The Cougar Chronicle September 2026
September Edition
JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY
Is The New Phone Policy For The Best? Gavi Mildenberg, Israel Editor Starting this school year, Barrack is implementing a new bell-to-bell phone-free policy for students in both upper school and middle school. Students will place their phones and other smart devices in assigned slots when they arrive at school. When school ends, students will retrieve their phones and other devices to go home with. While I understand why Barrack is making this change, I think there are both positives and negatives to having students without their phones all day. One major benefit of the new policy is that it could help students become more focused in class. Without phones constantly nearby or buzzing, students may be less distracted and more likely to participate in class and pay attention. The policy could also encourage students to talk to each other more instead of spending time staring at their phones. Maya Friedman, a student at Barrack, said, “I am able to make more connections throughout
my grade without my phone. It’s nice talking to new people every day!” Barrack explained that their goal is to create a learning environment that encourages focus, relationships, and purposeful learning. I think that these are important goals that could be achieved with this new policy. However, there are also some downsides to the policy. Not having access to a phone during the day could be inconvenient, especially if a student needs to communicate with their parents. While students can contact parents through the front desk, it is not a quick and easy process like before. Many students are also concerned with the amount of time it will take to enter and exit the building if the whole school has to get their phones at once. It is also a big change for the students and may be hard to adjust to this new policy. Tova Kahn said, “It is hard to be without my phone. Sometimes I even reach for it in my pocket.” Students are used to having their phones within reach and checking them throughout the day. Chloe Pappas added, “To be honest, I don’t mind the policy, but I can’t use my Apple Watch, and that bothers me. I don’t have the time on my wrist at all times.” Although I understand that the school wants students to develop healthier digital habits, completely removing phones may feel like a huge change for the students.
Overall, I think that Barrack’s new phone policy has both pros and cons. It could help students focus more, interact with each other, and spend less time on devices, but it will also take time for students to adjust to being without their phones for the whole day. I think that the success of the policy will depend on how well students and teachers adapt to it. While I might not necessarily be excited about the new policy, I think it is worth giving it a chance and seeing if a positive change comes to our school.
What's New 2026/2027 School Year Ryan Fink, Managing Editor After a long summer break, many Barrack students ask themselves a question that comes up at the beginning of every new year: what's new? Usually that answer involves a few new teachers, some classroom upgrades, and other things of that nature. This year, the answer to that question goes far beyond small upgrades; in fact, the 2026-2027 school year may be the biggest year of change and new improvements that Barrack has seen in a long time. The Howard & Ronit Treatman Performing Arts Center. The new performing arts center is bigger, includes new upgrades to the stage and audio systems, and includes larger and more comfortable seating options for Barrack students and staff. The center also includes the green room, which serves as both an experiential classroom and staging area for the Barrack Theatre Department. Completed at the end of last year is the Gold
Family Athletic Performance Center. The new fitness center, which sits at the entrance of the gym, is double the size of the previous sports performance space. This new training facility offers more options for team strength and conditioning, and a dedicated space for injury treatment. Overall, the space will broaden the usage of the gym and allow for more athletic training for all barrack teams. The new Learning Center was generously gifted by Charles '75 and Rachel Korman and family. The new Learning Center sits on the third floor of the upper school wing and features rooms and common spaces that will foster collaboration for barrack students. The space will also serve as the new resource center and will allow for an elected resource experience. Another new addition for this school year is Kiba's Den. Kiba’s Den will operate as a new student-run enterprise. It will serve as a
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learning laboratory for the Business Institute and will be located in the Dining Commons. Kiba’s Den will also offer a variety of items for students to purchase during break and lunch. Some of these items include Microwavable soups, mac and cheese, and other pre-packaged items as well as snacks and beverages, a Hershey's ice cream refrigerator, and school spirit wear. Kiba's Den will be operated in coordination with the business institute, grade representatives, and DECA. The space will allow for fundraising opportunities for grades as well as other school initiatives. The school-based enterprise will also serve different after-school programs such as athletic events and different parent nights. Ultimately, this new year will be filled with new and improved Barrack spaces, making our school a place that will continue to make students love where they learn.
School News September 2026
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New Year New Campus Sami Ufberg, Centerspread Editor Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is entering a new era of its Bryn Mawr campus, with major renovations underway as part of a broader threeto-five-year modernization plan. While students may first notice changes to athletic facilities, the centerpiece of the project is much larger: a fully renovated performing arts center designed to transform Barrack’s drama, music, and arts programming. The campus improvements follow a historic $10 million gift from the Barrack Family Foundation, which helped the school secure ownership of its campus from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. With ownership has come the opportunity to rethink spaces that have remained largely unchanged while Barrack’s programs and community have continued to grow. The auditorium renovation represents one of the most significant pieces of that transformation. Rather than simply updating the existing space, Barrack plans to create a modern performing arts center better equipped for theatrical productions, music
performances, assemblies, and other community events. For students involved in the arts, the project could reshape what performing at Barrack looks like. Drama productions and concerts depend not only on the students onstage, but also on the lighting, sound, staging, rehearsal, and technical spaces surrounding them. A facility designed specifically with the performing arts in mind will give students greater opportunities to develop those skills and allow Barrack’s arts programs to expand alongside its academic and athletic offerings. The changes extend beyond the auditorium. Barrack’s larger campus plan includes a new learning center and improvements ot fitness and athletic spaces. We have already installed a new weight room under the direction of Athletic Director Bob Dignazio, providing our studentathletes with updated equipment and a dedicated space for strength and conditioning. Because the larger transformation will occur
over several years, construction is expected to take place in phases, including during both the school year and summer breaks. We students may experience temporary changes in where activities, rehearsals, or programs take place as different portions of the campus are completed. The timing of the renovations is especially significant as Barrack prepares for another major change: its merger with Perelman Jewish Day School. Together, the developments represent a period of growth not only for Barrack’s physical campus, but for the larger school community it will serve. For years, the auditorium has been the backdrop for school plays, concerts, assemblies, ceremonies, and countless other Barrack moments. The renovation is an investment in what those moments can become. As the campus changes around them, current students are getting a rare opportunity to watch spaces they know well be redesigned for the students who will use them next.
The School Supplies You’re Missing Yoni Bleier, Editor-in-Chief Every year we all flood Staples, Target, and wherever else, searching for our school supplies. As a 12th grader with 15+ years of experience in this subject, I have upped my game, and I know exactly what to buy, not just the necessities, but also the things you didn’t realize you need. The first thing that is a must in my collection is mechanical pencils. NOT the skinny colorful ones, but the ones with the twist erasers and a side button. They are so good for notes; they feel fancy, and they
have never broken on me. An essential. The second item is a school planner. This has always been helpful for me in planning assignments, projects, due dates, and tests. I know that a lot of people (including myself) write HW on their phones, but this year, without our phones, planners will be our best friend. Especially as a senior who has to manage application deadlines and additional college essays, a planner is a game changer. The third item is highlighters. Not just any
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highlighters, but good, crisp, and vibrant ones. It makes note-taking feel much more gratifying, as well as highlighting passages in whatever book you’re reading in English class. I used to use just regular highlighters, but as soon as I switched to a little fancier one, I saw a huge improvement in my notes and reading. I’m telling you, a worthy investment! These three items will make a huge difference in school; give them a try!
World News September 2026
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Anthony Fauci Faces Scrutiny Years after Covid-19 Claire Englander, World News Editor
Six years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci is once again at the center of a political and legal controversy. Dr. Fauci became one of the most recognizable faces during COVID. He advised presidents, appeared at White House briefings and on the news, explained complicated scientific information, and shared safety guidelines to the public. Now, Fauci is back in Washington. This time he is answering questions from lawmakers investigating the government's response to COVID-19. The investigation is focusing on what government officials knew during the early stages of the pandemic, how they handled coronavirus research, and their withholding of research and information. On July 29, 2026, Dr. Fauci appeared before
the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee after being subpoenaed by Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky and one of Dr. Fauci’s longtime critics. The hearing investigated Dr. Fauci’s role in the government’s pandemic response, the origins of COVID, and questions about federally funded coronavirus research. Instead of answering the committee’s questions, Dr. Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right. According to Reuters, he declined to answer over one hundred questions during the hearing. Dr. Fauci described the investigation as an “unhinged” effort to have him imprisoned. Senator Paul argues that Americans deserve answers about decisions made during the pandemic. The dispute escalated on August 6, 2026, when the Senate committee voted 8-7 to hold Dr.
Fauci in contempt of Congress. Meaning, he did not cooperate with the congressional investigation when he was legally required to. Paul then asked the Department of Justice to consider prosecuting Fauci for refusing to answer the committee's questions. The Department of Justice now has to determine how to proceed. The next step depends largely on the Justice Department. Dr. Fauci’s legal team is preparing for lengthy investigations. The situation is unusual because Fauci is not a government official anymore, yet his role as a government official is intersecting with his position as a private citizen of the United States. The pandemic may feel like it happened years ago, but the political, legal, and medical arguments surrounding it are still unfolding.
Who Really Paid for California’s $20 Fast-Food Minimum Wage? Micah Friedman, Editor-in-Chief
When California raised its fast-food minimum wage from $16 to $20 per hour in April 2024, critics warned of layoffs and price increases. Supporters argued that higher wages would improve living standards for hundreds of thousands of workers without damaging the industry. More than a year later, evidence displays a more complicated story. According to labor economist Michael Reich, Chair of the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics and Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, the biggest question is not whether the wage increase had costs, but who ultimately absorbed them. “The policy did increase wages by about 11 percent,” Reich said. “When we looked at employment, we just couldn’t find any difference.” The California law was extremely unusual. Rather than raising the minimum wage for all workers, it established a $20 minimum wage only for employees of large fast-food chains with 60 or more locations nationwide. Roughly 750,000 workers were covered, including employees at restaurants and chains such as McDonald’s and Starbucks. Reich described the law as one of the most ambitious wage policies ever implemented in the United States. “It’s an industry wage standard,” he said. “Most minimum wage policies in the U.S. have been at the national, state, or local level. This is much more similar to what we see in parts of Europe.” The increase was also unusually aggressive. Reich noted that the new wage floor represented roughly 69 percent of California’s median full-time wage, higher than most minimum wage policies in the United States and above the level commonly seen in many developed economies. Critics predicted that employers would respond by cutting jobs. Yet Reich’s research found no statistically significant decline in
employment among covered fast-food establishments. For decades, economists believed labor markets worked like any other market: when prices rise, demand falls. Under that framework, a higher minimum wage should reduce employers’ demand for workers. “What we’ve been arguing is that that simple story is wrong for the labor market,” Reich said. Instead, many economists now view labor markets as characterized by what are known as search frictions. Workers do not instantly leave for better-paying jobs because changing jobs involves uncertainty, search costs, childcare arrangements, commuting concerns, and workplace relationships. As a result, employers possess some degree of wage-setting power. “Employers can pay lower wages, but they may have higher turnover,” Reich explained. “Or they can pay higher wages and reduce turnover.” Reich argues that lower turnover rates help explain why employment remained stable despite increased labor costs. Fast-food restaurants experience annual turnover rates exceeding 100 percent, forcing employers to spend money on recruiting and training replacements. “Minimum wages don’t kill jobs,” Reich said. “They kill job vacancies.” Higher wages may reduce employee quitting, therefore decreasing vacancies, offsetting some of the increased labor costs faced by employers. Consumers absorbed part of the remaining cost through higher prices for products. Reich’s research found that menu prices increased by approximately 1.5 percent following the wage increase. Even those increases were far smaller than many opponents predicted. “We found that about 50 percent of the laborcost increase was passed through to prices,” Reich said.
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Yet consumers were not the only ones paying. According to Reich, franchise owners likely absorbed part of the cost through lower profits. While some labor expenses may have been offset by reduced turnover and price increases, restaurant operators still had narrower margins as a result of the minimum wage increase. The interview also highlighted a less-discussed aspect of the fast-food industry: the relationship between franchisees and the large corporations that own the brands. Most fast-food restaurants are independently owned franchises that pay royalties to parent companies such as McDonald’s. Those royalties are typically calculated as a percentage of revenue rather than profit. Reich argued that because prices rose modestly while demand remained relatively stable, franchisors may have benefited from increased royalty payments even as franchise operators faced higher labor costs. However, the study did not directly measure franchisor profits. “The restaurant owners had to absorb some costs through lower profits,” Reich said. The result was a distribution of costs across several groups rather than a single burden borne by consumers or businesses alone. Workers received higher pay, consumers paid somewhat higher prices, franchise owners experienced lower profits, but employment remained largely unchanged. The findings provide evidence for a longstanding political and economic debate that often portrays minimum wage policy as increasing pay but reducing jobs. Now, California’s experience suggests a different question may be more important: not whether higher wages have costs, but who ultimately pays them. As policymakers across the country continue debating minimum wage increases, the answer may prove more economically significant than either side of the debate expected.
Israel
September 2026
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Israel's New Innovations Are Changing the Future Gavi Mildenberg, Israel Editor Israel has a long-standing reputation for its technology and innovation, which continues to help the world evolve. These innovations affect people all over the world, helping to solve real-world problems. From artificial intelligence to wildfire prevention, Israel continues to develop new ideas that help the world advance. One area where Israel is developing new technology is in AI. The Israel Innovation Authority recently announced new national data systems that are focused on health and agriculture. These systems will give researchers and companies better access to data, allowing them to develop new AI-powered products. By investing in AI, Israel is using technology to help create new and lasting
solutions to important issues. In healthcare, AI could help researchers find new ways to improve medical treatments and patient care. In agriculture, it could help farmers make their work more efficient and productive. Another area where Israel is developing new technology is wildfire prevention. An Israeli drone system recently completed its first test to detect wildfires within minutes of when they begin. The system uses cameras and infrared sensors to search for signs of a fire and is then able to send information about the fire to emergency services. Many of us have heard about or experienced the poor air quality from wildfires in Canada and northern American states, which have caused dangerous conditions and affected communities far from where the fires began. Technology
Example of Smoke/Fire detection
like this could help emergency responders detect fires earlier and respond before they become more difficult to control and cause greater damage to the environment. These innovations are just two examples of how Israel continues to use technology to solve realworld problems. From using AI to improve healthcare and agriculture to developing drones that can detect wildfires, Israeli researchers are creating products that have the potential to make a difference all around the world. As technology continues to advance, Israel will continue to play an important role in developing new ideas and finding innovative solutions to real challenges that affect people everywhere.
Drone Prototype Test Flight
The Israeli Teen Summer Camp Experience Gavi Mildenberg, Israel Editor For many teenagers, summer is a time to take a summer camps because they offer an break from school, spend time with friends, and opportunity to travel, experience a different try new activities. For our community, Jewish culture, improve their English, and meet other summer camps are a big part of that experience, Jewish teens, and Noa Gigu, an Israeli teen giving teens a chance to meet new people, who attended Pine Forest Camp, shared, explore new interests, and make countless “Camp was the best experience for me. I memories. During the summer, many Jewish made new friendships and memories that will summer camps across America also welcome last forever. It was my second year at camp, Israeli teenagers, allowing them to experience and it just gets better each year. I’m so glad I American Jewish camps while also sharing their came.” own culture with the American campers. Noa said her favorite part of camp was sharing Israeli teenagers at these camps participate in the her culture and getting to know and experience same activities as American campers, from a whole different culture. sports and swimming to arts and crafts, trips, Having Israeli teens at American summer camps and other special camp traditions. Based on my creates an opportunity for all campers, Israeli or experience, their presence adds a unique element American, to learn from each other while to the summer. Israeli teens can share what life is enjoying what camp has to offer. Although the like in Israel and even introduce other campers summer eventually comes to an end, the to Israeli traditions. By comparing similarities memories, friendships, and connections made at and differences, both groups learn from each camp can last long after everyone returns home. other while bonding and experiencing a meaningful and memorable summer together. For these teens, coming to America to attend a summer camp is both exciting and scary at the same time. They are drawn to American
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September 2026
Israel
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Israel's Reawakening: The Most Consequential Election in the Country's History Hannah Hulnick, Features & Games Editor This October, Israel will vote in its first election since the October 7th attack, and for many Israelis, this feels like the most important election the country has ever had. It's not just about which party wins. It's about what kind of country Israel becomes next. Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led Israel for most of the last two decades, is in real trouble for the first time in years. His party, Likud, has fallen from 32 seats in the last election down to the low-to-mid 20s in current polls. The reason can be traced back to October 7th itself. Many Israelis feel his government failed at its most basic job, protecting the country, and that anger has not faded. The math makes things even messier. Netanyahu's coalition of allies is only polling around 49 to 52 seats, well short of the 61 needed to govern. But the opposition isn't in a much stronger spot either, sitting at about 60 seats, just one shy of a majority. Making things more complicated, a handful of smaller parties are polling just
below the cutoff needed to enter parliament at all, effectively “wasting” votes equal to about 10 seats. Whether those voters end up shifting to bigger parties could end up deciding who actually wins. Some of the most interesting new competition isn't coming from career politicians, but from people shaped directly by the war. Gadi Eisenkot, a former top general, lost his son and two nephews in Gaza. He supported the war but eventually broke from Netanyahu over the lack of a real strategy to end it, and now leads his own new party, which has, at times, actually polled ahead of Likud. Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have teamed up on a new alliance focused on reforming military draft rules and easing the cost of living called “Together”. Even once the votes are counted, nothing will resolve quickly. Israel's system for forming a governing coalition after an election is slow, often taking a month or more. That means the government that has already lost public trust could still be making major decisions about the war and hostages well
into the final weeks of the year, even after voters have essentially voted it out. Underneath all of this sit deeper questions the election can't fully settle: Does voting Netanyahu out count as real accountability for October 7th, or is that a separate reckoning that still needs to happen? There's also a longsimmering fight over ultra-Orthodox Israelis being exempt from military service, a group that's grown from a few hundred exemptions to tens of thousands, frustrating many secular Israelis. And the war itself isn't over; the questions about Gaza's future and the possibility of a peace deal with Saudi Arabia are still up in the air. Netanyahu has been counted out before and clawed his way back every time, so nobody is writing him off completely. But between the tight coalition math, new challengers born out of the war, and a country still processing the trauma of October 7th, this election feels less like politics as usual and more like a turning point, no matter who ends up in charge afterward.
Israel Strikes Syrian Military Air Base Amid Rising Regional Tensions Tova Kahn, Opinion Editor On August 18, 2026, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military air base in Idlib province in northwestern Syria. The attack was the first Israeli strike on a Syrian government military facility since March and came as tensions between Israel, Syria, and Turkey continued to grow. According to reports, the strikes damaged parts of the air base, including its runway and storage areas. No casualties were reported. Israel said the strikes were carried out because it believed that Syria was close to allowing Turkish military forces to deploy at the base. Israeli officials stated that a Turkish military presence
there could change the security situation in the concern about the strike. U.S. Special Envoy for region and create a threat to Israel. Israeli Prime Syria Tom Barrack called the attack an Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that “unnecessary escalation” and said the United Syria had been warned that allowing Turkish States was working to create a communication troops to deploy at the base would violate an system between Israel, Turkey, and Syria to existing security understanding between Israel prevent future misunderstandings. Barrack later and Syria. said Israel had not given the United States The Syrian government rejected Israel's adequate warning before the attack. Israeli Defense explanation. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad alMinister Israel Katz disputed Shaibani said that Syria had told Israel this and said that intelligence had been shared there were no plans to establish a permanent with American officials and that warnings had Turkish military base at Abu al-Duhur. Syria been given to Syria. described the Israeli attack as unjustified and a The situation has continued to develop since the violation of its sovereignty. Syrian officials have airbase strike. On August 23, Syrian and Israeli also called for Israel to stop its officials held U.S. mediated talks in Jordan aimed military operations inside Syria at reducing tensions. The discussions focused on stopping Israeli military actions in Syria and Turkey also condemned the restarting negotiations about security attack. Turkey has been an arrangements between the two countries. The talks important supporter of Syria's also addressed the growing tensions between Israel new government and has and Turkey and the possibility of preventing their increased its involvement in Syria since the fall of President disagreements from escalating inside Syria. The strike is part of a larger period of uncertainty Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The Israeli strike added to in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in 2024. Israel has carried out tensions between Israel and Turkey, which have competing repeated strikes against military sites in Syria, saying that its actions are necessary for Israeli interests in Syria. The United security. Syria, meanwhile, has argued that these States has become involved in trying to prevent these tensions attacks violate its sovereignty. The recent attack on Abu al-Dahur has added another layer to the from developing into a larger situation by bringing Turkey more directly into confrontation. The United States also expressed the dispute.
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Arts & Entertainment September 2026
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Summer 2026 Movie Report Card: What movies stood out this summer? Asher Harwitz, Arts and Entertainment Editor The summer season brought some of Hollywood’s biggest names and franchises back to theaters. From superheroes to ancient Greek mythology to animated classics, there was no shortage of highly anticipated movies. But while some lived up to the hype, others fell short. Here is my report card for three of the biggest movies of the summer. The Odyssey - A Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey was, without a doubt, the standout movie of the summer. Based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, the film follows Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. With one of the most stacked casts the movie world has seen, breathtaking visuals, and Nolan’s signature filmmaking style, The Odyssey feels like the type of movie that was made to be a big summer blockbuster. The acting is one of the film's biggest strengths. With all-star actors including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson, the movie is filled with outstanding performances that truly bring it together. Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong'o, despite receiving criticism from some fans over their casting, also give excellent performances and fit naturally into the movie's enormous cast. One of the most interesting choices in the movie is Zendaya’s portrayal of Athena. Rather than making it completely obvious whether her character is actually the goddess Athena, the filmmakers leave room for debate. I thought this was a tremendous decision because it gives the audience something to discuss and interpret after the movie ends. Overall, The Odyssey shows Christopher Nolan doing what he does best. It is massive, visually stunning, and filled with strong performances. While its inaccuracies from the original epic prevent it from being perfect, it was still the best movie released this summer.
The Oddysey, Christopher Nolan
Spider-Man: Brand New Day - B Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a good superhero movie that delivers most of what fans would expect from a Marvel film. It has an entertaining plot, plenty of action, and several interesting new characters that help make the movie feel different from previous Spider-Man movies. Tom Holland continues to be a strong Peter Parker, and the movie does a good job maintaining the character's personality while moving his story forward. The new characters also add some interesting elements to the Marvel universe and give the movie something beyond simply repeating what audiences have already seen. However, the biggest problem is that by the end of the movie, it feels like very little has actually changed. Peter Parker is still in the same situation due to the aftermath of the previous film, where nobody remembers who he is. After everything that happened in No Way Home, I was hoping this movie would make more meaningful progress with that storyline.
Toy Story 5 - C At some point, every franchise has to know when to stop. Unfortunately I do not think Pixar knows when that point is. The biggest problem I had with the movie was that it felt like Pixar was trying to force nostalgia on the audience. The Toy Story franchise has already had several emotional and satisfying endings so another sequel needed a really strong reason to exist. Instead, I found myself wondering why this story needed to be told in the first place. I also did not find the plot particularity interesting, and the plot that included a buzz light year and Jesse love story just did not do that much for me. There is however, one message that I thought the movie handled well. Its focus on limiting screen use and the role of technology in children’s lives is relevant and provides a positive lesson, especially for younger audiences. This movie is also still seemed to be enjoyable for children and at the end of the day that is really who it is about. Ultimately Toy Story 5 is not a terrible movie. It is entertaining enough for families and kids will without a doubt have a good time watching it. But to me the series has already told its best stories and a fifth movie just seemed like an attempt to sell tickets and bring back nostalgia rather than a story that needed to be told.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Destin Daniel Cretton
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Toy Story 5, Andrew Stanton
Arts & Entertainment September 2026
Best Movies of Summer 26’ Yoni Bleier, Editor-in-Chief There were a LOT of movies we were excited to see this summer. And yes, I saw all (most) of them! Some exceeded expectations, some fell short, and some were exactly what I expected. Here are my thoughts on the top two that came out! Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This was probably the most anticipated movie this summer, and I got to see it opening weekend. First things first, I’m always excited for a Zendaya/Tom movie. The budget was $225 million, and I feel like that was definitely reflected in the special effects. I loved the plot, and I was so excited to see Sadie Sink’s character,
and I was not disappointed. I think after the last Spider-Man we all just wanted MJ to magically remember who Peter was, but if we’re being honest, that would’ve felt too easy and thrown together. I think the way they were reunited, slowly and not completely, was the perfect way to do it. I also LOVE that now his powers are organic and now from his web-shooters. The Odyssey. This movie absolutely BLEW me away. Christopher Nolan will definitely win some sort of directing award for this film. As someone who read the book and was really confused, the movie was directed in a way
that made it make so much sense, and yet it felt beautifully authentic. The acting was also incredibly good, and I was able to compare Tom Holland and Zendaya’s performances to their roles in Spider-Man, which was fun (both performances were great). I loved the Greekfantasy vibe that I’d never seen before in film, the way it was portrayed in the Odyssey. One example: in everything I’ve seen/read, Circe has been depicted as a beautiful temptress, but in the movie she was very regular-looking, if not intentionally unattractive, and yet her motives and character still made sense. 10/10 movie!
Songs of the Summer Yoni Bleier, Editor-in-Chief With the VMAs right around the corner on September 27th, we’re all wondering the same thing: who is going to win the song of the summer? The VMAs have not released the official list, but here are my top four predictions: “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson. This is my first prediction, and honestly, the reason is in the song name. “Midnight Sun” has such a summer feel to it, and Zara has been having a huge comeback, wowing fans with her incredible performance and online humor.
Zara Larson
We’ve all attempted to do the TikTok dance to it as well, and it’s a great candidate. “drop dead” by Olivia Rodrigo. This is also definitely a strong contender for SoS. Her new album was received really well by fans, and I feel like I hear this song playing whenever I go to a store. It doesn’t necessarily have the strongest summer vibe, but it’s been playing all summer long! “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley. This is such a huge hit, and it has such a refreshing sound; it makes a great candidate for SoS. I
Slayyyter
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personally don’t listen to this song very often, but whenever I hear it, I’m always bopping along. “DANCE…” by Slayyyter. I have been loving Slayyyter so much recently. This song just gives summer, and she’s been having a big breakout as a smaller artist, which is really exciting to see. I think it’s a great choice, and if you’re a fan, check out my favorite song of hers, “brand new chanel$.”
Ella Langley
Opinion Page 8
September 2026
Why Everyone Deserves a Summer Camp Tova Kahn, Opinion Editor For many people, summer means going on vacation, sleeping in, or spending time at home with friends. For me, summer means Camp Yavneh. I truly cannot imagine spending my summers anywhere else. Camp is not just a place I go to during the summer. It is a place where I have grown, made lifelong friends, created memories, and become part of a community that feels like home. I believe everyone deserves to experience a summer like this at least once in their life, even if it's at any summer camp. One of the best things about camp is the friendships. At Camp Yavneh, I have met people who I know will remain my friends long after the summer ends. There is something special about spending so much time together, sharing experiences, living together, and supporting each other
through everything. These friendships are different from any friendships at home because camp gives you the chance to live, learn, and experience new things together. Even at the end of summer when camp ends, the friendships do not. Camp has also given me experiences that I could never get anywhere else. Every day brings something new, whether it's an activity, a tradition, a late-night conversation, or simply spending time with the people around me. Some of my favorite memories come from moments that seemed small at the time but became memories I will never forget. Camp teaches you to appreciate being present and enjoying the people and experiences around you instead of constantly worrying about what comes next. Most importantly, Camp Yavneh feels like a
community. There is a sense of belonging that is difficult to describe unless you have experienced it yourself. Everyone is there to be part of something bigger, and you quickly realize that you are surrounded by people who care about you. Camp creates an environment where people can be themselves, try new things, and make connections without worrying about being judged. It becomes a second home. Camp Yavneh is, in my opinion, the greatest place on earth. I cannot imagine my summers without it, and I am incredibly grateful for all the friendships, memories, and experiences it has given me. Camp is more than just a summer activity. For me, it is a place that feels like home, and I think everyone deserves to find a place like that.
How Long Is A Proper Nap Hannah Hulnick, Features & Games Editor I wake up at 6:30, go to school from 8 to 3, drive 1 hour home, and get home feeling deeply overwhelmed with an undeniable urge for the nap. Not “a” nap but “the”. The real question is: How long is the nap? 10- 20 Minutes The “Power Nap” is the way to go when you have lots to do but no motivation. A ten to twenty-minute nap is the perfect amount of time to boost alertness, focus, and energy. It keeps you in a light sleep, making it easier to wake up instantly feeling better without feeling groggy.
60 Minutes One hour of napping allows cognitive memory processing and learning retention. Within this time, the brain hits deep, slow-wave sleep. While excellent for brainpower and schoolwork, it carries a high risk of grogginess right upon waking.
30 Minutes A thirty-minute nap is best for Short-term brain recharge and physical recovery but can make it hard to wake up. Thirty minutes allows you to enter deeper sleep stages, which can cause "sleep inertia,” a heavy, groggy feeling that takes 15– 30 minutes to wear off after waking up.
90 Minutes Ninety minutes is the nap. It allows creativity, procedural memory, and emotional processing, completing a full sleep cycle from light sleep to deep sleep to REM. Waking up at the end of a cycle leaves you feeling completely refreshed with zero grogginess.
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Opinion Page 9
September 2026
Why Are People Cutting Back on AI? Sami Ufberg, Centerspread Editor For the past few years, artificial intelligence has seemed almost impossible to avoid. Students use ChatGPT to brainstorm essays, companies have incorporated AI into their products, and tools that can generate everything from images to computer code have become increasingly accessible. With each new model came promises that AI would become faster, smarter, and more integrated into everyday life. But after years of rapid growth, some people are beginning to reconsider how much they want to use it. The change doesn't necessarily mean AI is disappearing. Instead, the initial excitement surrounding the technology is being replaced by more complicated questions about when AI is actually useful and when it may create more problems than it solves. One concern is accuracy. AI programs can produce convincing responses even when the information they provide is incorrect. As users have become more familiar with these tools, many have also become more aware that an answer that sounds confident is not necessarily true. For students especially, relying on inaccurate information can turn a shortcut into additional work. Privacy has also become a growing concern.
Using an AI chatbot often means entering questions, documents, or other information into an online system. As AI becomes integrated into workplaces and schools, users are increasingly questioning what happens to that information and how companies may use it. There are environmental concerns as well. Generative AI requires large data centers filled with powerful computers, which consume significant amounts of electricity and water. A single interaction may seem insignificant, but billions of requests across millions of users require substantial resources. As awareness of AI’s environmental footprint grows, some users are becoming more intentional about when they turn to it. For students, however, one of the most interesting questions may be less about technology and more about independence. When ChatGPT first became widely available, its ability to produce an essay outline, solve a problem, or generate an idea within seconds felt revolutionary. But convenience can also make it tempting to turn to AI before attempting something independently. As schools develop clearer expectations surrounding AI, students are being forced to decide where assistance ends and dependence begins.
That distinction matters because struggling with an assignment is often part of learning. Spending ten minutes searching for the right opening sentence, working through a difficult math problem, or developing an idea that initially does not work can feel inefficient. Yet those moments require students to practice the exact skills an assignment is intended to develop. Businesses are confronting their own version of that calculation. After investing heavily in artificial intelligence, companies face increasing pressure to show that those investments actually improve productivity or generate enough revenue to justify the cost. In some cases, the question is shifting from “How can we use AI?” to the more practical “Where should we use AI?” That may ultimately describe the next stage of artificial intelligence. AI is unlikely to disappear from classrooms, workplaces, or everyday life. The technology is already too useful and too deeply integrated into many products for that to happen. But the period when simply adding “AI” to something automatically made it seem innovative may be fading. The more interesting question is no longer whether we can use artificial intelligence for a task. It is whether we should.
Sports Barrack’s Tumultuous Soccer Season Micah Friedman, Editor-in-Chief The Barrack Soccer team has officially started its season and is striving to perform well. The team has faced a few challenges and setbacks, but regardless of the difficulties, they are working to succeed. With the departure of the junior class to Israel to spend multiple months at the Alexander Muss High School, the team is missing multiple key players, including Itai Aharoni, Logan Andelman, Oliver Rivkind, and Caleb Kirschen. Those four players have been key to the team's success over the past few years, and their loss is detrimental to the team’s efforts. This year, it is particularly challenging. For the past two years, the junior class has not gone to Muss, so the team is not used to the absence of key players. Furthermore, the team had started the season using the Spanish method of training that Head Coach Dave Brown had learned from his mentors. This method trains players to pass the ball around more, control the tempo, wait
for opportunities, and tire out opponents, rather than the traditional American style of soccer, which is much quicker. They were also using tools and a playbook designed through the Virtual Fútbol Academy to ensure that they were prepared for all challenging matchups. Unfortunately, Brown resigned the night before the first game, but improvements are being made with the new head coach, Pan. The resignation came with much dismay from the team. Players had built strong relationships with the coach and were upset to see him go; hence, the game the following day was very emotional: some players were angry, others upset, but all were motivated to succeed. The team did not blame Brown for his departure. Brown gave his heart to the program with his resources and felt that he wasn’t adequately appreciated by the administration. Furthermore, after being asked to have
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varsity players participate in a junior varsity game one hour before their season opener, he felt uncomfortable allowing their participation due to the risk of injury. On the bright side, Pan has coached the team successfully, leading them to their first win of the season and bringing in a new structure that he feels will be beneficial. The team has been hard at work, learning skills and using Barrack’s new weight room to gain strength and mobility through exercise. The new weight room has been instrumental in helping the team stay in peak physical condition for the upcoming matches. Much of the season lies ahead, and no matter what preparation the team has, it is ultimately the results of the season that dictate how successful they are. Hopefully, the loss of multiple key players and the coach will not hinder the progress made in the weight room.
Arts & Entertainment Page 10
September 2026
Summer Book Reviews Hannah Hulnick, Features & Games Editor Normal People –Sally Rooney Summary: Normal People by Sally Rooney focuses on the lives of the two characters, Connell and Marianne, who both attend the same school in which they pretend not to know each other. Connell is a popular soccer player, while Marianne is a lonely, confident, and intensely private girl who is constantly bullied by Connell’s friends. What no one knows is that when Connell comes to pick up his mother from her housekeeping job at Marianne's house, he playfully explores their strange and undeniable connection. Through high school, they maintained a secret relationship. At college, their social roles reversed, with Marianne finally finding her feet in the social world,and Connell struggling to find himself when no one else is telling him who to be. Throughout college, Connell and Marianne explore other relationships but continuously circle one another, being irresistibly drawn back to each other every time, no matter how hard they try to fight it. Hannah’s Opinion: Sally Rooney incorporates psychological insight and understanding into a story that explores the subtleties of class, the electricity of love, and the complexities of family and friendship dynamics. The reader experiences the sympathy, pain, love, and chaos of change alongside Connell and Marianne. The inner dialogue of the characters Sally Rooney incorporates allows you to understand the minds of Connell and Marianne in such a way that it is hard to not root for their love.
The Boyfriend – Freida McFadden Summary: The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden follows the life of Sydney Shaw, who has terrible dating luck. She has experienced every bad trope in the dating world. Until her new annoyingly perfect boyfriend comes along and completely sweeps her off her feet. Then the brutal murder of a young woman, the latest in a string of deaths across the coast, confuses police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them. Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, will she be the killer’s next victim…? Hannah’s Opinion: Freida McFadden writes like a drug; once you start, you cannot stop, each chapter ending with a cliffhanger, and when you think the case is solved, you get even more amusingly confused. In this dark story about obsession, you really get a view of things we will do for love. Frieda McFadden uses her writing to beautifully articulate the battle between heart and mind.
The Anthropocene Reviewed– John Green Summary The Anthropocene is the current geological age, in which human activity has profoundly shaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this book, renowned author John Green reviews different factors of the human-centered planet - from Dr Pepper and Teddy Bears to the Canada Geese. In his reviews, he begins with the history of the chapter topic and then begins weaving in both his personal experience and quoting; authors, celebrities, poets, and other scholars on their experiences before ending with a dry rating- on a five-star scale. Hannah’s Opinion: John Green transformed the unconventional topic of the Anthropocene into an easy and educational read. By intertwining the history and story behind modern-day staples with human experiences and quotes, he is able to articulate the current geological age through everyday life experiences. Through his book, John Green writes with wit and eloquence in such a way that you begin to question daily phenomena while also realizing how much we take for granted.
Opinion Starting Early, Ending Early: Is It Worth It? Tova Kahn, Opinion Editor Every year, students look forward to summer, so starting school again is usually not something anyone is excited about. At Barrack, we normally start school on the Tuesday after Labor Day. This year, as you all might know, we are starting school on September 1, before Labor Day. One of the biggest advantages of starting before Labor Day is that we get out of school earlier in the year. Even though we are losing a few days of summer in August, we are gaining those days back at the end of the school year. Personally, I would rather have extra summer days when the weather is warmer, and I have nothing to worry about. By the time June comes
around, everyone is ready to be done with school, so getting out even a little earlier can make a big difference. Another reason starting before Labor Day is not as bad as it sounds is that we have a lot of Jewish holidays throughout September. Since Barrack gives us these holidays off, we are not going to have as many full weeks of school for a while. While this can make the schedule feel a little strange, it also means we get breaks at the start of the school year. These holidays give us several opportunities to rest and recharge. Of course, there are some downsides. It can be annoying to have to wake up early and go back to school when everyone else
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is still enjoying their summer. Labor Day also feels like the unofficial end of summer, so starting before it can make summer feel shorter. However, I think losing a few days at the beginning is worth gaining those days back at the end. Overall, I think Barrack made the better choice of starting school before Labor Day. Although I would definitely enjoy a few more days of summer, I would rather start earlier if it means getting out earlier. When June comes around and everyone is ready for summer, I think we will be happy that we started school a little sooner.
Features & Games Page 11
September 2026
TV & Movie Word Search Ryan Fink, Managing Editor
YELLOWSTONE
ENTOURAGE
GAME OF THRONES
EUPHORIA STRANGER THINGS OUTERBANKS
SUCCESSION BIG BANG THEORY LOVE ISLAND
WEDNESDAY
PERCY JACKSON
THE BEAR
MANDALORIAN
TED LASSO HOUSE OF DRAGON BREAKING BAD
SPIDER-MAN ODYSSEY TOY STORY
THE OFFICE
SUPER MARIO
FRIENDS
SEVERANCE
SUITS
BTS
Decipher the Dorsch
Sudoku
Hannah Hulnick, Features & Games Editor
Claire Englander, World News Editor
Minute Cryptic - School Edition Micah Friedman, Editor-in-Chief Cryptic: School instruction found in careless online slide deck. (6)
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Thank You to Our Staff! Cougar Chronicle Advisor: Tmac Co-Editors-in-Chief: Micah Friedman & Yoni Bleier Managing Editor: Ryan Fink Layout & STEAM Editor: Aiven Relles Centerspread Editor: Sami Ufberg World News Editor: Claire Englander Layout & Business Editor: Eitan Hassidim Opinion Editor: Tova Kahn Sports Editor: Ilan Levy Arts & Entertainment Editor: Asher Harwitz Features & Games Editors: Ilan Levy, Asher Harwitz School News Editor: Hannah Hulnick Israel Editor: Gavi Mildenberg And Thank You to All of Our Amazing Staff Writers!
Welcome Back, Cougars! FEATURES AND GAMES ANSWERS:
Minute Cryptic Hints INDICATOR: The indicator is “found in.” Our answer will be contained in some nearby fodder.
DEFINITION The definition is “school instruction.” Our answer will be share a similar definition.
FODDER The fodder is “careless online.” We will use something here to find our word, as directed by the indicator.
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