Yeshivah of Flatbush Bulletin Winter 2016

Y hivah of Flatbush ‫הישיבה דפלטבוש‬ Yes

February 2016 Adar 1 5776 A

A Yeshivah of Flatbush

Complete Education

Welcome

A Note from the YOF Campus I

n a school which honors tradition and celebrates change, every day offers a new beginning rooted in 90 years of excellence. We write jointly because this Bulletin is intended to give you a taste of the experience which is the daily life at our school, from Early Childhood through 12th grade. We are preparing our students for college and life beyond.

As you read these pages, you will see the academic depth, personalized attention and opportunities for creativity and collaboration enjoyed by our students across the grades.

This Bulletin captures our faculty’s enthusiasm about our students’

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Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari JBHS Head of School

growth in all spheres. You will also see how this spirit translates into chesed and service to others.

at right). In Spring 2018, we will fully renovate the current South Building to update our learning environments.

In our Blueprint for Excellence Joel Braverman High School campaign, we have completed the new Khezrie Auditorium, Laboz Lobby and the recently opened Laniado Gym. The design of the new building on the North side of the High School is well under way. We are on target to break ground this year – and for the doors to open for our students Fall 2018!

Among many stunning features, the design offers a double-height Bet Midrash and a two story multi-function Library (see both renderings,

As you reflect on all of the programs featured in this publication, we thank you for caring about our students and so generously supporting our mission. Come visit with us on either of our campuses to see our students and school in action. We look forward to sharing our exciting future with you.

Rabbi Lawrence Schwed Head of Elementary School

Please enjoy this inspiring issue of the YOF Bulletin.

Rabbi Seth Linfield Executive Director

“Among many stunning features, the design offers a double-height Bet Midrash and a two story multi-function Library.”

Yeshivah of Flatbush DattnerArchitects

LIBR ARY

Rolling Grilles

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Mall Storefronts Behind Storefront Glass School Corridors Service Window Openings Healthcare Airports / Transportation Hospitality / Public Space Parking Garage Vehicular Access Control

Benefits

+ Cornell can manufacture and ship most standard grilles in one to two weeks. + Size Flexibility - each unit is built to exact opening size requirements. + Compact Storage - curtain stores in an overhead coil that is totally supported by extensions of the side guides. + Durability - commercial duty design. + Maintenance - little to none. + Repairs - job records are retained and parts are readily available.

Available Options

+ Hoods and fascias + Cylinder locks with or without an interior thumbturn + Bottom bar sensing edge for motorized units + Operator covers for exterior mounted units or exposed operators below 8’-0” high + Emergency manual release system + Motor mounted interlock device

Images: Dattner Architects

Ba mboo Ceiling

Car p et Floor ing

Wood Circulation Desk

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Elementar y School

Middle Division Jewish Studies Programs Bloom Throughout the Year Check out some of our innovative programming blending Torah into our students’ daily lives.

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iddle Division students are offered a broad spectrum of Torah learning throughout the semester. Here are some of the ways our students are absorbing the richness of the texts:

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In Rabbi Avraham Benhamu’s Navi class, students annotated the Tanach so that they can study it with a fuller understanding. Students also have their own digital, annotated version of Gemara to elucidate questions and answers.

the iPad or in the Tanach, and the other student opens Rabbi Dweck’s pre-made Google Form on the Parashah. Together, they use previous knowledge and the Pesukim to answer questions on the Parashah. In his Navi classes, Rabbi Dweck has been using Sefaria – a new and improved online library of Jewish Texts – to read the Pesukim. The students can highlight a Pasuk by clicking on it on the board, on their iPads, or on Rabbi Dweck’s iPad when the Apple TV is in use in the classroom.

In his weekly Hazzanut Module, Rabbi Dweck has brought in his “oud” to accompany the Pizmonim that the boys are learning in the class.

Students are invited to post halachic questions to the class. ██

In Rabbi Nathan Dweck’s Lashon class, the students wrote stories in groups about Beit HaSefer, and then presented their stories to the class. Now that all Middle Division students have a full Tanach, the Rabbi uses other parts of the Tanach as background to or enhancement of a Perek. Students work on iPads and are paired up: one student opens the text on

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Guitar in hand, Rabbi Shlomie Felendler began “Tuesday Tunes” this fall with his 6th grade classes.

Expounding on a theme in the week’s parasha, students are taught a song, learn the meaning of the words, and discuss its message.

A Mix of Physics and Torah

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Faculty member Dovrat Levi’s 8th grade Lashon class played an Israeli version of basketball. The class completed a unit on sports along with Hebrew terminology and slang. The game was played, scored and refereed in Hebrew.

Sixth grade Lashon students in faculty member Chana Mantel’s classes studied a unit on Hebrew words related to communication and computers.

Rabbi Eli Orner’s 7th grade Gemara boys have begun to learn how to break up a Sugya (topic) into four parts, and can now repeat Shakla Vtarya-order of Gemara.

They are also beginning a series of videos and lessons on the chain of Torah She Baal Peh, teaching how we as Jews are links in the beautiful long chain of Am Yisrael.

Led by Rabbi Kalman Nochlin, the girls in class 6-406 made artistic outlines of personalities that they learned about in Shmuel Aleph and filled the body of the outline with Pesukim or information that they learned about that specific personality.

In Rabbi Jack Varon’s Tanach Footnotes—Building Reading and Textual skill in Chumash and Navi class, instead of copying lists of Beure-Milim in their notebooks, students are taught how to take footnotes and define the vocabulary terms in their Tanachs.

Middle Division welcomed renowned University of Chicago physicist Rabbi Nathan Aviezer to explain the connection between Torah and science to further enhance classroom discussions led by Rabbi Avraham Benhamu and science faculty member Paul Schwartz.

Creative Assignments Boost Middle Division Students’ Inherent Understanding of Subjects

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t’s no surprise that Middle Division teachers constantly come up with engaging ways to get their students energized for different topics: El-Al students (an advanced literature program) in faculty member Barbara Zelenetz’s class have been enriching their discussion of the supernatural by studying the music of Franz Schubert and the classic poem “Der Erlkonig,” by German poet Goethe. In addition, they saw a Twilight Zone episode that built on their understanding of the unit.

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Davida Foxman’s 7th and 8th grade classes created ads and posters as part of a book report assignment. Seventh graders also wrote imaginary diary entries of the main character of one of the stories discussed in class.

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Classes 7-407 and 7-410 ran a mock trial with faculty member Rita Franco to decide who was responsible for the murder of the native people in Central America in 1492. Students had to prosecute and defend Columbus and his men, the King and Queen, Natives and the System of Empire to determine who was guilty.

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Ellen Pearlman’s 6th grade classes created vocabulary journals where they can add images of new words they learn in each unit. The images help the students visualize the meaning of the word.

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Linda Srour’s classes recently explored “mind mirrors” where students worked in groups to draw, identify, and analyze characters from a novel. They demonstrated their knowledge of character and identity struggle.

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Using Veterans Day as the starting point, 8th grade students began a war unit that will introduce them to several World War I poems, Civil War stories, and other relevant works in an attempt to illustrate different attitudes towards war.

Emphasis will be placed on the power of poetic images to portray these widely different perspectives.

Jaclyn Cohen’s 6th graders created comic strips and acted out screenplays with props and costumes inspired by short stories they read.

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Elementar y School

Lower Division Derech Eretz I

n the Lower Division Derech Eretz program, the theme is achdut— unity. Derech eretz is exemplified when we work together to help and care for each other. The program was kicked off at an annual assembly, where Lower Division Assistant Principal of Torah Studies, Rivka Zaklikowski, spoke to students about mitzvat hakhel, the gathering that took place following the shmitta year of all Jews. Our Bnot Sherut— Efrat Sinai and Eden Giat—performed

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an enchanting skit focusing on two brothers who planned to build a wall between them, but wound up accepting a bridge, which repaired their relationship. It was heartwarming to see the children swaying together, singing “Hine Ma Tov.” In order to promote and encourage unity with our brothers and sisters in Israel, Lower Division students are collecting donations for United Hatzalah of Israel throughout the year.

The theme is the basis for weekly derech eretz lessons in the classrooms, as well as the focus of the students’ journals and workshops. There are also monthly assemblies, projects and programs to inculcate the students with true derech eretz values and afford them real-life opportunities to perform acts of chesed. The program was coordinated

by Supervisor of Torah Studies Chani Gratzman and Special Projects Coordinator Leah Fink.

A Fitting Intro to “Fiddler”

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English chairperson Barbara Zelenetz led an enthusiastic group of 8th graders to see Broadway’s “Fiddler on the Roof” as part of the Humanities Plus program. To prep for the show, students were introduced to Tevye and the inhabitants of Anatevka in a pre-session that taught them about shtetl life and its many hardships in Eastern Europe.

Monthly Reminders of Kindness Inspire Decency Early In Life

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s part of the Early Childhood “midot in Action” program, our children learn a different midah each month. Here are some of the midot we are focusing on this year and how the children practice them and understand their importance.

CHESHVAN

Have a Smile

KISLEV Sharing

Smiling spreads happiness and motivates people to be kind.

Children brought in books and treats to share with their classmates, and learned that a classroom is a great place to practice sharing!

TEVET

Children were reminded to use “manner words” and to always be polite and gracious.

ADAR ALEPH

The children learn the benefits of helping care for the sick and visiting someone who is ill.

Manners

Bikor Cholim

IYAR

Friendship

SIVAN

Hachnosat Orchim

Students learn how to be a good friend and respect other’s feelings and needs.

Students invite other classes into their classrooms to practice the mitzvah of having guests over.

FUNdations Program Helps Students Focus

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OF teachers are consistently seeking new ways to refresh their daily class plans. For first grade teachers, training in the new FUNdations program provides alternate ways of teaching phonics and differentiating instruction. Teachers began the first of four training sessions in October by a Wilson Language trained coordinator. Faculty member Susie Shrem enrolled in a coaching training program during the summer, and she is now the on-campus coach who will provide ongoing professional development.

“Working as the FUNdations facilitator for first grade teachers has been a phenomenal learning experience. The students are being enriched with an in-depth understanding of word structure and meaning,” explains Mrs. Shrem.

The FUNdations program lays the groundwork for cohesive, focused reading. Emphases are on phonemic awareness, phonics, high frequency words, reading fluency, vocabulary building, better handwriting, and good spelling. These strategies enhance comprehension and offer tips that will help students become stronger readers.

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Elementar y School

Lighting the Candles, Warming the Heart L

ower Division celebrated Hanukkah in the way it does best—with holiday activities, oil-pressing, and an invitation to all of its students to share special moments at home lighting the family menorah. Here are some warm memories from this festive time of year at YOF.

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YOF Auction XXV Parents, students, friends, faculty and staff celebrated YOF at the 25th Annual Auction. The magnificent dĂŠcor and fantastic turnout made the night one to remember. Kudos to chairs Sarah Chalouh and Hana Hasson, and Director of Operations Esther Kizelnik, for their tireless efforts.

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Elementar y School

Reina Varon A”H 4th Grade Business Fair Teaches Business Basics

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he smell of popcorn filled the air as eager customers scrambled from booth to booth at the Reina Varon A”H 4th Grade Business Fair.

The fair is named in memory of Reina Varon, a special little girl who passed away several years ago when she was in the 4th grade. All money made at the fair is donated to tzedakah.

The Business Fair combines curriculum math concepts with the ins and outs of running a business. In preparation for the fair, 4th graders work for a month developing a business plan.

Teachers guide their students with step-by- step instructions from the idea to actualization. This year, the fair conveniently fell before Hanukkah, so the children brainstormed ideas on what goods to sell for the holiday.

Students also spoke with parents about what they could contribute

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from their own businesses. In groups, students collaborated on names and catchy phrases to go with their businesses. They came up with creative flyers to market their booths all around school.

When the day of the fair finally arrived, the excitement from the students was palpable as they set up their booths and waited for the first customers to come in. From desserts, accessories, toys and even hermit crabs, there was something for everyone.

In Judaism, we have an obligation to give a tithe from the money that we make. Maaser—one tenth—is the standard amount that was set in Jewish tradition. The business fair teaches children from a young age that with everything you earn

you need to also be thinking about others. Mrs. Shaindy Finkiel, 4th grade teacher and Business Fair coordinator, commented, “Students are encouraged to create a business and run it independently, all for tzedakah. This is a wonderful learning opportunity, giving them an invaluable feeling of accomplishment.” One could see the students got the message as they took their roles as young entrepreneurs seriously, giving their businesses their all.

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Powerful Pow Wow Early Childhood students participated in a festive Thanksgiving Pow Wow to celebrate all they were thankful for.

Wearing colorful costumes, children spiritedly sang and danced to Thanksgiving songs, then enjoyed a feast in their classrooms.

Navy Seal Visits for Veterans Day

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ormer Navy Officer and FBI counter-terrorist agent Lt. Lance Burton (USN retired) began his two-day leadership training seminar with Middle Division students teaching the lesson “Anyone can train when they want to; champions train even when they don’t want to.”

Students were fascinated to meet a true-to-life warrior, who has put his life on the line to defend the values and freedoms of the United States.

They were enamored by his stories from his Navy SEAL training and

what must be endured to be the best. He explained that the workload was so strenuous that during the infamous “Hellweek,” trainees would eat up to 20,000 calories a day and still lose weight as they ran up to 50 miles—sometimes carrying 80 pounds of gear while being exposed to freezing temperatures. Lt. Burton said that more than testing for physical stamina and endurance, the SEALs test for mental toughness and resiliency—the idea being that if you can survive SEAL training, you can survive anything.

Young Pioneers Explore New Frontiers with Google Expeditions

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iddle Division and select Lower Division classes participate in Google’s Pioneer Expeditions Program. Expeditions works in conjunction with a teacher’s existing lesson plan and creates a group adventure that classes take together. This enables teachers to bring students on virtual trips, giving them a 360-degree view of any given scene, such as the 4th grade’s trip to Washington D.C.’s monuments or 7th grade’s underwater adventure.

Students piloted the Google Expeditions program with faculty member Fortune Terzi. Using the specially designed Google Cardboard they took an “out of this world” trip to the moon. The students then started to put their knowledge on matter to the test! They also created “slime” in the lab, which reinforced their lessons on mixtures, solutions, and changes.

Some other “expeditions” included an 8th grade virtual tour of Gettysburg,

Pennsylvania with faculty member Deborah Brand. A representative from Google’s educational department brought his high tech equipment to the classroom so the students could see firsthand where the battles took place and the area where Lincoln gave his famous Address. Also, Rita Franco’s 7th grade classes visited the ruins of the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan empires. Sixth graders experienced climbing the Athenian Acropolis to see the Parthenon.

Teachers use a tablet to guide students to their destination and suggest where to look; a white arrow appears on their cardboard viewers to guide further. This unique experience brings the teacher’s lessons to life and students feel as if they are actually in the places they are studying. Students are eager for more and are asking if the technology is something they could have at home.

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Elementar y School “Dads Do Tefillah” Event:

Bonding With a Higher Purpose I

n late December, Elementary School fathers and other family members joined their children in tefillah at the annual “Dads Do Tefillah” program, hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. This is one of the most anticipated days of the year, as students look forward to sharing this moment with their fathers.

The morning showed the wonderfully impressive work our students and teachers do, and the kavanah devoted to tefillah daily. This winter tradition is a unique opportunity for fathers to get a snapshot into an integral part of their child’s day and see how they are becoming bnei/bnot Torah.

Following tefillah, fathers heard a Dvar Torah from Middle Division Principal Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg.

The morning continued with a breakfast prepared in their honor. The dedicated work of committee members Ladies Auxiliary President Lynne Erdos and President-Elect Nicole Oved, Jamie Bailey, Aliza Salem, Becky Cohen and Sarah Chalouh ensured the smooth flow of the event.

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Kindergarten Science Fair Kindergarten students impressed their peers with their knowledge of climates and animals at the Kindergarten Science Fair. One class taught about the Arctic and the animals that live there, another taught about what and who can be found in rain forests and the final class taught about the oceans.

A Night at the Movies

T Lower Division Math Students Learn to Manipulate

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ath Manipulative Mania has arrived at YOF. Lower Division is using more math manipulatives than ever. Manipulatives help to teach the Common Core standards in a concrete way, which leads to a better understanding of math concepts.

Children enjoy using the materials to find solutions to problems and for experimentation. Danielle Betesh’s class used coins, colored tiles, and spinners to learn probability, and Shaindy Finkiel’s class used fraction

circles to learn about improper fractions and mixed numbers.

The students are having fun and learning at the same time. Students from grades three, four and five visited the Museum of Mathematics for an exciting workshop and exploration of the exhibits.

he JBHS Khezrie Auditorium became abuzz with excited children of all ages for the Ladies Auxiliary Hanukkah Movie.

The evening began with a menorah lighting ceremony led by Head of Elementary School Rabbi Lawrence Schwed, followed by a performance from our 7th grade chazzanut boys, guided by Middle Division faculty member Rabbi Nathan Dweck. The ceremony culminated with Rabbi Dweck treating the crowd to a concert on his very own traditional lute, called an “oud.”

Next was the main event screening of Disney’s original “Toy Story,” a favorite among children and parents alike. The event was organized by Ladies Auxiliary President Lynne Erdos, President-Elect Nicole Oved, and Hanukkah committee members Deborah Epstein, Claire Frastai and Amy Sasson.

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Elementar y School

Modern-Day Pilgrims in K-236 Share a Link to Our Past A

week before Thanksgiving, four “modern-day pilgrims” accepted an invitation to visit Morah Mindi Gordon’s class K-236. The class had been learning about the original Pilgrims who set sail on the Mayflower.

In honor of the holiday, Morah Mindi sent out emails to the children’s family members asking if there were any “modern-day pilgrims” in the family—someone who left his or her birth country to come to America in search of freedom and a better life.

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The class designed flags to match the birth country of each pilgrim.

The teachers then made each child a passport stamped with each

country. When the day arrived, the pilgrims were set up at separate stations and arranged their own childhood pictures, artifacts, recipes, stories, etc. As the children traveled from station to station, they listened in still silence as every pilgrim told their story of what it was like to grow up in their country, and the reason for leaving to start a new life. They spoke about the things they left behind, and the few treasured things they took with them. They shared family pictures from the present, and told of the beautiful lives they built here in America.

What happened next amazed everyone.

Morah Shelly Newman from K-238 came in to look at the beautiful displays. She walked over to Lebanese pilgrim Arlette Gindi’s table who is from Beirut, and was formerly a teacher (her granddaughter in the class is Michelle Anteby).

Morah Shelly told her that she herself is also a pilgrim from Beirut. Then, Morah Shelley picked up an old class picture of Mrs. Gindi’s —AND FOUND HERSELF IN THE PICTURE! She was a kindergarten student in Mrs. Gindi’s class in Lebanon. There were hugs, laughter, and looks of disbelief. The reunion was priceless.

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Third Graders Visit the Apple Store Mrs. Orli Listman’s class 3-202 learned how to create their own stories at the Apple Store. Using iPads, students learned how to use Book Maker to create their own superhero character and story.

The students had the opportunity to present their completed stories to the entire store.

Two S.A.F.E. Programs Empower Students

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tudents in the third, fourth and fifth grades participated in an Internet Safety Program with S.A.F.E. Students watched age-appropriate video vignettes and then broke into discussion groups. Discussions focused on concepts such as online privacy, password safety, safe web surfing, protecting our personal information, reporting concerns to an adult and online etiquette.

Second Graders Treasure Diversity T

he second grade “Friends & Feelings” program is geared towards social and emotional awareness among students. Designed by Creative Arts Therapist Sally Shatzkes and facilitated by the Guidance Department staff, “Friends & Feelings” combines creative arts and counseling within the classroom. The program offers students an opportunity to find common ground with their classmates and to celebrate each other’s differences.

With the driving theme of “Kindness and Respect for All,” students relate to each other through theater, games, art, literature, storytelling, creative writing, and role play. The second graders created their masterpiece, “Feelings Characters,” based on how feelings would look if they became living characters. These characters were then used in a real-life scenario, exploring which characters move closer and farther away when someone is teased or left out. The students also wrote in journals about their personal experiences each week.

Fifth graders also took part in interactive programs with nutrition therapist Dalia Abott, LMSW, RD. The presentation focused on recognizing and appreciating personal strengths, encouraging positive self-talk, complimenting others, and having a healthy body image. Students left with positive affirmations that they need to remind themselves about on a daily basis.

Both programs were facilitated by the Guidance Department.

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High School

Japanese Internment Survivors Address Freshmen

By Sam E. Beyda, JBHS Student

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he freshman class was privileged to hear the stories of three Japanese Americans who were imprisoned in American internment camps during World War II at an assembly that brought the students’ summer reading assignment to life.

Incoming freshmen were asked to read The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. The novel takes place through the eyes of Henry Lee, the son of Chinese immigrants. Young Henry’s dearest friend, Keiko, is of Japanese descent, and as a result she is taken from her home and placed in an internment camp, just like thousands of real-life Japanese-Americans during WWII.

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“The assembly helped our students understand that people’s stories are not a static historical document, but a living portrait of what occurred to Japanese-American citizens in America during World War Two,” explained English Department faculty member Miles Ehrenkranz, who arranged the assembly with fellow English faculty member Jaclyn Pahuskin.

Mike Ishii, the son of internment camp survivors, introduced the three survivors: Madeline Sugimoto, Kaz Yamaguchi, and Suki Terada Ports.

Sugimoto was in the real-life camp where the book’s character Keiko is placed. Yamaguchi and Terada Ports were both placed in a camp on Ellis Island. Terada Ports was born in Harlem and her father was born in Hawaii. However, Terada Ports’ mother was born in Japan and was put under house arrest.

Terada Ports said it was not difficult for her to adjust back to civilization after the war ended, “because I had my family with me.” But for others it was much harder because there was still anti-Japanese sentiment.

Sugimoto said at this point in her life, she has forgiven the government for placing her in a camp. She explained, “Yes. It was a very difficult period in my life—but we can’t walk around feeling victimized all the time.”

Students found the assembly to be informative, inspiring, and moving, and felt it painted a clear picture of what life was like in the internment camps, and what it was to be a Japanese-American during WWII.

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JBHS Welcomes Congressman Juniors welcomed Congressman Todd Rokita (R-IN), who discussed his bill on protecting student data, as well as the state of our political leadership.

JBHS Tech Upgrades Re-Energize Students and Staff

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he full Mac lab upgrade of the operating system on all work stations and the installation of the latest version of the Adobe Creative Suite programs, Creative Cloud 2015, was sizable enough. But the purchase and installation of new Macs were improvements beyond Arts faculty member Therese Berkowitz’s dreams.

“Students now have access to the most current versions of software, so that when they go out into the design world, or work at home, they are versed in the latest programs, their files are compatible and I am able to teach the industry standard,” explained Mrs. Berkowitz. “The upgrades demonstrate a commitment to our graphic arts program, our students and to me personally.”

Students are overjoyed by the speed and efficiency of these new processors and expanded RAM. Aside from the Mac lab, the library recently acquired hundreds of e-book titles, easily accessible and down-

loadable through YOF’s online catalog.

These digital books, which complement the library’s impressive print book collection, span the gamut of subject areas, including social studies, literature, biography, fiction, math, science, technology, the arts and more.

Electronic databases provide tens of thousands of articles culled from hundreds of scholarly and peer-reviewed journals, periodicals, reference sources, images, charts, multimedia clips, and primary documents. These databases help students reach their goals in all study areas.

Parent-Senior Breakfast – More Than Just Muffins

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OF’s annual Parent-Senior Breakfast at JBHS was attended by over 150 parents, who joined their children for a morning of good food and inspiration. After greetings from Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, YOF alumnus Victoria Twito (HS 2013) spoke about her experience transitioning from high school to college. Guests then attended separate interactive sessions, giving them the opportunity to exchange ideas on various topics related to the evolution of the parentchild relationship during this time of transition. Themes included trust, independence, responsibility, and communication within families.

JBHS Director of Guidance Dr. Etty Mizrahi coordinated the event with her team.

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High School

The Lion King Roars Onstage in Its First Hebrew Production

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he JBHS cast and crew of the Hanukkah Hebrew production, “Melech Haarayot,” (“The Lion King”), put on one of the most spectacular productions to have ever graced the JBHS stage.

The script was translated just for this performance by JBHS’s Dr. Lea Gerber and YOF parent Perach Malka.

This Broadway-caliber show, directed by Drama Therapist Sally Shatzkes, under the musical direction of Danny Shatzkes, took place with an African savannah backdrop.

The magnificent costumes were created by parent Rachel Hasson and her daughter, cast member Aida.

To hear the familiar songs of a Disney classic vibrantly translated into Hebrew was a feat in itself, and had huge appeal with the audience. “Melech Haarayot” showcased the acting talents of our students as the story allowed for a broad range of emotions as they took us through the Circle of Life (Galgal Hachaim). More than 60 students were involved in the production. Choir director Brian Gelfand and the YOF Orchestra, directed by Joel Hessel, performed the show’s overture. Preceding the play, the choir sang a Hebrew version of “In the Jungle” to set the mood.

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This event was a meaningful tribute to former student performer Jason Botnick, in whose memory the play is dedicated. The production brought to light how much Jason enjoyed entertaining, and the moments of comic relief reminded those who knew him of his own unforgettable moments onstage in YOF productions.

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Students Test Their Skills in DNA Lab AP Biology Classes 1 and 2, with Rabbi Craig Lubner and Dr. Joyce Fruchter, visited the DNA Learning Center in Harlem where they carried out an experiment on mitochondrial DNA.

Pathfinders Gives Students a Taste of the Future T

hrough the Pathfinders Program, YOF encourages its students to discover and expand their unique academic pursuits, talents, and career ideas. This innovative program, a natural complement to college guidance, is an exciting way for students to strengthen their college portfolios, build resumes, and network with industry professionals. Between June and December 2015, sixty percent of the student body participated in at least one Pathfinders opportunity.

At the beginning of every school year, Pathfinders counselor Shifra Hanon (assisted by Doris Anteby) gives each student a survey where students describe their interests, hobbies, and career pursuits. The students are then matched with opportunities throughout the year where they can volunteer, intern, and attend trips. The students are coached on communication, leadership, and team-building skills.

YOF’s main goal is to have students get a taste of an industry in which they are interested and become familiar with a realistic working environment. Flatbush student interns gain hands-on exposure in the field of their interest, while building their resume and creating professional relationships for their future.

Here is a representative sample of Pathfinders internships, trips and training programs: NUTRITION: Internship with author and registered dietician Beth Warren.

THE NEW YORK JETS SPORTS BUSINESS DAY: Students were taken on an interactive tour at MetLife stadium and met with top executives concerning the different business facets in running an NFL franchise.

ART: Students traveled to the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery at Kean University to meet with exhibiting artist Ellen Hanauer.

PUBLIC SPEAKING: Five-week public speaking course with David Hurdle Tawil, focusing on school presentations.

LAW: Students spent a day in court observing a murder trial and watching defense attorney Avi Moskowitz in action; one student is volunteering as the Associate Law Clerk to Lauren B. Edelman, Esq., Chambers of J. Visitacion-Lewis, in the NY State Supreme Court; 12 students toured the Brooklyn Courthouse for a day with Judge Esther Morganstern.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Marketing assistant internship for The S.A.F.E. Foundation.

SCIENCE: Two lab trips to the American Museum of Natural History: Microbiology lab— students cultured bacteria from their own hands; Forensics lab— students helped determine the identity of an unknown individual whose body had been recovered.

ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT TRAINING: Music and Memory Program at Sephardic Community Center for caregivers.

BUSINESS/FINANCE: Students entered the Virtual Enterprises International Business Plan Competition Manhattan Business Academy.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Students learn photographic skills with photographer Rinette Azzizo.

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High School

First Ever Flatbush Shabbaton!

By YOF Parent Beatrice Sutton

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or many of us, the word “seminar” brings to mind the nostalgia of high school. Some of my fondest memories include weekends away, swaying back and forth in the dark while singing “Hamalech Hagoel”, sessions in a circle, and staying up late laughing with friends. High school ended, and as life took its course, so did the promise of attending any more Shabbatons. That was until December 25, when YOF hosted the very first Family Shabbaton and JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, where more than 300 people, encompassing 42 Flatbush families, packed their suitcases, piled their children into cars and headed down to the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ. Checked-in and dressed in our best, our group ushered in Shabbat

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with ruach and dancing; it was the obvious start to what would be an unforgettable, jam-packed weekend.

At dinner, I couldn’t help but appreciate that, along with my husband and children, my best friend was sitting to my right; my first cousin at the table next to us; my son’s rabbi sat behind us—and several YOF principals were across the room. What united us all was that we all wanted to be present and experience this meaningful Shabbat together.

After dinner, families attended various workshops. One door led my nursery children straight into the arms of Early Childhood Director Debbie Levine Greenbaum and Assistant Director Cheryl Weinberger. My eldest were engaged in conversation with Associate Principal Toba Goldberg and Middle Division teacher Rabbi

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Walking Philosophers The girls from Rabbi Haber’s Jewish Philosophy class went hiking on Moses Mountain in Staten Island after being inspired by an idea discussed in class: In order for one to attempt to understand, know and serve Hashem, one must look towards His creations.

Nathan Dweck. Adults chose from a variety of topics which included dealing with strangers, parenting in the age of technology, Israel awareness, having faith in challenging times, and dating in today’s society.

The Shabbat morning prayers were one of the highlights of the weekend.

Flatbush students prepared and read the entire Parasha from start to finish while mothers and fathers beamed with pride. After lunch, we set off to the workshops that we hadn’t yet visited and threw ourselves into the discussions. Before we knew it, the sun had set and we were in the midst of an emotionally charged havdalah ceremony with the candle held high

by Holocaust survivors Sabina Green and Ruth Sokol—participants in the YOF Witness Theater Program. After singing and high-energy rikkudim, we were ready for the family games to begin: team Reeses versus team Kit Kat, M&Ms versus Twix. We challenged one another to musical chairs, “Name that Tune,” and my personal favorite, “tush volleyball.”

After an inspiring day that also included uplifting speeches, we stood in the dim light with our arms around one another singing “Hatikvah.”

Aside from Rabbi Besser, JBHS Assistant Administrator David Galpert and the Shabbaton Committee (Yvette Hidary, Amy Sasson, Johanna Shamah, Nina Shamah, Jeanne Zirdok and Erica Dweck) worked very hard to achieve this extraordinary weekend.

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High School

Junior Seminar Provides Inspiration

By YOF Student Marcelle Cohen

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uniors spent a seminar weekend together in November, at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ. They started preparing for the theme of the weekend – chesed—a few days before as they visited Imagine Academy, SBH, Ohel Children’s Home, and Haym Solomon Nursing Home.

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After arriving at the hotel, pre-Shabbat ruach began with singing and dancing. During Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi Benjy Kramer delivered the Dvar Torah that discussed how the values of Judaism remind us of what is truly important. Señora Sara Ovadia gave a beautiful talk about

Rachel Imenu’s act of chesed, giving up her groom in order to prevent her sister from being embarrassed. The night’s sessions, including a talk by JBHS Principal Rabbi Ronald Levy, were about the difference between fun and happiness, and how to find Hashem all around us. At the tisch, the students gathered to hear about one another’s experiences with chesed, whether they were on the giving or receiving end. Many students opened up, leaving the grade to feel united as one.

Shabbat morning prayers were made more special after listening to faculty member Rabbi Craig Lubner, who

made reference to the recent acts of terrorism in Israel and the unity of the Jews around the world. In the elective session of Shabbat morning, each group discussed a personality trait and how to incorporate chesed into the specific trait.

After lunch, faculty member Adam Hofstetter spoke about how instead of looking for the people who do chesed in the world, we should become those people. Seuda Sheleshit included a spiritual singing circle and speeches, given by alumna Celia Tawil and JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser.

The whole Shabbat experience left us with a yearning to incorporate chesed into our lives.

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SGO Commission Fair The 8th annual SGO Commission Fair introduced students to the multitude of extracurricular opportunities the school has to offer and encouraged their involvement to round out their school days. Each unique display invited students to expand their horizons and delve into a commission of his or her choice.

College Night Welcomes Princeton Review V.P.

C VEI Successfully Manages a Virtual Business

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he YOF Virtual Enterprises International (VEI) class, along with their teacher, Leor Kweller, traveled to the Manhattan Business Academy to compete in the citywide VEI Business Plan Competition.

VEI allows students to experience working in the real business world.

Under the guidance of a teacher/facilitator, students create and manage their virtual businesses from product development, production and distribution to marketing, sales, human resources, accounting/finance and web design. With an emphasis on college and career readiness, VEI provides students with a competitive edge through project-based, collaborative learning and the development

of 21st-century skills in entrepreneurship, global business, problem solving, communication, personal finance and technology.

The students worked together throughout the school year to create a virtual business, marketing their products to the VEI marketplace, managing the daily financial aspects of the virtual business and putting together a cohesive business plan and PowerPoint presentation.

Students Shlomo Husni, Alan Frastai, Michael Abadie, Teddy Beyda, Isaac Dweck and Amanda Heskiel successfully presented their wealth management corporation, T-Corp, to a team of judges, and will continue to build on this powerful experience.

ollege Kickoff Night featured a special guest this year: Rob Franek, Vice President and Publisher at The Princeton Review. Juniors and their parents benefited from an interactive and energetic conversation about college admissions with Mr. Franek, as he shared some insider tips about the application review process and what colleges are looking for in an applicant.

He encouraged students to open their minds to consider colleges which suit individual needs and goals rather than only thinking about schools with name recognition.

Students and their parents were also given their unique log-in information for Naviance, a licensed web platform which helps students and parents make informed decisions by allowing each student to compare colleges, match colleges to career interests, explore scholarship opportunities, and track the status of transcripts and letters of recommendation.

This evening was coordinated

by Director of College Guidance Michelle Biller-Levy and the College Guidance team.

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YOF Alumni Alumni Spotlight: Barry Spielman (HS 81) YOF spoke with Barry about his new history book, From Gettysburg to Golan: How two great battles were won—and the lessons they share (Hampress, 2015), and how Flatbush inspired his enthusiasm for America and Israel.

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studied at Flatbush from 19771981. I wasn’t very involved in the Jewish community then, but my Zionist education would last a lifetime.

I studied the last half of my senior year in Israel at Bar-Ilan University, which changed my life. Everything I learned before came together. I slowly became observant and committed to a life in Israel. I credit Flatbush for the education and Zionist background that led me to my life and family in Israel. Although I came back to the U.S. to get my Master’s degree, my future was already set: I married a girl I met at Bar-Ilan and we returned to Israel— and have been here ever since.

It was always important for me to be in the army, and when I got back to Israel in 1988, I embarked on an army career in the IDF Spokesman’s Unit. I am now a Lt. Colonel in the reserves. I left the army career seven years later, but stayed active in the reserves and worked in Israeli hi-tech. I have been in hi-tech since that time other than a short two-year stint when I went on Shlichot for the Jewish Agency and headed the Aliyah Department, based in New York City. I spoke at YOF on Yom Haatzmaut 2012, one of the most

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personally powerful moments I can remember. I had the opportunity to thank the school and its staff for the influence that YOF had on me and that led me to my life in Israel, my IDF career path, and to my family (my wife Mindy and I have four children).

I am an American History buff, specifically about the American Revolution and Civil War. During my time at Flatbush, President Ford spoke to the students and it was a real highlight. But alongside my love for America was a love for Israel and Zionism that were embodied in my experience at YOF. This passion permeated everything, from Rabbi Amnon Haramati’s famous classes to Rabbi Yotav Eliach’s class on Zionism. We were encouraged to

go to Israel to study and experience the country. Those years shaped me. And while life in Israel hasn’t always been easy, I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

Although I live in Israel, my connection to America has also remained strong. Research for writing From Gettysburg to Golan led to visiting Gettysburg and other Civil War battlefields, as well as the battlefields of the Yom Kippur War in the Golan Heights. These visits let me combine my passions. My current position in the reserves involves me in the joint exercises between the U.S. forces and Israel. I gave a talk to the combined forum of officers from the two armies recently, in one of our exercise preparation meetings.

The connection between Israel and the U.S. is at the core of so much of what I believe in and what I do.

The book was a way of showing that affinity, of common values, common history and common lessons from two very critical battles that changed history in both countries.

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Real Estate Professional Grad Speaks to YOF Eric Stern (ES 96, HS 00) lectured to the Pathfinders’ Real Estate Club in January. Eric teaches a real estate development class at the NYU Schack School of Real Estate, and is a chazzan in his spare time.

10th Anniversary Reunion T

he YOF JBHS Class of 2005 celebrated their 10th Anniversary Reunion in the high school. The turnout was terrific, proving that the friendships and bonds formed during the high school years are as strong as ever. The reunion was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends, former classmates, teachers and faculty, and, at the same time, to reconnect and learn about what is happening at the school today.

These graduates marveled at the improvements to the campus. Mazal Tov and Mabrook to the Class of 2005 on reaching this milestone!

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Sports

Falcons Soccer Kicks it Up a Notch T

he YOF Falcons and three other soccer teams gathered outdoors to take part in the Inaugural Mid-Atlantic Yeshiva Boys Soccer Tournament.

The teams from YOF (led by Athletics Director Eric Amkraut), Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy (Rockville, MD), Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (Livingston, NJ) and Kohelet Yeshiva High School (Merion Station, PA) met on the fields of the Philadelphia Soccer Club for an afternoon of round-robin competition. For some, this event would be the culminating event of the season; for others it would be their first contest on an

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outdoor football pitch. In the end, the Falcons flew high, but not high enough. Although they lost on the field, they brought back a new experience that will inevitably lead to better outcomes for future games.

After the tournament, the players all gathered as one community to daven mincha. Since the event brought all of the teams together, that theme continued as Falcon Eli Aballi led tefillah with the traditional Sephardi nusach—a rare experience for the predominantly Ashkenazi students of the other three schools.

Senior Falcons rookie goalkeeper Moses Betesh expressed, “Even though we lost, we played—and prayed—like a team. I got a real feel for how to play the position, and I am really looking forward to getting back out on the field again!” In reflecting on the event, Flatbush Coach Eli Amzalag explained, “The Falcons never quit. They vocally supported each other and really raised the atmosphere across the pitch.”

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Hockey Magic at Barclays For the first time, Flatbush Falcons – past and present – played hockey on ice with skates and pucks, and it was glorious! Skating at Barclays Center, the energy was palpable, with Falcons in fluid motion on the ice.

It was a truly magical experience!

Laniado Gymnasium Opens to Cheers from Players and Coaches

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he long-awaited Laniado Auxiliary Gym, dedicated by Ronit and Hagai Laniado, opened in September!

YOF Executive Director Rabbi Seth Linfield welcomed an enthusiastic contingent of students, faculty, family and friends to the special event marking the dedication of the new athletic facility. The morning began with a welcome breakfast with images of the planned renovation of the Main Gym and the “Blueprint for Excellence” expansion project for the Joel Braverman High School as a whole. Rabbi Linfield opened the ceremony and was followed by YOF President Robert Frastai, JBHS Head of School Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari, Head of Elementary School Rabbi Lawrence Schwed and Athletic

Director Eric Amkraut. Each speaker noted the positive impact that the space will have to improve the daily learning environment of our students.

Ronit Laniado addressed the students, parents and school leaders sharing how this facility is a manifestation of the family’s belief in YOF’s mission to educate our students to be well-rounded in all aspects of learning –academic, spiritual and physical.

With the gallery of school leaders encircling them, the Laniados then took large scissors in hand, cut the maroon ribbon and officially opened the Laniado Auxiliary Gym! For many in attendance, it was an event that was the culmination of intensive planning and execution. “Today we celebrate a milestone for our school

community,” noted Rabbi Linfield.

“This is the next step in advancing our facilities towards the world-class learning environment we envision for our students and families.”

Moments later, the Flatbush Falcons Boys Varsity and JV Hockey teams took to the floor, and after a brief training session under the direction of Head Coach Dan Leffel and Assistant Coaches Hymie Anteby and Elliot Zakay, the boys suited up for the first real game on the court. With the scoreboard in full operation, and the reverse angle Jumbotron ablaze, the players began to get a first-hand feel for how the New Falcon’s Nest would play at top speed. After this game, the gym was converted from an indoor hockey rink to a first-class volleyball gymnasium for the Flatbush First Serve Girls Volleyball Tournament.

“The presence of the Laniado Auxiliary Gym has allowed us to increase what we can offer all of our students in our revised and upgraded Physical Education curriculum,” explained Mr. Amkraut. “It has allowed us to offer more sections of Phys Ed over the course of the day, resulting in smaller class sizes and, therefore, more individualized instruction for all of our students.”

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YOF Chesed Chesed Mission Delivering Donations and Inspiration This Winter

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t press time, the annual student Chesed Mission, led by JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, was under way. Stay tuned for the next Bulletin to hear about this life-changing and meaningful trip.

Student Act of Kindness Receives Award

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olel Chabad’s International Awards Dinner recognized 11th grader Stephanie Franco, daughter of Michael and Sally Franco, with their Pantry Packers Award. Stephanie visited Pantry Packers last summer in Israel and was amazed to see firsthand how this incredible organization provides food to so many families. She was so inspired that she decided to host a bake sale and auction in her home to benefit the organization. Many YOF students baked for and supported this chesed project.

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Students and Alumni Console the Family of Ezra Schwartz, A”H

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he YOF family was heartbroken when we heard of the terror attack that took the life of young Ezra Schwartz, A”H. High school students Amanda Heskiel, Morris Shalom and Miriam Zenilman traveled to Sharon, Massachusetts to fulfill the mitzvah of Nihum Aveilim with Ezra’s family. Rabbi Zelig Prag, and faculty members Ruchie Winkler and Gadi BenSimhon, accompanied the students for the trip. During the ride, Rabbi Prag learned Torah with the group l’elui nishmat Ezra. Our students gave Ezra’s father letters written by YOF’s Israel Activism Commission.

A recent alumnus, Raymond Braha, was studying in Israel at the time of Ezra’s death, and described his impressions in an open letter he wrote. Here is an excerpt:

“Over a thousand yeshiva and seminary students, rabbis, teachers, and others all gathered to remember Ezra Schwartz.

I didn’t know Ezra Schwartz, and neither did the vast majority of the people there.

Everyone was impacted by his loss and felt the need to remember his life…I was surrounded by a thousand of my brothers and sisters. They were there for Ezra—and they would be there for any of the Children of Israel. At that moment, I realized we are just one really large family. I felt intense unity as we all started to sing together. A thousand voices became one as we sang for our lost brother.”

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Patient Voices Offer Comfort The Victoria and Jack Aini Traveling Troupe visited patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in December to boost their spirits and offer good company and companionship.

17 Women Make the Cut

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Hair Drive benefiting Zichron Menachem featured 17 students and faculty members, led by Señora Sara Ovadia, who each donated 10 inches of hair towards wigs for children with cancer.

Hadass Style employees donated their time to the effort, which made many recognize how something so easy to do can help others.

Cooking for a Cause Deals Delicious Meals for the Needy

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n the “Cooking for a Cause” program, headed by JBHS faculty member Shifra Hanon, student volunteers gather several times a year to cook a meal that is donated to charity that feeds the less fortunate. The first event this year, sponsored by parents Susie Sorscher and Cookie Fishel, included more than 160 students who made meatballs with peas for the Sephardic Bikur Holim food pantry.

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Israel

YOF Offers Continuing Support to Our Students Learning In Israel F

ostering a continuing connection with our students is even more important once they graduate. We always want to know which directions their lives take, if our staff can ever be of any help, and love to learn about how students incorporate Torah into their studies and social life. With visits from Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari and faculty members Rabbi Craig Lubner and Miriam Wielgus, and with the help of YOF Israel Liaison Dr. Rochelle Dweck, YOF keeps in touch with its recent alumni in Israel, making the miles dissipate between the continents.

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Dr. Dweck keeps tabs on our alumni who have chosen to spend a year in Israel before they begin college here in the U.S. She checks in not

only with the students, but also with the yeshivot and seminaries they attend. Not only does Dr. Dweck gather all of the YOF alumni at her home every year to see one another and exchange stories, but she also has many of the young women over for Shabbatot, where she welcomes them and lends her ear to any issues the women may have.

Rabbi Harari eagerly makes the trip to Dr. Dweck’s home in Israel for the annual alumni gathering, where he looks forward to seeing students and learning about their new experience.

After the tragedies and ongoing violence this year, the recent alumni he visited uniformly expressed that they felt closer to their Jewish homeland. Being residents, even

if only temporary ones, gives the students a feeling of community, and binds them spiritually, physically and emotionally with Israel.

Israel Advisors Rabbi Craig Lubner and Miriam Wielgus offer students advice throughout their senior year and keep in touch with students once they begin their journey. Every January, they visit the recent alumni studying in Israel and sit in on classes with them. “It is a beautiful feeling of Flatbush being there together. It establishes a connection that I hope will last their whole lives,” said Rabbi Harari. He enjoys the stories he brings back to the students’ former JBHS teachers—and promises many more reunions to come.

A Friendly Visit

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JBHS faculty member Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenblum reunites with 2015 grads Jacqueline Fried and Rosie Ovadia at Shaalvim for Women during a recent visit to yeshivot.

New Course Gets Students Geared Up for Campus Politics

By JBHS Student Linda Guindi

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ast year, the High School’s Social Studies Department introduced a new senior year course, “Israel in World Relations.” Based on the curriculum developed by the Our Soldiers Speak organization, the course provides an historical foundation of the State of Israel and analyzes narratives, to prepare students for the inevitable discussions on their future college campuses. The goal is to make our students informed advocates for

Israel and to provide them with the knowledge to approach and educate the approximately 70% of college students who are indifferent toward Israel.

solutions to those issues.” Recently, the students examined the roots of the Intifada in 1987 and 2000 and related it to the current situation in Israel today.

The course, taught by Howard Rothbort, Department Chair, and Jeffrey Lazar, meets three times per week. Mr. Lazar noted that the students learn about “specific accusations targeted against Israel.

We also discuss the possible

Also integrated into the class was the documentary film “Crossing the Line 2: The New Face of Anti-Semitism on Campus,” created by Shoshana Palatnick. Ms. Palatnick visited YOF to address the seniors about antiSemitism on college campuses.

Inspiration From Israel Advisor, Rabbi Craig Lubner

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or our students, the Israel experience offers the opportunity to make Israel a vivid, vibrant and authentic part of their lives. What better way to learn Torah than in the land that makes it real, the land that is alive with Torah on every corner?

Whether it is taking an excursion to the exact battleground of a famous Biblical encounter, or merely walking down streets named after famous scholars of the Talmud, every inch of land breathes with the life of Torah.

The adventure is powerful, immersive and engaging.

it is created through personal encounters. It is fashioned by the people who are part of it, the people who define its narrative and create its story. Imagine having the opportunity to live amongst our people, to make sincere, authentic connections with Am Yisrael, in Eretz Yisrael. Our students are taking part in that narrative, becoming active players in the unfolding story of our people. To take a part in this story, means to sing and dance when we celebrate and to cry tears when we are suffering. One’s heart synchronizes with the pulse of the people.

Experiencing Israel is not an activity defined by geographical wanderings;

I think the Israel experience is its most powerful and pervasive on Shabbat,

particularly in Jerusalem. For a period of 25 hours, one is able to harmonize the sanctity of place, the sanctity of person and the sanctity of time. This powerful amalgamation touches the spirit of each who is lucky enough to experience it. It is compelling and captivating.

It is this dimension that has captivated the hearts and minds of Flatbush alumni for decades. Flatbush has successfully helped students take their initial steps on this life-changing journey. From our alumni who have served in the IDF, to those who have built homes and raised families in Israel, we strengthen our commitment to our beloved country through its proud Israel alumni base. My colleague Miriam Wielgus and I are grateful for the opportunity to guide our seniors in their consideration of a gap year in Israel.

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Yeshivah of Flatbush 919 East 10th Street Brooklyn, NY 11230

Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School 919 East 10th Street Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-377-4466

College Bound

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fter three and a half years of industrious work, our seniors are ready for the rigors of college. Many students have been accepted for admission into the Early Decision or Early Action programs of their choice. We are proud of our students and their parents for their commitment to higher education, and we salute our dedicated, highly professional faculty and college counselors for preparing and inspiring them for their next phase in life. To date, our graduates have been accepted to the following colleges: • Barnard College • Binghamton University – Harpur College of Arts and Sciences – School of Management

• Eugene Lang College • LIM College • Long Island University • New York Institute of Technology

• New York University – Gallatin School of Individualized Study – Liberal Studies Program – Leonard N. Stern School of Business

• Northeastern University • Pace University • Princeton University • Rutgers University • SUNY at Albany • Wesleyan University

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Al & Sonny Gindi Campus 1609 Avenue J Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-377-1100 Robert Frastai PRESIDENT

Rabbi Seth Linfield EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PUBLIC RELATIONS Ilana Lax DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Susan Berger ALUMNI COORDINATOR

JOEL BRAVERMAN HIGH SCHOOL Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari JBHS HEAD OF SCHOOL

Rabbi Ronald Levy PRINCIPAL

Jill Sanders ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL / DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Sari Bacon ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Rabbi Joseph Beyda ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Rabbi Dr. David Eliach PRINCIPAL EMERITUS

YOF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Rabbi Lawrence Schwed HEAD OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Robert Berkman PRINCIPAL OF GENERAL STUDIES

Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg MIDDLE DIVISION PRINCIPAL

Toba Goldberg ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Rivka Zaklikowski ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL TORAH STUDIES, LOWER DIVISION

Debbie Levine Greenbaum EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR

YOF BULLETIN STAFF Michelle Olveira EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Faith Edeson EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Red Rooster Group DESIGN

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