The yeshiva commemorated the Holocaust over several days last week. To set the tone for the week, various images from the Shoah were displayed throughout the school building, and students stopped to look at them as they made their way from class to class. On Wednesday, the yeshiva had the privilege of hosting world famous speaker and author Marion Blumenthal Lazan, the author of "Four Perfect Pebbles." Mrs. Lazan, a holocaust survivor, is the mother of DRS staff member Mrs. Sue Weinberg, and grandmother of DRS freshmen Josh Weinberg. She spoke about her fascinating life story, and answered questions from the interested students. Following her presentation, Mrs. Lazan graciously signed copies of her book for students and faculty.

On Thursday, Yom Hashoa, after reciting tehillim and the Kel Malei for the six million Jews who perished, the students had the privilege of hearing from two unique speakers. The 9th and 10th grade students were addressed by Shalom Yoran, whose exciting life story was chronicled in his book "The Defiant." Mr. Yoran described to the students his experiences as a partisan fighter during the Holocaust, joining a small band of fighters to battle the Germans. Mr. Yoran stressed the message that true strength is found in a person's heart, and he encouraged the students to work to overcome their own challenges. We are especially grateful to Mr. Ari Wein, parent of DRS Freshman Eli, for arranging Mr. Yoran's visit.

The Junior and Senior class heard from world renowned storyteller Rabbi Chanoch Teller, who spoke to the students about another kind of resistance. Rabbi Teller's stories from the Shoah reflected the Jewish people's resistance and struggle to remain human in inhuman circumstances. His inspiring vignettes were most appropriate for the seriousness of the day.

The Yeshiva celebrated the 57th birthday of Medinat Yisroel in grand fashion on Thursday. After a special davening, with Hallel led by Rabbi Sussman, the Yom Ha'atzmaut program convened before lunch, when the entire student body gathered in the Bet Medrash. Noam Kotler, an Israeli soldier, spoke about his experiences serving in the army, and about the special bond that exists among Jews in Israel, especially among soldiers. The presentation was followed by a moving video produced by Rabbi Emerson highlighting the sacrifices made by Israelis from all segment of society to ensure the existence of the Jewish state. The students then heard from Rabbi Friedman, who gave a highly informative briefing on the current status of the disengagement plan.

The students and faculty then made their way into the dining room, where the room was beautifully decorated by the G.O. in blue and white streamers and flags, and the students enjoyed a special lunch, complete with make your own ice cream sundaes. The DRS band soon started jamming, and the program concluded with spirited dancing, and the singing of Diaspora's "Hafachta," which is fast becoming the Yeshiva's unofficial anthem. Everyone had a wonderful time at DRS' Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration, and came away with a newfound sense of Hakarat Hatov for Eretz Yisroel.

There was a palpable sigh of relief as the week ended with the conclusion of AP exams this week. The following are some DRS AP statistics:

The Advanced Placement examinations were given at DRS from Tuesday, May 3 - Wednesday, May 11. 115 students took 195 exams in Calculus AB, Computer Science A, English Literature, United States History, European History, Studio Art, Biology, Music Theory, Physics C - Mechanics, Chemistry, Psychology and Government and Politics - US.

The Advanced Placement examination is considered the "gold standard" by most high school ranking services. The more AP's a school offers and the higher the students' score - the better the school is ranked. Only the International Baccalaureate is considerate a more prestigious college program.

Results from the exams are usually received in July. We say "well done" to all the boys who put in such hard work for the exams, and hope they will be rewarded with credit according to their hard work.

On Tuesday the DRS debate team competed at Ramaz. The resolution was, "A Stadium Should be Built for the NY Jets". Congratulations go to sophomore Mordy Fenster who won a trophy for second best affirmative debater in the competition. In addition, our 8 debaters won six out of eight debates. We thank Coach Mr. Schmugar and Captain Yoni Weinberg who helped us to a rewarding and successful great season. With so many returning Freshmen and Sophomores, the DRS team will be very strong for the next school year as well.

The end of the year is in sight, but the G.O. continues to work tirelessly to give our students the best school experience possible. Rosh Chodesh Iyar seemed like a fairly normal day, until lunch time, when the G.O. surprised the student body with Dougie's for everyone! Special thanks to G.O. President Josh Lobbell, and to 10th Grade Class President Yoni Mandelstam!

DRS is once again excited to unveil our schedule of special shiurim and lectures between Pesach and Shavuot. This year, to avoid conflicting with the weekly shiurim of Rabbi Yissochor Frand and Rabbi Dovid Willig, the shiurim will take place on Wednesday nights. We are so excited to begin the series next Wednesday night, May 18th, with a Shiur from Rabbi Mordechai Willig, Rosh Kollel at Yeshvia University and Rabbi of the Young Israel of Riverdale, who will speaking on "The Shidduch Process in Halacha and Hashkafa". We will also be welcoming Rav Moshe Weinberger, Rav Pesach Krohn, and Rav Herschel Schachter.

Some sponsorships are still available, so if you are interested, please send an email to rabbikam@drshalb.org. Sponsors will be listed in the program and in the newspaper ads publicizing the shiurim. Men and Women are invited to all of the shiurim, which will take place in the Bait Medrash at 9pm, and will be followed by Ma'ariv. We will also be putting together shiurim for Shavout night, given by Rabbeim, Alumni and Talmidim of DRS, which are also available for sponsoring. For the full schedule of shiurim, please click on the link below.

Spring is here, and it is once again time for the DRS Student G.O. elections. Candidates are busy applying to run, and look for the campaigning to really heat up next week, in anticipation of the May 24th election. Any DRS student interested in running can download the application below and submit it by May 17th to Rabbi Brazil in the Student Activities Office.