CYSHB Weekly 10/20/2023

Volume 18, Issue 5

October 20, 2023

CYHSB WEEKLY Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys

Volume 18, Issue 5 Looking Forward To Grizzlies Season Page 3 Cooper Clicks Page 4 iPhone 15 VS Google Pixel 8: Battle of the Tech Giants Page 5 Parshas Noach: The Power of Unity Page 6 This week’s issue is sponsored by Jojo Ardestani in honor of the soldiers in Israel.

Contact Nadav Lowell at nadav.lowell@mhafyos.org if you want to sponsor an issue.

CYHSB Weekly

Israeli war planes pound Gaza. Source: ABCnews.com

A Region in Shock: Israel Plunged Into War Ilan Lennon (27’) On October 7, 2023, a Palestinian terrorist organization located in Gaza known as Hamas attacked Israel, orchestrating the worst terrorist attack against Israel in the nation's history. Hamas’ attack began with the full scale invasion of Israel on land, air, and sea, with rockets, paragliders, bulldozers, and speedboats to surprise attack Israel. In addition to the thousands of Israelis killed by Hamas, which included soldiers, civilians, children, and babies, they also took around 200 hostages. In response to this attack, Israel closed both borders to Gaza putting it under siege and cutting off food, water, and electricity.

Israel also called in over 300,000 soldiers to put this conflict to rest.

As soon as word of the attack spread, Jews around the world did whatever they could to help Israel.

From Tehillim groups and added prayers during Davening, to gathering clothing, tzitzit, and other supplies that might be necessary for the soldiers and other Israeli civilians suffering from the war.

In our hometown of Memphis, many community events brought together the Memphis spirit.

Baron Hirsch held a communitywide tehillim program, in which Sarit Grunwald, a teacher at the MHAFYOS spoke about her family in Israel and her connection 1

Volume 18, Issue 5

October 20, 2023

to Israel, followed by a beautiful and people affected by the war came family in Israel to give them tehillim recitation led by Rabbi Ilai to talk about Israel, and what we can strength to continue pushing Grunwald. They also held an event do to help. One Rabbi we heard forward is important even if we in which they bought and packed from was Rabbi Ari Katz from the think we are just one more person gifts, and wrote letters for Israelis in Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot. Rabbi saying one more nice thing, it is cooperation with MHA and Katz used to live in Memphis and appreciated.” We also came together Bornblum. worked at the MHAFYOS. After with thousands of high schoolers on The Memphis Jewish community that, he moved to Israel and lived in Zoom to recite Tehillim and center had a We Stand with Israel Gush Katif, which is now in the HaTikvah for Israel. A current Solidarity Rally. Israeli members of borders of Gaza, until the sophomore at the CYHSB said, “It the community gave speeches and government moved them in 2005 as was so inspiring seeing all different told stories. Leading members of the part of the unilateral disengagement types of people coming together Jewish community, like heads of plan. During his talk, Rabbi Katz behind the same idea.” schools and rabbis, also got up to explained the politics of Gaza and Nadav Goldkin, an alumnus of lead different prayers. Many his personal experiences while there. the school, currently training for the prominent members of the city's He also told us how when the attack army said, “It is sickening to watch government also showed this violent war unfold in support for Israel, lighting our land. The violent a candle in honor of attacks from Hamas are victims, and presenting sickening. I can't even speeches. Among them grasp the deaths of my were mayor Jim friends, brothers, and Strickland, mayor-elect sisters here. It makes me Paul Young, chief of the feel hopeless and yet police Cerelyn Davis, empowered. I want to along with other state start the army already. To legislators, and members do my part. But the of the mayor's personal response of Am Yisrael and multicultural boards. and all the Jews It was a meaningful Memphis Jewish community leaders unite in support of Israel. worldwide is a beautiful, experience to see all these beautiful thing. I wish it non-Jewish members of Photo by: Ilan Lennon didn't take a war to bring the city come to support us.

Aside from these events, local rabbis have been hosting learning programs that are devoted to Israel, such as Rabbi Safier’s, Motzei Shabbat Learning Program which was highly attended, and families are having their own tehillim gatherings. One such tehillim gathering was hosted by the Grunwalds in which every person works together to complete all of tehillim(and then start over). These are not all done in private environments, people are risking their lives just by putting blue ribbons on their mailboxes and front doors that the Bat Ami and Torah MiTzion are giving out along with many other communities around the world, to show support for Israel.

Our school had numerous assemblies and programs regarding the war in Israel. Community rabbis CYHSB Weekly

started many students and rabbis in his yeshiva got their weapons and went out to defend the city. Rabbi Katz told us how no one could believe what was happening, “I couldn’t believe it, I thought it was a bad nightmare, a dream, a bad movie”. At the end of our Zoom meeting with him, Rabbi Katz gave us advice on what we could do. He told us to write letters to soldiers, survivors, and to the families of victims. He also suggested that we could raise money and gather supplies to send in aid of Israel.

We learned that by concentrating more during davening and saying a little more, our davening and tefilot can help change the outcome of this war. Along with helping on a spiritual level, we also learned how to help through acts of kindness.

Netanel Aronson, a former Torah MiTzion member (‘22-’23) said, “Reaching out to our friends and

us all together.” Elisha Sermon, another alumnus of our school expounded upon this idea of the war bringing about a sense of ‫ אַחְדוּת‬or unity, in our nation.

“Watching everyone come together to help the soldiers is amazing.

Yeshivas are adopting battalions to pray for. People are fundraising to get supplies for the soldiers who volunteered to go to the front lines.

It is both the most terrifying and most amazing experience I have ever had.”

Especially through these bad times, the CYHSB stands with Israel. In times of trouble and difficulty, it is pertinent that we stand strong together and show the world our unity to inspire more acts of ‫ אַחְדוּת‬in our nation and the world as a whole.

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October 20, 2023

Looking Forward To Grizzlies Season Jonah Siegel (27’) assists per game, and 4.1 rebounds up with last year's defensive player It's basketball season around the per game in his MVP season. of the year, Jaren Jackson Jr., The country, in our school, and when it Although this was over a decade Grizzlies will have one of the best comes to the NBA. The Memphis ago, and his stats have been defenses in the league, which will Grizzlies season is in just under a decreasing since then, Derrick Rose hopefully push them to the finals. week and I can't wait to see how is still going to be a good addition This year the Grizzlies starting this season turns out. five is going to be After losing in the different than first round last year expected. With the Who Do CYHSBers think will win the NBA Finals?

I hope this year suspension of Ja will turn out better.

Morant for the first The Memphis 25 games of the Grizzlies are season due to currently 2-2 in inappropriate preseason. Can the actions. The Grizzlies keep their starting five for the momentum and Grizzlies this year become the is going to be Southwest Division Derrick Rose, Champions for Desmond Bane, their third Jaren Jackson Jr, consecutive season Marcus Smart, and or even make a Steven Adams until push in the Ja Morant returns. playoffs?

This season will be After Making a interesting with couple of trades in two of the starters this NBA offseason new to the team. to the Grizzlies roster. will the Grizzlies finally have what With star “shooter” Ja Morant out Another player that the Grizzlies it takes to bring home the Grizzly's for the first 25 games of the season acquired was Marcus Smart. Smart first NBA Finals Championship? will Derrick Rose be able to step up was an NBA all-defense team In early June, the Grizzlies with his new team? Can Marcus player three times and is a threetraded for Derrick Rose, who went Smart who was traded by the time NBA Hustler Award winner, to the University of Memphis and Celtics, adapt to the new Memphis winning it in 2019, 2022, and 2023. was the 2009 Rookie of the Year defense? I for one can’t wait to see.

He also helped the Celtics reach the and 2011 Most Valuable Player, NBA finals in 2022. When paired averaging 25 points per game, 7.4

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

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Volume 18, Issue 5

October 20, 2023

Cooper Clicks Top Right: Yosef Vanderwalde just after getting hit in the face by basketball. Top Left: community meets in support of Israel. Bottom Left: Benny gets GAINS! Bottom Right: Eli Weisfogel sees ice cream truck. Bottom Center: Danial Kahane sni s Eli Weisfogel.

Photos By: Jack Kamph

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CYHSB Weekly

Volume 18, Issue 5

October 20, 2023

iPhone 15 VS Google Pixel 8: Battle of the Tech Giants Jojo Ardestani (25’) models are now made with a titanium This past month both Google and frame which in theory, was supposed Apple's flagship devices were to make the phone stronger. But in released and in comparing them, reality, it causes the phone to be more there is one clear winner for the rigid, making it more prone to cracks better phone. First, I’ll go through the than other iPhones. This makes the new features of both phones. With iPhone 15 lineup the least durable the iPhone 15 and 15 plus there is an iPhone to date. improved brightness of 1000 nits On the other hand, the Google (measurement of screen brightness) Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, were and the addition of USB type C. That released with some features that is it. There are no improved chips or higher battery capacity- just a brighter screen and USB type C- which was only added because it was mandated by the government.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e USB C ports that were added, are subpar compared to other devices with USB C. This means that the iPhone 15, h a s s l o w e r d a t a iPhone 15 goes up against the Google Pixel 8 Source:Mashable transfer and charging speeds. The only big sound like they are from a sci-fi improvements are made on the Pro movie. Firstly, the phones cost $700 and Pro Max models- which are both and $1000 respectively, with the pro above $1000. With these models, is model coming with their new Pixel an improved along with the Last Week’s chip, Solution Watch 2 or Pixel Buds Pro for free. standard USB C ports. Moreover, all Google has also promised 7 years of

updates for both of the Pixel 8 devices. Some new features included in the Pixel 8 are a 2500-nit screen, many new camera features, and a new temperature sensor. Out of these upgrades, the most technologically advanced improvements are that of the camera. Using AI, the phone can take multiple photos at once and lets you choose each individual's facial expression from each of the different photos. It is also able to move any object around in the picture, or even completely erase people and things. The phone can also upload a video you took or take it to a supercomputer and upscale the video to 4k quality. The phone can do this with the new tensor g3 chip which, although excels at AI processing, compared to Apple's a16 bionic chip; is overall underpowered in most other aspects.

With all these improvements for Google, the choice is clear between the iPhone and Google phones. Google pulls ahead. Think twice before updating to the iPhone 15. Consider switching to Google for its better features and its price point.

Radical Riddles What needs 88 keys but has no doors?

Whoever sends the correct answer in to Rafi Davidovics at rafael.davidovics@mhafyos.org first will win an extra special prize.

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Volume 18, Issue 5

October 20, 2023

Parshas Noach: The Power of Unity Avi Becker (24’) orchestra with all of the various Sometimes people lack inspiration. instruments playing in harmony.

They lack the power to push through Mankind is the conductor, and the challenges they face. They turn everyone looks to him. When the their hearts to G-d and with all the conductor leads as he should, the lackluster Kavanah they muster and orchestra works in exquisite pray to be closer to Him. They desire harmony, creating a voice of unity some sort of life. Not the same life and power. However, should the that a doctor is accustomed to referring to. Not the tones of the heart monitor, but rather the fire in one’s soul. And they beg and beg to be given that spark, to be able to light the flame in their hearts and serve G-d properly.

The Gemara in Avodah Zara tells the story of the great Rabbi Alexandri who went out in public and screamed out “Who desires life, who desires life?”

The people gathered around unanimously, seeking that which The tower of Babel Source: Jonathan Park they so desired. As the people inquired as to what he had, he conductor err, the potential exists for grabbed a Sefer Tehillim and read the entire orchestra to descend into from Perek Lamed Daled, and read “Who is the one that desires life? The an abyss of horrible dissonance, causing the orchestra to lose all one that guards his tongue from appeal. evil.” He was explaining to them that This is the theme of Noach. The there was no need to beg. It is like conductor–humankind, acted one who begs his doctor to heal him irresponsibly.

This led humanity to a but refuses to take their medication. descent towards evil.

Society broke G-d wants to give us life, we just down and mankind sank spiritually Last Solution haveWeek’s to follow his ways. It’s a key to (and soon literally). But, there was the fire that many of us are missing still a small bit of true life with and it’s always right in front of us, we must just grab it. When you guard Noach and his family.

In the same parsha, we have another your tongue from speaking evil you familiar story known as the Tower of are not only protecting yourself but Babel. Among the many everyone around you from feeling commentaries on this cryptic event, bad and from speaking bad, and that there are those who say the building unity is what creates that fire. of the tower was to wage a rebellion When G-d created the world He against G-d. The question that placed man at the helm. He gave us resounds is WHY? Why was the the honor and responsibility to lead generation of the flood destroyed, the world; a major responsibility that and the generation who built this was placed into our hands. G-d tower merely dispersed? The answer withdrew control and left the world resounds even louder. The power of subject to the deeds of humankind. unity. There is no mistaking the This idea has been illustrated in terms of the world being a symphony difference. During the years before CYHSB Weekly

the flood, society broke down, and disunity reigned. Contrast that to the generation about which the Torah states “And all the land was of one language and unity prevailing” (Genesis 11:1). Since there was peace and unity among the participants in the building of the tower, they merited to stay alive and to merely be dispersed.

A great Rabbi was once asked to predict the outcome of the war between Napoleon’s army and the Russians. His answer was “I’m no prophet, but I’ll tell you a story.” “A rich man riding in a magnificent carriage became mired in the mud on the poorly paved roads. A farmer driving an old rickety wagon pulled by three ponies offered his assistance. The rich man scornfully asked ‘How can your ponies do what my beautiful horses could not achieve?’ Calmly, the farmer asked ‘Where are your horses from?’ ‘Why are these bought from the greatest stables!’ ‘That explains it,’ said the farmer. ‘Your horses are unrelated. Each one fights for domination over the other three.

When you hit one the others rejoice in his misfortune and don’t help in the task. My ponies are brothers, and they all pull together!’ Humbly, the rich man watched the ponies pull his coach out of the mud.” The rabbi continued. “Napoleon’s army is composed of many different ethnic groups, while the Russian soldiers are all brothers and fighting for their homeland. There is no question in my mind that the unity in the Russian army will help them in their battles.”

We all know how that story ended.

Peace and unity are such unspoken yet holy values in our daily lives that must be upheld. As abhorrent as the Tower of Babel was, they did one thing right: Unity.

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October 20, 2023

GRADUATES, FACULTY, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO ARE SERVING IN THE IDF • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Yaie Ben-Ishai FYOS ‘05 Yossi Berendt FYOS ‘16 Yotam Berendt Yishai Berendt FYOS ‘18 Aaron Cooper Efraim Fruchter Avi Goldstein FYOS ‘11 Ben Goldstein FYOS ‘95 Yaakov Kaplan FYOS ‘13 Lily Morris MHA ‘16 Sarah Rapp MHA ‘12 Dovid Yehoshua Samuels MHA ‘12 Ezra Somer FYOS ‘20 Shmuel Somer MHA ‘09 Tsefanya Sperling Asher Stein Dovi Weinberg Matanya Weiss Ben Wexler FYOS ‘20 Yair Wolicki

Last Week’s Solution

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October 20, 2023

Good Shabbos!

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 Layout Editors Amit Zalman | amit.zalman@mhafyos.org Ra Davidovics | rafael.davidovics@mhafyos.org News Editors Akiva Levine | akiva.levine@mhafyos.org Joshua Parcover | joshua.parcover@mhafyos.org Yaron Weiss | yaron.weiss@mhafyos.org Photographers and Complaint Managers J.J. Stein | jacob.stein@mhafyos.org Jack Kampf | jack.kampf@mhafyos.org CYHSB Weekly Staff Jojo Ardestani | jonathan.ardestani@mhafyos.org Ra Goldkin | rafael.goldkin@mhafyos.org Benny Freiden | benjamin.freiden@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 Davi Baum | david.baum@mhafyos.org Administrative Advisors Mrs. Ashley Brown Rabbi Dov Rossman

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Volume 18, Issue 5

From the Editor: In these trying and devastating times, it can be hard to see a way forward for the world.

Constant bloodshed and destruction is all we see and the future looks nothing but bleak. The only way forward is through unity, BE”H, we will nd a way forward in this crazy world and nally be in peace.

- Ezra Davidovics

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