Rabbi Zucker institutes school uniforms beginning after Passover

What will this mean for MDYHS students? PAULETTES EDITIORIAL 2

Second Episode of Leo Sorchers Thriller The Ballpoint Pen

What was Eddies secret, and what must he do to keep it from spreading? SERIAL 5

Excerpts from senior Gloria Sitts Journal

Experience the Heritage trip from a first-hand account. SPECIAL FEATURE 7

The Flame
Magen David High School Student Newspaper
February 22nd, 2013/ Adar 5773

Special Purim Edition!

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

CHESED DAY
BY NATHAN HASBANI
When we have happy occasions, it is always an opportunity to think of those who cannot join in on the celebration. In Magen David Yeshivah, whenever there is a new festival or holiday we always remember those who are less fortunate. With a high-spirited, creative, and wonderful holiday coming around the corner, MDY chose to show their love to other community members through different events of Hesed that took place last Tuesday and Wednesday. As Rabbi Haber and Rabbi Sutton explained, Hesed is usually not the first word that pops up when thinking about Purim. It is a day that people usually consider to be chaotic and hectic, with traffic rules suspended and Batman and Spongebob running through the streets. However, it is really a day of remembrance, a day of love, and a day of care. It is a day where the Jewish people are supposed to unite and give to one another, from Mishloach Manot to Matanot Laevyonim. Therefore, last Tuesday and Wednesday MDY students took Hesed trips around our community as a way to unite and show we care. Ms. Nadjar ran the event, and some places that MDY students visited were old age homes, Yachad, or the Sephardic Food Pantry. If you were playing Bingo with senior citizens, or even dancing at a musical carnival, we can all agree that there are people who need hope and love from each and every one of us. There is an important maamar that says: Every Jew must care for the other (Kol Yisrael arabim ze ba ze). Therefore, with our strength and ability we must think of those less fortunate and show that Am Yisrael is one!

Sarah Tawil
Freshman, Improves Grades
By: Gloria Safdieh and Esther Hanon

Q: Who or what motivated you to try and improve your school grades? A: My teacher, Mrs. Saad motivated me and helped me improve my grades. I wasnt doing so well in school at first. Then, one day Mrs. Saad told my class that it is extremely important to focus on English because it is very important for life. She also mentioned that Science and Math are important because you need to take it in college. She gave me tips on how to boost my grades and helped me become a better note-taker. After, I got a 100 on my vocabulary quiz!

A: Math and Science are my hardest subjects. I come early to every class (I have math first period!). I raise my hand whenever I have a question, and it really helps. I also watch science videos for homework and make sure to write down what the teacher says.

always ask questions, and work hard on your homework! I always thought homework wasnt as important as tests were but it makes a big different and helps us understand the topic. Its also a big percentage of our averages! Q: Do you have any academic goals in mind that you hope to accomplish in the future? A: Yes, to continue doing better in Math. I know that I can do it if I really try. I also want to get Honor Roll. Q: How did it feel when you saw that you were succeeding? A: I felt very confident in myself, and I am so happy its working! Q. Any words of encouragement for your friends? A: It is so rewarding! Its never too late to start improving. Start by working on one subject and soon youll be able to improve in more. It really will pay off. Success feels amazing and it is truly rewarding!

Q: Is Freshmen year what you expected it to be? A: Its easier than I expected because we arent required to learn dikduk. I enjoy Hebrew class much more than elementary school. Its also harder than I expected because we are treated more like adults. We arent spoon-fed the information and we have to take notes ourselves. That was something I Q: What were the easiest sub- had to get used to, but now I jects for you to improve in? realize that I understand the A: English was easiest to im- material better when I take my prove in because I was guided own notes. by Mrs. Saad. Q: What tips can you give to Q: What were the hardest sub- other students about improving jects for you to progress in? grades? How did you overcome this A: Study for every test, take challenge? notes in class and pay attention,

Reminders and Announcements

Reminders from the College Office for February: The ACT is postponed to Sunday, April 21st Birthdates: Test Make-Up Dates: Thursday, February 28th Wednesday, March 6th
Tests will be proctored at 5:45 PM

Candle Lighting Times Friday, February 22nd Friday, March 1st 5:20 PM 5:28 PM

2/23 David Sabbagh, Eli Azrak, Raquel Sabbagh, Mrs. Shamah 2/24 Danielle Shammah

Hazkour, Nathan Hasbani 3/4 Joseph Kassin and Albert Mizrahi 3/5 Ralph Betesh and Dennis Dayan

2/28 Alyce Shasha 3/6 Manny Shapir and Ricky Cohen 3/1 Jack Adjmi and Marilyn Tobias 3/7 Elliot Elo and Evana Said 3/2 Jason Balassiano, Henry Mbazbaz, Benyamin Saadia 3/3 Jack Beyda, Eddy Antar, Esti

Page 2 The Flame February 22, 2013

Editorials
7801 Bay Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11214 Rabbi Harold Sutton Rosh Yeshivah Rabbi Saul Zucker Principal Mrs. Sabrina Maleh Associate Principal

STAFF
Editors: Editing Staff: Abraham Tobias, Paulette Gindi Ceasar Sitt, Raymond Dayan, Jonathan Cohen, Julie Swed, Judah Djmal, Joseph Zalta Jennifer Jemal Maurice Elbaz, Jack Nasar, Suzy Roubin, Alice Khaski, Esther Hanon, Gloria Safdieh, Sarah Mamrout, Evana Said, Rachel Faiena, Nathan Hasbani, Abie Chabbott, Hannah Cohen, Raquel Salem, Ralph Shalom, Renee Cohen, Tina Roubin Jack Beyda, Benny Mann, Ally Menasche, Albert Zalta Florence Catton, Dennis Dweck, Evana Said, Shoshana Louzia, Rachel Sar dar, Jeffrey Grazi Mrs. Rachel Harari

Photographers: Reporters:

Its a bird Its a plane Its a meteor! Friday, February 15th was a very peculiar day for many Russians when a meteor hit Siberia. This rare, celestial occurrence, although majestic, injured approximately 1200 people 200 of which were children. People reported that the shockwave of the explosion blew in their windows, and was then followed by a blinding light with heat pouring in like a mid Summers day. Even more surprising, that very same day an asteroid (a meteor that did not enter the Earths atmosphere) followed a course barely missing Earth. What is so uncommon about this event is not that the meteor exploded so close to Earth, which was about 20 to 30 miles above Earths surface, its that the meteors material was so hard. In fact, there is an entire, thriving black market for pieces of meteorites. Locating a piece of the meteor, which shouldnt be too difficult for many Russians since the pieces rained down through their houses, is like striking gold. How powerful exactly is a meteor? This specific meteor is said to be 50 feet in diameter, and to weigh 7,000 tons! The energy emitted from this meteor is estimated as being equivalent to 300 kilotons of TNT. This is enough power that although it exploded 20 30 miles above the Earths surface it was able to break windows, shatter dishes, break TVs, and set off car alarms all along Russia. It is not uncommon for celestial objects to fall towards the Earth, sending down the objects remains. In fact, scientists say this happens all the time. But for something of that size and strength to affect people as it did is truly a rare and remarkable occurrence. When something like this occurs it shows us the true power of nature. Its kind of like a reality check; it shows us how small and trivial we are in comparison to the deeply unexplored universe. There is so much that has yet to be explored, and so much that may never be explored. All we can do is sit back and marvel at the beauty of nature, and be grateful that what happened did not occur where we live. -Abraham Tobias UNIFORMS IN MAGEN DAVID HIGH SCHOOL! There have been many dress code violations this year which have been enervating to the school faculty. Well, it has come to the point where action needs to be made. Rabbi Walt Mossberg, Executive Director of the Jewish Board of Education, had a meeting this past week with the MDY administration. Rabbi Mossberg statistically proved to Rabbi Zucker the advantages to school uniforms. Rabbi Zucker therefore decided to institute uniforms as part of the school policy, beginning after Passover break. What will this mean for our students? Well, I got the scoop. The uniforms will be mandatory for students from 9th-11th grades. The 12 graders will not be obligated to wear uniforms as they will no longer be attending classes as a result of the senior internships. MDY ordered customized uniforms that fit the proper and ideal Bar and Bat Israel. Boys Attire:

Sports Staff:

Advice Column: Creative Staff:

Faculty Advisor:

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS The Magen David Yeshivah-Celia Esses High School admits student of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school programs.

Russos Philosophy

In the end, its not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away. -Shing Xiong This quote means that by the end of your lifetime it wont matter how long youve lived. What will matter to you is all of the meaningful moments you saw or made in life.

WRITE TO US! Tell us what you think! It doesnt matter if youre a teacher, parent, student, or an alumnus/alumna. We would love to hear from you! Your responses might be featured in our next issue! Thepress@mdyhs.net @MDYFlame

White buttoned down shirt, with the top button fastened Shirt must be tucked in at all times Grey, Navy, or Khaki slacks MDY Logo Blazer must be worn at all times, either navy or grey Black dress shoes

Dvar Torah
Purim
By Gina Malach Purim comes from the word pur which in Persian means lots, as in Haman casts lots for the most successful date to kill the Jews, and it is celebrated on the 13th of Adar. Purim is the holiday that reminds us that G-d runs the world behind the scenes. Nowhere in Megillat Esther is the name of G-d mentioned, though there is a belief that every time the words The King are used, it also refers to the Almighty. Why do we wear masks on Purim? Well, Hashems name is not mentioned in the Megillah. If one so desires, he can see the whole story of Purim as a chain of coincidences totally untouched by Divine Providence. Just as we hide behind masks, but our essence is still there, so too G-d has hidden His face but is still there guiding! Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach!

Girls Attire: White buttoned down shirt, with the top button fastened Shirt must be tucked in at all times Navy or grey pleated skirt, which reaches the ankle. Cardigans with the MDY logo will be available for the girls in yellow and blue (MDY colors) Girls can also wear the MDY Logo Blazer Black Mary-Jane shoes with at least a .35 heel.

The school will provide the uniforms, and the cost is $135 for the boys and $105 for the girls. Uniforms will be on sale beginning the second week of March. A student who comes to school without their uniform will be sent home the first time, suspended the second, and expelled the third. We hope that our school can enjoy the uniforms, and continue to grow on a beautiful path. We also hope you didnt believe this article, because it is a joke. Happy Purim. -Paulette Gindi

February 22, 2013 The Flame Page 3

ASK DENNIS AND FLO

MDYHS Advice Column E-mail Questions: thepress@mdyhs.net

SHATTER ME
A Book Review by Raquel Nahum
Juliette and attractive, smart Adam Shatter Me, the first of a trilogy by Tahereh Mafi, tells a tale about 17-year-old set out on a journey filled with love and advenJuliette whose world is falling apart. ture. As she fights for her life, Juliette must make tough decisions about power, love, and Juliettes fatal touch is inexplicable. forgiveness. She hasnt touched anyone in almost a year. The last time she accidentally In her debut, Mafi touched someone, she ended up shows a great deal of promise. in an asylum at the hands of the She really outdid herself in this Re-establishment, a militaristic cautionary tale of love and acregime that holds the fate of all tion intertwined. Her writing is humanity. descriptive and beautiful, overflowing with metaphors. I beThings soon take an lieve words can be very powerunexpected turn when this gorful, and Shatter Me depicts that geous and very familiar guy idea in every way. Mafi capnamed Adam, who is immune to tures the reader in this story of her touch, is put in her cell. Probunimaginable twists, which lems begin to arise as the Remakes for a very successful establishment come up with author and book. I promise you bigger plans for Juliette, a kind that you wont be able to put and loving teenager who hates this book down, and before you know it youll to kill. They want to use her as a murder be anxiously awaiting the sequel! weapon. Now she must choose to be a weapon or a warrior.

Dear Dennis and Flo, I am 15 years old, so Im not a kid anymore. Does that mean I am too old to dress up for Purim? -Hope the Answer is No!

College Acceptances We would like to congratulate the following students on their college acceptances so far! Amin Adjmi Pace University Eli Azrak Hoftra University, Deans Scholarship of $11,000 a year for four years, for a total of $44,000) Jason Balassiano City Tech College Leon Betesh Baruch College Marie Betesh Marymount College, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Jacqueline Beyda Baruch College, Brooklyn College, Hunter College Marlene Braha NYU, NYIT with a merit scholarship of $15,000 per year for four years, for a total of $60,000 Elliot Cohen Baruch College, Brooklyn College, College of Staten Island Judah Djmal CSI, Hofstra University, Presidential Scholarship of $22,000 a year for four years, for a total of $88,000 Esther Hanon CSI Lisa JradaCSI Jackie Kassin Baruch College Mickey Kishk Pace University, with an Honors Scholarship of $15,000 per year for 4 years, for a total of $60,000 Michael Mamiye Brooklyn College Sylvi Matalon Baruch College, Brooklyn College, Queens College, City College of New York, College of Staten Island Rachel Naftali Baruch College Jeffrey Pardo University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chancellors Award ($8,000 a year for four years, for a total of $32,000), Boston University Marc Saadia Baruch College, Queens College, College of Staten Island Frieda Sabbagh FIT Mosie Schrem SUNY Binghamton David Setton Baruch College Frieda Shayek LIM College Barry Sitt Baruch College, College of Staten Island Ceasar Sitt University of Indiana Renee Sutton NYU Steinhardt Abraham Tobias University of Maryland College Park, Honors Program, SUNY Binghamton, Hofstra University, Presidential Scholarship ($22,000 a year for four years, for a total of $88,000), Baruch College, City College of New York, College of Staten Island

Cmon, thats a crazy question. Of course youre not too old! Thats like asking if Max Dushey is too old for free play. Best regards, Dennis Dweck

Dear Hope the Answer is No, No!! Its a fun holiday! Dress up and have fun with it. A good idea would be to get your friends involved too. That way you wont be the only one who is dressing up. It is a lot of fun to see who everyone ends up dressing up as. For some costume tips, see Jennifer Hararis fashion column on the next page! -Flo

Dear Dennis and Flo, I want to give Mishloach Manot to my six closest friends, but I think some people will feel badly. How can I do it in a way where no one feels left out? -The Giver

Dear The Giver, I was in this same situation. What I did was go to a 3 year olds party, took a bat, and smacked that pinada. Let it rain. Youll have enough candy for next year too. Ya boy D-Eazy!

Dear The Giver, I dont think your friends will really care. You are past that stage of being mad over Mishloach Manot. But, if you have a friend who you know would get mad about it, just make an extra one. Remember: the purpose of giving Mishloach Manot is to unite our community, not bring anyone further apart. Avoid any fights. Happy holiday! -Flo

Tech Talk
With Adele Sutton

And Frances!
When Rabbi Bitton gave us the instructions to make a website I was in complete shock! Who would want to make a website?! WRONG! I honestly love it, its so much fun!

Recently, the school added a new and improved computer room full with new iMacs. This past week, my class wonderful English teacher, Mrs. Harari, took us to the computer room and introduced us to a website called Weebly where we were able to create our own blogs. In class we are reading Shakespeares

Macbeth. We enjoyed the book so much that each and every one of us wanted to blog about it! On our websites, we all chose a character and began blogging as if it was that characters website. We chose font colors, pictures, and layout that we felt represented that character in Macbeth. The assignments were actually enjoyable even though they were given as homework.

each others websites. We got to read our classmates blogs and learn from what they Because its your website, wrote. You can check some out at you can really www.mrsharari.weebly.com. be creative and play around with it. -Adele My website is for my Torah class. Hey guys! So, as we all know technology is Every week we It was interesting blogging about the taking over Magen David HS. We had the privi- add something to thoughts and feelings from the point-of-view of lege to use the amazing new computer room to our website to one of the characters from Macbeth. The best make websites! make it creative part, though, was that we were able to access and fun. Frances

Page 4 The Flame February 22, 2013

What to Wear to Your Purim Party

MDYHS Fashion News

Hi everyone! With Purim on Sunday, I know a lot of you are stressing over what to wear to your Purim party. Well, the possibilities are endless, but here are a few tips: Pulling off the Teacher-Look: If you are planning on dressing up as a teacher, here are a few ideas Mr. Naftaly Wear an army suit

Mrs. Harari Hold a pile of newspapers Mr. Rabinow All you need is a lab coat (dont forget scissors and tweezers!) Rabbi Zucker Grey suit and a megaphone. Keep repeating And the final begins NOW over and over. Mrs. Saad Carry three iced Dunkin Donuts and a bag of chocolate Mrs. AumanBring a rolling suitcase Mrs. ElnadavChunky jewelry and sunglasses Gabriel MDY shirt with swagger sneakers

Now, for some general Purim costume Dos and Donts When dressing like a nerd... DO: Break your real, prescription glasses in half, then fix them with tape DONT: Buy fake ones When dressing as Vashti Do: Get off Accutane a week prior Dont: Color fake pimples with marker

DO: Dye your hair DONT: Wear a wig DO: Dress like a clown DONT: Try to look good.

Jennifer Harari

JUST KIDDING! This is the one time you dont have to worry about fashion, so JUST HAVE FUN!!

School News and Events

New Band Instruments By: Abie Chabbott Recently, MDY provided the school band with a new set of instruments for their future performances. The school bough a drum set, a sound system, and amplifiers. The band consists of a dedicated group of talented students who all share a love of music. Ikey Schuster, an 11th grade member of the club, said, The things the school got us were very cool and we really appreciate it. They will definitely improve our sound quality. Some band members recently performed at the JuniorSenior Seminar in late December. They were really good, said 12th grader Mosie Schrem, I heard the school got them new instruments so Im sure theyll be even better next time. The band plans to perform at the Evening of the Arts which will be hosted by Magen David. David Peretz, a 10th grade member of the club, said, The whole band is excited for the Evening of the Arts. We meet once a week to practice and it will all pay off that night. Rabbi Schienfeld, the coordinator of the clubs, said that, Its so exciting to find kids who feel a passion for something they love, and that the school is willing to support that.
New Writing Center

The writing center on the 5th floor is going to be in session starting this Tuesday! Ms. Katie Chabbott will be providing extra writing support to students during all lunch periods! Feel free to make an appointment with Ms. Chabbott if you have been Dirty Dozened one too many times, if you have a paper coming up in any subject that you are having difficulty with, or if you just want your paper proofread! After Pesach, all Juniors will be meeting individually with Ms. Chabbott in order to work on college essays. You can e-mail her to set up an appointment at KChabbott@mdyhs.net

Breaking News! Queen Esther is a Jew! By: Rachel Sardar And it came to pass, a few months ago: Achashverosh was the King of 127 countries, from India to Ethiopia. His highest officer, Haman, offered money for permission to execute the Jewish people. After agreeing to the mighty Haman, a date was chosen for the day of execution, the 13th of the 12th Jewish month. This tragic news was all over Twitter! Queen Esther, though, heard about it through Facebook. She immediately called upon three days of mourning no eating or drinking, just a day dedicated to Gd. She had been too afraid to call her husband on her new iPhone 5, but her uncle Mordechai forced her. She dialed his number but typed it incorrectly. Touch phones these days! She dialed again, and the servant responded. She had to wait for permission to speak with the king. When her husband responded, she pleaded for the life of her nation. Yes! Her nation! She is a Jew! The King nullified the extermination, and as they hung Haman they took his Samsung Galaxy S111. Both the King and Queen Tweeted this great news, and so in about an hour all the people knew. And this day forward, the Jews will rejoice greatly!

Math Team By: Hannah Cohen On Wednesday, 20 students from the Math Team were chosen to participate in the National AMC Math Test. Students from all different schools have the opportunity to take this test. Students had 75 minutes to complete 25 difficult question, each question getting harder as the test continued. Although many of the questions were difficult, no one gave up. Working until the last second possible, everyone completed the tests. Official answers will be sent out next week. Lets go Math Team!

Mock Trial By: The Mock Trial Team Magen Davids very own Mock Trial team went up against Secondary Law School last week and came out on top. We dominated the other team! The case this year was about an average student who applied to a college he never heard of before, and it turns out that the diploma wasnt even worth the paper it was written on. He claims the school tricked him into going, yet the school claims that he didnt do well because he didnt try hard enough. Now, the student is drowning in debt trying to pay the tuition. We went up as plaintiff this past week, and next week we are going up as defendant. No matter which side we go up as, we always try our hardest to prove our point and win!

Interested in joining the team at MDYHS Flame? Email Mrs. Harari, Abraham Tobias, or Paulette Gindi ThePress@mdyhs.net Follow us on Twitter: @MDYFlame

February 22, 2013 The Flame Page 5

The Ballpoint Pen
A Serial by Leo Sorcher
Episode 2/3

It was nine p.m., and I was finishing up my homework at the wobbly kitchen table while my mother cooked dinner for my father. My mother and I heard my fathers creaky car door slam in the driveway, and we simultaneously started cleaning up the cluttered kitchen. I put my AP Business Law notes in my beat-up folder while my mother put the hamburgers that she made for my father on a plastic plate. My father walked into our one-story, brown, rusty ranch house, and he looked angrier than ever. "Your little friend made a visit to the factory today. Apparently he's the new health inspector in town. The moment he saw me, his face got all pale. I knew you had something with him! My father yelled at my mother. My mother just stood there by the rusty stove, stuttering, not knowing what to say, or do. "I, I, I didn't mean to..." My father quickly walked over to my mother, hand raised, and slapped her across the face. His wedding ring left a mark on her upper right cheek. I couldn't watch this anymore. I needed to get out of here. I needed to get as far away from here as possible. I looked around the small kitchen, for something to take with me. Anything. I couldnt roam streets empty-handedly. I needed food, money, and clothes. Finally, in the corner of my eye, I spotted a black and white, shiny ballpoint pen sticking out of my fathers brown-leathered briefcase. It was shining from the ceiling light, and it almost looked as if it was calling out to me. I knew that pen could be worth at least fifty dollars, so I ran over to the floor near the dented refrigerator, where my father put down his briefcase, and picked it up. The brown leather tickled my fingers. Hey, kid! Put that down, now! My father yelled at me as he saw me pick up his briefcase. When I didnt comply, he started coming towards me, with that same hand raised that had abused me so many times before. By looking at my fathers worried expression, I realized that something in this briefcase had to be very valuable, and I wasnt about to give it up. I took one last look at the man who had caused me so much pain, and at the women who was too afraid to stand up for me. Then I threw the briefcase over my shoulder and ran out of the kitchen door, into the darkness of the night. The rest of the day went by in a blur. I couldn't concentrate on the big presentation that was coming up. All I could think about is who sent that terrifying letter. Was it one of my parents? How did they find me after all of these years? I thought I made sure they could never find me again. Were they even still alive? When the clock turned seven p.m., it was time for Chris to drive me back home from AndersonCorp. As I was on my way home in my limousine, I got a mysterious text message on my iPhone. I looked at the caller ID and it read "Unknown". This had to be the mysterious stranger who left the note. The text message said "Transfer $25,000,000 into the bank account #827662478 by either p.m. tonight or your secret gets out." I gasped. "Is everything all right, sir?" Chris said from the front seat as I rolled down the window to get some air. "Everything is fine, but I've changed my mind. Can you take me to the AndersonCorp Lab before I head home?" I asked Chris, trying not to sound too suspicious. "Right away, Mr. Anderson" Chris replied. As I got to the AndersonCorp Labs, I rushed through the front doors of the 17-story, glass building. I took the elevator straight up to the 7th floor, where one of my closest friends, Danny Sullivan, worked. I knew Danny since I started my company and I knew I could trust him with anything. After I gave Danny a warm greeting, I got straight to business. "Danny, I can't tell you what this is about, but I need your help. I need you to trace this text message to the sender." I told Danny as I showed the message. I watched as Danny connected my iPhone to his large computer monitor, and started pressing buttons. I had no idea how he was going to trace the message, as I knew nothing about technology. All I could hope for is for him to trace the text message so I can identify the person who is trying to ruin my life. 10 minutes later, Danny finally stopped pressing buttons. I knew by the look on his face that he couldn't trace it, and I didnt want to hear it. "I'm so sorry, Eddie, but I couldn't trace it. The message is encrypted and I cant get passed it." At 7:45 that night, I had no choice but to transfer the 25 million dollars into the bank account of the mysterious person. I knew I couldve transferred a decoy deposit, but I didnt want to take a chance. I couldnt take the chance of my secret getting out. I was furious. I didn't care about the money, I just cared that someone out there knew the secret that can ruin the life I have worked so hard to build.

HUMOR A man is having a problem with his son and goes to see his Rabbi. I sent him to Hebrew School and gave him a very expensive Bar Mitzvah, says the man, and now he tells me he has decided to be a Christian! Rabbi, where did I go wrong? The Rabbi responded, Funny you should come to me. I also brought my boy up in the faith and gave him a fancy Bar Mitzvah. Then one day, he too tells me hes decided to become a Christian. So what did you do? asked the man. I turned to Gd for the answer, replied the Rabbi. And what did he say? pressed the man. Gd said, Funny you should come to me Q: Why didnt Esther receive Mordechais e-mail warning her about Hamans plan to kill the Jews? A: She had an Acashvirus Esther: Mom, Im trying to write an article for the Flame about Jewish holidays. How do you think I should start it off? Mom: They tried to kill us We won Lets eat!

Check out Special Purim trivia on the next page!

Purim-Themed Sudoku!
Directions: Play the Purim Sudoku challenge! Make sure there is always a crown, a grogger, a mask, and a hamentash in each row and column.

Answers to last weeks Crossword Puzzle:

Page 6 The Flame February 22, 2013

ATTENTION SCHOOL-WIDE CONTEST! PRIZE: $50 Amazon Gift Card

Topic: Television Challenge: In 500 words or less, tell us what your favorite show is and why you just cant look away. The show can be something currently airing, in re-runs, or a favorite show from your childhood. Think about: What makes your show special? Does it have any connection to your hobbies, passions, or interests? Are there larger themes that this show addresses? Is it a tradition for you and your friends to watch this show? The winner will be posted in our next issue! Along with a $50 gift card, the winners entry will be presented to a national contest! GOOD LUCK!
Purim Trivia

Nutrition & Health

By Frances C. Mamiye and Michelle Catton
Purim is in the air, and so are Mishloach Manot! They usually consist of candy, candy, and more candy. There are also cookies and cakes in there as well. It takes a prodigious amount of self-control to resist all that. Thats why we arent telling you to. The key thing is portion control and moderation. Purim is a festive holiday, so enjoy it! Instead of focusing on the food so much, focus on your family and friends around you. Here is an example of a nutritious, healthy Mishloach Manot: Home-baked oatmeal cookies A piece of fruit A low-sugar treat This has a variety of goodies in it. It isnt that hard to turn something not healthy into something healthy. Making your own Mishloach Manot can benefit you and the person you give it to. Another big thing about Purim is Taanit Esther. The biggest piece of advice we can give is when breaking the fast, eat dinner as you normally would. Dont overload on food to make up for the whole day you didnt eat. This will cause stomach pains and it isnt very healthy. You should have a nice dinner and a snack an hour later if you are still hungry. Also, make sure to drink lots of water because not only are you hungry, but you are also thirsty!

By Joseph Kassin

1. 2. 3. 4.
5.

What is s other name and who is her father? What did do? What do we add on Purim? Who did invite to her party? Which famous king is a descendant of? When should you eat the and what are you supposed to eat and drink during the so you will be happy?

6.

7. 8. 9.

Are women obligated to hear the why? What happened to s decree after he died? Who wrote the :

01. Fill in the blank:

11. Which cities celebrate ( which time period does it go by)? 01. What is the minimum amount one must give to fulfill the mitzvah of 01. Who is ? 14. Who are you supposed to give to? 15. What book was read to when he couldn't sleep? 16. What happened first or and during which time period did they each occur? 17. The is in the so is Purim a holiday from the Torah or from the Rabbis? 18. On what day did want to kill the Jews? 19. Which is read on Purim and what does it talk about? 20. In the olden days what was the earliest time Purim could've been celebrated?

Bonus: According to Rabbi Sutton how does one fulfill the of drinking on Purim? Riddle: In the Torah I am a precious stone, in the I am a place, and in the I am a person (hint: the )I am a person. Who am I? (from )

February 22, 2013 The Flame Page 7

A unique glimpse into Gloria Sitts daily diary entries

Day 1February 3rd barbed wire around it. I couldToday we got off the plane and went nt believe that straight to see whatever was left of the what I was looking Warsaw Ghetto. We saw the walls and at was real. We buildings and walked through looked at picthe rooms where tures of things they cut the girls that happened hair off and where that exact spot. they took showers. We walked then into The tour guide the next room and saw a room with conshowed us how crete walls, a room that looked so regular, bad the condiwhen the room was really a gas chamber. tions were in the Ghetto with pictures and stories as we Then came the hardest part of my day. looked at the exact spot it happened in The shoes. You cant imagine how many there were. I got close and focused on one Day 2February 4th pair closely, trying to picture the person whose life was taken and who was wearWe got up at 6AM and went straight to ing that pair of shoes. the Warsaw Jewish cemetery where we saw graves of people who fought back and of Rabbis from that time. Then we went to this big open area and my teacher kept telling me to move back, but I didnt understand why. Then it came to me that this area was a mass grave. As soon as I realized it caused a shiver through my body. I couldnt believe there were bodies under this huge area. It was massive. It was the first time I started to get a real perspective of how many lives were taken in the Holocaust. Later that day we arrived at our first death camp Maidenek. When we got there it looked fake; I thought I was in a movie scene. Wooden sheds were lined up with trains unloaded straight into the gas chamber. 500,000 Jews got there, except we were there longer than 499,997 of them because only 3 survived. brushes, shoe polish, glasses, talet, clothing, dolls, etc. The hardest thing for me to see was definitely the girls hair and the babies clothing and dolls. I cant explain my emotions after seeing that. We walked through the gas chamber and the crematorium. Then we had a silent march into AuschwitzBirkenau. We heard the story of the Holocaust survivor who was with us and was actually there as we walked rough as much as we could. It was bigger than the whole Deal and more. It was really gigantic.

As we walked that pathway that I first thought was nothing, emotions were flying through my body thinking of the people who lost their lives here, the people who were so excited to go take a shower and ended We walked out of Birkenau singing up losing their LeShanah HaBaah BeYirushalayim lives for no reawith tears streaming down our faces, son. heading straight to the airport.

Later that day we went to the grave of a very special Rabbi, and prayed there like we We walked a little more and saw a huge never prayed before. dome of the ashes of the bodies that were th buried there. I thought my eyes were de- Day 4February 6 ceiving me and my jaw just dropped. I couldnt believe all of these things were Childrens grave. Completely speechless. I can only cry. right in front of my eyes Day 3February 5th When we got to Belzec I couldnt understand why they would bring us here. It was just a pathway where the walls got higher and there was a memorial at the end. Then they started to tell us what happened here, which in short was basically that the Day 5February 7th Finally, the day I was anticipating came. It wasnt easy knowing I was actually going to Auschwitz, and I was very nervous. We got there and first went to see Auschwitz 1, which is like a museum. We saw their shoes, pots and pans, suitcases, hair

By: Becky Chakkalo

Last week, Magen David Yeshivah took ten girls on a trip to Spain to help us learn a little more about our Sephardic heritage. We spent the entire week visiting so many different places, meeting so many new people, and hearing so many inspiring stories. Then, finally, Friday came along and it was time to do something we all know and love. It was finally time to go shopping! As Ms. Nasar, Ms. Mishanieh, Sheila (our travel agent), and Moses (our tour guide) led us to Plaza Mayor, we immediately felt at home. It was like we never left New York. We felt the same rush that you would feel here. It was almost the same exact scene so many people in one place talking, smiling, laughing, and shopping. There were people in costumes, dancing, and playing instruments. We all wondered what such a cheerful place like this could have to do with Jewish history. To our surprise, it had a lot to do with it. We were standing right in the middle of the place where Jews were embarrassed, tortured, and burnt alive during the Spanish Inquisition. To the Spanish Christians, the burning of the Jew was a happy occasion, something you had to go and see for yourself. Something to cheer, talk, and laugh about. People would gather around and watch with happy faces as an innocent person was murdered just for being Jewish or showing signs of Judaism. Imagine being accused of something without knowing what is you were being accused for. Now imagine going through pain and torture until you confessed that thing you were being accused of. How can you confess if you dont know exactly what you did wrong? Thats exactly what those Jews went through. They were tortured and beaten with a great big audience to cheer them on. They ended up confessing every Jewish thing they secretly did, until they finally said the one thing that they were actually being accused of. That was when the poor Jew was burned alive. We all entered the Plaza Mayor with happy thoughts, like what we would buy from the Zara in Spain or how many cute gifts we would be able to find for our friends back in Brooklyn. But we left the place with something new to think about. Most of us dont take the time to appreciate the area and time period we live in. Just imagine for a moment, Jews being tortured and burnt alive in the center of New York City on a daily basis. We have it easy. We can do or say whatever we want openly without a single worry. How many of us would still be Jewish if we were put into the same situation as those who lived during Spanish Inquisition? Our ancestors put themselves in so much danger just to keep even a few aspects of Judaism alive. Even with all the burning and converting, and the expelling of Jews, there are still plenty of Jewish communities in Spain! Its truly amazing. Our past is something we should take pride in.

Page 8 The Flame February 22, 2013

We asked Twitter: What do you think of the Harlem Shake?

@Lynda_Russo: hilarious !!!!!!!!! @Jescava21: I want to have a harlem shake in the atrium @Julgreeny: Can u send me urs I wna see it @RichieAyal: you tell me! Frances Mamiye and Gina Malach favorite your Tweet @Gmmusiclover1: lol dahak! We should make one with our class and me being the one dancing first @Jescava: I bet @MDYFlame doesnt put me in the newspaper even though I answered both questions @MDYFlame: @Jescava of course I will! @Jescava: YESS!! hha @SophSaf_: @ Jescava @mdyflame you just made his night @Jescava: @SophSaf_ @mdyflame she did @PaulsDemon: will totally die out soon @KimDJ6: What is that?! The students are obsessed @BrigetteDana: whatttt is this Harlem shake everyone is talking about?
Rabbi Michael Bitton

Besides teaching Gemara and Tanach, Rabbi Michael Bitton is also our newly appointed Director of Educational Technology. Rabbi Bitton believes that as our world heads into the 21st century it is imperative to ensure the students at Magen David Yeshivah are fully prepared for what lies ahead post high school. Colleges are quick to embrace the new changes that are occurring and therefore we as a school need to be ready to help our students succeed in those new environments. Rabbi Bitton achieves this by starting at the top; our beloved faculty. Rabbi Bitton meets with faculty members for one-on-one sessions and helps train them in the latest educational technologies that are available Some of the pilot programs that have already begun are E-Portfolios (Individual websites created by students to collect and reflect on their learning) and the "Flipped" classroom (Lecture done as home via video, therefore leaving more class time for individual teacher assistance). Rabbi Bitton also mentioned that Magen David Yeshivah has some very exciting and innovative ideas that are being prepared for next year as well, stay tuned!

Tweet Us! @MDYFlame

(Warning: If we follow you back, we might correct your spelling and grammar)

Message Board:
A message from Obama and Romney: Happy Purim! Happy birthday Marilyn! -Adele Sutton and Nicole Sitt Happy belated birthday Rabbi Tobias! -Haser and Schimel Happy birthday Albert Mizrahi! -The Crew Happy birthday Mrs. Shamah! -12th Grade Academy Happy Purim! -10GH

Student Art Showcase

Carol Missry Acrylic on Canvas

Joanie Kraiem Worms Eye View Colored Pencil

Noy Yatcha Birds Eye View Colored Pencil