The Panther Post Volume 2, Issue 1, Quarter 4

Panther Post the

Volume 2, Issue 1, Quarter 4 | April 2018 | Nissan-Iyar 5778

Parkland Rabbi addresses YULA Boys

By Zevi Gersten, Copy Editor

On Mar. 6, YULA Boys High School had the opportunity to hear Rabbi Mendy Gutnick, Assistant Rabbi of the Chabad of Parkland, Fla., speak about the toll that the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has had on his community.

As a rabbi who is close with that school’s community, Rabbi Gutnick witnessed the aftermath of this devastating tragedy up close and personal. He described the events of the horrific shooting from his perspective, and he recounted his efforts to help countless families impacted by the mass shooting.

Trip attendees pose in front of the U.S. Capitol.

YULA students attend AIPAC Students traveled to Washington to participate in Policy Conference

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By Tali Gershov, Executive Editor

long with 18,000 supporters of Israel, YULA sent a delegation of 40 students to the AIPAC Policy Conference of 2018. The YULA delegation met at the airport Thursday night, shortly after the Purim Seuda, to depart for the trip.

After arriving in Washington D.C., the YULA student delegation joined a South Florida delegation for an inspirational and educational Shabbaton. They heard from incredible speakers and were intrigued by the wisdom of the politicians and AIPAC staff who spoke eloquently about controversial topics regarding Israeli politics and its relationship with Middle Eastern countries.

Saturday night’s events included a competitive game of bowling, a pizza dinner, and a visit to the Lincoln Memorial. On Sunday, POLL & ANALYSIS

Majority of YULA supports full assaultweapons ban Two-thirds want stronger gun control

Forty students attended the annual conference and heard from leading U.S. officials.

Monday, and Tuesday of the conference, the general sessions were moments to remember.

Being introduced to the wide range of new businesses and innovations created by Israel, a small country in the Middle East, demonstrated that the U.S.-Israel relationship is one worth investing in.

The 18,000 delegates heard from the Pres-

By Yonah Berenson, Executive Editor The national conversation on the future of gun policy has spread to YULA, which overwhelmingly supports gun-control proposals.

A poll conducted by The Panther Post revealed that 53.6 percent of YULA supports a blanket ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. Nearly two-thirds support a general strengthening of current gun regulations. A majority of students still favor it when faculty are excluded from the survey.

ident of Guatemala, who expressed his love and devotion to the state of Israel. He noted some key points in history where Guatemala supported Israel, and mentioned that Guatemala was the first country in the world to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Another memorable moment was the address of Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who spoke flawlessly.

Her passion and love towards Israel is one to be admired by all. She emphasized that the UN will no longer tolerate bullying towards Israel and that she will continue to stand up for the well-being and support of Israel. Ambassador Haley received countless standing ovations.

Furthermore, the speech of Vice President Mike Pence made a lasting impression on the the YULA student delegation. He emphasized the White House’ support for Israel and the love and alliance that Israel and the U.S. will Continued on page 12

dents from YULA Boys, UNSURE 24.3 percent 11.4% were from YES YULA Girls, 53.6% NO and 23.6 per35% cent were from faculty of the two schools.

The anonymous A majorpoll was taken of all YULA stu- ity of these three groups also dents and faculty from Mar. 8 opposes a counterproposal to gun through Mar. 14. One-hundred- control: arming teachers. Only 30 forty people responded to the percent support such a position. poll.

Just over 50 percent were stuContinued on page 2

Do you support a blanket ban on semiautomatic assault weapons like the AR-15 used in the recent Parkland, FL school shooting?

Rabbi Mendy Gutnick addresses the boys via live video feed.

Rabbi Gutnick told about his search for Alyssa Alhadeff, a freshman who went missing after the shooting. Her parents assumed that she was whisked away in one of the many ambulances transporting victims from the school to the nearest hospital.

Together with Rabbi Gutnick, they visited every hospital in search of Alyssa, but to no avail.

Her parents were beginning to lose hope...and then they received a phone call. Anyone in search of a lost child should go to the Marriott Hotel for news, they were told.

Rabbi Gutnick said that some of the victims were unidentifiable because their wounds were so gruesome. Parents had to send in photos of their children or descriptions of their clothing.

One by one families left the Marriott with, in the best case, news of their child’s whereabouts or, in the worst, knowledge that they Continued on page 12

Community Majority supports full assault-weapons ban Continued from page 1 That number drops to 20.9 percent when the most conservative group polled—YULA Boys students— are removed. (The percentage of those who supported a ban on assault weapons rises to almost two-thirds when YULA Boys students are removed, and the number supporting strengthening of current gun regulation rises to over 80 percent.) Still, a majority of all groups disfavor arming teachers. A small plurality of conservatives are in favor. Notably, 21.2 percent of teachers support this position (all were General Studies teachers), but a majority reject it.

These results are especially interesting considering the poll’s finding that 52.9 percent of YULA identifies as conservative (only 15.7 percent said they were liberal). All in all, a repeal of the Second Amendment only garnered the support of 14.3 percent of YULA, including 10.8 percent of those who identified as conservative.

Such a response from those who identified as “conservatives” raises questions about whether these respondents understand their own positions. Or else, it shows that they fall further left than other conservatives on the issue. For despite notable exceptions, such as New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, supporting a repeal of the Second Amendment is a highly un-conservative position. Surely, one out of every ten conservatives would not support such a repeal. Realworld conservatives would also be unlikely to support a total ban on assault weapons (though such a position is not as unusual as supporting a repeal of the Second

Amendment), but 39.2 percent of YULA’s conservatives do.

Another finding from the poll is that YULA Girls leans far more liberal—at least when it comes to gun control–than the boys school, even though a strong plurality of girls still identifies as conservative. Almost 80 percent of YULA Girls students support strengthening current gun regulations compared to only 53.4 percent of boys. In addition, over two-thirds of girls support a blanket ban on assault weapons, whereas a plurality (46.6 percent) of boys oppose it. A huge divide appears to exist between the two schools on this issue.

Respondents were also asked whether they believed Israel’s gun policies are stricter or more lenient than the United States’. (The NRA often cites Israel to defend its principle that “the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun.”) Most students answered correctly that Israel’s gun laws are in fact stricter. A majority of faculty also answered correctly, though they were more likely than students to believe that Israel’s gun laws are more lenient.

It is possible that the significant support for gun control at YULA, an overwhelmingly conservative school, points to a broader shift in favor of stricter gun control. We have no way to compare YULA’s support for these measures before versus after the Parkland, Fla., shooting, but it appears the shooting has had an impact on the school’s position on measures to prevent future tragedies.

Do you believe that teachers should be permitted to carry guns on campus?

UNSURE 13.6%

YES

30%

NO 56.4%

Do you support strengthening current gun regulations?

UNSURE 8.7%

NO 23.9%

YES

67.4%

To see all data, visit https://goo.gl/6ohz6L.

YULA holds first ever Community Shabbaton

By Ariel Mansano, Staff Writer

Unity was the theme of the weekend of February 24, 2018, when YULA held its first Community Shabbaton with Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University. It began on Friday morning when Rabbi Berman gave words of Torah at YULA Boys High School about lessons from Megillat Esther and how we can apply them to our lives.

He then spoke at YULA Girls High School about Esther’s impact on the world.

Davening was held on Shabbat morning in the packed YULA BoysBeit Midrash. Mussaf was led by Yaakov Willner (’20), followed by an introduction of Rabbi Berman by YULA Boys Head of School Rabbi Arye Sufrin. Rabbi Sufrin spoke about the personal impact Yeshiva University had on his life and on the greater Los Angeles community.

He emphasized the importance of the YULA Community Shabbaton and how it exemplifies the unity of YULA High Schools.

After Shacharit, there was a gala Kiddush in the YULA Boys courtyard. “The Shabbat morning davening was both beautiful and inspirational, and the camaraderie felt by all at the Kiddush to follow was incredible,” Rabbi Schreiber, Principal of YULA Boys, said. “It truly felt like a community spending Shabbat together.”

After Shacharit and the Gala Kiddush, lunch was held at Young Israel of Century City. During lunch, Julia Levkowitz (’19) and Gavriel Gershov (’20) delivered Divrei Torah, words of Torah. Levkowitz talked about Esther’s transformation from serving as a passive force in the Persian royalty to an active participant in saving the Jews.

Gershov talked about Megillat Esther and how it teaches us to seize the moment. Rabbi Ari Berman then delivered a speech entitled, “Challenges and Opportunities for the Contemporary Jewish Community.”

Lunch was followed by Mincha at Young Israel of Century City and a shiur (lecture) by Rabbi Berman on “The Future Direction of the Jewish Community.”

After Shabbat, there was a special Trustees Cocktail Reception with Rabbi Berman at the home of Marnie and David Nagel. “It was both inspirational and gratifying to work on a project that had such a palpable impact on the YULA community, as well as the greater Los Angeles community,” YULA Boys Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Ryan Hyman, who handled the logistics of the Shabbaton, commented.

“What a thrill to see so many YULA families come together to appropriately greet the new president of Yeshiva University, as well as celebrating true Panther Pride.”

2 The Panther Post

Start With Hello YULA Girls attend “Hello” assembly.

YULA Girls begin “Start with Hello” week assembly

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By Shirel Esagoff, Staff Writer

he “Start with Hello” campaign began when the relatives of victims from the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting decided to make a change. “Start with Hello” ventures to counter social isolationism and make individuals feel included as well as valued by society. Family members who lost loved ones in this horrific school shooting realized that in order to lower the chances of this happening again, they needed to take action on a national scale. The Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit organization, aims to increase awareness of the “Start with Hello” campaign in order to promote widespread participation.

YULA Girls High School participated in the “Start with Hello” week during February, 2018. As an introduction to the program,

“Hello” ventures to counter social isolationism YULA watched a video demonstrating why the “Start With Hello” campaign is such a crucial cause as well as its origins. In the video, people who lost loved ones during the Sandy Hook shooting explained why it is imperative to reach out to people who feel socially isolated. The following week, students were given large

name tags in an effort to get to know others and give a simple “hello” to more people throughout the school. Flyers around the school and a pledge board encouraged students to always say hello, making an effort to reach out and greet those who they are not as familiar with.

YULA Girls’ school guidance counselor, Dr. Orenbuch, went to classrooms and led discussions on how to make people feel included in society as well as describing how each person can make a difference and contribute to this cause. Being part of this special program was a very meaningful experience for YULA Girls and is something the students can partake in year-round. All it takes is just one word to help make someone’s day just a bit better.

RABBI ARYE SUFRIN

A sit-down with YULA Boys new Head of School

By Ilan Bocian, Editor-in-Chief Rabbi Arye Sufrin assumed his position as Head of School of YULA Boys in July 2017. I sat down with Rabbi Sufrin to discuss his inspirations, aspirations, and early accomplishments as he looks forward to elevating YULA to new heights.

The Panther Post: What is your secret to finding the time to teach the 10th Grade Advanced Gemara Track shiur and run a school at the same time?

Rabbi Arye Sufrin: There is no secret ingredient to time management.

When I left Deloitte [Consulting LLP], it was not to become a head of school, but to be in the classroom with students. That spoke to me more than anything. The students are my number-one priority, and nothing will ever change that. No matter what position I have in the school, I hope to always be in the classroom in some way or another. Being among the students and being a rebbe in the classroom allows me to keep my finger on the pulse and culture of school, create more meaningful relationships, and allows me to do what I love most: teach and inspire more Torah learning.

PP: How would you describe your leadership style?

RS: I like to think of the big picture and to translate that vision into action. I rely on our incredible team at YULA to help implement that vision effectively. Over the summer, the YULA leadership and I read a book called Strength-Based Leadership that discusses a study of over 20,000 leaders in a diverse range of industries to discern what their leadership strengths and styles were. I took this test along with the administration.

It turned out that many of my “topfive” strengths were related to vision and looking at the bigger picture. I do not believe in micromanagement, but it is important for me to know what is going on in all areas of YULA so I can help ensure that everything is done with excellence and consistent with the values of YULA. PP: What do you see as the prime strengths of YULA? RS: First and foremost, the warmth, knowledge, and skill of our rebbeim and faculty who are fully devoted and committed to our students inside and outside the classroom.

Our faculty includes outstanding talmidei chachamim [Torah scholars] and brilliant scholars on both sides of the curriculum.

The second strength I see is our faculty and students’ commitment to excellence; we all recognize that mediocrity is unacceptable. The single-gender environment is also a major advantage. Our students can truly be themselves and develop a camaraderie that could not be replicated in any other type of setting.

Last and most importantly, we are a yeshiva high school. The primacy and relevancy of Torah is taught in a nurturing and inspiring atmosphere that allows students to cultivate their personal spiritual growth so they can become accomplished b’nei Torah.

The uncompromising General Studies program is unique to YULA. To me, it is amazing to think that in a single day a student can learn a complex

sugya [portion of Talmud] from Shas [the six orders of the Talmud]; be exposed to high-level text-based learning from Halacha, Tanakh, and Jewish Thought; analyze an eloquent piece

by Shakespeare; study the Constitution; and learn to derive a complex mathematical function. And the list goes on.

PP: What challenges have you encountered in your first six months as Head of School and how have you dealt with them?

RS: I am sensitive to the fact that this can be a difficult year for our 12th graders with the ongoing

“YULA aims to instill in every student a passion for the primacy and relevancy of Torah study.” campus expansion. I want to ensure that our seniors have the best senior year they can possibly have, even with the present challenges due to construction, and I will continue to be sensitive to their needs. They will always be part of the YULA family. I praise them and give a lot of credit to them for being positive and gracious.

Of course, my focus is also on the rest of the student body. I wish to ensure that morale is high throughout the school and that students feel proud to be a part of the YULA community.

PP: Can you please summarize what the campus expansion will be offering the school?

RS: We are blessed to have an incredible student body that is receiving a top-notch yeshiva education. The reality is that our students deserve more resources as part of our commitment to excellence. Gelman Hall will allow our students to experience Schlesinger STEAM program as well as art, robotics, film, music, and new classrooms. The Samson Center and Auditorium is something that is long overdue. All of our students will benefit from the gym during physical education, intramurals, and special programming. The gym will also allow all of our athletic teams to practice on campus and to get home at reasonable hours. It will enhance the culture of our student experience with a true home-court advantage. The gym will have the ability to convert into an auditorium, something YULA has never had. It will allow us to

Seniors Noah Hyman and Eytan Merkin present on guns in America.

Boys react to the Stoneman Douglas shooting

host special school and communal events and graduation at YULA. The Kestenbaum Commons gives the students a necessary workspace to study, collaborate, and receive support from our faculty. Right now, during construction, the Beit Midrash plays a dual role as a space for students to do work as well as to daven and learn.

The Kestenbaum Commons will essentially allow the Beit Midrash to truly be the center of the yeshiva, and be the makom Torah [place of Torah] that it really is, a place exclusively meant for davening, Torah study, and spiritual growth. Ultimately, the new campus will give our students the best educational experience possible on both sides of the curriculum.

PP: What are the most important changes to YULA that you have already instituted in your first six months?

RS: The administration has expressed our three strategic goals and vision for the coming year clearly: YULA aims to instill in every student a passion for the primacy and relevancy of Torah study, uncompromising General Studies, and character development [or] middot tovot [good character traits] to the highest degree, and love for Medinat Yisrael [the State of Israel]. In line with these goals, we have hired outstanding faculty, and we have doubled down on Torah at YULA, bringing in Rabbis [Shlomo] Einhorn, [Pini] Dunner, [Eliyahu] Younger, [Zev] Weiner, and [Aaron] Korda, and have expanded Rabbi [Elchanan] Shoff’s teaching role. Beyond new faculty, some of the additions in the Judaic Studies Department include the new Masmidim B’Iyun program exclusively for 9th grade, weekly Shiur Klali, Project SAFE, Masmidim Chumash, chaburot in partnership with LINK Kollel and YPLA, and more. In General Studies, we have hired Mr. Michael Heeter, the new college guidance counselor, who comes from the prestigious Marlborough School; Ms. Janice Frew in the English Department, who previously worked at YULA Girls; and other outstanding hires who take our General Studies Program to an entirely new level. I have bolstered our administration with Rabbi [Joseph] Schreiber as Principal and Rabbi [Shimon] Abramczik as Dean of Students. Of course, Mr. Rick St. Laurent has continued to be an excellent General Studies Principal.

There has also been a strong focus on character development: emphasis on chesed, a recycling program, our revamped advisory program, our school-wide assemblies on Mondays, and our parent-education nights.

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By Menachem Kornreich, Extracurriculars Editor

school shooting in Parkland, Fla., ended with 17 dead and several others wounded. The shooting has sparked many reactions at YULA Boys High School, ranging from sympathy for the victims and their families to attempts at answering difficult questions raised by the tragedy.

To Rabbi Dov Rosenbluth, YULA Boys psychologist, the shooting symbolizes how the world has gotten smaller, since news of the tragedy spread so quickly via the Internet. He noted how news of the tragedy instantaneously affected the entire community.

Rabbi Mendy Gutnick, the Chabad rabbi in Parkland, spoke at an emotional assembly at YULA Boys. After the assembly, Matthew Chriqui (‘19) asked if he could oversee letter writing to members of the Parkland community. Rabbi Gutnick sent Chriqui the contact information for the families of victims.

YULA Boys Principal Rabbi Joseph Schreiber congratulated Chriqui on his initiative; he also spoke about how significant events like this one can change us as people.

Sophomore Jake Fishman (‘20) believes that the shooting was a “national tragedy.” He urged others to “unite and push for real change.” He also suggested “that it is obvious that there needs to be gun reform.”

Yet students at YULA Boys had conflicting opinions on gun-ownership rights. Oren Rimmon (‘19) argued that the best way to solve the problem is by equipping teachers with guns, while Shawn Partovi (‘19) felt that outlawing guns entirely would be an appropriate response.

Noah Hyman (‘18) and Eytan Merkin (‘18) led a schoolwide assembly and conversation on gun control, creating safer schools, and the Second Amendment. Hyman and Merkin presented evidence intended to help their peers formulate informed opinions on gun control and the reach of the Second Amendment.

The Stoneman Douglas shooting has created a new outlook regarding tragic events. Students at YULA, and others around the country, have expressed feelings of sympathy for the victims. At YULA, we said tehillim [psalms] in memory of the victims, wrote letters to the victims’ families, and discussed the issue of gun control in a school-wide assembly.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editors in Chief: Ilan Bocian (’19) and Hanna Gootin (’19) Executive Editors: Yonah Berenson (’20) and Meital Gershov (’19)

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Timothy Haehn and Mr. Fletcher Crossman Editors in Chief Emeritus: Eytan Merkin (’18) and Abegail Javidzad (’18)

SECTION EDITORS Community: Ari Willner (’19) and Rachel Simon (’19) Extracurriculars: Menachem Kornreich (’19) and Ayelet Topp (‘19) Sports: Caleb Aranoff (’19) and Gila Kohanbash (‘19) & Rebecca Rabbanian (’19) Torah: Eliana Sisman (’20) Opinion: Ellie Gofman (’19) Copy Editors: Zevi Gersten (’19), Jake Fishman (’20), Madeline Rubin (‘19), and Rachel Simon (’19) Photographers: Gavriel Gershov (’20), Ethan Kohanteb (’19), Dana Even (’20), and Miriam Magen (‘19) Design: Rick Penn-Kraus, RPK Designs Are you a writer? Photographer? The Panther Post is written and edited by the students of YULA Girls and Boys Schools, and we welcome your ideas, articles, pictures, and suggestions. We would be delighted to hear from you!

April 2018

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Community New Beit Midrash class in afternoon for YULA Boys

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By Yonah Berenson, Executive Editor

New

York

Bound

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Students gather for Havdalah on Saturday night.

By Jake Fishman, Copy Editor

n Mar. 15, as the frigid night air of New York City set in, 33 sophomore boys emerged from JFK, loaded into vans, and began a “Jewish Experience Trip” that promised to be the experience of a lifetime.

The students first visited the Ohel (the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe), where they were able to pray and write notes by the grave. It kickstarted the trip and exemplified the main theme: to give the students a broader understanding of the diversity within the Jewish community.

After the Ohel, they made their way to Boro Park, in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they would be staying for most of the trip. As they were leaving Amnon’s Pizza, their dinner stop of the evening, they ran into Jewish music star Yehuda Green and had an impromptu kumzitz (inspirational singing and guitar-playing) on the street.

The next morning, the boys met the Munkatcher Rebbe, who spoke to them about that week’s Torah portion, Vayikra. In addition, he gave individual blessings to each student, which took almost two hours. Gavriel Gershov (‘20), responding to the Rebbe’s special attention, felt that “the Rebbe truly inspired me, and I felt that he made a personal connection with each and every one of us.”

The students then headed to Yeshiva University to attend the YULA Panthers’ second game of the Red Sarachek tournament. They faced their rivals from Los Angeles, the Shalhevet Firehawks. The spirit from the YULA cheering section electrified the gym and unified everyone. Unfortunately, the students were left heartbroken after the Panthers were defeated.

Shabbat, the highlight of the trip, began with a bang. The students entered the main Bobover shul, into which 2,000 Chassidim were packed in one room. After the inspirational davening, all the students lined up with thousands of others to get a greeting from the Rebbe.

Dinner that night was held at different host families from within the Chassidic community. The Chassidim were anxious to learn about the students’ way of life. Students spoke with their hosts about a variety of topics, including the State of Israel, Judaism, and Gemara. Ariel Mansano (‘20) said that “it was interesting to see how these Jews conducted their Shabbat meal, and through the conversation I made at the table, I could see that they are not that different from us on the inside.”

Once the dinners ended, all the students headed 4 The Panther Post

back to the Bobover Shul for the Rebbe’s tisch (a tradition on Friday nights in the Chassidic community where the Rebbe teaches Torah and songs are sung). Hundreds of Chassidim stood on bleachers surrounding the Rebbe, singing classic songs and listening to the Rebbe’s words of wisdom. After some time, the students headed back to the street to attend more tisches throughout the city. They finally ended the night at a truly inspiring tisch with the Kosover Rebbe, where they sang and danced late into the night.

The next morning the students did not slow down, heading to a local shul for Shacharit. After Shacharit everyone gathered back at the hotel for a meal featuring classic Chassidic delicacies and words of Torah from Daniel Tarko (‘20) and Rabbi Joseph Schreiber, Principal of YULA Boys. Shabbat closed with an inspiring Seudah Shlishit and a Havdalah from this reporter.

Once Shabbat concluded, the boys headed to Midtown Manhattan for a special private show at Comedy Sports, a comedy club. The comedians played a plethora of interactive games with the students and filled the room with laughter.

On Sunday morning, the boys headed to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. At the memorial, students were moved by Rabbi Schreiber’s explanation of his personal connection to that tragic day. He shared how unity in United States heightened and how life forever changed after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The students were given the opportunity to explore the museum.

Next, the students traveled to Times Square and had free time to shop, explore the attractions, and eat some classic kosher New York pizza. The free time ended hours later with a spontaneous dance party in the middle of Times Square, and a steak dinner at Le Marais Steakhouse.

The students were broken into small groups and bunked with Modern Orthodox families in Teaneck, N.J., for the night. The next morning, they went to TABC, an all-boys school in Teaneck, for Shacharit.

Then they headed to Yeshiva University where they received a tour of the campus and spoke with rosh yeshiva Rav Hershel Schachter.

The boys attended the final of the Sarachek tournament between the Shalhevet Firehawks and the Valley Torah Wolfpack. Shalhevet won in overtime.

After, they made their way to the airport and boarded their plane for Los Angeles.

Looking back at the trip, it is evident that students gained not only experiences to last a lifetime but also insight into the diversity found in the Orthodox Jewish community. Although we may look different and have different customs, at the end of the day we are all one nation unified by the brotherhood of Am Yisrael.

ULA Boys High School began a new Beit Midrash program this year, a Judaic Studies class that meets twice a week in the afternoon. The class is taught by YULA Boys’ Dean of Students Rabbi Shimon Abramczik, and is for ninth and tenth graders. The students skip one Hebrew class and one free period per week to take the class.

Head of School Rabbi Arye Sufrin helped develop the program, which originated from a suggestion by Noah Hyman (’18) last school year. “One of my responsibilities as Head of School,” Rabbi Sufrin said, “is to expose students to meaningful and inspirational learning opportunities by giving them the opportunity to learn from outstanding and impactful talmidei chachamim [Torah scholars].”

Rabbi Sufrin said that Rabbi Abramczik was “the right person to teach the Beit Midrash program, as he has shown time and time again his ability to inspire his students,” especially in his Masmidim program. In that class, he teaches Gemara in the morning before Shacharit.

Both Rabbi Sufrin and Rabbi Abramczik noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students in the program.

One student, Ben Simon (’20), said that the class “helps my translation skills and is an engaging way to learn Torah.”

The program will count for honors credit, but Rabbi Sufrin stressed that “we’re not putting a carrot in front of the students [for them] to get honors credit and boost their GPA.” The main intention of the class is for students to learn Torah lishmah–solely for the sake of learning.

According to Rabbi Abramczik, the class is based on his Masmidim class and features a “quicker pace, with the goal of chazering [reviewing] so that [the learning] becomes a part of you.”

In each class, students learn one aliyah [Torah portion] in the Chumash and Rashi’s accompanying commentary. The class is built around reviewing: students review the material from the previous two classes every night on their own. The next day they learn another aliyah.

“For each pasuk [verse], you’re reviewing it 14 to 16 times each week on your own time,” Rabbi Abramczik pointed out. Students in the class participate in a WhatsApp group chat. Rabbi Abramczik records the classes and posts the recordings to the chat. On the group chat, students write that they have reviewed so that Rabbi Abramczik can keep track of who has done so and the class’s overall progress.

This year, Rabbi Abramczik plans on completing most of the Book of Shemot [Exodus] and hopes to continue the program next year with Vayikra [Leviticus]. Rabbi Sufrin plans to have the class every day next year, though there is much to work out in terms of scheduling.

The class’s current afternoon time slot breaks from YULA Boys’ longtime tradition of having Judaic Studies classes in the morning and General Studies classes in the afternoon, with a lunch period separating the two. Because the class is an elective and self-selective–as opposed to other Judaic Studies classes, which are required–the school felt it was reasonable to meet in the afternoon.

The main intention of the class is for students to learn Torah lishmah– solely for the sake of learning.

UNITED NATIONS: Did You Know…

SS…the United Nations itself is now 73 years old? It was started on October 24, 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War. SS…its declared intention was to work towards avoiding another war like the one that had just devastated so many parts of the world?

SS…the U.N. is now comprised of 193 Member States?

SS…the United Nations provides food to 90 million people in over 75 countries, and vaccinates 58 percent of the world’s children?

?

MICHAEL HEETER

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New college guidance counselor at YULA Boys promotes opportunities

By Jake Fishman, Copy Editor

s YULA Boys High School begins a new era under Head of School Rabbi Arye Sufrin, the administration has hired new staff to strengthen the school’s General Studies program. One of these additions is College Guidance Counselor Mr. Michael J. Heeter, who is committed to improving the college admissions process at YULA. Mr. Heeter graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he majored in music theory.

He started his career working in the admissions offices of Ithaca College, Vanderbilt University, New York University, and DePaul University, after which he shifted to high school college advisorship. This is his nineteenth year as a college guidance counselor.

Prior to coming to YULA, he worked for eight years at Marlborough School in Los Angeles. Before that he worked at Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio, and Ransom Everglades School in Miami, Fla. Mr. Heeter is dedicated to making sure every student has the opportunity to get into the college of his choice. “The single most time-consuming aspect of my job is writing a counselor recommendation for every student,” Mr. Heeter said about a task he takes very seriously.

When asked about how underclassmen should prepare themselves for the rigorous college application process, he said: “Regardless of how you’ve chosen to spend your time, do it consistently, and take advantage of leadership opportunities therein. Whenever possible, apply your co-curricular endeavors in an altruistic capacity.”

Mr. Heeter remarked that he is enjoying working at YULA Boys. He looks forward to helping students get into their favorite colleges and university around the country.

AP Biology students Shawn Partovi (L.) and Ethan Kohanteb collect water samples for a dissolved oxygen lab.

The Model UN team poses with their placards.

YULA places second at Model UN

By Yonah Berenson, Executive Editor The co-ed Model United Nations team took second place at this year’s Yeshiva University National Model United Nations (YUNMUN) conference. The team has placed second to SAR Academy out of Riverdale, N.Y., for the past two years. YULA took first place most recently in 2013.

This year, the team represented South Korea and Turkey. They defended and pushed for these countries’ positions on a plethora of topics.

Noah Hyman (’18), Penina Waghalter (’19), and Ellie Zisblatt (’19) were awarded Best Delegate. Roni Etshalom (’19), Julia Levkowitz (’19), Jennie Peled (’20), and Tammie Peled (’19) received Honorable Mention. Seven other YULA students, including this reporter, also participated in the conference.

Captains Hyman, Eytan Merkin (’18), and Rachel Samouha (’18) led the team to the second-place finish. Merkin’s goals included “making sure that we didn’t only teach the team how to perform well in Model UN, but how to take leadership on the team.” The captains wanted to “show [team members] by example how to teach and how to lead the team.”

They strived to demonstrate “how the skills we learn in Model UN are useful not just in Model UN, but in the real world” as well.

YULA has placed in the top three every year it has participated in YUNMUN except one.

The Model UN team began preparing for this year’s conference in mid-September.

Practices were held nearly every Wednesday night and, closer to the conference, on several other weeknights. During practices, team members went over delivering opening speeches, offering constructive comments, drafting

“The skills we learn in Model UN are useful not just in Model UN, but in the real world” as well. working papers, and drawing up resolutions. They also debated time limits and learned YUNMUN’s rigid procedural protocol.

Ms. Janice Frew, an English teacher at YULA Boys, served as faculty advisor for the first time this year. Dr. Paul Soifer, YULA Boys history teacher, led the team last year.

Etshalom, Levkowitz, and Tammie Peled will take over the team’s captainship for the 2019 conference. Peled hopes for

“improved attendance” to raise YULA’s chances at first place next year; she envisions a team that is “able to rely on each other” and ask each other questions. She will rely on feedback received from this year’s participants to better the team.

The team flew to New York the Thursday night before the conference and stayed with host families for Shabbat. On Sunday morning they met with other participating schools at YU’s Stern College and took a bus to the Stamford, Conn., hotel where the three-day conference was held from Feb. 11 through Feb. 13, 2018.

Delegates then broke into rooms with their committees.

Each committee included one YULA student and anywhere from less than 15 to more than 30 delegates from other Modern Orthodox high schools across the country. Committees included the Security Council, International Criminal Court, Human Rights Council, and the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, among others. Merkin has represented YULA on the Security Council—generally considered YUNMUN’s most rigorous committee—for the past two years.

First-time participant Yaakov Willner (’20) found it “amazing to see how many kids there were and to interact with them and to discuss the issues that are facing the world today.” He enjoyed speaking and, especially, seeing his resolutions pass. He called it “a great feeling.”

Science classes make full use of labs to enhance learning at Boys School

By Menachem Kornreich, Extracurriculars Editor At YULA Boys High School, science classes are geared toward learning about the real world, and there is no better way to learn about the real world than by immersing oneself in it. Thus, scientific concepts covered in class have real-world applications, effects, and significance.

Junior AP Biology students constructed Winogradsky Columns. These columns are made with pond mud and water, a source of carbon (newspaper and chalk), and calcium sulfate. They were placed in recycled water bottles. The expected result of the experiment was that the column would divide into colorful layers. This lab enhanced the classroom’s study of metabolism and physical parameters, leading to division into layers of their columns by various bacterial ecosystems.

Both the freshman and junior Biology classes studied animal behavior and evolution.

The AP Biology class applied their study of animal behavior to designing an experiment

with various environmental conditions for bugs found in the soil. The Biology Honors students used their studies of evolution to mimic natural selection: with the help of various tools, they modeled bird beaks to test their fitness for obtaining food.

The sophomore Chemistry Honors class ran a diagnostic test to determine the properties of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

In a hands-on activity, AP Environmental Science students built solar-powered ovens and baked cookies in them. The students used reflective panels and cardboard boxes to build their ovens.

Mr. Cody Staves and his junior Physics class conducted an investigation to test thermal energy transfer between aluminum, copper, and brass. They used a blowtorch in the experiment to add heat. Staves’s AP Physics class was the first high school class to visit Rocket Lab USA, a company that aims to develop lightweight, cost-effective commercial rocket launch services.

Junior Zevi Gersten (‘19) said that “the labs have helped me appreciate biology and its many applications.”

April 2018

5

Community

YULA Girls meets ‘Tech Rabbi’ Skillify: The academic and business worlds unite Q&A with the

By Ariel Mansano, Staff Writer

The Panther Post: When did you begin teaching?

Rabbi Cohen: Nine years ago. I started teaching graphic design courses at the high school level and also at the university trade-school level. From there, I evolved into full-time teaching opportunities, to the point where I became Director of Education Technology at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy.

PP: When you walk into the classroom, what do you want to instill in your students?

RC: My main focus is helping students understand the value of technology as a tool and giving them the ability to use technology to find information and to grow in their awareness of their way of thinking and approaching life. This might mean helping them search for emerging technology, emerging business practices, or using Google in a more effective way; it might also mean getting them to understand how to use technology as a tool to create and distribute content. That is how the world is evolving, and students who want to be professionals in the future need to know how to use technology to its fullest capabilities.

PP: Are there any advantages or disadvantages of being a rabbi in the world of teaching technology?

RC: I think it is a huge advantage as far as the support that I can give students at YULA and other schools that I work with. I can support Judaic Studies in a way that someone who is not familiar with the curriculum, language, and the overall Torah concepts is not able to do. I am able to offer opportunities to support more collaborative and integrated learning experiences for students where Judaic Studies and General Studies work together.

PP: When you were growing up, which class was your favorite?

RC: I was really into design and art courses growing up. I was fascinated with any way in which I could creatively express myself. I taught myself certain types of programming, visual basic HTML, and Photoshop. I had the “For Dummies” book series that you could rent from the library or purchase to learn specific tasks. It was really fascinating the way technology could help me express and engage with my creative thought process.

PP: Out of all the classes you have taught, which class inspired you the most?

RC: I am inspired right now by the Entrepreneurship Studio class. It is a very new course: it has been around for not even a semester. But there is something powerful about giving students an opportunity to learn how to develop self-awareness, confidence, the power to collaborate, and do really great things. I think it is really great to see how high school students can surprise not just myself but themselves as well.

PP: What would you consider your main hobby?

RC: I think my main hobby is Torah learning. I spend quite a bit of time doing that. I attend shiurim [Torah lectures] and do personal learning for probably a good three or four hours a day. I am also interested in fine art and drawing. I do a lot of illustrations and designs using my iPad Pro and my Apple Pencil.

PP: Who is your favorite commentator on Chumash?

RC: I am all about Rashi. The Alter Rebbe of Chabad says that Rashi is the wine of Torah, and when you can appreciate Rashi like someone can appreciate a good wine, it not just expands the mind, but it gives you a totally new perspective on what it is that Hashem is saying in the Torah.

PP: Since you are enthusiastic about technology, can you give us a review of the new iPhone X? RC: The iPhone X is incredible. It probably has one of the best cameras that has ever been created on a smartphone. As someone who has experience with professional-grade digital cameras as well as other smartphone cameras, that piece is just absolutely incredible. I think the whole screen technology and the facial-recognition are also pretty stupendous. But I think what is really powerful about the most recent iPhone and really their flagship device, in general, is that it is a computer that makes phone calls.

6 The Panther Post

Networking group helps YULA girls into good business practice

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By Hanna Gootin

n the Friday of March 9th, 2018, Skillify, a mentor networking organization geared towards both students and young adults, came to visit YULA Girls High School, providing a three-hour session on gaining necessary networking skills as well as finding mentor connections for high school students. The session was led by Skillify’s very own creator, Shireen Ms. Jaffer, an Fun exercise as part of the Skillify entrepreneurship networking expert. Mrs. Waleko, workshop. one of YULA Girl’s beloved science teachers, has been in contact with Ms. Jaffer for two years and worked tirelessly to have Skillify come to YULA. She says, “I could see the potential in what Skillify could bring to the school as a whole and the girls can definitely benefit from gaining these essential skills in order to communicate with people, to learn how to stand up for themselves as well as represent themselves as women in a field they are interested in.”

At age seven, Ms. Jaffer immigrated to Palo Alto, California from Karachi, Pakistan.

During her school career, Ms. Jaffer attended competitive schools whose academic rigor helped motivate her to work hard and acquire internships. In high school, her peers had great connections to finding mentors through their parents; Ms. Jaffer, however, had to push herself out of her comfort zone in order to find such connections.

Ms. Jaffer explains, “By the time I entered college at the University of Southern California, I had four years of part-time jobs and internships under my belt, and a wonderful network of mentors I met along the way.” However, Ms. Jaffer realized that many of her fellow college students did not have internships. Although her peers “had access to all of these resources,” Ms. Jaffer recalls that they “did not take advantage [of them]”. Her fellow students, however, were adept at finding connections; Ms. Jaffer says that from a young age they were not aware of its importance and believed that “as long as they did well in their academics, they would be successful.”

However, the young networker knew that this “norm” was merely a misconception, unjustly imposed on students, that defined an individual’s academic success solely by his or her grades. Ms. Jaffer believes that an individual’s value is measured through his or her creative, networking, business, or problem solving skills. Ms. Jaffer was determined to put her expertise to good use through informing students of basic networking skills and helping guide students in their pursuit of the right field that matches their interests.

In order to achieve this flaming desire, Shireen Ms. Jaffer joined the entrepreneurship program at USC and launched Project SuitUp. In 2014, Project SuitUp was rebranded as Skillify. Skillify’s mission is to make students aware of the resources and opportunities in their grasp for making connections as well as enhancing their skills at networking.

YULA students had a positive experience during the 3-hour session and learned essential life skills that they can utilize in the business world as well as social interactions. For example, Ms. Jaffer taught the steps of how to make a “love connection” with a potential mentor: (1) research or observe the person of interest beforehand, (2) approach the person with confidence, (3) ask professional questions related to the person’s line of work or personal life, (4) ask for another time to meet, and (5) follow up with the person of interest post the encounter.

After listening to Ms. Jaffer’s seminar, the YULA students were introduced to a YULA alumni panel of hard-working women who have thriving careers. These women talked about their journey after YULA and how they reached this pivotal part of their life. Putting their newly acquired networking skills to use, the Lady Panthers interviewed the alumni, asking questions about their jobs as well as essential lessons and words of wisdom the women have derived through their life experiences.

Students who gave up time from their busy schedules in order to attend the session enjoyed the experience and only gave positive feedback. When asked to reflect on her experience with Skillify, Negin Yazdinian (‘19) replies, “it was beneficial to the students who needed guidance to form their future.” Tali Gershov (‘19) says, “I learned how to network and am able to find connections to be able find internships.”

When asked if Skillify’s mentorship seminars should be integrated into YULA’s curriculum, Mrs. Waleko responds, “Absolutely. I think it would be extremely beneficial. This is a long term vision to get the program to be mandatory or at least involved with a good percentage of the student body who are interested.”

Both the students and teachers who attended the seminar gave positive words on their experience with Skillify. They hope to continue with Skillify’s mentorship seminar program and look forward to the vision of its integration into YULA’s curriculum.

Photo by Zach Cohen

Rabbi Michael Cohen is the newest addition to the YULA Boys High School faculty this year, having arrived in November. Rabbi Cohen holds a Master’s of Science Education (Educational Technology) from California State University, Fullerton. He teaches Technology, 3D Design, and EntrepreneurRabbi Michael Cohen, Director of Innovation at ship Studio classes. The EntreYULA Boys preneurship Studio elective gives students the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and to talk to giants in the business industry.

The Panther Post sat down with Rabbi Cohen to learn more about his career and his personal interests.

Three-minute Mishnayot with Rabbi Abramczik

By Benjamin Simon, Staff Writer

It can be a challenge for students to set aside extra time to study Torah outside of their core Judaic Studies classes. Recognizing this, YULA Boys Dean of Students Rabbi Shimon Abramczik founded the “Three-Minute Mishna” program to help students start their day with extra Torah learning. The program takes place right after davening, and for three minutes, students learn without distraction instead of rushing to breakfast.

The Mishna group allows the students to devote a small portion of their breakfast to learning Torah, an opportunity they may not have had otherwise. Shlomo SIlberberg (‘18) related that learning Mishnayot in the morning “helps me get ready for learning” and is a “good way to start off the day.” This sentiment, reaffirmed by several students involved in the program, exemplifies the impact even a small amount of learning can have on one’s entire day.

A major benefit of the program is that students learn so much while only taking three minutes out of the start of breakfast. Naturally, many students feel pressed for time throughout the course of the day due to many academic obligations.

Daniel Tarko (‘20) appreciated “how [the learning] is so quick and Rabbi Shimon Abramczik teaches Mishna after davening. convenient.” He added, “It’s important to learn Torah every single day, at every opportunity you have.” Having a quick and easy opportunity Abramczik imparted that, “Something really incredible about it is what you can accomfor learning allows students to take a break from their day to learn Torah without compro- plish in three minutes. We finished so many mesechtot already, and we’re really on the mising the academic responsibilities that accompany a dual curriculum. cusp of finishing a whole seder [order] of Mishna.”

While three minutes a day may seem relatively insignificant, throughout each year, the To achieve so much in so little time is truly incredible. As Rabbi Abramczik put it, “It’s Mishna group covers a great deal of topics and mesechtot (tractates) despite being limited mind-boggling what we can accomplish in three minutes.” to just three minutes each day. Regarding the Mishna Chaburah (learning group), Rabbi

A seventeen-minute pause Commemorating Stoneman Douglas’ fallen victims

notice of a problem and do something about it. These high school students want to inspire others to take action, despite those who criticize because n Wednesday, March of their age. YULA students, such as 15, schools across the Negin Yazdinian, Leora Lalezari, and country participated in a Ilana Aslan, have take action by selling National School Walkout “Never Again MSD” shirts in order to to protest gun violence, support the victims and further advoparticularly in school cate for safer schools. “I saw students environments; however, around the country taking action and YULA did not participate I wanted YULA to be a part of the in the walkout on March 14 due to the movement to help the victims,” says national event’s affiliation with the Yazdinian ‘19. “They shouldn’t have Women’s March, the heads of which to worry about finances while they are have been known to ally themselves trying to heal.” with the anti-Semitic leader of the The school offered two options to Nation of Islam. YULA Girls High the participants: 17 minutes to march School decided to postpone their around the block, or 17 minutes to learn walkout to March 15 in order to disasin honor of those who were affected by sociate themselves from the leaders of this tragedy. the Women’s March.

The student who wished to remain Ayelet Topp ‘19, was initially relucanonymous chose to walk on March tan to participate in the march, even 15. Although she continues to emphafollowing the change of date, due to Students at YULA girls walk in memory of the Florida victims. size the importance of prayer and the affiliation the word “walkout” that God has power over everything, she now has with the Women’s March. Topp states that “I think it’s a pity that the event is run by the Women’s March. I refuse to believes that “in a situation like this we must listen to what the survivors want from us. associate myself with these anti-Zionist leaders; however, I will be walking because we The victims have clearly shown that they do not want ‘thoughts and prayers,’ which they need to show that we support the victims and the students at MSD. Ultimately, it’s about seem to view as inaction. They want action; walking out of school and demonstrating to the community that we support the victims will be more meaningful to them… and will showing support. And our walkout will not be connected with the Women’s March.”

One student who wished to remain anonymous said that part of the strength of the make them feel the most supported.” The majority of the YULA students marched around walkout was the amount of schools participating all together, all at the same time, and that the block for 17 minutes because they believe that the point of participating in a nationby changing the date YULA is weakening the effectiveness of the public pressure caused wide walkout is supporting those affected by the shooting the way that they want us to, by the walkout. However, she states that she supports the change in the date because “as not the way that we want to. The students held signs declaring support for the school and a Jewish institution, it is important for us to make sure that we do not support antisemi- advocating to make our schools safe.

Those who choose to learn did so in order to learn for those who were killed, and to tism… although I recognize that it does effect the power of the message that the walkout pray that an event such as this will not happen again. Since we are a Jewish institution and is meant to convey.”

The purpose of the walkout means different things to different people. One student who our greatest ability to effect change is to pray, many people chose to honor the deceased didn’t wish to be named, said that, “YULA needs to show its support to the victims of the using the Jewish religion. Every student did, however, say Tehillim for the victims of the shooting and their families.” She continues to explain that “participating in this walkout MSD school shooting, which was then followed by a ceremony honoring the individual was a given because it cannot deny the students the right to their voices, to express their victims who were killed in the shooting.

As a school, YULA is supporting the survivors of this incident and says “Never Again” feelings and sentiments, and to actively show their support for these victims, especially with MSD. Never again will our schools be unsafe. Never again will a child fear going to in a movement mobilized by students.”

This National School Walkout was organized by students, such as Emma Gonzales, school because they are worried for their safety. Never Again MSD. Cameron Kasky, and Jaclyn Corin, who saw a problem and decided to enact a nationwide This article is written for those who are no longer here: Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, movement to fix it. These high school students helped with the founding of the Never Again MSD, the gun-control advocacy group. Following their protests, they were able Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dwort, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, to encourage the Florida State Legislature to pass the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang. Because they School Public Safety Act, which created stricter guidelines for the ownership of guns.

But “Never Again” does not mean “Never Again in Florida.” It means “Never Again are not just numbers.

They are people just like us. at any school across the nation.” YULA is participating in this walkout to enact and support change. This walkout is meant to inspire young people, particularly students, to take

By Sasha E. Astrof, Staff Writer

Photo by Zach Cohen

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April 2018

7

Extracurricular

YULA Boys goes green with new Environmental Awareness Club

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By Menachem Kornreich, Extracurriculars Editor

Some members of the choir performing at Purim Chagigah.

YULA Girls choir performs at Chagigah

his fall, the chair of the Science Department, Mrs. Vickie Bellomo, added another item to the growing list of extracurriculars YULA offers: the Environmental Awareness Club. Mrs. Bellomo had the idea to institute this club in conjunction with the new AP Environmental Science (APES) class. Zevi Gersten (‘19), Shawn Partovi (‘19), and Matthew Chriqui (‘19) currently lead the club.

The club’s goal is to foster an appreciation for the environment. The club started off by working with the APES class to clean out recycling bins throughout the school. Gersten was shocked that so few students were recycling, so he decided to join as one of the club’s founders.

One of the first challenges the club faced was to educate people on where to put their recyclables. Partovi and Gersten designed labels for the recycling bins so that people know which types of recyclables to put in each bin.

Partovi said that he has learned to appreciate the environment and to make the world a better place after joining the club. Now, he looks at

New changes in the choir club’s performance

By Sasha Astrof, Staff Writer

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his year has been one of many changes at YULA Girls High School, and one of those changes has been a choir guided by a teacher rather than one run by students. Prior to this year, the choir has been student-run, where the students decided on who they admitted, which songs they wanted to sing, and found the harmonies on their own. This year, YULA Girls High School has hired a choir director to assist with the decision making, and establishing a choir which is run in partnership between captains and the faculty director.

Choir co-captain, Sarah Glaser (‘18), notes that “the faculty takes us more seriously now that we have a real teacher. The choir last year was more dysfunctional, and now they believe in the choir so much more and people know who we are.” Sarah says that it is easier to have someone to guide them and to help arrange their performance schedules, which has allowed them to offer more performances during school events. “She’s a professional, which is nice when we can’t find the harmonies, or don’t know how to position ourselves on the stage.”

Rachelle Kellman (‘19), co-captain of this year’s choir, adds to Glaser’s sentiment by excitedly saying

that “we’ve been adding more complex harmonies and putting together some really good songs we haven’t done in the past.” Kellman continues to exclaim that having a teacher allows the choir to perform during Rosh Chodesh and Chagigot.

The YULA Girls are privileged to hear from their fellow classmates, especially enjoying the choir’s holiday and Rosh Chodesh performances.

This year’s choir has performed a total of seven times so far this year, including performances outside of school, whereas last year’s choir performed “once or twice” according to the students. “They didn’t really perform that much, so we didn’t get to see them that much” says Hanna Gootin (’19) regarding last year’s choir. “This year’s choir performs a lot and it really enhances the school’s experience.”

Another student, Molly Cate (’18) claims that “[This year’s choir] has more performances and are a lot better than last year’s choir.” Multiple students have mentioned that having a choir perform during the school day calms them and creates a more enjoyable school environment.

Hiring a choir director has made an impact on the organization of the choir, allowing the choir to sound better, perform more, and truly enhance the Lady Panthers’ school spirit.

The YULA Boys robotics team with their coach, Mr. Alec Gomez.

8 The Panther Post

Members of the club with their advisor, Mrs. Vickie Bellomo. the environment with appreciation. The founders wear shirts bearing the club’s recycling logo to spread awareness of the club.

Every year, the United States generates approximately 230 million tons of trash. Less than one-quarter of it is recycled. The Environmental Awareness Club attempts to reduce YULA’s environmental footprint by redirecting, to recycling, waste that otherwise would have gone to a landfill. Mrs. Bellomo said that she was “proud that [her] students show care and compassion toward the environment.”

SUCCESSFUL ROBOTICS SEASON

By Ari Yonaty

More than 500 high school students gathered at Palmdale Aerospace Academy for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Los Angeles Super Qualifiers. After weeks of designing, programming, and engineering, teams put their robots to the test in the California Regionals, where top teams from the state compete for a spot at the World Championships.

YULA entered the competition with a top four starting record based on matches held this season at YULA Girls High School. Early hardware bumps got them off to a bad start; still, they made it to the semifinals alliance, competing for the spot in the finals. Unfortunately, the boys lost two matches later and were eliminated from the competition.

In FTC, robots manipulate cubes, work with sensors, and score as many points as possible within a two-and-a-half-minute timeframe.

Beginning with a 30-second autonomous period, robots are preprogrammed to knock over the correct colored jewel and place a glyph into the correct column of a cryptobox. Then there is a two-minute driver-controlled period, called tele-op. Drivers attempt to score glyphs in a specific pattern to complete a cipher.

This year YULA Boys started an all-new JV Robotics team, which allowed students with little or no experience in robotics to join. Members of the JV squad gained valuable experience learning under the mentorship of varsity teammates. Teams met twice a week, staying in school for more than 12 hours a day. There were many challenges along the way, from a lack of torque for moving motors to complex programming problems, but solving the problems proved a reward in itself.

Despite not making it to California regionals, YULA placed in the top ten. That’s the best the team has performed in over three years.

Sports

Boys golf team has high hopes

By Nick Schlanger

Sophomore Gavriel Gershov practices his swing.

YULA GIRLS SWIM TEAM

Swim team practices

By Tali Gershov, Executive Editor

Among the many clubs YULA Girls High School offers, the sports teams serve as a fundamental branch of athletic opportunity that the school is very proud of. One of the larger sports teams is the Swim Team. With 20 members strong, the girls demonstrate great commitment as members of the team, taking time out of their busy schedules to attend practices as well as pushing their limits as swimmers in order to improve in any area possible. The Varsity team meets an average of three times a week, while

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YULA Boys golf has swung into action under the direction of Boys School English teacher and head coach, Dr. Timothy Haehn.

Golf has never been strong in the YULA athletics department, but Dr. Haehn is looking to change that.

Golf offers much more than meets the eye.

The sport is a mental game: it trains the mind to focus and to concentrate. Most importantly, Coach Haehn told the boys in one of their first practices, “golf teaches integrity.”

The team boasts a squad of roughly 12 players just two months after its inception.

Practices are held three times a week at Rancho Park Golf Course.

Benjamin Goldstein (‘18), captain of the team, said he was “excited to gain perspective from someone [Dr. Haehn] who has played the game for almost his entire life.”

He added that he is “really excited to compete.”

Matches will take place throughout April.

Teams of six compete against each other on a nine-hole course.

YULA Boys will play against teams within their Liberty League Division, which is comprised of Buckley, Providence, AGBU, Pacifica, Milken, and de Toledo. YULA is looking to have a successful season. Coach Haehn noted that he would like to “lay the foundations for a formidable YULA golf program in the future.”

the Junior Varsity team meets an average of once a week. To further exhibit their devotion to the team, the Lady Panthers Varsity’s practices usually take place very late at night. Practice on Monday and Tuesday is from 6:30pm-8:30pm and on Thursday at 8:30pm-10:30pm.

As of yet, YULA has not partaken in any competitions. The primary objective of practices have been to maintain fitness, strengthen form, and enhance speed. However, there is an exciting tournament coming up hosted by YULA Girls. Frisch and Ma’ayanot, Jewish high-schools from the East Coast, will be traveling to Los Angeles in order to participate in this upcoming sports competition.

This tournament includes a Shabbaton, taking place towards the end of April, during which the schools will perform in Swim as well as Volleyball.

YULA Girls flag football team off to a strong second season

By Leah Tabibi

n February 21st and 22nd, the YULA Girls Flag Football team had their spring season tryouts. The tryouts were held at Rancho Park and each lasted for an hour and a half, with all returning members from the team attending the tryouts, as well as many newcomers. The team is coached by Dayvon Ross, a wide receiver in the National Football League for the Tennessee Titans.

The athletes, who have now kicked off their second season of the year, feel energized and ready to play, with practices twice a week and an emphasis on their offensive and defensive plays in order to take on rival teams. Members of the team are feeling positive about their fellow teammates, coach, and practices.

The team has not played any games yet, but they are looking forward to the ones coming up soon. Alya Shriki (’19), captain of the football team, said, “Flag football is what I look forward to everyday, and I can’t wait to see what we can do as a team this season.”

Q&A with Boys soccer phenomenon Moshe Fhima

By Caleb Aranoff, Sports Editor

The YULA Boys High School soccer team has completed its season with a winning record of ten wins, seven losses, and one tie. The major headline of the season was star junior Moshe Fhima (‘19), who Caleb Aranoff (left), goalkeeper, broke the school record for and Moshe Fhima (right), striker, goals in a single season. after beating AGBU 4-2.

Fhima topped the record of 21 goals held by another YULA Boys soccer legend, Jonah Anderson (‘14), by putting up a resounding 25 goals this season.

The Panther Post sat down with Mr. Fhima to ask him about his record-breaking season.

The Panther Post: To what do you attribute your success?

Moshe Fhima: I can’t take credit for all this because without my team, I would have never gotten to where I am. Our team clicked on all cylinders, whether it was passing, defense, or quick feet. Our camaraderie was on another level. This was a team effort.

PP: What goes through your mind when scoring a goal?

MF: Number one, I take a look at open angles—angles where the keeper can’t reach my shot. Usually that angle is a far top or bottom corner. Once I’ve pinpointed where I want to shoot, the shot has to be quick and sharp. That window of time is small, with no room for error.

PP: What is your secret? What advice would you offer other aspiring soccer players?

MF: It really just comes down to a person’s willpower. You’ve got to hustle, and you have to work to get real results. It’s that drive and that mindset that allows you to work through any conditions necessary to improve at your craft.

PP: Do you think you will break your own record again?

MF: I’m pretty confident that I can break my own record. After this season, I have more experience, and now I know what I’m dealing with. The way I see it: the more experience, the more dominance I will have. I am looking forward to the upcoming season.

YULA GIRLS TRACK TEAM DOMINATES

By Leah Tabibi

On February 20th and 22nd, the YULA Varsity Track and Field team began tryouts at Beverly Hills High School. The tryouts, each lasting two hours, consisted of a mile run, conditioning, stretches, and other Track and Field events. Of the 18 athletes who tried out for the team nine girls ended up joining -five of which are returners. The team consists of the following members: Ella Keller (‘19), Shayna Feldman (‘19), Doreen Manshoory (‘19), Ellie Gofman (‘19), Julia Gabbay (‘20), Jennifer Peled (‘20), Sonya Kest (‘20), and Leah Tabibi (‘21). Coach Brandi Michel, also YULA Girls’ JV and Varsity Swim Coach, will be in charge of coaching track and field for the first time at YULA. Coach Michel has a strong background of coaching track and field for decades in previous schools and is a staple of YULA’s Athletic Department.

The team began their practice Sunday Febru-

ary 25th. Over the course of the season, the team practices together three times a week for a total of roughly seven hours. During their practices, the athletes undergo intense training, going above and beyond to push themselves to do their personal best as well as overcoming any hurdles in their journey of speed and stamina.

On March 13th, a few weeks after the team assembled, the girls experienced their first meet at John Burroughs High School in Burbank. The three and a half hour meet brought YULA Girls and eight other schools from the Liberty League to compete for the first time this season. Junior Ella Keller (‘19) finished 7th out of 30 in the the Girls Varsity Shot Put field event. As for the track meet events, Jennifer Peled (‘20), Sonya Kest (‘20) , Ellie Gofman (‘19), and Ella Keller (‘19) all placed 5th in the Girls Varsity 4x100 Meter Relay. With this being the first of the five meets of the season, the YULA Panthers are off to a great start. Peled said, “Now that we’ve seen how the meet works, we’re excited to compete again and hope to improve individually and as a team.”

The next meet for the YULA Girls track team will be after Passover which will give the girls enough time to perfect their skills and techniques.

April 2018

9

Torah&Israel

Fresh & new: NISSAN

By Rabbi Elchanan Shoff, YULA Boys Judaic Studies

This month [chodesh] will be for you the first month; it is the first month for you, of all of the months of the year.

Exodus/Shemos 12:2

Rabbi Etshalom works with students in the Beit Midrash.

Photo by Zach Cohen

Beit Midrash:

A Place of Active Learning at YULA Girls High School

I

By Rachel Simon

n a letter addressed to the YULA community last year before his tenure as YULA Girls’ new Head of School, Rabbi Spodek wrote: “Our students will understand… that we are counting on them to become the leaders and torchbearers for the next generation of committed Halachik Jews living in the 21st century.”

Through the Beit Midrash program, Rabbi Spodek, Head of YULA Girls High School, and Rav Etshalom, Rosh Beit Midrash, endeavor to fulfill this mission statement. They collaborate with each other as well as with participating students to produce “a true Makom Torah for [YULA] students and for all women of Los Angeles.”

Every morning, students in the Beit Midrash program have the opportunity to examine textual sources throughout Tanach, analyzing minute details, such as the placing of trup, or a change in the spelling of a word, to collectively determine the true meaning of phrases and concepts.

In the afternoon, students learn Gemara b’Shiur and then review b’Chavruta. Through this process, students are taught skills necessary to succeed in the high-level learning environments of text-based seminaries after high school.

Yael Gluck (’20) expresses her excitement for the new learning atmosphere: “I really feel that I’m using the skills I’ve learned my whole life, and I’m finally applying [them] to learning in Chavruta.”

When “everything connects,” Gluck says it is “the best feeling in the world.”

Natalie Silberberg (’20) says she loves the Beit Midrash program because it is “interactive and eye-opening.” It allows her to “think and learn new concepts” through tackling numerous textual sources that stimulate thought-provoking discussions with her Chavruta.

In the beginning of the year, students in the Beit Midrash program learned how to locate Halachik sources in the Mishneh Torah based on marginal notes in the Gemara. Students became familiar with the connection between Talmudic discourse and the 10 The Panther Post

ultimate derivation of practical halachot.

Elisheva Zisblatt (’19), a student in Beit Midrash, says students are inspired to “stimulate our problem-solving skills and pay attention to detail.”

She explains that through interactive shiurim, students are taught to “examine Halacha from multiple perspectives” and “discuss as a group the reasons behind each and every word of Torah that we learn.”

Enthusiasm for acquiring these skills stems from the program’s individualized attention to the needs and interests of each class. Rav Etshalom opens the door to opinions, concerns, ideas, and thoughts of all students participating in Beit Midrash. Over the course of the year, the students’ voices have been accommodated through changes in various aspects of the curriculum and learning environment, including seating arrangements, topics of learning, time allotment, and the structure of classwork. In addition, each student is given the opportunity to showcase her acquired knowledge and skills by teaching through mediums that connect with her personal abilities and talents. These include artwork, frontal teaching, and writing divrei torah.

In Yamei Iyun, students apply their skills to facilitate schoolwide participation with the Beit Midrash.

For several weeks beforehand, students learn in depth from Tanach, Gemara, and various Mefarshim about central concepts of upcoming Chagim.

After mastering the material, the students form three subgroups based on topic to create interactive presentations. On the day of a Yom Iyun, a school-wide learning session with Rav Etshalom is followed by three learning sessions per grade, each taught by Beit Midrash students.

In addition to providing a unique Torah learning experience for its students, YULA Girls’ High School regularly opens its doors for “YULA and You” learning on Wednesday nights. In this weekly event, women in the community visit the Beit Midrash to learn b’Chvruta and b’Shirur from YULA teachers and guest speakers.

Rav Etshalom emphasizes that the central theme of the new YULA Girls’ Beit Midrash Program is for the Beit Midrash to become “a beacon and a lighthouse for the rest of the community.” He says that in the end, “people should see that Jewish texts are accessible [at the YULA Girls Beit Midrash]... and there is great reward to be had from studying Torah.”

“This month will be for you rosh chodashim.” While the simple reading of this verse is that this is the first month of the Jewish calendar, there is, as usual, another layer. The Sheloh writes that, in fact, this verse can also be read, “This month will be for you a month of roshei chodashim [the first days of the months], where every single day of the month is itself imbued with the power of roshei chodashim.

What is the meaning of this? What does it mean that the month of Nissan is a month of roshei chodashim? And why was this hinted to in the very first mitzvah, commandment, that Hashem ever commanded the Jewish people?

David wrote,“The righteous one will flourish in his lifetime, with peace in abundance until there is no longer a moon” (Ps. 72:7). The simple understanding of “until there is no longer a moon,” is that this is a poetic way of expressing “until the world no longer exists.”

Another explanation may lie in the particular Hebrew word used here for the moon, yareach. There are two words for “month” in the Hebrew language, one is yerach, and one is chodesh. When commenting on the verse, “On the third chodesh [month] after the children of Israel left Egypt … they arrived in the Sinai desert” (Ex. 19:1), the Midrash comments, “It was the third chodesh, rather than the third yerach [another word for month] for, nischadshu bo devarim, new things happened then.” The word chadash means “new,” and it is used to mean “month” because of the renewal of the moon each month.

Thus, according to the Midrash, the word chodesh is used to mean “month” when there is reinvigoration and renewal. The great R. Chaim Palagi explains that this verse can be understood in the context of the Midrash: the righteous one will be productive and new and fresh and

The moon has its ups and downs, as we all do. It is precisely because there is a cycle that we can find newness and excitement in life. abundantly peaceful until he can no longer relate to the idea of yerach, but rather, he becomes a person of chodesh.

In fact, this theme appears once more in the laws of divorce. The Shulchan Aruch writes that when writing the date on a divorce document, one is to write, “this day on that yerach.” The Levush (R. Mordechai Joffe) says that this is hinted to in the verse where the tribe of Yosef is blessed by Moshe with “meged gerash yerachim,” literally, “the bounty of the moon’s yield,” for the word used for yield is gerash, which is also the word for divorce, and the word for moon is the word yerach. When it comes to a divorce, which is the unfortunate result of discord and absence of peace, then the word used is not that of chodesh, renewal, but rather, that of yerach. Thus, this verse in Tehillim tells us that the future will carry such abundant peace that it will do away with “yerach.” In fact, there was once a custom to only hold weddings at times in the month when the moon was full! The Gemara asserts that the way to maintain a fresh love between husband and wife is to separate and then reunite in fulfillment of the Niddah laws. It was already understood in the times of the Gemara that the regular Niddah cycle is connected to the moon.

The moon is something that is a symbol of this world. It is something that is constantly in flux, waxing and waning. It has its ups and downs, as we all do. This can be something that is either perceived as depressing, making life seem endless and purposeless, or it can add great meaning to our lives. The waves of the ocean, with their ebb and drift, are also affected by the moon. Our relationships also have their ups and downs, but that is what makes them relationships. They cannot grow stale if we are ready to perceive the new moon as just that–renewal.

It is precisely because there is a cycle that we can find newness and excitement in life. The peace that exists in life, and in relationships, is largely a product of seeing life’s ups and downs as chodesh. In marriage, we record in the kesubah and other documents which chodesh Continued on page 12



Opinion Help the mentally ill, fix the police, and allow armed guards at schools

T

Stronger gun control: Sensible, constitutional, and what America needs

T

By Akiva Brookler

he question has been raised about how to stop gun violence, which is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Gun-control has been proposed by many; however, it does not seem a viable solution. The more efficient solutions are increased alertness to mental illness and fixing problems that impede law enforcement agencies from prosecuting crimes.

Chicago has some of the strictest gun control laws in America, having completely banned semi-automatic weapons, yet its crime rate is one of the highest nationally. In the past year alone, there have been 650 murders in Chicago, with almost 2,500 shooting incidents and almost 3,500 victims. Chicago’s murder rate is 2.2 per 100,000 people. Some of its strict gun-control laws include a requirement to have a Firearm Owners Identification Card to possess a firearm or ammunition, and a 72-hour waiting period between purchasing a firearm and taking possession of it.

Despite all of these restrictions, Chicago remains one of the most dangerous cities in America.

Just as areas with gun control do not correlate with reduced violence, areas with high gun ownership often have low rates of gun violence. Norway has the eighth-most guns per capita of any country, yet its murder rate is one of the lowest in the world at only 0.56 per 100,000 people. Despite all of Chicago’s gun control, crime is high; despite the lack of Norway’s gun control, crime is low. Therefore, we see there is not a correlation between gun control and lower crime.

Even if gun control were a viable option for getting rid of firearms, mass acts of violence would still take place. In December of last year, Akayed Ullah attempted a mass attack in the heart of Manhattan’s subway system using a pipe bomb.

His attack was planned to be a suicide bombing, which shows that he was mentally unstable. Thus, preventing the clinically insane from gun ownership does not necessarily guarantee public safety.

Such people will find another way to commit acts of violence unless the root of the problem, their mental illness, is addressed.

When looking at mass shooters, we find that in almost every case the shooter is mentally ill. Research done by Pennsylvania State University shows that there is a direct correlation between patients with mental illness and their likelihood to commit violent acts. Roughly 60 percent of people who have committed a mass shooting in the United States during the past century have either been diagnosed as mentally unstable or shown signs of serious mental illness. Nevertheless, only one-third of those people received mental health care.

Learning to recognize mental illness and diagnosing people who suffer from mental illness before acts of violence are committed should help prevent mass shootings from occurring. Schools should have mandatory mental-health evaluations of teenagers so that problems can be diagnosed before they cause a massive problem.

The Parkland, Fla., school shooting could have been stopped by law enforcement on multiple occasions. Nikolas Cruz, the school shooter, displayed a pattern of violence before he committed his abhorrent act.

His mother had called the police dozens of times due to his violence, and neighbors had called the police due to his throwing rocks at people, yet the police did not take action. Police were warned that Cruz posted his plans to shoot up the school on Instagram. Yet, of the 18 different police incidents involving Cruz, the sheriffs’ office claims that “none appeared arrestable under Florida law.”

This is the problem. The police need to be able to keep people safe.

Cruz was a man who they knew to be dangerous, yet they did nothing about it. Laws need to be in place permitting people to be arrested for threats like these.

Recognizing and diagnosing mental illness should help prevent mass shootings from occurring.

Continued on page 12

By Yonah Berenson, Executive Editor

“A well

regulated

Militia, being necessary to the security of a free

State, the

right of the people to keep and

bear Arms,

shall not be infringed.”

he horrific shooting and murder of 17 people at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018, has sparked a national conversation on the future of gun regulation and safety. Many survivors have come out in favor of reforming the current system for acquiring a gun to include far stronger regulation. President Donald Trump, for his part, has banned bump stocks (the then-legal device that Mandalay Bay shooter Stephen Paddock used to convert his semiautomatic rifle into an automatic one) and pushed for stronger background checks. He has called out the powerful NRA lobby by name. His efforts are commendable and show a sincere desire to rectify the problem. Truly, though, Mr. Trump skirts the real issues in many cases by moving the discussion away from gun control and toward mental health and by favoring the arming of teachers. Our elected officials in Washington, D.C.– Democratic and Republican, liberal and conservative–need to come together to crack down on the scourge of gun violence, and the most reasonable way to do this is to implement stronger regulations on gun possession.

It’s true that mental health is a factor in shootings. In fact, one could argue that anyone who murders another human being cannot be in his or her right mind. But legally and medically, they usually are. To be clear, the mentally ill should not be allowed to own or operate a firearm, and we must crack down on the system that allows them to purchase guns. Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz was mentally ill, and this much was obvious. He cut his arms in a Snapchat video in 2016, refused mental health services when his school recommended it, and had been diagnosed with several serious behavioral issues.

The FBI missed far too many red flags and warnings about Mr. Cruz. He should never have been allowed to buy a gun (let alone 10), and yet he purchased his AR-15 (and nine other guns) legally. Even so, mental health, while crucial, cannot be the center of the gun-control debate. As The Atlantic’s Olga Khazan writes, curing all mental illness would prevent only four percent of violence. The NRA tries to draw the conversation away from the real issue–a lack of gun control–by focusing on mental health.

Another point Mr. Trump has mentioned in recent weeks is the idea of arming teachers. Such a solution would be irresponsible and unfair to educators. Turning the issue of guns into an issue of a lack of guns is a bad mistake. On Feb. 28, a northern Georgia high-school teacher barricaded himself in his classroom and fired at students from his window.

Thankfully, no students were seriously injured and none were killed.

But this incident does not bode well for Mr. Trump’s proposed solution. We need fewer guns, not more.

Some gun-rights activists who are against gun control point out that the places with the most gun regulation–Chicago, for instance–tend to suffer the worst gun violence. This position ignores a key factor.

Urban areas often have stronger gun laws because they tend to be more liberal than rural areas. Yet, as long as any guns are available, there will always be more gun violence in cities than in rural areas. A higher concentration of people means a higher concentration of gun violence.

Gangs operate in cities, not in rural areas. As long as gun laws are not uniformly tough, buying guns in nearby areas with looser gun regulations and bringing them into the cities will remain an option. Strict gun control can only work if implemented on a nationwide scale.

Stricter gun control will not solve all of the issues. There will still be a black market. But if stronger gun regulation can prevent even one death, wouldn’t it be worth it? If Mr. Cruz had not been allowed to purchase his AR-15, or Mr. Paddock his, or Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen his, or Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza his, then

Turning the issue of guns into an issue of a lack of guns is a bad mistake.

Continued on page 12 April 2018

11

Stories Continued…

AIPAC trip Continued from page 1

always have. He also anounced a date for the official moving of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The American Embassy will move to Jerusalem in May while celebrating the 70th year of Israel’s independence.

In between these general sessions, the delegates were also lucky enough to hear from speakers with incredible stories of their own. Some came from anti-Israel backgrounds, and one, who endured the Yom Kippur War in which he lost an arm and his vision, had a guide dog trained in Israel for support. Others included the co-inventors of the Iron Dome. Having the opportunity to hear these incredible stories increased our love for Israel, and demonstrated how much support is truly needed.

Delegates also heard from sev-

eral senators, including Chuck Schumer, a huge supporter of Israel. One of the most, if not the most, incredible speaker was undeniably Benjamin Netanyahu.

His charisma and passion were displayed throughout the stage and beyond. The audience felt his emotions and the importance of his presence. Netanyahu interacted with the audience and made it clear how important America’s support is to him and the state of Israel. He discussed a range of topics, including some of Israel’s newest innovations, as well as the difficulties Israel currently faces.

Most of all, he mentioned how privileged he was to be able to speak to a room full of supporters of Israel and the U.S.-Israel alliance.

In addition to the impactful sessions, a highlight of the trip was going to Capitol Hill. YULA was privileged have the opportunity to lobby members of the Senate.

Stronger gun control Continued from page 11 might not countless lives have been saved? Sure, they might have walked out of the gun store and gone straight to the black market. But they might not have.

Shouldn’t we at least make such heinous acts more difficult to carry out? The chance that a more rigorous process will dissuade potential shooters is a chance we should be willing to take.

How does a racist and extremist like Mr. Cruz constitute a “well-regulated Militia”? How does he protect “the freedom of a free State”? If we were not to allow someone like him to own a gun, would that really detract from “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms”?

Gun rights groups like the NRA often cite Israel when advocating for greater acceptance of guns. What they fail to realize, or intentionally fail to convey, is that Israel boasts far lower gun ownership per capita than does the United States, and that Israel’s gun laws are far stricter than those of their American counterparts. According to the head of Israel’s firearms licensing department at the Ministry of Public Security, Yakov Amit, as reported by the Associated Press, “Gun licensing to private citizens is limited largely to people who are deemed to need a firearm because they work or live in dangerous areas.” Israeli gun ownership is a privilege, not a right. The Washington Post reports that only 3.5% of civilian Israelis hold gun permits, and half of them work for security firms. After army service, guns must be returned, and it is incredibly difficult to obtain

12 The Panther Post

and keep a civilian gun permit.

Times of Israel analyst Haviv Rettig Gur goes so far as to say that “Israeli Jews lie deep within the liberal Democratic camp when it comes to gun control.”

All this in a nation with compulsory military service, during which most citizens are reliably trained to operate a gun in a way that most U.S. gun owners are not. Notably, Israel has not seen a single non-terror-related school shooting in its history (there have been two terror-related ones).

Implementing a system in the U.S. that is as tough as Israel’s—where only some people can receive gun permits and where the process of obtaining a gun and keeping it is multifaceted and rigorous—may not be as constitutionally unfeasible as it sounds. We cannot exclude a whole swath of the populace from owning any guns as Israel does.

When it comes to semiautomatic assault rifles, though, we can. The Supreme Court did not rule that the Second Amendment includes semiautomatic assault weapons like the AR-15 in the District of Columbia v. Heller decision of 2008. Four lower courts have upheld blanket bans on such weapons as constitutional.

Unfortunately, even if such tough restrictions are implemented, many if not most gun-owning Americans will refuse to give up their weapons.

Americans are too attached to their guns. They will never accept such an infringement on their right to bear arms as do Israelis.

American gun culture isn’t the same as in Israel. In Israel, guns are a last resort. For many Americans, they are toys. For whatever

This year, YULA’s delegation lobbied one of the senators from Montana, Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.). They discussed pressing issues relating to Israel and YULA expressed thanks that Daines had co-sponsored important bills to help Israel.

This experience opened the eyes of YULA students to the impact that AIPAC has on members of the House and Senate.

They felt that they had a voice.

After lobbying on Capitol Hill, the YULA delegation went to the airport and headed home with a new sense of empowerment.

All the students and faculty who attended with the YULA delegation tremendously enjoyed this year’s Policy Conference and learned a lot from the knowledgeable and well-known speakers.

Students look forward to joining the YULA delegation again next year at AIPAC policy conference 2019!

reason, American gun owners equate gun ownership with freedom and patriotism. Most Americans do not need guns for self-defense. And yet Americans hold on to their guns. The NRA is immensely powerful, not so much because of its generous donations, but because of its huge grassroots support. Americans love guns in a way that Israelis never have.

So the question becomes: How do we change such a culture? And the answer leads us back to gun control.

If we ever hope to rectify such an obsession with guns, both parties in Washington will need to present a unified front. That means compromise on both sides: Republicans may not get their armed teachers, Democrats may not get their full national assaultweapon ban. But if they choose to do nothing, the shootings will not stop. As long as gun control remains a partisan issue, and as long as congressional Republicans remain shills for the NRA and refuse to support any real gun reform, there will be no long-term cultural change and no short-term decrease in gun violence. Tragedies like the Parkland school shooting can only end if those who view semiautomatic assault rifles as a symbol of patriotism are willing to surrender those weapons for the greater good.

That would be a true show of patriotism.

It’s true, as the NRA loves to say, that guns—inanimate objects—cannot on their own kill people. But they sure make killing a lot of people in a short amount of time much easier.

Parkland Rabbi NISSAN Continued from page 12

Continued from page 10

would never embrace their child again. Unfortunately, Lori and Ilan Alhadeff, Alyssa’s parents, left with the latter. Rabbi Gutnick described the scene as “very heartbreaking”; it was “something you literally cannot prepare for,” he said. During traumatic times like this, Rabbi Gutnick helped the best he could, even going so far as to make funeral preparations.

it happens in, and we look to the new moon. In divorce, unfortunately, we are in the stale mode of yareach. The righteous person is blessed that he will experience such peace that he will no longer live with any yareach at all.

Rosh Chodesh is fundamentally different from Shabbat, explains the Chiddushei Harim of Ger, for while Shabbat is the conclusion of the week, Rosh Chodesh comes first. The potential for the next month is there on the first day. It is the potential that we all get even before accomplishing anything, as opposed to the Shabbat experience, which is entirely dependent upon the quality of one’s week.

The month of Nissan is the month of freshness. It is the month when the Jewish people were chosen, and taken from slavery to freedom. The opinion of Rabbi Yehoshua, recorded in the Gemara, is that the world was created in Nissan. The Chasam Sofer explains that this opinion means that the creation of the Jewish people was what made the world worthwhile, and therefore, the world was, so to speak, created in Nissan. It is a time when every day is once again the first day of the rest of your month–i.e., every day is packed with the potential to usher in a brand new reality. The very first message that the Jews received, in the first mitzvah that was given to them, was that today is a brand new day.

This is a month that can teach you newness, that can remind you that there is always hope.

By doing mitzvot, we are elevating that neshama.

He emphasized the effects that the shooting has had on the Parkland community. According to Rabbi Gutnick, the most frequently asked questions by fellow students of Stoneman Douglas were about the laws of saying Kaddish and where the neshama, soul, goes. “Students aren’t ever supposed to ask that,” Rabbi Gutnick noted. He went on to say that he had to tell them that there is a neshama that lives on, and by doing mitzvot, we are elevating that neshama.

Rabbi Gutnick concluded with a powerful message: never let the cries of victims fall on deaf ears. His dedication to the Parkland community in a time of need exemplifies Rabbi Gutnick’s commitment to this principle.

Allow armed guards at schools Continued from page 11

Furthermore, the FBI received two separate tips about occasions when Cruz made violent claims, yet they did not intervene. In a YouTube video comment, he wrote, “I’m going to be a professional school shooter,” and someone close to Cruz warned that Cruz “had a desire to kill people” and worried about the possibilities of his shooting students and faculty at a school.

These were both concrete threats, and such threats, along with taking into account Cruz’s history of violence, seem reason enough to believe he would commit this crime. The problem appears to be that law enforcement agencies are not handling threats well.

This is also not the first time that the FBI has been apprised of a potential threat before it materialized. The Orlando jihadist who shot up a nightclub in 2016 was on the FBI’s radar, and yet they did nothing to stop him. The system is flawed, and this should be a major focus of the government.

Schools also need to be better protected in their physical locations.

In the Parkland shooting, a police officer knew there was an armed person actively shooting within the school, but the officer waited outside and did nothing. Schools need to have armed security guards who have gone through extensive training. This is a failsafe so that in the cases where the shooter slips through law enforcement without notice, he can still be stopped by a school guard.

Maintaining alertness to mental illness, fixing the ability of our law enforcement agencies to act on known threats, and providing armed security in public can prevent crime. Gun-control laws have already proven that crimes will still be committed no matter how strict they are. The government must look at the facts and attempt to reduce crime without gun-control.