STUDCO vs COVID - Bnei Akiva Schools
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The BASH
THE BNEI AKIVA SCHOOLS HEADLINES ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2020
STUDCO vs COVID
Update from the Legendary President of Ulpana
ARIELLE MAYER
PRESIDENT, UO STUDENT COUNCIL
Hey BAS! Congrats, we made it through 2020! Who
knew? While this has been the craziest year ever, I’m
so thankful for each and every one of you for making
this year as amazing as it has been so far, even with all
of our restrictions. COVID-19 only helped us prove how
special BAS is and that nothing will get in the way of us
having an amazing year! B’Ezrat Hashem, the next half
of the school year will be even better and safer, but we
should continue to have the same amount of ruach and
achdut that constantly surrounds the BAS community no
matter what. This connection is so strong that not even
a worldwide pandemic can break us apart, so thank you
all for your incredible ruach and positivity!
This year has been anything but normal, but thank G-d,
we’ve still been able to have many exciting programs and
activities going on while social distancing and wearing
masks. During the first month of school, we had the an-
nual Freshie-Senior BBQ, had an ice cream truck come
to school, made bracelets for our sisters, and participated
in a super fun see-run-build candy Sukkah competition
by grades. The COVID-19 restrictions aren’t stopping us
from having an amazing year! Even during our week of
online school, we continued to have fun activities such
as daily activity booklets with fun games for everyone
to complete. The month continued (in person!) with a
picture scavenger hunt in honour of parshat Lech Lecha Things To Do Over Winter Break
and we were able to learn more about Avraham’s journey
RACHEL GOLDSTEIN
to Israel. Of course, we can’t forget about the Ulpana’s Got
Talent competition! On the weekend that Shabbaton was Do you ever find yourself feeling bored out of your 4. Go on socially distant walks with your friends.
supposed to be, we had some exciting surprises for you mind whenever there’s a vacation from school? Don’t forget to complain to them about how
all. We enjoyed some delicious Kawartha Dairy ice cream Do you want to spice up your life and be more you’ve been learning from home since the be-
and the photobooth by the “lake”. We felt just like we were content than 110% of the world’s population? Well ginning of school.
at Fern Resort! We then watched a fun video of teacher this article is definitely for you (no clickbait)! Here
5. Take up a new hobby – whether that’s cook-
competitions and had each class predict the winners. is a list of ten, COVID-friendly must-dos for over
Overall, these past three months have been incredible winter break, and it doesn’t include completing ing, baking, running, or sleeping.
and I’m so grateful that we’ve been able to spend them the school assignments that were due two weeks 6. Travel vicariously to distant lands.
together in person. ago. Enjoy! 7. Test the bag of old batteries down in the
This year can be looked at in two ways: an excuse to 1. Go on a technology cleanse. Throw your basement.
stop trying, or a reason to grow even further. COVID-19 phone out the window and buy a pigeon to de- 8. Assemble new furniture from Ikea. That
is only a part of our year, but it does not define how our liver messages instead. People will be in shock is guaranteed to take you three months to do.
year will be; that is up to us. I am so confident that we when they find a pigeon casually sitting on their While you’re at it, translate the whole Ikea cata-
will be able to make the most of this year, no matter the windowsill. You’ll likely become a trendsetter.
logue into English.
challenges or obstacles in our way. We have already been 2. Annoy your siblings and family. It’s just a
given. 9. Ponder life’s pressing questions: Do Danish
able to do so much in these short three months and I guar-
antee you that the rest of the year will be just as amazing, 3. Learn a new language – because how awe- people eat danishes for breakfast?
if not better, whether we’re in person or online. I can’t some would it be to have a full-on conversation 10. Breathe — and wait for things to return to
wait to B’Ezrat Hashem see you all again after the break! with Kesty in Russian? normal!
BAS COMMUNITY Page 2
Ask Me About My
!Mask
IZZY ADLER
Forget about designer handbags and avant-garde shoes,
face masks are all the rage! There are plenty of different
masks out there, but have you ever thought about whether
you are purchasing the correct one? You would hate to be
walking around in last week’s mask while everybody else
is strutting through the school hallways with the best of
the best.
Which mask is the best, though? Truthfully, shopping
for a mask is very similar to shopping for a pair of shoes.
It must fit right, feel right, and look right. Experts say that
the fabric masks are the best, especially when it is difficult
to maintain a two metre physical distance from other
people. Fabric masks are like Converse – everybody has
them laying around somewhere, and they come in every
single pattern and colour imaginable. In fact, wearing a
fabric mask can reduce the spread of your own infectious
respiratory droplets, in other words… your germs. I know
what you are thinking: “If this is true, I’m just going to
”?make my own fabric masks! Why waste the money
מה קורה עם השליחים שלנו?
Absolutely not! Homemade masks are not proper medical אלי יסאר
devices and therefore are not regulated like a medical mask
מאז שהתחילה שנת הלימודים נאלצנו להסתגל לכל השינויים שקוביד גרם .עם זאת ,דבר אחד שאנחנו אסירי
is. Every single mask you purchase to reduce the spread
תודה עליו הוא שלא היינו צריכים להתחיל את השנה בלי השליחים האהובים עלינו .השנה ,כמו בכל השנים
of COVID-19 has been tested to recognized standards (we הקודמות ,בית הספר שלנו הביא קבוצה נוספת של מורים ישראלים להצטרף למשפחת בתי הספר בני עקיבא
hope). Without the proper internal nasal bar inside the ואנחנו כל כך שמחים על הצטרפותם .אחת השליחות היא המורה נטעיה וכדי להכיר אותה קצת יותר טוב
mask, the virus particles will not be blocked. שאלתי אותה כמה שאלות .תודה לך מורה נטעיה על זמנך!
Additionally, masks with exhalation valves are not
נוס עשר! (:והעובדה שהגעתי לכאן לבד בלי המשפחה. אלי :כדי להתחיל ,האם תוכלי לספר לנו משהו חדש על
recommended either. These masks are like the ten-inch עצמך )תחומי העניין שלך ,מדוע החלטת להיות מורה(?
heels, everybody wants them, but once you have them מה הדבר שהכי טוב בעייניך בהתנהלות הקנדית ,האם
נטעיה :האמת היא שאני אוהבת הרבה דברים; אני
on your body you realize how awful they truly are. These יש משהו שהיית מאמצת?
אוהבת עובדות רנדומליות ומעניינות ותמיד מנסה
masks do not protect others from COVID-19 or limit the להכניס אותן לשיעורים שלי .אני מאוד אוהבת לעזור
הרוגע! הכל מתנהל בנחת ,אין הרבה לחץ ולדעתי זה
virus. This is why the masks with respirators, like the N95, לאנשים ,בהתחלה הייתי בכלל אמורה להיות פסיכו־
שונה מאוד.
are reserved for health care providers directing care to לוגית ,למרות שזה לא כזה שונה מלהיות מורה (:אבל
COVID-19 patients. למה את הכי מתגעגעת בארץ? ”אדם מתכנן וה‘ צוחק.“...
Finally, the most common mask we see is the classic האם אי פעם היית בקנדה בעבר או שזו הפעם הרא־
וודאי שאני מתגעגעת למשפחה שלי ,וגם ,זה ישמע
medical mask. These masks are like the UGG boots in the שונה שלך?
shoe world, everybody has them! These masks are the best מוזר ,אבל אני מתגעגעת לחוצפה הישראלית (:
זו פעם ראשונה שאני חיה ועובדת בחו“ל וזו חוויה
for protecting health care providers and slowing the spread אנו לומדים מהתורה שלפעמים אנו זקוקים למישהו מעניינת ומאתגרת כאחד.
of the virus. So next time you find yourself wondering מבחוץ עם נקודת מבט חדשה שתעזור לנו להשתפר, מה גרם לך להחליט להגיע לקנדה עכשיו ,בתקופה כל
which mask to buy, ask yourself if you would rather wear כך מאתגרת?
מה את יכולה להציע לנו מנקודת הראיה שלך?
Converse, ten-inch heels, or UGG boots.
קודם כל אני מודה על ההזדמנות להגיע ולהיות חלק
לאור העובדה שקשה מאוד להפריד את חווית המ־
בקהילה המדהימה הזו ,במיוחד בזמנים כה קשים.
ציאות של קנדה בזמן הקורונה מהחוויה של המציאות דווקא בתקופה כזו אני חושבת שהרגשתי שיש כאן
בקנדה בתקופה רגילה ,קשה לי מאוד להעריך ולשפוט הזדמנות בשבילי באמת לצאת לשליחות ולעשות משהו
למען האמונה שלי וקירוב הלבבות בעם ישראל.
את המצב באופן אובייקטיבי...
לפעמים ,האופי הקנדי מתנגש עם האופי הישראלי .האם
האם יש עוד משהו שתרצי להוסיף? את מרגישה שהתרגלת להבדלי התרבות?
אני כל כך שמחה שזכיתי להגיע לכאן ולהכיר אנשים לא! אני חושבת שאני אצטרך עוד כמה חודשים טובים
נהדרים וקהילה מדהימה ,אין עוד הרבה כאלה! מא־ עד שאתרגל ...לא רק לאופי ,אלא גם למושגים שונים.
כמו למשל ההבדלים בין מעלות פרנהייט לצלזיוס ,מה
חלת לכולם בהצלחה!
שגרם לכך שהשבת הראשונה שלי בקנדה היתה עם
אנחנו למדים שההגעה של נטעיה כמו גם השליחים אוכל לא מבושל בחלקו.
האחרים כרוכים בהשקעה וויתורים מצידם .זוהי הז־ מה היה האתגר הגדול ביותר במעברך לטורונטו?
דמנות נפלאה להודות לכולכם! הקור! השלג! העובדה שאני לא יודעת איך נוהגים במי־
ISRAEL & JUDAISM Page 3
Thank You, Rabbi
Jonathan Sacks
A Tribute to a Renowned
Jewish Leader
ELI YISSAR AND RENA TORCZYNER
On Motzei Shabbat of November 7th, the world
shook with the news of Rabbi Lord Jonathan
Sacks’s passing. Rabbi Sacks zt”l was a leader
who impacted us all by connecting the modern
world to Orthodox thought and inspired so
many of us in countless ways of life. We have all
© Blake Ezra Photography Ltd. 2013
surely read multiple tributes already and have
taken his life lessons to heart. As high school
students, we are all at a point when we must
choose what we believe in and how we want to
act. We should try to connect to Rabbi Sacks’s
lessons and live by them every day. Here are
three incredible quotes from the Rabbi himself
that will help us do so.
1. “Make space in your life for the things that
matter, for family and friends, love and generos-
ity, fun and joy. Without this, you will burn out
in mid-career and wonder where your life went.”
We understand, as high schoolers we are often
so focused on all of the tests and assignments
we have to study for that we don’t have time for
the fun stuff. But let’s take Rabbi Sacks’ lesson
to heart and really try to do one extra mitzvah
Chanukah and Purim: A Story Comparison every day.
2. “To ask is to believe that somewhere there is
an answer...we ask not because we doubt but be-
OREL ZVI and joy. But if we take the time to them to give a Brit Milah and made cause we believe.” It is not uncommon for high
Chanukah and Purim are both holi- look deep into these stories, we will them work on Shabbat. A spiritual school students to find themselves wondering
days implemented by the rabbis, be able to see the biggest difference, danger towards the Jewish nation about the many aspects of Judaism. While we
which is the way that the Jewish is a significantly greater threat than could run away from these questions, we urge
and have many similarities. Both
people were planned to be killed. physical danger. everyone to find a teacher or Rabbi that we trust
holidays feature “colourful” stor-
On Purim, persecutors want- Rabbi Baruch Rosenblum ex- and ask them instead. This way, we will be able
ies that stay in the minds of kids,
ed to kill ALL the Jews, while on pands on this point by stating that to further connect with Hashem and Judaism.
both celebrate Jewish victory over 3. “While everyone else is thinking about
prosecution, both are filled with Chanukah, persecutors wanted to this is the reason the Jews took a
economics and politics, executive salaries and
miracles, and both are so important kill only observant Jews. When stand physically in Chanukah, and
the future of the euro, do the opposite, even if
that the rabbis turned their observ- Haman sent out the decree to kill not Purim. In the story of Purim
it’s hard. Invest in the spirit.” We all know we
ance into rabbinic commandments. the Jews he stated: “לְ ַה ְש ִׁמיד ַל ֲהרוֹג when the Jews heard about the have been guilty of doing this during the recent
With so many similarities between ִ ל־ה ְ ּי
הוּדים ִמ ַּֽנ ַﬠר וְ ַﬠד־זָ ֵקן ַ ת־כ
ָּ וּלְ ַא ֵּבד ֶא terrible decree Haman sent out, American elections. It’s totally alright to educate
the two holidays and their stories, ַ He sought to destroy, to
”טף וְ נָ ִשׁים. Esther told them to have three ourselves and be involved in current events.
what is the crucial difference that kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, days of fasting and prayer towards Still, while we do so, let’s not forget to focus on
separates them? young and old, infants and women. G-d. But in the story of Chanukah, our spirits as well and to trust in Hashem’s plan.
In order to answer this question, Haman planned an all-out physical when the Jews met a spiritual dan- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt”l has been an in-
we must look deeper into the stor- attack. Unlike Haman, Antiochus ger, they took the problem into credible leader for so long, and there are many
ies of both holidays. Everything in attacked the Jews spiritually, where their own hands – as seen when more lessons that we can learn from him. I
he did not allow them to worship Mattathias rounded up a group of hope that these three will be able to guide us.
the world has two parts – the exter-
In light of Hanukkah, let’s not forget one last
nal and the internal. When you first their own G-d but, rather forced religious Jews and went straight
quote from the Rabbi: “Hanukkah is about the
look at something, your eyes tell them to worship the Greek gods. into a physical war.
freedom to be true to what we believe with-
you what’s on the outside. Many of Antiochus tried to prevent the Jews Both stories seem similar until
out denying the freedom of those who believe
us stop there. Externally, the stories from teaching the Torah to their we take a deeper look into it, be- otherwise. It’s about lighting our candle, while
look and sound identical: a nation children. He burned Torah scrolls cause only when you would look not being threatened by or threatening anyone
tries to kill us and we overpower and defiled the Temple. He forced at something deeply – in order to else’s candle.” Let’s all act on our Jewish pride
them with the help of G-d, and we them to eat foods that were forbid- understand what’s “inside” of it – and make sure we continue to respect others’
react with celebrations of thanks den by the Torah. He didn’t allow you can find its beauty. pride along the way.
ISRAEL & JUDAISM Page 4
Israel Advocacy Among Celebrities
Why Celebrity Influence Matters
RENA TORCZYNER
We live in a world today that preaches freedom of us, so when we are obsessed with a song like “Don’t whom these celebrities are speaking feel all the more
speech. Forums both on and offline spanning hun- Start Now” and Dua Lipa shares a #FreePalestine grateful for the support.
dreds of widely used platforms present this oppor- post on Twitter, that will have a strong impact on Now, where do we stand? We have many of these
tunity, and their users take up the pen eagerly to share both us and her other 6.6 million followers. The next societal idols who stand for us and many who stand
their thoughts. To give one example: social media, time we hear someone speaking about the conflict, against… but where does that lead us?
where the passionate of every generation spill their we have a side to take – perhaps no backup, but a It leads us to our turn. If others are speaking up,
lives, values, and ideals. bias that will make it more difficult to convince us it’s high time we do too. That does not mean targeting
What about people who aren’t passionate about into a pro-Israeli perspective. BDS supporters or pro-Palestinians. On the contrary,
politics, or particularly educated about current Still, this goes both ways. While Dua Lipa may they are not the target audience at all. Everything we
events? They must acquire an opinion, which can not support Israel, Bon Jovi does. So does Scarlett do is to convince the undecided, the aforementioned
be done in either of two ways: Johansson, and so did Frank Sinatra… from petitions fandom who are neutral in their stance on Israel until
1. Learn the facts and craft the ideas themselves. to social media posts to a simple unwavering loyalty, their idols make a statement one way or the other.
2. Read through others’ opinions and adopt them When we respond to an anti-Semitic post, it is not
as their own. necessarily to convince the author who is already
When discussing a topic like the Middle East, and Once we become fans, their firm in his/her view, rather to make sure that some-
specifically Israel, many of the indifferent will default
opinions mean something to us, one who is scrolling through will see that there is
to the second option, simply due to the sheer scale
more than one side to the story. When we educate
of the subject. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict spans
ourselves on current events in the Middle East, we
millennia; it brings into the picture not only Israeli
several of those in society’s spotlight have stepped up are ensuring we will have the ability to shoot down
and Palestinian history, but incorporates the West
for Israel, in doing so rejecting the discouragement arguments that are based on false premises. When
as well, dating back to the British Mandate in the
of their pro-Palestinian peers. we thank a celebrity for their support, however it is
Middle East. It isn’t a simple read-through-a-fact-
sheet or learn a few stories and you’ve got it down. We can appreciate this support all the more be- given, we are showing that the backing is mutual –
Consequently, many turn to pre-formed opinions, cause of who it is coming from. Not only do these that the hate they get for their decision is not the
and who better to look to for this than the idols of people have a larger platform to express their opin- only feeling they have inspired, because to us, the
society? ions, but they also have a much greater risk involved. situation may seem just that much more hopeful
Celebrities (even the definition of the word, and In an industry based on entertainment, you need for their loyalty.
what it entails) are controversial. Nevertheless, one people supporting you, because without people to Celebrities have the power to project their opin-
thing we must all acknowledge is that, at the end of entertain you are out of a job. It is walking a very thin ions to masses of people, but the groundwork – the
the day, these people have a stronger social media line to begin to introduce personal ideas, knowing obligation to personally interact with others and ad-
platform than the average user, and have amassed that many others will not agree with you, and it vocate for our country – falls to us. By learning which
a strong fan following among whom their words can end up being detrimental to your career. Most people are loyal to us, we can make sure they know
carry weight. We admire their clothing, their sing- celebrities are highly aware of this, and thus make the impact they have had, and spread that impact as
ing, their acting, their personalities (or our narrow sure not to speak up about an issue unless they are much as possible throughout our communities – both
perception based on what we see on-screen). Once willing to receive the backlash and continue despite physical and online. They have spoken out; now it’s
we become fans, their opinions mean something to it. It is not an easy decision, and so the Israelis for time for us to move this forward.
Say Yes to an Israeli Dress: 1992, Tornai transformed her shop into
a bridal salon.
Fashion Magazine. Each and every
one of Tornai’s gowns is hand sewn
By 2005, the ever-so-famous New
Pnina Tornai’s Rise to Fame York City bridal boutique, Kleinfeld
with fabrics imported from Europe.
Her famous body-hugging corsets are
IZZY ADLER she developed a passion for vintage Bridal, brought Tornai in as a perma-
dressed up with Swarovski crystals
nent designer for their company. With-
Ruffles, bows, taffeta and sparkles all couture fashion. After spending ten and precious stones. She also has an
in two years she was their top vendor.
represent the elegance and charm that years in Paris, she made her way back entire modest line for religious Jewish
Today, Tornai is the only designer to
is displayed on the most elegant gowns to Israel and opened a small clothing & Muslim brides.
have her own bridal boutique with-
in the world. A wedding dress defines store in Tel-Aviv with one seamstress. Tornai exhibits the true meaning
in Kleinfeld’s. Her dresses are sold
the day you remember for the rest of Tornai’s shop only consisted of day and
all over the world, including China, of fashion. She takes inspiration from
your life. Whether your gown depicts evening gowns until a bride walked South Korea, Angola, Croatia, Ger- Israel and around the world to build
luxury and class or dazzle and flash, the into the store asking her to recreate one many, Greece, Italy, Israel, the Baha- her own bridal empire that has truly
dress tells it all. of her evening gowns into a wedding mas, Canada, and the United States. taken the world by storm. It is very
Pnina Tornai is an Israeli fashion dress. Tornai accepted the challenge Her gowns are constantly featured
and made the dress for her customer. important for an Israeli designer like
and wedding dress designer. Before on TLC’s reality television show Say
Tornai’s rise to fame, she enlisted in Is- The dress was a major success and was Pnina Tornai to work internationally.
Yes to the Dress, which airs in over 145
rael’s mandatory military service. After featured on the front page of an Israeli countries. Pictures of her gowns have Brides of all backgrounds gain respect
serving in the military, Tornai moved newspaper. Due to the dress’s popu- been published in People Magazine, for the Israelis and the Jewish people
to Paris, France to pursue an acting larity, Tornai attracted a lot of brides- The New York Times Fashion & Style when they fawn over a Pnina Tornai
career. During Tornai’s time in Paris to-be looking for wedding dresses. In Magazine, and Women’s Wear Daily wedding dress.
ISRAEL & JUDAISM Page 5
Gen Z’s Perception of the Holocaust
The Influence of TikTok on Holocaust Education
ELI YISSAR
By now, I am sure that everyone read-
ing this article knows about TikTok,
the social media platform that has
taken the world by storm. The platform
is all about sharing videos and trying
to get featured on the ‘For You’ recom-
mendations page for other users, in or-
der to receive more views. This results
in the video maker’s fifteen seconds
of fame. Creators have taken this in
various directions: some have chosen
the comedy route, others have tried to
show off their talents (dancing in par-
ticular), and others have been accused
of using their looks to gain followers.
Regardless of the way it started, many Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
people have become so concerned with
obtaining their fifteen seconds of fame ness, especially at a time when Holo- case! How many times have any of you know a little more about the topic.
that some stopped thinking some of caust denial is at a rise. We all know the scrolled through the comments of a Express the reason that you found
their decisions through. saying, it’s the thought that counts. It fol- TikTok video, or other social media the video offensive. This could even
Over the past few months, there lows that we should be able to forgive post, because you didn’t understand be a great lesson for us to learn. If we
have been several trends, which catch these users whilst still showing them a joke? Or maybe, you wanted to don’t know enough about a topic, we
on and are recreated by thousands of the error in their judgement. There are, make sure that you were not the only should never pretend we do because
TikTok users. Many of these trends are after all, much better ways to educate one that found it funny? People go we could easily be spreading offensive
innocent and entertaining, but one that young people about the Holocaust, through the comments all the time misinformation, which is the last thing
does not fit either of those adjectives even whil still using TikTok. which makes it all the more important any of us want.
is the Holocaust trend. This trend in- Sadly, this was not the case for many to call out people who are including 3. Comparing Israel to Nazi Ger-
volved people dressing up as Holocaust others who uploaded Holocaust trend false, offensive, or even harmful infor- many, or the IDF to Nazi soldiers is
victims (wearing yellow stars, striped videos. Many had the goal of making mation in their videos. That way, when antisemitic. In this case, using edu-
shirts, and creating bruises with their fun of the atrocities that occurred in someone doesn’t know anything about cation is incredibly important, pri-
makeup), some even used the back- the Holocaust and created a form of the topic (which is usually the vast ma- marily for all the people who will be
drop of a Nazi concentration camp, denial, sending the message that, “It jority of viewers) and looks through seeing the video without knowing the
and others pretended that they were in couldn’t have been that bad; why are the comments section for some more truth. Such statements try to erase
heaven and told their Holocaust story. you Jews always complaining about it?” information, they will learn that there the significance and uniqueness of the
Some TikTokers pretended to die in Some uplauders went so far as to com- are multiple points of view and that Holocaust, while also attacking the
their showers, and some acted as if they pare IDF soldiers to Nazi criminals. the video posted is not the word of validity of Israel as a state. The best
were walking towards a gas chamber. This made it difficult to forget or justify. G-d. That being said, you are definitely way to go about this is to be very clear
Needless to say, many people on this Is it enough to just ignore such vid- not expected to write a five paragraph about what kind of things Israel does
platform were appalled by the trend eos? This is a question that I had asked essay teaching them about Jewish hist- today and explicitly writing the differ-
and called out some of the people who myself when I first came across them. ory; it would suffice to write, this is not ence between that and the atrocities
made these videos. Although this trend I didn’t know what the best solution true followed by a little bit of informa- of the Holocaust. Some arguments
is no longer in play it is important to was, but I couldn’t just keep scrolling. tion on how you know that. can include: Israel has given equal cit-
talk about how we, as a Jewish com- Although I am definitely not a social 2. All of these people are not ne- izenship status to all of its citizens re-
munity, can respond to such uploads. media expert, this is what I have learn- cessarily antisemitic. I know, the gardless of religion and has never done
After the backlash, many people ed so far: first reaction for us (the people have anything to exterminate a group of
came out to say that they created 1. The comments section makes been educated about the Holocaust people, whereas the Holocaust was a
these videos in order to reach out to a difference. More often than not, all our lives) is to call these people genocide that murdered eleven million
the younger generation and educate people who are offended by certain antisemitic, and leave it at that. Here innocent people (you definitely don’t
them about the horrors of the Holo- posts choose not to do anything about is the thing… many of these people have to only talk about the Jews, bring
caust. They chose to use a platform them because they don’t think any- have not been as well-educated about up the murder of the communists, the
with which they were comfortable, thing they write will make a difference the genocide as we have been. They disabled, the gypsies, the LGBTQ+
and knew that younger people were as to the original poster. I used to be don’t come from an evil place, just an community, etc).
well. These TikTokers figured that this one of those people, but now, I am ignorant one, so the best way to react Remember: your voice matters. Use
would be a good way to bring aware- here to inform you that this is not the is to educate. Try letting these people it. People care what you have to say.
ISRAEL & JUDAISM Page 6
Israel’s Advancements in
Alzheimer’s Dementia
LIR YISSAR
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness month in Canada. Alzheim-
ers is a growing problem with more than 50 million people
suffering from this disease worldwide. To raise money for a
cure please donate to Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and follow
@alzheimers_helpglobal to help raise awareness. Even when it
seems that there is no way to stop this disease from taking over
our loved ones, people around the world are working hard in
order to find a cure, including Israel.
Once, we were full of blossoming trees. Trees that would
change colours every fall. Trees that spread deep roots. Then,
a few trees in a huge forest get poisoned. Slowly, one tree fell,
another’s leaves didn’t grow back, and all of the beautiful roots
began disintegrating. This is our forest of memories and the
poison is Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD).
Alzheimer’s Dementia is a disease that causes memory loss in
its early stages, and worsens in its later stages to the point where
an individual cannot carry out simple conversations or respond
to his/her surroundings. At the moment, AD has no cure but
scientists around the world are constantly working together to
progress the existing methods of preventing, diagnosing, and
treating this overpowering brain disorder. Israeli scientists are
among the collaborators. They have been working hard for years
to find different treatments in order to help those suffering from
Alzheimer’s Disease, and, hopefully, cure the disease. Here are
a few examples of promising Israeli inventions and discoveries.
Prevention
Many different genetic mutations and environmental fac-
tors increase the risk of an individual being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This is being developed Treatment
Alzheimer’s Dementia. This includes; heart disease, diabetes, by researchers from the Hebrew University of There are many different medications for
stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Israeli scientist Jerusalem. Dr. Aviv Mezer, a lead researcher, Alzheimer’s Disease, including Israeli-made
Professor Eitan Okun, at Paul E. Feder Alzheimer’s Research Lab explains that the new MRI technique will allow Exelon, but they cannot cure or stop the pro-
in Bar-Ilan University, has been testing an Alzheimer’s Vaccine. doctors to differentiate between brain scans of gression of this disease. Rather, they can relieve
Vaccines give the body a weakened dose of a virus in order the same patient that were taken over a period or delay symptoms. An Israeli Professor, Marin
to help build immunity against the stronger villain. Okun’s of time, to compare the healthy and diseased Kupiec, and colleagues at Tel Aviv University,
technique is to prepare the body to attack amyloid beta protein brain tissue. suggest that it may be possible to reverse the
clumps in the brain, the signature sign of AD. Dr. Shahar Arzy, director of the computa- protein clumping involved in neurodegenera-
Okun has already been experimenting on mice and is now tional neuropsychiatry lab at Hadassah Heb-
moving on to a clinical trial that is focused on people who have tive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
rew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Disease. Amyloid protein growth increases
a high risk of developing early onset (under 50 years of age) worked with her team to create Clara. Clara
Alzheimer’s Disease. These trials will allow Okun to determine with age and can lead to neurodegeneration
works as an artificially intelligent ChatBot
if the vaccine is successful and how it affects the human body. because proteins can create incorrect form,
that could potentially detect early signs of Alz-
Depending on the results, Okun will understand how much where they’re misfolded. Kupiec says that re-
heimer’s Disease, based on the understanding
more time is needed before it can go global. moving glucose from a certain clump of protein
that AD affects the brain’s orientation system
Okun has also been exploring different ways to diagnose AD makes it dissolve. If results can be repeated in
before memory. Using this information, Clara
early on, using advanced MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) more complex proteins, then scientists will
asks patients about themselves and their re-
and technologies to detect the early progression of amyloid lationships with people, events, and places. have a new research avenue toward treatments
beta protein. that can reverse the neurodegeneration effect
Then, Clara compares the answers to a comput-
Diagnosis er-based test made for diagnosing Alzheimer’s of protein build-up.
PET scans and spinal taps are now the most reliable and Dementia very early on. These are just a few of the many advances Is-
standard way of diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease around the Arzy and her team have posted a study rael has made towards preventing, diagnosing,
world, but they are expensive and have many risks, including claiming that Clara is correct 95% of the time. and curing Alzheimer’s Dementia. Ladostigil,
infections, brain herniation, and high radiation exposure. Israel Clara is now three years into a five-year trial at NeuroAD, and ElMindA are a few more. With
is developing tests that are non-invasive, affordable and can Harvard to compare data given by the system Israel and the rest of the world working togeth-
provide an earlier diagnosis. to data from AD markers taken via Amyloid er to fight this awful disease, one day we may
A new MRI technique records molecular changes in brain PET scans, quantitative and functional MRI, be able to live knowing that our forest of trees
tissue, which could help early diagnosis in both Alzheimer’s and and other neuropsychological tests. won’t ever lose its leaves.
POLITICAL OPINIONS Page 7
Trump and Climate Change
A Failure for the Ages
JOSEPH NEWMAN the fight against climate change, having
Donald Trump does not play by the in 2019 withdrawn the USA from the
rules. His roller coaster ride of a presi- landmark 2015 Paris Climate Accord,
dency has been one defined by con- Trump’s dangerous war against truth joining only Nicaragua and Syria as the
stant reversals and surprises. And yet has brought climate change denialism… only three countries not party to the
the 45th president of the United States, agreement. According to a New York
unconventional and unpredictable as
into the American political mainstream Times tally, the Trump administration
he may be, has consistently followed has to date repealed 84 environmental
one rule in particular throughout his regulations, and is working to reverse
tenure: he does not like to acknow- And while, after he stepped into don’t believe it.” 20 more by the end of his tenure.
ledge the inconvenient. In the Trump the political limelight after his upset But the effects of Donald Trump’s Trump’s dangerous war against truth
universe, America is a country free of electoral win in 2016, he toned down beliefs about climate change on US has brought climate change denialism,
racism, COVID-19 is no deadlier than some of his rhetoric, Trump’s hostility policy have not only been symbolic. a view once limited to a fringe few con-
the seasonal flu, and the 2020 Presiden- towards science continues to influ- This year, Trump slashed EPA funding spiracy theorists and “independent
tial Election was rigged by Joe Biden ence his climate policy. Less than a by 26%, leaving the agency, now led scientists” whose research happened to
and the fake news media. month after assuming office, Trump by a former coal lobbyist, forced to be funded by the oil industry, into the
So it is unsurprising that the cur- appointed climate change denier Scott end 50 environmental programs and American political mainstream, paving
rent commander in chief ’s attitudes Pruitt to head the Environmental Pro- with few resources to conduct crucial the way for his anti-science campaign
towards the climate crisis are as those tection Agency (EPA), the country’s research and development to combat to influence America’s climate policies
of most people to Bigfoot or the Loch most powerful environmental regu- the climate crisis. The current presi- for decades to come.
Ness monster; climate change, in the lator. Shortly afterward, in December dent’s administration has rolled back The world stands at a tipping point
President’s mind, is a scary idea, but 2017, contrary to the warnings of top numerous Obama-era restrictions on in the fight against climate change. And
at the end of the day does not exist climatologists and despite the US hav- air pollution and scrapped the former while the situation is still salvageable if
and is therefore no cause for concern. ing seen a marked increase in the fre- President’s ambitious Clean Power addressed seriously and with appropri-
Long before running for office, Trump quency and severity of natural disasters Plan. The current President’s under- ate action, we cannot stand idly by as
loudly questioned the existence of hu- due to climate change, the Trump ad- mining the EPA has weakened the
the world teeters on the brink of a cli-
man-caused climate change, making ministration removed climate change agency’s prosecuting power, bringing
mate catastrophe, with irreversible and
over 120 statements on social media from the Department of Defense’s list enforcement of environmental regula-
disastrous consequences for humanity
denying climate change or mocking of national security threats. In 2018, tions to a 30-year low. Recently, Trump
those working to address it before as- and the planet. With Trump poised
after the publication of the Fourth has ordered a sharp increase in logging
suming office, as reported by the BBC. to leave office in January of next year,
National Climate Assessment, which on public lands under the guise of a
In a now-infamous 2012 Tweet, Trump warned that unchecked climate change wildfire prevention strategy, and au- America has a chance, with renewed
charged that “[t]he concept of global would devastate the American econ- thorized drilling for oil in the Alaska respect for science and an emphasis on
warming was created by and for the omy, Trump dismissed the findings of National Wildlife Refuge. The Trump international cooperation, to reclaim
Chinese in order to make U.S. manu- the report, telling journalists assem- administration has ceased cooperation its place as a world leader in the battle
facturing non-competitive.” bled outside the White House that “I with the international community in of our generation.
POLITICAL OPINIONS Page 8
Update on the Incoming COVID-19 Remedy
What to Expect with Vaccines on the Horizon
MICHAEL ROBERTS
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, life was nor-
mal. Surgical masks were almost never worn
except in medical contexts. Social distancing
was unheard of. Events involving crowds of
tens of thousands of people were regular. Hand
shaking was widespread. A high-five was the
common greeting between friends. Entering
others’ residences was familiar. Vacations to dis-
tant destinations were enthusiastically planned
and enjoyed. Closed-book assessments were
expected. A sick student stayed home and didn’t
attend class. There are seemingly infinite others.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. On March
13th, 2020, the Canadian government passed
many laws which interfered with normal life
in order to fight the deadly, contagious SARS-
COV2 virus, the virus that caused a worldwide
pandemic. The wearing of a surgical mask is now
mandatory indoors and is often seen outdoors.
Social distancing is encouraged. Hand shaking
or high-fiving is prohibited, and violators are
fined when caught by law enforcement. Invit-
ing others into one’s residence is condemned.
Recreational aviation is nearly nonexistent. A
sick student is expected to attend class remotely.
Therefore, all assessments must be open-book
or oral.
Fortunately, this won’t be the reality for long. its own testing and decides whether Phase three trials on November shot at half the dose, there was a
There will be a remedy to the COVID-19 pan- to approve. If they do, the vaccine 18th, and reported their vaccine 90% efficiency rate. However, less
demic: a vaccine. A vaccine is a product that is available for use in the govern- candidate, BNT162b2, to have a than 2 800 volunteers received
stimulates a person’s immune system to produce ment’s country. 95% efficiency rate, way above the the initial shot at half the dose, so
immunity to a specific disease, protecting the It takes years of research and de- US Food and Drug Administration’s the data is still inconclusive. If the
person from that disease, according to the Cen- velop to a vaccine candidate. How- (FDA) minimum of 50%. Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine is approved,
ter for Disease Control’s definition. ever, pharmaceutical companies BioNTech submitted an emergency
it will be easier to mass produce,
There are five stages for a vaccine candidate got a head start with SARS-COV approval application to the FDA on
store, and afford than the above
to get approved: preclinical trials, three phases vaccine candidates and the SARS- November 20th and the results are
vaccine candidates, which are gen-
of clinical trials, and governmental review. Pre- COV2 genome sequence in January pending.
2020. According to the New York US-based Moderna also has etic vaccines. They inject SARS-
clinical trials are done on human cells and live
animals to determine a starting safe dose for Times’ COVID-19 Vaccine Track- promising phase three results. A COV2 genes into human cells to
human volunteers in the clinical trials. If there is er, there are: more than 87 vaccine preliminary analysis has reported cause an immune response. On the
no safe dose, the vaccine candidate is discarded. candidates in preclinical trials, 38 that their vaccine candidate, other hand, this vaccine candidate
The first phase of clinical trials determines the vaccine candidates in phase one, 17 mRNA-1273, is 94.5% effective. 90 is a viral vector, a harmless virus
highest dose of the vaccine candidate that can vaccine candidates in phase two, 13 out of 95 phase three volunteers engineered to carry some SARS-
be administered without severe side effects vaccine candidates in phase three, who got COVID-19 took a placebo, COV2 genes.
through tests on healthy volunteers. The second and six vaccines prematurely ap- not the vaccine. Moderna plans to There is immense hope that a
phase of clinical trials determine whether the proved by Russia, China, and/or submit an emergency approval ap- vaccine candidate will be approved
dose determined in the first phase works as a the United Arab Emirates. Those plication within the next few weeks. soon. This will be great, as a vaccine
remedy (to some degree) for the disease it was six candidates aren’t prematurely British-Swedish pharmaceutical will be the main remedy for the
intended to treat. The third phase of clinical approved by Western governments company AstraZeneca and the UK’s
trials determines whether the vaccine candi- COVID-19 pandemic. However, we
to prevent a non-effective vaccine University of Oxford have a vaccine
date is a better remedy to the disease than a must continue to abide by public
candidate from encouraging people candidate, AZD1222, with promis-
placebo or the standard treatment. Every phase health guidelines to stop the spread
to stop abiding by the COVID-19 ing preliminary results. There are
of clinical trials requires more volunteers than restrictions. two shots for AZD1222 – one initial of SARS-COV2 until those guide-
the previous. There are three vaccine can- shot, and one booster. Among the lines are retracted by public health
After the three phases, the vaccine candi- agencies. Hopefully, the COVID-19
didates with primary results. US volunteers who received the initial
date’s owner applies for its approval from na- pandemic will end soon so we can
pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer shot at full dose, there was only a
tional governments. The national government
and German biotechnology com- 62% rate of efficiency. Among the return to the normal life we current-
reviews the vaccine candidate and does some of
pany BioNTech wrapped up their volunteers who received the initial ly miss so much.
POLITICAL OPINIONS Page 9
How President Trump Injured America
Changed America and the The Impact of Four Years
of Donald Trump
World for Good BINYAMIN MAZIN
A Positive Look into the Tenure of the The residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are expected to be
45th President of the United States good people that lead the United States to peace, unity, and
safety. Yet, four years of Donald Trump’s outrages and terrible
NOAH BERGER leadership has negatively affected Americans in many ways.
On June 16th, 2015, President Donald J. Trump announced While the U.S. has assisted peace deals in the Middle East, an-
his candidacy for the Republican Party. Few took his ti-Semitic hate crimes have been on the rise throughout the country.
announcement seriously, as he was a political outsider. In 2017, as reported by the FBI, there were 938 anti-Semitic hate
However, after landslide victories in the primaries, Donald J. crimes, up 40% from 684 cases in 2016. It’s no wonder hate crimes
Trump was declared the victor of the Republican Party nom- have risen with a xenophobic President (as exemplified by the
ination, and went on to win the 2016 election. From the first president’s own words), as people feel he is backing their actions.
day of his campaign, he was attacked by the mainstream media Donald Trump also believes in many harmful conspiracy theories.
(dominated by CNN and MSNBC), as well as “parroted by the In 2007, Trump stated that vaccines cause autism, a demonstrably
Canadian media” as quoted by Sir Conrad Black. false claim. The President also does not believe in climate change,
During President Trump’s campaign, his motto was “Make an issue affecting the world. Trump said in 2018, “I don’t believe
America Great Again”. After eight years of limited accomplish- it,” when reporters asked him about the issue. As well, the U.S.
ments by President Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden, withdrew from the Paris agreement which was supposed to reduce
America needed a change. President Trump put America first world carbon emissions, leading to a greener future.
by bringing jobs back to the US from China, withdrawing from Foreign policy has also dramatically suffered since Trump was
the radical Paris Climate Agreement, and pulling out of the elected as President. Trump has praised many of the world’s worst
Iran Nuclear Deal – all while protecting America’s borders by dictators, including Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin.
building the Southern Border Wall and placing travel bans on Trump has gone as far as to call many of them friends and even
countries associated with terrorism. At the time of this article’s praised qualities of their countries, like restricted speech and cen-
writing, the non-certified President-Elect Joe Biden wants to sored journalism. During the G20 summit in Japan, Trump said to
reverse putting America first. He will re-enter the Paris Climate Vladimir Putin: “Get rid of them. Fake news is a great term, isn’t
Agreement and Iran Nuclear Deal, and loosen border restrictions it? You don’t have this problem in Russia but we do,” referring to
which many fear. the controlled media in Russia. The Trump administration has
Before COVID-19, the US had the greatest economy of separated many families at the Mexican border and even failed to
the world. Tax Reform for large corporations helped increase reunite children with parents. Many families are separated at the
America’s wealth and jobs. Record low unemployment numbers border because the parents are considered criminals and taken
were documented for minorities. The Dow Jones increased from into ICE custody. Simultaneously, the kids are treated as unaccom-
18,000 to nearly 30,000 points during Trump’s first three years. panied minors and are taken into custody by other government
As of September 2018, according to the White House, there had organizations. The parents are then deported, leaving the children
been an increase of 400,000 manufacturing jobs, and 3.9 million
behind. According to a report by Vox in 2018, 2700 children have
Americans had been lifted off of food stamps.
been separated from their parents since President Trump came
President Trump’s most notable accomplishment is his
into power. According to the BBC, 666 children are still in the
foreign policy, which has been mostly ignored by mainstream
government’s custody, separated from their parents. The children
media. Destroying ISIS, killing its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
may now be permanently separated as the American government
and Iranian General Soleimani were all relegated to the bottom
cannot find their parents. The U.S. has tried but the effort has been
of the newsfeed, just like the Abraham Accords, the recent nor-
minimal and the parents cannot be found, essentially turning them
malization of relations between Israel, Bahrain, UAE and Sudan.
into orphans with no chance of a normal life.
The moving of the embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the
Finally, looking at Trump’s COVID-19 response, it becomes
Golan Heights were both moves that showed America’s belief
in the Jewish State of Israel. evident that his administration’s response has been incompetent
When COVID-19 came to the US, President Trump was and we are lucky that on January 20th, 2021, he will no longer be
quick to respond by closing the border to China. Response the President of the United States. At the time of writing the U.S.
was immediate from some that the President was xenophobic, is the 9th worst country when looking at COVID deaths: per one
but he was actually later criticized for not acting sooner. The million people, a shockingly high number for the great superpower.
ongoing mainstream media bias against President Trump only Trump has continually downplayed the severity of the pandemic,
increased with Big Tech Censorship, such as the censoring of even making fun of political rival Joe Biden for wearing masks so
the Hunter Biden corruption scandal. Recently, the Twitter frequently. The President held massive rallies during his political
CEO apologized for this censorship. campaign with no physical distancing and little mask-wearing. It
The past four years of President Trump have been a gift to was learned that Trump knew of his COVID exposure, yet still went
America. Some of challenges to the 2020 election are legitimate to an event before announcing to the public that he was exposed.
and all ballots and challenges should be heard before certifying While I join in appreciating the symbolism of moving the U.S.
the election. Even if Joe Biden legitimately wins the Presidency, embassy to Jerusalem, I am left to wonder: at what cost does it
America can look forward to 2024 when President Trump has come? How many children removed from their families are equal
the chance to take it back. to one embassy move?
SPORTS Page 10
Is Online Gaming a Sport?
ADAM LEBOWITZ AND sional soccer with rocket powered cars that can run them a chance to show off the skills they have spent
GABRIEL KAPLAN up walls and do flips.” Finally, League of Legends is hours working towards. It also creates a community
Electronic sports or Esports is a growing sensation the most complicated of the bunch. It’s described for players to get together and connect, practicing
that has swept the nation (not unlike the Corona- as a MOBA or Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. It’s their problem solving and team building skills. To
virus… but in a far more positive way). In March, a five-on-five multiplayer battle arena, where each
quote Mr. Reiss, “You cannot win Esports alone,
the world was turned upside down, and during the team battles across the map to destroy the enemy’s
it is a team-based game, and it specifically requires
base. There are over 150 champions to choose from,
following summer and spring months that are usually the skills of working in tandem with other people.”
each with unique abilities.
filled with outdoor activities such as basketball or Many of the games involved require quick thinking
Despite all these different games and many dif-
baseball, maybe even a walk in the park, were closed
ferent teams to manage, the school is still looking and team coordination on the same level as regular
until further notice. One of the few things that re-
to expand this program. Mr. Reiss is also working sports, ranging from constant communication, to
mained open to us was our electronics. At least we
towards adding two more games to the ever-growing predicting how the opposing team will move, to
had those, and boy oh boy did we take advantage of
program – Madden 21 and FIFA 21. One of Mr. Reiss’ being there to intercept. It is no wonder that Esports
our ability to stay on the couch for 24 hours straight.
goals is getting these teams known and building a is growing at a rapid rate as a multi-million-dollar
Some discovered new skills in these pressuring times,
fanbase, through which he can expand Esports at
such as new movie marathon records or a newfound industry, with many universities and high schools
Or Chaim.
passion for all things The Office. Along with many already having teams.
Basketball is a key part of our culture at YOC.
others, some members of the school gravitated to Looking at the role of physical sports, part of its
This can be seen by how the former basketball team’s
gaming to fill their hours. players’ names are honored on the walls of the school. goal is to create a recreational pastime for people to
Then the summer passed like a flickering light Mr. Reiss is a strong advocate for Esports and claims enjoy. As a league, Mr. Reiss says that, “Traditional
and school came bashing through the brick wall we that it could potentially replace certain aspects of sports fill a role of entertainment, stress manage-
called Corona to force us back to reality. Everything regular sports. Specifically regarding basketball at Or ment, team building, skill building, and social build-
changed due to COVID-19, such as cancelled con- Chaim, he said, “In a physical sense, no. Emotionally, ing.” Esports fill each of these in the same capacity –
certs, postponed plays, bubbled sporting events, and yes. Esports has just as much mental engagement as
finally, the school had to adjust to an atmosphere in fact, they are no different from physical sports
basketball. However, culturally, maybe not quite yet,
without our main passion – baseketball. Like all in the concept of a league. The only real difference
but we’re on the way.” Covid has definitely played an
others in this crucial time, we adapted, filling that between traditional sports and Esports is the tradeoff
integral part in creating the Esports team, but Mr.
void with an Or Chaim Esports team. Many reading Reiss has said that “YOC has been ready for a while, of physical activity. However, in regards to mental
this article are wondering, what exactly is Esports? and Covid has simply given a chance for it to actually exercise, Esports fill the same role just as well, if not
Well, to quote Mr. Reiss, “It’s like basketball, but come to light.” better. Additionally, Mr. Reiss continues that just like
everyone has superpowers.” Mr. Reiss is not only As a new and growing industry, there are many regular sports, “When properly engaged, Esports
a phenomenal guidance counselor for our school, concerns to be had regarding Esports. One such helps to release pent-up energy, and can help act as
but also the coach for all three Esports teams here. concern is its effect on mental health. Esports can a break from the stress of school.” It provides a short
The first game is Fortnite, a mother’s favourite. actually be very beneficial in keeping socially and break from school in the same way that one would get
It is an open-world battle royale, last team stand- mentally healthy by providing social support or so-
up and play a round of basketball, then get back to
ing clash, to eliminate other teams within a variety cial connectivity, and stress management. As such,
of terrains and items throughout the map. There their schoolwork. Esports may not be for everyone,
Mr. Reiss has said that he will continue running
are also the added elements of building weapons Esports and ensuring there is a program like it so but the least it is owed is a chance, and especially in
and fortifications, and the mobility and tactics of a that students can stay mentally healthy and socially these trying times, when we all need to be a little
first-person shooter. Next, Rocket League, is exactly active. Just by virtue of having the team, Esports more open to accepting new things and adapting to
as it sounds. Or, as Mr Reiss puts it, “Three-dimen- brings people who enjoy gaming together, and gives what is presented before us.SPORTS Page 11
Three Key Leafs Signings
Will Veteran Leadership like Erik Karlsson, but he can play left-wing and established himself as a been injured quite a bit from trying
responsibly in the defensive zone, solid net-front presence, on the power- to be that net-front presence, he’s old
be Enough to Push the and he is constantly moving when in play and the penalty kill. After a trade in hockey years at 32, so the decline is
Leafs Over the Top? the neutral zone, always looking for to Philadelphia, he was again success- expected. So why did the Leafs sign
an open player. Brodie is also going ful in front of the net. His point totals him? Well, first of all, he’s been around
AHARON TORCZYNER to contribute to the struggling penalty increased, hitting 50 or 60 points every the league. He’s had experience and
The Toronto Maple Leafs, as of November kill that finished 21st in the league last year in a four-season stretch. He con- can bring leadership. He even won the
4th, have made 37 transactions since the year. He’s signed to a $20 million, tinued to play on both special teams. 2018 Mark Messier Leadership Award.
four-year contract. A possible con- During that time, he was named to the A second reason? Simmonds can still
Stanley Cup was awarded on September
cern might be that at the end of the all-star game and proclaimed MVP of
28th. Three players that the Leafs signed be that net-front presence even if he
deal, he might be overpaid. Still, that’s the tournament. However, that four-
stand out in particular. can’t be the scoring forward he used
not the concern of the present – it’s year stretch ended three years ago.
Joe Thornton to play. He can still kill penalties, be on
a future problem and nobody really After the following year, 2017-18 Sim-
Thornton, the former Boston Bruin and the second powerplay unit, and play
knows where the Leafs will be at in monds admitted to playing through
San Jose Shark, contributes as much on third or fourth line minutes. He can
four years. Brodie is expected to play five injuries. He missed seven games
the ice as he does off-ice. He is a veteran grind in the corners, and he’s a physical
big minutes and a key role on the pen- for a sixth injury. Those slowed him
in the NHL, having played 23 years already. forward who’s willing to fight, anytime.
alty kill, that’s why he is an important down and he only had 47 points in 62
He has already compiled over 1,500 points The best part? He’s signed to a one-
signing for the Leafs. games. That’s still respectable. The next
and has won too many awards to count, year, $700,000 deal, just like Thorn-
Wayne Simmonds two seasons, though, were not good to
but the key is that he put up 31 points last ton. If the Leafs like how he plays this
Simmonds, a 12-year NHL veteran say the least. One year: 30 points in 79
year in 70 games on the 30th placed Sharks year, then they can sign him to another
and a five-year assistant captain with games, and no points in the playoffs.
team. He’s bound to add at least 10 points
Philadelphia, started his career in LA This past season with the Devils, 25 one-year deal. If not, they can let him
to that total playing on a playoff team in a
with the Kings. He became a 15-goal, points in 68 games, again no playoffs. walk. It’s hard not to like the signing
third or fourth-line center position. Yanni
30- to 40-point player on the right or It is to be expected, though. He has of the guy from Scarborough, Ontario.
Gourde, third-line-centre of the Champion
Tampa Bay Lightning, put up 30 points last
year. He’s also a guy that has seen it all in
the playoffs: 179 playoff games, including
a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. To
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put this into context, the Leafs’ previous
leader in playoff games played was Jason
Spezza at 85. As well, as a former captain,
Thornton knows how to lead, which is
very important with any hockey team.
He can also depend on his teammate of
13 seasons, Patrick Marleau, who played
for two years in Toronto, for information.
The knock against him is his injuries. He
has missed time for tearing his ACL and
MCL in his left and right leg during the
past three seasons. That would normally
be a bigger concern, but the Leafs brought
him in on a $700,000, one year contract,
which means if they are disappointed in his
play they can wait until the year is up, and
if they really like him, then they can resign
him for another year. Bringing experience
and playmaking ability to the team could
really help the Leafs out, and if it doesn’t,
then he’ll be gone by next year.
T.J. Brodie
Brodie, aged 30, has been playing in
the NHL full-time for seven years, all with
the Calgary Flames. In fact, he ranks ninth
in games played for Calgary and was an
assistant captain in 2015-16. He is slotted
to play on the top pair, on the right side.
The question is: what makes him special?
When you look at his point totals, they
aren’t that impressive. 266 points in 634
games. What’s special about Brodie is the
way he plays. He doesn’t rack up the pointsYou can also read
