Fall 2016 Edition
A Closer Look: Inside Jewish Life at BT Alyse M. '17
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arlier this year at Shabbatfest, more than 230 Beth Tfiloh students and teachers gathered to celebrate an incredible Shabbat evening. Breaking school records, Shabbatfest attracted 60 more teachers and students this year than last, making it the largest Shabbatfest in BT history. As Daniel B. ?17 noted, ?Shabbatfest was an incredible event that I hope will set the tone for the rest of this year?s Jewish programming.?
State of the Jewnion
A Student Gover nment 2016-17 Update Ryan S. '17
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It has been quite a year so far for Student Government, with each member of the Executive Board and the grade representatives working hard to create amazing high school experiences for every Beth Tfiloh student. When the 2016-2017 Student Government convened for the first time in March to discuss our goals for the year, we decided on programs and activities we wished to continue, tweak, eliminate, or create. In addition to our discussions, feedback from students and faculty has helped us execute our vision of a spirited, meaningful high school experience for all.
The Student Government's main goal during the first six months of our term is to fulfill campaign promises made in election speeches last March. We did not want to fail our peers by neglecting our promises for logical, positive changes to the school community. One of the first issues I identified in my speech was the lack of choices previously available in our Judaic Studies curriculum. After learning the specified curriculum for our respective Judaics tracks for grades 9-11, it seemed logical to explore a subject that interests us. Since for many of us, senior year will be our last year in a religious institution, I felt especially passionate about adding a Judaic elective to the senior curriculum. Thus, the Executive Board worked with High School Director of Judaic Studies Rabbi Mordechai Soskil in the final months of the last school year to create a menu of
four enticing Bible class topics. While improving our high school academic experience has been a huge focus for us, our primary common goal is promoting school pride. While we love being greeted by our teachers and administrators as we enter the building each morning, the impact would be even greater if students took on that role every once in a while. That thought inspired a plan for monthly surprise Student Government greetings, welcoming our peers with food, music, and exciting vibes. Another opportunity to infuse our school with spirit is at assemblies, by switching up the format with new, exciting elements. So far, we?ve replaced the standard assembly format with amazing guest speaker assemblies, such as Lt. Josh Levin, Mr. George Dennehy, and Mrs. Maly Jackson to date; town hall discussions to explore relevant topics in our community, such as appropriate social media usage; and activity fairs at the beginning of each trimester. Much of the feedback we?ve received from students and teachers has been fantastic; you can expect many more meaningful assemblies in the future.
The increased participation marks a change in BT?s student culture; students are not only more engaged in the High School community this year, but also more involved in Jewish life than ever before. Thanks to increased collaboration between the Student Life and Judaic Studies staff, this year?s Jewish programming has taken on a new dimension, encouraging hundreds of students to participate in grade-wide Shabbatonim and Shalosh Seudot designed to foster a love for community and a desire to connect to Judaism. Hoping each student discovers his or her own personal reasons for connecting to Judaism, this integrated team creates an open, communal environment where students can comfortably engage Jewishly with their teachers and friends. The results of their efforts are reflected in the Student Government?s push to make the back-to-school program a Shabbat event.
In addition to revamping assemblies and morning greetings, we have also planned awesome events throughout the school year. During the summer, Student Government worked with the Jewish Action Committee (JAC) on their plans for BT?s back-to-school event,
The beauty of Beth Tfiloh is that every student observes Judaism differently. High School Director of Student Life Ms. Rachel Levitt-Klein not only embraces this aspect of BT but also uses it to spark meaningful discussions and encourage beautiful Shabbat singing and dancing, creating greater excitement and participation in BT?s amazing Jewish life
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Ticket to Ride: How Will Dr iver less Cars Affect Ride Hailing Ser vices? Ezra S. '18
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ber has rolled out new sets of wheels in Pittsburgh: driverless cars. When customers hail an Uber ride, a driverless car may be randomly selected as their vehicle. Customers will have the right to exchange the automated car for one with a driver, but it will cost them. To incentivize passengers, Uber has made driverless car rides completely free. But how will such cars impact Uber?s business as well as others like it? Of course, Uber isn?t the only company creating autonomous cars. General Motors is working with Lyft, an Uber competitor, Ford with Google, and Toyota has jumped in on the train (or car) as well. It seems to be a race for market control, but Dave King, assistant professor of Urban planning at Columbia University, believes no one company will be able to monopolize the industry. Why? Because not only will drivers want different types of cars (from basic to luxurious), but also each company will have a different audience. The General Motors/ Lyft tandem may cater to young people while Uber to those who need a car immediately. (Uber?s goal is to make wait times for vehicles as short as possible.)
Although ride hailing companies will likely be unable to control the entire industry, they?ll probably see a boost in sales for another reason. Andreessen Horowitz investment partner Chris Dixon, who has also done extensive research about autonomous vehicles, believes that in ten years most people will not buy driverless cars, but simply use services like Uber to Source: Mark Doliner on Flickr meet their transportation needs. He predicts that only the deep learning, or the power of machines to solve wealthy will purchase driverless cars, and that algorithmic problems, has improved drastically. driving will be more a hobby than a chore. Using Deep learning algorithms have recently had a ride hailing services will almost be like catching much higher success rate for solving problems. a subway: quick, efficient, and inexpensive, For example, in the 2015 ImageNet challenge, allowing many to use driverless cars on a daily computer scientists were tasked with basis. And rather than having cars sitting constructing algorithms to try and recognize wastefully in parking lots the majority of the day, objects in different images and videos. In prior they?ll be immediately passed from one person to years at the competition, scientists?deep learning the next through vast ride hailing service algorithms failed about 30%of the time. However, networks. Parking lots could almost be last year, their algorithms failed less than 5%of completely eliminated through ride hailing the time, a lower percentage than humans?object services, saving both space and money. Dixon recognition. Driverless cars require extremely believes the majority of cars will be driverless in accurate vision to see the world and make quick ten years. algorithmic decisions based on different problems. This advancement of artificial Ride hailing services are creeping into the intelligence will allow more companies to quickly driverless car space for a couple of reasons. First, Continued on page 3
Insomnia: The Tr ue Cost of Your Cell Phone? Natan G. '19
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trolling from table to table, locker bay to locker bay, surveying various students, the increasing prevalence of technology in our daily lives is blatantly obvious to observers. "Insight" surveyed 80 Beth Tfiloh students in grades nine through eleven about how many devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV) are kept in his or her room overnight, and whether or not he or she uses any of them immediately before bed. Out of 80
Since smart phone technology is a relatively new frontier, we must understand the implications of incorporating it into our lives, especially into our bedtime routines. students, five proudly announced that they keep no devices in their rooms, while 60 percent of students claimed that two or three devices remained in their rooms overnight. Three students reported that up to six devices ?lived? in their rooms, and one student even admitted to keeping nine in his. The second question, whether or not the individual uses any devices before bed, yielded incredible, yet somewhat predictable, results: 88 percent of students recounted the use of a device before bed for matters unrelated to school. Comparatively, the National Sleep Foundation reported that ninety
percent of Americans used technology within an hour of going to bed. Only 10 students reported never or scarcely using devices at bedtime. Since smart phone technology is a relatively new frontier, we must understand the implications of incorporating it into our lives, especially into our bedtime routines. According Source: Creative Commons Images to the National Sleep Foundation, increasingly difficult task in differentiating sleep cycles are determined by circadian rhythm, between night and day. Especially with the which is controlled by the suprachiasmatic advent of mobile devices such as smartphones nucleus located in the hypothalamus, or the and laptops, humans are increasingly exposing brain's center for regulating physiological themselves to blue wavelengths, or blue light. equilibrium, known as homeostasis. Studies like those conducted by both Harvard Photoreceptors in the eye?s retina inform the and University of Toronto researchers brain about outside light. Based on this demonstrate that blue light exposure information, the body understands the difference considerably postpones the release of melatonin between day and night, and controls the body?s in the body. In the Harvard experiment, sleep cycles by releasing melatonin at night. researchers exposed one group of individuals to However, if the body is sleep- deprived, then it six and a half hours of blue light and another to will be difficult to recognize the difference six and a half hours of green light. They found between general fatigue and the effect of the that the blue light prevented the production of circadian rhythm on the body. Additionally, sleep melatonin for three hours, while green light only science explains that the circadian rhythm suppressed it for one and a half hours. The usually causes an increase in fatigue between 1 University of Toronto researchers discovered that p.m. and 3 p.m., which is why some may feel between two groups of people, one subjected to exhausted after lunch. bright light but wearing blue light-blocking With the development of technology that emits artificial light, the body now has an
goggles, and one to dim light, the severity of the Continued on page 7
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Are All Facebook Trends Avi C. '17
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f you are one of the world?s more than 1 billion daily Facebook users, you probably noticed that the trending section, in the top right corner of one's computer and under the search menu on a mobile device, has changed. Instead of the trending section displaying important news with short summaries selected by human curators, now the trending section only displays one word found in the news story. Another change regarding Facebook's trending feature relates to a new method that develops trending articles: previously, human curators selected the trending news; recently, Facebook has discontinued this method in favor of utilizing algorithms to determine trending news. The reason for this change was that Gizmodo, a technology and design website, reported that a former member of the Facebook curator team came forward with allegations that there was a systemic bias in Facebook?s trending section in
Driverless Cars, cont. and easily enter the driverless car market. Secondly, ride hailing services are jumping into the driverless car industry because it?s now cheaper than ever to build one. Many driverless car companies are using chips made by NVIDA, a publicly traded company, to power their cars, and such chips cost only a couple of hundred dollars. Ten years ago, such supercomputers on little boards would have been a fortune. Cheaper, more intelligent driverless cars will allow for a faster integration of these cars into ride hailing services. For ride hailing companies to continue their success in the face of a new type of automotive industry, such services must embrace the technology. Driverless cars won?t change competition in the market, as long as ride hailing companies pursue driverless vehicles at fairly the same rate. Uber and Lyft will likely benefit from the fact that most us will be using driverless cars in ten years, and, without the money to buy such cars, will call upon cars to transfer us around. Modern technologies and cheaper parts will allow ride hailing services to integrate driverless cars faster into their system, and will save them a lot of money. If these services go fully automatic, they will no longer need to pay for countless Uber or Lyft drivers, boosting profits. But in order for companies to stay competitive, they must convert all their cars to driverless ones. If not, they will be crushed by rival companies who will make larger margins. Most importantly, however, our outlook on driverless cars will determine the success of these companies. If we shy away from modern innovation due to unjustified safety concerns (driverless cars are proven to be much safer than human controlled vehicles), then the ?Ubers? and the ?Lyfts? will ultimately fail. But if we embrace this new technology, we are setting up not only these companies, but also ourselves, for success on the road.
favor of left-wing media. Allegedly, this bias came in the form of suppressing popular right-wing articles by excluding them from the trending section while featuring less popular, left-wing news. In response to this allegation, Sen. John
Thune, the Republican chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, wrote a letter to Facebook?s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to complain: ?If Facebook presents its Trending Topic section as the result of a neutral, objective algorithm, but is in fact subjected and filtered to support or suppress particular political
viewpoints, Facebook?s assertion that it maintains a 'platform for people and perspectives from across the political spectrum' is misleading.? Of course, Facebook ferociously denied these claims saying, ?Suppressing political content or preventing people from seeing what matters most to them is directly contrary to our mission and our business objectives, and the allegations trouble us deeply.? Following this statement, Facebook swiftly conducted an internal review by interviewing current and past curators and their supervisors and analyzing the protocol and guidelines that the curators used. Facebook found ?no evidence of systematic political bias in the selection or prominence of stories included in the Trending Topics feature.? Despite proclaiming their innocence, and that the bias seemed to be more human error than intentional suppression, Facebook still decided to overhaul the trending feature. Facebook also fired most of its human curators and placed their faith in an algorithm, which determines the most popular stories that appear in the trending section.
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Preventing Recidivism Through Education Alyssa M. '17 ccording to the Department of Justice, within three years of being released, 67.8%of prisoners were re-incarcerated. Within five years, 76.6%had been rearrested. A major issue regarding incarceration in the United States, according to Beth Tfiloh High School math and engineering teacher Mr. Casey Hill, is the emphasis on ?punishment, detention, and the removal from society? which leaves ?little opportunity for rehabilitation." By teaching a math course twice a week to male inmates from a local prison, Mr. Hill hopes to end the cycle of recidivism ? the relapse into criminal behavior.
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Often lacking both job skills and a quality education, former prisoners revert back to a life of crime ?in attempts to support themselves, feed themselves, and house themselves,? he explains. Programs like the one in which Mr. Hill is involved are aimed at helping former offenders ?find a job that pays a living wage? upon their reintegration into society. Although some prisons offer trade school curricula and academic classes designed to break this cycle, Mr. Hill notes that the majority of correctional facilities are serving neither these people nor society very well. Mr. Hill, who began his teaching career at a Baltimore City public school, notes how academic success is affected for students at both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. In America, the belief that poor students typically do not perform as well as affluent students is known as the ?Achievement Gap." This is not a result of ?ability per se, but from a lack of access to quality
education," he says. For Mr. Hill, teaching these prisoners, most of whom did not have access to a quality education, is like a service that ?combats social inequality.? Mr. Casey Hill (Photo by Mrs. Rina Goloskov) Just as he believes that socioeconomic background should not be a barrier to a quality education, so too should past offenses not interfere with a person?s educational access. ?Teaching is a noble profession," says Mr. Hill. ?It serves not only students and their families, but also society at large." As a teacher, Mr. Hill strives to further his ?students? exploration of abstract concepts? critical thinking skills, and ability to take those skills to other real life situations." Mr. Hill believes that teachers ?must full-heartedly believe in their students;? in doing just that, he finds that what he ?love[s] more than [teaching] math and engineering? is the ?mentoring and advising that goes into the job as well." ?The students call me professor and it has a certain ring to it that I enjoy,? admits Mr. Hill, who in the future, will consider ?teaching at the collegiate level." However, he confesses that ?conversations [with high schoolers] in the hallways during lunch or Mincha are what really make him excited? to be a teacher and be a part of his students?lives.
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From The River to The Sea: The Demonizing BDS Strategy Rayut B. '17 ?From the river to the sea, Palestine will soon be free.? This chant reverberates across hundreds of college campuses in North America, from the mouths of students who wave hateful signs reading: ?Israel=Racism & Genocide? and ?Boycott Israeli Apartheid." Israeli flags burn, swastikas and other demonizing symbols are paraded around college campus communities. These threatening demonstrations and accusations are the work of the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses. Its followers convey messages
?Jewish students and Zionists, take heed. You have to fight for your voice, your faith, and your right to be recognized.? that demonize and delegitimize Israel, holding the country to a double standard and attempting to isolate it from its greatest ally: the United States. Popular college campus organizations, such as Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, and American Muslims for Palestine, coordinate these rallies. Although these organizations sound peaceful at first, they reject the historical connection between the Jewish people and its homeland, denying Israel?s
Jewish Life Continued from front page programming. Many students, such as Andrew A. ?17, believe that Shabbat programming at BT ?is special [ because] it fosters an incredible sense of community and helps create friendships across grades.? Melanie B. '17 adds that Shabbat programs ?are really great outlets for the students and teachers to share an experience and come together for something very special. We all enjoy the ruach (spirit), community dinners, and Kabbalat Shabbat services because we can relax
The beauty of Beth Tfiloh is that every student observes Judaism differently. and connect with our spirituality together as a school in a fun and inspiring way.? Teva V. ?17, who loved Shabbatfest, points out that you could not participate in this sort of program at other schools; Olivia P. '18 felt "totally immersed in Shabbat" while surrounded by friends and faculty. Rabbi Soskil feels strongly that BT students are more ?engaged Jewishly and that the school is doing a better job at encouraging students to participate in Jewish activities.? This year, ?more students are participating in Shabbat activities at faculty homes than at this point last year.? Unlike many schools, according to Yael H. '17, BT
legitimacy. Active on over 100 campuses around North America, these organizations sponsor events such as Loyola Divestment Week, anti-Israel/anti-Semitic educational seminars, and other demonstrations throughout the year. During Israel Apartheid Week, the most widespread program, mock apartheid walls are constructed and painted with messages accusing Israel of acting in the same oppressive, undemocratic manner as apartheid South Africa. Through the manipulation of progressive organizations, campus Photo by Georges Robert / AFP media, and student government, these power. Students are often assaulted or threatened inherently anti-Israel organizations conduct for standing up to BDS, and student government charges through the large-scale BDS movement. These anti-Israel organizations are continuing to organizations are not taking strong enough action to protect them. ?The biggest impact of the BDS obtain power and leverage by taking advantage of campus student government and encouraging thing is that it has made the conversation on Israel very negative, very black and white. For the them to pass resolutions against Israeli products most part, in general, students don't want to have or pro-Israel campus organizations. something to do with it either way,? commented The BDS organizations?defamatory claims Phillip Brodsky, campus director for the David create a hostile and uncomfortable environment Project, in the Jewish Home LA article. Pro-Israel for many Jewish students on campus. ?Obviously groups must counter these messages with the for Jewish students this is huge, and really truth about Israel, bringing attention to the BDS affects the campus climate? said Yael Steinberg movement?s corruption through the media and in a 2013 Jewish Home LA interview. The West student government. ?Jewish students and Coast coordinator for Hasbara Fellowships, a Zionists, take heed. You have to fight for your prominent pro-Israel activist organization voice, your faith, and your right to be recognized,? working with colleges, Steinberg added, said Maxwell Adelstein, a senior at Goucher ?Basically Israel and Israelis are accused of doing College. It is important to remember the BDS terrible things, and it?s all under the umbrella of movement?s ultimate goal: the eventual free speech. They can say whatever they want. It elimination of the Jewish state. It is our job to doesn?t matter if it?s factual.? make sure they never succeed. This is perhaps the most frightening aspect of the BDS movement: its current ? and future ?
students and faculty enjoy meaningful community experiences ?outside of the school and academic setting?these experiences enhance our individual Judaism while simultaneously allowing us to form irreplaceable bonds with our teachers.? The Judaic Studies faculty feel passionately that not only extracurricular Jewish activities such as Shabbatonim should be fun, but that students should feel that their Jewish classes are engaging, relevant, and important. Rabbi Soskil admits that students do not always consider their Judaics classes to be important or relevant. He is working with the Judaics staff to change that perception, because Seniors at pre-Shabbatfest photo shoot this is ?God giving us life including their limited ability to do school work instructions and speaking to us.? He wishes to and attend social events over the weekend or create an environment in the Judaics classes holidays. While he believes that in general, where students can learn the Jewish point of students feel that people are very accepting and view and use it to help shape the basis for their understanding, Rabbi Moss feels that BT ?can do opinions. even better in creating an environment While Beth Tfiloh embraces students from all Jewish denominations, challenges arise when students from varying religious backgrounds coexist in the same school. Judaics teacher and eleventh grade adviser Rabbi Benyamin Moss acknowledges that for many Modern Orthodox students at BT, maintaining their religious observance while surrounded by non-Orthodox students can, at times, seem challenging,
conducive for spiritual growth both for Orthodox and non-Orthodox students.? Many students agree that the religious diversity creates challenges. Since only 20 to 30 percent of students in the High School identify as Modern Orthodox, Aviva M. '17 feels that ?the ones that do come from Orthodox families are immediately labeled as ?different?.? According to Aviva, this distinction is very challenging
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Making the Grade BT Students, Faculty React to Baltimore County Public School's New Grading Policy Jordan C. '17 For the 2016-17 school year, the Baltimore County Public School system implemented a controversial new grading policy which, according to CBS News, states that ?students will be graded on what they learn, not how they behave or if they do their homework.? This policy was executed partially because teachers found
Baltimore County's "new guidelines...will fail to
Instead of excluding homework from final grades altogether, the new grading system mandates that students complete their homework for a completion grade. This demonstrates that students put in the necessary time and effort for their studies at home. Jake K. ?17 concurs: ?Completion grades help students [and] give them chances to succeed and raise [their] grades.? Because accuracy is not graded, receiving completion grades on homework oftentimes allows students to raise their final grades.
motivate students.?
Some students also sympathize with teachers following the enactment of this grading policy. Bradley M. ?17 stresses that if students are not graded on conduct or homework, ?teachers [will] have an even more difficult time teaching.? He believes that if policies like this continue, teachers will only come to work to ?get paid, not because they want to teach.?
-Jonathan A. '19 that punishing students for not doing their homework did not ?motivate them to work harder;? however, many people disagree with that opinion, saying that it will be effective in improving education. Students and teachers from both Beth Tfiloh and Baltimore County Public Schools have voiced diverse opinions regarding this new protocol. Several students expressed positive reactions toward the new grading policy. For example, Matthew G. ?17 believes that the ?no-homework policy is great? because ?studies [ have shown] that homework [does not] help? students learn. While some studies may show that homework does not correlate with academic success, others, such as one conducted at Duke University, conclude that while homework is necessary, it is the amount of time required to complete the homework that determines its effectiveness. Other students, such as Liam L. ?17, agree that there should be consequences such as detentions and suspensions if students fail to behave. These consequences won't bring down students' grades, but will enforce proper behavior. If a student misbehaves during class, disciplinary means should not lower the student?s grade. While some students completely agree with this policy, others believe that aspects of the new BCPS system are positive changes for the schools. Noah B. ?17, for example, believes that not counting a student?s classroom conduct is foolish. However, he partially concurs with the no-homework aspect, stating that ?homework should be graded on completion, not accuracy.?
the rule. Instead of benefiting students, asserts Daniel B. ?17, this policy fails to ?facilitate an environment where students can learn effectively? because they will not be able to apply their studies at home, and thus their academics will ?not improve as quickly.? Rayut B. ?17 expands on that argument, contending that without homework, students will only work at home to perform well on tests, putting them at a deficit. Rather than simply reinforcing what students learn in school, Mitchell C. ?17 claims that homework helps train students for the future where they will have to work both in an office and at home in order ?to be? useful member[s] of society.?
Conversely, many students disagree with the policy, believing that it will not lead to better academic results for public school students. If students are not graded on their conduct, argues Ben B. '17, than there is no incentive for them to be organized. By not placing any emphasis on students' classroom behavior, the BCPS system is putting the learning experience of well-behaved students at risk. Agreeing with this perspective, Ben L. ?17 believes that taking away grading for conduct ?will be detrimental to the education of other students in the classroom.? Similarly, former public school student Tamar K. ?17 highly doubts the effectiveness of this policy, saying that when students do not care about conduct, they ?will never? respect their teachers.? Jonathan A. ?19 sums up students?hesitancies with this new policy, stating that the ?new guidelines will encourage lackadaisical behavior? [and] will fail to motivate students.? Along with these negative opinions concerning the grading policy, other unfavorable beliefs stem from the no-homework portion of
Beth Tfiloh students aren't the only ones who disagree with this course of action; many public school students disapprove of the school board's decision as well. A Franklin High School student declares that her whole grade now depends on tests and quizzes, which is ?especially bad for people who [are not] good test takers.? Students who typically under-perform while taking tests now have no opportunity to raise their grades consistently with homework, as they could before.Teachers have also voiced their opinions on the BCPS grading system. BT High School math teacher Mrs. Lisa Andrew agrees with many students, arguing that this policy ?fails to hold students responsible for their work.? Also, if students fail to practice their math through homework, then the majority of them will not learn math comprehensively. Mrs. Andrew adds that only a "half of one percent of students would succeed with this policy." Whether students agree or disagree with this policy, they must realize that any change a school system makes is done with the intention of helping the students succeed. Furthermore, rather than solely worrying about how this new grading policy may affect their report cards, students should focus on enjoying the learning experience and the material being taught in class.
Jewish Life Continued from previous page because in high school, no one wants to be the ?odd one out.? Dahlia S. '17 observes that these differences can make a religious student who comes to BT feel less comfortable expressing themselves than they would in a traditional Orthodox school environment. Consequently, they may ?begin to stray from their Judaism in order to be accepted socially.? Despite this obstacle, ?students who are confident in their beliefs can more easily adapt to the social setting,? while maintaining their values. While being among the observant minority can make students feel different, Rabbi Soskil acknowledges that ?the school supports students experiencing these feelings to ensure that they feel comfortable within the BT community.? He adds, ?We might not get it right 100 percent of the time, but we are certainly focused on
improving 100 percent of the time and we are making progress.? Rabbi Moss feels that through the hard work of Ms. Levitt-Klein, Student Government, the Jewish Action Committee, and the Judaics staff, Jewish life at BT is stronger than ever. High School science department chair and Bible teacher Mrs. Racheli Daniel, agrees. She believes that the vibrancy of the Judaic staff coupled with their ability to engage students Jewishly, inside as well as outside of the classroom, has contributed to tremendous Jewish and spiritual growth within the student body. Most importantly, BT Jewish life fosters immense Jewish pride in our school community. Rabbi Moss emphasizes that ?students are 100 percent proud to be Jewish?no matter where they fall on the religious spectrum.?
?One of the most important things BT can do is make kids feel like proud Jews and proud of Israel,? adds Rabbi Soskil. ?They can express that pride in sociological ways, not just religious ways.? Through strong involvement in AIPAC and other Israel-related activities, BT students demonstrate their Jewish pride inside and outside of school, and they all have unique reasons for this pride. As a senior at Beth Tfiloh and as the president of the Jewish Action Committee, I have noticed the immense Jewish pride among the high school student body. This love and excitement towards our heritage, religion, and nation is so special because it transcends the differences among us and enables us to unite as a community, with shared values.
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NBA 2016-2017 Season Preview Tal B. '19 Last year, for the first time ever, a team came back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals. Led by two straight 41-point games by Lebron James and a triple-double in Game 7, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the championship. Kevin Durant also found his inner Warrior, joining the 73-win Golden State Warriors after losing to them in the Western Conference Finals despite holding a 3-1 lead last year. Over the offseason, numerous players were traded, signed, or drafted, leading to drastic changes in each team?s outlook. Here?s a summary of the major teams' offseason moves, and how those moves will affect them over the coming season. Boston Celtics ( Last year 's record: 48-34) Major moves: Signed power forward/center Al Horford and drafted small forward Jaylen Brown with the 3rd overall pick, forward/center Guerschon Yabusele with the 16th overall pick. Outlook: Last season, the Celtics outperformed expectations under promising coach Brad Stevens. Not only did they get 48 wins, but also they had a top-5 defense (despite their starting point guard being 5?8? Isaiah Thomas). However, they lost to the Hawks in 6 games in the first round of the playoffs because of their rebounding woes and injuries to Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder. By signing Al Horford, they strengthen their front court, one of their biggest weaknesses. Because of these improvements, they can easily secure a top-3 seed this year. In addition, with an already young team, plenty of cap space, a top-tier coach, and two potential top picks over the next two years (because of a trade with the Nets which gives them Brooklyn's first round picks), the Celtics have the best chance at winning multiple championships over the next 5-10 years. Prediction: ~55 wins, top-3 seed, and potential to reach Eastern Conference Finals. Golden State War r iors ( Last year 's record: 73-9) Major moves: Signed forward Kevin Durant, center Zaza Pachulia, and power forward/center David West. Traded center Andrew Bogut for cap space needed to sign Durant. Outlook: After setting a new record for most wins
in the regular season, breaking the mark previously held by Michael Jordan?s ?95-?96 Bulls, the Warriors added a former MVP in Kevin Durant. Even though they traded Andrew Bogut and let go of Harrison Barnes, the Warriors signed this year's best free agent. Once they signed Kevin Durant, veterans Zaza Pachulia and David West signed minimum contracts - the smallest possible salary for those players - in hopes of winning a championship. Even though the team might not play well together, on paper, this team is by far the greatest ever assembled, and are therefore favorites to win the championship. Prediction: ~65 wins; this prediction is especially volatile, as it is yet to be seen how adding Kevin Durant and losing their best interior defender, Andrew Bogut, will affect the team. Los Angeles Lakers ( Last year 's record: 17-65) Major moves: Drafted forward Brandon Ingram with the 2nd overall pick and replaced coach Byron Scott with Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton. Outlook: Last year, the Lakers dedicated their season to Kobe Bryant. Because of their talent-barren roster, they finished with the worst record in the West, and second worst in the league. However, they now have the potential to improve, as their core consists of rookie forward Brandon Ingram, point guard D?Angelo Russell, guard Jordan Clarkson, and forward Julius Randle. All of these players showed potential this past season. Additionally, the Lakers replaced coach Byron Scott with Luke Walton, who led the Warriors while head coach Steve Kerr had a back injury. The new coach along with the development of their young talent means the Lakers will improve from last year, but they are still a long way from the playoffs. Prediction: ~25 wins; they will hope to improve while still having a good chance to retain their first round pick (the 76ers own the Lakers' top-3 protected pick, meaning that if the pick falls in the top 3, it belongs to the Lakers; otherwise, the 76ers receive the pick). San Antonio Spurs ( Last year 's record: 67-15) Major moves: Signed forward/center Pau Gasol. Tim Duncan retired. Outlook: Another 50-win season. Even though legend Tim Duncan retired, the Spurs have one of the best players in the league in Kawhi Leonard, and a phenomenal power forward in Lamarcus Aldridge. They brought in Pau Gasol,
who fits perfectly as a high-post playmaker in Gregg Popovich's pick and roll offense. The Spurs have won 50 or more games in 17 straight seasons, and this will most likely be number 18. They will yet again cruise to a top-3 seed in the West, and have the second best chance (after the Clippers) of defeating the Warriors. Prediction: ~55 wins. Teams that made small or no changes: - Atlanta Hawks (last year: 48-34; this year: ~45 wins) - Charlotte Hornets (last year: 48-34; this year: ~45 wins) - Cleveland Cavaliers (last year: 57-25; this year: ~55 wins ? LeBron typically rests at the end of the season if the Cavs have secured the first seed) - Detroit Pistons (last year: 44-38; this year: ~45 wins) - Houston Rockets (last year: 41-41; this year: ~45 wins) - Los Angeles Clippers (last year: 53-29; this year: ~55 wins if Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are healthy) - Portland Trail Blazers (last year: 44-38; this year: ~45 wins) - Toronto Raptors (last year: 56-26; this year: ~50 wins) - Washington Wizards (last year: 41-41; this year: ~40 wins) Teams that will improve but will not contend: - Brooklyn Nets (last year: 21-61; this year: ~25 wins dependent on Brook Lopez's health) - Denver Nuggets (last year: 33-49; this year: ~40 wins) - Milwaukee Bucks (last year: 33-49; this year: ~40 wins) - New Orleans Pelicans (last year: 30-52; this year: ~30 wins, dependent on Anthony Davis's health) -Phoenix Suns (last year: 23-59; this year: ~25 wins) - Sacramento Kings (last year: 33-49; this year: ~30 wins, dependent on whether they trade Demarcus Cousins for draft picks at the trade deadline) Teams that improved and will win more games and/ or make the playoffs: -Dallas Mavericks (last year: 42-40; this year: ~45 wins) - Memphis Grizzlies (last year: 42-40; this year: ~45 wins, dependent on Mark Gasol and Chandler Parsons' health) - Orlando Magic (last year: 35-47; this year: ~40 wins) - Utah Jazz (last year: 40-42; this year: ~45 wins, dependent on Rudy Gobert's health)
Jewnion Continued from front page Shabbatfest. You?ll notice some changes at next month?s Weiner Tournament, too. In the past, social events during the weekdays of the tournament were only available for players; this year, we are planning a concert where everyone, including non-players, can attend. Moreover, each grade this year has had, or will have, their own Shabbaton in addition to our school-wide Shabbaton this coming March. These will allow for more bonding with your classmates, which many students have requested over the last couple years. And let?s not forget the issue that has plagued BT high schoolers for
the longest time: The Tissue Issue. I?m excited to announce that BT has ordered tissues so every classroom in the high school will have a box of tissues at all times. No need to fear ? your winter colds and spring allergies will be well taken care of! I would like to remind everyone that if you ever have any suggestions, questions, or feedback for Student Government, you can always come to Teva, Dahlia, Jessica, myself, or your grade representatives. On behalf of the entire Student Government, we look forward to making this year fun, exciting, successful, and meaningful for everyone in the high school.
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BT's "Lost in Yonkers" Por trays Immigration Challenges Julia S. '20 This year?s High School fall play, Neil Simon?s "Lost in Yonkers," dramatically depicts the lives of Jay and Arty when their father, Eddie, travels south for work. Contributing to the war effort by collecting scrap iron, Eddie endeavors to repay his debt and provide his children with a satisfactory life. To do so, he leaves his teenage sons with their highly dysfunctional family, forcing Jay, the older son, to raise Arty among the clan?s issues and insecurities. While illustrating the life of these boys, Simon employs humor to soften his portrayal of the grim aspects of Jewish immigration. As teenagers who are part of a diverse community, the students at Beth Tfiloh High School often encounter immigrants or Jews of different nationalities. We positively and respectfully embrace each other?s differences while learning from these unfamiliar cultures from around the world. From that perspective, life at Beth Tfiloh resembles the key themes presented in "Lost in Yonkers." Every year, kids who have immigrated to the US, or have parents who emigrated from countries such as Israel, South Africa, Russia, and Mexico, enroll at BT and must adjust to American culture, traditions, and lifestyles. Eedan S. ?20, who emigrated from Israel, expressed that ?as a kid in Israel, there is much more freedom?you can walk to many places without the need of parents, and if you are close with your friends, you just go whenever you want.? In fact, adapting to safety concerns and
increased crime rates proved crucial to his adjustment in America. Although negatives such as safety concerns, financial situations and language barriers often arise for immigrants, the many opportunities America provides ultimately outweigh the challenges. Eedan noted that ?in America, people [in the community] are more polite, respectful, and considerate,? Photo by Mrs. Rina Goloskov making the transition easier through their support and assistance. Fortunately, people in our Jewish community are willing to encourage and aid these newcomers, helping them thrive and maximize their skills and talents in their new environment. Most recently, America has been faced with a controversial immigration dilemma. Fleeing the harsh conditions caused by the Syrian civil war, millions of refugees legally fled to America over the past few years. Undoubtedly, many of these refugees experienced extreme cultural shock when they encountered our foreign customs,
traditions, and lifestyles. Like Yonkers?Eddie, the Syrian refugees struggle financially and they risked their lives seeking acceptance and opportunity. Although organizations raised money to assist the people, there remains a dire need for support from communities like Eedan?s which are selfless and considerate. BT's production of "Lost in Yonkers" offered audience members a way to connect to these very timely issues happening both in our own BT community and across the country.
Trends Continued from page 3 This change is very controversial for a few reasons. First, if Facebook's curators truly did not violate company policy, then they were fired for simply doing their jobs. After all, according to Zuckerberg, the curators did not purposely suppress right-wing media; therefore, Facebook's decision to fire the curators is questionable. More importantly, without human curators, false news runs rampant because stories trend based on popularity, not based on the quality or accuracy of information. Thus, the absence of curators allows fake news to gain traction and trend on Facebook. This problem manifested when an article claimed that former Fox News anchor, Megyn Kelly, had been fired from Fox News because she was a secret liberal who supported presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Because this story trended on Facebook, it demonstrates the problems that arise when human curators do not select articles for the Trending Topics feature.
In response to this story's popularity in the trending section, Facebook says it is working on suppressing false news by tweaking the algorithm. While one can hope that tweaking the algorithm will work, the algorithm's efficacy in removing biases is dubious. While algorithms are certainly helpful and do not have inherent cognitive biases, they are still affected by biases. When human programmers design algorithms, they develop various inputs that the algorithm uses to identify Trending Topics news items. Therefore, the programmers' biases affect the inputs that control the algorithm, thus creating a biased algorithm, leaving Facebook in a difficult dilemma: Facebook must either use algorithms that have less bias than human curators but that can cause the trending of false news, or use human curators that demonstrate bias but prevent the spread of false news. Either way, Facebook is stuck and it must decide which flawed solution it prefers.
Insomnia Continued from page 2 suppression of melatonin production was, on average, the same.
admitted to waking up from notification sounds at least a few times per week.
But blue light is not insomnia?s only culprit; content viewed during a late night web browsing session may also contribute. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine describes two different types of device usage: passive and interactive. Passive activity, such as watching a movie or simply browsing the web, may not contribute as much to insomnia as interactive activity, which includes communication, troubling or stressful emails, video games, and social media, all of which keep the brain alert and engaged. Leaving cell phone ringers on can also disrupt sleep; according to a National Sleep Foundation poll, 22 percent of Americans reported doing so, and as many as 10 percent
Even though temporary insomnia is the most immediate result of using technology before bed, doctors have discovered several others. The National Sleep Foundation presents research connecting adequate sleep with growth, learning, mood, creativity, and even weight control. Other studies show that a constantly shifting circadian rhythm can raise blood-sugar levels in addition to reducing leptin, the hormone that triggers a full feeling after a meal, potentially causing diabetes and obesity. Some preliminary studies show that lower melatonin levels can even be associated with cancer. Upon discovery of the consequences of blue
light, several computer programmers have released applications intended to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from device screens. Such programs include Night Shift mode for Apple devices, the Twilight app for Android devices, and Flux for desktops running both Apple and Windows operating systems and smartphone platforms. While these programs may allow us to use our devices closer to bedtime, there is a time and place for technology in our lives, and to avoid possibly severe consequences, the bedroom should not be one of those places. Ultimately, we must challenge ourselves to shut off and unplug our various devices for the few hours before bed ? if we do not already ? so as to enjoy a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
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Get to Know Dr. Koplon Andrew K. '20 What is your favor ite game or spor t to watch and play? I'm not really an athlete, but I enjoy tennis and basketball. What is your favor ite ice cream? Mint chocolate chip. What is your biggest fear ? Drinking spoiled milk. What is one of your hidden talents? Proofreading. What is your favor ite cuisine? Sushi (Japanese).
What was the last book that you read? Suddenly a Knock on the Door by Etgar Keret. What do you do when you are not in school? Yoga. If you were given the chance to sing at Karaoke Night, what song would you sing? "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. What makes you laugh the most? My husband. If you could go back in time, what year would you go to and why? 1983, so I could relive college!
Introducing...Cycleball Nathan F. '18 Do you like bikes? Do you also have a burning passion for a sport that a good deal of America doesn?t care about, that we for some reason call soccer? Then Cycle Ball is the sport for you! The game has existed since the late 1800s and was meant to be an alternative to polo for people who couldn?t afford to own and maintain a horse. Cycleball is similar to soccer in the sense that the objective is to score more goals then the other team. However, rather than kicking the ball, player must jerk their bikes forward in a quick motion or spin the front tire quickly to rifle the ball past the goalie or to pass it to other teammates. Heading is also allowed. The bikes are specially designed for the sport, and are heavier then a typical bicycle to increase stability, which is needed in this sport where quick acceleration and near-sudden stops are par for the course. On the other hand, the bikes have only one gear and no handbrake. Teams are often comprised of two players. Cycleball is usually played inside, but can be played outside as long as it is played on a 11m x 4m court. Known as Radball in its mother country, Germany, Cycleball is slowly picking up popularity throughout Europe but is almost completely unknown in the States. So if you ever find yourself standing on a field that is 11m x 4m with three other comrades and you have bikes, a soccer ball, and two goals, why not play a quick game of Cycleball?
Photo by Armin KĂźbelbeck
Daniel's Delicious Shakshuka Recipe Daniel B. '17
Editors-in-Chief Alyse M. '17 and Jordan C. '17
Ingredients: -
Managing Editor Ryan S. '17
1 small can of tomatoes Half of an onion Four eggs 1/ 2 tsp. paprika Salt Two sprinkles of pepper 1 tsp parsley flakes One piece of fresh parsley 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 spicy pepper of your choice
Instr uctions: 1. Dice the onion and cook it on medium-low heat in a small pan until brown around the edges. 2. Drain the can of tomatoes, mince the spicy pepper, and add both to the pan. 3. Add half a teaspoon of paprika to the mix and let it all simmer until the onions soften and most of the water from the can of tomatoes evaporates. 4. Crack all four eggs into a bowl ? make sure to keep yolks whole.
insight
Design and Layout Alyssa M. '17
5. Flatten the onions and tomatoes that are in the pan and pour the four eggs on top. Grind some pepper onto the eggs, then add some salt. After that, sprinkle paprika onto the eggs so they look and taste even better. 6. Cover if possible and let it cook until the clear part of the egg becomes white. 7. When serving, take a piece of fresh parsley and place it gently on top. It makes it look really fancy! This recipe is brought to you by the Culinary Committee
Staff Daniel B. '17, Rayut B. '17, Tal B. '19, Avi C. '17, Nathan F. '18, Natan G. '19, Andrew K. '20, Ezra S. '18, Julia S. '20 Faculty Adviser Mrs. Rina Goloskov