Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
61° Rockville, MD
The student news site of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

The Lion's Tale
The student news site of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

The Lion's Tale
The student news site of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

The Lion's Tale
Ruby Kotok

Ruby Kotok, Reporter

All content by Ruby Kotok
Junior Mia Forseter explains the history of Israel and Zionism to non-Jewish students.

Teaching customs

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
January 11, 2025
Vocal music and theater teacher Sammy Grob leads the pit band in a dress rehearsal of this year's musical, "Disaster!"

[Photo] Facing the music

Emmanuel Sarantos, Guest Writer
December 9, 2024

Serving a purpose

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
November 6, 2024
"The Alexander Project" is Rex Orange County's first album since 2019

Rex Orange County’s newest album reveals a new side to his music

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
September 11, 2024
Instead of conforming to our iOs-centric world, Senior Gus Bookbinder opts to communicate through a fliphone

[Photo] Keeping in touch

Sadaf Zadeh, Arts and Entertainment Editor
September 5, 2024
Photo illustation by Sadaf Zadeh Photos from nlda.no and charlixcx.com

Social media and politics: a new way to campaign

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
September 5, 2024

Denim daze

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
September 4, 2024
The napkin top paired with a jacket makes a great outfit for any social event.

Fashion trend takeover

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
June 1, 2024
Each JDS teacher is responsible for crafting a unique final for their students.

[Photo] How teachers craft their finals

Penelope Terl, News Editor
May 29, 2024
Members of the girls varsity basketball team cheer on their teamates during the championship game.

Season Showdown: winter sports come to a close

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
March 9, 2024
"Absent Minded" rehearses before performing at Kab Shab.

[Photo] Music Makers

Gila Safra, Reporter
March 9, 2024
“Barbie” Who knew that a movie about a children’s toy could mean so much more than anticipated, relaying a message of female empowerment and multigenerational struggle? This past summer, “Barbie” captivated the attention of many when it did just that, landing itself at the number 11 ranking for lifetime gross earnings, according to Box Office Mojo. “Coming into the movie, I didn't really know what to expect, but what happened in the movie and what the mission was really threw me off. I didn't expect it - I didn't see it coming at all,” Sophomore Caden Mont said. “And that's why I enjoyed it so much, because it wasn't predictable.” What was perhaps even more unpredictable was the nominations “Barbie” received. Although the film overall had earned a “respectable” eight nominees, according to Variety, Margot Robbie, the actress of Barbie, and director Greta Gerwig received no nominations in their respective individual categories, which to many online were seen as undeserved snubs. Ryan Gosling, the actor of Ken, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. In a statement following the release of the Oscar nominees, Gosling stated “There is no Ken without Barbie,” according to Variety. Regardless, “Barbie” is in the running for many categories, with both “I’m Just Ken” by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt and “What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell nominated for Best Original Song.

Must-Watch Oscar-nominated movies

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
March 7, 2024
Certified digital wellness educator Corrine Yourman leads a session titled "Your Digital Life and Your Jewish Values" to members of the high school community.

February’s Wellness Wednesday: Digital Wellness

Ruby Kotok, Features Editor
February 8, 2024
Juniors attended mental health trainings every week during November.

Train your brains

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
January 4, 2024
The high school musical, "Into the Woods," premiered with a student matinee perfomance on Dec. 13. Photo by Dr. Solomon, used with permission.

High school musical debuts

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
December 14, 2023

Grading gone wrong

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
October 20, 2023
Chicken breasts are one of upside foods cultivated dishes. Photo by Upside Foods Press Kit. Used with permission.

Make it meat(less?)

Ruby Kotok
September 21, 2023
Recycling done right

Recycling done right

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
June 5, 2023
Michael Greenberg (left) along with other members of Climate Defiance display a banner that reads “END FOSSIL FUELS” at the Center for Strategic International Studies after forcing White House Climate Czar Ali Zaidi (right) off the stage. Photo via the Climate Defiance website (used with permission)

Alumnus takes direct action for the environment

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
April 20, 2023
This piece of paper contains a four-decade-old gefilte fish recipe that has been passed down through the Epstein family for generations.

JDS Cookbook: Pesach friendly recipes from our community

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
April 4, 2023
"The Diabolic" by S.J. Kincaid deals with complex themes and has a unique writing style.

Speculative fiction book guide

Ruby Kotok, Reporter
March 7, 2023
At iHeart Radio Jingle Ball, Tai Verdes performs to an ecstatic crowd.

Fans need to be careful in the way they interact with and support celebrities

Ruby Kotok, Guest Writer
January 19, 2023
The team huddles around Head Coach Kirsch for a pregame pep talk.

Berman continues basketball dominance as girls middle school team falls short

Ella Longman and Ruby Kotok
December 20, 2022
Selena Gomez's makeup brand "Rare Beauty" supports mental health services

Selena Gomez’s makeup brand “Rare Beauty” supports mental health services

Ruby Kotok, Guest writer
December 14, 2022
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