March 2024 Roar Post

Dear reader,

When you’re living through it, it is easy to forget that high school is just four years long. With the overrepresentation of those four short years in the media, it would feel more appropriate for high school to extend its reach to encompass earlier or later years of life. But no - high school, like everything else in life, is fleeting.

What I just did was either state the obvious or excite something latent in the mind (or neither… it depends on the person). I do not mind much that high school is just four years long. It gives each day a certain transient feeling. Either you grasp onto those unique high school moments before they pass you by, or you miss out on them entirely. What I’m trying to communicate is that high school can either be a High School Musical experience or a Mean Girls experience. It's all about the mindset How do I view school? Is it a burden or a prerequisite for true success? To what level should I invest in school culture? Ask yourself these questions daily, and they will radically alter your appreciation of those solitary 1,000 days that we call high school.

As always, The Roar Post is dedicated to putting Hillel’s unique culture (as well as that of the larger Miami Jewish community) on full display as a sign of gratitude to all those who make that culture possible

I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of The Roar Post and reflect on what it means to show pride in your school. While you’re at it, perhaps consider thinking about the part you play in developing that pride and exhibiting it through your actions, whether in the classroom or on the field.

The clock is ticking Now’s the time to take advantage of the abundance amount of opportunities afforded to you. What will you make of your 1,000 days? Go ahead and show some school spirit! I strongly recommend it.

The Secret Behind “Free Palestine”

By Tamar Grobman, Assistant Editor

As of October 7, 2023, international platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have been flooded with media surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. While it is worth mentioning that the vendetta between Israel and the Palestinian people has always been a controversial topic of discussion online, more and more people around the world have aligned themselves with either side of the war.

The “Secret”

Why are pro-Palestinians so persuasive? And what can we do to ensure that the voices of Jews facing antisemitism daily are heard? If we know the truth, then why do so many people still drift toward proPalestinian ideals?

Internet users do an exceptional job of promoting whatever cause they are a part of This is especially true of those who take part in the “Free Palestine” movement. The movement is present on social media and in person through riots and protests. New filters, copy-paste comments, and hashtags created to provide support to Gaza have taken TikTok by storm. Numerous defenders of the movement could be seen scouring the app in hopes of leaving comments on every related video. Many celebrities have begun voicing their views on the issue to the world, resulting in massive support from both sides of the conflict.

Palestinian media appears on key platforms in a variety of ways. No single account is dedicated to the cause; rather, the movement in its entirety has banded together to gain exposure through these viral trends. Because of their strong and broad grip over the media, pro-Palestinian creators have made their mark on both Jewish and non-Jewish communities alike.

Jewish Exposure to Palestinian Media

As part of my research on the effectiveness of social media on the public’s perception of the Israel-Gaza War, I surveyed 26 people, who revealed some shocking results. While a portion of participants report seeing bits of both Israeli and Palestinian media scattered across their feeds, a little over half agree that they are exposed more to Palestinian media than to Israeli media daily on widely used apps such as Instagram and TikTok. Nearly 40% of individuals who took the survey believe they encounter proIsrael content more frequently when on social media. It is important to note, however, the level to which Palestinian media influences our community Our Jewish background alone can’t filter our social media exposure enough to make Palestinian content a minority in our feeds

What WE Can Do

Among the most popular Zionist accounts on TikTok (with 614,900 followers) is the official account for the State of Israel. Before the war, the account posted both comedic and aesthetic videos about the country’s natural beauty, the Jewish holidays, Israeli life, and travel tips every few days. Upon the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza War, the account began uploading daily reports on the conflict, Israeli hostages, and worldwide movements showing support for the state. Since then, hundreds of Zionist accounts from around the world started to appear to spread the word about the conflict on TikTok and other major platforms.

Garnering support for a nation that receives so much backlash is no easy task. Our people have been persecuted, subjected to genocide, silenced, and treated as second-class citizens for thousands of years. Nowadays, with the invention of modern technology and the internet, Jewish users have been able to show the beauty of our culture to the world. With the right audience, these posts are seen and broadcasted on larger scales, showing the pride we have for our small but mighty nation. When asked, 30% of respondents from the abovementioned survey suggested spreading awareness through family and friends. Alternatively, 43% of participants believed publishing posts about Israel would work more effectively if shared with a large percentage of uninformed online users. Additional ideas listed in the survey included supporting Israeli businesses and organizations, getting into contact with Zionists from different communities, and following pro-Israel creators

As Zionists, helping the state of Israel is our top priority. If not directly, we can assist our brothers and sisters by spreading pro-Israel information to others. The people of Israel need our help, and it is our responsibility to be there for them while enduring this war.

Upon entering, patrons are given a warm Hebrew welcome

Kosher Restaurant Reviews Diamond in the Rough: Bambú

By Bina Sragovicz

Those driving down 163rd Street may pass by an unassuming strip mall and think nothing of it, but within the humble North Miami Beach strip mall lies a small treasure: Bambú. The newly-opened kosher pan-Asian restaurant is quite easy to miss, being located on the very left edge of the strip mall and marked by nothing but one bright green sign Although the inside shows promise, patrons will find that this little lunch spot is anything but forgettable Once inside, the welcoming hostess seats the party within the cozy dining area, leaving its members to acclimate to the calm, casual atmosphere The room is dimly lit and devoid of windows, with warm-toned, gorgeous decorations and a standout floral mural spanning one entire wall The buzz of conversations and the catchy rhythm of the modern pop songs playing in the background add a layer of comfortable informality to one’s dining experience.

The menu is of reasonable length, offering a variety of soups, dumplings, rice, noodles, vegetarian, and protein dishes. While the options are a tad on the pricier side, that is to be expected.

The menu lacks explanations for the more unrecognizable dishes, but they can be explained upon inquiry. A basket of fried dough and dipping sauces are promptly brought out when seated, followed by a kind waiter ready to take orders.

Now for the meat and potatoes, or in this case, the chicken and rice of the review: my party ordered the vegetable spring roll and chicken pan-fried dumplings as appetizers and vegetable pad thai, vegetable lo mein, and curry lemongrass chicken as our entrees The appetizers came out swiftly and were steaming hot The roll of crunchy, flavorful veggies wrapped in a crispy and flaky crust paired with perfectly filled, bouncy, and snappy dumplings only raised our high hopes for the evening.

After a little bit more of a wait, our main dishes finally came out, and they were quite a sight to our rumbling stomachs. The plates were brought out visibly hot, sending a pleasant aroma wafting towards us. The Pad Thai was the highlight of my meal, mixing textures with flat, perfectly cooked rice noodles in a deliciously creamy, nutty sauce, crunchy pieces of bok choy, and bean sprouts sprinkled throughout, not to mention a gigantic spoon of ground peanuts to match the nutty undertone of the sauce. The veggie lo mein was a great take on the familiar classic. With a rich soy flavor coating firmer, thinner noodles and an assortment of green and red vegetables, the dish maintained its welldeserved spot on the universal comfort foods list Finally, the curry and lemongrass chicken, a new pick with a fresh set of flavors for me, was a pleasant surprise The chicken was aromatic, tender, and bright with an enjoyable, savory flavor somewhere in between spicy and pungent that lasted on the tongue. Paired with the crunchy peppers doused in sauce and

rice on the side, the chicken was a wonderful choice The portions were all share-sized, definitely leaving dinner with leftovers to devour the next day, and though the food is delectable, it’s pretty heavy, so it works best on a leisurely, no-rush day. As for dessert, upon asking my waitress, I found out there is but one: deep-fried ice cream. I regretfully did not try it, but we were, fortunately, left with fortune cookies to end our meal.

Altogether, the meal was nothing short of fantastic The waiters paid excellent attention to detail, checking in on us multiple times and keeping the water flowing without fail. My family and I certainly left fully satiated after our satisfying, tasty meal. Bambú is an excellent restaurant to expand one’s palette and try new, unique pan-Asian cuisine. After all, there’s a reason there was a consistently long line of takeout orders waiting to be sent. So, next time you pass by a modest strip mall without a second glance, give it a chance and check it out, because you might just find another diamond in the rough.

Feed Me Kosher Bistro

By Liv Raviv

I recently visited Feed Me, a cute little restaurant in Aventura. Feed Me is a delightful Kosher restaurant exuding the warmth of Israeli culture. With a charming ambiance reminiscent of Tel Aviv, this hidden gem caters specifically to meat enthusiasts. The menu includes an array of traditional Israeli dishes. I always have a schnitzel sandwich, perfectly cooked and made with love. The service was attentive and friendly, and the prices were reasonable considering the quality of the food and the overall experience. The workers were welcoming and the food came relatively fast. I highly recommend Feed Me to anyone looking for a cozy and authentic kosher dining experience.

The Solomon Leadership Program

By Kenan Ben-Shalom

Scheck Hillel High School students are known for being academically inclined and very driven to achieve their fullest potential during school hours. What about after school hours? What do most of them do during their leisure time when not enclosed in school boundaries?

Many high school students participate in the Solomon Leadership Program. The Solomon Leadership Program is a program that instills the Eight Pillars of Moral Character and Leadership in Jewish students all over the nation through a comprehensive six-month high school program. According to their website: "The rigorous program uses a three-pronged approach: individual mentor guidance from community leaders, an in-depth curated curriculum, and renowned guest speakers.” This program is offered to Jewish juniors and seniors in high schools nationwide.

Students taking the initiative to reinforce leadership skills outside of school demonstrates the true fuel and pride students possess to achieve a better version of themselves. When asked why she joined Solomon, 12th Grader Rachel Tulman said, “I enrolled in the Leadership Program with a willing desire to acquire the art of effective leadership, aspiring to harness these skills as a guiding pathway for my future role as a leader.”

If you will be a junior or senior in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year and wish to join the program, visit solomonprogram.org, for more information.

Jewish Life

The Message of the Manna

By Mia Fishman

When the Jews left Egypt and wandered in the desert for forty years, the food they ate was “manna ” This manna was special because it came from Hashem and was said to have had the ability to taste like any food you desire. Every day, the Jews would go outside to collect their portion of manna, and everyone had a specific amount they were supposed

to take If someone took too much, the manna would rot and become inedible, but if someone took too little, Hashem would provide them with more. The only day the Jews were allowed to take two servings of manna was on Shabbat. We can learn two ideas from manna: you have to work for what you get, and Hashem gives you exactly what you need.

The fact that the Jews had to go outside and collect a specific amount of manna for themselves shows us that we have to work for what we get Hashem doesn’t hand over everything we desire on a silver platter We each have to put in a little work on our end, and Hashem will provide us with our necessities Rather than placing the exact amount of manna each person needed directly in their homes, Hashem distributed enough for everyone in one area This way, people would have to go outside and collect for themselves

The manna going bad shows us that Hashem provides us with exactly what we need, and if you attempt to take more, it won’t work out. Those who took too little manna received an increase in their portion. From them, we learn that when you truly need something, Hashem will provide it for you.

Special Senior Events

By Talia Herssein

Once a month, the senior girls gather outside the school for a Tefillah class activity During this month's session, they gathered at Zoe Schrager's house, marking a pre-Tu B'Shvat event Tu B'Shvat is a holiday that delves into the relationship between humans and the natural world This month’s activity connected nurturing trees and the cultivation of the human soul through Torah study and care of the body To represent these ideas, the senior girls engaged in yoga exercises The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Tali Lancewiki expressed, "It was an amazing bonding time for us as a grade. It was very funny watching all of us trying to do yoga. We had an awesome time."

Another noteworthy event was in the form of a three-day workshop concluding in a visit to the mikveh for the senior class. This seminar was centered around the Jewish approach to intimacy, with the male students receiving lectures from Rabbis Ganz, Sprung, and Feinerman, while a special speaker, Rebbezin Carlebach, addressed the senior girls. Each session fostered open discussions, allowing students to pose questions and engage in thoughtful exploration of this topic. On the final day, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Forta from Aventura Chabad graciously hosted the senior class at the shul, providing them with the opportunity to tour the mikveh a sacred space that represents Jewish purity.

The students expressed their gratitude for both the insightful lectures and the enriching trip. Edith Koenig shared her thoughts on the trip, stating, "Exploring my Jewish roots, the Mikveh is like a deep dive into centuries of tradition and learning that added layers of understanding to my Jewish identity." These events not only served as educational opportunities but also fostered a sense of unity and connection among the senior class as a whole

Parashat Yitro

By Melanie Benlolo, Emily Waich, and Anael Haratz

Parashat Yitro is the 17th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Yitro was Moshe’s father-in-law, and he played a crucial role in the parashah. In the parashah, Yitro visits Moshe and sees that he is overwhelmed with judicial responsibilities over all of B’nei Yisrael. Yitro offers wise counsel, advising Moshe to appoint a system of judges and officials to share the burden of governance. Additionally, in the parashah, B’nei Yisrael gathers around Mount Sinai and receives God’s commandments through Moshe These commandments form the foundation of ethical and moral principles in Jewish tradition

We interviewed Reb Boyd, Dr Ringel, and Mr Yativ, asking them the following three questions: how does Parashat Yitro relate to you on a personal level? What does “Na’aseh V’nishma” mean to you? In what ways can the values and lessons from Yitro's advice to Moshe be applied in the modern classroom or school environment? Read ahead as we delve into what our teachers have to say about Parashat Yitro.

Parashat Yitro on a Personal Level

Parashat Yitro was found to hold a distinct, personal significance to each teacher interviewed. Mr. Yativ explained that he, “Read it as the parashah for his Bar Mitzvah in his synagogue during Shabbat ” Mr Yativ’s parashah still connects to him on a deep, spiritual level ever since he was a teenage boy Reb Boyd said, “In general, the word Torah comes from ‘hora’ah’ which means lesson Every single Jew can relate to what’s happening in the parashah because it’s a lesson for everyday life In addition, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, tells us that every Jew must live with the times, and that means the parashah " Reb Boyd’s answer emphasizes the belief that every Jew can find daily relevance within the weekly Torah portion. Dr. Ringel responded that there is a, “Two-way communication between people, and God highlighted in this parashah.” In simpler terms, Yitro becomes more than a historical account - it's a guide for personal growth, ethical living, and a source of spiritual connection for those who engage with its teachings.

Personal Reflections on “Na’aseh V’nishma”

The phrase "Naaseh V'nishma" can mean many different things to different people Mr Yativ shared, "To me, it means the total acceptance of the Ten Commandments The Israelites said, ‘We will do it and we will hear’ before they even knew what was in it " This is similar to agreeing to something before fully understanding it It's about having faith in and making a commitment to follow the laws of Hashem, even when we don't fully understand them at first. Reb Boyd said, "It means that we do what Hashem wants us to do without consideration for what is logical or correct in human understanding, but with a grasp that God decides to make rules. It’s also a tremendous sign of trust that the Jewish people will tell God that we will do whatever He wants, so it shows our depth of relationship with him." Dr. Ringel detailed how, "Sometimes, in life, you need to jump into your commitment because you care, even if you don't fully know what you're getting into " These perspectives exhibit the idea of being directed by faith and acceptance, belief, and dedication - even in situations where the answers are not entirely clear

Applications of the Lessons of Parashat Yitro

Parashat Yitro goes beyond the synagogue It teaches practical lessons that may be applied to everyday life - particularly in school environments. When asked about incorporating Yitro's wisdom into classes, Mr. Yativ underlined the need to apply these teachings to students' everyday lives. He emphasized that, "Just as the Jewish people in Parashat Yitro were required to follow Hashem's commandments with consequences for disobedience, students must also follow rules established by their teachers." In making this connection, Mr Yativ stressed the value of creating a respectful relationship between students and teachers, similar to that shared between the Jewish people and Hashem in the parashah

Reb Boyd provided a comprehensive perspective on the connection between the school environment and the parashah He related the crucial role of communication among students, counselors, teachers, principals, and the school administration, noting that, "Students can talk to counselors and teachers who then pass information to principals, facilitating communication with the school administration." Reb Boyd's viewpoint focuses on the collective effort needed for emotional and academic support to ensure that no Jewish child is left behind. Dr Ringel offered a more generalized insight, stating that, "People should not be afraid to delegate authority when necessary " He believes that trust, collaboration, and communication with higher authorities are the keys to effective leadership The overall teachings of Parashat Yitro show how Torah lessons extend beyond the synagogue and into the practical aspects of our schools and classrooms

Many valuable life lessons can be learned from Parashat Yitro. ‘Na’aseh V'nishma’, doing things even though we don't fully comprehend them at first, is a sign of agreement. Communication, a trait recognized as invaluable by both Yitro and Reb Boyd, is a sign of connection. These lessons can help us make more informed decisions and actions in our daily lives By accepting these realizations, we can put Parashat Yitro's wisdom to use in our everyday lives, and greatly promote peace and prosperity in our world

Photos

Purim is a Month Late… Why Wait?!

By Avichai Meisels

The Jewish calendar is based around the moon, meaning that it normally has less than 365 days This becomes problematic every few years because of how the seasons change along with the solar cycle. The Torah commands us to celebrate the festival of Pesach “ביבאה שדוחב, ” in the springtime, and this is impossible to always follow if the Hebrew calendar falls behind the sun-based seasons. How did our ancestors deal with this issue? They established a second month of Adar every few years. In years like this, the holiday of Purim is pushed off until the second Adar. But why did Torah scholars of the past decide to duplicate Adar (of all months)? At first glance, one reason is clear: Adar is the farthest from Nisan, a month called the “first month” in the Torah, meaning it is the final month of the Jewish year. If there is any time to add days to the year, it is at the end. (No other holidays, such as Sukkot, would be pushed off from an earlier duplicate month.) However, if the point is to add days to the year in a way that the rest of the calendar is not affected, why is Purim pushed off? Should it not be celebrated in the first Adar, rather than be pushed off to the second?

A well-known answer to this question is that Purim is supposed to be close to Pesach (if Purim were in the first Adar, it would not be as close). But why is it so important for Purim to come right before Pesach? What is so dominant about this idea that would cause it to push off Purim from its original spot on the calendar?

The despicable villain of Megillat Esther, Haman, was a member of the nation of Amalek, which ruthlessly attacked the Jewish people right after they left Egypt Even after hearing of huge miracles such as the splitting of the sea, which manifested that Hashem was in charge of the world, Amalek engaged in a battle with B’nei Yisrael. Why? Because they saw everything that happened as random events. The Amalek did not believe in Hashem, and they therefore decided they could easily destroy His people. When we are faced with difficulties in life, whether personal or national, we often become hopeless and filled with doubts.

When Hashem took the Jews out of Egypt, He saved us from a truly terrible situation He took us out of oppressive slavery and let us know that, even through the worst of hardships, He cares for B’nei Yisrael Through celebrating Purim with Pesach soon approaching, we become aware of this truth again The story of Purim recounts the near end of the Jewish people at the hands of an Amalekite, who did not believe in Hashem. When we are faced with villains such as this, we have to understand that we have something they do not… we have Hashem on our side. When Haman tried to destroy us, he ended up dead. He could not defeat Hashem’s people. But when we reach Adar and celebrate Purim, we do not just think of how Hashem saved us in the Purim story. We also get to look back at all of the horrible events that struck Jewish people throughout the year and remember that Hashem, Who took us out of Egypt, will help us come out on top. Am Yisrael Chai!

,

And this is what kept our fathers and us surviving For, not only one arose and tried to destroy us; rather, in every generation they rise to destroy us. And Hashem saves us from their hands.

- Vehi SheAmda, from the Pesach Haggadah

רודו רוד לכבש אלא ונתולכל ונילע דמע ,דבלב דחא אלש ונלו וניתובאל הדמעש איהו םדימ ונליצמ אוה ךורב שודקהו ונתולכל ונילע םידמוע

Lessons from Parashat Yitro

By Jeremy Dejman

Parashat Yitro, named after Moshe’s father-in-law, contains the story of the Jewish people receiving the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai. At the beginning of the parashah, Moshe and Yitro meet, and Yitro gives Moshe suggestions about how to set up the Jewish court system. In all, the parashah shines in the lessons it teaches the Jewish people. Among the teachings are the following: fairness, leadership, and the relationship between man and God.

A significant portion of the Parashah takes place on Mount Sinai as God announces the Ten Commandments to the Jewish nation. This event truly shows the significance of the relationship the Jewish people have with God and vice versa. We, the people, can also see the important role given to Moshe by Hashem: to bring the Jewish people together and make them believe. Ultimately, Parashat Yitro asks the Jewish people, across time, to reflect on how we can uphold these commandments with our maximum potential. Once we do this, we can develop an even deeper connection with Hashem.

To this day, the Ten Commandments continue to be a relevant source for the Jewish people and will forever stand as a testament to what we, as a nation, stand for. As we make Hashem proud, we are reminded of how the Ten Commandments have shaped the society we live in and how they have helped the world become a stronger, more compassionate, and fair place for us to live.

Op-ed

A.I. Domination…

By Shawn Cohen

Artificial intelligence will shape the future. Every student has heard of ChatGPT, an infamous A.I. tool that’s been dominating students’ lives for over a year. Though I do believe the cons of this tool are substantial in their own right, the pros most certainly outweigh them.

Cheating? Almost every teacher considers using ChatGPT as a form of academic dishonesty. Though it can be at times, using this tool doesn’t always equate to cheating on an assignment or assessment. This tool has many benefits that can assist students and teachers in the academic workspace. For instance, ChatGPT improves accessibility to education for those who may not speak the English language or for those with disabilities. Additionally, ChatGPT may aid educators in developing lesson plans or creating challenging questions for their lessons. Furthermore, ChatGPT can assist students in studying for an assessment by answering questions they find difficult or making them aware of what skills/information they must work on to pass the test.

Overall, ChatGPT is often frowned upon amongst teachers, but when one examines the number of benefits granted by this A.I. tool, it can easily alter one’s position on the ChatGPT debate.

Sports Corner

Hillel Lions Win 2-0 in District-Final Soccer against SLAM

By Sadie Lemmer

On Thursday, February 1st, our Scheck Hillel Lions played in their district-final soccer game against SLAM!, winning 2-0. Student life at Scheck Hillel brought a bus of students to the game and canceled school for all high school students to let them go to the soccer game at 2:00 pm and traveled to the Little Haiti Soccer Field. As Oded Karavani said, “Students asked me in the past how we can bring more people to the game. Student Life is literally busing people to the game ” Over 30 student ‘fans’ came to the game. “It was a whole different game since we brought fans to it,” said Isi Waich (‘25, #24 on the Varsity Soccer Team). “The game could’ve had completely different results if we didn’t have our supporters there, so I thank everyone for coming GO LIONS!” After our sweeping 2-0 win, Oded commented, “We wanted to give students an opportunity to support their friends. We’re very proud of both our boys and girls soccer teams for achieving this district title. The purpose was to raise the overall ruach and excitement in school and give the chance to support our friends as they compete at the highest level in sports. We look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the near future.”

Hillel Hosts Chai Five Basketball Tournament

By Benjamin Herschman and Kenan Ben-Shalom

After the horrendous October 7th attacks in Israel, hope seemed to be lost within our community. Many were left with a wounded soul, having no idea what was left for our State of Israel. Many were stripped of their passions and were unable to do what they loved. Members of Hapoel Hof Ashkelon Travel Team from Southern Israel were unable to continue doing what they loved: basketball. Fortunately, with the assistance of Project Twenty-Four, the Hapoel Hof Ashkelon Travel Team was able to come down to Miami and play against the Scheck Hillel Lion’s Varsity Team, as well as other Jewish private schools, including Posnack Jewish Day School, Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida, and Hebrew Academy of Miami Beach. This event was important for the Hapoel Hof Ashkelon Team as they can no longer compete with one another in Israel.

The Thursday event began with an eighteen-second moment of silence for those struggling in Israel. Afterward, Rabbi Sprung gave a D’var Torah on the importance of community and standing united together. His speech greatly reflected our community as a whole: one of strength, unity, and perseverance. The American and Israeli national anthems were played, and the games were ready to begin. With six different teams playing, the basketball court was divided in two so multiple games could occur at once. It was incredible to see all the passion from the players and fans in the stands. It seemed as though the score was not what mattered, but rather, that everyone was having a fantastic time. People cheered, laughed, and most importantly, celebrated with tears of joy.

With spectacular food to complement the exciting basketball action, this event seemed to please our community. Although it had a bittersweet feeling (due to the current state of war that Israel is in), the event highlighted the strength of our Jewish community and the ability of our people to find hope in the darkest of moments. While many would think of the tournament as just some basketball games, it stands as much more for our community: it was a beacon of hope and an opportunity to continue a journey No matter what the situation may be, the Jewish community will always support one another and make sure that those in pain will feel comforted.

Lions Go One-and-Two in Chai Five Tournament

By David Marcovitz

On Thursday, February 1st, the Scheck Hillel Lions played in the Chai Five Tournament and came out of the tournament with a one-andtwo record, beating Ashkelon by a final score of 28 to 13 and losing to Hebrew Academy by a score of 33 to 25 as well as Posnack by a score of 30 to 21. Hillel’s MVP of the tournament was 8th grader, Nathan Sperling, who had 18 total points, two steals, two free throws, two threepointers, and five two-pointers.

I spoke to several Lions players, including 10th-grade forward Alexander Perry, on the defensive play against Ashkelon and the ability to hold them to only 13 points. He spoke about their defensive system: “We were playing a tight 2-3 zone, we were able to shut them down at the 3-point line, and we were boxing out when there were rebounds ”

Leo the Lion

By Shira Sager

Photos

THE DESCENDANTS: An EVILICIOUS Scheck Hillel Production

By Tamar Grobman

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, which school musical is the wickedest of them all?

Over the past week, this year’s spellbinding production of Disney’s The Descendants has taken audiences by storm Performed by over 20 members spanning from ages 10 to 15 of Scheck Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Performing Arts Program and directed by Stuart Rosenthal, this musical was certainly among the best I have ever seen!

The production included captivating and fun musical numbers from both the first and second Descendants movies that the plot is based on, split between two acts that constituted the show’s two-hour run time The performances took place on February 21st, 22nd, and 25th, not including a special performance designated solely for the middle school on February 23rd.

The plot followed the descendants of Disney’s worst villains, four of whom were sent to the magical kingdom of Auradon on a mission to steal the land’s most sought-after possession, the Fairy Godmother’s wand Mal, daughter of Maleficent, Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen, Jay, son of Jafar, and Carlos, son of Cruella de Vil embark on their most challenging journey In this tale of love and found family, they discovered the path they really wanted to take–goodness. Was evil all there was to offer for our protagonists, or were they finally ready to redeem themselves and save all of Auradon from a looming threat?

While the play has since come to a close, it is only a matter of time before others will enchant audiences the same way The Descendants has With the lower school’s production of CATS getting ready to make its debut mid-April, many are eager to see what more Scheck Hillel’s performing arts program has to offer.

Remember, if you see people who participated in the play, be sure to give them some praise for all of the hard work they put into their performances It is what our friends and family enjoy doing, and they can’t keep up the great work without your support!

I spoke to 9th-grade shooting guard, Ayden Shmuely, on the team's offensive performance against Ashkelon: “I thought we played well and played as a team. We moved the ball and were able to capitalize on their turnovers and fastbreak points.”

I spoke to 10th-grade point guard Akiva Friedman about how they played defensively against Posnack: “Overall, we showed a lot of heart, but unfortunately, they got the best of us. I thought we did some things well, and next time we play them, we will be better prepared.”

Humans of Hillel: Avital Ayzerov

Interviewed by Talya Poler comfortable in my Christian school than I was in a Jewish although it was where I truly belonged. As I started meetin became more invested and interested in my Judaic classes more traditions such as Shabbat dinner and its importance more in touch with my religion, which was a part of my life previously (unintentionally) neglected. In my past four yea Hillel, I have grown increasingly connected to Judaism in a never thought I would. It has become something I intentio time into. Additionally, I observed the unique connection I other Jews versus the one I had in my old school. Instantly much more comfortable and understood upon coming to H had in my previous school. I had a connection with my Jew classmates, and I could share my Judaism with them. The t made from New Jersey to Miami/Hillel was the best thing to me. It completely changed my life. Now, I would not be a imagine the life I built without the connection to Judaism. the idea of how important being connected to religion and where the entire world is facing anti-semitism, it is beauti all over the world. They always have each other's backs in t and I am so glad I was able to discover my place at a young

“Growing up in New Jersey - in a very non-Jewish area - my life was not driven by my Judaism. I was very disconnected from my religion. I attended a public school that was predominantly Christian, where they celebrated Christian holidays and taught that religion at school Most people in my town had never met a Jew or knew anything about them. Unfort upbringing, not practicing Jewish traditions or holidays, n to celebrate my identity. I had no other Jewish friends, so life. I gave no importance to it. When I was in 9th grade, m Miami and enroll me in Scheck Hillel, a Jewish school (som

-Avital Ayzerov, Class of ‘24

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