Junior Freezefest
by Ariel Berman
Juniors spent the weekend of February 23-26 on the annual Freezefest trip to Quebec. On Thursday, March 23, students were required to come into school early for a special davening at six-thirty, so that the busses could leave at seven fifteen. Juniors were split onto four buses; two for boys and two for girls. The bus ride up to Quebec took nine hours, with a brief stop in the middle for a mincha break. On arriving in Quebec but before reaching the hotel, the 11th graders stopped to walk around Old Quebec City for a half hour. Then, after getting to the hotel, putting their bags in their rooms and having dinner, the grade went bowling at a nearby bowling alley.
Friday’s activities consisted of dog sledding and touring the Ice Hotel, after which the 11th graders then returned to the hotel to spend shabbat together as a grade. Shabbat was followed by a Saturday night snow tubing trip. To finish off the weekend, on Sunday morning there was a final program; the students were shown the video montage that Rabbi Weinberg had made of their trip and were given freezefest sweatpants as a gift. Right after the program, the juniors loaded the buses and took the nine hour drive back to Frisch. They arrived back at the school at eight fifteen. “Freezefest was such a great experience and I really got to meet people I don’t get a chance to talk to during the regular school schedule”- Julia Kohen (18’)
Friday’s activities consisted of dog sledding and touring the Ice Hotel, after which the 11th graders then returned to the hotel to spend shabbat together as a grade. Shabbat was followed by a Saturday night snow tubing trip. To finish off the weekend, on Sunday morning there was a final program; the students were shown the video montage that Rabbi Weinberg had made of their trip and were given freezefest sweatpants as a gift. Right after the program, the juniors loaded the buses and took the nine hour drive back to Frisch. They arrived back at the school at eight fifteen. “Freezefest was such a great experience and I really got to meet people I don’t get a chance to talk to during the regular school schedule”- Julia Kohen (18’)
Junior Charleston Chessed Mission
by Jennifer Reznik
Fifteen Frisch Juniors flew to Charleston, South Carolina, from February 8 to February 12, to partake in a chessed mission organized by NSCY. NCSY had organized the trip earlier in the year, and the fifteen students who were chosen for the mission were picked from a raffle in November. The Juniors left Frisch at 1:45 on Wednesday, during school, and returned to Newark airport at 10:20, on Sunday, in the evening. The students engaged in leadership activities while on the trip, including building a house with Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at a local food bank where they organized food to be distributed, and leading the Jewish community in discussions about various topics such as Tu B'shvat or Parshat Beshalach. The students were also able to learn about Charleston's history and modern culture as they toured one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in America, a Holocaust memorial monument, Frankie's Fun park, and the Charleston waterfront.
The New Frisch Faculty
by Isaac Blumenthal
As the Frisch student body has grown, so has the need to add to its faculty.
Fourteen new staff members have joined the Frisch faculty this year. Teachers have been added to several departments including Gemara, math, history, sciences, Spanish, and learning center.
Rabbi Yosef Weinberger, a rabbinic intern at Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck, graduated from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business. He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and is currently in the process of getting his Master’s degree from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. “Frisch is the first school in which I am teaching, and it is truly a great school. I enjoy teaching Gemara every day to teenagers who really want to learn,” said Rabbi Weinberger. Devin Berman (‘18), a student of his, said: “Aside from being an amazing teacher, I have a great relationship with Rabbi Weinberger.”
Two new teachers this year have also joined the math department; Ms. Shira Fass, being one of them, is a graduate of Princeton University and has been a high school teacher for 15 years. The other new math teacher is Ms. Daniella Lejtman. “Math has always been a very hard subject for me, but Ms. Lejtman is really helping me out, especially for the ACTs,” said Ben Lasher (‘18).
Dr. Ilan Fuchs has joined the history department, having earned his PHD from Bar Ilan University and his rabbinical ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. He also recently published a book entitled Jewish Women’s’ Torah Study: Orthodox Religious Education and Modernity. He previously worked at both the University of Michigan and Frankel Jewish Academy, in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Additionally, four new teachers have joined the science department this year; Mrs. Ruth Himelstein, Ms. Sahrena London, Travis Merritt, and Mr. Paley.
Mrs. Ruth Himelstein received both her B.A. in Biology and Master’s in Education, with a specialization in Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania. While working at Solomon Schechter in Manhattan, she earned an Advanced Master’s in Education at Columbia Teachers College. During her time there, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for New York State from the National Association of Biology Teachers.
Ms. Sahrena London teaches physics, chemistry and biology in the learning center program. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Barnard College and a Master’s in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She was awarded a Standards of Leadership Award for her contributions to the medical devices division at Johnson and Johnson.
Travis Merritt, another addition to the science department, graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He founded an educational travel business, where he led many international trips to Southeast Asia and South America, with the purpose of educating students in the sciences.
The final addition to the science department is Mr. Steven Paley. He is a graduate of both Tufts University and Stanford University. After majoring in electrical mechanical engineering and English, Mr. Paley became the CEO of The Texwipe Company, a manufacturer of specialized contamination control products, and high tech company. “I love teaching here and enjoy teaching my classes because of the students’ kindness,” said Mr. Paley, who is working at The Frisch School simply because of his love of teaching.
Teachers are not the only faculty joining Frisch this year; Mrs. Leora Orenbuch is completing her year-long internship at Frisch this year in the guidance department. Mrs. Orenbuch graduated with honors in Psychology from NYU, where she has a provisional certification in School Psychology.
The Chumash and Nach Department expanded as well this year. In addition to teaching Judaic studies, Mrs. Leora Moskovich is the Girls Junior Varsity Basketball coach. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature, and was also awarded the Marcia Perlstein Memorial Award for Excellence in Hebraic Studies.
Additionally, Ms. Shira Kronenberg came to Frisch from Yeshivat Noam, where she had been teaching for 15 years, having been honored with the Teacher of the Year Award in 2007. Ms. Kronenberg is the Director of Judaic Studies Learning Center at Frisch.
Another teacher joining the Chumash and Nach Department at The Frisch School is Mrs. Aliza Weinberg. Mrs. Weinberg graduated Stern College with a double major in political science and Judaic studies. “With teaching experience of over 20 years in various Yeshivot, Mrs. Aliza Weinberg is a perfect fit for the Frisch School,” said Aiden Anhalt (‘18), a student of Mrs. Weinberg.
The Spanish department added only one teacher this year with the addition of Mrs. Margherita Reiter. Mrs. Reiter earned her BA in Spanish at the University of Mary Washington and her MA in Educational Administration at Caldwell College. She has also lived in several Spanish-speaking countries. Mrs. Reiter is an active member of the Middle States Accreditation as a team leader and evaluator, and has been teaching for over 35 years.
Ms. Naomi Nussbaum, has joined the student learning center. While working with autistic children, Ms. Nussbaum got her undergraduate degree with honors in psychology from Rutgers University. Soon after, she went on to get a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College of Columbia University. Ms. Nussbaum also has permanent certification in New York and New Jersey in regular education and special education. She is currently applying for another Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Fourteen new staff members have joined the Frisch faculty this year. Teachers have been added to several departments including Gemara, math, history, sciences, Spanish, and learning center.
Rabbi Yosef Weinberger, a rabbinic intern at Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck, graduated from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business. He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and is currently in the process of getting his Master’s degree from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. “Frisch is the first school in which I am teaching, and it is truly a great school. I enjoy teaching Gemara every day to teenagers who really want to learn,” said Rabbi Weinberger. Devin Berman (‘18), a student of his, said: “Aside from being an amazing teacher, I have a great relationship with Rabbi Weinberger.”
Two new teachers this year have also joined the math department; Ms. Shira Fass, being one of them, is a graduate of Princeton University and has been a high school teacher for 15 years. The other new math teacher is Ms. Daniella Lejtman. “Math has always been a very hard subject for me, but Ms. Lejtman is really helping me out, especially for the ACTs,” said Ben Lasher (‘18).
Dr. Ilan Fuchs has joined the history department, having earned his PHD from Bar Ilan University and his rabbinical ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. He also recently published a book entitled Jewish Women’s’ Torah Study: Orthodox Religious Education and Modernity. He previously worked at both the University of Michigan and Frankel Jewish Academy, in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Additionally, four new teachers have joined the science department this year; Mrs. Ruth Himelstein, Ms. Sahrena London, Travis Merritt, and Mr. Paley.
Mrs. Ruth Himelstein received both her B.A. in Biology and Master’s in Education, with a specialization in Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania. While working at Solomon Schechter in Manhattan, she earned an Advanced Master’s in Education at Columbia Teachers College. During her time there, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for New York State from the National Association of Biology Teachers.
Ms. Sahrena London teaches physics, chemistry and biology in the learning center program. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Barnard College and a Master’s in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She was awarded a Standards of Leadership Award for her contributions to the medical devices division at Johnson and Johnson.
Travis Merritt, another addition to the science department, graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He founded an educational travel business, where he led many international trips to Southeast Asia and South America, with the purpose of educating students in the sciences.
The final addition to the science department is Mr. Steven Paley. He is a graduate of both Tufts University and Stanford University. After majoring in electrical mechanical engineering and English, Mr. Paley became the CEO of The Texwipe Company, a manufacturer of specialized contamination control products, and high tech company. “I love teaching here and enjoy teaching my classes because of the students’ kindness,” said Mr. Paley, who is working at The Frisch School simply because of his love of teaching.
Teachers are not the only faculty joining Frisch this year; Mrs. Leora Orenbuch is completing her year-long internship at Frisch this year in the guidance department. Mrs. Orenbuch graduated with honors in Psychology from NYU, where she has a provisional certification in School Psychology.
The Chumash and Nach Department expanded as well this year. In addition to teaching Judaic studies, Mrs. Leora Moskovich is the Girls Junior Varsity Basketball coach. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature, and was also awarded the Marcia Perlstein Memorial Award for Excellence in Hebraic Studies.
Additionally, Ms. Shira Kronenberg came to Frisch from Yeshivat Noam, where she had been teaching for 15 years, having been honored with the Teacher of the Year Award in 2007. Ms. Kronenberg is the Director of Judaic Studies Learning Center at Frisch.
Another teacher joining the Chumash and Nach Department at The Frisch School is Mrs. Aliza Weinberg. Mrs. Weinberg graduated Stern College with a double major in political science and Judaic studies. “With teaching experience of over 20 years in various Yeshivot, Mrs. Aliza Weinberg is a perfect fit for the Frisch School,” said Aiden Anhalt (‘18), a student of Mrs. Weinberg.
The Spanish department added only one teacher this year with the addition of Mrs. Margherita Reiter. Mrs. Reiter earned her BA in Spanish at the University of Mary Washington and her MA in Educational Administration at Caldwell College. She has also lived in several Spanish-speaking countries. Mrs. Reiter is an active member of the Middle States Accreditation as a team leader and evaluator, and has been teaching for over 35 years.
Ms. Naomi Nussbaum, has joined the student learning center. While working with autistic children, Ms. Nussbaum got her undergraduate degree with honors in psychology from Rutgers University. Soon after, she went on to get a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College of Columbia University. Ms. Nussbaum also has permanent certification in New York and New Jersey in regular education and special education. She is currently applying for another Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
School-wide Mincha on the Second day of Chanukah
by Devin Berman
On Wednesday at 4:20, all frisch students entered the downstairs Shul for Mincha and for the Chanukah ceremonies. Upon entering the Shul, tickets for the raffle were given to the first two hundred kids who came to the Shul. After Mincha, Junior student Shoshi Burstein read a speech she prepared about overcoming the darkness of our times during Hanukkah. Then, three raffle tickets were chosen by Rabbi Goldfischer, Mr. Miller, and Rabbi Ciner respectively. The first winner, Daniella Shur ('18) won a chia pet. The second winner, Isabelle Goldberg ('20), won virtual reality glasses. The final winner for the day, Freshman Ben Tyler, won a spider man chia pet. After the winners were chosen Justin Sohn ('16), lit the Menorah and received the blessings. Once the candles were lit, Mr Infield played the piano and led the school in "Hanarot Halalu" and "Maoz Tzur". To conclude the Wednesday school day Maariv was davened.
School-wide Mincha on the First Day of Chanukah
by Devin Berman
On Tuesday, starting at 4:20 in the afternoon, all Frisch students gathered into the downstairs Shul to daven and perform the daily Chanukkah ceremonies. It is a custom in Frisch for there to be a raffle after Mincha is davened every day during Chanukkah. The first two hundred students who came into the Shul were given a ticket that would be entered into the raffle. After Mincha, Rabbi Ciner picked a ticket out of the bowl and the owner of the selected ticket, Ethan Schechter (‘20), was given multi-colored moon sand. Immediately after, another ticket was selected, this time by Rabbi Wald, and the winner was Evan Hamm (‘20) who won a “Bunch O Balloons.” Following the toys being given out, Mark Abromovitz (‘16) lit the Menorah and sang the blessings. After the candles were lit the entire student body sang “Haneirot Halalu”, and “Maoz Tzur”, all while Mr. Infield played the piano. To conclude the ceremonies of the singing, senior student, Gabi Schorr, gave a dvar Torah to the students, and immediately following his dvar Torah, everyone davened Maariv.
Shiriyah Finale
by Ben Lasher
On Thursday night, January 12th, all Frisch students left their designated grades places in the gym, and crowded around Rabbi Ciner to sign and hear who the winner of Shiriyah was going to be. After each grade performed both their slow and fast songs, and the Juniors and Seniors performed their stomp in the gym Rabbi Ciner was prepared to announce the winners. Before announcing the winners he thanked Rabbi Goldfischer for making Shiriyah happen smoothly. Rabbi Ciner started from last place, the Freshman, to the Sophomores in front of them. He then announced the two scores of the Juniors and Seniors without saying which grade scored how many points until he finally revealed the Seniors edged the Juniors and became victorious.
Selling Food During Shiriyah
by Ben Lasher
As part of the Tzedakah portion of Shiriyah, the Juniors and Seniors set up "shops" in the lunchroom where they sold different foods and drinks throughout the week. There were four people at each station throughout the day, alternating shifts to ensure that students would be able to buy food during any period. Before they could sell any food or drinks, students had to get Rabbi Goldfischer to approve that it was kosher and that all machines they planned on using were new and unopened. At both shops they sold pancakes and waffles, as well as grilled cheese, a variety of sodas, Snapple, water, and small candies. The vendors did not stop selling food at the end of the school day - to fill the needs of the students who stayed after school to work on Shiriyah, the Juniors and Seniors ordered food from local kosher restaurants like Chickies, Teaneck Doghouse, and Dougies. All proceeds from this food market were donated to Tzedakah.
Mazel Tov Mrs. Herzog
by Aidan Thurm
On the morning of Tuesday, January 10th, Rabbi Ciner announced on the loud speaker that Mrs. Herzog, the Director of General Studies for Frisch, gave birth to a baby boy. The Bris for her child was held on Tuesday, January 17 in Passaic, New Jersey, from eight until nine thirty in the morning. The school provided a bus so that all of her students were able to attend the Bris. As a result of her child's being born, all of her Spanish classes were given free periods for the days preceding winter break and after her giving birth. Mrs. Kamen, a former Frisch teacher who recently retired was contracted to come in and cover Mrs. Herzog's classes but did not begin her coverage until after vacation.
No School on Friday
by Jared Scharf
On Thursday night, January 12, during the Shiriyah Finale, Rabbi Ciner announced that there would be no school the next day on Friday, January 13. School is cancelled the day after Shiryah every year because the maintenance crew needs time to clean up all the hallways, which were decorated by each grade for shiryiah. "It felt great to wake up late the next day, after a long week of staying in school until nearly midnight," said Doni Sausen (18).
Juniors vs. Seniors Minute to Win it
by Meir Hikind
On Monday January 9th, during 4th period, Frisch’s Juniors and Seniors faced off in a Minute to Win It competition. Minute to Win it is a competition in which contestants attempt to successfully complete various challenges in only a minute. This competition was part of Shiriyah with the winner earning points towards that grade's final score. The challenges for Minute to Win it included: an active challenge including a Fitbit bracelet, a ping-pong ball challenge, a vaseline cotton ball challenge, and a Oreo challenge. The Fitbit challenge was between Junior Gabe Mehler and Senior David Lipschitz to see whoever could burn the most calories while wearing the Fitbit. The Ping-Pong ball challenge was between Junior Josh Feldman and Senior Isaac Laifer. Each had a box of ping-pong balls taped to their back, and they had to get the balls out without using their hands. The vaseline cotton ball challenge was between Junior Jennifer Reznik and Senior Jonah Chill. Each contestant had to put vaseline on their noses and pick up the cotton balls with only their noses and bring it from one bowl to another bowl on the other side of the room. The Oreo challenge was between Junior Charlie Bendheim-- and later Evan Chesner, who took over for him-- and Senior Jacob Silber. They each had to put an oreo on their forehead and try to slide it down their face and into their mouth without their hands. The Seniors overall won five challenges while the Juniors only won two.
Math Test Makeups
by Jared Scharf
On January 11, the Frisch Academic Office emailed all Frisch parents about information for the math test makeup schedule which has been modified, due to winter vacation. There will be a math test taking place on Tuesday, January 17, the last school day before winter break. However, because some families will be going on vacation before winter break starts, they will be missing the math test. Consequently, any student who is unable to take the math test will have the option to take it after break, either on Monday, January 30, Wednesday, February 1, or Sunday February 5. The makeup will not count as the one makeup students are allotted in each class per year, and no students will be penalized.
Juniors Participate in Friendship Circle Camp
by Meir Hikind
On Tuesday, December 27th, the Frisch Junior’s partook in a Friendship Circle camp at Frisch. The camp took place all week, but the Juniors only partook on Tuesday. The camp ran from 10am-3pm. The grade split into two shifts because there were not enough Friendship Circle campers for the entire grade to help out in the camp at once. Four Judaic studies classes took the morning shift with the campers and the remaining three classes helped the camp out in the afternoon. The morning shift started at 10 am and ended at 1 pm. The students played with play-doh and other toys with the campers until the buses arrived to take them on a trip to “Pump it Up” which is a bouncy house located in Secaucus, New Jersey. The camp spent an hour jumping around before returning to Frisch at 1pm where the second shift took over. The second shift stayed in the Frisch building. The students took the campers to the gym where they played sports. The students then helped the campers bake various foods. For the last thirty minutes, the students and campers played the drums together. The camp ended at 3 pm and the Friendship Circle parents picked their campers up, while the students went back to a normal scheduled day.
New Junior Electives
by Aiden Thurm
On January 16, an email was sent out to all Junior students reminding them about the second semester electives. The email, written by Mrs. Herzog, stated that all new junior electives will begin on Monday, January 30th. Thursday, February 16th is the deadline to request changes and therefore students who request changes after that date may not be able to switch electives if that elective has reached its maximum capacity. The email also stated that any questions are to be directed to Rachel Kohl.
Frisch Portal Temporarily Down
by Meir Hikind
On Tuesday, December 21st, the Frisch School’s portal was down due to the upgrade of Frisch's server provider. The upgrade caused the website to be down temporarily. The Frisch portal is a website which allows the teachers to mark their classroom attendance and students to see their quarterly grades, their class schedule, and allows them to sign out if they are leaving early. The portal's being down caused problems for the teachers as none was able to mark attendance, so students could not be marked cutting class or present. The portal was only down for the day.
Chess Meet at Kushner
by Meir Hikind
On Tuesday, January 3rd, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School hosted the Frisch Cougars for a chess meet in the library of the school. Two of Frisch's regular representatives were unable to attend the meet so they were substituted for Evan Fromen and Sammy Friedman. Out of the fourteen matches played, Frisch won ten matches compared to Kushner's four wins.
Engineering Students Have a Speaker
by Devin Berman
On Tuesday December 27th, Frisch alumnus Eric Tepper ('12) spoke to Mrs. Silverman's engineering classes about post-high school engineering opportunities. He was asked to speak because he is currently studying toward his Masters degree at Integrated Product Design in the University of Pennsylvania. Tepper spoke about his previous internship at OXO (where he helped create different kitchen tools), the different types of engineering, and that a student is able to have a successful career in engineering without having focused on it in high school, or as an undergraduat
Shiriyah Torah Bowl
by Meir Hikind
On Wednesday, January 11th, as part of Shiriyah, Frisch's five day color war, Juniors and Seniors competed in Torah Bowl, a competition of Torah knowledge. This Torah Bowl competition, located in the Senior Beit Midrash, was one of many different activities all four grades competed in during Shiriyah for points toward the final score which determined the winner. All the questions were on the topic of Sefer Bamidbar due to Bamidbar's being the sefer every grade is learning this year in Chumash. Whichever team answered questions correctly, received one point for its grade. Each team had five representatives at a time but the Juniors had eight students in total because three subbed in, while the Seniors kept their starting five the entire competition. The Seniors beat the Juniors 26 to 21 points.
No Busing for Rockland County
by Meir Hikind
Students who live in Rockland County, New York, needed to find another form of transportation to and from school during the week of December 27,
as the busing services were cancelled. The bus company the school uses for those routes, Chestnut Ridge Transportation Inc., only provides busing on days when public schools have
school. Parents were notified via email about the cancellation and the students formed carpools with each other. Busing services returned January 2.
as the busing services were cancelled. The bus company the school uses for those routes, Chestnut Ridge Transportation Inc., only provides busing on days when public schools have
school. Parents were notified via email about the cancellation and the students formed carpools with each other. Busing services returned January 2.
Trip to the Aphasia Center
by Meir Hikind
On December 8th, 2016, Frisch’s Jazz Band and Choir took a trip to perform at the Aphasia Center, located in Maywood, New Jersey. The center is for people who have had a brain injury and have trouble communicating. Employees at the center help them with social opportunities and breaking through tough barriers they are facing. They left Frisch at 10:00 am and played at the center for three hours. The Jazz Band and Choir, which consists of sixteen students in total, were chaperoned by Mr. Bill, head of both clubs.The goal of this trip was to do an act of kindness and make the people at the center happier. The Jazz Band played the songs, “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me,” “Night in Tunisia,” “Billies Bounce,” and “Stomping at the Savoy.” They returned from the trip at 1:00 pm, in time for lunch
Cake Boss
by Isaac Blumenthal
Cake Boss took place on the fourth and final day of Shiriyah, Thursday January 12th. The Cake Boss competition required each grade to create a cake that depicted an element of their team's theme. For example, The juniors' theme was tefillah, so their cake was created to look like a Siddur; the seniors theme was Talmud Torah, so their cake was created to look like different books from Tanach. Each team presented their cake with a short description of their creation to a panel of judges.
Channuka Schedule Changes
by Asaf Miller
From December 27th to December 29th, there were schedule changes in The Frisch School because of Hannukah. Every day first period started at 9:05 instead of 8:50 because hallel was inserted. The daily schedule included 10 periods instead of the usual 11. One period each day was skipped due to the candle lighting ceremony which began at 4:25 pm. Students missed the 11th period every day, but the period that was skipped was different so that students would not miss the same class more than once that week. On Tuesday, students missed 10th period, on Wednesday, 11th period, and on Thursday, 8th period. Additionally, no after school clubs met throughout the week.
Juniors Sell Food for Tzedakah
by Devin Berman
During Shiriyah, Junior students Eli Seidman, Gabbi Benjamin, and Alex Paul sold food in the cafeteria in order to raise money for the charity contest. Among the food options were waffles, pancakes, various snacks, and an assortment of drinks. The prices ranged from twenty five cents for chocolates to 3 dollars for the waffles. The Juniors were able to collect over 1000 dollars. The money raised was added to the cumulative score used to compute the winner of the Shiriyah competition.
Chess Meet
by Meir Hikind
On Thursday, December 22nd, Frisch hosted a chess meet against TABC in the student activity center. Each team had seven representatives. Every Frisch player played two matches against a member of the opposing team, resulting in a total of fourteen matches. TABC won eight of the games and Frisch won six of the games.
Emergency Notification System
by Arielle Epstein
On Tuesday December 6th, all Frisch students received an email with instructions on how to get alerts sent to their phones for an emergency or a snow day. In previous years, this was only available to Frisch parents, however, the reason for the change is because students are on their phones more often than their parents. The notifications will be beneficial to the student body and help prepare them for any changes in their daily schedules.
Deans With Donuts
by Jared Scharf
On the Third day of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 27th, each grade’s dean gave donuts to his or her respective grade, as a part of Frisch’s annual Deans With Donuts event. The event takes place every year on the first school day of Chanukah. Between 4th and 5th period, students from each grade had the opportunity to go to their grade deans' office, hang out with their grade Deans and get a donut. Donald Sausen ('18) said, “Deans With Donuts is just a fun way to celebrate the Chag by eating Sufganiyot with our beloved grade deans."
11T1 Chanukkah Party
by Aiden Thurm
On Tuesday night, December 27,from 5:30 - 7:30pm, Rabbi Josh Weinberger invited his 11T1 Gemara class along with Rabbi Fleischmann to a Chanukah party at his house in Bergenfield, New Jersey. In total, twenty-one students showed up to the party and food from Dougie’s was served for dinner. When the class finished dinner each student presented his or her Mystery Maccabi gift to the student whose name he or she had previously chosen out of a hat. Finally, after all the festivities the class benched and concluded the party.
Annual Senior Tisch
by Jake Lasher
On Friday night, December 9th, students from the senior class gathered for the annual Senior grade tisch in the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Goldfischer at 8:00 pm. Fifty seniors, along with Rabbi Bashist, Rabbi and Mrs. Goldfischer, Rabbi and Mrs. Auman, Rabbi Wald, Rabbi Ciner, Mrs. Weinberg, Mr. Kastner and Rabbi Spier attended. Rabbi Bashist introduced Johnny Newman and Hannah Weisbrot to give Dvrei Torah regarding lessons one could take out of Parshat Vayishlach. Following the Dvrei Torah, the students and faculty sang z'mirot for an hour. Throughout the night, chulent and kugel were served. At 9:30 pm, after all the fun had concluded, seniors returned to their respective homes.
Varsity Girls Play in LA Tournament
by Arielle Epstein
The Frisch Varsity Basketball team was invited by Shalhevet, to play in the Steve Globerman Tournament in Los Angeles, California which began on Wednesday November 9th and ended Sunday November 13th. After the five hour plane ride, the girls team went out for dinner and then to the homes of local residents where they were put up. On Thursday, the Frisch girls played against the host team, Shalhevet and later in the day played North Shore Hebrew Academy, winning both games. After the games, the team went to ice cream to celebrate their two wins. In between games, they had long breaks so they visited many tourist attractions, such as The Grove Shopping Center, and the Walk of Fame. Thursday night there was a big BBQ for all of the Yeshivas participating in the tournament. On Friday, the girls had a free day enjoyed on the beach as a result of their wins on Thursday. On Shabbos, the girls were able to bond with each other and with their friends from other friends at the Friday night oneg and a big sheudat shlishit. Saturday night, the girls lost in the semi-final game against Shalhevet. As a result of their loss, they played in a consolation game which they won to clinch 3rd place at the tournament. Atarah Kaner (‘18) and Sarah Lieberman (‘18), both on the Frisch Basketball team, said that despite their loss they still felt that “it was a bonding experience and helped our team become closer”.
Banner Ceremony for JV Volleyball
by Arielle Epstein
Before the Girls JV Volleyball game against Bruriah, on Wednesday, November 9th, last year's team was honored for its championship win with a banner raising ceremony. The current JV sophomores and last year’s juniors, who are now on varsity, were called up by their coach, Sam Tilp, alphabetically to stand next to their banner. Since there were no official captains on the JV team last season, each of the team members got the honor of pulling the strings to reveal the banner with all their names on it.
Binghamton Focus Group
by Aidan Thurm
On December 14, Binghamton University chose Frisch to conduct a focus group of eight juniors. A moderator from Binghamton asked students questions about how they prefer to receive communication from colleges, and also how Binghamton can ideally appeal to out-of-state students (New Jersey). While one staff member moderated the panel discussion, the other Binghamton staff member took notes on the responses given. Everything that is said in the focus group is confidential and the students names or transcripts or personal information is not recorded.
Principal of Yavneh Visits Frisch
by Devin Berman
On Wednesday December 21st, Rabbi Knapp, the Principal of Yavneh Academy, came to speak to the Yavneh alumni who are in the Freshman grade. Rabbi Knapp asked the Freshman questions about how they are enjoying Frisch. He also asked the students how to further improve Yavneh. Current Freshman and Yavneh alumnus Rami Berman said "It is really nice to see Rabbi Knapp in Frisch. It shows that he really does care for us."
Kahal Tzedakah Drive
by Asaf Miller
On Friday, December 23rd, 2016, the Kahal Tzedakah drive officially started. Class representatives were called to Rabbi Goldfischer office receive their class envelopes to keep the money in. On Friday classes started to raise money by selling food and candy. One class Representative Jessica Mehler (18') said "Our class needs to think of smart ways to raise money, so we could raise the most money in the school".
Channukah GNO
by Meir Hikind
On Thursday, December 22nd, Yachad joined the Frisch Channukah GNO for a night filled with activities. GNO (Girls Night Out) is an after-school program which welcomes Frisch girls in all grades. The program began following mishmar, at 6:00 pm and went until 7:15 pm. Mrs. Auman gave a special shiur in preparation for Chanukah and every girl got to bake her own donuts with her choice of filling. The leftover donuts were donated to sick children in the hospital.
Poetry Slam at Kushner
by Meir Hikind
On Tuesday, December 20th, Frisch students participated in the Poetry Slam hosted by the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School located in Livingston, New Jersey. The students left Frisch at 9:30 am, spent four hours at Kushner, and returned to Frisch at 2:30 pm. Kushner hosted students from Rambam Mesivta, TABC, Central (YUHSG), Ma'ayanot, and Magen David. Students were required to present two different types of poems: free form, about villains and a refrain about the unnoticed. There were five winners for each type of poem, but Frisch was the only school which didn’t win any. Ayden Shankman ('18) said, “we were devastated with the results since we expected to come out with a few victories”.
Yachad Fundraising
by Jake Lasher
Students Robin Tassler, Emily Farbowitz and Sara Gdanski began selling bracelets on December 20, in order to raise money for Yachad. Yachad is an international Jewish organization, which promotes inclusion for Jews with disabilities. Each Bracelet cost five dollars each and they are also taking one dollar donations. An anonymous donor offered to pay four dollars for every dollar raised.
Frisch Farm is Closing
by Aidan Thurm
Toby Moses announced that Thursday, December 8th, was the last day to go to the Frisch Farm before it closed due to winter. The Frisch farm was open from the beginning of the year so that students could go and learn farming techniques. The Frisch farm offered students the ability to learn how to properly take care of their own plants or learn how to grow a variety of plants. Meir Hikind ('18) said, “I enjoyed harvesting all the fruits and vegetables and I am saddened that I can no longer do it anymore".
College Night
by Devin Berman
On Monday, December 19th, the annual College Night meeting was held for the Junior grade and their parents. This meeting was mandatory and was held from 8 PM, until 10 PM. At the meeting, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Miller spoke about which classes will be available next year for Seniors, and about how the SAT and college application process works. Avi Fried ('18) said, "This meeting was very informative and now I feel way more prepared going into this process."
Ice Hockey vs. Floor Hockey
by Jared Scharf
Players on both the ice hockey team and the Varsity floor hockey team had to make a decision for Thursday night, December 1. The Ice hockey team had a practice that night, while the floor hockey team had a game against Westchester Day High School. All five ice hockey players chose to go to their own practice, and not the game. “It was a tough decision, but I feel I have made the right one,” said Maury Bauer, who starts on both teams. Because of the missing players, other players on the floor hockey team had a chance to get more playing time. “It was a hard decision, but we came out strong in the end,” said Coach Yaakov Lisker.
Sixty Second Divrei Torah
by Aiden Anhalt
During the second week in December, Rabbi Schulman and Rabbi Goldfischer started giving a one minute D'var Torah everyday in the junior minyan once davening concludes. The Divrei Torahs delivered range in topic from laws of davening to laws of how to act in society and how to be a good Jew. Often David Zenou ('18), a student and member of the minyan, takes Rabbi Schulman's phone and sets a timer for one minute to ensure the D'var Torah actually takes just the one minute. Rabbi Schulman said, "This is a good opportunity for students to learn halacha in a fun way and just sixty seconds can really have an impact on different students."
Second Semester Electives
by Aidan Thurm
On December 14, Rachael Kohl sent an email to every Junior student and his/her parents concerning second semester electives. The electives that were given were Introduction to Studio Art, Rhetoric & Public Speaking, Digital Media, and Introduction to Communication. The email asks that that the students respond to this e-mail with both their first and second elective choices by Monday, December 19th.
Thanksgiving Early Dismissals
by Jared Scharf
On November 23, all Frisch school buses commuting to Manhattan, Westchester, New Rochelle, Riverdale, and New York City left at 3:00 pm, the middle of 9th period, in anticipation of heavier traffic in those areas due to Thanksgiving. The suggestion came from AURA, the bus company that provides transportation for Frisch students living in the New York area. The three periods that the students missed did not affect their residency. Avi Fried (‘11) said: “I was upset to miss three classes, but I am happy that I was not stuck in hours of traffic getting home”.
Bronfman Fellowship for Juniors
by Benjamin Lasher
The Bronfman Fellowships has been made available to Frisch Juniors who wish to apply for the summer program. This fellowship, which only accepts twenty-six Jewish Juniors from North America to participate in the educational program, is a five week trip to Israel, running from June 27 through August 3. The activities on the all expenses paid program include learning about Jewish texts at a college level, exploring Israel as a land and as a nation, studying major issues in Jewish life, and meeting with some of Israel’s most influential figures. The applications are due by January 4, 2017, and can be found at bronfman.org.
New Gym Option For Boys
by Meir Hikind
On Wednesday November 30th, Mrs. Penn, the Physical Education Program Coordinator, sent out an email to all Frisch students announcing that there would be a new gym option for the boys. The new gym option, which will only be offered as a winter gym choice, is a MMA/Kickboxing/Self-defense class. This class is set up in the ILAB which has had mats placed on the floor to help with the exercises meant to help students keep their balance. Participants are put through vigorous workouts to help them improve their defensive skills and stamina. The original options for the boys were weightlifting, dodgeball, and basketball but with this addition, but this new class provides an extra option for boys who may not have been intrigued by the others.
NEE Director of AIPAC Visits Frisch
by Isaac Blumethal
After school on Tuesday, December 1st, Josh Losner, the National Early Engagement Director of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), spoke to Frisch's Israel club which is led by seniors Emily Herschman and Katie Matofsky. Losner spoke to students about how important it is to stand up for Israel and how students can start supporting Israel even in high school. Losner also suggested to students that arranging meetings with local congressmen and attending AIPAC conferences is a good way to begin training for college campuses and becoming politically active.
11R Visits the Met
by Jennifer Reznik
On December 8, the 11R Judaic Hebrew class visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in order to learn more about the Rambam. The students left Frisch right after first period and arrived at the museum at 11:00 AM. Rabbi Goldfischer, assistant principal and 11R Talmud teacher, accompanied the students on the trip. They were guided through the exhibit named "Jerusalem 1000-1400: Every people under heaven" which depicted Jewish life during the years of the Crusades. They were shown manuscripts and hand written letters by the Rambam that influenced many Jews at that time. The students returned to Frisch at the end of sixth period and were excused from seventh period.
Special GNO at YU
by Jared Scharf
On Monday December 12, Rabbi Morris sent an email to all the Frisch senior girls about a new upcoming event at Yeshiva University on Thursday December 15. In addition to visiting YU, the girls will get the chance to eat at Golan Heights, and join their teacher, Mrs. Moskovitch, in her home for some learning. The bus will leave after Mishmar at 6:00 pm, and will be arriving back to Frisch at 9:00 pm. In order to attend the event, the senior girls must email Rabbi Morris and tell him they plan on going to YU by Thursday morning the latest. On the opportunity for girls to visit YU and learn with alumni, Rabbi Morris said, “We usually have the boys go to YU once a month to eat at Golan Heights and learn, but this is a chance to include the females".
Junior Tisch
by Jared Scharf
On Friday Night December 2nd, at 7:30 pm, the annual Junior Tisch was held at Junior grade dean, Mrs. Scharf’s house in Teaneck. Forty juniors attended, along with Rabbi Shulman, Rabbi Goldfischer, Rabbi Sher, Mrs. Fass, and Mrs. Feldblum. There was lots of singing and cholent, along with a Dvar Torah from Rabbi Shulman. Rabbi Shulman spoke about Amondo Golarado, a Detroit Tigers baseball player, and how he took a negative event and made it positive. Eitan Zwebner (‘11) said: “The tisch was a great way for the teacher and students to come together and sing Zmirois.”
December ACT
by Devin Bermin
On Sunday, December 11th, many Frisch students took the ACT at Dwight Morrow Public School of Englewood, and in SAR High School in Riverdale from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM. For those who have fifty percent extended time, their tests ended at 2:45 PM , and for one hundred percent extra time, 5:00 PM. Because of this test, some students were given the opportunity to push off their physics tests that they had on Tuesday, December 13th, to a make up date and it wouldn't count for one of their designated make ups. Asaf Miller ('18) , a student who was affected by this, said, "I'm happy I did this because I have not been able study for physics since I have been so focused on the ACT."
Frisch Transfers
by Aiden Anhalt
The first quarter of the year saw ten transfers students, who transferred into tenth and eleventh grade from schools such as Maayanot, Tabc, and SAR. In tenth grade there were six transfers: Bailey Hartman, Natan Neugrashel, Shmuel Goldpin, Josh Zimm, Ari Rosenberg, and Seth Silverman. In eleventh grade Isaac Blumenthal, Ben Lasher, Julia Dinovitser, and Alex Paul all switched from schools ranging from public schools and private schools.
The transferring process consists of talking to faculty members to get information on how the school application process works. The parents of the potential transfer call to get an application, and then the potential transfer applies with a regular application. After these steps, the potential transfer gets interviewed by a Frisch, high ranking, faculty member, and the finally the student is evaluated and they either get a letter of acceptance or denial.
Many of the transfers have stated that the main reason for switching schools is because they felt uncomfortable socially or they simply just did not like the previous school that they were in. They also felt as though they really did not have any connection with the teachers of the previous schools. For some other students, they had to transfer because their family moved and they are fitting in well. Bailey Hartman ('19), a transfer from SAR, said, "Frisch is an opening and welcoming place. I feel accepted and free to express who I want to be here and the learning here challenges me and I enjoy it more because Frisch I feel that the people here are very nice and friendly and I connect better with the teachers. My previous school (SAR) did not provide me as many opportunities as I have been provided here and I felt as if I struggled socially. It is especially easy to fit in with the teachers here because they want you to succeed."
The transferring process consists of talking to faculty members to get information on how the school application process works. The parents of the potential transfer call to get an application, and then the potential transfer applies with a regular application. After these steps, the potential transfer gets interviewed by a Frisch, high ranking, faculty member, and the finally the student is evaluated and they either get a letter of acceptance or denial.
Many of the transfers have stated that the main reason for switching schools is because they felt uncomfortable socially or they simply just did not like the previous school that they were in. They also felt as though they really did not have any connection with the teachers of the previous schools. For some other students, they had to transfer because their family moved and they are fitting in well. Bailey Hartman ('19), a transfer from SAR, said, "Frisch is an opening and welcoming place. I feel accepted and free to express who I want to be here and the learning here challenges me and I enjoy it more because Frisch I feel that the people here are very nice and friendly and I connect better with the teachers. My previous school (SAR) did not provide me as many opportunities as I have been provided here and I felt as if I struggled socially. It is especially easy to fit in with the teachers here because they want you to succeed."
Finance Club Participates in Stock Market Game
by Devin Berman
After school on Monday, December 12th, the Finance Club met in room 4 to discuss how the Stock Market Game, an interactive exercise which the club members participate in, buying and selling stocks in an imaginary portfolio in order to achieve the largest profit, will be run this year. This forty five minute meeting was the first in a number of weeks as the heads of the club, Michael Bergstein and Harry Kramer, haven't had time to hold them. The intention, according to the club founders, was to meet on a weekly schedule to educate and inform club members. Club member Charlie Freilich ('18) said, "This meeting finally prepared me to be successful in the stock market game, and it was a necessary meeting."
Gym Changes
by Aidan Anhalt
At 6:11 P.M. on Saturday December 10th, Ora Penn, the head of the gym program at Frisch, sent out an email that students may request to switch out of their current gym class. As of last week, every student was assigned a new gym class. There were options such as mixed martial arts, basketball, dodgeball, and many more. The email stated that students may request to switch into a different gym class if they do not enjoy the one that they are in now. She also said that all requests will not necessarily be accommodated because some classes are already full. To switch, students were instructed to email Mrs. Penn with their name, a gym request, and their grade.. Daniel Fischoff ('18), commented that, "I think that Frisch is really open and accommodates to students needs, and I think that it is really nice that Frisch allows you to be able to switch gyms if you feel uncomfortable."
Israel is Burning Program
by Benjamin Lasher
On Wednesday, December 7th, there was a program for the Frisch Juniors about the fires in Israel. The program took place in the shul during 4th period which is the advisory period for all Juniors. Rabbi Scher, teacher of Israel Advocacy, informed the Juniors what had happened in Israel. He showed videos taken by people who were at the fires, and footage of the destruction that these fires caused. Rabbi Scher also gave various opinions on what caused the fires, whether it was a deliberate terrorist attempt, or a result of the dry land in Israel.
Parent Teacher Conferences
by Jennifer Reznik
The night of Tuesday, December 6th, was parent-teacher night, a night during which parents schedule time to discuss how their children are doing in their classes. The evening's meetings commenced at five forty five and ended at nine forty. Each teacher had a series of five minute appointments at tables were set up in the cafeteria, Beit Midrash, certain offices, the conference rooms and freshman lounge. Parents rotated from table to table, discussing their children with their teachers, following a set of appointements that they had set up through the online system. Teachers and parents were able to discuss what progress needs to be made with the students's academics, such as if the student needs tutoring or extra help with a specific class, There will be a second parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday, December 13.
Bostoner Rebbe Visits Frisch
by Isaac Blumenthal
On Wednesday November 23rd, Frisch students had the privilege of hearing the Bostoner Rebbe, Mayer Alter Horowitz, speak to them during 9th period. Rabbi Horowitz, the third Bostoner Rebbe, spoke about Shabbat and why during the week we daven for personal needs but on Shabbat we do not. The Bostoner Rebbe also led the students in a niggun. He capped off this visit by giving each and every student their own bracha. The visit and the speech were organized and arranged by Rabbi Bashist and Rabbi Jaffe.
Varsity Basketball Team is Delayed
by Asaf Miller
On November 22nd, the Frisch Varsity basketball team bus, going to Ramaz, left fifteen minutes late because of a car fire on Route 4 East in the Sam Ash parking lot. The bus left to Ramaz at 5:45 rather than 5:30. This affected the team because their warm-up was cut fifteen minutes short, but they still had an hour to warm-up. "Missing that fifteen minutes caused us to come out slow, and not play to our ability in the first quarter", said Noam Kuritzky (18').
New Rule for Junior Minyan
by Asaf Miller
On November 3rd, The Frisch School introduced a new rule to the junior minyan; once students sign into davening, they can't leave until 8:10 unless it is an emergency. The faculty felt that people were missing large portions of davening for no reason. Now a teacher stands next to the door of the minyan and makes sure no students leave before 8:10.
Entrepreneur Club
by Aidan Thurm
On November 29, during breakfast the Entrepreneurship club met to discuss how Entrepreneurs can focus on Chessed opportunities. The club met in room nine and discussed corporate social responsibility, when companies decide to do socially beneficial activities that aren’t part of their normal business plan for the sake of giving. The club gave an example of a business doing Chessed by using the company Air Bnb. The company showed its involvement in Chessed by waving their fee and significantly cutting down the price of renting houses to help people who have been displaced from their homes due to disasters. The founder of the club, Ari Portal said “I founded this club simply to teach kids the meaning of Entrepreneurship and how companies throughout the world use it to benefit and help the people ."
Israel Fires Program
by Aidan Thurm
On December 6, 2016 the juniors were asked to go to the main shul for a program during fourth period, a period usually reserved for advisory. Rabbi Shur ran the meeting and discussed the situation Israel was facing, regarding the fires that raged throughout Israel. After he explained what was happening, he then put on a video of an Israeli news crew filming a fire burning a house. Following the video Rabbi Shur explained that these fires occurred due to the very hot weather, a lack of seasonal rain, and the hot winds that spread the fire. Additionally, he made a point that while some of these fires were caused by accident, there has been evidence that many were a result of terrorism.
Ice Hockey and Floor Hockey Conflict
by Charlie Freilich
A meeting was held on November 1 between the coaches of both the ice hockey team and the floor hockey team because nine of the ice hockey practices are on the same nights of many floor hockey games. There was much discussion that the students on both these teams would have to pick one to play but the came up with a solution. In that meeting all the coaches of the ice hockey team, Ralph Abecasis, David Freilich, Michael Feintuch, and Yossi Schenker, and both coaches of the floor hockey team, Yaakov Lisker and Yossi Sasson, were in attendance. They were able to come up with a solution and that was that the floor hockey games that were scheduled on ice hockey practice nights would be played at an earlier time so both sports can be played.
Thermals for Project Under One Roof
by Aidan Thurm
As of November 30th, Frisch thermals are officially being sold. Each student received an email from the main office saying that The
Project Under One Roof club is selling Frisch thermals to raise money for a local homeless shelter. Senior student, Chantal Polinsky, is in charge of designing and ordering the thermals, as she is head of the club. Each thermal costs twenty five dollars. Attached to the email was the link to order a thermal. All orders are due on December 15th.
Project Under One Roof club is selling Frisch thermals to raise money for a local homeless shelter. Senior student, Chantal Polinsky, is in charge of designing and ordering the thermals, as she is head of the club. Each thermal costs twenty five dollars. Attached to the email was the link to order a thermal. All orders are due on December 15th.
Shalva Bracelets
by Jake Lasher
Two senior boys, Jonah Chill and Gabriel Schorr, began selling bracelets on December 5, in order to raise money for Shalva. Shalva is an Israeli organization that provides for people with developmental disabilities and their families.The bracelets for cost three dollars each, as part of their fundraiser to raise money in order to run in Jerusalem marathon team Shalva. They will be selling these bracelets until they reach their goal of $2,800.
Joint Student Council and PTC Meeting
by Jennifer Reznik
During sixth period on November 30th, the Student Council had a meeting with the PTC, the parent teacher council, in order to discuss what should be sold at the Frisch Cougar Store. The Frisch Cougar Store currently sells things with the Frisch Cougar paw logo on them including apparel, lulu bags, bumper stickers, and accessories among other things. At the meeting, led by Rabbi Spier, the Director of Informal Education and freshman grade dean and Batya Paul and Francine Weisbrot, two volunteers for the PTC, the Student Council members were asked to give ideas of what the Cougar Store should keep or what they should add. The ideas pitched included new Frisch thermal shirts, jogger sweatpants, scrunchies, and even a stuffed animal in the shape of the Frisch cougar and more. The PTA will further discuss the ideas given as well as their finances and budget and will determine what items will be added to the Cougar Store.
Hockey Team Misses Class
by Jake Lasher
Twenty one students from the Frisch ice hockey team were dismissed after tenth period, on November 30, and these students, along with the four coaches, left on a bus at 4:15 pm and arrived in Bayonne, New Jersey, at 6:00 pm for a hockey game scheduled at 6:30 pm. The Frisch administration informed teachers that these students were allowed to miss last period and were all signed out and the absence did not count towards their residency. The students returned to Frisch at 9:00 pm, via bus, and were picked up by parents. Regrading the makeup test scheduled for the next day, the students on the hockey team are permitted to take it on Sunday or the scheduled makeup test date next Wednesday. Because Frisch dismisses its students later than other high schools, the Frisch ice hockey team will be missing more classes. There are two more weekday games throughout the hockey season, which coincide with school hours, or are too close in timing to the dismissal, these two games are scheduled as mentioned: November 19th there is a scheduled game at West Orange High school, and February 13th there is a scheduled game at Codey Arena. For those dates, students from the ice hockey team will be dismissed from eleventh period class and the absence will not count toward residency again.
Scarsdale Van Breaks Down
by Meir Hikind
On November 29th, 2016, one of the Scarsdale cars broke down before it can pick up the students. Normally Scarsdale has one van, but it was in use, so Scarsdale got two separate cars for the students. The other car made it to school on time, but the students whose car broke down had to go on the White Plains van instead of waiting for another car to get them. The White Plains van had to make a detour to get to Scarsdale, and they had to pick up all the students at their individual houses.
Cancelled Fire Drill
by Eliana Farkas
Teachers were informed on November 14, by Rabbi Zauderer in an email, that the planned fire drill for the day was canceled. A fire drill is a practice of the procedures in case of a fire in the school, in which all students must immediately, yet orderly, exit the school. Fire drills are usually unannounced to the students, in order to stimulate a real emergency experience. The fire drill was cancelled due to the fact that the Paramus Fire Department preferred a different day. Rabbi Zauderer is hoping to have the drill rescheduled in the near future.
First Debate Match
by Ariel Berman
The debate team had its first match on Thursday, November 17th in Pascack Valley high school on the topic of the US increasing economic engagement with china. In four of the eight debates, Frisch argued in support of economic engagement and in the other four they argued against it. The team is led by captains Mark Abramowitz and Michael Bergstein, and they have no faculty advisor because Mrs Feldblum stepped down last year. Team members missed periods one through nine, and Frisch won two out of eight debates. In the debate the teams school information isn’t given out in order so that the judges can’t potentially be biased, meaning that Frisch doesn't know who they beat but they know that they won. The debate league is NJDL (New Jersey Debate League) and it hosts debates for schools from all over the state.
YU Interviews
by Isaac Blumenthal
On Monday November 28th, sixty Frisch seniors, both boys and girls, met with Yeshiva University representatives, Ari Green, Rachel Shandalov and Michal Sklar, for college interviews. These meetings took place in the conference room in Frisch. Each student met with a representative for about fifteen minutes. The representatives asked a variety of questions involving college and Judaism. These seniors are planning to pursue both advanced Judiac and secular education at the college level.
Meeting with Eight Grade Buddies
by Aidan Thurm
On November 30th 2016, Rabbi Goldfisher along with eight seniors met in the student activity center with thirty two eighth grade buddies during sixth period to discuss what goes on in Frisch. Rabbi Goldfisher spoke in front of the buddies, telling them his favorite stories of all the crazy things that happened to him during clubs and after school activities from over the years. He specifically spoke about the time when he was playing in the IFL with the Running Rebs, and broke his nose when he was hit with a football. He also spoke about Frisch on Fire, the Chanukah raffle, and all the times he has dressed up in different costumes. Additionally, he mentioned the annual grade-wide trips they take, like junior freeze fest in Quebec, Canada, and described what the 11th grade did on the trip. Next, the eighth grade buddies were allowed to ask seniors questions on their experiences in Frisch so far. After all of the questions and answers between the eight seniors and the buddies, Rabbi Ciner came in to speak to the buddies. He encouraged them to become the next generation of Frisch students. The buddies then had to fill out a survey on their experience in Frisch so far in order for the school to gather information on how to improve. John Katsman ('17), said, “I think that this was a great chance for the buddies to ask about all of the opportunities yeshiva Frisch has to offer them."
Delayed Arrival to Ramaz Varsity Basketball Game
by Asaf Miller
On November 22nd, 2016, the Frisch varsity basketball team bus, going to Ramaz, left fifteen minutes late because an accident on Route 4 East in the Sam Ash parking lot. The bus left to Ramaz at 5:45 rather than 5:30. This affected the team because their warm-up was cut fifteen minutes short, but they still had an hour to warm-up. "Missing that fifteen minutes caused us to come out slow, and not play to our ability in the first quarter", said Noam Kuritzky.
Juniors Meet to Prepare for Chessed Mission
by Ariel Berman
The juniors who were selected to go on the NCSY New Orleans and Charleston missions met in school on Sunday, November 20th from one o’clock until three o’clock to discuss the trips. The meeting was run by NCSY members Rebecca and Ari Zucker, Eitan Katz, Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, as well as Rabbi Schulman, who will be chaperoning the trip. Rabbi Markowitz gave the students tips on how to give over dvar torahs to the struggling jewish communities that they will be visiting. Then Ari Zucker told the students about the opportunities they will have to make a change in the places they will be going, such as creating a kiddush hashem or inspiring other people to volunteer there. The mission to New Orleans will be leaving December 14th and returning December 18th, and the Charleston mission will be leaving on February 9th and returning on the 12th.
Yad B'Yad Representative Visits Frisch
by Arielle Epstein
Rebecca Schrag Mayer, director of formal education for Yad B’Yad for the past five years, came to Frisch to promote her program on Monday, November 21st. Yad B’Yad is a program run by Yachad for mainstream students going into eleventh grade which allows them to travel to Israel with people who have disabilities. The program includes learning and volunteering opportunities, and traveling and sightseeing in Israel. The itinerary also includes many teen leadership building activities and teaches about inclusion. Shrag Mayer noted that, “People learn to appreciate and befriend everyone around them, with or without disabilities.” The program is looking to accept an applicant who is interested in expanding his or her social awareness and wants to have a meaningful and inclusive experience. The program has historically included between two and four students from Frisch each summer and many Frisch alumni work as staff on the program.
First Drama Practice
by Jennifer Reznik
On Monday, November 14, the title of the annual school production as well the names of the Frisch drama's cast were announced. The Drama Society's thirty third play, directed by Rabbi Krug, is "Barbecuing Hamlet," a play about a sane director attempting to produce the play Hamlet with an insane cast and insane conditions that need to be met. The newly announced cast members met the evening of November 15, from five fifteen to six thirty, and read the script for the first time. Rabbi Krug also announced that there will be practices every Monday and Tuesday night, if the weather and the holiday schedule allows, until the date of the play, April second.
Pasta Bridges for Math Enrichment
by Aiden Anhalt
During 7th period on November 22 and 23, students in the eleventh grade Finite Math elective each built a bridge made out of pasta. Mrs. Teichman, the teacher, said that, "the goal of this class is to help the students learn about math in a way that is both fun and creative and teaches them lessons." The students had learned about ways that they could build different objects using mathematical formulas and concepts as an interactive way to connect to math. The bridge was built out of thin pieces of pasta and needed to support as many textbooks as possible. Jono Katz (18') said, "finite math is really cool and fun because it teaches you how to approach real life scenarios using math and logic and that is something that I think is awesome."
Friendship Circle on Ice
by Charlie Freilich
On Sunday, October 30, Friendship Circle hosted a skating event from 6pm to 7pm for FC participants and fifteen Frisch students. The seven Friendship Circle children were helped by students with their skating and then shared pizza with all the volunteers. Benjy Feintuch said, “This is a great way to give the friendship circle kids a fun time and to get many students involved in chessed” ('18).
Azrieli Representatives Visit Frisch
by Devin Berman and Jared Scharf
On November 14, representatives from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration visited Frisch to observe the teachers who graduated from Yeshiva University and became teachers this year, and watch other teachers who have been in the classroom for many years. The Azrieli program is part of Yeshiva University and the school prepares teachers to succeed in the classroom. Visits and observations are a mandatory part of the program with fellow students and their professors sitting in on classes to evaluate a teacher's skill. Three representatives sat in on eleven classes to see how the new teachers are doing, and to give feedback on how to continue teaching throughout the rest of the year. This led to a bit of nervousness amongst teachers being evaluated, as Rabbi Yosef Weinberger said: “This had caused me to become a little nervous, since I will be the one being graded, as opposed to the normal job I have to do as a teacher.” He also added that it was beneficial for the students, as they now were speaking and participating in front of other people.
Thanksgiving Football Events
by Jake Lasher
On Thanksgiving morning, Over twenty Frisch alumni from the graduating class of 2013 gathered on the athletic field for a friendly game of football from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. The alumni split into two teams of ten, and the winning team, led by David Lasher, won ten to eight. While the alumni were playing, two IFL games were taking place, so the alumni were able to reunite with their former Rabbis, such as, Rabbi Wald, Rabbi Spear, Rabbi Zauderer, Rabbi Bashist, and Rabbi Shacter. “It was a fun game, and it was great seeing my former classmates and Rabbis” said David Lasher (’13).
AC Calls a Meeting with Girls Varsity Teams
by Arielle Epstein
On Monday, November 28th, Mr. Aron Coren, the Athletic Director at Frisch, called in both the girls varsity volleyball and basketball teams at separate times to discuss the attendance issues that teams were having. Both the girls varsity basketball team and the girls varsity volleyball team practice twice a week for up to two hours at a time. AC discussed the importance of commitment to both teams and tried to encourage the girls to be more careful when making appointments or plans that would cause them to miss practice. Juniors, with the ACT and SAT tests to study for, and seniors with college applications to submit, have very hectic schedules, however they were strongly advised to keep their commitment that they had made to their team at the beginning of the season. Team members, including a number who won championships last year on the JV teams, understood the importance of practicing with the whole team in order to get better.
Jewish Educational Technology Meeting
by Aiden Anhalt
On Tuesday November 29th, there was meeting of Jewish Educational Technology Directors at the Jewish Education Project in New York City from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Rabbi Pittinsky, Director of Educational Technology and a Nach teacher, left after davening and attended the conference. At the conference, there was a presentation by representatives of the Lamplighters School, a progressive Montessori school in Brooklyn. They illustrated how they use video in the classroom to help them grow as educators and to see how students learn so they can assess the whole child and not just how any student performs on tests. Rabbi Pittinsky said that the conference was special and it was "wonderful to see such an innovative school and gain ideas to bring back to further student centered learning at Frisch. I also got to share and collaborate with like minded educators in Jewish day schools."
Late Return From Poetry Slam
by Jennifer Reznik
Frisch Students who went to the poetry slam at the Rambam school in Long Island, New York on November 22, encountered a traffic delay that caused them to return to school an hour and a half after the time they expected. The students attending the poetry slam left Frisch at eleven in the morning and were promised to return at four thirty, before school ended. Though they left Rambam at three thirty, the thanksgiving traffic in the city caused these students to get to Frisch at six thirty in the afternoon, after school ended and the buses left. Rabbi Fleischmann, the poetry club director, had warned them before they agreed to the poetry slam that they might not get home in time for the busses and they should inform their parents just in case. Despite the lack of buses, the students arrainged carpools or their parents came to pick them up.
Kahal Needs Class Representatives
by Aiden Anhalt
During the announcements on the morning of Monday November 28th, it was announced that students can sign up to be a Kahal class representative. To sign up, a student has to contact Mrs. Anstandig and apply to represent his or her Judaic section. Each class has one representative who helps raise money for the Kahal Tzedakah drive. A class representative is responsible for collecting and counting the money from their class, and also for motivating the class to give money. The money goes to various organizations within the Jewish community, with the specific charity chosen each year by the Student Council.
Frisch's Annual Open House
by Aiden Anhalt
Frisch held its annual Open House for prospective freshman on Sunday, November 13th . Eighth graders and their parents were greeted by faculty members and student volunteers, who gave out schedules of the day and, later, conducted tours. The program began as Rabbi Ciner spoke about all the various aspects of the community Frisch has as well as the extracurricular and academic opportunities Frisch provides. Students and parents then visited mock classes to get a taste of what the learning in the school is like on a day-to-day basis. The tours ended as the teachers led the students into the gym where students walked past booths manned by Frisch students explaining what the clubs were, while the Jazz band played in the background. Tables of food were set up in the back of the gym to feed to the prospective students and their parents and provide a hint as to the lunch program.
Parent Teacher Conferences Sign Up
by Aiden Anhalt
At 4:50 PM, Monday, November 28th, the Frisch School sent out an email to all Frisch parents pertaining to the process of signing up for parent teacher conferences, to be held on December 6 and 13. The email contained a link to a website that allows parents to see all the faculty members in the school. Once the parent accesses this list, he or she is able to select their child's teachers by clicking on a circle next to any teacher's name. The available slots for meetings come up on a schedule with 5 minute intervals starting at 5:00 until 10:10. When this part of the process is complete, the Frisch School emails the parent back with the list of teachers and the times the parent has selected to confirm.
Englewood Bus Arrives Late
by Aiden Anhalt
On Monday, November 21st, Englewood bus number one arrived at school fifteen minutes after dismissal. The bus left its dispatch location late and did not inform school of the delay so students were not certain of its arrival. Barry called the bus company who updated him on the status of the bus, but by then, it was too late as many students had already boarded other Englewood buses. As a result, these students had to walk home from the other Englewood buses' drop off spots. Some students stayed in school and ordered car services to drive them home while others waited until the bus arrived.
Frisch Thanksgiving Football Events
by Jake Lasher
On Thanksgiving morning, Over twenty Frisch alumni from the graduating class of 2013 gathered on the athletic field for a friendly game of football from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. The alumni split into two teams of ten, and the winning team, led by David Lasher, won ten to eight. While the alumni were playing, two IFL games were taking place, so the alumni were able to reunite with their former Rabbis, such as, Rabbi Wald, Rabbi Spear, Rabbi Zauderer, Rabbi Bashist, and Rabbi Shacter. “It was a fun game, and it was great seeing my former classmates and Rabbis” said David Lasher (’13).
First Buddy Day
by Jake Lasher and Aidan Thurm
"Buddies", eighth graders who are applying to Frisch and sign up to to spend a day here and learn more about Frisch's offerings, began pouring into school on November 22. On the first of ten “buddy” days, twenty-five eighth graders from various Yeshivot visited. These “buddies” came to Frisch in the morning at 7:35 am for davening and were assigned to shadow their designated freshmen until sixth period. The “buddies” followed their freshmen to various classes. During sixth period the “buddies” were given a free lunch voucher and were later dismissed.
Steve Glouberman Basketball Tournament
by Asaf Miller
The Frisch Cougars boys varsity team flew to Los Angeles on November 9th to compete in the Steve Glouberman basketball tournament hosted by Shalhevet. There were nine teams in the tournament. Frisch began its pool play on Thursday, and they beat MTA and Valley Torah.
Because of the scoring system, Frisch earned themselves the number three seed, behind only SAR and Shalhevet. This matched them up in the next round with Valley Torah for a second time and the Cougars won by eight points. After the game the students prepared for Shabbat. They davened at a local shul and then ate dinner with a local host family. After dinner, students went to a facility for an Oneg Shabbat. For Shabbat day, all the students went to Beth Jacob for Shul and ate lunch there.
Following Shabbat, the Couagrs played in the semi-final game against MTA. In the game, Frisch beat MTA by two points. After this game, the Cougars faced off with the SAR Stings. Frisch won the game by a score of sixty-five to fifty-six and captured the whole tournament.
The Cougars headed back to New Jersey on Sunday afternoon. "I had the time of my life in Los Angeles. We won the tournament, and we bonded so much as a team on this trip", said Judah Strulowitz ('18).
Because of the scoring system, Frisch earned themselves the number three seed, behind only SAR and Shalhevet. This matched them up in the next round with Valley Torah for a second time and the Cougars won by eight points. After the game the students prepared for Shabbat. They davened at a local shul and then ate dinner with a local host family. After dinner, students went to a facility for an Oneg Shabbat. For Shabbat day, all the students went to Beth Jacob for Shul and ate lunch there.
Following Shabbat, the Couagrs played in the semi-final game against MTA. In the game, Frisch beat MTA by two points. After this game, the Cougars faced off with the SAR Stings. Frisch won the game by a score of sixty-five to fifty-six and captured the whole tournament.
The Cougars headed back to New Jersey on Sunday afternoon. "I had the time of my life in Los Angeles. We won the tournament, and we bonded so much as a team on this trip", said Judah Strulowitz ('18).
Make Up Test Schedule Changes
by Aiden Anhalt
The regularly scheduled make up test time was moved from Wednesday night November 23rd to Tuesday night November 22nd because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Usually make up tests are administered on Wednesday nights, but the Frisch administration made the change to allow students and faculty to leave school earlier and avoid pre-holiday traffic.
First Yeshiva Poetry Society Poetry Slam
by Eliana Farkas
The first Yeshiva Poetry Society poetry slam of the year was held in Rambam, on November 22. Eight Frisch students from the poetry team attended, along with Rabbi Fleischmann, the Poetry team’s faculty advisor, leaving on a bus to Rambam at 11:00 am. The poetry slam began at 1:00 pm and ended around 3:30. The students had to write two poems: one of fixed form and one free verse, both about Davening. Every student was given up to four minutes to recite his or her poems. All poets were separated into one of two groups, where they recited their poems and were judged. Following, there was an intermissions with snacks provided by Rambam. After the break, students in the top ten were then called to recite their poem/poems again to be re-judged. Finally, the awards were given to winners. Frisch students returned home at 6:30pm
Jazz Band Performs at Open House
by Meir Hikind
On Sunday morning, November 13th at 10:30, Frisch’s Jazz Band played at Frisch’s Open House to entertain and show off the music track to prospective 9th graders in attendance. They were set up in the Gym and played throughout much of the Open House, performing many songs for the parents and students. The Jazz band consists of Seniors Eli Kern, Jacob Brennan, and Ayelet Stone, Juniors Mikey Kramer and Ben Shanblatt, and Sophomore Caleb Koppel. They played the songs “Billy’s Bounce,” “Cissy Strut,” “St. Thomas,” and “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me." all learned specifically for this occasion. Junior Mikey Kramer said “The Jazz band performed at the open house to provide stellar ambiance and thereby exemplifying Frisch’s advanced music curriculum.”
Sophomore Slam
by Devin Berman
From Thursday, November 17th, until the 20th, the Sophomore grade took part in the annual school trip to Virginia Beach, called Sophomore Slam. The Students went roller skating, then bowling, and afterwards went on a party boat, followed by a Shabbat spent together in the beach town. The rooms were assigned based on requests, allowing the students to spend the most time with their closest friends. On Saturday, the students took a long walk on the beach, and hung out until Shabbat was over. After Havdalah, the students danced in a room designated to Frisch. After shabbos, everybody went to Bounce and an arcade, where the boys and the girls rotated after about two hours. On Sunday, They all watched the recap video made by Rabbi Weinberg, received apparel, then went home later that day.
Sophomore Slam Shirts
by Devin Berman
As has become traditional, the Frisch school dress code was relaxed for students in the 10th grade on November 21st, the day after their return from Virginia beach and their Sophomore Slam trip. Though school rules forbid collarless shirts, as an extension of the school spirit and grade unity developed on the Shabbaton, the school distributes commemorative shirts and encourages members of the class to wear them on their return.
Boys Varsity Hockey Game Cancelled
by Charlie Freilich and Jared Scharf
The November 14 Frisch Varsity hockey team's scheduled match against the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School was cancelled due to undisclosed reasons. It is unknown as of now whether the game will be rescheduled or otherwise made up. Although the Frisch Varsity Hockey team was upset by the news, they had a practice instead.
Rosh Chodesh Schedule Changes
by Eliana Farkas
Since Tuesday, November 1st, was Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, there were several schedule changes. The first change was an extended davening in the morning due to adding special prayers for Rosh Chodesh like Hallel, Rosh Chodesh torah reading, and Musaf . The second change, was that first period started at 9:10 am instead of 8:50 am, due to the extended davening. Lastly, the cafeteria offered free bagels and condiments for breakfast- which has been a Rosh Chodesh tradition at Frisch for years.
Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball Banner
by Arielle Epstein
On Wednesday November 9th, the Junior Varsity girls volleyball team from 2015-2016 commemorated their championship win with a banner ceremony that took place before the Junior Varsity team’s game against Bruriah. The current Junior Varsity sophomores and last year’s juniors, who are now on varsity, were called up by their coach, Sam Tilp, alphabetically to stand next to their banner. Since there were no official captains on the Junior Varsity team, each of the girls had the honor of pulling the strings to reveal the banner.
Finite Math Trip
by Ariel Berman
On November 2nd Mrs Teichmann took four of her eleventh grade finite math elective students to the MoMath museum in Manhattan to hear a speaker. At the museum the students heard Jeff Weeks, a game designer, speak about a new game he is developing. The game is educational and its purpose is to teach kids about shapes and math in a fun way. The point of the speaker was to give an example of how math can be applied in the real world. “We really enjoyed the trip, and I hope we can go on more in the future.” said Aviel Yomtobian ('18).
Knock Knock Give a Sock
by Eliana Farkas
The Knock Knock Give a Sock! drive, a charity drive that collects socks for the unfortunate, kicked off on November 16. An email was sent out on November 14 to all students and faculty members, encouraging them to donate socks for the cause. Any socks, whether new or old, are “viable” for donation as long as they do not have holes. The goal this year is to achieve a donation of four hundred or more socks. Last year, over three hundred socks were donated. A donation box was place by Barry's desk at the front entrance of the school.
New Options in the Cafeteria
by Eliana Farkas
The cafeteria added packaged popcorn and an oatmeal bar to its menu of options beginning on November 4th and 14th, respectively. "Popsanity" popcorn is now being sold for $2.50 per bag,with five flavor options: Black Forest, Caramel Choc Drizzle, Cinnamon Swirl, Sweet & Salty, and Classic Caramel. Plain, cooked oatmeal with 3 topping options-- raisins, dried cranberries, and slivered almond, the other new item is now sold during breakfast for $1.50 per each eight ounce cup.
First Poetry Club Meeting
by Jennifer Reznik
The first Poetry Club meeting was held during breakfast the morning of Wednesday, November 9, in order to discuss the upcoming poetry competition at the Rambam school in the Five Towns, on November 22. The competition requires the students to prepare two poems: one with any poetric form about the subject of "davening" and the other, a free verse about what one's prayer will be in twenty years. A total of eight students attended the meeting led by Rabbi Fleischmann, the head of the poetry club. Students who had poems prepared shared their poems and listened to their peers as they gave feedback. After poems were shared, the club discussed unique qualities that the judges might look for in a poem of a particular form. The group decided that if one were to write haiku, one should write a series of haikus as opposed to just one.
Meeting with Administrators Before LA Tournament
by Asaf Miller
After mincha on November 8th,the boys, and girls Varsity Basketball teams had a meeting with Rabbi Wald, Rabbi Ciner, and Mrs. Herzog in the auditorium regarding their basketball tournament in Los Angeles. Rabbi Ciner addressed the students on the proper decorum that was expected from each student. One thing he emphasized was if students used illegal substances, they would be expelled from school immediately. He also stressed that players should respect their hosts. After, Rabbi Wald spoke to the students about going to minyan each day.
New Gym Policy
by Benjamin Lasher
Frisch announced major changes to its gym absence policy. They allow students to miss four gym classes over the each semester, and for every gym class missed after four, the student must run a mile. In previous years, there was a residency requirement for 9 absences, which is just under 10 percent of all gym classes.
Speakers at Frisch Open House
by Arielle Epstein
One student from each grade was asked to speak at the Frisch Open House, which took place on Sunday, November 13th. Aaron Lubat, Michal Katz, Arielle Epstein, and Noah Greenblatt were the grade representatives chosen to speak. During the week leading up to the open house, the students were pulled out of class to meet with Rabbi Cinar and Dr. Weiss and discuss the topics they would be speaking about. Each student was instructed to speak about different experiences they had in Frisch and were then introduced to Rabbi Krug who explained the art of public speaking. He went through different techniques and vocal exercises with them. Then, they wrote their speeches with Rabbi Goldfisher. Over the course of the week each of the four students were called out of class to practice their speeches with Rabbi Krug and the Friday before the open house, when there was no school, the students had to come into school for a “dress rehearsal” of their speeches on stage with the microphone and spotlights. Over shabbos the students were asked to rehearse their speeches for their families so they would be well prepared for the Open House on Sunday. Sunday morning, the four speakers came to school an hour before the open house to practice one more time. With the help of Rabbi Krug, Dr. Weiss, Rabbi Goldfisher, and Rabbi Ciner, their speeches and the introduction to the open was a success.
Learning Now Provides Assistance with Judaic Studies
by Jake Lasher
This year, Frisch has introduced a new section of learning center for Judaic studies.“We saw need for it [judaic study learning center], because we pride our selves in taking care of our students” said Mrs. Keigher. Ms. Shira Kronenberg is the head of this new branch of learning center; her goal is to help students with learning difficulties succeed in their Judaic studies. There are two different types of sections for the Judaic study learning center that help ninth graders adapt to Frisch's Judaic studies classes. The first section is for students who need help prior to taking a particular test. These students will meet with Ms. Kronenberg once a week and she will help with classes they are having trouble with and prepare them for tests. Ms. Kronenberg will also meet with teachers to make necessary modifications for tests and assignments for these students. The second section is for students who need to improve their Judaic skills. These students need additional work developing skills for Humash, Talmud, and Hebrew and will meet four times a week in a learning center class. Ms. Kronenberg will work with teachers of grades 10-12 to help them make modifications in instruction and assessment.
OPC Bracelet Sale
by Jake Lasher
Members of the Ocean Preservation Club, a Frisch club dedicated to preserving the ocean and educating students about issues regarding the ocean, began selling bracelets on Wednesday, November 9. The bracelets are being sold in order to raise money to adopt a shark and pay for its special care and cost three dollars for one bracelet while two bracelets can be purchased for five dollars. "Depending on the amount of money they raise, the money will most likely be given to Shark Angles, an organization that specializes in protecting sharks" said Max Muss ('17). The shark will be named and then tagged, in order to make sure it is in a safe environment. The Ocean Preservation Club will be selling these bracelets until it reaches its goal of two hundred dollars.
College Bowl Meet
by Ariel Berman
On Thursday, November 10th the Frisch Varsity and Junior Varsity college bowl teams attended a meet at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School. College bowl is a competition for students who possess a wide range of knowledge and can answer trivia on a plethora of topics including math, science, current events, and more.The varsity team won three out of four matches, and the junior varsity team won all four of its matches. This match at Kushner was the first of the four meets this year, the remaining three will be at other yeshiva high schools which the league will choose later this year. The teams are led by coach, Rabbi Auman.
Interviews for Prospective Students
by Arielle Epstein
Monday, November 14th, marked the start of interview season for incoming freshmen, which continues until the end of January. That morning, the main office was filled with prospective students and their parents, waiting to be interviewed. Frisch receives over two hundred applicants per year, each of whom must be interviewed at some point before acceptance letters are sent out. Various administrators conduct the interviews by asking multiple questions that assess the applicant's character. Tikva Epstein, an eighth grader from Yeshivat Noam, said that her interview “was much less scary than she expected” and she is excited to start the high school process.
Mock Election
by Benjamin Lasher
Election Day was in full swing in Frisch on Tuesday, November 8th as Ms. Kaplan’s junior history classes geared up for the presidential election later that night and had their own election in class. All of Ms. Kaplan’s junior classes voted on whom they wanted to win the election, and Trump won 51 votes to 28 votes in favor of Clinton, and 7 votes for other, which included Gary Johnson, Jill Stein and even students who put their own names in. They also reviewed projections for the election, state-by-state, and assessed the accuracy of the projections. Aiden Thurm, (‘18) student of Ms. Kaplan, said the class was “an awesome and fun way for us to get involved and voice how we feel about the candidates.”
NCSY Visits Frisch
by Eliana Farkas and Jennifer Reznik
Representatives of NCSY came to promote the summer opportunities they offer for students in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade, on November 7, during periods six through eight, in the cafeteria. They displayed several brochures for their different program opportunities including co-ed opportunities as well as separate boys and girls camps. NCSY offers internship, volunteering, and leadership programs. The summer opportunities are held in different locations, such as the West Coast, Israel, and several locations in Europe. The representatives handed out NCSY branded Popsockets and ponytail holders to the students who visited their table. Students who were interested in receiving further information on these programs were able to sign up to receive emails for NCSY.
Englewood Bus Breaks Down
by Benjamin Lasher
Englewood bus number three broke down on the highway on its way to Frisch on Thursday, October 27. Over twenty students were stranded on Route 4 West as the bus’s engine started to smoke and the driver was forced to pull over to the side. The students waited for ten minutes for a new bus to come. The replacement bus arrived and the students were able to get to Frisch by 7:50 am and were not late for davening.
Winter Gym Option
by Jared Scharf
As winter approaches, new gym options are being offered to the Frisch students. Head of gym Mrs. Penn emailed the entire Frisch body their new gym options on November 8. Former gym options such as track and field, soccer, tennis, and football are no longer options for gym, as the weather does not allow for those sports. The three new gym options are basketball, weightlifting, and dodgeball for both boys and girls. The new gym semester will start after Thanksgiving. Locations will be in the back of the lunchroom, the Shul, the iLab, and the gym.
Junior Chessed Day at the Cemetery
by Jennifer Reznik
The Frisch eleventh grade students went to the Hebrew Free Burial Society's Silver Lake cemetery, a cemetery located in Staten Island, NY, on Thursday, October 13, as a form of chessed for Frisch's chessed day. Most of the work involved upkeep of the graves as students raked leaves around the tombstones. The students returned to Frisch during seventh period and continued the day with a normal schedule. Upon arrival at the facility, the students were told the cemetery's story by a delegate of the cemetery's association. The cemetery was open from 1802-1909 for the purpose of providing free burial for Jews whose families could not otherwise afford it. The cemetery closed because there wasn't enough money to maintain it. However, the cemetery was reopened twenty years ago as volunteer programs worked to help improve the condition of the cemetery.
Girls Varsity Soccer Tryouts
by Arielle Epstein
On Sunday October 30th, tryouts for the girls varsity soccer team were held in the school gym at 3:00 pm. Fourteen girls tried out, all of them being either returning seniors or juniors who were previously on the JV team and all of the players made the team. Coach Shamir Einhorn, varsity soccer coach for the past two years, ran warm ups and drills with the girls. Towards the end of the tryout, the players scrimmaged. Former JV captains, Alex Melzer and Gabriella Wolf, stated that the team was looking good and that the season ahead looked promising.
First Model UN Meeting
by Ariel Berman
The Model UN team met for the first time after school in room 8 on Tuesday, November 1st from five to six, so that the delegates could pick their committees and countries. This year, the Frisch team was given the countries of Greece and Israel, and a variety of committees to choose from. Delegates got to choose between ten committees from Greece as well as seven other committees from Israel all in preparation for the YU run Model UN conference that will be held in Connecticut from February 12 to February 14. Committees were chosen by seniority: people who were previously on the team got to pick first by descending grade order and then new additions got to pick in descending grade order as well. The meeting was run by the coach Mr. Eitan Kastner who explained to the sixteen members that model UN is a conference where each delegate tries, as a representative of his country and through his committee membership to solve certain problems presented to them as efficiently as possible. Awards will be given out based on individuals performance and how well they get resolutions passed.
Chessed Lottery
by Ariel Berman
In the Junior minyan on the morning of Friday November 4th, directly after davening ended, there was a raffle held to decide which students will have the opportunity to go on each of the two chessed missions, (one to New Orleans and one to Charleston), that will take place later this year. Students who were interested were required to hand in an application to Rabbi Shulman by Thursday November 3rd answering three questions, designed to ensure that the applicant was serious about doing chessed. The applications are folded and picked randomly from two bags, a bag for girls and a bag for boys, by students who went on the Omaha chessed Mission last year. Twenty-two students were chosen, six girls and six boys for each trip.
New Jersey Great Big Challah Bake
by Eliana Farkas
Ninety of Frisch’s female students, along with a group of faculty members, participated in the GNO--Girls Night Out program--traveling to the New Jersey Great Big Challah Bake, on Wednesday, November 9th. As school ended, the participants took a bus to Factory 220 in Passaic, where the event, sponsored by The Shabbos Project with WIZONJ, was being held. The Shabbos Project is a movement intended to bring Jews from all over the world of different affiliations, to keep one Shabbat of the year together- this year it will be November 11 and 12. WIZONJ--Women's International Zionist Organization of New Jersey, a sect of WIZOUSA--is a nonprofit organization which advocates for a bond between American Jewry and the State of Israel by working to improve social service programs and educational facilities in Israel. Female students who wished to attend had to inform Rabbi Morris by November 2 to confirm that they were coming so that the school could pay the tickets required to take part in the challah bake. The funds raised by the tickets sales went to Gina Fromer Battered Women's Shelter in Jerusalem. Upon arriving, the girls went into the main room to bake challah with over 700 other women. Last year, the Frisch students were separated from the rest of the women--but Rabbi Morris decided to bring all the women together to try and create a more unifying and beautiful experience. Every girl received enough ingredients for the dough of two challot, an apron, mixing bowl, a challah cover, and a laminated placemat with Challah recipes and Brachot. Ruchi Pinson, author and lecturer, shared her insights with the women. While the dough was rising, music was played and the women danced together. The event was held from 6:30 until 9:30 pm, but the Frisch students returned to school by 9:00pm. Aliza Sperber (‘18) a student that attended the event stated, “It's so inspiring to see women from all affiliations come together to bake challah to benefit this cause”.
Election Night Extravaganza
by Benjamin Lasher
Approximately three hundred students at Frisch stayed after school hours for Frisch Election Night Exravaganza on Tuesday, November 8, where free food, eight bonus points toward the final grade in history, and a chance to watch the election unfold with the history teachers was offered. The night started at five o'clock, where Frisch provided Dougies, burgers, hot dogs and salad in the cafeteria for the students who signed up via email.
At six o’clock, all the students gathered in the auditorium for maariv. The history teachers, Dr. Zadoff and Mr. Kastner, then gave an overview of the election and how the election will be determined. gave out papers to the students to fill out in advance of the election. Included in this first sheet were questions regarding which states Clinton and Trump would win first. There were also questions about the senate races, and specifically about the congressional race in New Jersey. This worksheet had 4 available bonus points that a student could get if the entire sheet was filled out. Isaac Blumenthal, (‘17) said, “This was a really fun way to follow the election and get extra points for my history grade. I got really into it!”
After handing in the first worksheet, students received a second worksheet from their history teachers, which had directions for the rest of the night. There were different news channels in different rooms, including Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN. Students had to watch three different news channels for half an hour each and write which states were decided, who anchored the segment, and what the anchors talked about when not talking about states. Another four bonus points was available through this assignment, and the students either handed the finished assignment directly to their teacher or emailed it to them. This was a very interactive and exciting experience for students, as for some this was the first election they were actually aware of the issues and how the electoral college works, and some had very strong feelings about the candidates.
At six o’clock, all the students gathered in the auditorium for maariv. The history teachers, Dr. Zadoff and Mr. Kastner, then gave an overview of the election and how the election will be determined. gave out papers to the students to fill out in advance of the election. Included in this first sheet were questions regarding which states Clinton and Trump would win first. There were also questions about the senate races, and specifically about the congressional race in New Jersey. This worksheet had 4 available bonus points that a student could get if the entire sheet was filled out. Isaac Blumenthal, (‘17) said, “This was a really fun way to follow the election and get extra points for my history grade. I got really into it!”
After handing in the first worksheet, students received a second worksheet from their history teachers, which had directions for the rest of the night. There were different news channels in different rooms, including Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN. Students had to watch three different news channels for half an hour each and write which states were decided, who anchored the segment, and what the anchors talked about when not talking about states. Another four bonus points was available through this assignment, and the students either handed the finished assignment directly to their teacher or emailed it to them. This was a very interactive and exciting experience for students, as for some this was the first election they were actually aware of the issues and how the electoral college works, and some had very strong feelings about the candidates.
Auditions for the Frisch Production
by Jennifer Reznik
Auditions for the annual Frisch production were held the nights of Monday, November 7 and Tuesday, November 8, from 6:00- 8:45 in the evening. Students who wished to try out for roles were asked to prepare a two minute monologue which they were to present in front of Rabbi Krug, the Dean of Student Life and welfare as well as the director of the play, and the stage managers of the production including Orelle Ginsberg ('17), Gavriel Koppel ('17), Orly Hahn ('19) and Kaylie Jacobs ('19). The students auditioning also had to recite their monologues in different contexts and with a variety of emotional emotional backdrops in order for Rabbi Krug to see their acting range. A total of twenty five students tried out for the production, according to Rabbi Krug. Students also had the opportunity to sign up as set designers, stage managers, and production assistants if they wanted to be a part do the play without needing to act. The title of the play to be performed will be released to the school community in the near future.
Faculty Conference on Development and Success
by Jennifer Reznik
A faculty conference was held the night of October 31, from 5:20 until 8:00 in the evening, discussing curriculum development and the future success of the school's image. The conference was split into two different meetings; one was a departmental meeting that lasted from 5:20 until 6:45 and the other was a meeting for department chairs that lasted from 7 until 8 pm. The departmental meetings were run by the department chairs who spoke about departmental polices, practices, and parity between their classes and assignments. In the meeting for the department chairs, the chairs were asked to report their progress with documents expressing their standards and expectations for their departments. Mr. Miller, the director of mentoring and academic advisement, then spoke to the chairs about how they can evaluate the past successes for Frisch and how they can improve the school in the near future.
Frisch Captains Honored by the Devils
by Charlie Freilich
After the first period of the the New Jersey Devil and the Arizona Coyotes game, at the Prudential Center on the night of October 25, the New Jersey high school hockey captains were invited on to the ice by the Devils. All these captains were honored and the announcer read out each of their names including, Frisch’s captain, Aaron Abecasis and their assistant captains Maury Bauer, Joe Tropp, and Benjy Feintuch. The coaches were not in attendance at this event. The captains were on television for a couple of minutes and after, they had the chance to watch and enjoy the rest of Devil game.
Championship Banner
by Asaf Miller
On Saturday night, November 5th, 2016, the JV basketball team from the 2015-2016 season celebrated their championship by raising their banner before the JV basketball game against JEC. Coach Dovey Forman called each players name from the championship roster. After the players were announced, the teams three captains, Asaf Miller, Noam Kuritzky, and Stevie Paul, went to raise the banner.
HASC Fundraiser
by Ariel Berman and Jared Scharf
On October 30th, the entire school was emailed by Camp HASC in regards to signing up for the upcoming basketball tournament, which will take place in the Frisch gym Saturday night, November 19. The email notified anyone who is interested that it costs three hundred dollars per team, and that each team will receive jerseys as well as be treated to dinner. The email says that the balance of the collected money will go to Camp HASC which is a camp for Jewish children and adults with special needs.
Pep Rally
by Jennifer Reznik
Thursday, November 3rd, marked Frisch's annual pep rally during periods ten and eleven. After davening mincha in their regular mincha location, the students were led into the shul where the assembly began. First, Rabbi Spier introduced the Student Council including student body president Evan Fromen. The council members then threw special pep rally T-shirts out to the student body before showing a pep rally video to get everyone excited for the program. After the video, students were asked to go to the gym where each person was given a churro and then instructed sit in the bleachers. President Fromen ran the program which included the a capella club singing the national anthem and hatikva, basketball and hockey competitions between teachers and students, bat races, and musical chairs. Students were dismissed from the pep rally and school at 4:40 pm.
Sophomore Assembly
by Jake Lasher
On Thursday, October 27, the parents of the Sophomore class assembled in the Beit Midrash for a presentation by Rabbi Eli Ciner, Mr. Ira Miller and Mrs. Laura Miller, from 7:30 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m. Topics of discussion included the PSAT being given this coming February, as well as the Pre-ACT exam (also offered to the sophomores this February), and upcoming standardized tests such as Subject Tests, the SAT, the ACT, and AP Exams. Ms. Miller also informed the parent body about the importance of extra-curricular involvement in both Frisch and student's communities. The presentation ended with a Q&A where Ms. Miller fielded questions by parents regarding various college guidance topics.
Live Streaming Club Visits CBS
by Jennifer Reznik
The Frisch Live Streaming club visited and toured the studio of CBS Sports on November 1, in order to observe how real broadcasters broadcast their games. After a tour of the studio, students were then allowed to see a sports talk show called We Need To Talk, hosted by Tracy Wolfson, a sideline reporter for the NFL, Darra Torres, an Olympic swimmer, Swin Cash, a WNBA and Olympic basketball player, and Aditi Kinkhabwala, an NFL reporter. To watch the taping of the show, the students split into three groups, one went to watch the show in the studio, one group went into the "bullpen" otherwise known as the research department, and the last group went into the control room to see how the production is put together. After each group rotated to each station at least once, the students loaded the bus and went back to Frisch. They got back to school at the start of eleventh period.
PSAT
by Arielle Epstein and Ben Lasher
On Wednesday, November 2, Frisch held the Practice SAT exam, the PSAT, for its Junior class during periods one through seven though students who had extra time were allowed to take the test through ninth period. . The test is designed to help Juniors prepare for the real SAT (to see its format of the real test and which sections of the test they did well on, as opposed to the sections they need to work harder for), as well as help the students decide which standardized test they want to take, the SAT or the ACT. Unlike the administration to 10th graders, Juniors are also eligible for the National Merit Scholarship through their PSAT scores. Jennifer Reznik, a junior who took the PSAT felt that “because frisch gives us a chance to take this practice test we are more prepared for the actual test which will be very stressful”.
Annual Blood Drive
by Aidan Thurm and Eliana Farkas
The school’s third annual blood drive took place Tuesday November 1st, from one pm to three PM in the gym. To qualify as a donator, students had to be sixteen years old or older, and had to weigh one hundred and twenty pounds or more. Students who were sixteen were required to hand in a legal form with a parent's signature before the blood drive. After the donors were asked a series of questions about their health, they gave blood and were advised to sit, eat, and drink. Students who donated blood were signed out of the classes they missed and got donuts and other snacks. Michal White ('18), one of the students who donated blood, said, "It feels good to know that for the small time it took out of my day to give blood, a person's life will change forever”. The blood drive received eighty nine donations, which is equivalent to two hundred and thirty four lives saved
New Printing System
by Jake Lasher
This year Frisch has introduced a new and improved printing system, allowing students to print from their own computers as opposed to the older requirement that students print from the library computers. Each student is limited to 300 pages a month and has to scan his cougar card in order to print while anyone who continues to print from the school computers will not have that limit. “The new printing system makes printing so much easier and less time consuming”, said Judah Strulowitz (‘18) as students are not limited by the availability of a school computer to get their printing done.
Infobase Trial
by Jared Scharf
Frisch librarian, Mrs. Geller, emailed the entire school on October 6th about Frisch's subscription to Infobase, a website that strategically organizes videos, documents, books, and external websites, making information easier to locate. The current trial will last 30 days, and afterwards, if the student body gives positive reviews, Frisch will extend its subscription to the website. “It’s really great that Mrs Geller took initiative to make it easier for students to collect research and complete our assignments,” said Isaac Blumenthal ('18). “Infobase made the research for my history essay much easier.”
Chessed Day at the Promenade
by Asaf Miller
At 10:15, on October 13th, twenty-eight Frisch students arrived at the Promenade, an old age home in Monsey, to visit the elderly as part of Frisch's chessed day program. The students split into two groups when they arrived; one group went to decorate a Succah with some of the senior citizens and the other group went to participate in karaoke with some of the other elderly. At 11:10, the students went outside to take a picture with the senior citizens in front of the succah. After the picture was taken, they went back to their groups and socialized with the senior citizens. After forty minutes, the students went back to the bus and went to Evergreen, a supermarket, and Chickies, a restaurant, for lunch. The students returned to Frisch at the end of seventh period and classes resumed regularly with period eight.
Schedule Changes Due to Leaks
by Meir Hikind
Because of a leaks in the ceiling, on October 27th, 2016, room changes were necessary in order for the classes to take place. Four classes were moved to other, open classes and went on as usual in their new locations. The leaks, caused by rain throughout the night, left puddles of water on the floors of the classrooms affected, were addressed by maintenance and quickly remediated.
Chessed Opportunities for Juniors
by Devin Berman
After Mincha, on October 27th, Rabbi Schulman spoke to the Junior grade about upcoming chessed opportunities in New Orleans (December 12th through the 16th) and Charleston (February 8th through the 12th). In order to request a spot on one of the chessed missions, each student must answer a short survey, which asks questions about what he or she wants to get out of this trip and about the student's previous chessed experiences. The students going will be selected by lottery, and the ones who went to Omaha last year (who are not eligible to sign up for this year's trips) will be the ones to pick this year's participants' names out of the bowl. Additionally, if a student is chosen for the first trip, he or she is ineligible for the second trip. Junior student Eitan Zwebner (‘18), who hopes to be picked for the trip said, “I think the chessed trips are an integral part of our school year, because they give us the opportunity take a step out of our busy schedules, to help out those who need our time more.”
Varsity Soccer Tryouts
by Meir Hikind
At 5pm, October 9th, 2016, sixteen students attended the boys' Varsity soccer tryouts to compete for one of the fourteen spots on the team. They were drilled for two hours by the coach to see who was the most fit for the team, showing off their skills in shooting and passing. The coach then had them scrimmage so that he could see if the players have the potential to make a good team.
Frisch Ice Hockey Joins the NJSIAA
by Charlie Freilich
The Frisch ice hockey team has officially joined the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) for this upcoming season. The NJSIAA is a hockey league that consists of both private and public schools; in Frisch’s division the teams are West Orange High School, Oratory Prep, Bayonne High, Dayton, and High Point. The process of joining this league had many steps which included playing these teams without actually being part of the league. Frisch had to beat these teams which they did. Membership gives Frisch the opportunity to make the playoffs and even win a league championship. Assistant coach David Freilich says “It is a great opportunity to finally be part of a league because it drives the players to compete harder as there is something to win, the championship”
Junior Chessed Day at Masbia
by Aidan Thurm
On October 13, the Junior grade's Chessed day included sending one group of students to Masbia, a soup kitchen in Brooklyn that distributes food to people who can’t afford it. The Masbia group got on the bus at 8:35 from Frisch, and got to Brooklyn at 10:20. While there, the Juniors helped the kitchen by loading a truck with canned goods such as peanut butter, soup, and peas. They also cut carrots and bagged tomatoes and put them on the truck as well. The chessed group got back got back to school at 1:40.
Junior Chessed Day at NYC Food Bank
by Ariel Berman
For Chessed day on Thursday, October 13th a group of 11th graders went to the NYC Food Bank, where all the donated foods go to be repackaged and then sent to homeless shelters and soup kitchens all around the Tri-State area, in the Bronx to help pack food for the needy. The students left Frisch right after davening and were accompanied by Rabbi Schulman and Rabbi Weinberger. At the Food Bank, the students had the job of packaging donated meat into twenty five pound boxes. By the end of the day, the group had packaged enough meat for three hundred and ninety three meals. The group returned to school by seventh period and continued the rest of the day as normal.
First Film Club Meeting
by Ariel Berman
Faculty advisor, Dr. Berkman, held the first Film Club meeting on Tuesday September 27th in Room 1. Film club is a club that meets after school once a month to discuss a movie chosen by the club’s participants that is viewed at home in advance. At this year’s first meeting, the club discussed the film AI: Artificial Intelligence as part of the first theme of the year, man vs science. In past years the movies were chosen at random but this year they are being chosen by theme so to help the discussions transition from one movie to the next, enabling the club to compare different views on the same theme. “The discussions last year were too vague and we never really made any insights into one topic because there wasn’t enough time. We never got a chance to talk about all of the specific themes of all the different movies. That is why we introduced this new theme system, so that we can have time to develop deep insights into both of themes” -Ayden Shankman (co-head of film club).
New Testing Schedule
by Ariel Berman
During the summer break the Frisch administration met and decided to add another week to the three week test schedule. In Frisch, every subject is given a letter corresponding to the week they can give a test. In the past there were only three weeks (A week, B week, and a C week) which meant there would be three test per week. Now they have added a D week, meaning there will be only two tests per week this year. When asked about the motivation for the new test week Mrs Deborah Herzog (head of general studies) said “Essentially we wanted to somehow provide some breathing room in between tests, other projects, and assessments. While hopefully alleviating some of the stress that students feel throughout the year.”
First Lacrosse Team
by Ariel Berman
At Frisch this year, there is a new lacrosse team available for students to join, and is meeting every Sunday for a total of ten Sundays. While the practices did start Sunday, the 18th, anyone who is interested is still able to join. As of now the coach Marc Goldfarb is focused on teaching students the fundamentals of lacrosse, that means that if someone still wanted to join they would still be able to catch up. Prior to the introduction of this new Frisch team the only lacrosse teams available in the tri-state area were geared toward non-Jews, as the games were scheduled for Saturdays. “At the first meeting we went over the basics. It’s great that we finally have a chance to play this sport which otherwise as Jews we wouldn’t have the opportunity to try” -Benjy Feintuch (‘18)
Kahal Initiative
by Ariel Berman
Monday, September 12th, during morning announcements, the grade deans introduced a school fundraising initiative, which is to raise $5777 for the Gift of Life organization. The school would like to raise exactly $5777 because it corresponds to the new Hebrew year of 5777. The Gift of Life is a charity that swabs DNA from volunteers from around the world in order to find matches for cancer patients. Matches are then asked to donate bone marrow to help those cancer patients. Money will be collected during davenings, as well as through the tzedakah boxes placed all around the school.
Teshuva Program
by Jennifer Reznik
On The day before Erev Yom Kippur, Monday October 10th, 2016, Frisch organized a Teshuva program during periods two through four. During second period, each Talmud class was taught a shiur centered around the topic of Teshuva. Then, the entire school gathered in the Main Shul for periods three and four for an assembly to sing and listen to inspiring drashas for the upcoming holiday. Mrs. Besser started the assembly by introducing the speaker with a short speech of her own that synthesized gaining a connection to Hashem and the Torah not only through an intellectual viewpoint by studying, but through a spiritual viewpoint as well through song. She then introduced Rabbi Eitan Katz who led the school in song with short speeches between the songs such as a dvar torah on the similarities between Yom Kippur and Purim and how we show who we really are inside on both holidays. After the assembly, all students were invited to enjoy chocolate fountains to show that Teshuva is not only satisfying but sweet as well.
Chessed Day Meeting
by Jared Scharf
Rabbi Shulman sent out an email on October 9th informing the school about the Chessed meeting taking place the following day. The meeting took place after school from 5:15 until 6:00. Rabbi Shulman spoke to the thirty students that attended about the various wide variety of Chessed opportunities available this year, such as Friendship Circle, Kahal, and visiting the Rockleigh Old Age home.
Shalva Marathon Meeting
by Jared Scharf
Students and faculty interested in participating in the annual Jerusalem Marathon were given the opportunity to learn more about the program on September 21st. Representatives from Shalva, an organization helping children and adults with disabilities, came in during breakfast and spoke about the training involved in running the marathon and other opportunities that go hand in hand, such as the Shabbat spent in Israel. The representatives also told the students and faculty that $2,880 must be raised for each individual in order to run. “Last year only 9 people from Frisch participated in the marathon, but based on the amount of people who came to the meeting, it seems that far more than 9 will take part this year”, said Charles Freilich, (‘18)
Senior Trip to 9/11 Memorial
by Devin Berman
On September 28th, the Seniors, along with parent chaperones, teachers, and rebbaim, traveled by school bus to the 9/11 Memorial Museum in downtown Manhattan during periods one through seven. Upon their arrival, the students had the opportunity to look at the reflecting pools where the towers once stood. After that, they entered the museum, and looked at all the different videos and pictures captured at Ground Zero during September 11th, 2001, from the attacks. In addition, they also visited the museum which focused on the terrorist attacks that occurred in the buildings in 1993. Trip leader, Rabbi Bashist, said that this trip is important because “As the students grow, it is important that they understand the value of life. It is also important for them to know the history of the country we live in.” He also added,“If 19 people could bring so much sadness and tragedy into the world, then how much good could we bring into the world?”
Schoolwide Election Project
by Ariel Berman
This year most of the History classes in Frisch, have assigned their students to find and summarize articles about the election from a selection of newspapers. The students were assigned newspapers from all over the country, and then were tasked with putting their summaries onto a class website. On this class website all the students were responsible to comment on the summaries with information relating how their own articles covered that topic in a different way. The 11th grade AP classes are exempt from this project because the History department was afraid they wouldn’t have enough time to prepare for the AP exam. “Through this process students will follow the twists and turns of the election, while realizing the different perspective people have on the issues from around the country” -Mr. Eitan Kastner (head of the history department)
Congressman Josh Gottheimer Speaks to Students
by Asaf Miller
At 8:50, on October 15th, 2016, Frisch students were called to the shul to hear from congress member Josh Gottheimer. He spoke to the students about his campaign and shared some of his beliefs. The last 5 minutes were dedicated to questions and Dr. Zadoff asked two questions that the congress member answerd. The meeting ended at 9:30. "It's important to not just know what's going on in the presidential election, but also in the congress elections", said Jack Stepner ('18).
HASC Marathon Meeting
by Jared Scharf
Rabbi Sheldon Morris hosted a meeting on October 10 for those interested in running a half marathon in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The half marathon will take place during Presidents' weekend, and those running the half marathon will be representing HASC, a camp for special needs children and adults. Any Frisch student who raises 2,900 dollars will receive a free fleece sweatshirt, and a ticket to Florida. There will be a communal Shabbat spent before running the half marathon, and a barbecue afterwards. “Three years ago Frisch students were the main contributors and together we raised 50,000 dollars and that money was spent to build a jungle gym,” said Rabbi Morris, who runs the half marathon with HASC every year. “Based on the amount of people (40) who showed up to the meeting today and signed up, I think this year is going to be very special.”
Student Planners
by Jennifer Reznik and Eliana Farkas
The 2016-2017 Frisch schedule planners arrived on Tuesday, September 27th, for the new school year. The planners have been handed out each year for the past thirteen years to the students in order to help students keep track of their work schedules. This year the planners were sponsored by Dougies of Teaneck. The members of the student council handed out the planners to students, in the cafeteria, during periods six and seven.
Location Changes
by Eliana Farkas
Second period on Monday, October 10th was replaced with a special learning program in preparation for Yom Kippur. Instead of having regular class, every Judaic class was taught about tefila/ prayer by one of the Judaics teachers. While some classes remained in the same classroom as their regular scheduled classes some had to meet in new locations. The school made sure that the schedule and room changes for second period were posted on the school’s screens.
Self Check Out
by Asaf Miller
Frisch implemented a self-check out for lunch on September 8th, 2016, due to anticipated longer full service lines as a result of the increase in the Frisch student population. The school announced a new rule on September 28th which stated that if a Frisch student is caught stealing it will result in an automatic expulsion. "It's nice to know that the school trusts us. I also like the fact that when you get your food, you don't need to wait on a long line and eat your food cold", said Isaac Blumenthal.
Selichot
by Arielle Epstein
On Monday september 26th, Selichot (supplications added to prayers in the days before the High Holidays) were said for the first time this year in every minyan around the school, adding 15-20 minutes to the prayer time. Because of the extra time that the added davenings take, the schedule for the day needed to be modified. Rabbi Zauderer, who is in charge of scheduling said that, “We're going to have to shorten some periods to accommodate the extra prayer time”.
Schedule Change on Tzom Gedalia
by Isaac Blumenthal
On Wednesday, October 5th, Frisch students were dismissed from school at 1:30 due to the fast day, Tzom Gedalia. The schedule was changed so that periods 1-5 took place beginning at 9:00am and then 8th period was placed in the 6th period time slot. After the last class, students went to their respective mincha locations.
Shimon Peres Assembly
by Eliana Farkas and Charlie Freilich
A school assembly program was held on Friday, September 30th, during second period, in honor of Shimon Peres, former Israeli Prime Minster and President, who died September 28th. All grades gathered in the main shul for the program. Speeches were given by Rabbi Ciner, the Principal, and Rabbi Wald, the Assistant Principal, which briefly spoke about Peres as one of the original founders of Israel. Then students watched a brief news piece on the main screen, which spoke about Peres’ influence on the Israeli military as well as his struggle to obtain peace in Israel. Following that, students watched brief clips of Peres’ funeral and the speakers at the funeral, including President Obama, President Clinton, and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Lastly, Rabbi Goldfischer spoke about the lasting legacy of Peres and what we can learn from his life. He said that it is now our responsibility to be defenders of Israel, our homeland. To end the assembly, the students stood and collectively sang Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem. Benjamin Feintuch (‘18) said, “This program gave a better understanding of the greatness of Shimon Peres, especially after Rabbi Wald stated all his accomplishments”.
Varsity vs. JV Hockey Practice
by Charlie Freilich and Jared Scharf
Hockey practice on Thursday night, September 22nd was different fro the average practice. Because of Freshman Retreat, many freshman and seniors were absent. Therefore, the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams had a combined practice, at which the Varsity team played the Junior Varsity team. As predicted, Varsity won 7-0. However, the Junior Varsity team fought hard and almost had a goal. Head Coach of Varsity Hockey, Yaakov Lisker said “This practice is always a good way to kick off the year because it allows both teams to experience a real game ”.
First GNO
by Arielle Epstein and Jennifer Reznik
The first Girls Night Out Program, also known as GNO, kicked off the night of Thursday, September 29th, after mishmar, from 6:00-6:45pm. Over sixty girls from all four grades gathered together for a kumzitz, organized by Rabbi Jaffe and Rabbi Morris, in honor of Rosh HaShanah. Those who attended gathered in the freshmen lounge to sing a variety of songs, such as L'maancha and Ana HaShem, and they ended off with L'shana HaBa'ah B'Yerushalayim. After each song, a student or teacher, including Lauren Borenstein, Annie Safier, Mrs. Anstandig, and Mrs. Goldfischer, gave a dvar torah. The intention of the program was to encourage the students to reflect on the previous year and to inspire them to make positive, spiritual changes for upcoming year, which begins on Rosh Hashanah (October 2-4). Talia Rosenblatt ('18), one of the students who attended the program, said, "The program was very inspirational and made me think of my past actions and to compare them to how I act this year before Rosh Hashana. It was an amazing inspiration and something wonderful to think about especially before the holidays."
Variety of Minyanim at Frisch
by Jennifer Reznik
This year, two new minyanim were established in the Frisch School, opening up new opportunities and choices for the students for davening besides each grade's minyan and the Sephardic minyan. These two new additions are the Happy Minyan, run by Rabbi Weinberg, and the Explanatory Minyan, led by Rabbi Fleischmann. The variety in minyanim allows students to choose which minyan interests them the most.
The Explanatory Minyan focuses on making davening a meaningful meditative experience by slowly going through davening and having Rabbi Fleischmann explain different aspects and parts of prayer, each time they meet.
The Happy Minyan, which met for the first time on Friday, September 16th, meets on Tuesdays and Fridays in the publications room. The students and faculty who attend this minyan experience a slower and more meaningful davening by davening out loud and in song. “Sometimes in the morning, when we rush to breakfast and class, tefilla can unfortunately become secondary and something to just ‘get done.’” Rabbi Weinberg, head of the happy minyan, said. “So we encourage davening out loud, incorporate musical instruments, more singing, and a slower paced davening.”
The Sephardic minyan will continue to meet in the Sephardic Beit Midrash everyday and allow people who are Sephardic to daven their customary davening, different from Ashkenaz davening.
The Explanatory Minyan focuses on making davening a meaningful meditative experience by slowly going through davening and having Rabbi Fleischmann explain different aspects and parts of prayer, each time they meet.
The Happy Minyan, which met for the first time on Friday, September 16th, meets on Tuesdays and Fridays in the publications room. The students and faculty who attend this minyan experience a slower and more meaningful davening by davening out loud and in song. “Sometimes in the morning, when we rush to breakfast and class, tefilla can unfortunately become secondary and something to just ‘get done.’” Rabbi Weinberg, head of the happy minyan, said. “So we encourage davening out loud, incorporate musical instruments, more singing, and a slower paced davening.”
The Sephardic minyan will continue to meet in the Sephardic Beit Midrash everyday and allow people who are Sephardic to daven their customary davening, different from Ashkenaz davening.
First Art Club
by Eliana Farkas
The first Art Club of the year took place on Tuesday, September 27th, after school in the art room from 5:00pm-7:00pm. This year, Mira Levy, the Assistant Director of the Frisch Art Department, will be in charge of the art club, as opposed to previous years when art club was led by Mrs. Mantel, the Director of the Frisch Art Department. Students who came had the choice of two projects: taking a magazine photo, pasting a piece of the photo to a page and drawing a continuation of the photo, or making a self portrait.
Camp Kobe Representative Comes to Frisch
by Arielle Epstein
During 6th and 7th period on September 28th, Yair Jablinowitz, assistant director of Camp Kobe, set up a table in the lunchroom with information about Camp Kobe, a five week summer program in Israel for kids going into eleventh grade, hoping to inform prospective participants about the program. The program is kept small, only accepting fifty-five kids in order to make it as intimate as possible. One thing that sets Kobe apart from other touring programs is that for nine days, the participants spend time with over four hundred children who lost family members in a terror attack. The idea of the program, says Jablinowitz, is that “all the families that we help have lost something, and we are here to make their lives better”. During the five weeks, the participants tour Israel and do activities, such as snorkeling in Eilat, climbing Masada at sunrise, and a trip to the Kineret.
PACTs For Juniors
by Ben Lasher
For the second time, Frisch held the Practice ACT exam, the PACT, to its Junior class. The test, given on September 26, is designed to help juniors prepare for the real ACT, was administered by the school during periods one through seven. Students who had extra time were allowed to take the test through ninth period. Students used the practice test as a way to see the format of the real test, and to see what sections of the test they succeed in, and sections that they need to study more.
Ice Hockey Introduction
by Jake Lasher
After school on September 21, Coach Ralph Abecasis, and associate coaches David Frielich, Yossi Shenker, and Micael Feintuck, gave an introduction to the ice hockey team in the student activity center. The coaches gave rules and requirements for the team. These rules and requirements include “schoolwork comes first”, respect for the coaches, players, and referees, and required physical forms to give to Frisch. Over 30 students showed up to the meeting; almost half of them were new faces to the team.
Friendship Circle Comes to Frisch
by Asaf Miller
Sixteen children involved with Friendship Circle (an organization that takes care of children with who have special needs) came to Frisch at 6:00 on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016. Twenty-eight Frisch volunteers came to chaperone the children and the night began with a pizza dinner. After dinner the children played some games and painted artwork with the the Frisch volunteers. At 7:30 the program ended and all the children were picked up by their parents. "Friendship Circle to me is forming bonds with these amazing children who teach me so much", said Yoni Kirsch (18).
FPA Brunch
by Ariel Berman
At the end of Freshman Retreat, Sunday, September 25th, parents were treated to a brunch planned by the FPA at 12:00 pm. The FPA run brunch is a way for parents that are new to Frisch learn more about activities their children can get involved in and also to meet other parents and socialize. Five-Star catered food was served. The brunch served as a way for new parents to meet some of the faculty that Frisch is so proud of.
Revised Dress Code
by Ben Lasher
In the second week of the 2016 Frisch school year, Frisch announced it changed its collar rule for male students in the school. Last year on Tuesday, October 27, Rabbi Ciner announced that Frisch changed a rule that required men to wear a collared shirt under a big sweater, jacket, or hoodie sweatshirt and permitted them to wear such a sweatshirt without a collared shirt underneath. Rabbi Ciner said, “We’ve decided to revisit the collar policy and change the way we did because there is no point in wearing a collar if you can’t see it and that is the case with a big sweater or jacket.” Less than a year later, the administration decided to reinstate the original rule. In the junior grade minyan, Rabbi Goldfischer announced that any boy caught wearing something other than a collared shirt under a heavy sweater, jacket, or hoodie will be suspended for one period.
Simulated School Night
by Ben Lasher
Parents of students in all grades came to Frisch on the night of Tuesday, September 20th for a simulated school night. Teachers gave an overview of their curriculum and introduced themselves to the parents, which gave the parents a personable feel to Frisch as a whole. Teachers stayed until, at the latest, 10:00 at night, devoting their time and energy after school hours.The purpose of this night was to give the parents a chance to get to know their child’s teachers. They were given a schedule that directed them to their child’s classes, experienced 8 minutes of a class, and then went on to the next one. Simulated school night is a vital part of Frisch’s connection to parents, as it gives them an insight as to what their children are experiencing during the school day.
11th Grade Art Elective Trip
by Eliana Farkas
The Students of the eleventh grade art track went on a trip, organized by the Director of Frisch’s Art Department, Mrs. Ahuva Mantell, to the gallery of Iona College of New Rochelle on September 21, 2016. . Students went by bus to and from the College gallery during periods 4-7. The exhibit, called psalmsIMAGEand...., displayed mixed media, water color, print and ink artworks, as well photography. This new exhibit of artwork and photography is based on the entire Tehillim. Each chapter of Tehilim exhibited, corresponded to a piece of art accompanied by a photograph by six different photo artists. The artist and photo artists practice different religions, each giving his or her own interpretation of the Tehillim chapters with influence of their own religions. The artist, Fred Spinowitz, spent one hour with the students, talking about the pieces in the gallery and answering questions.
Poetry Club Tryouts
by Eliana Farkas
After school on September 19th, Frisch’s Poetry team held tryouts in room thirty-eight. Students trying out for the club were asked to bring one free verse poem that they had written and recite it in front of the other people trying out. Seven students tried out. The poetry captain, Yehuda Hammerman, reviewed each student who tried out and recorded the recitation of their poems on video. He later reviewed the videos with Rabbi Fleischmann, the faculty head of the poetry club, to determine which students would make the Poetry team. Those who did not officially make the team were invited to any of the poetry team’s future breakfast meetings. The poetry team is scheduled to compete against other students in poetry slams in schools that include SAR, Rambam, Kushner and more over the course of the year.
Weekly Devrai Torah for Juniors
by Aiden Anhalt
During davening on September 21st in the junior minyan, it was announced that there would be a weekly d‘var Torah given by the women in the minyan. The program started with a d’var Torah from Julia Blinder on parsha Ki Tavoh. She said that one should not postpone Torah learning because the opportunity to engage in it may not always present itself. Therefore, no matter the condition, one should always try to learn as soon as possible. When asked about what the weekly d'var Torah added to the minyan, Rabbi Schulman said "a lot of time the teachers are the ones teaching in class but It's always nice to hear Torah from our piers and it's important for the women in our minyan to have a role of leadership."
Lecture on the Election
by Devin Berman
On September 20th, during Advisory for Tenth graders, a program was held regarding the upcoming election this November. The grade split into two groups and went to either the I Lab with Mrs. Kaplan, or the Shul with Mr. Dibartolo. At these meetings a lecture was given discussing the swing states, and the influence of polls. For example, the vote of Florida will likely decides who wins the election. There are fifteen swing states, and a grand total of one hundred and eighty nine votes for the electoral college. The swing States are mostly split, and the margin of victory in those States is usually less than three points. These meetings let the students know just how important every vote is and that everyone who can vote, should in this election.
Alumni Learning at YU
by Asaf Miller
Twenty-eight Frisch students went to Yeshiva University to learn with Frisch alumni on September 15th, 2016, at 6:05. When the students arrived they went to get dinner at "Golan Heights" and "Grandma's Pizza". Following dinner, the Frisch students went into the Yeshiva University Beit Midrash to hears words of Torah from Rav Yitzchak Cohen and Frisch alumni. The Frisch students had a great time in Yeshiva University as Jono Katz ('18) said "Learning with alumni is very inspiring because it helps me see what I can become in the future".
New Gym Options
by Aidan Thurm
This past monday, after evening prayer (minchah) on September 12, 2016, the gym options were posted outside of each prayer room. Students were able to look around and sign up for the gym option of their choice. Boys had the option to pick from basketball, body building, football, soccer, and tennis. One option was added for the boys that was not available last year, which was from Couch to 5k. Girls were given the options to sign up for basketball, football, kickboxing, yoga, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and zumba. From Couch to 5k is also a new elective for girls. When asked about from Couch to 5k junior Zachary Sklar responded “I am very excited to finally be able to run a 5k. I feel like this will give me the opportunity to stay fit throughout the year.”
Junior Varsity Volleyball Tryouts
by Arielle Epstein
Junior Varsity girls volleyball tryouts were held in the gym after school on Wednesday, September 14th. There were forty-two girls, more freshmen than sophomores, at the tryout. Six of them were returning sophomores from last years team. With the help of the seniors from the Varsity team, Frisch volleyball coach of almost 17 years, Ms. Tilp, tested the girls with drills and exercises. Throughout the two and half hour tryout, the girls were evaluated based on basic skill and technique. In addition, Coach Tilp was searching for girls who were aggressive and had potential to be good players. Coach Tilp said, “I always stress to the kids that if they don't make the team, it's not that I haven't seen those things. But I have to make the cut somewhere, or I’d be left with a huge team!”. Due to the large turnout, coach Tilp will be holding a second tryout sometime in the near future to narrow the group down, as there are only spots for six more girls.
Israel Advocacy Program
by Ariel Berman and Jake Lasher
This past Tuesday, September 20th there was an aisac program in the shul during eighth and ninth period that focused on advocating for Israel via social media, for all grades. The program was lead by Lahav Harkov, a senior knesset reporter for The Jerusalem Post. Mrs. Harkov is very active on twitter and talked to the students about what criticisms of Israel people may bring up on twitter.. Mrs. Harkov also spoke about trying to persuade the correct audience on social media, those who remain neutral in the matter.. Her goal was to teach the students ito adequately defend any verbal attacks on Israel. For example, a skill mentioned was critical reading, looking for words in the news that are biased against Israel. Lahav said that it is very important to have an arsenal of facts to defend Israel. Additionally, she taught that humor is a very successful tactic to obtain people’s attention and understanding. “I thought that the program really helped me on how to talk about Israel, and who to talk about it with.” -Eitan Zwebner (‘18)
Choir Tryouts
by Eliana Farkas
After School on Monday, September 19th, 2016, the Frisch choir, led by Mr. Josh Erlich, had tryouts and began the first choir meeting from 5:15 to 6:30pm in the Frisch music room with its ten members.The meeting commenced by separating and seating the members into groups of altos, sopranos, and tenors. After brief introductions and vocal warm ups, the choir learned a new song mashup called Hava Nashira/Hinei Ma Tov/Yachad. “My goals for this year are to do another collaboration with the band, this year singing a contemporary Israeli pop song( in contrast to last year’s performance with the band which was an English song). I would also like the choir to increase its presence by doing at least four performances this year, including at least one for the whole student body at Frisch. Finally, I’d like to see choir members become better performers by being more physically and emotionally engaged while singing”, Mr. Josh Erlich.
First Mishmar
by Eliana Farkas
Mishmar, an after school Judaic learning program, kicked off this past Thursday, September 15th in school from 5:00-5:50 pm. Some students chose to stay for the extra fifty minutes of learning in mishmar and would have to attend every week in order to exempt themselves from taking a Talmud final. Students have the option to choose from a variety of topics ,teachers, and locations for their after school learning. Sixteen different topics were offered. Some of the topics included: "kos shel eliyahu" taught by Rabbi Ciner, "life lesson from pirkei avot" by Rabbi fleischman, "growing vegetables and caring for the creatures of this earth" by Yosef Giller, and "Why does God care what we do", taught by Mrs. Wachstock. After mishmar, the school provided Donuts from the kosher Dunkin Donuts for all students. The feedback from students seemed positive, "Mishmar is amazing because it gives every student the ability to learn from new and old teachers. It gives us the ability to come together and remember the beauty of judaism "Michal White ('18).
Championship Pride
by Maury Bauer
Three new championship banners were hoisted at the beginning of this newest school year, adding the names of last year's winning teams to the roster of Frisch champions. Boys and Girls JV basketball and Girls JV volleyball all brought home the top trophies from their respective leagues. When asked about how he feels about the championship victory, Captain of the boys JV basketball team, Asaf Miller said, “championships live forever”.
Students Learn to Live Stream
by Jared Scharf
After Davening on September 20th, all Frisch students interested in being involved in live streaming Frisch sports games met in the 21st Century Lab. Rabbi Pittinsky spoke about the different roles in live streaming the games, such as videoing and announcing during the games, along with the advanced technology involved. Charlie Freilich (18) says “I love that Frisch started live streaming the games, because now more people have the option to watch the games. I have family in Israel who are now watching me play.”
Model UN Tryouts
by Jennifer Reznik
Model UN tryouts occurred this Monday night, September 19th. Led by Mr. Kastner, co-chair of the History Department in Frisch, the students who wished to try out had to read an article about refugees from Turkey and be prepared to answer questions on said article. Twenty-one students tried out for the club that only accepts six. Students who join this club will be given a country to study and represent on a United Nations committee. Other Jewish high school students will represent other countries in a three day United Nations tournament in Connecticut.
Welcoming New Faculty
by Jennifer Reznik
As Frisch opened it’s doors to the new school year, it also opened its arms to new faculty. Fourteen new faculty members were added to the Frisch family due to the retirement of teachers last year. These new teachers include Ms. Fass, Dr. Fuchs, Mrs. Himelstein, Ms. Kronenberg, Ms. Lejtman, Ms. London, Mr. Merritt, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Moskovich, Mrs. Nussbaum, Mrs. Orenbuch, Mrs. Reiter, Mrs. Weinberg, and Rabbi Weinberger. These new faculty members are learning to adjust to their new surroundings as they grow accustomed to the Frisch school.
“Everyone is so happy and helpful. Being a new teacher, there’s a lot to learn, but it’s been the most stress free start of school that I’ve had in a while.” Mrs. Reiter, a new spanish teacher at Frisch, exclaimed, describing how the kids have been helping her adjust to Frisch.
“When I read about the school, the core four values just stood out to me the most, and I remember them; community of kindness, religious growth, passion, and intellectual curiosity.” Mr. Merritt, a fresh face in the science and engineering department at Frisch, said. “Honestly, all four of those values were evident from day one and that just excited me. This really is a dream job.”
“Everyone is so happy and helpful. Being a new teacher, there’s a lot to learn, but it’s been the most stress free start of school that I’ve had in a while.” Mrs. Reiter, a new spanish teacher at Frisch, exclaimed, describing how the kids have been helping her adjust to Frisch.
“When I read about the school, the core four values just stood out to me the most, and I remember them; community of kindness, religious growth, passion, and intellectual curiosity.” Mr. Merritt, a fresh face in the science and engineering department at Frisch, said. “Honestly, all four of those values were evident from day one and that just excited me. This really is a dream job.”
Dance Tryouts
by Arielle Epstein
Twenty girls prepared and performed their own dances as that participated in the dance team tryouts on Monday, September 19th. After everyone performed their own dance, either by themselves or with a partner, the captain of the team taught the auditioners a short dance in order to test their ability to pick up dances quickly. Micki Foont (‘18), junior captain of the dance team, gave high praise to all the girls that tried out, “Everyone was great so it is so hard to choose when we only have ten spots open”. Micki explained that the captains are not just looking for the best dancer, they are also looking for someone who brings energy and fun to the squad.
New Track Coach
by Ben Lasher
Over the summer, Frisch announced that Joel Pasternack had been hired as the new Cross Country Track coach. Coach Pasternack is an accomplished runner and running coach, including having finished in 28th place in the 1974 Boston Marathon and having finished the 1972 Boston Marathon two minutes shy of qualifying for the 1972 Olympic Trials . Pasternack directs a running camp that takes place twice a week from September to November. He has coached many elite high school runners and hopes to bring the same success to Frisch.
Varsity Volleyball Tryouts
by Arielle Epstein
Junior and Senior girls who wanted to be on the varsity volleyball team gathered in the school gym after school on Tuesday, September 13th for tryouts. Because there were no girls that weren't on the varsity or jv team last year, Coach Adina Kwestel announced mid-tryout that everyone automatically made the team, so therefore the tryout became more of a first practice. The girls began with warm ups and spiking drills then moved on to practice serving. For the last hour they split up into two teams and played a game. The team is eager for the volleyball season to start.
Traffic Delays Students
by Jennifer Reznik
Frisch students and faculty members were forced to rush into the main office late, the morning of the September 14th, due to a car accident. The accident caused Route 17 and Century Road to be temporarily closed leading to the tardiness of the students and teachers who had hoped to be at school y 7:45. Because so many students arrived after the minyanim had begun, Rabbi Wald called for a late minyan. “It was really unfortunate that around 30 students came running into the office after davening, worried about being marked late, all because of a car crash that happened at 7:40.” Toby Moses, the main office secretary, stated. Students who were delayed getting into school were not marked absent for davening.
Varsity Basketball Tryouts
by Asaf Miller
On September 11th, 2016, from 2:00-4:25, the Frisch Cougars held varsity basketball tryouts led by guest coach Ron Ganulin. Twenty-one players showed up and the tryout began with a quick warm-up. The players were then taken through several team and individual drills, which gave each player a chance to showcase his talent. The coaches observed each player carefully so they could pick the team of 18. With a lot of competition for the 18 spots, one player said, “it would mean so much to me if I was selected to be part of this basketball team”.
Welcoming Breakfast
by Isaac Blumenthal
On Tuesday, September 6th, Frisch hosted a breakfast for eight transfer students. Amongst those students, three are juniors and the remaining five are sophomores. The purpose of the breakfast was to make the students feel comfortable coming to a new school. At this breakfast, the students were offered muffins, fruit, bagels and drinks. Rabbi Ciner and Rabbi Goldfischer spoke to the students for a few minutes each in the conference room. After their welcoming to Frisch, Mrs. Goldsmith brought the students for a tour around the school.
Annual Club Fair
by Aiden Anhalt and Aidan Thurm
On Tuesday September 12th the annual Club Fair was held in the back of the cafeteria, where students chose from a variety of extracurriculars. There were clubs such as the Dental Club, Yearbook Club, Lacrosse Club, Model UN, and many more. Each of these clubs provides an opportunity for students to get involved in something they are passionate about. When Harry Kramer (17’), the leader of the Finance Club, was asked what he thought the Club Fair added to the school, he said “It is important to involve yourself in things that are not necessarily taught in class and it is a good way to follow your own personal interests.”
Shorter School Day
by Ariel Berman
Over the summer the Frisch administration changed the class schedule. The school day will be ending at 4:59 p.m. as opposed to last year’s 5:12 p.m., so that now the school day will end ten minutes earlier than it has in past years. So as not to shorten the actual classes themselves, breakfast was shortened to twenty five minutes and both of the seven minute breaks were shortened to five minute breaks. In addition, the classes themselves were standardized to forty minutes each, rather than having them range from thirty seven minutes to forty one minutes as it has been in the past. The Friday schedule however will remain the same; eight periods, thirty one minutes each and dismissal at 1:17 p.m.
Lock Down Drill
by Eliana Farkas
On September 13, 2016, at 1:58 pm, the Frisch school executed a lock down drill. Principal Rabbi Ciner announced the drill on the loud speaker, designed to prepare students, should an actual emergency occur. Students in classrooms were led into an area out of sight from the doorway, where they remained quiet, and the teachers locked the doors. Students in more public areas were led by teachers into a secure area nearby. The lockdown lasted two minutes. “I'm glad to see that we have lockdown drills because it shows that the school thinks of us and cares about our safety”, Michal White (‘18).
New Cougar Cards
by Aiden Anhalt and Aidan Thurm
On Thursday September 8th, the students of the Frisch school received new cougar cards, distributed to track and limit the amount of paper students use for printing from their personal laptops. Frisch also installed a new self checkout program in the cafeteria that can be used with the new cards where students can type what they want to eat into a machine,it calculates the price, and the students simply swipe their cards. When asked about the new cards, junior, Leo Ottensosser, commented that he “is excited for the new cards at it will speed up the process of buying lunch.”
A Sweet First Day
by Eliana Farkas
On September 7, 2016, Frisch students returned to school after summer break. Students were welcomed by the school mascot, the Frisch cougar, as well as faculty members at the main entrance. Throughout the day, kids excitedly greeted their friends and teachers. Between first and ninth period, each grade was called to the shul to have a meeting with Rabbi Ciner and the rest of the administration. At Mincha time, the entire school joined together in the main shul to daven as a community. Following that, faculty members continued the annual Frisch tradition of throwing candy in the main stairwell, in order to express the idea that Torah is sweet.
New and Improved
by Eliana Farkas
Due to popular request, Frisch has made several enhancements over the summer to improve student life at school. Firstly, the day has been shortened by 10 minutes, and now ends at 4:59. This was done by removing the seven minute break on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in addition to shortening breakfast by ten minutes. The school has also made some new technological advances, including new and improved Wi-Fi and a personal device printing system. Lastly, the cafeteria has underwent some changes. They have brought back the Wicked-Spoon frozen yogurt as well as a variety of other food items. Clem now makes many more varieties of dough-based foods, such as calzones and cheesy pretzels.
