THE BASH - Bnei Akiva Schools
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Issue 2 March 2018
THE BASH Bnei Akiva Schools Headlines
“very creative educational if administrators exclusively deal Another drawback of this system
methodology.” with administrative matters, they is that the administrators simply
Administrators, Teachers,
Additionally, the word lose “what education is all about, do not have enough hours in the
or Both? ‘administrator’ should be which is really represented in the day to do both jobs - being an
understood in the context of Bnei classroom”. On a similar note, Mr. administrator and teacher - to
Understanding BAS’s Hierarchical Akiva Schools. Rabbi Grauer Rapp believes that setting up the their fullest capacities. Mrs. Munk
Structure defines an administrator as system this way allows the admits that “many times
“someone involved in stuff other administrators to “continue to administrators don’t do everything
By: Layla Frischman than teaching,” who has a develop their craft as teachers and they’re supposed to as teachers”,
“significant portion of their time remain in touch with the and that she herself is always late
One of the defining dedicated to administration”. For experience of [the] students in the to class due to her administrative
characteristics of the Bnei Akiva example, a teacher who is involved classroom”. duties. Similarly, Rabbi Grauer
Schools is its staggering number of in a club or two would not make Ultimately, there is an inherent shares that not only do the
administrators. As the running joke the coveted cut as an value to the administrators administrators struggle on the
goes, there are more administrator. building relationships with their teaching end, but on the
administrators than teachers and Through my interview with Rabbi students. Mrs Munk explains: “I administrative end as well.
students combined. In order to Grauer, I wanted to explore the pride myself on teaching all the Although this reality perhaps
better understand this reasoning behind this system. grade 9 students so I can get to means that both ends are lacking,
administrative system, I Rabbi Grauer believes that blurring know each girl from the very all of the administrators feel that
approached Rabbi Grauer (the the line between administrators beginning.” Mrs. Munk makes it the system is worthwhile despite
mastermind behind this structure) and teachers has many benefits. clear that having personal its setbacks. Rabbi Grauer believes
to gain a more informed First, having administrators who connections with the students that the true goal is “to find the
perspective. teach means that when they throughout their whole high right balance between how many
Before delving into this implement rules which will be school experience is quite classes an administrator should
questionably effective system, it imposed on teachers, they are not significant. teach”, which would ideally solve
should be made clear what exactly doing it from their ivory tower. Mrs. Weinberg also agrees that the issue of timing for the teaching
the system is: every administrator Rather, any decision the “to be a good administrator you component of their jobs.
at Bnei Akiva Schools teaches administration makes will affect have to get to know your students My main takeaway from these
classes in addition to their them directly, which results in as individuals” and the best way to series of interviews is positive -
administrative duties. This means more careful decision making. Mrs. do so is in a classroom setting. with hard work and
that the job of one or two Fixler, the Director of Admissions In our conversation, Mr. Rapp communication, a brighter
administrators is spread amongst and Academics, confirms this also expressed the downside of educational future exists. Let us
multiple people in order to make point; she states that this setup this structure. He feels “torn” by hope that the
each administrator available to allows the administrators “to be the structure, as he loves teaching, administrator/teacher complex will
teach as well. This contrasts with able to see things from a teacher's yet he explains, “I see an be solved, and in doing so the line
schools’ traditional hierarchical point of view and relate better to inevitability of lessening my between administrator and
structure which includes a select the teaching staff”. teaching to better manage my teacher will continue to blur to the
number of administrators who Another reason why this system is administrative responsibilities”. As benefit of both
deal solely with administrative successful is because it allows the this inevitability comes to fruition, teacher-administrators and
matters. The BAS is throwing administrators to remain in touch he hopes that he will not become students.
tradition to the wind as it has with the original purpose of their too disconnected from his students
adopted what Rabbi Grauer calls, a work. Rabbi Grauer points out that and their academic experience.
Colour War Leaving Some Teachers
Feeling Blue When Colour War broke out on
Benefits of Colour War Not
Tuesday, January 30th, between
Black and White By: Temima Tova Gerstl
1
Team Galil and Team Negev, disrupts the flow of classroom Ulpana can effectively provide both reduce death and injury in alcohol,
excitement filled the halls of Ulpanat consistency that is vital to learning, formal education and informal drug and risk-related crashes and
Orot. Colour War at Ulpana has long but also crams too many activities education, such as Colour War, incidents. Many teachers are
been a perennial favourite. Students into a short period of time, wasting a without sacrificing one for the sake confident that the students have
clamour for the two-day activity lot of “mental and emotional energy” of the other: “I imagine it's not a very gained a lot from the trip to
extravaganza all year long, that could be directed instead toward appealing sales pitch to say we just Sunnybrook hospital and a decrease
speculating as to when the breakout mastering the curriculum. teach,” he admitted. “But the more in risky student activities is
will be, and occasionally even going time I spend thinking about this, the anticipated.
so far as to stage protests when their more I'm convinced that educating
calculations are incorrect and they the whole child is best accomplished Rabbanit at Ulpana
are left disappointed. The idea in well-defined and discrete parts.” Purim Play and Fundraiser Event
behind the program is to give each Well there you have it, it looks like
girl an outlet for her talents--whether Colour War is nothing if not a grey By: Chana Silverman
they be academic, artistic, or area in the Bnei Akiva Schools
athletic--and to create unity among Education.
At Ulpana, the grade eleven
the grades. However, as much as
students recently held the annual
Colour War is beloved by students,
Sunny Days Ahead Rabbanit evening, featuring a
the teachers have been largely silent
Sharon Fixler, Director of YOC Students Visit Sunnybrook Purim-infused production of Aladdin
on their views of this staple of
Admissions and Academics at Hospital as well as a fundraiser.
Ulpana culture, leaving some to
wonder as to their true feelings Ulpanat Orot, also weighed in, saying
that she had “mixed feelings” toward By: Yochanan Goldstein
toward this intrusion into their class
time. Colour War. “I love the the ruach and
achdut it creates within students and On February 6 , Grade 10 and 11
th
the opportunity it gives for so many students at YOC participated in
students to shine. On the other hand, Sunnybrook Hospital’s “PARTY”
over the years I have seen a decrease program. The program is tailored for
in overall student participation.” high school students and focuses
Naomi Glogauer, a Grade 12 primarily on risk assessment and
student, seemed to confirm Mrs. prevention, with several graphic As one of the writers and directors
Fixler’s impression about the decline presentations designed to highlight of the play, I had the privilege of
in student participation in Colour the importance of taking working with my class to make the
War when she admitted that to her, preventative measures to ensure evening possible, and together we
the program is “a complete waste of safety in adolescents. put on a spectacular performance
When probed for their views of time that I don’t participate in,” Grade 11 student Yair Moll noted, (totally unbiased here). The play was
Colour War and its place in the adding that she views the two-day “The trip was extremely essential for complete with great acting and
school schedule, some teachers period as “time off [from] school.” all teenagers. We got to hear choreography, beautiful costumes,
expressed hesitation about speaking Along the same lines, Mrs. Fixler firsthand from a police officer who sets, and props that our committees
out against this venerable Ulpana noted that “by day two [of Colour conveyed her experiences dealing worked hard to make.
tradition. When reached for War], numbers have dwindled and with traumas caused by impaired Our grade’s charity of choice was
comment, Hillel Rapp, Director of students are exhausted by it,” an driving. I think that that is especially the Machlis Shabbat Project, a
Education at Bnei Akiva Schools, assessment that is supported by the important for vulnerable teenagers Jerusalem based charity that
began by praising the “many positive many empty chairs at Tefillah and the who may come in contact with a case provides Shabbat meals and lodging
elements of informal education that roster of students marked “Absent” like this.” to visitors and people who cannot
are captured by an experience like on the second day of activities each Students toured the building and afford to buy meals. In order to raise
[Colour War],” going on to explain year. heard from medical professionals money, the fundraising committee
that “educational moments in In addition, Mrs. Fixler, like Mr. about the hospital’s many features. ran an auction at school in which
leadership, collaboration, Rapp, expressed the “educational Some were even brave enough to grades bid on prizes generously
improvisation, creativity, concern of losing class time to yet witness the CICU (Critical Intensive donated by teachers and students
self-expression, and Jewish identity another program.” This concern Care Unit) firsthand. In the such as class slurpee walks, BBQs,
are just a few of the opportunities stems from the fact that teachers at afternoon, students were captivated pizza parties and more. Additionally,
[that Colour War] can provide.” Ulpana are regularly forced to give up by personal stories of survivors of on our Rabbanit evening, we had a
However, Mr. Rapp admitted that class time for various other school accidents, who inspired messages of raffle with cool prizes including a
he believes that overall, the programs such as speakers and trips, hope despite their horrific personalized jersey, gift cards, and
fundamental structure of Colour War and the two days of Colour War leave experiences. Raptors tickets.
may be educationally flawed. In his teachers with even less time to finish While the trip was praised by many Lastly, in true Ulpana fashion, we
opinion, the two components that the provincial curriculum. Or Chaim students, some noted that sold delicious snacks with all the
are critically important in pedagogy Moving forward, Mrs. Fixler it wasn’t as valuable as it could have proceeds going towards the Machlis
are the need for teachers to “build proposed a solution to these been. One grade 10 student claimed Shabbat Project.
ideas, lessons and units within a concerns: shortening Colour War that the trip, “Could have been Congratulations to Dalya Mirlas for
linear, consistent and predictable down to “one full, action-packed structured better.” He noted that the being voted as Rabbanit, and the
time frame,” and the necessity of day” that is mandatory for all students likely would have gained a rules that she made that the school
focusing on one thing at a time and students to attend. In this way, she lot more from the trip had it been had to follow for the week were so
not giving in to the “natural and hopes to limit the class time teachers slightly more engaging for all types of much fun! (Including the teachers
well-intentioned impulse to be will lose while still keeping the students in Or Chaim. having to be Chazzanit at davening,
everything at once.” Education, students engaged and invested in the The Administration at Bnei Akiva which was hilarious.)
according to Mr. Rapp, is “a Colour War programming. Schools have claimed that the Overall, I can truly attest that a lot
marathon and not a series of sprints,” Mr. Rapp, on the other hand, program was a vital component of of hard work was put in by my grade
and in his view, Colour War not only expressed wariness as to whether the growing community effort to to making Rabbanit so amazing this
2
year. A huge thanks to everyone who constant requests to follow these
helped, including all the donors of accounts, which led many people to Weizmann Physics Safe
the raffle and auction prizes, our block or report them.
teachers who gave up class time to Another problem that came up was
Competition
Ulpana Team is Victorious
let us practice, and Prof for all the the use of people’s photos without
hard work she put in. their permission. I personally was a
By: Noa Muscat
victim of this, when one of the many
“shidduch accounts” took a picture of
my face to pair me with someone To many, physics is known as dull
from Or Chaim. I wasn’t offended, and boring. The reality, though is that
but I did feel vulnerable because no it can be one of the most hands on
one asked me first before uploading and interesting of the sciences. This
this. Yes, I took a risk by letting a is especially true when looking at the
photo of me be put on social media Shalheveth Freier Physics
in the first place, but the person Tournament, which challenges teams Getting Down to Business
behind that shidduch account should from all over the world to create a The YOC Finance Club
have known better than to do it safe that can be cracked using physics
YOC/UO Meme Accounts principles.
The Dark Side of Meme Accounts without my consent. I am not the By: Hershel Ganz
only one who this has happened to, My team, consisting of Atara
and that is not okay. Gasner, Dalya Mirlas, Margalit Mirlas,
By: Sarah Birnbaum Yeshivat Or Chaim has many great
Some meme accounts even went and myself, used the principle of air
clubs but this article will focus on one
so far as to involve people from other pressure as the main component of
For those of you who are particular club, The Finance Club.
schools in the GTA. It isn’t fair to our safe. The other Ulpana team was
unfamiliar with the enigma of the The “CEO” of the finance club is
those individuals that they had to be composed of Atara Lipson, Marya
meme account, let me explain it to Jonah Mayer, a senior at Or Chaim.
sucked into this mess when they Nurgitz, Sheina Franco, Meira
you: A meme is an idea, behaviour, or The goal of the club is to encourage
were never related to any of it in the Torczyner, and Chana Silverman. The
style that spreads from person to and educate young entrepreneurs
first place. The more that this primary principle used in their safe
person within a culture, often with and those interested in careers in
happened, the more it turned into was circuits and sound waves.
the aim of conveying a particular business and finance.
full-blown cyber bullying, with some Both teams worked for months in
phenomenon, theme, or meaning The club has had different business
accounts going so far as to use crude order to prepare for the national
represented by the meme. The professionals come to educate, share
adjectives to describe people and competition, which took place in
anonymous creators of meme their experiences, and provide
using language calling for violence. Montreal earlier this year.
accounts on Instagram are dedicated insider information in their field. One
For example, on one of the Bnei The competition itself consists of
to posting memes, often asking their of the speakers was Mr. Edward
Akiva Schools meme pages, Ulpana two components; cracking the
followers to submit some, which can Kholodenko, the President and Ceo
girls were referred to as “thots”, competing teams’ safes and
then be posted on these popular of Questrade. He came to Or Chaim
meaning “that hoe over there”. Aside presenting our safe to each of the
accounts. to speak and share his experiences
from being primitive, this language is three judges individually. This was an
People enjoy seeing what will be and he talked about not only his
also degrading and offensive. extremely enjoyable and challenging
posted next and talking about it with successes, but also about his failures.
Individual students have also been experience.
their friends, whether it be because The club also has interactive
penalized on this page. Out of the thirteen competing
the most recent post was funny, activities for its members such as the
The biggest issue with the meme teams, two were victorious and will
shocking, or downright outrageous. stock market game. The stock market
accounts, however, is that they were proceed to the international
When done respectfully and without game is a mock online stock market
all anonymous. People become competition which is held in Israel at
harming others, they can connect the where players are given a certain
bolder when they are unidentified; the Weizmann Institute. One team
Bnei Akiva Schools through shared amount of startup money to buy
since there is no accountability, these from Montreal won, as well as my
humour and relatability. The original stocks and hopefully make some
people could do or say whatever they team, and we will be going to Israel
Ulpana meme page, Uowhatitis, was equity.
want with impunity. To put it simply, from March 19th to the 22nd! Mrs.
created last year by an anonymous Between the high quality speakers
they know who you are, but you Chocron, who helped guide both UO
Ulpana student and it has been a and the hands on activities, this is a
don’t know who they are. This leads teams to create their safes, will be
source of appropriate and hilarious very useful club for a young, striving
to another problem, because if a accompanying my team on as we
memes. entrepreneur.
victim wanted to ask an account to enter the second phase of the
Soon enough, these Instagram
take down a post, they’d be doing it competition.
accounts became a popular trend at
with the risk of becoming even more Participating in the safe
the beginning of this school year,
of a target than they already are. competition has been an educational
with new ones seemingly popping up
Complaining gives the account owner and exciting experience to be a part
every few days. Now that they have
more fuel to add to the flames. of. Thank you to all involved!
died down and seem to have lost
their popularity, it is time to reflect Meme accounts are supposed to be
on them, and understand why they harmless fun and a way for people to
were so controversial. find common ground over funny Yeshiva University Model UN
The first piece of evidence that images and captions. Unfortunately, Conference
these accounts were becoming a many of them simply became a Tales from YUNMUN
problem was how fast they were means to anonymously bully people
being created. It started off with just with no repercussions. We may never By: Ahava Helfenbaum
one or two of them, until it seemed know the names of the people who
like another one was up every few operated the accounts, but hopefully
I was so busy frantically
days. It spiraled out of control and by enlightening people as to the
memorizing Afghanistan's foreign
many people became fed up with the damage caused by them, we can
policy before my session started, I
make sure that this does not happen
barely heard the thud of the 3 ring
again.
3
binder against the desk. When I going into my last Shabbaton, this
looked up, I must have been so was everything I could have wanted.”
terrified by the enormity of the Her classmate, Kinneret Witty
binder because the delegate holding comments that “the dancing, the
it smiled and said, “don't worry, half smiles, bonding time, were all parts
of the papers in here are last year's of it being so great.” Whether you
Tanach notes.” were taking advantage of the
For me, Yeshiva University Model structured activities, or just enjoying
UN conference was a highly the company of your classmates,
enjoyable experience, but an there is no doubt you were having a
unexpectedly rigorous one as well. I, great time. The chessed committee, Eliana
along with eight other Bnei Akiva Ulpana Shabbaton 2018 Grunbaum, Tehila Greenberg, Shira
School students, travelled to New A Shabbaton to be Remembered Mammon, Zahava Fortinsky, and I
York along with hundreds of students thank all of you for coming to Mother
from all across North America and By: Leora Kronenberg Daughter Night 2018 to show your
beyond to participate in the support for Sharsheret. We could not
conference. All nine of us were in one Everyone knows that the Ulpana have raised this money without each
of the fifteen committees, which Shabbaton is highlight of every year. and every one of you!
ranged from the Security Council to From getting the sweaters, to All in all, this Shabbaton was one that
the World Food Program. All of the dancing with everyone in the dining will be remembered. Thank you to
committees mirrored committees room, Ulpana Shabbatons tend to be everyone involved in the planning,
existing in the UN itself and had the fun-filled and exciting. Chances are, if the upbeat atmosphere, and the
exact same procedures. you are lucky enough to go on one, memories!
The objective of each delegate was you’re probably going to have an
to enter his or her committee as a amazing time. Mother Daughter Night
representative of one of the two The Shabbaton of 2017 was the Successful Sharsheret Fundraiser
countries their school had been one where everyone made new
assigned (BAS’s were Afghanistan and friends or stepped out of their By: Hannah Lipson
Myanmar), and debate with up to 25 respective comfort zones. This
other delegates on thoroughly Shabbaton made everyone laugh, but The chessed committee organized
researched topics. Eventually, it also made everyone cry. This one Let’s Talk
the annual mother daughter night Mental Health: What Is It?
delegates broke into groups with was the greatest, most joyous, and event this past February 7th. This
other students and met throughout most exhilarating Shabbaton yet. year, the event coincided with
the conference (in my case until 2 By: Yosef Zeldman
Sharsheret awareness day. Due to
am) to construct two resolution this, we felt that it was only
papers in the hopes of them passing On Tuesday, January 30th, 2018, I
appropriate to donate our funds to
their committee’s vote. gave a presentation to the students
Sharsheret; a charity in the US which
This rigorous research was and faculty of Yeshivat Or Chaim
helps and supports Jewish women
admittedly due in part to the about mental health awareness for
who are facing breast and/ or ovarian
ultra-competitive environment the Bell Let’s Talk Day. I spoke about the
cancer.
conference perpetuated and, as variety of the diverse mental illnesses
Mothers and daughters came
delegates rushed from snack break to that affect our society in the masses,
So, what made this Shabbaton so dressed in pink in support of
sessions, you could feel the the way the brain works under the
special? Sharsheret. The evening’s events
excitement in the air. influence of certain mental illnesses,
Lots of people agreed that it was included a dvar Torah from Mrs.
Being in a conference hall with 500 the indications that someone is a
because of the bonds it created Munk, a pink themed dessert
other aspiring lawyers and politicians victim of mental illness, and, most
within the school. “It brought me reception and a cake wars
was intimidating, especially since importantly, what you can do about
closer to my friends,” said Elyanna competition judged by none other
most of them were veteran debate mental illness even if it doesn’t
Remer, a sophomore. She continued than Hardcor Snackie herself.
champions. But, the rush of directly affect you. I plan to use this
to say that, “It really united the Each mother and daughter received
participation immediately eliminated article to properly instruct you on
school. It was so much fun and there one cupcake to decorate and came
any lingering stage fright. I can how to not only spread awareness of
was so much ruach. It made the together with the rest of their table
confidently say that none of those mental illness, but actively take a
school feel more like a family.” Shmuli to create a unified image depicting
perpetually-open research tabs on stance in helping others through
Cohen, a junior, also commented that the importance of Sharsheret.
my computers went to waste various mental health crises.
the, “Ulpana Shabbaton was Thank you to Elyse, Mrs. Klein and
because, as I learned, there is no One of the most important things
awesome because it created a Prof for helping us plan and organize
such thing as too much research. I in counteracting any issue is being
stronger sense of unity and the incredible event. As a school, we
also learned that Unmoderated aware of the issue itself. There are,
friendship within the Ulpana raised almost $1500 for Sharsheret
Caucus is a lot more fun than it unfortunately, a plethora of mental
mishpacha.” Clearly, after this (over double what the chessed
sounds. illnesses that are out there.
Shabbaton, everyone felt an even committee has raised in previous
I speak on behalf of the whole BAS Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar
stronger sense of kinship towards years)!
delegation when I say we are wholly disorder, Gender Dysphoria,
their friends and teachers.
grateful to Sarah Wapner, Mr. Rapp, Schizophrenia, Anorexia and
The activities and the way the
and Mrs. Kagan for making all our Dementia are only a few of the
Shabbaton was planned out were
hard work come to fruition. hundreds of different mental
real factors which contributed to the
Who knows, maybe next year we'll illnesses. Knowing what they are and
atmosphere of the Shabbaton. Orly
all be lugging last year’s Torah notes how they affect us is crucial in
Aziza, a senior, put it best: “It was
to make an impression, but I have a actively counteracting everything
well planned but not too planned
feeling we won’t be needing them. that is out there.
out.” Orly continued, “As a senior
4
For the sake of being more concise, change, and, together, we can be
however, I’m going to use this article that change.
to talk about depression and its link
to suicidality, the most prevalent
mental illness among young
teenagers. 11% of Canadians aged
15-24 have met the criteria for
depression. Suicide is the second Penina Basser, a senior, reflected on
leading cause of death amongst the season, “Our volleyball season
15-24 year olds (second only to car Night-time for the Knights has finally come to an end. Our
Now that I’ve thoroughly explained
accidents). Unfortunately, I am very The UO Knights volleyball team close resilience and strong team stood out
depression and its effect on the
aware of the effects of depression their season this season and we all had so much
brain, I’m going to tell you what you
and suicidality first hand, as my fun playing as the Knights.”
can do about it. If you personally feel
father (Aaron Zeldman ) ז”ב By: Hannah Aaron The team will be losing four current
that you’re seeing early signs of
committed suicide back in 2010. I’ve seniors next year, all of whom were
depression, such as overwhelming
also struggled through my own bouts Spanning over approximately two valuable players who lead the team
sadness, excessive self-deprecation
with depression and suicide months, the UO Knights volleyball this past year.
or loss of interest in hobbies or
attempts, something I have since team played their hearts out over the Fortunately, the Knights have a
activities, I beg of you to reach out to
been able to overcome entirely course of a gut-wrenching season, promising future ahead and we wish
someone for help. We live in a world
through therapy and medication. which ultimately came to an end on them the best of luck in their future
where there isn’t shame in coming
Since suicide has had a very March 1st. endeavors - which will hopefully earn
clean about mental illness, and there
significant effect on me and my The team, consisting of 50% new them a new trophy to proudly display
are so many outlets in and outside of
family, I have an immense interest in players, welcomed their new coach
YOC/UO that can help you find the in our school. Go Knights!
studying the topic and educating Mr. Jonathan Parker who introduced
right method to getting out of a
others on the subject. a different style of play, called a 6-2; a
To further illustrate the awareness
depressive state. For the rest of us,
system that brought the team great
Ice in the Desert
however, knowing that a statistically The Israeli Olympic Team
of the effect of depression, I’m going success.
overwhelming majority of people do
to explain what depression does to The members of the team include
not suffer from depression, there are Shmuel Laitman STAFF WRITER
the brain directly. When under the Penina Basser (‘18), Adina Weitzner
many things you can do to take a
influence of depression, the brain’s (‘18), Layla Frischman (‘18), Dorothy
stance against mental illness. We all have that one friend who is
chemicals are all out of whack, and Paling (‘18), Hadar Wercberger (‘19),
As I said before, being aware of seemingly good at everything. That
certain areas of the brain are far less Hannah Aaron (‘20), Hanna-Eden
what’s out there is a crucial first step. friend that is a great student, very
active than they should be, whilst Ibghi (‘20), Sarah Abbou (‘20), Ariella
If you think a friend, family member, athletic and not socially awkward.
other areas are hyperactive and out Spiro (‘20), Aliza Balsam (‘21), Adina
colleague or acquaintance is suffering That friend, on a more global level, is
of control. The amygdala, the part of Judelman (‘21), and Nina Samson
from depression or anxiety, do not Israel.
the brain responsible for processing (‘21). They played a total of 11
hesitate to reach out to them before Until recently, the world had Israel
emotion, is loud and out of control games, including an exhibition game
it’s too late. Although the number of beat in one thing: winter sports. But
when in a depressive state, rendering against CHAT and three playoff
suicides is going up every year, the during the Pyeongchang Winter
the prefrontal cortex, the area of the games.
number of people coming clean Olympics, Israel proved that it could
brain responsible for logical thinking,
about their mental illness and compete with the world’s best, even
inherently ineffective. For example:
seeking rehabilitation are in the cold. Israel sent ten athletes –
Let’s say I’m talking to someone I’m
astronomically high as well. If you see including eight skaters – to the
trying to make a good impression on.
someone on the side, someone who games. Unfortunately, the Israeli
I accidentally slur my words, and
sits in the corner, someone generally competitors were unable to bring a
instead of saying “How are you?” I
upset or content, it's your medal back home but, in the eyes of
end up saying “How you are?”. This is
responsibility as a caring, empathic many, merely qualifying was an
a small, unimportant error, right?
human being to go up to them and achievement in and of itself.
Well, to any logical person, it would
offer your help. If you don’t feel that
be. But when the brain is under the
you’re adequate in dealing with
influence of depression, logic is
mental health issues, however, The Knights started their season
rendered innate and emotion takes
please point the person to someone strong, earning themselves a record
over all processes of thinking, which
who is qualified to help them. of 4-0, which by the end of the
causes the brain to spiral downwards
into negative overthinking. The more we start to do this, the season helped push them into the
Depression puts a gray veil over the more we lift the negative stigma third seed in their division and a spot
world. Everything is sad, nothing has around mental illness, the more in the playoffs for their second year
a point, and there’s no reason to stick people we will help, the more lives in a row. The team demonstrated a
we will save, means we will make the The question remains: how can a
around for it. For most of us, we can tremendous amount of integrity country with just four skating rinks –
find positivity in many things because world a better place overall. There during the playoffs (which happened
are also many hospitals that a country that rarely experiences
our brains are working just fine. With to fall on Purim). Many members of temperatures below zero – produce
people under the influence of specialize in child rehabilitation, such the team brought Mishloach Manot
as Holland Bloorview hospital, that eight Olympic level skaters?
depression, however, emotion for the entire team, including Coach The answer is not as miraculous as
dominates their thought process, not welcome and encourage high school Parker. When the dust had settled,
volunteers. I plan to volunteer at this you would think. In fact, it is anything
logic. the team tied finished tied for 5th but miraculous. Most of us know
centre in the future, and I encourage place overall.
everyone do to the same, or find a about the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled
place that does something similar. Team and have watched Disney’s film
Every issue desperately needs Cool Runnings, which follows the
“miraculous” journey of the team’s
members. Despite what Disney
5
would like you to think, the true story Although we were not victorious in
of the Jamaican Bobsled Team is the regular season or in the When radical feminists get bored, The New Canada
nothing like its portrayal in the film. tournament, our team’s unparalleled they identify politically incorrect Politically Correct Prime Minister
Miracles don’t happen in the chemistry made us all winners. minutiae as an attack on women. Makes Faux Pas
Olympics (except that one in 1980, Without a question, the unmatched This most recent episode of “super
which also took place on ice). team bonding component of this important issues that threaten By: Raphi Singer
So, if the Israeli Winter Olympic Team squad trumps any potential women” featured the passing of Bill
isn’t a miracle, then what is it? championship trophy. C-210. This Bill tackles the allegedly At a recent town hall event in
The truth is, only three of Israel’s offensive lyrics in the Canadian Edmonton, Alberta, Prime Minister
ten athletes are Israeli by birth. The national anthem which read “in all Justin Trudeau was asked a question
teams star – Alexei Bychenko – along thy sons command”. You might be by a young woman regarding the
with three other members of the perplexed as to the significance of status of religious charitable
team were born in Ukraine while the this single line, so allow me to organizations in recent legislation.
remaining three Israeli athletes are explain: The use of the word “sons” is She was ending her question with,
from the United States. מדוע חשוב לשלוט בשפה an attack on women now. This is “the future of mankind,” when all of
Although Israel isn’t the ?העברית כיהודי absurd. I don’t feel assaulted… Do a sudden Trudeau interrupted her
winter-sport powerhouse we all wish ?מדוע חשוב לשלוט ביותר משפה אחת you? declaring, “We like to say people
it were, athletes wanting to play for There is no attack on women kind, not necessarily mankind. It's
Israel’s team shows that Israel as a אלי יסר:By within this statement. Within most more inclusive.” The crowd erupted
country can still attract top-tier languages, when referring to a group in cheers with the woman thanking
foreigners with blue and white in of both men and women, the male
וודאי שמעתם על התועלת האקדמית Trudeau for his useful words. The
their veins. pronoun is used. And even if this
– .שידיעת שפה שניה יכולה להביא לכם exchange soon went viral with many
, שיפור הזיכרון,יותר הזדמנויות עבודה were an issue, the original version of around the world lambasting and
The Players Tribune: The , אבל. וזה נהדר.הגברת היצירתיות ועוד the anthem states “Thou dost in us making fun of the Prime Minister’s
Sunshine State האם חשבתם אי פעם על היתרון של command” which was still gaffe.
YOC Knights Take Their Talents to ?ידיעת השפה העברית כיהודי gender-neutral. Why not revert to
South Beach כל כך הרבה מהתרבות שלנו מסתמכת the original version, if this is their
העברית. העברית:על השפה שלנו concern?
By: Jacob Fine עוזרת לנו ליצור קשר עמוק יותר עם We are now expected to sing “in all
מעצימה את הרוחניות,המקורות שלנו of us command” because, apparently,
ו ואת ההבנה שבתפילה ובקריאת,שלנ feminism now trumps grammar.
The disheartening loss in the
. אין תחליף, ולזה.ספרי התנ"ך Since patriot love is commanded and
TDCAA semi-finals served as
ההעצמה הרוחנית מאפשרת לנו להאחז not the sons’ or the sons, we should
motivation for my teammates and I
זה עוזר לנו להבין,במדינת ישראל be singing “in all of us commands”.
to achieve success in the Florida Trudeau’s response to the woman’s
.בשלמות את ציוני ההיסטוריה שלנו Apparently, feminists couldn’t even
Tournament. question should not surprise anyone
הבנת התפילה בעברית )השפה create a new lyric properly.
With cohesive cooperation, we around the world, especially not in
המקורית( מאפשרת לנו להרגיש יותר This is not a new complaint, as
won our first three games. Avi Canada. As soon as he got elected to
היא דבר,מחוברים לתפילתנו שכידוע women have whined about exclusion
Karakowsky, who developed his game office, his Liberal Cabinet was filled
.קשה לכל יהודי באשר הוא from the national anthem since the
tremendously since Grade 9, carried with half women and half men,
ידיעת השפה העברית מקלה על,ולסיום 1950’s. In the 50’s, women were
the team on his back, scoring over 80 signifying the importance of gender
ההבנה העמוקה בקריאת התנ"ך fighting to be seen as equal to men.
points throughout the entire equality in 2015. Trudeau promptly
"רבי שמואל בר נחמן: לדוגמה.והמקורות Instead of focusing solely on the
tournament. Additionally, William declared himself a so called
, שהופיעה פנים כנגד פרעה,פועה...:אמר important things, however, they
Ayayi set the tone for us at the “Feminist,” and even went as far to
אוי לו לאותו: ואמרה לו.וזקפה חוטמה בו seemed to think that these lyrical
defensive end of the floor. This was pen an article in which he wrote
! כשיבוא האלוהים להיפרע ממנו,האיש issues deserved the same amount of
matched by clutch shooting from about “boys escaping the pressure of
, שפרה.נתמלא עליה חימה להרגה attention.
Jonah Mayer. as well as Aaron masculinity” in order to become
ומפייסת,שהייתה משפרת על דברי בתה In 1997, Frances Wright first
Ekstein's crisp three-pointers. All of feminists. Further, just a few short
? על זה אתה משגיח: אמרה לו,עליה noticed this egregious violation of
these individual efforts set the tone weeks ago, the lyrics of the Canadian
תינוקת היא ואינה יודעת כלום" )שמות human rights. A friend asked her,
for us as a team and further enabled national anthem were amended from
. לדוגמאות כאלה אין סוף.(רבה פרשה א after singing the anthem "Why are
the rest of our guys to perform at a “in all thy sons command,” to “in all
תודות רבות לאליעזר בן יהודה מחייה you singing that sexist anthem,
high level on the court. of us command.” If you couldn’t
פירסם1879 באפריל.השפה העברית Frances?". Wright realized that her
figure out already, the reason was to
,אליעזר בן יהודה מאמר פוליטי friend was correct, the lyrics only
have a gender-neutral anthem where
״שאלה נכבדה״ ששם כתב שעם ישראל referred to sons and not daughters.
no one's feelings would be hurt by a
יגיע לחיות בארץ ישראל עם השפה "Where are the women?" she asked
couple of words. This is yet another
לא היתה דרך אחרת, לדעתו.העברית herself. Soon afterwards, she
example of Trudeau’s bizarre focus
.משום שאין לאום ללא שפה משותפת spearheaded the movement, being
with respect to governing this
זהו המאמר הראשון שבו הוא החליף passed from Senator to Senator in an
country.
. לבן יהודה,את שמו מפרלמן attempt to have her voice heard.
Nearly 20 years later, her oddly The Prime Minister does not
specific dream came true when Bill understand that not all Canadians
C-210 was passed. agree with his political correctness
agenda, nor do they want him
Despite our combined efforts, we Canada and the Terrible, With any luck, there will be a silver
changing our way of speaking. Sixty
lost in the tournament finals by three Horrible, No good, Very Bad lining to this insanity. Not only will
percent of Canadians believe that
points; it was absolutely devastating. our anthem finally be conscious of
This would be the last time many of
National Anthem gender, but perhaps the world will
people are too offended by the
Canadian Anthem Revision language use of others. And it’s not
us would dawn the blue and gold. finally see Canada for what it truly is:
just Trudeau who uses these crazy
When we left the game, some of us a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad
By: Naomi Glogauer “PC” words. Universities around the
were sad, grieving over the loss. social justice warrior of a country.
6
world have started to ban words like Elon Musk made sure to make it an
“sportsmanship”, “right hand man”, entertaining vehicle for those
and “manpower”. without particular interest towards
Are we as a society going to start the rocket itself. Mr. Musk took it
policing what kinds of words we use upon himself to place a Tesla
when talking to different people? Are roadster with a seated astronaut
we going to take out words from the mannequin nicknamed “Starman”
dictionary and replace them with within the Falcon Heavy as a dummy
gender neutral ones? Are we going to payload. This action gained him
There has been a lot of commotion
start getting in trouble if people get points with a younger audience with
Being a genius, billionaire, engineer, amongst Canadians ever since Prime
offended by the words that we use (if its absurdity, lending itself to the
inventor, philanthropist Mr. Musk has Minister Trudeau’s government
we haven’t already)? creation of many memes and being
a rather busy schedule. Whether he declared the legalization of
If Canada continues on this seen as such a peculiar choice that it
is occupied creating the world's marijuana. Many individuals believe
dangerous trend towards correcting made the news and countless
fastest roadster available for that this declaration is beneficial, and
speech, then there will be mayhem. headlines.
purchase commercially, or selling that the outcome will have a
We wouldn’t be able to have a Elon Musk has clearly shown
flame throwers to the public to raise significant impact, while others
province Manitoba anymore, instead himself to be a pinnacle figure in
awareness and funds for his “Boring highly disagree.
it would become “People-itoba.” You almost every field of technological
Company”, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX I have gathered numerous opinions
wouldn’t be able to go use the men’s advancements especially that of
and Neraulink seems to have his from the staff and students of Bnei
room or ladies’ room in public places, space exploration. With Musk’s plans
hands full. Akiva Schools, who all share unique,
instead you would use the “People’s for SpaceX containing human
Although his schedule seems to be informative opinions.
Room.” And that manhole in the transports to Mars by 2019, it seems
consistently jam packed, Time “My opinion is that legalization is
street that you just avoided, those do as though Elon Musk no longer
Magazine’s 20th most influential the wrong choice. My main concern
not exist anymore. Instead they are wishes to continue reaching the stars
person of 2017 has spent the better is that substance use is often a stress
called “People-holes.” See how on his own, but wants to let
part of the past year overlooking the reliever on the spectrum of mental
absurd Canada and the world would everyone enjoy in this amazing
Falcon Heavy project at SpaceX. The health issues. As a substance that is
become if we talked like this? experience.
Falcon Heavy is a super heavy-lift labeled ‘criminal’, users are charged
Trudeau’s agenda is not necessarily
launch vehicle able to be partially with an offence when what they
the agenda that all Canadians want The Legalization of
reused. A super heavy-lift launch really need is help with the
to see, and frankly, if people get
offended by others using normal,
vehicle (SHLLV) is a launch vehicle Marijuana underlying reasons for their use.
capable of lifting more than 50,000 Pros and Cons of Controversial Decriminalization of substance use in
everyday words then that is their
kg (110,000 lbs) of payload into low Legalization general is a good choice because
prerogative. If a person cannot go
Earth orbit (LEO). While, at first those who use substances should not
into the world without being
glance, the Falcon Heavy may seem By: Orly Davidov be treated as criminals. Legalization
offended by harmless words, then
like any other rocket, it is actually takes the issue a step to far because
they are setting themselves up for
able to support more than twice the In just a few short months, it legitimizes substance use, makes
failure. Trudeau went too far by
payload of the next closest Canadian Citizens will be able to the substance more readily available,
interrupting the ladies question and
operational SHLLV, the Delta IV purchase marijuana from retail and allows businesses and
adding his two-cents. One could
Heavy, and costs only one third of its stores. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau government agencies to profit from
further argue that he certainly went
competitor’s price. has decided to legalize marijuana, mental health issues.
too far by changing our national
The rocket is assembled with 3 which has been a long time wait for Although, legalization can’t be
anthem.
Falcon 9 boosters, with a total of 27 Canadians. Prime Minister Trudeau’s labeled as wholly negative.
Perhaps the saddest part about all
engines allowing it to generate 5 liberal party ruled that marijuana Legalization will allow the sale and
of this is that the Prime Minister has
million pounds of thrust, making it would be legalized in the summer of therefore taxation of marijuana. The
failed to realize that you cannot spell
cable of lifting 64 metric tons, or 18, 2018, and the Health Department additional tax revenue could be
“woman,” without “man.” You heard
747 aircrafts, or 13,157,894 iPhones. claimed that, "As previously useful in creating social programs.
that right. Women have just become
Due to all of this, the Falcon Heavy indicated, the government of Canada However, this immediate benefit will
“wo-people”.
has the second highest payload of intends to bring the proposed be outweighed by increased health
Oh... Canada…
any SHLLV ever made. The Cannabis Act into force no later than care costs if marijuana usage
specifications of the Falcon Heavy July 2018.'' increases.
Reach for the Stars clearly prove it to be one of the most Several provinces will sell marijuana From a strictly economic view, I
Elon Musk Continues to Innovate advanced SHLLVs and deserving of from shops that are run by the believe that the reduction in health
the copious levels of intrigue they provincial government, including care costs through disease
By: Ben Nemirov have caused. But what has caused Ontario, while the western provinces prevention would far outweigh tax
most of the excitement around the of Manitoba and Alberta claimed that revenue gained from selling
“Reach for the stars” is a quote to vehicle is its ability to be launched, they will sell marijuana through substances that harm health. This
inspire those who feel discouraged or landed and reused. The ability of a private businesses who require applies to tobacco, alcohol, and
to motivate people strive for a rocket to be reused is a major designated licenses. marijuana. Unfortunately, healthcare
seemingly impossible goal. It is a stepping stone for space exploration, In Ontario, the legal age to savings would not be realized for
quote to inspire people to work especially when coupled with the purchase marijuana will be 19 years decades after political changes.
towards what they believe in. And, if most powerful rocket worldwide. The old. In other provinces, the legal age Increases in tax revenues that will be
you’re Elon Musk, this quote is not Falcon Heavy truly a feat of special is 18 years old, but the provinces seen now are a much more attractive
only something you have succeeded advancements as its capabilities have the option to raise the age if prospect for a party that may not
in doing, but actually exceeded. could, in the future, contribute to a they so choose. even be in power ten years from
stable travel system to other planets The Ontario Government expects now.
and back. there to be online distribution of My experience of social media is
In addition to his groundbreaking marijuana available by July 2018, and that there is a large movement of
achievements with the Falcon Heavy, 150 stores open by the year 2020. people who believe that marijuana
7
use is harmless and only has positive Lastly, it seems trivial to argue majorly increases depression, effects. Medical benefits are often against marijuana usage just because anxiety, psychosis, and other mood cited as one of the major arguments it may cause negative side effects. disorders. Many people use of this movement. Unfortunately, Cigarettes give you lung cancer. Why marijuana for its joy-filled and these are the deluded opinions of have something that causes cancer, relaxing effects. Although, some people who are only interested in over something that could be used people also experience feelings of getting high without social beneficially? fear and stress or paranoia when repudiation. Positive uses for Overall, in the future, I would intoxicated. So, marijuana could be cannabis are cherry picked to make rather my child smoking marijuana used to relieve anxiety or stress for their point while dismissing negative over cigarettes anyday.” some, while causing others to feel points as conspiracy. -Ariela Shick, Grade 10 Student in nervous/eager. Marijuana, along with most Ulpanat Orot Due to this legalization, marijuana psychoactive substances, has been “I do agree with legalization and will no longer be grouped with shown to permanently interrupt the government treating marijuana dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and normal brain development. This can like any other controlled substance, heroin. This legalization will create lead to greater instances of mental such as alcohol or cigarettes. All hundreds of new jobs for health problems such as these substances are potentially very unemployed citizens, ultimately schizophrenia, and decreased harmful, and so are guns and raising Canada’s economy. Through capacity for concentration and automobiles. The role of government the research that I have done, I am learning. should be to protect the liberty of certain that the positive attributions From a more holistic point of view, the individual to decide how he of this legalization have the physical and mental health, and conducts his own life, with the power outnumbered the negative ones. the standard of living of citizens only to try and ensure that a person - Raquel Soberano, Grade 10 Student should be of greater importance than with poor judgement does not harm in Ulpanat Orot the economic implications. Social others. programs, higher minimum wage, This is beneficial for Canadians Overall, it seems as though there is community building, healthy lifestyle because if we don't take seriously the a never-ending stream of opinions promotion, etc. will be of greater idea of rights, we may as well not be regarding the legalization of benefit to the population and a democracy. If our rights are indeed marijuana in Canada. All of the actually reduce the desire to make inalienable, then they are not opinions above are educational and use of substances as an escape. It transferable to any government. If enlightening, and contrastive in their would also create a healthier more adults have a right to make a choice own way. Until the legalization of productive population which would, for themselves that does not harm marijuana occurs, nobody knows the in turn, benefit the economy.” another, that right must include the impact it will leave on Canada and - Dr. Clapham, Bnei Akiva Schools right to make the wrong choice.” Canadian citizens. Staff - Mr. Rapp, Director of Education “I believe that the legalization of “In my opinion, there are many marijuana is beneficial in several pros and cons with the legalization of ways for the Canadian population. marijuana. I believe that there will Marijuana has been proven to treat a be dramatic changes in Canada lot of medical conditions which socially and economically. The ordinary medication could not. Some Canadian government will be able to of these conditions include epilepsy, collect taxes from Canadian citizens Crohn's disease, PTSD, and as well as who choose to smoke marijuana. different types of cancer. Although, I believe that a portion of Additionally, through the Canadian the tax revenue should be used for government’s selling of marijuana, education, and programs for the Canadian economy is predicted substance abusers. Also, with the to increase by 22.6 billion dollars. legalization, there is a much lower Another important point is that with chance of contaminants being the legalization of marijuana, it can contained in marijuana, since there now be purchased safely from a will be government oriented stores trusted resource. This will therefore where you could safely purchase prevent Canadians from purchasing marijuana. When individuals street drugs. purchase marijuana from drug Recently there have been many dealers, it creates more of a hazard. reports of fentanyl-laced marijuana For example, drug dealers might offer in marijuana sold in the streets. their buyer other illegal substances Fentanyl is a highly addictive narcotic they could purchase that are more that many drug dealers lace dangerous and addictive, such as marijuana with. This is an easy way to heroin, since many of them do not ensure future business, as smoking specialize in selling just one kind of marijuana that is laced with fentanyl drug. will likely lead one to overdose, and However, as much as this potentially kill themselves. Hopefully legalization could potentially impact soon these dealers will lose all power Canada positively, I am aware of the with the presence government negative changes that come with this distributors. legalization. The usage of marijuana 8
9
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