Special Shabbaton Edition 2013

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

Half-Shabbos Practice Among Students Raises Questions

By Jonathan Pedoeem and Eytan Shamsian

Breaking Shabbaton

The

VOiCE

he Shabbaton is the climax of each students year. It is a time when students are encouraged to bond with friends and experience the true meaning of Shabbat. The Shabbaton has a positive effect, explained Judaic Studies teacher Rabbi Jacob 01. A lot of the kids get to experience Shabbat in a way that they usually do not get to experience. However, the reality is that some students on the Shabbaton are experiencing Shabbat in a way the school certainly does not intend, breaking the schools rules, which require Shabbat observance while on the Shabbaton. This tendency to break Shabbat usually varies in severity and number from grade to grade and from year to year. Based on what I see, said *Eugene 15, I would assume about half of the junior boys text or have texted on the Shabbaton. He added that he believes that the juniors specifically are an anomaly, and that the other grades are more observant. This practice, sometimes referred to as Half-Shabbos, involves students who keep Shabbat in public, but then drop their Shabbat observance when alone or among friends. For a small percentage of students, the practice of Half-Shabbos is the norm. According to a recent Voice Statistics Department survey (margin of error: 9.6%), nearly twenty-five percent of

RKYHS sophomores, juniors, and seniors have intentionally broken Shabbat on the Shabbaton. Some believe that students observance at the Shabbaton is no different from their observance any other Shabbat. A lot of people who text on the Shabbaton usually text at home on Shabbos, said *Elizabeth 15. I dont think something like turning a light on to read, or using a card to open up a hotel room interferes with Shabbos. It just makes things more simple. Elizabeth recognized that although there are the regulars (students who break Shabbat regularly), there are also

some students who break Shabbat just on the Shabbaton. The root of the issue is the lack of understanding of the meaning of Shabbat, explained guidance counselor Mr. Logan Singman 04. And even deeper than that, a lack of understanding of Hashem and the relationship were supposed to be having with him, and how that relationship is manifested in reality. Mr. Singman stressed that he in no way believes that the widespread availability of technology is to blame. The issue is not the phone itselfits not the technology. People are not .mechalel Shab-

bos because they so desperately need to use their cellphones. They are mechalel Shabbos because they do not understand the significance of Shabbat and because they assign no significant value to it. They simply have never been taught the value of Shabbat, or have never seen it for themselves. *Eugene comes from a family that keeps Shabbat. I used to be part of this trend, he said. I thought it was a normal part of rebellion. . . But for the past half year Ive been shomer Shabbat. *Eugene does not continued on page 4

inside
Band Room Revamped Best of 2013 Thank You, Coach Henry

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Page 5-6

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News Eytan Shamsian, Editor Jacob Stein Dalya Dickstein Jordan Shanskhalil Jakey Ostrove Ilan Slonim Sam Raab Ilana Hafner Carlie Ratzker Ashley Miller

News
The Voice Staff
Jonathan Pedoeem, Editor-in-Chief David Esterlit, Assistant Editor-in-Chief Dalya Dickstein, Senior Editor Opinion Shep Gerszberg Estee Wagner Ariella Shua Natani Bondar Jacob Mendelson Elisheva Felderman Reviews Eitan Scher, Editor Joey Kirsch Gabe Zuckerman Yonatan Raskin Sports Jerry Miller, Editor Josh Perlman, Editor Joe Berger Effie Auman Gabe Maron Jonah Bash Greg Artman

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

Kushner Goes Homeless

Humor Alex Akman, Editor Miki Kestler Joe Amster Jesse Zucker Caryn Kaplan Sara Kirsch

News
KHAC Takes it Outside
son, but when you hear their stories, it really opens your mind up to how they really live. Nathan agreed: I thought it was great to have people who were once homeless come and share their stories with us. I felt it helped us get into the right mindset for the sleep-out and showed us why we were even sleeping out in the cold weather in the first place. Fellow CoPresident Lindsey Blenden 15 explained how helpful it was to hear

From the Editors Desk

I hope everyone is enjoying the Shabbaton! This is the first ever Shabbaton issue of The Voice. Although it is shorter, its packed with interesting articles. So when you are sitting in your room because you either forgot that there was an event happening, you are waiting for the next one to start, or you just cannot fall asleep, be sure you have The Voice nearby. Jonathan Pedoeem Editor-in-Chief

Photography Layout Yael Rabin, Editor Jacob Stein, Editor Alex Silver, Editor Sammy cherna Maya Silver, Editor Ben Wagner Lindsey Blenden Koby Stadtmauer Avery Bell Estee Wagner Sydney Stroulowitz Ron Sroor Rabbi Pearlberg, Advisor

Statistics Shaul Hafner Avery Bell Greg Artman Sammy Cherna

Band Room Revamped

Hard Work of Senior Produces Change
to practice by themselves or jam with friends during breakfast, lunch, free periods, or as part of the What is going on in there? RKYHS band chug. When did the band room become As usual, the RKYHS facso nice? Previously unnoticed by ulty have been indispensable in famuch of the student body, RKYHS cilitating and guiding this endeavor. band room has been slowly revived The importance of updating the and revitalized. Due to the dediband room to give students the opcated effort of a few students and portunity to develop their skills faculty members, the band room and shine in other ways is why this has grown to be a great new investment is so worthwhile, said addition to student life here at Rabbi Miller, who has been very RKYHS. involved in the refurbishing. We Until recently, the band would especially like to thank room stood neglected and the PTC for their support. The locked. Used merely as a storPTC recently financed the acquiage room, students largely had sition of new gear including new no access to the room. It was microphones, amplifiers, guitars, filled to the brim with ancient headphones, and furniture, adding RKYHS apparel and a few mismuch more to the growing list of matched drum parts. Students amenities in the band room. who were musically inclined had Thanks to the help of so little, if any, space to practice. many generous gifts and the deThe band room had become an voted effort of so many individueyesore. I remember when we als, the band room has truly behad to climb over chairs just to come, as Principal Rabbi Rubin play in there, said Koby Uvsitzis inclined to say, a Kiddush ky 14. Now, its basically like a Kushner. Hopefully, in the comrecording studio! ing years, other student-led ini Over the summer of tiatives can follow this model of 2010, I bought a new drum set doing chesed and giving back to for my home. With the encourthe school as a formula to produce agement of friends, I donated Students jamming in the band room. L to R; Rafi Snyder, Daniel Gottlieb, David positive change. my old one to the school in hopes Mamet, and Benjy Getraer that the band room could be rejuvenated. After this, many donations of instruments, gear, posters, has offered me an outlet for creativ- Its a great place to jam and meet ity and relaxation during the long people, said Eitan Scher 15. Now and musical charts soon followed. The band room has grown school day, said Benjy Getraer 14. the band room is always open and to be an asset to the student body. Students and parents who visit the students can have the opportunity By David Mamet Removed from the main hallway and replete with instruments, students can practice in peace and not have to worry about bringing in their own gear from home. When students walk by now, they are met with a variety of tunes, from their favorite pop hits, to classic rock, to Jewish folk music. The band room school are no longer led by the band room, but into it. The band room is no longer just utilized in preparation for Battle of the Bands. It is used consistently throughout the day by musically inclined Kushner students who wish to practice their instruments, hone their skills, and play with friends.

By Dalya Dickstein On November 21st, the Kushner Homelessness Awareness Committee (KHAC) held Kushners first solidarity sleep-out. Seventeen students slept outside on the school tennis courts to raise awareness of homelessness. Before the event, each student raised at least one hundred dollars for Covenant House, a non-profit organization for the homeless. The event was a smashing success, greatly influencing the students involved and raising much needed funds for the homeless. The idea started last year but we didnt have enough time left in the year to do it, explained KHAC Co-President Nathan Ullman 14. Then we had a representative from Covenant House speak to us about preparing for it. In total, the planning done by the presidents (Nathan, Daniel Sherris 15 and Lindsey Blenden 15) was going on for about three weeks before we told the committee that we would be doing it. Then the committee planned and prepared by raising the money. It was a lot of work for the presidents, between making the schedule and necessary calls . . . but overall it was completely worth it. Rabbi Kirsch, the founder of KHAC, plays a significant role in all of its events, and this was no exception. He played a hugely important part, Nathan said, being the middle man between the presidents and the people we needed to talk with to arrange the sleep-out. If we didnt have him it would have been extremely difficult and probably not as good as it was. The night kicked off with the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, a film about a poor man struggling to support his family who faces bouts of homelessness. The group then gathered together in a circle with three guests from Covenant House, all of whom currently were or had been homeless. The students first heard their stories and then asked them questions about their experiences. It was amazing to hear about their own experiences instead of hearing an outsiders view, said Sarah Silverberg 15. I came in thinking about a stereotype homeless per-

ticipants agreed that at some point, they felt a sense of what it means to be homeless. It was amazing to sleep outside like the homeless. You learn to understand what it really is to be cold, said Sarah. It was even raining at one point, which made things a lot more difficult for us because we were all freezing, but we understood a little more about what they experience every day. Lindsey agreed: When it rained at four-thirty in

Students sleeping outside the school on the tennis court

from the speakers at the beginning of the night. Their stories were interesting, and the session helped us get into the mindset of the actual sleep-out. The students brought blankets and sleeping bags, and were given cardboard boxes for the night. The sleep-out was done for two reasons, explained Nathan. One was to obviously raise money, and we went above and beyond our goal. The second reason was to spread awareness in our committee, school, and community. We posted pictures on Facebook and tweeted during the sleep-out to let people know what we were doing. Also, we will soon be sending an article to local newspaper companies. Lastly, it helped our own committee by setting a strong foundation for the rest of the year to know just a small amount of how it feels to be homeless. Indeed, the sleep-out par-

the morning, I think thats when we got the whole package of being homeless. Nathan described how his experience gave him greater appreciation for what the homeless go through each night. For almost the entire sleep-out I felt cold but not truly homeless because there was hot chocolate and friends to be around and because I knew that I was going home the next morning, he said. However, when we reached the last hour before we had to get up, at that point I felt homeless. Even though I was wearing four or five layers, I could still feel the cold practically inside me and my entire body was shaking because I was so cold. At that hour I certainly felt homeless, because I was freezing and colder than I have ever been, and I didnt really have any way to get warmdespite the fact that I could get up and go inside the school.

The reflections continued even after the sun came up. There was a point in the morning when I was all dirty and gross from sleeping outside and I was so tired, Sarah said. I realized that this is how they feel when they wake up in the morning, except they have to figure out what they are going to eat and how to get that food. Many students felt that their perceptions of homelessness changed drastically from this experience. People look at them like they are animals not people, explained Sarah. [Now] I look at them as normal people without a home instead of homeless people. I realized they are just like us. Lindsey shared additional insights she gained from the program. I learned about the different situations that cause homelessness. Its not always just because of the money situation, she said. I now understand why many homeless people dont have jobsits so hard to function with that kind of sleep. I had to leave school early because I wasnt feeling one-hundred percent. The program also inspired students to get more involved. After the session and sleeping outside, I realize how much the homeless really need our help, and how the government really isnt helping nearly enough as they should for their people, said Nathan. Before the sleep-out I thought I wanted to help the homeless. Now I think I dont only want to, but need to. It encouraged me to start to find a way to give the needy blankets and sleeping bags. Thanks to Rabbi Kirsch and KHACs devoted members, these RKYHS students were given this opportunity to participate in an incredibly inspiring, life-changing, and unique experience.

Opinion
The Case for Khan
use these online tools to help them study, I am still baffled as to why these invaluable resources are not used directly in courses like science and math. Mr. Khans goal is actuers should give a brief overview in class of what the topic is and assign the video for the students to watch at home. This will allow for much more time in class to work on probally to flip the system and have students do homework in class and watch the videos at home. I agree with his method, and I believe that teachers should start using these videos for their classes. Teachlems, do hands-on experiments, and have class discussions about the subject matter. Another benefit of using these videos is that the students do not have to be focused on taking notes in class, instead they

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

Teachers Should Incorporate Online Videos into Curriculum

By Jonathan Pedoeem Most students at RKYHS are familiar with the black background and the penetrating voice of the famous online teacher Salman Khan. Mr. Khan, who has a huge repository of videos on his youtube channel Khanacademy about almost everything from science to math to history, is regarded with admiration in the halls of Kushner. Khan academy is not the only online resource for classes, although it may be regarded as the standard-bearer. There is the well known Prof Robbob whose main focus is math and science. There are also the relatively new but distinguished MOOCs (massive open online courses) on websites like Udacity, Coursera, and Edx that mostly focus on computer science, math and science. While most students already can watch and soak in the information and then take notes at home because they are able to pause and re-watch the video many times as they want. Additionally if a student misses a day or two of class, they do not have to go and hunt down the teacher or a friend to explain to them what they missed, instead they can just watch the videos. Also, the teachers of these online videos are usually experts at that one specific topic, as opposed to most teachers who teach several different topics. These online teachers can also teach without being interrupted by students questions. Although questions are great and really important, they indubitably distract the class and cause many other students to zone out, and as a result it is tough for some to focus again. On top of all of this, almost all of these classes continued on page 8

believe much can be done to fix this problem. I think the school can try to persuade the students to keep Shabbat, but it is not their place to tell the students what they can or cannot do. Though shes grown up in a non-observant family, *Jessica 14 believes it is wrong to break Shabbat on the Shabbaton. It is disrespectful to the school Shabbaton is about bonding with your friends. When you are with your friends you do not want to be on your phone the whole time. However, she also thinks that the school should not get involved in enforcing Shabbat. I think the school should trust us. *William 14 partially agrees, but added a caveat. If your roommates are shomer Shabbat than it is disrespectful to them, otherwise I think it is okay. As for what the school can do about the issue, he is a fatalist. I feel like if the [administration] wants to do something about it, there is not much that can be done.

Breaking Shabbaton (cont.)

Those who break Shabbat on the Shabbaton are still very much in the minority. I keep Shabbos to the fullest because I enjoy it, said *Ryan 16. Its relaxing. However, despite Ryans commitment to Shabbat, he emphasized that if he saw a student breaking Shabbat he would not get involved . . . Their business is their business, he explained. Not mine. Daniel Gottlieb 16, on the other hand, said he would step up if confronted with a Half-Shabbos situation. People make their own decisions and if they do so privately, it does not bother me. But if it is in the presence of someone who it will bother, I would ask them to stop. As far as students breaking Shabbat on the Shabbaton, he said: The school cant do anything about it. The only way to get involved is to go into peoples rooms, and we all know how impractical that would be. Mr. Singman, ever the pragmatist, believes that there is no simple solution to the problem. People who want to do it will find a way, he said. I think the role of the school is solely educational. Our job is to role-model proper behavior and express the standard we expect everyone to meet . . . Faculty cannot go into every single hotel room and monitor whats going on in there 24/7. Mr. Justin Bryant, History Department chair and a devout Roman Catholic who is a regular on the Shabbaton, explained that the laws of Shabbat may not be my rules, but I take them seriously just the same. He recalled one year witnessing students breaking Shabbat. When we did the Shabbaton at the Raleigh Hotel, on Friday night some of our seniors had a TV on in the lobby when they were not supposed to. I was very upset by this, he said. I felt like a few of those boys were insubordinate. Principal Rabbi Rubin also recognizes that there is no simple solution. We can only enforce the

public space, he said. We cannot go into rooms and become Shabbat police-people. He advises students spending Shabbat with the school to strive to meet or even exceed the expectations set by the standards of a Modern Orthodox yeshiva. Shabbat observance has to be inspired, it cannot be taught, he added. The inspiration comes from school, and it also comes from expectations and standards set by childrens families. Rabbi Rubin places a lot of emphasis on the level of trust that must be upheld. The whole school system is based on a system of trust. We believe when children are given trust they will rise to that expectation. * Indicates name has been changed to protect the students identity. David Esterlit also contributed to this article

Kushner Statistics Department Study, December 2013. Sample size: Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores90 Total. Margin of error: 9.6%.

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

Best Albums of 2013 Best Shows of 2013

Reviews

By Joey Kirsch
1. Game of Thrones - Season 3 (Drama, Fantasy) With a penultimate episode of epic proportions, the third season of Game of Thrones cements the politically-driven fantasy-drama as one of the best shows on television today. 2. Breaking Bad - Season 5 Part 2 (Crime drama, Contemporary western, Psychological thriller) Following Walter White and the fall of his criminal empire, the last half season of the countrys favorite show lives up to expectations and more. 3. Doctor Who - Season 7 (Science Fiction, Drama) Between the twists and turns and the great storylines, one cannot help but love following the adventures of the Doctor and his newest companion Clara through time and space. 4. Person of Interest - Season 3 (Crime drama, Thriller) This past three episode arc of Person of Interest went beyond the already amazing character development, storyline, and acting that have been part of the show since its inception, adding plot twists and raw emotion that transformed it from a good show to a great one. 5. NCIS - Season 11 (Police procedural, Drama) NCIS might be one of the best procedurals out there, not only because of its lovable actors and addictive nature, but due to the fact that the show has a sort of fluidity that makes it feel lifelike instead of just a TV show. 6. Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D - Season 1 (Action/Adventure, Science fiction, Comedy-drama, Superhero) Agents of Shield combines storylines for new and old Marvel fans, with original as well as straight-from-the-comic-books heroes and villains, giving it the ability and the material to continue to evolve into an amazing show. 7. The Following - Season 1 (Drama, Psychological thriller) The Following, although unrealistic at times, is a very gripping and intense show with intense plot twists and convincing acting. 8. Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Season 1 (Sitcom, Crime procedural) A very clever mix of a crime procedural and a traditional sitcom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine really hit the ground running with its genuine hilarity and diverse cast. 9. The Blacklist - Season 1 (Crime Drama) While a little bit overhyped, The Blacklist serves up some delicious plot twists and is always high stakes, keeping every episode exciting. 10. Misfits Season - 5 (Action, Drama, Science fiction, Dark comedy) With the departure of all the main characters, it was questionable whether the final season of this hilarious British show following a group of people gifted with superpowers would be up to par, but it delivers.

By Eitan Scher 1. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City (Indie/Alternative rock) With varied sounds and complex lyrics that tackle religious and political issues, Modern Vampires of the City is Vampire Weekends best yet. 2. The Head and the Heart - Lets Be Still (Indie folk, Indie/Folk rock) The up-and-coming Seattle-based band follows up on their excellent debut album with a more varied second album. Many songs will strike a very emotional chord with listeners. 3. The National - Trouble Will Find Me (Alternative/Indie rock, Postpunk revival) Trouble Will Find Me does not take many risks or deviate from The Nationals tried-but-true style, but that signature style is so magnificent with such outstanding lyrics it does not matter. 4. City and Colour The Hurry and the Harm (Indie folk, Alternative rock) The Hurry and the Harm, the fourth studio album by solo artist Dallas Green, is a much more complex album than his previous recordings, with almost all songs featuring a full band. 5. Cage the Elephant Melophobia (Alternative rock) Melophobia means fear of music, but there is no reason to fear the varied, exciting, and ambitious sounds of Cage the Elephants third studio album. 6. Lorde - Pure Heroine (Indie/Alternative pop) After her extremely successful single Royals, the seventeen-year-olds first album shows she has what it takes to make it in the music industry with music that is more mature and has more meaning than that of most older pop stars. 7. Local Natives - Hummingbird (Indie rock/folk) Bottom Line: The Local Natives second studio album is a beautiful compilation of songs that together make one of the most thoughtful albums of the year. 8. Arcade Fire - Reflektor (Indie/Art rock) Arcade Fires fourth album sounds fresh and exciting, with the second half showing that they are not afraid to experiment and take risks. 9. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories (Electronic, Disco, Funk) The famous electronic music duos latest studio album is a musical thrill ride that revitalizes the EDM genre in a time where its talent pool often feels diluted. 10. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (Hip Hop) Being the only hip hop album on this list, the Rap God Eminem returns to his roots with nostalgic nods to some of his past work as well as that of other artists and even other music genres, entirely.

By Yonatan Raskin

Best Movies of 2013 Best Books of 2013

Reviews

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Action) The stunning sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire more than lives up to the expectations set by the first movie and will leave viewers at the edge of their seats until the end credits roll. 2. Now You See Me (Thriller) An original movie about a group of corrupt magicians, Now You see Me takes the concept of a standard heist film and creates a national scandal involving a number of bank robberies, police chases and, as one might expect, magic. 3. This Is The End (Comedy, Adventure, Thriller) Featuring some of Americas funniest actors, This Is The End puts an hilarious twist on the apocalypse and although it is a comedy, there are some very intense and action packed moments that will leave you enthralled as well as laughing until the very end. 4. World War Z (Action, Adventure, Horror) World War Z is an action-packed zombie thriller that grabs moviegoers attention and will make you root for the protagonists all the way through. 5. Iron Man 3 (Action, Sci-fi) The third movie in the Iron Man franchise, Iron Man 3 is full of great, blockbuster action moments, and surprises all while still being suspenseful. . By Gabriel Zuckerman
1. Gone: Light by Michael Grant (Supernatural, Sci-Fi, Dystopia): Michael Grants sixth and final installment of the Gone series is extremely dramatic and exciting, culminating in the final battle of the FAYZ. 2. The Unwind Dystology: UnSouled by Neal Shusterman (Sci-Fi, Adventure, Dystopia) In the third iteration of the Unwind Dystology, the protagonists face numerous dramatic challenges as they try to stop the despicable acts of Unwinding forever. 3. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (Dystopia) Shannons debut novel introduces a new, dangerous, and intriguing world that might even give Harry Potter a run for its money. 4. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (Dystopia) The Fifth Wave puts a different twist on the classic alien apocalypse. This time there are increasingly dangerous stages, each bringing on another apocalyptic disaster.

The Second Movie Based on Hit Trilogy

By Eitan Scher Catching Fire, sequel to the blockbuster hit The Hunger Games, is finally here. The film adaptation of the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy has a lot to live up to, as the first movie was critically successful but even more so commercially. After reading the three books, and seeing the first two movies, I feel that it is safe to say that not only does Catching Fire surpass the first movies heights and successes (and this is someone who preferred the first book in the series), but it is even better than the book that serves as its source material. Most people reading this know at least the basic premise of the The Hunger Games series. Short version: In a dystopian society, there are twelve districts ruled by a utilitarian government in The Capitol. As a way of maintaining order, every year the Capitol demands a male and female tribute from each district to fight to the death in these Hunger Games. Only one tribute is supposed to make it out alive, but due to an extraordinary stroke of events (spoiler alert for the first book/movie) the two tributes from District 12, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, both survive. Now, one year later, they must do a victory tour. and confront old demons even as new ones are rising. Lets begin with the most obvious: Jennifer Lawrences fantastic performance as the heroine Katniss Everdeen. She, along with the rest of the cast, returns from the first movie, and really knocks it out of the park. Lawrence has a special sort of charisma and charm that elevates her character past the point continued on page 7

The Movie on Fire

5. Legend: Champion by Marie Lu (Action-adventure, Dystopia) The thrilling finale of the Legend series follows protagonists Day and June in their final adventure, ending in a shocking yet very satisfying way. 6. The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau (Action-adventure) The first book in the Testing trilogy is very similar to the critically acclaimed Hunger Games series, but still manages to have some exciting twists of its own that readers will never see coming. 7. No Safety in Numbers: No Easy Way Out by Dayna Lorentz (Dystopia) No Easy Way Out is a great sequel in the No Safety in Numbers series, with more exciting surprises and shocks as the inhabitants of the quarantined mall get increasingly restless. 8. Monument 14: Sky on Fire by Emmy Laybourne (Dystopia) Sky on Fire continues the exciting story of two groups of teens who will do whatever it takes to survive after a major chemical weapon spill, and ensures that readers will be turning the pages until the very end. 9. Heroes of Olympus: House of Hades by Rick Riordan (Action-adventure) The fourth book in Heroes of Olympus series puts an exciting, modern spin on Greek Mythology and will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout the whole book. 10. The Eye of Minds by James Dashner (Action-adventure, Dystopia) James Dashner takes being addicted to video games to a whole new level in his new thriller. Suddenly, people are becoming fully integrated into a virtual world that they cannot escape from.

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

Sports
Baseball Coach Henry will be Missed

Ode to Henry

By Jerry Miller Dear Coach, These past three years have really changed me, as both a player and a person. Youve taught all of us

over the years, we became a family

how to play the game of baseball and how to play the game of life. As you move on from the Kushner baseball team to other things in life, I thought this a good opportunity to reflect on everything that has happened and to thank you for everything that you have done. You have taught us that practice makes perfect, youre never perfect, and, most of all, we are a family, not just a baseball team. As a freshman, I didnt think it was possible to play baseball in the winter, but boy did you prove me wrong. The gym was our field, the hallways were our track, and the classrooms our dugouts. We would even play around the puddles and garbage cans in the gym. As the seasons changed, the tennis courts and the soggy soccer field became our diamond. You showed us how to persevere and to always look for a way in, not a way out. We practiced four times a week, more than any team in the school. Although those practices usually consisted of constructing and destructing the batting cage, we still got a lot of practice time. No other team would spend that much money and time to improve their batting averages, but it really helped us become a better hitting

team. We always complained about had both on and off the field. We are to these achievements, and baseball how late practice ended or how we always there for each other no mat- has finally become the most respectpracticed too often, but you taught ter what happened. When Josh went ed in the school. To those who said us that practice makes perfect and it to the hospital, we were all there for that you pushed us too hard, gave us paid off in the end. You also taught him, and at the same time, we were too many practices, and wouldnt let us that we are never perfect. Even there to console Benjy. We were able us play others sports, I say they are after winning consecutive to keep the team poised and calm, right. But it is because of all those championships you made sum- even through such a difficult situa- things that we became a two-time mer workouts. We thought we tion. Furthermore, when we lost last champion and undefeated team. You could take it easy, but that was year, we all shared the blame. No understood that it takes hard work not what you had in mind. I can one person lost the game for us, be- to accomplish great goals and you confidently say that there is no cause as youve told us, We win as have passed this knowledge onto all of us. Youve taught us so much that other coach in the Yeshiva League a team and we lose as a team. Even though we are now we feel confident we can thrive even that has summer workouts and that exemplifies what makes you a great moving our separate ways, there is without you at our side. With all that coach. Once youve pushed us to our no way to erase what we have built you have taught us, I know that we limits, you keep pushing us past our together. We have become a dynasty, will never forget to Focus, focus. Thanks for everything, winning two championships and go- limits. Coach. ing undefeated, and it all started with Most importantly, though, over the years we became a fam- you. No other team has come close i l y.We v e overcome c on c u s sion s , dislocated legs, and swollen arms. Each year we went into Columbus as just a regular, hard-working baseball team, but we always came out as a family, whether we won or lost. Sophomore year, we had only ten kids on the team, and yet we were able to win the championship. We Boys Baseball Team, in Ohio. Coach Henry top row second from right. won because of the chemistry we

where it was in the book. Her supporting cast is great too. Woody Harrelson is excellent as Haymitch Abernathy, who serves as a mentor to Katniss and Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson). Another highlight is Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, a character who really shines in her adaptation from the book. Her personality, not to mention her extravagant dress really take center stage in the film. One of the biggest changes from the first movie is the introduction of Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) as the director. Gary Ross, who directed the first film, was originally intended to direct Catching Fire. However,

Catching Fire Review (cont.)

he was too busy with his filming schedule, and it is apparent that Lawrence was a much better choice. It is clear that Lawrence himself is a fan of the books. Little touches such as actually seeing the hovercrafts pick up the bodies of the fallen tributes really add to the ambiance of the Games themselves. The ever-present shaky-cam in the first film that made it impossible to follow at times is also gone, and the movie really benefits from it. There is no more wondering what is going on because it is too hard to see, which is something that I (and everyone I have spoken too about Catching Fire) really appreciate. The transition from book to movie for Catching Fire is a great one. Most characters are true to Suzanne Collins original vision, with some becoming even more likeable than they were in the books. The more tedious first act of Catching Fire is streamlined from the book, making it one of the first times that a film adaption surpasses the original in quality. As evidenced by the huge success of the first two movies, The Hunger Games is here to stay; and viewers will eagerly await the return of Katniss and company. The Good: The returning cast is excellent, the new director has a

much better vision for the series, the action and the drama is intense, powerful, and emotional. The Bad: The beginning is still a bit slow at times, and a few noticeable scenes were left out of the book. The Bottom Line: The superbly made sequel in the already successful series is visually impressive and manages to really tug at the heartstrings. With Francis Lawrence at the helm, I eagerly await the conclusion. Rate: 9/10

Schedule
TIME 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 9:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:45 PM 3:00 PM 3:35 PM 4:00 PM 4:10 PM 4:20 PM 4:25 PM 5:40 PM 5:45 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:15 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM 12:45 AM 1:00 AM 2:00 AM FRIDAY SATURDAY Wake up / breakfast Davening (The Grove) Board busses Leave Kushner Kiddush (Grand Ballroom) Arrive at hotel Session 2 (Choice Session) Lunch (Grand Ballroom) Girls Swim | Football Game Boys Swim Prepare for Shabbat Pre-Shabbat Ruach (Ballroom) Mincha (Grove) Candle Lighting (Ballroom) Davening (Grove) Seuda Shlishit (Ballroom) Seuda Shlishit (Ballroom) Maariv (Ballroom) Havdalah (Ballroom) Session 1 (Choice Session) Story of Adam Greenberg Busses leave for Night Activity Night Activity Oneg (Ballroom) Optional Tisch (Ballroom) Bed time Go back to hotel Chagigah & Videos (Ballroom) Senior only Kumzitz Bed time Senior bed time Shabbat Meal (Grand Ballroom) Opt. Shiur | Freshman program

Shabbaton 2013 Volume XVI, Issue III

SUNDAY Wake up Davening (The Grove (shul)) Breakfast (bring luggage & key) Leave Hotel Arrive at Kusher

Please dispose of newspapers properly. Leave a Kiddush Kushner, not a mess.

The Case for Khan (cont.)

are free to the public. Teachers argue that there are several flaws in this system. Mr. Malitz, a science teacher at Kushner, said, Overall I do not think there will be any problems with this [system] per se, said sience teacher Mr. Malitz. However, there may be some unintended consequences. He explained that some students may not have access to computers, and that some of the Khan academy videos do not match exactly with the textbooks. Some students saw other potential problems. I do not even know if I would like it myself, said Haley Stiel 15. If you are learning it on your own at home and you have a question you can not ask the video. However, she added that she believes that teachers should use the videos as supplements for confusing topics. Teachers identify the same questions that Haley does, and are additionally concerned that some students will not watch the video. Teachers are justified in questioning this system, but there are some simple solutions to these problems. A solution to getting students to watch the videos is to give students the videos for the week at the beginning of the week and remind them every day to watch the specific video assigned for that night. Additionally, following the way that the class should be structured, the videos are just a supplement. They are not the class. Meaning that if the students do not want or forget to watch the videos, they could easily understand what is happening in the class by listening to the brief topic descriptions given by the teachers or by doing the examples/experiments in class. Additionally, if a student had a question on the video, he or she can ask it the next day during class, and if the whole class does not understand a topic, the teacher can just revert to old school teaching and just teach it to the class. While this method is not perfect, I think it warrants consideration and can be utilized in some way in the school curriculum.