Issuu

September 11, 2026

CYHSB WEEKLY

The Official Newspaper of the Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys Volume 21, Issue 02 Editors Edition Trivia Corner Page 2

Open Your Eyes Page 3

Squabbling Students; Activity Piece Page 4

Squabbling Students Page 5

Cooper Macs Gear Up for the Basketball Season Page 6

Cooper Clicks Page 7

Find us here: issuu.com/mrsashleybrown This Issue is Sponsored By:

Shelby and Lee Baum in Loving Memory of Ted Winestone

Good Shabbos and Shana Tova!

The CYHSB gathers by the river and are prepared to face the currents. Photo Credit: Spring River Oaks Canoe Rental

Canoe Believe It? CYHSB Annual Canoe-Camping Trip Recap Gordon Chaifetz (’27) With the conclusion of the annual CYHSB canoe trip, it can proudly be said that a great task was accomplished. Every year at the CYHSB, the amazing sta and students take it upon themselves to spend hours of their time helping prepare for this amazing trip. Entailing 2 days and 1 night, the rst day is spent traveling to the campsite at Spring River in Arkansas,

about 3 hours from Memphis, TN. But once they arrive, that’s when the fun starts. There was plenty of time to set up tents, sing nice tunes, enjoy smores at the camp re, and have dinner. Thanks to Chief Culinary O cer, Aiden Cenker (‘29), everyone enjoyed some amazing hotdogs, hamburgers, and even steaks. Some students even took this time to sh with their friends Continued on next page. 1

ffi

CYHSB Weekly

Volume 21, Issue 02

om previous page.

in the river right next to the bumping into other boats, but has been the most memorable site. after the rst stop they nally part of canoeing year after year. Day 2 started o with started to shake the rust o Sadly, the group couldn't Davening, and thankfully enough to ensure they didn’t spend the entire day there and everyone remembered to bring even ip! On the way to the had to continue down the river. their te in. After davening, second stop of the river, the Around an hour after the slide, breakfast included some group managed to see a random they found themselves passing delicious honeybuns! Following herd of cows on the side, the campsite from earlier, davening was some learning, surprising everyone with their though the journey wasn't quite where students split up into sudden appearance. done. Finally, they came upon a four groups by grade. sign directing them It's safe to say that to stop so the rental everyone learned service could pick something new with up the canoes. Once their respective group most of the school leaders. Once the arrived, everyone learning concluded, started walking back everyone nished to the campsite to getting ready for the nish packing up best part of the trip: and heading back. the canoeing. The school stopped On the way to for a quick Mincha the canoe site, before heading out, instructions were and then Maariv given about the when pulling over at proper application of Zacharia Levine ('29) and Matty Ardestani ('29) set up their tent. a rest stop for dinner. sunscreen and the All in all, this Photo Credit: CYHSB Photography importance of canoe trip has been reapplying often— one of the greatest The second stop on the advice that some might not school trips the students have river is easily the most fun of have followed as well as they experienced, leaving many sad the entire trip. At this location, should have. But with that it has come to an end. there is a natural water slide preparation out of the way, the Thank you to all of the sta that every student gets to go canoeing was nally ready to and students who helped out down, even outside of their start! Partners Jack Ardestani over the course of this trip, and canoe! Going down this slide (‘27) and his teammate got o good luck on the next to a rough start, constantly adventure, CYHSB!

Trivia Corner Rosh Hashanah Edition

What do we add to Davening on Rosh Hashana? Email Asher.Ryp@mhafyos.org with the answer!

CYHSB Weekly

September 11, 2026

Continued

September 11, 2026

Open Your Eyes: Finding the Blessings Hidden in Life's Trials Ilan Lennon (’27)

On August 19, 2003, a crowded bus made its way through Jerusalem. Packed with families returning from the Kotel, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation; it was Rosh Chodesh Elul: a time of re ection ahead of Rosh Hashanah. A young student was running desperately down the street to catch the bus. He had timed his walk perfectly, but a sudden, frustrating delay forced him to halt: the strap of his sandal unexpectedly snapped, leaving him limping on the pavement. Furious at his luck, he watched the bus pull away without him. Moments later, a devastating suicide bombing tore through that exact vehicle. The broken sandal strap, which felt like a ruined day, was actually the Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Providence) of Hashem stepping in to protect his life. We often view our lives through the lens of luck or coincidence. We hit a green light when running late, or we nd a lost item just in time, and we brush it o as a uke. We treat Hashem’s presence like a rare occurrence, reserved only for supernatural miracles. But Rosh Hashanah arrives to shatter that illusion. It is a day of re ection over our actions, intentions, and our recognition of G-d’s constant presence in our lives, orchestrating the “ordinary” to run the way it is supposed to—even when it may seem frustrating at rst.

CYHSB Weekly

Volume 21, Issue 02

We nd the ultimate example for this type of awareness in the Torah reading for the rst day of Rosh Hashanah. Hagar and her son Ishmael are sent to wander in the desert. Their water runs dry, and overcome by desperation, Hagar collapses, weeping because she believes they will die. Then, the Torah states: “Vayi ach Elohim et eineha vateirei be’er mayim,” which means, “And G-d opened her

Daniel Kahane (‘27) and Gavi Lichter (‘27) practice their shofar blowing ahead of Rosh Hashana. Photo Credit: Ilan Lennon (‘27)

eyes, and she saw a well of water.” The commentators note something life-changing about this phrasing. The text does not say that Hashem created a well of water out of thin air. The well had been there the entire time. Blinded by fear and the assumption that she was entirely alone, Hagar simply could not see the vital resource sitting right in front of her face.

The well is already there. True gratitude is the active, deliberate choice to realize that nothing is an accident. It is looking at a roof over our heads, an inspiring teacher, a supportive family, or even a “frustrating” delay, and recognizing the Creator behind it. When we shift our perspective from luck to Providence, our entire world transforms. As we listen to the Shofar only once during this Rosh Hashana, it should serve as a reminder to look at every aspect of our lives, from the most mundane to the most extraordinary, and to realize that G-d intimately coordinates it all from behind the scenes. Once we recognize this reality, our relationship with adversity changes. Every inconvenience and unexpected challenge changes from a setback to a purposeful blessing from G-d. It is an opportunity given to us directly from G-d to grow and to become even closer to Hashem. This year, allow the sound of the Shofar to follow you outside of Shul. When a plan falls apart, or a delay disrupts your path, stop and listen to the blast again. Realize that you are following Hashem’s timeline, not your own. Trust that you are walking His path, not your own. Become more aware of G-d's involvement in your life, and thank Him for every challenge and opportunity He gives you to grow. 3

September 11, 2026

Volume 21, Issue 02

Squabbling Students: The Case for Less School Matty Ardestani (’29) Waking up in the morning is a pain. I’m sure even Rabbi Rossman can agree. No one likes dragging themselves out of bed after hearing the dreaded buzz of your alarm clock screaming at you to wake up. So the question on the tip of all of our tongues is: Why does school start so early? We start every day at 7:45, bright and early in the morning. No one wants to wake up at that time. By the time you get to school, you’re still half asleep. Waking up early has many disadvantages, such as not being able to function properly. Our bodies need a lot of sleep, and waking up at 7:00 does not

help with that. By not getting as much sleep, it is harder to pay attention in class, harder to function, and harder to concentrate on our schoolwork. Sleeping is an extremely important part of our lives. Not only does it help us concentrate better, but it also makes us healthier. Sleeping has many bene ts, such as physical health, mental health, healthy brain function, and emotional well-being. Another reason why school starting so early is bad is because it doesn’t align with our sleep schedules. We all try to fall asleep as early as we can, but sometimes that’s just not possible. The average teen

usually falls asleep from around 11:00 to 12:00, and by waking up at 7:00 we don’t get the required amount of sleep. The reason is that during the teen years, an internal biological clock is reset, telling the teenager to fall asleep later and wake up later. This is because of the brain's hormone of melatonin, which is released later at night for teens than it’s for kids and adults. Which makes it harder for teens to fall asleep early. In conclusion, if only we started school later, we could all pay more attention, function better, and overall be more healthy human beings.

Activity Piece

Across:

Cooper Macs Basketball Crossword

2. His favorite player is Jalen Brunson. 6. He always wears a gray hoodie. 7. He loves to keep track of macros. 9. He's all about the rst aid. 10. He loves the Grizzles. Down: 1. He wears a face mask. 3. He may not have height, but he sure has might. 4. He always drives everyone to Night Seder. 5. Known for his self-defense and musical expertise. 8. Once known for his height and hair. 11. Currently wheelchair con ned.

Asher Benjamin Dani Daniel Eitan Eli Gavi Ilan Jonah Matty Zacharia

CYHSB Weekly

Word Bank:

September 11, 2026

Squabbling Students: The Case for More School Yakir Rovner (’28) School, for my fellow Causal Research, and Empirical My third and nal reason for CYHSBers and I, currently Exploration,” extended school not wanting the school day to goes from 7:45 until 4:45 every days can lead to signi cant be shortened is also discussed weekday (with the in the article exception of mentioned above. Friday). I believe It considers the that this is the amount of time perfect amount of lost from every time for us to get school day, and our learning in. cumulatively the Firstly, as year, across many an Orthodox di erent factors Jewish day school, (shown in the we must image below) acknowledge the ranging from importance of teacher or student balancing Judaic absences to studies with misbehavior in secular learning. If the classroom. the school day was These factors shortened, as is a ect how much being suggested by of the time we the other side, we have in school is would not have actually spent nearly enough learning. If the time to t in day was meaningful Judaic shortened, the classes while also percentage of studying math, time lost science, English, to these Flow chart showing how factors in school a ect time spent learning. and the like. determinants Photo Credit: NIH.gov A second would be much reason why greater. gains in student achievement. shortening our school day is a In conclusion, the On the other hand, reducing terrible idea is that since the amount of time we spend in time spent in school can pandemic, schools have been school as CYHSBers is ideal to substantially reduce academic struggling to regain and balance our Judaic and general achievement. Since our school maintain school days with studies, to advance our has proven that we are capable su cient hours. As discussed in academic achievement, and to of supporting a nine hour the NIH published article maximize our time spent school day, why would we want “Time in School: A Conceptual learning. to shorten that and lose all our Framework, Synthesis of the knowledge. 5

ffi

CYHSB Weekly

Volume 21, Issue 02

Cooper Macs Gear Up for the Basketball Season Zacharia Levine ('29)

With practices already “We have a lot of di erent guys underway, the Cooper Macs are who can contribute to this getting ready for another great team, and right now it’s about basketball season. This year’s learning how to play together team brings together 11 players and getting better every day,” from all four grades, led by head Coach Kahane said. “We want coach Josh Kahane and to compete, work hard and put assistant coach David "Dubs" ourselves in a position to have a Winestone. With the rst successful season. I’m excited games expected to begin in late to see how much this group can October, the team has the next improve once we start playing several weeks to prepare and games.” gure out how all the pieces of this year’s roster will t together. The Macs have a large senior group this season, with Daniel Kahane, Gavi Lichter, Jonah Siegel, Eli Wiesfogel and Ilan Lennon making up almost half of the roster. Eitan Braverman is the team’s only junior, The Cooper Macs Practice Ahead of the Season while Zacharia Levine and Photo Credit: Zacharia Levine Matty Ardestani represent For the freshmen, the the sophomore class. The team start of the season also comes also welcomes three freshmen: with the adjustment from Dani Schneider, Asher Ryp and middle school to high school Benjamin Sukhodolsky. basketball. Practices are faster With a mix of returning and more competitive, and they players and younger players are now playing alongside and entering high school basketball, against students several years Coach Kahane is focused on older than them. getting the group comfortable “It’s de nitely a big di erence playing together before games from middle school,” freshman begin.

Asher Ryp said. “The practices are more intense and you have to adjust to playing with bigger and older guys. It’s challenging, but it also pushes you to get better, and I’m excited to be part of the team.” The Macs have also had an unusually unlucky start when it comes to injuries, particularly among the team’s seniors. Lennon has been dealing with a lingering ankle injury and attending physical therapy, while Wiesfogel is currently out with an ankle injury. Daniel Kahane recently sprained his ankle, and Siegel is just now returning after dealing with a wrist injury. Having four of the team’s ve seniors dealing with or recovering from injuries is certainly not the ideal way to begin a season, but with several weeks remaining before the rst games, the Macs have time to recover and continue preparing. Outside the setbacks, Siegel made it clear that the injuries have not lowered the team’s expectations. “Despite the plethora of debilitating injuries that have beset our roster this season, we refuse to Continued on next page

CYHSB Weekly

September 11, 2026

Continued om previous page succumb to despondency or capitulate to adversity,” Siegel said. “Rather, we remain steadfastly committed to a comprehensive convalescence, and once we have achieved optimal physiological readiness, our collective focus will crystallize into an unrelenting, indefatigable pursuit of victory.” While the Macs' full game schedule is unannounced,

September 11, 2026

competition begins in late October. The team will face Jewish high schools from around the continent in two major events: the Memphis Yeshiva Invitational (Oct 29 – Nov 1) and Detroit's David Tanzman Memorial Tournament (Jan 28–31). Before October's rst tipo , the Macs are focused on getting healthy, practicing hard, and

building team chemistry. Blending experienced upperclassmen with fresh younger talent, this roster has a prime opportunity to grow as they put in the work. We hope to see everyone in the community there cheering them on when they nally take the court.

Cooper Clicks Top Right: Eitan Braverman ('28) and Rabbi Boyer play music during the barbecue. Middle Right: Rabbi Gersten teaches the freshmen how to canoe. Bottom Right: The Cooper DL list enjoys the river. Bottom Le : The CYHSB roasts s'mores together. Photo Credit: Aiden Cenker ('29) and Dotan Weiss ('27)

CYHSB Weekly

Volume 21, Issue 02

September 11 2026

Volume 21, Issue 02

To sponsor an issue and lend support to the next installment of your favorite Jewish newspaper for only $25, please reach out to Ilan.Lennon@mhafyos.org CYHSB Weekly Staff

Editor-in-Chief Ilan Lennon ('27) | Ilan.lennon@mhafyos.org Associate Editor-in-Chief Zacharia Levine ('29) | Zacharia.Levine@mhafyos.org Layout Editors Kivi Cenker ('29) | Akiva.Cenker@mhafyos.org Matthew Ardestani ('29) | Matthew.Ardestani@mhafyos.org Production Manager Gordon Chaifetz (’27) | Gordon.Chaifetz@mhafyos.org News Editor Yakir Rovner ('28) | Yakir.Rovner@mhafyos.org Entertainment Editors Asher Ryp ('30) | Asher.Ryp@mhafyos.org Elisha Zweihorn ('30) | Elisha.Zweihorn@mhafyos.org Photographers Aiden Cenker ('29) | Aiden.Cenker@mhafyos.org Dotan Weiss ('27) | Dotan.Weiss@mhafyos.org Treasurers Benjamin Sukhodolsky (’30) | Benjamin.Sukhodolsky@mhafyos.org Max Seigerman ('29) | Max.Seigerman@mhafyos.org CYHSB Weekly Staff Jack Ardestani (’27) | Jack.Ardestani@mhafyos.org Zev Valeriano (’28) | Julian.Valeriano@mhafyos.org Jonah Siegel ('27) | Jonah.Siegel@mhafyos.org Daniel Schneider ('30) | Daniel.Schneider@mhafyos.org Amitai Horowitz (’26) | Amitai.Horowitz@mhafyos.org Joshua Westreich (’28) | Joshua.Westreich@mhafyos.org

Message from the Editor:

Welcome to another edition of the CYHSB Weekly! This week we're bringing you a little bit of everything. Inside, you will nd coverage on debates echoed in the school hallways, a recap of an exciting school trip, an eye opening dvar torah, and an introduction to your favorite basketball team: The Cooper Macs. Our goal is to keep you fully up to date on what's happening at the CYHSB as we approach Rosh Hashanah. We hope the start of this new year matches the high energy of our recent canoe trip and surpasses the rocky start of the Macs' basketball season. Shana Tova,

Faculty Advisor Mrs. Ashley Brown

-Editor-in-Chief

CYHSB Weekly