Cougar Chronicle 2025 September Edition

September 2025

The Cougar Chronicle

JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY

The People’s Story of Hurricane Katrina

JillianShweky,Editor-in-Chief

Acts of God generally refer to natural disasters that cause utter devastation. As I watch the sun set from my window, on another beautiful summer day in August, it is hard to imagine that on this very day, 20 years ago, the people of New Orleans were experiencing just that type of utter devastation as Hurricane Katrina ravaged their homes and their lives. The new film, Hurricane Katrina - Race Against Time, directed by Emmy Award and Academy Award nominee Traci A. Curry, takes viewers on a 5 part journey reliving and analyzing the terrors of the storm, but interestingly, not just those caused by an Act of God, but Acts of Man as well. This documentary reminds viewers that Hurricane Katrina is far from a distant historical event. It still lives in the memories of survivors, and the film pulls the audience back into the summer of 2005 to confront their horrors firsthand.

In its aftermath, enormous numbers of New Orleans residents could not leave the city, not because they chose to stay, but because poverty, disability, or circumstance kept them trapped. The media called them “refugees.” This should have elicited compassion from the American public, concerned for their own people in crisis, yet, according to the documentary, many felt denigrated, treated as if these circumstances were somehow of their own making.

One part of the documentary focuses on the approximately 16,000 people, fleeing rising waters, pouring into Caesar’s Superdome in the heart of New Orleans, and the chaos that ensued, turning this safe haven into a nightmare. The Seattle Times wrote that those surviving in the Superdome were urinating on the floor, in humid, unairconditioned heat, with little food, and unable to leave. At least two people were raped, one being a child. People were dead, one man jumping to his death. The circumstances were inhumane.

were abandoned in one of the nation’s largest shelters without adequate planning or protection.

While conditions inside the Superdome were undeniably dire, the media’s portrayal of the crisis was often sensationalized and misrepresented reality, ultimately amplifying fear and shifting attention away from the true struggles of those trapped inside.

According to the LA Times, the reporters blurred the line between fact and fiction when it came to the activity in the Superdome. Mayor C. Ray Nagin was quoted on the Oprah Winfrey Show, saying that people were “in that frickin’ Superdome for five days watching dead bodies, watching hooligans killing people, raping people.” Such statements, widely repeated in the media, heightened public fear and painted a picture of lawlessness that was later found to be largely overstated.

These characterizations were devastating for those who had nowhere else to go. The documentary works to focus on the real story of the suffering and to correct the narrative. According to rollingout.com, Curry herself said that the film disproves the idea that “that there were all these murders and rapes and predatory behavior. He got it right there on video … you know, surely some of those things were happening in the city, because there are always people who are opportunists, but that is by and large, not the story.”

In addition to the Superdome crisis, 1,833 deaths were reported to be caused by this Hurricane, many of which could have been prevented. The film reveals that extensive oil and gas extraction over decades had significantly weakened New Orleans’ natural hurricane defenses. Compounding this vulnerability, the government was unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude. In the days leading up to Katrina’s landfall, residents anxiously monitored the storm’s approach, and, as survivor Lucrece Phillips recalls, there was “a quiet calmness that was deafening.”

The documentary explains how the people in the Superdome were living in conditions mirroring third-world countries. The authorities became more aggressive with the citizens when their job was to protect them. Furthermore, according to The Guardian’s review of the documentary, the commander of the relief taskforce, Gen Russel Honoré, claimed he had to remind soldiers not to intimidate by “waving their guns” when their sole responsibility was to help the people they were threatening.

According to The Seattle Times, conditions inside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina quickly descended into misery and despair. Trapped in suffocating heat without air conditioning, with little food or water, and no way out, survivors were left to urinate on the floor and endure days of neglect. These circumstances were not only inhumane but also a stark reflection of government failure, as thousands of the most vulnerable citizens

The documentary reveals that in 2004, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency ) conducted a hurricane simulation on New Orleans and called it Hurricane Pam. Simulating breached levees, mass displacement, and the need for a large-scale federal rescue operation foreshadowed Hurricane Katrina. However, nothing ever came of the simulation. Funding was cut short, and the warning signs were ignored, ultimately contributing to the lack of preparedness for the storm that came only one year later.

Hurricane Katrina: A Race Against Time captures the frantic struggle to prepare a city before disaster struck, revealing how warnings went unheeded and resources fell short. The film highlights systemic failures, human impact and the consequences of inaction. As survivor and community organizer Malik Rahim warns, “A tragedy is when we fail to do what we should be doing.”

Easy and Tasty Lunches for Those Busy School Days

That panic in the morning when you snoozed your alarm one too many times and are racing to get to school just in time to sign in and be sitting at a desk in class before 8:15: It happens to the best of us, and during those hectic mornings the priority of a healthy and filling lunch may drop to the bottom of our to-do list. I know I have had mornings where, half asleep, I grab a couple of nutritionless snacks from my pantry. While at the moment I may not care, when lunch time rolls around, I always regret not taking the time to make myself a lunch that will give me both energy and joy. Being a rising senior, (and being told many times that I bring the best lunches to school), I have come to master the quick, easy, and delicious lunch concept, so here are a few of my classic meals (in a bit of a gourmet manner).

Main course:

Turkey Wrap- This recipe takes around 6 minutes to prepare (this has been tested) and is nutritious, filling, and incredibly tasty.

• Flower Tortilla wrap

• Sliced kosher turkey breast of your choice

• Two leaves of Romaine Lettuce

• Two slices of tomato

• Sliced Onion

• Honey mustard and Mayo layered on the tortilla prior to the rest of the ingredients

Chia Seed Yogurt Bowl- This meal can double as breakfast, but something I enjoy for lunch. It is quick, easy and a delicious meal.

• Greek yogurt (or the yogurt of your choice) mixed with honey

• Sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds on for some crunch

• You can add hemp seeds for additional protein

• Your choice of granola

• Top with your favorite fruits (my go to arestrawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)

Pasta- This is a “go to” of mine. If you boil the

JillianShweky,Editor-in-Chief

pasta the night before, the extra prep the next morning will take less than 5 minutes.

• Boil your favorite pasta (mine are bowties or Rigatoni)

• Use your favorite marinara sauce (mine is Rao’s)

• Season a bit extra with garlic powder, salt, and pepper

• Add shaved parmesan on top that can be melted in a school microwave

Greek Salad- While this might take a little longer to make, it is actually my favorite meal in the world, as it is something I never get sick of, so I thought it was important to include. I think my friends and I would consider this my most iconic lunch dish (and it also happens to

be their favorite too). It is so good that I have even packed a massive Greek salad that my friends and I all shared for lunch.

• Romain Lettuce

• Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)

• Red onion (diced into small squares)

• Cucumber (sliced)

• Pepper (diced)

• Kalamata olives (pitted)

• Pepperonchini peppers (if u like to spice up your food)

• Chickpea or cannellini beans (for some protein)

• Feta Cheese

• Oregano

Dressing

• Proportion of 2:1 of olive oil to red wine vinegar

• A splash of lemon juice

• A teaspoon of Dijon mustard

• A sprinkle of salt

Side dishes

• Veggies and ranch or hummus

• Trader Joes Takis and cream cheese

• A banana and peanut butter

• Apple and peanut butter

• Wheat Thin Crackers and Cheddar Cheese

• Made Good Granola “Minis” (my favorite is the strawberry flavor)

• Pretzels

• Popcorn

• Chips and hummus

My mother tells me that my great-grandmother Basia, whom I am named for, used to say that cooking is love, and when you prepare something with love, it tastes exponentially better. A big part of self-love is truly enjoying the food you make and being proud of your work. I hope these recipes can bring you all the pride and happiness they have brought me!

Escaping The Post Summer Slump

There’s a nagging sense of dread that sets in as August slowly rolls to a close. School is about to start. There’s definitely excitement attached; you get to see friends and be with them all day, but there’s also the fear of jumping back into a busy work schedule. So how do we escape that post-summer slump? Personally, what has worked for me has been dividing up my Summer homework and acting like it’s school work, and September 2nd is its due date. This way,

YoniBleier,OpinionEditor

when I do get homework at school, it doesn’t feel as foreign as it would have had I done no homework since June. Furthermore, in the last week before school starts, I like to get up earlier, not too early, of course, but still add in some more structure to my morning routine, which will be necessary for when school does start. Another key cheat code is to start going to bed at a normal-ish time. I don’t know about you, but my average bedtime in the Summer is

around 2 AM, which would absolutely wreck me during the school year. Also, as rising juniors, there’s a lot of SAT work on our plates, so it may benefit you to start getting into a good work routine before school, so that on school nights, you already know what you need to do. The same applies to all grades; think of it as preseason, but for work or a job. No matter what, it’s going to be a great year!

Barrack Soccer Revolution

HannahHulnick, Features&GamesEditor

As we return to the halls for the upcoming school year, there is no better way to kick things off than with team spirit and high hopes for what could be Barracks’ best soccer season yet. With our hopes for improvement in the season come many changes to help along with the process. We are honored to welcome our new boys’ varsity coach, Coach Tyler Weiss (alongside many staff members), new benches for comfort on and off the field, and equipment to help make the training sessions better. Tyler emphasizes team chemistry and the importance of a strong spirit. Going far enough to state the equality between mental and team dynamics has in comparison with any skill or ability on the field. Tyler also shares how his vision for Barrack Athletics extends off the field, from supporting other

teams, filling the bleachers, and creating an environment where people feel they have the resources to grow. He stated his vision “is to create

compete against some of the best teams in the state.” Recognizing that “too often are the top players choosing other private schools due to their athletic environment.”

a high-level athletic program, where Jewish students can choose Barrack for the Jewish life and

Study Hacks That Actually Work

SamiUfberg,CenterspreadEditor

Coinciding with change, we acknowledge the welcoming and positive environment on and off the field Barrack is known to have. For, as the girls’ varsity coach, Pan Karalis, says, “If there’s one thing our group doesn’t lack, it’s team spirit!”

As we move into the season, we are working to incorporate change while sustaining the solid foundation our teams already have to create a competitive and committed culture, both on and off the field.

Make sure to get ready to support our teams and prepare for the Barracks soccer revolution!

The start of a new school year means adjusting to new classes, schedules, and routines. It can also mean relearning how to study effectively after a long summer break. To make that transition easier, we researched strategies that help students focus, stay organized, and remember what they’ve learned. These are the study hacks that passed the real-world test.

1. The Pomodoro Power-Up

The idea is simple: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. The idea is to create a sense of urgency and prevent burnout by avoiding long study blocks. Many students find that this method keeps them engaged for longer and helps them maintain energy levels throughout the session. The short break acts as a mental reset, making it easier to come back refreshed and ready to tackle the next section of material.

2. Teach It to Someone Else

One of the most effective ways to solidify your knowledge is to explain it to another person. This method works because it forces you to reframe complex ideas into simple terms, identify gaps in your understanding, and think about material from a different perspective. Even if you don’t have an actual audience, talking through the material out loud can help trigger active recall and strengthen your memory.

3. Move While You Memorize

Physical activity can be a surprisingly effective study method. Walking, pacing, or even stretching while reviewing flashcards or reciting information can help stimulate blood flow to the brain, improving memory.

4. The Two-Pen Trick

Color-coding your notes can make them more organized and easier to review. The two pen trick involves using one color for key points (like definitions, formulas, or main ideas) and another for personal notes, examples, or questions. This creates a clear visual separation between essential content and your thoughts. When it’s time to study, later your eyes will naturally be drawn to the most critical information first.

5. The Silent Playlist

Music can help create a study-friendly atmosphere; however, lyrics often compete with the words on the page, making it harder for you to focus. Instead, instrumental music (i.e, classical pieces, karaoke playlists) provides a steady rhythm without the distraction of language. These genres are designed to maintain a consistent energy level, which can keep you focused for more extended periods. Experimenting with different playlists can help you find the style that best keeps your mind engaged.

AI Isn’t Only for Writing Essays

EvanBerman,Editor-in-Chief

While some students view certain AI algorithms like ChatGPT and perplexity to be their best friends at school, scientists are developing a new use for it. Mia, a tool created by Imperial College London and Kheiron Medical Technologies, is using AI to help detect breast cancer. In order to test Mia’s effectiveness, researchers conducted a study involving women with breast cancer.

In Hungary, where the study took place, mammograms — X-rays of the breast — were analyzed by two radiologists. These radiologists examined the scans, and if they suspected cancerous tissue, they would ask the woman to return for further testing, known as “recall.”

In the study, Mia was added as an additional ‘reader’ for the mammograms of 25,065 women. From April 2021 to January 2023, across four Hungarian screening sites, Mia would analyze the scans after the usual two radiologists did. If it caught any potential false negatives, a third human reader would decide whether or not to recall the woman. These particular scans were deemed healthy by humans, but Mia was able to point out more subtle signs of cancerous tissue.

Throughout the three phases of the study, Mia was able to find 24 more cancers than the regular human readers did. This was a 7% increase, and 70 more women were recalled than if Mia had not examined the scans. More cancers were found during the additional recalls, which increased the relative cancer detection by up to 13%. Moreover, 83% of the cancers detected by Mia were invasive, proving that Mia can catch cancers when early detection is crucial.

Dr. Ben Glocker, co-author of the study from Imperial’s Department of Computing, says, “These results have exceeded our expectations. Our study shows that using AI can act as an effective safety net — a tool to prevent subtler signs of cancer falling through the cracks. Seeing first hand that the use of AI could substantially reduce the rate of missed cancers in breast screening is massive, and a major boost for our mission to transform cancer care with AI technology.”

The next step, researchers say, is to replicate the study in other countries with varying types of screening processes and populations. Also, patients were followed up for two to nine months after the study, so to be able to more accurately assess Mia’s functionality, a longer follow-up period will be necessary. Another study conducted in the UK is on its way to confirming the AI reader’s accuracy, and is hoping to begin another study in the US.

Ali Baron, one of Kheiron’s former patients, explains that in 2019, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. While it was good luck that Baron’s breast cancer was caught early, she hopes that one day it will not be entirely due to luck.

“I would love for Mia to be in place and know that this was working in the background to help radiologists. This technology should be there for all women,” says Baron. Glocker responded by ensuring that the scientists at Kheiron and Imperial were working hard to ensure that as many women as possible would benefit from the use of this new technology.

Gerrymandering: Why is it Important

With political polarization seemingly at an all-time high, each party does everything it can to gain the advantage. One tactic used to try and gain control of the House of Representatives is called gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is when a party tries to manipulate a state’s district map to favor itself and gain more seats in the House. In the 2024 House election, it is estimated that previous gerrymandering led the Republican Party to gain a sixteen-seat advantage over the Democratic Party. This makes a huge difference as the Republicans only lead the Democrats by seven seats in the House. If there wasn’t any gerrymandering within states, then the Democratic Party would most likely have control of the House, thereby severely limiting the president’s power. Even so, gerrymandering doesn’t only benefit one side. In

MicahFriedman,LayoutEditor

states like Nevada, even though in the Presidential Election the Republicans received the majority of

teen seats to the Republicans’ three. While gerrymandering can hurt or help each party at different times, the one thing it will always

the votes, the district maps were drawn so that the Republicans would only hold one of the state’s four seats in the House. Additionally, in Illinois, a state where the Democratic Party only won the presidential election by around ten percent, the Democrats hold four-

hurt is democracy. Gerrymandering allows politicians to gain more power and give less to the citizens of the country, as the politicians are given the power to manipulate the vote. While it is always wrong that this phenomenon takes power away from the people, it is now

more important than ever before. Recently, in Texas, lawmakers have decided to redraw the districts in the middle of census years to help the Republican Party take five additional seats in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In response to Texas’s decision, California Governor Gavin Newsom posted an image on X of his proposal for a California redraw of the districts if Texas moves ahead, giving the Democratic Party additional seats. This battle has led to much discussion in other states as well as to whether or not a redraw of the districts should be done. Overall, for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, it is extremely difficult to predict which party will come out with the majority due to all of the uncertainties around redrawing the districts. In the end, if the districts do get redrawn, the power will shift even further from the hands of the people into the hands of politicians.

California Proposed District Map

The Trumpian Isolationist Fealty Paradox

The past few months have undoubtedly brought many Americans anger, frustration, confusion, or some composite emotion thereof. Economic uncertainty continues to plague American families, largely economic laymen, who simply struggle to track the ebbing and flowing of the economy and its political undercurrents, especially vis-à-vis the new presidential administration. Since before his inauguration, President Donald J. Trump, his inner circle, and now, his cabinet, advanced tariffs (i.e., taxes paid by American companies when importing goods from foreign nations) as the perfect vector for economic growth, as well as reputedly for catalyzing American manufacturing and generating Treasury revenue. Instead of reaping the benefits of an economic renaissance, American consumers have begun to shoulder the ensuing financial implications of the tariffs. Simply put, an average tariff effective rate of 18.2% – across the board – is bound to manifest (if not already) commensurately in the prices Americans pay for everyday imported goods. But to look at pure math misses the point. Yes, tariffs will only indiscriminately raise prices for consumers in an already tenuous economic environment, but curing an ailing economy is not Trump’s end goal. In truth, underneath a plan to reinvigorate American jobs and generate revenue for the treasury lies a cunning foreign policy stratagem that is poised to backfire miserably on the United States and its leaders. Idealistically, to Trump, every levy is a call for another foreign country to submit: either work with (or perhaps, “for” is more apropos) the United States or watch your economy implode without American investment.

FlynnGoldstein,StaffWriter

No competent advisor could blindly sanction such reckless behavior unless they understood the President’s strategy, sardonically categorized by a New York financier as “throw[ing] out an unreasonable proposition… then pivot[ing], diminish[ing] expectations, and tell[ing] people you achieved victory”. Hence, Trump, by no mistake, has placed the greatest tariff rates on countries entirely dependent on American commerce, expressly because they are the most powerless. Because of their powerlessness, countries have no choice but to reach out the proverbial olive branch (or white flag), urgently capitulate, and sign a one-sided trade “deal” as Trump rejoices in his vassals’ fealty. But President Trump’s genius ploy is paradoxical: each addition to the patchwork of levies and fragile accords only dampens the immediacy of the tariff threat. In other words, each successive country understands that Trump is driven to dealmaking for political optics and thus emboldened to resist. Their rationale: Trump cannot conceivably hunker down on untenable tariffs (potentially constituting effective embargos) which threaten his own economy. Likewise, each deal only stymies the creation of American jobs. American companies are accustomed to (and now expect) perpetual tariff reprieves, which make importing still financially tenable, negating the urgency to relocate manufacturing. The battle against China is a perfect example of the ultimate Trumpian tariff paradox. Realizing that his 145% tariffs were unfeasible (and potentially harmful to the American economy), Trump – likely under mounting pressure from wealthy mercantile donors –slashed them to their current 30%. American companies, able to continue operations at a

30% tariff rate, only preserve the status quo and continue commerce with China instead of establishing new manufacturing opportunities in the United States. Moreover, because Americans rely heavily on the continuity of Chinese commerce, Trump granted a 90-day reprieve on August 12th, only dampening the proverbial punch his tariffs have against a foreign adversary and effectively capitulating in reverse. Trump is deceiving himself if he thinks pared-down tariff rates are going to solve the U.S. government’s deficit woes. Even if fringe models predict that tariff revenue could ameliorate the ever-growing national debt, they almost certainly circumvent the countless deals Trump has struck at more realistic, decreased levy rates. His own “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, signed into law on July 4th, raised the deficit by $3.4 trillion, only digging the government’s grave that much deeper.

A final word: Tariffs levied in moderation are an effective source of revenue and double as a foreign policy instrument. But transposing “aggressive real-estate techniques in an international context” – in the words of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick – is purely a recipe for disaster. Trump’s weaponization of tariffs to threaten desperate foreign nations only turns the mirror around; preying on the weak only weakens the aggressor. Commerce derives from the Latin “comm”, meaning “together”. Strong economies rest upon strong and level relationships. Trumpian isolationist fealty only makes the king subservient to his own vassals.

A Shared Past Shapes a Peaceful Future in Alaska

RyanFink,WorldNewsEditor

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump were in a not-so-unfamiliar location for both of their countries’ histories when they met on August 15th. Alaska, both America’s most remote state and its closest point to Russia, served as the location of a summit planned in just seven days. The summit was a meeting quickly planned by President Trump in an attempt to end the war in Ukraine. The summit was Putin’s first visit to the U.S. in almost a decade and his first time visiting the former Russian territory. The meeting’s location was seen as a strategic one for the President, one that would allow Trump to flex his military might (flying a B-2 bomber during Putin’s arrival) as well as a place to unite the two nations’ histories. Alaska was a Russian colony from 1799 to 1867, which served as a point for Russian traders to exploit the local animal populations for their

lucrative fur. The colony was eventually seen as unprofitable, resulting in its sale to the U.S for just $7.2 million (or $152 million in today’s money). This shared heritage led to the meeting having more meaning for both participating nations. The meeting location also allowed Putin to be removed from the continent of Europe, where he holds few friends. Although the location had a shared history between the two, the progress that was made at the summit was minimal. No ceasefire, no prisoner swap, the only thing that was achieved at the summit was a sense of urgency by Trump to get a deal done. Trump had previously stated during a press conference at the White House that he would “know exactly whether or not a deal can be made... probably in the first two minutes,”. Though Trump himself admitted that the two countries “didn’t get

there” when referring to a peace agreement, he believes that there is a “very good chance of getting there”. In short, Trump’s takeaway from the summit was that the stage was set for an actual deal to come to fruition.

One country that was missing from this unsuccessful summit was the one that had been invaded, Ukraine. Ukraine’s abstinence caused many European countries and their leaders to be upset with the Trump administration. This caused Trump to quickly assemble another summit with both Ukraine and the U.S’s European allies, including Italy, Britain, and France. There, more progress was made, especially when it came to Ukraine’s role in the peace agreement.

All in all, time will tell if the two summits played a role in the forward progress towards peace in Ukraine.

Those Still Held in Gaza

ClaireEnglander,IsraelEditor

While we continue to pray for the release of the hostages and their return to safety, it is important to remember who they are Article:

As we come back to school, approaching the new year of 5786, we must continue to remember the 50 hostages that are still held in Gaza, nearly two years after they were taken on October 7th, 2023. As of August 2025, Israel believes there are roughly 20 living hostages and 30 deceased.

The IDF continues to expand operations in Gaza, leading offensive strikes with little hopes of a ceasefire or hostage deal. Tensions continue to rise in Israel as hostage families protest the government’s actions, yearning for the long-awaited return of the remaining hostages so they are out of danger of both Hamas’s inhumane captivity and the underlying risk of harm from Israel’s ongoing military operations. While we continue to pray for the release of the hostages and their return to safety, it is important to remember who they are. Here are some stories of four of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza.

Matan Angrest

Matan Angrest is an Israeli Soldier who was kidnapped from his tank by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Matan is from Kiryat Bialick and the oldest of four siblings. He is a dedicated student, and he loves to play soccer. Angrest is one of the twenty hostages believed to still be alive, but it has been reported that he is in critical condition after sustaining multiple injuries and experiencing starvation and torture.

Eliyahu Margalit z’’l

Eliyahu Margalit went to feed his horses in the stable of Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7th, 2023, where he was then murdered by Hamas, and his body was taken to Gaza. Eliyahu’s daughter, Nili, was also kidnapped on October 7th and was released on November 30th, 2023, while her father’s body remains in Gaza. Margalit loved animals; he oversaw the kibbutz’s livestock operations, and he was the biggest cattle breeder in the country. He is survived by his wife, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Elkana Bohbot

Elkana Bohbot was kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova music festival on October 7th, 2023. He went to the festival to have fun with friends and stayed to help evacuate the wounded before saving himself. He has been in three videos that Hamas has published, the most recent video being from mid-April. Elkana is married with a four-year-old child.

Rom Braslavski

Rom Braslavski was working as a security guard at the Nova music festival on October 7th, 2023, when he was abducted by Hamas. He led a group of people to get stones for self-defense and was able to make the attackers retreat somewhat. He got multiple people to safety even after hurting both of his hands, and even then, he continued to try to save others under heavy fire. Rom appeared in a video released by Hamas in April 2025. It was the first time the family had seen him since he had been kidnapped.

Many memories come to mind when reflecting on my year as a Diller Teen Fellow, a part of the Philly cohort. Diller is a teen fellowship for 10th and 11th grade Jewish teenagers from across the United States, Israel and beyond. Encompassing cohorts from 6 different continents Diller teaches Jewish teens to take on roles of leadership within their communities, schools, and social lives. Although my year with Diller is one that I will never forget it is something that I could not have imagined just a year and a half ago when I was nominated to apply to the program. At first I thought nothing of it. I stared at the first page of the application having no idea how I was going to answer the many different questions listed on the application. It took me a couple of months (and some from persuasion from my mother) but I decided to put my all into the application and I was lucky enough to be invited to a group of interview where I was selected from a diverse pool of applicants to be apart of Diller Philadelphia’s eight cohort. Before my 1oth grade year even began I had to prepare myself to embark on a journey that would take me everywhere from hosting to Israeli fellows, to travelling to Georgia and Alabama to experience to learn about the civil rights. Before any of that though the cohort had to first meet with one another. One our first “mifgash” or meeting, we were introduced to one another and the incredible experience we were about to start. We were introduced to one another and the broader Diller international community at this meeting, including our sister cohort in Israel, Herzilya. These new friends, near and far, allowed me to experience Judaism in a whole new way. I got a feel for others’ backgrounds and identities, something that could have only

My Diller Year

RyanFink,WorldNewsEditor

been achieved by the programming at Diller. Another key experience for me was the chance to attend three wonderful Shabbatonim, with one in Philly taking place in early December, and the other two at Camp Pinemere in the Poconos. There, we experienced a Jewish leadership shabbaton, and the other a shabbaton with our Herzliya fellows during the Jew-

ish Community Mifgash, otherwise known as J.C.M. These experiences were made even more special because of the work that we as fellows put in. Every fellow made the Jewish Leadership Shabbaton and J.C.M. Shabbaton a reality. These experiences have made me appreciate the work that Diller and the Jewish Federation do for me and the Jewish experiences afforded to me this year. They have provided me with experiences I will never forget, and have also allowed me to build bonds with Diller fellows in Israel, especially those who stayed with me for the wonderful week and a half when they came to Philly. My fellows and dear friends Dvir and Uri made my Diller year much better by allowing me to learn what Israeli life is like. They also taught me how to be, as they said, a “cool Jew”. Diller allowed me to experience things with my fellows that I never imagined, even introducing them to friends from Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. All these experiences with my fellows gave me a bond I

wish to continue on my next visit to the holy land. I also had a fantastic time showing Dvir and Uri the American Jewish experience and the differences of being a Jew in America. This experience of teaching my fellows about the nuances of being Jewish in America versus being Jewish in Israel made me feel that I was making a lasting impact on the fellows. Although this year has been full of emotion, both happy and sad, it was upsetting to hear of the cancellation of Diller’s International Conference, but also something that was understood by many of Diller’s fellows. Although we cannot meet up as one group of fellows in Israel, Diller Philadelphia was allowed to attend the Etgar program in Georgia and Alabama. There, we will have a learning experience on the civil rights movement and the contribution of Jews towards that cause. This experience will allow our cohort to grow and learn, something that Diller continues to provide with each new experience. And although it may not be what we had planned our year around, it will end an Amazing Diller adventure. With all this being said, I must remain forever grateful for the people who made all these experiences a reality. For that, I must also thank our coordinators Darren Rabbinotz and Barrie Mittica, our assistant coordinator Dana Michlin, the cohort’s two junior counselors Judah Blitstein and Andrew Stearn, as well as the countless figures at the Jewish Federation and Diller International, who have made my Diller experience that much better. I also thank Theo Novick for nominating me for this fellowship and changing my perspective on Judaism. Without him, I would have never embarked on this journey in the first place.

Teen Tours in Warzones

As my summer began, it was unclear if my tour in Israel was going to be cancelled. As American Jews, unfortunately, we are always aware of the possibility of our plans being cancelled in Israel at any moment since the war started on October 7th. Things had slowed to a point where El Al was back to transporting people to and from Israel, and then the war with Iran started. Two days into the war, it became pretty clear that my summer in Israel was most likely going to be cancelled, so I started scrambling to find jobs elsewhere. At the last minute, about a week before I was set to leave for Israel, El Al announced that our flight was uncancelled and my trip would now be uncancelled too. I was so happy and even more excited to go now, I hadn’t been back for ten years, so it would be like going for the first time.

I was not nervous because I trusted that if NCSY and El Al were running my program,

YoniBleier,OpinionEditor

sense of appreciation for being in Israel with each other. Through all of our activities and internships in Israel, NCSY weaved in lessons and ways to build our connection with the land and expand our love for it. We got to tour the North, South, and everything in between. Some of the most impactful moments were visiting Sderot, the scene of the Nova Massacre. We also got the chance to help local farmers in the Gaza Envelope whose humble businesses were impacted by the war. I got to intern in Sharei Tzeddek hospital for three weeks and work in the General Surgery Department, helping and working alongside Jews, Christians, Palestinians, and Druze: all Israeli citizens whose mission was to help those in need and make the world a better place. It was a summer I will never forget, with lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

it had to be safe. Arriving in the Holy Land

mere weeks after the terrifying war with Iran gave me and all the kids on my tour a greater

Israel

A Taste of Israel

ClaireEnglander,IsraelEditor

Let’s be honest, we would all rather be lounging on the beach in Tel Aviv, drinking an iced café while eating a falafel sandwich, than stuck at school with tasteless school lunches and mountains of work to tackle. So, the next best thing is finding great Israeli restaurants right here in Philly and the suburbs. If you want really delicious Israeli food and to support an Israeli business where you live, here are some great restaurants to try out.

Zahav

Favorites:

Pita and different dips including hummus, tahina, beet, and carrot

Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder

Fried cauliflower

Goldies

Favorites:

Tahini shakes

Falafel sandwich

Falafel salad

Shawarma french fries

Hummus platters

Dizengoff

Favorites:

Hummus with varying dips including hummus with za’atar, beef, babaganoush

Chicken schnitzel

Roasted squash

Za’atar roasted chicken

Frozen limonada

Laser Wolf

Favorites:

Hummus and pita

Kale babaganoush

Romanian Beef kebab

Cauliflower

Arts & Entertainment

K-Pop Demon Hunters Take Over the World

Released on June 22, 2025, K-Pop Demon Hunters is currently the most watched animated film on Netflix. On the day of its release, the soundtrack gained 1.6 million streams and by the end of the week had 37 million streams in the US alone. Kids from all over the world recognize the lyrics from the song “Golden” and resonate with the passionate main characters’ strive for peace and strength.

K-Pop Demon Hunters took seven years to make and it paid off. The story is about a K-Pop girl group using music to save the world from demons. The three main char-

AvivaMarkowitz,Arts&EntertainmentEditor

acters, Zoe, Mira, and Rumi are put up against a demon K-Pop group run by Jinu. The girls have to find a way to keep their fans and save the world all

while preparing new songs and choreography. Originally three hours long, the movie was reduced to an hour and a half, but the fans want more. Speculation of a sequel coming out in 2027 hit the internet and people are not letting it go. Fans want more songs like “Golden” which peaked at number one of the Billboard Hot 100 list. While the film industry seems to be struggling with finding original content, K-Pop Demon Hunters was a success, showing that originality is better than sequels during this creativity drought.

Arts & Entertainment

Entering Addison Rae’s Pop Star Era

How does a world-renowned TikTok star escape the scrollable feed and step onto a bigger stage? Addison Rae seemed destined to be stagnant in her girl-next-door persona after failed attempts to enter the music and film industry, but her new album, “Addison”, has made waves through the world with songs that charted on Billboard’s Top 100 and styles that combine old and modern. Born on October 6, 2000, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Addison grew up competitively dancing and was an active member of her high school’s Cheer squad. In December 2019, as the renegade, Say So, and Savage TikTok dances became all the rage, Addison’s skilled movements and shining smile catapulted her to fame. Later that year, she joined the Hype House with other big stars like Charli D’Amelio and Lil Huddy, but she left less than a year later. Like many early TikTok stars, this was her first time earning a significant income, leading her to do whatever it took to keep her fame. She was posting three to four times a day, agreeing to every sponsorship, and wearing whatever micro trend was cool that day.

The pandemic hit in 2020, and launched TikTok and its stars to new levels of fame since people locked at home doubled their time on the app. She’s always wanted to be in the music

AriEisenstadt,SchoolNewsEditor

industry, so she started working with agents Joe Izzy and Justin Greenberg. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t quite ready for Addison’s pop star era since she was seen as a memorable TikToker. For instance, when she collaborates with Kid LAROI, and gave us the iconic line “I need a bad bleep Adison Rae”. In 2021, she booked He’s All That, a gender reversed version of the 2000s hit She’s All That. Unfortunately, her acting debut is laughable as the movie came and received a 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. During this busy year, she also released her single Obsessed, which earned heavy criticism, which was escalated by her music video’s dancing meme. Later that month, to promote her projects, she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where her performance is mostly remembered due to a game where she does TikTok dances. Overall, her attempts to break into the music industry were not received well by fans, but the attempt wasn’t for nothing. She was still seen as a TikToker, but she formed connections with people in the industry, and releasing these projects in 2021 and continuing to pursue them shows her fans that she is serious about her music career. After all the hate, she decided to step away from social media to focus on her music. She

met Charlie XCX during this break and started forming bonds with industry people. She was also connected to Kourtney Kardashian and made multiple appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and later The Kardashians. She started to recreate her brand image by being particular about her sponsorship deals and style. While she denies it, there have been many claims that she tipped the paparazzi off, which led to many iconic looks that established her Y2K and 2000s Britney style. In late 2022, her song “2 Die 4” was leaked, and fans were shocked to hear it was hers and praised her for the hit. She started working with Charlie XCX on her official song “2 Die 4” and Charli’s song “Von Dutch”, both big successes on TikTok and beyond. She joined the Brat Tour as a guest star and recently opened for Lana Del Rae at Wembley Stadium. Then her album drops, and this dance-pop and ‘90s house music skyrockets. Diet Pepsi, Aquamarin, and Fame is a Gun are all to be heard on the radio and scrolling through TikTok. While Addison may always be recognised as a TikTok star, her pop star era has just begun, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Summer at the Movies: How Blockbusters Changed Hollywood

Every summer, the Hollywood studio system prepares for what is hopefully the most profitable time of the year, when the massively budgeted event films are released, the ones designed to become a phenomenon, both culturally and financially. Studios seek to make a splash (and a lot of money) with their summer releases, but it was not always like that. The concept of a blockbuster comes from World War Two, where the term meant a bomb that was large enough to level an entire block. But soon after, magazines used Americans’ familiarity with those bombs to describe the perceived cultural impact of some movies. The term had slight usage during wartime, but until the early 1950s was very seldom used. By then,

JonahPappas,CenterspreadEditor

its meaning had shifted, now holding more connotations of financial success, while still remaining without any connection to the summer months. It was not until the 1970s that the term achieved mainstream and widespread popularity.

Before then, the summer months were actually considered slow, as people preferred to spend time outside. But that all changed in 1975 with the release of Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws. At that

time, it was the highest-grossing movie ever, and after Star Wars usurped that title just three years later, studios began to recognize the power of a summer powerhouse. They began to attempt to make the biggest impact with more movies, and rather than focusing more on the artistic side, they began to want more financial success. This was the birth of the age of summer blockbusters, when franchises from movies like Alien, The Terminator, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Ghostbusters, and Beverly Hills Cop reigned atop the box office leaderboards. Almost every movie got a sequel, and frequently that sequel got one of its own. Purely artistic movies were still being made, but now the summer months began to be used exclusively for the cash cows of Hollywood. This trend of event filmmaking has continued uninterrupted since then, and although complaints about it now seem to be numerous, recent successes like Superman show that it is not slowing down.

On The

Lost and Found: Rediscovering School Friendships

JonahPappas,CenterspreadEditor

Every new school year is a kind of reunion. After months apart, the once-empty hallways refill with the buzz of conversation and reconnection. But often, those three months apart can do damage to the relationships we have with our peers. Summer is a very busy time, and without the constant reminder of everyone whose company you enjoy, it can be hard to remember to keep in touch. Friendships in school are a little like landmarks on a map—they give us our bearings. A smile across the cafeteria or a quick “hey” in the hall- way can make a tough day easier to navi- gate. But during summer, people change courses. Some pick up new jobs or hobbies, while others travel or commit themselves entirely to personal goals. When school starts again, it can feel like we’re re-entering familiar territo- ry that’s been quietly redrawn. But it is not impossible, and although it may seem awkward at first, it is well worth it.

In a study done by National Geographic, research- ers found that over 90% of people aged 17-21 had a friend that they wanted to reconnect with but had not. Although that demographic is slightly older than the one found here at Barrack, the statistic reveals the prevalence of sorrow over a lost friend. Although it is slightly inevitable, strengthening your relationships now can help reduce the number of friends that you wish you had never lost. One important thing to remember, however, is that rediscovery is not the same as forcing the friendship to the exact same shape as it was last year. In order to grow most effectively, we need to accept changes to our relationships and be open to what is new this year. Learning about your friends’ summers is a great way to build new connections on top of the existing foundations. The key is remembering that friendship, like the theme of this very Centerspread, is like a map, and so is never fixed. It stretches, shifts, and expands as we move through the year. By being willing to reach out, to listen, and to appreciate the people who make the school day brighter, students can find themselves surrounded by a network of support—even if it looks different from last year. So as the year unfolds, view your friendships like newly discovered treasures. Whether you’re reconnecting with someone you’ve known since kindergarten or striking up a conversation with a new face in class, these connections are the routes that make the school year not just survivable, but meaningful. After all, what makes a map worth following is the friends who walk it with you.

How to Stay on Top: Mapping Out Your Year

AvivaMarkowitz,Arts&EntertainmentEditor

School can be overwhelming; everyone knows this. From homework to projects to sports, how can you stay on top of everything?

Tip 1: Keep Track

As a student, it’s crucial to keep up with assignments, so buy a planner, or if you’re more tech-savvy, use Google Calendar. Make sure you’re consistently checking Canvas to see if your teachers have posted assignments. Teachers might forget to announce homework, but it is still your responsibility as a student to check.

Tip 2: Manage Your Time

One of the best ways to manage your time is to see your day written out either on paper or on your computer. This is especially important for student athletes. Sports can go into the evening, and for students who commute, you can get home close to eight o’clock, so time management will be your best friend.

Tip 3: Respect Your Teachers

Make sure to ask for extensions at least two days in advance. Teachers appreciate communication and transparency. They understand that you are trying your best. Remember to email your teachers a day before if you’re missing class. Remember: it is your responsibility to catch up on work. If you want to meet with a teacher, try to email in advance. They are there to help, but are not required to prioritize you over other students.

Tip 4: Use Your Teachers!

Ask questions and set up meetings in person or via Google Meet! There is no shame in not knowing, but there is in being too scared to ask for help. Our teachers here at Barrack are always helpful, and they want to see their students succeed academically as much as we all want to.

Tip 5: Participate in as Much as Possible

This one is mostly geared towards the freshmen class, but really anyone can and should use it. We have all been given an amazing opportunity to attend this school, and using it to its fullest is a worthwhile endeavor. Join every club that catches your eye, and play every sport that you have ever wanted to try. High school is a time of trying new things and learning what you love, so don’t limit yourself! The most important thing to remember is that at the end of the day you are here to better yourself and your future, so by putting in effort here at Barrack you are growing yourself and your potential. School can be tough at times, but hopefully by using the ideas in this article we can all make it out a little better than we were when the year started.

The Map

The Necessary Lessons Teachers Don’t Include in Their Summer Assignments

JillianShweky,Editor-in-Chief

Summer always feels endless…until it doesn’t. As a senior, I know that jarring switch from ocean waves and ice cream cones to tests and textbooks. The transition can be hard to navigate, so let me lead the journey to teach you the skills necessary to alleviate the stress that goes along with this transition.

Tests, essays, and assignments can build up in the blink of an eye, but it is not impossible to manage your workload.

The most essential tool I have in my backpack that allows me to remain on top of any task is my trusty planner. I may seem a bit old-fashioned for not using my notes app or something technological, but writing things down actually helps your brain remember them, and for me, it’s the difference between turning in assignments on time or discovering them at 11 p.m. in my notes app.

That may be a significant factor for remembering the work you have to do, but the real question is, how are you supposed to get it all done? Well, my biggest piece of advice is to beat the feeling of overwhelm. Sometimes, I’ll be sitting in class, and a long-term project will be announced. Though it may feel like the due date is far, far away, that fact is irrelevant. The second you get an assignment, put it in your planner and allot a certain amount of time to it per day. For long-term assignments, I will typically give myself thirty minutes to add to my progress. When the due date draws nearer, I have no stress, while my friends who procrastinate are probably panicking.

It may seem unimportant, but there are strategic places to sit in the classroom to set the tone for the school year.

My favorite spots to sit are either the front row to one side or the second row in the middle. The front row to the side is perfect because it gives you a clear view and no distractions, but you’re not stuck in the teacher’s direct line of fire. It’s like having VIP seating without the pressure of constant eye contact. The second row in the middle gives you the perfect central view and keeps you engaged, but without all the pressure of being the first student the teacher looks at.

But really, my most valuable piece of advice might just be the importance of advocating for yourself.

Advocating for yourself is basically the cheat code for school. If you don’t speak up for yourself in school, your homework will mysteriously double, and your group project will turn into a solo mission. Teachers aren’t mind readers; if they were, they’d already know you forgot to study for the quiz or are just too overextended to meet a deadline. Teachers aren’t there to punish you; they actually want you to succeed, and most importantly, they are human too. So instead of internally panicking about a missed assignment or unfair grading, talk to your teacher, and they may want to help you if you give them the chance.

Going back to school can feel overwhelming, but with a planner, smart strategies, and the courage to speak up for yourself, you’re already ahead of the game, and I can guarantee your future self with thank you.

Muss on Hold: A Junior’s Reaction

FlynnGoldstein,StaffWriter

My first impression: we’ve been lured into a false sense of security only to have it whisked away. Poetically, it forms a perfect parabola: the build-up of yearning reaching a vertex and inverting to commensurate despair. I speak (or perhaps, “write” is more apropos) for the entire rising junior class. We – as a collective – were awaiting the Muss experience. We were waiting for the challenge of pre-college independence, the bonding and inward developmental potential, the exploration of Israel’s history, and most importantly, the opportunity to connect with our religious and spiritual roots in our homeland. We had naively placed our suspi- cions on a back burner, keeping them furtive, unspoken.

But in truth, every ju-

nior knew (or at least should have known) that our imagined reality was teetering. We had a precedent, this year’s senior class, who can relate a similar story. Unfortunately, our fears came to fruition on July 1st, when the Muss trip was “postpon[ed]” with “consid- erable reflection.”At least to me, glancing at the subject line, it seemed that that our collective aspiration, our collective dream, had been crushed. The Twelve Day War was a stark setback to Iran’s nuclear program, but it had seemed that the threat of retaliation had faded away. Canceling Muss initially seemed warranted; with such a decisive victory, isn’t the military climate – we asked – safer than ever?

But there is more to this story. Pure emotions cannot drive us to logical con- clusions. Inherent in the decision – at least I hope – was a central concern of safety, in addition to other human, pedagogical, and financial concerns.

Yes, the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt’’l strongly urged American families to keep their progeny in Israel during times of war, but nothing (and I mean nothing) will stand against a Jewish parent’s love for their children. I can not imagine how our parents would shudder every time they would receive a missile alert.

Point blank, the junior class will lose out on Barrack’s signature experiential learning program (at least in 11th grade). It will, in any case, forego the challenge to balance rigorous academic work with a demanding schedule of exploring Israel’s sights. Even if we subsequently reach Zion at the end of our senior year, things will doubtless be quite different. In short, it’s a sacrifice.

Nevertheless, the very cause of our vexation – the conflict with Iran – is in itself a call back to the Israeli Declaration of Independence; Am Yisrael, the nation of Israel, is a nation that “lov[es] peace but know[s] how to defend itself.” Hamas (and its enablers, i.e., the Iranian regime) are the true villains; their evil designs brought our despair. Muss’s cancellation is a taste of the perpetual torment Israelis have felt since October 7th, but also an effective reminder that the nation of Israel – Am Yisrael – has an obligation to the world of evil, of the Amalakites.

Arts & Entertainment

Editor’s Choice: Book of the Summer

AvivaMarkowitz,Arts&EntertainmentEditor

Novel: Just for the Summer

Author: Abby Jimenez

Rated: Upper School

Page Count: 432

Trigger Warnings: Physical and mental abuse

While there are countless themed books for every season, it’s a given that some are better than others. Nothing is better than sitting poolside, drinking a cool lemonade, and reading about summer fun. New York Times bestselling author Abby Jimenez did the impossible by bringing July’s sunshine to Minnesota in her novel Just for the Summer. Emma, a traveling nurse temporarily staying in one of the coldest states with her best friend, finds a post on Reddit by a user who feels that he has a curse of being the last person someone dates before they find their soulmate. Empathising with the creator Justin, Emma reaches out and starts to form a friendship with the person on the other side of the phone. The novel discusses the different issues that Emma and Justin are forced to take on with parents and siblings. Jimenez incorporates serious conflict with realistic resolutions into the plot that keep the reader in the world she created. With an average rating of four stars, the new adult novel has captured many reader’s hearts with the meaningful story of the couples’ hardships.

Sports

An Update on MLB

MicahFriedman,LayoutEditor

With the MLB Season coming to a close and the playoffs drawing ever closer, there is much speculation as to how the end of the season will play out. There are tight races for each spot, and the vast majority of teams still have a good chance to make it.

One of the frontrunners to win the World Series is the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are led by Shohei Ohtani, the main competitor for the National League MVP, who is currently having one of the best seasons of his career. On top of that, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez are assisting in their playoff push. From a defensive standpoint, Yoshinobu Yamamoto leads the way in their pitching rotation; however, the rest of their pitchers aren’t playing well, which could hinder them in the playoffs.

Another team that could win it all this year is

the Philadelphia Phillies. Providing the biggest competition to Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP race is Kyle Schwarber, one of the best home run hitters in the entire league. Schwarber is backed up by the Phillies’ incredible pitching rotation with Cristopher Sanchez, as well as relievers Jhoan Duran and Jose Alvarado. Even so, there are some doubts after the Phillies’ number one pitcher, Zack Wheeler, went down for the season with thoracic outlet syndrome, as the end of their rotation is a little bit bare.

In the American League, the Detroit Tigers are frontrunners to make it to the World Series. With Tarik Skubal leading the way, the Tigers’ pitching rotation has been one of the best in the league. Come playoff time, however, there is uncertainty as to whether or not the offense will be able to keep up with the best teams in

the league.

Finally, the last team with a high likelihood of making the World Series is the New York Yankees. With the best player in the league, Aaron Judge, the Yankees cannot be counted out. Other players, such as Anthony Volpe and Cody Bellinger, are having incredible years, helping lead the Yankees to a successful record so far. With the acquisition of Max Fried this past offseason, the pitching rotation is looking good as well. Overall, with their only weakness being their inconsistent bullpen, the Yankees are a team with tremendous upside going into the playoffs.

This MLB season has been extremely eventful so far, with big trades and lots of movement in the playoff picture, and with two months of baseball left, the end of the season is sure to be full of excitement.

Fantasy Football 2025: Breakout Stars Ready to Shine

AsherHarwitz,SportsEditor

The start of the NFL season being around the corner means one very important thing to football fans worldwide: Fantasy football is back! Every fantasy season, a few players rise from “solid” to “must-start,” completely transforming the season for managers lucky enough to draft them. Here are the top candidates for a breakout year in the 2025-2026 season.

1. Drake Maye

The 3rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft had a rookie season to remember. Although he did not start the first 5 weeks of the season, Maye showed some bright flashes of greatness. Now, this season, with a rebuilt offensive line and the addition of a former all-pro receiver Stefon Diggs, Maye is definitely one of the best options if you miss out on some of the elite quarterbacks in the early rounds.

2. Blake Corum

Rams coach Sean McVay is known for valuing toughness and energy, precisely what Blake Corum brings to the table. At the start of the season, he is expected to split carries with fellow running back Kyren Williams, but his strong redzone skills make him a sneaky pick and could end up being a solid RB2.

3. Ricky Pearsall

Pearsall’s excellent route running and strong hands make him a perfect fit in the 49ers’ offense. With many defenses and game planning to focus on proven receivers, Juan Jennings and Brandon Ayuk, Pearsall has the chance to rack up some catches and be a hidden gem in PPR (Points per reception) leagues.

4. Xavier Worthy

Xavier Worthy had a tremendous rookie season, accumulating impressive stats in the regular season and the playoffs, even scoring two touchdowns in the Super Bowl. Worthy is known for his electric speed, which makes him not only a serious deep threat but also a spectacular YAC (Yards after catch) receiver, giving him a good chance of being a must-start for fantasy teams.

This year’s breakout candidates are young, hungry, and on offenses that will give them opportunities to shine. Grabbing one of these players in a late round could be the difference in finishing in the middle of the pack- or taking home a fantasy football trophy.

Athlete of the Issue: Caleb Kirschen

AsherHarwitz,SportsEditor

Asher: Welcome, Caleb. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today

Caleb: No problem, thank you for having me.

Asher: You have been named Athlete of the Issue for your outstanding play on the soccer field. How does it feel?

Caleb: It feels great to be recognized. You know, I have put lots of work into playing soccer, and I really love it.

Asher: Do you remember when you started playing soccer?

Caleb: Not off the top of my head, but I have been told that I started at a very young age, which explains why I love it so much.

Asher: When did you start playing Barrack Soccer?

Caleb: I started playing in 6th grade. I played for the middle school team, and that was a great experience because that was before I played travel, so that was the first serious team I played on, so it gave me a good taste of competitive soccer.

Asher: What is your favorite thing about Soccer as a sport?

Caleb: I love connecting with my teammates because when you’re playing sports with people, you make such different connections than you do anywhere else.

Asher: What is something that you are looking forward to ahead of this year’s season?

Caleb: I am looking forward to playing hard and for the team to have a better record in the Friends League and compete against other teams that are considered better than us.

Asher: How do you manage your academic and athletic responsibilities?

Caleb: It is very difficult at times, so make it a priority to communicate with my teachers and advisor to come up with a plan for how I can stay on top of my work, along with using all of my study hall and flex periods effectively.

Asher: For those who do not know, you are a 3-sport athlete. What is the most challenging thing about being a 3-sport athlete?

Caleb: The most challenging thing is never having a break. Sometimes I want to take a break when I come home from school, but most of the

time that is not an option because sports are so constant, and when one sport ends, another one starts very soon after.

Asher: You are coming off a season where you were rewarded with the Coach’s Award. How did winning this award feel, and will you use it as motivation for the future?

Caleb: I am definitely going to use it as motivation because now there is a standard and I would love to pass it or, at the very least, meet it.

Asher: Lastly, now after making varsity as a freshman, will we see you make any changes as a player after a year of experience?

Caleb: There is always more work to be done, skills to learn, and there is always an opportunity to become a better, smarter player, so I think you will see a lot of improvement from me this year.

Asher: Thank you so much for talking with me today, and good luck with this year’s season.

Caleb: Thanks for having me.

The Best Places to Travel to in Europe in the Summer

SamiUfberg,CenterspreadEditor

Summer break might be over, but it’s never too early to start daydreaming about your next adventure. For many students and families, Europe tops the travel wish list, and for good reason. The continent offers an almost overwhelming variety of experiences, from cliffside beaches to centuries-old cities, and each place transforms in its own way during the warmer months.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Santorini, Greece

1. If you’ve ever seen those postcard-perfect photos of white buildings topped with blue domes against the Aegean Sea, you already know why Santorini is a summer favorite. The island offers warm yet breezy weather that makes walking through cliffside villages like Fira and Oia a pleasure. In summer, the beaches come alive: you can visit the red sand of Akrotiri or the black volcanic sands of Perissa. Yes, it’s a popular spot and the crowds can be heavy, but the atmosphere is part of the magic.

2. Winding cliffside roads reveal colorful towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each with its own charm. The air is scented with lemon, and the Mediterranean sparkles. In the summer, life here revolves around simple pleasures: slow lunches packed with fresh seafood, lazy afternoons on the beach, and boat rides in hidden coves. The crowds and high prices are well known, but in this case, the hype is wholly deserved.

Paris, France

3. Paris is beautiful year-round, but in summer, it transforms into something even more vibrant. Longer daylight hours mean you can wander from morning to night without feeling rushed, and the city’s parks and gardens, from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Tuileries, are in full bloom. Locals and visitors gather along the Seine for picnics, live music, and dancing as the sun sets.

Barcelona, Spain

4. Barcelona may be one of the few places in Europe where you can spend your morning exploring architectural wonders and your afternoon at the beach (and both experiences feel equally rich). Gaudí’s colorful creations, from the intricate Sagrada Familia to the playful Park Güell, look especially stunning under bright summer skies. Markets like La Boqueria overflow with fresh fruit, seafood, and tapas, perfect for a midday snack before heading to the Mediterranean for a swim. Summer also brings an endless lineup of festivals, outdoor concerts, and street performances, filling the city with music and movement well into the night. The combination of history, art, and beach life makes it a perfect all-in-one summer getaway.

Edinburgh, Scotland

5. While Scotland might not be the first place that comes to mind for summer travel, Edinburgh in August is an entirely different world. The city hosts its famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, turning every place into a performance space. Comedy acts, plays, music, and street art take over, creating an electric, creative energy unlike anywhere else. The mild summer weather is a welcome change from the heat of southern Europe, and the long daylight hours mean you can explore Edinburgh Castle, wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, and still have time to catch an evening show. This city is a seriously underrated summer gem.

The SAT Dilema: Is Tutoring the Key to Success or a Waste of Time

When entering high school, the question of whether one should receive SAT tutoring is a thought that enters almost every student’s mind. Personally, I do not think it is a worthy investment for all. Of course, each student is different, so to explain my opinion, I will break down common archetypes, and why I think it is a worthy investment versus. unworthy investment.

High-Achievers

Many students at Barrack aim high when it comes to college admissions and often target prestigious schools that require top SAT scores. For these students, SAT tutoring seems like a surefire way to boost their scores. However, this isn’t always the case. Some of these students get tutoring and immediately see a score boost, and others do it for months with a stagnant score. It’s crucial for high-achievers to regularly assess if tutoring is genuinely help-

EitanHassidim,StaffWriter

ing them. At a certain point, the money spent on tutoring can be better invested elsewhere.

The Average Student

For the majority of students aiming for good colleges (but not necessarily top-tier universities), SAT tutoring often isn’t worth the cost. While tutoring can be helpful, there are thousands of free online resources available that can provide similar results. Websites like Khan Academy, YouTube, and others offer free prep courses with lots of practice tips and tests. For those who prefer interactive learning experiences, there are platforms like Schoolhouse that provide free peer tutoring, giving students a cost-effective way to improve their scores. For the average student, investing in professional SAT tutoring is unnecessary when free resources are sufficient to achieve a competitive score for college admissions.

The Low-Effort Student

For students who aren’t invested in their education and tend to do the bare minimum, SAT tutoring is a waste. No matter how skilled a tutor is, a high score on the SAT requires significant effort, practice, and focus. A tutor can teach strategies and provide feedback, but none of that matters if the student doesn’t follow through with consistent practice.

Ultimately, SAT tutoring can be a valuable resource for some students, but it’s not a guaranteed solution for everyone. What works for one student may not work for another, because each individual has unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles that require different approaches.

Colleges in Israel: Pros and Cons

YoniBleier,OpinionEditor

As a Jew, I have always felt drawn to the Holy Land of Israel. So much of our history, ancestry, and culture is rooted in that region, it’s hard to resist a sense of belonging and connection when there. Especially since October 7th, 2023, many young American Jews have been inspired to serve in the IDF as lone soldiers or make aliyah and go to university. The university shown is Bar Ilan University, a prestigious and popular school in Israel, known for producing well-rounded, hard-working professionals. Obviously, as a rising junior, college is on my mind, and the idea of applying to schools in Israel sparks my interest. Here’s a compiled list of some pros and cons I found about attending university in Israel as an American Jew Pros:

1. According to the World Repatriation Agency, Israeli universities “are renowned for their strength in science, technology, and innovation, offering cutting-edge research opportunities.” As someone who spent a lot of time in Israel recently, I can definitely say that Israel certainly has a lot of technology and agricultural innovations that are fascinating to see in person. For example, they created drip irrigation to better crop life in harsh desert climates, a method that has been adopted by most of the world.

5. Many universities in Israel have all-English courses and also offer Ulpan, which immerses foreign students in Israeli culture in order for them to become fluent. Cons:

1. Although there is a strong sense of security in Israel, Israel is currently in the midst of a war with Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and occasionally needing to go to bomb shelters is a hard way to live and can detract from your college experience. One moment this summer, my friends and I were in the Old City by the Kotel when we heard the rocket sirens. We had to stop what we were doing and take shelter in a building only 200 feet away from the Western Wall. Granted, the only militant group sending rockets into Israel right now is the Houthis, and they have an almost 100% unsuccess rate in terms of making it to Israeli soil, but it is something that we must take seriously all the time.

2. A feeling of missing out, when the American college dream and experience is glorified and glamorized in mainstream TV and social media.

2. Israel is also a center of diversity in the Middle East, whether it’s tradition, religion, or culture, exposing young students to many experiences they could not find elsewhere.

3. In Israel, immigrants and international students are offered many scholarships and financial aid programs. I think this is great, because the love of Israel can only carry you so far; it’s hard and scary to move away from home, especially if that home is thousands of miles away. Having these programs in place gives immigrants and international students less stress, more comfort, and more time to love the land.

4. For Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Druze students, Israel is a place where one can interact with their religion hands-on and really experience their own history.

3. Israeli colleges and universities have very high admission standards and sometimes the placement of American high schools doesn’t adequately prepare an American student for an Israeli university.

4. Since all Israelis have mandatory army service at age 18, most Israelis in university with Americans will be much older, which can create unpleasant social rifts. 5. Lastly, the cost of living in Israel, especially in Tel Aviv, can be astronomically high, so students may need to work or come in with a lot of money beforehand.

These are only a few of the many pros and cons of living in Israel. That being said, no other land, region, or country can compare to the historical connection we have with Israel, and I think that just because a place may be hard to live in, it does not mean we shouldn’t live there.

Snacks of the Summer

AriEisenstadt,SchoolNewsEditor

When you imagine summer, it might be spent on the beach, riding waves, tanning, and building record-breakingly tall sand castles. Maybe it’s spent running up and down a court and triumphantly completing ropes courses at camp. It could even be spent scooping ice cream or waiting tables at your summer job. That’s where I come in! I have found fruit to be the tastiest, healthiest, and easiest snack for those sweatfilled days.

During your pack days of sports and adventure with friends, teens often forget to drink enough water. A PubMed study conducted between 2004 and 2024 discovered that 81% of teen athletes and 61% of non-athletes are dehydrated. Quick reminder, dehydration happens in every season, but summer’s hot climate increases dehydration risk because people sweat more and are therefore losing more water than they would in the winter. While the best way to avoid dehydration is drinking water (at least 8 cups a day), fruits such as watermelons and strawberries have a water content of 92%, making

them fantastic options to help you rehydrate and refresh your body. Melons, grapefruits, peaches, pineapples, and raspberries have water contents of 87% or higher and are also incredible options. Fruits are also a healthier option to snack on because of their nutritional content. Such as fiber, which ensures you’ll visit the restroom. Also, the large amount of potassium in fruits like bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and avocados allows your muscles and heart to function. Fun fact: one banana fulfills 20% of your daily needs. That’s not all fruits are good for; they have tons of vitamins. Most contain Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which boost your immune system, give you clear skin, and enable your eyesight to function properly. If you need a mid-day boost, pineapple contains thiamine(B1), which specializes in maintaining your energy levels. Lastly, grapes and kiwi contain vitamin K, which strengthens bones. While the health benefits are an excellent bonus, fruits taste amazing! Even better, all their different flavors make them versatile and fun.

While I will never object to a classically cut watermelon or fruit salad, I understand that some people want to mix it up, so here are some ideas. Try mixing and matching your fruit on skewers. Not only do they allow for colorful new flavor combos, but they could also be a way to cure your boredom. Another easy option is to freeze fruits (my suggestions are mango, grapes, or blueberries). Plus, their chilly temperature will cool you down on a boiling hot day. If you don’t want to eat your frozen fruits bare, making them into smoothies is a great option. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even top it with granola, yogurt, Nutella, and more. My favorite smoothie recipe includes berries, Greek yogurt, and pomegranate juice. Last but definitely not least, try adding a dip like chocolate, peanut butter, or whipped cream (shout out to frozen Tru Fruit for always hitting the spot). So the next time your activity wears you out and you hear your stomach grumble, check your kitchen for the best summer snack, Fruit!

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