SINCE 1958

THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER OF STERN COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, SY SYMS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, AND YESHIVA UNIVERSITY WWW.YUOBSERVER.ORG AUGUST 2019 ELUL 5779 “I AM CURIOUS, AND I AM COMING TO LEARN” Sivan Rahav Meir to Join Yeshiva University for the 2019-2020 Year

AUGUST 2019 ELUL 5779

NEWS Meir with husband Yedidya; the couple will be making the move with their five children. (Photo: Jerusalem Post) takes place at Hechal Shlomo in The idea to teach at Yeshi- As her visits increased, BY SARA SCHATZ Jerusalem) every Wednesday at va University came into fruition and her understanding of Jewish Stern College in both Hebrew and after Meir spent a significant life in America expanded, Meir’s On June 19th, renowned tours grew more and more Israeli journalist and recent World English. In addition, Meir intends amount of time in the States to stay at Stern for one or two as a scholar-in-residence after meaningful. Then, Rabbi Doron Mizrachi icon, Sivan Rahav-Meir, Peretz, the president of Mizra- announced on her Facebook page shabbatot on campus, have one- her weekly parsha shiur gained on-one meetings with students, massive popularity. “It was so chi, and Rabbi Dr. Stu Halpern, that she will be living in Manhattan Senior Advisor to the Provost of for the year with her husband and and guest lecture in multiple amazing to me because all I do is classes, including Professor Avital discuss the parsha -- what I find Yeshiva University, suggested five children. They will beshlichim that she come to America for (missionaries) for World Mizrachi Chizhik-Goldschmidt’s Features interesting,” she noted. “Sudden- Writing class, GPATS classes, ly, I found myself ten times in an entire year. Though it was a and this largely involves her teach- difficult decision to make, she ing students at Yeshiva University. and Professor Maria Blekher’s the states -- from Washington to The plan is to broadcast her week- Sy Syms class on Israeli Business Baltimore to Los Angeles to New Environments. York.” SEE SIVAN COMES TO ly parsha shiur (which currently YU, PAGE 4

NEWS NEWS SCWSC ENTERS FALL SEMESTER NO LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATIVES WITHOUT ELECTED PRESIDENT AT FIRST RA LGBTQ+ SENSITIVITY

BY RACHEL JACOBI TRAINING BY MOLLY MEISELS The Counseling We are entering this Center opted for a semester without an elected complicated events of last semes- Resident Advisor training straight therapist... person filling the role of ter. on the Beren and Wilf campuses SCWSC president. How Elections for the student incorporated historic firsts this rather than an expert did this atypical state of council of 2019-2020 were academic year. Along with the on LGBTQ+ issues. affairs come to pass? usual emotional support and Let us recap the SEE SCWSC ELEC- values training, on Monday, SEE LGBTQ+ TRAIN- TIONS, PAGE 5 ING, PAGE 8 INSIDE

YU = The Stern grad advocates Planned Parenthood: WELCOME Democratic Debates? for the deaf commu- Fact v. Fiction. BACK! nity. FROM THE OPINION, FEATURES, SCI-TECH, YU OBSERVER page 10 page 15 page 20 ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 EDITORIALS PAGE 2 EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL TEAM 2019-2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Meisels

MANAGING EDITOR Talya Hyman

COPY EDITOR Chaiy Bodek

NEWS EDITORS Tania Bohbot FROM THE EDITORS’ DESK: Rachel Jacobi Fruma Landa

BIGOTRY IS HERESY OPINIONS EDITORS Shayna Herszage TheObserver ’s Religious Mission Phillip Nagler to Eliminate Intolerance Elka Wiesenberg

be a religion of hostility, but one FEATURES EDITORS slaves...Instead of just walking BY MOLLY MEISELS of harmony. Yet our community Ellie Parker the streets and being stupid seems to have abandoned this. Hadassah Penn and violent and harming each Mikki Treitel hat is done cannot be It’s as if we have joined the side “W other, once they’re slaves, their of the oppressor, just to see what undone…” lives can begin to take shape.” After three years of over- it’s like. For once, we are not SCI-TECH EDITOR A respected rabbinical figure in Sarah Brill hearing snippets of bigoted con- the focus of American persecu- another yeshiva told a student tion. Therefore, many of us have versations at Yeshiva University, -- “You are going to hell, you often featuring statements like popped open bottles of cham- LAYOUT EDITOR shvartze [Yiddish slur for a Sara Schatz “he’s a f*g” or “Muslims are pagne, spritzing our comfort on person of color].” These occur- the graves of our ancestors -- terrorists,” I have become dis- rences are not isolated incidents, tanced from my idealism. forgetting what it feels like to be SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER and are growing in number. Yet hated, and, in turn, celebrating Shifra Lindenberg Although difficult to Judaism and bigotry do not, and grapple with, I know that hate while others suffer. must not, go together. These This cannot remain the has found a home in the Ortho- rabbis are not promoting Jewish dox world. Rabbis, teachers, po- status quo. We, as Jews, have values with their rhetoric, they Founded by the women of litical figures, and writers have an obligation to combat intoler- are disgracing them. Anyone, no Yeshiva University’s Stern all jumped on the bandwagon ance and hatred, especially Jews matter their stature, who clings College in 1958, The Observer of bigotry, while flaunting the in the journalistic community. to prejudice while claiming that is the independent newspaper Torah as their shield. This has Writing has the power to change Torah values are in their court, of Stern College for Women, given many YU students the realities. It has shaped religion, chooses to do so. Judaism does Sy Syms School of Business, unspoken permission to hide gender, and family structures, not live or die under a banner of especially Jewish ones. We are and Yeshiva University. behind holy text, allowing God bigotry. and our ancestors to take the fall the People of the Book, and writ- The Observer is an independent for their personal prejudice. ing has been fundamental to the Anyone, no matter student publication, self-funded Recently, a YU student progress of our practice. and published on a proudly stated to me that sup- their stature, who Just as Jewish com- monthly basis throughout porting gay rights is apikorut clings to prejudice munities have used writing to the academic year. Views (heresy) because “caring [for]... progress societies, they have also while claiming that expressed in The Observer people that go against halacha used writing to regress them. Torah values are in are those of the writers and is heretical.” I do not blame this This has been made clear by the do not necessarily reflect student for his intolerant views their court, chooses Jewish Press, a lauded Orthodox those of the editorial board because I understand that this to do so. publication, run by an editor in or the student body, faculty, issue is bigger than him. He is chief who tweets, “How about and administration of Yeshiva merely the product of a zealous this exchange? Whites give Hillel, one of the most University. All Observer Orthodox establishment that blacks money, and blacks public- revered rabbis in our tradition, content is copyrighted and finds no issue with “corrobo- ly thank whites for giving them understood this. When he said, may not be reprinted without rating” its hatred with Torah Christianity to replace the prim- “What is hateful to you, do itive African religions they were permission. sources. The zealotry begins not do to your fellow: this is with those at the top -- rabbis practicing when they got here.” the whole Torah; the rest is the Please visit us at www.yuobserver. who directly influence Ortho- His Twitter is bursting with rac- explanation; go and learn,” he org. dox young adults. For instance, ist and homophobic analyses. He was not excluding the LGBTQ+ even claims that white national- earlier this year, an Israeli rab- community or people of color. binical figure at Bnei David, a Hillel, along with generations of yeshiva in the West Bank, said, leading rabbinical scholars, un- SEE BIGOTRY IS “The gentiles will want to be our derstood that Judaism was not to HERESY, PAGE 3 PAGE 3 EDITORIALS ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 EDITORIALS reality is not contemplated by to distance ourselves from big- BIGOTRY IS HERESY the editorial board of the Jewish otry, and we know that a new Press generation of journalism can No matter if you are FROM PAGE 2 . The article uses the Torah to support and reinforce intol- accomplish that. The Observ- ultra-Orthodox or an erant claims, feeding the flames er will embrace the religious ism and supremacism do not exist, traditions of our ancestors by atheist; straight or and are merely figments of the of pain which rest in the hearts of Jewish LGBTQ+ individuals. writing as an expression of our gay; cisgender or progressive imagination. values -- values of tolerance, His intolerance does not This is the blueprint of bigotry transgender; white that many Orthodox Jews have advocacy, and acceptance. or a person of color, end with personal tweets. The Instead of using the Torah as Jewish Press chosen to follow. recently published a shield, we will use the Torah you have a home in an article titled, “The Pride Pa- But change is imminent. As the future of the Orthodox to shield the vulnerable. No the Observer. We will rade - What Are They Proud Of?” matter if you are ultra-Orthodox This piece relentlessly bashes the world, we – the young women write for you and we and men of Yeshiva University or an atheist; straight or gay; will fight for you. LGBTQ+ community, without cisgender or transgender; white even recognizing that many of the – have a responsibility to trans- form the Jewish community. The or a person of color, you have a Jewish children unlucky enough to home in the Observer. We will read the piece, are gay or transgen- Observer takes on that respon- We will not allow our people to sibility with pride. We believe write for you and we will fight descend into darkness. der. These children will live their for you. lives in shame and sorrow, soak- that Yeshiva University and the ...but one can prevent it ing in their self-loathing. But this broader Jewish community need happening again.” - Anne Frank THERE IS NOTHING BUT YOUR TRUTH

(Photo: Pixabay) your heart, all the promises and BY TALYA HYMAN could not tell a lie. A falsified tradition, who in turn changed the conviction had been forced upon good sayings in your mouth, and world for eternity. Even when the them, but the five forcefully all the good thoughts in your heart. entire world was against him and stood by their own conviction: Rather you must arise and do!” the even when met with tests from G-d ear, O Israel: Hashem is “H the steadfast and fierce belief in Kotzker Rebbe is attributed with Himself, Avraham continuously our G-d, Hashem is One.” their innocence. Standing with saying. The values we claim to live fulfilled his truth by fighting for When They See Us, stolen lives and shattered dreams, by mean nothing if they are not G-d’s immanent and transcendent creator Ava DuVernay’s Netflix the five teens’ power lay in their reflected in the actions we perform Truth to be manifest in the physical miniseries masterpiece based choice to remain in a land of and the lives we live. We must be world. Our first father teaches us on real-events, is a painful and metal bars rather than live a lie. engaged in constant self-analysis to demand the truth-- whether that eye-opening depiction of Kevin The undying belief they had in to determine the root of our inten- be religiously, spiritually, socially, Richardson, Antron McCray, themselves as good people, with tions. Am I merely seeking for oth- or politically-- for ourselves and of Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, and integrity, served as their lifelines ers to view me in a certain positive ourselves, and to infuse that truth Raymond Santana Jr.-- the five as they endured the most trying light, or am I actualizing my soul into all that we do, everyday of our Black and Hispanic teenagers and debilitating of circumstances. to the world? lives. dubbed the Central Park Five, As the saying goes, if Living your truth is baring and now, the Exonerated Five-- you are going through hell, keep What is the one val- your soul to the world. So now who were unethically charged going. Even when the world they I turn to my Yeshiva University and falsely convicted for the ue, belief, assertion knew and loved went mad, when community -- to you. What is your brutal assault and rape of a they were forced to confront that in your life that makes truth? What is the one value, belief, woman in the 1989 Central Park very same world devoid of jus- you get up in the assertion in your life that makes Jogger case. The reality of the tice, Kevin, Antron, Yusef, Korey, morning, that makes you get up in the morning, that injustice shocked me and infuri- and Raymond clung to their one makes you proud of who you are, ated me and broke me. The five you proud of who you reality that remained unmoved that makes you believe in yourself? boys’ resilience, strength, and and impenetrable as they walked are, that makes you No matter your truth, awaken to it morality put me back together through their own hell: the truth. believe in yourself? and live it. Live like Kevin, Antron, again. Truth, we learn from Yusef, Korey, and Raymond. Live Following the heart-shat- Rabbi Menachem Mendel Mor- like the Kotzker Rebbe. Live like tering sentencing of Kevin, gensztern of Kotzk, the Kotzker The Torah personality Avraham Avinu. Most of all, live Antron, Yusef, and Raymond to Rebbe, is only achieved when whom I feel most embodies the like yourself. And then you will juvenile facilities and Korey’s we confront the inner recesses of actualization of his soul is our be able to say that you have lived sentence to adult prison, the our hearts and souls and demand forefather Avraham, the revolu- an authentic life aligned with your five teenagers were offered the authentic lives of ourselves. “Do tionary truth-seeker. Avraham beliefs and values: a life of Truth. opportunity of parole if they not be satisfied with the speech was the first monotheist, the first “I am Hashem, your G-d: It confessed to the crime. They of your lips and the thought of believer in the eternal Truth of our is true.” ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 NEWS PAGE 4 NEWS NEW DEAN OF SY SYMS SHARES HIS VISION

perimenting with adding more this upcoming year!” Recent Sy Syms included the attendance of 30 experiential and practice-oriented BY RACHEL JACOBI graduate Jacob Edinger, Syms ‘19, early-stage elements to their courses.” With concurs, “I’m really excited for Dean regards to the changes that will Before coming to Yeshiva Wassermen to elevate the academic be implemented, Dean Wasser- University to take over as the standards and integrity of Syms.” man credits the faculty as the dean of Sy Syms School of Busi- Dean Wasserman certainly “core to all these efforts.” As a ness, Dr. Noam Wasserman was does have ambitions for elevating result, faculty development will a professor at the University of academic standards. He describes be prioritized both in research Southern California. On top of his enthusiastic vision for Syms and and in teaching. being a professor, he acted as the says,“Over the last three months, I

founding director of the Founder have been working with the faculty, Central, an initiative that guides other Deans, and supporters of the Dean Wasserman officially be- founders and startup builders with “We will continue to gan his position in mid-May 2019. school to identify priorities in each of (Photo: YUNews) early decisions. Prior to his time three key stages of life: the undergrad- tap the voice of the at USC, Dean Wasserman was uate program, the graduate program, -- through founders of the YU Innovation an award-winning professor at student and post-graduation continuing edu- continuing my chats Lab, and they learned about nav- Harvard Business School for 13 cation. This year, we will be making igating early decisions. Future years, where he created and taught major inroads in each of these three with students... bootcamps are on the horizon a popular elective course. Dean stages.” through... modes of for Angel Investors, as well as Wasserman has also authored two One of the changes that Dean communication that for those looking to learn about bestselling books -- The Found- Wasserman has put forth is the im- solidifying and strengthening the er’s Dilemma: Anticipating and provement of the Honors program. we’ll tap on an ongo- leadership of nonprofit organiza- Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Honors students were consulted to ing basis.” tions. Sink a Startup and Life is a Start- create a “wishlist” for what they want- - Dr. Noam Dr. Wasserman’s prior- up: What Founders Can Teach Us ed built within the program. Their Wasserman ities as the new Dean include about Making Choices and Man- feedback was used as a resource, ensuring that a Sy Syms edu- aging Change. along with a multi-year donation, to cation will provide “Day 1 Job Dean Wasserman’s arrival increase the Honors program course Readiness” in Syms students at Yeshiva University has been offerings by 40% this semester be- -- this will enable the success Yeshiva University grad- met with optimism by Sy Syms tween the Beren and Wilf campuses. of their job search, allowing uate schools can expect to see students. Shaiel Soleimani, Vice Dean Wasserman plans on them to become immediate and programs that are “more cohesive President of Sy Syms Student instituting changes that have already invaluable contributors upon and practice oriented.” There will Council, says, “Dean Wasser- started and he will continue to invest being hired. Dean Wasserman be a launching of a new MS in man is a great addition to YU. effort in the faculty. Dean Wasser- says, “We are exploring when Real Estate program and a more He truly cares about the students man explains, “Most centrally, we are and how to encourage students general MS in Finance pro- and what is best for them. He has working on strengthening the teaching to focus on two areas within Sy gram. More broadly, for college many visions and goals for Syms. across the board, and on investing Syms (e.g. business analytics graduates, continued education He is empowering and engaging additional effort and resources in the programs have already been with faculty, staff, and students. Honors program in particular.” He implemented. Dean Wasserman’s SEE NEW SYMS DEAN, I cannot wait to learn from him has particularly found the faculty full-day Founder Bootcamp PAGE 7 and continue working with him to be “delightfully receptive to ex- NEWS PAGE 4 AUGUST 2019

SIVAN COMES TO YU rael founded in 1902, is to connect beyond… [which] shows what the entire public,” Rav Taragin FROM PAGE 1 Jews around the world to Israel. impact she has not only on the indicated. “Simply, her character They accomplish this in numerous religious tzibbur (public), but will have a greater impact on the ways, most significantly by bring- US as a whole.” eventually concluded that living ing the best of Israel’s religious However, Meir is partic- with her brothers and sisters in content to diasporic communities. ularly excited for her stay at YU. America was an opportunity she “I think she brings some- However, Meir is par- “YU in Israel’s eyes is an icon,” could not pass up. Together with thing very unique to the YU ticularly excited for her Meir stated. “I feel really priv- her husband and five children, world,” Rav Taragin stated. “On stay at YU. “YU in Isra- ileged to be part of such a pre- she hopes to create a dialogue the one hand, she is a very reli- miere, respected team. We have with American Jews, in addition gious woman, while on the oth- el’s eyes is an icon,” a lot to learn from you and your to “teach[ing], learn[ing], experi- er hand, she is someone deeply Meir stated. “I feel real- communities from the Judaism enc[ing], hear[ing], absorb[ing]… involved in the broader culture, ly privileged to be part you’ve built. I am curious, and I any other verbs?” she joked. which is essentially what YU of such a premiere, am coming to learn!” Rav Reuven Taragin, stands for.” Stay tuned for more Educational Director of the World Beyond her homebase at respected team. We information on Meir’s arrival and Mizrachi Movement, noted that YU, Meir will be speaking as a have a lot to learn from programming schedule! the idea stemmed from the rela- scholar-in-residence at various you and your commu------tionship Meir and her husband, synagogues and shuls in North nities from the Judaism Author’s note: The author would Yedidya, had with the diasporic America, and beyond that, will like to thank Mrs. Sivan Ra- community in general, particular- hopefully get involved in the press you’ve built. I am curi- hav-Meir, Rabbi Reuven Taragin, ly World Mizrachi. The goal of in the United States. ous, and I am coming and Rabbi Dr. Stuart Halpern for World Mizrachi, the first Reli- “She is very much a to learn!” taking the time to help make this gious Zionist organization in Is- tone-setter in journalism and article possible. PAGE 5 NEWS ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 MAY’S ELEVATOR FREE-FALL PROMPTS CONCERN AND QUESTIONS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

Brookdale Hall, sight of the elevator free-fall. (Photo: YU, Stern Orientation 2017)

are out of service, the efficien- BY MOLLY MEISELS security officer to radio someone dents is of utmost priority…YU has over to rescue me.” After being cy of the institution declines. been making significant investments When Shifra Lindenberg, rescued, the guard disclosed to The Stern College in building infrastructure…Over SSSB ‘20, fell four stories in a Lewis that the “elevator ha[d] alumnus was frustrated for this past summer, every elevator Brookdale Residence Hall ele- been having problems for a much of the 2018-2019 aca- has received an upgrade to its door vator in May, many members of while, yet it was still running.” demic year. She says, “I had to locking mechanism.” In response to the student body were outraged. The YU alumnus wonders what get to the school building half parents’ concerns over Lindenberg’s Elevators throughout the Yeshiva would have occurred had there an hour early for my 9 a.m. May incident, Apfelbaum says that University campuses have been been a medical emergency. class to make sure I got in the Lindenberg did not “‘free fall’ as re- out of service, breaking down, and Besides for students elevator…sometimes I had to ported... [the incident] was the result trapping students for years, incon- getting stuck and suffering from walk up to the fourth floor… of the malfunction of the system that veniencing most and acting as a head injuries, the constantly because I couldn’t get a spot...” tells the elevator computer which debilitating obstacle for some. But malfunctioning elevators neg- floor the car is located.” This report when Lindenberg experienced what atively impact students with contradicts Lindenberg’s, as Apfel- she claims to be a “free fall” in disabilities. Yeshiva University’s baum further states that “Elevators, the 20-story residence hall, which Student Bill of Rights says that including the Brookdale cars, have houses most incoming students, “students who are otherwise Besides for students multiple redundant safety systems… qualified to attend the Universi- to ensure that it cannot ‘free fall’.” parents and students were alarmed. getting stuck and What is currently most concerning ty have the right to reasonable However, Lindenberg’s to YU community members is that accommodation of their phys- suffering from head account is not the only instance of the accident gave Lindenberg a con- ical or learning disabilities as injuries, the constant- an elevator dropping at Yeshiva cussion which she is still suffering provided by the Americans with ly malfunctioning University. In mid-July at Cardozo Disabilities Act.” A recent Stern School of Law, Yeshiva Universi- from. elevators negatively Jonathan Lewis, YC ’16, is graduate who developed mus- ty’s graduate institution, a first-year not surprised by this turn of events. cular atrophy in her left knee impact students with student got stuck in an elevator and In the 2015-2016 academic year, he while at Stern, believes that the disabilities. experienced what she called a “free got stuck in the Morgenstern Resi- constantly broken elevators do fall.” The medium-sized elevator dence Hall elevator – the residence not conform to this rule. During contained seven Cardozo students Observer hall housing male upperclassmen. the past academic year, two of The asked and the elevator repairman him- He did not panic at first. Lewis told the three 245 Lexington Ave Yeshiva University Facilities if self, who just claimed to have fixed the Observer, “[I decided to] press elevators were out of service for anything would be changing for the infamously broken elevator. the phone button… no answer... a bulk of the year. 245 Lexington the upcoming semester. Randy She says, “We went up a couple of [I] call[ed] security on my cell is one of two academic buildings Apfelbaum, Chief Facilities phone…no answer. I needed to call for the Beren campus. Due to its and Administrative Officer, SEE ELEVATORS, my friend in the library to fetch a foot-traffic, when its elevators says, “The safety of our stu- PAGE 6

SCWSC [p]resident [c]andidates’ ing materials must be down by stipulation in the campaign guide- SCWSC ELECTIONS campaigns due to rule ambiguities Monday, May 6th at 9:30 am, no lines. FROM PAGE 1 and rule breaking.” There was no exceptions. As of this morning, Because the canvassing clarity provided about what pre- multiple posters and promotional committee was comprised of grad- originally slated for May 2, cisely the allegations were against materials were still up in favor uating seniors, the second reelec- 2019, but when the results were the candidates. A reelection was of both candidates in the school tion was delegated to the Office posted, the winner for the role of scheduled for May 6, 2019 between building and in the dorms, and as a of Student Life. At this time, no president was conspicuously ab- the two candidates, Talya Saban and result we feel it is most appropriate members of the Office of Student sent. Instead, there was a vague Shanee Markovitz. that both candidates for SCWSC Life have responded to our requests postscript: “Due to a lack of On May 6, 2019, instead [p]resident are disqualified.” for information on what the reelec- clarity in campaign policy, a new of posting the results of the reelec- Currently, the recent- tion process will look like or when election will be administered for tions, the canvassing committee ly enacted constitution that was it could be expected to take place. SCWSC president this Monday.” announced that the candidates were ratified on May 29, 2019, includes While both previous candi- On May 5, 2019, an once more in violation of various as part of its election campaign dates have been termed eligible to update by the canvassing com- stipulations. This time the violations guidelines in Section IV, that “no run for the SCWSC president po- mittee was posted, citing no clear were specified. The canvassing campaign materials may be public- sition again this fall, neither have winner for the role of SCWSC committee stated, “With this second ly displayed before the first day of supplied a comment about what president as a result of “multi- round of election came the stipula- campaigning begins.” The previous their plans are for the upcoming ple allegations regarding both tion that all posters and campaign- constitution did not include this reelections. ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 NEWS PAGE 6 NEWS NEWS

THE MOTHERHOOD CENTER OF NEW YORK SHOULD BE A RESOURCE FOR STERN STUDENTS

the Baby Blues, Postpartum Anxi- for mothers to know that they BY TANIA BOHBOT ety, Postpartum OCD, Postpartum are not alone and that the anx- iety they felt and the hardships otherhood does not just start Psychosis, and more. M The Motherhood Cen- they have gone through are with a pregnancy glow. It does not All of these bodily adjust- ter is located...right normal. just make your hair longer and your ments and mentality shifts can The Motherhood Center nails stronger. It is not only a time make a woman feel weak. But this around the corner acknowledges that pregnan- when you feel overwhelming joy due is not what women are raised to from Stern College cy and motherhood not only to the knowledge that you are with believe. We are raised to believe for Women. If you or a affect the mother, but impact child. that pregnancy is beautiful, that loved one is having a any relationship the mother Pregnancy is difficult, and the real women, can and should be, has. When a new baby arrives, aftermath can oftentimes be worse. able to go through the motions of difficult time transition- the relationship between the During pregnancy, one’s hormones pregnancy with ease. We are taught ing into motherhood, parents expands to include the are all over the place, certain foods that motherhood should be easy, please do not be afraid new baby. This change can be are dangerous for the baby, and most fully fueled by the joy of having a to call or head over to difficult and can put a strain on others lead to nausea. There are child. However, that is not the case; the relationship of new parents. biological changes caused by preg- as with everything in life, there is a the clinic. Everyone The Motherhood Center aids nancy as well -- some individuals’ difficult side to the journey and it is needs help from time partners to strengthen their rela- taste buds change and some have also okay to ask for help. NEWS to time, and that’s tionships by helping themPAGE max 4 - trouble controlling their bladders. For The Motherhood Center is alright. imize intimacy and affection, some, bladder control is so difficult an organization that provides sup- prevent harmful fights, improve that they need to wear a diaper. Many port for new and expecting moth- communication, compromise, pregnant people cannot handle the ers. It is staffed by psychiatrists, partner groups as well. In the co-parent, and more. changes in their weight and develop therapists, specialists, and a kind, New and Expecting Mom’s Beyond support groups an eating disorder. warmhearted staff that is driven PMAD support groups, moth- and clinics, the Motherhood Some pregnant women are to aid women in the difficult chal- ers are given the opportunity to PAGE 6 Center offers health and well- ashamed to admit that they develop lenge that is motherhood. They host surround themselves with the ness classes, classes for par- mood and anxiety disorders postpar- support groups, such as New and support of other mothers sharing ents, and training courses for tum, such as Postpartum Depression, Expecting Mom’s PMAD and their struggles. It is comforting those who would like to help themselves and become doulas. Along with these classes and ELEVATORS due to the event. Street station, also managed support groups, the Motherhood FROM PAGE 5 Students believe that by Schindler, “experienced 83 Center provides a day program events like these should not be outages on average over…[a] for pregnant and postpartum occurring anywhere, least of all women. floors, but when the door was sup- 15-month period.” NY1 re- at a university, especially since, According to the Moth- posed to open, it didn’t…Unfortu- ported that the MTA expressed as Apfelbaum quoted to the Ob- erhood Center, their “day nately, though, the elevator started frustration with the company. server, YU hired a new elevator program is a safe, comforting to rumble a bit, and then began to With that being said, maintenance contractor in late space for pregnant and postpar- free fall, luckily not falling more students care less about Schin- winter -- Schindler Elevator. tum women who are dealing than a floor or two. The elevator dler and more about how the However, Schindler Elevator has with moderate to severe de- repairman kept saying that it was elevators will run this academ- had various maintenance issues pression, anxiety or a similar ‘just working when I tested it’… ic year. They hope that eleva- in the past. On May 31st, 17 New frantically pressing the buzzer tor malfunctions will be the Yorkers were trapped in an eleva- and call buttons, but they weren’t least of their college woes. tor managed by Schindler at the SEE MOTHERHOOD working.” The student inter- new Q-train 72nd Street station. CENTER, PAGE 7 viewed suffered an anxiety attack The ten escalators at the 72nd PAGE 7 NEWS ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 NEWS HISTORY REPEATS: BOARD SOUNDINGS: OLD NEW VOICE From the Observer Archives (November 10th, 1966)

istence and do consider us BY RIVKAH LANDESMAN when something important is involved. The “Observer” has had many problems in the past not the least of which has been its lack of prestige We have been recog- and consequent lack of self-confi- nized as the “voice of dence. the school.” We now Recognizing the problem, we have pledged ourselves to remedy look to our fellow stu- this situation before tackling any dents for recognition other major “Observer” maladies, in and assistance. the hope that one shot of confidence will cure many of our other ills. These were giant Until very recently, I was steps toward self-respect certain that the administration rarely spurred by the knowledge read our issues and ignored the ones that we do have latent pres- ing, and letter-writing. they did scan. But the deans’ assis- been accorded honor and dignity tige. by the administration. We now tance by by arranging a meeting for We need all these aids. The stu- We have been given look to our fellow students for us with Dr. Belkin, in asking Public dent-body has been “short-chang- a large shot of confidence by recognition and assistance. Relations to withhold news of the ing” the “Observer” while crit- the administration and we ------grant until the “Observer” released icizing its lack of initiative and needed it. Editor’s Note: “History Repeats it, by urging us to print an unprec- successful journalism. The student body may is a new series of articles from edented “extra,” were all evidence We have been recognized as now more readily contribute the archives. We hope you enjoy. that they do acknowledge our ex- its skills in reporting, advis- the “voice of the school.” We have

recent addition to YU and many WHEN THERE’S A WORLD OF YU CLUB NEW SYMS DEAN students have not yet had the OPPORTUNITIES... FAIR FALL FROM PAGE 4 chance to interact with him. 2019 However, those who have worked WEDNESDAY, plus accounting for people who with him have only positive SEPTEMBER can leverage the power of both, remarks. Miriam Schloss, the 10TH or finance plus entrepreneurship president of the Sy Syms Student WILF: 5:45 PM, for people who might want to do Council, says, “I’ve been working BEREN: 7:30 PM fintech intrapreneurship), and how on a few initiatives with Dean FIND YOURS. groups and classes so that every to facilitate students graduating Wasserman’s help and direction MOTHERHOOD CENTER with both undergraduate and grad- over the summer, and it’s been mother receives the help that FROM PAGE 6 uate degrees to strengthen their a pleasure to work with him. they deserve. prospects on the job market. Initial He’s been incredibly receptive The Motherhood Cen- ter is located at 205 Lexington great jobs will then set the table to implementing new ideas and perinatal mood disorder. Each Avenue, New York, NY 10016, for impactful careers and lives.” has offered whatever support I day involves a holistic treatment on the corner of 32nd and Lex- In the midst of these need to make them a reality.” She approach including individual and ington -- right around the corner changes, Dean Wasserman em- also encourages that “he actively group therapy, yoga, meditation, from Stern College for Women. phasizes,“We will continue to tap seeks student feedback about the education and a lot of support.” If you or a loved one is having a the voice of the student -- through Syms experience. If anyone has This program includes an on-site difficult time transitioning into continuing my chats with students; thoughts that they would like to nursery staffed by professionals motherhood, please do not be through having them provide their share, I know that he would love who are experts in mother-infant afraid to call or head over to the professors with mid-semester to have the opportunity to listen.” attachment. This program is open clinic. Everyone needs help from feedback about what’s going well In his short tenure, Dean Monday-Friday from 9:45AM time to time, and that’s alright. in the course and should be rein- Wasserman has made positive until 2:40PM. The Motherhood Cen- forced, and what can be strength- inroads, and has a wide reaching Motherhood can be hard, ter can be reached at (212) ened during the remaining half of vision that many Syms students but it should not be anxiously done 335-0034. Their website is the semester; and through other are excited about. We can all look alone. The Motherhood Center themotherhoodcenter.com and modes of communication that forward to seeing what Dean works with all mothers to min- their address is 205 Lexington we’ll tap on an ongoing basis.” Wasserman has in store for the imize the costs of their support Dean Wasserman is a future of Sy Syms. Ave, New York, NY 10016. Y don’t U write for The Observer? to join us, contact [email protected] ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 NEWS PAGE 8 NEWS PAGE 6 hopeful. However, instead of focused on gender and sexuality. share the area -- the goal being not LGBTQ+ TRAINING asking him to facilitate the She works with university coun- to make those who disagree with FROM PAGE 1 LGBTQ+ sensitivity training, seling centers to help them run LGBTQ+ lifestyles uncomfortable they reached out to him for educational workshops, and says either. Additionally, the training August 19th, RAs were given advice on how to conduct it. that “topic matter is dependent had no mention of referrals to re- a session on LGBTQ+ sensi- Levovitz, a YU alumnus, was upon the needs of the university.” sources for LGBTQ+ students and tivity. The sensitivity training, told that JQY could not have When she worked for NYU’s it did not offer the RAs tips on how called “Respecting Differenc- a part in the training. Levovitz Health Center she provided crisis to connect LGBTQ+ students with es,” was led and facilitated by says, “[YU] said they want to intervention “in areas of suicide support, clinics, hotlines, Jewish Michele Demry, an Orthodox do a training, but they can’t prevention, trauma, sexual as- LGBTQ+ organizations, or other psychotherapist with a private have the person running the sault, LGBTQ concerns, sub- LGBTQ+ students. Nissel says that practice on the Upper West training be affiliated with any stance abuse, eating disorers, un- the “YU Counseling Center staff Side. Demry says that the LGBTQ+ organization, be- planned pregnancy, and illness.” was present at both trainings...and training was meant to “increase cause that A LGBTQ+ YU we discussed how to best help all sensitivity and awareness.” is not ap- student who our students.” When asked about what propriate wishes to remain While Parker gave the prompted this training, Dean for Yeshi- anonymous told Observer insight into the Beren RA Chaim Nissel, YU’s Dean va Uni- the Observer training, three Wilf RAs decline to of Students, says, “We have versity.” that while they comment on their training, saying discussed LGBTQ issues in the He does believe Demry’s that it makes them “uncomfort- past and this year we decided not un- training is “a step able” to do so. Beren RA opin- to bring in an outside profes- derstand in the right direc- ions on the training were split on sional to help guide the discus- how one tion...if [Demry] ideological lines. Parker says that sion.” According to the RAs can teach doesn’t specialize “the [RAs] who lean to the left said in attendance, the information LGBTQ+ in LGBTQ+ is- that ‘we should accept gay people,’ presented during the two hour sensitiv- sues and advoca- and those more to the right [said], session was basic and includ- ity without a member of the cy, then there’s no saying whether ‘I don’t want gay people on my ed definitions of the identities LGBTQ+ community and is or not what [she] said was accu- floor’.” Demry told a Beren RA encompassed by LGBTQIA+. disappointed that there was no rate or appropriate.” that the Wilf training was a mixed Demry tells the Observer, LGBTQ+ representative pres- Ellie Parker, SSSB ‘20, bag. Half of the men in attendance “Much of what I presented ent to plead a personal case. a Resident Advisor at Beren, were receptive and aware, while were current facts, education- He fears that the training was says that the session was reactive the other half were making light al information, and questions not intended to help LGBTQ+ instead of proactive. The train- of the serious topic. Levovitz says to stimulate thinking.” The people, but meant to throw YU ing’s title, “Respecting Differ- that these jokes could have been session was full of fact and one LGBTQ+ advocates a bone, ences,” came into play strongly, avoided “if a LGBTQ+ facilitator RA says that it lacked emotion. allowing YU to paint them- as RAs were encouraged to take or student were there to make it Over the last few selves as “progressive and LGBTQ+ issues on a case-by- human.” months, advocates have been accepting.” NEWScase basis and act according to Parker says that the reactivePAGE 4 pressuring Yeshiva University The Counseling Center their comfort levels and the com- nature of the session indicates “our to provide visibility and sup- opted for a straight therapist fort levels of students on their attitude towards gay students at port for its LGBTQ+ students. who is not affiliated with floors. Parker states, “It was very YU. [It’s not] -- ‘I’d love to make That is why, when Mordechai Orthodox LGBTQ+ groups in much a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ situ- this a place you’d want to go.’ It’s Levovitz, the founding director the tri-state area, rather than ation.” With regards to how to act really a place of -- ‘If you’re here, of Jewish Queer Youth (JQY), an expert on LGBTQ+ issues. when a student hangs up a Pride I guess we’ll make you comfort- an Orthodox organization Demry, while an experienced flag or a “Safe Space” sticker, able’.” for LGBTQ+ young perople, therapist and successful ed- RAs were told that allowing it is ------received a call from the YU ucator, works on dozens of never a definite yes, as it must be Editor’s Note: If you identify as issues and is not particularly LGBTQ+, reach out to lgbtqyu@ Counseling Center, he was NEWSa conversation with others who gmail.com . PAGE 4

The YU Observer QUOTE OF THE MONTH August 2019

“One must forget many clichés in order to behold a single image. In- sight is the beginning of percep- tions to come rather than the ex- tension of perceptions gone by.” - Rabbi Abraham Joshua Hes- chel, The Prophets (1962)

Have a quote you’d like to share? Email [email protected] PAGE 9 OPINION ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 OPINION

(Photo: Pixabay) LESS THAN BEST IS NOT OKAY REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH

Center. Just because I want to talk many make it out to be. Well, sometimes, you’re BY ELKA WIESENBERG about how to improve it does not Because of this, many told there isn’t time. mean it’s not worth going to right students need help. They need The second problem The parallel between mental now. I want it to be better, but someone to turn to, to talk to. is that the Counseling Center, health and physical health has been it’s already an appropriate place They need the Counseling Cen- whether truthfully or not, claims drawn many times, often in terms for you to go if you’re struggling ter. not to have the resources to take of de-stigmatizing the former. Just with mental health in any way. The first problem, one everyone who needs them more as you would sympathize with a that must be remedied with than a couple times. friend who reveals a chronic phys- efforts by both the Counseling YU, if you do not have ical illness, not G-d forbid judge or YU, if you do not have the Center and students combined, is the proper resources to provide condescend because of it, that’s the proper resources to pro- the stigma around therapists. No, your students with as much attitude you should have towards vide your students with as going to the trained professionals mental health care as they re- mental health. much mental health care at the Counseling Center does quire, it’s time to up your game. Let’s use that parallel one as they require, it’s time not mean you’re crazy — wheth- It’s NOT okay to turn a student more time. Just like you wouldn’t to up your game. It’s NOT er or not you have a mental ill- away when he or she needs you accept anything less than the best okay to turn a student ness, you’re not crazy. It actually most. Oftentimes, those are the healthcare from the PAs at YU, you away when he or she makes you smart. If you aren’t students coming back to you absolutely should not accept any- needs you most. feeling well mentally, go to the a third, fourth, or tenth time. thing subpar from the Counseling doctor! It’s that simple. Don’t be Even if it’s not weekly sessions, Center. If there is any student need College is a really, really embarrassed — everyone could make time for these students. that is expected to be taken care of, stressful time for many young use help from time to time. It’s discouraging to someone but is not being addressed by the adults. It’s a transition from child- So you went to the Coun- who reaches out for help when PAs, someone would write an article hood to adulthood. It’s a time of seling Center. You had a good that person isn’t taken seriously and do something about it. What identity struggle. It’s a different experience. That’s awesome. You about mental health needs? workload and social scene than want to reschedule. After your SEE , I would like to preface this high school or seminary/yeshiva. second session, you want a third. MENTAL HEALTH PAGE 11 by saying: DO go to the Counseling College is not the party that so You ask for one. ANSWERING THE “CALL OF TORAH” AT YESHIVA UNIVERSITY’S BEREN CAMPUS

and night. BY ELISHEVA COHEN varim 30:14 says,“The matter is very near to you -- in your “The Torah is not in Torah has always been mouth and in your heart -- to the heavens” and “neither is it a central pillar of Yeshiva perform it.” According to Rashi beyond the sea,” says Devarim University. The very name, and others, the pasuk (verse) is 30:12-13; it is within our reach. Yeshiva University, as well referring to Torah. Yes, I took Much of this reality at Stern, of as the dual curriculum, many Judaic classes my first tangible Torah, can be attribut- connotes the importance year at Stern, but it was not ed to the combined effort of President Berman giving a shiur in Beren’s Beit Midrash last year. of Torah learning at YU. It until my second year that Torah many people who have worked was not until this past year, became a tangible presence on and continue to work tirelessly to spread Torah on campus. however, my junior year at campus -- that Torah opportu- SEE CALL OF TO- The amount of Torah oppor- Stern, that I truly felt as De- nities filled my schedule day RAH, PAGE 13 ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 OPINION PAGE 10 OPINION PAGE 6 HOW THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY DEBATES ARE SIMILAR TO LIFE AT YU

In the first two rounds, the mul- BY PHILLIP NAGLER • Former vice president, Joe titude of candidates created quite Biden, is currently leading a commotion, resorting to per- In case you haven’t in the race with a pretty wide sonal attacks, shouting over one heard, there are many people margin of support compared another, pre-rehearsed cheesy running for president in 2020. to the other candidates. Vot- one-liners, and even a warning To be exact, there are twenty ers are hoping that he will of the “dark psychic force” that six candidates: 24 Demo- bring another eight years of emanates from Donald Trump. Senator Elizabeth Warren in crats and 2 Republicans. The the Obama presidency (mi- Don’t sweat it if you September 2017, who togeth- Democratic National Conven- nus Barack Obama). On the er with Bernie Sanders (left) missed the June and July de- tion (DNC) decided it would campaign trail, he has been created a “Medicare for All” bates, because another round of be wise to have 12 primary PAGE 9 focusing on his past polit- reform plan. primary debates is coming up (Photo: Associated Press) debates, the first six of them ical accomplishments and in September, and it will only consisting of up to 10 candi- achievements, and has been feature the top candidates. To and has energized a base of dates per night. less vocal about his policy qualify for this round, one must young progressive voters. proposals. The media has accumulate 130,000 unique indi- Her signature issues are been launching attacks on vidual donors for their campaign, student debt cancellation, I have taken the Biden since he has declared in addition to exceeding 2% in a wealth tax, and medicare liberty of giving my that he is running. Questions four different Democratic pres- for all. But these are only a are being raised about how own take on on these idential polls. As of now, eight small slice of the pie, as she he treats women and on his frontrunners in order candidates have qualified for this has proposed a legislative record with racial issues. primary debate. I have taken the solution for almost every to introduce them, Although he has had a steady liberty of giving my own take issue that is affecting this as it is vital that all lead, he does not necessarily on these frontrunners in order to country, from the opioid have the nomination in the college students are introduce them, as it is vital that crisis to corruption affecting bag. politically informed, all college students are political- giant corporations. The way • Senator Elizabeth Warren ly informed, especially in this she effortlessly and clearly especially in this has had a recent surge and polarizing era. Hopefully, it will describes her ideas makes polarizing era. [...] is currently in second place inspire you to more thoroughly complex political issues in most primary polls. With one just might be examine some of these political her famous line of “I have a the next president figures, as one just might be the plan for that,” she has built a next president of our nation. SEE DEMOCRATIC of our nation. strong grassroots movement The Top Candidates: DEBATE, PAGE 11

MY (ENTIRE) BODY, MY (ENTIRE) CHOICE A common statement nose job. He got highlights in We are seeing this person from I hear in these judgments is BY SHAYNA HERSZAGE his hair. She has a lip piercing. outside of their situation, and that the person in question is And we all know what these therefore, we are not getting Confession: After I finish playing into society’s beauty appearance changes “say” the full perspective of who this looking at Snapchat stories, I conventions, and therefore, is about them, right? person is. If someone hates the always scroll briefly through inherently going against their the news stories underneath, own nature. This now makes just to see if the clickbait is them unworthy of respect. compelling enough to read. Usually, it is not, but, in my travels through the black hole of low-quality journalism, a trend is evident -- the scandal While controversial, of plastic surgery. it is nonetheless I have little reason to care about close-up images easy to claim “my of whoever-it-is-this-time’s body, my choice” possibly-newly-enlarged lips/ regarding repro- eyes/whatever, but it is diffi- ductive rights. cult to ignore the judgmental subtexts. She (they always Pro-Choice! Sex judge a “she”) changed a part education! Sex of her body in some way, and (Photo: Pixabay) positivity! But what we, the readers, society as a whole, scar on their forehead and wants about the rest of hate her for it. She is entitled to her Nothing. Literally noth- ing. it removed, or thinks a diamond own opinions and decisions, but stud in their nose might look the body? this particular decision is wrong. It is not up to us to call someone materialistic, a fol- cute, that is the only thing the Articles and whispered scar-removal or nose piercing SEE MY (ENTIRE) lower, or too feminine or mas- , PAGE 12 gossip have taught us to scorn oth- indicates, and we do not have CHOICE ers when they change their bodies culine based on their decisions for their body and appearance. the right to draw conclusions without our permission. She got a otherwise. PAGE 11 OPINION ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019

ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019ZWI MIGDAL: THE MISSING PIECE OF OUR JEWISH HISTORY AND EDUCATION

America is far from that sex trafficking was indeed BY FRUMA LANDA of active criminal cases involved perfect, but many are thankful alive and well in the United States. sex trafficking. 65.8% of those to live in a country safe from the merica - land of the free Keeping the sex traffick- cases involved children. A horrors that other underdevel- and home of the brave. This ing pandemic hidden under a rug Like victims of molesta- oped nations face. It wouldn’t seems to be one of the highest furthers the growth of this indus- tion, many victims of trafficking be surpising to discover high forms of praise. Not only does try. There is no way to fight an know their abusers well. 14.4% percentages of sex trafficking it praise the policies and val- issue or protect oneself if we don’t of sex trafficking and criminal in underdeveloped countries. ues America stands for, but it know what we are up against. The labor cases in 2017 had “defen- Horrifying, yes, but shocking, praises the dedicated and brave National Human Trafficking Ho- dants who trafficked their chil- no. What about America? In the citizens who have fought to turn tline reports that there were 5,591 dren, spouses, intimate partners, free and civilized United States these values into reality. potential cases of sex trafficking siblings, or other family mem- of America, we are free from sex America is a country in 2016 (gathered from call data bers.” traffiking, right? Wrong! that exists to protect the rights alone). According to the Polaris We live in a country After watching documen- of its citizens. While most Project, there was a 13% increase where family members are taries and reading articles and Americans are generally aware in sex trafficking cases from 2016 trafficking other family members testimonials, I was horrified to of the lack of equality amongst to 2017, bringing the count up to and where children are living discover that the National Hu- many different groups living in 9,000, with the estimation of many lives of abuse. It is difficult to man Trafficking Hotline reported the United States, we still like more unreported incidences. As that sex trafficking was occur- to think of our country as a pro- specified by the Federal Human SEE ZWI MIGDAL, ring in each of our states. I was PAGE 13 gressive, cultured, and civilized Trafficking Report, in 2017, 95.1% faced with the revolting truth First World nation.

how cheap they are. radical and many vot- MENTAL HEALTH If these three needs are DEMOCRATIC DEBATE ers were troubled by his FROM PAGE 9 addressed, YU, you will be a safer, FROM PAGE 10 self-proclaimed label of happier, and healthier place. You Democratic Socialist. Fast enough to be given the time of day. will be the environment college comprehensible to even the forward to 2019, Sanders’ Allocate more funds for mental students badly need. This is not an layman. In addition to positive ideas on healthcare and health care. Extend hours. Bring option; it’s an obligation. If you media portrayal, Warren had climate change have had in more counselors. Do what you truly are a university that cares two strong debate performanc- a large impact on forming need to do to keep your students about its students as much as you es and arguably had the line of the debate conversations safe and secure. claim, you will pour as much as the night in the second debate, and his ideas have become The third problem is rec- possible into this vital operation. when she told John Delaney, more mainstream in the ommendations. If you don’t have Kol hamkayim nefesh achat “I don’t understand why Democratic Party. Despite enough resources for a student, myisrael, maaleh alav hakatuv someone would go through this, many are skeptical while you should still be there and kiylu mkayim olam kulo. Anyone all the trouble of running for that he is fit to serve at his meet with him or her as much and who saves a Jewish life, the Torah president of the United States age (he would enter the as often as possible, you need to considers it as if he has saved the just to tell us what we can’t do white house at 79, if he have a better database of people whole world. Think about the lives and what you won’t fight for.” were elected.) His cam- to refer students to. Have lists of that could be saved by a better • As progressive as Warren is, paign seems to have hit people with availability under all Counseling Center, and invest in it. Senator Bernie Sanders is a stump and many of his large insurance companies. Find ------undeniably the most left-wing supporters are migrating to lists when students come to you Editor’s Note: The Beren Campus candidate in the race. Sanders Warren. with less-known insurance. Spend Counseling Center was moved to is running on his 2016 plat- • Next in the polls is Senator more time finding resources to the 13th floor of 215 Lexington form, which he used when he Kamala Harris of Califor- make up for what you currently Ave. was running against Hillary lack, instead of just recommending Clinton. Back then, his ideas out-of-pocket therapists, no matter were considered extremely SEE DEMOCRATIC DEBATE, PAGE 12 ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 OPINION PAGE 12 OPINION PAGE 6

PRIDE IS NOT A PARTY When Pride Month Is Lost in Translation

a pleasant interruption to the Manchester Pride, bringing both In the midst of rainbows, BY SHAYNA HERSZAGE negativity of social media, if increased numbers of heterosex- drag queens, and clever, glit- not for the fact that these posts ual fans and heightened ticket ter-encrusted signs, it seems that were not from members of the prices to the event. we have forgotten what Pride he first day of June T LGBTQ+ community. Rather, Month is meant to celebrate, marked the start of Pride many of the posts were from and also, that Pride, and what it Month -- the annual cele- Pride parades...have become my straight Facebook friends stands for, extends far beyond bration of Target’s rainbow an excuse for people outside attending Pride with their the month of June. t-shirts and tutus, ‘Love is other straight friends, or even of the LGBTQ+ community to Around the world, the Love’ stickers, and, yes, their straight partners. put on glitter eyeliner and rain- LGBTQ+ community experi- Pride parades across the The heterosexuality ences various levels of rejection globe. bow shorts, and to attend these of Pride this year was evident -- whether it is inability to be Immediately after events like they are global par- on a much larger scale than legally married, lack of respect the 2019 Pride month began, just attendees. Controversy ties. When we infiltrate these for their preferred pronouns, or, my Facebook and Instagram grew when Ariana Grande, a events...we risk diluting the feeds were bombarded with straight musician, announced SEE PRIDE: NOT A pictures from various Pride meaning behind them in a sea that she would be headlining PARTY, PAGE 13 events. This would have been of Snapchat stories.

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE The frontrunners who I make an impression on viewers insinuates)? Each semester at YU, FROM PAGE 11 have just highlighted are clas- with his storytelling skills, and students will be listening to vari- sic DC politicians and have all not to mention, his big dreamy ous voices that are vying for their served in the US Senate. Pete eyes. Former Representative attention -- professors, religiousPAGE 4 nia. Harris gained national rec- Buttigieg on the other hand, who Beto O’Rourke seems to be on educators, parents, grandparents, ognition during the Kavanaugh has been rising in the polls re- the decline based on his poor sisters, brothers, friends, best hearing due to her powerful and cently, is the mayor of Southbend, performance in the first two friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, unrelenting questioning style. Indiana (which is also the home- debates. While he may make a non-binary friends, etc. School In the first debate, she captured town of a couple of YU students.) comeback with his charismatic can be overwhelming with so the attention of viewers and He is the youngest in the race, personality, it seems that his many things to balance and so the media by landing a jarring at just 37 years old, and is the presidential race will be unsuc- many important relationships in attack on Biden, specifically first openly gay man to run for cessful (similar to his race for our lives to grapple with. Similar for his record on race-related president. Although he does not Senator Ted Cruz’s seat). Sena- to the Democratic primary, it is issues. This momentum gave have the political experience of tor Amy Klobuchar champions unwise to simply focus on one her a slight boost in the polls, his opponents, he is a war veter- herself as a pragmatist and a voice and ignore all the others. but following her second debate an, a Rhodes scholar, and speaks leader of bipartisan legislation. But nobody has the time to learn performance, she seems to have multiple languages. His bid may She is hoping to end the opi- about all the candidates from A-Z. lost that momentum. Represen- be a longshot, but he has received oid crisis and combat the high The secret to success at anything tative Tulsi Gabbard brought up a flood of donations towards his prices of prescription drugs. in life is to have a good strategy Harris’s past as Attorney Gener- campaign. He took the lead in Unfortunately, she has failed and to know how to properly al of California and pointed out the second fundraising quarter, to generate excitement for her manage one’s time. With a new that Harris “put 1,500 people in amassing a total of 24.8 million campaign and couldn’t fire up a semester here, it’s important to jail for marijuana violations and dollars for his campaign. room if she had a blowtorch in have a good game plan early on laughed about it when asked if The Others: hand. for tackling the semester. Don’t she ever smoked marijuana.” For the sake of succinct- Now that you are a bit wait until it is reading week, trust Even with her questionable ness, I won’t go into too much more informed about the United me on this one. And of course, past, Harris would make a detail for the few others who will States political scene, you may don’t forget to make time to keep strong opponent against Donald be on September debate stage, as ask -- what does any of this up with the 2020 election. Trump, and her supporters are they are polling very low and are have to do with Yeshiva Uni- eager to see her debate him on unlikely to secure the nomination. versity (as the title of my article the 2020 stage. Senator Cory Booker will likely PAGE 13 OPINION ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019

CALL OF TORAH Gemara -- and after successful- Aharon Lichtenstein beautifully FROM PAGE 9 ly taking tests on the Torah she encapsulates this point in his learned, she receives a gift card idea on each person’s responsi- tunities available to Beren Campus to Yeshiva University’s seforim bility to be a shliach l’kabbal- students surged this past year and We have to be open sale. This program caters to all ah (messenger to receive) and students, with two tracks this continues to expand and grow. and ready to soak shliach l’holacha (messenger to Multiple shiurim (Torah lectures) year for mechina students (see transmit). On the one hand, Rav are offered each day from Monday in the Torah of our emails and flyers for more info.) Lichtenstein teaches, we have through Thursday at varying times teachers and make All of the opportunities men- to be messengers to receive. We and across many topics, including the most of the class- tioned above, as well as many have to be open and ready to -- mussar (character development), es and Torah oppor- not mentioned, have created soak in the Torah of our teach- halacha (Jewish law), emunah a Torah-filled environment at ers and make the most of the (faith), Gemara, Tanach (Bible), tunities around us. Stern beyond the classroom, classes and Torah opportunities and the parsha (Torah portion). On the other hand, and it only continues to grow. around us. On the other hand, The shiurim continue at night with when learning Torah, Is there more to work when learning Torah, we have “Torah with the Roshei Yeshiva” on we have to keep in on? Certainly. Steps are be- to keep in mind that we are not Mondays, night seder on Tuesdays, ing taken on a daily basis to only learning for the present, and quite often, guest speakers. mind that we are not improve and refine Stern’s but for the future, to carry the Aside from the scheduled shiurim, only learning for the Torah opportunities, to make Torah with us and spread it, to the kol shel Torah (call of Torah) present, but for the the beit midrash more acces- be a shliach l’holacha. We need sible, reach a wider audience, can be heard emanating in the beit future... to be open to receive in order to midrash from multiple small cha- and further spread the kol shel be ready to give. burot (learning groups), many run Torah on the Beren Campus The Torah is available. by students, such as the Mussar including a weekly parsha news- and beyond. These efforts are In the words of the Rambam, Va’ad or Tanya Time. At the same letter, Hi Sichati, and Kol HaMe- vital to the continued growth of “The crown of Torah is set time, GPATS women, women in the vaser, a joint Jewish thought Torah learning at Stern. At the aside, waiting, and ready for Graduate Program for Advanced publication with Yeshiva College. same time, however, we have each Jew...whoever desires may Talmudic Studies, can be found Another major catalyst in spread- to appreciate the plethora of come and take it” (Rambam pouring over a gemara or halacha ing Torah on campus is the Beren Torah-learning opportunities at Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:1). sefer (book on Jewish law), learning Bekiut Program, an incentivized hand. The challenge is not to With Torah filling our halls, with an undergraduate, or helping bekiut (proficiency) learning pro- continue adding new shiurim classrooms, and beit midrash, someone navigate the beit midrash. gram launched last year. Through and chaburot but to take ad- let us all be ready to “come and Not only can Torah be heard this program, a student is able vantage of the treasures at our take it.” in Stern by voice, but also in writ- to learn in one of four tracks -- door and carry the Torah with ing, in its many Torah publications, Halacha, Tanach, Mishnayot, and us, as part of our being. Rav

rest of the body? What about MY (ENTIRE) CHOICE hair dye, shaving or not shav- FROM PAGE 10 ing, piercings, or any other indi- Want to write, vidual decisions a person makes However, if a person withholds about their body? In all the fun something that they want for their of gossip, we have forgotten but can’t commit bodies, be it medical or cosmetic, that our opinions about another solely to be worthy of your respect, person’s body do not matter, be- NOW? the person has not defied society’s cause it is not our body -- and, beauty standards. Rather, they have by extension, not our choice. catered to your standards instead of If you want to get short NEW for this year: their own. But why should either hair and dye the remains, pierce WRITER’S option make a person less worthy of your cartilage, or get a breast respect? reduction, go ahead. And if you WHATSAPP GROUP! While controversial, it is would judge your friends for nonetheless easy to claim “my body, any of these decisions, why be Check us out on Facebook to for more info! my choice” regarding reproductive judgmental when you could rights. Pro-Choice! Sex education! instead be quiet? Sex positivity! But what about the

a long way, but it is also import- parties. When we infiltrate these way that generates acceptance. PRIDE: NOT A PARTY ant to acknowledge that we, as a events, and other events which Rather, they experience rain- FROM PAGE 12 society, have a long way to go. hold similar significances to other bows and glitter, aiding in the This is why Pride exists -- to groups, we risk diluting the mean- building of a caricature of what in some cases, living in areas where celebrate what has been accom- ing behind them in a sea of Snap- it means to be a part of the homosexuality is illegal. Specific plished in the history of LGBTQ+ chat stories. LGBTQ+ community - white, homophobic attacks have taken advocacy, and to show the world Often, when I make these conventionally attractive “gay place in recent years, such as the that LGBTQ+ communities are a claims, I am met with this argu- best friends” who wish to watch Pulse shooting during Pride Month presence that can not be ignored, ment: doesn’t inviting the wider Netflix romantic comedies with in 2016. even beyond the confines of Pride (straight) community to Pride and you. However, at the same time, Month. commercializing the LGBTQ+ It boosts LGBTQ+ visi- the treatment of LGBTQ+ individ- The significance of Pride community, aid the path to accep- bility, but not LGBTQ+ accep- uals in many places has improved, Month, meanwhile, has been lost tance? tance. The straight people who including the legalization of same- in translation. Pride parades, and I see the reasoning in the post photos at Pride in June sex marriage in the United States in Pride Month as a whole, have argument. Exposure to a com- are still the same people who 2015 and the formation of LGBTQ+ become an excuse for people munity helps prevent its demon- snicker when a man walks past advocacy groups around the world, outside of the LGBTQ+ com- ization. However, in this case, I including Shoval in Israel. munity to put on glitter eyeliner disagree. The straight, cisgender SEE PRIDE: NOT A International LGBTQ+ and rainbow shorts, and to attend people who attend Pride do not PARTY, PAGE 14 rights and acceptance have come these events like they are global experience the community in a ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 OPINION-FEATURES PAGE 14 OPINION PAGE 6 ish men would travel to Eastern were then inspected and auctioned built on the erasure of events ZWI MIGDAL European shtetls pretending to be off as sex slaves. Eventually, Ra- we would rather not recognize. FROM PAGE 11 searching for employees for rich quel Liberman, a former prostitute Skipping over chapters of our Argentinian Jews. of the Zwi Migdal, Superintendent history that we are ashamed of Julio Alsogaray and Hon. Dr. Ro- believe that these children have teaches us that we are safe, and driguez-Ocampo, dismantled the access to a decent education that bad things can’t happen to Zwi Migdal. when their bodies are consis- us. We cannot allow ourselves Sex slavery is not some- tently sold for the pleasure of We can’t protect our- to be lulled into a false sense of thing to be taken lightly. We can’t others. selves from corrup- security. We need to be intel- turn a blind eye and pretend it Our own Jewish com- lectually honest and recognize tions of the world if we doesn’t exist. We need to ac- munities have been tragically the corruption we allowed to knowledge it, we need to look affected by the sex trafficking don’t know what we run rampant in our communi- it in the eye and let the world pandemic as well. History tends are protecting our- ties. We need to stop ignoring know that it isn’t okay. There is a to forget the Zwi Migdal, a Jew- . [...] We incidents of human trafficking selves from popular Talmudic phrase, shkita ish prostitution ring of the late in our own country. need to stop ignoring k’hodaah -- silence is consent. If nineteenth and twentieth centu- Spreading awareness incidents of human we sit idly by and make no effort ries. At the height of their pow- and supporting organizations to put a stop to these horrors, we er, they controlled thousands of trafficking in our own like Equality Now and other are guilty bystanders. women, owned 2,000 brothels, country. organizations committed to It is wrong to think that and directed bases throughout ending human trafficking are we are safe from the evils of sex South America. ways offighting this universal Often times, girls were ensnared trafficking because we live in the Thousands of young inhumane industry. It is im- through marriage proposals. The United States and are a part of Jewish girls wishing to escape portant to recognize the signs pimps offered marriage to the vil- Jewish communities. Sex traf- poverty or European pogroms of child trafficking, which can lage girls, who quickly married the ficking can happen anywhere. We walked eagerly into the hands be found on the Polaris Project pimps and followed them to Ar- can’t protect ourselves from cor- of the Zwi Migdal under the website, and to then report any gentina. Many of them were beat- ruptions of the world if we don’t pretense of a better life. Parents suspicious behavior. No one is en and starved on the journey over know what we are protecting trustingly gave their daughters safe from sex trafficking. If we to the New World. Upon arrival, ourselves from. We constructed to these men hoping that their are to live up to our ideals, we the girls were told to undress, they an idealized version of our history lives would improve. Jew- need to be brave and speak up.

PRIDE: NOT A PARTY sive, and Gay-Straight Alliances FROM PAGE 13 on countless high school and uni- versity campuses have been ap- them on the sidewalk in high heels proved. But we have a long way Don’t miss out... in November, or flinch when two to go if we want to accomplish women walk by holding hands in full acceptance for the LGBTQ+ February. community, both legally and Overall, a large portion of socially. Celebrate the LGBTQ+ society is on a slow-but-steady community’s accomplishments, path toward acceptance of targeted acknowledge that many goals minorities such as the LGBTQ+ have not yet been reached, even community. Marriage is legalized join your LGBTQ+ friends and in many countries, adoption and family members at Pride to show ...on the opportunity to write in-vitro fertilization are possible, your support, but understand that despite being difficult and expen- it is Pride, not a party. for your college newspaper. PAGE 4

to join us next time, email [email protected]!

FEATURES OBSERVATIONS:STUDENT INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT:

DANIELLA AZOSE “Almost all of the kids in a camp for kids with hearing loss BY ELLIE PARKER to get one. Some of the kids in have very strong writ- called Camped Up, on the Upper my camp were from different ten and verbal skills West Side. It has been operating countries and they got their im- and are integrated into Danielle Azose graduated for seven years and it is run by deaf plants later in life. Those kids from Stern College with a speech teachers. The ages of the kids range have significant delays in their normal classrooms [...] pathology and audiology degree from two to fourteen. Something in- speech and language compared They are very lonely teresting about this specific camp is and is pursuing a career as a to kids who were implanted a lot of the time. But speech therapist. This summer that all of the children have cochle- at birth. Children who receive she worked with children who ar implants, so none of them speak cochlear implants before the Camped Up provides have hearing loss. sign language. age of two can... hear and speak a forum for them to as well as a...hearing child. The meet other kids [like EP: How does one go about getting Ellie Parker: Can you tell us a earlier you get access to sound, them.]” little bit about what you did this a cochlear implant? the better your speech will be. - Daniella Azose past summer? Language all starts with hear- DA: Usually insurance covers it, ing in gustation, since you can SEE , but in certain countries it is harder CAMPED UP Danielle Azose: Sure! I worked only speak as well as you hear. PAGE 15 PAGE 15 FEATURES ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 FEATURES ADVICE:

SINCE YOU ASKED... A YU Student Answers ALL Your Questions

awkward situation. But honestly, things out with her. time to their relationships BY ANONYMOUS both situations are awkward. In and barely put any effort into the first, you are analyzing every My boyfriend is a great our friendship. Should I try These questions were move they take and every word guy. He has a good head on salvaging the friendships or submitted anonymously and are they speak. In the second, you his shoulders, comes from a move on to new friends? published anonymously. The are risking open rejection, which good home, and is well edu- You should definitely columnist is anonymous as well. might seem like the worst case cated. He has been my only try to salvage your friendships! Stay tuned for updates on where scenario, but it truly isn’t. The boyfriend. My parents think You must communicate how to anonymously send in your worst case scenario is that they I should venture out before you feel about the situation. questions for future Observer do like you and you did nothing I get serious with him, but Find time, although it may be issues. about it. I think he is the one. What hard, to spend a day with them. should I do? During this time, be honest How do you know if My best friend just Look, at the end of the and talk to them about how someone likes you? recently broke up with a guy. day, it is your life. That’s not to you feel. Now, if the problem This is a vague yet im- It hurt her really badly. Now say that support from your fam- continues after the discussion, portant question! Everyone has she is going from guy to guy. I ily is not important -- it most then I would take some time to been faced with this question don’t want her reputation to definitely is! Your parents most seriously think about who you -- probably more than once in get ruined. Should I talk to her definitely want what is best want to surround yourself with. our lives. There are two ways to about it or just leave her be? for you, but still, the person You should always want to be get an answer. First, you need I think if you haven’t al- walking down the aisle on your around positivity. to look at the signs that they are ready, you should first talk to her wedding day, is you! You need giving you. Are they giving gifts about her feelings towards the to listen to your heart and your I’m part of some clubs to you? Reaching out to touch breakup. I can tell that you’re a intuition. If you seriously think and I’ve met people I like, you in some way? Are they very caring friend, but I think it’s he is the one, you must com- but how do I become friends spending a lot of time with you? better to focus on caring about municate that to your parents. with them outside of club Are they always complimenting her emotional state rather than Don’t tread lightly, tell them meetings and events? you? Are they going out of their her reputation. Contrary to pop- your feelings for him! Tell them It’s a refreshing feeling way to do things for you? There ular belief, one can always better why you think he, and no one to like the people you are (kind are five love languages: Acts of their reputation. Trying to secure else, could be the one! Don’t of) forced to be around! That’s Service, Words of Affirmation, one’s emotional or mental health just tell them, decree that he an amazing thing! Maybe plan Quality Time, Physical Touch, is a lot harder to do, and the is the one! Confidence will be something simple to do after and lastly, Receiving Gifts. repercussions of not taking care your best friend when confront- your club event. Before the Now, if they are overwhelming- of this matter first can be very ing them about venturing out. event or meeting ends, ask the ly showing any of these signs, damaging. Therefore, I don’t people you are fond of to go there’s a high chance the person think you should “just leave her Many of my close out for dinner afterwards! Or likes you. The second road of be.” I think you need to show friends have entered seri- ous relationships in the past actions you can cruise on is… your support by being a shoulder SEE ADVICE, to simply ask them if they like to lean on, and simply by talking year. I feel that many of them PAGE 16 devote nearly all of their free you! Yes, I know, it is a very PAGE 4

CAMPED UP But Camped Up provides a forum FROM PAGE 14 for them to meet other kids [like them.] It was really cool to see A baby born deaf is... given a these kids interact... hearing test, three months later EP they are given a referral, and : How did you find out about then they are given the oppor- the camp? tunity to implant or learn sign DA language… In America, all : I knew I wanted to work babies are tested and implanted with kids with hearing loss, so I by six-months-old. just Googled it. But I would high- ly recommend it to students who EP: What was one of the cool- are interested in this subject. est things about the camp? EP: Lastly, do you feel like the DA: The whole point of the audiology department at Stern (Photo: Daniella Azose) camp is that the kids are main- prepared you for this type of job and graduate school in general? stream. Almost all of the kids other speech therapists at the itation. Although the audiology have very strong written and DA camp, who have been doing this department at Stern isn’t perfect, verbal skills and are integrated : Yes, three Stern girls were accepted to my graduate program for years, I felt like I was able I feel well prepared to enter into normal classrooms and to maintain intellectual conver- graduate school. most of them are the only kids at Lehman. Elisheva Rosens- weig’s class prepared me for a ca- sations with them. I think my in their class with cochlear ability to have an opinion on implants or hearing aids. They reer in speech. I feel so well-edu- cated. Even [when] talking to the cochlear implants is thanks to are very lonely a lot of the time. Elisheva’s class, Oral Rehabil- ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 FEATURES PAGE 16 FEATURES PAGE 6 I want to be closer to my ADVICE parents, but I’m a pretty private FROM PAGE 15 person, and I have a hard time opening up to them about my feel- ings and my daily life. What can you could simply just text the I do to help my relationship with people because I’m sure that if them? you get along during the club meetings and events, then you As previously mentioned, all will get along over the phone. there are five languages through which people show their love and I have a single room appreciation for others. The languag- for the first time this year, and es are: Acts of Service, Words of it’s going to be a busy semes- Affirmation, Quality Time, Physical ter. I’m worried I won’t see Touch, and, lastly, Receiving Gifts. It seems like your parent’s love my friends as much. How do I duties and by your single room, language is words of affirmation, keep from feeling isolated? create a schedule. In this schedule, or simply just communication with First, I am so happy include your classes, homework words. But that might not be your that you are asking this ques- time, work if you have it, time language. Therefore, you need to tion because it shows that you to eat, time for friends, and also The worst case figure out your language/s and once understand that being isolated schedule alone time! As I’m sure scenario is that you have decided, you must tell is NOT A GOOD THING! You this sounds extremely overwhelm- they do like you them how you show your love. You do not want to feel isolated ing, the YU guidance department need to express that they will have because you could quite literally has a student assistant director and you did to translate your love language. For lose your mind with your busy who comes to Stern once a week nothing about example, say your love language is schedule of dorms, classes, eat- to help with students’ time man- it! “Quality Time.” You need to express ing, studying, and then dorms, agement. Here is the YU Counsel- to them that by you all spending time classes, etc. In order for you ing Center’s email: counseling@ together, you feel close to them. to not be consumed by school yu.edu.

HISTORY: PAGE 4 HE HAD A DREAM This Day in History: August 28, 1963 American government left these to be self-evident, that all men of the press gathered at the Lincoln are created equal.’” BY ELIANA LINDENBERG Memorial; symbolic because of people in. And yet, Dr. King had a In 1964, Dr. King’s Lincoln’s Emancipation Procla- dream would become that much n August 28, 1963 dream. O mation. Despite the impressive closer to a reality. The Civil some 250,000 people par- He had a dream that one line-up of speakers and performers Rights Act was signed and with ticipated in the March on day, the sons of former slaves and that the march featured, one man it prohibited “unequal applica- Washington. The march was the sons of former slave-owners stands out in history above all the tion of voter registration require- organized in order to call for would sit together “at the table of rest -- Martin Luther King Jr. ments, and racial segregation in the fair and equal treatment brotherhood.” He dreamed that In his speech, Dr. King schools, employment, and public of African-Americans, as children would play together re- raised the issue that even 100 accommodations.” well as to advocate for the gardless of the color of their skin, hundred years following the Even further, the Civil Civil Rights Act, which was and that true freedom and justice emancipation of African slaves in Rights Act influenced the pas- then stalled in Congress. This for all would live in America. the United States, black Americans sage of later civil rights legisla- march was also the occasion “I say to you today, my were still not free. He said that tion, including the Voting Rights that featured Martin Luther friends, though, even though we because African-Americans were Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights King Jr.’s now famous I face the difficulties of today and still experiencing immense poverty Act of 1968 which helped not Have a Dream speech. tomorrow, I still have a dream. It compared to their white neighbors, only African-Americans, but The march was is a dream deeply rooted in the as well as segregation through- women as well. Finally, the Civil officially called the March American dream. I have a dream out normal American society, the Rights Act of 1964 aided the on Washington for Jobs and that one day this nation will rise freedom given to African-Amer- decision to pass the Americans Freedom. The 250,000 par- up and live out the true meaning icans 100 years prior did not fix with Disabilities Act of 1990. ticipants and 3,000 members the “shameful condition” that the of its creed: ‘We hold these truths PAGE 17 FEATURES ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 FEATURES BOOKS:

FIVE BOOKS TO GET YOU IN THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPIRIT 5. The Heir and The Spare by 2. American Panda by Gloria I loved this book so Emily Albright BY KAYLA PLUTZER Chao much. I loved the characters. Greek life is something that al- As the summer comes to a ways interested me, and RUSH close and the school year begins, allowed me to imagine what here are five great books to help it’s like. This was a really great you get in the back-to-school read about friendship, social spirit! class, and learning to be okay with who you are. 1. Emergency Contact by Mei is supposed to become The Ivy by Lauren Kunze Mary H.K. Choi a doctor, but she hates germs and 4. Studying abroad is an incredible and Rina Onur can’t stand her biology classes. experience, and learning that Mei is relatable as she tries to be you’re actually a princess while herself and figure out her own studying abroad changes every- priorities while dealing with her thing. This is a fun novel about parents’ expectations of her. royalty and going to college in a different country. by Lisa Patton 3. Rush PAGE 4 This book was real- The Ivy is like Gossip Girl, but ly great. Unlike a lot of other for college students. The story Love books? follows the uber-wealthy elite novels, it depicted the reality of Movies? going away to college. It showed at Harvard who are determined the separation anxiety from your to be their best and don’t care ANYTHING?? regular life and how sometimes who they’ll have to knock Become a writer for our living with roommates isn’t the down to get there. “Features” Section! dream we all expected. Contact one of our Features edi- tors for more info! MUSIC: GOING AGAINST THE GRIND The Story of 88rising is that most of their clientele is BY AVI LEKOWSKY I had the ability and know-how this creative collective is Asian. That’s on purpose. This to do it again, but for like ‘what’ capable of. helps promote Asian representa- t takes a lot to follow a was the question,” he said in Brian Imanuel, I tion in music, which was lacking dream. It takes even more to create an interview with Bloomberg known by his stage name, beforehand, through providing a something no one else is doing. (abridged). Started out of Mi- Rich Brain, is a 19-year-old new look at the world of hip-hop. This is the story of 88rising. yashiro’s car in 2015, 88rising rapper from Jakarta, Indone- 88rising helps give in- Sean Miyashiro wasn’t is best described by Miyashiro sia. He first learned English spiration to a new wave of kids doing too poorly. He had just himself -- “a hybrid manage- by watching Rubik’s Cube coming from more diverse homes finished assisting with the launch ment, record label, video produc- than ever. Two of these artists in of Vice’s electronic music channel, tion, and marketing company.” particular, however, have helped SEE 88RISING, Thump, but he soon found himself Something that makes them stand break the mold and proved what PAGE 18 growing out of the genre. “I knew out in the crowded field of music ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 FEATURES PAGE 18 PAGE 6

88Rising has helped make this group, Higher Brothers, big in Japan. (Photo: The Japan Times)

88RISING generally well-received by critics. and NIKI, this label will be a FROM PAGE 17 His recently released second al- 88rising helps give very interesting one to follow bum, The Sailor, features a more inspiration to through the years. We haven’t progressed, orchestral at times, a new even touched on other projects tutorials and hip-hop mu- coming sic videos on YouTube. He sound that has us excited for his wave of kids they’ve done or are working on, started gaining popularity next attempt. from more diverse such as the collaborative album, by posting comedic videos Joji, also known as homes than ever. Head in the Clouds, featuring all on Twitter and Vine, which George Miller, is a 26-year-old the artists together, along with introduced him to Sean. Re- artist from Osaka, Japan. Like other artists from the industry. A leasing the song “Dat $tick” Brain, he also rose to fame trip-hop music that has been follow-up has been announced was what helped his career through virality, however Joji’s doing pretty well. His first EP, In and is currently being developed. (and subsequently, 88rising) fame may be more recognizable. Tongues, hit 58 on the Billboard The 88 Degrees and Rising Tour take off. Currently with over Remember the Harlem Shake? 200 chart, and his latest album, featured artists from the label and 126,000,000 views, this song Yeah, that was him. George’s, Ballads 1, jumped to #3 on the other Asian musicians performing featured Brain in a pink polo, (also known by his YouTube charts, and eventually making in a music-festival-esque atmo- khaki shorts and a fanny persona, Pink Guy) brand of him the first Asian artist to have sphere. 88rising’s Head in the pack dancing around with weird and shocking humor helped an album reach #1 on the R&B/ Clouds music festival is happen- his friends. It was the perfect him gain a unique following and Hip-hop charts. ing very soon and will feature an combination of weird, fun- spans over a billion views on his In just a few short years, expanded lineup of artists. ny, and catchy that helped combined YouTube channels. 88rising has exploded onto the No one really knows this song get certified gold He’ll always be known as the scene and created viral success where 88rising will zag where by the RIAA. He carried man that spawned many memes stories that have young kids others zig next, but if we know this hype into his first album over his career, but he’s closed looking up to a new era of role one thing, Sean is ready to take it -- Amen. It peaked at 18 on that chapter and moved on. Now, models. With artists like these on in his own way. PAGE 4 the Billboard charts and was while at first puzzling his old and Higher Brothers, Keith Ape, fans, he makes more lo-fi, R&B,

MOVIES: TOY STORY 4: NOT AS GOOD AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE STERN notoriety for making adults cry. A struggle to get him back from explained to him? BY TALYA STEHLEY big reason why I didn’t initially Gabby Gabby, a vintage doll Bo Peep from the first want to see Toy Story 4 was that I who lives in an antique shop. two movies returns in this in- PLASTIC EPIDEMIC stallment, and it turns out that he original Toy Sto- assumed it would try to outdo the Forky is a piece of garbage that T in the intervening years, she’s ry didn’t have to be good. emotional punch of Toy Story 3, was repurposed into a toy, but been ownerless by choice and Pixar could have released and I’m pretty sure the only way he still knows somehow that he is happy in that life, calling the a two-hour tech demo and you could do that is by finding and was truly made to be used and franchise’s central assumptions still made cinematic his- burning each individual viewer’s thrown away. Like all of us, into question from a perspec- tory. But that’s not what favorite toy, right there in the he comes into the world terri- tive of experience rather than they did. Toy Story was theater. That’s not my idea of a fun fied and confused. His lack of naiveté. Her new self-reliance heartfelt and well written, Saturday night, but the people I knowledge about the world he stands in sharp contrast with and it captured the collec- was with wanted to see it, so I saw lives in allows the narrative to the movie’s villain, Gabby tive imagination. Toy Story it. question the central assumption 2 and 3 are notable as the Toy Story 4’s central of the Toy Story universe – that rare sequels that outshine conflict revolves around Forky, toys want to by played with. If their predecessors, with Toy a spork with googly eyes and a this were inherently true, why SEE TOY STORY 4, Story 3 in particular gaining glitter glue mouth, and Woody’s would Forky need to have it PAGE 19 PAGE 19 FEATURES-SCI TECH ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 FEATURES

Though it features many of the same characters as the other movies, Toy Story 4’s storyline has a plethora of flaws. (Photo: Disney)

TOY STORY 4 In the past, Woody would 1950s, so why doesn’t he remem- plastic. Key and Peele play FROM PAGE 18 occasionally use his pull-string as ber his owners before Andy? While carnival prizes, and you can a grappling hook or lasso, but this not necessarily inconsistent with tell how cheaply made their Gabby, who is obsessed with the never seems to be necessary in the the previous movies, Toy Story 4 characters are. You can glance idea of being loved by a child rest of the movie. His sacrifice is doesn’t always feel like an organic at any one of the toys in this and is willing to go to great undercut by the fact that it never so continuation of the previous mov- movie and immediately know lengths to get what she wants. much as inconveniences him and ies. what it would feel like if you She’s jealous of Woody’s voice Gabby Gabby is forgiven by the put them in your mouth, like box because hers was defective end of the movie. This felt weak While not necessarily in- a child might. Because, at the from the start, and eventually, and undeserved. consistent with the previ- end of the day, that’s who this Woody is forced to give it to her Toy Story 4 questions the ous movies, Toy Story 4 movie is made for. Toy Story in order to retrieve Forky. This assumption that toys want to be 4 doesn’t even approach the plot point was one of my biggest played with, but that’s not the only doesn’t always feel like an series’ previous heights -- that’s issues with the movie. way it prods at the franchise’s organic continuation of disappointing to me. I would When Gabby first ex- worldbuilding. Forky is an object the previous movies. even go as far to say that while presses the desire for the voice in one moment and a toy the next, it’s not bad, it doesn’t justify box, it’s creepy. And while the raising the question of what pre- its own existence as a piece of toys are often indifferent to cisely defines a toy. Toys in the While the writing is flawed, art, but not without acknowl- injuries that would incapacitate a movie are shown exerting more Toy Story 4’s visuals are a treat to edging that I’m not the target living thing (earlier in the movie, agency and influence on the world behold. The environments, from audience of this movie. And as Bo Peep’s arm falls off and she around them than in the previous crowded antique shops, lit up far as ways to entertain the kids just laughs and tapes it back on), movies, even terrifyingly interfer- carnivals, and mundane stretches for an hour-and-a-half, go, you the scene immediately following ing with Bonnie’s father’s driving. of road, are detailed and beautiful. could certainly do a lot worse Woody’s voice box removal is On the flip side, though, the movie The characters all look better than than Toy Story 4. a blurry first-person shot from also raises questions that have no ever. The animators paid extra spe- Woody’s perspective, evoking good in-universe answers. Why cial attention to textures this time the experience of coming off weren’t Bo Peep’s sheep sidekicks around. For the first time, you can anesthesia after a major surgery. in the previous movies? Woody really tell the difference between And then it’s basically forgotten. says he was manufactured in the Bo Peep’s ceramic and Woody’s PAGE 4

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The feeling of YOUR ENVIRONMENT: piece being published... THE STERN PLASTIC EPIDEMIC may say that because our BY SARAH BRILL campus recycles, we are doing our part to limit the As Jews and citi- Every year, Ameri- amount of plastic that ends zens of the world, cans send 38 billion plastic up in landfills. Unfortu- bottles to landfills, and we have an ob- nately, this naive perspec- ligation...to take every second of every day, tive does nothing to shift 1,500 plastic bottles are the attitudes at Stern about steps to provide thrown away. 129 million the plastic crisis. a future for our plastic bottles are thrown Last semester, grandchildren and away per day and 30% of straws were unavailable the generations ...is like no other. these bottles make it to for student use for about a recycling. So, what is Stern week, and as a result, ap- that follow. Don’t wait. Write for the next issue! doing to help control the proximately 172,916 straws Contact [email protected] overuse of plastic? One SEE PLASTIC, were not disposed of on PAGE 20 ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 SCI TECH PAGE 20 SCI TECH PAGE 6 PLASTIC even hot coffee beverages. the fact that plastic affects the already being done.” In today’s But straws aren’t the only is- FROM PAGE 19 rivers, beaches, and streams ecosystem, plastic straws are stuck sue. Plastic water bottles are in high of the world, and if it is not inside turtles’ noses and plastic demand at Stern for a trivial reason dealt with accordingly, it will beer rings are found inside of - the reusable ones must be cleaned. destroy wildlife. seagulls’ guts. beaches, where every year, When this topic is brought up to 8.3 billion straws pollute In Deuteronomy 25:4, As Jews and citizens of them. But the lack of straws the world, we have an obligation was not done purposely to not to contribute to the “thrash- create a more environmen- ing” and to take steps to provide tally friendly Stern envi- a future for our grandchildren and ronment. They were merely the generations that follow. To en- unavailable. I was in awe to sure a livable ecosystem, we must see how many Stern students notice that we are not the only were distraught about this creatures that wander, and that we coffee-drinking technicality. are surrounded by non-human life. The next time you go for a straw, Not only do Stern students many Stern women, they dismiss place straws in their iced G-d says not to “muzzle an reach for a plastic water bottle, or it as if it is not a concerning issue. ox that thrashes.” This can purposely fail to recycle, just know coffee drinks, they place it While this is not the case for all in their Snapples, juices, and be interpreted as “do not that you are contributing to the students, many are still ignorant to do more harm, as harm is destruction of our planet.

(Photo: Flickr) WOMEN’S HEALTH: PLANNED PARENTHOOD PAGE 4 Myth vs. Fact

A myth that circu- gender, including, but not limited women, men, and anyone BY SARAH LIBEROW lates often is that over 90% of to: access to birth control, who requires care. These Planned Parenthood’s services services are covered under Amidst the controversy sur- are abortions. Although there most health insurances, and rounding Planned Parenthood and is a mistaken assumption that Planned Parent- even otherwise, Planned its various services, there are a lot Planned Parenthood largely hood’s range of Parenthood will work to of misconceptions about Planned exists as an abortion clinic, healthcare services provide its patient with Parenthood and what services it Planned Parenthood’s 2017- provides both adults services. provides to the general public. 2018 Annual Report proves Some may won- Many may believe that Planned otherwise: only 3.4 percent of and young adults der why they should care Parenthood’s sole purpose is to the 9.6 million services provid- alike access to es- about Planned Parenthood provide abortions or that it is only ed by Planned Parenthood in sential care...and if they aren’t looking to get needed by pregnant women or 2017 were abortions. In reality, provides critical pregnant or aren’t sexually those with uteruses. There is also Planned Parenthood provides a active, but general wellness confusion on the ramifications of myriad of services for general sexual education checkups are important no providing sex education to teen- sexual and reproductive health, to people from all matter what stage of life agers and whether only sexually which leads us to the second walks of life. someone is at. Planned active people need to be tested for myth: Planned Parenthood STDs. To aid in clearing up these can’t help you with anything misunderstandings, I will address unless you’re pregnant. In truth, contraception, STD testing and SEE PLANNED PAR- several myths and shed light on Planned Parenthood’s services treatment, pregnancy testing and ENTHOOD, PAGE 21 lesser known facts about Planned span many aspects of sexual services, patient education, as Parenthood. and reproductive health for any well as routine screenings for PAGE 21 SCI TECH ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019

(Photo: PIxabay) FINDINGS AND REFLECTIONS Summer in a Stern Lab

Drori’s lab helped me reach this this gap, called TH (thermal activity, and binding sites to BY NICOLE SOUSSANA intention. hysteresis), ice will not grow the planes of ice crystals, all Dr. Drori’s lab focuses and will therefore not cause of which impacts how and During my first summer as an on antifreeze proteins (AFPs). harm to the organisms living in when the ice grows, while undergraduate at Stern, I decided to These proteins play a vital role also manipulating the tem- spend my time with Dr. Ran Drori, in the survival of cold-environ- perature. Professor of Organic Chemistry ment organisms by stunting the During my time in and Biochemistry at Stern College growth of ice within them. Due to The work leading up Dr. Drori’s lab, the research for Women, in order to receive the effects of antifreeze proteins, to a discovery...is I conducted was twofold. On firsthand experience of life as a ice crystals can exist within the extremely hard and the one hand, I focused on the researcher. organisms without causing harm, taxing, but at the end influence that time would play Upon entering Stern, I because ice growth is inhibited. on the TH activity of different planned to attend medical school, AFPs are present in many or- of the day, when you AFPs. If you leave the ice like mostly everyone else. Over the ganisms living in freezing tem- discover a small nu- crystal at a constant tempera- course of two semesters, my plans peratures, such as fish, insects, ance...leading you to ture within the TH gap, will have transitioned from an intend- bacteria, plants, and fungi. Like your final answer,it is this give an opportunity for ed MD to PhD. This means that most occurences in science, these more AFPs to bind, thereby rather than going to medical school magnificent proteins are not as more than gratifying. increasing the TH activity? and become a practicing doctor, simple as they sound. We concluded that the impactPAGE 4 I have shifted gears to instead Pure water melts at just of time on TH activity would enter a field that would further above zero degrees celsius and sub-zero temperatures (where depend on the protein. For my understanding of the world of freezes just below zero. There is ice would have grown if it were AFPI, which is found in floun- science, in addition to becoming practically no gap between the not for AFPs). Once the ice ders, there was no observed part of a community dedicated to freezing point and the melting crystal in the presence of AFPs change of TH activity as time enhancing the breadth of scientific point. However, the basic means reaches the freezing point, knowledge. While this sounds like of antifreeze proteins is to bind the crystal bursts. The story a great feat, I wanted to experience the ice and inhibit its growth. becomes highly complicated SEE STERN LAB, life in research before solidifying This creates a gap between the when adding various types of PAGE 22 my decision. My summer in Dr. melting and freezing points. In antifreeze proteins, degrees of

PLANNED nal and other bodily fluids.” dents had already had sex, gender identity. It is impera- For example, HIV can be with almost half not prac- tive to supply teenagers with PARENTHOOD accurate medical information FROM PAGE 20 passed from an HIV-positive ticing safety measures to person to an HIV negative prevent pregnancies or the so they can make safe deci- person through the sharing spread of sexually transmit- sions as they mature. There- Parenthood’s regular screenings of injection drug equipment. ted diseases. Consequently, fore, Planned Parenthood’s can catch STDs and cancers while Therefore, it is important to it is vital for teenagers to be range of healthcare services they are still treatable. Addition- have affordable and accessi- educated in order to avoid provides both adults and ally, some may believe that there ble testing centers where one unwanted pregnancies and to young adults alike access to is no need to be tested for STDs if can be screened for STDs and protect themselves. Planned essential care—from contra- they aren’t sexually active, when, treated if necessary. Parenthood provides many ception to general well-be- according to the Mayo Clinic, “The According to a sur- resources for teenagers to ing—and provides critical organisms (bacteria, viruses or para- vey that Centers for Disease learn about puberty, STDs, sexual education to people sites) that cause sexually transmit- Control and Prevention and pregnancy prevention, from all walks of life. ted diseases may pass from person conducted in 2017, 40% of as well as learning about to person in blood, semen, or vagi- American high school stu- consent and their sexual and

ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUST 2019 SCI TECH PAGE 22 SCI TECH PAGE 6

A TRANSPLANT RESEARCH JOURNEY YU Student Reflects on Summer in Boston Children’s Hospital

genes on or off, which regulates to this amazing research which er, but the technique and BY MICHAEL GERBER included working with mice, experiments performed can genotyping, and working in a drastically affect the results. wet lab. A wet lab is defined One technique I n average, a kidney O The most import- as “a laboratory equipped used is called a western transplant patient lives 12 to 20 ant aspect of re- with appropriate plumbing, blot. Blotting is the transfer years post-surgery. Currently, ventilation, and equipment to of the specific molecule pediatric transplant research search is to keep allow for hands-on scientific onto a nitrocellulose paper. is focused on creating immu- questioning and research and experimenta- There is a northern blot nosuppressive medication to understanding. If tion.” Scientific research all (DNA detection), southern be administered following a an experiment does begins with an observation, blot (RNA detection), and a transplant. This past summer, I and continues with hypothesis, western blot (protein detec- worked in a pediatric transplant not work, try again. experimentation, and finally, tion). These three techniques research lab for nephrology, the evaluations of the results. at Boston Children’s Hospital, immune system expression While the scientific method that focuses on prolonging the seems very basic in essence, life of post-transplant pediatric which can prolong the life of research is heavily focused SEE patients. The lab focuses their post-transplant patients. TRANSPLANT RE- I had the fortunate oppor- on this technique. It is very SEARCH, PAGE 23 research on a protein that con- simple to put solutions togeth- trols the expression of turning tunity to take part and contribute

STERN LAB specifically causes sharper tips the AFP is inhibiting ice growth. The work leading up to a dis- on the crystal with the increase covery or even just to the step FROM PAGE 19 The sharper the tips of an ice of time, which increased the TH. crystal, the further growth is which will lead to a discovery, The other aspect of my is extremely hard and taxing,PAGE 4 increased, even with varying being inhibited. Once the rate of research involved comparing but at the end of the day, when concentrations. However, with ice growth is faster than the AFP the ice crystal shape as it is you discover a small nuance or a more active protein, QAE, binding, the crystal will burst. formed to just before it bursts. If some small reaction that wasn’t found in eelpouts, differing While the bulk of my it is found that the crystal shape expected or a clue leading you concentrations displayed an in- time doing research happened to becomes sharper before burst, it to your final answer, it is more crease in TH activity with time. be very tedious, repetitive, and could explain an increase in TH than gratifying. The basic explanation for this included many failures along activity. The sharpness of the ice occurrence is the different ways the way, I learned that this is the crystal displays how efficiently the proteins bind to ice. QAE path every researcher follows.

Bio Major. Lab Intern. Science Junkie. Whoa. Did we just describe YOU?

New for this year: Sci-Tech Section! Passionate about science? Write about it! Contact [email protected] for more info PAGEPAGE 2323 SCISCI TECH TECH ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUSTAUGUST 20192019

TRANSPLANT ing the weight of these proteins, tive results, but also a terrible time to saving countless lives. otherwise the experiment will not feeling when the results you Through remaining optimistic, RESEARCH work. Even if one is precise with expect come out negative. yet level-headed, these scientists FROM PAGE 23 their measurements, however, the The most important contribute to research that will experiment could fail for various aspect of research is to keep change the lives of children in other reasons. You could perform questioning and understand- need of a transplant. are very similar, however a the same experiment three to five ing. If an experiment does not ------western blot focuses on the times and yield no results. From work, try again. There are not Editor’s Note: Work in a lab? detection and weight of a that point on, you look at your ob- many transplant research cen- Tell us about it! protein. It is very important servation and hypothesis to revise ters in nephrology, yet the one Contact [email protected]. to be precise when measur- it. Personally, I can tell you that I worked with devotes their it is a great feeling to get posi-

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