and years ahead.”

My time at AIPAC Policy Conference 2017 cont’d from pg. 1

the daughter of proudly American Indian immigrants, saaying, “The truth is, I have seen so many similarities between the Israeli culture and the Indian culture. We’re very close-knit. We love our families. We have a strong work ethic.

We believe in professionalism and philanthropy and giving back...We’re aggressive. We’re stubborn. And we don’t back down from a fight.”

Haley was widely seen as the event’s star and was the most well-received speaker of the entire policy conference. Her address, in which she fiercely condemned the anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, described what she had done to combat it. “I wear heels. It’s not for a fashion statement. It’s because if I see something wrong, we’re going to kick them every single time,” Haley said.

AIPAC devoted a considerable amount of time to showing how Israeli technologies, ranging from a phone for people with severe physical disabilities that can be operated with eye movements, to a device that “pulls water out of thin air” by distilling water vapor into drinkable water, are improving the lives of people all over the world.

Colonel Dr. Elon Glassberg, director of the medical branch of the Israel Defense Forces, spoke at AIPAC about Israel’s efforts to save the lives of thousands of innocent civilians, including many children, who have been seriously injured in the Syrian civil war by treating them in Israeli hospitals. Colonel Dr. Glassberg ended his speech by saying “We do what we do freely and with all our hearts because it is within our ability. As an Israeli, I feel it is our duty to help whomever we can. We help because it’s quite simply the right thing to do, because we cannot turn our backs on people who are in need; because at the end of the day, we all want health and security, peace and quiet, on every side of that fence. Thank you very much.”

Polymatheus wins Gold Crown Award from Columbia cont’d from pg. 2

and pushed us all the way to the Gold Crown.”

The current staff of Polymatheus is in the process of editing their next voldlkafjsdlkfume, which is set to be completed in mid-June. “Although we won this year,” said Polymatheus Managing Editor Noah Hyman (‘18), “We still faced a fair amount of errors, setbacks, and obstacles.

Hopefully we can learn from last year’s mistakes to make our next issue even more successful.”

each and every member of the L.A. community, and influenced our youth,” said mazrikah Leeat Hatzah (‘17). “Because of the Fridmans, every Bnei Akiva shabbaton has been sold out cont’d from pg. 3 and more and more teenagers are becoming incompetition the team was meeting every day. volved.”

Amira Felsenthal (’17), a participant in the club, said, “It was hard forming our argument and using sources from the Torah to prove the points.”

The team also fundraised throughout the year so that they would be able to attend the conference.

The weekend leading up to the competition is a pluralistic shabbaton. The teams visited cont’d from pg. 5 the NASA Johnson Space Center and a boardwalk near their hotel. The team met with Jews Hecht will be YULA’s Director of Israel Education from across the spectrum.” It was really cool and Advocacy. Rabbi Hecht is currently developbecause you got to meet Jews from all different ing a four-year Israel studies program on teaching sects of Judaism and hear their perspectives on and expressing Zionism.

Rabbi Spodek also plans on developing a the case,” Felsenthal said. comprehensive Jewish History curriculum under

Approximately 20 schools competed, the leadership of Ms. Yehudis Benhamou, who including YULA. Each team had an 8-minute will have the position of Jewish History Departpresentation of their case and then 8 minutes of ment Chair, Holocaust Education Advisor, and Soquestioning by judges. YULA placed third in the cial Studies Teacher.

She will teach A.P. European Cardozo division.

History next year and is building a senior capstone program and a “college readiness week” to help YULA seniors prepare for college.

As part of YULA’s new curriculum, Rabbi Spodek will introduce an educational program called STEAM that offers science, technology, engineercont’d from pg. 3 ing, mathematics, and art classes to the students. said Ariel Wernick (’17).

“In addition to the core general studies of

Shabbat concluded with a heartfelt, muscience, English, math, and social studies we are sic-filled se’udat shlishit and kumzitz -- and a also adding a STEAM requirement for students musical Havdalah led by Rabbi Abramczik’s in grades 9 and 10 to expose them to the world of brother.

STEAM education,” Rabbi Spodek said. “Ulti After Shabbat, the group went to the Malmately, as students enter into 11th and 12th grade, ha Mall for a reunion dinner with all the YULA they will have a number of options to continue in alumni. To top off the trip, the seniors visited the their STEAM education, including robotics, 3D Belz Beit Midrash and then reflected on the enprinting, coding, gaming and app/web design. We tire experience during an elevating visit to Kever will also be adding a film and photography elective Rachel, the burial site of the matriarch Rachel, in for students.” the middle of the night.

Rabbi Spodek is also promoting Torah

The seniors enjoyed themselves imSheba’al Peh teacher, Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom, mensely, and Rabbi Baalhaness strongly recomto Rosh Beit Midrash as he introduces a new Beit mends the trip to future seniors. “Just come and Midrash program for next year. Selected students kick it with your rebbeim for six days, our style,” from all grades will study both Advanced Tanakh Rabbi Baalhaness said. “You’ll never experience and Talmud in chavruta and will engage in discusanything like it. Guaranteed!” sions and seminars in areas of hashkafah. The girls in the Beit Midrash program will produce a yearly Torah journal and work on a weekly divrei Torah newsletter for the community. The Beit Midrash will serve as both a learning center for the school and the community.

There are also plans to change YULA’s cont’d from pg. 4 block 8 day schedule to a 5 days a week hybrid

The YULA Drama Society has often bell schedule in order to create balance between been looked to as one of the most challenging the amount of time dedicated to general studies and extracurriculars to take part in. It entails sever- to Judaic studies. He says, “The bell schedule for al months of hard work, from memorizing lines next year is still a work in progress and one that to performing them with as much emotion and we are constantly working to ensure that it will be impactfulness as one possibly can. For three the best schedule for both our students and teachnights a week these students work for hours, ers--optimizing learning opportunities, creating tirelessly, to perfect their craft. We’ll all have the more course offerings and electives and creating a opportunity to see the fruits of their labor this balanced schedule for everyone,” he said.

Rabbi Spodek said that the number of pecoming June 4th and June 5th – contrary to tra- riods given each day will depend on the day of the dition, this year there are only two show times instead of the usual three. Anyone on the cast or week.

“Some days will be 10, some days will be on backstage will tell you that this production in 6, some days will be 4 -- it will depend on the day particular will go down in history as gripping, of the week,” he said. exciting, and very memorable – from the come However, he added, there will be free peridic, lighthearted highs of the high school setting, ods, referred to as “study halls,” at least once a day, to the intense, grim lows of anti-Semitism and depending on the grade.

With this new schedule the pressure placed on high school students, this there will be a weekly club period added and time production is worth attending. on Fridays for student led divrei Torah and school wide Kumzitzes after davening.

With the change of the schedule, Rabbi Spodek believes “that the consistency in having classes meet on a more frequent and regular basis will enhance the learning opportunities for our students and the shorter periods will make it easier for cont’d from pg. 4 students to fully engage in the class and be attentive

Mrs. Fridman wants people to remember and on task throughout the lesson.” that Bnei Akiva is a youth movement that is “run Rabbi Spodek said that he is also planning by high school students for the younger genera- on adding a weekly mechanechet period in which tion, and is meant for teens to be taking initiative “our Limudei Kodesh faculty will hold regular and creating a love for Israel that is so person- small group discussions on topics of relevance al and important; and creating relationships and and meaning to our students focused on religious role models for the younger children.” growth and Halachik commitment.”

“Both Eyal and Toby have touched Rabbi Spodek said that he’s very aware of (cont’d on pg. 15) 14

The YULA Moot Beit Din experience

YULA Girls in transition with an eye towards the future

A recap of the seniors’ Israel trip

Break a leg! YULA Drama Society brings comedy (and drama) to YULA

After four years with Bnei Akiva in L.A., the Fridmans say their goodbyes

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

many students’ anxieties at YULA’s many changes.

“I know that not everyone will agree with every decision, but I can promise you we will go to great lengths to take care of our students and to do everything we can to ensure that our students are happy, growing and learning,” he said.

As the students adapt to the upcoming changes next year, Rabbi Spodek believes that “with a positive outlook and with the support of our incredibly talented and caring faculty, our students will adjust quickly and seamlessly.”

How and why Senate Republicans went nuclear, and what’s next for the Supreme Court cont’d from pg. 6

eral judge in the past. Senate Republicans refused to consider him, denying him a confirmation hearing and an up-or-down vote. This outraged many Democrats, who accused them of engaging in unprecedented obstructionism. Eventually, Obama left office, and Merrick Garland’s Supreme Court prospects ended with Hillary Clinton’s electoral defeat.

Several weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch, a widely-respected federal judge. The American Bar Association unanimously rated him as “well qualified,” the highest possible rating for a Supreme Court nominee. In 2006, when Gorsuch was nominated to be a federal judge, he had been unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Barack Obama, Chuck Schumer, and Hillary Clinton voted to confirm him.

Senate Democrats, infuriated over the refusal of their Republican colleagues to consider Garland, and under heavy pressure from their liberal constituents to oppose President Trump’s agenda, were not about to let Gorsuch be confirmed to the Supreme Court.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the same man he had voted to confirm in 2006 as an extremist who had repeatedly valued corporate interests more than the rights of “average Americans just trying to get a fair shake.” Gorsuch’s opponents also accused him of lacking the impartiality he would need to serve as a check on any unconstitutional acts the President might engage in and claimed that the seat Gorsuch had been nominated to fill had been “stolen” from Merrick Garland by the Republican Senate majority that had denied Garland a hearing and a vote.

Schumer vowed to lead a Democratic filibuster against Gorsuch. Only 4 Democrats, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of South Dakota, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, and Michael Bennett of Colorado, refused to join the filibuster.

The politicization of Supreme Court nominees can be dated back about 30 years, when President Ronald Reagan nominated Robert Bork to the Supreme Court. The Democrats rejected his nomination.

The next episode in this drama came when Clarence Thomas, a conservative federal judge who George H. W. Bush had nominated to the Supreme Court, was accused of sexual harassment by Anita Hill. He denied her allegations and Thomas was ultimately confirmed, 52-48. (11 Democratic Senators voted to confirm him; 46 voted to reject his nomination.)

For all the other controversies and scandals that surrounded Bill Clinton’s administration, it was mercifully spared this particular trouble; both of Clinton’s liberal Supreme Court nominees were confirmed with little trouble or opposition. But this respite ended when Democrats filibustered 10 judges who President George W. Bush had nominated to federal courts.

A bipartisan group of 14 Senators came to a compromise, in which five of the filibustered judges were confirmed. But three of the original 10 had already withdrawn their nominations.

During Obama’s presidency, many of his judicial nominees were filibustered. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, responded by employing the nuclear option for nominations to the executive branch and all federal courts other than the Supreme Court. While Democrats were infuriated by Republican Senators’ refusal to consider Garland, Republicans said that the Democrats decision to politicize judicial nominations in the first place was the original sin.

All of this led to Gorsuch’s 54-45 confirmation, nearly entirely by party lines.

Gorsuch, who is 49 years old, will likely be on the Supreme Court for decades. And together with the extraordinarily polarized state of American politics, the use of the nuclear option will change the nomination and confirmation process for the foreseeable future. It may give presidents whose parties have Senate majorities free reign to nominate anyone they want.

How will this impact the Supreme Court’s development under President Trump? No one knows.

Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that a Supreme Court Justice will step down this summer. He declined to name the retiring justice, but most political commentators suspect it is Justice Anthony Kennedy, the court’s swing vote.

Two staunchly liberal Supreme Court justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 84, and Stephen Breyer, 78, may also leave the Supreme Court soon. If either Kennedy, Ginsburg, or Breyer leave with Trump in office, the court could very well have a solid conservative majority for decades.

Shavuot, Bikkurim, and Matan Torah cont’d from pg. 7

ateinu, the time of the giving of Torah, not Zman

Kabbalat Hatorah, the time of the acceptance of Torah. We are required to accept the Torah each day, on a daily basis. The giving of Torah was a one-time event, and that is the reason why on Shavuot we celebrate the giving, but we need to re-receive the Torah all the time.

May we all merit a true Kabbalat Ha-Torah!

An interview with Mr. Dennis Prager cont’d from pg. 8

write and prepare the next day’s show for the rest of the night. But it’s not all work. I take my interest in photography and music very seriously.

PP: What do you do to relax when you need a break from working?

DP: Listen to music, take pictures, go to audio shows, play hearts on the computer, surf the internet, go out with my wife.

PP: Can you describe your Torah commentary for those not familiar with your Torah lectures?

DP: I’ve been teaching the Torah for 35 years, and taught it verse-by-verse in formal classes over the course of 18 years. Many people – Jews and non-Jews – have bought these hundreds of hours of recorded classes. And now, finally, I am putting it all into print. I am making the case for the Torah as the greatest book ever written, and explaining it so that anyone – from a yeshiva student to a Chinese man or woman who never met a Jew – will understand it, and (hopefully) have their lives changed by it.

PP: Is there anything you have said or done in your career that you wish you could have said or done differently?

DP: I think I could have said something better after every show and every speech.

PP: What message would you give high school students today about the value of education and how to live productive lives?

DP: Character trumps everything, including education and brains. Smart people are a dime a dozen. Good people are much rarer – and far more important.

And don’t pursue fame. The famous are rarely significant, and the significant are rarely famous.

In YULA Girls’ changes, board president sees a bright future cont’d from pg. 9

SB: The first thing I would say is not to sugarcoat these changes in the sense that change is difficult.

One of my feelings about this process is that high school is so short, and unfortunately, we had at least half a year of students’ four-year experience absorbed in atmosphere of changes. In that sense, my heart goes out to the young women that have such a short time to experience YULA Girls High School and that they have had to endure a year of change. I think that if we try and take a positive lens, I am very hopeful and optimistic that these changes will immediately positively impact the students’ experiences in the coming academic year. I think that for the YULA community as a whole, it sets us up for what has been a wonderful decade under Rabbi Lieberman to now have the opportunity under Rabbi Spodek to have an even brighter future while building on the success of this past decade. I hope that the students at YULA can have that perspective about what is best for the long-term health of the institution.

However, that should not take away anybody’s feelings that they had to endure change and deal with it during what is such a short high school window. If there is a feeling of frustration, sadness, or even anger among the community and the students, I would completely understand. I just hope that they can take a longer view and hopefully they will get a chance to experience some of the changes in the coming year.

An interview with the YULA Boys Board President cont’d cont’dfrom frompg. pg.10 8

DN: My biggest concern with the state of Jewish education is how expensive it is. It’s too expensive. Jewish education is absolutely unaffordable. We can’t have Jewish education simply be for the rich, so instead we allow kids blindly to come and apply to our school regardless of their financial capabilities. The answer to this dilemma is that the board needs to raise money for financial aid, but Jewish education is so high that it’s almost raising an impossible task for the board. The long-term solution is an endowment. There is already an endowment of two million dollars, but can you imagine if we had an endowment of ten million dollars. With that size of an endowment, we would not have to raise tuition every single year.

PP: You’ve dedicated an enormous amount of your

own time and money towards YULA. Why? DN: One of the most impactful times in your life, in steering who you’re going to be, is during high school, so I always felt that that’s what I needed to get involved in. And I’m loving it. I’m taking great pride in what YULA has become in comparison to what it was, and I’m taking great pride in knowing that I’m taking it to a level that will be something that I think the whole community will be proud of for a very long time.

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Did Kevin Durant make the Warriors better? cont’d from pg. 11

rim protector like Bogut or a guy who is a good spark off the bench like Leonardo Barbosa, the Warriors consolidated and focused even more of their cap space on another shooter. Durant added a layer that the Warriors already had. With the Warriors advancing to another NBA Finals after their 4-0 domination of the San Antonio Spurs, all we can do now is wait and see if the their offseason moves will result in the ultimate goal: four more wins.

Former NFL player coaching YULA Girls cont’d from pg. 11

football. I have learned many skills and techniques from my coaches and the other girls on the team.”

Many girls chose flag football for the workout and competition, and others to learn the techniques and drills of football.

“The girls have not only learned strategies of football, but they learned how to come together as a team and play in symphony. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to coach such committed girls,” Coach Ross said.

Our vastly changing climate cont’d from pg. 13

ness and in extent, and the number of record high temperature events in the United States has been increasing while the number of record low temperature events has been decreasing since 1950. All that information is from NASA, a trustworthy source funded by the American government.

The question that inevitably comes up during these debates – “Is this information reliable?” – shows the amount of uncertainty that climate change deniers have introduced into the argument by expressing conspiracy theories and spreading misinformation, so it’s essential to search for truth from trustworthy and accurate sources.

Now the question that brings up the real controversy: Is this increase in warmth caused by human carbon emissions?

According to both NASA and the United Nations, it is. Before I even discuss that, think about it logically: the temperature increase began around the late 19th century. Before that it remained basically stagnant. What was happening at the turn of the century? The industrial revolution. Oil and coal were burnt for fuel. Huge Rockefeller factories pumped black smoke into the skies, and the Model T car became popular. Since then there’s been a steady increase in the world’s temperature. In 1950, atmospheric carbon dioxide went higher than 300 parts per million – something it had never done before in the history of the world, according to a recent NASA study.

We’ve established that climate change is real, and that mankind at least in part causes it.

We’ve established some of the consequences, and if you want to read more I invite you to go to nasa.gov.

There you can find unaltered, un-manipulated facts upon which to build your knowledge. If you have your doubts about NASA’s credibility, take a look at their FAQ section, where they address their data collection techniques and their peer review process.

Or look at Berkeley Earth’s data - Berkeley Earth is an independent, non-profit organization funded by grants, so if NASA’s government affiliation doesn’t sit well, Berkeley Earth might be the place for you.

You could even do your own research; spend time at a college or a library collecting your own data.

Learn how scientific information is gathered, learn how experiments are conducted, and learn the truth for yourself.

It’s essential for people to seek out the truth, which brings me to the most terrifying part of climate change today: Donald Trump’s refusal to act.

Inaction will bring an inevitable catastrophe closer instead of combating it with any means we have.

On January 28th, 2014, Trump tweeted, “Snowing in Texas and Louisiana, record setting freezing temperatures throughout the country and beyond. Global warming is an expensive hoax!”

Trump’s administration deleted the White House climate change web page. And he is now in charge of our country and has a direct say in the amount of money we put into research and green energy, the steps we take in using alternative fuels, and the regulations, or lack thereof, on huge industries that pour black smoke into the sky like the Rockefeller factories of old.

Regardless of your opinion on any of Donald Trump’s other policies, this is one area where facts and data exists and cannot be refuted if the people stay informed and educated. If we still want earth to be our home planet in 2100, we need to become more active in helping the environment. Ride a bike once or twice instead of driving. Get solar panels for your house, or maybe drive a hybrid. It might not solve climate change in a day, but it sure won’t make it worse. Above all, stay informed and hold truth dear. These are, quite literally, the facts of life.

EDITORIAL

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Quarter 4 - May 2017 - Sivan 5777

Can schools control our social life?

Staff:

Faculty Advisor: Jared Sichel

Editorial Board:

Editor-in-Chief: Eytan Merkin Editor-in-Chief: Abegail Javidzad Executive Editor: Noam Gershov Executive Editor: Moryel Yashar Community Editor (Boys): Jonathan Mizrahi Community Editor (Girls): Miriam Waghalter Sports Editor (Boys): Noah Hyman Sports Editor (Girls): Rachel Samouha Torah Editor: Gidon Amsellem News Editor: Shira Razi Opinion Editor: Daniel Silvera Layout Editor: Jonathan Mizrahi

Copy Editors: Micah Steinberg Sivan Hakakian Rivkah Abrams Tzofiya Bookstein

Staff Writers: Ilan Bocian Benjamin Tarko Jonathan Hay Negin Nili Tzofiya Bookstein Ethan Kohanteb Caleb Aranoff Rivkah Abrams Madeline Rubin Eliana Sisman Mendy Sacks Ari Willner Itzchak Maghen Rachel Simon Joshua Partovi Daniel Silvera Miriam Waghalter Yonah Berenson Contributing Writers: Meital Gershov Benyamin Hecht Shaina Korouri

Photography: Parmis Fakheri Talya Sawdayi Rebecca Rabbanian Elizabeth Richter Gavriel Gershov Ethan Kohanteb

On the morning of March 23, a joint message from YULA Girls High School, Shalhevet High School, Valley Torah High School, and YULA Boys High School was sent to YULA students and parents regarding an upcoming party. The email stated that YULA (along with the two other schools) does not endorse or condone the attendance of any such party, and included a detailed explanation of slang relevant to the party, which parents may not have been familiar with, including “tree-friendly” (implying the open use of marijuana), and “pre-gaming” (drinking prior to the party).

Directly following the distribution of the email, students mocked the email’s contents and laughed with their friends about its implications. And the email was funny. Students who had not even heard of the party suddenly knew all about it: the address, time, etc.

Soon after the email was sent out, the discrepancy between the school’s intentions in sending the email and the way it actually played out became apparent when a group of students were heard saying something along the lines of, “Did you hear about that rager? Let’s go!”

Although the email did not provoke the response the administration and parents hoped it would, it did provide a thought-provoking basis for a discussion regarding how the school should or should not involve itself in students’ off-campus lives. Of course, the school has values and beliefs that it hopes to impart to all of its students, and the teaching of such values must come from both the parents and the school, in partnership -- a point that the email addressed.

Nonetheless, it remains questionable whether or not the school should have a say in its students’ whereabouts and activities outside of school hours.

Although students have mocked the email, it wasn’t overbearing, but simply notified parents of the party, and encouraged them to have an open discussion with their children about it.

The email did not explicitly state that students were prohibited from attending, because the administration understands that parents are responsible for their children outside of school. The fact that it was sent to both parents and students was a testament to the school’s hope to foster honest conversation between parents and students about partying, a hope that really can’t hurt anyone.

Of course, the implication of the email was very clearly that students should not be attending the party, and the school did handle the topic in a tactful way, without overstepping any boundaries.

It should be noted that while we are still in high school under the legal guardianship of our parents, they may prohibit us from engaging in dangerous (and sometimes illegal) activities, but they can’t be sure that we will move on to be adults with the ability to make those good decisions for ourselves when no one is there to force us otherwise. Students who make good decisions because they have role models that exemplify good middot, and are engaged in meaningful, practical lessons from the Torah are far more likely to make better personal choices than students who are held back from attending a party because their parents were notified in an email.

A letter from the Faculty Advisor With this, the final issue of this school year’s Panther Post, I have two words for YULA students, parents, staff, faculty, and everyone in the YULA community who has followed this newspaper’s growth: Thank you. The paper has improved from issue to issue thanks to feedback from readers, guidance from the staff and faculty who have encouraged this paper from the start, and most importantly, the hard work and long hours of the wonderful students who put the newspaper together. As the saying goes: Easy reading is hard writing.

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