Class of 2018 Explore Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Inspired by learning about the origins of our ancestors in our Jewish History classes, the entire senior grade took a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on Wednesday October 25th, while the rest of the school was taking their PSATs.

The day began with the students arriving at the ferry, which took us to the Statue of Liberty. The instant our boat docked, everyone was buzzing with excitement. For some, riding a ferry was a first time experience, and for many others, visiting the Statue of Liberty was a first too. We were all awed by the size of Lady Liberty, and even more so when we went onto the actual pedestal of the statue, after discovering that our tickets allowed us to do so. Another addition to the morning was an incentive created for us to complete a scavenger hunt handout, rewarding the first 15 students to finish it with extra credit in Jewish History class.

Afterwards, we took a second ferry to Ellis Island and were free to roam around either inside the museum or outside by the Wall of Honor. The museum showed many interesting aspects of the immigrants' arrival at Ellis Island. They had to pass health inspections, show proper documentation, and were often intimidated by the registrars. If they failed to complete these requirements, they could’ve been sent back, which was a big fear of immigrants. It was very insightful seeing what they had to go through in order to start living their new life, or what many considered to be the “American Dream,” and many students connected emotionally because it felt as if we were experiencing history itself the exact way it happened to our ancestors.

This trip was a fun day, spent with much learning and enjoyment, where students and teachers alike were able to step away from the regular school day and step into a piece of history in a relaxed, fun and easygoing way.
~Daliah Ben-Ari, Class of 2018

Junior Picnic 2017

Yesterday, the junior grade went to Prospect Park for the annual Junior Picnic. We started the day in the Yeshivah with an inspirational video by Dr. Randy Pausch about the need to have gratitude and integrity. Then the girls met with Mrs. Wielgus, while the boys met with Mr. Engel about what it means to be a leader and how  to be good senior leaders and role models. After this, Senior Council handed out Seniors 2018 hats to each student as we boarded the buses. When we got to the park, we put out blankets down and prepared for fun: sports, barbecue, and relaxing with friends. Junior Picnic was a great way to bond as a grade and build memories. We can't wait for all the activities we are planning for next year!
~Senior Council 2018: Sonny, Frieda, Margo, and Monique

Senior Ski Trip 2017

Earlier this month, the senior grade ventured off to Camelback Ski Resort for the annual Senior Ski Trip. We started off by eating lunch and renting ski equipment before hitting the slopes. Bracing ourselves for the cold air we bundled up in all our ski gear and prepared for all the fun ahead. We separated between those heading to snow tube, ski, snowboard, or take lessons but all reunited later for Minha, dinner, and Arbit. We concluded the night by heading back to snow tubing, skiing, or snowboarding now in the dark adding an extra layer of fun and excitement. No matter how many times we each fell we learned the true value of having fun. As it is not how fast or far you can go, but how many memories you create with your friends as you laugh with each other and help one another get back to your feet.
~Esther Levy, Class of 2017

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Senior Night 2016

Last week the Senior Class of 2017 had their annual Senior Night, consisting of ice skating and dinner.

The students departed school for Bryant Park where they strapped their ice skates on to enjoy the night. There was cheer and happiness in the air as the students got on the ice. It was crowded, as expected for the prime season, but nothing the seniors couldn't handle. Even those who initially began on the wall managed to skate around with the help of some good friends. After skating the seniors walked a couple of blocks to dinner of their choice. Some chose Bravo Pizza, others Mr. Broadway.

We returned home, concluding our highly fun and cheerful evening. This was a great night to bond as a grade and build memories that we will share in the future. Thank you to all the teachers who chaperoned. Lastly, thank you to Mr. Galpert and the Senior Council of 2017. Looking forward to future events!

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Class of 2017 Visit National 9/11 Memorial Museum

Last week the Class of 2017 visited the National 9/11 Memorial Museum. Each year the senior class visits Ground Zero and experiences the inspirational and moving tribute to the events that took place on September 11. 2001. In  school, we were introduced to the day by watching a recap of all the events that took place because we were too young to remember what had occurred. There was not a sound in the room while we watched a video about the event.  In the museum, we looked at artifacts and pictures and watched videos about the tragic event. The museum had everything from newspapers from the morning of the event to pieces of metal from the buildings' structures. Tears were in my eyes as I heard voicemail messages from the people who were on the planes to their loved ones during their final moments. One story that particularly touched me from a film in the museum was of a woman who made sure to hold her skirt down while jumping out of a building so that it wouldn't fly up. Her modesty amazes me. I couldn't believe the courage of the firemen and volunteers who continued going in to the buildings even when they were collapsing. We learned a lot of interesting things that we didn't know before. What happened on 9/11 and those who died will never be forgotten.

~Estelle Saad, Class of 2017

Senior Memories Class of 2016

Senior Trip 2016

Senior Night 2015

Last night the Senior Class of 2016 had their annual Senior Night, consisting of ice skating and dinner.

The students departed school for Bryant Park where they immediately got straight to work on getting skates and hitting the rink. There was cheer and happiness in the air as the students got on the ice. It was crowded, as expected for the prime season, but nothing the seniors couldn't handle. Even those who initially began on the wall managed to half-stomp-half-skate to the center with the help of some good friends.

After skating the seniors walked a couple of blocks to dinner of their choice. Some chose Bravo Pizza, others Mr. Broadway. Dinner was especially delicious post a claustrophobic train ride, much skating, and with the knowledge that there is a fast the very next day.

We returned home, concluding our highly fun and cheerful evening. This was a great night to bond as a grade and build memories that we will share in the future. Thank you to all those who attended- it's the people that make the event successful. Thank you to all the teachers who chaperoned. Lastly, thank you to Mr. Galpert and the Senior Council of 2016. Looking forward to future events!
~Michelle Harari, Senior Council 2016 President

Parent-Senior Breakfast 2015

On Thursday, October 29th, parents of seniors joined their children for a special breakfast at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School. Our annual Parent-Senior Breakfast was attended by well over 150 parents, who joined their children for a morning of good food and inspiration. Following the breakfast, parents and children were greeted by Dean of Students, Rabbi Naftali Besser,  and heard from a YOFHS graduate, Victoria Twito (HS '13) about her experience transitioning from high school to young adulthood, followed by a short film.

Later, parents and students attended separate interactive sessions, giving them the opportunity to exchange ideas on various topics related to the evolution of the parent-child relationship during this time of transition. Themes included trust, independence, responsibility, and communication within families as children head off to college and allowed each side to hear about important topics from different perspectives. Parents then had the opportunity to reconnect with their children over coffee and pastries before parting ways.
~Dr. Etty Mizrahi, Director of High School Guidance
 

Senior Class of 2016 Visit National 9/11 Memorial Museum

On Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27, 2015, the Yeshivah of Flatbush senior class of 2016 had the opportunity to visit the moving and emotionally powerful National 9/11 Memorial Museum. This special visit is an annual senior event where students have the opportunity to learn about the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001 as well as the patriotism and heroism that followed afterwards.

Michelle Harari, Senior Council 2016 President reflects on her experience:

Solemnity, anguish, horror, despair, sheer shock. Emotions like these were completely normal, appropriate, and regular for the seniors during their visit to the National 9/11 Memorial Museum. Arriving at the memorial, which is made up of waterfall squares,  surrounded by trees, surrounded by names of those who perished, an eerie feel was lingering in the air. Watching the water pouring out, down, down into the deep and bottomless abyss was symbolic to the bodies pouring out, down, down into the cold and hard ground on that somber day.

The students were then led into the museum, where they viewed demolished firetrucks from the attack, actual shoes worn by victims, and videos of the towers and news reports from that day. Students were able to watch and listen to tapes of loved ones calling those on the hijacked planes, and those on the planes calling their loved ones. Most of those audios were not conversations; they were messages left on answering machines.

The museum was extremely powerful and moving, but most importantly informative. It supplied the students with a wide range of information spanning over several years. Topics ranged between terrorism over the years to answering common questions. Some questions were how do we remember, or what the aftermath was like, or how do we know what we do, or more simply, why? Phenomenal and touching, and students exited the museum with unimaginable emotions.

On a more inspiring and proud note, student Dylan Sutton of class 4HR shared an insightful observation of his, one which made him proud of the country he lives in, "I love the massive buildings surrounding the pools, the graveyards for those who perished. It just shows how we were able to rebuild ourselves up again. It basically says, 'Don't mess.' I love that."

What an experience. What an occurrence. What a country. God bless America.

Seniors 2016 Scavenger Hunt in Grand Central Station

Senior Council 2016 in Grand Central Station

Last Wednesday, the Yeshivah of Flatbush Class of 2016 went to Grand Central Station for a grade-wide scavenger hunt. This trip was an opportunity for the Seniors to have a fun day while bonding as a grade. Clues ranged from "start a flash mob" to "find a bride in a wedding gown." Some clues, such as the latter, were not so simple to find, however with some creativity teams managed to score those points (take a picture with a bride in a wedding gown in a magazine). The Seniors arrived at the Station at around 10:30, where they divided up into their teams and began their search. They had up until 12:50 to explore and capture their moments. And explore they did! Grand Central Station is massive, with food courts, tennis courts, the awesome whispering hall, and incredulously large Apple store. A few flash mobs later, the Seniors returned home and took a late lunch. Classes resumed in time for electives, and then the seniors were able to make it home, after a fun-filled, tiring day. 

Shout out to the winning team, Victoria Gindi, Danielle Ashkenazie, Sylvia Franco, Rachel Isayev, Gina Gindi, Katie Fischel, and to the runner-ups, Joe B., Isaac Shalom, Moses Betesh, Rose Mishaan, Evelyn Tawil, Merle Dweck, and Yvonne Benun. Thank you to Mr. Galpert, the faculty chaperones, Senior Council 2016, and our classmates for making this day not only possible but extremely entertaining and endlessly fun!

~Michelle Harari, Senior Council 2016 President

Senior Ski Trip 2015

This month, the senior grade embarked on a two day overnight to Stratton Vermont for their annual Senior Ski Trip. Led by Mrs. Wielgus and other faculty members, the seniors enjoyed two fun filled days of skiing and snowboarding. On the first day the students quickly began skiing enjoying 6 inches of fresh powder on a beautiful sunny day. Many students also participated in ski lessons learning technique and tricks. The senior grade had a record number of beginners this year. The seniors also enjoyed a medley of kosher food spanning from waffles for lunch to deli for dinner. The students were exhausted after a long day of skiing and immediately went to sleep at the Stratton Black Bear Lodge. 

The second day was much like the first with more sun, skiing and snowboarding. After two long days, the students and chaperones left the mountain satisfied and tired. The seniors were glad to share an intimate experience with their grade and their teachers and are grateful for Senior Council 2015 and everyone else who helped organize the trip. ~Ness Azizo

Rosh Chodesh Adar & Senior Masquerade 5775

In honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar, the Seniors dressed up for the annual Senior Masquerade! During our morning Rikkudim program, the Seniors jumped in and danced in their fun and creative Purim costumes, raising the excitement and unity of the program. After, the Seniors took turns displaying their costumes to each other, and the faculty "judges" designated several awards, such as best group costume, most original costume, and teacher look-alike. The creativity presented was great, and the Seniors, as well as the rest of the school, had a great time dancing in the spirit of Adar and being entertained by their peers awesome and humorous costumes!

Senior Council 2015 Trip to Nets Vs. Maccabi Tel-Aviv Basketball Game

The first trip for Seniors 2015, which took place right before the Sukkot vacation was a major success. The Senior Council 2015 organized a trip to the preseason basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the fan favorite of the night, the Maccabi Tel-Aviv, at the Barclays Center. The game itself was pretty even, ending with a 111-94 win for the Nets, but not without a fight from the Maccabis. The seniors enjoyed an aerial view of the stadium throughout the night, watching countless dunks, and some spectacular defensive plays by the Nets. What was truly heart warming was the outstanding support for the Israeli team surrounding us. Hundreds of Israeli flags were waving throughout the stands the entire night. Thank you to Mr. Galpert and of course to our Senior Council for organizing this amazing experience. This trip was the first of many more exciting ones to come during our senior year! ~Rochelle Tawil

Senior Memories Class of 2014

Junior Scavenger Hunt & BBQ

For the first time in years, the Student Senior Council finally took a stand against rainy weather for the annual Junior Day. Instead of the usual "Day in the Park" students enjoyed a surprising Grand Central Scavenger Hunt. Juniors arrived to school that morning for late minyan and received customized Junior Picnic t-shirts before getting on the train to Grand Central Station.

Once finally at the station each team set out to check off one zany task after the next. They took pictures with babies, police men, a disguised Mr. David Galpert, and even started flash mobs. Juniors were sent to the four corners of the station from the Whispering Hall to the Apple Store, and from the tennis courts to the Campbell Apartment. At 12noon sharp the students once again convened at the main hall and hopped back on the train where they sat back and clapped along as street performers did their thing.

They arrived back at school and were greeted with an expansive BBQ. While Daniel Dweck and Oren Moskowitz manned the grill and Ms. Bloom and Ms. Kaplowitz manned the food stations, students enjoyed everything from hot dogs and hamburgers, to veggie burgers, salad, and watermelon. They lounged around the Beit Midrash, took advantage of the outdoor seating, interacting with fellow students and teachers and generally enjoyed the ends of Junior Picnic. The day was a smashing success all thanks to Mr. Galpert and the Student Council 2015 -Good Luck next year! ~Merle Cohen

Seniors 2014 Scavenger Hunt in Grand Central Station

On May 15th, the seniors went to Grand Central Station for a scavenger hunt made by Abie Tawil, Albert Zibak and Danielle Shalam. The seniors had to figure out the clues and send in pictures of their team with the items in the clues. Some of the clues included finding a tennis court, posing with a baby, fitting into a "freshie sized" door, and basically running around the entire terminal. There were 14 teams and although most of the teams were very close, the winning team included Joy Feinberg, Dana Nahoum, Eden Malka, Kayla Meshulam, Emily Apterbach, Michal Yefet, Raizy Cohen and Shira Cygler. It was a blast, uniting almost the whole senior grade. We would like to thank Rabbi Beyda, and Mrs. Zaltzman for being our teacher chaperones as well as Mr. Galpert organizing the event and allowing us to use him as one of our clues. ~Danielle Shalam

Senior Trip 2014: Days 3 & 4

Live report from the "Last Day" of the Yeshivah of Flatbush 2014 Senior Trip:

Date: Friday, June 13, 2014

Time: 6:51am

Location: Somewhere in Virginia

We are on the same coach bus that we have been sitting on since 6:30am Thursday morning. All that I can say is that we are all tired from sitting all day/ night. Being on this bus for 12+ hours definitely created some great memories though; between taking pictures in each state that we pass, having relay races at each pit stop, and sharing the little electronics that have not died yet and breaking out into our last kumzitz as a grade.

So how exactly did we get to this point?

It all started yesterday, Thursday, at 6:00am. We woke up and headed for whitewater rafting in Tennessee. It was pouring rain and we were all dreading going out on the river. However, once we got to the river side the rain stopped and the sun began to shine. The experience whitewater rafting was so amazing! It was probably one of the best parts of our senior trip. Once all of us showered and dried off, we were expecting to go back to Atlanta for a late lunch and the head straight for the airport.

They say when we plan, G-d laughs. Hashem certainly had other plans for us. One of our two flights home were canceled. The flight that was not canceled flew back to New York with more than 30 students and faculty. The canceled flight with 100 students and faculty had to find another back to New York to make it in time for Shabbat and graduation on Sunday. We decided that the fastest route home would be to drive from Atlanta to New York. We stopped by a supermarket, bought a bunch of food for our road trip and headed back for Brooklyn.

So now you all know how we got to this point on a random highway in Virginia. Even though our trip took some unexpected turns it was truly an unforgettable experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
~Francine Shamosh, Senior Council

Senior Trip 2014: Day 2

Today was an amazing, fun-filled day. This was the second day of the Yeshivah of Flatbush 2014 Senior Trip in Atlanta, GA. We woke up refreshed and energized to start a jam-packed day. After having minyan and a delicious breakfast, we embarked on our journey to Six Flags. There, we all split up into small groups and ventured through the park. The risk-takers and adrenaline junkies had a blast by going on insane roller coasters such as, "The Daredevil," “Goliath," "Batman," and many other thrillers. But whether or not one enjoyed the high-speed rides, everyone managed to have a fantastic time. Some seniors even managed to walk out with life size stuffed animals in their hands!

Afterwards, we had a quick lunch outside the park and managed to finish only seconds before a downpour of rain. Our next stop was Atlanta Cyclorama, a Civil War museum exploring the Battle of Atlanta. We were able to gain a healthy dose of education by checking out the museum and listening to our very informative tour guide, “Young Abe". We were able to “ride” on the Cyclorama itself which was an enormous, 360 degree painting that depicts the historic battle that took place in Atlanta. The Cyclorama would slowly rotate in order to reveal the entire painting to us. 

After the Cyclorama, we went to Congregation Beth Jacob for Mincha and Aravit. In the break between prayers, we had the honor of listening to Rabbi Chaim Neiditch, director of Atlanta NCSY. He spoke about staying Jewish in the "real world" after high school. 

Next, the Comedy group, “Laughing Matters,” met us at Emory University’s Hillel, where they put on an interactive show for us. The hilarious trio, Marc, Ryan and Tommy, put on quite a show for us. Select seniors were able to be part of their act. Whether it was Barbara Harari not being able to breathe due to her uncontrollable laughter on stage (Happy Birthday Barbara), Mark Guindi and Joy Feinberg’s made up movie titles, or Gus Kennedy not understanding the meaning behind the trio’s gibberish. Everyone was able to wear a huge smile throughout the entire performance. What a blast the second day of senior trip was!  ~Jeffrey Nussbaum

Senior Trip 2014: Day 1

Our first day of the Yeshivah of Flatbush 2014 Senior Trip started with a bright and early wake up to meet at LaGuardia Airport at 4AM. Although we were all half sleeping we arrived at the airport with enthusiasm and excitement for our flight. After going through security we prayed together and then headed straight onto the plane. Two hours later we arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Our first stop in Atlanta was a scavenger hunt in Centennial Olympic Park . We split up into teams to compete against each other. The scavenger hunt was very organized and a lot of fun. We had to do things like find the world headquarters of CNN building, which is also in the same area (and answer trivia questions about it). We also had to get into the Coca-Cola factory and do some taste tests. Although it was very close, team #15 (Ezra Idy, Jack Terzi, Ben Fried, Moe Chabot, Emily Apterbach, Joy Feinberg and Kalya Meshulam) won. Following the scavenger hunt we all gathered under the pavilion to eat lunch.

Next, we headed to Treetop Quest Ropes Course we were tested both physically and mentally. We were split into three groups and experienced all of the three activities available. One site was high up in the air with many different obstacles all above a safety net. Obstacles like a tight rope, walking on logs, taking a small zipline and so much more. This site was very action packed and we all left with grins from ear to ear after the huge slide down. At another site, we tested our physical strengths by completing an intense ropes course in the trees. This was our chance to put all what we have learned in the previous site to the test. This site was much more challenging and we had to learn how to finagle our "tweezels" to make sure we were secure. We were all harnessed and taught about the safety rules and after the practices, we each needed to choose what level we thought we were are able to handle. Everyone had a great time no matter what level they chose.  The third site, was all about teamwork. We each had to work on trust skills and work together to accomplish larger tasks. We then enjoyed cookies, chips and water. We ate, socialized and prayed Mincha there.

After the rope courses, we headed to dinner at the Marcus Hillel Center at Emory University. We were served chicken, beef, salad, vegetables, and more. One can feel the cozy atmosphere, which the Jewish students at Emory University enjoy with couches, a pool table, a basketball arcade. We hung out there for a while and everyone relaxed for a bit.

After praying Arbit, our last stop for the night was the Stone Mountain Laser Light Show. It was an amazing show composed of laser lights, music, and fire works projected on a mountain. The content of the laser show explained the history of Atlanta, Georgia in a fun and exciting way. The music got us dancing, leaving everyone in a good mood resulting in an awesome bus ride to the hotel with pumping music. The show was the cherry on top of an amazing day. Can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store! ~Joyce Hazan