The Official Newspaper of the Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys
Jack Ardestani (’27)
In my AP Language class, we read the article “I’m a High Schooler. AI is Demolishing My Education,” by Ashanty Rosario. After finishing it, I find myself agreeing with and can better recognise the problems she describes in her article at my own school. Cheating is a big problem in schools, and my school is no exception. I can hear fellow students discussing the model of ChatGPT they use and
which modes and models are best suited for different types of assignments. When a complaint is voiced about the amount of work or how difficult it is, “Just ChatGPT it, Bro,” is the reply. They take pictures of assignments, copy and paste them, and perform other tasks. With a quick copypaste into GPT, and then a copy-paste into the document or slideshow, they are done, hurrying off to stalk a Continued on next page
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YouTuber for three hours or playing video games. The amount of AI used in the school is frightening. It seems that students have lost all work ethic. This problem, if not addressed quickly with a more viable solution than eliminating all online activity, is rapidly becoming a significant obstacle to learning instead of a potential learning tool.
Students using AI in school so far have been a disaster. Students often avoid doing the work and cheat on it, claiming the work they did as their own, which limits both their knowledge and their ability to learn. However, in fact, AI can be used as a launch pad, propelling students into the vast expanse of knowledge. AI can be used to help find sources and obscure facts for an assignment or project. It can also assist with spellchecking and providing critiques on work completed to help improve what has already been written.
In the teaching world, there is a fundamental chart called “Bloom’s Taxonomy.” The chart shows the different levels of importance of various aspects of learning. At the bottom is “Remember,” which refers to
the ability to retain and recall information that has been presented. Next is “Understand,” the ability to comprehend what is being memorized and explain the ideas and concepts of the topic. After “Apply,” the ability to use the information in different ways. Next is “Analyze,” which involves comparing, contrasting, and connecting the topic learned with other related topics. After analysis comes “Evaluate,” the ability to critique and judge the topic and see how it gets the information it has. Finally, at the top is “Create,” where you apply the knowledge and information gained to create something new, such as a project or a piece of writing. This chart serves as the basis for most assignments that teachers give to their students, with different assignments focusing on one central part of the chart. By allowing AI to work on the lower-level chart parts of assignments, it can allow for more time for the higher-level parts of the chart, helping you complete your schoolwork faster while not diminishing your education.
The primary issue is that students don’t understand the reasoning behind the assignments; they might realize that it’s for their learning, but they don’t yet grasp the different parts of the chart, and as a result, they remove themselves entirely from the picture by asking ChatGPT to do everything for them. If students could be taught how to use AI responsibly, and for the right parts of the assignment, then AI would be transformed into an excellent tool for students, shortening the workload while still helping them develop their skills and knowledge.
Radical Riddles
You have 25 horses, the only tool you can use to measure their speed is racing them 5 at a time. The races can't tell you their individual speeds, only who's faster than who.
Email Omer.Zalman@mhafyos.org with the answer and get a shout out in the next Weekly! What is the minimum number of races to figure out the three fastest?
I think that it is essential to fix this problem, by students not getting a proper education, they will be unprepared for the future world, not being able to secure a job and live a normal life. There are some things that you need to figure out for yourself, and if it's handed to you on a silver AI plate, you aren't really getting to live, or will be able to live out for your protected classrooms, and families, so we should try our best to beat the AI takeover, and turn this weapon into a tool helping us build a better future.
Bloom's Taxonomy. Source: Salisbury.edu
The Cooper Macs’ Next Season
Benjy Schubert (’28)
For the Cooper Maccabees, the year is one of proving that a rough-around- the-edges team with talent can leave its mark next year at the Memphis Invitational Tournament, which is the most challenging tournament. Spearheaded by talented stars Jack Kampf, Benny Freiden, and Jonah Siegel, the Maccabees are under the radar with momentum, confidence, and are hungry for a deep tournament run.
Jack Kampf: The team leader
All great teams have that one player who sets the tone, and for the Macs, that player is Jack Kampf. A true freak athlete in all parts, Jack has the ability to take over a game. He can create offense out of nothing, going downhill hard to the rim and finishing through contact. But Jack is more than a scorer, he is a play maker. His court vision allows him to find teammates in places others can't.
Benny Freiden: A sharpshooter from deep
arc consistently. Teams know that they cannot give him an
composure under pressure has also made him the guy to turn to when the team needs a big three to close out a game.
There's always one player in every basketball squad that possesses the ability to change the flow of a game with one specialty. In the case of the Maccabees, that player is Benny Freiden, the squad's top threepoint specialist. Benny has the ability to stretch defenses by making shots from beyond the
Jonah Siegel: The silent force When Jack and Benny steal the light every time, Jonah Siegel is the player who keeps the team balanced. A stabilizer of the Maccabees is Jonah with his rebound game. He is a presence in the paint, a guy who can get dirty rebounds, and he isn't afraid to defend the big men. His intangible work ethic chasing down loose balls, boxing out in the post, and
taking hard screens are the little things that add up. Jonah is not always going to be at the top of the stat sheet, but his toughness and work ethic are what qualify him as one of the most respected players on the team. In a tournament where every possession is valuable, Jonah's play would be the difference between an early exit from the tournament and a championship season. The region's top players descend upon the tournament and the competition is ruthless. The Macs know they'll be up against larger, faster, more experienced competition than they would in the normal run of games.The Macs are a wild card, however, because they have chemistry and heart.They've built a system around their strengths, and they've been preparing for this. The Maccabees' game plan will depend on Jack, Benny, Jonah and the rest of the Macs. If the team can control tempo, lock down on defense, and hit shots when it counts, they will have a legitimate opportunity to make a dent in the bracket. The Memphis Invitational is where they get to leave their mark in tournament history. Led by Jack, Benny, and Jonah and with the team standing together, the Maccabees aren't going to the tournament to watch. They're gonna fight for a championship.
The Cooper Macs at practice.
Photo by Dotan Weiss('27)
MLB Postseason 2025
Gavi Lichter (’27)
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season winds down, the playoff picture is beginning to crystallize, and several familiar contenders are preparing for another October run. The postseason is always unpredictable, but analyzing team strengths, weaknesses, and seeding advantages allows us to make some reasonable forecasts.
This year’s playoff field is loaded with young stars, deep pitching staffs, and veteran leadership, making the chase for the World Series particularly compelling. After weighing momentum, health, and matchups, I believe the Milwaukee Brewers will ultimately claim the 2025 championship, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the Fall Classic. In the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers have emerged as the two strongest clubs. Both are likely to secure the coveted first-round bye, giving them extra rest and allowing their rotations to be set. Toronto boasts a balanced attack led by power hitting and a reliable bullpen, while Seattle relies heavily on its starting pitching depth to grind out victories. Out West, the
Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians continue to battle for supremacy, but the
ultimately prevail. That would lead to an American League Championship Series between Toronto and Detroit. In such a matchup, I give the Blue Jays the upper hand. Their ability to score in bunches, combined with steady relief pitching, should be enough to send them to the World Series.
Tigers will edge out the Guardians, while the Red Sox pull off a narrow upset against the Yankees. That would set up Division Series matchups of Toronto versus Boston and Detroit versus Seattle. The Blue Jays should be able to outlast the Red Sox, as their deeper bullpen and home-field advantage give them the edge. Meanwhile, the Tigers and Mariners look destined for a five-game clash, but Detroit’s experienced rotation should
On the National League side, the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies have claimed the top seeds. Milwaukee has been remarkably consistent all season, blending reliable starting pitching with timely hitting. The Phillies, meanwhile, continue to ride their powerful lineup and strong bullpen. The Dodgers, Cubs, Padres, and Reds round field, each capable of making noise in the shorter Wild Card series. I expect the Dodgers to defeat the Reds, while the Padres narrowly eliminate the Cubs. That sets up Milwaukee against San Diego and Philadelphia against Los Angeles in the Division Series. The Brewers should have little trouble handling the Padres, as their pitching depth and overall balance make them the superior team. The Phillies and Dodgers, on the other hand, project as a closer battle. Los Angeles boasts star power,
Citi Field, home of the Mets. Photo by Gavi Lichter
but Philadelphia’s steadier bullpen and clutch hitting give them the slight edge. This sets up an NLCS showdown between Milwaukee and Philadelphia, a series that could easily go six or seven games. In the end, I believe Milwaukee’s pitching and versatility will prove decisive, sending them to the World Series. That leaves a championship matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Toronto’s offense is explosive, but Milwaukee’s ability to win in multiple ways gives them the edge. The Brewers can outslug opponents when necessary, but more importantly, they have the arms to shut down highpowered lineups in October. If their top starters remain healthy and their bullpen continues to perform, Milwaukee should be able to grind out close wins and capture their long -awaited title.
Tishrei Crossword
ACROSS
3. Penitential prayers leading up to Yom Kippur
6. Myrtle branches used in the Four Species
8. Seventh day of Sukkos with special prayers
10. Opening prayer annulling vows
13. High Holiday prayer book used on Yom Kippur
16. Atonement and spiritual cleansing
17. Rams horn blown at the end of Yom Kippur
18. Temple service re-enacted in the prayers
19. A citron fruit used with the Four Species
20. High Priest in the Temple during Yom Kippur service
23. Holiday immediately following Sukkos
24. Confessional prayer listing sins
25. Closing prayer service of Yom Kippur
In conclusion, the 2025 postseason promises drama, surprises, and breakout performances. While the Astros, Dodgers, and even the Padres could all play spoiler, my prediction is a World Series victory for the Milwaukee Brewers over the Toronto Blue Jays. Their blend of consistency, pitching depth, and postseason readiness makes them the most complete team in this year’s playoff field.
DOWN
1. A palm branch used in the Four Species
2. A temporary hut built for the holiday of Sukkos
4. Repentance or return to God
5. Fast
7. Collective name for the Four Species
9. Pre-fast meal
before Yom Kippur begins
11. Intermediate days of the festival
12. The three pilgrimage festivals Pesach Shavuot and Sukkos
14. Processions with the Four Species during prayers
15. Willow branches used in the Four Species
21. Symbolic guests invited into the sukkah
22. Confession prayers said on Yom Kippur
Sukkot - Not what we thought?
Chaggai Yorav (’28)
Today we are on the holiday of Sukkot. We have a number of special mitzvot for the holiday, but the way we are commanded to observe them is a bit strange.
In Parashat Emor, the Torah commands us about all the holidays, focusing on their mitzvot. The Torah commands us to observe the holiday of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, and then concludes with the verse, “These are the commandments of the Lord which you shall proclaim in their season.” Then, the Torah returns to command us again about Sukkot, but this time without calling it Sukkot. It says, “But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord for seven days,” and then goes on to command us about the four species. After this, the Torah seals the matter of Sukkot with the command to celebrate it every year, and finally returns to command us about the mitzvah of the Sukkah.
this holiday? And why does He call it “Sukkot” in the first half but “the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land” in the second half? (That’s not so catchy!)
Also, why is there a separation between the commandment of the four species and the commandment of the Sukkah?
the truth is that Sukkot contains two holidays within it. The first is indeed the third holiday in the Regalim series, but the second is the third holiday of the Yamim Noraim series.
Happy Sukkot! Photo By Rafi Davidovics
What is happening here? Why does God make a distinction within the commandment about
The answer to these questions is quite surprising. We are used to thinking of Sukkot as the third holiday in the series of the three Regalim, which revolve around the grain cycle: Pesach is the holiday of spring and blossoming, Shavuot is the holiday of harvest, and Sukkot is the holiday of ingathering. But
That is why, when the Torah commands us about the holiday of Sukkot, it makes a distinction. The first part is called “Sukkot” because it is the mitzvah connected to the Yamim Noraim, while in the second part, the word “Sukkot” is not mentioned because the focus is not the Sukkah but the four species. These represent the agricultural aspect of the holiday, similar to the offering of the Omer on Passover and the two loaves on Shavuot. After the commandment about the four species, the Torah separates with a verse and moves on to the mitzvah of the other half of the holiday, the mitzvah of Sukkah. For the same reason, the sacrifices of Sukkot include twice as many sheep and rams as those of other holidays—once for each of the two aspects the holiday contains.
However, one question remains: how is the mitzvah of Sukkot connected to the Yamim
Noraim, and what role does it play in that series?
The answer is quite simple. The structure of prayer in Judaism consists of three parts: praise, petition, and thanksgiving. When we ask for forgiveness for our sins during the Yamim Noraim, we follow this same pattern. On Rosh
Hashanah, we praise and glorify God. On Yom Kippur, we make our main request— asking for forgiveness. And on Sukkot, we thank God through the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah. By sitting in the Sukkah, we thank Him for the Clouds of Glory and His
Cooper Clicks
Top Right : Benjy Schubert
Top
Lef
: Chaggai "Hamelech" Yorav
Bottom Lef: Ilan Lennon ( does not count as kosher schach
providence over us in the desert and throughout our lives. Because the process of forgiveness continues until the end of Sukkot, judgment is not officially sealed until Hoshana Rabbah.
With God’s help, may we all merit complete repentance and become closer to God.
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In this issue, we share Jack Ardestani’s AP Lang article, an update on the baseball postseason, and a D'var Torah reflecting on the Aseres Yemei Teshuva. These ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time to pause and commit ourselves to growth.
