PHOTO ALBUMS!
Great pics from our Alumni Reunions + Events
CLASS MEMORIES SLIDESHOWS
2014-15
2013-14
REUNION SLIDESHOWS
2014-15
2013-14:
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PRIOR ALUMNI eNEWS
Missed a Ramaz Alumni eNews? Check out past editions...
2015-16
2014-15
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AMAZON SMILE!
Are you an Amazon shopper? Did you know Amazon will donate 0.5% of
the price of your eligible
purchases to Ramaz?
All proceeds raised go toward programming for all Ramaz divisions. It's as easy as a click of a button!
CLICK HERE for the Ramaz
link and start shopping Amazon Smile.
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SHOP & SUPPORT RAMAZ!
Get a Fairway card and support Ramaz with your everyday grocery shopping.
Cards sold in $100 increments can be ordered ONLINE and picked up in the Development Office (Middle School, 114 East 85th Street, 3rd Floor)
For more info or to make other pickup arrangements, please contact the Development Office.
Cards benefit Ramaz Parents Council, can be used at any store location, and do not expire!
NOTE! Fairway contributes 10% of card sales to Ramaz's Parents Council, which in turn supports activities for current students.
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GET INVOLVED!
Your Reunion and other Alumni Programs and Initiatives will be enhanced (and more fun!) with your involvement. To help plan an event or to serve on a host committee, please be in touch with Lauren Katz, Director of Alumni Relations, at
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ALUMNI NEWS &
CLASS NOTES
Please continue to share your smachot, happy occasions, and please know, in times of need we are here for you, too.
EMAIL US
to share alumni news and
CLICK HERE
to submit class notes.
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This past month, our attention and focus have been on Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are directed to our homeland and, in particular, to our alumni community living there, and to those serving in
Tzaha
l.
Since Ramaz first opened its doors 79 years ago, it has instilled in its students a sense of responsibility for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. A few weeks ago, the Ramaz community came together to show
 solidarity,
daven mincha
, and recite special
tefillot
for Israel and her cititzens. It was a beautiful and powerful moment to be together as a school community in the new sanctuary of KJ and we can still hear the echoes of the community singing
Acheinu
. Every division of Ramaz continues to say
tehillim
and
tefillot
for Israel and the IDF every day.
Later in October, members of the Class of '16 had the opportunity to meet with alumni
Michelle Bensadigh '14
,
Ari Berkowitz '09
,
Jake Rimberg '13
, and
Dani Wilner '14
to learn about their experiences spending a Gap Year in Israel. Michelle talked about why she chose to serve in Sherut Leumi and about her experiences there; Ari spoke about his time at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh, and later serving in
Tzahal,
before coming back to the States for college; Jake explained his motivations to spend his Gap Year in a yeshiva and his transition to college this fall; and Dani spoke about her time in seminary last year.
In encouraging the senior class to spend a year in Israel, Michelle said, "
Going on a Gap Year in Israel is a truly special and unique opportunity. No matter what program you go on, you come home with something....That could be religious inspiration, a better understanding of Israel and its culture, or a personal discovery. It's an experience full of memories that you'll never forget!"
With Israel constantly on our minds, we take pride knowing that our community continues to thrive and show strength. As always, Ramaz stands with Israel.
Warm regards,
Lauren Katz
Director of Alumni Relations
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ALUMNI PROFILES |
RETURNING TO THEIR ROOTS
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NICOLE BOYARSKY FISHER '90
For Nicole (Boyarsky) Fisher, coming back to teach at Ramaz was like a homecoming. Nicole, a teacher in the Ramaz Lower School, taught for ten ears at another private independent school prior to returning to her alma mater. As Nicole shared, "It has been amazing to be back at Ramaz in so many ways. While it's the same school, in the same building, it's also new and different from when I was a student here." In addition, Nicole says that being at Ramaz has given her a new appreciation for education and why Ramaz is such an amazing place. "It's not just about what is taught in the classroom, but it's the entire experience."
After graduating from Ramaz, Nicole went to Barnard College and continued on at Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned her M.A. in Special Education. She is now a teacher in the Learning Center and is proud to work with our Lower School students, to help them reach their full potential, and to feel good about their educational experience. As part of the Learning Center, Nicole works with small groups of students who benefit from a curriculum that supports their individual learning needs. "It is rewarding for me to provide students with tools to overcome certain challenges. Nothing makes me happier than when parents tell me that their child -- who never wanted to come to school -- now can't wait to be here." As one of her colleagues shared, "Nicole is a teacher's teacher.
She is always thinking beyond her own students, and works to create a collaborative and warm learning environment for everyone in the school community."
Looking back on her time as a student, Nicole shared, "I appreciate how
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Nicole with her family at the Kotel
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much of a gift my experience was...the opportunities I had as a student and the quality education I received from the teachers in the school. Ramaz gave me the ability to think and interact with people in a way that makes our students stand out among the crowd." Nicole also has fond memories of being a cheerleader and attending basketball games, and now enjoys watching her son play and seeing Mr. Dulny at the games, who was the Varsity Basketball coach when Nicole was a student. In addition, she remarked that from the perspective of a parent and faculty member, it is special to see the centrality and importance of
chesed
at Ramaz. "It's great to see the excitement of our students, at every division of the school, when they get involved in chesed projects, and their genuine interest and willingness to actively take a role in their communities."
Nicole lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, Jeffrey Fisher, and their three children, Gabe, Jack, and Matthew who all attend Ramaz. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys cooking and spending "Mom Sundays" with her kids, taking advantage of living in New York City. As many of our alumni tell us, Nicole's closest friends are those she met at Ramaz. Nicole is looking forward to celebrating her upcoming 25 year milestone reunion, which will be held on Saturday evening, November 14.
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SPENCE WEITZEN '08
We're always proud when one of our alumni chooses a path in education-even more so when that path leads them back to Ramaz. So when Spence Weitzen '08 decided to return to the halls of the Upper School as a Kollel faculty member, everyone, including administrators, teachers, and staff were thrilled.
"From a young age, I knew that I wanted to pursue Torah knowledge and a career in Jewish education. It has been great coming back to Ramaz in this role, at an institution that is a leader in Jewish education." In addition to teaching in the Upper School, Spence is a rabbinical student at Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and is pursuing his M.A. in Jewish Education at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education.
The YU/Kollel program at Ramaz began about ten years ago and provides Yeshiva University
semichah students and Stern College women the opportunity to learn together with Ramaz students in their Talmud classes. As Rabbi Kenny Schiowitz, Chair of the Talmud Department in the Upper School, shared, "The classes are designed in the traditional Beit Midrash style learning and our high school students have embraced this style of learning. In addition, they enjoy having the connection with their Kollel teachers, who also serve as great role models."
Looking back on his Ramaz experience, Spence recalls his classroom learning with {former faculty} Rabbi Avery Joel and Yosepha Scheinbein and hopes to establish similar connections with his students and to have a positive spiritual impact, imparting the importance of learning Torah and Talmud as part of living a religious life. As Spence shared, "The Kollel students are fun to be with and full of energy. They are also very driven in their academic pursuits, and I am impressed with their skill set and the questions that they ask." In addition, Spence indicated that it has been great to work in such a professional environment.
Spence grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ, and attended the Moriah School prior to coming to Ramaz for high school. He fondly recalls having fun playing basketball in the gym and hanging out with Jason Sugarman '08 during their free periods on the "A Days." Spence noted that his experiences at Ramaz prepared him to successfully integrate in to the real world. "I really admire the Ramaz community and how there is a feeling that everyone is there for each other."
Spence lives in Teaneck, NJ, with his wife Leora. In addition to attending rabbinical school and working at Ramaz in the Kollel program, Spence also is student teaching at Yavneh Academy in 6th - 8th grade Judaic Studies, and running the junior congregation and high school programming at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, NJ.
We are excited to have Spence back at Ramaz and for the important role he has with Upper School students.
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| IN-AND-OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM |
Each week Rabbi Eric Grossman, Ramaz's new Head of School, shares his reflections on the classroom and other happenings at Ramaz in the weekly Zmail bulletin. Below is his most recent article.
CELEBRATING SCHOOL SPORTS |
Monday, November 2
When I worked in a Jewish bookstore, one of our most requested items was "
Jews in Sports." It was purchased almost exclusively as a Bar Mitzvah gift. The shopper was invariably looking for a Jewish-themed volume as a
 present for the young man who was "...very into sports." While there has been a long-standing view, especially in the Middle Ages, that Jews do not get involved in physical activity, Jewish history and contemporary Jewish society show a strong relationship between our people and physical prowess. Our
Upper School history teacher,
Dr. Ari Sclar has dedicated his scholarly career to this topic, and has published groundbreaking research on the subject. Our students are blessed to be taught by such leaders in unique academic fields. Only at Ramaz!
Each of our divisions engages our students in sports and other physical activities, and we are constantly looking for new opportunities and venues to exercise our students' bodies and minds. At our
ECC Parent Breakfast last week, our ECC director,
Lori Ash, explained how our new LS movement room encourages our youngest students to engage more fully in physical activity, since the intentionally smaller size of the room (relative to our big, beautiful new gym) does not overwhelm the younger kids. The building's new play roof also provides additional outdoor space for our city school.
CLICK HERE to read more from "Celebrating School Sports" and prior week's reflections.
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KUDOS | MAZAL TOV TO...
Stuart Beretz '84, on being named Guest of Honor at the Chabad of Binghamton 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration
Aviya Kushner '91,
on the publication of her book, The
Grammar of God: A Journey Into the Words and Worlds of the Bible
Andrew Rechtschaffen '95, on being honored at the upcoming UJA Wall Street Division Dinner on Monday, December 7 with The Alan C. Greenberg Young Leadership Award. For more information and to participate in the event, click HERE.
Ilana Gadish,
Upper School teacher and spouse of
Moshe Peters '03
, on her graduation from Nishmat's Yoetzet Halacha program.
Julia (Straus) Baruch '09
, on her graduation from Nishmat's Yoetzet Halacha program
BIRTHS | MAZAL TOV TO...
Rachel (Heller) Bernstein '69
& Nathan Bernstein, on the birth of her 25th grandchild Pe'er
Ellen Phillips '70
& Philip Phillips, on the birth of their grandson Aryeh Yakov to
Elizabeth Phillips '08
& Daniel Lieberman
Alan Rechtschaffen '85 & Miera Harris-Rechtschaffen, on the birth of a daughter, and to grandfather
Rabbi
Manfred Rechtschaffen '50
Shai Held '89 & Rachel Forster Held, on the birth of their son Jacob Charles
David Gittleman '90 & Heather Gittleman, on the birth of their son Xander James
Joshua Crane '93 & Rachel Crane, on the birth of their daughter Georgia Naomi (Noa)
Gideon Katz '93 & Stephanie Glenn, on the birth of their son Judah Benjamin
Rabbi Eli Ciner '94 & Yonina Ciner, on the birth of their son Natan Erez, and to grandmother
Jane Ciner '67
Shaun Honig '95 & Elizabeth Honig, on the birth of a daughter
Daniele (Spira) Bleier '96 & Steven Bleier, on the birth of twin sons, and to grandparents Naomi &
Robert Spira '67
Aliza Ganz '96 & Ron Pantofaro, on the birth of their daughter Lily Simone
Matthew Rascoff '97 & Emily Levine, on the birth of their son Jasper
Gail Altman '98 &
Craig Dushey '94, on the birth of their son Howard
Sara (Sternstein) '98 &
Laurence Hasson '98, on the birth of their daughter Noa Searaphina, and to grandparents
Guita (Epstein) '69 & Steven Wilf
Darren Edelstein '99 & Eli Edelstein, on the birth of their son Asher
Yael Jaari '99 & Oren Nagler, on the birth of their twin daughters Talia Eva & Adia Esther
Miriam (Kirschenbaum) Rozmaryn '99
& Ami Rozmaryn, on the birth of their son Aaron Hadar
Yael Schulman '99
& Shlomi Perets, on the birth of their son Liam Zev, and to grandparents Amy &
Marc Schulman '72
Ethan Leibowitz '01
& Aviva Leibowitz, on the birth of their daughter Samantha Shirley
Anna (Kohanski) Mason '02
& John Mason, on the birth of their daughter Isabelle Rose
Talia (Fox) Shulman '02
& Abraham Shulman, on the birth of their son Dean Oliver
Rebecca Miller '03
&
Josh Levine '03
, on the birth of a daughter, and to grandparents Sara Lee Kessler &
Robert Miller '72
David Zobel '03
& Teodora Zobel, on the birth of a son
Marissa (Rosenberg) Berg '04 & Zack Berg '04, on the birth of their son William (Zev Hershel)
Tali (Yahalom) '04
& Josh Leinwand, on the birth of their daughter Stella Ossi (Yifat Nechama)
Anaelle (Attias) Nowotny '04
& Jakob Nowotny, on the birth of their daughter Adiella Netzach
Laura (Needelman-Ruiz) Friedenberg '05
& Dani Friedenberg, on the birth of their daughter Shiraz Leila
Lily (Namanworth) Walker '05
& Pesach Walker, on the birth of their son Dovi
Raizie (Erreich) Weissman '05
& Noah Weissman, on the birth of a son
Jonah Mermelstein '08
& Esti Mermelstein, on the birth of their daughter Ayelet Miriam
Elizabeth Phillips '08
& Daniel Lieberman, on the birth of their son Aryeh Yakov, and to grandparents
Ellen (Nechmkin) Phillips '70
& Philip Phillips
ENGAGEMENTS | MAZAL TOV TO...
Norman Chideckel '71
& Roza Chideckel, on the engagement of their daughter Rachel to Joey Liberman
Michael Tannenholtz '72 & Karen Tannenholtz, on the engagement of their daughter Stephanie to Greg Steinberg
Michael Goldrich '80
& Judy Goldrich, on the engagement of their son David to Samara Dennis
Evan Markowitz '85
on his engagement to Beverly Raskind
Robin (Askowitz) Rochlin '85
&
Josh Rochlin '84,
on the engagement of their son Michael to Nicole Barel
Lisa Safdieh '98
on her engagement to Sharone
Jonathan Roshanzamir '00,
on his engagement to Ashley Erenfrid
Ariel Nelson '01,
on his engagement to Robin Paul, and to parents Jane &
Jack Nelson '68
Lawrence Clingman '03,
on his engagement to Samantha Turk
Mike Nadler '03,
on his engagement to Lissy Feins
Will Kukin '04
, on his engagement to Rebecca Siegel
Denise Yablonovich '04
&
Jason Brenner '01,
on their engagement, and to parents
Ruth (Fisher) Brenner '70
& Raymond Brenner
Rani Dishi '05,
on his engagement to Alexandra Bucky
Sabina Parker '07,
on her engagement to Jeff Lang
Adela Korn '08,
on her engagement to Benjy Bloch
Ilana Foni '09
, on her engagement to Ike Newman
Rebecca Mandel '09,
on her engagement to Julian Shocron
Craig Resmovits '09,
on his engagement to Gabi Katz, and to parents Fern (Block) '75 & Marvin Resmovits
Mindie Erreich '10
&
Jonathan Davis '09,
on their engagement.
Eliana Straus '10,
on her engagement to Matt Greenberg
WEDDINGS | MAZAL TOV TO...
Sharon (Goldfarb) Zimmerman '81
& Eric Zimmerman,
on the marriage of their daughter Ayelet to Matan Farkash
Noah Drezner '96
on his marriage to Oren Pizmony-Levy
Shoshana Werber '97
&
Daniel Flax '92,
on their marriage
Dave Greenbaum '00,
on his marriage to Gabby Goldberg, and to parents Sholem &
Wendy (Apfel) Greenbaum '72
Ariella (Spitalnick) Gilad '04,
on her marriage to Shmuel Gilad
Emily Rosenbaum '05
&
David Aaron '99,
on their marriage
Orlee (Yahalom) Gillis '06,
on her marriage to Aron Gillis
Caroline Trencher '06 &
Noam Casper '06
, on their marriage
Arielle Himoff '07
&
Noah Krinick '01,
on their marriage
Gideon Schon '07
on his marriage to Shayna Stein, and to parents Micky &
Eric Schon '64
Lauren Springer '07,
on her
marriage
to Daniel Rosen
Michelle Sinnreich '08,
on her marriage to Avi Snyder
Julia Ohebshalom '09,
on her marriage to Avi Abadie, and to grandparents Linda (Frisch) '58 & Barry Eichler '56
Ari Berkowitz '09,
on his marriage to Rachel Adams
Frances Adams '09,
on her marriage to Bobby Cohen
Amanda Glaubach '09,
on her marriage to Josh Rothken, and to mother
Kirsten (Ginsburg) Glaubach '82
Jacki Bryk '09,
on her marriage to Jeff Karsh
Dara Marans '09,
on her marriage to Eric Shapiro
Alex Izso '10,
on his marriage to Ilana Weitzner
Ariel Menche '10,
on his marriage to Aviva Koloski
Arielle Engelmayer '11,
on her marriage to Eli Weingast
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ECC/ LOWER SCHOOL VISITS
Schedule a visit to learn more about our
Early Childhood Center/Lower School
Click
HERE to schedule a tour or call 212.774.8025.
Click
HERE for an application.
IMPORTANT ECC/LS DATES:
Application Deadline: 11/17
ECC Teacher Recommendations Due: 12/9
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"
With both of us being proud alumni of Ramaz, we were excited for Leo to begin his own journey at the school. His wonderful experience so far has exceeded all expectations as he loves going to school each and every day!
"
Elise (Wolinsky) '99 & Daniel Kasell '98
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UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Saturday night, November 7 | 8:00 pm
Ramaz Upper School
PARLOR MEETINGS
Dates Coming Soon
- Brooklyn
- Englewood
- Five Towns
- Great Neck
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Stamford
- Westchester
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"
The sheer sense of joy and nostalgia I felt when I brought my son Jacob to the Ramaz Open House was amazing. I had the utmost confidence that Ramaz, having been an incredible experience for me, would also be the best school for my son. It felt even better once Jacob started the year, and he is even happier and more well adjusted than I could have ever imagined
."
Amy Budin Leifer '89
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IMPORTANT UPPER SCHOOL DATES:
Application Deadline: 11/17
General & Judaic Studies Recommendation Letters Due: 12/9
Transcript Submissions Due: 1/5/16
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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PROGRAM ON KRISTALLNACHT
Monday, November 9 | 7: 30 pm
Heyman Auditorium, Ramaz Lower School
SPEAKER: Eli Rosenbaum, former Director of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Special Investigations (OSI), which was primarily responsible for identifying, denaturalizing, and deporting Nazi war criminals.
Through their involvement in KJ, many Ramaz alumni are involved in the programming for this important event.
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KOL RAM | ALUMNI & COMMUNITY CHOIR
Tuesday evenings| 7: 30 - 9:00 pm
Ramaz Upper School Auditorium
Kol Ram is open to Ramaz alumni, parents, faculty, and members of the larger community. Song repetoire includes both Jewish and secular music in a variety of genres. Kol Ram is directed by Daniel Henkin '85.
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RAMAZ/KJ ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
Sunday, November 15 | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Ramaz Middle School | Gym
For guidelines on who can donate, click HERE to see if you are eligible.
Please bring photo ID. If you would like to reserve a "VIP Donor" appointment to jump the line or aren't eligible to donate, but would like to volunteer, please contact
KJRamaz.bloodrive@gmail.com
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79TH RAMAZ ANNUAL DINNER
Sunday, January 10 | 5:00 pm
Marriott Marquis | Times Square, New York
OPENING DOORS. Join us in celebrating the opening of doors to new possibilities and in welcoming our new Head of School, Rabbi Eric Grossman. Dinner Chairs: Stuart Beretz '84, Amy Landy, David Sultan, and Victoria Sutton.
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PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENTS
Financial Services | Marketing/Advertising/PR | Real Estate
Technology
EMAIL US to join the HOST COMMITTEE and get involved in the planning of these events.
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| MILESTONE REUNIONS |
25 YEAR REUNION | CLASS OF '90
Saturday Evening, November 14, 2015
CLICK HERE to register for the event
CLICK HERE to complete the Reunion Journal
HOSTS: Seth Ader, Dahlia (Krukofsky) Bellows, Talya (Toledano) Davidovich, Nicole (Boyarsky) Fisher, Dana (Chipkin) & Matthew Hiltzik, Ronit Kahanowicz, Ilana (Klein) Kahn, David Kaplan, Caroline (Arfa) Massel, Norah Mazar, Dov Nelkin, Adam Scheer, PJ (Tanz) Slomovitz, Rachel Stone, and Sara (Messeloff) Tanz
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10 YEAR REUNION | CLASS OF '06
Saturday Evening, February 6, 2016
HOSTS: Amanda (Sussman) Bryk, Natan Edelsburg, Miriam (Krawitz) Levine, David Spier, and Micole (Horowitz) Weitzman
EMAIL US to join the HOST COMMITTEE. Your reunion will be more fun with your involvement.
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50 YEAR REUNION | CLASS OF '66
Sunday Evening, June 5, 2016
HOSTS: Elaine (Yastrab) Berg, Naomi (Schrenzel) Cogan, Gila (Gitelman) Noam, Eddie Milstein, Joe Salomon, and Carol (Ochs) Wurzburger
EMAIL US pictures to include in a memories slideshow.
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5 YEAR REUNION | CLASS OF '11
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
HOSTS: Caroline Koppel, Talia Lefkowitz, Jennifer Ohebshalom, and Anna Wagner
EMAIL US
to join the HOST COMMITTEE. Your reunion will be more fun with your involvement.
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