GL BE
The Lady Macs: Undefeated Since 1964
By Sarah Rivka Rochel V'Leaht’s Thursday, and you know what that means: it’s GAME DAY!!! Tonight, the GMSG Lady Maccabees are playing Lausanne at their home court, and I can already smell our big win. I have recently been informed that it is Lausanne’s homecoming game, and I have to admit, I kind of feel bad that we are going to CRUSH them when their whole school is there expecting a win.
Our starting lineup is undeniably the top players in the country, ensuring us a victory by at least 73.2 points a game. Sarah Kahane has been practicing dunking, and with her exceptional height, every time she gets the ball we can all lay down and take a nap on the court because undoubtedly, that shot is always going in. Recently there’s even been a large debate amongst the players if we should go to the Hyman P. Galbut tournament in Miami because it is so unfair to the other teams. Every game would be won in mere seconds, is it
worth it to shlep all the way down to the east coast to play teams we could destroy in our sleep? To put it simply, this season has been our best one yet. Now, I’m not going to lie to you. When last year’s seniors left, it was a great loss. Luckily our team is still the best in the league. I actually heard from a friend at Lausanne that the girls on the basketball team haven't eaten in a week
scared to play us. I don't blame them, the wrath of Yonina Lichter on the court blows me away in practice too. Her perfect defense allows for every shot to be blocked with zero fouls acquired. And we for sure wouldn’t be able to dominate the season without our tank of a player Sarah, aka the Karf Machine. I have never witnessed anyone with the sheer talent and agility the Karf Machine has. Some would even label her as a child prodigy. The way she speeds down the lane is so fast,
A Special Purim Edition Publication of the Go die argolin Schoo for GirlI can’t even see her on the court. Not to mention, our new addition to the team, Atara Segal, has brought the confidence of a king and skills like she’s played for years. Margalit Goldkin is without a doubt the best at getting rid of the ball quickly, whether she chucks up a three pointer that she definitely makes, or throws the ball to another player, on our team, of course. Talya Mendelson leads our team in three pointers scored each game, in addition to her receiving the statewide award of most points averaged per game with her impeccable form and free throw shooting. Dahlia Siegel and Brooke Sanderson switching off as point guard really helps get the ball down the court quickly. Overall, this season has been really great.
If I had to pinpoint one specific factor, I would say that the main reason the Lady Macs are so great
allows for steal after steal. Then, just as the final buzzer of the game goes off, I am startled awake and realize this had all been a dream. Turns out, the nal buzzer” was actually my alarm clock. This is not how the season has gone at all. To look at the bright side, if basketball was scored using a golf score chart, we would be undefeated this season. In fact, we’d probably be the best team in the country, for real. But no, this is basketball. Our team is lucky to score more than 10 points a game.
the team. This has led us to an undefeated season! Now, the game is about to start and I can confidently say I have zero nervous bones in my body. I'm 100% sure we will win.
The game starts off strong, a quick pass to Talya Mendelson who drains a three from the half court line. A nice interception from Sarah Kahane who drives to the basket and completes a 360 turning dunk over Lausanne’s point guard. Brooke
Everything about the players in my dream had been completely wrong. I guess a good thing we can take out of this is that there was absolutely no debate about going to the tournament in Miami. Well, there actually was a debate, but not exactly for the same reasons as before. We did end up going though. We had the best time, despite the number of wins we had. Although most of my dream had been completely untrue, the amount of coaches we have had this season is completely accurate. Our team constantly waits in anticipation for who the next will be. So to re-sum up the facts, our basketball team may not be the perfect team I’d dreamed of, but it’s perfect in the eyes of each of our coaches. Yes, all six of them (RIP to our fallen soldiers). Even though our team isn’t undefeated like I had dreamed, it's perfect for me because at the end of the day, it's all about having fun. Right?!?!?!
In Anticipation of Purim: Finding Your Repentance
By Sarahh Klein ('25)ith everyone’s favorite chag right around the corner, it’s important to remember the main components that truly make up the holiday known as Yom Kippur. While Yom Kippur is most commonly known for reading Megillat Esther, partying the night away, delivering Mishloach Manot to friends and family, and giving Matanot L'evyonim, there are a few parts that are not as recognized. So here is the opportunity to dive deeper into this exciting holiday and truly understand how to prepare.
There are several fasts throughout the year ordered by Rabbanim; only one day of fasting is mentioned in the Torah. Sefer Vayikra, Perek Chaf Gimmel, Pasuk Lamed Bes states, “It shall be a sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall practice selfdenial; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall observe this your sabbath.” This is referring to the fast of Yom Kippur. However, this pasuk seems to carry a rather blatant ‘mistake’: Yom Kippur is celebrated on the tenth of Tishrei, not the ninth.
The Talmud answers this question, explaining that the day before Yom Kippur is also part of the atonement process even though it is not a fast. The Talmud says,“This teaches that one who eats and drinks on the ninth is credited as if he fasted on both the ninth and the tenth.” Still, this leaves the prominent question, why is there a mitzvah to eat on the day before Yom Kippur and in what way does this eating count as a fast day?
The theme of Yom Kippur is of course, teshuvah, repentance, and returning the neshama, soul, to its natural purity. There are two major aspects to doing teshuvah. The first is the need to restore the spiritual sensitivity of the soul, which has been overtaken by physical pleasures. This refinement is achieved by abstaining from physical enjoyment and substituting with reflection and tefilah, prayer. The Torah gave this one day a year, the fast of Yom Kippur, to concentrate exclusively on removing the impurities from our spirits and redefining our goals.
The second act of teshuvah is more practical. This is becoming accustomed to acting properly and avoiding the materialistic desires that violate the Torah’s teachings. This teshuvah cannot be achieved by fasts and davening, praying, but rather by keeping oneself dignified while being involved in mundane matters.
The true goal of Yom Kippur is achieved when one can remain faithful to their spirituality while still remaining an active member of the physical world. When is this real aspect of teshuvah accomplished? When eating on the ninth of Tishrei. Only then is it demonstrated that despite our constant occupation with temporal activities, it is still possible to remain faithful to the Torah’s ideals and values. Therefore, eating on the day before Yom Kippur is connected to the fasting on Yom Kippur itself. Together, these two days correspond to the two aspects of the teshuvah process.
By preceding the fast with eating and drinking, it is ensured that the reflection and spiritual purification of Yom Kippur are not solely based on this one day, but have an influence on the entire year’s activity. So as we prepare for this exciting holiday by ridding our houses of chametz, and lighting eight candles by the windowsill, we should remember that the inner teshuvah of the tenth of Tishrei is complemented by the practical teshuvah of the ninth. Have a safe and easy fast!
The CYHSB Steak Dinner Official Review
By Shayna Kahane ('25)ith the Gala Dinner drawing near in just a little over two weeks, I fondly think back to the lovely evening of Sunday, January 29, where I enjoyed the CYHSB’s 28th Annual Steak Dinner. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. As I was walking in, the wonderful aroma of the gourmet dishes being prepared in the kitchen was almost too much to handle. Being guided to my seat by smiling, friendly waiters de fi nitely contributed to the overall warm environment. The place settings were done in the most unique manner I have ever seen. I loved the mixture of colors and textures, paper and plastic, canned and organic, all contributing to the evening’s very special atmosphere.
The first course, pineapple, was a delicious, fresh beginning to an evening of amazing food. The fresh fruity flavor reminded me of my favorite Dole fruit snacks, and the perfectly achieved ratio of pineapple blocks to pineapple juice was mind boggling. The waiters passing around the scrumptious homemade hors d'oeuvres were incredibly kind and willing to help all of the guests. The salad that followed the pineapple delicacy was just as delicious. Fresh lettuce, sliced carrots, and spectacular Italian dressing blessed my taste buds with each bite. The sprinkling of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes were my personal favorites.
The Dvar Torah by Mister Yitzchak Rubin that followed was extremely inspiring, life changing even. I learned so much about the Kashrut of meat that I never even knew was so applicable! I also appreciated the subtle jokes and intended puns, making it just that much more enjoyable to listen to. I feel almost fluent in the anatomy of
a cow that now, I could practically be a butcher. I must say, that is going to be hard to top, and the GMSGers definitely have our work cut out for us.
Following the simply enthralling Dvar Torah, I was served an amazing main course. The sharply dressed, smiling waiters once again appeared to serve another course. I was addressed by name and handed the meal that I chose beforehand, treating each guest as no less than a princess. The steak was cooked to a rare perfection, thanks to head chef Gavi Ramsey, and the portion sizes were extremely generous. The alternative options of chicken, fish, or veggie steak looked just as scrumptious. The full potato was an innovative treat, and I loved the creativity of it. It was unexpected, but delicious nonetheless. The green beans were cooked to a moist, earthy, delicious excellence. As Mrs. Branson remarked, “The food was cooked, which was nice, and the waiters were very attentive. They did a lot better than I thought.”
Ethan Vanderwalde followed with an outstanding performance on the piano. His talents are unmatched, and
Continued on page 5
I am blown away by how he managed to master the music and help with the dinner at the same time. The crowd watched in awe as Vanderwalde serenaded them. The boys’ abilities to multitask and time manage amazed me almost as much as the dinner itself. The entertainment video which followed had me in stitches. Who knew the boys could be so funny? It was evident how much thought, time, and effort went into the videos. I could hear the
audience erupting into laughter all around me, and I knew they felt the same. The videos were a very fun, unique way to thank the sponsors of the evening, and I am sure they appreciated them greatly. In fact, they were so funny, the half hour was not quite enough. I would have sat through another hour easily.
To top off the evening, the video for the surprise honoree was out of this world. The boys did such a good job keeping it a secret, I could see the look of surprise on Rabbi Safier’s face when they called his name. His excitement radiated through his pores as he took the time to personally thank each student for this unbelievable honor. The thoughtful words spoken about Rabbi Safier were incredibly heartfelt and kind, showing how much the boys felt he truly deserved this honor. Rabbi Safier just couldn’t stop smiling and it was so heartwarming to witness.
The evening ended off with a truly scrumptious dessert reminiscent of sorbet from Ben and Jerry’s Gourmet Ice Cream and Catering Service. The cool, sweet flavor complemented the steak just beautifully and was a perfect choice for dessert. Brooke Sanderson (‘25) noted that this was actually her favorite part of the evening!
All in all, I must say that the CYHSB Steak Dinner was an experience unlike any other. I was extremely impressed and applaud the entire CYHSB for their hard work making the dinner as extraordinary as it was. We all took note of how much went into making it happen, and it was truly a remarkable experience. With the GMSG Gala Dinner approaching quickly, I only hope we can live up to the superhuman expectation the Yeshiva boys have set for the community and the high standard of high school dinners. With that, I invite everyone to join us on March 20 for the GMSG Gala Dinner! Mark your calendars!
Football has quickly become one of the world’s favorite sports, in which two teams of 11 players try to maneuver the ball across the field by carrying or passing to another teammate. The object of football is to score more points than your opponents in the allotted time. To do this, teams must move the ball down in phases of play before eventually getting the ball to the ‘end zone’ for a touchdown.
Recently, the NFL (National Football League) has put out new rules to allow for safer and more enjoyable play, starting with a strict no violence policy. In the past, the dominant way to stop the opposing team was by tackling them. Officials have decided that not only is this far too dangerous, but it is also a large invasion of personal space. To solve this issue, players are now required to run with princess wands and GENTLY tap the head of the opposing player. The player who is tapped must do a dance involving at least seven turns and four cartwheels, after which they kindly hand over the football to the other team and curtsy to show no hard feelings.
The next rule shared to the public was that players could no longer run with the ball. Running is a very dangerous activity which could cause slipping, muscle strains, and worst of all: grass stains. To counteract this threat, signs have been placed all along the fields indicating the speed limit. Players may not walk any faster than 1 mile an hour, and if they exceed the speed limit, they are placed into a circus cannon and launched out of the open roof of the stadium.
Coaches have also found it highly offensive and damaging to a player’s self esteem to award points to the team who has scored the touchdown. To solve this, points are being removed from the game to ensure each player leaves as happy as they started, and both teams exit the stadium as humble as they came in. It is understood that a game without goals leaves for no motivation so instead, players who make it to the endzone are rewarded with a marshmallow and a solid pat on the back, while their personal theme song plays from the arena speakers. Due to the fairness of the game, no team can win, but the team with the most marshmallows is given the privilege of making delicious rice crispy treats together after the game. But don’t worry! They are required to share with the other team.
Now, the most important change to the most important part of the game: HALFTIME! After the second quarter, people typically all get up to get more food, go to the bathroom and sometimes take part in whatever weird entertaining things are going on in the field. With football’s new rules, all football fans are shackled to their seats and forced to take part in an 80 minute orchestrated performance composed by a deaf ostridge. You may think this is unenjoyable, but it all just contributes to the experience of going to a professional football game. As the famous saying goes, “it’s not football without an 80 minute orchestrated performance composed by a deaf ostridge.”
With these new rules, you may be concerned about the Superbowl. Luckily, this was the first thought on every player's mind. To continue the tradition of the annual Superbowl, the team which has consumed the most rice krispies will face the CYHSB in a match to the death. Not real death, of course. That would go against the no violence policy. Rather death of their pride because the winner will partake in an all you can eat cereal bar, and this time, they will not have to share. The title itself “Superbowl” may be considered offensive for those who have a severe phobia of bowls so to accommodate, it is being renamed “the Superball,” with the winning team receiving the title of “Rice Krispy Kings.”
Now that you are properly informed of these new rules, we look forward to seeing a record breaking amount of spectators at our next match.
Regards,
The National Football League Officials
How Do We Pick Which Minhagim To Keep?
By Adinra Stiener ('24)urim is a holiday where there are many different minhagim, customs, that people can keep. Some of them include: drinking holy potions, giving money to the rich, and wearing speci shoes and polka dot scarves). The difference between minhagim and halachot is that minhagim are only kept by certain people. A minhag is a custom, and not everyone keeps every custom. A minhag you may keep may not even be recognized by someone else, which poses the question: When and why would one take on a minhag?
To answer these questions, we first must notice that there are three types of minhagim: personal minhagim, familial minhagim, and communal minhagim. As the names suggest, personal minhagim are customs that you take on for yourself and only affect you. As long as familial or communal minhagim do not override another said minhag upon themselves.
The next type is a familial minhag down through families. We learn to keep these through the pasuk in Mishlei 1:8, which states, “ ֶָֽמִא ת֥רות
at least three times after their bar or bat hataras nedarim, an annulment of vows from rabbanim, to not keep the minhag. cally tells their child to keep a , the child may not get and must keep at least until the parent dies. If a child is keeping only because of Kibud , honoring their father, they may stop keeping the minhag once the parent dies without .
שֹ֗טִ֝ת־לַאְו
ָיִ֑בָא רַ֣סומ heed the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.” We see here that we have to follow the custom of our parents. These minhagim that are passed through generations override personal minhagim, but are overridden by communal minhagim
Finally, there are communal minhagim, which are set in place and kept by a community. We learn to keep these minhagim by the pasuk in Mishlei 22:28, which states,
Next in this category is a law between a husband and wife. Wives take their husband’s because in a Jewish marriage, the woman is moving into the man’s household. She takes the man’s customs because it is as if she is leaving her household with no intent to return, so she inherits all of the new household rules. However, a woman may keep her if it is more stringent than her husband’s and she wishes to keep that level of stringency. She can also nusach of prayer or her . If a woman is divorced or widowed, she unless she has no kids with him. If she doesn’t have kids with him, then she returns to the minhagim of her parent’s household without hataras nedarim.
רֶ֖שֲא םָ֑לוע לו֣בְג גֵסַ֭ת־לַא
” meaning “Do not remove the ancient boundary stone that your ancestors set up.” Through the laws of these three types of minhagim, we see where and when minhagim are kept.
Familial minhagim are kept over personal ones, but if a family minhag contradicts a personal one, then the familial minhag is kept. Familial minhagim can be split into two parts: parent to child and husband to wife. Children have to take on most of their parent’s minhagim, but there are some exceptions. If a parent has a very strict minhag with no halachic basis, such as fasting twice a week, the child does not have to keep said minhag. However, if the child kept
Lastly there's communal minhagim. Communal minhagim are any minhagim that an entire community takes up for anyone living in the area. Some examples are a nusach davened in a shul or a standard of tzniut expected of the community members. Communal minhagim are passed throughout generations, and there’s a disagreement if these minhagim can ever be annulled. When the rabbanim in a community make a minhag, everyone in the community follows them. In most cases, they override familial minhagim.
Minhagim are important to Jewish society, but just like any Jewish concept, they may be difficult to understand. Minhagim are taken by different people for different reasons, whether it be their own choice, because of a marriage, or because of the community they are currently in. Regardless, it is important to know when to take up a minhag in case one of these situations applies to you.
Ranking Purim Foods
As with every Jewish holiday, Purim has its own special foods. There’s obviously a definitive ranking of the best ones, and the following foods are the best in my humble opinion:
By Nema Rovener ('26)Latkes
These oily potato pancakes are a delicious Purim treat to be enjoyed in your shalach manot or at your seudah. My family has the annual tradition of sitting together the night before Purim and frying latkes. This greasy treat reminds us of the way Esther Hamalka slipped through the grasp of Haman and saved her nation.
Matzah Ball Soup
Please, let me explain. This soup is a classic for Purim. With the soft and fluffy matzah balls floating around, a mere tablespoon is as close to heaven as we will ever get. You can enjoy matzah ball soup during your Purim seudah or anytime you’re looking for the perfect balance of liquid and vegetables. This delicious soup dates all the way back to Achashverosh’s parties and helps us really get into the shoes of our ancestors in Persia.
Apples and Honey
This sweet combination makes a perfect appetizer or dessert for your Purim seudah! "Dip the apple in the honey, make a bracha loud and clear, thank Hashem for saving us and in Haman we no longer fear!" This famous children's song explains it all!
Cheesecake
These delicious cakes come in personal sizes, sharing sizes, and are a perfect mid-Purim snack! Nothing hits as hard as a cold slice of cheesecake on a hot Purim day. Not to mention the deadly weapon you are provided with just by owning a single cheesecake. Think about it, if the kids are making noise at Megillah reading, just shove one in their mouth, and I’m sure they’ll be quiet for the rest of the time!
Overall, I hope that you enjoy Purim and get a chance to eat every single one of our traditional foods! Eat, drink, and be merry!
Additionally, the Purim Dream-Cast article was written by the esteemed Emma Wruble ('24). We acknowledge and appreciate her effort.
GMSGers:
Margalit Goldkin
Simi Kraus
Sarah Karfunkel
Shoshana Marvin
Sara Shimanovich
Chani Vayavodkina
Dream-Cast Purim Story
Disclaimer: All comparisons made between GMSG staff and people from the Purim story are only made becuase of the positive or neutral characteristics that these people share. There is no intention of insulting our staff, we love them very much.
Esher - M Plotia
Mrs. Plotitsa is the spitting image of Esther. How can you not see it? Esther placed herself in an extremely vulnerable position and managed to save the entire Jewish nation! Mrs. Plotitsa does that everyday! She saves all the girls in the school from absolute chaos. In fact, Mrs. Plotitsa single handedly keeps the GMSG going. If Mrs. Plotitsa can listen to all of the GMSGer’s problems, she most definitely deserves the position of Esther Hamalka in this dream cast. Not to mention both Esther and Mrs. Plotitsa have hearts of gold. Every part of Mrs. Plotitsa’s character resembles Esther in every aspect, and she truly duplicates Esther’s kindness and courage.
Vashti - Dr. Kennon
There is no doubt that the part of Vashti would not go to anyone except Dr. Kennon. Although Vashti was exiled from the palace and was booted from the Purim story pretty fast, the parts we did see from her showed her standing up for herself and speaking up when she felt like she needed to. Vashti didn’t let anyone push her around. This is literally Dr. Kennon in a nutshell. She stands her ground and doesn't let anyone step in between her and her views, especially when it comes to the phone policy. She will never back down when it comes to kicking students out of her office and will not engage in any conversation she does not want to.
Achashverosh - Rabbi Gersten
Achashverosh, the king of Persia. Rabbi Gersten, the king of the GMSG. Achashverosh threw party after party. Every class with Rabbi Gersten feels like a party. Achashverosh never went anywhere without his scepter, crown, and drink. Rabbi Gersten never goes anywhere without his walker, sugar-free popsicles, and humor. Rabbi commands the attention of any room he walks into, so too with Achashverosh. Though, we’re not sure if Achashverosh referred to his subjects as ‘banana-heads,’ Rabbi Gersten does to his students, which is enough proof for us. Rabbi Gersten deals with the comments of 28 high school girls, which is just as hard, if not harder, than ruling 127 provinces.
Haman - Mr. McCann
After auditioning hundreds of applicants, only one fit the part of Haman. Mr. McCann. The resemblance is uncanny. Mr. McCann is Rabbi Gersten’s right hand man. In fact, I’ve never seen the two of them not together. They are ALWAYS walking and shteiging, discussing the latest masechta in Gemara, and debating whether they agree with the Ramban or the Abarbanel. Mr. McCann often horse rides in his free time, leaving no question as to why he would suggest to the king to be paraded around on a horse's back. He is also the president of the Memphis Shatnez Factory, which explains his fascination with the king’s lavish wardrobe.
Mordechai - Rabbi Safier
Rabbi Safier’s quiet persona may lead you to believe he has no part in this cast, but don’t be mistaken. Rabbi Safier would love nothing more than to sit in his house and learn Torah, an astonishing resemblance to Mordechai. His daughter, Hadassa, loves to sit next to him with her coloring book and just enjoy his presence. Rabbi Safier is full of wisdom and knows exactly what to do in difficult situations. He is a real problem solver, similarly to Mordechai. We are confident that put in the same situation, Rabbi Safier would make the wisest of decisions to ensure the best outcome for everyone.
Come and join us for our annual GMSG Gala Dinner! We are so excited to honor Mr. McCann, our head of Mathematics. We hope to see you all there Monday, March 20th at 6:30 pm for an absolutely amazing time!
Goldie’s Guidance
Dear Goldie,
I am having a whole lot of trouble picking my Purim costume this year. As this is my last year in high school, I obviously want to make my family happy and dress up with them. At the same time, I have friends who I also want to do a group costume with. I’m super conflicted, Goldie. I could always ignore both options and dress up alone, but that seems awkward.
Help me please, Costumeconundrum84
Dear Costumeconundrum84,
Believe me when I say that I understand your problem. You should know that you never get too old to celebrate Purim by dressing up. Even as you get older and more decrepit, dressing up is a fun and important part of the holiday. In your specific scenario there are two options. Option one: get three separate outfits and do quick changes. Have one outfit for the night, one for the morning, and one for the afternoon. This option is more expensive and time consuming. Your second option is to combine your family theme and your friends’ theme. You surely don’t want to be out of date, but also not too matchy matchy with any other group. Find one costume that can match two themes and pitch it to your family and friends separately Shark Tank style. I hope that this works out for you.
Letter From the Editor
Dear Readers,
The theme of this week’s Goldie Globe is funny articles, which is why for this week they wrote funny articles. The articles this week were funny and that is why they did them on Purim. I think personally, one thing that really stood out to me was the fact that unlike in other weeks, this week the articles are funny because it is Purim, so they did funny articles. The other things such as picture pages and puzzles were also funny because it is Purim, the funny holiday. I would like to congratulate all of the staff for their hard work on this edition with funny articles. One thing that really cracked me up was a funny article on one of the pages, it was a riot and the writer did a good job. Have a happy Purim and stay safe.
To sponsor an issue for just $30, email Sarah Kahane at sarah.kahane@mhafyos.org
GOLDIE GLOBE CAST
Eliabeth Valerino
Scrub Daddy Mascot
elizabeth.valeriano@mhafyos.org
Hanaah Rovener
Monster Truck Driver
chana.rovner@mhafyos.org
Bequi Shubart
Kroger Deli Enthusiast rebecca.schubert@mhafyos.org
Atari Seagull
Canadian Presidental Candidate
Party Planners
Jimmy Donaldson
Sarah Klein
Shosonah Kaplowitz
Shayna Kahane
Talia Mendleson
Yahel Roschina
Nema Rovneer
Brook Ssanderson
Dehlia Segal
Adinra Stiener
Ezra Wiender
Ashley Brown & Rabbi
Mrs. Ashley Brown & Rabbi Baruch Harris
Rossman
Editors
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