Monday, March 18KS"A Halacha Shiur w/ free donuts; 9:10am in room 203 Kukin Lecture Series Orientation during lunch in Belfer Hall 411 Parent-Teacher Conferences @ 5:30pm; Dismissal @ 4:45pm
Tuesday, March 19 Chabura with Rav Twersky will meet after davening Navi Kollel to meet in the Beis Midrash during breakfast Chaburas with Rav Willig and Rav Kahn meet during lunch Elective Day for Juniors; program @ 12:20pm, lunch during 1st period MTA Chorus practice during lunch in room 404 MTA Band practice during fifth period in the band room Debate meeting in the Library, 6-8pm Soccer Lions vs Flatbush Falcons, 7:15pm in The Den Wednesday, March 20
Chaburas w/ Rav Twersky and Rav Schachter after davening Chaburas with Rav Willig and Rav Kahn meet during lunch Hatzioni Donut Sale
Thursday, March 21 - Thursday, April 4
Pesach Vacation
|
|
First Annual MTAPAC Mission to Washington a Massive Success
by David Aaronson ('14)  This past Thursday, forty-five MTA students, along with ten faculty members, traveled to Washington DC for HaTzioni's first annual MTAPAC mission. The exciting day began with Shacharis at 6:25am in the Beis Medrash. Shortly after davening, we boarded the bus and departed for a five hour bus ride. Once we arrived in Washington DC, our first stop was the Israeli Embassy. We were greeted there by Eli Groner, the Minister of Economic Affairs in the Netanyahu government. He discussed with us the current status of relations between Israel and the United States. We are grateful to Ambassador Michael Oren and his staff for their generosity and willingness to host us. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious lunch that was catered by Sammy's from Teaneck (special thanks to Natanel Niazoff for arranging that!)  Following lunch, we went to Capitol Hill and divided up into groups that visited the offices of various political leaders, including Senators John McCain, Bob Menendez, Richard Blumenthal, Marco Rubio and Mark Warner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Congressmen Eliot Engel and Chris Smith, and Congresswoman Grace Meng. All participants had attended various training sessions in school over the past couple of weeks to help us prepare our talking points and to teach us how best to lobby for the causes we care most about. Following an hour at the Smithsonian Museums, we then went to Congregation Kesher Israel for Mincha/ Maariv and a Chinese dinner. After a long day, we returned to MTA at 11:30pm Thursday night. Thank you to everyone who organized and attended the trip, thus making it a true success. Special thanks to Shlomo Annapole ('13) for taking the lead in putting this together, David Aaronson ('14) for all his help in coordinating, and Rabbi Eli Cohn, Hatzioni's faculty advisor. |
 On Friday, March 8th, the MTA robotics team went to the Javits Convention Center on 34th Street to compete in the NYC Robotics Championship hosted by First™ (Foundation of inspiration and recognition of science and technology). First is a non-for-profit organization that is dedicated to inspiring students of all ages to be science and technology leaders; they do so by hosting different robotics competitions for a range of ages. We competed in the First Tech Challenge (FTC). Each year, a game is designed and the participating teams must build their own robot to compete in that specific game. This year the game they  constructed was called: "Ring it Up." The goal was to robotically take rings off a rack and hang them on a taller rack in the center of the field. Each team was randomly assigned to an alliance, which competes against another alliance. Points allotted depend on how many rings are hung and how high on the rack they are hung. The alliance that earned the most points wins each round; this year, MTA won three of the four rounds we competed in, putting us in the top ten of thirty-five teams!
 MTA first began to compete in robotics competitions, particularly the FTC, only one year ago. Our season began back in late September, when we met our coach Reuven Levy, the father of Dan Levy ('14). We first began by building our own playing field in the computer lab, which would be instrumental in planning and modifying our robot. Upon the completion of the playing field, we proceeded to build the robot. In the early stages of the building, the team split up: one part of the team concentrated on building the robot's drive train, and the other part of the team concentrated on constructing the lifting mechanism and electrical hub. As we advanced we merged the two pieces and from that point on, we continued to work together to further develop the lifting arm and "ring-gripper mechanism". At the same time, two members of the team worked on the computer coding for the robot.
To read the rest of the article, please click here.
|
|
Sports Management Students Hear from Top NBA Agent Leon Rose
With excerpts from YU News
 On March 7, students in both the Sports Management club and course had the opportunity to hear from NBA agent Leon Rose. Rose was brought in to speak by Yeshiva University's Sports Management Club.
Rose, attorney and sports agent, represents many National Basketball Association stars including Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, and formerly Lebron James. During the informal discussion, which took place in Furst Hall, Rose recalled his journey from aspiring basketball coach to legal professional and, eventually, adviser to some of the biggest names in the game.
"The reason I got into this is the same reason I wanted to be a basketball coach-I wanted to help people in a different way," he said. "In my field, you may not be a coach on the court, but hopefully you're a coach regarding life and business."
At YU, Rose gave students an inside perspective on the day-to-day life of an agent representing major clients, hitting on everything from negotiating salaries and contracts to player endorsement deals and relationship building. He also discussed some of the more challenging aspects of his career, talking about his experience as an agent during the 2011 NBA lockout, the impact of collective bargaining and James' free agency. "Your job as an agent is to explain the pros and cons and make sure your clients have all the information necessary to make the best possible decision for themselves," he said. "You give them your advice and your thoughts, but ultimately they make the decision, and when you walk out of that room, you and your client are one. You support that decision."
Max Stern (MTA '09), vice president of the Sy Syms School of Business-affiliated Sports Management Club, was impressed by Rose's openness and accessibility. "For someone of his status, he's a humble person who offers a good lesson for college students," he said. "His message is, 'Work hard. The luck comes afterward.'"
To read the entire YU News article, please click here. |
|
Sophomores Head Upstate
by Yehuda Weschler ('15)
 This past Wednesday and Thursday, the entire sophomore class and their rebbeim went on the annual grade trip. It began on a literal high note when we went to Bounce, where simple sports like dodgeball and basketball are given the added benefit of trampolines. Next, after a delicious Lake Como lunch, we went bowling. We then davened mincha and headed to the Palisades Center where we took advantage of the four story ropes course, and played arcades at Dave & Buster's.  Later that night, when we arrived at the hotel, we went swimming and had a midnight barbeque. The next day, at a dude ranch, we had the option of skiing, snow-tubing, archery, or horseback-riding. It was an incredible experience and a ton of fun. A special thanks to Rabbi Green and Rabbi Kessel for making this great trip happen! Many more pictures available on Flickr.
|
|
MTA Hosts Blood Drive
by Dov Fink ('13)
This past Monday was a busy day here at MTA. In addition to becoming the tier two champions at the Sarachek tournament, MTA hosted a blood drive.
Those eligible and willing to donate walked to the basement of YU's Morgenstern Residence Hall where they were greeted by employees of the New York Blood Center and filled out a quick form. Next, the donors had a quick set of vitals taken to ensure they were in able physical conditions to donate. For the majority of the students who remained eligible, the donation process began. Students were led to a row of blue stretchers where a nurse would assist in the donation process.
In total, close to three gallons of blood were donated!. We would like to thank all those who donated, and a special thanks Dani Kurtz ('13) for organizing the entire blood drive.
|
|
7 of 11 MTA Delegates are Winners at Model Congress
by Akiva Schiff ('13)
On Wednesday, our MTA Model Congress team traveled to the Young Israel of Woodmere for the annual competition hosted by HAFTR. The morning began with a lecture by the keynote speaker Phil Goldfeder, an assemblyman for the Five Towns and Far Rockaway area. He spoke about his life and his role as a Jew in the public sphere and relayed some life lessons to all of us.
After this, we broke up into the various committees for a couple hours of intense debate, as each delegate presented his bill and defended it against the other delegates in the committee. There was then a lunch break, during which we were able to discuss how things were going in each committee, and we also had an opportunity to interact with students from other schools and other committees. We then had a final hour of legislative time, allowing every delegate to present a bill.
Finally, all of the students gathered together for Mincha and the awards ceremony. Each committee had one "Best Delegate" and two "Honorable Mentions". Seven of the eleven MTA delegates received awards. Congratulations to Akiva Schiff ('13), Devir Kahan ('13), and Shai Cohen ('14) on winning "Best Delegate"; and to Nachi Penn ('13), CJ Glicksman ('16), Meir Barg ('16), and Tsahi Halyo ('16) on receiving "Honorable Mention". After the competition, we took the bus back to school where the team captaincy was passed from Akiva Schiff to Shai Cohen. This was the best that MTA has done in recent years at Model Congress and we are very proud of our victories. Thank you to Rabbi Green for helping coordinate this program and to Mr. Toporovsky for being our chaperone.
|
|
Big Wins for JV and Varsity College Bowl Teams
by Shmuel Novogroder ('13)
On Thursday, both the JV and Varsity MTA College Bowl teams went to the Yeshivah of Flatbush for their second meet of the year. Led by Mr. Arthur Toporovsky, both teams flexed their mental muscles by answering questions in topics ranging from Calculus to the Golden Globes, and took home the wins to show for it. The JV team took themselves out of a minor slump with an exciting and hard-fought victory over Magen David. The Varsity Team went undefeated at this meet, giving them an impressive 4-2 overall record and a chance at making the Championships. We wish them further success in their next and final regular season meet, which will take place on April 18th.
|
|
Despite Missing Key Players, MTA Chess Pulls Ahead
by Moshe Rosensweig ('14)
On Wednesday, several students from MTA filed onto the bus headed for JEC for the second chess match of the year. However, due to the sophomore trip and other events at MTA, some of MTA's finest chess players were unable to attend the match. Captain Yoni Schwartz quickly scrambled to collect enough students.
At the tournament MTA met and played against members of the JEC, TABC, and Shaarei Torah chess teams. Some games were fast paced ending in under five minutes while others took longer; in fact, one game went until there were just two and a half minutes remaining on the clock. In the end, MTA came out with a total score of 9/14 points (8 wins, 2 ties, and 4 losses), making it very possible for MTA to clinch the playoff seat.
|
-
MTA again performed well at the Central Novice debate this week. Tsahi Halyo ('16) won first place debater and Jake Spector ('15) and Simcha Brodsky ('15) took home third place team. The debate involved the right of parolees to vote once they have left prison. All the novices who went felt they learned much about the prison systems, as well as the rights of the individual prisoners.
|
LIONS UPDATE
|
Vying for Record 10th Championship, Varsity Hockey Lions Come Up Short in Championship Game
by Jesse Schwalb ('14)
This past Sunday, the MTA Hockey Lions faced the TABC Storm in the Yeshiva League Championship. After pulling out a stunning victory by scoring two goals in the last minute and a half in DRS, it felt as if MTA had all the momentum coming into Sunday. This would be the third time MTA played TABC this season and MTA, having won the first two meetings, seemed to have the upper hand. Yet, TABC was the team who came out strong in the first period scoring two goals to take an early 2-0 lead. After a scoreless second period, TABC tacked on one more goal to take a commanding three goal lead. With about eight and a half minutes left in the third period, Eitan Rosenfeld ('13) scored MTA's first goal and it seemed that the Lions would be able to put together some sort of a run. However, TABC quickly scored their fourth goal of the game and held on to win 4-1. This was a great season for the Lions and with some of their junior star power, we are confident that they will be a contender once again next season.
VARSITY BASKETBALL LIONS WIN SARACHEK TIER II CHAMPIONSHIP!
by Ezra Teichman ('14)
 This past Sunday night, the Lions faced Valley Torah in the Sarachek Tournament Tier II Semifinals. The Lions came into the game with a lot of energy, and took a quick 15-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Lions continued their strong play and took a 30-11 lead into the half. After going up by as many as 25, the Lions defense slipped and the lead shrunk to 16 points going into the fourth. In the fourth quarter, however, the Lions' defense improved and they coasted to a 55-34 win. The Lions balanced attack was lead by Ezra Teichman (12 points), Ben Zion Feld (11 points, 4 rebounds), Hami Alexander (10 points, 5 rebounds), Shai Kaminetzky (8 points), and Shauli Naumberg (8 points).
On Monday afternoon, the Lions faced the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy Cougars for the coveted Tier II Sarachek Championship. MTA's first period was cancelled, allowing the entire student body to attend and cheer on their Lions. Playing in front of the large crowd, the Lions came out with intensity. Led by Ezra Teichman's two three pointers, the Lions were tied after one quarter. After a Yoni Kram free throw, Zak Lenik erupted for a 9-0 run of his own in the second quarter to give the Lions a 22-12 lead going into the half. After an even third quarter, the Lions were able to push their lead to 19 midway through the fourth. Every senior on the team scored in what would be their last game as an MTA Basketball Lion. The Lions won by a final score of 53-27 and took home the title. We congratulate the Lions on their 21-4 record this season, their third consecutive 21 win season, and are confident that they will come back even better next season.
Congratulations also to Ezra Teichman who was named Tier II MVP and to Zak Lenik who was named a tournament all-star.
Many more Sarachek pictures available on Flickr.
Soccer Lions Claim First Win of the Season
By Shaya Kestenbaum ('14)
On Monday night, the MTA Soccer Lions took their talents to Queens to take on Ezra Academy. Behind a hat trick from Willy Kluger ('15) and goals from Phillip Meyer ('14) and Dovid Ort ('14) among others, the Lions won the game convincingly by a score of 10-0.
Soccer Lions Fall to Sting
By Shaya Kestenbaum ('14)
On Thursday night, the Lions made their third appearance of the year in a matchup with the mighty SAR Sting. Despite the hype surrounding the SAR squad, MTA came back from an early deficit to tie the game up at 5 behind the third goal of the game from international phenom David Bramson ('14). Unfortunately, the game slipped out of control with the Sting capitalizing on numerous shots to win the game. MTA looks to get back on track when they face the Flatbush Falcons on Tuesday night in The Lions' Den.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Download this week's
Shema Koleinu
|
MAZEL TOV!
Mazel Tov to Gavriel Feld ('07) upon his marriage to Nina Mehlman. Mazel Tov also to parents Alan & Rochel Feld and brothers Yisrael ('11) and Benzion ('13).
|
|
Mazel Tov
to
Rabbi Josh (YU VP and Chief-of-Staff) and Julie Joseph
upon their
"Guests of Honor"
award at the Yeshiva of South Shore Dinner
|
|
Mazel Tov
to
Avi Sebbag ('13) upon being awarded the "Avodas Hakodesh"
award by Congregation Tifereth Israel
of Passaic, NJ
|
Ives Herman
3/17
Boris Masheyev
3/17
Akiva Pudell
3/17
Nathaniel Piskun
3/21
Philip Meyer
3/22
Ari Brown
3/23
Dani Davis
3/23
Naftali Horowitz
3/23
Shmuel Novogroder
3/23
Jared Scher
3/23
|
|
|
