The Phoenix 2016-2017 Issue 1

Pathfinders Update: NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate

During the month of August this past summer, 33 Yeshivah of Flatbush students attended a bi-weekly class at NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate taught by professor Eric Stern (HS class of 2000). The course focused on giving students a deeper understanding of the real estate market. We learned everything from borrowing debt, development, to adding value to a project. The course included a site visit to a residential property in Soho, where we were given a tour by the property manager. We learned what it is like to manage a building and how to maximize profits. The course ended in a final project where students got together in teams to find a realistic, residential real estate deal. We then presented why this deal made sense in front of Professor Stern and other Schack deans and professors. We thank Professor Eric Stern, Ms. Hanon, and the rest of the Schack and Pathfinders teams for arranging this great course.  ~Joseph BenHaim, Class of 2017

Commission Fair 2016

This past Tuesday, the SGO held the annual Commission Fair.  The Commission Fair is an event that showcases all the extracurricular clubs, commissions, and academic teams offered in the school. Each commission made an explanatory and informative board or banner so that the students could easily learn about the commission and see what is most appealing to them. Many of our students partake in a variety of commissions and clubs to expand their interests and talents and make the most of their high school experience. Elliot Shamah, SGO president, said "this year's fair went exceptionally well. The presentations were just top notch.  I saw so many students signing up for different opportunities that ranged from Crochet Club to Mock Trail." ~SGO 2017

Freshman Day 2016!

Last Monday, we experienced Freshman Day!


We started the day with a special meet the principals breakfast, where we had the opportunity to hear from the principals of the school. We then were treated to a performance by students from the Drama Troupe. They performed a segment from the Broadway show, Hamilton, which expressed the struggles and benefits of transitions. Then, with the help of our senior mentors, we were divided into two teams per class. We played many games, like "balance the ping pong ball" and wrapping each other in toilet paper. The game I enjoyed the most was covering other classmates with tinfoil. I laughed so much when I saw how we had made one of our classmates look like an alien. Another game we played was the "birthday game". I enjoyed this game because it was nice to get to know all our classmates better. The day ended with inspirational messages from Dean of Students, Rabbi Besser. Freshman Day was a great opportunity for us to bond with our new classmates in a fun way. Thank you to Mrs. Winkler and the senior mentors for a great day!
~Lorraine Levy, Class of 2020

Pathfinders Update: Experiencing New York Fashion Week Firsthand

This past week, September 8th - 15th, was Fashion Week in New York City. Luckily, through our Pathfinder's Program, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the company, Couture Fashion Week. Thursday evening, I went to a hotel in the city for the orientation and was able to choose what type of job I wanted to work on. I chose working backstage. I explained to the manager of the company that I would not be able to make it Friday night and Saturday because of religious reasons and instead of not letting me be a part of the weekend at all, she gave me "special treatment" and let me be under her wing, working the best jobs for the days I could be there. Friday morning I helped designers put the final touches on the dresses, worked with models, and got to watch the models practice walking down the runaway before the show. I met some interesting people from all around the world ... I made one friend from the Ukraine, one from Sweden, and another from Australia. On  Sunday I continued to work with models and also worked as an usher for guests to direct them to their seats. The head of ushers requested that instead of working for the rest of the hour, I stay in the runway room to fill an empty seat. I was able to watch the full runway show in the front row! It was an amazing experience and I am thankful to Pathfinders and Mrs. Hanon for providing me with this opportunity.  ~Sari Cattan, Class of 2017

Lieutenant Eden Adler Addresses Sophomores

For the first week of school, the sophomores were shown an Israeli film called “Beneath the Helmet.” This documentary took the viewer through the intense basic training of soldiers in the Israeli Defence Forces. On Thursday, the Yeshivah of Flatbush hosted Eden Adler, a commander in the IDF that was featured in the film. Eden opened up the program with a trailer of “Beneath the Helmet’s” sequel. The new film highlights Mekonen, an Ethiopian Jew who immigrated to Israel and joined the army, as he travels back to his home town. During the assembly, Eden elaborated on his journey in the IDF and as a commander. There was a Q&A session at the end, where interested students asked Mr. Alder questions they had from the film or about the IDF in general. The sophomores really enjoyed both the film and the assembly and hope to see more interesting programs like this in the future.
 ~Sonny Setton, Class of 2019

Welcome Home: Orientation 2016

We've gotten off to a great start to the school year, filled with learning and smiles. We're building a positive school culture based upon respect, responsibility and caring -- see for yourselves as you watch this short video from Orientation!

Welcome Back Video 2016-2017/5777