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Three weeks of debate yield a school policy on girls lin
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
By Noah Rothman, Staff Writer Three weeks after the initial e-mail raising the question to the Shalhevet community, Head of School Rabbi Ari Segal announced Nov. 14 that he would not let female students wear tallit them to do so at home or at a nearby synagogue and come to Shalhevet for the rest of the day. The request had come from an eighth-grader at a Conservative day school, who was considering applying for admission for next year. sion not to allow this young woman to wear her gal said in a lengthy e-mail, saying he felt torn between the two options. But he added that he would take the girl’s parently excuse her from Shacharit at school, citing a similar decision made by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein of Ramaz School in New York City. bi Lookstein once made in a similar case at
BP Photo by Sarah Elspas
HUDDLE: The Boys’ Flag Football team huddles up before one of its Saturday night games at a tournament held at Loma Linda University in Redlands Oct. 24-27. Both the boys’ and girls’ Firehawk squads played against Seventh-Day Adventist schools from throughout Southern California, the boys culminating their season with four tournament wins and team records in passing, receiving and interceptions. See related stories, page 20.
New building won’t open before January 2015
opportunity to put them on at a nearby synagogue or to put them on at home and then come to school to receive the best Judaic education in
By Alexa Fishman, Community Editor
The girl who raised the question has decided not to apply (see related story, page 8). Junior Sigal Spitzer supported Rabbi Segal’s choice. “I think he made the right decision for the
According to Head of School Rabbi Ari Segal, unforeseen delays in the permitting process mean that approval nalized, escrow is not closed, and construction will not begin on the school’s
“Sadly this is the case, but the Los Angeles community is not ready to have Modern Orthodox
That means Shalhevet will stay in
The question of whether girls should be al-
semester of next school year, he said. “We will move in in the middle of
Rabbi Segal put it into his weekly e-mail, “From “A prospective student has asked me if she during Shacharit if she were to enroll in the prayer shawl and phylacteries worn by males during morning prayers. The result, Rabbi Segal said, was a no-win situation. “If I say yes, then I am certain there will be current and prospective families who feel the no, I will have families who feel the school is not permitting an allowed mitzvah and is there-
tion in less than nine months, my guess is that the building will be ready by City Zoning Administrator Fernando Tovar only issued his approval Oct. Hall was in September. An appeals period is scheduled to can be challenged.
School Board President Larry Gill believes it will end sooner. “Given the support we have garnered in the community and the strength of the zoning administrative ruling, we believe the transaction will Gill, “even though challenges will still Rabbi Segal agreed. “We’ve talked to anybody who expressed any objection at any point in the process Continued on Page 4
Confusion and civility combine at LAX after shooting By Nicole Soussana, Staff Writer History teacher Mrs. Tove Sunshine and her son Nathan had just boarded their plane and were watching the remaining pasattendants said in a very urgent tone that everyone must evacuate. As they did, Mrs. Sunshine saw hordes of people bursting out of the terminal doors through emergency exits and rushing onto the tarmac.
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Because Southwest is in Terminal 1, Mrs. Sunshine and Nathan had not heard gunshots. But over in Terminal 3, suspect Paul Ciancia had killed Gerardo I. Hernandez, a TSA agent with a wife and three children, in the security line. Mrs. Sunshine and her son were close enough to have been among thousands well into the afternoon. There was no school that day, but Mrs. Sunshine had been excused from faculty development meetings so she could visit
what’sinside
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Anne Frank exhibit focuses on the universal
12 Facebook aliases: a trend with a purpose
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BP journalists host NY, SF schools for JSPA
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New hashkama minyan is completely student-initiated
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November Trustees dinner
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Erev Chanukah
Thanksgiving
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December Choirhawks concert
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Fall play
Start of winter break
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Jan.
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School resumes MoreOnTheWeb
www.shalhevetboilingpoint.com
BP Photo by Goldie Fields
CAFFEINE: Sophomore Boaz Willis serves classmate Micah Gill a drink from Bo’s Barista Bar at breakfast.
‘Barista Bar’ is here to stay By Rose Lipner, Staff Writer and Tamar Willis, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Even though Starbucks across from school reopened on schedule after a 10-day break, the open and has no plans to close. Sophomore Boaz Willis set up a table near the lunch area and enthusiastically ran his own mock Starbucks cafe, which he called Bo’s Baristhing on the corner of Fairfax and Olympic was being remodeled. Assisting him was his business partner and fellow sophomore Will Bernstein. Students and teachers quickly got used to the convenience of getting their drinks right on campus. Biology teacher Dr. Melissa Noel didn’t get Nov. 3. “The prices are reasonable, and the best part is that it’s right outside of the Science room, so I
competition?
Dr. Noel. Boaz said he thought it was worth continuing the bar even though it was sometimes hard.
rest in other ventures. “I think it’s a good experience and something hard though, because I have to wake up early to The Barista Bar originally sold drinks for $1.40, compared to
Beth Am. Although Will did not participate in these decisions, he designed their logo and mission statement and worked with Boaz at the bar, and will continue to help Boaz run his cafe. Before opening up Bo’s Barista Bar, Boaz posted a student and faculty survey on Schoology. But his original goal had nothing to do with use the data to convince Starbucks to give school a discount. Starbucks store manager David Silva-Riobo says he supports Boaz’s business but will not allow a discount for Shalhevet students. He said the reason was a company policy that they only communities—and Shalhevet is not one of them. here, Boaz’s Barista included, because we’re a to think of other businesses as competition, that would not be the brand model of the Starbucks Bo’s Barista Bar closed as planned when Stara survey on Schoology and it turned out people missed it. Will and Boaz decided to reopen it and General Studies Principal Mr. Roy Danovitch only bought one drink from the bar, preferring an advocate. “This really tested Boaz’s entrepreneurial skills and provided him with a unique fundrais-
Mr. Danovitch, who encouraged Boaz to We encourage different coffee shops start this business in around here, Boaz’s Barista included, ing to Boaz. because we’re a community. Although Boaz and and bought bigger -- David Silva-Riobo, Starbucks manager Will can’t sell their drinks during lunch kept their cups, rebecause of the school’s contract with lunch caterer Dudu Zrihen, they He also added iced chai lattes, chocolate milk, are open during Mincha as well as breakfast. and Tazo passion iced tea to his menu. Throughout these breaks, students and teachers On Nov. 17, Boaz announced via Schoology alike jkgo out to the parking lot and drop by Boaz’s Barista Bar. Starbucks’ renovation was, at the time, a severe hardship for sophomore Michelle Hirschhorn, who did not patronize the school version. “I didn’t know if I’d be able to get through donated to the Girls Learn International club, of school without looking forward to my afterwhich Boaz is a member. He used the rest of the money to pay for another investment—a candy ond day, he raised cause he wanted a
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The Boiling Point
November 2013
Outspoken Insider
Peer pressure: The good, the bad and the possible
Community
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GLI club partners with school in India to help girls learn
By Benny Balazs, Staff Columnist
veerni.com
LEARNING: Students at The Veerni School in India in one of their classrooms. Shalhevet’s chapter of Girls Learn International hopes to support the school while increasing awareness of a gender gap in education in many parts of the world.
By Maayan Waldman and Nicole Soussana, Staff Writers -
boarding is essential, since many of -
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Shalhevet is one of the many
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This initiative has the potential to change the course of their lives in a positive way.
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“I think that India has a really inin life?
The Veerni School is a boarding
ginning of October, Tamar and other
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life decisions aren’t meant to be decided by others By Alexa Fishman, Community Editor Shalhevet’s Mock Trial team has been eliminated after losing in the
their second match, against La Serna
People v. Concha, defendant Rae Con-
BP Photo by Michael Silver
ELIMINATED: Prosecutors Scotty Silver and Alec Fields prepare to cross-examine. -
both Mock Trial and Model Congress,
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November 2013
Community
Jewish student journalists make history at JSPA conference By Sarah Soroudi, Editor-in-Chief -
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New York Times
article, selected by Gary Rosenblatt of the New York Jewish Week
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The Buzz editors of The Observer
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SWAP SHOP: Student journalists from the The Boiling Point and the JCHS Observer com-
the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles The Buzz -
Deputy Editor-in-Chief Tamar Willis contributed to this story.
By Rebecca Elspas, Staff Writer
BP Photo by Goldie Fields
STORED:
Construction to start in 2015
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had the time or desire to look for
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Kol Isha Lets Girls Sing on their BP Photo by Goldie Fields
“I really liked the environ-
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WINNER: Senior Tamar Willis accepts her award for an article about Jewish life at the UCs. The Boiling Point was the only high school newspaper to enter the competition.
tradition and change at a coed
scribing from every angle the en to sing solos, in contravention of traditional
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THE BOILING POINT
Outside News NOVEMBER 2013
Confusion and civility combine at LAX after shooting Luckily, Mrs. Sunshine and her son were able to leave the airport easily in her car, which was waiting for them in an airport parking lot since they were planning on being gone for just two days. Contributing to the atmosphere
airport as security officials searched for accomplices and other danger. Finally, they announced that everything was safe. Among those not hurt, word of the Continued from Page 1
a woman who’d been in Terminal 3 at the time of the shooting and was somewhat shaken a ride to UCLA, slightly out of the way from Mrs. Sunshine’s destination near Shalhevet. Others, who were not as lucky, painstakingly carried their bags with them and walked out of the airport -- sometimes all the way to the San Diego Freeway or beyond
people checked their smartphones. countless numbers of witnesses had stories they shared from Terminal 3. “It was shocking when we heard about it and a little bit scary,” Mrs. Sunshine said in an interview later, “even though realistically I knew we were a couple of buildings away.” In all, there were seven injuries in addition to the death of Mr. Herman-
somewhere else, news reports said. Mrs. Sunshine, who initially in the line of duty since the Transcame to the airport to travel to her portation Security Administration BP Photo Illustration by David Ohana ill mother, was not able to do so was formed after the terror attacks of COMMOTION: Mrs. Sunshine , who was at LAX on Nov. 1 when the shooting occured at 9:20 a.m., was that day. Instead, she and Nathan 9/11. completed their trip to Northern The shooter, who reportedly tar- stuck in the airport for six hours, despite being several buildings away from the scene. California the following weekend geted TSA agents deliberately, rewithout the chaos they witnessed on mains at Ronald Reagan-UCLA Medical Here, they would all be safe from the sengers. Many people, though still scared, Center after having been shot during the gunman and his bullets. Mrs. Sunshine shared their phone chargers, water and the Friday morning of Nov. 1. Returning to the airport just a week afincident by police. On Nov. 12, his condi- estimated that about 1,500 people were sometimes baby diapers with others who tion was upgraded from critical to fair. - were not as well-supplied. People were ter the shooting, Mrs. Sunshine felt more According to the Los Angeles Times, ing to the brim. News articles said as many helping reunite dogs with their owners or less the same as she would have any “the incident was over in less than 10 min- as 2,700 people might have been there. All and reported to paramedics if they noticed other time she visited the airport, she said. utes, but caused chaos at the world’s sixth- of the seats were taken and people resorted a person who looked or felt ill. busiest airport and disrupted thousands of Additionally, people kept the courtesy “It was hard to walk between people,” to clean up after themselves and throw their fellow agent, they wore black bands over their badges. After evacuating their terminals and Mrs. Sunshine said. Inside were passengers their trash away. “This brought it home to you that they planes, passengers on the tarmac were Eventually, more supplies arrived. The who’d come from Terminals 3, 2 and 1. Some had run for their lives Red Cross brought Gatorade and cookies while the shooting was happening and shared their stories with people brought wheelchairs for those in need, It was shocking when we heard sitting near them, while many oth- Mrs. Sunshine said. About 1,500 people were At a quarter to four, buses arrived once ers seemed in despair because they about it and a little bit scary, even were so traumatized by what they again and brought everyone to Terminal 2, though realistically I knew we were ing the building to the brim. had heard or seen themselves. a couple of buildings away. But the airport was still closed, and there But the overall environment, according to Mrs. Sunshine, was sur-- Mrs. Sunshine prisingly civilized considering how and news trucks everywhere. “It felt very surreal,” said Mrs. Sun- had been particularly targeted,” said Mrs. crowded it was. A Southwest AirSunshine. “I was very conscious of that.” shine. lines representative took charge of Mrs. Sunshine visited her mother in carried by buses to a building behind the updating the large group with information Those leaving the building were faced Bradley International Terminal. This build- she could obtain about the shooting. with another dilemma: how would they Oakland the following weekend instead. She said her visit went very well and the ing, which seemed old and which Mrs. Emergency personnel brought water, Sunshine thought might have dated back peanuts, and pretzels, which were the only the airport by a family member or a friend “It was a good weekend,” Mrs. Sunshine to World War II, was normally used for im- foods accessible until hours later, when and had no way of getting home without a migration and included passenger seating more necessities were brought. taxi. But there were no taxis, because the said. waiting areas, she said. There was also kindness among the pas- airport was closed.
Israeli consul laments tourists’ negative view of Holy Land By Daniel Steinberg, Outside news editor Where would you rather go, Israel or Costa Rica? And what makes a country desirable to tourists – low crime, beautiful scenery or just not showing up negatively in the news? According to Dana Erlich, Israel’s Consul for Public Di-
she asked about 25 student journalists from four Jewish high schools to help solve the problem. “We need to learn,” Ms. Erlich asked, “how do you send that positive image?” Ms. Erlich spoke at the home of sophomore twins Micah and Jonah Gill, as a keynote speaker for the Jewish Scholastic Press Association conference, attended by schools from Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. (See related story, page 4.) For Consul Erlich, the core of Israel’s problem is public perception. Israel seems violent and bleak to the average American, evoking images of soldiers, concrete, strife and sand. In contrast, Costa Rica -- where she was stationed for and verdant, though crime there is much higher and the country is much poorer.
BP Photo by Goldie Fields ZIONISM: Students from across the country listen to Dana Erlich, Israel’s Consul for Public Diplomacy in L.A.
staying in a hotel, and they wouldn’t let me go out at night gerous because the crime rates are so high.” Costa Rica is in fact less developed and has higher rates
of theft, murder and assault. On its website, the U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens visiting Costa Rica to avoid going out by themselves, especially at night, and to be wary of pickpockets and car thieves. Costa Rica’s murder rate is 10 per 100,000 per year, Drugs and Crime. Additionally, Costa Rica is not a wealthy country. internally and with its neighbors, Israel’s rate of murder is only two civilians each year per every 100,000, compared
borders. This has led Israel into war three times in recent years -- twice against Hamas in Gaza and once against Hezbollah to the north. It also borders roiling countries like Syria, where a civil war has killed scores of thousands and even involved chemical weapons. Additionally, some see Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza as unethical. Ms. Erlich says that these aspects are focused on disproportionately, and that the more Continued on Page 6
The Boiling Point
6 BP ILLUSTRATION BY YAN KLIGERMAN
TableTalk
News to help you shmooze
Israel aids Phillipines In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Phillipines, Israeli army medics have set up a hospital in Bogo City, one of the areas hit the hardest. About 125 Israelis have been seeing nearly 300 patients a day and training local doctors to treat the thousands of injured. Even though the Israelis also provided medical care and supplies to Haiti and Japan after their natural disasters, they feel a special connection to the Philippines because there are so many Filipino immigrants in Israel. “All across the country Filipinos have become beloved and valued members of Israeli households, known...for their compassion and humanity, and their capacity to give and to care well above and beyond the call of duty,” Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky of Bnai David Judea in an e-mail to his congregants last week. He noted that his own faAccording to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, at least 12 babies have been delivered in the Bogo -- Alexa Fishman, Community Editor
Obamacare by the numbers
more commonly known as Obamacare, aims for American citizens across the country to have acance before. It was one of President Obama's most important goals in both of his campaigns, and goes Two problems have come up since October, when people started signing up. President Obama promised in many speeches that, “If you like your plan, you can keep it.” But some consumers received notices that their policies were being cancelled, because they didn’t meet the minimum covPresident Obama announced that he would give consumers with such plans another year to look for other plans, by instructing insurance commissioners to stop or reverse cancellations for now. The other problem was the plan’s enrollment website, which turned out to be nearly impossible one million eligible people had applied as of Nov. 1, making it through the enrollment process but not yet having selected a health plan, according to USA Today.
Common app glitches The College Board's fourth version of its online Common Application is facing many technological problems. Unlike in previous years, the "Common App" was not ready on Aug. 1, and Naviance, a popular software program that interfaces with the app to help with college planning and online submissions, did not get the software update on time. Many colleges actually pushed back their Early Action deadlines due to the delay. Unless admisquickly than usual, that means admittance process will be much slower than in previous years, and responses may be delayed. Shalhevet seniors report they've been mosttrouble pasting their essays into the Common App template. Shalhevet's college guidance counselor, Ms. Aviva Walls, does not think the issues will afbut sympathized with students who get anxious if they can't submit their application easily. -- Alexa Fishman, Community Editor
November 2013
Outside News
Seniors attend Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef shloshim By Sarah Soroudi, Editor-in-Chief Students, faculty, and parents from four Modern Orthodox schools observed the shloshim of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, z"l, Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi, at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy Oct. 23, marking 30 days since his passing. Rabbi Ovadia, who died in Israel at the age of 93, was remembered for his open-mindedness, extensive knowledge of Judaism and love of all people. "I can speak from a layman's perspective on what the hacham [wise person] meant to me," said Mr. Michael Fallas, father of two Shalhevet alumni, addressing members of the Shalhevet, Hillel, YULA Boys School and Yeshiva High Tech communities at the event. Of Syrian descent, Mr. Fallas met Rabbi Ovadia as a child. "He was on the one hand so untouchable," he said, "and on the other hand so real. He cared about every single human being." Also speaking was Rabbi Yosef Dwek, the husband of Raboccasion and gave the main eulogy. "Hacham Ovadia wrote over 50 books in his life," said Rabbi Dwek, who will be assuming the position of Chief Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews in England later this year. "He always chose to learn -- it got to the point where he knew everything," Rabbi Dwek said. "He loved every single human being. Whether you were Jewish, not Jewish, religious, not religious, he spoke to you the same way, and he loved you just as much." In Israel, where Rabbi Ovadia had a political role as well as a religious one, police estimated that around 700,000 people -- approximately one-tenth of the country's population -- gathered in the streets of Jerusalem to mourn. According to media reports, the van carrying Rabbi Ovadia's body took over four hours to reach the Sanhedria Cemetery, due to the size of the the crowds of people praying, grieving, and ripping their clothing. Rabbi Ovadia founded and led the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, which gave a voice to Israel's growing Sephardic popuwas permissible to vote to exchange land for peace with the Palestinians, because it would potentially save lives. He was also known for a careful and creative approach to halakha
Michael Jacobson via Wikimedia Commons RESPECT: Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, the former Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, died last month. (Jewish law), and for freeing women whose husbands had been lost in war to remarry, even if the men’s remains had not been found. The Hillel event began at 2 p.m., with the national anthems of Israel and the U.S. Hillel Head of School Rabbi Boruch Sufrin described the gathering would be a way of "memorializing someone who goes beyond time." After the speeches, everyone stood and recited a prayer in honor of the rabbi before returning back to classes. Although only the senior class at Shalhevet attended the memorial, Mrs. Segal's 10th grade Talmud class devoted half its class the day after the rabbi's death to commemorating the his life, connecting it to what the class had been learning. "Rabbi Ovadia Yosef wanted to sift through the many minhagim [customs] and focus on halacha," sophomore Shirin Netaneli told The Boiling Point later. "He tried to really focus on the positive customs over the negative ones, and was known for being very open-minded. Since we learned about halacha and minhag, it connected perfectly." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke the day of the rabbi's passing. "The Jewish people have lost one of the wisest men of this generation," Prime Minister Netanyahu said, according to news reports. "Rabbi Ovadia was a giant in Torah and Jewish law and a teacher for tens of thousands."
Israeli consul laments tourists’ view of Holy Land Continued from Page 5 important, above-par aspects of Israel are not fully appreciated. “Israel is known for its controversial parts, more negative things,” Ms. Erlich told the JSPA in her address, which lasted Like defenders of Israel, defenders of Costa Rica argue that these problems aren’t as bad as they seem, and that they are being worked on. According to Sylvia Ugalde, the Consul General of Costa Rica in Los Angeles, poverty and crime are both problems Costa Rica is trying to solve. And ironically, poverty is sometimes itself a draw for tourists, the consul added. “Many Americans, and other nationalities as well, want to go there to help out our less fortunate,” said Ms. Ugalde. Elizabeth Burgos, an agent at the Willett Travel Agency in Studio City and a Costa Rican herself, reminded potential travellers in any case, Costa Rica is beautiful. “Young people love the adventure and adrenaline of Costa Rica, like whitewater rafting, rappelling waterfalls, hiking, cloud forest, dry forest, beaches and volcano, you would dis-
And in fact, that apparently is how Costa Rica is seen -perhaps because it so rarely appears in the news in any way. And though she was at the Gills’ to share her own expertise, she ended on a note that asked the audience for help and cooperation. Senior Liat Menna, who lived in Israel until she was three and still considers herself Israeli, said the task “It’s not a third-world country, but it’s still a Middle East country so you can see what a desert is like,” said Liat, who was not at the journalism conference. “There’s hiking and river rafting and parasailing. You can go see how things were in the past.” But the best reason to go, she added, has nothing to do with low crime, Mediterranean beaches or advanced infrastructure. “Israel is so great is because you get purpose and meaning out of it when you go there,” said Liat. “There’s something in the air that gives you an instant connection. I think it’s a sense of belonging, because of the history and rich culture and the complexity of the country, and that it’s the talk of the world and you can take part in it.”
Need help writing your college essay? Want to perfect your supplementary essays? Looking to improve your writing skills?
Lynn Rohatiner 310.562.7778 zalissue@gmail.com
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Torah THE BOILING POINT
NOVEMBER 2013 BP Photo by Sarah Elspas
Continued from Page 1 fore being too closed-minded.” A week later on Oct. 31, the topic was chosen by the Agenda Committee for what turned out to be a very intense, contested and yet polite Town Hall. It was announced a few days ahead, generating discussion in advance. Being excited for this Town Hall, some even prepared arguments in advance. One of them was junior Mati Hurwitz, who was
signed in the Torah for men, women’s folent, and thus perhaps sinful, way. dence to back up my philosophy and formulate my opinion.” sonal view. “I personally don’t mind if a woman
Hannah-Leeba Ellenhorn. Standing with a small piece of paper on which he’d scribbled major points, Mati Modern Orthodoxy is a phrase coined 40 to outlined a range of 50 years ago,” said Jonah. “It is not like we commentaries that have been practicing it for hundreds of years. surround the idea of a woman wrapping We can fix it and change it. wooden boxes and leather straps containing the Shema, which boys wear during morning prayers in observance of the commandment, “You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for a reminder between your eyes.” Mati gave two main halachic arguments – both, he noted, from the Shalhevet curmud class, was the Rambam’s statement that women can don tzitzit or blow shofar but without a bracha, or blessing – that is, it’s not commanded for them, so they can’t Rambam, he continued, says ein memichin b’yadan Mati reported. He interpreted that to mean that while the rabbis don’t say to forbid it, they also do not embrace it. This general concept would also apply to other mitzvot Thus, since women do not generally tircha d’tzibura munity, something which is halachically therefore not forbid girls from wearing tecommunity, Mati told Town Hall. His second argument came from the en Calf, he said, they learned that Ibn Ezra believes the Jews were punished for not
--Jonah Gill, 10th grade
home.” This was greeted with a lot clapping and laughing from around the room. It was hard to tell whether all the clapping was supportive, since many people clap after every Town Hall comment whether they agree or not. A wide-ranging discussion followed, as speakers, mostly students, responded to Mati’s points with a variety of other arguments. Many students said Shalhevet is a part of the Modern Orthodox movement and cannot decide rules and guidelines on its own. Students said that if Shalhevet wants to stay Modern Orthodox, it should these claims. “Modern Orthodoxy is a phrase coined like we have been practicing it for hunit.” Others referred to the standing of minhag – literally, custom – in Jewish law, grade classes. “We learned about minhag, and the power of it and how it can be distinguished from opinion,” said junior Margo Feuer. “The minhag is for women not to wrap teminhag is widely practiced and followed, then it can establish halachic status, she added. Some of the female students said that women want to wrap Judaism. Junior Yosef Nemanpour was one of several boys who responded by quoting the belief that women are already in order attain the same high level as women. Other boys said that seeing a tallit, or prayer shawl, would actually hinder their davening experience. Senior Josh Einalhori was one. “It is not my custom for a Josh. “If a woman was wrapping
BP Photo by Goldie Fields
HALACHA: Junior Mati Hurwitz enthusiastically quoted texts he had learned in class, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
would feel uncomfortable.” Around that time, Hannah-
Leeba called on English chair Ms. Melanie Berkey, who noted that many more boys than girls had been speaking. in this room,” Ms. Berkey said. After that, more girls started to stand up and talk. “For all the guys that say it has no meaning [to women], you need to stop because you don’t know what they feel,” said on their own time and Shalhevet needs to cater to what the community needs.” that a Shalhevet girl had taken this stance. Senior Benny Balazs replied that he supthat Shalhevet should not allow it because the girl might be ostracized. Art teacher Roen Salem responded that Shalhevet had increased girls’ opportunities in the past, like when the school decided to let girls sing solos just last year. “There always has to be one person to lead,” said Ms. Salem. “This is the beauty
of our school…We allow women to sing in front of men. Now we are thinking about this and I don’t think we should be closedminded.” Many students were wondering why more teachers didn’t speak. It turned out that Principal Reb Noam Weissman had sent out an e-mail to the faculty prior to Town Hall asking them not to talk, though not all teachers had seen it. “I think that since the teachers are more educated than the students, it would have been nice to hear their thoughts, as opposed to the students repeating their own comments,” said sophomore Kian Marghzar. But Rabbi Segal was glad to have heard mostly the students speak. “Reb Noam suggested to all Judaic faculty that we allow the students to speak,” Rabbi Segal told The Boiling Point via email later. “I think he was hoping that this would allow to students to really express their thoughts… I think he was right.”
Some variety in how Modern By Noah Rothman, Staff Writer Out of six other Modern Orthodox high schools contacted by The Boiling Point, ago. A second wouldn’t say because it was an active question at Shalhevet, and a third said it would depend on the details. "We do not have a current policy on the matter as it has not come up in recent memory,” said Rabbi Bini Krauss, the headmaster at SAR Academy in Riverdale, New York, in an e-mail. school." But like Rabbi Segal, Rabbi Krauss thought it was a tough question. "I think I would need to process the question wrote. “I would hope that we would be able to work something out to accommodate people who are looking for religious self expression together with a commitment to Halakha." The question posed in the Boiling Point survey was: “If a prospective girl student came to you and For most schools, the answer was simply no. nim,” said Dr. Kalman Stein, headmaster of the Frisch School in New Jersey. "No, our clientele are very strict on traditional formal Orthodox protocol," said Dr. Vitow, headmaster of North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Lake Success, New York, contacted by telephone. “No, we would not allow this,” said Headmaster Rabbi Aharoni Carmel of the Robert M. Beren Academy in Houston, also via e-mail. “However, I would broadly explain her the reasons and brainstorm with her other ways to feel closer to Hashem and grow her Jewish identity in a unique way." Rabbi Leonard Matanky, Headmaster of Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago, Illinois said, also saw the question as com-
Paramus,
plicated.
an e-mail, “to better understand her motivation and whether or not this decision was in consult with her parents and her Orthodox rabbi. “If so, we would seek further halachic guidance and educational guidance,” he said. Finally, Mr. Paul Shaviv of Ramaz Upper School in Manhattan preferred not to comment. "I think it would be professionally inappropriate for me to express my view on an internal matter of another school," Mr. Shaviv wrote in an e-mail.
The Boiling Point
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the he prefers davening before school starts. “It seems to be more important to pray right when you doing the entire day – it makes it seem more important,” Isaac said, “It is much better than davening at 9 a.m. with the main school minyan, since you are distracted.” Since it is voluntary, mempate. Most who attend are freshmen and sophomore boys, but BP Photo by Goldie Fields about four junior girls consistently show up, making up EARLY: It's not quite light out as sophomore Joseph Schnitzer leads Shacharit at the most of the women section. Hashkama Minyan, which starts at 7:25 a.m. in the Beit Midrash. There are no seniors who attend the minyan. By Eric Bazak, Staff Writer Junior Sigal Spitzer, who was initially the only girl in the group, said that Hashkama has given her a chance to relax. as a result of the recently established Hashkama Minyan. Created just before Sukkot break, this new prayer op- I think that it is important to have female representation tion – named for the Hebrew word meaning “rise” -- is a in the Hashkama minyan,” Sigal said. “In addition, I get voluntary, alternate davening option for students willing thereby becoming exempt from going to davening after Sophomore Noah Rothman founded the group, and is in charge of assigning Torah readings and ensuring that plete minyan. “I had always gotten to school pretty early,” said Noah in an interview. “One day Rabbi Segal noticed and asked me if I would be interested in starting a Hashkama minthere.” goes to davening, Hashkama students have free time.
given the choice to do homework, talk to any teachers available, or just relax and hang around the student lounge. On one occasion, the whole AP US History class showed up to Hashkama minyan in order to take their test early. Hashkama saw its largest attendance on Rosh Chodesh after learning that Rabbi Segal and Principal Reb Noam Weissman were sponsoring a special breakfast of pastries and orange juice. “I feel like it is a beautiful, self-driven thing that came from the students,” Reb Noam said. “I don’t know of another minyan where students are taking initiative and
November 2013
Torah
ownership and have been very successful like this one. This is a minyan where kids don’t talk, they are davening for the sake of davening.” Although this minyan includes more prayers than the main morning minyan – including a full pesukei d’zimrah utes less than the main Ashkenazic and Sephardic morning minyans. The quick timing is largely due to the lack of disruptions. According to Reb Noam, that’s a good sign. davening and how long they should be, “ Reb Noam said. “The one perspective that stands out to me is the value of being present while you are davening. Since this minyan is davening for sake of davening, it does not have to be a long time.” Once, the minyan was almost cancelled. On Monday, Oct. 14, after a poor davening where many people were disrupting the prayers, Rabbi Segal placed the minyan on a two-day probation, and also warned about possible cancellation of the minyan if future behavior resembled what occurred on that day. Some people were surprised by the probation, includ-
It seems to be more important to pray right when you wake up, the first thing you are doing the entire day. It makes it seem more important.
-- Isaac Goor, 9th grade
ing sophomore Yonah Feld, who did not think that the behavior was bad enough to be put on probation. “There really weren’t that many people talking and I’m surprised that they even thought of canceling it,” Yonah cient, and it’s nice to get that extra time to catch up on work.” After the probation was lifted, the minyan returned to challenge.
BP Photo by Ezra Fax
After a lively Town Hall debate on the subject , The Boiling Point reached out to the girl whose question started it all, an eighth-grader who eventually decided not to apply. She and her mother agreed to be interviewed but wanted to remain anonymous because of the girl’s age.
Mother
Q
What do you and your daughter think of Rabbi Segal’s decision, which would have en-
I think that a lot of thoughts and care went into A the decision. I felt that Rabbi Segal, just the fact
that he brought the question to the community and did so in a respectful manner, is incredible. We are surprised.
QDid your daughter make her decision on A big part of it was. She wants to be a rabbi. A She’s known since she was nine years old and she’s been very connected to Judaism and Torah for her whole life. In a Conservative shul she has lived her
is how she expresses herself and her Judaism, and
QWhat is the reason your daughter is not apShe understood if she couldn’t read from the A Torah that it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but especially the tallit, that would be the real dealbreaker.
Q A She wears the tallit on Shabbat morning, Kol Nidre, etcetera.
Daughter
Q Q AJust the role models that she has had and she has A and wear a tallit. When we came to our shul, our QWhy is it important to you to wear tallit and AIt’s important to me because it helps me stay more focused. There that she saw and she always had the role model of
QNo. Q A Our original plan was to apply to Shalhevet and Q How do you feel being the only girl who wears tallit and A ? Milken and our public school, but now she is just applying to Milken. She wants to be a rabbi and A I think it’s cool. the clergy. Not all her classmates do it.
What high school will your daughter go to
QWhat is your response to the boys who Well, isn’t there a mechitza A derstand how it would disturb his prayer. It’s too bad, it’s just too bad for him that he does not have an open mind to see that it is an optional mitzvah for women.
Q A cent why. My daughter is a minor and I just want to protect her privacy. She has a very big personality and people at her school know her and know what she is about. I don’t want her to be put in ridicule.
--Noah Rothman
9
The Boiling Point
Features
November 2013
experiences outside of the bubble
Tovy Kamine: Saving lives as a general surgeon
What did you do straight after high school, and what do you do Q now? Almost right after graduation, I moved over to Edinburgh to go to the A University of Edinburgh. I had decided I wanted to go to university in Scot-
QWhat did you do straight after high school? I went straight to college. I went to Yale. Now I’m a third-year General Surgery Resident at Beth A
land, so I only applied to Scottish schools. I went early in the summer so I could start getting used to life there before beginning classes. I went because I decided I wanted to make experiences outside of America, and not just for a summer or semester. I wanted to really live somewhere else. I felt like I’d been in a bubble my whole life, and - comfortable bubble
Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Basically I’m in training to be a general surgeon. The kind of things I handle depends on what rotation I’m on, right now I’m on trauma and acute care, so I’m dealing with all the traumas and emergency surgical patients in the hospital and operating on the ones that need operation.
the UK, so that was another factor.
Q It was really my time in Shalhevet that helped me come out of my shell. I A used to be really shy - really, really shy. Things like the small classes where
is the main lesson you learned from QyourWhat time at Shalhevet? Ahas given me a lot of inspiration for a lot of things.
participating wasn’t so scary, drama, Town Hall - they all helped me become comfortable articulating my thoughts and feel like my thoughts were worthy of articulating. And that has been not only helpful for me as a person, but also for university and meeting new people.
Shalhevet also prepared me to lead a functional Jewish life. I am now married to a wonderful woman who shares the same Jewish beliefs that I have, and the Jewish education there was really fortunately healthy. It helped me maintain my Jewish identity [even] not going to yeshiva and not becoming a rabbi, going to college, to medical “wired world.”
Q A
Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Sunshine. I had a lot of really amazing teachers, but Mrs. Sunshine really inspired me. It was really thanks to her that I grew to love studying history so much, and she even made me want to be a history teacher!
QSum up your experience at Shalhevet in three words or less? AWork hard, play hard. I know that’s technically four words,
2013
--Sarah Soroudi
Eitan Spitzer: Fratting out at U-Mich
Q
A
Q A
Describe the role of Judaism in your life now in one sentence. Judaism had and continues to shape my social life, above everything else. I am currently in an investment group focused on the Israeli economy and market, which is a Jewish outlet for me. I am also in a Jewish fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu,
on campus, where it is 95 percent Jewish, and I frequent the Hillel for meals. Judaism, whether in the front or back of my mind, always plays a role in my life, and I attribute Shalhevet with that.
If you could go back and give your Q high school self some advice, what
would it be? Work harder. I wish I studied more in high school, and to branch out more in terms of trying new things and experiencing new people, new groups and clubs etc.
A
QIf you could plan a Town Hall for
the current students, what would the topic be?
Q
s c h o o l and being in the
guarantee you that if you ask any of the teachers who were there when I was there, they can tell you about what kind of a teacher he was. I think he was a very fair teacher, a wonderful guy and he cared a lot about the students and cared a lot about teaching us and we were very fortunate to have this teacher.
Q A
If you could go back and give your high school self some advice, what would it be? I don’t think that my high school self would listen to anything I have to say. To hear about A students’ perspec-
tive about the undergraduate college education, the role they think undergrad plays in the rest of their life, given recent research showing that there is not that much correlation between an undergrad school and life success. I think that high school kids need more perspective on that.
Danny Silberstein: Making music at Berklee in Boston What did you do straight after high school, and what do you do now?
2013
Who was your favorite teacher and why? QMy favorite teacher was a teacher who is no longer there because Adied when I was a senior. My favorite teacher was Doug Shy. And I he
2009
What did you do straight after high school, and what do you do now? After I graduated I went to Israel for a year and studied at Bar Ilan U. and traveled around Israel. Now I am at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I haven’t declared my major yet, so I’m taking a range of classes.
2002
2012 2013
--Jonah Gill, Sports Editor
During the summer I taught music at camp and hung A QIf you could start one club/team/co-curricular at out with my friends since it was our last real chance to Shalhevet for current students, what would you start be together before we all left. Right now, I am at Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mass., and I’m studying music.
and why? Well, the ping pong team was originally my idea... Now maybe I’ll want to start competitive bop-it or competitive lazer tag.
A
If you could plan a Town Hall for the current Q students, what would the topic be and why? QDescribe the role of Judaism in your life now in The Town Hall topic should be about how stu- one sentence. A dents feel about Miley Cyrus’s performance during AIt’s not as present as I would hope. the VMA’s. It’s a very Shalhevet topic.
2013
2013
If you could go back and give your high school Q self some advice, what would it be? ARelax, you’re not that cool.
Two decades old, Shalhevet now has alumni on four continents and in many fields of endeavor. This series introduces a graduate from every class.
10
The Boiling Point
November 2013
Special Report
TECH-NOGRAP
PAST MEETS FUTURE: Students had their iPads out as Dr. Michael Yoss used the Smartboard during Ninth Grade World History.
How Students are handling the geography of By Eric Bazak, Staff Writer
S
every class. "That is a legitimate discussion,” Mr. Feld said. “I don't think there is a solution. "We could take iPads away, but really, students must take ownership, and that is part of what Shalhevet has always been about,” he said. “I know in my class when someone isn't engaged and taking notes, any good teacher knows who is engaged with or without technology."
texting a friend all During a week
halhevet's new iPad program has transformed classes for both sophomores and freshmen into intricate and technologically advanced courses -- as well as an "Airplane" during a opportunity to play the latest games and explore apps during class. Other students This year, the underclassmen are required to have iPads with them the whole for stylish clothes day, and assumed to be on Pages, Notability or another app installed on everyone's do, lowering the ch devices by the school student tech-team back in August. ven before the school year began, the administration anticipated students Amazon rather tha - abusing their new iPads. Students signed a contract prohibiting the use of any Students were s niques and options. Teachers have been given a variety of new ways to incorporate games throughout school hours, not just during class. a basketball game technology to enhance their classes. The reason the iPad is so distracting is the fact that the iPad is virtually a larger playing Jeopardy i "By in large, I am pleased with it, but I think it is very early to make predictions Sophomore Noa about success," said Mr. Jason Feld, the Coordinator of Educational Technology. -- meaning that a student can easily be playing a game, going on Facebook, or even with watching a m "I think that teachers are a lot like students -- everyone learns at their own pace,” said Mr. Feld. “So we have early adopters doing more sophisticated work, and some teachers doing the basics. Technology is not going away, it is a process.” Among new attributes that the iPad brings is the new interactive Schoology app, which allows students easier and quicker access to all By Eric Bazak, Staff Writer John Deasy nearly resigned last month after cr of their class assignments, documents and grades. about this and other aspects of the iPad program, t Both locally and nationally, schools are grappling with in the end his contract was renewed through June questions of how to best use technology without turning YULA Boys High School has implemented a pr many potential distractions. classrooms into free time for other electronic pursuits. similar to the LAUSD’s, but has been working h In the majority of freshman and sophomore classes, An informal Boiling Point survey found that some avoid computer misuse, taking much wider preca many students have been able to play games and acschools exercise strict control over computers while oth- for preventing any misuse of the Mac in class. cess the internet. A Boiling Point investigation found that in nearly every course which given an Apple MacBook, which they return for th permits the use of iPads during class, there keep students on task while on their screens. And there have been students not paying attention, are also schools that don’t allow computers in class at all. software on all computers. particularly when teachers are giving inBut many websites are blocked, and the IT dire formtion that students perceive as not being working on a $1 billion program that plans eventually the school, Shawn Clary, is able to monitor everyt relevant to a test. to provide all 600,000 students and teachers with iPads student is doing on a laptop through a tool calle Freshmen and sophomores say that the over the course of a few years. Forty-one schools have School. classes easiest to ignore and play games in are YULA’s administration also has the authority the ones that involve taking notes, which teachplace on all campuses to make sure students visit only lete all information from a student’s Mac if they ers post on to Schoology anyways. Furthermore, approved sites. that he is using the computer for non-school pu despite some teachers occasionally catching students According to the Los Angeles Times, however, stuwho are playing on their iPads, there are very minimal contacted by the Boiling Point had seen erasures an consequences for misusing the device aside from being access any website they choose. LAUSD Superintendent asked to stop by the teacher. The administration has yet to create any form of punishment authorized for
E
How other high schools navigate
The Boiling Point
PHY
November 2013
Special Report
"I was able to watch a movie during class," Noah said. "[The teacher] talks in front of the class and I sit in the back. She thinks I was using the iPad to go on the Neta book." An anonymous freshman said that most of the freshmen class play games on their iPads. "The games I play are mostly Impossible Road and Monopoly,” the freshman said. “You don't even have to do much to hide it. The teachers are in the front of the classrooms and they just don't notice. The only classes that I'm not able to get away with it are Hebrew, Music, and Math. " Those three particular classes, the freshman explained, do not actually use the iPads during class. According to General Studies Principal Mr. Roy Danovitch, the distraction will not be such a huge concern if students genuinely respect the class, which is what the teacher must always try to do. "My argument is that if a class is engaging, a teacher does not have to establish arbitrary or coercive rules to control for attention," Mr. Danovitch said. "Students misuse their iPads less frequently in classrooms that are engaging, serious and dynamic. Usually, when students respect the class environment, they behave respectfully."
B
ut it may be that students just do not use the devices in classrooms where they are not allowed. Music teacher Mrs. Joelle Keene said that the best way to get student's’ attention is to limit how often the iPad is out. Mrs. Keene said students in her class use the iPads only for Listening Journals, in-class assignments when students are writing about what’s she’s playing on the Bose speakers. For notetaking, the iPads are put away. “If the 9th grade is saying that my class is one of the only ones when they are not using their iPads, it is because I don't allow it,” Mrs. Keene said. or checking her e-mail when her computer is open.
“I think that the iPad in school can be a stumbling block before the blind." cess to its productive aspects. The huge investment Shalhevet made into this project was because of all the ways it makes school easier for everyone, and many students agree. "It really shows the trust that the administration has for the students," freshman Lindsay Schacht said. "Using technology improves our learning and makes it really easy." Freshman Aron Cohen loves how convenient the iPad is. "I like it because it is lighter and smaller, so it's pretty easy to carry around," freshman Aron Cohen said. "I also like it because it keeps me up to date with homework instead of having to write it down. Now everything is automatic." "The iPad is basically all the notebooks and tools we need wrapped up in one really expensive toolbox," freshman Yonatan Khalil BP Photo by Ezra Fax said. In Ms. Suzanne Halloran’s Honors Geometry class, students take a fourquestion quiz on Schoology every meeting. Since it can be l during the same class. graded instanof observation by The Boiling Point, more than
11 taneously, both teacher and students know immediately which concepts need to be reviewed or retaught. Students also know their grades right away. Although some classes depend on their iPads more than others, the majority of teachers try to incorporate the system into their curriculum somehow. Notebooks have been replaced with Notability, an app students bought in the beginning of the year which allows students to divide and organize all their notes for most classes. Schoology. The majority of underclassmen now take notes from either Notability or Pages instead of writing them down on paper. Visual learners can also use Inspiration, an app which enables students to create diagrams and charts, as well as organizing outlines. "It's really good for classes like Gemara," sophomore Nicole Newman said. "I could put in all of the ideas we learnt into one map and it connects all of ideas to one, so it's very useful." Furthermore, with everything online and backed up through the iCloud and Google Drive, students cannot lose their notes or even have to carry heavy objects around with them such as binders. Now, the most important material needed to bring to class is the light and portable iPad. "Last year, I had to go from my locker to my classes in between every single class," sophomore Daniel Soroudi said. "This year, the only thing I need to take to most classes is my iPad. That’s why it’s so convenient.”
Mr. Danovitch said misuse of iPads will
a way to prevent students from easily disengaging from class. “What students do with their iPads is what our generation did with doodling," Mr. Danoa particular class. I know for a fact there are a lot of stellar teachers and stellar classrooms where students are misusing their iPad because it's so easy to." rected a lot of attention to this problem. Teachers and students alike argued that exploiting the iPads by playing games only hurt those students themselves. Nevertheless, weeks later the problem persists. Among the teachers who addressed students about neglecting the iPad's purpose that day was Ms. Berkey. in class to make sure people are not using it for the wrong reasons," she said in an interview later. "So what I've tried to do I use it, I don't feel like it has something that we could not have done before, so I'm torn.” Mr. Feld said time will help with this. “I think over time we are going to see more adoption of apps and educational technology by the faculty,” he said. “But that will take some time.”
technology
as 10th Grade English lecture about The Crucible. prefer to do online shopping during class. Looking does not require the same concentration that games hance of a History teacher noticing that someone is on an Pages. seen waiting for the right moment to check the score of during Biology or to test their trivia knowledge while in Jewish History class. ah Rothman admitted that he was able to get away movie during a Hebrew class.
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“It’s usually just a case of a student breaking the same rule repeatedly, like playing a game or attempting to cirthat monitoring student computer screens was not his main job. Beverly Hills High School, a public school, does not supply laptops, but it permits the use of computers during class while monitoring all activity that students perform on their devices, according to freshman Tal Anava. Then there’s Hamilton High, a Los Angeles public high school on South Robertson Boulevard. According to sophomore and former Shalhevet student Rebecca Mazouz, Hamilton does not permit the use of electronics at all during class. Students take notes the old fashioned way, with notebooks and binders. distracting. “You remember the information better,” Rebecca said. Perhaps the school whose policy is most like Shalhe-
vet’s is SAR Academy, a Modern Orthodox high school in Riverdale, N.Y. SAR students have been using MacBooks, Chromebooks, and iPads for the past few years, without blocking mechanisms. Students have complete access to the internet and games during class. Principal Noam Weissman said that the reason Shalhevet’s administration does not monitor iPad screens is to demonstrate their unique relationship with students. “That’s not our style,” Mr. Weissman said. “That is not the way we approach things, we do not want to have this big brother relationship and to have to advice them what to do.” Perhaps surprisingly, most students interviewed were happy with whatever their school’s policy was. Two YULA students said they didn’t mind the restrictions because the classroom software was so helpful -- though not everyone uses it to the best advantage. YULA sophomore David Hanelin, who has had his MacBook since last year, loves learning in a technological environment.
“For example, in a science class, we can use a USB microscope that connects to our computers, showing us images close up,” said David. Yair Fax, YULA senior and brother of Shalhevet fresh“I think it all depends on two things,” said Yair. “A, if the teacher is able to integrate it well into her curriculum, and B, on the maturity of the students. It can be SAR student Deena Nerwen said the program there has been useful in a variety of subjects. “I have used laptops a lot in my Tanakh class,” Deena said, “and I know some people really like being able to documents and work together with others on them. “I think that we have a good balance right now,” she added. “We don’t use laptops every day and in every class. technology, and I think that teachers are working hard on learning ways to incorporate it into their classes.”
The Boiling Point
12
November 2013
Fea!res
pseudonym?
What’s in a
There are lots of reasons to disguise your online identity, but whether it works is an open question.
By Tamar Willis, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
M
elissa transformed into Mah Lissa. Natalie rechristened herself Nah Tally, and Kaili became Kay Lee... in cyberspace, that is. With college application season heating up, seniors have begun changing their names on Facebook, continuing a trend that has become a rite of passage in the past few years. Students say they change their names to protect their online identity from potential searches by college admis-
BP Illustration by Annie Asch
could prevent them from being admitted. “I changed my name for colleges,” said senior Joelle Edry, who shortened her Facebook name to Joelle Ed, cutting out the ‘ry’. “I don’t mind showing them what I do, but I just wanted to have some sort of privacy. And I also changed it because all my friends are changing theirs and it’s fun.” the country conducted by the educational company Kaplan found that 26 percent of schools actively look up applicants on Facebook, and 27 percent search on Google. view of the applicant, citing photos of alcohol consumption and essay plagiarism as examples. Shalhevet seniors have apparently gotten the message. Five of 27 who answered a Boiling Point poll during Advisory last month said they had created a Facebook alias, said they planned to but hadn’t thought of it or gotten around to it yet. On the other hand, 14 out of the 27 say they’ll keep their names as is, saying they didn't think their Facebook pages held anything a college would mind. “I don’t feel like I have anything to hide,” said senior Matthew Denitz. “If anything, my Facebook is going to show them the type of kid I am and hopefully promote colleges accepting me.”
B
ut seniors who attempt to conceal their cyberidentity might want to know that they it doesn't necessarily work. According to Internet expert Lori Getz, who founded Cyber Education Consultants and regularly speaks to groups about Internet safety, changing your name on “Most teenagers don't understand how all of this works incredibly savvy when it comes to using technology, but don't understand the data mining process.” Everything you say and do, she said, is collected on the Internet -- not just what you post with the public in mind. like,” she said. “So people try to change their names thinking everything they have done will be deleted, and that's not the case at all.” In recent months, troves of information released by Edward Snowden have showed that the online communications even of world leaders are not secure. And a Nov. 10 even viewing students’ Twitter posts. Getz said there are websites that link e-mail addresses with social media sites—so if a senior uses the same e-mail account for the Common App as for Facebook, an admischanged their name. For example, a site called spokeo.com, she said, compiles information from social media, the White Pages of telephone companies, and public records in order to sell email addresses, house addresses and even the dollar value of a person's home.
may be actively searching for prospective students online, there are others involved in the process who may be doing so, such as alumni recruiters who conduct interviews with prospective students. “Recruiters who come to schools and interview students are the ones who are looking online,” Mrs. Getz said. “They want to have a basic understanding of who the student is before the interview. They’re looking much more than the admissions counselors.” Mrs. Getz’s advice to college applicants is simple. “Clean up your Facebook,” she said. “Leave your name there so if a recruiter wants to look at you they’ll see all -
versity.”
S
halhevet seniors may be the ones most concerned with their online personas this season, but it’s not just Facebook and Twitter that can be embarrassing—and public—as freshman Maayan Waldman found out in October. In a journalism workshop, Boiling Point advisor Mrs. Joelle Keene had students Google themselves to see what came up. For some, it brought up a slew of old embarrassing posts and photographs—things they didn’t even know still existed. Maayan discovered AIM Instant Messenger statuses from when she was in 6th grade, and pictures from a contest with friends over who could embarrass the other the most. “When I was making those statuses, I thought only my friends on AIM could see it,” said Maayan, who was 11 people could have access to what I thought was personal information. But now I know that anyone with access to internet could see them.” The discovery reminded her to stay diligent about her online presence. “I think it made me realize that yes, there are a lot of ways to access things,” Maayan said. “There’s just so much There is, of course, the 74 percent of schools that do not pursue this information. Students who create aliases do so because they don’t know which of their schools do Margaret Lucas, Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions at New York University, said NYU is a part of that majority that doesn’t routinely search - yet even she
Did you change your name on Facebook for the college application process? Because I don’t want colleges to see what is on my Facebook
2
Yes
I just didn’t think to do it
I just haven’t gotten around to it yet
1
4
Because I came up with a clever name and wanted to use it
3
22
14 Because I don’t have anything to hide
No 1
“I never actively looked up a student,” said Ms. Walls, “but I did alert my bosses to a student who created a Facebook page for his NYU class and was writing about all the drugs they were going to do during orientaton.”
W
hether or not college applicants need to wor-
should be cautious of what they post in any case, said Ms. Walls. As a rule of thumb, she tells students: “Do not post anything that you wouldn’t want announced on the bima at synagogue.” of you,” she said. “You have to be smart about how you use social media. “Changing your name isn’t going to work forever.” While many students change their names to hide them from internet searches, others do it for fun. There is also an element of creativity involved — new names are often puns or homonyms of their actual names. Shalhevet alumus Danny Silberstein ’13 changed his name to Dan Knee last fall, then changed it back to his real name after he’d been accepted to Berklee College of Music Senior Jennie Drazin doesn’t plan on changing her name unless she comes up with something clever. “It’s almost like a milestone or coming of age thing,”
5
2
“A fair number of universities don't actively seek out that information,” said Ms. Lucas in a telephone interview. “It’s more that if anything comes to our attention, then we would look at it, so the changing of the name doesn't necessarily change the information that we see.” Sometimes, it seems, they don't have to search. “Other people have brought to our attention something that students have been posting,” Ms. Lucas said. “We take all of those with a grain of salt and rarely do we take action, but if we were to see anything inappropriate posted, tion.” When she does see applicants’ electronic malapropisms, she said, it’s often because their Facebook “friends” have sent them to her attention. “I am not sure if it’s the competition of the college admissions process or an unfortunate nature of bullying or competition, but we do receive a handful every year of anonymous print-outs of Facebook pages,” said Ms. Lucas. “It’s unfortunate that it happens, but students should be aware of who they are friends with because more often than not people send us things from their friends Facebook pages that may be inappropriate.” Ms. Aviva Walls, Shalhevet’s Director of College Counseling and Academic Guidance, worked as an admissions
Other
Because I don’t think colleges actually search people’s names
BP poll conducted by Kaili Finn
a senior, and that you are in the midst of this big process. You’ve reached this point where you don’t take things so seriously. It’s just fun.” She said loves seeing the mysterious pseudonyms pop up on her newsfeed. ing to do as well.
-
13
THE BOILING POINT
Arts & Culture NOVEMBER 2013
‘Anne’ focuses on the universal
WhatWe’reWearing
No need to chill
By Bennett Schneier, Staff Writer
By Micah Gill, Staff Columnist Don’t look twice, but cold is approaching -- somewhere. Isn’t it always hot in LA? Yes …and no. While it’s not going to snow and the weather won’t even drop to below 50 degrees during the day, winter nights create an excuse to bring out some winter garments. Use the lower temps to dig out that one item you never seem to be able wear. Oftentimes, it is a sweater. So what is a fall sweater? Cashmere. Due to its top-notch quality, cashmere can be very expensive. But it’s lightweight enough to be worn in LA, and nowadays stores like Uniqlo and H&M are selling cashmere sweaters for under $50; elsewhere they can go for $250. Another winter staple is, of course, the coat, and not just for those attending the east coast Model Congress conferences in November and my favorite: the topcoat. Huh? A topcoat? What century do you think this is? But the topcoat is one of the most versatile and stylish coats for fall and winter. If you’re having trouble imagining a topcoat, picture something like a blazer but much longer. The fabric varies but the length is always mid-thigh. The topcoat can be worn many ways. Firstly, what it’s made for: over a suit. This is one of the most dapper looks for fall when you’re dressed up. But the topcoat can be used casually, too, whether with khakis and a dress shirt, jeans and a washed button-down, a sweater or even a tee. Depending on where you look, topcoats can cost from $3,000 to less than $100. Either way it’s an investment: a coat is something that should last you for years, and $100 is a steal. Here are three more tips for fall. First: socks. Warm up your feet with wool. Next: pocket squares - they don’t need to pop, but a wool know what you’re doing in the closet. Last: spread collars. The hottest shirts in the fashion world right now, these are shirts with a collar pointing outwards -- spread apart. These aren’t reserved for the cold, but they’re in, and they aren’t going out anytime soon. So as the chilly months arrive, instead of complaining about the weather, think of it as an opportunity to show the world what you’ve got, from sock to top.
Upon entering the new Anne Frank exhibit at the Museum of Tolerance, visitors begin to walk through a well-lit corridor. Immediately thereafter, a docent directs them to a hidden wall in the middle of the corridor, upon which a nostalgic video is projected. Anne’s early days as cheerful and joyful. Then, however, the of stairs to the rest of the exhibit, where they are assaulted by the dimly lit, narrow hallways. Benny Chan/ Fotoworks The walls are lined with THE DIARY: Viewers at the exhibit get a peek into Anne Frank’s life. The exhibit uses several pajamas akin to those worn by the multitudes of children who had died in the camps. The chronological narrative of the time, and her feelings, until varying patterns of the clothing seem to call attention to her capture. the fact that it was millions of individuals, each with an unrepeated story, who perished. These narrow and dark covered by Anne. Details about Anne’s pre-war life are hallways seem to forebode a similar ending to the life of Anne Frank. the alienation of the Jews there, Otto Frank’s, her father, This $4 million, 9,000-square-foot exhibit is a mulfailed attempt to have the family evacuated, and the timedia, chronological narrative of Anne Frank’s life, Franks’ need to go into hiding. primarily focused, like her famous diary, on her years Somewhat disappointing, however, is that the exhibit in hiding, and unfortunately almost entirely devoid of marginalizes Anne’s Jewish identity. Anne Frank’s feelJewish content. Titled Anne or The Anne Exhibit, it was created by the Museum of Tolerance to use the legacy of her more universally relatable. And while her hope for Anne’s diary, a video reconstruction of her hiding place, peace and justice is inspiring, the exhibit fails to capture and various artifacts to give a more tangible, concrete the totality of her experience. representation of the experience of one typical victim of The gruesome details of the Holocaust go unmenthe Holocaust. tioned. The exhibit exhaustively explains her time in exhibit is not included in the general admission fee and advanced reservations are suggested. Overall, the experience is worthwhile because of the context. But for all of these strengths, Anne fails to give a comprehensive view about her experience. Throughout, technology is used to give a deeper perspective on Anne’s emotions. Visitors are led to a viewing area where they see a video re-construction of Anne’s hiding place. The video retells her diary with auditory and visual properties to give the viewers a more intimate outlook unto her experience and a deeper understanding. But her words themselves are un-doctored and unexpanded upon, and thus a simple straightforward and
itself. When it does, it does not allude to the miserable living conditions there, but instead only depicts Anne’s experience chronologically. Also, the exhibit trivializes the feelings of Jewish survivors. At one point, after the war, Otto Frank is heard saying he is in good spirits and looking forward to joining his brother, though that he had lost his entire family. As they leave the exhibit, visitors are asked to consider how to better the world – not to consider the status of Jews and anti-Semitism today. Though the Holocaust has universal importance, it was principally a Jewish problem. Ultimately, therefore, the Holocaust cannot be separated from its Jewish content. Certainly they were not separated in Anne, however they appear in Anne.
Is healthy the new thin? This show thinks it should be By Rose Lipner, Staff Writer Karen Michelle, a women's clothing store on Robertson, treated over 200 women of all ages to manicures, makeovers and pastas as they strolled through a at the Luxe Hotel last Sunday, Nov. 3. The occasion was a fashion show that
Courtesy Of Elspas Family FASHION
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New Skinny, an organization whose mission is to promote positive body image. Karen Halaszi, owner of Karen Michelle, put the show together. "I think that it's extremely important to embrace who you are," said Ms. Halaszi, mother of
alumnus Josh Halaszi '10. "At the fashion show, women were able to see other young women embracing their bodies and people were also able to be in a healthy environment of positive body image." Frustration with the fashion industry led founders Katie and Bradford Willcox to form LA-based Healthy is the New Skinny in 2010. Katie, a former plus-size model who was present at Sunday's show, said she gave up being a model because she’d become preoccupied with the notion of being a particular size. "Our goal at Healthy is the New Skinny is to help girls realize their value outside of their size," said Katie in an interview. "We teach them to put their health and happiness The Willcoxes now travel throughout the United States addressing schools that invite them to speak about body image. They also bring in models to share how the fashion Outside the fashion show at the Luxe in Brentwood, heaters kept guests warm as they circulated on the chilly November night. Inside, booths displayed information reness booths as well as Healthy is the New Skinny’s.
Models, not necessarily professional and in all shapes designers -- including Ms. Halaszi herself, who has manufactured a few pieces for her Karen Michelle line. Other designers represented included Andrea’s Fashion for the Bride, Fate, Stellestial and Love Stitch. They strutted down the runway and struck a pose. Guests were riveted and enthusiastic. One of the models was Shalhevet junior Rebecca Elspas, who was excited to sign up as soon as she heard about it. She was reading The Boiling Point one day when she saw an advertisement from Karen Michelle looking for models for the fashion show. Rebecca had her hair and makeup done and wore a Karen Michelle skirt, shirt and vest to model. Even though the night was fun and relaxed, Rebecca understood the true purpose of the evening. "Be proud of who you are and always remember to appreciate yourself," said Rebecca. Ms. Halaszi heard about Healthy is the New Skinny from a friend. Her store has been open for two years and sells items that are, as she describes them, "casual and contemporary."
The Boiling Point
14
November 2013
Arts & Cul!re
Newly named ‘Choirhawks’ are all pop and spirit By Adam Rokah, Arts & Culture Editor The bell has rung for Town Hall, and everyone seems slightly lethargic except for the members of the choir, who are happily organizing themselves to perform their latest pop rendition. The moment the members open their in the room seems to vanish. In the past, the Shalhevet Choir sang older music that many of the student members were unfamiliar with. Since last year, however, the group now known as the Choirhawks -- rhymes with “Firehawks” -- has adapted its style of music to be more modern and upbeat. “I am so happy with the new choir,” said Liat Bainvoll, the group’s president. “I think it was a long time coming “I think we all came to a realization that to make choir fun and to get people to join and want to hear us, we’d have to start doing songs that were current and fun.” Sure enough, the “new choir” has drawn a lot of positive attention. “They seemed enthusiastic and I liked their song selection,” said sophomore Mark Miller. Senior Tamar Willis liked the way the Choirhawks sang Adon Olam to “The Cup Song,” complete with red Solo cups. “The song itself was really good, but the way they did it had so much spirit,” said Tamar. “Everyone got really into it and it was fun to watch.” Sophomore Jake Benyowitz, a tenor and the group’s designated beat-boxer, noted that the group seems to be learning songs more quickly this year. “I like it better because we’re doing more pop, more upbeat music,” Jake said. A hit at their spring concert last June was a mash-up of Y’hei Shlama Rabba and L’cha Hashem Hag’dulah, which the group learned from a Jewish a capella group at the University of Maryland, Rak Shalom. Jake said the beat-boxing makes the sound more hip, and Liat said the choice of songs – usually suggested by the members themselves -- has changed the mood of rehearsals. “Now choir members are excited to learn new songs, and when Mrs. Keene uses their suggestions they feel like their opinions matter,” said Liat. “I think we’re also glad Fugue’ or a multitude of bird songs.” The change in name was deliberate, she added.
tion, mostly because the same group of us who pushed for the new songs wanted to completely change our image,” Liat said. Mrs. Keene said she was pleased the group was getting so much positive attention.
BP Photo by Goldie Fields CHANGE: Wearing custom t-shirts, the Choirhawks performed Ingrid Michaelson’s hit “The Way I Am” at their concert June 9. The group has added more pop, along with beat-boxing by Jake Benyowitz (at top right, above), to its song list.
livens things up at the end of the day.” She said she has some regret that there’s less “classical”
music being learned. But at Town Hall, she’s noticed that people now complain to her when choir doesn’t sing. “That is for sure progress,” Mrs. Keene said.
Drama adapts Hitchcock’s 39 Steps for fall show Hitchcock," Drama director Mrs. Emily Chase said of this year's fall show, an adaptation of Alfred Hitchkock's 39 Steps, which will play Dec. 15, 16 and roles, and was originally written for only four actors, but Mrs. Chase expanded the number of roles to include one more student. "It's madcap hilarious and it's romantic and fun and
exciting, but it also has this layer of silliness," Mrs. Chase added. “It’s engaging and it will keep you on your toes,” agreed freshman Micha Thau, one of the actors. Also new this year, ninth graders will be invited them to the theatre at school. In past years, all stu-Sarah Soroudi, Editor-in-Chief
MovieReview
Captain Phillips displays heroism at sea, with much suspense By Adam Rokah, Arts & Culture Editor “I the captain now,” Somali pirate Abduwali Muse tells Captain Richard Phillips while pointing a gun to his head, after he and three fellow pirates have hijacked Phillip’s supplies in search of money. Captain Phillips is an action thriller biopic depicting the life of Captain Richard Phillips, whose ship was invaded and who was
taken hostage by Somali Pirates in the Indian Ocean. With vivid acting and tight, suspenseful writing, it absorbs the viewer Anyone who enjoys watching heroism unfold in someone not accustomed to it will enjoy it – as will anyone who enjoys sitting on the edge of his or her seat for long periods of time.
civilized American background of Captain Phillips, played by Tom Hanks, just before he leaves on his excursion to deliver goods around the world, and the violent, hectic background of the Somali pirates as they plan their next raid. Abduwali Muse is played by Barkhad Abdi in his debut role. The film’s intensity is the result of the plot, Despite Captain Philremarkable acting, and an unlikely connec- lip’s vigilance and pirate raid drills, Muse and three tion between two characters. other armed pirates manage to board the ship. Af-
ter putting up with the sailors’ resistance, they leave, taking Captain Phillips captive. Phillips and the pirates are now on a small escape boat sailing towards Somalia. The U.S. Navy gets involved, and a contentious and thrilling negotiation follows. It ultimately results in the saving of Captain Phillips, but a more unfortunate fate for the pirates. plot, remarkable acting, and an unlikely connection between two characters. Because Abdi and the other pirates almost always yell when they communicate and devious, and unethical, viewers can not predict whether one of them will arbitrarily turn to Captain Phillips and kill him. Captain Phillips is portrayed as morally viewer believe every part of his acting. “Don’t shoot him -- shoot me, I’m the captain, this is between you and me!” he insists, as one pirate holds a gun to his coworker’s head. When he is taken captive, Hanks seems to actually fear for his life. And after the three pirates are shot and blood sprays throughout the small escape ship, he seems truly in shock and out of the moment. This voracious acting makes the Surprisingly, Captain Phillips and Abduwali Muse form an underlying con-
nection. After Abduwali tells Captain Phillips that he robbed another ship of six million dollars the previous year, Phillips responds logically with, “then why are you here?” Abduwali answers that he did not get the money, he has a boss. Phillips responds, “We all have bosses.” These two captains have been unwillingly pushed into their unfortunate situations, and acknowledge this similarity. Their positive connection interests
his ultimate purpose depicting the heroism of Captain Phillips himself, the epitome of ideal behavior in a high-pressure situation. at sea does not detract from its excitement. One might expect that with so much time spent in the same location, the tions at sea, and action makes location a non-issue. The emotional and incessantly tense plot, believable acting, and relationship development makes Captain Phillips the dramatic thriller it is. Everyone who is
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who would like to witness the illustration of an honorable and dependable hero must see this one.
The Boiling Point
November 2013
Arts & Cul!re
15
GameReview
Video game blends humor, tranquility and wrath By Yan Kligerman, Illustrations Editor Have you ever wondered what it feels like to skydive out of a cargo plane while watching it gracefully crash behind you against the backdrop of a sunset? Well, you’ll probably never know that feeling, but the closest you can
outlandish behavior of the protagonists – another of the game’s great strengths. These three, while also killers and psychopaths, provide a sensational experience for the person playing the game. Trevor Phillips, Michael De Santa, and Franklin Clinton are the three characters one can play as throughout the game. A player can switch between each of them
5 delivers a wide array of missions, activities, secrets, vehicles, landscapes, weapons, and random encounters. Other games do not employ such a variety of activities, let alone deliver the same graphics. Sure, there are some visually stunning games out there, but any other game as a whole does not compare to Grand Theft Auto 5. A perfect example of a great runner-up is The Last of Us. It is a very engaging game that develops a lot of its characters. The story follows a linear pattern that is easy to follow and also provides an improved type of combat. But it doesn’t have an open world from which one
caught in the most awkward of situations. Whether he’s passed out at the beach while drunk wearing his underwear, waking up on train tracks, or Additionally, the music changes according to the situation. The map is huge, including both interior and outdoor spaces. The graphics are astounding as well, tremendously improved from Santos (loosely Los Angeles) California desert counties) landscapes prove exquisite for the player’s eye. Each distinct area has a colorful cast of civilians who will curse at you Every videogame company should take note of Rockstar’s newest masterpiece. This is the direction that video games will be going in for a long time. Rockstar has set the
a huge interior and exterior little details in each building and street that make the sight worthwhile and makes every mission feels like a new
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Whether it’s walking
VARIETY: Players of
Auto games employed a multitude of monotonous misThen there is the writing. Some might say the game is too explicit in its language, and while that might be true, it ultimately does not detract from the humor and
at any point in the game, and once they do, a sort of new protagonist is and what he’s doing at that time. Each character also has his own special abilities, from slowing down time while driving in order to avoid moving vehicles (Franklin), to slowing down time when engaging
AD
wood Boulevard watching tourists pose with Spiderman, or investing in the stock market, or playing golf, scuba diving, car customization, taking your rage out on every car and inhabitant in the state, or somewhere in between; anyone and everyone interested in immersing themselves in a world of tranquility and wrath will happily know they will not
The Boiling Point
16 The Boiling Point Editor-in-Chief Sarah Soroudi Deputy Editor-in-Chief Tamar Willis Managing Editor Goldie Fields Chief Layout Editors Rachel Spronz Margo Feuer Community Editor Alexa Fishman Opinion Editor Sigal Spitzer Outside News Editor Daniel Steinberg Features Editor Tamar Willis Torah Editor Mati Hurwitz Arts & Culture Editor Adam Rokah Sports Editor Jonah Gill Photography Editor Goldie Fields Layout Editor Michelle Hirschhorn Technology Artist David Ohana Advertising Editor Shoshi Miller Copy Editor Micah Gill Illustrations Editor Yan Kligerman Website Editor-in-Chief Nicole Feder Faculty Advisor Mrs. Joelle Keene National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Finalist 2012 National Scholastic Press Association All-American with Four Marks of Distinction
International First Place Award National Award Winner
2007 - 2013
2013 Gold Crown Award 2011, 2012 Gold Medal Columbia Scholastic Press Association
Opinion
THE BOILING POINT
Opinion
UNSIGNED EDITORIALS
Challenge your mind, not your high score By the BP Editorial Board
As babies of the nineties, technlogy is our oxygen. We don’t know what it’s like to live without ing homework without a computer and the Internet. We use libraries for their quiet study environments, not for their books. And honestly, we don’t really know how to use an encyclopedia. So when the school announced the new oneto-one technology program with iPads for every dered why it hadn’t happened sooner. And as upperclassmen, we were a tad jealous that we didn’t get to experience learning a page of Gemara on a screen instead of on an actual sheet. we can’t help but appreciate the fact that we still take notes with our old-fashioned pen and paper. Without an iPad, there’s considerably less distraction. We’re not lured by the possibility of doing a little online shopping or iMessaging our friends sitting one classroom over, because our phones are tucked away in our bags or displayed in plain sight on our desks. Texting in class without an We do have the option to use a computer or iPad to take notes, but many of us have decidedly
stuck to paper. For some, writing it down helps us remember and understand the material better, and for others, it means they won’t be tempted to sneak a quick look at the latest sports score. But we also like to think of it as a rest from technology. School is a few hours a day when our eyes get a break from staring at a bright screen. Instead of being constantly stimulated by beeps take a break and truly immerse ourselves in our classes. Admittedly, there are times we feel antsy instead of a Tall. But instead of getting sucked into the Tumblr vortex, we take a quick walk in the hallway, and return to class refreshed. Don’t get us wrong—underclassmen are lucky to be experiencing what will eventually become the norm in all schools. But they need to keep in mind the possible dangers of it too, and know that every minute spent watching a movie in Hebrew class is a minute lost learning another language. As wise upperclassmen with years of experience, we encourage all iPad-using students to overcome their yetzer ha’ra (evil inclination) and quit playing Candy Crush in your World History class. Trust us—later in life, you’ll want to remember the Catholic Reformation more than how
At least the madeleines are kosher
A letter to Starbucks on Olympic By the BP Editorial Board Dear Starbucks, Starbucks runs on Shalhevet. Well, maybe not your whole company, but your store across the street from school on Fairfax and Olympic does. So why don’t you have kosher food? And is it too much to ask for a discount? On any given day, hordes of students and teachers venture across the always-gridlocked San Vicente intersection in order to perk themselves classmates and a few teachers waiting in line to order—it seems pretty clear that we’re your biggest customers. But even after all these years as neighbors, our relationship with you is still a casual one - why ensuring our patronage for years to come. Oh, and while you’re at it, Starbucks, would you mind adding some more kosher food to your
Simon J. Rockower Award - 2013
November 2013
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
menus, please? We Firehawks need fuel to get us through the day, and not enough of your food meets our halakhic requirements. So far all you have are oatmeal and madeleines. Your salads look amazing, and sometimes all we want after an English test is to eat an asiago bagel, but alas, we cannot eat yours. You tease us with your Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Very Berry Hibiscus Refreshers - would it be so hard to get Our last request is perhaps a bit more demandyou mind building a couple of branches in Israel so we don’t have withdrawal when we visit there during Spring Break? We know your last endeavors there didn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again. It’s a lot to take in now, but if you hook us up with your CEO Howard Schultz, we’ll invite him over for a Shabbat dinner to discuss the details. And if it’s too much to ask for right now, just add it to our Hanukkah wishlist.
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
November 2013
Opinion
17
TWO BOILING POINTS OF VIEW:
Should Shalhevet have a uniform? No, clothing is a form of expression By Benny Balasz, Staff Columnist Uniforms have no place in Shalhevet. The one and only Jewish school whose main purpose is to help students form their own identities cannot be one with a uniform dress code. Clothing is one of many ways that students express themselves within our campus, and should be no lesser a canvas than anything else. As we know, albeit on some days more than others, there is always something a bit more lively and heartwarming about wearing pink jeans, or pajamas under skirts, these small details in our wardrobe add multitudes of color and character to the grounds and to our days. Switching to uniforms would take this rale of the student body. There are those that argue the point that uniforms would actually improve morale by removing any biases or judgments based on those whose wardrobe can be picked on about clothing they wear, thing else to tease about. Kids are unfortunately very creative when it comes to teasing and judging others by means of hair style, odor, height, weight, maybe even the whiteness of their teeth would soon follow. A uniform won’t stop them. Some other considerations: why not take into account the fact that parents would now have to pay for a whole new set of clothing for their kids, aside from what they already own? I have read accounts of people who have had to purchase very costly sets of uniforms for their children, which would now go alongside their costs for clothing outside of school. Required clothing can be very pricey, because companies don’t compete; a supplier is chosen and can set whatever price it likes. It also takes some trouble to keep up with trends the other. Another argument I’ve heard is that uniforms improve work ethic and academic achievement, but The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education, written by David Brunsma, analyzed two massive databases on the
Yes, uniforms mean stress-free mornings By Sarah Soroudi, Editor-in-Chief cupies our thoughts and our lives, and the last thing we want to be worried about in the morning, after getting only four hours of sleep and having to think about two AP tests that day, is what to wear. Shalhevet is known for its environment: a comfortable place, where the students and teachers are unconditionally accepting and value one another for their unique qualities – not how they dress. Several years ago, wearing blankets to school was the fad, and slippers are still worn in the wintertime, viewed the same way as a pair of Converse. A mandatory school uniform, perhaps colors for shirts and tops – would solve several big problems, while still letting us be the unique people that we are. For as long as I can remember, mornings at Shalhevet have been a time of worry. The eternal question running through students' minds is "Are they on alert today?" Every morning, the administration stands out in front of the school and greets every student as he or she arrives. Whatever other reasons they may have for doing this, they also at that moment scan the dress code. If it is, he must either change, go home or buy or borrow? new and appropriate clothing from the school. A uniform would put an end to this, removing moments of stress and humiliation and – as we hear whenever the subject comes up -- a part of the job that faculty and more room in students’ lockers, by allowing the girls been stashing away in case of emergencies. Individuality would in no way decline with a uniform - if anything, a heightened focus on socks and scarves would spur a movement that screams individuality. Students in middle schools with uniforms have pool time. What catches your attention as much as their roller-backpacks are the knee-length, neon socks the girls
lication, and concluded that there was no evidence to suggest any academic improvement based on sweaters both boys and girls wear over their collard shirts. uniform alone. Anyone who lays eyes on these students guess where they If Shalhevet is the most promising place for a student looking to become an individual, why like to shop, what their style is, and maybe even what their would we introduce a system that would gnaw personality is like. Bp Photo by Goldie Fields away at one of the most crucial staples in the And to the many students who cannot add picking out an school’s reputation, namely individuality? We might their list of things to get done, a uniform is a blessed one less thing as well take away Town Hall, and Agenda Committee, and to think about. Fairness Committee, and all the other groups, clubs, and school functions that allow The argument that having a mandatory uniform strips students of their right to us as students to grow and mold into shining individuals. express themselves through their appearances is not valid. Students could accesThe reality is that clothing plays a massive role at any point sorize the uniform to their hearts’ content, and show their creativity that way. in your life, whether in Shoes, jackets, scarves and socks are only a few of the possibilities. A uniform with a high school setting or more than one in a job interview or a choice would provide multhing people do when tiple combithey meet someone is nations and look at what their wearkeep everyone ing, and that is usually from looking an indicator for a lot of the same. things about that person, Uniforms including their interests, would also help their favorite color, and the administration maybe even their sense with their neverending mission to Finally, if students keep students in adhere to a bland prodress code, which tocol in dress, they will they consider important to create a respectful atmosphere lose the ability to be self-conscious. Self-consciousness is actuat school. A set uniform cannot ensure skirt lengths, but it ally a good thing. We want students to be aware of themselves because can prevent girls from wearing skirts that are too tight, shirts that are see-through or have too low of a neckline, and boys from wearing blue jeans and non-collared where they feel safe. It’s not our job as a school to resolve those issues; rather it’s shirts. their job as individuals to fail and succeed and try time and again. As Rabbi Segal As for the cost, paying for three uniforms would probably total far less than all the clothes students buy for high school just for variety. There would be an upShalhevet is truly not a place for a uniform, and rather should be encouraging students to be more creative with their wardrobes, so as to make stronger and more Done the Shalhevet way, with a little bit of choice and lots of creativity and vibrant people who can take that energy into their futures. The entire basis of life in Shalhevet is to be who you are, and not to be some standardized model -- it’s to Town Hall, Agenda and Fairness – and a win for every individual, whether in slipexpress yourself by any means. Where better to start than in your closet, and in the pers, sneakers or a blanket. mirror, every day.
If Shalhevet is the most promising place for a student looking to become an individual, why would we introduce a system that would gnaw away at one of the most crucial components of the school’s reputation, namely individuality?
A mandatory school uniform, perhaps with a few choices – two different patterns for the skirts, and two or three different colors for shirts and tops – would solve several big problems, while still letting us be the unique people that we are.
The Boiling Point
18
November 2013
Opinion
StockTalk
Put your money where your thirst is: Investing in Starbucks By Boaz Willis, Staff columnist Photo courtesy of Aipac
PASSION: Senior Maya Ben-Shushan questions a former IDF soldier at the AIPAC convention in Washington, D.C.
At AIPAC, a lesson in teen potential By Sigal Spitzer, Opinion Editor “If you zone in for 45 minutes, I promise I will change your life,” said Jonathan Kessler, Leadership and Development Director of the
ing to a room full of teenagers in Washington, D.C., Nov. 4. And though I thought my life didn’t need much changing, after leaving the Wilson Lecture Hall of the Doubltetree Hotel that day, I knew that my life was changed forever. After co-founding the Firehawks 4 Israel group on campus late last year, I signed up to attend AIPAC’s teen institute, formally called the Schusterman Advocacy Institute High School Summit 2013, Nov. 2-5. The institute meets during AIPAC’s annual convention. I wanted to learn new strategies and ideas for engaging Shalhevet students with the Middle bition, and it seemed like the most I could do. Personally, not only in regard to Israel advocacy, but also in regard to life in general, I feel belittled and deprecated by wealthy and well-respected adults. Who am I, an ignorant and young teenage girl, to contest arguments presented by those older and more powerful than I am? What Jonathan Kessler did was cast being a teenager in an entirely new light. First of all, he showed me the power each individual actually has. If I put my mind to something, I can do it. It’s about motivation, determination and perspiration. There is no need to rely on great organizations or famous people to motivate people to advocate for Israel, he said – since I’m a teenager, people will listen to me because it’s actually not normal to be so involved and passionate about such a sophisticated topic. I heard this description of my potential and all if the barriers that I Then, he explained at length how to do it.
A person’s ability to achieve a long-term goal does not sprout from attending events, listening to accomplished speakers, acquiring large fortunes of money or directing annual programs, he said. Instead, the way to do it is to start with the end in mind and work backwards -- without relying on friends, family, speakers, resources, outside support or money. “It is imperative to individually engage on an interpersonal level,” he said. The message Jonathan Kessler imparted to me is not one that only relates to political Israel advocacy but to a multitude of realms and causes, both within the Shalhevet community and beyond. AIPAC is just one organization that deals with the America-Israel relationship, lobbying congressmen to promote support for the state of Israel on a legislative level. But there are millions of ways to mobilize, engage, participate and become a leader. Jonathan Kessler was not talking to the old man in the back corner with the white long beard when he said these things. He was addressing the vibrant and young teenagers sitting of the lecture hall, enveloped with uncontainable passion. I left AIPAC thinking that students are overengaged in academics and educational goals. Sometimes it is more important to venture into activities one feels most passionate about. That, I learned, is where one’s greatest accomplishments will eventually take place. Whether it’s basketball or debate, choir or drama, business or social action, each student should learn to take initiative, despite his or her “What’s easy to do is easy to ignore,” Jonathan Kessler said. “What’s hard to do is impossible to ignore.”
Growing up: My 21-month plan By Yosef Nemanpour, Staff Writer
ups, or the downs. So with this mentality, naturally a question comes up. Where is my place in Many people laugh and joke when they hear such this fantastic and vast story? I am looking to get married soon. My response After long introspection, and a slight love and to them is simply, why not? From generation yearning for children, and taking into account to generation the Jewish people have been my non-religious childhood and marrying from an early age. background, there has been nothing in fact, there are all sorts of I have wanted more than to make midrashim that talk about our things right by my children. This patriarchs and matriarchs, inconcept manifests itsellf in my head cluding one that says Yitzchak more and more through the numerand Rivkah were just adolesous amounts of time it's alluded to cent. People respond by saying in the Torah, the Mishnah, Gemara, that nowadays people aren't Rishonim, and Acharonim, as well as ready to get married. But I what I experience in my work with have dedicated my entire teenBnei Akiva and NCSY, where I teach age life to reverting the norm kids and teens the beauty and love to what it was before the start of Judaism. of the 21st century, whether So here's my plan. I really want trying to make Judaism look children, to bask in the glory of the cool, or renewing society’s valmitzvah of chinuch, or teaching your ues from YOLO and everything children. So if I can get engaged by that comes with it to doing the BP Illustration by Annie Asch the end of senior year (nine months best that you can because we from November), then married two don't know how much time we months later, hopefully then conceive (the night have left. To me, the term YOLO – “you only live once” later I can sit and enjoy my dream sunshine of -- isn't just a silly idiom dumb teenagers use, but my life, my family. also the antithesis of who I am and my entire It may or may not be true that you only live philosophy. I look at my life as only a speck in a once. But I only have one life and I want to start broad course of a vast and fantastic Jewish hisliving it now! tory, whether it's the exile, the redemption, the
Ask Shalhevet students what keeps them running through a rigorous day of school, and there’s a high chance they’ll tell you Skinny Caramel Macchiato and a three-pack of madeleines from Starbucks. Buying Starbucks in a store might get you through the day, but buying its stock will give your portfolio just the in the world, with branches in 62 countries around the globe. Annual reports from Starbucks.com say there are currently about 18,000 fully operating locations, and last year they announced plans to open 3,000 new ones, just half of which would be in America. Interestingly enough, none of these stores will be in Israel, and as Shalhevet students, we can’t ignore this fact. Actually, Starbucks used to have six stores in Israel, but they shut them down in April 2003 – during the second intifada – sayoperational costs. Partly because of the timing and the fact that Arab states had called for a boycott of Starbucks because of their Israeli stores, there are people who think that Starbucks is not such a great company for Jews to invest in. So I looked into it for myself. The facts of the matter are these. Starbucks had six stores in Israel from 1998 to 2003. The company says that they pulled out because of operational costs as previously stated. The real question is why they aren’t expanding to Israel now, when they’re opening 3,000 new stores around the world. On its website, Starbucks makes a point of saying that the company does not support Israel in any way – apparently responding to frequently asked questions. But it also addresses why they left, by saying that it goes no further than that business was not going well. However, elsewhere on the website they do discuss the fact that they will continue to assess the feasibility of expanding to anywhere possible. Therefore, Israel is presumably an option, but not a prime location or priority for Starbucks. Personally I think that Starbucks did close strictly because of extremely saturated. When I lived in Israel in 5th grade, my local Israeli-owned café and sit and talk. Israelis, in my opinion, aren’t looking for the American Starbucks café experience. They already have something of their own going on, and they love it. Starbucks probably realized this also. Three-thousand new stores is a lot anywhere in the world, and for some, it’s hard to look at this expansion as a good thing to 2008, Starbucks built too many locations too quickly. The new locations didn’t generate enough revenue to sustain the expansion, and the company actually ended up shutting down 600 locations worldwide—though some argue that this was primarily due to the economic recession that hit in early 2008. hopeful. Starbucks is an extremely steady company to invest in for the simple fact that is a large-cap stock. This means that its market capitalization exceeds 10 billion shares; in this case, it’s 59 billion. Generally, the bigger market capitalization a company has, the more reliable it is as a steadily growing company. Since 2008, SBUX has been climbing itself out of a ditch, and has been successful in doing so. The remarkable growth in revenue is evident in the jump from the 5.86 percent decrease in 2009 to 13.67 percent in 2012 [see chart]. As of Nov. 7, the quote for one share of SBUX is $81.20. Since the start of 2013 (in stock talk, we say YTD, or year-to-date), Starbucks shares are trading around 49 percent higher, and it’s looking like this percentage will only increase. Another perk of holding SBUX is its 1.10 percent dividend yield, which will leave more cash in your pocket to buy your daily drink. Shalhevet students do. Starbucks is able to provide this service not only because spending a dollar on your Caramel Macchiato is a dollar back into your pocket, but also because it does what a good company does to grow, by opening new stores and keeping Disclosure: I am long SBUX, which means that I own stock in the company and I’m hoping for it to go up. Other than owning shares of the company, I have no business relationship with the company. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions, and I am not receiving any compensation for it.
Sports
19
THE BOILING POINT
NOVEMBER 2013
YULA sweeps Lady Firehawks 3-0 in volleyball at the JCC By Noah Suissa, Staff Writer, and Mati Hurwitz, Torah Editor Shalhevet’s girls’ volleyball team was headed to the CIF
BP Photo by Jennie Drazin SERVED: Volleyball captain Tamar Willis launches the ball towards net in a rivalry match Nov. 12. The Firehawks played better as the games progressed.
The Boiling Point
20
November 2013
Sports
By Jonah Gill, Sports Editor
BP Photo by Sarah Elspas HIKE: Firehawk captain Mati Hurwitz gets ready to snap the
Tournament shows another side of the Sabbath
progress we made as
By Jonah Gill, Sports Editor
The team entered
didn’t have a great that we were playing
against
San
Diego
BP Photo by Sarah Elpas COVER: Linebacker Josh Einalhori, center, and cornerback Tom Amza-
on the same page
able to grab the lead by
By Jonah Gill, Sports Editor
ment showed how we need
BP Photo by Sarah Elpas BLOCK block for quarterback Nicole Feder.