by Michael Kolber ('16) Last week, each of Morah Haibi's 12th-grade Ulpan students took their final exam: a conversation in Hebrew with either Rabbi Taubes, Mrs. Tova Rosenberg, or Rabbi Richter, none of whom any of us had previously conversed with in Hebrew. Topics that came up in the conversations included our plans for the summer and the following year in Israel, recent books and movies we had read and watched, our favorite restaurants, and our latest trip to the mall, including directions on how to get to them (yes, even Israel). Some of the conversations with Rabbi Taubes revolved around what jobs we were interested in our future, as well as the late Oliver Sacks. More important than demonstrating mastery of Hebrew to Morah Haibi, the conversations proved our adequate grasp of the language to ourselves, instilling in us the confidence we will need next year to utilize all that we have learned. Rabbi Taubes expanded on this, explaining how the benefit of a good Ulpan class goes beyond hailing taxis and ordering Coke; it gives us a key to another part of the world. Rabbi Taubes himself was sure to discuss the Poland trip with those students who had participated in the recent Names, Not Numbers trip, asking about the feelings of inspiration and connection that resulted from the trip, and sharing his own views, particularly because it was also his first time visiting the country. We were thus sure to ask him questions about Poland in return. Rabbi Taubes, Rabbi Richter, and Mrs. Rosenberg all gave of their time to ensure that we were able to have a meaningful conversation, and for that we are grateful. Additionally, we would all like to thank Morah Haibi for the terrific year, filled with a huge amount of learning, games, and class trips to Rechov Meir Street.