Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Brandeis AZA #1519
We had a ton of fun at chapter Kallah cleaning up a creek with the
Muddy Branch organization.
Basketball standings:
A team: 3-1
B-team: 1-3
Upcoming Programs
Avatar: the Last Airbender Night
Bonfire night with Nava BBG
BLTI
AZAA basketball playoffs
Mr. Feifer teaches Brandeis at
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Night
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Hey guys,
Since my last report, we have had IC, Kallah, First Responder night, and the bake sales. While these events have all been successful
in some way, there is still more work that we can be doing.
Hopefully by my next meeting, we will have appointed a Walkathon, Banquet, and Stand-Up chair. If you are interested in being any of
these, please speak with me.
Another thing I would like to push is attendance at non-Saturday night events. While I am happy we are getting great weekly figures,
there is definitely room for improvement when it comes to meetings or bake sales. We can even stretch that to more people writing
for the Ledger. The board is not responsible for everything, and I would like to see some Alephs stepping up in the near future and
demonstrating the innate leadership we all have.
Lastly, if there is anything you would like me or the board to consider, please tell me. Everyone has a voice, and we want you to use
yours.
Fraternally submitted with undying love for Brandeis AZA #1519, I remain
Aleph Godol Jacob Adler
Shaliach Report
Hey boys! Eli here I’m going to go over what I’ve done and what some plans are for this term as Shaliach. So a big
thing which happened recently, which I planned with Gil Jacobson was Chapter Kallah, a chapter convention based around
Judaism and Community Service. For those of you who missed this awesome event, we had a service, discussed Tikun Olam
and what it meant to us, talked about how Tikun Olam related to the environment and what we could do to help the
environment by mailing letters to congress, and went out to a creek Saturday morning to serve the community by picking
up trash! It was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to learn a lot from it, so if you couldn’t make it I’d suggest talking to
someone who did to gain insight on our thoughtful discussions. Also we are getting the promised drawstring backpacks and
SSL hours for the community service, so don’t think we forgot. Another thing I’ve been working on is getting us to go to a
Shul of the Month with another chapter soon. For those who don’t know a Shul of the Month is when we go to a Friday
night service and then have a Shabbat dinner at someone’s house after. Unfortunately, I was not able to plan one in the
month of February due to miscommunication and confusion with other chapters’ shalichim, but we will defiantly be going
to one sometime this month, so look forward to that! Another upcoming event to look forward to is East Coast Kallah or
ECK for short. We only have 7 people going, which is a disappointment for our chapter, but is somewhat understandable
after sending a ton of guys to IC. This is going to be a convention with the whole east coast based on Judaism and
community service, and will be featuring the musical performance of Mike Stud (and Guster), so for those who are going,
look forward to it! One last thing, on March 9th we’re having an Israeli Palestinian conflict night, with an Israeli speaker. I’m
not involved with planning it but I’m really excited for this because we haven’t done much for the Speak Up (pro Israel)
campaign so this is something I feel our chapter needs to be educated on. Things are looking good boys, if Chapter Kallah is
an indicator on how things will be for Judaic activities and Community Service this term, and then we’re going to have a
kicking term!
Fraternally submitted with undying love for Chapter Kallah 2013, ECK 2013, Shul of the Months/Shuls of the month, Mike
Stud actually being Guster, #FixingTheWorld, #bbyolo, Jacob Hyman’s lawn mowing service, and of course Brandeis AZA
#1519,
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Sgan Report
Hey guys, this term is going amazingly well! I hope that each and everyone one of you will remember the programming from
this term as being stellar. The program planners have worked dutifully on making their programs the best that they can be,
and I like how people are starting to gain more respect for the planners. Some cool stuff coming up:
-Our only solely athletic program for the term: Recess sports night!
-An amazing brotherhood/Passover program
- Bonfire night with Nava! Girls!
Looking forward to the rest of the term and hope all of you are as well!
Submitted with undying love for Brandeis AZA #1519, I remain Aleph S'gan Jonathan Zisk
Moreh Report
We’re well on our way, Brandeis. This term’s AIT class is already about 10 members large, with half of them registered and the rest to be
registered in the near future. If we reach 10 new registered members, we would surpass both my Moreh goal of eight, and the council goal
of 10. That would be awesome, so keep up the great recruiting effort! I have had to make few reminders to recruit and thank you all for the
work you’ve put into this task that’s crucial for the continuation of this great chapter.
As for what I have planned for the rest of my Moreh term, the first AIT meeting will be held next weekend. I am very excited for
this event, as I’m sure the AITs are as well.
I am currently working on my AIT packet, which will hopefully be ready to hand out by the meeting next weekend. This packet contains all
of the most important Brandeis AZA facts and information, and I will encourage the AITs to keep the packet for the rest of their term.
The AIT sleepover will occur towards the end of May, and I will begin brainstorming for the event within the next few weeks.
Finally, on the brotherhood end of my position, Josh Weintraub and I are working on a special project that will help members become
more involved in chapter spirit, which we believe is seriously needed in this chapter. I won’t tell you what it is yet, but we hope to have it
to you guys by Five Fold.
On a side note, I’d like to make a friendly reminder to help improve the environment of our programs. When programs are
constantly being interrupted because of sidebar conversations, it creates an unstable atmosphere that negatively affects new recruits,
so please be sure to always give your full attention to programmers when they are speaking. Also, talk to the AITs! The more friends they
have in the chapter, the better!
Fraternally submitted with undying love for blowing bubbles (bring it arouuund town), the fry cook games, getting muddy,
community service, Kallah, IC 2013, short hair, Smelliott Davis, the AIT class of Spring Term 2013, and of course, my heart and home of
Brandeis AZA #1519,
I remain,
Aleph Moreh Aaron Dane.
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Gizbor Report
My Brother Alephs,
We have many fundraisers that we are either in the process of completing or completing.
For the Jimmy Shirts, we paid $250 for them (25 shirts) and we have gotten $315 (20 shirts) waiting for $60 (5 shirts: contacted and getting soon).
At IC we ordered and sold Eat Sleep AZA shirts. BBYO has not contacted us to let us know how much money we made but I will get in contact with
them ASAP to find
Out.
The Bake Sale was the major fundraiser for the first half of the term. From the combined total from the JCC and Traville Giant, we made just over
$400!!
Also, great news, I have contacted the Montrose Giant about their enormous error about not letting us sell there and apparently the customer
service manager we signed the forms with forgot to give the forms to the general manager even though she called and confirmed with me. BUT, the
good news, I have talked to them and due to their error, they are giving us a donation of $75 so it all works out in the end!
We also have many upcoming fundraisers that I have planned or am in the process of planning
We are going to be selling the rest of our Eat Sleep AZA shirts at ECK. We are accepting preorders so let me know if you or any BBYO friends would
like to order one.
We will be having a restaurant night at Flippin Pizza on March 21 from 5-9. We get 50% of all sales so make sure you get all of your friends to come.
I am also beginning to organize our primary fundraiser of the term: A soccer tournament. I am planning on having it on Sunday June 3. I am trying
to reserve the JCC field from 2-5 on that Sunday. Once it is finalized, I will be having the fundraising chairs call everyone to get help to run it on the
day of. This has the ability to make A LOT of money so your participation is crucial.
In addition, I am going to try to set up a restaurant "day" at the JCC Panera from 11-2 right before the tournament so anyone who goes there will
give us more profit. Or if this doesn't work, we can sell pizza and water at the field during the tournament.
I am still looking for other fundraising ideas so please continue to let me know if you have any.
Also, I wanted to say a ginormous thank you to anyone who helped out at the bake sale. You All made it turn out great, so thank you.
In addition, this has nothing to do with being Gizbor but get excited for Passover Night: There will be lots of chocolate and brotherhood: Myself and
Aaron Rose are planning it and it is in April 6!!!!!
Fraternally submitted with undying love for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, NCAA March Madness, Tennis, Soccer, BBYO, IC, and
upcoming ECK, CLTC 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!, and my passion BRANDEIS AZA #1519, I remain Aleph Elliott Davis!!!!!
Top 10 Things I do on a snow day off from school
By Elliott Davis
10. Sleep later
5. Do BBYO related things
9. Play on my phone
4. Talk to people about BBYO related things
8. Text on my phone
3. Procrastinate from packing for my trip tomorrow.
7. Make calls on my phone
2. Listen to everyone talk about “I hope there is no school tomorrow"
6. Chat on Facebook
1. Write Ledger Articles!!!!
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Sopher Report
Hello everybody nice weather we have been having eh? I am proud to release my 2 nd ledger of the term with hopefully 2 more to come! One of the
hardest parts of the job is trying to convince people to write articles because apparently “Ain’t nobody got time for dat.” It is hard to make a
newspaper without some dedicated writers and I have few. Thanks to Elliot for writing my 4 pieces for this ledger. I have begun working on the new
Brandeis website with Zach Levine and Ben Berger and it is going well so far. Once it is complete I will reveal it to the whole chapter. I had a great
time helping plan the First responders program last week and everyone had a great time. Also I will remember to bring a camera to some upcoming
programs and conventions and post them on Facebook for everyone’s enjoyment. That is really all the jobs that the sopher has. Posting on the
Facebook page is also really fun as well.
Fraternally submitted with undying love for roasted weenies, Stanly the Snowman (RIP), CLTC 15, and Brandeis AZA #1519
I remain,
Aleph Jacob Hyman
I'm (not) A Super Sexy Sophomore
By Gil Jacobson
I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm
a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy. I’m a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy
Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm
a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a Super Sexy Sophomore I'm a
Super Sexy Sophomore I'm actually a Super nerdy Sophomore
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
My IC 2013 Experience
by Aaron Dane
Well, what can I say? It was hot, sweaty, loud, and crowded. It was also, awesome, incredibly fun, educational, and overall an amazing experience.
The convention ran from Thursday, February 14 th to Monday, February 18th, and took place at the enormous Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center
at National Harbor, D.C. I can’t deny that at first, between all the lights, posters EVERYWHERE, and the 1,500 people, I was pretty overwhelmed. But, when I
walked into opening ceremonies, I was stunned. BBYO had set up this gigantic stage, with an elaborate collage as a backdrop, tons of multicolored lights,
one of those walkways that you see in fashion shows extending out from the stage, huge booming speakers, white columns with images such as the AZA
and BBG logos projected on them, and every flag of all the countries represented at the convention hung up in a neat row at the top. It felt like I was at a
U2 concert.
Then, the festivities began. You could sense by the fact that this was the biggest IC ever that it also promised to be the best. They took roll call
of all the regions, but it soon became obvious that one region dominated the convention, and I bet you could guess exactly which one. When they called
Northern Region East – D.C. council, you might’ve gone deaf by the incredible noise coming from the back of the ballroom.
After a couple of speeches and some confetti, there was a somewhat lame excuse for a dance party amongst all the chairs in the room before BBYO staff
sent us to bed.
My roommates at the convention were pretty cool. There was one from our council, Brent Fishbein from Oseh Shalom BBYO. The other two hailed from
Kansas City and California and they were some pretty cool cats. One of them kept making calls to the hotel staff that he never received one of their highquality bathrobes, which kind of bugged me seeing as how he sounded like one of those obnoxious customers who always has to get whatever they want.
When we woke up in the morning for day of service, we were greeted to a plethora of incredible speeches. This was one of the highlights of the
convention, as it was truly inspiring. Speeches ranged from Ben Keezy, director of Invisible Children, to Jewish Representative from Florida Debbie
Wasserman Shultz. There was even a pre-recorded message from President Obama, where the entire convention was impressed to see that he could use
the phrase “g’milut hassadim.” My favorite, however, was that of Judy Feld Carr. This woman is truly amazing. She inspired the entire floor of the
convention by telling us her chilling, but astounding story of how she spent thirty years of her life in secrecy, traveling in and out of Syria and saving
Jewish families from being sold as slaves. At the end of her speech, she received a standing ovation from the body of the convention, one of few speeches
to be regarded as so.
The day of service went well; I worked at A Wider Circle in Silver Spring, where I helped move furniture donations on to their showing floor. However, I
was angered to see a certain group of people standing to the side using their iPhones for the majority of the activity.
I’m going to skip Saturday and head straight so Sunday, which was one of the more interesting days of my BBYO career. Sunday was Election
Day, and this year, they gave alephs not assigned as delegates the option to participate in AZAA or a tour of DC following the Godol election. I decided that
it I thought it would be interesting to stay for the entirety of the Grand Board elections, which may have been a mistake. The election lasted 9 whole
hours. NINE HOURS. The Godol elections were rather interesting, and for the most part legitimate. Otherwise, we sat through a wide variety of speeches
from some legitimate candidates, and some who were completely unqualified for the position they caucused for.,It was always entertaining to listen to
Grand Aleph Mazkir, Nick Phillips address the order in a British accent. It even more entertaining listening to some of the hilarious top ten lists, including
“Top Ten Reasons Why Nick Phillips is in a Bad Mood,” where number 10 was “he’s still bitter about the Revolutionary War.” By the end of elections, the
room was trashed with hundreds, maybe thousands of platforms, tipped chairs, and food wrappers.
The convention ended with a somewhat disappointing, but in other ways awesome concert by Hoodie Allen and Timeflies, but because I’m getting tired of
typing, I’m just going to let you talk to me personally about that event.
My fraternally submitted is in my report, if you’re even still reading at this point.
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Random Haikus about Brandeis People
By Gil Jacobson
Eli Berger; you
are really nice and a really good Sh'liach too
Josh Markowitz; I'm
just so glad I have another Giants fan here
Paul Berman; where have
you been, I haven't seen you
in quite a long time
Eli Kane; great job
on the program last weekend
it was really fun
Matt Rosenfeld; you
are a talented artist
and an awesome friend
Alex Blackman; I'm
really glad you went to I
C 'cause I had fun
Alex Epstein; why
did you disappear too, come
to more Brandeis stuff
Michael Brody; you
my friend are Heather's brother
and good at b-ball
Jimmy Schwartzman; you
are AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME
AWESOME k 'I'm done
Sam Mircoff; I'm amazed at what I've heard about
your diving talent
Intimidating
Door; thank you so much for keeping us safe each time
Noah Clement; you
seem like a really cool kid
so keep it up bud!
Josh Weintraub; you are
great at planning programs and
a great person too
Alan Kaplan; you
are one of the nicest people I've ever met
Matt Falconer; you
are also a great father
so I say thank you
Sweethearts
Elliott Davis
You've so much passion for Brandeis and Panera
Ryan Chace; I think
you have great potential to
go far in Brandeis
Jake Goodman; your weather blog is really cool and
I check it often
Aaron Dane; I'm so
Glad we went to CLTC together yeah
Ryan Rose; you are
Super Smart and Super Nice
I'll miss you next year
Zach Markenson; you
are a nice kid and a great
soccer superstar
Jacob Adler; so
um yeah what I want to say
is AVERAGE GODOL!!!
Yotam Yaniv; where
On earth have you been recently, I miss you man
David Janus; you
play the saxophone which is
very very cool
Ben Berger; all I've
Got to say to you is that
the Steelers suck! Yeah
Aaron Rose; you seem
Really cool and I really
Want to know you more
Ben Furfine; I'm glad
To see you at a lot more
Brandeis events now
Jacob the man HyMan, you are great Sopher
and one funny dude
Ben Goldberg; you look
so much like McLovin, that
It's scary how much
Ethan Adler; you
are kind of like a brother
to me, wait that's true
Raphael Socher
It was so much fun being
Roommates at RC
Yale Manis; I'm so
Glad you joined Brandeis and it's
great seeing you here
Adam Hurwitz; you
are a great father to me
so thank you for that
Brent Greenberg; you are
really good at sports and much
better than I am
Danny Goldberg; you
Are the greatest frickin
Tiger ever yeah!!!
Josh Frieder; you are
possibly the most hilarious guy I know
Jonathan Zisk; you
are an awesome S'gan and
you are quite helpful
Danny Flax; you are
also super smart which is
why you're in IB
Zachary Levine
You are a really nice kid
Who is always glad
Lawrence Simon; you're
an exceptional actor
who does great accents
Heather Brody; you
are a great mommy, thank you
MEOW MEOW CATS
Erica Baum; you
are also a great mommy
BLUB BLUB BLUB BLUB BLUB
Ronit Feifer; I'm
so glad we've met this year; shine
bright like a Hyman
Jayme Bergman; You
Are a very nice person
And a cat lover
Sarah Strum; You are
One of the first people I
Met in Nava, cool!
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Brandeis B-Team Basketball Game vs. Josh Studley, I mean Herzl...
By: Elliott Davis
When the game was about to start, Josh Weintraub was taken away against his will to the A-Team game. Jacob Hyman, after being interrupted
ten times, began to get angry but turned his anger into team motivation "Let’s do what we do best, lose" (not a real quote.)
At the beginning of the game, we got constantly scored on and at half time we were down 8-16 but then captain Rosie inspired the team "we are
down 8-16 and according to my math skills that means its 1-2 so we are only losing by 1 point."
After a strong start to the second half (scoring one basket) the freshmen (Myself, Ethan, Ryan, Aaron) teamed up and made a plan, quadruple
guard josh Studley. We actually cause a few turnovers and his reactions were great. I continued to bother Studley by hugging him while dribbling
and slapping his hands but luckily, the ref laughed and thought it was funny.
Once we were down by a lot, we started having some more fun by playing volleyball. Soon, I went on Ryan roses' shoulders to get an dunk, I shot
and I missed but Herzl was amused, gave me back the ball on his shoulders, and I scored.
In the end, we ended up WINNING BY ALOT (don't question) let’s get ready for this weekend’s game!!!!
Also, shout outs to Ryan, Ethan, and Aaron for being awesome freshman with me in the game, to Noah clement for leading the A Team to victory, and
to Daniel Jacobson to officially signing up.
Brandeis B-Team Basketball Game vs SiAt B-Team
(Pretty much their A-Team that just played twice)
By: Elliott Davis
This was one of my favorite AZAA games ever! Well, the games were actually at 7 so Brent threatened to impeach someone wink wink. So to start off there
were 10 people for both games so Ethan and I started off playing A-Team. Then Jacob came so we went back to where we belong. But we were a good luck
charm because we won A-Team.
But anyway, we started the B-Team game with PT as our only captain. I tipped off on Ryan roses' shoulders and we lost the tip. So throughout the half they
completely dominated. But at halftime, the ref asked us what the score was. We had maybe scored 1 basket but we said 15-21 and he said ok (13 free points!!)
In the second half, it was so fun!!
I'm going to list the fun activities we did in the 2nd half.
1. We got down to do a spirit circle but we got called for a foul for sitting down
2. We did a Conga line and dribbled through each other
3. We held hands and surrounded people in SiAt so they couldn't get out
4. We did I'm a star jumps during the middle of the "play"
5. I pegged the ball at someone from SiAts foot and it bounced right back out
6. We tried the spirit circle again when they had the ball and we got to a 7 second "bugadee" and the ref told us to get up but we did it for 3 minutes and SiAt
was pissed ha-ha
after dominating, the A-Team came back to our game and "participated"
8. Alan gave me a second basketball and we played with two for 10 seconds
9. Jacob Adler was wearing SiAts colors and he almost scored for us but they called a foul, ON SIAT for too many players on the court (SiAt complained but
the ref said "deal with it")
10. The A-Team all went in and scored 10 points
11. Alan tried to dunk and got rejected by the rim so hard that the ball almost came back to the wall
Highlights:
-I completed a pass off our backboard
-Spirit Circle
Result: We actually only lost by 5 (due to the halftime incident) but we had more fun so SiAt was really annoyed: it was hilarious
Shout out: Yale Manis for playing his first AZAA game: congrats
Spring Term 2013, 2nd Edition
March 2013
Preparation is the key to succeed
By Josh Weintraub
Since I am sitting here with my only options to study for Economics or Biology, I think I will write an article for the
Brandeis ledger. Senior year was what I have been looking forward to for my entire four years in Brandeis, not only
because I would be a senior but because I would finally get to be that person the seniors were for me when I was a
freshman. A lot of seniors spend the year making a fool of themselves and being the chapter hooligan, but in my personal
opinion a seniors job is to help the chapter progress and prepare for the future. This brings me to the subject of my article,
“by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This famous quote by Benjamin Franklin is not only applicable to the
homework I should probably be doing right now but to the experience you get in AZA and in Brandeis specifically. One of the
biggest problems our chapter has and every chapter has in the order, is lack of preparation for programs and other
events. Many members often go home from programs they run thinking “damn I wish that could have gone better,” or “why
did that not go as I had hoped?” The answer to both of these is simple preparation. Most people expect programs to just
succeed automatically and do not put the full effort they can into a program and therefore it falls flat on its face. This was
my problem as a young member of the chapter and a problem seen by a lot of the current members. Of course there are
always going to be programs that fail but you will not know for sure unless you put that 100% commitment into the
program. This is a lesson i learned heavily from my experience planning Pillow Sports. During the planning process, my
planning partner and I put little to no time into the preparation and just expected the program to be a success and for
everyone to have a blast, this is not how it went though. The program was a disaster and almost no one had fun at all. This
brings me to my main point, many people say what makes a chapter great is membership, programming, the executive
board, or maybe even just the fun had at every program. While the purpose of BBYO is to have fun and meet others, the
main driving force behind a great chapter is the preparation that goes into everything the chapter does. No member of the
chapter is going to have fun without the program being planned well or the commitment of the chapter to making sure that
the preparation was enough. Nothing happens in a chapter without preparation. NOTHING. If there is nothing else you learn
from BBYO I want this to be the one thing you take away. Preparation is not only the key to success in AZA but in everything
you do in life. You will never pass that test without studying, you will never get that job without practicing for the interview,
you will never make a game winning shot in basketball without doing the shot over and over. Everything in life boils down to
practice and preparation, without it nothing is accomplished. Success comes from Preparation and that is the bottom line
and what makes Brandeis great, we prepare better than anyone else. When it is time to get work done we dive head first
into our task and no one completes it better or shows more dedication. That is why Brandeis has been successful through
the years, and what will allow us to continue to be successful. Prepare to succeed, that is the bottom line.