The Cougar Chronicle Fall 2018

THE COUGAR CHRONICLE

October 2018

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Volume XXIX Issue 1

A warm welcome to all new students!

What do Light Bulbs, Babies, and Apple-Picking Have in Common? The New JBHA Teachers!

Michal Loren, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Photo Credit: JBHA Facebook

This year, Barrack is welcoming six new teachers in five departments. The Chronicle asked each of them three questions about themselves and teaching. Enjoy getting to know them!

Miranda Cento (STEAM Assistant) Miriam Goldberg (Hebrew) 1. Who is your biggest role model and why?

My grandmother, Diana, has always been my biggest role model. She’s the strongest 1. What do you find most fulfilling about teaching Hebrew? and most determined woman I’ve ever known. Through all the hardships life has The most fulfilling thing about teaching Hebrew for me is to see my thrown her, she’s always remained optimistic. This has inspired me from a young age to students make connections, either within the language (roots and pursue the things I want most out of life, regardless of the obstacles facing me. word families), with other people (in Israel and in Jewish commuShe’s worked very hard for everything she has, and is constantly giving back to nities around the world) and with their Judaism, especially through prayer. others. Now in her 70s, she frequently travels to 2. What is your faHaiti to provide medical vorite childhood support to those in need, memory? she’s involved in a proMy favorite childgram that helps people hood memory is, practice English as their probably, spending second language, and is summers with my very politically active, cousins in a Moshav especially when it comes in the North and to human and women’s helping them pick rights issues. She’s also apples (this was my consistently working tofirst job!). wards bettering herself, 3. If someone were whether it be traveling to write a biograto different countries phy about you, what (which she frequently does!), taking writwould the title be? ing and improv classes Pictured from left to right: Rabbi Akiva Weiss, Ms. Miranda Cento, Ms. Liat Curca, Ms. Miriam Goldberg, Ms. Amanda Not sure about a tiin Philly, or completing Rasmussen. (Not pictured Ms. Adrienne Amster) tle for my biography. triathlons! Her indepenMaybe: “She Learned dence, determination, and heart have always been something I’ve idolized.

To Stop And Smell The Roses?” Really not sure.

2. What is an interesting fact about you?

I’m a certified scuba diver! I don’t go nearly as often as I’d like to, but the coolest place I went diving was in Bonaire. I remember getting trapped by a HUGE school of fish -- I couldn’t see anything but little silver fish all around me for about a minute until they all passed by. It was a pretty cool experience!

3. If someone were to write a biography about you, what would the title be?

I think maybe the title of my biography would be “Still Hungry” -- I mean this both literally (haha) and metaphorically. I think I’m always looking to learn more, try different things and gain new experiences, as well as experiment with and try interesting and delicious food :)

Rabbi Akiva Weiss (Jewish Studies) 1.What do you find most fulfilling about teaching Jewish Studies?

What I find most fulfilling about teaching Jewish Studies is the give and take with the students that leads to new and profound insights. While on the one hand, for sure, I’m teaching. On the other, I’m really learning, from the students themselves.

As Rabbi Akiva the wizened sage remarked: “From all my teachers I have learned, but from my students most of all.” I find that for any real teaching to be done there must be a give and take. The students are the ones who help open up the avenues of relevancy for whatever it is that’s being taught. If what’s being taught can’t be seen as relevant then it sure becomes challenging to make it meaningful.

2. Who is your biggest role model and why?

My father. He was and is, for me, even today the quintessential Jewish educator.

3. What were you like in high school?

I respectfully plead the Fifth... ;o) Liat Curca (Hebrew) 1. What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?

When I hear the students speak in Hebrew it is the most rewarding thing in my profession.

2. Why did you choose to teach Hebrew?

I have always loved teaching Hebrew and there are many ways [to do it]. Learning the language in a fun and creative way, getting the students excited about learning Hebrew is my specialty. Looking forward, I’m excited and feel challenged about teaching it to Middle and High School age students (big change).

3. What is an interesting fact about you?

I was a team commander in ‫( ל״הצ‬Israeli army) on the Israel-Lebanon border.

Adrienne Amster (World Languages) 1. What inspires you to teach?

I’ve always loved learning new things and was inspired to teach so that I could help others learn to love learning as well!

2. What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. I also have a newborn son named William and a cat named Weezy.

3. If someone were to write a biography about you, what would the title be?

“What Will Happen Next?”

Amanda Rasmussen (Math) 1. Who is your biggest role model and why?

My middle school and high school math teacher, Mrs. Davis, was my role model. Mrs. Davis taught Pre-Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus.

She was a kind and caring teacher who really enjoyed working with students. In high school, I often thought that I would love to have her job.

Though I initially took a different career path in college, I have eventually made my way back to teaching.

2. What inspires you to teach?

My students inspire me to teach. I love seeing that “light-bulb” moment when a student understands a concept that was previously a struggle. I also enjoy seeing students grow over the course of a school year from timid math students to confident problem-solvers.

3. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?

Just Sign Up!– Over the last decade, I came to realize that my need to have all the answers in advance was holding me back from so many activities in life. I was afraid to sign up for a half-marathon because I wasn’t sure I could ever train enough to run that distance. I was nervous about making a career change because it involved taking more college classes and most of my classmates would be much younger than me. I finally realized that I am never going to have all the answers in advance. The hardest part of any new adventure is just making the commitment and signing up. Now I don’t worry so much about trying new activities or starting new projects. Life is so much more fun this way!

October 2018

The Cougar Chronicle page 2

Where Do Students Spend Their Summers?

Stefanie Rose, School News Editor

“The sunset was stunning, and the sand was bright orange.” of contentment and enjoyment.

Over the summer, there were a few Barrack students that went on extraordinary trips. Sophie Levin ‘19 went to Morocco, and what an experience she had! Shira Perloff ‘19 also had an amazing experience as she was in Israel on the Ramah Seminar program, through Ramah Israel, the Israeli organization of the Ramah movement.

Levin had many amazing adventures on her trip to Morocco.

She went to Chefchaouen, a city

in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. It is a blue city; literally everything is blue and that is what gives it its beauty. She also went to Marrakech and saw intricate palaces. Additionally, she enjoyed visiting the Majorelle Gardens in Yves Saint Laurent; these gardens were outside the medina walls in Marrakech, and were nothing short of beautiful. One of the most interesting activities Levin did in Morocco was sleep in the Sahara Desert. Not only did she sleep, she also rode camels to a dune and watched the sunset. In her words, “The sunset was stunning, and the sand was bright orange.”

About 2,327 miles from Levin in Morocco, Perloff was traveling the beloved state of Israel with Camp Ramah Seminar. One of her highlights was staying at Kibbutz Keturah in the northern part of Eilat. While at the kibbutz, she

took a morning bike ride on which Negev, for four days. On this jourshe saw sand dunes, Israel’s border ney, she had to prepare her own

Photo Credit: Sophie Levin

For some fortunate people, summer is made for one thing, and one thing only: relaxation. Whether it be going to the beach, going to summer camp, or just hanging out with friends; there is a feeling

Sophie in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

with Jordan, and date trees. In the afternoon, she was able to explore more of the kibbutz life and spend time relaxing in the pool. Perloff also enjoyed the adventure of desert survival. She hiked through the desert area in Sde Boker, in the

meals in extreme heat. Though it was tiring, she still had fun. Lastly, she loved Kabbalat Shabbat at the egalitarian section of the Kotel. The entire Ramah Seminar program, a total of 230 kids, made a huge circle and everyone stood together.

Dear 8th Graders,

Recently graduated 8th graders can barely remember their long nights studying or the petty dramas throughout the year. Instead, they focus on the positive memories of individual days they spent inside Barrack’s hallowed halls, engaging in conversation with peers, filling out math review sheets, watching a documentary in Core class, or returning to the bus that drove them home after an exhilarating yet exhausting day. I hope current 8th graders approach the incoming school year in an optimistic light and value singular moments throughout each day at Barrack. This will urge them to remain mindful of what occurs within individual situation, rather than allow the anxiety of classes or social situations to take over their minds. I wish that I had been told to focus on the good times and memories throughout middle school rather than allowing myself to be torn down by insignificant matters. It is pivotal to know that by the year’s end, every bout of stress, anxiety, and drama will have evaporated from your mind. Remaining in your mind will be reflections upon some of the greatest memories you will ever make, which will inevitably motivate you to remember that an endless amount of memories just as beautiful are bound to enter into your life, throughout your days as a student, and a human being.

Dear Freshmen,

Photo Credit: Brandon Singer

Brandon Singer, For the Chronicle

Brandon Singer and Nina Berkowitz on 8th Grade Israel Trip

Mira Greenspan, Staff Writer Welcome to high school, also known as ‘the big league’, which is probably a little frightening. Even as freshmen, you will be in advisories with upperclassmen and they will push past you in the hallways a little bit. You might think that you are above being pushed in the hallway because you were the ones doing it in middle school, but unfortunately you are back at the bottom. Eventually, you will work your way back up to the top, and it will feel good. As for the first week or so of school, it will probably be a little scary being the youngest of the high school, even though you were the oldest of the middle school. There is a very high chance that you will be afraid of a few upperclassmen, and that is ok. There is however no need to be afraid! Everyone was once in your exact spot, attempting to learn how to write a proper English paper, and organize an in-class essay. As the year progresses, you all will get to know a lot of people in other grades, and realize they are not as scary as they seem. The Barrack community is one that works together, and the Upper School is just another extension of this family. Remember to stay calm, keep on the right side of the stairwell, and eventually you will find your spot in the high school. Let things run their course and before you know it, you will be the big bad seniors that rule the school.

Sincerely, A formerly very scared little freshman, Mira Greenspan ‘20

Answers to games on page 8: Crossword: 1. Israel 2. BruchimHabaim 3. SwipeCard 4. RoshHashanah 5. Schedule 6. BackToSchoolNight

7. Newspaper 8. Staples 9. ClubFair 10. Eleven

Riddles: 1. The turf field 2. The Nurse 3 .The library 4. School counselors’ offices 5. Friday break

October 2018

The Cougar Chronicle page 3

Shacharit is Getting Shachar-Lit!

Michal Loren, Arts and Entertainment Editor

This school year has brought without feeling forced. an unprecedented change to Jewish Other changes coming to life at Barrack: liturgical minyan is shacharit this year include new opno longer a requirement for the up- tions for upper school non-liturgical per school. In past years, students minyanim, such as more spiritualhad to take at least one trimester of ly-oriented journaling and an aca liturgical minyan (Reform, Egali- tive minyan with Matt Bar of Bible tarian, Mechitza/Orthodox), but Raps. All of the liturgical minyanim this year, that is not the case. Stu- will now be 6-12, rather than sepadents are still encouraged to explore rate for upper and middle schoolliturgical options, and Rav Will, ers. However, there will still be a Director of Jewish Life, has found middle-school-only Reform option that there are still plenty of students called Chalutzim, allowing students signed up for them. The reason for to be “Torah pioneers,” as Rav this change, Rav Will says, is that Will puts it. In addition, the egalihe believes that “students want to tarian minyan will be 6-12 for the daven, but they don’t want to be davening-only group and 9-12 for forced to daven.” He hopes that this the “daven and discuss” group. Anchange will give students the op- other change for the middle school portunity to explore and be proac- is that they will now have shachative about their own spiritual lives rit Monday through Thursday with

THE COUGAR CHRONICLE 272 South Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

Editor-in-Chief.........................Rosie Gertzman

some more ExecutiveEditor........................Elana Kopelman e x p e r i e n - ManagingEditor.......................Hillel Weitzman tial groups LayoutEditor.........................JoshuaGoldstein and some WorldNewsEditor......................Devon Sandler more tradi- SchoolNewsEditor.....................Stephanie Rose tional ones, OpinionEditor..........................Lily Grossinger rather than Features&GamesEditor....................Shirin Kaye activities on CenterspreadEditor....................Helen Rudoler Tuesday and Arts&EntertainmentEditor.............Michal Loren Wednesday and shacha- Art Editor.....................................Shirin Kaye rit on Mon- SportsEditor..............................Ethan Cramer day and IsraelEditor............................... Rivkah Wyner T h u r s d a y PhotographyEditor....................Devon Sandler as in previ- Editor-at-Large............................Molly LaVoe ous years. Advisor..............................Mrs. JudithPransky This way, the shacharit groups can be more the culture of Jewish life at school tight-knit and orient themselves to and help students grow into confistudents’ needs. Rav Will hopes that dent Jewish leaders of their own acall of these changes will improve cord.

CHRONICLE WORLD NEWS Importance of the 2018 Midterm Elections Sarit Held, For the Chronicle

After hundreds of congressional, state, and local primaries, on November 6th, the 2018 midterm general elections will take place and dictate whether or not Republicans will keep their majority or if Democrats will gain control of Congress.

Offices in different states across the nation will be on the ballot in November, including the whole House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, 36 governorships, and many state legislature seats.

While staying up to date with each race is nearly impossible, it is important to understand what

these elections mean. Depending on how many seats the Democrats win, the party could put a stop to the Republican legislative agenda in Congress and gain more power to push for further investigation into the President and his administration. More long term, a Democrat majority even has the potential to block Trump’s nominees for the Supreme Court’s empty seats from being confirmed. Likewise, if the Democrats succeed in taking more offices, they could gain power over the 2021 redistricting process and change the landscape of the politi-

cal map.

On the other hand, if Republicans hold onto Congress, they could have another chance to pass their legislation — including another attempt at repealing Obamacare along with tackling other cuts to welfare, food stamps, Medicare, and Social Security. The party will also be able to move forward with Trump’s nominees to the Supreme Court. It is fair to say there is a lot on the line.

It is also important to stress that these midterms will not just be consequential in the next few years

— their results will help create the political landscape and battlegrounds through the year 2030 because of the impact of redistricting.

This is not the first time the midterm election has held immense value. The GOP landslide that took place in 2010 also happened just in time for redistricting, which gave the Republicans far more opportunities to gerrymander district boundaries to their liking. Although the redistricting will not start until after the 2020 elections, the elections this fall hold just as much power.

Road to Recovery in Puerto Rico Sarit Held, For the Chronicle

the island’s 856 schools conducted by the Association of Puerto Rican Teachers found leaky roofs, mold and unusable bathrooms. One school had a rat infestation, another was still littered with hurricane debris. Across Puerto Rico, the start of classes revealed an island drastically changed by Hurricane Maria.

The education system is not the only thing still struggling to regroup. After spending $3.2 billion, building 52,000 new electrical poles, and stringing 6,000 miles of wire from the federal government alone, the Puerto Rico electricity system is not in much better condition now than it was before Maria cut power to every home and business on the island. Billions more dollars are

still needed to reconstruct the system and make it strong enough for other emergency situations, even after the last of the customers on the island are reconnected.

As the one-year mark gets

Photo Credit: Google Images

On September 20th, 2017, Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, obliterating homes and bringing months of darkness to the people. Nearly a year later, the community rising from the wreckage marked a new milestone on the road to recovery as the first day of a new school year took place.

Even though a repaired school in Yabucoa appeared relatively untouched, Hurricane Maria has left enough damage elsewhere. Nearly 27,000 students in the months immediately after the storm fled to the mainland. Enrollment dropped from 347,000 students at the start of the previous school year to roughly 312,000.

Dozens of schools are still desperately in need of repairs. A survey of

closer, Puerto Rico’s strength shows more than ever. Despite the struggles it has faced, the people are resilient and determined to create a new normal on the island, especially for its students.

Today’s “Stra

Alexa, Are You Spying On Me? Lily Grossinger, Opinion Editor

The device is supposed to record audio only after hearing a “wake word,” such as “Alexa” or “Hey Siri.”

Thus, Amazon responded to the couple’s privacy complaints by saying that a word in the background conversation sounded like “Alexa,” which triggered the device’s recording process. The Echo then misinterpreted the accidental command as a “send message” request, and the background conversation sounded like the name of the Seattle resident who received the recordings.

While Amazon ruled this incident as a rare software malfunction, similar occurrences with these devices have led people to become even more skeptical about their smart speakers. Other Amazon Echo owners have reported their devices laughing creepily or performing ran-

dom actions without any prompting.

Thus, if the device is able to perform actions without hearing the wake word, then it may also have the ability to detect audio (and eavesdrop on

conversations!) without a verbal co mand. Before investing in an Am zon Echo, consider the following: w the digital assistant make your l easier, or simply invade your privac

Photo Credit: Google Images

Virtual assistants like the Amazon Echo and Google Home have become a household item for millions of Americans. The voiceactivated devices are extremely helpful for daily tasks such as streaming music, setting timers, and adjusting thermostats. However, recent flukes with Amazon Echo devices, also referred to as Alexa, have raised privacy concerns about the smart speakers: how much can they hear, and what can they do with that information?

In May, a Portland, Oregon, couple discovered that their Amazon Echo was sending recordings of private conversations to a Seattle resident who was on their contact list.

When the recipient told the Portland couple about the audio messages, they unplugged all of their smart home devices immediately.

What Your Apps Know About You Helen Rudoler, Centerspread Editor

than they were granted permission for, such as the names of friends of the user who granted data. That is how the infamous CambridgeAnalytica was able to access so much information. Facebook is cracking down on third-party ac-

“Facebook is always the middle-man between your information and the advertiser.” cess after the scandal, but users can still choose to grant access to their information to other applications.

Facebook makes its money off of targeted advertisements, and to do that effectively, the company needs user data. Facebook collects information about your interests and affiliations mainly based on what pages you like, who your friends are, what you search for, and what advertisements you view. However, this information is not available to advertisers.

Facebook is always the middle-man between your information and the advertiser. When placing an ad on Facebook, the advertiser selects desired demographics and sends the ad, then it is up to Facebook to take that ad and put it in the news feeds of members of said demographics.

Facebook then shares information with the advertiser about the demographics of their ad, and the success of the ad. For example, they might let the advertiser know that a lot of people with dogs responded to the advertisement, or that 500 people who viewed the ad followed up with a purchase. However, they don’t

give any identifying information to the advertiser. To find out what demographics Facebook places you under, and everything else it knows about you, you can go to settings and select Access Your Information.

Facebook allows you to delete any and all data at any time you choose.

Another positive of Facebook’s security is that they claim accountability for the protection of your data while using Facebook. As an affiliated app, Instagram has the same policies, and data is shared freely between Facebook and Instagram.

Snapchat has the reputation of being anonymous and private. It is definitely true that Snapchat does not view your private messages and snaps. However, there is a lot of information about you that Snapchat does save and sell. Snapchat knows the exact time and location of every snap sent, every story (a way of sharing photos to numerous people) viewed, and every search made.

Snapchat knows your name even if you don’t provide it. Snapchat allows third-parties to place cookies and similar technologies to track your web movement, generally for the purpose of assessing advertisement success. If you access a third-party through Snapchat, say via a link, that app may be able to access and record your data. To clarify, the third parties can never see your private messages, but they may be able to access your contacts and in-app activity. Snapchat is also not acPhoto Credit: Google Images

People want their phones to know them well. Accurate search suggestions, shortcuts, and ads that reflect individuals’ interests are undeniable positives. However, to achieve this and more, phones and their applications are constantly recording everything they know or can imply about users. This on its own is really not as malicious as it may sound. How long you view an advertisement, or your interest in a particular website, is not the type of information anyone can or will use against you. Additionally, the statistics sold to third parties from any major company are usually aggregate, and do not specifically tie individuals to their information; for example, they would sell the information that twenty percent of female users under the age of thirty clicked on a particular ad, but not exactly who those under-thirty females are. The following information is a breakdown about what a few social media platforms know about you, and how much of it they share.

Facebook has received a lot of heat in the past year for its privacy settings. While some of it was deserved, there are a lot of misconceptions about what exactly Facebook did. Facebook has, and has always had, a very strict policy against selling user data. Third parties cannot access information about any users unless the user grants them access.

An example of this would be signing into an app using your Facebook account, granting that app limited access to your data. Facebook failed to properly monitor these third party apps, allowing them to access and store far more information

countable for information collected by thirdparties.

Snapchat can store your data, including your location, for as long as it wants unless you disable certain functions or delete Snapchat. It is an option for users to restrict Snapchat’s access, but then the app won’t necessarily have full functionality. Users are also able to download all the data Snapchat has saved about them online.

Overall, the panic over internet privacy is uncalled for. While it may seem creepy, most of the information apps store about you is used impersonally for aggregate statistics.

However, there is a lot of stored personal information out there as well, and every person should be mindful of who has been granted access to what information, and remember that anything put online will always be there, in some form or another.

anger Danger”

Hillel Weitzman, Managing Editor

account has, is absurd, and this episode shines a light on that. The main character’s life is eventually ruined by always trying to seek a higher rating on this app, measuring her self-worth by others’ ratings of her. The overall message of the episode is to be content with who you are, because only listening to others’ opinions of you will lead you down a path of insecurity and self hatred.

The second episode that tackles a social issue is called, “Hang the D.J.” This episode takes place in another dystopian society where everybody’s love life is controlled by a single dating app. The app pairs you with partners and gives you an amount of time you have to spend with each other. This amount could be three hours or it could be three years. It records data during that period and eventually pairs you with your perfect spouse.

Photo Credit: Netflix

For many, the Netflix show Black Mirror entirely serves the purpose of entertainment. While the show seldom fails to keep its viewers at the edge of their seats, it is also layered with moral lessons and reflections of our society, hence the name Black Mirror. This article will dive into two episodes that do just that.

The episode “Nosedive”, surely a fan favorite, is riddled with these reflections of our society. It is about a dystopian society where social media has been taken to the next level. After every interaction, the individual parties rate each other on a scale from 1-5, similar to Uber ratings. Those with higher ratings are seen as being socially superior and are given opportunities those with lower ratings don’t receive. This episode clearly is addressing the issue of social media, and the materialism behind its popularity. The idea that people often measure their worth by how many ‘likes’ they get on a picture, or how many followers their

This episode draws attention to the idea of dating apps. Dating apps, in real life and in this episode, take in quantitative data about you, and pair you with partners based on that, completely neglecting all other factors that play a role in a healthy relationship. The episode is saying that you should trust yourself to make big decisions like romantic partners, and leaving it in the hands

of a data based app is problematic.

The reflection Black Mirror shines on our society is trying to lead us down a better path. It highlights the negative aspects of our world, such as social media and dating apps, and hopefully helps many understand how to be more present and human, so the future doesn’t end up like Black Mirror.

The Days Of “Where Are You?” Are Gone Rosie Gertzman, Editor-in-Chief

Where exactly are you right now? Who else knows where you are?

Are you sure? In the age of social media and Smartphones, these may no longer be straightforward questions.

The app “Find Friends” is a staple on most iPhones and gives the users the opportunity to share their location with contacts in their phone. You must manually select each contact you wish to share with and for how long; your options are one hour, one day, or indefinitely.

This provides some security in that you decide who has your location and it is very useful in many situations. If you are meeting up with people and do not have a specific address, it is very easy to use Find My Friends to locate them. Apple Maps even provides a function where it will direct you to your friends’ exact location. This feature can be used to

tap from finding out. Is now a convenient time to call your brother? Where is he? One tap.

Find My Friends is a positive feature that is used by many families and friend groups throughout the world.

Many find it safer because you pick exactly who sees you.

On the other hand, Snap Maps, which launched in January of

ensure family and friends are safe while driving by checking in on them.

Some people use this app for general conveniences as well.

Are you driving past your grandparents’ house and want to stop in? Are they home?

You are one

Photo Credit: Snapchat

ommawill life cy?

Black Mirror: A Dark Reflection of Us

2017, is a completely different story.

This is a function on the popular social media app Snapchat where a screen pops up and shows the exact location of ALL of your Snap-

tion, whether it be driving, on their phone, etc. While it is possible to hide your location, many users fail to realize that this setting is even on.

This feature has many drawbacks because you are not individualizing “There are many parts who sees you. Also, this has brought that our society may be about social issues because there is no hiding if a large group is congrebetter without.” gated in one area, leaving one friend out. Said you were leaving early chat contacts with a picture of to run errands? Well, ALL your their bitmoji (an animation meant friends WILL find out. Said you to look like the user). The app has had other plans? Snap Map shows even tried to evolve to tell what that you are home and listening to each person is doing in their loca- music. The days of privacy are over.

While these apps do provide many conveniences, there are also many parts that our society may be better without. Additionally, many of the users of the app are left pondering who else can view their location. If you share your location with one friend, how hard is it for someone to hack in and find out where you are? These questions are all still being answered and worked out. While they are, I will be... well, you can find out where I will be!

October 2018

CHRONICLE ISRAEL

The Cougar Chronicle page 6

Hopes and Expectations for Muss

Since eighth grade, my first year at Barrack, Muss has been the talk of the town. Every year when the juniors re-entered Barrack for the second trimester, it seemed that all they wanted was to go back to Israel. As a current junior who is going on Muss, I am extremely excited for the adventure that lies ahead of me. Though there was a lot of panic about packing, summer work, and other preparations, I knew that the stress would reduce once we arrived in Israel. I expect that Muss will be an unforgettable and indescribable experience that I am able to share with my classmates. What I am most excited about is breaking the barrier between hearing about the Muss experience, and actually being part of it and being able to share a Muss adventure of my own. Living and being a part of Muss seems so surreal to me, but I know that it will be the peak of my high school years at Barrack.

- Stefanie Rose, School News Editor

Having had an older sister who went on Muss, it was always considered a given that I, too, would be going on Muss in the fall of my 11th grade at Barrack. But despite years of anticipation and hearing infinite raving Muss reviews, it does not seem real that I am finally going to Israel on this program. Although I have already spent a significant amount of time in Israel already, I am excited (and nervous) to experience Israel differently than I ever have before. I know that all my worries will probably ease quickly after settling in, but it is still hard not to be nervous now. I only hope that I will be able to come out of the next three months saying -- just like my sister did -- that Muss was the best Israel experience and that nothing can top it.

- Rivkah Wyner, Israel Editor

I have so many expectations for Muss. I hope to have good teachers, but more importantly, to have a good time with the teachers I end up with. As a group, I hope our grade will become closer. Additionally, I hope I will not injure myself, which is entirely possible. I also hope to come home with countless great memories and. And I hope to come home with a stronger love for Israel.

I am also very excited about many things, like spending time with my friends in a place that I already love so much. I am excited to have the independence that comes with Muss. I am excited to explore the historical connections we, the Jewish people, have to the land. And I am excited to explore so many cities and the culture within them.

- Mira Greenspan, Staff Writer

A Year in the Holy Land Shirin Kaye, Features and Games & Art Editor

Arts and Entertainment...

that Talia will explore is travel. For three weeks, she will fly to Rwanda to “work with children in a youth village still suffering from the effects of the Rwandan genocide.”

Photo Credit: Google Images

As middle and high schoolers begin their school year at Jack Barrack Hebrew Academy, most members of the Class of 2018 are beginning college. However, some graduates are departing the United States for a memorable gap year in Israel.

Talia Koltun-Fromm ‘18 is one such example. This fall, she is traveling to Israel with the Young Judaea Year Course, a program run by the same youth movement that runs the Young Judaea summer camp that she has attended for many years.

She and her camp friends will be spending nine months living like Israelis by cooking, cleaning their own apartments, and exploring Israel. The students will spend half of the nine months in Jerusalem, where they will be learning and earning college credits. Classes include Ulpan (a Hebrew intensive course) and are similar to classes on Muss in the way that students will visit a location after learning about it. They will spend the other half of the nine months in Tel Aviv, where students will be given an opportunity to volunteer for a variety of Israeli organizations, on kibbutzim, and in schools. One specific area

Talia is looking forward to her gap year experience. She made this decision because after working “tirelessly for four straight years of high school to get into college,” this is her well-deserved break. This year will give her a chance to “find herself,” discover her true passions, and think about what she wants to do with her life, so she can grow as a mature and independent person before beginning college (she will be attending Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, in the fall of

2019). She advises future graduates to definitely consider taking a gap year because “college will always be there; this year in between will not.”

Eva Wyner ‘15 is another Barrack alumna who took a gap year in Israel after high school.

She participated in Kivunim, a program based in the heart of Jerusalem, which several 2018 graduates will also be attending this year. Throughout the year, she and her classmates traveled to 10 other countries, while still living in Israel as a home base. Even though she traveled internationally a lot, the gap year still helped her develop “a greater appreciation for Israel” and enabled her to “become more in touch with her religion and the country at large.” While abroad, Kivunim students study Jewish history in various places around the globe.

Eva Wyner chose to take a gap year because she always wanted to take time off between high school and college. Kivunim gave her the opportunity to live in Israel for an extended period of time, while also being able to explore the world.

From her experience, she learned many important life lessons, including taking risks, how to be less stressed, learning for the sake of learning, and that “everything does not have to be planned out in advance.” In addition, it helped Eva transition to college because the gap year gave her the experience of living away from home. She currently attends Columbia University in a joint program with the Jewish Theological Seminary. She advises future graduates to “get rid of the notion that you are going to be missing out by going to a college a year after your friends.” Besides, taking a gap year is “a common thing to do” within the Barrack community.

Mrs. Rebecca Trajtenberg, Director of College Guidance at JBHA, confirms Eva’s statement about the commonality of taking a gap year; about 30% of the Class of 2018 graduates are taking gap years during this school year. Gap years in Israel are an exciting way to take a break between high school and college while also strengthening personal connections with the Holy Land, which is a value greatly emphasized throughout Barrack curricula.

Incredible Again Helen Rudoler, Centerspread Editor

The long-awaited Incredibles 2 finally hit theaters at the beginning of this summer. It has grossed over a billion dollars in box office sales worldwide, outranking other summer hits such as Ocean’s 8, Deadpool 2, and Ant Man and the Wasp. The movie hit a sweet spot of viewers by attracting kids and parents, as well as people who were kids when the first beloved movie came out. As with any re-

boot, the movie strived to allude back to the original movie for sentimentality, while still being original and entertaining on its own.

Although it took over a decade to pull together, the movie proved to be a resounding success in both goals.

The story is centered around the mother Helen’s new job as the face of a movement to bring superheroes out of hiding. The

rest of the family has to learn to function without her, particularly the dad, Mr. Incredible. He must learn to cope with being out of the limelight and take care of super-baby Jack-Jack, who can light himself on fire and disappear into other dimensions. Eventually, the whole family must band together to defeat the villain who wants to wipe out superheroes once and for all. The new plotlines about baby

Jack-Jack’s powers and the supers’ struggle to come out of hiding were intriguing and entertaining, and it was refreshing to see the mom take center stage. Another great moment in the film was seeing Edna, the eccentric super-suit designer, back in her element and hilarious as ever. Incredibles 2 is a funny and fulfilling movie, highly recommended to anyone who liked the first movie.

CHRONICLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 2018

A Super Trouper Film

The long anticipated followup to the hit film, Mamma Mia!, came out with a bang on July 20th.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, is simultaneously a sequel and a prequel to the original story of single mom Donna (Meryl Streep), who lives on an isolated island in Greece, and her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who makes it her mission to discover her real father before her wedding day. In the follow-up movie, we experience the story of young Donna (Lily James) with each of her three lovers, one of whom becomes Sophie’s father. We also see an older Sophie renovating her mom’s hotel

Rivkah Wyner, Israel Editor

in Greece a year after Donna passes ABBA. The sequel reuses a couple away. The back and forth of these of ABBA songs from the first film, but it mostly incorporates songs “You simply feel like not previously used. Like Mamma jumping into the screen Mia!, this second movie consists of countless over-the-top, silly, and to start singing and well-choreographed musical dance dancing with the rest numbers. While watching the movie, you simply feel like jumping into of the ensemble.” the screen to start singing and dancing with the rest of the ensemble. two storylines creates a well-balWhile the younger versions anced, interesting, and incredibly of all the fans’ favorite characters enjoyable film to watch. brought a whole new dimension Like the original, Mamma to the movie, the reappearances Mia! Here We Go Again is a musi- of returning characters were what cal comprised of songs by the artist completed the film. The juxtaposi-

The Cougar Chronicle page 7

tion of all the characters throughout the years gave fans a deeper understanding of each role.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again did not disappoint the excited crowds. It should be expected that fans will be jamming out to a whole new collection of songs in addition to all the old favorites.

While follow-up films sometimes distort one’s near-perfect vision of a movie, this sequel definitely added to the perfection of everyone’s love of Mamma Mia!. “Going again” was certainly worth it.

We Made It to “Made in America” Elana Kopelman, Executive Editor

ist, as they were all entertaining in their own ways: Miguel had a palpable connection to the crowd, while Minaj had some wardrobe malfunctions. Zedd played original remixes to popular songs, while Lamar surprised crowds with classic favorites.

According to Juliet Hirsch ‘19, her favorite artist was Miguel because “he was an amazing performer with a beautiful voice; he was so clearly not lip-syncing.” Others, such as Lily Grossinger ‘19, disagree, and think that “Post Malone was the best because he was such a dynamic performer and sounded even better live [than on a recording].”

While music festivals are extremely fun, it is vital to stay safe.

With tons of people populating one space, it is easy to get separated from the friends with whom you arrived. It is very important to stay with your group so that no one finds themselves alone. Additionally, it is crucial to drink a lot of water, as long days in the sun can easily dehydrate you. But be careful — never accept a drink from a stranger.

All in all, this year’s Made in Photo Credit: Google Images

The Made in America music festival 2018 was a resounding success. Located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum, the line-up was stellar, and each artist put on a sublime performance. The cloudy Labor Day weekend weather — around seventy degrees — was not too hot for being outside, surrounded by thousands of sweaty people.

On the first day of the festival, the most popular performers were 6IX9INE, Meek Mill, Janelle Monáe, Zedd, and Post Malone. As for the second day, the hits were Daniel Caesar, Alessia Cara, Miguel, Diplo, Kendrick Lamar (a last minute addition), and Nicki Minaj. There was no unanimously decided best art-

America festival was a very enjoyable way to end the summer. Singing and dancing along to a myriad of artists was a very entertaining experience, especially accompanied by good friends.

CHRONICLE SPORTS Meet Your Varsity Team Captains Ethan Cramer, Sports Editor & Layout Staff

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team captains this year are seniors Joshua Goldstein, Noah Stein, and Jonathan Cohen. Josh has been playing soccer his whole life. He used to play for a travel club team.

He is also a certified soccer referee.

He started as a defenseman but now plays attack. Noah has high hopes for his team because they were so close to winning in tenth grade. He, unfortunately, missed the season last year since he attended the Muss program in Israel. The team is very excited and determined to win it all this year. Jon likes to think of his team as a community and he recognizes that coach Adam Silver’s formation change to the unorthodox 3-5-2 (3 defenders, 5 midfielders, and two attackers) will be very beneficial this year.

The captains for the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team are seniors Gefen Galfand and Yasi Stein. Like Josh Goldstein, Yasi has been playing soccer her whole life and her experience has been super-positive.

She has always had very fun seasons built off of team communication and a pure love for the game.

She says, “It has been crazy to see year after year grades growing and new seniors leading, which makes it especially crazy for me to now be leading the team.” She recognizes that having a new coach that the seniors have just met is a challenge this year, but so far it looks like they will have a very successful and exciting season! Yasi adds, “As I have learned from my past seasons in the program, the most important aspect of our team is our unity

and the connections we build with each other on and off the field.” Gefen includes that they captain their team by encouraging the girls to push themselves and really get out of their comfort zones, like changing the position they play or being more aggressive than they usually are. She says that they have high hopes of winning a championship this year.

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team captain is senior Dori Hoffman Filler. Dori has been playing for Barrack tennis since she was twelve and has been on varsity since she was thirteen. Dori includes that her previous captains “weren’t just captains -- they were like my older sisters and some of my closest confidants. I want to be that to the girls.

Plus, I want to be a big motivator.

We have a lot of underclassmen on the tennis team this year and after I’m gone, it’s their job to lead the team moving forward. So much of my time spent at Barrack has been on the courts and so I really want to leave them with a love for not only the sport, but for the sportsmanship and family-like quality that comes with it.” She has very high hopes for winning a championship!

The Cross Country Team captain is senior Noah Feinberg. Noah compares his team to the Jamaican bobsled team, who were underdogs, and that promotes teamwork and companionship. This will be his first year on the team, but last year he went to the state championship for track!

All in all, Barrack is looking at a promising fall sports season!

CHRONICLE GAMES

October 2018

The Cougar Chronicle page 8

How Well Do You Know Jack?

Shirin Kaye, Features and Games & Art Editor

1. In the winter, snow falls on me. In spring and fall, students play on me during lunch and sports games. What am I? 2. I hope you do not get hurt or sick, but, if you do, to help you I have a trick. Who am I? 3. Read a cozy book in a cozy nook, somewhere on the third floor. Where am I? 4. In the Middle School, come here if you want to have a chat. In the Upper School, this place is always well-stocked with candy. What am I? 5. To welcome Shabbat, the JLI lead celebrations with dancing and snacks. When do I occur?

Fall Back Into the School Year

DOWN: 1. Where the juniors go during the first trimester.

2. Welcome, in Hebrew.

5. Don’t forget to pick yours up in the lobby!

8. The best place to find new school supplies.

WORDS: Autumn Fall Breeze Leaves

Colorful Raincoat Drizzle Sunny Clouds

Shirin Kaye, Features and Games & Art Editor

Chronicle Sports Continued...

AFC EAST:

ACROSS: 3. You better be wearing this on the first day of school!

4. The first Jewish holiday in September.

6. Parents meet teachers…

7. Mrs. Levin’s first day of school outfit.

9. Held in the gym; students typically sign up in exchange for candy.

10. Number of school days in September.

Elana Kopelman, Executive Editor

ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

Ethan’s Bold NFL Predictions Ethan Cramer, Sports Editor & Layout Staff

ally good season and eventually lose early in the playoffs. playoffs. lose in the Super Bowl.

• Buffalo Bills will have a very sol• Oakland Raiders will go far in the • Minnesota Vikings will have a id defense but will not make the AFC SOUTH: playoffs with a strong all-around season very similar to the Packers. playoffs. team.

• Houston Texans will have a great NFC SOUTH: • The Miami Dolphins will be noseason, losing in the second round NFC EAST: • Atlanta Falcons will have a ticeably worse after losing star of the playoffs to the Patriots.

• Dallas Cowboys will have a very solid season but fall short of the running back Jay Ajayi and Jarvis • Indianapolis Colts will have a underwhelming season and finish playoffs.

Landry after last season. great offensive season but will fall third in their division behind the • Carolina Panthers will have a sea• New England Patriots will lose in short, losing in the first round of Eagles and Giants. son very similar to the Falcons. the AFC Championship, and their the playoffs.

• Philadelphia Eagles will win the • Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have dominance will slowly diminish • Jacksonville Jaguars are going to Super Bowl again over the Steela poor season and finish last in throughout the next couple seahave another amazing season with ers in the first ever PA Super Bowl their division. sons. a stellar defense, but eventually matchup.

• New Orleans Saints will make the • New York Jets will pick up where lose to the Steelers in the AFC • New York Giants will make the playoffs and lose to the Eagles in they left off last season: really bad. semi finals. wild card and lose early in the the NFC Championship.

AFC NORTH: • Tennessee Titans will be worse playoffs.

NFC WEST: than last year and fall short of • Washington Redskins will finish • Baltimore Ravens will quietly get • San Francisco 49ers will finish making the playoffs. into a wild card spot and lose in last in their division. second-to-last in their division the first round of the playoffs.

AFC WEST: NFC NORTH: and miss the playoffs.

• Cincinnati Bengals will be aver- • Denver Broncos will have a good • Chicago Bears will have a very • Seattle Seahawks will make the age and not make the playoffs. defensive season but will fall short good defense and just fall short of playoffs by a hair. of making the playoffs.

• Cleveland Browns will not make the playoffs.

• Los Angeles Rams will finish first the playoffs but will win six • Kansas City Chiefs will have a • Detroit Lions will have a bad in their division with Todd Gurley games as a result of Baker Mayvery solid season and lose early in season and not make the playoffs. leading their offense. field and Jarvis Landry’s newly the playoffs.

• Green Bay Packers will have a • Arizona Cardinals will finish last found chemistry.

• Los Angeles Chargers will also great season and go deep in the in their division.

• Pittsburgh Steelers will have a rehave a great offensive season and