A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol 60, Issue 1 • October 2026 / 5787
Free lunch gets mixed reviews YOF sells nearby properties
By Bracha Ezagui Junior Editor
Each student has their own opinion of the free lunches that the school is providing this year through a company called Pizza Nosh, with the bill paid by the state and federal governments. Regardless of grade, roughly half of Flatbush students surveyed say they like the lunch, and the other half do not. To assess the students’ opinions of the new free lunch, a Phoenix poll asked students in each grade if they liked or disliked the new lunch. Among the 55 sophomores who responded, around 54.5% said they did not like the new lunch, while 45.5% said they liked it. Similarly, among the 39 juniors who responded, 48.7% of students said they disliked the lunch, 43.6% said they sometimes liked it, and approximately 7.7% of respondents said they liked the lunch. Freshmen were asked to compare the new lunch to the lunch provided in their elementary schools. Of the 38 freshmen who responded, 18.4% said the lunch was worse than their elementary school lunches, 5.3% said it was better, 13.2% said it was about the same, while 63.2% said they had not tried the lunch yet. Rita Setton, a senior, said, “While the free lunch is extremely beneficial for students, the lunch options could be improved.” The poll results demonstrate that many students share this view. Violet Cohen, another senior, explained that many seniors are hesitant to try the new lunch
since they’ve already experienced three years in the school without this government program and have developed habits and routines for where they buy food. The free snacks provided immediately after mincha each day, however, appear to be a huge hit with students, who are often hungry toward the end of the school day. One requirement of the NYS Education Department’s Child Nutrition Program is that healthy snacks and fruit must also be offered in addition to lunch. Each day, fresh fruit is provided along with a packaged snack such as pretzels, corn pops, or granola bars. These snacks usually disappear quickly once students finish praying. Recent changes to city regulations have made it possible for the school to participate in the New York Lunch Program, as the school had previously not been eligi-
ble. The food is offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch program and School breakfast program, which are administered through the New York State Education Department’s Child Nutrition Program Administration. The NYC food program is typically only available for public schools. Private schools are required to By Avital Rokhkind apply must meet a list of requirements to School News Editor be accepted. In addition, the school must select a vendor to manage the program. Before choosing a vendor, the school met with several different vendors to determine which would meet the needs of the school and the food program. They were in search of a vendor who could provide the required lunches and snacks, while also accommodating the school’s continued on page 2
The corner house has been sold
relationships, people’s belongings, and the building itself. Rabbi Galpert emphasized that the cameras are not currently being used to “evaluate teachers teaching … as of now.” So far, there have been no behaviors seen on the cameras that have raised concerns, he confirmed. At the moment, the cameras do not record audio; only visuals. Rabbi Galpert said that if the administration decides to enable audio in the future, “it will be discussed with our teacher team, legal team, and the broader community.” Moreso, when asked whether the cameras are monitored at all times, Rabbi Galpert was not able to disclose that information. Another concern among students is
who has access to the footage. Some students are under the impression that any faculty member can access the cameras at any time. However, according to the administration, this is not the case. Only a select few individuals in the administration and on the security team are able to access the footage, and they can do so only under specific circumstances. Senior Shlomo Lahav expressed his concern about the possibility of being watched, saying, “Knowing that a member of faculty can watch me at any moment makes me feel unsafe in this environment.” An anonymous senior boy described continued on page 3
Yeshivah of Flatbush is reshaping its Brooklyn footprint, acquiring new properties and putting three Avenue J properties up for sale as it prepares for a major expansion of its elementary school. The Yeshivah of Flatbush has been involved in a number of real estate transactions in recent years, both purchasing and selling properties, to plan for the future of its two campuses. According to Rabbi Dr. Jefferey Rothman, Executive Vice President of Yeshivah of Flatbush, the school is currently in the process of selling three of its properties located at the corner of E.17th Street and Avenue J, all of which were purchased approximately five years ago. Following the purchase, one of the properties was quickly demolished and converted into a faculty parking lot, while another was rented out to generate income. Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, added, “The Yeshivah felt [the properties] might be useful for a future expansion which would likely not commence for many years,” and that in the meantime, the properties would be used on a smaller scale, for purposes such as faculty parking. Both Rabbi Rothman and Rabbi Beyda confirmed that the proceeds from the sale of these properties will be used to help fund the expansion and renovation of the elementary school, located on Avenue I and Coney Island Avenue. The school plans to begin the massive, multimillion-dollar project next summer. The planned expansion arrives as the elementary school’s aging building is in need of both renovations and additional continued on page 3
Faculty Freshman: Who's that guy with the mustache? Page 2
Fashion: Seniors have the best backpacks Page 7
Sports: YOF students at the US Open Page 8
Flatbush students endured a tense lockdown last week after a hostile caller claimed multiple bombs were set to detonate inside the school. NYPD investigated and confirmed the school’s safety.
Classroom cameras spark privacy doubts By Lyla Ashkenazie School News Editor
The Yeshivah of Flatbush installed a security camera in every classroom over the summer. For years, cameras have been in hallways, stairwells, and the lobby. The addition of cameras inside classrooms has raised multiple questions and concerns among some students and faculty. The cameras were installed because the administration “wanted full coverage of our instructional spaces,” Rabbi David Galpert, Associate Principle of Student Experience, explained. According to Rabbi Galpert, the cameras were installed for safety purposes, including protection against both outside and inside threats. They are also intended to help “monitor inappropriate behavior,” student–teacher
In This Issue
D’var Torah: Page 4 Entertainment: Page 5 Business: Page 6 Ask Merle: Page 6
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Faculty Freshman: Mr. Judson Summer Spotlight: By William Mezrahi Junior Editor
“How does Mr. Judson get his mustache to look like that?” is a question many students ask about the new global studies teacher. After all, some know him just as “the guy with the mustache.” Mr. Lucas Judson claims he doesn’t do anything to groom his mustache. No lotion, no curling, nothing. He also has a funny story behind his mustache: whenever he shaves his beard, he likes to prank his wife by first shaving it into specific shapes. Usually he remembers to return to the bathroom and continue shaving until not a speck of stubble remains but, about two months ago, when he shaved his beard into a mustache as a joke, he forgot that it was still on his face and decided to keep it. He plans on growing it out until the winter and then shaving it off, but he makes no promises about what style he will wear then. Recently, Mr. J learned about Mr. Saadia’s fun rule with his students: if Mr. Saadia’s history class receives a certain average grade on the Regents exam, he lets the class give him a buzz cut. To make it more pertinent to Mr. J, it would be a choice of his facial hair style after his class takes the AP and once after the Regents. He seemed very open to the idea and is still deciding on the details. Hopefully we’ll have two history teachers with rather inventive hairstyle incentives. Mr. Judson grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and went to the College of Charleston, majoring in history and minoring in French. After getting his degrees, he taught in two different schools before Flatbush—but not only history. His teaching experience includes financial literacy, computer science, English, and fifth grade homeroom teacher. He also helped train student teachers—that is, teachers who are training to become
teachers. During Covid, he worked in the tech industry before returning to teaching, where a colleague of his connected him to Ms. Hidary. And the rest is … history. Back in high school, Mr. Judson studied abroad in France for a year. He says he “applied on a whim” but, after receiving his acceptance letter, he figured he had to go on this year-long trip to France, where he would attend a high school there like a French teen. He thought he spoke French pretty well, but on his first day in the new school, when he answered “Oui,” to an open-ended question, he realized that his grasp of the language was woefully inadequate. Aside from going to France for a year of high school, Mr. Judson has some surprisingly interesting stories. For starters, his grandfather learned to sail at summer camp and loved it so much that he joined the navy and taught sailing to his son. And that son (Mr. Judson’s father) loved it so much that he introduced sailing to Mr. Judson, who participates in weekly boat races on the Hudson River in the spring through summer. This summer, he even finished second in a race with over 100 boats. When he is not racing in the warmer seasons, Mr. Judson plays the drums in a cover band. They play classic rock, but Mr. Judson describes the music as “dad rock,” the music we teens would hardly know about. Sometimes the band plays at venues, but mostly they play for fun during practice. Rabbi Blumenthal really has some competition; Mr. J has been playing since he was 9. Maybe we will get to see a showdown featuring both faculty drummers this year? At home, Mr. Judson cares for his wife and his dog named Bunny, who got the name because of her giant ears.
Free lunch gets mixed reviews Continued from page 1
kashrut standards. After careful consideration, Pizza Nosh was ultimately selected to provide food for the school. The school selected the restaurant Pizza Nosh due to its reputation and previous connections to the school. The company already caters both the Flatbush elementary and middle school, along with multiple other Jewish private schools. Another factor that made Pizza Nosh suitable was its ability to provide both meat and dairy lunch options. Pizza Nosh operates using separate dairy and meat kitchens, allowing for a larger variety of food options. The lunch menu was carefully curated through the mutual collaboration of the executive staff and Pizza Nosh. This menu
includes pizza, pasta, salads, chicken, and more. On Fridays, the school also provides free bagels from Bagel Hole, a student favorite bagel shop. These bagels are paid for separately outside of the NYC government-funded food program. Another option, the cafe, is also operated by Pizza Nosh, after nearly eight years of being run by Crawford’s. Chani Guttman noted that “the cafe and the new government-funded lunches are both committed to pleasing our students yet at the same time providing them with healthy nutritious options. We are open to any suggestions the students may have.”
The Phoenix Staff Editors-in-Chief: Sylvia Mizrahi, Vaerlie R. Tabush School News Editors: Lyla Ashkenazie, Avital Rokhkind Religion Editor: Ben Zelenko Features Editor: Joseph Shamayev World News Editor: Jaclyn Lazerowitz Entertainment Editors: Michelle Anteby, Jenny Khabih Business Editor: Charles Levy
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Flatbush students participate in Science Scholars By Valerie R. Tabush Editor-in-Chief
The medical field is well-known for its highly competitive internships and programs, especially at a high school age. The Science Scholars Program is a prestigious surgeon mentorship program at Maimonides Hospital that included two Flatbush students this past summer. This newly introduced summer program, led by Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery Dr. Rebecca Rhee, is designed specifically for high school seniors. As members of this summer program, each student works under the guidance of a physician in a hospital environment, getting a glimpse into the skills, motivation, and education that surgeons acquire. It is an eye-opening experience for students who see themselves pursuing a career in science or medicine. With the help of the Shifra Hanan Pathfinders Department current Flatbush seniors Amy Faineh and Tehila Yemra had the opportunity to participate in the Science Scholars Program this past summer after being selected from a large pool of academically qualified applicants. Faineh and Yemra both initially applied to the program due to their prospective interest in the medical field, viewing this as a chance to further explore their interest as well as gaining hands-on experience in a legitimate setting. Faineh’s experience was uniquely centered around neurosurgery, given that her primary scientific interest involves the human brain. She was paired with Dr. Christine Mau, MD, who is an attending neurosurgeon at Maimonides. Faineh had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Mau both inside and outside the operating room, attaining a front row view during neurosurgeries, including multiple tumor resections, considering that one of Dr. Mau’s focus is on neurosurgical oncology. She was even given 3D glasses to watch certain surgeries and procedures. Additionally, Faineh encountered many diverse neurol-
ogy patients, learning how to professionally and empathetically interact with them After shadowing Dr. Mau, Faineh left with the assurance that she could truly pursue a medical career, and stated that, because “Dr. Mau still had a life outside of the operating room, she made me more confident in my ability to fulfill my future career goals.” Despite going into Science Scholars with no sense of what to expect, Faineh walked out with feelings of accomplishment and poise. Yemra spent her time shadowing Dr. Alexandra Renzi, MD, who is a board-certified thoracic surgeon affiliated with Maimonides, along with alternative members of Renzi’s surgical team. This specialty focuses on body parts related to the chest, especially the lungs and esophagus. Yemra had the chance to observe surgeries almost every day, mostly performed by Dr. Renzi on older patients who had been smokers or drug addicts, which caused severe damage in their chests. Yemra observed the surgical removal of blackened, damaged lungs. After patient interaction, building connections with resident doctors, and stepping into the hospital environment, Yemra walked away with a clearer vision of herself as a surgeon. She explained that she “got a glimpse into the life of a doctor,” allowing her to get a feel of doctors’ real experiences. Moreover, Yemra said that her experience this summer has led her to lean toward pediatric surgery, because “it was depressing to hear and interact with older patients who were nearing the end of their life.” Yemra believes that she is more drawn to pediatrics, where children can recover quickly and have a full life ahead of them. Both Faineh and Yemra found this experience reassuring and educational for their futures. While they are still seniors with a career journey to come, they were able to get a head start on their career paths and reinforce their interest in the medical field.
Faculty fun facts
By Michael Bensimon Contributing Writer
Ms. Nsiri was born and raised in Canada before moving to New York. Mr. Saadia is one of 10 children. Rabbi Harari failed his driver’s test five times and did not earn his license until after he was married. Ms. Mikhli loves to crochet and needlepoint, a hobby she enjoys doing during her free time.
Fun and Games Editor: Barbara Namer Fashion Editor: Savannah Blake Betesh Sports Editor: Vera Esses Photography Editor: Viviane Baghdadi Junior Editors: Isaac Didia, Bracha Ezagui, William Mezrahi, Ben Sutton Sophomore Editors: Oren Hecht, Olivia Royf Design: Carolina Cohen Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter
Ms. Carolina Cohen has never broken a bone, and she has swum with whale sharks (twice)! Ms. Deutsch is a fraternal triplet. She is triplets with a sister and a brother. She and her sister attended Flatbush, and her brother went to Imagine Academy. She also has a younger brother who attended Flatbush. Ms. Freedman was a New York City spelling be champion when she was in elementary school.
High School Administration Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of School Ms. Esther Hidary, Associate Principal Rabbi Yigal Sklarin, Associate Principal Dr. Michael Atlas, Associate Principal Rabbi David Galpert, Associate Principal
Extended time testing Most class change moves to new location requests denied By Isaac Didia Junior Editor
Extended time exams are now in the basement
By Oren Hecht Sophomore Editor
After two years in the “Extra Time House” next door to the school on E17th St., students who get extended time for exams now take tests in a new location. Beginning with the first tests of the school year last week, extended-time testing has been moved to the school’s basement in the room next to the Guidance offices, directly underneath the main office. The room has been newly renovated and designed to be less distracting, Dr. Atlas explained. The move is the result of an unrelated decision to move the Yeshivah’s executive office. Until this past summer, the school rented office space in a building on E13th St. and Avenue J to house the Flatbush executive office. To save unnecessary rental costs, the school decided to move the executive office to the Extra Time House, which the school owns outright. To take tests in “The House,” students walked outside through the Beit Midrash to get there, which some found inconvenient. As sophomore Ruthie Isayev pointed out, it was often extremely cold during the fall and winter months, making the walk unpleasant and sometimes leading
students to skip their extended time altogether. Walking to The House during rainy days presented another unpleasant challenge. Now that extended-time exams are administered in “The Room” instead of “The House,” the walk is shorter and climate-controlled. Freshman Rhonda Salama explained that, unlike The House, which always had radiator-esque noises and a very squeaky door, “The Room” is quieter and conveniently close to all the other classes. On the other hand, some students feel nostalgic about The House and enjoyed its separation from the normal learning environment. Junior David Yesilevich wasn’t bothered by the walk at all and found that “The House was calm and quiet, everything I needed to take a test.” Although the move from The House to The Room next to Guidance was necessitated by the relocation of the executive office, it ultimately represents a change in how Flatbush approaches extended time. It is another step toward making the testing experience more comfortable and accessible for all students. Time will tell whether the new room proves to be a better fit for the students who utilize it.
Classroom cameras spark privacy doubts Continued from page 1
an incident that occurred on the first day of school. While he was in the library using a device, a member of the administration approached him and said that they had seen him on the cameras with a laptop and told him to put it away. This incident raises questions about how and when camera footage is being accessed. If the footage is accessed only under specific circumstances, students could wonder what circumstances allow administrators to review it. However, the cameras in the library have been there for several years and are not limited in the same manner as the classroom cameras. Ms. Penina Ginsberg, the SAFE teacher for girls, also expressed some concerns about the cameras. She said that “the invasion of privacy element of it is definite-
ly there, but I try to ignore it. If it deters people from speaking and feeling safe in the room then I’m not OK with it. If I had to choose, I wouldn’t want cameras in my room, although I’m respectful of the school rules.” So far, Ms. Ginsberg hasn’t noticed any students becoming more cautious because of the cameras. As the school continues to use cameras in classrooms, questions about safety, privacy, access to footage, and the potential effects on students and teachers remain. While the administration has explained the safety reasons behind the decision, some members of the school community continue to consider how classroom surveillance may affect the sense of privacy and comfort within the classroom.
D'var Torah
Continued from page 4 he had the chance. When Gd threatens to destroy all the Jews, Moshe begs Gd to forgive them. Noah does no such thing. He sees evil in the people around him, but he does not try to do anything about it. Perhaps Noah later realizes his mistake, and is haunted by it. Regardless, the message is clear:
we can’t shy away from our obligation to speak out against the wrong we see, even if we think one person can’t make a difference. Kol Yisrael aravim zeh bazeh: we never know if we’ll succeed unless we try—and try we must. Even if we think there’s no one around, we have to light our fire.
With the release of students’ class cards and schedules at the end of the summer, students were also offered the opportunity to request class changes due to any problem with their schedule. Of the entire student body, 122 class change requests were submitted this September, according to Associate Principal of Student Experience, Rabbi David Galpert. Out of the 122 requests, only around 25-30% were approved. The other 75% (92 requests) were declined or required further discussion between the student and administration. Of those 92 requests, 71 (roughly 58%) were declined. The other 21 requests required further deliberation. This data is consistent with the data from previous years’ request changes, Rabbi Galpert said. The 21 requests that required further discussion were not all uniform, for reasons spanning from section changes to homeroom changes, with each decision depending on the particular student and situation. “There is no concrete reason for the maybes. Changes depend solely on the students, their grades, or any other factor that may have caused them to submit this
change,” Rabbi Galpert said. Around 60% of all requests, whether granted or not, were seeking to switch teachers, according to Rabbi Galpert. Frequently, the students either wanted to be in a class with a teacher they had previously, or to move in or out of a more challenging or Advanced Placement course. 50 of these requests were approved. Junior Michael Esses requested such a change. “I felt I deserved to be placed in a more rigorous section because of how hard I worked to achieve that spot,” Esses explained. As for the remainder of the breakdown, 10% of the requests were Beit Midrash Talmud related, whether switching into or out of a more rigorous Talmud section. 21% of requests were homeroom switches, most of which were requests to switch into honors. The final 9% were different miscellaneous requests that are singular to individual student’s needs. Requests were not equal among each grade. Juniors are the smallest grade and submitted the lowest number of requests, around 25% of the total. The second lowest amount came from the sophomores, was 35% of the total amount. Seniors were the largest group, submitting approximately 40% of all requests.
YOF sells nearby properties Continued from page 1
space. “Just as the high school has experienced a complete renovation over the last 8-10 years or so, it is time for the elementary school to have their expansion,” Rabbi Rothman said. The school plans on raising the majority of the funds for the project, but proceeds from the property sales are expected to help close the remaining financial gap. In addition to selling the Avenue J properties to help fund the expansion, the Yeshivah has acquired several properties in close proximity to the elementary school. In 2022, the Yeshivah purchased the US Post Office building on Coney Island Avenue; city records indicate that Flatbush paid approximately $14 million. The purchase was part of plans by the US Postal Service to move the post office branch that had operated on Avenue J since 1968 to a location over a mile away, a proposal that drew opposition from many Midwood residents. In 2024, the Yeshivah also purchased the 15,000-square-foot Young Israel Talmud Torah property on Avenue I for $5.65 million. Addressing concerns about the school’s finances and the budget difficulties that had attracted attention in recent years, Rabbi Rothman explained that, “while the Yeshivah is always careful to spend tuition dollars wisely and effectively, the budget crunch you refer to from a few years ago has thankfully been resolved.” The sale of the three Avenue J properties is not the first time the school has sold property as part of its plans for campus expansion. In 2015, the school owned several other nearby properties, including the neighboring lots 32 and 34. The Yeshivah asked the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for approval of an expansion of the High School building. Accord-
ing to BSA records, the school proposed demolishing the structures on Lot 34 and use the property for an expansion of the existing high school, increasing its total size from 49,880 square feet to 74,741. The expansion was proposed in response to the school’s growing enrollment and the limitations of its existing building. At the time of the application, the school had approximately 700 students, despite the building originally being designed for only 600 to 650 students. The BSA records explain that YOF “states that the existing school building is outmoded and unable to accommodate the needs of the existing student body. … Accordingly, the school seeks to modernize and expand its facilities.” The additional space would have allowed the school to install an expanded and modernized music program, a larger research library, a larger Beit Midrash, and dedicated counseling and college guidance areas. Beyond addressing these immediate needs, the proposed expansion was intended to give the school enough room to eventually accommodate up to 800 students. “These additions have helped shape the student experience by providing spaces that better support students’ academic, creative, religious, and personal needs,” Rabbi Rothman said. “The planned elementaary school expansion aims to achieve a similar transformation,” he said. As the Yeshivah moves forward with the Elementary School’s expansion, its recent changes in property reflect a broader strategy of using its real estate holdings to support the school. From previous campus expansions to the properties now being sold, the Yeshivah’s real estate decisions continue to play a role in shaping the future of its campuses.
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Netanyahu’s speech D’var Torah: Righteousness at UN garners vs. leadership support, opposition By Ben Zelenko Religion Editor
By Jaclyn Lazerowitz World News Editor
In a highly anticipated and combative address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defense of his nation’s military operations. Netanyahu utilized the global stage to project raw defiance, scolding international critics, regional adversaries, and local political figures alike. Speaking to the many representatives at the UN, Netanyahu outlined what he characterized as a “seven-front war” waged by Israel against Iran and its regional proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. He forcefully defended military security measures, explicitly pointing to joint strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities as a necessary decision driven by national survival. Addressing the international accusations facing his administration, Netanyahu fired back at claims of genocide in Gaza, labeling them “the biggest lie of the century.” To counter the accusations, he cited Israel’s civilian evacuation warnings and humanitarian aid as proof of efforts to minimize civilian harm. Netanyahu sharply criticized Western European leaders from France and the United Kingdom, accusing them of succumbing to antisemitism. He further turned his focus to local politics, explicitly naming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and branding him antisemitic for previously declaring the Prime Minister a war criminal. On the other hand, Netanyahu offered warm praise for Donald Trump, describing the US President as a bold and vital partner in confronting the Iranian threat. The reaction from critics inside and outside the UN assembly was swift and highly visible. As Netanyahu walked to the podium, many diplomats rose from their seats and staged a walkout, leaving large sections of the General Assembly
hall empty. Netanyahu disapproved of the exit directly in his speech. Outside the UN, the impacts turned physical. Anti-war demonstrations brought parts of New York City to a standstill. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement led to the arrest of more than 100 individuals, including high-profile activists Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder, and Chelsea Manning. Jewish peace organizations joined the demonstrations, publicly stating that Netanyahu’s military strategy extended far beyond self-defense and did not represent the views of all Israelis. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the international community via a pre-recorded message, calling for immediate international intervention to halt weapons transfers to Israel and end the ongoing military campaign. Locally, Mayor Mamdani stood by his previous assertions, reiterating his stance that Netanyahu should face accountability under international law. Simultaneously, a massive public relations campaign unfolded across Manhattan. The Israeli government, along with advocacy groups, deployed over 500 pro-Israel, anti-Iran billboards throughout New York City to visually dominate the public narrative surrounding the event and to push the agenda of the strong political alliance between the US and Israel, as many gathered to show ongoing and unwavering support for the Prime Minister during his address. Back in Israel, the uncompromising tone of the speech resonated strongly with Netanyahu’s right-wing base. With general elections rapidly approaching, political allies praised the Prime Minister’s performance, framing it as a display of strength and resilience in the face of international isolation. Netanyahu’s address was a sharp reminder of the deep geopolitical conflicts surrounding the Middle East, leaving little room for diplomatic compromise.
Although Avraham was a uniquely righteous man, certainly worthy of praise, the Torah never gives him any. Nor does it praise Yitzhak or Yaakov, Moshe or Aharon, or any of the kings or prophets from our history. The one person the Torah praises directly is Noah, calling him “a righteous man, perfect in his generations; Noah walked with Gd.” In fact, Noah is the only one the Torah ever calls tzadik—righteous. Yet the Noah we see at the end of his life has completely changed from the Noahwe see at the beginning. As soon as he steps off the ark he plants a vineyard, makes wine, and gets drunk. His sons find him lying naked on the ground and have to lay a blanket over him while looking the other way. Noah descends from a man of righteousness to a source of shame. His story is about his decline. Why is that? Perhaps the reason is that Noahwas righteous, but he wasn’t a leader. Gd says to Noah, “You alone have I found righteous in this whole generation,” which suggests that he has little to no influence on the people around him. This is also illustrated in the fact that only he and his family were saved. But what was he supposed to do? How could Noah have been a voice of good in a society stuck in evil? Should he have spoken out even if his words would fall on deaf ears? In the book of Yehezkel, Gd shows us what to do in this kind of situation: “Son of man,” Gd says to him, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation… The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a Prophet has been among them.” Gd wants him to speak, regardless of whether the people will heed his word. We see this concept again in a midrash from the Gemara. When Gd is preparing to destroy Jerusalem, he sends the
angel Gabriel to put a mark of ink on the foreheads of the righteous folk, and a mark of blood on the foreheads of the wicked. When this happens, Justice asks Gd, “Master of the universe, how are they different from each other?” Gd replies, “these are completely righteous men, while those are completely wicked.” Justice says, “Master! [The righteous ones] had the chance to protest, but did not.” “Even if they had protested,” says Gd, “[the wicked] would not have listened.” Justice answers, “Master, this was known to you, but was it known to them?” According to this midrash, even the tzadikim in Jerusalem were punished because they didn’t speak out against the actions of their peers. Gd asks, “Why punish them for their failure to protest when it’s clear that even if they had, things would not have changed?” Justice’s reply is that this might be clear in hindsight, but at the time, no human could be sure that their words wouldn’t have an impact. Justice is asking: “How can you be sure you’ll fail if you don’t try?” When bad things are happening in society—when corruption, violence, and injustice are rampant, it is our job to protest. Even if it seems like our words won’t have any effect. All of Israel is responsible for one another, but Noah fails the test of responsibility for those around him. The hasidim had a simple way of making this point. They called Noah a tzadik im pelz—a righteous man in a fur coat. There are two ways to survive a cold night: wear a coat or light a fire. The coat certainly keeps him warm, but it keeps only him warm. What Noah should’ve done was light a fire, and give warmth to everyone around him. Perhaps the reason for Noah’s decline into drunkenness after the flood is that he can’t handle his guilt for not speaking out when he should have, for not trying to save an entire world of people when
continued on page 3
Europe launches its first private rocket into orbit By Jaclyn Lazerowitz
Science in English
World News Editor
In a milestone moment for European spaceflight, German aerospace company Isar Aerospace successfully reached orbit with its Spectrum launch vehicle last month. Lifting off from the Andøya Space Center in northern Norway, the mission marks the first time a privately built rocket has reached Earth orbit after launching directly from Western European soil. The successful orbital flight follows Spectrum’s initial test flight in March 2025, which ended prematurely less than a minute into flight due to a vent valve issue and loss of attitude control. Following a two-month investigation, Isar engineers redesigned critical systems to ensure flight stability. De-
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spite operational delays, ranging from pressured valves and harsh weather, the team successfully resolved the mechanical issues, culminating in the flawless September launch. “We had some delays, obviously,” said Nikolaos Perakis, the Chief Engineer for Spectrum at Isar. “We had some setbacks, but we came back stronger from them. And it validates this tremendous amount of engineering across all the teams, and that’s what brings us into orbit.” The two-stage Spectrum rocket executed its primary burn, placing the upper stage into an initial orbit with a perigee of 112 miles and an apogee of 311 miles. Approximately two hours after liftoff, following a secondary circularization burn, Isar confirmed via X that all six onboard payloads were suc-
cessfully deployed into low Earth orbit. Historically, European space missions have relied heavily on statebacked programs launching from French Guiana or rideshare opportunities aboard foreign private vehicles like SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Spectrum’s success-
ful launch establishes private access to orbit within Western Europe. Isar plans to turn the Spectrum rocket into a reliable and frequent launcher for small-to-medium satellite constellations, signaling a new chapter for commercial spaceflight in Europe.
Entertainment Dancing with the Stars: What’s New This Season? By Viviane Baghdadi Photography Editor
Dancing with the Stars is back for season 35, with new stars competing to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. In a two-night premiere that aired on September 15 and 16, the season’s 16 couples were split up, with the male celebrities performing on the first night and the female celebrities on the second. This season didn’t just bring back previous judges and hosts, but brought in new pro dancers, returning favorites, and unique stars. The biggest new addition this season was the new pro, Adele Zaikman, who is an Israeli professional ballroom dancer, and winner of the show’s spinoff, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. During the summer, Zaikman competed against 11 professional ballroom dancers throughout multiple challenges, and was ultimately crowned the winner of The Next Pro on August 31. Zaikman has been paired with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Conner Leavitt, a first-timer to the cast but not new to the ballroom, as he joined his wife
Whitney and her partner Mark for a contemporary dance on Dedication Night last season. Zaikman isn’t the only new pro this season, with Hailey Bills gaining a spot as a new pro as well. Bills isn’t new to the Dancing with the Stars family, as she was a pro on Dancing with the Stars: Junior and was on the troupe during season 34. Fan favorite pros such as Witney Carson, Mark Ballas, and Val Chmerkovskiy have returned. Longtime pro Sharna Burgess, who left the show after season 30 in 2021, made a return to the ballroom this season. The troupe has also gained a new addition, Kamri Peterson, who performed on Dancing with the Stars: Junior, along with last season’s members, Carter Williams, Jaxon Willard, and Onye Stevenson. While three cast members were announced back in April, the full cast reveal was announced during Good Morning America on September 2. This season’s cast includes Olympians, reality TV stars, celebrities, musicians, and more. Cast members this season include Harry Shum Jr., best known for his role on Grey’s Anat-
omy as Dr. Kwan, and Mike Chang from Glee, while Julia Stiles and Jenna Dewan are also recognizable from their roles in early 2000s films, including Save the Last Dance, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Step Up. Ezra Frech, paired with Daniella Karagach, is a two-time Paralympian who uses a prosthetic leg and continues to dance at a professional level. Emma Slater and partner Jackson Olsen, a Savannah Bananas player, have been splitting their time between rehearsals in the DWTS studios in L.A. and his tour. “When I was a kid, I never thought any of this was possible,” Olsen said. “I was a shy kid that never danced, never put myself out there, never entertained, and found a passion for it.” The Traitors star Maura Higgins got paired with former castmate Mark Ballas and even shared that “it would be the cherry on top of the cake if [she] gets Mark and wins the Mirrorball Trophy.” While there are some major changes this season, the judges’ table remains the same. Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, who have both been judges since the show’s early years, have returned, along
Julia Stiles and her dance partner, Ezra Sosa
with Derek Hough, a former pro and a judge since season 29. Similarly, Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro have joined the cast again as co-hosts. The Dancing with the Stars podcast, previously hosted by Joey Graziadei, winner of Season 33 with partner Jenna Johnson, was taken over by Andy Richter, who competed on Season 34 with Emma Slater. While many things have changed this season, the premise of the show remains the same: competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Who has what it takes to take home this season’s trophy?
Avengers: Doomsday: the biggest movie of the year
With a budget of $700 million, the movie will need to make history just to make a profit
By Ben Sutton Junior Editor
$700 Million. That was the amount of money spent to produce and market Avengers: Doomsday, the most expensive movie to date in Marvel history, set to release December 18. What does that mean in terms of success rate? In order for the movie to be profitable, it’ll likely need to make between $1 billion and $1.5 billion worldwide. Considering that only 65 movies in Hollywood history have ever reached $1 billion or more, why would Marvel spend so much on a movie, taking what seems like an enormously huge risk? One theory is that Marvel needs to consider their statistics and the fact that out of the 65 movies in “the billion-dollar club,” 12 belong to their production company. Marvel feels confident they’ve got
themselves another hit, a 66th movie to add to the club. The remaining question is, do they? First in the game plan came marketing the movie. Marvel felt they needed to build excitement among fans in a unique and novel way. To do so, they turned the movie’s rollout into a slow reveal, interactive mystery. Each stunt and step of the reveal had the intended result of getting the fans talking. The campaign started in March, with the chair cast livestream, a massive online livestream where 27 director’s chairs were slowly unveiled, each chair containing the name of a widely known Hollywood actor who has a role in the movie. This livestream sparked weeks of the internet guessing and arguing over which other actors might appear in other roles in the film. Then, in July, Marvel finally dropped the much-anticipated official public trail-
er online. Shortly after this, in August, at Disney’s D23 fan convention, Marvel released a brand new “special look” video package focused entirely on Robert Downey Jr’s terrifying portrayal of Doctor Doom, the main villain. In one final push last fall, Marvel dropped an official online countdown clock to the release of the movie. The clock would change colors to signal upcoming announcements. So what do viewers have to look forward to in December? The movie tells the story of parallel timelines which are crashing into each other, threatening to wipe out all of existence. This causes all of Earth’s greatest heroes to team up and stop Doctor Doom, a powerful masked dictator who believes the only way to save reality is to conquer and rule over it completely. In an ironic twist, Robert Downey Jr. spent 11 years playing the role of Iron Man, one of the most successful super-
heroes in cinematic history, who became loved by fans. Chances are that he will likely be perceived differently by fans now. Since the superheroes each have their own completely alternate history, they are forced to put aside their differences and unite all for one goal: stop Doctor Doom and save the world. These three teams include The Avengers, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. While individual characters from these teams have crossed paths or made brief cameos in recent Marvel projects, Avengers: Doomsday will be the first time in cinema history that the three eras of characters share the screen for a full, impactful storyline, though whether record breaking is still to be determined.
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Business
Ozempic revaluing snack aisle stocks By Charles Levy Business Editor
Doritos has a competitor that doesn’t sell chips. It comes from the pharmacy. GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy can reduce appetite. As they have been more commonly prescribed, many snack companies have been losing the afternoon chip purchase consumers once made without thinking twice. In June, PwC, an accounting and consulting firm, reported that 21% of American households included at least one current GLP-1 user as of May 2026, based on its analysis of Numerator consumer data. Its separate May survey included 1,063 current users of these medications. Of that group, 61% said they were buying fewer sweet treats, while 56% said they were buying fewer salty snacks. Meanwhile, PepsiCo’s July 9 earnings showed that snack demand was under pressure. Its North American food revenue fell 2% in the second quarter, while snack volumes were flat despite earlier price cuts on brands including Lay’s and Doritos. Those results do not tell us how much of the weakness came from weight-loss drugs. PepsiCo pointed to financial pressure on consumers, particularly higher gas prices. Still, the survey suggests that some shoppers are cutting back on snacks for reasons that a lower price may do little to change. The effect can extend beyond the person taking the medication. Researchers from Cornell and other institutions linked GLP-1 surveys with purchasing records from Numerator’s panel of rough-
ly 150,000 American households. Within six months of starting treatment, households with even one GLP-1 user reduced grocery spending by an average of 5.3%. Among higher-income households, the decline reached 8.2%. Spending on savory snacks fell 10.1%, with substantial declines in sweets, baked goods, and cookies as well. That matters because snack companies benefit from purchases people rarely plan in advance. Someone stops for gasoline and adds a bag of chips. Someone waiting at the checkout grabs a candy bar. If those purchases become less frequent, companies can lose sales even when customers still like their products. A shopper does not have to suddenly hate chocolate to stop buying it every afternoon. Still, blaming every weak quarter on Ozempic would be lazy. Packaged-food companies also face shoppers watching their budgets and reconsidering what they eat. The Cornell researchers found another limit: when people stopped taking GLP-1s, household spending moved back
toward its earlier levels. Companies have reason to pay attention, but the size and duration of the change remain uncertain. Even among people who keep taking the medications, the changes vary by food category. In PwC’s survey, 44% of current users said they were buying more fresh produce, 35% more packaged protein, and 34% more fresh protein. Some of the money leaving the candy aisle may end up elsewhere in the same shopping cart. For food companies, that creates a practical problem: if customers are eating less, how do they make sure their product is one of the things consumers keep buying? A smaller appetite could make products marketed around protein, fiber, or portion size more appealing to consumers. PepsiCo is one of several companies that have responded by experimenting with snacks that offer added protein and fiber. That gives the company another way to appeal to shoppers as it tries to revive demand for its familiar brands. A protein label alone, however, will not guarantee
repeat purchases. Customers still have to like the taste and think the product is worth its price, especially when their grocery budgets are tight. Before changing their products, companies have to understand why customers are buying less in the first place. A decline in sales could reflect fewer purchases, lower prices, or a shift to another brand. GLP1 use adds another possible explanation. A company responding to an affordability problem might cut prices, while one responding to smaller appetites might rethink portions. Mistaking one problem for the other could leave a manufacturer spending money on changes that do little to improve demand. For investors, the question is how much of a company’s growth depends on customers eating more. Businesses built around frequent, unplanned purchases may face a different challenge from those already selling foods people seek out for nutrition. But adoption alone does not tell us which company will succeed. Pricing, product quality, and the ability to respond to changing habits still matter. The July earnings and recent consumer research show why this deserves attention now. Snack companies are already trying to revive demand, while a growing group of households reports changing what it buys. The evidence does not justify declaring the death of the candy bar, but it does raise a question: Will the habits that helped sell the last billion bags of chips sell the next billion? Doritos will still have to compete with other chips. Increasingly, they may also have to compete with a customer who walks past the whole shelf.
Fun & Games Ask Merle
Hey Merle! I came to high school without my friends, so I feel pretty alone during the day. How do I meet nice people that I can connect with? —Lonely Learner Hey, Lonely! Being new to a school, and on your own especially, is so exciting for this exact reason. You get to be friends with people without the pressures of friends or the student dynamic. Now on to how to actually find those people: it’s not as difficult as you think it is. Being in so many classes with different students already gives you a head start, but my favorite way to meet people, especially ones that I connect with, is by joining clubs. There are so many extracurriculars in this school that you can join, and each one basically comes with a great group of friends that share your interests. Trust me, you can do this. Merle
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Hi Merle, How are you? I’m really worried about the hard classes in high school. My teachers in middle school really scared me and told me that the teachers are really strict and that the work is really hard. How do I make sure that I’m still able to do well? —Frightened Freshman Hi, Frightened! I’m doing alright. About your concerns, I will be honest here: coping with more complex coursework and higher teacher expectations can definitely be a challenge as you’re transitioning into high school. The expectations are definitely higher, but I have good news for you! It’s not as scary as you think! The first step is paying attention in class, and if you’re confused, don’t be scared to raise your hand. Trust me, nobody cares. If you’re really, really shy, you can go up to a friend after class or, even better, ask the teacher themselves if you get the chance (they know their material best). You’ll do great. Good luck! Merle
Merle, I’m seriously drowning here. I know that we have assemblies every year about applying to colleges but I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m trying to apply early decision, and finishing what I need to write for the application is so hard, especially on top of all my classwork, tests, and clubs. The deadline is a whole month away but at the same time it’s only a month away! I don’t know what to do. Help! —Suffering Senior Suffering, I promise you know more than you think you do. College applications, especially early decisions, can be extremely stressful because you have to find a way to fit the past four years of your life into one small application by a super strict deadline. Guess what that means though? You’re the best person for the job because
it’s your life. It’s a lot of work but you need to take it step by step and save time for your other commitments, too. They are just as important. It’s also really helpful to get a sense of direction from your college guidance counselor—it’s their job to make this process a little clearer for you. This can be through meetings or, if that’s not an option, you can always email! Most importantly, make sure to be accepting of help wherever you need it. You’re not expected to do this alone by any means whatsoever. Don’t sweat it too much. Merle
Standard of Fabulous Senior backpacks deserve awards By Sylvia Mizrahi Editor-in-Chief
For seniors, a backpack is no longer just something to carry books from class to class. Covered in characters, drawings, stickers and inside jokes, seniors’ backpacks have become a way for students to mark their final year of high school. The trend is simple: seniors carry a child backpack throughout their final year of high school. For many seniors, it represents their last year as kids before stepping into adulthood. Social media has helped make personalized senior items more visible, with students sharing their decorated backpacks and ideas online. But the trend is not entirely new. Similar traditions have appeared in graduating classes for years, with each class putting its own spin on the idea. This year, some remarkable backpack ideas have emerged.
Here are the Class of 2027 Senior Backpack Awards: Most Meaningful: Bina Khodorkovsky Khodorkovsky’s backpack reflects one of the biggest parts of her life: ballet. She started dancing at just four years old and has spent the past 13 years performing in productions with Brighton Ballet Theater. After years of being known as “Bina the Ballerina,” choosing a ballet bag for senior year felt like a natural tribute to something that has shaped her. “I decided to get this bag because I love it so much,” she said. For Khodorkovsky, the backpack represents more than a hobby; it carries 13 years of memories, performances, and a part of her identity. Most Creative: Abigail Siri and Mary Chazanoff Siri’s senior backpack brings her childhood favorite into her final year of high school. She chose an Abby Cadabby bag, a nod to her favorite Sesame Street character and, fittingly, a character who shares her
name. “I chose Abby Cadabby because I grew up watching Sesame Street, and since my name is Abby, it just felt fitting to have her as my senior bag,” she said. The choice turns a childhood favorite into a personal reminder of where she started. C h a z a n o f f ’s backpack is equally personal, connecting her name to one of her favorite childhood songs. She chose a wooly lamb in reference to “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” a song she remembers loving as a child because it featured her name. “I even still have a lamb doll from my baby party, which makes the lamb feel like a special connection to my childhood,” she said. Cutest: Jacqueline Abadi Abadi’s senior backpack brings one of childhood’s favorite plush toys into senior year. She chose a pink strawberry cow Squishmallow backpack, a combination that reflects her love for the popular toys and her favorite fruit, strawberries. For Abadi, the choice was mainly about finding something
that was both cute and comfortable to carry. The bright pink strawberry cow makes her backpack stand out while keeping the playful look of the Squishmallows many students grew up with. Funniest: Sophie Bai-
ley Bailey’s senior backpack is hard to miss, featuring a Tung Tung Sahur design covered with brainrot characters. The unusual combination earned her the title of Funniest Backpack, but for Bailey, the characters are more than just a joke. “I chose to buy this bag with brainrots on it because they mean a lot to me,” she said. “I deeply connect with each character and love having them on my bag.” Her backpack brings her sense of humor and personality into the senior backpack trend–making it one of the most memorable bags in the class.
Jewish pride takes over runway during NYFW By Savannah Blake Betesh
swimwear, and streetwear. Many of the pieces featured Jewish symbols and mesFashion Editor sages, including the Star of David, Israeli A fashion show called I Love Jewish flags, and phrases such as “Stop AntisemGirls brought Jewish culture and creativity itism” and “Chutzpah.” Other designs into New York Fashion Week at the Leman cluded Jewish-inspired swimsuits, a shirt Ballroom in Lower Manhattan last month. reading “I Love Jewish Boys,” and a dress Created by artist and designer Alejan- inspired by a tallit. Additionally, the show connected dedro Glatt, the fashion show featured 18 Jewish designers and brands from Israel, signers from various backgrounds, disBrazil, Mexico, and the United States. Ac- playing the variety within Jewish fashion. cording to the organizers, the event was The 18 designers and brands represented the first Jewish-themed runway show at Israel, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Rather than presenting one specific New York Fashion Week. The event attracted hundreds of guests style, the runway presented many differfrom the fashion industry and the Jewish ent ways in which Jewish identity can be community, creating an atmosphere of represented through clothing and design. celebration and pride. About 500 people This diversity allowed each designer to attended the show, including famous de- bring their individual perspectives and signers, artists, journalists, fashion indus- creativity to the event. After Glatt’s work was rejected from try figures, and community members. DeMiami Swim Week for being seen as “too signers showcased a variety of styles, such as modest fashion, couture, eveningwear, political,” he created his own fashion show in Miami, where he showcased his designs alongside the work of other Jewish designers. Following that experience, he decided to bring I Love Jewish Girls to New York Fashion Week. The event was organized with Tobi Rubinstein, and co-produced by EPN Fashion Week in coordination with the Israeli Consulate in New York. The show opened with artist and designer Elizabeth Sutton (HS ’07) wearing a dramatic gown and matching headpiece Mexican Jewish artist Alejandro Glatt models by Israeli label Shani Dress. Singer and his designs for Tribe True Tradition cantor Dudu Fisher performed during
Fashion designer Shani Grosz, founder of Shani Dress, with models wearing her designs, including Daniela Sonnenfeld, Miss Haifa 2024
the show, while Iranian-American singer Ghazal Mizrahi performed songs in Hebrew and Farsi. Miss Universe Israel 2024, Ofir Korsia, and Miss Universe Israel 2026, Danielle Yablonka, also participated in the event. Israeli designer Yaron Minkowski closed the show with his couture collection. The event also attracted notable guests from outside the runway. Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week, attended the show, along with 10-year-old fashion designer Max Alexander. Jewish vendors were also present, adding another part of Jewish creativity and entrepreneurship to the event. Having people from different areas of the fashion and Jewish
communities helped make the event feel larger than a traditional runway show. After an evening centered around modern fashion, the show ended with the sounding of a shofar to welcome Rosh Hashanah to connect the event to Jewish faith and tradition on a stronger level. I Love Jewish Girls revealed that fashion can be something symbolic, rather than simply specific clothing style. The runway became a platform to express Jewish identity, culture, and pride during one of the world’s most well-known fashion events. The event demonstrated that fashion is an outlet for people to share their culture and personal experiences with a larger audience.
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Sports Three YOF students see US Open from new angle By Michelle Anteby Entertainment Editor
Every summer, over one million tennis fans travel to Flushing, Queens, to watch some of the best tennis players compete at the US Open. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year took place from August 23 to September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. While the players are the center of attention, a group of people on the court keeps every match going: the ball crew. This year, three of our own students were part of that crew. David Yehoshua (HS ’27), David Yesilevich (HS ’28), and a third student who requested to remain anonymous spent weeks working long, physically demanding shifts, sprinting across the court, tracking every ball, and interacting with some of the world’s top tennis players. Being part of the ball crew is more than simply collecting errant tennis balls. During each rally, crew members must stay completely focused and know exactly where each individual is positioned. As soon as a point ends, they sprint to collect balls, making sure no two crew members chase the same one. They roll the tennis balls between crew members, keep track of where each one is, and make sure players have enough tennis balls prepared before serving. All of this is done while following the score, responding to players’ requests, and moving quickly and quietly
Yesilevich
without interrupting the match. For Yesilevich, becoming a ball boy was something he had hoped to do for years. Having watched tennis his entire life and attending the US Open since he was a young boy, he always noticed the ball crew. When he heard about tryouts, he decided to apply. The tryouts tested more than tennis knowledge. Applicants completed drills involving running, rolling, and throwing balls to show speed, agility, coordination, and accuracy. Once accepted, crew members trained extensively for all situations that can arise during a match. Yehoshua wrote, “I felt super excited to be with professional players, but also confused about what I would be doing exactly.” That confusion did not last long. Each court has about six to eight crew members who work for an hour and a half before switching with another member and returning to the lounge for a break. He described the job as a coordinated system, where every person on the court has
a role. “We line up outside the lounge and hype each other up before the shift,” he explained. “Then we walk to our courts in a tightly packed formation.” The long hours and physical demands became some of the biggest challenges of this role. Yesilevich called the job “very physically tiring,” noting that the crew could spend hours running each day, working almost every day for three weeks straight. Yehoshua said the heat made it even harder, since they were expected to give their best effort despite standing on the court in the hot sun. Stepping onto the court for the first time was a mixture of excitement and nerves for all three. Yesilevich described standing in front of thousands of spectators as “very cool and nerve racking.” He remembers being worried that he would mess up, and on his very first ball, he ran when he was not supposed to and almost got hit by an incoming ball. Yehoshua was equally nervous, but then he caught a missed serve immediately after its bounce, before it reached the wall. “I felt so proud of myself in that moment,” he said. Being just feet from professional players also changed the experience completely. Yesilevich said players frequently interacted with the ball crew, asking them to bring items or communicate with their
Sportsman Spotlight: Mouhadeb stays focused
By Vera Esses Sports Editor
Senior Elie Mouhadeb has learned through his years of playing basketball how to lead, deal with pressure, and continue to work hard even when things get difficult. As he enters his last season playing for Flatbush, Mouhadeb hopes to make it one to remember. For Mouhadeb, playing for Flatbush has always meant more to him than simply playing basketball. “There’s a different kind of pride that comes with putting on your school’s jersey and knowing that you’re playing not just for yourself, but for your teammates, your coaches, and your school,” Mouhadeb said. “From the beginning, I wanted to help Flatbush win, and be part of something bigger than myself.” Mouhadeb did not expect basketball to become such a significant part of his life. Initially playing hockey, Mouhadeb made the switch during the summer preceding seventh grade, after his dad built a basketball court in his backyard. Mouhadeb began spending hours outside shooting and practicing, and soon enough basketball became something he found passion in, as he watched his hard work pay off. Mouhadeb appreciated the thrill of practicing a specific move or a shot, and then successfully using it in a game. Mouhadeb has played for Flatbush since seventh grade and has been a captain ever since. He understands that there is much more to leadership, than just scoring points or making plays in a game. He realized through this role that “being a
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captain is about staying calm under pressure and knowing how to communicate with and motivate each teammate in a different way.” That calm becomes vital when his team is down by a few points. Instead of panicking when Flatbush falls behind, Mouhadeb reminds his teammates to focus on what they can control. He understood that when a leader stays confident, it leads the rest of the team to believe that a comeback is still possible. Mouhadeb already knows what a comeback feels like. One of his most unforgettable moments was during a Yeshiva League semifinal game against Frisch. Flatbush was down by 10 points with only 3.5 minutes remaining, when his teammate Richard Cayre reminded the team that they would regret it if they did not give everything they had to win. With those words, their team came together and gave it their all. They came back with an impressive run, winning by three, which advanced them to the championship. Mouhadeb felt that this surreal experience wasn’t just about basketball, but it was “me and my brothers fighting together with our backs against the wall.” That game became even more meaningful when Flatbush won the JV Yeshiva League championship. Mouhadeb had been given the opportunity to move up to varsity as a sophomore, but chose to remain on JV because he wanted to finish what he had started with his teammates.
The win was all the more special because Flatbush’s last JV championship was in 1996, when Mouhadeb’s father was on the team. Thirty years later, Mouhadeb, “followed in my father’s footsteps.” His father has been one of Mouhadeb’s greatest influences. His father taught him how to pivot in different directions and create space when a defender is tight on you, following by applying this lesson to life. “He told me that life is going to get difficult and that adversity is going to come, but that I can’t fold,” Mouhadeb remembered. His father has shown him that basketball can teach one much more than simply what happens on the court. Mouhadeb’s commitment often involves waking up around 5:45 a.m. and arriving at school by 6:15 to shoot for an hour before classes begin. After a full school day and sometimes a club meeting, he studies in the library for several hours before attending practice from 8:30 until 10:00. Then he wakes up and does it again, trying to put up as many as 1,000 shots a day and consistently lifting and training, all while pushing himself academically. Before games, he prepares by planning what he eats and drinks beginning two days before tipoff, stretching for about an hour, and usually eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich about two hours before tip-off. He does this with the belief that “the performance people see is really the result of all the work they don’t see.” On the court, Mouhadeb describes
coaches. Yehoshua called standing beside world class athletes “a surreal experience,” especially when the player was someone almost everyone recognized. One of Yesilevich’s favorite memories came during the Cobolli vs Comesana match at Louis Armstrong Stadium. With the stadium packed for a dramatic five-set battle, he remembers the crowd erupting after Cobolli’s victory and getting goosebumps from the roars. Beyond tennis, the experience taught valuable life lessons. Yehoshua learned discipline and the importance of continuing to work hard even when something becomes difficult. Yesilevich said it showed him that activities which appear to involve one person often depend on a whole team working behind the scenes. For students hoping to join the ball crew in the future, the three shared similar advice. Yehoshua described the experience as incredibly rewarding, but warned that it will “definitely push you to Yehoshua your limits.” Yesilevich urged future applicants not to be afraid of making mistakes, since worrying too much takes away from the fun of the moment. The third student agreed that, while the hours are long and the work is hard, standing on the court at the US Open makes it all worth it.
himself in three words: “vocal, relentless, and competitive.” While he has worked continuously to improve himself and all that comes with basketball, he believes his greatest strength is his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His leadership, however, goes beyond his own team. Mouhadeb created Ball for All, where he plays basketball with children with special needs. He also created a website connecting basketball to topics outside the game, including business, politics, and life lessons, and has written more than 20 articles. These experiences have shaped the legacy he hopes to leave behind at Flatbush: he wants younger players to see the hours he spends in the gym and understand the work it takes to improve, while also recognizing that basketball is about more than winning. For his final season, Mouhadeb is not hiding his goals. He wants Flatbush to win the Yeshiva League championship, win the national tournament at Sarachek, and finish as the number one team in America. He believes this year’s team has the athleticism, dedication and determination to accomplish something special. When his season ends and the last game in which he wears the Flatbush jersey arrives, Mouhadeb does not want championships or statistics to be the only things people remember. He hopes to be remembered as the teammate who made people around him better, the captain who led by example, and the player who gave everything he had every time he stepped onto the court.