Goldie Globe 2/27/26- Purim Issue

THE GMSG MONTHLY

Newspaper of the Goldie Margolin School For Girls

Kosher Chaos

By: Adina Schwartzberg (’28)

REAKING NEWS: Our tiny town has officially gone from two kosher restaurants to forty seven and a half — and no, none of them have passed a health inspection. For 364 days a year, our community just has to hope there will be a table open at the limited kosher options we have. But on Purim? Every driveway, porch, and folding table becomes a 5-star dining experience (with a side of plastic tablecloths and sticky fingers). Let me give you a breakdown of the GMSG’s favorite delectable dinings that Purim brings to town.

Starting off strong with brunch: Waffles at the Wogans. This is

where energy levels are highest thanks to #earlymorningsugarrush and the optimism about how much food everyone can handle are still wildly unrealistic. The Wogan's lawn is transformed into a fullservice breakfast bar, complete with toppings no one asked for but still needed. The smell alone convinces you that fasting on Taanis Esther had been purely to prepare you for this moment. Maple syrup drips off of every surface and child, while clouds of powdered sugar float overhead. In line, every person before you needs a detailed explanation of all the available options for toppings even though they’ve heard the menu enough

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times to have memorized it. Margalit Goldkin (’26) says that “the food is always so amazing! It’s always so fun to go there!” This stop definitely isn’t just about the waffles; it’s about officially beginning the Purim food marathon, setting the tone for the day, and realizing, early on, that there is absolutely no turning back.

Next up is one of the stands that practically started it all: the ice cream truck at the Kaufmans. This is an alltime GMSG favorite and the event that everyone plans their entire day around. After all, nobody wants to become fleishigs before they make a stop at the party surrounding the truck. From toddlers in oversized costumes to adults who are “just grabbing one thing,” the crowd never seems to die down. The menu is studied by each person like their life depends on it. Yet, even with the hour-long decision process, there’s always that person with the SpongeBob ice pop dripping all over, who decides they’d rather have the ChocoToco and so they go back for another. At any moment, you hear the crinkle of wrappers, soon to be discarded on the driveway, and parents confidently telling their children that “the next one is your last one.” Lets just say, I think it’s the Jewish community on Purim that keeps the truck in business.

Next, everyone made sure to stop by the longtime favorite that’s very missed: Hotdogs at the Harrises.

Located conveniently in the center of the community, everyone loved to stop by the hotdog cart to get a loaded hotdog with all the fixin’s.

Beans, lettuce, ketchup, and more were piled onto the perfectly cooked hotdog. “It was the perfect spot for a hotdog break mid-Shalach Manot delivery,” says Sara Klein (‘28).

It was always the perfect addition to the packed day full of delicious and mostly unhealthy food. The line was always about 20 people long, and moving at the speed of someone carefully arranging pickles on a hotdog, but no one complained. After all, this wasn't just a food — it was a tradition. Besides, waiting in line only

made it taste better… or maybe that was just the hunger.

To wrap up the day, the entire community gets together for, you guessed it, more food! The Purim seudah at Baron Hirsch is probably the definition of “fine dining.” Let me set the scene: It’s the end of what feels like the longest day of your life, you’re somehow still hungry, and you could use some quiet. So naturally, you make the decision to go to the community seudah — along with the rest of the Jews in Memphis. You get into the loud, roaring, and did I mention noisy room and manage to find one empty seat at a corner table; who eats together as a family anyway? You mark your territory by dumping whatever part of your costume you’re still wearing on the table, and go to wait in the endless line of people at the buffet. Seriously though, how many people are there in the community? It feels like everyone and their great-aunt are in line for the chicken tenders. By the time you make it to the front of the line, there's three pieces of chicken left for your family of six, and a weirdly full bowl of BBQ sauce. However, there are no words to explain how worthwhile that line is. Even after this bustling party, this stop can't be the last because on Purim, there is always one more house, one more table and one more snack that you absolutely, positively cannot skip, no matter how full you are.

A Purim Seudah Gone Wrong

By Miriam Kamplowitz (’29)

f you have ever thought that your Purim seudah was wild and crazy, wait until you hear about the story of Rabbah and Rabbi Zeira. Rabbah and Rabbi Zeira were two rabbis frequently cited in the Gemara. Due to their obvious connection in Torah learning, Rabbah and Rabbi Zeira would spend a lot of time together, both inside and outside the Beis. The two were peas in a pod, often finding time to learn together over Shabbat meals and host each other's families over the weekend.

This story begins when Rabbah decided to invite Rabbi Zeira to enjoy the Purim seudah with him. They set up their meal and soon start to discuss their life or whatever other scholarly topics Rabbis talk about. Eventually, they start eating, and, of course, drinking. The only issue was that Rabbah was of the opinion that you should get so drunk that,

,” “You can’t tell the difference between Mordechai and Haman,” while Rabbi Zeira was of the opinion that you should be a bit more conservative with how much you drink. Rabbi Zeira started trying to get Rabbah to slow down a little, but Rabbah wasn’t listening to him. All of this drinking was starting to make Rabbi Zeira very uncomfortable, and he started to make up any excuse he could to leave. He gave excuses like, “I think I might have accidentally left the stove on; I need to check up on it,” or "I'm expecting a messenger, and I don’t want to miss him.” But Rabbah kept coming up with ways to make him stay. Soon, it got to be too much, leading Rabbi Zeira to give his regards and make his way back home.

After this Rabbah decided to go to bed.

When Rabbah woke up the next morning, he found Rabbi Zeira murdered in his house, and realized that he had done it. After a lot of selfreflection, Rabbah davened to Hashem to make Rabbi Zeira come back to life so that he could apologize to him. Hashem, being the merciful

revived. When Rabbi Zeira came back to life, he was infuriated. He said that Rabbah drank too much the night before and blamed him for the events that transpired, telling him that he should have been more responsible to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. Rabbah completely agreed and apologized profusely, and after lots and lots and lots of apologies, Rabbi Zeira finally forgave him.

Over the next year, the two rebuilt their friendship and started to become chavrusos again. Once again,

they were inseparable. As Purim drew closer, Rabbah once again invited Rabbi Zeira over to his house to enjoy a Purim seudah together, forgetting about the disastrous incident the year before. When Rabbi Zeira heard this, at first he thought it was a joke, saying, “Was Rabbah serious? He literally killed me last year. How could he think I would agree to go have my Purim seudah with him again?” But then he realized that Rabbah was being completely serious when he asked Rabbi Zeira to his Purim seudah. Therefore, he refused the invitation. When Rabbah asked Rabbi Zeira why he didn’t want to have the seudah together, Rabbi Zeira replied, “Hashem does not make miracles happen each and every hour! And I do not want to undergo that experience again!” That, of course, didn’t stop them from having their Pesach seder together a month later.

There are a lot of important lessons to take out of this story from the Gemara. This is a great example of how Hashem cares for us and loves us. He forgave Rabbah even though he had committed an unforgivable sin. Hashem still brought Rabbi Zeira back to life for Rabbah. Both of these show how much Hashem loves each and every person. We also see a great example of how to forgive someone after they have done something wrong to you. Rabbah did the unspeakable to Rabbi Zeira, and yet, Rabbi Zeira still forgave him while still putting a healthy amount of distance between the two of them and protecting himself from getting hurt again. These are all important things to take with us into Purim this year and for the rest of our lives. I hope you all have a better Purim than Rabbi Zeira did!

Severed Teams and Shattered Dreams

By Hodaya Harary (’27)

ince the dawn of time, man has occupied himself with three things: body, soul, and spirit. I’d like to add a fourth entity which I think draws back to Stone Age origins – basketball. Indeed, this sport has truly seen no equal. With the constant running, jumping, traveling, and ballbouncing this game entails, it’s no wonder the game has pervaded every aspect of society. After watching the Super Bowl last month, I digress, seeing that tigerstriped orb spiral through the air and burst through the hoop fills me with hope and pride beyond words. This week has been a crazy one for NBA fans all over the country, but especially those right here in Memphis. While it may not concern basketball legends like Lebron James (Clippings) or MJ (Michael Jackson, Wizards), many suspect the Grizzlies’ trading season to be a long shot. Starting off with a bang, fans believe the Grizzlies may have dribbled themselves into some trouble regarding the heartbreaking loss of star player Jared Jackson Jr. Despite being the eighth best player on the team (designated by the number eight on his jersey), Jackson has truly offered a lot to the Grizzlies throughout his history. Jackson had committed eight seasons playing for the Grizzlies, and while this may not seem like that much of an undertaking, readers must remember – that’s two summers, two springs, two winters, and two autumns. And so, with tears in our eyes, the Grizzlies and fans alike bid farewell to Jeremiah Jackson Jr., who will certainly be missed. However, Jackson teaches us all an important lesson. No matter how good things may be going, there’s no point in hiding who you really are. While Jackson was an incredible basketball player, with 18.5 PPG (points per

game) and 1.9 BPG (buckets per game), he understood the value of chasing one’s dreams. That’s why Jackson chose to join the Utah Jazz and pursue his dream of becoming a

these controversies are nothing but tabloid fodder as Ja obviously joined the Grizzlies, not the military.

While Morant is here to stay, his health may be another issue fans have yet to circumvent. This player is what some might call “injury-prone,” sustaining trauma to his calf and elbow both in this season alone.

Although many predict Morant to be sidelined indefinitely due to his various injuries, fans are praying for him to make a full recovery before the FIFA World Cup this June. On behalf of the GMSG, we’re wishing Ja a refuah shelemah

taught to abandon our hopes and dreams for a more pragmatic reality? With this leave of absence, Jackson urges us to think differently.

Through this basketball crisis and the ensuing slump, as evidenced by the Grizzlies’ recent string of consecutive losses, one person has been a beacon of hope for fans – Ja Morant. While many suspected that this Memphis superstar would be leaving the arena for teams like the Heat and the Kings, Morant remained loyal, evading the trade. This player retention boosted morale for Grizzlies fans everywhere. Morant has been a staple to the team since he joined in 2019. While some sources say that he was “drafted” at this time,

On a lighter note, the Grizzlies have received some new teammates. After the departure of Jeremy Jackson Jr., players like Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and even Walter Clayton Jr. claimed their spots on the team, showing their Memphis pride. Additionally, the Grizzlies attracted the arrival of Gordon Eric, a “veteran” of sorts in the sports world. According to an anonymous GMSG sports insider, veterans are “responsible for hyping the team up in locker rooms before games. Think of a cheerleader, but just much older!” Unfortunately, Eric’s fellow Grizzlies won’t be hearing these infamous veteran pep talks, as the management signed the player but terminated him not long after. As the saying goes, all’s fair in love, war, and, of course, basketball. While the Grizzlies bolstered new arrivals as well as unfortunate departures, one thing is certain: the season ahead is full of possibilities. Change is hard, but it’s also an inevitable part of life. Just like a basketball player bounces the ball with stored elastic potential energy and aims it for the net, we as fans are shooting for the stars, anticipating for the best out of this coming season. Go Grizz!

By Abby Lewis (’29)

ou don’t need to understand physics to fall in love with it. It’s physics. I mean what can I say? HA! There is so much to say. I love physics. I love physics because it is the most honest way we try to understand reality. At its core, physics is the study of how the universe behaves. From the motion of the smallest particles to the expansion of the cosmos, what amazes me most is how unified it all is. It’s just the most incredible attribute of the universe. The same fundamental principles can explain why an object falls to the ground and why planets remain in stable orbits. Physics is just simply amazing and elegant.

One of the coolest parts about physics is how it explains everyday life. Things like motion, gravity, light, and sound are happening all the time, but physics shows that there is more going on beneath the surface. When you throw a ball, physics explains how forces and motion work together. When you hear music, physics explains how sound waves travel through the air. We can’t live without physics! Physics also makes normal things way more dramatic and exciting. Dropping something isn’t just dropping something; it’s gravity pushing an object toward Earth at a very specific rate. That’s not clumsiness, that’s science. Boom. Sitting still isn’t even really sitting still, because Earth is rotating, orbiting the sun, and moving through space at the same time. So technically, I’m always moving, which means physics says I’m productive. See? Physics also gives great compliments and will make you feel good about yourself. Physics doesn't just work in your home, it works EVERYWHERE. Yes, everywhere. So when you're lonely or upset, just think of physics. It’ll be

Phantastic Physics

your right hand man. The same laws apply on Earth and in space.

Now you might be asking me, "Isn't physics just math?" NO! How dare you say such a thing? Physics is better than math because physics actually applies math. Physics crunches those numbers and sends them into the real world. Another reason physics is better than math is

actually wonder about. Why do things fall? Why does light travel so fast? Why doesn’t time always act normal? So yes, math is kind of important, but physics reigns supreme.

Now, why would anyone enjoy physics more than sports, specifically basketball? Let me tell you! Physics is better than basketball because physics explains basketball. Basketball can’t explain physics. Case closed. Basketball is fun, but physics is running the entire game whether anyone notices or not. Every shot, pass, bounce, and missed layup is controlled by forces, motion, angles,

and gravity. When the ball swishes through the hoop, that’s not just skill — that’s physics in action. When it bounces off the rim, that’s physics saying, “not today.” There is no excuse. Basketball is NOTHING without physics. Take that! Physics is like Albert Einstein on steroids. Physics never gets tired. But you know what does? Basketball players. Basketball players need water breaks. Physics does not. Gravity has been working nonstop since the beginning of the universe. Zero days off. No halftime. No excuses.

Basketball has rules, but physics has laws. And physics’ laws are way more serious than any basketball rule. You can break a basketball rule and get a foul. You cannot break a law of physics. If you try, the universe will immediately correct you. Plus, physics is undefeated. Basketball teams lose games. Physics has never lost. Ever.

Even when physics doesn’t make sense, I still love it. Actually, that might make me love it more. The confusion means there’s always more to learn, more to question, and more to figure out. Physics gives room for people to find themselves. Personally, I find myself in every aspect of physics. When I’m having a rough day, I whip out a book of physics and dig in! Forget a pint of ice cream with a spoon. Physics can make my day better in a second! Physics is my favorite. And according to my calculations, physics should be your favorite too.

In the end, physics is amazing because it makes reality feel deeper, smarter, and way more interesting than it looks. Ultimately, physics transcends entertainment by articulating the fundamental principles that govern existence itself, rendering it not merely superior, but essential.

By Chaya Devorah Besser (’29)

The Fight for Tomorrow

hroughout history, the Jewish people have been through many ups and downs. But we are only commanded to remember one tragedy: Amalek. Why do we have to remember specifically what Amalek did when they are not the only ones who have attacked us? While it’s true that Amalek has done some really bad things throughout Tanach, there are plenty of other nations who have attacked us: the Canaanites, the Babylonians, the Romans, and more. There are fast days for some of the atrocities these nations did, but there is not a dedicated portion of the Torah commanding us to remember them. Additionally, why do we read Parshas Zachor on Shabbos and not Monday or Thursday, when we also read the Torah? Zachor could also be read right before Megilas Esther when Amalek is mentioned and people try to wipe them out. But it is not read at either of these times, why?

This question can best be answered by asking a different one. The word “machar,” tomorrow, is mentioned a lot when talking about Amalek, even in some other instances of oppression by Amalek, such as Megilas Esther. In Megilas Esther, Esther invited Achashveirosh to a feast that she would have tomorrow. Instead of ousting Haman right then and there, she plotted until tomorrow. Another famous story where Amalek is mentioned is the same fight we are remembering when Moshe also told Yehoshua that tomorrow they would fight Amalek.

attacked Bnei Yisrael when the Jews were fresh out of Egypt. There were no nations that dared to step near us, except for one: Amalek. This nation attacked us when no other did, when Hashem had just displayed a great amount of power. Moshe responded to the attack by telling Yehoshua that they would retaliate and attack tomorrow. When they did attack the next day, there was a miracle. Hashem told Moshe to hold his arms up, so

Aharon and Chor held his hands up in support. When Moshe put his hands down, Bnei Yisrael began to lose the battle. When his hands were up once again, they were winning.

Both of these stories beg the same question: Why is “machar” mentioned so many times around Amalek?

the future; they think in the now and are focused on this world. They don’t care about their purpose. Esther called her feast for tomorrow; she was preparing and thinking about the future of Bnei Yisrael, so she waited until tomorrow for her declaration. Mordechai said tomorrow Esther would go to the castle, also thinking about tomorrow and the future. We, as Jews, prepare. We care about our purpose and we center our lives in this world around the World to Come. We think about the future.

In Parshas Zachor, which we read this week, we read about the commandment to remember Amalek because of the battle where they

The reason for this consistent phrasing is because, as a G-d-focused people, we are always thinking about our purpose and what we can do in the future. Amalek doesn’t think about

We see “machar,” tomorrow, mentioned at the same places as Amalek. In Megilas Esther, Amalek is mentioned with Esther and Mordechai. In the Chumash, Amalek is discussed when Amalek attacked and Moshe told Yehoshua they were attacking tomorrow. “Machar” is mentioned a lot because it represents the preparation and stark contrast between Bnei Yisroel and Amalek. We focus on our futures and how things will affect us in Olam Haba. Amalek focuses on the now and think of nothing else. We have to remember Amalek specifically because of their unique mentality and what they believe in. We remember them because they believe in fortune, the opposite of Hashem. We read Parshas Zachor on Shabbos because that is the time of the week when we are closest to Hashem and that is when we can prepare for our futures in Olam Haba the best. Shabbos is our time to get even closer to Hashem and prepare for the future, the World to Come, because that time is holier and our souls are closer to Hashem. As Jews, we have to prepare and believe and have emunah in Hashem, and do the opposite of Amalek. We should focus on the future, unlike Amalek.

A School Run by Students

Purim is all about “v’nahafoch hu,” so what would happened if the students switched places with the teachers?

By Rivka Ruderman (’29)

Eliana Basurto (’26) –How to Make an Email Sound Professional

We all know the feeling of having to send your teacher an email begging for an extension and realizing that you have no idea how to write easy-to-understand sentences that guarantee a good grade. Well fear no more! Eliana will help her students sound like they have their whole life together, when really, they're sending this from their bed at 2:00 AM. Over the years, Eliana has mastered this valuable skill and wants to share her experience with her fellow high schoolers.

Hodaya Harary (’27) –Broadway Musicals 101

From Annie to Fiddler on the Roof to Hamilton, Hodaya doesn't just want to teach you the extensive history of each and every Broadway musical – she wants to turn the classroom into its own stage! In this class there is no such thing as talking, why would anyone want to talk when instead they can sing? Her goal would be to teach all of her students that every problem can be solved with a well-timed dance solo.

Grace Yosef (’28) –Nap Class

Grace would be perfect for teaching her fellow students the incredible art that is napping in school. Let’s be honest – high school is exhausting! But what better way to reenergize than to catch a few extra minutes of sleep? In this class, Grace teaches the specialized skill of reaching full REM sleep with your eyes open, syncing your sleep schedule to your free periods, and sleep efficiency as a whole.

Ariella Caplan (’29) –Shopping

Ariella is a natural fit for teaching how to shop for many reasons. For starters, her level of experience and practice is on another level. Ariella doesn't see shopping as merely a class, but rather, a fundamental skill to be used in life. The art of calculating a 30% discount plus an additional 10% tax is something that will prove to be helpful in math class, not to mention the athletics of getting from one side of the mall to another without breaking a sweat, which is great exercise. Simply put, Ariella doesn’t just see a trip to the mall as a pastime, she sees it as a lesson to be learned.

Haman’s Search History...

Ever wondered what Haman’s search history would look like? Well search no further, this feature has all the answers!

By Yaheli Zalman (’28)

Etta’s Cold Take

Hello there, I have something groundbreaking to say… So please sit down, take a deep breath, and prepare yourself. IT WAS SO FREAKING COLD THESE LAST FEW WEEKS!! So cold, so... so cold, frigid even. It was in fact so cold that I believe everyone should have worn a coat or maybe even a sweater. It was in fact so cold that some might even describe the weather as “unpleasant” perhaps even “kind of rude.” The kind of cold when obnoxious people like to proudly announce, “It’s not even that cold,” and then proceed to visibly shiver. And I do in fact believe that Memphis… Brace yourselves, could have possibly worn gloves along with the sweater or coat. And to be even more controversial, maybe even a scarf. I know that was pushing it too far, maybe just the gloves and the sweater. So in conclusion I really think it was pretentiously cold.

GMSG NAPS �

Spot the Difference

Try to find all the differences, we bet you won't. If you think you've found them all, send them in to rachel.sanderson@mhacyos.org

Goldie's Guidance

Dear Goldie,

Ever since becoming Editor-in-Chief of Goldie Globe, my life has been turned on its head. No one warned me I would become a celebrity all of a sudden! I can't even go to shul without someone talking to me about Goldie Globe. The paparazzi practically chase me to school. And when we get an issue out? Non-stop compliments. Everywhere I go, it's like, "Hey, aren't you that Editor-in-Chief?" Look, I'm as much a fan as the next person, but it's getting to be too much. I need a moment to myself from time to time! What am I supposed to do with all of this fame? I need my life back, Goldie! Please tell me what to do. Sincerely,

Neima Rovner, Editor-in-Chief

Dear Ms. Rovner, It’s about time you wrote to me! You’d think “Little Miss Busy” would have time to write to the lady who started this whole thing, but no. As the first ever Editor-in-Chief of the Goldie Globe, I can say that I relate to your problem; the constant stream of compliments and fame, it does get intense at times. But listen here honey, it's either compliments on the paper or no compliments at all, so take your blessings as they come. Back in my day, the closest thing I had to paparazzi was my cranky old neighbor and his donkey, so honestly, you’ve got it good. Be thankful for all this “mess” you claim to have in your life, because most of the time people are being sincere and just want you to know how life-changing your paper was. I remember I once released an issue about cookies of all things, and lo and behold, the next day at lunch, there were cookies! Coincidence? I think not. I mean, I basically altered the entire dessert menu with a single article. If you want your life back, so be it, but being Editor-in-Chief is a privilege. Stop complaining and lead your staff just as I would, with confidence and flair.

To sponsor an issue for just $30, email Rachel Sanderson at rachel.sanderson@mhacyos.org

Goldie Globe Staff

President of the United States

Neima Rovner ('26) | neima.rovner@mhacyos.org

Despicable Agnes Lady

Margalit Goldkin ('26) | margalit.goldkin@mhacyos.org

Right Hand Man of the House and Chocolate

Hodaya Harary ('27) | hodaya.harary@mhacyos.org

Commander Crash-Out

Aliza Wiener ('27) | aliza.wiener@mhacyos.org

Edits Something Sometimes

Sara Shimanovich ('26) | sara.shimanovich@mhacyos.org

Possessive Parker

Rachel Sanderson ('27) | rachel.sanderson@mhacyos.org

Junior Crash-Out Colonel

Sara Klein ('28) | sara.klein@mhacyos.org

New Kid on the Block

Adina Schwartzberg ('28) | adina.schwartzberg@mhacyos.org

Minions

Etta Kurinsky (’26) | etta.kurinsky@mhacyos.org

Yonina Lichter ('26) | yonina.lichter@mhacyos.org

Debi Cohen ('27) | debi.cohen@mhacyos.org

Daphna Kam (’28) | daphna.kam@mhacyos.org

Yaheli Zalman (’28) | yaheli.zalman@mhacyos.org

Rena Siegel (’29) | rena.siegel@mhacyos.org

Rivka Ruderman ('29) | rivka.ruderman@mhacyos.org

Avigayil Safier (’29) | avigayil.safier@mhacyos.org

Sophie Chaifetz ('29) | sophie.chaifetz@mhacyos.org

Maytal Davidovics (’29) | maytal.davidovics@mhacyos.org

Chaya Devorah Besser (’29) | chaya.besser@mhacyos.org

Miriam Kaplowitz ('29) | miriam.kaplowitz@mhacyos.org

Abby Lewis (’29) | abigail.lewis@mhacyos.org

Ariella Caplan (’29) | ariella.caplan@mhacyos.org

Thing 1 and Thing 2

Mrs. Ashley Brown

Mrs. Rivki Wiener

Message from the Editor:

What we treat as “not that deep” is really exactly what shapes us.

We are shaped by Purim food stands. We are shaped by stories of rabbis who drank too much and killed each other. We are shaped by an education system where students teach students. We are shaped by physics, basketball, reviews, and even the thoughts we pretend not to have.

And if we are honest, this is the real curriculum: the small things train our instincts, the jokes train our values, and the “silly” moments quietly decide the kind of people we become.

So yes, read this issue carefully. Your financial, emotional, and existential future may depend on it.

Chief