By Hannah Stein-
Student to Student, a program based at ICJA that teaches non-Jews about Judaism, has been going strong for the past few weeks. In a normal year, Jewish students from ICJA, RZJHS, and public schools visit Christain and public schools to give presentations, but in-person presentations are not happening this year because of COVID-19.
By Gabriel Gordon Burstyn—
At every Ida Crown interview, Rabbi Matanky asks incoming freshmen how many years there are to ICJA. His answer is five years: four at Ida Crown and the fifth year in Israel for a gap year. Every year, some Ida Crown graduates go for gap years in Israel, while others go straight to college. COVID-19 has impacted the class of 2020’s plans, dictating what their first year out of high school looks like.
By Dahlia Matanky-
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was more than a Supreme Court Justice, more than a strong Jewish woman. To me and many others, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an ideology, a beacon of hope and progress. When our country mourns, we mourn not only the loss of an incredible person, but also an idealized version of our country.
With winter’s promise of freezing temperatures and snow, what better thing is there to do besides curl up on the couch with a blanket, hot cup of your beverage of choice, and a good book? If you’re looking for a page turning story of heroism, spycraft, and Nazi resistance, then Sonia Purnell’s A Woman of No Importance is the ideal non fiction book for you.
By Simone Miller-
Fifteen students and several teachers have opted to learn via zoom this school year, participating in classes through standing iPads that are ubiquitous in every classroom. I spoke to a few of these zoomers to see how their year is going so far:
Note: interviews are edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
By Ari Baral-
Several weeks before school closed in March, then freshman Gabe Simon approached Ms. Sennett about starting a Debate Club. He wanted to use this club as a way to hone his public speaking skills and open a platform for others to do the same. Just as his plans were coming to fruition, classes became remote and the club had to be put on hold. Now as a sophomore working with Ms. Sennett, Gabe Simon restarted the club for anyone and everyone to join.
By Sarah Friedman-
I had the privilege of interviewing Mrs. Gold, a new member of Ida Crown staff. Here is a glimpse of our conversation:
By Gideon Miller-
Ida Crown students elected a new Student Council on the 29th of September with Ronen Lavi as President, Ahron Falk as Vice- President, Jonathan Thomas as Treasurer, Kayla Kupietzky as Secretary, and fifteen class representatives. Normally, Student Council elections take place at the end of the previous year, but this year the elections were delayed until the 29th because of the coronavirus pandemic.
By Kayla Kupietzky-
The coronavirus pandemic has halted normal life, but it has also brought an unexpected light, unity, and selflessness into our communities. This light and kindness was taught to us by our forefathers and foremothers years ago, whose values of hachnasat orchim and gemilut chasidim show us how to infuse selflessness into our lives despite trying times.
