May2014boilingpointpage1 by The Boiling Point

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BACK TO THE FUTURE

With groundbreaking yet to begin, Shalhevet will relocate to the Westside JCC, where the school was housed back in the 90s. BP Photo by Goldie Fields

By Eric Bazak, Features Editor; Alexa Fishman, Community editor; and Noah Rothman, Torah Editor Going backwards to go forward, Shalhevet plans to relocate to the Westside Jewish Community Center for the 2014-2015 school year while its new building is under

Clearing of asbestos and other chemicals from the site began May May 1 (see story, page 4) and demolition is expected to start in early June on the northern third of Shal-

owner of the southern part of the property, where school is operating now â€“ can start construction much sooner on Continued on Page 4

point of moving out is to let construction proceed more quickly and without as much disruption â€“ in the form of either noise or dust -- to students and school activities distance from Shalhevet about two blocks to the east on Olympic Boulevard, it also has been the site of Firehawk

was the best, with the right number of classrooms, good access to neighborhoods where students live, and some

A day of sun, sweat and spackle

allow the contractors to do whatever kind of work they need to do and to do it at whatever time works best for

By Tamar Willis, Editor-in-Chief

â€œUntil now, we had spoken with them about limiting

whatâ€™sinside

Donald Sterling causes pain

The tr uth about the 7th C ommandment

Israeli teens still favor two states

were lifting planks, spackling and sanding at a con-

School begins replacing APs By Alexa Fishman, Community Editor, and Sigal Spitzer, Opinion Editor Beginning next fall, Shalhevet will begin elimiment courses in the hope of replacing all of them with more depth, critical thinking and problem-solving, administrators announced

It was early, and students trickled in from 8:15 to was two lots in a residential neighborhood that will -

Sunshine, which will re-

the classes will be graded

behind one house to concrete slabs across the lot,

â€œWe are initiating the process now because the

Continued on Page 6

developed a better alterâ€œFurther, the research is the enthusiastic support of our college admission di-

parents and students atin the next few years, he at an evening meeting in Walls, Director of College

fer Fondiller, Barnard ColDean of the College, and Continued on Page 5

The Boiling Point

May Sun.

Lag Bâ€™ Omer

Wed.

Israel lands on the parking lot

Yom Yerushalayim BP Photo by Sarah Elspas

Fri.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan

GIDDY-UP: Sophomore Daniel Shoham and junior Shlomo Bijou rode camels on Yom Haatzmaut. By Rose Lipner, Arts & Culture Editor What do you get when you cross two camels with 162 enthusiastic students? The answer is Shalhevetâ€™s Yom Haatzmaut celebration May 6 â€“ an event complete with animal rides and an Israeli

June

Sun.

Finals 12-18 Mon.

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Most students were willing to wait in the 30-minute long line to ride the trainer-led cam-

Shalhevet Gala Graduati on

students gathered inside square boundaries that

3-5 Shavuot

Community

Mon.

Memorial Day

Wed.

Pesach Sheni

May 2014

â€œIâ€™m here to educate you about what transpires

ly remembered when their classes would begin and struggled to get into the gist the school day without mouthing Israeli songs or craving m o r e

is certainly not easy and there are major moral di-

BP Photo by Sarah Elspas

On Yom Hashoah, a survivor who spoke for many others By Rose Lipner, Arts & Culture Editor -

the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust and

The crowd remained silent and sullen during the

people were attentive during his narrative and asked ques-

BP Photo by Sarah Elspas

MEMORIAL: Freshmen Nathan Benyowitz and Tania Bohbot read names of child victims at ceremony in Beit Midrash.

asked me how old I was and sent me in one line while my people who had been admonished to remember and never not wanting to have to wear long sleeves to cover it all the

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Outspoken Insider in a Jewish Community? By Benny Balazs, Staff Columnist It dawned on me that, for some unexplainable reason, Prom has somehow existed and thrived in the Modern Orthodox Jewish community. I have a hard time understanding the concept, considering how the event in question contradicts some of the important values of Judaism, and more particularly, the values of many Jewish day schools. There are several issues that can arise around this rather “immodest” tradition. First of all, Modern Orthodoxy has a certain sanctity around romantic relationships; the experience between man and woman should be something that is highly valued and sensitively approached – something often disregarded in these venues. Second, it directly contradicts the concept of shomer negiah, refraining from physical contact between those of opposite gender, which similarly contributes to the rabbinically described, “ultimate holiness” or overall well-being of these potential relationships. So I talked to several of my classmates in an attempt to gain an understanding as to the attraction and odd “necessity” of having this event be part of yearly senior tradition, and found that there are hardly any grounds for their desires. To sum up the myriad of arguments I have heard on the topic of Prom, the majority of my class seems to settle on this concept known as a party or event you will miss out on something great.” Most of these kids just don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to take part in an American tradition that has been around since the 50’s- oh wait -- that’s not what they want at all. Most of these kids are not excited for a ballroom dance, with slow music, fruit punch, and a prom King & Queen. Rather, they are excited for a night out at a reserved and unsupervised club venue, where alcohol will somehow magically appear. I can’t entirely blame them, as teens want to experiment with and experience things, but they don’t seem to care much for the fact that they don’t want just say that? A few students in charge of the event were having a rant about how it was so much trouble to as well as paying for the venue, were exhausting endeavors. I asked them, “Then why have a Prom?” to which they responded, “because everyone does it.” It’s as if the main thing fueling this yearly event is the desire to do what other people have done in the past. It gets even more peculiar. In our small Jewish students per grade- as opposed to several hundred in public schools. I bring this up because of Prom event is that the majority of the senior class has dates that they feel less than passionate about, if they have one at all. The reason for this is because it’s hard to have to pick and choose people from a small circle of classmates, thus outsourcing to This event that is planned in such earnestness and devotion, is quite contrarily, not even Prom. As a matter of fact, the dress-up-doll photo-shoot where we all look fancy and pretty is the smallest part of the evening, accented with a complimentary dinner. Then after that delightful exposé, when everyone has softly padded their mouths with a napwith something a little more “comfortable.” Honestly, I don’t care if an event like this happens, since it’s a great time to spend with friends Prom. It’s not Prom. It would relieve an immeasurable amount of tension between the senior class and the administration, not to mention our parents, and even under-classmen. Let it be what it actually is, and stop trying so hard to be a part of a tradition that is mispracticed and unnecessary -- if not forbidden -- in a Modern Orthodox Jewish community.

Community

Shalhevet will not match merit grants for incoming freshmen By Alexa Fishman, Community Editor Shalhevet has decided not to counter the merit scholto selected incoming freshmen next year. According to School President Larry Gill, the scholar“The biggest predictor of whether people will remain Jewish is attending a Jewish school, so we are trying to pull resources in the community to help as many people attend school as possible,” said Mr. Gill. “You’re not supposed to give the limited resources to people who don’t need them.” Mr. Gill said Shalhevet’s board considered the issue when they learned that an applicant had been

then to help other people’s children too,” said Mr. Gill. “You’re not supposed to give our very limited resources to people who don’t need them.” but she declined to say how many.

except to reiterate their school’s policy on need-based assistance. is a growing issue for Modern Orthodox families across the US,” said an e-mail from the YULA Boys Admissions Team to the Boiling Point.

by YULA Boys High School without ap-

prospective and current YULA families, we try to alleviate that pressure by working with individual families to best accommodate their needs, while at the same time promoting the overall values of our school.” YULA Girls High School, whose admissions department is separate from that of the boys’ school, does arships. According to

aid. After some discussion, the board voted unanimously Feb. 5 not to match the grants, he said. A week later, students considered the issue in Town Hall. BP Photo by Goldie Fields Most students agreed DEBATE: At Town Hall Feb. 13, Agenda Chair Hannah-Leeba with the board’s deciEllenhorn asked students if merit scholarships are appropriate. sion. Both YULA and Valley Torah, Orthodox High Schools that draw from the same communities as Shalhevet, apparently are us- schoarships would reduce what was available for needing merit scholarships to help recruit top students and based aid. student-athletes from wealthier families.

hand out in need- and merit-based scholarships, and for us, both would come out of the same scholarship fund,” Mrs. Snyder said. Shalhevet Board members said they do not believe

schools.

scholarships are coming from another source and do not “I see absolutely nothing wrong with the scholarships,” said Ms. Hess. “The scholarships are absolutely not against regulations, and I know of many other schools in this community who have used them.” But Mr. Gill said on a community-wide basis, that’s impossible. “People are expected to pay for their children and

“Merit scholarships are excellent for college students, but at the age of 13 or 14 for students coming into high school, I am not for it,” said Board Member Alex Miller. “I want the money to go to families who have a real struggle.” a merit-based scholarship is shortsighted and doesn’t make sense. “It does seem like at the end of eighth grade, it is strange to see if someone is worthy to receive a scholarship,” he said. “If someone blooms in ninth or tenth grade, that isn’t a late bloomer, that’s just growing up.”

Science Fair

Sponges, carrots and other mysteries

By Alec Fields, Staff Writer

teria from a worn sponge? How do tention of vitamin C in carrots? Are questions and more were answered at Shalhevet’s third annual Science Fair this past March. dents methodically tested a variety of hypotheses to solve a range of scipartment limited the number of experiments in a particular topic area, which led to “a greater diversity of

istry, physics, plant physiology, animal behavior, microbiology, medicine/human physiology, and social science. fective way to clean a used, bacterialaden sponge. After much research, she found that microwaving sponges She has not yet selected one of the microscope, or a science-related gift of equal value. Jennie also assessed the precise

opposed to a concentration in only one or two categories,” according to chemistry teacher Christopher Buckley. The variety contributed to the success of the science fair and avoided “an overabundance of projects in a certain genre,” added Mr. Buckley. “There’s been incremental imBP Photo by Goldie Fields provement every year,” said Mr. Buckley. Subject areas in this WINNER: Sophomore Yonah Feld accepts an honorable mention for his project. year’s science fair included chem-

ly remove germs from old sponges. Two years ago, Jennie received an the Science Fair for testing whether frequent hand washing reduced the amount of bacteria on a cell phone. Jennie, who is contemplating a caFreshman Jonah Kaye earned the scription to Popular Science maga-

were given to 9th grader Yonah Feld, and 11th Mr. Buckley, who judged the partment chose Jennie’s project as the best because of “the [totality] of her work in terms of her overall idea and how important it is to science,” said Mr. Buckley. cluded the boldness, implications, data analysis of the experiment and whether or not the topic could be pursued.

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Community

JCC holds fond memories for long-time faculty By Eric Bazak, Features Editor, and Alexa Fishman, Community Editor

Art teacher -

For most members of the Shalhevet community, next year’s planned move to the JCC is a sign that con-

taught at Shalhevet since the said the atmosphere in the

“I still remember going to the board of the JCC and

more loose and free than it is in the curHer favorite thing about it to display art,

Sidney Eisenshtat, z”l.

able to use again

Courtesy of Sarah Elspas

ABATEMENT: Workers clear the old building of lead and asbestos, toxic chemicals that would otherwise spread during demolition.

“I used to be in the basement, so I could sneak in

The JCC had an elevator shaft without an actual elevator inside of it, so the school decided to turn it into an office since it needed more space.

started teaching at Shalhevet the second year of its -

Cleanup will keep toxic dust where it belongs By Noah Rothman, Torah Editor

a feeling of innovation, excitement, and that some-

“Next year the students should take advantage of up April 29 in order to separate the school from the construc-

Back to the future: School heads back to JCC while new building goes up

Continued from Page 1

apartment and retail buildings it plans for Fairfax and Orange Grove avenues and San Vicente As students and faculty adshared information about through

parking and lockers at the JCC ably not have access to the JCC’s

practice space - a perrenial prob-

hevet only needed 12 classrooms, but student enrollment is expected to increase by 18 students to to ers next year, enough for a third of hopefully rely on their iPads for textbooks rather than hardcover copies, and preschool-type cub-

currently digging out

is seal the area from to extract the asbes-

a chemical that softens

asbestos and place it in

and other community groups for

til after 6, he said, and the Drama

science lab at the JCC, so lab-

Courtesy of Michelle Hirschhorn

HAZ-MAT: Visible above a specially covered dumpster, workers on the roof removed lead and asbestos May 12.

for the cover on the dumpster is so the chemicals the air and get

“Alliance is very happy for us

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Community

School begins replacing APs with new advanced courses Continued from Page 1

UCLA. “We will always know how a student is doing in the context of a school,” said Ms. Rees. “Shalhevet is doing exactly what we want. The school is communicating and saying here is how we are changing.” Mr. Danovitch said AP classes force teachers to teach pre-set material that will end up on the College Board AP Exams at the end of the school year. That prevents them from going into greater depth when students express interest, and it also leaves no time for projects or extra attenSAS classes would do the opposite, provide hands-on learning and a chance to collaborate and engage in debates about relevant issues. Mr. Danovitch said Biology and HisDr. Noel and Ms. Sunshine could create curricula that would be approved as honors classes by the University of California. The two trial classes will still cover many of the same topics as their AP counterparts but will allow for more ciate. They are writing their own syllabi, creating units they feel are the most engaging for students. “I like that the school is open-minded and that I can build a course the way I want to,” said Dr. Noel, who is just

BP Photo By Michelle Hirschhorn

NEW: Mr. Danovitch described plans for the Shalhevet Advanced Studies curriculum to parents and students the evening of May 1. A two-year pilot program will begin next year with Advanced Biology and an honors class in European history.

to include SAS Calculus, Chemistry, United States History and Statistics. “I don’t have to teach to the test because I can select The Beit Midrash event was designed to explain the a few topics, such as genetics, and neurobiology, which I changes to parents and stuwrote my dissertation on.” dents as they were contem“Tipping Point,” replacplating their course selecing AP European History, tions for next year. will focus on all the major Replacing APs has been Western European coundiscussed in the past, and Mr. Danovitch hopes to expand the program over tries, but particularly Engone impediment has been several years to include SAS Calculus, Chemistry, land, in the 16th and 17th uncertainty over whether centuries, both centuries of United States History and Statistics. college admissions commitmajor transition in Westtees would think Shalhevet’s ern Europe. education was not rigorous “I am excited to teach without them. a class that can focus on a Mr. Danovitch said AP dynamic and critical pericurricula were often “a mile wide and an inch deep” and od of time, elaborating the major themes of Euro but being that the courses’ reputation had diminished in recent years. able to develop them in depth,” said Ms. Sunshine. “The research we have conducted has convinced us Danovitch hopes to expand the program over several years

If the SAS two-year trial period succeeds, the school will be moving toward completely eliminating APs, Mr. Danovitch said. In the meantime, AP Government is being eliminated as well. “The goal is to create courses that are both rigorous and respected by universities,” concluded Mr. Danovitch. When the presentation was over, some had been convinced while others still had doubts. tude,” said Alison Weinreb, mother of junior Adina Weinreb. “But Ms. Walls and Mr. Danovitch reassured us that not only are the new classes going to be as rigorous as the AP courses but maybe even better, instead of just tons of memorizing there will be thinking and discussing.” Junior Shoshi Miller said the elimination of APs has “I have been looking forward to taking AP Gov since I was a freshman,” Shoshi said. “Now that it is not an honors course I am discouraged from taking it.”

CIJE students get a taste of work and play at Google in Venice Afternoon tour for engineering and computer classes includes glimpse into the mysteries of search function By Zev Kent, Staff Writer “Working at Google, now that’s the dream,” said freshman Isaac Goor as he walked out of the local Google ofto Computer Programming class. “The employees get so many awesome things.” unlike your typical corporate space, with basketball hoops, rock-climbing walls and video games around every corner. But working at Google isn’t all fun and games, as studiscovered. Gary Hirschhorn, father of sophomore Michelle Hirschhorn and a Google employee, arranged the tour for Shalhevet’s budding programmers and members of the hands-on engineering class known as CIJE, for Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education. He along with two of his colleagues showed the students around, and explained that employees are divided into groups of program or activity run by Google’s software. “Once I made a change to the Google home screen,” said Mr. Hirschhorn, who is one of six observant Jewish “You would never be able to tell, since it only had to do with the internal codsomeone else was working on.” On the tour, students encountered a huge, multi-screen display of Google Earth where they were able to explore

anywhere on Earth or Mars. One group of students found Shalhevet, and another student was even able to see his car in the parking lot. They also did a number-search activity to understand how Google focuses a search into relevant web pages using a tool called a “hashing function.” criteria are grouped together and when the word or phrase ing table, is called up. Students divided into pairs and each pair was given a paper with 10 columns of numbers randomly arranged. One partner picked a number the other had to guess what it was. “It was hard – it took like 15 to 20 guesses,” said freshman Ezra Fax. Then they were given a paper with the numbers in ascending order, and their partner in after each guess would say whether they needed to look higher or lower. “That time was easier, it took like 10 guesses tops,” Ezra said. “We learned that Google needs a lot of coding and a BP Photo by Ezra Fax

GOOGLE IT: Shalhevet students learned about Google’s technology on March 19.

looking for,” he added. “It made perfect sense, but there must have been more layers to the hash function than we saw.”

CIJE teacher Dr. Jay Smallwood said that Google’s search engine is more like the second exercise. “Instead of looking through 3 billion websites, you are only looking through 10,000,” said Dr. Smallwood. After the tour, students spoke to three employees to ask ing wall, gym with personal trainers, free food, and on-site doctors. The employees can stop work anytime to take a nap or go to the game room, which has pool, Pac-man, and X-Box 360s. For the observant employees, Google pays for them to order from a kosher restaurant in the area instead of re“You could live here 24/7 if you wanted to,” said Mr. Hirschhorn. “However, no one does.” nities in order to encourage its employees to work harder. Dr. Smallwood took his students there in order to motivate them, too. “My students are always asking me, ‘What good will this do us?’” said Dr. Smallwood. “By going to Google, they got to see how they could use what they are being taught about computer programming and engineering in the real world.” Student reaction suggested it had been a success. “I am working harder in CIJE,” said freshman Eytan Rosenman. “When I saw how much engineering can benFreshman Jonah Kaye wasn’t just inspired by the amenities. “Sure, its awesome that they get to do basically whatever they want,” said Freshman Jonah Kaye. “But, those are just an added bonus. The real reason I want to work at Google is because I enjoy engineering and Google has one of the best engineering programs out there.”

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Community

Jewish and Muslim teens practice ‘Sport for Peace’ By Rebecca Elspas, Staff Writer

BP Photo by Sarah Elapas

MULTICULTURAL: Soolmaz Abooali leads a karate workshop at the Rokah family’s karate studio May 4. -

of it.

10 awards for Model Congress By Alexa Fishman, Community Editor -

At Habitat house, a day of sun, sweat and spackle Continued from Page 1 where they would be used for the future homes. Students then split into groups

before. -

bills. -

BP Photo by Sharona Sedighim

CHESED: Seniors Sarah Soroudi and Annie Asch paint a Habitat house last month.

Other

winners

in-

Courtesy of Sigal Spitzer

GAVEL: Daniel Steinberg and Sigal Spitzer won two awards each.

THE BOILING POINT

Outside News MAY 2014

For Israeli teens, two-state solution is a fading dream By Jonah Gill, Outside News Editor Israeli teenagers seem to believe in a two-state varying degrees of enthusiasm. Some feel it should tant about the prospect even today. And some wish for it but don’t believe it will arrive. “It’s just that so many people have tried to solve a 15-year-old Israeli from Raanana who was enjoying a day at the mall with friends. “It is really sad to say that it will never be reInterviews with nine Jewish teenagers in Jerusalem just before peace talks collapsed last month painted a diverse picture of their views on a twoof them was anticipating. (All Israelis join the 18.) Gate to the Old City. controls the West Bank and had been in peace talks

BP Photo by Goldie Fields

CONFLICTED:

cabinet to vote unanimously to end talks. That did not play a role in the teens’ opinions because it was so recent. (See box below.)

because of their historical resonance. “Even though I understand that it is the only real op-

tinian state.

“I am scared of a terrorist group in the West Bank being

and none would be photographed or reveal a last name. that a two-state solution was the best option Israel has -

Israeli cabinet votes to suspend peace talks after Fatah and Hamas form new alliance

Bank would be helpful on many levels. “I think that [the occupation] is something that most

Peace talks between the Israeli government and Faon April 24 after leaders announced an alliance be-

their alliance. -

forces both within and outside of Israel are working on trying to solve the problem. The second-most popu-

launched hundreds of rockets into southern Israel since taking control of the Gaza

politicians who campaign on a platform of achieving a two-state solution by being more willing to freeze settle-

Secretary of State John Kerry had initiated the round According to MK Yair Lapid – the head of the Yesh Atid

Fatah agreement.

mate representative of the Pala jihadist terror organization

variety of factors from both sides.

The new agreement between the two groups came as a shock to American negotiators.

lease Palestinian prisoners. This was a large piece of

a promise they had made not to.

majority in Gaza’s parliamentary elections after Israel withdrew all its forces in 2006. all agreed that any aid to Fatah and future peace talks between it and Israel would be contingent upon Fatah remaining opposed to

The new agreement between the two groups came they were close to Fatah recognizing Israel’s right as a step in the opposite direction. It is currently unknown how or when peace talks

yahu.

also a push from leftist politicians both within the Israeli national state that would not be Jewish. Most Jews in ity in Israeli society believes a two-state solution is unattomorrow. because it is the only option. I really want the solution to be reached during my lifetime. I want to die with this talks fell apart.

The Boiling Point

8 BP ILLUSTRATION BY YAN KLIGERMAN

TableTalk

News to help you shmooze

May 2014

U.S. non-intervention in Syria led Putin to attack Ukraine, House Leader Eric Cantor tells students in Beverlywood By Anna Gordon, Staff Writer

from Israel, whose counter-terrorism experts will now join teams from the Early Tuesday morning, April 15, numerous gunmen belonging to the vehicles. Fifty-three managed to escape.

sending a team of specialists trained in intelligence, investigations and hostage negotiating to help recover the missing girls. In addition, social media Finding the girls soon is seen as critical. As the Nigerian politician Sena-- Sarah Yadegari, 9th Grade

are pushing for elections, in which a majority of voters could vote to be absorbed by Russia. Although this impending vote might favor him, Russian

discontent with the Obama administration’s

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said the U.S. not sending troops to Syria had led to the dent Obama’s foreign policy “outrageous” during a small gathering at a private home attended by Shalhevet students. Roughly 50 people attended the March 16 question-and-answer session on Israel-related issues, which was held before lapsed in late April. “This administration has in some ways employed a foreign policy of disengagement,” said

the event, which was held at the home of Charles and Vicleadership group which lobbies members of Congress. Rep. Cantor strongly criticized the United States’ policies toward Syria, where a civil war sands of people shows no sign of abating. He said that had the U.S. acinstead of just with sanctions and diplomatic action, Rus-

BP Photo by Jason Feld

POWERFUL: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor criticized President Obama for pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu into peace talks. Five Shalhevet students attended, including sophomore Yonah Feld, above right.

have invaded the Crimea, located in southern

national law, Rep. Cantor said. A Virginia Republican and second-in-com-

Union more favorably than Russia. in the south, in a region that has fewer historical ties to Russia than Crimea in the southeast. A majority of the city’s population is neutral to the conand a truce was declared. overthrow of the old pro-Russian government last February, with 46 dead, --Jonah Gill, Outside News Editor

negligence and failure to assist the passengers of the ferry, who were told to The Sewol departed from Seoul for the island of Jeju, carrying mostly sengers were told to stay in 64 of the 111 cabins of the ship and were forbidin one room alone. their last year of high school. Investigations determine that the ferry was holding over three times the maximum weight. thing as the prime minister, but the government can assume no more. So I -- Sarah Yadegari, 9th grade

audience that when he met with Netanyahu privately, he sensed that Netanyahu was un-

anything more outrageous.” Jewish History teacher Mr. Jason Feld managed to obtain

the west.

Outside News

Cantor also encouraged stronger sanctions against Iran’s nuclear weapons program and urged the audience to participate actively in Israel advocacy. “Any deal with Iran should never allow Iran to enrich,” said Rep. Cantor. The statement was met with a round of applause. He said that he and the House Minority Whip, Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), had co-auto develop stronger sanctions against Iran. So far, the president is yet to meet the letter’s demand for a negotiation with Iran that requires the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Additionally, Rep. Cantor expressed his

criminal court instead,” said Rep. Cantor. Overall, the audience seemed to agree with Rep. Cantor’s statements, though they thought he was biased because of being a Republican. “His criticism was expected because of his position in Congress, and although he became very biased at times you could tell that he was frustrated with the administration’s hesitation nah Feld. Freshman Alec Fields agreed. though sometimes he seemed to focus a little Alec. Mr. Feld seemed to understand where Rep. Cantor was coming from. “As a leader of the opposition it’s his role to criticize the other party,” said Mr. Feld. “That made was well-founded.”

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Arts & Cul!re

A win for the Choirhawks on a night of harmony

YULA’s girls-only “Neima: Sing It Forward” competition used song to raise funds for Tomchei Shabbos By Tamar Willis, Editor-in-Chief

bers.

UpComing Choirhawks Spring Concert Tuesday, May 20 5:30 P.M., Beit Midrash $10 adults, $5 students Free to Shalhevet students, staff This year’s concert is part of the first-ever “Erev Omaniyot” -- Evening of the Arts -- featuring the Choirhawks, Drama production (see story, previous page) and an Art Gallery featuring work by Shalhevet visual art students.

ing had just two

the Choirhawks the other two

the Choirhawks

“They

time into it.”

were

BP Photos by Rachel Sentchuk

HARMONY: Natalie Dahan, second from left, beatboxed as Shirel Benji, Liat Nicole Soussana sang during the female Choirhawks performance April 30. YULA’s choir, right, was entirely student-led.

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The Boiling Point • May 2014 • Fea!res

o Imm o rtal, and Beh o B

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By Eric Bazak, Features Editor

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The Boiling Point • May 2014 • Fea!res

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hind the Wheel A

MOST SHALHEVET

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Torah THE BOILING POINT

MAY 2014

Photo Illustration by Avivah Paskowitz

PROTEST: Sophomores Ariella Cohen, Shirin Nataneli and Natacha Chowaiki hold signs outside Meir Kin’s Las Vegas wedding March 20. Despite remarrying, he has not given his wife a get.

By Noah Rothman, Torah Editor

marries a woman who is single, it is not forbidden by the Seventh Commandment, even if he is married. ‘Do not commit adultery” -- the seventh commandRabbinic law is another matter. Having multiple wives ment – is generally understood to mean that a married has been prohibited by rabbinic law since the 11th cenperson should not have relations other than with his or tury, when Rabbeinu Gershom, from France, issued a her spouse. Thus it would seem that a man who has not cherem -- literally an excommunication but in this case halachically divorced his wife and takes another is break- a prohibition or injunction, stating that a man may only ing this commandment. be married to one woman at a time. This has been Jewish However, under Torah law ever since, at law, he is not, and that is least among Ashwhy Israel Meir Kin remarkenazi Jews. ried on March 20 without So how did Mr. Many Jewish men in the Torah, including the giving his wife Lonna Kin a Kin get around get – the Jewish divorce doc- patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, have multiple this? Cherem is ument. The couple are civ- wives, but no women do – so it is understood that a post-biblical illy divorced but halachically injunction, makas long as the man marries a woman who is single, they are not. If Mrs. Kin were ing it able to be to remarry, she would beit is not forbidden. countered by ancome an adulteress, but Mr. other post-biblical Kin will not be considered an injunction. The adulterer by remarrying. injunction that The reason is that the sevcounters cherem is something known as heter meah rabenth commandment -- lo tinaph, do not commit adultery – banim – permission via the signatures of 100 rabbis. By actually only applies to married women, and to men who getting signatures of 100 rabbis, Mr. Kin was allowed to have relations with them. remarry without giving a get. “Lo tinaph – ‘You shall not commit adultery’ – strictly But this rabbinic permission is not available for womspeaking, this prohibition involves cohabiting with a mar- en, because a post-biblical law cannot override a law that ried woman,” states the website of the Orthodox Union. is found in the Torah itself. “This is another of the Three Cardinal Sins, regarding “There is no direct women’s parallel to the heter maeh which one must forfeit his life rather than violating.” rabbanim, because the latter cannot erase a Biblical inMany Jewish men in the Torah, including the patri- junction of adultery,” said Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky of B’nai archs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, have multiple wives, but David Judea, one of the rabbis who attended the protest no women do – so it is understood that as long as the man against Mr. Kin’s remarriage in Las Vegas March 20. (See

story, below.) To some, the problem of agunot is an ironic one. Tanach and Gemarah teacher Ms. Atara Segal explained that men’s polygamy was originally meant for women’s and “This is a case where halacha is protecting the woman and the community,” Ms. Segal said. “If a woman has sex with more than one man we then don’t who the father is, whereas you always know whom the mother is.” This ensures that children – and their whole community -- know who their fathers are, and single women have a means of support. In ancient times a single woman, divorcee or widow would not have been able to support herself and her children without a husband. “If there are more women than men, the women need to be able to marry someone, the men don’t,” Ms. Segal said. “It really is designed to protect a woman...A single man could earn a living and fend for himself. A single woman cannot earn a living and fend for herself.” But that seems not to protect women like Lonna Kin or other agunot. Since Torah law cannot be changed – meaning that a heter meah rabbanim for women will not be possible -- Rabbi Kanefsky said the only solution will be for Jewish marriages in the future to be conditioned on their promising to give a get if there’s a divorce down the road. This could be accomplished by pre-nuptial agreement. “The best we can do for her (aside from annulment, which is a whole other topic) is what will be, I hope, the next generation pre-nup,” Rabbi Kanefsky wrote, “in which the man, at the time of the wedding, explicitly conditions his kiddushin (betrothal) upon his behaving properly at the time of divorce (should that time come).”

Students trek to Las Vegas to protest marriage in agunah case By Noah Rothman, Torah Editor Last month, six Shalhevet students traveled to Las Vegas to protest a Jewish wedding. Israel Meir Kin of Las Vegas was getting married, for a second time. But this time,

The March 20 protest hoped to convince Mr. Kin to change his mind and give her the get.

wife, Lonna Kin, having refused to give her

in Las Vegas’ Desert Shores neighborhood. Shalhevet’s group, led by Head of School Rabbi Ari Segal and Student Activities Advisor Raizie Weissman, didn’t get

Jewish law, can only be given by a husband to a wife and not vice versa. Mr. Kin signed a conditional get and left it with rabbis in Monsey, New York, but he has not given it to Lonna. That makes her

Two days before, Rabbi Segal had sent out an email asking if anyone would be interested in accompanying him on the trip -- seven The entire trip -- not only the rally itself but the 14-hour hours each way. Afcar ride back and forth -- was part of a profound terward, he said the distance itself was educational experience for those who attended. --Rabbi Ari Segal, Head of School an important reason to go. “Our tradition

s’char halicha ceive a reward for the distance we travel for a mitzvah,” Rabbi Segal wrote in an email to The Boiling Point. “While I don’t know precisely how this works,” he continued, “I do know that the entire trip -- not only the rally itself but the car ride back and forth -- was part of a profound educational experience for those who attended.” asked all the protesters to leave the front was happening inside. The protesters regrouped on the sidements. “Israel saw us and knew that we were there,” said sophomore Shirin Nataneli. with security.” Protesters were shouting many things, including “Kin family, shame on you,” and

“Israel Meir Kin, stop the abuse” – referring to their belief that refusing to give your wife a get is a form of domestic abuse. In various unsigned website articles, including one titled “The Phony Agunah,” anonymous authors claim that Mr. Kin has deposited a get with a controversial Beit Din and that Ms. Kin has just refused to accept it. But other reports explain that Ms. Kin may only have that get if she agrees to binding arbitration by a particular Beit Din (Jewish court), one that is not considered legitimate by respected Orthodox organizations such as the Rabbinical Council of California (RCC). Rabbi Segal knew about this and said a get must be given without conditions. “He has given the get but it’s conditional on her accepting binding arbitration of a corrupt beit din,” said Rabbi Segal in an e-mail response to questions. “Any giving of a get that is conditional on anything is not a legitimate giving of a get.”

THE BOILING POINT

Outside News MAY 2014

BP Photo by Goldie Fields

CONFLICTED:

cabinet to vote unanimously to end talks. That did not play a role in the teens’ opinions because it was so recent. (See box below.)

because of their historical resonance. “Even though I understand that it is the only real op-

tinian state.

“I am scared of a terrorist group in the West Bank being

and none would be photographed or reveal a last name.

Israeli cabinet votes to suspend peace talks after Fatah and Hamas form new alliance

that a two-state solution was the best option Israel has would be helpful on many levels. “I think that [the occupation] is something that most

Peace talks between the Israeli government and Faon April 24 after leaders announced an alliance be-

their alliance. -

Secretary of State John Kerry had initiated the round According to MK Yair Lapid – the head of the Yesh

Fatah agreement.

mate representative of the Pal-

and maim Jews simply because

lease Palestinian prisoners. This was a large piece of

a promise they had made not to.

winning a majority in Gaza’s parliamentary elections after Israel withdrew all its forces in 2006.

The new agreement between the two groups came as a shock to American negotiators.

a jihadist terror organization

variety of factors from both sides.

launched hundreds of rockets into southern Israel

all agreed that any aid to Fatah and future peace talks between it and Israel would be contingent upon Fatah remaining opposed to

The new agreement between the two groups came as a shock to American negoaccording to an unnamed American mediator. The aldirection. It is currently unknown how or when peace talks

forces both within and outside of Israel are working on trying to solve the problem. The second-most popupoliticians who campaign on a platform of achieving a two-state solution by being more willing to freeze settleyahu.

The Boiling Point

14 BP ILLUSTRATION BY YAN KLIGERMAN

TableTalk

News to help you shmooze

May 2014

U.S. non-intervention in Syria led Putin to attack Ukraine, House Leader Eric Cantor tells students in Beverlywood By Anna Gordon, Staff Writer

from Israel, whose counter-terrorism experts will now join teams from the Early Tuesday morning, April 15, numerous gunmen belonging to the vehicles. Fifty-three managed to escape.

are pushing for elections, in which a majority of voters could vote to be absorbed by Russia. Although this impending vote might favor him, Russian

discontent with the Obama administration’s

BP Photo by Jason Feld

have invaded the Crimea, located in southern

national law, Rep. Cantor said. A Virginia Republican and second-in-com-

audience that when he met with Netanyahu privately, he sensed that Netanyahu was un-

anything more outrageous.” Jewish History teacher Mr. Jason Feld managed to obtain

the west.

Outside News

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Outside News

Lack of information hurt responders after LAX shooting By Maayan Waldman, Staff Writer Poor communication and coordination -

Facebook.com/LAX

CONFUSION: First responders at the Nov. 1 shooting were ill prepared to handle the crisis and didnâ€™t know where to tell people to go.

The Boiling Point

16 The Boiling Point Editor-in-Chief Tamar Willis Managing Editor Goldie Fields Chief Layout Editors Margo Feuer Rachel Spronz Community Editor Alexa Fishman Opinion Editor Sigal Spitzer Outside News Editor Jonah Gill Features Editor Eric Bazak Torah Editor Noah Rothman Arts & Culture Editor Rose Lipner Sports Editor Mati Hurwitz Photography Editor Goldie Fields Layout Editor Michelle Hirschhorn Technology Artist David Ohana Advertising Editor Shoshi Miller Website Editor-in-Chief Nicole Feder

International First Place Award 2012, 2011

Pacemaker Finalist 2012 Critique Service First Place Award with Marks of Distinction 2011, 2013

National Award Winner 2007-2014

All-American 2009, 2012

THE BOILING POINT

Gold Circle Awards 2011-2013 Columbia Scholastic Press Association

By the BP Editorial Board We’re not going to sugar coat it: AP classes suck. They’re extra stressful, extra time consuming, and leave little to no room for exploration or time for appreciation—which is why we fully support the school’s That’s not to say all AP classes are awful or unenjoyable – it just means having to stick to a rigid curriculum that focuses more on breadth than depth. It means that sometimes our questions go unanswered simply because “it’s not going to be on the test.” It also means added stress when picking classes for

Our teachers know how to teach more than what the

ning to take advantage of that. Without APs, students will have the opportunity to take classes tailored to their real interests and needs— like Ms. Sunshine’s new course “Tipping Point,” which focuses on the 16th and 17th centuries of European history and replaces AP Euro. Science and math classes will have the same rigor but without the pressure Advanced Biology class will cover most of what AP Bio does, but with more depth and less rush. If you’re worried that not taking APs will hurt your chances of admission to prestigious colleges or take away Shalhevet’s competitive edge, it looks like you

self-imposed) AP quota. All of us have heard students complain something along the lines of: “I need to take three APs senior year but I already took Psych and I’m not good at math or science so Calc and Chem are out…should I take Stat? I seriously need three APs or I’m not getting into college!!!” APs take away from a student’s ability to take classes they’re truly interested in in favor of a workload that might impress colleges. Abolishing APs is a natural step for Shalhevet to take. Our school’s philosophy explicitly opposes the idea of learning just for the test. Here, it’s about the -

By the BP Editorial Board Deja vu – A year ago, students were asked to bring in boxes to help pack up most of the main building and relocate to the Annex. Exactly a year later, the student body was informed this month that Shalhevet will

for building a new school on the northern two-thirds of campus. A new building would provide a place to practice basketball, modern labs for science, better cafeteria, art and davening space and and for Drama a technologically updated theater. Students genuinely supported this process and were extraordinarily patient with the plans. It was bittersweet to give up the environment that

ing lot. But we said goodbye and we were ready. But politics and an elongated appeal process took up the whole year of planned construction, and here we are with the same hopes as last spring. The Sport

Simon J. Rockower Award - 2013, 2014

UNSIGNED EDITORIALS

Beginning of the end for AP courses is a cause to celebrate

school year 2014-2015. Time to collect boxes again.

Gold Crown Award 2013, 2014

Opinion

Faculty Advisor Mrs. Joelle Keene

National Scholastic Press Association

May 2014

The Boiling PoinT is the student-produced newspaper of Shalhevet High School and is published 6-8 times yearly. Editorials on the Notepad represent the majority view of the members of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor, Managing Editor, Web Editor, Opinion Editor and Faculty Advisor. The Boiling PoinT welcomes submissions for signed editorials from members of the Shalhevet Community, and the final decision about printing them is made by the Editorial Board. Letters to the Editor may be submitted via e-mail to shalhevetboilingpoint@gmail.com. The Boiling

see story, page 1) said universities will recognize the fact that APs aren’t there are more valuable, and equally challenging, approaches to education—something that colleges will appreciate, not condemn us for doing. And regardless, colleges judge each student within the context of his compare you to that public school student who is taking eight AP classes. Though we’ll have to deal with them for a couple more years, it’s time to accept and appreciate the fact that APs are on their way out. We’re making way for something much sweeter.

Court is gone, and a green metal fence cuts the parking lot into two. But construction hasn’t started. Even now, with escrow closed on the sale, all we are seeing is workers in white hazmat suites removing asbestos on the roof. And we are moving again. Students will preserve their lungs, escaping dust, dirt, chemicals and loud noise too. But moving back to our original location at the JCC will pose new challenges. The administration is planning to make the JCC campus conducive to high school life. But there is work for us to do as well. We hope that the inner locations. Smartboards and other classroom enhancements will only be useful if the 910 South Fairfax mentality moves to the JCC. We envision regular dance parties in the hallways, spirited dress up days and a relaxed environment advantageous to learning. If the past year has been a roller coaster, hopenew school will be worth the wait. In the meantime, however long it takes, the best thing to do is sit back, embrace the bumpy ride, and remember that what’s

PoinT reserves the right to edit letters and opinion submissions and all submissions become the property of The Boiling PoinT. Signed editorials and advertisements in The Boiling PoinT purchased by third-party organizations do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editorial Board or The Boiling PoinT as a whole. For information on advertising, please write Advertising Editor Shoshi Miller at shoshimiller831@gmail.com.

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Opinion

TWO BOILING POINTS OF VIEW:

Should students pay for SAT tutors? Yes, invest in your future By Liat Bainvoll, 12th Grade

By Henry Wineburgh, 10th grade

Skimming through countless Naviance charts of past university acceptances, waitlists and denials that show a student’s standing relative to that school’s average accepted GPA and SAT score can be both nauseating and thrilling

“Twenty-four hundred dollars for a 2400 score!” screams an SAT tutor advertisement at internet passers-by. The intensity of competition among prospective college students has heated up every year since the beginning of the internet age, and both students and their parents have become more ruthless at the cutthroat game of college admissions. who charge upwards of $100 per hour though students can easily prepare for the SATs on their own. Not only are SAT tutors overpriced and unnecessary, but they also corrupt the system of standardized tests, rendering the entire point of the SATs moot. In short, Shalhevet students shouldn’t use SAT tutors and don’t need to. Numbers vary, but students usually spend upwards of 15 hours with the tutor, and a parent can easily wind up dropping around $3000. Rather than spending this kind of money, students should pay

open up a world of possibility and hope for some, but also dream-crushing for those GPA and SAT are two major components of uninecessary, to keep up their grades with hours spent on homework and money spent on tutors-- why should the same not be true for the SATs? There is no one right method to studying for every student thinks they need to study

themselves with the formatting and types of questions. Supporters of SAT tutors argue that any amount of money is worth it for a higher score. But it is a myth that tutors are the only people who can

reveal a student’s strengths; tutors help to combat a student’s weaknesses. Shouldn’t this be encouraged? -

sic math and vocabulary questions. Any material that a tutor would teach could easily be learned

months of weekly tutoring split with a friend,

self-preparation.

taught me methods and strategies for dealing with each section on the test. For vocabulary he suggested that I analyze the root of the

algebra and geometry, and if one jots decent notes in those classes before junior year, he or she will own a perfect study guide. Similarly, if one pays good enough atten-

to summarize everything I read before answering

the basic skills required for the grammar and essay-writing portions of the SAT. And instead of mindlessly drilling vocabulary words with a tutor, people should study

he took the time to stop, recognize my problem and help have received studying any other way. The SAT is supposed to assess one’s preparedness to enter should go into the test “cold” to truly assess their place, but the reality of the situation is that students across the country

cabulary section. Juniors who have not paid attention in

Bp Photos by Goldie Fields

to maintain a competitive edge, Shalhevet students need to do all they can, which may include investered the “fair” thing will, ironically, put everyone else at an unfair advantage. There is nothing wrong with Shalhevet students seeking help from tutors if

in using a tutor as a last resort, but this situation is clearly not ideal. Not only does it waste enormous amounts of money, but also time, which could otherwise be spent learning what your junior year teachers are trying to teach you in their classes. SAT tutoring is also immoral and defeats the

ting a tutor will allow for a better SAT score and subsequently, acceptance to a

SAT is meant to be an equalizing factor in college

sions boards to accurately compare students using grades. The grades of a student from Shalhevet, for example, are not comparable to those of a student from

families already investing so much in a college-prep high school education, an SAT score to match a strong GPA is necessary in order to validate the hard work a

provide a clear comparison by at least one measure. case -- uses SAT tutors to raise scores, the entire system

backgrounds aren’t given other kinds of special consideration for being “under-

commitment levels, the score measures dollars and cents. This unfair advantage for upper-middle-class and

sometimes gives students a leg up in college admission--why should we not take advantage of the privilege we’re presumed to have?

When it comes down to it, Shalhevet students have all kinds of privileges ... We can’t hide that on our college applications and we wouldn’t want to.

The SAT is meant to be an equalizing factor in college admissions, since differing high school curricula and grading policies make it difficult for college admissions boards to accurately compare students.

doubly, lacking both tutors and equivalent education compared to what’s found in wealthy communities. According to recent data released by the College Board, the wealthier a student is, the higher his or her SAT score. Coincidence? No. The use of tutors causes poorer families to be disproportionately rejected from the universities they deserve. Supporters might argue, “It isn’t immoral to buy a safer

privilege of small classes, dedicated teachers, a rich Jewish component and arts and co-curriculars that stretch our minds and keep us excited about learning -- not can’t hide that on our college applications and we wouldn’t want position of the dots representing

Students should not have to go into the SAT unprepared. Just as our teachers and rabbis try to prepare us for life, face anti-Israel opinions on college campus, we should be ready for timed testing can learn to overcome challenges and get a score that will at least put them in the running for the long list of competitive colleges they’ll likely be applying to.

so why is it immoral to hire a tutor and receive a higher SAT score?” The answer is that buying a safer car doesn’t harm anyone who doesn’t have one. Since there are only limited numbers of places in top universities, students who can’t afIf the system of standardized tests is meant to be an equalizer among those who wish to gain entry into a good college, then they must truly be equal. People should stop burning through their hard earned money by employing SAT tutors, and allow themselves to gain entry to colleges through their own merit, rather than through their social and should stop using them.

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Arts & Cul!re

A win for the Choirhawks on a night of harmony YULA’s girls-only “Neima: Sing It Forward” competition used song to raise funds for Tomchei Shabbos By Tamar Willis, Editor-in-Chief

bers.

UpComing Choirhawks Spring Concert Tuesday, May 20 5:30 P.M., Beit Midrash $10 adults, $5 students Free to Shalhevet students, staff

ing had just two

the Choirhawks the other two

This year’s concert is part of

the Choirhawks

“They

time into it.”

were

BP Photos by Rachel Sentchuk

HARMONY: Natalie Dahan, second from left, beatboxed as Shirel Benji, Liat Nicole Soussana sang during the female Choirhawks performance April 30. YULA’s choir, right, was entirely student-led.

The Boiling Point

May 2014

Sports

Sports THE BOILING POINT

MAY 2014

SCORE: The Lady Firehawks crash the boards against Valley Christian Academy. BP Photo by Goldie Fields

Girls Basketball ends best-ever season in loss at By Mati Hurwitz, Sports Editor

arms.

in a 55-37 defeat to the CIF Division 6 Champion Valley Christian Academy Lions March 10. Over 100 members of the Firehawk Nation were in at-

in New York instead. Losing meant they girls had to play the top-seeded

Coach Fortier was ready.

brand new white t-shirts celebrating the moment. Senior Division before being moved to State Division 5 with Shalhevet. -

Coach Flava kept saying to get -

players on the bench. Shalhevet had been dominating other teams with steals -

gained back its spirits. A few

ket. -

Sigal hesitated to draw contact -

Senior Joelle Edry played with energy and hit a banker

verted an and-one and the free throw. Soon the Firehawks

plained that he didnâ€™t want to risk Sigal getting a third The second half seemed like the same old song and talk to anyone. Some had their looked lifeless.