Chesed Mission 2014/5774: Day 1

The 12th annual Chesed Mission took off on Tuesday night, January 14th for a non-stop chesed experience in Israel. A group of 50 students and 5 faculty members, led by Rabbi Naftali Besser, decided to spend their winter break in Israel visiting the sick, dancing with soldiers, volunteering in soup kitchens, interacting with special children, and so much more. Right after we got off the 10 hour plane ride it was straight to the kotel to pray Arvit. For a first timer, the experience was breathtaking. The bus filled with students and faculty drove through the beautiful scenery of Jerusalem. We got off the bus at the kotel and the first timers in Israel participated in the famous Chesed Mission tradition: to kiss the floor by the kotel. It was ceremonial with everyone gathered around and pictures being taken. Then the boys and girls separated to their sides of the kotel to pray aravit, which was a very spiritual experience. After that we headed back to the hotel to unpack and go to dinner on Emek Refaim. I can't wait for more days in Israel and the chesed that starts tomorrow. The fun has just begun. ~Michelle Anzaroot

Flatbush Students Clowning Around

Last week Yeshivah of Flatbush students were found clowning around - quite literally. Our students had the unique opportunity to participate in Areyvut's Mitzvah Clown Program in an effort to bring joy, laughter and smiles to those in need of them. In this program, students learn about the mitzvah of Kavod HaBriyot (human dignity) and Bikur Holim (visiting the sick) while at the same time learned Mitzvah Clowning skills to enhance their friendly visits. Students learned how to apply clown make-up, create balloon animals and undergo role play exercises to better prepare them for their friendly visit. The training at Yeshivah of Flatbush was generously sponsored by Ezra and Shifra Hanon in memory of Rabbi Ezra Labaton a"h.

The students put their training and clown skills to the test when they visited the elderly at the Haym Salomon Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation. It was great seeing all of the smiles and laughter generated from our students's clowning visit. Each month, following the initial training and friendly visit, the Yeshivah of Flatbush Mitzvah Clowns will go on site visits to local senior centers and other facilities.

Falcon's Nest Notes: It’s All about the Serve

It’s All about the Serve: Varsity Girls Volleyball Sweeps HANC behind Solid Team Serving 

The Varsity Falcons move to 6-3 on the Season

Any experienced player will tell you that in volleyball, as in tennis, each successful point is set up by a quality serving game. This was never more evident that in Tuesday (12/24/13) night’s Girls Varsity Volleyball match-up against HANC, a true doubleheader – the two Varsity squads would play one best 3-out-of-5 match followed immediately by a second tilt. With the Hurricanes making the trip to Brooklyn for the double-decker, a great amount of volleyball was on tap for the Varsity Falcons and their fans. And the home fans, out in great and vocal numbers, would not be disappointed.

One of Danielle Shalam's many service aces

Renee Sutton returns the ball

For the first time all season, the team showed real consistency in placing their serves in bounds, and – with the exception of game 2 of the first match – it led directly to a total domination of their opponents from HANC. In the beginning it was Danielle Shalam, and in the end it was Danielle Shalam. And, in the middle many of her teammates – notably Celia Tawil, Eileen Sutton, Becky Waldman and Renee Sutton - also stepped up to repeatedly rip off runs of three, four or five consecutive service points. But, it was D. Shalam who really set the tone when she took the ball for the second time through the rotation. With the Falcons holding a relatively small lead over the Hurricanes, she delivered serve after serve after serve with power and precision, keeping the Hurricane defense off balance and unable to find any answers. When the dust settled, Shalam had run off 9 consecutive points, putting the game virtually out of reach and setting the tone for the night.

Animated fans Rock the Falcon's Nest!

Game two of match one brought complacency to the Falcons, and with it a lack of concentration. Between errant serves and weak returns, the Flatbush volleyballers found themselves in a dogfight. To their credit, they dug deep, regained their focus and closed out the Hurricanes by a score of 25-21. The four point victory in game two of the opening match was the closest HANC would come all night. Flatbush quickly returned to form in game three, closing out the opening match with a 25-14 win.

Celia Tawil delivers a power serve

After a quick break, the teams returned to the court for match number two of the doubleheader. Behind solid serving and consistent returns throughout the match, the Falcons dominated their guests. At times, the team demonstrated a rhythm not often seen before in passing the ball to set up better return placement, and even played a number of balls overhead for a spike or two (as demonstrated by Celia Tawil and Eileen Sutton)! With every player getting significant opportunity to contribute, the Falcons swept the Hurricanes off the floor, winning each of the three games by a double-digit margin.

Eileen Sutton plays above the net

With exams and a long winter break just ahead, Coaches Shterenzer and Lifshutz knew this was just what the doctor ordered. And, with confidence now at an all-season high, the victories should “serve” the team well as they prepare for what hopes to be a deep play-off run!

Coaches Jen Lifshutz and Evelyn Shterenzer review the line-up
with Senior Co-Captain Danielle Shalam

Nest Notes: 

With the sweep of HANC, Flatbush moves to 6-3 on the season with one match left to play. That match will be the second match of a JV/Varsity double-header with Division-leading Central, with the JV game set for a 7:00 start. It is the final home game of the regular season for the Falcons and it will be Senior Night. Our graduating Seniors will be recognized before the Varsity game on Wednesday, January 29th. Come out, show your support and cheer your team to victory. GO FALCONS!

Biannual Blood Drive: Winter 2013

On Monday, December 23, 2013 students, teachers, and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to give the gift of life. Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School held its biannual blood drive, where volunteers were able to donate their time and blood to a worthy cause. Over 150 pints of blood were collected by the New York Blood Center. Thank you to all of our donors for helping us reach our goal and we will hopefully see you all again in April. A special thanks to Mr. Blumenthal and student commissioners for helping coordinate this event. Tizku l'mitzvot.

Students Attend Sephardic Rabbinical College Night of Learning

Rabbi Avi Harari Sharing Dvrei Torah

On Wednesday night, December 25th, a group of students attended the Sephardic Rabbinical College Night of Learning for some Dvrei Torah and a nice dinner from Hunan sponsored by Ami and Ralph Sasson. The students who attended enjoyed chavruta learning with the members of the SRC Kollel, and speeches from esteemed rabbis. The event also featured special remarks by alumnus and current YOFHS Judaic Studies teacher, Rabbi Avi Harari. All who attended had a great and meaningful time.

Pathfinders Update: Students Experience Court House to Learn More About the Justice System

Flatbush Students with Judge Schmidt 

This past Monday, a group of sophomore students, through the Yeshivah of Flatbush Pathfinders Program, visited the Brooklyn Court House to learn more about the justice system. Students had the opportunity to experience the real world goings on by observing the courtroom of Judge Schmidt. They observed a civil case concerning nearly 15 million dollars. The students said, "It was an amazing experience!" ~Allan Bailey

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Pathfinders Program: 
Beginning in 9th grade, the Pathfinders counselors work with each student to discuss their interests and develop their goals. Students are then given a wide range of opportunities of places where they can volunteer, intern and explore their unique academic pursuits and career ideas. Through the Yeshivah of Flatbush Pathfinders Program, we encourage our students to discover and expand their special talents and abilities and explore career options for the future. Whether a student is actively engaged during the school year or in the summer, we are confident that each Yeshivah of Flatbush student will find a path to success.

Juniors Experience Jewish History at the Living Torah Museum

Throughout he month of December all of the junior classes had the unique opportunity to learn Jewish History outside the classroom, in the Living Torah Museum in Boro Park. Students got to look at and hold Middle Eastern artifacts from thousands of years ago. The museum was founded by Rabbi Shaul Deutch to give people the ability to experience the Biblical world in a hands-on-way. Most artifacts are salvaged from shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea. Among the items on display were the world's oldest (and smallest) chanukkiah and a gold coin with Antiochus's face etched on it. There were vases, golden earrings, and clay pots. Students got to hold real Roman gladiators swords, and some competed to see who could hold up a ballistae ball for the longest. Oren Moskowitz was able to hold it up for 10 minutes, earning him a $100 gift card. The students also were able to explore the museum's exhibit of preserved real kosher and nonkosher animals. They watched part of a video detailing where each animal is mentioned in the Torah. It was great to get to see, and to hold, history. This experience complements what the juniors are learning in their Jewish History classes which focus on the Ancient and Classical periods of Jewish History. Thank you to all involved in planning the trip, especially Mrs. Wielgus, Jewish History department chair. This trip, while enjoyable, also served to enhance the students' appreciation for Jewish History. ~Sarah Levy 3HR

Pathfinders Update: Students Volunteer at Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Annual Fundraiser

On Monday, December 16, eleven students from Yeshivah of Flatbush High School, through our Pathfinders Program, volunteered at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's annual fundraiser. The set up was beautiful. Each room in the 7 floor townhouse was decorated completely by different artists, and our students ably escorted hundreds of guests throughout the evening. Our students learned about the importance of raising funds for breast cancer research. ~Robert Harary

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Pathfinders Program: 
Beginning in 9th grade, the Pathfinders counselors work with each student to discuss their interests and develop their goals. Students are then given a wide range of opportunities of places where they can volunteer, intern and explore their unique academic pursuits and career ideas. Through the Yeshivah of Flatbush Pathfinders Program, we encourage our students to discover and expand their special talents and abilities and explore career options for the future. Whether a student is actively engaged during the school year or in the summer, we are confident that each Yeshivah of Flatbush student will find a path to success.

Torah To Go Series: Parashat Vaera 5774

Sunday Chesed Day to Special Children's Center: 12/22/13

On Sunday, December 22nd, 50 students led by Rabbi Besser headed over to Lakewood, New Jersey to visit and volunteer at the Special Children's Ceter. The Special Children's Center is a place where children with mental and physical disabilities have a place to go have fun and interact with children alike. When we arrived at the center we were greeted with a warm welcome and gorgeous smiles from the children. We then divided into classrooms to have fun with the children. Some classes had the activities of cookie decorating, pass the present, singing and yoga. It was amazing to see how excited and happy the kids were. After about an hour in the classrooms we all headed into their lunchroom for dancing. Everyone was dancing with one of the children and he had a huge smile on his face. The children had the opportunity to enjoy their Sunday. Nothing is as precious to see Rabbi Besser pick up a child and start singing to him. It was a day to not be forgotten. Everyone was moved and inspired by the trip! Till next time! ~Sophia Chabot