CYHSB Weekly 3/8/24

March 8, 2024

CYHSB WEEKLY Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys Volume 18, Issue 13 Sages and Scholars: Jewish Legends Page 3 Fireworks and Justice; a Mock Trial Tale Page 4 NBA All-Star Weekend: Fantasic or Failure Page 5 Happiness and Haman: A Topical Question Page 6 Cooper Clicks Page 7 CYFL WEEKLY UPDATE: Gold Kids: 4-0 Vandy's Vikings: 3-2 Somer's Marshmallows: 2-2 Wanan's Goats: 1-3 Beck's Decks: 0-3

The Scienti c American depicts ee wi of choice

Unraveling the Threads: Free Will in Jewish Thought Nadav Lowell (’25) Free will, a concept deeply ingrained in the philosophical and theological discourse of Judaism, stands as a cornerstone of human agency and moral responsibility. It is a topic that sparks discussions at the Shabbos table or during midnight conversations on the way back from an oneg. As a student delving into this profound topic, it is essential to acknowledge the complexity and richness of Jewish perspectives on free will, recognizing that mastery of such concepts requires a lifelong journey of study and contemplation.

At the outset, it is crucial to establish a working definition of free will. Drawing from the Oxford Dictionary, we define it as "the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one's own discretion." This definition encapsulates the essence of human autonomy and the capacity to make choices independent of external influences.

However, the assertion of free will within the context of Judaism necessitates reconciling it with the belief in God's omniscience.

According to Jewish tradition, God

ll

1

fr

CYHSB Weekly

fi



Volume 18, Issue 14

March 8, 2024

Cont. from last page. possesses complete knowledge of past, present, and future events. This theological tenet raises the question: Can humans truly possess free will if God already knows the outcome of their choices?

One perspective within Judaism maintains that God's omniscience does not negate human free will but rather coexists with it. This perspective posits that while God may possess foreknowledge of human actions, He does not compel individuals to act in a predetermined manner. Instead, humans retain the ability to exercise their autonomy and make decisions according to their own volition.

To illustrate this concept, consider a metaphorical scenario of walking through a park. As an individual traverses the paths, they encounter various junctions where they must decide which direction to take. They have the freedom to turn right, left, or even venture off the path entirely. We can imagine God's omniscience as akin to Him standing at the end of the path you will come to take in the park, observing your every move. While you, as the individual walking the path, have the freedom to choose which direction to take at each junction, God, from His vantage point, already knows which path you will ultimately choose.

This perspective underscores the notion that free will is intrinsic to human consciousness and moral responsibility. It empowers

Hyde Park, taken by the Londonist serves as a prime example of ee choice and agency to choose ones own path. individuals to navigate ethical dilemmas, exercise self-control, and contribute to the construction of their destinies. Furthermore, the recognition of free will serves as the foundation for the moral framework within Judaism, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and ethical behavior.

Moreover, the concept of free will extends beyond individual actions to encompass societal dynamics and collective responsibility. Within Jewish teachings, communities are called upon to uphold principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness, fostering an environment conducive

to the exercise of free will and the flourishing of human potential.

In conclusion, the exploration of free will within Judaism reveals a profound synthesis of theological belief and human agency. While God's omniscience may encompass all, it does not diminish the inherent autonomy of individuals to make choices and shape their lives. As students of Jewish thought, we are called to engage in continual reflection and dialogue on this timeless and intricate topic, recognizing the enduring significance of free will in the human experience.

CYFL Superlatives (mid-season check-in) Best overall team - The Goldkids Most surprising - Somer’s Marshmallows Least surprising - Wanan’s Goats Most disappointing - Beck’s Decks Best QB squad - Vandy’s Vikings

CYHSB Weekly

2

fr



Volume 18, Issue 14

March 8, 2024

Sages and Scholars: Jewish Legends

Rav Ovadia Yosef (1920–2013) was a towering gure in Sephardic Jewish religious and political life. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, he displayed extraordinary intellect from an early age. His family immigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1947, where he continued his religious studies amidst nancial struggles. Despite these challenges, Yosef's scholarly prowess quickly gained recognition within the Sephardic religious community.

Rav Ovadia Yosef, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel.

Source: Times of Isreal

As he ascended the ranks of religious leadership, Rav Yosef became renowned for his deep understanding of Jewish law (halakha). He served as a judge on the Sephardic rabbinical court, where his judgements were highly respected and in uential. Throughout his life, he authored numerous books and religious texts, further solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in Jewish legal matters.

Beyond his scholarly achievements, Rav Yosef played a signi cant role in Israeli politics.

He founded the Shas political party, which aimed to represent the interests of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in Israel. Through his leadership, Shas became a major political force, advocating for social justice and religious rights for Sephardic Jews.

Rav Ovadia Yosef's legacy continues to inspire millions of followers worldwide. His profound scholarship, leadership, and dedication to the Sephardic community have left an indelible mark on Jewish history and religious life.

fl

3

fi

fi

CYHSB Weekly

fi



Volume 18, Issue 14

March 8, 2024

Fireworks and Justice: A Mock Trial Davi Baum (’27) now the night of July 8. Ronnie went the place, so he found his gun, It was July 5. It was loud, and the out for the night for a breath of fresh scanned the home, and discovered smell of exhilaration was in the air. air, and two individuals disguised in two masked people. In self-defense, Ronnie Montgomery, the prosecutor/ clown masks had intruded into Ronnie shot one of the invaders while victim, had thrown a vast fireworks Ronnie's house and vandalized the other perpetrator fled. Police then party, and everyone responded to this was having a good emergency and took time except for one notes that scribbled person, the on a hallway mirror defendant, Jules were the very same Caps. Jules had a words you will pay. problem: his dog had Such was the case gotten startled by the presented to our loud fireworks and mock trial problem had escaped his this year. Mock trial house. So Jules goes is an advanced and finds his dog learning opportunity and discovers a for high school skunk sprayed the students to better dog; Ronnie, trying understand the laws to be helpful, of our country and suggests a tomato how a courtroom juice bath, and Jules functions. This year, snaps back, saying our student lawyers the particular phrase represented the state you will pay. After of Tennessee and that, Ronnie received were prosecuting the several anonymous defendant, Jules phone calls over Caps. Our students Mock Trial members (right to le ) Omer Zalman, Gordon Cheivetz, Avigdor had a lot of fun and three days stating those exact words: learned the ways of Zweighorn, Ilan Lennon, Davi Baum. Photo By: Omer Zalman you will pay just to court. This come to find out the experience has Ronny's property. When Ronnie came previous anonymous phone calls were helped them know how to work under home, he was flabbergasted to proven by phone records "obtained pressure, and they are excited to discover the condition of his house. from Horizon" to be addressed from return to the competition next year.

It was worrisome as he didn't Jules. So It's been three days, and it's know if the perpetrators were still in

Radical Riddles If you eat me, my sender will eat you. If you don’t eat me you have survived?

What Am I?

HINT

If you have the answer please email amit.zalman@mhafyos.org! First one to email gets a shout out!

CYHSB Weekly

4

ft



Volume 18, Issue 14

March 8, 2024

NBA All-Star Weekend: Fantastic or Failure Benny Freiden (’26) Grizzlies star Vince Willams was on Donovan Mitchell. Damian Lillard The NBA All-Star weekend is one of team Tamika who lost in the semis. won off his last shot to become the highest viewed sports events in The Gl League team made it to the Back2Back championships. The next the year with the top players Championship which was surprising, event was an interesting one. WNBA participating in several events. This but they fell to Team Jalen 26-13. star Sabrina Ionescu challenged the year's All-Star weekend took place in Hometown Hero Benedict Mathurin best shooter ever, Stephen Curry. At Indianapolis, Indiana. Some events of the Pacers won MVP. first, she was going to shoot from the took place at Lucas Oil Stadium, On Saturday night, four events WNBA 3-point line which is closer home of the Indianapolis Colts while took place which were my favorite than the NBA line. She decided to the others took place at Gainbridge events of the weekend. The Skills make it more fair, she will also shoot Fieldhouse of the Indiana Pacers.

Challenge, 3-point contest, Steph Vs from the NBA 3-point line but with The events began on Friday, February Sabrina, and the NBA dunk contest.

WNBA-sized balls. Sabrina went first 16 with the celebrity game. The 2 The first event was the skills and made her first 8 out of 9 but then teams participating were led by challenge which consisted of 3 teams. struggled shooting 5 for 10 in her last Shannon and Stephen A; famous The Pacers were led by Tyrese racks. She still had an impressive sports talk show hosts. Some Haliburton, Benedict Mathurin, and performance ending with a score of participants in the event were NFL Myles Turner. Team top picks were 26 which tied Dmaian Lillard's superstars like Micah Parsons, winning score. Stephen Curry Puka Nacua, and CJ Stroud. then went and ended with 29 Famous YouTube streamers points proving to all his who played were Kai Cenat position as the best shooter. It and Tristan Jass. Actors also was a fun one to watch. attended the event such as Finally, there was the NBA Dylan Wang and Qunicy Slam Dunk contest. This Isaiah. This exciting list year's players consisted of represents only a small Jaylen Brown, G League portion of those who player Mac Mcclung (last competed. Team Shannon year's champion), Jacob pulled out the win, winning Toppin, and Jamie Jaquez. Jr. 100-91 with Micah Parsons Jaylen Brown's dunks were all winning the MVP of the game disappointments compared to scoring 37 points and racking the rest and I was surprised Stephen Curry once again proves he is the best shooter of a up 16 rebounds. that he made it to the time Source: NBA.com The next event was the championship. 6-2 Mac Rising Star game, which Mcclung dunk over 7-1 showcases the young, bright Shaqile O'neal which was my led by Paolo Banchero, Victor talent of the league and gives NBA favorite of the night and helped cap Wembenyama, and Anthony and G League players a chance to off his 2nd in a row championship.

Edwards. The last team was Team prove themselves. It was an exciting The next day was the main event All-Stars led by Trae Young, Scottie round-robin tournament featuring 4 which I didn't even watch, The AllBarnes, and Tyrese Maxey. Most teams. The teams were made in a Star Game. This game has got worse players didn't take this seriously like draft earlier in the week. In the and worse throughout the years with Scottie Barnes who shot backward semifinal, games were set to the first no defense being played whatsoever. shots and Anthony Edwrard who shot team to score 40 points while the This year the final score was a crazy with his non-dominant hand. The championship round was played to 211-186 with the East defeating the Hometown Pacers took the win as 25. Some notable players who played West. Damian Lillard dropped 39 and Tyrese Haliburton hit a half-court were Victor Webenyama, Brandon won the MVP. Many people were not shot to seal the deal.

Miller, Paolo Bancharo, and Chet happy with the game and I get why.

The next event was the 3 Point Homlgren. There were 3 NBA teams The All-Star weekend has gone in a Contest which is always fun. The and 1 team of G League players. The downhill spiral the past few years and players were Damian Lillard, Karl G League team had Emoni Bates, don't be shocked if stars stop Anthony Towns, Trae Young, Jalen Mac Mcclung, and Matas Buzelis to participating in the event.

Brunson, Malik Beasly, Tyrese name a few. Young Memphis Haliburton, Lauri Markkanen, and CYHSB Weekly

5

ll



Volume 18, Issue 14



Volume 18, Issue 14

March 8, 2024

Happiness and Haman: A Topical Question Avi Becker ('24) ride. Mordecai said to him: I am their high places' (Deuteronomy Happiness is often considered the unable, as my strength has waned 33:29). supreme emotion, one we all strive to from the days of fasting that I The Ralbag notes that inappropriate attain. This concept is not unfamiliar observed. Haman then stooped down rejoicing may result in Hashem in Judaism; Maimonides asserts that before him and Mordecai ascended on transferring his divine wrath from happiness is integral to the him. As he was ascending the horse, your enemy to you. This becomes observance of Jewish rituals.

Mordecai kicked Haman. Haman said apparent through the next verse: 'Lest Maimonides dictates in the Yad to him: Is it not written for you: 'Do the LORD see it and be displeased, Hachazakah that all And avert His wrath from commandments must be him.' (Proverbs 24:18) The "Have you been to the land of performed with exuberant Alshich in Esther (5:3) joy. However, there exists writes that this is exactly happiness, what appears to be a why Esther attempted to contradictory verse—a make Haman rejoice at the Where everyone's happy all day, commandment against party. For she wanted the Where they joke and they sing rejoicing. This is found in Divine will to be turned Mishlei, Chapter 24, verse against Haman. However, it Of the happiest things, 17: 'In the falling (death) of can be inferred from the your enemy, do not rejoice.'

Ralbag that appropriate And everything's jolly and gay?

However, another rejoicing by the appropriate There's no one unhappy in Happy contradictory verse is also person is deemed referenced. As it is also acceptable.

There's laughter and smiles galore. written by Shlomo The Maharsha in HaMelech, 'In the death of Megillah 28a interprets the I have been to The Land of Happyevil-doers – verse in Chapter 24 as What a bore" exuberance!' (Mishlei pertaining to someone 11:10). So, what should the rejoicing out of hatred for -Shel Silverstein Jews do when presented their enemy. Rabbeinu with the falling of our Yonah, in Pirkei Avos 4:19, enemies? argues that rejoicing is Those who argue for permissible at a high level if not rejoice when your enemy rejoicing would immediately cite the done in celebration of the honor of falls' (Proverbs 24:17)? Mordecai Gemara in Megillah: After Haman God, particularly at the downfall of said to him: This statement applies trimmed his hair, Haman dressed an evildoer. This aligns closely with only to Jews, but concerning you, it is Mordecai in royal garments. Haman the perspective of the Ralbag. written: 'And you shall tread upon then said to him: Mount the horse and

© CALVIN AND HOBBES Watterson. Reprinted with permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.

CYHSB Weekly

6

March 8, 2024

Cooper Clicks To p r i g h t : E m e r g e n c y m e e t i n g c a l l e d ; t he re s a dormer among us. Middle right: Daniel Kahane runs om the crime scene a er robbing the Goats of a win.

Bottom left: Rafi tries to catch a fly in his mouth.

Bottom right: Avi and JJ are on trial for being too cool.

CYHSB Weekly

7

ft

fr



Volume 18, Issue 14

March 8, 2024

Lots of time and e ort goes into the creation of this publication, but none of this would be possible without the generous donations we receive from the readers (just like you). Our only goal is for your enjoyment so all we ask is for a little support back. If you would like to sponsor a Weekly for $20, email Nadav.Lowell@mhafyos.org.

-From the Managing editor: Raanan Vanderwalde

CYHSB Weekly Staff Editor-in-Chief Ezra Davidovics | ezra.davidovics@mhafyos.org Associate Editor-in-Chief Nadav Lowell | nadav.lowell@mhafyos.org Managing Editor Raanan Vanderwalde | raanan.vanderwalde@mhafyos.org Head of Torah Affairs Avi Becker | avi.becker@mhafyos.org Chief Layout Editor Ra Davidovics | rafael.davidovics@mhafyos.org Layout Editors Amit Zalman | amit.zalman@mhafyos.org Yitzy Ryp | yitzy.ryp@mhafyos.org News Editors Akiva Levine | akiva.levine@mhafyos.org Ilan Lowell | ilan.lowell@mhafyos.org Photographers and Complaint Managers Jack Kampf | jack.kampf@mhafyos.org J.J. Stein | jacob.stein@mhafyos.org CYHSB Weekly Staff Jojo Ardestani | jonathan.ardestani@mhafyos.org Davi Baum | david.baum@mhafyos.org Benny Freiden | benjamin.freiden@mhafyos.org Ra Goldkin | rafael.goldkin@mhafyos.org Ilan Lennon | ilan.lennon@mhafyos.org Jonah Siegel | jonah.siegel@mhafyos.org Omer Zalman | omer.zalman@mhafyos.org Avigdor Zweihorn | avigdor.zweihorn@mhafyos.org

From The Associate Editor:

As high schoolers, it is our privilege to give perception of new experiences. We can see the NBA exciting events for the rst time, visit the courthouse to compete in mock trial, and even question our own agency in the world.

We see that new opportunities are around every corner, and we never stop looking for something new. With a heartfelt Torah message for us to consider, let us continue into Shabbos and the approaching cha im with the same mindset.

Wishing everyone a restful weekend and peaceful shabbat, -

Administrative Advisors Mrs. Ashley Brown Rabbi Dov Rossman

gg

8

ff

𝓁

𝓁

𝑒

𝓌

𝑜

𝐿

𝓋

fi

𝒶

𝒹

𝒶

fi

fi

CYHSB Weekly

𝒩



Volume 18, Issue 14