Congratulations Class of 2014!

Yeshivah of Flatbush

VOLUME LXXXVIII NUMBER 2

הישיבה דפלטבוש

Bulletin AUGUST 2014AV 5774

Capital Campaign

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Blueprint for Excellence Update on Our Expansion

The Blueprint for Excellence Capital Campaign for the High

School is on track to meet our ambi-tious $30 million building and $10 million endowment goals—but we still need your participation.

This entire endeavor revolves around providing our students with the infrastructure and technology to pursue individual passions and catapult into college and life beyond. The campus of tomorrow will offer an array of advanced platforms for our students to explore and develop their interests. Both buildings will offer technology-rich, flexible classrooms and many other spaces for collabora-tive learning, teacher with student and

peer to peer. The compelling design will foster more opportunities for our students not only in science and research and in the arts, but indeed in every intellectual and spiritual endeavor with which we engage. The building plans themselves are wend-ing their way through the regulatory approval process and we expect to break ground on the new North Building in the spring of 2015. The plans for the North Building include a Media/Library Center, Bet Midrash, Student Commons, dedicated spaces for college and Israel guidance, and a digital arts wing. The current South Building will then be thoroughly mod-ernized. Meanwhile, come see the recently completed enhancements to

our auditorium, lobbies, science labs, and student lounge, and the con-struction of a second gym area begin-ning this summer. This record-break-ing campaign will impact our students and our community. So far, 77 families have contributed to the Campaign— many of whom have given their larg-est donation ever. We’re thankful to all of our donors who invest in the future of the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Please join us in becoming a part of this critical campaign.

New Laniado Gymnasium Underway

Rabbi Seth LinfieldExecutive DirectorTo visit, call me at: 718-377-4040 x101

To enhance our ever-expanding physical education program,

JBHS will be adding a new gym in the former pool area. The new gym will feature a hockey rink and offer a spectator gallery and new locker rooms. Demolition begins this month, and is expected to be completed by the second semester of the 2014–2015 school year.

Alumni

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Classmates Reconnect at 40th and 50th Reunions

On May 4th, the HS Class of 1964 (ES 1960) commemorated

its 50th Anniversary Reunion, and the HS Class of 1974 (ES 1970) marked its 40th Anniversary Reunion, at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School. The terrific turnout of alumni was a testament to their strong bonds of friendship and indelible memories of teachers and classmates, along with their appreciation for the outstanding education they received at the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Addressing the group in ivrit, Rabbi Dr. David Eliach made an already memorable day one that will be treasured forever. The Yeshivah of Flatbush Alumni Association was happy to be the catalyst that brought

The Yeshivah is always proud to welcome alumni back to the

school to share their fields of expertise with our eager students. Our gradu-ates have distinguished themselves in diverse professions, including medicine, politics, fine arts, history, fashion, com-merce, and interior and graphic design. Two alumni recently visited JBHS. Cardiologist Dr. Aaron Berger (ES ’84, HS ’88) spoke to an enthusiastic group of students about his specialty. He ex-plained how doctors evaluate patients and discussed the different modalities that are available today to diagnose and treat cardiac disease.

“It’s always great to be back in the halls of Flatbush,” said Dr. Berger, who

has volunteered several times before to have medical discussions with the students. “I thoroughly enjoy interacting with the students. They ask great questions.”

Also on campus were alumni and former classmates Yeeshai Gross (HS ’89) and Donny Epstein (HS ’89), two of the founders of Ergo Entertain-ment, which produced the award- winning documentary film, “Paper Clips,” based on an innovative educational project created by Middle School principals and faculty in Whitwell, Tennessee. The goal was to demonstrate the importance of diversity and tolerance by teaching students what happened to the

Jewish people during the Holocaust. Students collected six million paper clips, one in memory of each Jewish person who perished. The project ultimately yielded more than 25 million paper clips that were placed in an original German railcar donated by philanthropists who had survived the war. “Paper Clips” was nominated for an Emmy in 2006, and won a documentary award in 2004 from the National Board of Review.

Many thanks to JBHS Assistant Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Science Department Chair Dr. Joyce Fruchter, faculty member Mrs. Ruchie Winkler, and Alumni Director Mrs. Bebe Levitt for organizing these programs.

Class of 1964

25th Anniversary ReunionThe HS Class of 1989 (ES 1985) held its 25th Anniversary Reunion on March 9th, where an overall feeling of warmth and camaraderie permeated the event. Special thanks to the committee members who made the event such a success.

everyone together. We encourage our alumni to stay connected with each other and remain involved in the Yeshivah, as sources of wisdom and support. Bebe Levitt, our Alumni Director, can be reached at blevitt@flatbush.org.

Alumni Share Projects and Expertise with Students

Elementary School

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A Fond Farewell to Leonard ZeplinImproving Education for Nineteen Years

For the past 19 years, an abundant love for children,

special relationships with parents, and a solid partnership with stellar staff have all joined to make up the powerful legacy that is Leonard “Lenny” Zeplin, Lower Division General Studies Principal.

Before YOF, Mr. Zeplin spent years as a teacher, an assistant principal and a principal in the Brooklyn public school system. He retired early from the city school system in 1995 so that he could supervise YOF’s General Studies department. Mr. Zeplin is quick to credit the faculty for the school’s sustained excellence in teaching the enduring fundamentals in mathematics and reading. Proudly, he further explained how this year we improved our method of reading instruction “so that every child has a personalized program in conjunction with Common Core standards.”

Mr. Zeplin is also proud of the Science Fair Institute he implemented some years back where 30 scientists of various specialties were invited to the school to encourage students, who signed up across the grades, to ponder a future career in the sciences.

But no matter what the course of study, “My main job has always been doing what it takes– advice to teachers, or special equipment geared towards a subject—to help a teacher teach the best he or she can.” Fittingly, Mr. Zeplin is no stranger to doling out solid advice. He has

trained both principals and teachers and has taught classes in educational supervision.

Many students over the years have left their mark on Mr. Zeplin. “One girl

came to me feeling inadequate in her studies,” he said. Little by little, she improved. By the time she reached Middle Division, she did so well that she was accepted to the YOF Joel Braverman High School. “It is impor-tant to me that we realize the capabili-ties of our students so that they can keep making educational gains.”

Mr. Zeplin has worked smoothly through the administrations of five

YOF presidents as well as the Board of Ed, and felt that having a good rapport with them “made me want to work even harder.” He added, “The President, the teachers, the parents—they were on my side all the way. YOF’s top faculty allowed me to get all of the educational work done, whether it be in resource or specialty classes, for example, that gave children the necessary push they needed to do well. I feel honored to have been a colleague to this superior faculty.”

When asked about some of the most vivid memories he had during his tenure here, he mentioned immedi-ately the one that still haunts him. “I was sitting at this desk on 9/11 when I heard about the terror attack.” Mr. Zeplin’s son, Marc, A”H, worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, on the top floors of one of the Twin Towers. Mr. Zeplin expresses his gratitude for the comfort and support extended by the Flatbush community to his whole family.

As Mr. Zeplin reflected on the six decades he devoted to improving education, he remarked, “I couldn’t possibly have imagined how hard I would work, and even more, how much I would gain.” During the Celebrate 87 event (see back cover for more), Elementary School Principal Rabbi Lawrence Schwed reiterated the feelings of many when he said, “No one can doubt Lenny Zeplin’s love for children or for the Yeshivah of Flatbush.” We wish Mr. Zeplin all success and health in his future worthy endeavors.

It is important to me that we realize the capabilities of our students so that they can keep making educational gains.

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To prepare for Pesach, kindergarten classes

participated in an intense game of “Pesach Jeopardy” in early April. There were a total of 25 animated

questions (on PowerPoint) split between five categories. All of the questions and answers were entirely in Hebrew—quite a feat for our 5-year-olds! Sample questions included “What is the name of the middle matzoh?” and “What plague starts with the letter tzadi?” Children were excited and enthusiastic about sharing all that they learned about the holiday, and exhibited camaraderie and good sportsmanship during the game. Two classes at a time played together, and the points were tallied at the end—with the winning class being K–134. “It was an amazing experience to watch

the kindergartners understand, process and answer all of the information in Hebrew!” exclaimed Early Childhood Director Debbie Levine Greenbaum. “The wealth of information the kids knew was unreal,” added Early Childhood Secretary Gina Masri. Aside from fun and games, each Atideinu, nursery, and kindergarten class got down to business and had its own model seder. Several fathers from each class volunteered to lead the seder with the teachers’ help. Children loved having their parents join them, and enjoyed practicing our important tradition.

On Shushan Purim, classes 3-208 and 3-210 visited Ateret

Avot assisted living facility with Mrs. Lea Fink, Mrs. Dreifus, and music teacher Mrs. Sylvia Schwartz. They brought tons of mishloach manot to the senior residents there, all generously donated by Ami and Ralph Sasson. Kids donned creative costumes, sang, and danced for the residents. A touch-ing moment came when one woman walked up to the children to thank them for coming and entertaining them. “We all cried, and the kids’ eyes were glowing,” remarked Mrs. Dreifus.

Class 3-210 and Mrs. Dreifus also led the 3rd grade Purim Chagigah in the auditorium, in an after-school event that invited kids to take part in a costume parade,

watch an exciting magic show, and snack on haman- tashen. 5th graders ran the Purim Carnival, arranged by Mrs. Marsha Kevelson and Mrs. Batsheva Klein. These students were in charge of the booths and games, and invited 1st through 4th graders to partake in the fun. Lastly, the Brooklyn Developmental Center,

a residential home for disabled adults, benefited from our 5th graders’ Purim packaging expertise and received festive and delicious baskets of goodies.

Purim Celebrations in Lower Division Spread the Fun—and the Chesed

Pesach Jeopardy in Hebrew Engages Kindergartners

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Students participate in a model seder led by fathers.

3rd grade classes bring cheer to seniors on Purim.

Atideinu Celebrates the YearAtideinu classes 1 through 4 invited their proud parents to an end-of-year celebration, which included an inspiring presentation on middot, and a touching slideshow of the year in pictures.

Elementary School

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Rob Berkman to Head K–8 General Studies

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Rob Berkman as the new

K–8 Principal of General Studies for the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School. Mr. Berkman, a New York City native, comes to us from Far Hills Country Day School in New Jersey, a prestigious prep school with a rigorous academic and co-curricular program. He served as the Director of their Upper School for eight years and Associate Head of School for the past 18 years. Mr. Berkman previously served at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn as Upper School Dean for nine years.

In his current position as Associate Head of School at Far Hills, Mr. Berkman was instrumental in instituting the

Character Development Program and Code of Honor that serve as the basis for student behavioral expecta-tions. He also oversaw and encour-aged the development of their Mac lab, performing arts center, music conservatory, fine arts studio, wind turbines designed by students, robot-ics program, STEM initiative, athletics task force, and much more. He is a recognized, well-respected educator in the Independent School Movement, as well as a sought-after presenter at national education conferences.

Mr. Berkman is a detail-oriented principal who believes in challenging students with a multi-faceted core curriculum in Language Arts,

Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. As an experienced teacher and educational leader, he espouses strong student engagement and differentiated instruction as the best way to educate children in any sub-ject. He is also a proponent of teacher collaboration, ongoing teacher training, and a performance-based evaluation system. In his own words, “The world needs children who are passionate problem-solvers, collabo-rators, and innovators, and it is up to our teachers to foster these qualities.”

Mr. Berkman is excited about his new role at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School and working with our students, faculty and parents.

This year, our 4th graders benefited from the targeted expertise

of the Guidance Department’s Koach Program, inspiring students to be kind to each other and express their feelings. School psychologist Ilana Grosser spear-headed this year’s program, ensuring that the weekly theme was matched to the relationship issues of each class and woven into lessons by the teach-ers. Each theme had a mission for the students to fulfill. One theme, learning to help others, was linked to the mission in which children were asked to help some-one they don’t usually talk to.

That mission, according to Grosser, “invited kids to expand their horizons past their comfortable-friend unit and think broader about who they can be friendly with.” Other topics focused on the difference between arrogance and self-love; another taught kids to gather all the facts before acting on something. Guidance personnel met with each class during this 10-week program. One particularly successful mission proj-ect asked students to create their own superhero to deal with a personal anger issue. Susie C., a student in class 4-334,

created a “Susie the Flyer” who is able to fly away when someone else gets her angry. After the missions had been com-pleted, guidance team members visited each class to motivate students to be “bucket fillers.” To fill someone’s “buck-et,” one person has to do (or say) a kind thing to someone else. Several parents have expressed the positive influence the program has had on inspiring their children. “It’s powerful to have a guid-ance member in the classrooms every week. It really helps build a rapport with the kids and gain a connection with them,” explained Grosser.

Extraordinary EducatorAppointed New Principal

Koach Program Encourages 4th Graders to Express Feelings

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This past spring, DEA agents addressed the 8th grade

about the dangers of using drugs. Students enjoyed hands-on opportunities to wear a bulletproof vest, hold a heavy riot shield, and try on handcuffs. DEA special agent

Jack Teitelman, DEA representative Elaine Weinshall and DEA supervisor Robert Lucas stressed the mantra of, “You are the sum total of the choices you make…choose wisely!” This visit was coordinated by PPS’s Avi Smus.

Students Get Straight Facts from the Field

DEA and guidance staff band together to warn children about the dangers of drugs.

Melave Malka Mrs. Chani Gratzman celebrates with a group of girls at the 5th Grade Melave Malka.

Torah Bowl Winners Congratulations to the Boys’ Torah Bowl team and their coach, Rabbi Yaakov Herzberg, on winning the Divisional Championship!

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Mathematics Hands-On in Lower Division As we integrate the Common

Core standards, our young mathematicians are having fun with numbers now more than ever, thanks to the efforts of Director of Curriculum Joyce Salame and Lower Division Math Coordinator Marsha Kevelson.

Kindergarten through 5th grade students are using manipulative materials such as place value blocks, tangrams, geometric shapes, Fraction Stax, and, of course, Smart Boards. Students in grades 3 through 5 are put into groups according to skill level. Students also started a math journal and a math dictionary.

Mathematical extracurriculars include a Math League Contest for fourth and 5th graders and a Math Bee for 5th grade. The Bee is made up of teams including one child from each streaming group. Individual students and their teams work out math problems. “Mrs. Kevelson has done an excellent job of monitoring and pacing the classes’ math progress so that all students will finish the same material by the end of the year,” explained Mrs. Salame.

Faculty, students and parents poured into the auditorium this

past March to see amazing pieces created by our kindergarten students for their art fair. There were colorful paintings, sculptures, drawings, and 3-D works using various media, some mimicking the art styles of Mondrian and Picasso. Each child exhibited his or her unique work, and collaborative art works from each class were dis-played for a silent auction. Proceeds from the sale went to Chai Lifeline and Hatzolah. These young artists enjoyed both seeing each other’s work and sharing theirs with others.

Kindergarten Artists Showcase Creativity

The young artists experimented with different media in their work.

Expert Rick Lavoie Visits YOF

Motivational child education speaker Rick Lavoie visited with YOF faculty to discuss how learning differences can positively transform both a

child and his/her classroom. Mr. Lavoie has released several respected videos, including When the Chips Are Down: Learning Disabilities and Discipline.

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The 8th Grade Travels to Washington, D.C.Students Visit Holocaust Museum,

Naval Academy, and National Zoo

The Class of 2014 visited our nation’s capital in May to

celebrate their 8th grade graduation. The trip started out with a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and a visit to its Jewish headquarters on campus, the Levy Center. The students were fascinated to learn about the vigorous academic and physical requirements necessary to graduate from the Academy. They visited the dormitory, the athletic center, and the statue of Tecumseh. Next stop was the Lincoln Memorial to

run up the steps and view the Gettysburg Address. Dinner was served aboard the Patriot III as the grads cruised up the Anacostia River. The day ended with a fun night of bowling, billiards, and searching for outlets to plug in cell phones! The next morning, upon arrival at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, each student received a card containing information on someone who had survived, perished, or helped hide Jews during the Holocaust.

In a change of pace, the next stop was the National Zoo where the students enjoyed lunch with the pandas. The final destination was a visit to the University of Pennsyl-vania Hillel for an enjoyable dinner before returning to Brooklyn. The trip was enhanced by five seniors from JBHS who joined the trip as advisors and role models for the 8th graders. Thanks to all the faculty who donated their time and assistance to the trip, ensuring that the kids came away with great memories.

Middle Division

Students visit the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and other sites.

Students display an astronaut’s uniform at the U.S. Naval Academy.

The faculty used the visit to the Holocaust Museum as an opportunity to enhance the curriculum that the students were currently working on in class.

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Speak from the HeartStudents on the Lashon Tov Committee worked with Mrs. Chana Mantel to make the 16th Annual Shmirat Halashon Charity Chinese Auction a wonderful success.

Meeting the Rishon leZion Students attended Tefillah Shacharit with Rishon leZion, Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, Rav Yitzhak Yosef, shlita, and recited the fourth Halleluiah from Pesulki Di Zimra with the tamim.

Once again this year, a group of 8th graders led by Program

Director and English teacher Barbara Zelenetz, explored and celebrated the arts in an enriching co-curricular offering called Humanities Plus. This highly successful and popular program affords students the opportunity to attend live performances at Lincoln Center, to visit leading art museums for special exhibits, and to attend Broadway productions as well as other cultural programs.

In October, the Humanities Plus group read and discussed Roald

Dahl’s classic Matilda, to prepare for a performance of the Broadway musical — what better way to learn about the choices directors must make when adapting a novel for the stage?

In November, Humanities Plus students got to cheer for the poor underdogs in the Broadway hit Newsies, a high-energy musical that portrays the Pulitzer-Hearst newspaper strike and child-labor problems of turn-of-the-century New York, topics that 8th grade students cover in their social studies classes.

In March, students saw a dramatiza-tion of the Pulitzer-Prize winning play A Raisin in the Sun, with the brilliant Denzel Washington. They were also introduced to the tragic heroine, Mimi, and the life and times of 19th century Paris, in the breath-taking Puccini opera La Bohème, at Lincoln Center’s Metropolitan Opera. Front-row orchestra seats made the experience even more thrilling! How fortunate we were to end our excit-ing season with a concert of chamber music in our own auditorium, as we’ve done in past years, under the direction of Mrs. Leslie Grazi. Bravo! Encore!

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In preparation for Shavuot, celebrating the giving of

the Torah, 6th grade students volunteered two lunchtimes a week (beginning after Pesach) to learn Pirkei Avot with 6th Grade Advisor Rabbi Shlomie Felendler. The aptly named “Lunch and

Learn Legion” focuses on studying the wisdom of the Torah concerning middot and healthy attitudes.

Many students joined as an additional means to help them prepare for becoming a bar or bat mitzvah. Rabbi Felendler is pleased with the

enthusiastic responses from all of the children in his class: “What’s special is that the wonderful students that come are not doing it for extra credit or a grade — they’re doing it because they want to learn from our precious Torah.”

6th Graders Volunteer to Learn Pirkei Avot

The Pirkei Avot boys class proudly poses with their mentor, Rabbi Shlomie Felendler.Students show off their Legion Bands.

Celebrating the Arts with Humanities Plus

Joel Braverman High School

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Heritage Mission participants donatematzoh and other goods for Pesach.

Historic Class Mission

In early April, 36 JBHS seniors as well as many of their parents and grandparents

joined Middle Division Principal Rabbi David Hertzberg, HS teacher Rabbi Zelig Prag, YOF Faculty Advisor Justin Engel, and HS English teacher Mica Bloom on an unforgettable trip to Poland.

Heritage Mission to PolandStudents Trace Paths of Holocaust Victims

The YOF annual, five-day pilgrimage gives participants

insight into the experiences of Holocaust victims. They visit cemeteries as well as mass graves, deliver Pesach goods to the dwindling population of Jewish Poles, and are inspired by stories, past and present.

This year, historian and YOF alumnus Tzvi Shiloni (ES ‘85, HS ‘89) accompa-nied the group, adding his knowledge as he guided them through Auschwitz-Birkenau. There, participants retraced the footsteps of more than a million victims, contemplated the Pond of Ashes, and recited the Mourner’s Kad-dish. YOF senior Jeffrey Nussbaum remarked on the irony of the beauty and peace of the camps today in contrast to the atrocities that hap-pened there. “Instead of being upset,

we should rejoice at the fact that we are still here and that the Nazis failed to eradicate us,” he said at Majdanek concentration camp. Senior Bob Husni shared his reaction to the gas cham-bers, saying they “were proof of the collapse of human sympathy.”

But not all visits were filled with such sorrow. Survivor Rabbanit Wagner met with the group at Belzec death camp and shared the story of how she saved her own life by jumping off a moving train that was headed to Belzec, where her own mother perished. Today, Rebbetzin Wagner lives in Israel and has more than 70 descendants. On other days, the group visited graves of famous rabbis, met with Rabbi Michael Schudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland, and delivered talitot and matzot to those in need to Warsaw’s only

remaining synagogue. The mission participants prayed mincha at the Warsaw Ghetto’s sole standing wall.

Perhaps the most moving event of the mission was placing handmade clay sculptures on the graves of children who perished in an area now within a forest, marked off by a garden gate and scattered toys. YOF senior Isaac Dayan expressed the thoughts of many students when he said, “We sought to appreciate what we received from the generation before us, and, perhaps more importantly, what we will pass on to the generations to come.”

Everything was visible—from the scratches on the wall to the stained blue ceiling from the gas itself…the chamber showed with undeniable proof the collapse of human sympathy.

Chesed Mission participants spend time with Ethiopian children at Emunah.

In May, the 6th Annual Adult Chesed Mission brought food,

toys and monetary donations to organizations and hospitals across Israel, and lifted the spirits of Israeli soldiers. The trip was led by JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, his wife, Safreda, and alumna and parent Susan Franco (HS’84), who helped coordinate gift distribution and many of the visits.

Even the first day reflected the schedule of a Chesed Mission participant: packing much needed pantry donations, followed by prayers and a late evening visit to Hemla, a home for abused women. Among the many organizations visited during the trip were a special education school (Ilanot), an Ethiopian child day-care center (Emunah), and a non-profit benefiting elderly immigrants (Yad LaKashish). The group of 55, comprised of YOF parents, staff (who dedicated their own vacation time to be on the Mission) and alumni, as well as friends in the community, also spent time with ill children and their families at children’s hospitals,

and uplifted the spirits of blind children. YOF Ladies Auxiliary’s Peggy Chernikoff and her husband, Allan, have joined at least four previous chesed missions with YOF, and described this trip as “phenomenal. It was both a week that has no words and a week that has so many words.”

Shabbat dinner was spent at the Inbal hotel, listening to IDF veteran and com-bat reservist Sgt. Benjamin Anthony tell of his experiences. Participants also spent time at Project Tikvot, interacting with wounded soldiers.

Second-time participant YOF Director of Payroll Ellen Bemak, expressed how, “we shared stories of everyday cour-age, endurance, and persistence, and witnessed the everyday chesed that ordinary, unheralded people pursue in so many simple acts of kindness.”

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Sephardic Heritage MissionHighlights of the Sephardic Heritage Mission in March included Shabbat in Gibraltar, hiking in Andalusia, touring the Alhambra, watching flamenco in Seville, and standing with Maimonides in Cordoba.

6th Annual Adult Chesed Mission To Israel

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Pathfinders Program Paves The Way for Student Professionals

Pathfinders matches students’ passions with an internship

in a desired field. Faculty members Shifra Hanon and Doris Anteby help students with arrangements. Below are some exciting new Pathfinders opportunities this summer:

BookitKosher.com and Kosher Media.com Several students are gaining invaluable experience in online business and digital marketing.

American Littoral Society (ALS) Students are learning about maritime forests and coastline restoration from a specialist.

CPEX Real Estate and Business Services One student is participating in the Summer Sales and Mentorship Program and is working closely with brokers and the in-house research team. Malia Mills Two students are working in the NY office of this upscale bathing suit company to learn about design, merchandising, business, and marketing.

Simple Dwellings One student is assisting with clients at an interior design company.

Amy and Steven Sasson take a break from pantry packing.

Joel Braverman High School

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Every Thursday after school, 20 of our young men and

women choose to devote their precious extracurricular time to Mishmar, voluntary Torah learning, with Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenblum. “I tell my students to leave their preconceived notions of the Chumash at the door and look at it with a fresh and more sophisticated set of eyes,” explains Rabbi Rosenblum.

Three of the hot topics often visited are questions regarding rabbinical authority, the changing role of women

within Judaism, and how to relate to Midrashic interpretations of the Torah. “I try to challenge the students’ perception of the stories they take for granted since they have read them so many times in the past,” added Rabbi Rosenblum. One recent topic revisited in a new way was “Is Technology Good or Evil?” Rabbi Rosenblum explained that there is no intrinsic moral value placed on technology; rather it is the decision and responsibility of the individual using the device that determines its value.

Refreshingly, many alumni, both recent and not-so-recent, keep in touch with Rabbi Rosenblum to see what topics are being covered and ask to sit in on a session. “There is a sense of appreciation from the students that they have an open forum to ask questions. It is a real pleasure to watch the students’ Torah maturation happen over the four years they spend with us. They begin to see the Torah in a new light, and understand its relevancy in today’s world.”

Students join Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenblum’s weekly session on Torah topics.

I try to challenge the students’ perception of the stories they take for granted since they have read them so many times in the past.

Mishmar Challenges PerceptionsStudents Learn Insights from Rabbi Rosenblum

We are excited to welcome Michelle Biller-Levy as Director

of College Guidance. Ms. Biller-Levy is an experienced college admissions professional with a wealth of knowl-edge and an extensive set of contacts throughout the field. In her work as a senior admissions counselor at Barnard College, she was responsible for evaluating applications, coordinat-ing the Barnard Alumnae Admissions Representatives Program, as well as attending and presenting at college fairs across the country. Ms. Biller- Levy shares her excitement about beginning this new post with us:

“I am thrilled about this opportunity. After six years of working in college admissions, I am invigorated by the idea of guiding students through this

transitional stage of their lives. I feel particularly privileged to be returning to my alma mater and helping the dynamic students at YOF navigate their way through the college application process. I will bring the knowledge that I have gained from assessing applica-tions at a highly selective Liberal Arts institution and use my perspective as a Flatbush alumna to ensure that students are presenting themselves in the best possible light to the colleges of their choice.

“I believe in the value of the college experience as an essential tool for personal development and profes-sional success. I look forward to helping the students at Flatbush find the colleges that will provide them with an empowering experience.”

May and Bernard Blumenthal Scholars ProgramThe 5th cohort of the Blumenthal Scholars program presented their research projects and celebrated their accomplishments at a festive dinner on May 20. Based on mentored independent study, the program develops research skills, leadership qualities, and talents in academics, the arts, and sciences. It offers a challenging and innovative course of study for elite students.

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Columbia Admissions Director Headlines Panel at YOF College Night

Sunday MorningsBring EnthusiasticLearners

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Students from every grade (as well as their parents,

siblings, and friends) are always invited to partake in Sunday Morning Learning, a popular, extracurricular Torah Learning program led by YOF HS Faculty and Sophomore Grade Advisor Justin Engel. “Sometimes we get as many as 100 students,” said Mr. Engel, proudly.

After prayers and breakfast, the morning’s discussion topics are distributed to the students, who are then paired up to go over the sources together before the speaker begins. Speakers are usually faculty members. “Students like the fact that they can discuss topics with teach-ers outside of the classroom setting. There’s a ‘let’s learn this together’ feeling, which changes the student-teacher dynamic,” added Mr. Engel. One highlight was the morning led by Rabbi Zelig Prag on how people should treat each other. “The timing of Rabbi Prag’s lesson was especially poignant because it coincided with the annual Heritage Mission to Poland,” remarked Mr. Engel.

On April 8th, the Yeshivah of Flatbush’s College Guidance

Department was delighted to host our annual Junior College Night with representatives from more than 40 colleges. The evening began with an informal dinner, at which College Guidance counselors continued to strengthen their relationships with the college admissions representatives. Students and parents enjoyed a dynamic and informative panel discussion moderated by Diane McKoy, Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Columbia University.

The panel provided in-depth informa-tion regarding admissions, essays, college visits, and resume-building as well as insight into how to find the best colleges for each individual student. After the panel, students and their parents went to the gym for the College Fair, where they met with college representatives. The College Guidance Department is thrilled to have offered this invaluable opportu-nity to the Flatbush family and looks forward to working with the incoming seniors as they strive towards their college goals.

YOF Elated to Welcome Exceptional New Director of College Guidance

Sunday Morning Learners enjoy breakfast and bright discussion.

Joel Braverman High School

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Flatbush Falcons Sports Take Flight Competitive Track Team Debuts

A fter what seemed like an endless winter, Flatbush Falcon

sports burst forth to thaw the cold air and warm up the spring with two new teams.

For the first time ever, thanks to the devoted efforts of Athletics Director Eric Amkraut, Flatbush is fielding a competitive track team. Flatbush has a history of producing some talented distance runners (e.g., the Benun family), but never before have they had the opportunity to wear the maroon and gold in competition with other schools. Track is perhaps unique among interscholastic teams in that it is basically individual competition in a group setting.

Teammates and competitors alike have the oppor-tunity to connect with each other in an atmosphere that equally pro-motes teamwork and sportsman-ship. As a result, 95 students registered to be part of the inaugural Flatbush Varsity Track Team.

Proudly, YOF debuted with

the largest team group in the 2014 HODS 5K Race in Central Park, and took first and third place in the High School age group for boys, and second place in the same age group for girls. When they competed in the first MYHSAL Track Meet this spring, the Falcons came home with one first place finish, four second place finishes and one third place finish.

In addition to track, another sport —though not new to the school—made its appearance. On a frigid and rainy Tuesday evening, an excited group of girls donned their gloves and took to the softball field, after a nearly 10-year hiatus. To see the girls compete was very

satisfying; even better were the attitudes of the athletes themselves. When asked to describe their first softball experience here, senior Ellen Haddad shared, “It was so much fun to be a part of the team; even though it was freezing cold, cheering on my teammates during the game made me feel a part of something exciting and fun.” Sophomore Fatima Sharaby added, “I could barely feel my fingers with the hail and the wind, but being out there on the field was just great.”

The Athletics Department is exploring options for running a cross-country program in the fall. With the strong foundation many of our students have in training for half-marathons and triathlons, coupled with the experience of this spring’s team competitions, this is only the beginning.

The Flatbush track team competed with other schools for the first time ever.

Coach Miriam Wielgus, Athletics Director Eric Amkraut, and the new YOF track team assemble before an important meet.

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Students Explore Survivors’ Experience Through Witness Theater

The Khezrie Auditorium was filled to capacity on April 28, the eve of

Yom HaShoah, as the community again joined together for Witness Theater.

From the beginning of the school year, YOF seniors, in a collaboration with Selfhelp Community Services, had paired with Holocaust survivors to learn their stories and prepare to portray them on stage. Students met with the survivors weekly, diligently taking notes, listening to and recording the harrowing stories of survival.

Through the use of Drama Therapy, guided by director Sally Grazi-Shatzkes, students and survivors developed representations of the survivors’ experiences during the war. “Drama Therapy is the perfect vehicle through which to facilitate this kind of deeply emotional group

process because it allows us to tell, hear, and respond to very difficult material without words,” explained Mrs. Grazi-Shatzkes.

As each survivor narrated, the students reenacted the survivor’s story. Hear-ing tales of survivors’ most sorrowful memories, about the families they lost, and the difficult conditions they endured, was hard. After each story was told, the student and survivor would also discuss the survivor’s life after the war. “It shouldn’t have happened, but it did.

It’s a fact of life—Hitler wanted me dead and here I am, with grandkids and great-grandkids,” explained Hy Abrams, who survived harsh conditions in many concentration camps. Through the performance, the survivors and students had developed strong bonds. Mrs. Grazi-Shatzkes explained, “The two generations act-ed as pillars of support for each other; they looked to each other for laughter, love, hope, and faith.” The students often stay in touch with the survivors after the program, and reinforce their relationship by calling before Shabbat every week.

Shabbaton at Safra SynagogueMiriam Wielgus and her Sephardic History elective students visited the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Manhattan to pray, enjoy a meal with Rabbi Abadie and family, picnic, visit the Met rooftop garden, and learn with Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik.

Global Youth SummitYOF junior Virginia Dweck has been chosen to be a part of the week-long Global Youth Summit on the Future of Medicine.

N EWS BI T E

Guidance Programs Address Teen Challenges

A t the Yeshivah of Flatbush, we support a proactive approach

in promoting the well-being of our students, including building life skills and preventing at-risk behaviors. Spring featured a series of parent-and student-focused programs toward this outcome, starting with “It’s Not My Child: The Dangers All Teens Face with Drugs and Alcohol,” facilitated by program coordinator Eva Bernfeld. On March 3, parents of HS sopho-mores experienced a deeply moving personal journey shared by community member Joey Cabasso. Brought to the high school by Project SAFE, Mr.

Cabasso spoke about how he worked through his challenges with substance abuse. This striking account was fol-lowed by a presentation by Alexander Rand, a licensed clinical social worker and addictions therapist, who provided useful information for parents regarding adolescent behavior, warning signs, and prevention strategies. Parent feedback spoke to the powerful impact of this comprehensive program. The next night, Shira Berkowitz of Project SAFE introduced junior and senior girls to Dalia Abott, social worker and nutritionist, who ran

engaging and interactive sessions on positive body image. Simultane-ously, senior boys were fortunate to be addressed by Ike Dweck, execu-tive director of the SAFE Foundation, who shared a captivating story of his own about gambling prevention. Eli Amzalag and Penina Ginsberg, SAFE teachers at the high school, continue to address these crucial topics in students’ weekly SAFE classes. Special thanks to Director of High School Guidance Dr. Etty Mizrahi and the Parents’ Choices Committee for scheduling these important programs.

Students portray moments of victims’lives during the harshest of times.

Holocaust survivor Rena Nudel narrates her own story during the production.

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Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School919 East 10th Street Brooklyn, NY 11230718-377-4466

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School 1609 Avenue J Brooklyn, NY 11230718-377-1100

Robert Frastai PRESIDENT

Rabbi Seth Linfield EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONBebe Levitt ALUMNI DIRECTOR

JOEL BRAVERMAN HIGH SCHOOLRabbi Dr. Raymond Harari 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 SCHOOLRabbi 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 STAFFMichelle Olveira EDITORShelley Mendelow DIRECTOR OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTFaith Edeson EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Red Rooster Group DESIGN

MJR Direct Mail, Inc. PRINTING AND MAILING

Yeshivah of Flatbush 919 East 10th StreetBrooklyn, NY 11230

The YOF High School’s Laboz and Ben-Haim lobbies

were transformed into a stylish venue for the Celebrate 87 event on June 11. The evening featured an outpouring of tributes to Mr. Zeplin for his 19 years of service as Lower Division General Studies Principal. During the program, master of ceremonies and Vice President Jack Mann introduced outgoing Ladies Auxiliary President Nathalie Vilinsky, who handed the

reins to Sarah Dweck for next year. Lynne Erdos was installed as the new President-Elect. The evening concluded with the Installation of Board Trustees and Officers, with reflections and “thank yous” from outgoing President Mark Goldstein. Mr. Goldstein passed the gavel to Robert Frastai, our school’s new President, who energized the community about the opportunities ahead for the Yeshivah of Flatbush’s 88th year and beyond.

Former President Mark Goldstein hands the gavel to Robert Frastai.

New Ladies Auxiliary President Sarah Dweck (left) and outgoing President Nathalie Vilinsky.

Leonard and Leona Zeplin stand proudly with their children and grandchildren.

Celebrating 87 Years of Stellar Education