This past Wednesday, the Rambam Classic Film Club held its first screening of the year! After lunch, the club departed for the Great Neck Public Library. On the journey, Mr. Hillel Goldman, head of the Classic Film Club and Principal, gave out a list of the American Film Institute’s top 100 American Films of all time, having the students check off those that they’ve seen. While most had seen E. T., The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and more, the students were shown a glimpse of all the great movies that await them! Little did they know they’d soon be checking off another film in just a few hours! Congratulations to Zeke Newman (sophomore) for having seen over forty movies on the list! After entering the Library, the Rambam Men were awestruck as they walked around in awe of its beauty and vast selection. The students then went to the room where the screening was taking place. The film in question was…drumroll…On the Waterfront (1954), directed by Elia Kazan and written by Bud Schulberg. The Film won Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Film Editing in its year. After the movie, which was treated to thunderous applause at its conclusion, and a short tea break, author and professor Foster Hirsch spoke on the artistic and cultural significance of the film. Foster Hirsch is a professor of film and theater at Brooklyn College, and has authored sixteen books. His most recent book, Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties, which was being sold at the screening, explores a decade of change for both Cinema and the world. Hirsch explained the historical context of the film, with Kazan and Schulberg having given information to the House Un-American Activities Committee regarding who attended the Communist Party conferences of the thirties. This was a legacy that they could never outlive, and On the Waterfront acted as a sort of vindication of their behavior. The film explores the idea of testimony, as well as corruption, honesty, and fear. He also discussed the magnificent lead performance by Marlon Brando, particularly focusing on the famed “Taxi Scene,” and how he pioneered a form of acting, known as “The Method,” which involved the use of the whole body and personal introspection. Upon departure, the students expressed their thoughts of the film on the bus, each having gotten the opportunity to check one more film off their lists: number nineteen. This turned out to be an incredible experience, and the Classic Film Club thanks Mr. Goldman, Foster Hirsch, and the Gold Coast Arts Center for making it happen. The students can’t wait for Hitchcock Day in March! David Mastour (Senior) Rambam Rhetoric Team Wins Model Congress Competition! Last Wednesday our own Rambam Rhetoric team competed in a Citron Model Congressional Debate Invitational. There was major pressure on the team to deliver considering the impressive showing from the Rhetoric team last year. Our own Rhetoric Ravens prepared by researching proposed laws on everything from Presidential social media to billboard bans. They even submitted their own legislation creating high speed railroads to connect urban and rural communities. When the actual competition came, competitors took turns giving moving speeches on the legislation. In the end, when awards were announced, there was an air of worry until it was announced that Henach Barningham (junior) and Daniel Stein (senior) both tied for first place, getting perfect ballots from their judges! However, no victory is permanent, and the Rhetoric Ravens will now move on to preparing for a World Schools Debate on autonomous AI. Daniel Stein (Senior) Veterans Day Assembly: Honoring Heroes at Rambam The Veterans Day Assembly at Rambam was a tremendous success, leaving a lasting and meaningful impression on the entire school community. The event began with the Rambam band setting a respectful and patriotic tone by playing the national anthem. Thank you to Benny Feder and Mark Khaimov for creating this meaningful atmosphere. Gershon Brill –a Rambam senior- then introduced the guest speaker to the audience declaring: “Today is Veterans Day in which we acknowledge with gratitude those who have served our country and fought to preserve our freedoms and our democracy. Veterans represent self sacrifice, courage, loyalty and principle. It's my privilege to introduce a veteran of the Korean Qar who has the best virtues of an American veteran. Please give your attention to my good friend John Shaud.” Sergeant John Shaud is a 91year-old veteran and the President of the West Hempstead Historical Society. Sergeant Shaud comes from a distinguished family of veterans, including his great-uncle Major General Daniel E. Sickles. Sergeant John Shaud shared stories from his time in the Air Force during the Korean War. He also recounted the moving tale of the four chaplains and spoke fondly of his friend in the IDF. Despite not being Jewish, Sergeant Shaud thoughtfully prepared his speech geared for a Jewish audience. Gershon Brill, who invited Sergeant Shaud to speak, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's really amazing what Rambam can do. When I met John and started building model aircraft with him, I never imagined he would become part of the Rambam family. Now he has more plaques than me! " Sergeant Shaud was deeply touched by the warm reception he received. "I enjoyed having the privilege of speaking at your school," he said. "I'm so touched by your classmates, principal, and teachers. I'm honored by the plaque given to me and that you asked me to share my military experiences. Your classmates all shook my hand, and I felt so privileged. You made Veterans Day very special for me. " The assembly was an amazing success, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved and serving as a remarkable Kiddush Hashem.