Yeshiva University High School For Boys - Elchanite Yearbook (New York, NY)

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OUTH changing to adults. Young minds groping, grasping for independence. These are the Seniors. They are typical of high school Seniors from the rolling, golden plains of Nebraska and Kansas to the teeming. bustling, sprawling monster called New York. The Seniors of Talmudical Academy in Septem- ber 19553 had the same thought as their counter- parts throughout the nationg letls have a good time, for the future holds many problems and responsibilities. Their plans included the publish- ing of a fine yearbook, entertaining lower class- men by various pranks, and passing their courses with the greatest amount of pleasure and the least possible homework. I settled back to ob- serve their activities with great interest or with as much interest as a WALL can muster. The T.I. boys immediately proceeded to make themselves at home and settled back for an en- ioyable year. This was made possible by a revival of their famous battle cry, The Cootchf' This eminent scholar entertained his students by lead- ing them in a vain search for the Koslzi. In their class in Ezekiel they encountered a sagacious teacher with a sharp wit, Dr. Finkel. He kept his class in good spirits with timely jokes concerning the level of a students intelli- gence. The students failed Hebrew Composition with a smile as Mr. Arfa happily marked down zeroes. The Yeshiva bovs studied vigorously under the able tutelage of Rabbi XVeiss. Accompanying his Slziurim were spirited lectures warning against the ill effects of smoking. He also tiraded against the low morals of the present day world. XVhile many students had a light schedule, others took a full program. Every day the Ada vanced Algebra class sat patiently waiting for Mr. Lichtenberg. Finally as Rechtschaffens sing- ing reached the point were several classmates hysterically threw themselves at his feet, Mr. Lichtenberg entered the room, After apologizing to Eric Lustig for being late, he took the roll, shuffled through the book, and dismissed the class. After two months of review, the class dis- covered that they knew the course and Mr. Lichf tenberg once more proved his ability to lead the class over the obstacles of a different math course. NVhile the Hebrew 7 class once more followed the Big Brudderv through the intricacies of He- brew grammar, the remainder of the Seniors could be found lounging in the dormitory or in Moish and Harryis. The scene was one of tranquillity at the famil- iar refuge of T.A. students, In corner booths, tired Seniors sat, Cokes in hand, dreaming of the weekend, summer vacations, or .... At the fountain, Harvey Rosen and Martin Hirschmau were making various significant gestures con- cerning the quality of teachers in T.A. In the dorm, unsuspecting Seniors were dragged into room 101 and helped fill a Jlinyun led by Matt VVeisenberg. A few steps down the Moish ond Horry's 29

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hall, there was a great tumult. The door to room 114 was opened and the visitor was immediately met by a cloud of smoke. After being revived, he noticed the boys on the beds, desks. Chairs, and floor. Eric Lustig was pleading with Stanley Moses to take his feet off the pillow while Sonny Meiselman and Sheldon Weinstein were exhibit- ing the latest dance steps. Norm Palefski was oblivious to what was happening to his room as he was being usentv by Ramonaf' The wild scene was dispelled upon the entrance of Rabbi Feldblum. After chasing Lenny Shapiro, Rube Rechtschaffen, and Poodles from the closet, he administered a stern warning to Eric. Eric tfied to explain he was not a trouble maker but Rabbi Feldblum was already convinced that Eric was 'ijust a bumf, After official class, half the class proceeded to American History. Here Mr. Breinan, with the aid of Edward Berger, taught an alert class. VVho shot Lincoln, Fruc-her? No, I didrft do it! You can ask XVitkin. The rest of the class was peacefully dozing to the calm tones of Mr. Breinan's voice. They were suddenly awakened by a joke, Grants doctor told him to take a little nip but he nipped too muchln joel Kaplan laughed heartily. joel Kaplan re- ceived a 95 in American History. Mr. Breincm ' The other half of the class was delightfully surprised. They met a new History teacher, Mr. XVollman, who immediately proceeded to endear himself to the class. Mr. W'ollman obstinately refused to make any controversial statements which would incrimi- nate him. He had a great fear of Joe McCarthy and despite the urgings of the class he would not 30 divulge a somewhat radical opinion of his. Fin- ally, his resistance was worn down. The class leaned forward. Meltzer carefully locked the doors, the shades were pulled down. The tension mounted and Mr. XVollman whispered, in a shaky voice, the statement that shocked the most liberal. Boys, if it wasn't for the French we would never have won the Reyolutionf, .dh l. , A Mr. Wollmcm Mr. XYollman. realizing the offensive over- tones of this statement. instantly apologized to the class. The class, led by Stanley Moses, proved its magnanimity by forgiving him after issuing a harsh warning that it must not happen again. joe Cheryin was so inspired by the course that he attempted to form a History Club. Martin Hirshman. the long suffering scape- goat. finally found a teacher who understood him. Mr. XVollman frequently apologized to the class for the low marks he gave. The class ac- cepted his apology on the condition that he give higher marks at the end of the term. Mr. Woll- man conceded and by a comprehensive review he succeeded in preparing his class for the final. Across the hall, in sub-zero weather, with the chill wind of New York whistling through the open windows. sat the English class. Mean- while, fback at the ranchj Mr. Leibel in shirt sleeves, introduced the class to his illiterate uncle Louyeh from Sclmitzergrauifzsky. The class was awed by His Holiness. No one dared alight upon the altar. One ififidel was nearly consumed by the wrath of Our Teacher by passing behind HIS throne.