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Shalhevet news online: When we know it, you'll know it

The Boiling Point

Shalhevet news online: When we know it, you'll know it

The Boiling Point

Shalhevet news online: When we know it, you'll know it

The Boiling Point

Benjamin Gamson

Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief

Benjamin Gamson, 12th grade, is in his second year as an Editor-in-Chief of the Boiling Point, having served last year as only the second junior to hold that post himself.  Benjamin joined the Boiling Point during his freshman year as a staff writer and became Polling Director during the second semester. As News Editor in his sophomore year, Benjamin managed and edited the Community, Torah and Outside News sections.

Benjamin has authored over 70 articles and podcasts and won awards from organizations including AJPA, JSPA and NSPA. Outside of Boiling Point, he is a member of the Model Congress team and an active participant in the Just Community. When not in school, Benjamin enjoys following politics, current events and baseball, and listening to music.

All content by Benjamin Gamson
PINNACLE: Ryan Coleman started coaching Shalhevet’s girls varsity basketball team in 2019. He said that the girls state victory this year was the highest achievement of his career.

Coach of Champions: Ryan Coleman reflects on historic state CIF basketball title

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 2023

This year for the first time in Shalhevet history in any sport, the Firehawks’ girls basketball team won the California Interscholastic...

END: With 6.9 seconds left in the semifinal game, SAR led the Firehawks by 2 as team co-captain Avi Halpert moved the ball.

Stung by overconfidence, Shalhevet falls to SAR in Sarachek semi-final

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2023

With less than 25 seconds left to play, Shalhevet and SAR were tied 55-55 March 26 in the semifinal game of this year’s Red...

Pavel Lieb leaving at the end of the year, will be principal at Yavneh

Pavel Lieb leaving at the end of the year, will be principal at Yavneh

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2023

Mr. Pavel Lieb, who has led the Shalhevet science department as department chair for the last six years, will be leaving Shalhevet...

OPEN: Senior Nathan Sellam shoots a layup in Shalhevet’s victory Friday against Magen David. Sellam received multiple full-court passes throughout the game, being wide open and able to score easily.

NEXT UP: Firehawks face SAR Sunday in Sarachek semifinal

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2023

The Shalhevet Firehawks are set to face the SAR Sting tomorrow in the 2023 Yeshiva University Sarachek Tournament semifinal game,...

DRIVE: Senior Nathan Sellam jumps to shoot a layup in this afternoons game against MTA. Shalhevet is the number one seed while MTA is number 16.

Shalhevet advances to quarterfinal with day one win at Sarachek

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2023

The Shalhevet Firehawks advanced out of the Tier 1 Qualifiers earlier today, on day one of the 2023 Yeshiva University Sarachek...

WINNERS: There were smiles all around as Shalhevet won its first CIF State Championship title at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento this morning. Standing on the logo of the NBA Sacramento Kings, pictured are (bottom row left to right) Kiana Surpin, Mikayla Namvar, Coach Andrew Schultz, Tali Tibi and Olivia Orbuch; and (top row left to right) Coach Adam Plax, Alex Wannon, Molly Menashe, Davina Benelyahu, Kira Kupferman, Coach Jena Laolagi, Head Coach Ryan Coleman, Arielle Grossman, Malia Nagel, Yalee Schwartz, Goldie Wintner, Audrey Soleymani, Keira Deutsch, Principal Daniel Weslow and Head of School Rabbi David Block.

VICTORY AND HISTORY: In Jewish first, Firehawks girls basketball team wins state CIF championship

By Benjamin Gamson and Evan Beller
March 10, 2023

As a nail-biter fourth quarter ended with the Firehawks leading steadily in single digits, fans packing the gym rose to their...

ELATED: Members of the team celebrate with Head Coach Ryan Coleman after winning the Southern California Regional Championship for the second year in a row. They defeated Campbell Hall Tuesday night in the Shalhevet gym.

Firehawk girls win Southern California basketball championship, repeat battle set with Northern Cal champs San Domenico tomorrow

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2023

“Back to Sac!  Back to Sac!”  shouted Firehawks fans packed in the Hawks Nest as the final seconds ticked off the clock...

VICTORY: Junior Yalee Schwartz dribbles toward the hoop during the second half of the Firehawks Saturday nights win against Silverado. Shalhevet is set to face Campbell Hall tonight at 7 p.m.

Firehawk girls win Southern California semifinal, advance to regional championship

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2023

The Shalhevet Firehawks girls basketball team defeated the Silverado High School Hawks of Victorville Saturday night 57-44 to...

CROWD: Fans from both schools roared in support of their teams at the girls CIF semifinal game  Feb. 18. Above, Buena Park fans filled the northern section of the bleachers as the Firehawks No. 25 Talia Tibi dribbled away from a Coyote defender.

CIF semifinal game marred by ethnic taunts from both Shalhevet’s and visitor’s fans

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 2, 2023

  When the Shalhevet girls basketball team lost to the Buena Park Coyotes Feb. 18 in the Shalhevet gym, the drama didn’t...

TOP: Junior Yalee Schwartz was the lead scorer against Buena Park with 27 points. Above she shot a layup in the second half.

Firehawks lose to Buena Park in CIF Southern Section semifinal, but continue in state championship contest

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2023

In a comeback victory before a hyped-up crowd in the Shalhevet gym, the Buena Park Coyotes defeated the Shalhevet Firehawks girls...

WIN: Junior Yalee Schwartz scored 28 points against Jordan High School Wednesday night.

Firehawks girls defeat Jordan to advance to CIF Southern Section semifinal

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2023

The Firehawks girls basketball team advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 4AA semi- final Wednesday night, defeating Jordan...

LEAD: No. 11 junior Arielle Grossman was the Firehawk’s top scorer Monday night with 26 points, including seven threes.

Girls basketball advances to CIF quarterfinals with win over Flintridge Sacred Heart

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2023

The Firehawk girls basketball team defeated Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy Tologs 55-37 in the Shalhevet gym last night to advance...

STRESS: Senior and team captain Avi Halpert drives to shoot a basket against La Mirada defenders Saturday night in the Shalhevet gym. He scored 11 points during the game, which ended the Firehawks’ postseason in a 65-53 loss.

Strong start and ending can’t overcome disastrous third quarter as Firehawks fall to La Mirada in CIF Round 2

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2023

“This is our house!” shouted fans of the La Mirada Matadores, as the final seconds ticked off the clock Saturday night and...

DEFEND: Firehawk freshman Emmy Stern, No. 24, attempts to steal the ball from Oxford Academy Feb. 8 on the soccer field at Fairfax High School.

Firehawk girls lose in first round of CIF soccer playoffs but win record attention from school and fans

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 11, 2023

Supported by a Shalhevet crowd of 100 students, faculty and administrators, the Firehawk girls soccer team nevertheless lost to...

CHARGE: Firehawk senior Avi Halpert jumps to score against Arcadia, in the first quarter of what became a comeback victory Wednesday night in the Shalhevet gym.

Firehawk boys defeat Arcadia to advance in CIF basketball playoffs

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 8, 2023

The Shalhevet Boys Basketball team defeated the Arcadia High School Apaches 67-65 this evening, advancing to the second round...

PREVENT: Above, a technician prepared an original Covid shot for then-sophomore Evan Beller in 2021.

Higashi recommends Omicron Covid booster shot for students

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2022

Dr. Julie Higashi, infectious disease expert and Los Angeles County Tuberculosis Controller, encourages teens to get the new bivalent...

REQUIRED: Dr. Higashi said it would be difficult for a Shalhevet student to get an exemption from the polio vaccine.

Higashi says monkeypox not a great threat to students, but polio can strike anyone unvaccinated

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 28, 2022

Members of the Shalhevet community are at low-risk for contracting monkeypox, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Julie...

COMPETE: From left, Rami Melmed, Daniel Nosrati, Avi Litvak, Keira Beller, Tali Liebenthal, Nettie Wolkind won awards at Princeton Model Congress, held in Washington, D.C., Nov. 10 - 12.

Firehawk debaters win six awards at Princeton Model Congress

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2022

Shalhevet’s 18-person debate team won six awards, including four Best Delegate gavels, last weekend at Princeton Model Congress...

SCRIPT: Mr. Leach is currently writing a film about a mixed couple whose families are trying to navigate the holidays.

Fred Leach, who built close relationships in Ed Support, leaves to write for TV

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 8, 2022

Mr. Fred Leach, who worked one-on-one with students taking online classes as part of the Student Support department, has left...

SWEETS: Mrs. Popper has five pounds of Sunkist fruit gems in her desk drawer for students to come and get if they’d like one.

LaHav and Just Community not new to new Chief Academic Officer Malka Popper

By Benjamin Gamson, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2022

Ms. Malka Popper, most recently principal of the Upper School at Berman Hebrew Academy in Rockville, Md., has taken the newly...

NEXT: In voting held right after last Friday’s debate,  Keira Beller became the third incoming Agenda chair in a row to have served as vice chair first.

Keira Beller elected Agenda Chair, Elliot Serure and Eliana Kerendian to lead Fairness

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor in Chief
May 10, 2022

Keira Beller has been elected 2022-23 Agenda Chair, defeating 11th grade Agenda representatives Eli Weiss and Jack Metzger and...

HANGING: Banners and flyers have been put up by candidates around the school last week ahead of elections this week.

Monday is first of two Just Community Election Days

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor in Chief
May 1, 2022

Just Community officer elections will take place in two parts, beginning this Monday for all positions other than Agenda Chair,...

NEW: Mr. Juan Verduzco taught his 10th grade Advanced Algebra 2 class April 6.

One new teacher arrives as two more staff depart mid-year

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2022

Mr. Rico Tan, who arrived at Shalhevet Oct. 19 following the unexpected departure of Mr. St. Germaine’s, did not return for...

FACES: Students in Mr. Forresters 10th-grade American Literature class  were all maskless April 1. Masks have been optional indoors at Shalhevet since March 14.

It’s unanimous: State, county and school officials all agree – masks now optional at Shalhevet

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2022

For the first time since March of 2020, since the middle of this month Shalhevet students and faculty no longer are required to...

Soldiers standing guard at Chabad of Kyiv on Purim March 17.

Shul and large JCC are now shelters, says Chief Rabbi of Kyiv

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor in Chief
March 18, 2022

Purim came to Ukraine yesterday as it did to the entire Jewish world, and was observed at Chabad-Lubavitch of Kyiv with a seudah...

NEW CONTEST: Submit your idea for Adars drawing, above, in the form box below. You may enter as many times as you like. (BP Cartoon by Elliot Serure)

Boiling Point Caption Contest: Winners and new cartoon!

By Elliot Serure, Benjamin Gamson, and Tomomi Shaw
March 8, 2022

Congratulations to Shalhevet junior Jack Metzger, who wins first prize for his caption in the Boiling Point's first-ever Cartoon...

WINNERS: Two seniors and two sophomores won awards in the four-day conference in Boston.

Firehawk debaters win four awards at Harvard Model Congress

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2022

Shalhevet’s 21-person debate team has won four awards this weekend at Harvard Model Congress in Boston, Massachusetts.  Team...

Boiling Point Caption Contest!

Boiling Point Caption Contest!

By Elliot Serure and Benjamin Gamson
February 10, 2022

Nice cartoon – what’s the caption? That’s up to you, our readers!  Welcome to the Boiling Point’s new caption-writing...

SPACE: Roen posed in the Art Room in 2019.  In Shalhevet’s old and new buildings, the rooms were always covered with art of hers and her students, and became not only a place for art class, but a place to relax and chat with Roen throughout the school day.

Roen Salem, who found beauty in stray objects and sparked students’ creativity, has died at 76

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
December 31, 2021

Ms. Roen Salem, who inspired more than a generation of Shalhevet art students with her creativity, quirkiness and belief that...

SHOOTING:    An ordinary day at Oxford High School in Michigan turned deadly when a student at the school killed four other students and injured six more, along with a teacher. A day earlier, the shooter been caught searching online for ammunition during class and was sent to the principal.

Shalhevet planning lockdown drill as school shooting in Michigan kills 4

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
December 29, 2021

After more than three years with no lockdown drills at Shalhevet, Chief Operating Officer Ms. Sarah Emerson says that school officials...

MASKLESS: Students lined up for PCR tests in the cafeteria last Friday, almost none wearing a mask. Two students, both seniors, tested positive, along with a staff member – all of them vaccinated.

Shalhevet cracks down on mask wearing as some students, staff test positive for Covid

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
December 21, 2021

Starting Monday, Dec. 20, Shalhevet officials began “expecting” students to wear masks while indoors, after three Covid cases...

CLOSE: Berman lead after the first half of the game 36-29, but Shalhevet took the lead in the second half winning 71-64. Sophomore Yalee Schwartz dribbles down the court in the first quarter.

GLOUBERMAN DAY 1: A comeback and a landslide open Firehawks’ Glouberman as both boys’ and girls’ teams win

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2021

Both Shalhevet basketball teams won last night, the Shalhevet girls team defeating Berman Hebrew Academy of Rockville, Md.,...

NEW: Shalhevet Scottsdale students wearing Nishmat Adin sweatshirts with academic facilitator Josh Meisel, right, in the Scottsdale JCC last month.

Seven now attending Shalhevet on Zoom from Arizona, starting new school there

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2021

Seven students have begun Zooming into school from Scottsdale, Ariz., as Nishmat Adin/Shalhevet Scottsdale has opened its virtual...

ART: Ms. Salem’s art room was ”a safe space for students to express themselves and create art,” according to Drama teacher Ms. Emily Chase. Above, she works with then-junior Sophie Handelman in 2019.

Roen Salem, head of art department and longest serving faculty member, retires for health reasons

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2021

UPDATE DEC. 29: Roen Salem, who taught art and AP studio art from the school's founding in 1995 until retiring in October for...

BACK: Students filled the second-floor hallway above the gym last month, most wearing masks. “Like when someone reminds me, I immediately pull it up,” one student said.

Vaccines and distancing optional, masks required as school begins third Covid-affected year

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2021

Citing lack of full FDA approval for students ages 12 to 15, Shalhevet officials have for now decided not to require Covid vaccination...

GONE: Dr. Ashley Evans, left, and Ms. Esther Rbibo helped students manage academic and emotional issues, respectively.

Two members of Shalhevet student support team do not return

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2021

Two of five members of Shalhevet’s student support team, Dr. Ashley Evins and Ms. Esther R’bibo, have unexpectedly not returned...

EVENTS: Ms. Wilner, who taught Judaic Studies in addition to leading Student Activities, has a degree from YUs Graduate Program of Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS).

Ilana Wilner, mastermind of school spirit, leaves for admissions post at YU

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2021

Ms. Ilana Wilner, who brought energy and imagination to the events and celebrations and was also among the most learned female...

PRESENTATION: The  crowd at Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista crowd looks on as  Coach Ryan Coleman accepts the runner-up plaque from the home team’s athletic director.

‘A lot of emotion on this team’ — Coach Ryan reflects on a season of records and heartbreak for boys basketball

By Benjamin Gamson, Editor-in-Chief
September 6, 2021

When Shalhevet lost to the Marina Vikings in the CIF Southern Section Division 3A semi-finals on June 4, most people thought...

SERVICE: Mrs. Hametz gave instructions at a pie-baking event for Thanksgiving last November in the parking lot. She arrived at Shalhevet in 2019 and will teach at Berman Hebrew Academy this fall.

Mrs. Hametz, who taught feelings behind Torah stories, moving to Maryland

By Benjamin Gamson and Keira Beller
August 10, 2021

Mrs. Malkie Hametz, who taught students about the feelings and reactions of biblical figures and organized community service programs...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker May 25-26 – Last survey of school year shows three-fourths of the school is partly or fully vaccinated

By Benjamin Gamson and Eli Weiss
June 25, 2021

More than three-quarters of Shalhevet students and staff were at least partially vaccinated against Covid-19 by  late May, and...

GRAVE: A pamphlet about Nishmat Adin/Shalhevet Scottsdale was photographed on the grave of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz z”l in Israel by a Scottsdale rabbi last month.

Shalhevet Scottsdale is ‘moving forward’ after applications exceed expectations

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
June 1, 2021

Exceeding expectations, Shalhevet Scottsdale received at least 13 applications for the upcoming school year across ninth and 10th...

SWING: Above, Josh Harrison hits a game-ending single to left centerfield at the bottom of the seventh inning at East Valley Baseball Fields last Sunday

Walk-off single by Josh Harrison lifts Firehawks over Panthers 6-5

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
May 21, 2021

It was around 2 p.m. at the bottom of the seventh, and the Shalhevet Firehawk baseball team was down 5-4 against the YULA Panthers...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker April 20-21 – Vaccinations rise sharply in Shalhevet community

By Benjamin Gamson and Eli Weiss
May 7, 2021

More than 40 percent of Shalhevet students and staff have been at least partially immunized as of April 21, according to the most...

CLASS: Rabbi Abraham Lieberman taught his 10th grade Modern Jewish History class in Room 305 May 4.

After one year, one month and 21 days, all students are on campus every day

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
May 4, 2021

As of this week, for the first time in over a year all grades are present on campus for all five days, and in fact, school will...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker — Nearly one-third of students and staff are at least partially vaccinated as of April 7, survey finds

By Benjamin Gamson and Eli Weiss
April 20, 2021

Nearly a third of Shalhevet students and staff have been partially immunized as of April 7, according to the Covid Tracker.  This...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – March 23-24

By Benjamin Gamson and Eli Weiss
April 5, 2021

This week, the percentage of students and staff who said they had been exposed to Covid increased, from 14.36% as of March. 10...

TRANSFER: Rabbi Ari Segal (left) became Head of School in 2012.  New Head of School Rabbi David Block (right), who was announced as the next head of school in 2019, says hell stay in his old office for now and move into Rabbi Segals next fall.

It’s official: Rabbi Block is Head of School as Rabbi Segal steps aside

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
April 1, 2021

Rabbi Ari Segal, who began a gradual departure as Head of School more than a year-and-a-half ago, signed off in what he announced...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – March 9-10

By Benjamin Gamson and Eli Weiss
March 18, 2021

This week, with the largest sample size of the Covid Tracker yet, 10.5% of students and staff said they have tested positive for...

DESERT: Part of the name for the new Phoenix campus is ‘Nishmat Adin,’ after Rabbi Adin Steinsalt, z”l. The planned school is using a version of Shalhevets logo.

‘Shalhevet Scottsdale’ plan foresees Phoenix-area students attending LA school via Zoom with next year’s freshmen and sophomores

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
March 8, 2021

Shalhevet hopes to open a partner school in Scottsdale, Ariz., next fall, taking advantage of virtual teaching technology made...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – February 23-24

By Benjamin Gamson, Eli Weiss, and Molly Litvak
March 5, 2021

This week, percentages of “yes” answers increased across all six questions in the Boiling Point’s bi-weekly survey of how...

VOTE: Residents of Beverlywood and other areas received ballots to vote in the 30th State Senatorial district.

Candidates in primary election for open State Senate seat share their views

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
March 2, 2021

On Feb. 2, residents of California’s 30th State Senate district will vote for someone to replace Holly Mitchell, who was elected...

TREATS: On Monday and Wednesday, the first two days of two grades on campus, there was a free fruit cart on the roof and an ice cream truck in the parking lot.

On-campus school expands to two days a week and two grades a day

By Benjamin Gamson and Molly Litvak
February 14, 2021

For the first time since last March, two grades at a time of students learned on campus this week, each for two days in a row....

Covid Tracker – February 9-10

Covid Tracker – February 9-10

By Benjamin Gamson, Eli Weiss, and Molly Litvak
February 12, 2021

This week, the percentage of students and staff who said that they had ever tested positive for Covid-19 rose, from 6.6% in the...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – January 26-27

By Benjamin Gamson, Eli Weiss, and Molly Litvak
January 30, 2021

This week, the number of students and staff who said that they had ever tested positive for Covid-19 went down —  from 11 in...

RAIN: Covid tests went on as planned Thursday evening in spite of heavy rain. All students who plan to come to school next week were required to get the test.

Covid tests will be required for all students who want to attend in-person next week

By Molly Litvak and Benjamin Gamson
January 28, 2021

For the first time this year, all Shalhevet students will have to be tested for Covid-19 this week if they wish to attend in-person...

STORM: This graphic from Thursday mornings hourly weather report showed the most intense part of the storm is expected to take place during Shalhevet’s outdoor Covid testing of students who wish to attend classes or co-curriculars on campus next week. Source: wunderground.com/hourly/us/ca/beverly-hills/date/2021-01-28

In-person school and co-curriculars cancelled tomorrow for rain, but outdoor Covid testing will proceed

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
January 28, 2021

Shalhevet's optional in-person learning and co-curriculars have been cancelled for tomorrow due to am expected drenching rainstorm,...

WET: Rain pummelled the rooftop turf March 12, 2020. The roof is now home to the Leah, Yaakov, Rachel, Avraham, and Sarah open-sided tents where Judaic Studies classes are held for those who want to learn on campus during Covid.

In-person school may be cancelled this week — for rain

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
January 25, 2021

The second winter storm of 2021 is expected to bring several inches of rain to Los Angeles this week, threatening outdoor in-person...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – January 5-6

By Benjamin Gamson, Molly Litvak, and Eli Weiss
January 15, 2021

This week, the number of students and staff who said that they had ever tested positive for Covid-19 went up —  from three...

NEIGHBORS: Protestors marched peacefully from Circle Park on Sunday, Nov. 29. Some residents complained that they were frightening people.

Protest fights purchase by Beverlywood developer in Baldwin Hills

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
January 13, 2021

  About 45 peaceful protesters gathered at Circle Park in Beverlywood Nov. 29 to protest a planned purchase of the...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – December 15-16

By Benjamin Gamson, Eli Weiss, and Molly Litvak
December 19, 2020

The Boiling Point is conducting a Covid-19 tracking project to watch how Covid cases are progressing not only at school but among...

CHESED: Then-juniors Maya Miro ‘19 and Mikey Khatan ‘19 volunteered with Mr. Reusch at the Lynn project in June 2018.

Chesed Committee changes course to follow school constitution

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
December 11, 2020

In a possible turning point for the Shalhevet democracy, a summer election for representatives to this year’s Chesed Committee...

CANCELED: Prospective students and their families arrived in the foyer Nov. 22 at the first of three Open Houses that had been scheduled for this admission season.

School stays open but Open House is cancelled as Mayor Garcetti issues new orders to fight Covid-19

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
December 4, 2020

As Covid cases hit another all-time high in LA County last night, Shalhevet cancelled its second open house for prospective students...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – December 1-2

By Benjamin Gamson, Molly Litvak, and Eli Weiss
December 4, 2020

The Boiling Point is conducting a Covid-19 tracking project to watch how Covid cases are progressing not only at school but among...

NAMES: New tents set up to accommodate in-person outdoor learning are named after the patriarchs and matriarchs. Tents Sarah and Abraham are on the third-floor patio; tents Leah, Yaakov, and Rachel are on the turf; and tents Yitzchak and Rivka are in the parking lot.

After delay, in-person school to start tomorrow with one grade at a time instead of two

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
November 30, 2020

Thirteen days after Shalhevet unexpectedly “paused” a planned reopening of on-campus Judaic Studies classes, the administration...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – November 24-26

By Benjamin Gamson, Eli Weiss, and Molly Litvak
November 28, 2020

The Boiling Point is conducting a Covid-19 tracking project to watch how Covid cases are progressing not only at school but among...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Covid Tracker – November 17-18

By Benjamin Gamson, Eli Weiss, and Molly Litvak
November 20, 2020

The Boiling Point is conducting a Covid-19 tracking project to watch how Covid cases are progressing not only at school but among...

PAUSED: New tents in the parking lot last Thursday night waited for students who would have started on-campus Judaic Studies classes yesterday if not for a last-minute cancellation.

Partial reopening of in-person school is cancelled after LA Covid cases spike

By Molly Litvak and Benjamin Gamson
November 18, 2020

At a meeting that lasted less than an hour, school officials decided Sunday to cancel yesterday’s scheduled reopening of on-campus...

MODEL: Firehawk debaters managed three honorable mentions at this year’s meet in spite of missing fully half of the two-day competition.

3 awards for Firehawk debaters at first-ever Zoom Model Congress

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
November 16, 2020

Competing this year over Zoom, Shalhevet’s debaters won three honorable mentions at the two-day Princeton Model Congress conference...

HONEST: This 1867 engraving by John C. McRae refers to a famous myth about George Washington that when he was a boy, he damaged his fathers cherry tree with a hatchett. The story goes that when asked what happened to the tree immediately admitted it, saying, Father, I cannot tell a lie.  In advance of the presidential election, students debated the importance of character traits in 2020.

Character vs. policies: Town Hall asks which matters more in a president

By Caroline Kboudi and Benjamin Gamson
November 12, 2020

Does character matter in a leader?  At a Town Hall on Oct. 13, a majority of students said they thought that a candidate’s...

FACEOFF: Four days before the election, President Trump and former Vice President Biden competed in an online poll for the Boiling Point. The results differed by grade.

Poll shows Shalhevet students prefer Trump while staff favors Biden

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
November 3, 2020

Shalhevet’s combined student body and faculty supports President Donald Trump over former Vice President Joe Biden by a razor-thin...

VOTE: An official California election drop box was ready for ballots at the Westside Jewish Community Center Oct. 21. Many people are voting by mail to avoid exposure to Covid-19 while waiting at polling places, and mail-in ballots can also be placed in drop boxes around the state.

Prop. 18 could make voting a reality for some 17-year-olds in California

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
October 28, 2020

Editor's Note: On Tuesday Nov. 3, Proposition 18 failed, with 56% of voters against the proposition and 44% in favor.   Some...

POLL: View a slideshow of poll results by clicking through the Gallery box below.

Poll shows only two Covid cases so far among Shalhevet extended community

By Molly Litvak and Benjamin Gamson
October 19, 2020

On Oct. 13, the Boiling Point began a Covid-19 tracking project to watch how Covid cases are progressing not only at school but...

REMOTE: Rabbi David Block blew the shofar over Zoom for his 10th-grade Talmud class on Sep. 8.

Even via Zoom, the shofar signals the season in Elul

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
September 15, 2020

Summer is ending. School, in its strange configuration, is revving up. And even in this pandemic year, Jews everywhere are getting...

FIRE: Emergency personnel worked to extinguish an arson fire Aug. 25 at the Chabad Jewish Center in Newark, Del., which serves the University of Delaware’s Newark campus.

Arson at Chabad near U Delaware gives Div. 1 athlete a platform to oppose hate

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
September 10, 2020

When Nathan Benyowitz saw pictures of an arson attack burning the Chabad Jewish Center serving the University of Delaware, he...

SAFETY: Dr. Josh Sharfman taught Computer Science in the Wildfire Theater during the first week of the summer classes. Desks were spaced six feet apart, and new plexiglass shields aimed to keep students’ air to themselves.

For the Shalhevet building, spring vacation ended in summer

By Benjamin Gamson and Yael Schechter
September 6, 2020

The Shalhevet campus came back to life this summer as students filled the science lab, theatre, cafeteria and room 216 for...

SAFETY: Plexi-glass dividers built by Maintenance Head Jose Flores have been installed around desks in larger classrooms.

COVID 2.0: Online classes, after-school “camp” and Zoom shofar-blowing welcome new school year

By Benjamin Gamson, News Editor
August 26, 2020

With endless trips, Shabbatons, pep rallies and spontaneous kumzitzes in the hallways, Shalhevet always feels a little like...

Students said Mrs. Tobin Cohen showed them multiple sides of the Israel issues they discussed.

Israel Ed. teacher Hannah Tobin Cohen will not return

By Benjamin Gamson, Staff Writer
July 14, 2020

Israel Education teacher Mrs. Hannah Tobin Cohen, who sometimes used uncomfortable ideas to encourage students to develop their...

CANCELLED: AIPAC, which last year welcomed 18,000 pro-Israel activists to its policy conference in Washington, D.C., held its general session in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Pictures of side-by-side Israeli and American flags are a common backdrop for speakers, who include political and religious leaders from the U.S. and elsewhere.

AIPAC cancels 2021 national policy conference

By Benjamin Gamson, Staff Writer
June 4, 2020

Acting almost a year in advance, the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) announced Sunday that it would be canceling...

ELECTED: Rabbi Lieberman is the first person elected by the faculty and staff to represent them in a Just Community position in at least 10 years.

Rabbi Lieberman elected faculty representative to new Judicial Review Subcommittee

Judaic Studies teacher Rabbi Abraham Liberman was elected to be the first faculty member on the new Judicial Review Subcommittee...

REVIVED: An original of the preamble to the Just Community constitution, signed by students and staff in 2002, dominated the second-floor hallway Thursday, day 39 of distance learning due to the coronavirus pandemic. Proponents said changes would bring the constitution into line with what school is like now, and also help more proposals be enacted.

CONSTITUTION OVERHAUL IS APPROVED, 149 – 20

UPDATED MAY 16: After a year of discussion, deliberation, meetings and last-minute revisions, members of the Just Community voted...

Vote moved up to Thursday after Town Hall shows support for new constitution

Vote moved up to Thursday after Town Hall shows support for new constitution

By Benjamin Gamson and Molly Litvak
May 14, 2020

Drafters of the proposed new Just Community constitution decided late Wednesday that they would try to move up the vote to Thursday,...

BROADCAST: Snapshots of candidate videos were posted by school officials on Instagram Tuesday. The videos were required by the Fairness Committee, and for most candidates that was their entire campaign.

Just Community election campaign moves online, but not everybody follows

By Benjamin Gamson, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020

Seventeen candidates are running in Thursday’s election for Just Community offices, but some campaigned much more than others...

LIVE: Agenda Chair David Edwards led a discussion on proposals at Town Hall in the gym Feb. 4. It turned out to be one of the last times that the entire Shalhevet community gathered in person this year.

Candidates to lead Agenda, Fairness and SAC next year all running unopposed

By Benjamin Gamson, Staff Writer
April 27, 2020

All the juniors who are running in next month’s Just Community election are running unopposed for the upcoming school year,...

OPEN: Ms. Weiss, whose office near the foyer has been a place where students came to talk and grab a snack, has been in charge of Admissions and graduation since 2010.

Natalie Weiss, ‘welcoming face’ and creator of new initiatives in admissions, will leave May 1

By Benjamin Gamson, Staff Writer
March 15, 2020

Director of Admissions Natalie Weiss, who for 10 years has guided student transitions from recruitment to graduation and managed...

CROWD: According AIPAC’s website, more than 18,000 people, including 51 Shalhevet students, attended AIPAC’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C., last week. Also there were some who had been in contact with a coronavirus patient in New York, and who were quarantined on their return.

Three coronavirus cases in people returning from AIPAC; one is in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County health officials announced today that one person from Los Angeles has tested positive for coronavirus after...

HONORED: Rachel Lester gives a speech on Sept. 24 in Herzliya at the award ceremony for top soldiers in the Operational Directorate.

Shalhevet alum is awarded Best Soldier in directorate of the IDF

By Benjamin Gamson, Staff Writer
February 6, 2020

Alumna Rachel Lester, Shalhevet class of 2012, was named an Outstanding Soldier in the Operational Directorate of the Israel Defense...

UPCOMING: Residents of Iowa, whose flag is shown above, are casting the first ballots of the 2020 presidential contest at caucuses tonight.

Stark divide between teens and adults ahead of Iowa caucuses tonight, polls show

By Benjamin Gamson, Ninth Grade
February 3, 2020

BP Graphic by Eli Weiss Iowans are gearing up for the first presidential contests in the 2020 nomination process to be held...

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