The Panther Post - November 2018 by YULA High Schools

The

Panther Post

VOL. III NO. 1

November 2018 | Cheshvan-Kislev 5779

Eleven Killed in Anti-Semitic Shooting at Pittsburgh Synagogue

A Publication of YULA High Schools

YULA Girls Smashes Fundraising Goal!

Hanna Gootin (‘19), Editor-In-Chief

ing of his community is liable to the prophecy in Yishayahu 11, which goes so far as to say that one who neglects his community may die as punishment. In a famous teshuva (responsum), Rav Moshe Feinstein wrote that “it is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote.” In this letter Rav Feinstein also

On 17th and 18th October, YULA Girls had a fundraising event with the goal of raising $400,000 towards helping girls who wish to attend the school but might not be able to otherwise. Known as the YULA’s Beiteinu Education Fund, the whole school community came together in a 24 hour intensive drive, and by the deadline had exceeded its goal by 159%! The final total was $636,432, an astonishing achievement and a dramatic testament to the commitment of YULA Girls students, parents, and faculty. YULA Girls paired up with Charidy, a nonprofit crowdfunding platform that applies fundraising techniques to the online world, and due to the generosity of four special donors, each dollar donated was matched to quadruple its value. Rabbi Spodek, YULA Girls Head of School, pointed out that “the needs of our community grow year by year, and we are committed to ensure every Jewish teen an equal opportunity to attend YULA Girls and be a part of its legacy.” Planning for this event started last May with the stated aim of expanding YULA Girl’s financial aid and scholarship grants for students in need. Throughout the entire school day, each grade was called out to go to Kest Commons (aka the “War Room”) where lines of phones and donation forms were waiting to be used. The entire area was a frenzy of phones ringing, cheering faculty members, and passionate students getting in touch with their contacts. Prizes were given to girls who raised the most money each hour and bells were rung when a single donation exceeded $500. The energy of the day was palpable as students bore their Panther Pride when sharing with their callers how much YULA Girls means to them on both a personal and academic level. The YULA administration team of Nancy Schiff, Michal Braun, Samir Miller, Zach Cohen, and Rabbi Spodek, were impressed by the commitment shown by everyone involved. “The entire Jewish community came together to support our students; it was such a moving and unifying experience. The girls really showed initiative,” said Samira Miller. “It was in reality a celebration of students, faculty, family, and everything that

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Eleven Jews were murdered on Shabbat, October 27, at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Above, the Los Angeles community came together outside the Federal Building at Wilshire and Veteran. To read YULA students’ perspectives on the deadliest act of terrorism aimed at Jews ever in the U.S., see back page.

YULA Boys Junior Awarded Innovation Grant Liam Abucasis (‘21) Jonah Zelkha (‘20) has been awarded the Julie Beren Platt Innovation Grant for his app idea, which would help users, especially low-income families, eat healthily, even with busy schedules. The JBP Innovation Grant, as described on the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ website, is meant to encourage Los Angeles-based teens to take risks, be creative, and experiment. Students can win up to $1500 in grant money. According to the website, “In addition to the prize

money, [students] will receive mentoring from a professional in the community, a connection to other Jewish teens, and an amazing opportunity to bring [their] concepts to fruition.” Thanks to Rabbi Michael Cohen, Director of Innovation, Zelkha was able to apply for this grant. Rabbi Cohen also taught Zelkha the steps and skills for starting and running an app. Zelkha thought of this app idea last year when he was having trouble organizing school work. He decided to get a school planner. Once he saw how easy school

became with a planner, he decided to “apply this to food.” With his app only in its starting phase, he plans to use the grant money to develop a prototype app to present to investors. Zelkha said he plans for the app to “make a meal plan that fits

the person’s budget. It’s going to make a meal plan that fits the family size, and it will suggest ingredients for an entire month. “I’m really going to be helping people by organizing their meal plan, which is going to make their lives much easier.”

“I’m really going to be helping people by organizing their meal plan, which is going to make their lives much easier.” Jonah Zelkha (‘20) discusses his grant-winning app with Mrs. Sheri Schlesinger, founder of Genesis, in the new - Jonah Zelkha (‘20) Schlesinger Entreperneurship and STEAM Lab.

Halacha on Civic Duty and Voting Yoni Merkin (‘21)

In Vayikra 19 we learn to “love your fellow as you love yourself.” Additionally, many times in Halacha we are taught that we must help others. But does the same apply for taking part in an attempt to help one’s government? One of the most effective ways in America to help the government is to vote in elections. So the question arises whether Halacha requires Jews to participate in elections while in galut, exile. Multiple times in the Gemara, the idea of dina demalchuta dina arises, which means that

Jews who are in galut are halachically obligated to follow the laws of the country they are in, so long as those laws do not contradict Halacha. The Gemara seems to imply that even in galut, we are members of the nation in which we are living. In Taanit, the Gemara says that “when the community is im-

mersed in suffering, a person may not say: I will go to my home and I will eat and drink” (11b). This Gemara indicates that one should play an active role to help his community, so it seems that one should be required to vote to elect government officials. Furthemore, the Gemara rules that someone who ignores the suffer-

“The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote.” - Rav Moshe Feinstein

Community

YULA Girls Freshman Retreat Brings Unity and Warm Memories Yaelle Shaye (‘22) During the first weekend of the school year, the Freshmen girls arrived at school with duffel bags and matching YULA Girls athletic shirts. On just the second day of school, YULA Girls already planned to take their 9th grade class on a retreat with a mission of unity and bonding in mind. Since most of the Freshmen came from a variety of different schools, the YULA Girls faculty knew the importance of offering multiple bonding activities and opportunities in order to break the

ice and initiate the start of new friendships. Riding in the bus amongst students they were not familiar with, the grade arrived at the Brandeis Campus, where they immediately participated in games that brought girls out of their comfort zone. After lunch, there were a few more campus-based activities to partake in such as rock climbing, archery, basketball, or biking. After a long day filled with physical challenges, STUCCO

Yula Girls Freshman Retreat surprised the grade as they joined them for dinner. Senior and Freshman girls sat side by side as they interacted and mingled in conversation. STUCCO further surprised the 9th grade with a night hike where no flashlights

were used to guide the path. Finally reaching the top of a hill, both senior and freshman alike stood together to take in the beautiful scenery. As a 9th grade participant said,“The stars were very clear

and there were many hills in the distance”. Finally, there was a bonfire led by Associate Principal Mrs. Williams, which lead to

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BOOM! Rabbi Abramczik Wins Prestigious Educator Award Ilan Bocian, Editor-in-Chief The Milken Family Foundation has awarded YULA Boys Dean of Students Rabbi Shimon Abramczik one of four Jewish Educator Awards. In order to recognize and reward the most outstanding teachers, the Foundation initiated the Jewish Educator Awards in 1990 to “dramatically expand the support and recognition for teachers, administrators and other education professionals working in schools affiliated with BJE: Builders of Jewish Education.” The rigorous selection pro-

Panther Post

ra, and emunah. Students at YULA Boys know well the extent of Rabbi Abramczik’s personal and pedagogical attributes: his sincerity, kindness, humility, and patience, which are matched by his erudition, wit, and wisdom. Rabbi Abramczik consistently shows his devotion to his students, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether a student is having difficulty with a couple of lines of Gemara, has an issue with a friend,

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The

Rabbis Sufrin (left) and Abramczik (right) dance in celebration.

cess entails a review of nominated candidates by a committee of educators, as well as professional and lay leaders from the Jewish community, who have a deep-rooted concern for and involvement in Jewish education. The most outstanding candidates are recommended for the Award with final approval by the Foundation. Rabbi Abramczik has been teaching for 12 years at YULA Boys. He has taught the full limudei kodesh gamut: Halacha, Chumash, Navi, Mishna, Gema-

YULA Boys

YULA Girls

Editor-in-Chief: Ilan Bocian Executive Editor: Yonah Berenson Managing Editor: Jake Fishman Faculty Adviser: Ms. Pam Felcher

Editor-in-Chief: Hanna Gootin Executive Editor: Tali Gershov Faculty Adviser: Mr. Fletcher Crossman

Community Editor: Michael Mankowitz Academics Editor: Menachem Kornreich Torah Editor: Ariel Mansano Israel Editor: Gavriel Gershov Sports Editor: Caleb Aranoff Opinion Editor: Zevi Gersten

Community Editors: Ayelet Topp and Madeline Rubin Academics Editor: Rachel Simon Torah Editor: Sasha Astroff Sports Editor: Rebecca Rabbanian Opinion Editor: Julia Benaroch

Photos Editor: Daniel Sentchuk Photographer: Gavriel Gershov

Photographers: Mika Shalom and Zach Cohen Layout Editor: Akiva Brookler

The Panther Post is a shared publication between YULA Boys and YULA Girls, each with its own writers, editors, and faculty adviser. YULA Boys, 9760 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

letters@yula.org

YULA Girls, 1619 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Parents Getting Back Into the Groove of School

Yes, parents need to adapt too Rachel Simon (‘19), Academics Editor Just a week into the 2018-19 school year, YULA Girls hosted their annual Back to School Night, an animated and informative event where parents personally experienced the pattern of their daughter’s day-to-day life in high school. This night allowed parents to catch a glimpse of their daughter’s school-day and academic culture, both inside and outside the classroom. After much preparation, the night began with student ambassadors and faculty welcoming parents as they signed in at the

check-in table. The reception was lively and well-attended: upon entering the campus, parents were greeted by faculty, students, music, a photo booth, and refreshments. Just before sunset, parents were ushered into the Beit Midrash where Rabbi Spodek relayed a d’var Torah from Rabbi Sacks, emphasizing the need of passing on our Jewish tradition by “educating our children properly.” This transitioned into a video in which teachers discussed their roles as heroes of Jewish educa-

tion at YULA Girls High School. Following the introduction, two hours were dedicated to simulating the daily bell-schedule in 10 mini periods. Each parent, with their daughter’s personalized schedule at hand, strode from class to class, attending short seminars from their daughter’s teachers. Meanwhile, YULA student ambassadors busily arranged their posters and displays for a magnificent club fair. Ranging from robotics and dance to Model UN, the fair covered a full spec-

trum of interests and opportunities for individual expression, growth, and leadership. During the various breaks throughout their schedules, parents toured the club fair in the plaza, getting to know the generalities and intricacies of each club from the student representatives. After a rewarding night of mini-classes and parent-faculty conversations, YULA Girls High School prepares to kick off an amazing year of stimulating work and academic success with the entire Panther family.

YULA Boys Enjoy Yom Tov Programming Jake Fishman, Managing Editor As the school year began, the mood of Yom Tov was felt by the entire school. Multiple events were held throughout the chagim that impacted the student body. The first event was an inspirational pre-selichot kumzitz (a singalong) at Head of School Rabbi Arye Sufrin’s home. Seventy students and rebbeim packed into Rabbi Sufrin’s backyard on Motzaei Shabbat to sing and prepare for the intense selichot period that would follow. Before Sukkot, seniors went out into the greater Los Angeles Jewish Community to build sukkot to raise money for their senior trip. In addition, YULA Boys hosted Father-Son Learning, featuring Rabbi Dovid Revah, the Rav of local synagogue Adas To-

rah, who spoke about the halachot of Sukkot. During Chol Hamoed students were invited to the sukkah of Rabbi Dror Baalhaness for a Simchat Beit Ha’shoeva, sukkah party, which included joyous dancing and singing, as well as divrei Torah from various rebbeim. Sophomore Yoni Merkin (‘21) said, “It was an amazing experience and helped set the mood for Simchat Torah and the rest of the school year.” The Yom Tov season ended with special Simchat Torah hakafot (dancing) in the Beit Midrash. The event included food and drinks, along with simcha (happiness) that promised to uplift the student body, long past the yamim tovim.

Rabbi Sufrin speaks to students at Rabbi Baalhaness’ Simchat Beit Ha’shoeva.

Remembering the Lion of Zion Yael Gluck (‘20)

This past September, the pain in the air was palpable on a global scale as the Jewish community heard the news of a fatal terrorist attack in the Gush. A man by the name of Ari Fuld was at the mall shopping for Shabbat and the Chagim when a 17 year old Palestinian terrorist, ran up behind Ari and stabbed him in the back. Although he was deeply injured, Ari got up and shot his attacker before the boy was able to harm a woman working in the falafel shop. A few hours later, Ari succumbed to his wounds and passed away in the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. The Jewish communities both in Israel and around the world mourned the loss of an amazing and heroic man. Even in his pain and struggling, he fought to protect a woman from being attacked as well. Ari was a hero

in life and death. He served as the commander of the elite paratroopers unit in the IDF reserves, and also served on the Efrat emergency squad. Ari was also the assistant director of Standing Together, an organization to support IDF soldiers. He was an incredible spokesperson for the state of Israel, and was well-known for his social media activism in defense of the state of Israel. Not only did he act as a father for other soldiers but also had four children of his own. Looking at his Twitter account, it is obvious how strong a man he was. His bio read: “Living the dream in Judea, Israel. Marketing, social media and business consulting when not defending Israel by exposing the lies and strengthening the truth”. The day after the attack, our school gathered in the Beit Midrash to daven Shacharit together. Before davening, as the YIAC head of on-campus awareness, I

led a memorial ceremony for Ari. I spoke about what happened, his life story and related it to the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, which is when the attack happened. Then, to conclude the ceremony, I led the school in a Perek of Tehillim. The students were really moved by this event and recognized the importance of having a commemoration. Student Jennie Peled, ‘20, said: “I thought it was really touching and I was so glad that we spent time talking about his life instead of just his death. The memorial really made me realize that Ari was a real person. He wasn’t just another nameless vic-

tim out of the hundreds of people hurt by these attacks. He was a father, a friend, and someone who lost his life protecting others”. “It is important for us as a school to acknowledge and commemorate current events in Israel to show our support for Am Yisrael by being educated and vocal Jews” said Meira Schwartz (‘21). The whole atmosphere in the room was mournful but the students appreciated it. They were inspired by Ari’s story and the effect that one person had on the entire Jewish community around the world.

“It is important for us as a school to acknowledge and commemorate current events in Israel to show our support for Am Yisrael by being educated and vocal Jews.” - Meira Schwartz (‘21)

Welcome, Rabbi Skaist!

Ezra Rosenbaum (‘20)

Moshe Darvish (‘22)

Community

Many new teachers have joined the YULA faculty this year. One is Rabbi Eli Skaist, who previously taught at Emek Hebrew Academy. Rabbi Skaist feels that “joining the YULA team has been a very warm and welcoming experience thus far. ... I really feel like I am part of the family.” Rabbi Skaist taught at Yeshivat Ashreinu––a yeshiva in Beit Shemesh, Israel, which several YULA Boys alumni have attended for their gap year––before heading to Los Angeles as the shaliach, or representative, from Israel for Bnei Akiva, a religious-Zionist youth group. As the shaliach, he helps run programs that aim to foster a love for Israel in students by teaching its history, both through a weekly Shabbat day camp with younger children and a leadership program for ninth graders (manhigut), which many students at YULA Boys help run. As a citizen of Israel, Rabbi Skaist learned in the Mir Yeshiva and served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He said that the army helped teach him self-discipline and punctuality, among other lessons that have helped him become a better teacher. His Religious Zionism class for juniors explores the origin of religious Zionism and its impact today. The class also explores the conflicts between the various religious sects of Judaism in Israel and between Zionists and non-Zionists in Israel, religious and secular. In another class Rabbi Skaist teaches, Jewish Thought, he explores the lives of great Jewish thinkers from the past, and he relates the different philosophical struggles they dealt with to similar struggles that resonate today. Rabbi Skaist adds an essential component to the YULA Boys Faculty both through his indepth knowledge of Zionism and rabbinic history and his energetic and encouraging personality, which makes learning fun.

Community

How to Survive 9th Grade

ETTA Starts Off Another Year of Kindness With a Bang

I learned the hard way. You don’t have to.

Avi Schnieder (‘20)

Transitioning into high school from middle school can be a very exhilarating and nerve-racking experience. As an oldest child, it was especially hard for me because I had no older siblings to give me the inside scoop. From these dire circumstances, I had to use tricks in order to stay cool, calm, and collected. From daily visits to YULA Boys General Studies Principal Mr. Richard St. Laurent’s office––mostly to scoop up M&Ms––to frequently complimenting Head of School Rabbi Arye Sufrin’s beard, mostly to sample his candy cache, I finessed my way through freshman year and maintained a stellar reputation. Right from the get-go is an opportunity to leave your mark. As soon as you enter YULA Boys, you will see Wesley, who will say “Good morning!” You must remember to respond as loudly as possible. If he does not hear you, he will continue to say “Good morning!” and raise his voice louder and louder until you answer him. Answer him; it’s way too early in the morning to fight it. But the most important important thing is to leave a good impression with Principal Rabbi Joseph Schreiber. Rabbi Schreiber is the administrator with the superhuman ability to sense everything that is going wrong in

the school. Actually, his hearing is so good that if you curse, he might drive from his home in the Valley to suspend you, so don’t even think about it. He’s also a wonderful Rebbe for the 9th grade Baum Family Advanced Gemara Track (AGT), so take advantage of that class while you’re in it, but don’t get caught watching Fortnite streams! Another wonderful faculty member essential to our school is Mr. St. Laurent; he is more commonly known by his initials, RSL. His title is Principal of General Studies, but he functions more as a therapist for students. Any problems you might have with anything related to the school, you can pay a visit to his office, take a nice handful of M&Ms, and vent about your tough schedule or the fact that it’s not Color War every day. He’s a very nice person. But more importantly, as I stated earlier, he has candy in his office. And here’s the kicker: it’s free! Need lunch? Stop by RSL’s office for a handful of M&M’s and wish him a “Shabbat shalom.” Only some freshmen have the privilege of being in Mr. Alec Gomez’s class. He runs a handson engineering course, which was definitely one of the highlights of my freshman year. And he teaches math classes. If by any chance you have him in your schedule, you must print and read the stu-

dent handbook. It may sound crazy, but you will be in a drastically better position if you come to class ready to roll with your handbook signed. Also, having some Star Wars references won’t hurt. I never had the privilege of learning from Mzzzzzzzzzz. Frew, but I know this: if you address her as Miss or Mrs., you will not survive 9th grade. Many know her for her rigorous teaching style, which results in her students’ exceptional writing skills. People also know her as the teacher who laughs at a good line, so say something even remotely funny to become her favorite student. Proceed with caution, though, since you could also get a zero for the week. She is also somewhat of a comedian herself. An anonymous YULA student quotes her: “It’s okay if you don’t do the work; you’ll get a zero... heheheheheh!” She is clearly very good at getting her students to read between the lines. Even though 9th grade may feel daunting, wait until you get to tenth. . . You can use “daunting” as a Personal Dictionary word for Ms. Pam Felcher (you will find out what a PD is soon enough), you will be a pro at Gomez-ing by then (but make sure you have your multi-colored pen), and you will be ready for harmony in Rabbi Arye Sufrin’s shiur.

YIAC Kickoff Event Welcoming the students were Yonah Berenson (’20) and myself, both presidents of the club. We spoke about how much the club means to us and why we chose to dedicate so much time to this club. Hopefully, we encouraged other students to continue to participate as well. Next was the video presentation introducing all the board members of the club. Each board member said their name, grade, why they got involved in the club to begin with, and their favorite part of the club. Then, the main event, two Israeli soldiers were the focus of the occasion. Linda and Ron, both former IDF soldiers, were on tour with an Israel education organization, StandWithUs. Yael Gluck

The soldiers spoke about their experiences in Israel and why it is so important to defend our homeland.

This month, ETTA, a nonprofit organization that caters to assisting adults and teens with special needs in Los Angeles, hosted its annual kickoff for the new year. This event was graciously hosted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Moise Hendeles, inviting old and new members to partake in exciting activities and indulge in delicious refreshments. While mingling with participants and other volunteers, everyone enjoyed snow cones, cotton candy, a moon bounce, photo booth, mechanical bull, and a dunk tank. Upon their introduction to this incredible chessed organization, teenagers created bonds with participants as they had the opportunity to come out of their comfort

zone. Throughout the evening, volunteering teens had the chance to interact with participants, the ETTA staff, and the youth board in order to learn more about the organization. Reflecting on her past experiences with the organization, ETTA member Bailey Pearlman (‘21) explains,“The Etta events are a really good way to help you get involved with extracurriculars, and to teach you how to interact with the participants.” This amazing kickoff event was a great start to initiating another year full of fun events and kindness opportunities with ETTA!

Participants at the ETTA event.

Tali Gershov (‘19), Executive Editor

Each year, the YULA Israel Advocacy Club (YIAC) hosts a kickoff event to begin the weekly sessions of the club. As president of the club, this kickoff event is one of my favorite occasions of the year. This year, the event took place at Young Israel of Century City, and was catered by Schwartz Bakery. With over 100 students that attended, this year’s kickoff was one to remember. The night started off with some hors d’oeuvres as the students began to arrive. Students from both the Boys School and the Girls School wore cocktail attire showing respect to this momentous occasion. Then, after everyone had settled in, the presentation and speeches began.

Daniella Zisblatt (‘22)

(’20), another board member, is the intern for StandWithUs from YULA this year. She was the one who contacted the speakers to tell their stories for this event. Linda is 23 years old, born in Israel to Colombian and Venezuelan parents. Her family moved back to Venezuela shortly after her birth and remained out of Israel for many years until they returned in 2011. Linda served in the IDF Medical Unit as a Social Welfare Officer where she dealt with soldiers in need of financial aid. Linda is currently studying psychology in Herzliya. Ron, a 26-year-old, attained the highest honor for an athlete when he became the first Israeli triathlete to compete in the 2016 Olympics. The following year, an E-bike crashed into him and he can no longer compete in this sport. Throughout his years competing, he had to occasionally hide his identity as a competitor and once he stood as a “flagless man” after taking 3rd place.

YIAC KICKOFF Presentation of Leadership Both incredible speakers made the night a huge success. They spoke about their experiences in Israel and why it is so important to defend our homeland. It was a beautiful night filled with

meaning and educating the students that will one day, G-d willing, be leading the movement in advocating for the State of Israel.

Community

Senior Shabbaton

Rachel Simon (‘19), Academics Editor On Shabbat Shuva, the YULA Girls senior class came together for a meaningful Shabbaton, which took place at YULA Girls. From a beautiful Friday night dinner “under the stars” to lunch at Mrs. Margolies’ house and Seuda Shlishit at Rabbi Spodek’s house, the girls had an amazing time of spiritual growth and bonding with one another. Friday afternoon, an hour before Shabbat, seniors arrive at YULA Girls - luggage and all and set up sleeping arrangements in the Rubin Auditorium. With twenty minutes to spare before Shabbat, girls came out into the courtyard to take pictures. When Shabbat approached, teachers and students lit candles in Kest Commons. Immediately afterwards, teachers and students took part in a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat in the Beit Midrash. At the conclusion of Maariv, everyone was ushered into the courtyard for Kiddush and the Friday night meal. “Shoutout to Ms. Shandalov’s amazing potato dish!” says Elisheva Gofman (‘19). At the end of the meal, Elisheva Zisblatt (‘19) gave a meaningful D’var Torah about the transition

between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. After most of the staff had gone home, the seniors and their mechanchot gathered around in Kest Commons to reminisce about their past years at YULA Girls and enjoy the best midnight snack- cholent! To open up the conversation, Ms. Shandalov shared a meaningful and empowering story about herself and her journey from high school and beyond. “Sitting with my entire class around me, and going over the memories we made since freshman year really makes me appreciate all the friends that I have to make these memories with,” says Rebecca Rabanian (‘19). Shabbat morning after shul, the girls walked to Mrs. Margolies’ house for Shabbat lunch. A beautiful arrangement of chairs and tables, along with a buffet of delicious schnitzel, salads, muffins, and more, awaited them in the backyard. “The best part was Mrs. Margolies’ cholent!” says Leora Lalezari (‘19). For dessert, everyone came inside and enjoyed ice cream, cake, and brownies made by YULA Girls mechanchot. Just before Birkat

YULA Senior Shabbaton Hamazon, Batya Tropper (‘19) shared an animated D’var Torah about the unity and leadership the senior class has achieved. After the Shabbat afternoon menucha period, Mrs. Siegel, the senior classes’ mechanechet from junior year, invited the seniors into her home, where they enjoyed more bonding and many delightful snacks! For Mincha and Seuda Shlishit, students and teachers went to Rabbi Spodek’s house, where a long table of dishes had been arranged. To bring everyone together, the meal began with singing zemirot. Then Rabbi Spodek gave a Shabbat Shuva Drasha, followed by more singing and havdalah. At the end of the

evening, everyone thanked Mrs. Spodek for her hard work and hospitality. Heading back to YULA Girls, the seniors awaited yet another surprise - the finale of the Shabbaton! More fun games and a Mexican-themed Melava Malka awaited them. “The Saturday night games and food was an incredible way to end such an amazing Shabbaton,” says Danya Parker (‘19). As the Motzei Shabbat activities came to a close, the girls went home tired, but excited, for the coming year. “It was so great to bond with my class,” says Chaya Ehrenburg (‘19). Thanks YULA Girls for a wonderful Shabbaton!

The Story Behind the Story YULA Girls student interviews successful local author Sarah Nachimson (‘21)

Be it as a simple essay, or a full length novel, writing can be a challenge. Finding the right words to represent your ideas may seem daunting and complex. The idea you may have for your writing, however brilliant it may seem in your head, must accurately represent the culture or experience of which you are speaking. Although there has been a recent positive trend of authors portraying firsthand experiences in the subjects they write upon, this has not always been the case. According to statistics released by The Cooperative Children’s Book Centre, African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans wrote less than 10% of all published novels in the twenty-first century’s first decade. In the year 2016, this number increased to 28%, the highest percentage on record. With this increase of rep-

Jewish Educator Award Winner

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resentation, readers can relate to the main character no matter their hometown, religion, or heritage. New York Times bestselling author, Sandhya Menon, has experienced firsthand the Indian-American culture’s traditions and ceremonies, a key aspect in the plot of her book When Dimple Met Rishi. In this romance novel, two Indian-Americans, Rishi Patel and Dimple Shah, are secretly set up by their families, but eventually grow closer romantically while attending the same computer summer program at Stanford. When I asked what was Sandhya’s inspiration for publishing the novel, she said it was “the lack of good, representative YA romance and romantic comedies. I wanted a fun, sweet book that wasn’t about the struggle of being a POC [Person of Color] in America.”

When I asked if she philosophically aligned with her characters’ culture and felt that the book educated newcomers about Indian culture, Menon said, “ I definitely share Dimple’s views about feminism and ambition, and Rishi’s views about art and the good things Indian culture can bring. For instance, I am extremely family oriented, and that pulls heavily from the collectivistic culture in India. As for educating newcomers about Indian culture, I feel like the book is a doorway into Indian culture. It doesn’t provide you [with] every last detail about cultural nuances and customs-- it can’t, as a fiction book, without bogging down the plot--but it does provide enough context so someone without any ties to Indian culture won’t be lost. First and foremost, it’s a love story and a coming of age story.”

Unlike her main character, Menon has never been involved in computer coding. She told me, “I’ve been involved in psychological research, but never computer coding or one of the earth sciences. Certainly, even in psychological research, women are seen as emotional and not as competent as men, even when research shows otherwise, ironically enough. We have so much work to do in every STEM field out there.” So, the next time you pick up a novel, don’t just understand the story at face value. Delve a little deeper into the representation of the characters or events that are presented throughout the plot; this can help open doors to educate yourself about the cultures and ideas you read about.

or just wishes to shmooze about theology and philosophy, Rabbi Abramczik is there for him. The members of Masmidim are aware that Rabbi Abramczik is a model of preparedness: he will stay up until 3:00-4:00 in the morning preparing the Gemara for shiur. He makes it to school by 7:18 a.m. sharp nonetheless, fresh and enthusiastic.

He accomplishes all of this while holding the administrative position of Dean of Students at YULA Boys and being a devoted husband and father of seven. No matter what he’s facing, Rabbi

Abramczik has a perpetual smile on his face and is consistently energetic, a true example of ahavat Torah. “To see my students light up when teaching them Torah gives

Students know well the extent of Rabbi Abramczik’s sincerity, kindness, humility, and patience, which are matched by his erudition, wit, and wisdom.

YULA Girls Fundraiser Continued from front page YULA Girls stands for.” The Fund’s mission statement says: “Our school community recognizes that YULA Girls would be drastically different if even one student was missing from our family and we therefore see BEITEINU (“Our Home”) as a communal initiative and responsibility.” Education is a pillar in everyone’s direction of life. It is something you acquire that never leaves you, but rather is integrated as part of your identity. Education molds who you are and how you view yourself. One of Nelson Mandela’s most famous quotes was “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Here, he derives that education is not only enlightening but even more so, empowering. As Jews, we require not only a secular education but also a Jewish education. Jewish education gives its seekers a backbone in their individuality and guides people on both a Halachic and moral level. Although Jewish schooling provides a meaningful and rewarding experience, it is not cheap; tuition is costly and not everyone has the means to afford it. In order to have the financial ability to send their children to Jewish schools, many families rely on scholarships and financial aid. “It was inspiring to see that everyone does care,” said Michal Braun, “we are not just a school but a family”. me all the energy to continue what I am doing, and to do it with passion,” said Rabbi Abramczik. The entire YULA community extends a hearty mazel tov and yasher koach to Rabbi Abramczik for the achievements that earned him this Award. We are grateful to have Rabbi Abramczik as an invaluable inspiration for us all. “BOOM!”

Torah

Parshat Toldot Dvar Torah

Aliza Pollack (‘20)

This week’s Parsha features the famous deal that we are all familiar with: Esav selling his birthright to Yaakov. A famished Esav came home from a long day of hunting to see Yaakov stirring a pot of lentil stew. Esav begged for the stew and Yaakov was willing to give it to him in exchange for his birthright, to which Esav agreed. In Bereishit Perek 25, Pasuk 33 states, “And Yaakov said, ‘swear to me as of this day’; so he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Yaakov.” Why does the Pasuk say “as of this day”? It seems unnecessary. Rav Zalman Sorotzkin in Oznaim LaTorah address this issue by bringing up a different point. Throughout history, people making important promises have held ritual objects to symbolize the fidelity of their commitment.

For example, in a Beit Din during the times of the Gemara, a person was required to hold a Sefer Torah while taking an oath. Similarly, Avraham made Eliezer swear on the Brit Milah that he would find only an appropriate wife for Yitzchak. In the contemporary American justice system, witnesses are sworn in with their hands on a bible.But what important thing could Yaakov make Esav swear on? Esav did not follow the Torah and even denied the existence of Hashem. As a result, Yaakov decided to that the Esav swear on “today”. Esav lived his whole life on the enjoyment of the present, not thinking about his future or the idea of an “Olam haba”. For Esav, the most important thing was “today”. Once Esav agreed to the deal, Yaakov gave him bread and lentil stew (Bereishit 25:34). But why

would Yaakov give Esav bread if that was not a part of their deal? Chazal teach us that a Tzadik promises a little but does more. Rav Zalman Sorotzkin gives an additional explanation on this. If Yaakov were to only give Esav the lentil stew, later on Esav could come back to him and complain that he was in a desperate situation and Yaakov took advantage of him. By Yaakov first giving him bread, it gave Esav a chance to calm down and thoughtfully consider the deal. Once he was no longer starving, he could clearly think about this deal and make a prudent decision. Even though he was now satiated, he still agreed to sell Yaakov the firstborn rights. As a result, Esav would no longer have a viable excuse to claim he was tricked.

Halachic Corner: Smoking Yaakov Willner (‘20) Everyone is aware of the unbelievable danger that smoking causes people all around the United States and the world. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), smoking causes over 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. One might be tempted to say that smoking is prohibited by the Torah because of health risks. However, the question is whether or not there is a clear source or principle in Halacha and from the Torah with which rabbis can prohibit people from smoking. The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) published a teshuva (responsum) on this topic with the approval of Rav Her-

Boys Start Chabad Minyan Ariel Mansano (‘20)

YULA Boys High School started a new Chabad Minyan this year. YULA Boys already has Ashkenazi and Sefardi Minyanim (plural of minyan), and this new minyan meets every day for Mincha (the afternoon prayer). The Chabad Minyan was created because of the unprecedented number of Chabad students in the school this year: 15 students this year pray using Nusach Ari, the Chabad version of prayer. Chabad student Jake Fishman (‘20) said that “with a minyan for all the Ashkenaz and Sefardi students, it was only right that the growing Chabad community at YULA receive a minyan of their own.” Currently, the Chabad Minyan meets only for Mincha, but Chabad students are optimistic that there will be a minyan for Shacharit. The students have been thankful that the school allows them to practice their customs. Chabad student Benji Mansano

Mincha at the Chabad Minyan “With a minyan for all the Ashkenaz and Sefardi students, it was only right that the growing Chabad community at YULA receive a minyan of their own.” - Jake Fishman (‘20) (‘22), this reporter’s brother, said, “Being Modern Orthodox, there were a couple of options regarding which high school I would go to. However, being Chabad,

I wanted to go to a school that would make it easier to continue following my customs.”

Akiva Brookler (‘21), Layout Editor mindset of contemporary poskim and how their understanding of both Torah and science gives them a wide-ranging perspective to help them make halachic rulings. For example, since many modern topics surrounding electricity were not around in the

Voting Halacha Continued from front page

New Contemporary Halacha Class YULA Boys’ newest Judaic Studies class teaches contemporary Halacha and focuses on halachic topics that are not covered in the school’s regular Halacha curriculum. Rabbi Nachum Sauer, a senior rebbe at YULA and a recognized posek, decisor, teaches the class. The class analyzes rulings of contemporary poskim. Students learn to develop an understanding of Halacha while expanding their Hebrew reading skills. Through the class, students learn the Torah

shel Schachter and other prominent rabbanim, and this article is based on their psak halacha, Halachic decision. In general, there is a prohibition to do anything that would threaten one’s health. For example, many do not mix meat with fish because of supposed health risks. Rav Schachter has commented that it is strange that already in the 17th century, the Magen Avraham wrote there is no more risk in mixing meat and fish, yet to this day some people are still strict. Ironically, these same people still smoke, which poses a real danger to their health. The main halachic justification people use for smoking today is based on a teshuva from Rav Moshe Feinstein. He writes that it definitely is not preferable to smoke, but he cannot say that it is prohibited according to Halacha. He gives two reasons for his

times of earlier poskim, contemporary poskim have less precedent on which to base their decisions, so they apply to modern cases the same principles used in previous halachic rulings. Students enrolled in this class said they find the topics

Students enrolled in this class said they find the topics very interesting, often more so than in regular Halacha classes, because these are topics that are relevant to students’ lives.

discusses that voting should be done in America out of hakarat hatov (gratitude) for the religious freedom Jews have received in America. Although we are still in galut, we should celebrate our democracy and the rights we receive under it. very interesting, often more so than in regular Halacha classes, because these are topics that are relevant to students’ lives. Even cases such as the use of a phone on Shabbat, which every YULA student knows to be forbidden, are covered in the class because by learning the mindset of modern poskim, students gain a greater understanding of the rationale

ruling: First, smoking at the time of this teshuva was a common activity, and many talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) in those days smoked. He used the principle of “shomer petaim Hashem,” that Hashem watches over fools. Even though smoking is bad for one’s health and a foolish habit, since it was a common thing to do, it was not prohibited. However, many argue that if Rav Feinstein lived in our times, with the knowledge that we have gained over the years about the dangers of smoking, he would have definitely prohibited it.

Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach said that he disagreed with those who permitted. He put people who smoke under the category of a chovel, someone who causes harm to himself. Rav Avigdor Nebenzhal writes that because we see that God does not protect smokers–– made clear by the unfortunate number of smokers who die of myriad types of cancer each year––we cannot use the principle of “shomer petaim Hashem.” Rav Ovadia Yosef has said that smoking should be prohibited. Just as we listen to doctors to do melacha (forbidden activity) on Shabbat when a life is in danger, under the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), we should also listen to them when they tell us not to do certain dangerous activities, such as smoking. The RCA concluded that smoking is prohibited according to Halacha. It seems that Jews should vote in accordance with dina demalchuta dina, but since voting is not mandatory, we cannot solely under this principle argue that Halacha requires it. Nonetheless, the Jewish people should take an active role, wherever they live, in helping their community, and this can be very easily accomplished by voting in elections.

behind the Halacha and develop a better appreciation for Torah values. This class’s addition to the YULA Boys Judaic Studies curriculum has been well-received by students. Eitan Gelb (’22) explained that the class “is a unique subject that most schools don’t offer,” and he is glad YULA Boys added the course.

Israel New York Sukkah Vandalized With ‘Free Gaza’ Grafitti Ethan Frankel (‘22)

On September 30, 2018, a sukkah was vandalized on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The words “Free Gaza” were spray-painted in three different places on the outside of the sukkah, which was built by Chabad for the 70,000 Jewish residents of the Upper East Side who do not have access to a sukkah.

on our city’s values.” The immediate response of the Upper East Side Jewish community was to spray-paint the phrase “Am Yisrael Chai,” meaning the nation of Israel lives, on the sukkah. Rabbi Ben Krasnianski, the Chabad rabbi for the Upper East Side, said in an interview, “It’s a

“Defacing a sukkah is unacceptable and an attack on our city’s values.” - Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York

Officials say that a New York Police Department (NYPD) task force is currently looking into the vandalism as a possible bias incident and hate crime. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, “Defacing a sukkah is unacceptable and an attack

Daniel Zarur (‘19)

slap in the face. I mean, the Jewish community is celebrating, it’s really very vicious.” Rabbi Krasnianski has received multiple calls from people of all different religious and ethnic backgrounds about the defacement of the sukkah who

Yoni Merkin (‘21)

The Panther Post: What are you doing this year in Israel? Aaron Reiss: I’m in Yeshivat Birkat Moshe, Ma’ale Adumim. PP: What are your plans for next year? AR: To go to the army. It has been a lifelong dream, and I’m really excited. PP: What are the challenges with being in a mostly Israeli, Hebrew-speaking yeshiva? AR: Socially it’s difficult; it’s difficult making new friends because of the language barrier. It has also been hard to become accustomed to the Israeli culture and not just the language. PP: What inspired you to want to join Tzahal [the Israel Defense Forces, IDF]? AR: My uncle served as a general in the First Lebanon War, and I am close with his son, who went

to the army and told me it would be worthwhile. PP: How did YULA help inspire you to do this? AR: The teachers and rebbeim were very encouraging with respect to my life’s goals, and this specifically has been my goal for a long time that they helped [me] with.

to be able to work long hours, and that is paying off in yeshiva where I have even longer hours than in high school and I have even less time, even less margin of error––a smaller margin of error than I did in high school. So it’s helpful to use the skills that I learned to manage my time while I am here. And in other ways: learning skills, learning how to learn while I was in YULA. The ability to read mekorot [sources] and things like that and to follow a shiur [class], which are obviously helpful while I am in yeshiva.

PP: What are you doing this year in Israel? Eytan Merkin: I’m spending the year learning at Yeshivat Har Etzion, commonly known as “the Gush,” in Alon Shvut. PP: What are your plans for next year? EM: After my time in Israel, I intend to go to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. PP: What in YULA helped prepare you for your time now in Israel? EM: YULA prepared me for yeshiva in a couple of ways, the first being time management. I think YULA’s very long daily schedule, combined with the extracurriculars and other activities I did in high school, kept my schedule very full, and I had to learn out of necessity how best to manage my time, how to use my time wisely, how to work hard, how

Obituary: Ari Fuld Murdered by Terrorist

showed support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. While defacement of private property is always a crime, this case was worse: a sukkah has no connection to the current political situation in Israel, which suggests that the attack was motivated more by anti-Semitism than by anti-Israel bias.

How Are Our Alumni Doing in Israel? Most of the students who graduate from YULA Boys spend at least one year abroad in Israel. We interviewed four of these alumni––Aaron Reiss (‘18), Eytan Merkin (‘18), Eli Isaacs (‘18), and Noam Gershov (‘17)––to see what they are doing, where they are going, and how YULA helped them reach where they are today.

A real hero puts others before himself. Ari Fuld, Hy”d, did just that. On September 16, 2018, Mr. Fuld was stabbed by a teenage Palestinian terrorist at a shopping mall in Gush Etzion, located in the central West Bank. Mr. Fuld fought to protect others even in his death: “With a stab wound in the back he ran,

“Ari Fuld was able to do such great things in this world, and I hope to follow his path and become a great leader.” - Boaz Edidin (‘22)

drew his gun, and fired before collapsing, just to make sure the terrorist would not continue to hurt others,” said Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Mr. Fuld was then rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where he was pronounced dead. Overnight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) mapped out the killer’s village and began investigating. Mr. Fuld, a father of four, was extremely active in the Zi-

Schreiber’s wife, babysat for the Fuld family when Mr. Fuld was a child living in New York. Gavriel Gershov (‘20) said he would “strive to be as good of a person as [Mr. Fuld] was and make a tremendous difference in the Zionist movement just as he did.” Boaz Edidin (‘22) said that “Ari Fuld was able to do such great things in this world, and I hope to follow his path and become a great leader.”

program definitely prepared me. That made me aware of Gemara style and words and taught me so many pages of Gemara. In regards to be’iyun [in-depth Gemara learning], Rabbi [Nachum] Sauer helped me by exposing me to mefarshim [commentaries] which I commonly see now in yeshiva.

pressures make [sure that] everyone can find themselves and make their own decisions. Shana Bet is a good year to find yourself and what you want to do in life.

PP: What are you doing this year in Israel? Eli Isaacs: Learning in Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh (right next to a kibbutz and a seminary), trying to grow as a spiritual person, as a Jew. My goal is to want and love to learn and to learn by myself, and I want to do that and have the capability to do that. PP: What are your plans for next year? EI: Shana Bet [a second year of yeshiva]. PP: What in YULA helped prepare you for your time now in Israel? EI: It’s very hard to prepare for Israel, but YULA’s Masmidim

onist movement and worked for Standing Together, an organization that provides support to Israeli soldiers. Fuld’s last Twitter post included a video featuring thousands of people reciting selichot (prayers of repentance) at the Western Wall. The killing impacted many YULA students. Mrs. Robin Schreiber, Principal Rabbi Joseph

PP: What are you doing this year in Israel? Noam Gershov: Studying in Yeshivat Sha’alvim, primarily focused on Gemara, dedicating my second year [in yeshiva] to only learning subjects of Torah. A year that is totally lishmah [learning for its own sake]. No grades or

PP: What are your plans for next year? NG: I plan on attending Yeshiva University to study pre-med or Sy Syms Business School [at YU]. I also plan on continuing to learn Torah at a high level at YU. PP: What in YULA helped prepare you for your time now in Israel? NG: Rabbi Sauer’s shiur. It’s an amazing shiur [at a] very high level that focuses on looking at sources “inside.” In addition, Masmidim is very helpful because a lot of the day is bekiut [fast-paced learning without indepth analysis] in yeshiva, so this type of revolutionary class was very helpful. In general, the positive atmosphere [at YULA] that inspires everyone to want to grow and look at the year in Israel as an opportunity to grow also helped me.

Feature:

Midterm Elections 2018: A Ballot Guide

Yonah Berenson (‘20), Executive Editor

Midterm elections may not have the glamor of presidential elections, but their importance to the country cannot be overstated. All 435 House seats and a third of those in the Senate are up for grabs every two years, serving as a chance for voters to reward or rebuke the party in power. With Republicans in control of both houses of Congress and the White House, Democrats hope to capitalize on these elections to flip both the House and the Senate. Republicans believe that the possibility of a “Blue Wave” is overstated. While a presidential election brings national politics to the fore, the midterms put the power back into the hands of state and local governments. In this ballot guide, you will find analyses of the candidates for major statewide offices and for ballot propositions. This article distills the information both for members of our YULA community who do vote and for those who should start thinking about the impact of their votes in the future. U.S. Senate Because of California’s top-two primary system, in which the two candidates performing best in the primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation, two Democrats are running for California’s open Senate seat. Incumbent Sen. Dianne Feinstein is seeking her fifth full term in office; she won a special election for an open Senate seat in 1992 and has kept it since. Her left-flank challenger is Kevin de León, the first Latino president pro tempore of the California Senate in the last 130 years. Mr. de León has the endorsement of the California Democratic Party, but he won only 12 percent of the vote in the June primary to Mrs. Feinstein’s 44 percent. Mrs. Feinstein has polled consistently higher than Mr. de León and is expected to defeat him on Election Day. Governor Current Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is running against Republican John Cox. Mr. Newsom was widely expected to emerge victorious from the June primary, but Mr. Cox fended off former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, for the second-place spot, putting him into the general election. Mr. Newsom is campaigning on a progressive platform, promising universal preschool and community-college education and pledging to fight homelessness. In most cases, he has not specified how programs would be paid for. Mr. Cox did not vote for President Donald Trump in 2016 and opposed building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, but he has since said his opposition was a “mistake,” and he now supports a border wall, earning Mr. Trump’s endorsement. His campaign focuses on repealing the gas tax (on the ballot as Proposition 6), calling it “regressive.” In 2008, when he made a short-lived bid for the Republican nomination for president, he was quoted by Harper’s Magazine as saying, “There is no separation of church and state in the Constitution,” and “the church had every right to influence the state [under the Constitution].” Congressional Races In all local congressional races, incumbent Democrats face Republican-endorsed challengers who have little chance of flipping seats in these heavily-Democratic districts. Propositions Propositions are a form of direct democracy: normally, the representative Legislature proposes and votes on laws, but with propositions, the laws are developed and voted on by all registered California voters. To get on the ballot, a proposition must receive 365,800 signatures if it intends to alter a state statute or 585,407 signatures if it aims to amend the California Constitution. Eleven propositions will appear on the 2018 ballot, ranging from a gas tax repeal to an authorization for the Legislature to enforce daylight savings time permanently, if the federal government permits it. Reading these propositions and noting their costs and who supports them should help you make educated decisions. Here they are: Propositions 1-4: Bond Propositions Unlike general propositions, bond propositions are not proposed by the citizenry. Under the California Constitution, the California Legislature must submit bond requests over $300,000 to voters, which is why so many bond propositions appear on the ballot every year. These propositions would authorize the state to sell bonds to finance certain projects; the bonds would be repaid with interest over a certain number of years. This means that while these projects will not be paid for with tax money, they are not free, and the state may have to raise taxes in the future to help finance bond repayments. (Proposition 2, which uses existing funds to finance the bonds, would not increase the state’s budget at all.)

Proposition 1: Housing Loans About the Proposition: This proposition, if approved, would issue $4 billion in bonds for housing loans for veterans and low-income buyers. Farmworkers would also benefit from housing loans made possible by the bonds. The Local Housing Trust Matching Grant Program would receive $300 million of the $4 billion to fund development of affordable housing solutions. How Much It Will Cost: An average of $170 million a year for 35 years. The money will come out of the state budget. In other words, it would not necessarily increase taxes, but the costs to repay bond buyers may require a tax hike. Who’s For It and Why: Most Legislature Democrats supported adding Proposition 1 to the ballot, and advocacy groups for veterans and seniors support its passage. They say it will help create affordable housing without raising taxes. Who’s Against It and Why: Opponents of the proposition, including most Legislature Republicans, object to the use of bonds to finance these projects, saying it adds indirectly to California’s already heavy property-tax burden. Proposition 2: Housing to Prevent Homelessness About: This proposition would use some revenue from the “millionaire’s tax”––a one percent tax earmarked for mental-health services on those making more than $1 million––to finance $2 billion in bonds to be used for housing, “alleviating homelessness complicated by mental illness,” according to the official argument in support of the proposition. Costs: The proposition would allow the state to reallocate up to $140 million a year of revenue from the existing millionaire’s tax, so it would not result in new taxes. For: Various mental-health groups and the California Police Chiefs Association support the proposition, and the initiative got bipartisan support in the Legislature. Supporters believe treatment and housing for the homeless go hand in hand, so they should both be funded. Against: Opponents, including some other mental-health groups, say the millionaire’s-tax revenue would be better spent on treatment, not housing. Proposition 3: Environmental Projects About: This proposition would use almost $9 billion in bonds for water infrastructure and other environmental projects. Revenue made from selling the bonds would go to state parks, nonprofits, and groundwater sustainability agencies, among others. $4 billion would be prioritized for projects helping underserved communities. Supporters say the proposition will prepare California for a drought and provide those from underserved communities with safe, affordable drinking water. Costs: An average of $433 million a year for 40 years. As in Proposition 1, no new taxes would necessarily result, but the increased costs for the state may cause it to pass a tax increase. For: Environmental and agricultural groups say the infrastructure improvements will guarantee clean drinking water and better drought preparedness. Against: Opponents, including taxpayer groups, object to what they consider the inexplicable frequency of water-related measures on the ballot and their high cost to taxpayers. Proposition 4: Children’s Hospitals About: The fourth and final bond proposition on the ballot, Proposition 4, would use $1.5 billion in bonds to distribute grants to children’s hospitals for construction and equipment. About $1 billion would go to nonprofit hospitals that serve children who qualify for government programs, while the rest would go to various University of California hospitals and other children’s hospitals. Costs: An average of $84 million a year for 35 years. Like propositions 1 and 3, new taxes would not necessarily result, but the costs of repaying the bonds could be passed on to taxpayers. For: The California Children’s Hospital Association and the California Teachers Association support the initiative, saying the funds will subsidize care and make sure all children have access to critical procedures. Against: Opponents object to the use of bonds in general; the official argument against Proposition 4 is the same as that against Proposition 1. Proposition 5: Property Tax Deductions for Seniors and the Disabled About: This proposition would amend Proposition 13 of 1978, which capped property taxes at one percent of a house’s “full cash value,” to allow those over 55 and those with disabilities to deduct the cost of their previous home when calculating property taxes on a new home. Costs: Municipalities would lose up to $1 billion a year in the property taxes that help pay for schools. The state would have to make up the difference in funding elsewhere, perhaps including a tax hike in some other area.

Student Perspecti

Propos

“Gas prices are very high … Also, the money from those taxes is [supposedly] going to fixing the roads, but from what I’ve seen, even on my street, is that the roads are messed up.”

Proposi

“Landlords shouldn’t have all the control and power to charge what they want. The government should get a say or take charge. In the end most landlords just want to suck their tenants [dry] for every penny they can. This is not right and should change.”

Elections

Clueless about the midterms? Read this!

ives on the Ballot

sition 6

“I think that the US should be transitioning to more reliable public transportation which will reduce fossil fuel emissions and will save people money in the long run … The gas tax acts as a deterrent to gas powered vehicles.”

ition 10

“If they would have the government control the amount of money that the landlords can charge, it would hurt them from buying other properties and house more people.”

For: According to supporters, including senior centers and the California branch of AMVETS, along with a political action committee, real estate agents, and the California Chamber of Commerce, this proposition will help seniors and the disabled by making sure their property taxes on a new home they might need to purchase because of age or disability would not exceed their previous property taxes by much. Against: Opponents, including the California Teachers Association, object to the loss of up to $1 billion per year in property tax revenue that would otherwise fund schools. They also argue that the proposition would raise housing costs and that it only helps the wealthy. Proposition 6: Gas Tax Repeal About: Perhaps the most hotly-contested proposition on 2018’s ballot and a cause célèbre for John Cox’s gubernatorial campaign, Proposition 6 would repeal the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (RRAA), which increased gas and diesel taxes by $0.12 and $0.20 a gallon, respectively, to fund road repairs and public transportation improvements. That act passed on party lines in the Legislature. Additionally, the proposition would require that future taxes on fuel or vehicles be approved via proposition by the electorate, in addition to the supermajority and governor’s signature that tax increases already require. Costs: Tax revenue would decrease by $4.9 billion a year by 2021, money that would have gone to infrastructure maintenance. For: Supporters of the repeal––including the California Republican Party; Republican congressional leadership; and the Republican candidate for governor, John Cox––call the gas tax “regressive,” saying it “hits working families and the poor much harder than the wealthy.” Against: Opponents, including the California Democratic Party, Gov. Jerry Brown, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, say the infrastructure improvements that the RRAA have funded are critical and that a repeal would cut off necessary tax dollars. Proposition 7: Permanent Daylight Saving Time About: One of the more lighthearted propositions on the ballot, Proposition 7 would allow the California Legislature, with a supermajority, to mandate year-round daylight saving time, pending federal approval. If voters, the Legislature, and the federal government agree, this proposition would eliminate time changes: California would remain on Pacific Daylight Time the entire year. It would repeal Proposition 12 of 1949, which established daylight saving time but which would contradict new language. Costs: Passing the proposition would have no direct costs, but if the Legislature and federal government were to use the proposition to enforce permanent daylight saving time, there may be some costs. (The state’s legislative analyst does not go into detail regarding what costs may arise, but small expenses due to year-round daylight saving time may arise. For example, because of the time change, the sun will rise later in the winter months, so streetlights may need to remain on longer.) For: Proponents say the changes in sleep patterns due to switching between daylight saving and standard times can be deadly, citing an increase in heart attacks around early March and November when times are changed. Against: Opponents say the “minor inconvenience” of changing times is a better option than putting ourselves “out of sync” with our Pacific time zone neighbors. Proposition 8: Limits on Dialysis Clinics’ Revenue About: Proposition 8 would cap the revenue that dialysis clinics can keep at 115 percent of the cost of direct patient care and healthcare improvements. Any revenue exceeding 115 percent of those costs would be refunded to patients or their insurers, depending on who footed the initial bill. Dialysis clinics that do not issue refunds within 210 days would be fined five percent of the refund cost or $100,000, whichever is less. Also, clinics would not be able to refuse service based on a patients provider. Costs: The $1 million a year it would take to enforce the proposition would be defrayed by increased licensing fees for dialysis clinics. Additionally, state and local governments would save tens of millions of dollars a year due to lower dialysis costs. For: Supporters, including patient groups and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (a group that manages pensions for public sector workers), say the proposition would combat dialysis clinics’ price gouging of a lifesaving procedure and would lower healthcare costs. Against: Opponents, including dialysis providers, the California Medical Association, and the California branch of the American Nurses Association, say the proposition would force small dialysis clinics to close, limiting access to patients. Proposition 10: Rent Control About: (Proposition 9 would have split California into three states, but

it was removed from the ballot by the California Supreme Court, so the ballot skips from 8 to 10.) Proposition 10 would allow local governments to approve rent control, limiting the amount landlords can charge tenants. This is another proposition with the two state parties standing firmly on opposite sides of the debate. Costs: The state’s legislative analyst could not determine a likely cost, but said that it would lead to significant changes in tax revenue, more likely a decrease than an increase. It would also cause a long-term increase in local government costs, but those would likely be covered by fees paid by landlords in violation of the proposition. For: Democrats support the initiative, saying it would lower housing costs and “tackle the housing crisis”; in sum, “Prop. TEN protects TENants.” Against: Republicans, real estate agents, and the California Chamber of Commerce, along with the NAACP and United Latinos Vote, oppose the proposition, citing overregulation and the possibility that with less opportunity for profit, landlords will convert rent-controlled apartments to expensive condos, hurting the very “TENants” Proposition 10 would appear to protect. Proposition 11: Paid On-Call Breaks for Ambulance Workers About: This proposition would allow employees of ambulance providers to remain on-call during their breaks. Employees would be paid regular rates during breaks in return, and if called to respond to an emergency during their break, that time would not count toward their break periods. Ambulance providers would also train employees for various emergency situations and offer mental-health services. The proposition responds to a California Supreme Court ruling that said on-call breaks were unconstitutional. Costs: Local governments would save millions of dollars due to cheaper ambulance contracts. For: Supporters of the proposition––including American Medical Response, an ambulance provider––say that breaks are necessary and must be made legal. Against: No official opposition argument appears in the voter information guide, but the San Francisco Chronicle says the issue should be resolved by the Legislature, not by voters, after all parties have agreed on a settlement. They also fear passage of the initiative might void labor lawsuits pending against American Medical Response. Proposition 12: Humane Meat and Eggs Sourcing About: Proposition 12 would ban sales of meat and eggs from calves, pigs, and hens in cases when each of those animals was confined in an area under 43 square feet, 24 square feet, and one square foot, respectively. This clarifies Proposition 2 of 2015, a similar proposition, but one that did not specify square footage. It would take effect in 2020. In 2021, all eggs would have to come from cage-free hens. Costs: Tax revenue from farms might decrease by a few million dollars a year, and the state would have to spend up to $10 million a year to enforce the proposition. For: Supporters, including the Humane Society and other animal-rights groups, support the initiative, saying it will “eliminate inhumane and unsafe products … from the California market.” Against: Opponents, including egg farmers and pork producers but also People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, say the proposition does not go far enough and allege that the Humane Society, which supports the initiative, is “deceiving voters.” Local Measures County Measure W: Clean Water Program About: If passed, this measure would enact an ordinance protecting water quality, capturing rainwater to prepare for drought, and reducing water pollution. Costs: A new tax of 2.5 cents per square foot of “impermeable area” (meaning any land covered by hardscape that would prevent water from entering the ground) would provide $300 million for the county annually to pay for programs. For: Proponents, including Mr. Garcetti, say Measure W will save rainwater and reduce pollution. Against: Opponents, including taxpayer advocacy groups and commerce and small business groups, object to the new tax, which would affect both citizens and businesses. Los Angeles Municipal Charter Amendment B: Municipal Bank About: Passage would allow the City of Los Angeles to establish a municipal bank to hold tax dollars and other city funds. Costs: Starting the bank would be free according to supporters, but could cost in the billions of dollars according to opponents. The official analysis says costs would vary widely depending on “operating mission, governance structure, and source of capitalization,” meaning the

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Academics

New Teacher Interviews

Getting to know our new faculty members on a personal level Ada Gindin (‘20) YULA Girls was joined by a wave of fresh faces in the faculty this year. We decided to find out more about a couple of our new teachers.

a very welcome change for me.” Ada Gindin: What made you decide to work at a religious Jewish school? Mr. Bolton: “When searching for another school to teach at, I looked for schools that are impressive on paper and have exceptional credentials, which is where I found YULA Girls.” Ada Gindin: Is there any message or motto you want to leave your students with?

Mr. Bolton: Math Ada Gindin: What is your background? Mr. Bolton: “I spent 10 years teaching math at a public school in New Jersey; after which I decided to become an actuary (a person who quantifies and analyzes risks). After being an actuary for 3 years, I realized how much I missed teaching and the social aspect of it, which was invigorating and left me feeling good.”

Mr. Bolton: “Math is everywhere, whether you realize it or not, or whether you can see it in your life, or even understand the extent that math adds depth to one’s life.”

Ada Gindin: What made you decide to go into teaching?

Ada Gindin: How has your transition to YULA Girls been? Mr. Bolton: “Though adapting to the new schedule may take some getting used to, I have had a very positive experience while transitioning to YULA Girls. In addition to there being a very friendly environment, there is a strong “thirst for knowledge”, which is

Mrs. Kelsey: “I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, with two older brothers. I am married with 3 kids and have 2 dogs, 5 cats, fish, and frogs as pets. I write and publish poetry of my own and I am a huge Dodgers fan. Social justice is a deep passion of mine, and dear to my heart is solving the foster child epidemic in Los Angeles (there are 28,000 children in the foster system just in Los Angeles County!). I graduated from Miami University in Ohio and completed grad school with a masters in Literature from Loyola Marymount University (LMU), in addition to completing one year of schooling at American Jewish University and spending a summer studying international law at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I am currently in my 21st year of teaching English.”

Mrs Kelsey: English Ada Gindin: What is your background (A little bit about yourself)?

Mrs. Kelsey: “In my Junior year of high school, I had an amazing English teacher who inspired me to care about my education and literature specifically. I credit her and Henry David Thoreau for my love of writing. I avoided teaching as a profession because I wanted to be a civil rights attorney, but after a year and a half of law school, I took an abrupt left turn toward teaching and have never looked back! Ada Gindin: “How has your transition to YULA Girls been?”

to teaching 75 minute periods, so it has taken some time getting used to teaching in only 40 minute classes, but I am adjusting fairly well. I have never been to a school where the students are so passionate, caring, and hardworking and my colleagues have been very kind and welcoming to me since my arrival here at YULA Girls. I hope I stay here until I retire!” Ada Gindin: What made you decide to work at a religious Jewish school? Mrs. Kelsey: “I chose to work at YULA Girls because of the shared love for God and the respect for Jewish values. I have been introduced to YULA Girls even before teaching here at sports events (my husband is both a high school athletic director and varsity boys’ basketball coach) and was very impressed by YULA Girl’s sportsmanship. Also, my grandfather was a Jewish Ukrainian immigrant who assimilated and did not pass on his faith, so I have a deep affinity for the Judaism. Fun fact: my daughter attended the Chabad’s Garden School on Pico in 2005!” Ada Gindin: Is there any message or motto you want to leave your students with? Mrs. Kelsey: “Do what you love, what honors God, and what the world needs.”

Mrs. Kelsey: “I have been used

Math Team Begins Daniel Tarko (‘20)

This is the fourth year of the Math Team at YULA Boys, and since its inception, the group has grown in number, experience, and enthusiasm. The team allows the “mathletes” to compete in many ways and engages them with challenging problems. Mathletes compete both among themselves and with others across the globe. The students participate in class matches in which they compete against each other, learn to conquer new problems, and learn to solve problems that they already know even faster. The team has also recently started competing in the Jewish

High School Math League with Jewish teams from all over the world. YULA Boys mathletes also participate in the American Math Competition (AMC). The AMC covers trigonometry, advanced algebra, advanced geometry, and number theory. The students enjoy training for the AMC test, and the types of problems that mathletes solve consist of “really interesting math that goes beyond the applications of our regular dayto-day math,” said Team Captain Ari Willner (‘19). The mathletes’ primary focus is to challenge themselves and

“The Math Team inculcates the idea that math is relevant to our lives not just in the classroom, but throughout all aspects of our lives.” - Ben Simon (‘20)

others by learning types of math that they would not otherwise study. As Mr. Staves explained, “If you However, mathletes do not attend meets just to solve math problems. In the words of team member Ben Simon (‘20), “The Math Team inculcates the idea

that math is relevant to our lives not just in the classroom, but throughout all aspects of our lives.” The students believe that math is not just another subject, but rather a skill that they should use and work on every day.

Clubs 101: Everything You Need to Know Israel Gootin (‘22)

Club Fair at YULA Boys YULA Boys’ clubs started with a bang. On October 19, YULA hosted its annual Club Fair. At the event, dozens of clubs were reintroduced for the new school year and others were announced for the first time. In his message regarding the Fair, Rabbi Sandy Shulkes wrote, “As YULA endeavors to empower student involvement in extracurricular activities, this year students were given the opportunity to create their own student-run clubs.” Students excitedly thought of new club ideas, and we are waitng to see how some of these newer clubs will take shape still. Mock Trial tryouts began before the Club Fair, on September 7, when students tried out either to be lawyers or witnesses for the trial. In this club, students have the opportunity to simulate an actual court case with a judge and a jury. Students who take interest in the government system and the law have the opportunity to shine in this club: “The club is mainly focused around understanding legal processes and executing a convincing trial,” said Ari Willner, Club Captain (‘19). He added that joining Mock Trial “improves public speaking skills and the ability to think on your feet.” This semester the club has some new faces, as five new members have joined. Also starting this year is the Debate Team led by Menachem Kornreich (‘19). The Debate Team meets weekly and tackles important issues with members arguing opposite positions. Tournaments take place approximately once a month, where the YULA Boys team goes head to head in debates with other high schools. Similar to Mock Trial, the Debate Team promotes public speaking and argumentation skills, while increasing members’ self-esteem. Through clubs, students have the opportunity to pursue their passions outside of the classroom and explore different parts of themselves to enhance their daily school schedules.

Academics

Freshman Retreat

Freshmen and Senior Q&A Freshmen ask their upperclassmen for advice as they transition into high school Yaelle Shaye (‘22) Transitions are always challenging. It takes time to adjust to a new environment, new people, and new experiences - to find your place in a new chapter of your life. For freshmen, finding their place at YULA Girls is especially challenging. Fresh from middle school, most of them have been used to holding established roles in respective classes. Therefore, being thrown into high school to meet new faces and new expectations can be very overwhelming. However, we must learn how to adapt to the complex schedules, the fast-paced classes, and the new friendship groups. With so much to learn, it may be helpful to get advice from those who have already experienced the transition and know how challenging it can be. The following questions are gathered from several freshman and answered by seniors who advise how to best handle the transition into high school: Yasmine Torbati (‘22): What would you have done differently if you were a freshman again?

Continued from page 2 Rebecca Rabbanian (‘19): If I was a freshman again, I would join more clubs. I did not take full advantage of all the opportunities that YULA Girls has to offer until my sophomore and junior years. Joining clubs during freshman year is valuable because you will be able to see the impact you made in that club throughout your four years at YULA Girls. Yasmine Torbati (‘22): What’s one tip you would give to maximize my YULA Girls experience? Esti Arnon (‘19): Definitely to join a lot of sports and clubs because it allows you to become friends with girls in various grades and groups that you otherwise wouldn’t have spoken to. By taking part in different activities throughout YULA Girls, I was able to see the diversity of people at the school. Daniella Zisblatt (‘22): What is recommended when missing school for more than a few days? Ellie Zisblatt (‘19): First, don’t worry too much- the

Ballot Measures: A Guide

Continued from page 9

school and teachers are incredibly understanding and want us to succeed. Then, be proactive and email teachers to let them know you will be gone and ask a friend to help you with catching up notes. Ruby Krassenstein (‘22): What is your advice on how to balance schoolwork and a social life? Ori Sofer (‘19): The best thing to do is to try to finish your work quickly and not to procrastinate. The more responsible you are with your time management, the more time you have to go out and have fun with your friends. Arieli Mahler (‘22): Is high school really as challenging as everyone expects it to be? Ellie Zisblatt (‘19): There are times that are hard, but challenges force us to become the most organized, prioritized, and accomplished versions of ourselves. High-school is really fun when you prioritize what you love to do and have a broader perspective. And along the way you

learn to help others too! Yaelle Shaye (‘22): What kind of personal growth have you seen in yourself since starting YULA Girls? Rebecca Rabbanian (‘19): Over my four years at YULA Girls, I have grown immensely due to my general studies and Judaic studies classes, which have allowed me to thrive as a well-educated, halachic Jew. Additionally, I have learned so much about myself through playing volleyball and basketball- I have learned valuable skills such as determination, perseverance and teamwork. Orelle Maghen (‘22): When looking back to freshman year, what was your biggest highlight, and why? Hanna Gootin (‘19): My biggest highlight was the schoolwide Shabbaton in freshman year. I had the opportunity to meet new people and spend time with my friends outside of the classroom. The motzei Shabbat activities were really fun, we all danced and sang karaoke; it was a good time to let loose and get out of my comfort zone.

a movie night where all the girls sat together as one united class in front of the screen. When morning arrived, the class was tired but excited for the day awaiting them. The faculty gave the freshmen a challenge to construct a buoyant boat with limited resources that can stay afloat in a pool. One participant said, “This activity was really fun because we were all rushing to get our boat done, and it was really fun to make it too.” The girls concluded their short and sweet trip with a cooling swim and headed to the bus to return to YULA Girls. The Freshman retreat was a big success, and we owe special thanks to Director of Student Life and Leadership Jordana Wertheimer, Grade Dean Mrs. Piliavin, Associate Principal Mrs. Williams, and the rest of the staff for planning such an amazing retreat. The mission of unity and bonding was indeed accomplished, as it no longer felt as if the grade was comprised of girls from different schools, but rather that they were all the YULA Girls Class of 2022.

Boys Photo of the Month

way the bank is run will impact the costs. For: Supporters say a city-owned bank will save Los Angeles in interest and will keep money local. They also argue that a municipal bank is a socially-conscious endeavor that keeps city money from banks like Wells Fargo, which they assert has discriminated against minorities and finances institutions harmful to residents. Against: Opponents question the city’s competence to run a bank. They believe that the potential for the bank to fail outweighs any benefits and that the costs of starting and operating the bank cancel out any potential savings. Los Angeles Municipal Charter Amendment E: Local Election Dates About: In 2015, voters enacted a law that changed dates of local elections to June and November of even-numbered years. That change was made to match up with state elections, but now state elections have moved to March of even-numbered years. This measure would return city election days to match the new state election day in March, and it would provide that if state election days move again in the future, city election days would automatically follow and be held on the same day. Charter Amendment EE would do the same for Los Angeles Unified School District elections. Costs: The change in election dates would have no financial impact. For: Supporters hope merging local and state elections will increase the number of ballots cast for local measures and offices. They believe voter turnout would be higher if local elections were moved to match state ones. They say elections with low voter turnout waste money, so passing Amendment E would save funds. Against: Opponents of the measure say we should keep local elections in November, when they match up with national elections (like the one this year). They say voter turnout will go down if election day is moved to March. Information on statewide propositions was accessed through Ballotpedia.

Rabbi Arye Sufrin speaks to incoming freshman in the newly-completed Samson Center during orientation, August 27, 2018.

Think you’ve captured the essence of YULA Boys in a single shot? Submit it to YULA Boys at letters@yula.org and it may be featured in our next issue as the Boys Photo of the Month.

Sports

Samson Center Opens at YULA Boys Boaz Edidin (‘22) YULA Boys’ long awaited campus expanssion has been completed: the addition was approved on Tuesday, October 30, giving students almost a full school year to use the new campus. A Building Dedication Ceremony is planned for December 9. This campus includes the state-of-the-art Schlesinger STEAM labs; Robin Family Plaza; Kestenbaum Commons; a new underground garage; and, of course, the highly-anticipated Samson Center, a sports gym. The Samson Center contains amenities that include high-tech speakers, multicolor lights, a projector, a high definition video camera, and an advanced score table. This equipment will allow YULA to stream games, track statistics, monitor scores,

and light the gym for special occasions. The gym can seat up to 400 people per game and up to 700 people for other gatherings. It consists of one full basketball court for scheduled games, and it can split into two partial courts for practice. The gym can be used for other sports, too, including floor soccer, volleyball, and baseball, with batting cages that drop from the ceiling. The new campus has tons to offer, and students are excited for all the new opportunities that await them.

The Samson Center contains amenities that include high-tech speakers, multicolor lights, a projector, a high definition video camera, and an advanced score table.

YULA Girls Tennis Team Put the ‘Serve’ in Servathon Fundraiser Alana Bess (‘19)

The Fall season of YULA Girls tennis had a great start, trailblazing the way to a promising year. Led by captains Elli Steinlauf (‘19) and Orly Banafsheha (‘19), the team of 11 athletes began the season by initiating a “Servathon” fundraiser. The Servathon helped raise money for the YULA Girls Athletics Department by encouraging the students to gather pledges for

each successful serve they could accomplish, with an allowance of 50 attempts. The tennis court was also equipped with special cones worth bonus points if the server was able to hit the cone. Ruthie Bitton (‘22) achieved the highest score, with a record breaking 50 points. Hadas Hadad (‘22) came in a close second with 45 points.

Continued on page 13

“[The team has] amazing bonding time on and off the courts together and I really don’t know what I would do without them.” - Tamar Hadad(‘20)

Flag Football Team to Play De Toledo for Championship Benjamin Rubin (‘22) and Yonah Berenson (‘20), Executive Editor

Hayden Klein (‘20) scores in YULA’s 19-6 victory over Shalhevet.

The YULA Boys Flag Football Team, led by Head Captain Oren Rimmon (‘19), hit the ground running this season, going 6-4 for the season and winning a playoff game. At press time, they will play de Toledo in the championship game. The Panthers lost their first two games but proved their resilience by roaring back with a spectacular win against Valley Torah, 26-6, with Rimmon throwing three touchdowns. Then the Panthers continued that streak by defeating Vistamar, 19-14. The Panthers won again

against Shalhevet, 16-9, and defeated Vistamar a second time, 25-6. After defeating AGBU, 7-0, the Panthers made the playoffs. Seeded second, the Panthers played AGBU, the third seed, again in their first playoff game ever. The Panthers shut AGBU out a second time, this time with a decisive 20-0 victory to send them into the championship game against undefeated de Toledo, to be played Tuesday, October 30. The team consists of a few seniors and a few juniors, but also many underclassmen. The young talent was still figuring out the

playbook and learning the form for going up against stronger opponents early in the season, but everything fell into place. “I’d say that we needed a few games to figure ourselves out,” Hayden Klein (‘20) said right as the Panthers were starting to rally midseason. “And our big wins against Valley Torah and Vistamar prove that we can win, and that newfound confidence will lead to big things.” Klein was right, and the Panthers hope to capitalize on their high seed to go on to win the championship game.

Sports

Playing Against Fire Lady Panthers Volleyball Team Scores a Victory Against the Shalhevet Firehawks in Friendship Game

Leah Tabibi (‘21)

On Sunday, September 16th, YULA Girls junior varsity (JV) and varsity (V) volleyball teams played against Shalhevet High School. YULA Girls’s first home game of the season took place in the evening at the Westside Jewish Community Center (WJCC). Both teams trained arduously under the leadership of new coach Alexandria Maldonado, an experienced coach who has been playing the sport since the age of seven. That Sunday, the WJCC was dimly lit and packed with over one hundred spectators, with Panther fans dominating the bleachers. Before the game began, Rabbi Joshua Spodek, YULA Girls Head of School, led a prayer for the fallen hero Ari Fuld who was murdered in a terror attack that same day. After the thoughtful

prayer, the JV team was ready to kick-off their rivalry game and show off their new Nike uniforms with YULA Girls branding. Leila Fishman, captain of the JV team, stated, “The team realized they needed to step up their game and push into high gear.” The entire team came together to pull off this victory. With the JV team defeating the Shalhevet Firehawks, it was now time for the Varsity team to take over the court. The energy leading into the Varsity game was electrifying. Senior Hanna Gootin (‘19) claimed that she felt “confident and a little anxious because there was a huge presence from the YULA Girls community”. However, Gootin’s jitters quickly went away as the game began. YULA Girls was off to a

strong start and maintained the lead throughout the game. Rebecca Rabbanian stated, “Although Shalhevet was able to catch up at one point, YULA Girls dominated and never gave up the lead.” Between the first and second game, the YULA Girls Panther Mascot kept the energy going by tossing out YULA Girls merchandise including popsockets, hoodies, and t-shirts. After this energizing “half-time show”, YULA Girl’s varsity team was even more determined to claim their victory over the Firehawks. Beating the Firehawks 3-0, the game ended in a blow out for the Panthers. The YULA Girls volleyball team wrapped up their season on Thursday, October 11th against deToledo. Throughout the season, the girls played with tremendous drive and passion. After

Varsity Girls Volleyball Team every game, the girls took note of their strengths and areas where they can improve, coming back stronger and more aggressive at their next game. A big part of this growth was due to the guid-

ance from their coach Alexandra Maldonado. Congratulations on a great season! We look forward to seeing the team build on their success next year.

A Day in the Life of a YULA Varsity Basketball Player Balancing being a student and an athlete will teach you more than any classroom can. Yaniv Silvera (‘20)

Being a student-athlete on the YULA Boys Varsity Basketball Team is as glorious as it gets. The hype, the fans, the spotlight––wow––it doesn’t get much sweeter than that. A common misconception among high school students is that student-athletes can excel as either a student or an athlete––but not as both. As a proud student-athlete for the past six years, I can tell you firsthand these assumptions are false. In fact, balancing the two can teach you more than any classroom can. Being a varsity basketball player during the semester is a demanding job. Your coaches, teachers, parents, and trainers will constantly demand a 100 percent effort. This makes time management challenging during the season. “It can be really tough during tournaments when you miss two or three days of school,”

said YULA Panthers guard Albert Fallas (‘20). “But if you’re able to get out in front of it and get work done in advance, that really helps.” Often, the basketball schedule can take up most of your time, but that is why making a plan and working around your school schedule remains essential to your success. Other than homework, players need a significant amount of time to work on physical goals and basketball skills. Getting to the gym before school, after school, on weekends, and on days off is the least we can do for ourselves and for our team. The gym becomes your home away from home before and during basket-

ball season. Daily life as a student-athlete is demanding, and that’s an understatement. The waking up before school, the 7:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. school days, the games and practices four nights a week, and the late-night homework are just a few of the demands. But the work, pain, and lack of sleep pay off with every moment on that court. With the 2018-19 varsity season around the corner, it’s all the team can think about, and we know all the preparation we have been doing will pay off soon. But for now, it’s time to work.

“If you’re able to get out in front of it and get work done in advance, that really helps.” - Albert Falas (‘20)

Tennis Fundraiser Continued from page 12

The Servathon was a new, unique way to support the new Athletics Department while simultaneously giving players the chance to showcase their athletic abilities on the court. Ms. Alexandra Novak, Director of Athletics, praised the team’s growth: “I have seen great improvement since our first tryout in August. I am very proud of each and every girl on the team. They are growing by the day with their tennis mindset and skills. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season has to hold.” Team player Tamar Hadad (‘20) describes the group of girls

she competes with as a “welcoming, fun, and loving family.” She adds that the team has “amazing bonding time on and off the courts together and I really don’t know what I would do without them.” The team’s strong season was greatly impacted by the leadership of Coach Spencer Wall, who takes the time to ensure that each player receives the attention and instruction she deserves. Congratulations on a successful season to our girls on the tennis court!

Opinion

Editorials What Kind of Voters Will We Be? The YULA Boys Editorial Board

It becomes clear very quickly when skimming through these pages that our writers at YULA Boys hope to get out the vote. In this issue we published a comprehensive ballot guide to help our readers make educated decisions in the voting booth. And even our Torah section considers the importance of voting in Halacha. Some YULA students can vote in the upcoming election, so they must take advantage of this great opportunity. Many of us don’t yet have this right, but that doesn’t mean we can stand idly by. We hope that our community will use all information at its disposal, including ballot guides and divrei Torah, to rally others

to perform their civic duty by voting. When we vote, we must think of the needs of the community. We must not be “I” voters. Rejecting a measure that promises immense good for the community only because I don’t benefit from it is unfair. “I do not benefit from public schools because I do not attend one,” an “I” voter might say, “so I should oppose a tax hike needed to fund them.” Instead, by considering the community at large in our voting decisions, each of us becomes a “we” voter. That does not mean that we ignore our personal needs and desires when we vote. To be a “we” voter means that we

do not consider only ourselves: If my tax bill goes up, we must think, so will those of thousands of Angelenos. On the other hand, if this measure promises to help the community at large, we must sometimes be willing to put the needs of the community above our own. This fall, or whenever we first have the opportunity to vote, we must remember that it matters not so much for whom or what we vote; rather that we vote, having considered not only our own standing to gain or lose, but that of our community and our country.

In Memory of Jack Nagel, z”l The YULA Boys Editorial Board

The

Panther Post

YULA mourns with profound sorrow the loss of a giant in our community, Mr. Jack Nagel, z”l. Mr. Nagel was a pioneer and benefactor of nearly every major Jewish educational institution in Los Angeles because he understood the value of Jewish education. We at YULA Boys are the beneficiaries of Mr. Nagel’s magnanimity, manifest even in our name: the YULA Boys Nagel Family Campus. Not only is the building itself a state-of-the-

art facility, but it is a testament to Mr. Nagel’s dedication to his cause. The school is conducive to serious learning in Torah study as well as in the humanities and sciences. The thousands of bnei Torah who emerge from YULA owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mr. Nagel for his indispensable role in creating and nurturing YULA as a renowned center of Orthodox Jewish education. Just as our beautiful building will stand in his memory, Mr. Nagel’s legacy will live on in the

hearts and minds of the innumerable people, young and old, who have been graced by his Ahavat Yisrael, love for Jews, and in the many talmidim, students, who have gained the tools to make themselves wise and compassionate leaders of tomorrow. We at The Panther Post believe that the least we can do to honor Mr. Nagel’s memory is to dedicate this issue in his honor. May Mr. Nagel’s memory be for a blessing.

Dear Students and Members of the YULA Community, A vital part of The Panther Post is our extensive opinion section, which includes both the Editorial Board’s opinions as well as op-eds written by the student body. But these pieces should not be the end of the conversation; instead, they should catalyze a meaningful conversation within our community on important issues. So we want to hear your opinions. Any article you read––whether you agree, disagree, or have a relevant comment––we want to hear how you feel. Letters to the Editor are an essential part of all newspapers, and ours should be no different. We ask that you send your brief reactions (an edited 150 words) to letters@yula.org, so that we and all our readers can hear our community’s diverse opinions. ––The Panther Post Editorial Board

The Nagel family tours the Samson Center. Mr. Jack Nagel, z”l, is second from left.

Opinion

Is Fortnite Too Intense for Kids? Darcy Elyson (‘22)

If you happen to walk by a video game store and see a group of teens fixated on a screen projecting loud gunshots, then they’re probably playing Epic Games’ most recently debuted video game, Fortnite. This virtual world where avatars compete for survival has taken the gaming industry by storm in just the past couple of months as it was nominated as the best multiplayer game experience, including social, online, or offline with the British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer. Fortnite starts off with 100 players who all board a flying bus that takes them across an island. They choose when to drop out of the bus, and then direct themselves to where they want to land. The point of the game is to gather material, guns, and other weapons to help them survive, as the ultimate goal is to be the last one standing in order to win the victory. Think of it as a virtual Hunger Games, with cool ammo but fortunately, there’s no corrupt Capitol dictating it. For

ultimate survival in the game, the player needs to load up on weapons in order to kill the other opponents and camouflage themselves from attackers until they are the last ones remaining. This game is played by both kids and adults; it’s been reported that children as young as four years old are playing it. Every parent has a different perspective about the game, especially when it comes to how the game affects their child on a psychological level. Some eager parents want their children to excel at the game, so they hire a coach to train their child in order to improve their gaming skills. However, much more parents are worried about Fortnite being too intense for their children due to its competitive and violent nature. The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rated it as teen violence and for ages twelve and up; the rating alone shows that it is quite a violent game for younger audiences. The sounds and pictures can be very aggres-

sive, and in the games there are not only a variety of guns, but also rocket launchers, traps, remote explosives, and grenades used to kill other players. 91% of children aging from 7-17 play video games on a daily basis. Pew Internet Research states that children ranging from ages 8-17 spend at least 5 hours on their gaming consoles. Furthermore, the research article states that 1 out of 5 adults (ages 18-65) play video games at least 5 times a week; this even includes senior citizens! These statistics are on the rise, as more and more video games are catered to different age groups. As gaming becomes more of a theme in the lives of every age, the question arises if violent games do impact consumers psychologically. The American Psychological Association conducted a study analyzing the amount of hours spent on video games and the behaviors of children between 9-16. Over the course of the study, the children’s overall mild-mannered

Centrism: A Cure for Negative Partisanship Zevi Gerstein (‘19), Opinion Editor George Washington had the right idea when he warned about partisanship. Although his biggest concern at the time was civil war, a less severe but more relevant issue has cropped up in the 21st century: negative partisanship and polarization of the general public. Today’s harsh partisan environment has made it difficult for people to express their own political opinions. This atmosphere is the result of years and years of political parties growing in influ-

decessor. I don’t subscribe to such a reductionist view of the government and its jobs. To say that the job of the new regime is to undo the old one is an insult to democracy. The job of the government is not to undo or fix the past, but to move forward and help make the future brighter for its citizens by fine-tuning existing policy. The only way to move forward, however, is to agree on certain ideas across the aisle and enact moderate policies. In other words, centrism.

In order to move forward, we must alleviate this fear and acknowledge that only through compromise can we progress. The political spectrum is exactly that: a spectrum. To say that one ideology is 100 percent correct and the other is 100 percent wrong belittles the political system. One must remember that a key aspect of all spectrums––political or otherwise––is that there are two polar extremes separated by a gradient of opinion. Yet people today believe that political

Centrism is a solid solution for the political gridlock we are facing. ence and people joining one party simply because they don’t agree with the other. This strategy of aligning with certain parties to prevent other parties from succeeding is known as negative partisanship, and it is detrimental to society because it delegitimizes our votes: we are not voting for what we care about as much as we are voting against what others care about. Our political sense has become bipolar. It is the popular belief that the president’s sole duty is to undo the damage of his pre-

Centrism is defined as having moderate political views, and right now, it is a solid solution for the political gridlock we are facing. It is impossible to accomplish anything in this political environment because people are so angry and believe that if they don’t win, if their opinions are not recognized as facts, everything will crumble. This irrational fear grips the hearts of our politicians, and acts of bipartisanship are viewed as acts of aggression, even treason, which must be discouraged.

opinion is binary. This misconception has sadly led to an increase in negative partisanship. A study done in 2017 showed that around half of all party members were practicing negative partisanship. The essence of democracy is to voice one’s opinion and to vote as a result of those opinions, not to vote simply to prevent someone else from succeeding. Negative partisanship is not only anti-American, frankly, it is anti-democratic.

behavior did indeed become more abrasive and moody overtime as they were exposed to more hours of gaming. They concluded that there is indeed a link “between violent video and increases in aggressive behavior… and decreases in prosocial behavior, empathy, and moral engagement”. Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned in its July 2016 guide that exposure to violent media is a poor example for impressionable kids. Regarding video games the academy stated to “not use human or living tar-

gets or award points for killing, because this teaches children to associate pleasure and success with their ability to cause pain and suffering to others”. In conclusion, parents should keep an eye out for any disturbing or violent media, especially at home. Kids are impressionable as their minds are developing, and exposure to intense action games can have a negative influence. Fortnite is just one example of the millions of violent video games out there.

Pros/Cons of Gap Year Programs

Mika Shalom (‘20)

A gap year is a period - typically an academic year - taken by a student as a break between high school and college. According to GreatSchools.org, some parents and high school seniors are pushed to their limits with college applications, SATs/ACTs, homework, tests, and the stress of high school itself. On the other hand, others feel that the stress of high school prepares one for the intensity of college and our fast paced society. The subject of attending a gap year program can be controversial as there are many pros and cons to it. Attending a gap year program provides time to think and figure out what you want before committing to college without remaining 100% ready. While taking a gap year, one allows oneself the time to reflect and clarify your goals, dreams, and desires for your future. Another positive aspect of attending a gap year program, is the benefit of practicing responsibility while still being sheltered within a program. Furthermore, the experience involves important elements of leading a successful life: learning, socializing, taking responsibility, and overcoming challenges. While many believe a gap year to be a positive decision, there are those who believe otherwise. Many will agree that taking a gap year involves the risk of losing academic momen-

tum and swaying off the path towards attending college. On top of college applications, SAT, and more, planning and researching the perfect gap year program requires a lot of time, effort, and energy. Similar to colleges, gap year programs can be very costly and many students have the intention of receiving financial aid, yet they don’t end up acquiring it. The expectation of a gap year is often misplaced as students are excited about the idea of being on their own without knowing what that experience will truly be like. Some students may not be completely ready to be on their own, and the busy schedule or their daily routine can distract them from why they are really there. In conclusion, I believe that choosing to attend a gap year program is something that is very individual to each person and the reasons are very personal. The bottom line is that when we make a choice in life, there will always be an upside and a downside to it. The question to consider is whether the upside outweighs the downside, and how much value will our choices add to our lives and to our process of learning.

When we make a choice in life, there will always be an upside and a downside to it.

Opinion: Pittsburgh Attack When Words Kill

Unity Is the Only Answer

Yonah Berenson (‘20), Executive Editor Just over a year ago was a turning point in President Donald Trump’s relations with American Jews, when he could not distinguish between neo-Nazis and those protesting against them and claimed there were “some very fine people on both sides.” Besides his equivocation, the pattern of Mr. Trump’s blaming the victim has become clear recently. Just two days before the attack on Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue that claimed 11 Pittsburgh Jews, he attributed the pipe bomb sent to CNN’s offices––along with 11 others sent to Democrats whom Mr. Trump has described as “enemies of the state”––to the media’s coverage of his presidency. At a rally in Wisconsin, he said, “The media also has a responsibility to set a civil tone and to stop the endless hostility and constant negative— and oftentimes, false—attacks and stories.” After all his equivocation, anger, and blame, we can’t feign surprise that before the bodies were cold, Mr. Trump responded to the most deadly act of domestic terrorism ever aimed at Jews by once again blaming the victim: “If there was an armed guard inside the temple, they would have been able to stop [the shooter],” the president told reporters. How dare Mr. Trump put the onus on Jews to protect themselves better, when his incendiary rhetoric has led directly to

the shooter’s decision to murder nearly a dozen Jews? How dare Mr. Trump hold a rally to pat himself on the back for what a great job he’s done as president on the same day that a maniac used Mr. Trump’s hatefilled rhetoric as justification for the murder of 11 American Jews attending shul, awaiting the brit milah that was to take place later in the service? In his usual self-aggrandizing way, Mr. Trump compared his rally to the decision to open the New York Stock Exchange the day after 9/11. In fact, the NYSE was closed from September 11, 2001, until September 17. Mr. Trump’s “friend” Dick Grasso, who ran the NYSE, had a little more respect for the dead than the president gives him credit for. Mr. Trump said he wanted to hold the rally so as not to “make these sick, demented, evil people important.” In fact, all he did was draw attention away from the attack by using the same rhetoric that precipitated it. He dishonored those who were murdered just hours before by talking up his achievements on the economy, apparently more important to Mr. Trump than comforting the nation and showing his solidarity with the grieving families. Instead of just tweeting that “we must unite to conquer hate,” Mr. Trump ought to have followed his own advice and pushed off, if for a day, another rally meant to di-

Akiva Brookler (‘21), Layout Editor vide Americans and foment anger and hate. The shooter’s stated motive for the attack was to stop HIAS–– formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society––from “bring[ing] invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered.” Obviously shooting up a shul to stop illegal immigration has no rational basis. But where did the shooter get the idea that illegal immigrants were “slaughtering” anyone if not from the man who has repeatedly and broadly accused most Latin American immigrants of being rapists and murderers? Where did the shooter get the idea that the migrants in the caravan approaching the southern border from Honduras are “invaders” if not from the man whipping his supporters into a frenzy about the issue for the past few weeks? The shooter took Mr. Trump’s fiery rhetoric to its irrational conclusion. It should be noted that the shooter said he didn’t vote for Mr. Trump. But that’s not because he doesn’t agree with him; it’s because, ironically, he thinks Mr. Trump “is surrounded by k––s,” as he wrote in a post on the Gab social media platform, known for its popularity among white supremacists. Charlottesville was the first turning point; Squirrel Hill, the second, when ugly words turned into ugly action.

When hate-filled violence ravages our community, our first response is finger pointing. But blaming President Donald Trump for the murder of 11 Jews in Pittsburgh does not solve the underlying issue common to acts of radical violence on both ends of the political spectrum: hatred. We cannot fairly attribute the Shabbat violence solely to Mr. Trump because we have seen violent acts of hatred committed throughout history. The main motivation for these crimes is not any political figure but hatred itself. To end the violence, we must end the hatred and divisiveness coming from all over the country, not just from the West Wing. Hatred is nothing new, nor are violent expressions of it. Millions of people have lost their lives to acts of violence, thousands of African Americans to lynchings, millions of Cambodians to genocide, the list goes on. These acts of hatred still persist today from both the right-wing radicals such as neo-Nazis and the left-wing extremists like members of Antifa. Hatred is ubiquitous, not an issue that can be attributed to any one group of people. We live in the 21st century. A time of progressiveness, where people should be tolerant and coexist. When heinous acts of pure hatred still occur, what progress has humanity really made? People might say that it is human nature to hate and that there is nothing that we can do to stop its course, but they are wrong. It is our duty to promote peace in a

world of ever-growing hatred. Yishayahu tells the Jewish people to be “a light unto the nations,” and through that bring God’s salvation to the world. What better fits the meaning of this imperative than promoting peace to end hatred? Jews must be a light unto the nation by standing against hatred. The important thing for us to do is ask how to promote peace and end the violence. Rather than blame political figures for stirring the pot, we must instead gather together and rally in our communities to bridge the gaps between people of opposing ideas through meaningful dialogue. If people would heed the words of Thomas Jefferson that “all men are created equal,” they would not hate others because they would see them just as they see themselves. This is what the Torah means when it states, “You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart,” and in the following verse it states, “Love your fellow as yourself.” When people realize that other people are just like themselves, they cannot hate them. By addressing the issue of hatred––not by pointing fingers at political figures––we can unite around our common humanity rather than find ourselves divided by our differences. We must not let the deaths of the 11 people in Pittsburgh be in vain; rather, we must continue to follow suit of community vigils and dialogue, and let it inspire us to take a stance against hatred to make the world a more tolerant place.

blocks from our old house–– he wasn’t just desecrating holy space (of worship) or holy time (Shabbat). He was goose-stepping into our house and spilling the worst kind of filth all over our carpets, on our furniture. That feeling of being violated that victims of violent crime inevitably express is what all of us––Pittsburghers from birth, residence or even those of us fortunate enough to have passed through for a few years––feel this week. The sense of violation cannot be measured

or expressed properly. But there is something that can be expressed. If we can take a cue from the powerful descriptions of this loving community that the whole world has heard since that terrible Shabbat morning of October 27 and adopt them, bringing them to Beverlywood and Brooklyn, to Santa Monica and Skokie, to Tarzana and Teaneck––then maybe, maybe there will be a thin sliver of light that we can find in the midst of the terrible cloud

that hangs over the entire Jewish world. Let us endeavor to unceasingly and unflinchingly seek out and underscore that which unites us and quietly, respectfully, and lovingly address those small things that divide us. May Hashem have compassion over His people.

that people were sad but also at the same time shocked about what had happened. Although the chances of people there knowing the victims personally were low, everyone there, whether you were Jewish or not Jewish, you came to show that something like this should never happen again.

servative Jews. There were also many Muslims, Christians, and many other people from different religions. I was definitely surprised when I saw the woman behind me was wearing a necklace with a cross around her neck, and when a Muslim woman spoke at this event.

PP: What types of people were at the event? DS: There were many different types of people there, not only Orthodox, Reform, and Con-

PP: Were you moved by the ceremony? DS: At first I didn’t know what to expect, but as we were driving, my mom explained a little bit. I

still didn’t know what to expect until I was walking toward the Federal Building, and I saw that the flag was at half-mast. I got there and stood behind at least two, three hundred people, many of [whom] were holding candles. As we stood there, more and more people came to attend this ceremony. I was definitely moved because I realized that this did not only affect the Jewish community, but it also affected many others.

PP: What do you hope the event will accomplish? DS: I hope that this event will accomplish awareness of the hatred. And also to show that you shouldn’t only care about your inner circle and inner community but also those around you. Also, I think it proved that not all stereotypes are true and that we should not believe everything we hear.

Memories of Squirrel Hill Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

The two years that my wife and I lived in Squirrel Hill were a magical time, residing in a closeknit community of Jews who recognized that what unites is far greater than what divides us. I had a regular Gemara haburah with two local Reform rabbis, socialized comfortably with secular members of the community and was consistently amazed at the cohesion of this old neighborhood. The sense of community extended to all residents and there was a strong feeling of

respect for everyone’s religious affiliations as well as political leanings. When we first moved in, I was amazed at how much Squirrel Hill reminded me of the Los Angeles where I grew up, the Los Angeles of the 1960s and early 1970s, when everybody knew each other and all Jews found healthy ways to interact while respecting boundaries. When the angry, hate-filled monster attacked dozens of elderly Jews at Tree of Life, up there on Wilkins Avenue––four short

Rav Yitzchak Etshalom is Rosh Beit Midrash at YULA Girls High School and is Chair of the Tanakh Department at YULA Boys.

Hope After Terror Ilan Bocian, Editor-in-Chief On October 28, YULA Boys student Daniel Sentchuk (‘22) attended a vigil in Westwood, Calif., where thousands gathered to honor the 11 victims who perished in the Pittsburgh shooting. They joined together against anti-semitism and baseless hatred. The Panther Post sat down with Sentchuk to discuss his experience at the vigil. The Panther Post: What was the tone and mood at the event? Daniel Sentchuk: I would say