By Zeke Miller, DRS ’07
Student Editor In Chief

Last Motzei Shabbos DRS hosted the fantastic Annual Parent-Son Melava Malka. This event brings together DRS students, parents and Rabbeim for a night of tribute and dancing and of course, great food. DRS Sophomore Rebbe Rabbi David Friedman delivered an inspirational d’var Torah to begin the evening’s program. This was followed by one of the most special moments of the DRS year, in which awards are given to the students. The Torah Growth Award is given to one member of each shiur who exhibited the most substantial development in learning over the past year. We would like to congratulate the following awardees on their hard work and achievement: Sophomores Josh Weinstock, Mordechai Bennet, and David Barkhordar; Juniors Jonathan Weitzman, Jakie Steinmetz, and Barry Eichenbaum; Seniors Seth Friedman, Jonathan Mael, Elie Bashevkin, and Chaim Gross. The Middot award is a grade wide award given to the student that most exemplifies the high standards of conduct and interpersonal qualities that DRS demands. This award is particularly special in the awardees are selected by their peers. We congratulate this year’s awardees: Benjie Frieling, Chesky Kopel, Daniel Rahmanan, and Aryeh Schlusselberg.

In addition, DRS paid tribute to Mr. David Weinstein, the founding Principal of DRS and current advanced math teacher. He has been with DRS since its inception nine years ago. Mr. Weinstein will be making Aliyah next summer with his family and plans to “revamp Israel’s math curriculum.” It is this attitude that has also contributed to his students’ stellar scores on the AP Calculus AB exam. Over the past 3 years, 52 of his 53 students have scored either 4’s or 5’s, the highest score possible.Following the tribute to Mr. Weinstein, the amazing band began to play and true “DRS Style” dancing continued into the night.

The Annual Melave Malkah was, as always, a great success. We would like to thank the Parent Council, led ably by Mrs. Bonnie Schertz and Mrs. Rochel Shlusselberg. We also would like to acknowledge the generous sponsors of the Melava Malka:

Gold sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Eric Autstein, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Bashevkin, Dr. & Mrs. Jay Fenster, Mr. & Mrs. Elliot Ganz, Mr. & Mrs. Joey Genachowski, Mr. & Mrs. Marc Gleitman, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Goldberg, Dr. & Mrs. Harold Hefter, Mr. & Mrs. Shimmie Klein, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Kopel, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Mermelstein, Dr. & Mrs. Lindsay Rosenwald, Mr. & Mrs. Heshie Schertz, Dr. & Mrs. Moshe Schlusselberg, Mr. & Mrs.David Seltzer, Mr. & Mrs.Ushie Stahler, Dr. & Mrs. Ira Steinmetz, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Williams.

Silver Sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Alan Fein, Drs. Elin & Abraham Freilich, Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Friedman, Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Frieling, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Joseph, Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Kirschner, Mr. & Mrs. Josh Mallin, Mr. & Mrs. Shabsi Schreier, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Strauss, Dr. & Mrs. Ira Weg, Mr. & Mrs. Judah Wernick.

Click on the link in the "Quick Links" Section on the right to download VIDEO highlights of the DRS Melava Malka!

By Yair Saperstein, DRS ’08

DRS goes to great lengths to ensure that the entire student body celebrates each Rosh Chodesh. For Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the DRS G.O. went all the way to Indiana – Popcorn, Indiana, that is. Each student found ample supplies of world famous Dale and Thomas Popcorn (especially the “Dreamy Chocolate Drizzlecorn” flavor!) at their breakfast tables.

As the students munched, the main event began: the first ever DRS Arm Wrestling competition. As an introduction, the students enjoyed a hilarious Arm Wrestling orientation video starring Wilbur the Wildcat and produced as always by DRS techno guru Jason Hagler (’07).

It was then time for the tournament. The yeshiva had been buzzing with anticipation the entire week, as each shiur had held a mini-tournament to select their representative at the program. The yeshiva wide tournament had two divisions, one for the 9th and 10th grades, and the “Heavyweight Division” for the 11th and 12th grade students. In an amazing upset, Amichai Portnoy (’09) defeated every single competitor he faced, including the Heavyweight division champion Ariel Auman. After being crowned DRS Arm Wrestling Champion, Rabbi Gralla was cheered out of retirement to face the Freshman Portnoy in a post-tournament exhibition match. Very quickly, it became apparent why Rabbi Gralla is known as the strongest DRS Rebbe, as he made quick work of Portnoy.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the students made their way outside to attend shiur. Suddenly, music filled the air. Everyone turned to where the sound of the music was coming from. Yoni Mandelstam had set up one of his famous “Mandelstam surprises” outside. He was playing the keyboard while Maury Goldsmith was masterful as usual on drums. Students and faculty danced together with Wilbur the Wildcat until shiur. Everyone agreed that the G.O. has once again raised the bar for amazing Rosh Chodesh programs. What’s next for President Shlusselberg and his team of student leaders? Only time will tell.

Be sure to click the on the link in the "Quick Links" section to download video highlights from the DRS Arm Wrestling Rosh Chodesh Chagiga!

By Avinoam Miodownik, DRS ’09

This past Wednesday night, the DRS debate team took part in an exciting debate at Ma’ayonot Girls High School in New Jersey. The topic of the Regular debate was Resolved: The United States Government should intervene to prevent and punish acts of genocide around the world. The team coached by DRS Social Studies teacher Mr. Gerald Schmugar, was very enthusiastic and performed very well. The team won three debates against various schools including Ma’ayanot. In the extemporaneous competition our very own Daniel Hefter, DRS ‘06, was awarded first place. His topic, which according to the rules of the competition was unknown to him beforehand, discussed the positive and negative traits of Smokey the Bear. The DRS Debate team has gotten off to a great start and we look forward to an exciting and productive year.

By Jason Strauss, DRS ’07

Last night, the DRS Varsity Basketball team played cross-town rivals the HAFTR Hawks in their home opener. The Green House was packed to see the game with parents, Rebbeim, and many students cheering their teams on. The DRS Wildcats soundly defeated HAFTR, 55-37. Judd Lindenfeld was the high scorer with 11 points, followed by Shimmy Pianko with 10 and Yehoshua Joseph with 8 points. The Varsity Wildcats are now 4-1 and off to a great start!

By Eli Wein, DRS ’08

The DRS Bowling Team has won both of their games this past week for a 2-3 record. Ari Feldstein led the team to a victory on Sunday against HAFTR with a high score of 217. Wednesday night the bowling team beat SAR with Feldstein achieving a high score of 170. The rest of the bowling team also did very well with scores high into the hundreds. Shai Peyser (’06), down by four in the beginning of the tenth frame went on to get two strikes followed by a nine allowing his team of five to sweep SAR. Even though the team needed four points to win after the first game, they still managed to defeat SAR Wednesday night. We wish them much continued success!