YESHIVA UNIVERSITY

∞ WINTER 2012 YUTODAY ∞ VOLUME 16 • NO. 1 Annual Dinner Shines Light on Honorees 5,140 United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand keynotes Yeshiva University’s 87th Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation Approximate number of times Dr. Eliezer Schnall’s findings on religious service attendance and optimism were cited in the media PAGE 2

$1.2 million NIH grant money awarded to YU President Richard M. Joel bestowed an honorary doctorate degree on U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at the 87th Annual Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation. Stern College At right, Stern student Avital Chizhik lights a candle on the symbolic menorah, as one of eight Point of Light honorees at the dinner. science faculty nited States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand delivered the keynote “Like the ancient Maccabees, we reaffirm our commitment to PAGE 4 address at Yeshiva University’s 87th Annual Hanukkah Convo- life and values, to success and purpose, to faith and freedom, to teach Ucation and Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 11 at The Waldorf=Astoria and to touch, to rights and responsibilities,” he said. “Yeshiva teaches in New York City. YU President Richard M. Joel bestowed an hon- its students to dream and to achieve. The Jewish people, the United orary doctorate upon Sen. Gillibrand, describing her as “a voice for States, Israel, indeed the whole world, needs to reignite the passion vulnerable citizens,” and her career as one in which “fervor for family of purpose, the belief in ideas, the access to achievement and the pos- fuels [her] political passions.” sibilities of tomorrow.” 25 “Whatever issue you bring, you bring from principle, not parti- In her convocation address, a heartfelt message replete with Countries sanship or ideology,” said President Joel. “You devote your profes- both personal anecdotes and political aspirations, Sen. Gillibrand represented by the sional career to opening the eyes of so many who don’t want to see.” praised YU for ingraining in all its students a defining mantra of giv- 250 international At the convocation, President Joel also conferred honorary de- ing and leadership, and inspiring students to reach out and make a students enrolled grees upon technology executive Philip Friedman, a member of YU’s difference in the lives of others all over the world. at YU Board of Trustees since 2009 and a former board member of YU’s “I am most grateful for the leadership taught here at Yeshiva PAGE 4 Syms School of Business; real estate developer Ira Mitzner, a trustee University … a quality education built on a foundation of faith and val- of YU since 2007 who established the David Mitzner Deanship of the ues,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “When times are dark and unstable, this Center for the Jewish Future; and commercial real estate executive leadership is seen in its greatest light and we need to share these op- Stephen B. Siegel, a 25-year board member at YU’s Benjamin N. Car- portunities for vision and commitment.” dozo School of Law. She told the story of Josh Teitcher, a YU student who partici- “These recipients of honorary degrees are a shining light on YU pated in a summer program called Counterpoint Israel, making it his 14 and the world, and their lights are life lessons to our students and to mission to work tirelessly with a speech-impaired child, giving him International scholars all of us,” said President Joel. “Tonight, we celebrate the successes of hope and inspiration. “He was determined to make a difference in a who participated in a an amazing, noble enterprise, and resolve to keep it strong and sacred. little boy’s life,” the senator said. Continued on Page 6 ç prestigious research project led by YU’s Dr. Mordechai Cohen PAGE 4 Leadership and Longevity: Coach Jonathan Halpert’s 40 Years with the Macs

orty years ago, Dr. Jonathan Halpert shiva University, and their story is the story of 227 ’62YUHS, ’66YC, ’78F began leading the Yeshiva,” said YU President Richard M. Joel. YU and YUHSG FYeshiva University Maccabees basketball “The passion and professionalism that Coach students who program, serving as coach, mentor and guid- Halpert has brought to his four decades as lobbied for Israel ance counselor to scores of young men at YU. coach are simply a manifestation of the passion on a mission This year, those former ball players are giving and commitment that he has as an alumnus to Washington back in a big way. and as a committed Jew. That’s what makes PAGE 5 Halpert’s four-decades-long tenure at the this opportunity to honor Coach Halpert and helm of YU’s basketball team is a remarkable to formally recognize his incredible years of feat in a field where most basketball coaches service to YU so special.” change schools several times during their ca- Halpert has also been recognized twice as reer. To recognize Halpert’s lasting influence a Skyline Conference Coach of the Year and on his players and his legacy at the University, was a two-time winner of the College Basket- 120 YU is joining athletic alumni to honor the ball official Sportsmanship Award. YU students coach by endowing a scholarship fund in his After a group of past players met to decide who mentor name for undergraduate students, and by re- on how best to honor the coach, they conveyed local students naming the basketball court over which he pre- Coach Jonathan Halpert their ideas to President Joel, who challenged as part of the sides in his honor. them to raise a minimum of $250,000 to name Heights Initiative Halpert has a long history with YU. During his student years, he the court. Daniel Gibber ’91YUHS, ’96SSB and coach of the MTA PAGE 8 was a basketball player, serving as team captain in his senior year, and Lions, was instrumental in developing the idea. “Forty years is an in- later attended YU’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Halpert’s credible amount of time to so selflessly dedicate to a university and a father, Dr. Max Halpert, also attended YU and worked for the school’s basketball program,” said Gibber. “Hundreds, even thousands of play- Interesting new facts about YU all the time. development office for more than 30 years. The coach’s brother and ers, students and people who have gained from Jonny’s teachings Check in often at children are also products of YU, and his grandchildren are now con- about basketball and life and have benefited immensely from him. blogs.yu.edu/news tinuing the legacy. When I realized that there was a high school team in our own league “In so many ways, the Halpert family is synonymous with Ye- that named their court in honor of Continued on Page 6 ç 2 YUTODAY

YU Scholars Visit Teaneck for YUTODAY ON THE WEB www.yu.edu/news Community Shabbaton

eshiva University made a quick trip across the George Yeshiva University Invites you to a Teaneck Shabbaton Washington Bridge for Shabbat on Nov. 11–12 as the November 11-12, 2011/ 15 Cheshvan, 5772/ Parshat Vayera YTeaneck and Bergenfield communities hosted many of ! YU’s leading scholars and personalities in various shuls We lo ou ok for ith y ward to spending Shabbat w throughout the community. The Shabbaton—organized by YU’s Center for the Jew- ish Future (CJF)—featured President Richard M. Joel; Rabbi RICHARD M. JOEL RABBI HERSHEL RABBI KENNETH RABBI OZER RABBI LAWRENCE MRS. CB President, Yeshiva SCHACHTER BRANDER GLICKMAN HAJIOFF NEUGROSCHL University Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac The David Mitzner Dean, Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac Judaic Studies Faculty, Head of School, Samuel Bravmann Family Elchanan Theological Center for the Jewish Elchanan Theological Stern College for Women H. Wang Yeshiva Kenneth Brander, David Mitzner dean of the CJF; Rabbi Universityy Professor Semieminarynarry FutureFuture SSeminaryeminary University HHighigh SchoolSchool Hershel Schachter, rosh yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, professor

DR. RONA NOVICK RABBI DR. JACOB PROFESSOR DR. EFRAT RABBI MICHAEL RABBI JEREMY WEB EXCLUSIVE: Director, Doctoral J. SCHACTER LAWRENCE H. SOBOLOFSKY TAUBES WIEDER Program, Azrieli Graduate Senior Scholar, Center SCHIFFMAN Director, YUConnects, Menahel, Yeshiva Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac of Jewish History and senior scholar at the CJF; and Dr. School of Jewish for the Jewish Future Vice Provost for Center for the Jewish University High School Elchanan Theological Education University Professor Undergraduate Education Future for Boys - Marsha Stern Seminary Talmudical Academy Lawrence Schiffman, vice provost for undergraduate educa- 87th Annual Hanukkah

tion, among others. Dinner and Convocation “The responsibility to reach out to communities in North America and forge an ongoing relationship Look online at our photo gallery, is one which we embrace, but we cannot forget communities right in our own backyard,” Rabbi Brander with hundreds of pictures from the event said. “It is important for us to celebrate the synergy between YU and the Teaneck Jewish community.” k yu.edu/hanukkahdinner Rabbi Brander noted that 307 current YU students, as well 2,500 alumni, hail from Teaneck. Speakers spent Shabbat rotating among several different shuls in the area. Lectures covered a multi- k Download mobile reader at http://scan.mobi and enjoy additional web content throughout YUToday. tude of topics, including “Modern Orthodoxy and the Collapse of Wall Street,” “The Chosen People: A Superiority Complex or Recipe for Jewish Success?” and “When Science and Halakhah Clash.” PLUS The Shabbaton also included a Friday night event for high school students, as well as an interactive Syms to offer Executive MBA program, beginning panel discussion on “Spirituality and Jewish Identity.” in August “YU impacts the Teaneck community, and the Teaneck community impacts YU,” said President k yu.edu/symsmba Joel. “Mutual influence is felt all the time. Occasionally it is important to take notice and celebrate together. That’s what was so special about the Shabbat that we spent together.” n YU’s Program for Jewish Genetic Health and the Center for the Jewish Future host rabbinic symposium on genetics k yu.edu/genetics

YU Study Links Religious Service, Optimism VIDEO PHOTO GALLERIES

ttending religious services regularly can mean a more opti- mistic, less depressed and less cynical outlook on life accord- Aing to a new study headed by Dr. Eliezer Schnall, clinical associate professor of psychology at Yeshiva University. To follow up on his 2008 investigation, which found that attending services was associated with decreased risk of mortality during the study period, Schnall and his research team again examined data from more than Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks More than 200 students partici- 92,000 post-menopausal women, drawing his national sample from lectured on faith and democracy pated in a lobbying mission to the ethnically, religiously and socioeconomically diverse partici- at the Straus Center for Torah Washington, D.C. in November, pants of the Women’s Health Initiative. and Western Thought. organized by YU’s Political Action “We looked at a number of psychological and social factors,” k yu.edu/rabbisacks Committee said Schnall. “Religious activity seems to be associated with better Dr. Eliezer Schnall k yu.edu/yupac mental health, greater social support and reduced social strain.” According to the report, which was published in the Journal of Religion and Health, those who attend services frequently were 56 percent more likely to have an optimistic life outlook than those who don’t and were 27 percent less likely to be depressed. Furthermore, those who attended services weekly YESHIVA UNIVERSITY were less likely to be characterized by cynical hostility, compared with those who did not report any ∞ WINTER 2012 religious service attendance. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health of the YUTODAY ∞ VOLUME 16 • NO. 1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funded the study. Schnall’s findings were reported or mentioned more than 5,100 times on television and radio, and in newspaper and online reports, such as DR. HENRY KRESSEL Chairman, YU Board of Trustees n CBS News, CNN and Reuters, as well as on social media platforms. RICHARD M. JOEL DR. NORMAN LAMM President Chancellor

YUTODAY MAYER FERTIG YAFFI SPODEK GISEL PINEYRO Editor in Chief Editor Art Director

Bruce Bobbins, Enrique Cubillo, Shimon Fried, Yaelle Frohlich, Norman Goldberg, YU Press Releases Sequel to Mitokh Ha-Ohel Eitan Kastner, Tova Ross, Perel Skier, Nava Unterman, V. Jane Windsor, Matt Yaniv Yeshiva University has published a follow-up to Mitokh Ha-Ohel, its widely Contributors praised collection of original essays by rabbis and professors from the school [email protected] www.yu.edu/cpa on the weekly parshiot [Torah portions], this time focusing on the haftarot, the YUToday is published quarterly by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and is distrib­­uted weekly selections from the books of the Prophets. The new 700-page free to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends. It keeps them informed of news from across Yeshiva University’s undergraduate and graduate divisions and affiliates. The quarterly volume, titled Mitokh Ha-Ohel: The Haftarot, is sponsored by the Michael newsletter covers academic and campus life, faculty and student research, community outreach Scharf Publication Trust of Yeshiva University Press and was released by and philanthropic support. It showcases the University’s mission of Torah Umadda, the combina- tion of Jewish study and values with secular learning, through stories about the diverse achieve- Maggid Books, an imprint of Koren Publishers Jerusalem, in November. ments of the University community. Like its predecessor, the second installment of Mitokh Ha-Ohel (literally © Yeshiva University 2012 • Office of Communications and Public Affairs Furst Hall Room 401 • 500 West 185th St. • New York, NY 10033-3201 • Tel.: 212.960.5285 “from within the tent”) brings together a diverse group of YU’s scholars to elucidate and explore the haftarot from a wide range of approaches, including Stanley I. Raskas, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Yeshiva College; Shira Yoshor, Chairman, Board textual analysis, homiletic exposition and halachic analysis. of Overseers, Stern College for Women; Alan Kestenbaum, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Syms School of Business; Ruth L. Gottesman, Chairperson, Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College “Sharing the profound Torah insights of YU’s scholars, the Mitokh Ha- of Medicine; Leslie E. Payson, Chair, Board of Overseers, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Ohel series enriches all who peruse its pages,” said YU President Richard M. Froma Benerofe, Chair, Board of Overseers, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Mordecai D. Katz, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Carol Joel. “The contributors display the breadth and the depth of YU in a way that Bravmann, Chair, Board of Overseers, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; complements and yet is different from the first volume. It is my hope that as Julius Berman, Chairman, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological the wisdom emanating from YU reaches larger audiences, the tent of the Seminary; Miriam Goldberg, Chairman, Board of Trustees, YU High Schools; Theodore N. Mirvis and Michael Jesselson, Co-Chairs, Board of Directors, (affiliate) Yeshiva University Museum. Jewish people will prove stronger and more inviting than ever before.” n Board listings as of January 1, 2012.

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Student–Run Medical Ethics Conference Explores Jewish Perspectives on Public Health

undreds of students, alumni and medical pro- fessionals gathered on the Wilf Campus in early HNovember 2011 for discussions about vaccina- tions, the importance of breast cancer screening, the permissibility of alternative medicine, contemporary controversies surrounding circumcision, perspectives on Jewish responsibility toward public health around the world and a number of other hot-button topics—all part of the Yeshiva University Student Medical Ethics Society’s (MES) sixth annual Fuld Family conference. One of the largest and most celebrated student-run initiatives of the year, the conference, titled “In the Pub- lic Eye: Jewish Perspectives on Public Health,” brought luminaries of the medical and halachic realms together to share their insights. The conference was sponsored by Rabbi Dovid and Anita Fuld and chaired by Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman. The opening plenary discussion focused on the health and halachic issues surrounding obesity and smoking tobacco. “It is our obligation to study and continue to un- derstand the development of humanity through the lens The Medical Ethics Society held its sixth annual conference in November, exploring Jewish perspectives on public health of medicine and halacha,” said MES President Rachel Blinick. “It is our hope that this conference will help im- of the dangers of secondhand smoke. He stressed to the ested in as an excuse to visit,” said Yona Saperstein pact our participants to become active members of the audience that anyone can spread a message of healthy ’10YC, a medical student who also hopes to receive Jewish community, informing healthier lives for us and living regardless of their job. rabbinic ordination from YU. our children.” Following Banzhaf’s remarks, Rabbi Asher Bush, Ruth Fried, chair of the science department at the “A discourse on public health begs the questions chairman of the Rabbinical Council of America’s Va’ad Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for of who is responsible, what are we accountable for and Halacha Committee, discussed why his organization Girls, attended with several of her 11th grade biology how far can we extend those responsibilities within our ruled that smoking cigarettes is strictly prohibited ac- students. “We attend every medical ethics conference,” community, our country and around the world,” said cording to Jewish law, offering many traditional sources she said. “I think it is one of the best-run programs YU Daniel Elefant, co-president of MES. “Today we have to bolster his position. has, and I love how it exposes my students to the whole been given tremendous tools and opportunities to help Speakers at the full-day event included YU roshei University and the wonderful initiatives of the student in the battle against many public health issues.” yeshiva and other faculty members, rabbinic specialists body.” John Banzhaf III, a professor of public interest law on medical issues, as well as experts in medicine and One of Fried’s students, Golda Aharon, shared her at George Washington University Law School, recounted other health-related fields. The presenters shared their excitement about being there. “We try to always be his experiences combating the tobacco industry in the wisdom in the plenary sessions or in breakout sessions continuous learners and we try to experience science legal realm. He described how his actions led to the pro- throughout the day. outside the classroom,” said Aharon. “This conference is liferation of anti-smoking advertisements, the banning “I do not come to YU as often as I would like, so I a great way to do that.” n of smoking in many public places and a raised awareness used this fascinating conference on issues I am inter-

Einstein and Cardozo Collaborate to Improve Healthcare With Bioethics

our patient has been diagnosed with cancer but ethics. Now, in partnership with YU’s Cardozo School her family requests that you tell her she has a rare of Law, Einstein has developed a full-fledged Einstein- Yblood disease; they worry she will not be able to Cardozo Master of Science in Bioethics. cope psychologically with a cancer diagnosis. The pa- Dr. Tia Powell, director of the masters and certifi- tient, however, is fully lucid and functional. As a physi- cate programs and head of the Montefiore Einstein Cen- cian, what should you do? ter for Bioethics, notes that the program’s goal is better You have been tasked with managing a government- patient care. subsidized healthcare program with a limited budget. “What we’re trying to focus on is how bioethics can There is a patient who requires an expensive, but effec- help people live longer, have less pain or feel more satis- tive, chemotherapy treatment. With thousands of other fied with their healthcare,” explained Powell. “It’s quite patients who need care, do you approve the treatment? disturbing that a lot of people who do bioethics consulta- Dilemmas like these confront medical profession- tion have little or no training in clinical bioethics.” als, lawyers and policymakers every day. The academic The master’s program attracts a diverse group of discipline dedicated to tackling these complex issues is students, from social workers, lawyers and members of known as bioethics. The dynamic field brings together the clergy, to mid-career doctors and nurses. medicine and law, while promoting ethical awareness “This is a unique program, which applies the dis- Our new Web site has launched. Visit us today at and critical reasoning to provide guidance on challeng- tinct disciplines of law and medicine to critical ethical ing healthcare decisions. questions,” explained Ed Stein, vice dean and profes- www.yu.edu In 1978, internationally renowned bioethics expert sor of law at Cardozo. “The program combines rigorous and attorney Nancy Dubler established one of the coun- legal theory and its real-world application with the goal try’s first bioethics consultation services at Montefiore of positively impacting people’s lives.” Medical Center, the University Hospital for YU’s Ein- Michelle Goldsammler, an intern with the Mon- Nowhere stein College of Medicine. Such services allow a patient, tefiore-Einstein Center for Bioethics and an Einstein family member or any member of the healthcare team student, strongly believes that these perspectives will to request help in assessing the ethical aspects of medi- impact the quality of care she will deliver to her patients. but cal decision-making. In 1995, in response to the growing “Being able to look at a patient—not just their illness or demand for professionals trained in bioethics, Dubler what their medical issue is—but the whole picture and created the Certificate Program in Bioethics and Medi- all aspects of what they’re feeling … will make me a bet- cal Humanities, a year-long, interdisciplinary program ter physician,” she said. n here. of rigorous instruction and hands-on experience in bio-

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Scripture in the Sacred City International Students Find a Dr. Mordechai Cohen directs sis of shifting cultural encounters with nity, requiring mastery of old languages research group in Jerusalem sacred scripture—the Hebrew Bible, the such as Hebrew, Greek, Syriac, Latin and Home at YU Christian Bible and the Qur’an—in the Arabic and complex hermeneutical tradi- three overlapping faith communities. tions,” Cohen explained. “Our group had avid Levy and Eddie Nuvakhov, nderstanding what transpired in Cohen directed the group with Dr. Meir the benefit of the presence of top scholars undergraduates at Yeshiva Uni- the minds of sages such as Rashi, Bar-Asher, professor of Islamic studies at in all of these fields, enabling us to ex- Dversity, have produced The Com- UAbraham ibn Ezra and Mai- Hebrew University. change views at the highest levels.” munity, a short documentary about monides, and what made their commen- The project, titled “Encountering The diverse make-up of the group international students on YU’s Wilf taries distinctive, is a primary goal of Dr. Scripture in Overlapping Cultures: Early fostered what Cohen described as “an Campus. “One of the most important Mordechai Cohen’s scholarship. With Jewish, Christian and Muslim Strategies unparalleled atmosphere of interdisci- aspects of college is diversity,” said Levy. two books and dozens of articles to his of Reading and Their Contemporary Im- plinary research.” Members came from During a Shabbat meal on campus, name, Cohen is a renowned expert on plications,” and its findings, will be pre- institutions across the globe, including the two realized that the 11 people seated Jewish Bible interpretation, a Bible pro- the Catholic University of America, the at their table originated from nine differ- fessor at Yeshiva University for over two University of Glasgow, Harvard Univer- ent countries. “We knew then that we decades and associate dean of the Ber- sity, the University of Rome and Yale Uni- had to show the greater YU population nard Revel Graduate School of Jewish versity. Toward the end of the six months, the unique community that exists on our Studies since 2008. Cohen presented some of the group’s campus,” said Nuvakhov, who hails from Cohen’s most recent accomplish- findings in a public lecture in Jerusalem. Russia. ment is quite unusual. In the world of The group identified previously un- Yeshiva University’s undergrad- academics, interdisciplinary analysis of recognized connections among the three uate population consists of approxi- scriptural interpretation in the three faith communities, and came to appre- mately 250 international students from Abrahamic faiths is a rarity, and the ciate differences that separated them. some 25 countries around the world, ability to convene scholars in these fields Cohen’s own research emphasized the from Panama and Brazil to Tunisia and for an extended period of time is connections between Judaism’s tradition Uzbekistan. uncommon as well. But Cohen spent of scriptural interpretation with ways of “I never heard of Stern College for much of last year in Jerusalem leading understanding sacred scripture in Islam Women before,” said Tsipora Huisman, an international team of 14 scholars and Christianity. His work reveals how who comes from the Netherlands. “But who gathered for a six-month collabora- Maimonides synthesized various ele- during a visit, I sat in on a biology class tive research project to study Jewish, Dr. Mordechai Cohen ments from Arabic learning to create a and a Jewish class and was really im- Christian and Muslim interpretation well-defined interpretive theory—the pressed that they were both on such high and its relation to literature, literary sented in a volume consisting of a chapter subject of his most recent book, Opening levels. Having grown up in Amsterdam, theory and legal interpretation. from each scholar. Cohen is editing the the Gates of Interpretation. a place without many Jews, it was really The scholars convened at the He- book together with Dr. Adele Berlin, The project is ongoing. In addition cool to be in a Jewish institution.” brew University of Jerusalem’s Institute emerita professor of Hebrew Bible at the to the volume that Cohen and Berlin are In her three years at Stern, Huis- for Advanced Studies from September University of Maryland, and a member of editing, Cohen is organizing a follow-up man has become a fluent English speaker, 2010 through February 2011. The group’s the research group. conference in Jerusalem in July 2012 that competed on the tennis team, served work was academic, and not of a religious “It takes many years to become will reunite the group to explore how as a peer mentor, a student ambassador or interfaith nature, and its purpose was proficient in the tradition of scriptural their initial comparative project has in- and a Beren Campus tour guide, and is a to engage in a close comparative analy- interpretation in any one faith commu- formed their subsequent scholarship. n two-time winner of YU’s science poster competition. “When I first came, I didn’t speak the language and didn’t know anyone,” she said. “Now I have many friends, I’m Science Faculty Awarded $1 Million in NIH Grants doing well in my studies and I’m apply- ing to medical school. I’m not only happy here; I feel comfortable and grounded.” Sasan Peimani, a management major at Syms, escaped Iran with his family when he was 10 years old. After moving to Florida, Peimani met Rabbi Kenneth Brander, the David Mitzner dean of YU’s Center for the Jewish Future, who was then rabbi of the Boca Raton Synagogue. After several discussions, Peimani opted to attend YU. “One of my favorite parts about Yeshiva is all of the great friends I have made, friends who I know will be Dr. Margarita Vigodner Dr. Chaya Rapp Dr. Emil Prodan my close friends for many years to come,” said Peimani. hree Yeshiva University profes- tion. Rapp’s grant, also an R15, allots tion throughout. Prodan’s grant includes Recruited from Kfar Saba, Israel, for sors—Dr. Margarita Vigodner, $250,000 to support research in the field scholarships for three undergraduates the YU men’s basketball team, Chen Biron TDr. Chaya Rapp and Dr. Emil Pro- of computational chemistry. for five years, featuring workshops for is similarly appreciative of the friends he dan—have been awarded federal grants Prodan was granted $425,000 to students and scientists. has made. “I’m happy that there are good totaling more than $1.2 million to pursue study the developing field of topological “The robust research agendas of our people around me,” said Biron, a veteran cutting-edge research at Stern College insulators, a new class of materials that faculty contribute daily to the superb of the Israel Defense Forces and current for Women. may be useful in future technologies, education of our science students,” said Syms student. “My favorite part about “By winning these awards, they are under the National Science Foundation’s Dr. Karen Bacon, the Dr. Monique C. Katz YU, aside from the basketball games, raising YU’s name recognition with sci- (NSF) prestigious Faculty Early Ca- Dean at Stern. is the chagigot [celebrations]. Even in ence agencies,” said Dr. Anatoly Frenkel, reer Development program. This marks Zeeva Levine, a junior at Stern who Israel, I didn’t get that experience.” chair of the division of natural sciences Prodan’s second NSF grant. His first, conducts research with Rapp, felt that Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and mathematics at YU, noting that the awarded in July 2011, focuses on prob- the sense of excitement among the fac- Ayala Raichlin says that being at Stern grants are particularly remarkable for lems in quantum physics that can impact ulty added to her passion. “Seeing that has allowed her to develop her passions. coming at a time when science agencies the field of nanoscience. our professors are so dedicated really “I’ve learned a lot about myself and what are targeted for budget cuts. For all three professors, student nurtures my own love of science,” said I can achieve,” she said. “YU has given me Vigodner’s grant, a $500,000 Aca- involvement will be a key component Levine, who aspires to be a chemical more opportunities than I ever thought demic Research Enhancement Award of their work. Rapp and Vigodner’s engineer. n possible.” n R15 from the National Institutes of grants support three years of summer

Health (NIH), will facilitate laboratory fellowships for undergraduates, with k For more information on our faculty accomplish- k To see the documentary about YU’s international studies of the process of sperm forma- student-professor research collabora- ments, please visit yu.edu/facultyaccomplishments students, please visit yu.edu/internationalstudents

s BLOGS.YU.EDU/NEWS WINTER 2012 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/YUNEWS ß YESHIVA UNIVERSITY ALUMNITODAY WINTER 2012 Ari Zoldan ’99SB and Dani Zoldan ’99YUHS Keep Family and Friends in Business

s CEO of Quantum Networks, Ari Zoldan ’99SB frequently travels the out next year, Startup Karma, a leadership and management manual which globe looking for the next big technological innovation. He has press focuses on infusing the laws of karma into one’s business. Acredentials for the United Nations, the Senate and the House of Rep- Speaking to current YU alumni who are struggling to find a job, Zoldan resentatives, and contributes to Talk Radio News Service, a Washington, D.C. offers some sage advice. “Finding a job is a full-time job, and graduates need to newswire, as well as national news outlets. And to think, for several months be open to avenues other than what they initially intended.” in 2000–01, he was living on his mother’s couch going on job interview after Zoldan is not the anomalous workhorse in the family; his brother Dani interview, waiting for a position in finance that never materialized. Zoldan ’99YUHS is currently holding several demanding jobs of his own as Zoldan’s story begins at Yeshiva University. A native of Lawrence, NY, well as numerous ventures on the side. A self-professed “nontraditional, off- and a graduate of HAFTR, Zoldan always knew he would go to YU and benefit the-beaten track” kind of guy, Dani credits his drive to succeed and ambition from its superior education and warm Jewish environment. “I knew I wanted to his various successes, traits he says are indicative of the Zoldan brothers. to go into business as I have a passion for entrepreneurship, and YU’s business Admittedly not a very devoted high school student, Dani Zoldan worked school, Syms, was a big draw for me,” said Zoldan. “The challenge was getting for an architect throughout high school and for a year after before deciding a handle on the dual curriculum and trying to find a balance between study- he didn’t want to pursue that line of work. His mother and stepfather, who ing, extracurricular activities and work. I worked had moved to Manhattan while he was an MTA throughout my time at YU to help support myself. student, lived in the NYU area, and since he was It was a pretty full day.” hanging out there already, he figured he might as Along with working diligently to complete well officially attend. “I called NYU and told the his major in finance at Syms, Zoldan worked woman who answered the phone that I have terri- part-time at Bankers Trust, and he envisioned ble high school grades and SAT scores—how can I parlaying this job into a full-time position once get into NYU?” She directed him to NYU’s School he graduated. However, the company was bought of Continuing and Professional Studies, where, by Deutsche Bank and his department was dis- she said, high school grades didn’t matter as much banded, instantly dissolving his plan. After grad- as intelligence and drive. Zoldan was admitted uating, Zoldan began a search for a job in the Eytan Wiener & Ari Zoldan in the White and began in the fall semester. finance industry. But despite his degree, impres- House Press Gallery Thinking he would then go into the enter- sive resume and significant work experience, tainment business, Dani majored in media studies there were no bites. and took classes in film production and history. “At that point, I really had nothing to lose, After two years, he left school to chart his own so I decided to start my own company,” he con- course. “At this time, Ari was working on Launch tinued. “I researched emerging fields and hit 3 Communications and wanted to get more into upon voiceover technology. I identified certain the equipment side of the telecom business, so he niches in the industry that weren’t being served brought me in to manage the communications side and pounced on them.” Zoldan soon founded and brought David to manage Launch 3 Ventures small startup Voice over Internet Protocol, or with him,” said Dani, who was also working on VoIP, for companies all over the world, especially Dani Zoldan developing an online music company. in Asia and Africa. In 2001, he officially estab- “We all worked in the same office, we were all lished Launch 3 Communications, a VoIP, and in our twenties, and we all had different styles of then founded Launch 3 Ventures with his brother working—basically, we wanted to kill each other,” David in 2004, which bought distressed assets from telecommunications he recalled. After eight months, he struck out again on his own and founded companies and sold the parts overseas. He sold both companies to his two Titan International, a company he describes as similar to the wholesale min- brothers—Launch 3 Communications to Dani ’99YUHS in 2004 and Launch 3 ute business of Launch 3; but where Launch 3 arbitrages and brokers out Ventures to David in 2007—and focused on starting a new company, Quantum long-distance minutes, Titan actually goes overseas and builds local phone Networks, a technology incubator focused on emerging and next generation networks. In 2004, when Ari Zoldan decided to sell Launch 3, Dani Zoldan technology. merged it with Titan, which currently has 12 full-time employees. “I had a bunch of failures in between selling the business to my brothers Not content to rest on those laurels, Dani Zoldan scouted a prestigious and founding Quantum, but entrepreneurs can’t be afraid of failure,” Zoldan but rundown comedy club for sale on the Upper West Side—Stand Up New said. “The experience of failing time and again before landing on something York—near his home where he lives with his wife and daughter. He quickly that succeeded was probably one of the greatest things I needed to master.” called an old friend, Gabriel Waldman ’08W, an amateur stand-up comedian. Quantum is not only a success story but a unique place to work; Zoldan and “Let’s buy the club and renovate it,” he suggested to Waldman. The two soon his management team have carefully developed an atmosphere that encour- became proud co-owners of Stand Up New York, which draws high-profile ages an open and proactive work environment with a hands-off approach to comics such as Chris Rock and Susie Essman. Zoldan was later approached management. With more than 25 employees, most are in their early twenties, by Ari Pelcovitz ’02YC (son of Dr. David Pelcovitz, the Gwendolyn and Joseph intuitive decision-making is at the core of Quantum’s business model. Straus Chair in Jewish Education and Psychology at the Azrieli Graduate Zoldan’s co-partner and COO at Quantum is Eytan Wiener ’05YC, whom School), who wanted to found a daily deal site similar to Groupon, but geared he met several years ago. “Working for Ari, I’ve come to see what an amazing toward the bar scene in New York. Pelcovitz convinced Zoldan to become an guy he is, both in terms of his character and the consideration with which investor in “Urban Boozer” and the site recently launched to great acclaim. he treats his employees,” said Wiener. “He also has astounding vision and When asked how he manages his time, Dani said that, despite being a foresight for what works and what will not. I sometimes think of Ari’s life as free spirit and owner of a trendy club in the city that never sleeps, organized a chess game, because he is always planning moves 10 steps ahead and then workdays and eight hours of sleep each night allow him to wear all these hats. waits patiently as they play out according to plan.” “I wouldn’t be happy working in a 9-to-5 job or in a more traditional career Zoldan’s next steps include branching into media. He considers this a like law or medicine—I’ve always felt the need to do my own thing,” he said. natural progression, since he’s always enjoyed writing and often visits hot- The Zoldan brothers serve as inspirations to others who are compelled to beds of political and military strife. His writing is published in various out- walk the road not taken but are afraid to take that first step. n lets and on his own Web site, www.arizoldan.com, and he has appeared on Fox News Channel and Fox Business, NBC and CNN Money, among other k To read about other inspirational YU graduates, visit the alumni Web site at www.yu.edu/alumni/ national broadcast outlets. Although his time is limited, he manages to be a profiles and check out the alumni profiles; or, to share your own achievements, submit a Class Note popular motivational speaker on the lecture circuit and has a book coming at www.yu.edu/alumni/notes.

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Chaya ’59S and Rabbi Elihu Marcus Dean David Schnall Tobi and Rabbi Zvi Friedman ’77YC, ’81W, ’53YC, ’56R, ’99F celebrated the bnei ’65YUHS, ’69YC, ’81R announce the birth of their grandson, YOUR NEWS IS OUR NEWS! mitzvah of their twin grandsons, Eliran and ’71BR,’72R and Yaakov, born to Aviva and Eliav Friedman Class Notes is where YU celebrates the Josh. Mazel tov to parents, Devora Dr. Moshe Sokolow ’05W. Yaakov is named after his great- milestones and accomplishments of its (Rosner) ’83S and Rabbi Nahum Marcus ’64YUHS, ’69YC, ’74BR grandfather, HaRav Yaakov Kamenetzky zt”l. alumni. In this section, you can catch up ’83YC, ’86R. are the co-editors of the on everything your classmates have been recently published Azrieli Papers: Barbara ’76S and Rabbi Shmuel Goldin up to over the years, from marriages Judy (Grossman) ’58YUHS, ’62S and Dimensions of Orthodox Day School ’69YUHS, ’73YC, ’76F, ’76R announce the and births to professional and personal Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenbaum ’60YC, ’62R, Education. births of their grandchildren: Julia Beth born achievements. ’63BR celebrated the bar mitzvah of their to parents Dr. Rena (Moses) ’98S, ’01F, grandson, Yehoshua Binyamin. Mazel tov to Helen and Rabbi Howard Shub ’69YC ’05F and Avi Goldin ’95YUHS, ’99SB; and Submit your class note by e-mailing parents, Elisheva (Rosenbaum) ’92S and announce the marriage of their daughter, Mordecai Reuven born to parents Noa [email protected] with the subject Rabbi Dr. Michael Berger. Holly, to Eliezer Seidenfeld. Mazel tov to (Leibowitz) ’08S and Yehuda Goldin. line “Class Notes,” or by visiting parents Ruthi and Eliot Seidenfeld. www.yu.edu/alumni/notes to complete Liza and Rabbi Benjamin Samson ’57YC, Stephen Gordon ’76YC the online form. We hope that you enjoy ’60BR, ’60R announce the birth of their Rabbi Neil Winkler ’65YUHS, ’69YC, ’72R, published his first novel, a reading about your fellow alumni and grandson, Asher Pinchas, born to Susie ’72BR published Bringing the Prophets to mystery/thriller called In friends, and we look forward to hearing (Bahn) ’92S and Dr. Yisroel Samson Life: A Timely Look at a Timeless Story The Name of God about your achievements. ’87YC, ’91E. Mazel tov to grandparents (Gefen Publishing House, 2011). (Apprentice House, 2011). Annette (Karlin) ’58YUHS, ’62S and Dr. Saul Bahn ’53YC. Rabbi Benjamin Yudin ’66YC, ’69R was profiled in “Everyone’s Rabbi: Rabbi Ira L. Herman ’75YUHS, 1920s Freida and Rabbi Elihu Schatz ’50YUHS, Benjamin Yudin” in the Sept. 14 edition of ’75YC of Thompson & ’54YC, ’57RE announce the birth of their Mishpacha Magazine. Knight was on the Oct. 2, Rabbis Herman Rosen zt”l ’23R, ninth great-grandchild, Gilat, born to Shani 2011 New York Super Samuel Rosen zt”l ’26R, and “The and Meir Lieberman. Rabbi Tzvee Zahavy Lawyers list. Ira is a Flying Rabbi” Louis Werfel zt”l, ’40R ’66YUHS, ’70YC, ’73R, partner in the firm’s were listed on a monument dedicated to Honey and Rabbi Dr. Joseph ’73BR published God’s corporate reorganization and creditors’ the 14 Jewish U.S. military chaplains Sungolowsky ’55YC, ’58R, ’99C announce Favorite Prayers (Talmudic rights practice group and focuses his who lost their lives while actively serving the birth of their grandson, born to Scharone Books, 2011), which practice on business bankruptcies, in either World War II, the Korean War or and Robert Sungolowsky. introduces six ideal corporate restructuring and litigation the Vietnam War. The dedication took personalities of Jewish affecting debtors and creditors. place on Oct. 24, 2011, at the Arlington Naomi (Baumol) and Dr. Erich Zauderer prayer, the archetypes within Jewish liturgy, National Cemetery. Oct. 24th also ’59YC, ’62R announce the birth of their and is available at www.godsfavoriteprayers. Sherri ’72S and Rabbi Basil Herring marked the 150th anniversary of the grandson, Yehuda, to Ahuva and Rabbi com. Rabbi Zahavy also translated Talmud ’70YC, ’73R, ’78BR announce the birth of first Jewish chaplain in the U.S. who Dovid Zauderer in Toronto. Bavli Hullin as part of the 1995 series, The their grandson, Akiva Shalom. served during the Civil War. To learn Talmud of Babylonia: An American more, visit http://www.jcca.org/ Translation, edited by Jacob Neusner. Rabbi Ari D. Kahn ’78YUHS, ’83YC, ’86R, category/jwb/. 1960s ’89BR published Echoes of Eden: Insights into the Weekly Torah Parshiot (Gefen Dr. Donald Bleich 1970s Publishing House, 2011). ’64YUHS was honored by 1940s Hillel as a “distinguished Sharon ’72S and Rabbi Shimon Altshul Cookie ’70S and David Klavan ’69YC, ’71R educator.” He is currently a ’72YC, ’76R, ’76F announce the birth of their announce the birth of their grandson, Leona and Rabbi Chaim Zev Bomzer professor in the depart- grandson, Yinon Yehuda, born to Anat and Malachi, to Tikva and Yuval Volhendler. ’45YUHS, ’48YC, ’51BR, ’51R, ’84F and ment of finance, real Rabbi Asher Altshul. Rochel ’72S and Rabbi Moshe Bomzer estate and insurance at California State Debra ’75S and Barry Laufer ’71YUHS ’75R, ’75BR celebrated the bris of their University, Northridge. Dr. Bleich is also the Dov Apfel ’72YUHS announce the birth of their grandson, Ezra great-grandson and grandson respectively, founding director of the CSUN Center for received the Dan Cullan Noam, born to Aviva and Jonathan Edelstein. Ariel Tzvi, born to Leebie and Shragie Real Estate. Memorial Award for Bomzer. Mazel tov to Leebie’s parents, Aidel National Lifetime Beatrice ’74YUHS and Rabbi Gary and Rabbi Chanoch Teller. Sheryl (Ashenberg) ’64YUHS, ’68S and Achievement from the Menchel ’74YUHS, ’78YC, ’81R announce Michael Cooper announce the birth of their executive board of the the birth of their granddaughter, Rina. Rabbi Yaakov I. Homnick ’43YUHS, ’47YC, grandson, Nachman Yitzchak, to Lauren birth trauma litigation group of the American ’52R published Holiday Sermons, a ’96S and Jonathan Cooper ’93YC, ’96C. Association for Justice for his advocacy of Rifka (Richman) Monderer ’72YUHS, collection of sermons on each of the yomim children born with birth injuries. Apfel’s most ’75TI announces the birth of her grand- tovim. Eileen and Rabbi Moshe Fine ’64YUHS, recent article, “When Every Minute Counts,” daughter, Rena, to Elisheva and Yonatan ’68YC, ’68BR, ’70R announce the birth of appeared in the May 2011 issue of Trial Edel. their granddaughter, born to Batsheva and Magazine. 1950s Yerachmiel Scheiner. Mazel tov to grand- Avery E. Neumark ’70YUHS, ’74YC was parents, Marsha and David Scheiner. Classmates E.J. Solomon Berman and interviewed by NY1 on Sept. 1 for his Dina and Rabbi Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky Estee Rosenblum Shor, both graduates of financial expertise and insights into capital ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’57R, ’80F, Edith and Shelley ’64YUHS and Dr. Jonathan the Stern class of ’76, announce the preservation funds. Walter Kramer, and Elizabeth and Mendel Helfand ’66YC, ’69R, ’79BR celebrated the engagement of their children Rebecca and Zinner announce the birth of their great- bar mitzvah of their grandson, Shmuel. Mazel Josh. E.J. and Larry Berman live in Edison, The CEO of Brisk Beverages Ltd., Joseph granddaughter, Shalhevet. Mazel tov to tov to parents Dina ’06BR and Yehoshua NJ, and Estee and Stuart Shor live in Offenbacher ’76YUHS, ’79YC, has shared parents Aliza and Elie Deutsch; grand- Blank. Mazel tov to great-grandfather, Holliswood, NY. news of installing Freezee machines in eight parents Drs. Deborah and Michael Kramer Abraham Okun ’36IBC. cities in Israel including six stores in ’73YUHS, ’77YC, ’10R and Miriam and Faye Debbie (Klaff) ’71S and Herby Dan Jerusalem alone. Alan Deutsch; and great aunt and great Rabbi Dr. Saul H. Landa announce the birth of their grandson, Yosef uncle Helena and Marvin Goldstein ’65YUHS, ’69YC Aharon Bormaster, to Shana and Boaz ’69YUHS, ’73YC. published a coffee table Bormaster. book, A Timeless People: STAY C NNECTED Sarah (Lebowitz) ’55YUHS, ’58TI and Photo Albums of American Rachayl ’75S and Rabbi Dr. Hillel Davis Rabbi Hersh Moshe Galinsky ’51YUHS, Jewish Life (Gefen ’73YC, ’75BR, ’75R announce the birth of ’55YC, ’58R announce the marriages of their Publishing House, 2011). their granddaughter, Shira Nechama, to Tali Do you receive the weekly grandsons: Harel Yishai Galinsky to Illana ’09S and Shaya Gartner ’10SB. An extra events e-mail and monthly Fine and Yair Yeshayahu Shtul to Avital mazel tov to Rachayl and Hillel on recently Shrosman. making aliyah. eNewsletter from the Office of Alumni Affairs? Claire and Rabbi Joshua Hertzberg ’51YC, Esther and Steven Edell ’73YC, ’76W ’55R announce the births of great grand- announce the engagement of Steven’s Don’t risk missing out on exciting children: Tova Bracha to Gila ’99S and daughter, Yael, to Shmuel Rosenmann. Rabbi Meir Arnold ’91YUHS, ’95SB, ’98R; programs as well as news and and Avraham Shlomo to Tali ’06S and Yosef Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg ’69YC, Maureen (Goldsmith) updates for YU alumni. Friedman. ’74R, ’74F, ’92A was the keynote speaker for ’74E, ’74SG and Rabbi Edison, NJ’s 9/11 memorial service and for Lippy Friedman ’66YC, Update your profile and add your Ray Kestenbaum ’54YC the Fraternal Order of Bendin-Sosnowicer: ’69BR, ’69R celebrated recently made a career The Sick and Benevolent Society’s annual the bar mitzvah of their preferred e-mail address to get change from journalism yizkor commemoration on Oct. 2. The Sept. grandson, Uriel Shraga Ra’avad and the bat on our e-mail list. to real estate, focusing in 30 edition of Jewish World included his mitzvah of their granddaughter, Yehudit Visit www.yu.edu/ Forest Hills, Rego Park, article, “Hineni, We Need to be Present: An Lifshitz. Mazel tov to Yehudit’s grandparents Kew Gardens Hills and Exposition on Rav Soloveitchik’s Philosophy Naomi and Yisrael Lifshitz ’66YUHS, alumnidirectory today! Fresh Meadows. on Evil and Suffering.” ’70YC, ’73R.

2 ALUMNITODAY SEARCH THE ALUMNI DIRECTORY FOR CLASSMATES AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNIDIRECTORY ß Class Reunions & Commencement 2012 Alumni from the Classes of 1962, 1972 and 1987 are invited to celebrate their milestone reunions this spring. Please join us on May 23–24 to commemorate your 50th, 40th and 25th reunions, visit the YU campuses, and reconnect eunion 2012 with classmates. R We welcome your participation on the Reunion Committee. To learn more 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 about YU’s exciting two-day class reunion events or how you can contribute 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 to a class gift, please visit www.yu.edu/reunion, email [email protected] 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 or call 212.960.5412.

Peninah (Segal) ’73YUHS, ’77S, ’80W and Jachter ’81YUHS, ’86YC, ’88BR, ’92R; Fran and Dr. Stuart Morduchowitz Marc Rabin announce the birth of their Aharon Lichtenstein ’53YC, ’59R; Yona ’84YUHS, ’88YC, ’92E celebrated the bat granddaughter, Aviv, to Tamar and Ohad Reiss ’87YC, ’91R, ’02R; David Shatz mitzvah of their daughter, Tamara Ruth. 1990s Laufer and the birth of their grandson, Yishai ’65YUHS, ’69YC, ’73BR, ’73R; Gedalia Mazel tov to grandparents Ada and Rabbi David Anziska ’96YUHS, ’99YC launched Avichai, to Ora and Ram Peled. Dov Schwartz ’46YC,’49R; Mordechai Abraham Morduchowitz ’50YUHS, ’54YC, the Law Offices of David Anziska. His Willig ’68YC, ’71R; and RIETS rosh ’56R and Lily and Rabbi Alfred Friedman practice specializes in class action litigation. yeshiva and Cardozo professor, Rabbi ’52YUHS. Phyllis Schieber ’77F J. David Bleich. published her fourth Dr. Esther ’86S,’95F and Rabbi Meir novel, The Manicurist Rabbi Moshe Erlbaum ’88YC, ’92R Orlian ’83YUHS, ’87YC, ’90R, ’93BR (Bell Bridge, 2011). published Rabbi Moshe Atik’s Torah Teasers: announce the marriage of their daughter, Offbeat Questions, Tantalizing Queries, and Sara, to Avrahami Rosenberg of Petach Challenging Riddles on the Parsha Hashavua Tikva. Mazel tov to grandparents: Stern (CreatesSpace, 2011). College for Women Associate Dean Ethel Sandy (Himmelstein) ’70S and Moshe Orlian ’57YUHS, ’61S, Associate Professor Rabbi Yoel Finkelman ’94YC, ’94BR Speter announce the birth of their Jacki ’80S and Rabbi David Gorelik of Bible Dr. J. Mitchell Orlian ’54TI, ’55YC, published his book, Strictly Kosher Reading: grandson, Ilan Harry, born to Tova Speter 74YUHS, ’79YC, ’82R, ’90BR and Sarah ’60F, ’73BR, YUHS faculty member Dr. Riki Popular Literature and the Condition of and Peter Sperber. and Rabbi Moshe Gorelik ’53YC, ’55R Koenigsberg, and Dr. Mordecai Contemporary Orthodoxy (Academic Studies announce the marriage of their son and Koenigsberg ’59YC, ’63A. Press, 2011). Mindy and Rabbi Robert Zeiger ’77YC, grandson, Yechezkel Gorelik, to Sacha ’81R announce the marriage of their son, Fabian. Ariela and Dr. Jeff Port ’83YC announce Eliezer Menachem, to Nadine Faur. the engagement of their daughter, Aviva, to Galia (Hassid) Galansky Rabbi David Hertzberg ’81YUHS, ’85YC, Neve Daniel. Mazel tov to great-grandpar- ’93YUHS announces the ’89R received his doctorate from St. John’s ents Marlene and Dr. Yale Port ’53YC, birth of her daughter, 1980s University in modern world history. His ’56R, ’59F. Gabriella Eve. dissertation was on “Intelligence Sharing in Leora and Rabbi Assaf Bednarsh Counterterrorism.” Laurence J. Rabinovich ’89YUHS, ’97R, ’98BR announce the birth ’82YC joins Hiscock & Giela (Nussbaum) ’95YUHS, ’99S and of their daughter, Ruchama Leah. Jeff Ifrah ’89YC, ’92C, Barley as a partner in the Ben Gellis announce the birth of their ’93BR, ’97R is the New York office to daughter, Mira Salit. Big brothers Adir, Judy (Wolpoff) and Dr. Marc Berger founding partner of Ifrah continue his practice in Mayteev and Elyon are excited to have a ’80YUHS, ’83YC, ’87E announce the birth of PLLC (www.ifrahlaw.com). insurance coverage and little sister. their daughter, Sydney Ella. Mazel tov to The firm, which focuses its transportation law. grandparents, Carol (Freiman) ’56YUHS practice on white collar and Dr. Donald Berger ’45YUHS, ’49YC criminal litigation, has Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg and Florence and Martin Wolpoff. recently moved to new offices at 1717 ’82YC, ’84R published his Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. book, Morality for Muggles: Rabbi Binyamin Blau ’86YC, ’89R has Ethics in the Bible and the been elected the rabbi of Green Road Rena ’84S and Rabbi Avrohom Kanarek World of Harry Potter Synagogue succeeding Rabbi Melvin ’78YUHS, ’83YC, ’86R announce the birth (KTAV Publishing House, Granatstein ’62YC, ’67’BR, ’67R who is of their grandson, Simcha Tzvi, born to 2011). retiring after serving for 37 years. Miriam and Yehuda Kanarek. Mazel tov to great-grandparents Rhoda Kanarek and Gedaliah Borvick ’87YC, ’94C, who lives in Dr. Irving ’55YUHS, ’59YC and Ricky Professor Smadar and RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Israel’s President Shimon Peres conferred Israel, created My Israel Home, a real estate Goldsmith ’58YUHS. Rabbi Michael Rosensweig ’80YC, ’80R, the 2011 Presidential Citation for agency focused on helping families from ’86W, ’96BR celebrated the bat mitzvah Volunteerism to Joseph Gitler ’92YUHS for abroad navigate the often challenging Former NCSY Chicago regional president of their daughter, Elisheva. Mazel tov to his founding and leadership of Leket Israel, process of purchasing and selling a home in Sheri (Chasin) ’86S and former NCSY Elisheva’s grandparents, Miriam and www.leket.org, Israel’s national food bank Israel. Boryick is also a contributing editor national treasurer Rabbi Shimon Kurland Rabbi Dr. Bernard Rosensweig ’47YC, and food rescue network. Visit yu.edu/ and columnist on the Israel real estate scene ’79YC, ’82C will be the lead NCSY alumni ’50R, ’70BR. alumni/profiles to read more about Joseph for The Jewish Home. His articles can be awardees at the Ben Zakkai Honor Gitler and his impressive work. found at www.myisraelhome.com Society National Scholarship Reception in The Aug. 22 New Jersey January 2012. Jewish News profiled Ellie ’99YUHS, ’03S and Elly Goldenberg The Westwood Kehilla in Los Angeles, CA, Rabbi Elie Tuchman, ’03SB announce the birth of their daughter, honored Batyah and Rabbi Asher Brander Jacqueline (Klausner) Ed.D. ’89YC, ’92R, ’94A, Ava Tamar. Mazel tov to grandparents ’89YC, ’92R, ’96A for their 17 years of ’86S and Rabbi Dr. Marc ’10A as he trained for and Esther ’80S and Dr. Kenneth Nyer leadership, learning and inspiration. Rabbi Mandel ’79YUHS, ’83YC, participated in the ’80YC, ’84E. Brander also recently published Teachings: ’88R, ’88W announce the 26.2-mile Ocean Drive In-Depth Reflections on the Parshah marriage of their daughter, Marathon. Completing the Dr. Howard M. Goldfischer ’92YC was (Mosaica Press, 2011). Kayla, to Yaakov Lasson. race in five hours and 39 named clinical manager of the medical Mazel tov to Dr. and minutes, Rabbi Tuchman rehabilitation program and senior neuro- Rabbi Michael Broyde ’82YUHS, ’84YC, Mrs. Elly Lasson of raised more than $8,500 psychologist at Easter Seals Capital Region ’89R,’93R, professor of law at Emory Baltimore, MD. for the Yeshiva at Jersey & Eastern Connecticut. University, compiled and edited Shore’s tuition assistance. Contending with Catastrophe: Jewish Marcy (Vann) ’87S and Rabbi David Carolyn and Judah Kaplan ’92SB announce Perspectives on September 11th (K’hal Marcus ’82R, ’91F celebrated the bar Yocheved (Evebeth Blond) ’89S and the birth of their daughter, Esther Samantha. Publishing, 2011), with contributions from mitzvah of their son, Yehoshua. Mazel tov to Rabbi Elchanan Weinbach ’86YC, ’90AZ, the following: Chancellor Norman Lamm grandparents, Chaya ’59S and Rabbi Elihu ’89R announce the marriage of their Yael Bitton ’98YUHS and Matt Krieger ’49YC, ’51R, ’66BR, Rabbis Chaim Marcus ’53YC, ’56R, ’99F. daughter, Ora, to Rabbi Yakov Weiner. ’00YC announce the birth of their son.

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People of the Book YU Alumni Who Write, Publish and Sell

Stern College gave me “ many opportunities to develop and grow a Jewish intellectual platform, particularly with the guidance of a number of my professors with whom I am still in contact...

Dr. Erica Brown ’88S”

ews are people of the book—and thus, many can be found in the book and Brown’s world of teaching informs the topics she chooses to write about. magazine publishing industry. Though publishing is a notoriously difficult “What I’m experiencing personally, or what Jewish life is undergoing that few peo- Jand often cutthroat profession to break into, especially in New York, many ple have written about or that needs extra emphasis, is what I choose to focus on,” YU alumni have found a way to succeed and make their mark in the industry. she said. “This explains my book on spiritual boredom and my book on scandal. I also read a great deal and in many different genres. That keeps me thinking in different ways about different things, a more nimble and creative way of thinking THE WRITER and engaging ideas.” Dr. Erica Brown ’88S studied philosophy and Judaic studies at Stern College for Many women who balance a busy work life with an equally busy home life Women. After obtaining a master’s degrees in religious education and rabbinics struggle to find a sense of equilibrium. Brown’s many professional pursuits look from the University of London and another master’s degree in near eastern lan- daunting when you consider she is also a wife (to Dr. Jeremy Brown) and mother to guages and civilizations from Harvard University, she obtained a PhD from four children (Talia, Gavriel, Yishai and Ayelet). However, Brown has a unique Baltimore Hebrew University and settled into a position as scholar-in-residence view of the situation. “I don’t struggle with the work versus life equation. I think for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. She teaches classes in Jewish that’s way too linear a breakdown,” she said. “We are complex beings. We have to thought and ethics, as well as leadership development, and lectures widely on entertain complexity as a facet of life, not as something we’re trying to quash subjects of importance to the Jewish community. She writes an online essay, and tame. I feel blessed that my life has many different parts to it, and often contra- “Weekly Jewish Wisdom,” that has appeared on the Newsweek/Washington Post’s dictions prove to be a blessing.” “On Faith” Web site. Brown recommends that students and alumni who hope to become serious And, on the side, she finds time to write books of contemporary Jewish writers and published authors have many readers look at their work, and accept interest. literary criticisms with an open mind. Much of what Brown has learned about Judaism, she credits to her professors “I take no offense when I get edited and enjoy heavy editing because it means at Stern. “Stern College gave me many opportunities to develop and grow a Jewish that someone else is taking my work seriously. Writing is for reading, and if an intellectual platform, particularly with the guidance of a number of my professors outside reader doesn’t understand what you’ve written, then you haven’t done with whom I am still in contact. I don’t know how many people could make that your job,” she explained. “Find someone who will read and critique your work and claim in other universities,” Brown said. “I felt that many of my professors, more offer the same service in return. Too many people fall in love with what Faulkner than just teaching a subject, showed me positive models for living an authentic called ‘all their little darlings’—words and expressions that they get so attached to and meaningful adult life. I was forced to think in a very sophisticated way about that they can’t delete them. It says in Mishlei that if you correct a wise person, he’ll my Judaism and that lives with me every day.” love you, and if you correct a wicked person, he’ll hate you. Good writers are wise Brown’s books on Judaism include Inspired Jewish Leadership, a National writers. They know that good editing makes writing sing.” Jewish Book Award finalist; Spiritual Boredom; Confronting Scandal; and The Case for Jewish Peoplehood (of which she is co-author). Her latest book is In the Narrow THE ACCOUNT MANAGER Places: Daily Inspiration for the Three Weeks. Most women can remember their first issue ofSeventeen magazine. The unofficial However, she is most proud of a book that she wrote over a decade ago, and magazine of choice for the average American teenage girl is one of the most suc- which has yet to be shared with a wider readership. The Sacred Canvas: The Hebrew cessful youth-oriented publications of all time. Tova Heiney ’01S works as an Bible in the Eyes of the Artist contrasts paintings of the same scene to understand account manager for the magazine, and is responsible for selling ad pages in each how artists read Biblical texts. “It’s a meshing of many important worlds for me, issue. and I hope one day I can share it with others as a published work,” Brown explained. As an English major at Stern College for Women, Heiney said she often walked Brown strongly believes that writing is a serious process that requires consid- by the Hearst building, located near Stern in midtown Manhattan. “When I erable dedication. “If you want to write seriously, it has to be a daily discipline,” walked by Hearst Tower, I often thought how cool it would be to work for a maga- she said. “When I’m writing a book, I write at least 1,000 words a day. They may be zine. When I realized I knew someone at Natural History magazine, I applied for awful and I may have to delete 900 of them, but at least I know that I am in the an assistant job and got it.” rhythm of writing.” Heiney noted that this was a very small, privately owned magazine and her

4 ALUMNITODAY DOWNLOAD THE YU ALUMNI SMARTPHONE APP AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNI/APP ß I like to help I had previously “ young adults as “ taken a literature they are just course called starting their careers, ‘Medical Narratives’ when they are and, remembering trying to figure out how much I enjoyed what they want to the class, decided to do in life and how switch my major to achieve it. to English.

Tova Heiney ’01S ” Yishai Seidman ’05YC ”

salary was very low. “I had to work two jobs to support myself for those six months go to college with a preconceived notion of what they want to do so they can pur- but it was worth it for me to break into the industry,” she said. “From there I was sue a specific career after they graduate. But I realized that it doesn’t always work cold-called by Conde Nast, a larger company, and was hired as a sales assistant at out that way and that I might as well study what I enjoy.” The New Yorker.” While taking seven literature courses in his last two semesters at YU, At The New Yorker, Heiney was quickly promoted to the marketing depart- Seidman took a class with Dr. Liel Leibovitz, a visiting creative writing professor ment, and was launched into the world of magazine publishing. She spent six years and a published author. “Professor Leibovitz brought in a panel of people in the marketing several different publications before deciding sales was most suitable publishing industry including his editor, his agent and a children’s book editor,” for her. “The move from marketing to sales is not easy. I was lucky that my current said Seidman. “They talked about their respective roles in the publishing industry, position called for a salesperson with a marketing background. Other people and then took questions from the class. It was a great experience, and the first time wanting to make this switch might leave the magazine industry to get a sales job in I was exposed to different opportunities within the publishing field.” another arena, or get a sales job at a very small publication, only to return to a Seidman was particularly interested in agency work so he pursued an intern- major publishing house once you have solid sales experience,” Heiney said. ship at a literary agency after graduating in May ’08. He was hired to intern at Art- Selling ad pages for Seventeen includes working with the marketing depart- ists and Artisans, a full-service literary management company in midtown ment to create PowerPoint presentations or mailings to clients and potential Manhattan. Five months later, he was hired by Writer’s House, another literary advertisers, managing her account list and ensuring client satisfaction. “There are agency. “The agency has an unbelievable internship program, almost like a mini- also some great perks to my job,” said Heiney. “I am constantly out and about, graduate school,” he explained. When his internship ended in January, he was meeting new people and entertaining them through lunches and manicures—rela- hired as an office manager, on a temporary basis, for someone who took leave for tionship building is key. The editing team also holds beauty sales, where all the several months, which gave him an opportunity to make some great connections. staff members get to buy fun products that may have recently been featured in the “Many people in this business get the jobs they have thanks to connections magazine for only a dollar, with all proceeds going to charity.” they’ve made as they worked their way up,” said Seidman. He joined the literary Speaking to current Stern students who are hoping to find their own niche agency, Dunlow, Carson & Lerner, on a full-time basis not long after. He has been within the publishing industry, Heiney highly recommends obtaining an intern- blessed to work with some wonderful writers, he said, and spends much of his free ship while still in college. “It will make getting an assistant job easier once you time reading, since the workday is devoted to contract negotiations and reading graduate. There are always spring, summer and fall internships available,” she query letters—one-page “pitches” from authors trying to sell their works. said. Heiney shared this advice with students aspiring to enter the publishing field “Right now I am mostly working with literary fiction, but there’s no hard rule at an alumni career session in the spring, where she spoke about her job and the about what I’m looking for. It’s definitely important to me that stories have inter- duties it entails. “I like to help young adults as they are just starting their careers, esting characters and are written in a strong voice,” Seidman remarked. “Believe it when they are trying to figure out what they want to do in life and how to achieve or not, I actually struggle more with books that deal with Jewish themes or topics. it,” she said. It’s sometimes hard for me to distinguish whether they are objectively interesting or only interesting to me because they’re familiar.” THE AGENT To current YU students who might consider a career as a literary agent, When he first entered Yeshiva University in 2005, Yishai Seidman said he thought Seidman advised, “I would definitely encourage taking creative writing courses. he had three career choices: to become a lawyer, an accountant or a doctor. He You need to observe what your peers are writing to learn what you think works picked the last path but, after a few semesters, recognized something was amiss. and what doesn’t—that’s your intro to analysis of contemporary writing. I would “I realized that as much as I wanted to be a doctor, my talents didn’t lie in the also say to pursue internships during school or when you graduate, as it is a fairly sciences. I just had no idea what else to pursue,” recalled Seidman. “I had previ- competitive field and experience plays a big part in getting your foot in the door, ously taken a literature course called Medical Narratives, and, remembering how getting jobs and making those important connections.” n much I enjoyed the class, decided to switch my major to English.” Though he had only three semesters left before graduating, Seidman decided k To read about other inspirational YU graduates, visit the alumni Web site at www.yu.edu/alumni/profiles to study what truly interested him, and to figure out a career later. “That was a big and check out the alumni profiles; or, to share your own achievements, submit a Class Note at www.yu.edu/ change in my undergraduate experience,” he said. “A lot of people, including me, alumni/notes.

s CHECK OUT WHAT ALUMNI EVENTS ARE HAPPENING ON CAMPUS AND AROUND THE WORLD AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNIEVENTS ALUMNITODAY 5 ALUMNITODAY

“CHARITABLE GIVING AND HALACHA” AT GRANT THORNTON LLP FEATURING CLASSNOTES RABBI HERSHEL SCHACHTER (DECEMBER 1, 2011)

Dr. Joshua Landa Dr. Rivka and RIETS bochen and rosh o Emcee Jack Katz ’95YUHS, ’00YC yeshiva Rabbi Ezra Schwartz ’96YC, ’01R, and Rabbi Hershel completed his spine ’05BR, ’07R, ’07A announce the birth of Schachter ’58YUHS, surgery fellowship at the their son, Yosef Dov. ’62YC, ’67R Cleveland Clinic and joined Atlantic Spinal Care Alisha and Joshua Summers ’97YUHS, in New Jersey, specializing in minimally ’01YC, ’04C announce the birth of their son, invasive and endoscopic spinal surgery. Aaron Michael.

Kesher Israel Congregation in Harrisburg, Deborah and Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann PA, hosted Naomi ’96S and Rabbi Bini ’92YUHS, ’96YC, ’01R announce the birth Maryles ’97SB, ’01R,’10A as scholars-in- of their daughter, Ahuva Rivka. residence. Naomi Maryles delivered a talk entitled, “Tales from the Beth Din” and Rabbi Rabbi Michoel Zylberman ’96YUHS, Maryles delivered various presentations ’00YC, ’03R, ’03BR published a new sefer, including “In the Era of Twitter: How to Best Sefer Tov Lev on Maseches Psachim. Advocate for Israel in 20 Seconds or Less.” k Jack Katz, (top–right corner), kicks off the event with a Jonathan “Yoni” Oppenheim ’99YUHS, 2000s capacity crowd of 65 a co-founder of the 24/6 theatre company, presented a limited engagement perfor- mance of Ibsen’s The Doll’s House at the The following 10 Yeshiva University off-Broadway theatre The Tank in early April graduates are participating in the 2011. Oppenheim, the director of the 2011–2012 Legacy Heritage Teacher performance, adapted a Purim theme into Training Fellowship program. They will the play. The 24/6 theatre group does not be placed in schools across North ALUMNI DAY AT THE MACS BASKETBALL GAME (DECEMBER 18, 2011) perform on Shabbos. America and receive ongoing support and training from the Azrieli Graduate YU Director of Events School of Jewish Education and Aliza (Berenholz) Peled Administration: ’92YUHS, ’96S married Yehuda Leon Peled on Kyle Borenstein ’11S B Nov. 14, 2010. They also Ariella Gorman ’10S announce the birth of their Alyson Jacobs ’10S son, Chaim Daniel, in late Rachel Lee ’08S August. Mazel tov to Daniel Loewenstein ’10YC grandparents Manya and Sara Schwartz ’08S Rabbi Heshy Berenholz ’60YUHS and Ruthie Skaist ’10S Elana and Jack Peled. Devora Stechler ’09S Aryeh Wasserman ’11YC Noam Weissman ’08YC

m Julie ’86YUHS, ’89S and Shabsi Schreier ’81YUHS, ’85YC stand before the interactive The following graduates are participating display they gifted to YU in the GiveBack Fellowship, a post- college year-long commitment to work in a Jewish day school:

Joshua Liggett ’07SB Matthew Williams ’10YC

Alyssa (Meyers) and Dr. Arie E. Pelta ’96YC announce the birth of their sixth child, Moshe Leib. o TBD SAVE THE DATE Rabbi Menachem Penner ’91YC, ’95R is Tribute to now the associate dean of operations for RIETS. Coach Jonathan Halpert and m Past Macs captain Bruce Wenig ’72YUHS, Court Dedication Ceremony ’76YC reunites with Coach Jonny Halpert in recognition of 40 years of ’62YUHS, ’66YC, ’78F m Don “Denny” Geller ’45YUHS, ’49YC, ’99W returns to YU to accept his recognition as a service to Yeshiva University past Macs captain (’48-’49) from President and the Maccabees Richard M. Joel ’68YUHS

SUNDAY | APRIL 29, 2012 | 11 A.M. Max Stern Athletic Center Wilf Campus

Ilana and Rabbi Jeffrey Saks ’91YC, ’93BR, ’95R announce the birth of their fourth child, Adi Azriela, in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Schnall, PhD ’95YUHS, m Future Macs participate in a shooting ’00YC, ’02F, ’03R, ’06F, contest with the current team players m Past Macs captains Dovid Cohen ’93YC, professor of psychology Daniel Aaron ’90YUHS, ’94YC and at Yeshiva College, was Elisha Rothman ’92YC the subject of an Aug. 11 New York Times article reviewing his research, “Irving Janis’s Groupthink and the Sanhedrin of Ancient Israel.” He presented o Brothers Lior Hod ’88YC this research on Aug. 7 at the American and Ayal Hod ’88SB are Psychological Association’s 119th annual honored as past Macs convention in Washington, D.C. He also captains alongside their lectured on “An Overlooked Minority: Recent children and President Assessments of the Orthodox Jewish Richard M. Joel ’68YUHS Community” at the 74th annual convention of the New York State Psychological Association.

6 ALUMNITODAY SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND AT WWW.YU.EDU/ONLINEGIVING ß ALUMNITODAY

YU HOMECOMING (SEPTEMBER 18, 2011)

q On Sept. 18, more than 600 members of the Yeshiva University community came together for a day of celebration and reconnection at YU’s Homecoming. It was a day with something for everyone: an assortment of college classes and shiurim [lectures], face-painting and carnival games, a club fair, live music, balloon-making, hot pretzels and cold smoothies. Current students and alumni of all ages met old friends and made new ones, sharing memories of their college experience and a feeling of pride and belonging to the larger YU family.

A NIGHT OF FASHION AND GLAMOUR (NOVEMBER 8, 2011)

o Doris Travis, SCW board q (l–r) Sheryl Katz, o (l–r) Suzy Friedman, Elyssa Schertz, member; Rochel Weiss Karen Federbush, Malki Rosen ’85S, Chani Klein, Andrea Reichel ’90S, Yael Schertz ’08S, ’09W and Pam Hirt ’90S, Bonnie Schertz ’82S Mindy Davidoff ’87S and Batya Paul ’94S

k Hadassah Bienenfeld ’54TI, SCW board member, guest and Shira Perl ’89YUHS, m Abby Herschmann ’97S; ’93S Aimee Cement ’95S; Aimee Turner ’00S

s WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS FOR PROGRAMMING IN YOUR REGION. CONTACT ILLANA FEIGLIN AT [email protected] OR 212.960.5247. ALUMNITODAY 7 ALUMNITODAY CLASSNOTES

given by the Partnership for Jewish Bethany ’01S, ’06A and Rabbi Joshua Rabbi Jordan Nechama (Grunseid) Learning and Life each year to an Strulowitz ’01YC, ’05R announce the Rosenberg ’10R created ’09S and Jon outstanding Jewish educator and named birth of their son, Akiva. Mazel tov to www.MyAgingFolks.com, Ackerman ’05YC in honor of donors Gene and Adele (z”l) grandparents, Sheila and Larry a Web site that provides announce the birth of Hoffman. Strulowitz ’71YC. free expert answers their daughter, Ashira. and a proprietary call Shira ’05S and Rabbi Bryan service that caregivers Kinzbrunner ’01YC, ’03BR, ’07R can use to connect with Rebecca ’07A and Rabbi Eli Belizon announce the birth of their son. thousands of eldercare professionals and ’07SB, ’10R announce the birth of their lawyers around the country. son, Akiva. Joshua A. Klarfeld ’02YC joins Ulmer & The August 2011 edition of The Jewish Gigi ’09S and Dovi Bergman ’07YC Berne as an associate Press featured an article entitled “Peace announce the birth of their son. in the product liability of Mind with Faith and Trust” by Rachael practice group. Joshua (Goldberg) Rothstein ’10S and Devora Yael ’07S and Michael Bleicher will focus his practice (Greer) Shabtai. announce the birth of their daughter, on pharmaceutical, medical device and Shelhevet “Shelli” (Hoffman) Meira. mass tort litigation in the Cleveland, OH ’05YUHS, ’11A married Chaim Sussman Batya ’10S and Yosef Sharbat ’09YC area. ’02SB in the first kosher wedding held at announce the birth of their son. Sarah Citi Field in New York City. (Weinerman) Lavie Margolin ’02SB Ariella ’11S and Dovid Zirkind ’09YC Cheses ’06S is participated in the Day announce the birth of their daughter, the yoetzet halacha, of Chesed on Sept. 11 Ayala and Rabbi Amira. a trained halachic at the Hebrew Institute Michael Teitcher adviser, at Yale’s of Riverdale by ’07YC, ’10R announce Jewish Learning providing one-on-one the birth of their son. In Memorium Initiative on Campus (JLIC), a program resume evaluations. that partners with the Orthodox Union and Samuel Berger ’51YUHS Hillel International. She is one of only Jake Marmer ’00SB Chaim Theil ’03SB is a student in the Samuel William Bloom ’42YUHS, ’46YC seven yoetzet halacha in North America recently published his MBA program at Columbia Business Moshe Fenichel ’68YUHS, ’72YC and serves in her role with her husband, book of poetry, Jazz School. For the past four years, Theil has Rabbi Emanuel Frankel ’54YC, ’04BR Rabbi Noah Cheses ’08YC, ’11R. Visit Talmud (Sheep been a corporate attorney at the law firm Rabbi Moshe (Milton) Furst ’39YUHS, yu.edu/alumni/profile to read more about Meadow, 2011). of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in New ’43YC, ’46R. Sarah Cheses and her unique work. York. He received his JD from the New David Goldberg ’72YUHS York University School of Law in 2007. Dr. Jacob E. Goldman ’40YC Rabbi Eli Cohn ’00YUHS, ’05YC, ’08R Ariana ’08S and Adam Reich ’08YC Bella Harris ’86W married Ilana Levin ’07S. announce the birth of their daughter, Tamar (Grun) ’07S and Joshua Vogel Meyer Kimmel ’27YUHS, ’35R Ayelet Menucha. Mazel tov to ’07YC announce the birth of their son, Dr. Martin Lilker ’41YUHS, ’45YC, ’77F Aviva (Laufer) ’00S, ’05BR and great-grandparents Gloria and Marty Simcha Gedalya. Mazel tov to grand- Dr. Allen Mandelbaum ’45YC Jonathan Edelstein ’01YC announce the Epstein ’61YC. parents Cheryl ’80S and Alan Vogel Rabbi Dr. Alvin M. Poplack ’58BR birth of their son, Ezra Noam. and Yehudit and Jacob Grun. Meira Reimer ’05SB Dr. Michelle (Waldman) ’00S and Rabbi Rabbi Akiva Schlussel ’57R Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn ’01YC, ’04R, Yehuda Sarna ’01YC, ’05R announce the Joshua S. Weinberg Frank Schonfeld ’35 YUHS, ’39 YC ’09A published his sefer, Maayse birth of their son, Gershon Amital. ’07YC joined the Dr. Judith Socolov ’72F Choshev. For a free download of the sefer, corporate and Baruch “Brian” Stone ’83YUHS visit www.hebrewbooks.org/50816. Rabbi Yechiel Schrader ’00YC, ’03R securities department Rabbi Mordechai Summer ’54YC, ’56R, married Chava Janovsky. of Honigman, a leading ’60F, ’94A Faigy and Rabbi Arie Folger ’03R business law firm based announce the birth of their son, Tsvi Selengut ’07SB married Tali Zucker. in Michigan with an Menachem Meir, and Rabbi Folger’s international practice. new role as community rabbi of Munich, Rabbi Yechiel Shaffer ’07YC, ’11AZ, Germany. ’11R married Aliza Rosin ’04S. Mazel tov Rabbi Matan Wexler ’05SB, ’09A, ’09R to Rabbi Shaffer’s parents, Machla and married Yaffi Spodek ’08S. Mazel tov to Former presidential Rabbi Ian Shaffer. parents Paula ’72YUHS, ’74TI and Rabbi fellows Michal ’07S Ira Spodek ’71YC, ’74BR, ’74R and and Yoni Frankel Eli Shapiro ’01W, ’11A is now the clinical Bonnie and Reid Wexler. YUALUMNI ’07YC announce the director at Madraigos, which provides a birth of their son, wide array of innovative programs and Dr. Rachel and Rabbi Akiva Wolk ’06YC, FINDER Elisha Aaron. professional services designed for teens ’08A, ’10R announce the birth of their and young adults to help them cope with daughter. Mazel tov to grandparents THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Aviva ’03S and Rabbi Josh Friedman the everyday challenges of life. Shapiro Annette ’74S and Rabbi Howard Wolk IS TRYING TO LOCATE ’97YC, ’01R announce the birth of their will oversee all aspects of the organiza- ’70YUHS, ’74YC, ’77F, ’77R. ALUMNI WITH WHOM son, Binyomin. tion’s clinical office and work closely with WE’VE LOST TOUCH. Madraigos’ members and their families. Natania Wright ’03S, ’07F, ’10F married TO DO THIS, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Alise and Yoni Gold ’09YC announce the Dmitry Ostrovsky. birth of their daughter, Ayelet Chana. Jonathan “Yoni” • For every graduate that you identify (and is confirmed), you will be in the Shenkman ’07SB Orit (Meyers) ’09S running to win great prizes! Judy ’01S and Aryeh founded the Shenkman and Moshe Zharnest Recent winners received two round-trip Goldberg ’01SB Wealth Advisory Group, ’10SB announce the tickets sponsored by EL AL Israel Airlines announce the birth of based out of Morgan birth of their son, and two tickets to the Yeshiva University Hanukkah Dinner. their son and future Stanley’s New York Shimon Gedalya. Mazel • Once confirmed, the lost graduate, graduate in the YU office. In this role he is responsible for tov to grandparents too, will be entered to win a prize. class of 2032, Eliezer leveraging the firm’s resources to provide Faye and Leon Zharnest and Fay and Shlomo. tailored investment and financial planning Rabbi Hillel Meyers. GET STARTED TODAY! Visit YU Alumni Finder today at solutions to individuals, families, and yu.edu/AlumniFinder to start Elyssa (Gershater) and Ezra businesses both in the United States searching for alumni you know. Goldschmidt ’08YC announce the birth and abroad. 2010s of their son, Yitzchak. Rachel ’05S and Rabbi Sandy Shulkes Devorah ’08S and Yakov Grun ’09YC announce the birth of their daughter, Moshe Broder ’11YC announce the birth of their son, Yisrael Sarah Deena Devorah. married Batsheva Legend for school abbreviations: Baruch. Chapman ’11S . A: Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education Grant Silverstein ’05YC, ’07W works for and Administration • BR: Bernard Revel Sarah and Rabbi Evan Hoffman ’02YC, the group buying Web site JDeal.com. Graduate School • BS: Belfer Graduate School of Science • BZ: Philip and Sarah Belz School ’03BR, ’06R announce the birth of their He also received the Community Service of Jewish Music • C: Cardozo School of Law • son, Eliyahu Yitzchak. Award from the Upper West Side Yechiel Simcha E: Albert Einstein College of Medicine • F: synagogue, The Jewish Center, in Ciment ’11SB married Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology • R: Rabbi Shimshon Jacob ’06YC, ’07A, June 2011. Alexis Hailey Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • ’10R teaches Talmud, Gemara and Swedroe ’11S B . S: Stern College for Women • SB: Syms School of Business • TI: Teacher’s Institute • W: woodshop at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva Rabbi Dr. Eric Siskind ’09R, ’09E Wurzweiler School of Social Work • YC: High School in Livingston, NJ and is also published his baseball fantasy novel, Yeshiva College • YUHS: Yeshiva University the 2011 recipient of the Hoffman/ Moment of Clutch (Amazon Digital Efrem Kleinberg ’11A married Tamar High Schools Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Services, 2011), available via www. Gold. Excellence in Jewish Education, an award amazon.com.

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YU High Schools Partner With College Students to Expand Impact

On Nov. 30, they and other members tion. For the high school students, it is a of C-PAC joined more than 200 YU stu- truly unique opportunity to be paired dents on a mission to Washington, D.C. to with the best and brightest professors in lobby on Israel’s behalf. Partly sponsored their fields.” by the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) Many of the graduates of the pro- Israel Advocacy Grant Program and the gram continue their studies at Yeshiva AVI CHAI Foundation, the trip also in- College, Berliner noted. cluded meetings with House Majority Looking into topics as diverse as Leader Eric Cantor and Congresswoman global economics, literary theory, United Debbie Wasserman Schultz, with re- States relations with China, literary mod- marks by Jonathan Kessler, director of ernism, peptide bonds and early biblical leadership development at AIPAC and interpretation, students have been paired Ester Kurz, an AIPAC lobbyist. with professors Dr. James Kahn, Dr. Members of the YUHSG Political Action Club (C–PAC), from left to right: Tamar Berman, “The main issue we face on YU cam- Evan Resnick, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, Dr. Shayna Rabin, Hudy Rosenberg, Dina Muskin, Aliza Arbesfeld, Golda Aharon, Rivka Abbe and puses is that students all love Israel but do Raji Viswanathan and Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Renee Wietschner not realize that they need to actively sup- Wieder, among others. port it,” said Muskin. “[Programs such “I have been very impressed with From Queens to Midtown to YUPAC core member Miriam Shapiro, as this lobbying mission] are the perfect the sophistication and the drive for in- Washington, D.C., Israel advocacy Abbe realized that she could advocate for vehicles to address this apathy.” n tellectual advancement of the students I creates new bridges throughout Israel from her home base in Queens. have mentored,” said Rabbi Wieder, who Along with fellow YUHSG student works with students on producing proto- University Coco Fischman, she founded the Central types of commentaries on the Bible. This Political Activist Club (C-PAC). “We work requires that his students study the s the fall semester began, Yeshiva wanted to start something serious here at YUHSB seniors pair up with YU intricacies of biblical Hebrew and liter- University High School for Girls Central,” said Abbe. “If we can train faculty in research fellowship ary Aramaic in depth. A(YUHSG) junior Rivka Abbe grew ourselves while in high school to advo- Yosef Kornbluth, currently an upper increasingly unsettled by the numerous cate for Israel, it can lead to a lifetime of sophomore at YC, worked with Rabbi challenges faced by Israel. In light of the support.” otivated and inquisitive seniors Wieder in 2008 and 2009 on biblical Palestinian Authority’s (PA) bid for Aided by Muskin, who serves as the at the Marsha Stern Talmudical Targumim [Aramaic translations of the statehood at the United Nations, Abbe AIPAC liaison to C-PAC, the fledgling MAcademy — Yeshiva University bible], while he was a student at YUHSB. wanted to mobilize her peers to assist the club plans to create a school publication, High School for Boys (YUHSB) have an He especially appreciated how, by the Jewish State. serve as the catalyst for school-wide edu- opportunity unavailable to their peers end of his year, he began noticing “the With the help of YU Vice President cation on Israel and act as the spearhead in other institutions to gain exposure fine nuances in translation and their im- and Chief of Staff Rabbi Josh Joseph, for lobbying politicians to continue sup- to world-class professors and advanced pact on the meaning of the text,” he said. who is overseeing the YU high schools, porting foreign aid grants to Israel. ideas. The Senior Fellowship, now in its Current fellow Doni Schwartz has and YUHSG Assistant Principal Rabbi “After our informational session fourth year, takes advantage of the high thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of his Seth Grauer, Abbe got in touch with the with the students, they clearly felt the school’s physical and institutional prox- fellowship year. Working with physics Yeshiva University Political Action Com- need to get involved,” said Muskin. “They imity to Yeshiva College by pairing the professor Dr. Fredy Zypman, Schwartz mittee (YUPAC) and arranged for three loved the empowering idea that they students with YU faculty to conduct is researching aspects of the Eherenfest representatives from Stern College for could influence policy. This club will thorough research in a variety of fields. Urn Model that are useful in the study of Women to offer an informational session certainly help further their activism “We wanted to create a win-win thermalization (heat transfer). on the PA statehood bid a day before it when they make it to a college campus.” for both YUHSB and YU,” said Dr. Ed “Since my introduction to physics occurred at the UN. In early November, Abbe and Fis- Berliner, a clinical professor of physics last year with Dr. Berliner, I have been Following the presentation by vice chman attended AIPAC’s Schusterman at Yeshiva College who teaches physics enamored with the subject,” he said. “I president of YUPAC and AIPAC Cam- Advocacy Institute High School Summit, at YUHSB and directs the Senior Fel- am hoping to pursue this field well into pus Liaison Dina Muskin, YUPAC Cam- a three-day conference for Jewish high lowship program. “For YU, it is an op- my college years. This was a rare oppor- pus Engagement Coordinator Tamar school students from public and private portunity to expose our most impressive tunity for a high school student and I am Schwarzbard and YUHSG alumna and schools across the country. students to the high caliber YU educa- honored to have been chosen for it.” n

Alumni Offer Insight Into Religious Observance in the Workplace

September event on the Wilf Campus was does not wear a yarmulke to work, but has Rabbi Yona Reiss, dean of YU’s Rabbi titled “Being Orthodox in an Unorthodox witnessed such a surge in younger col- Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary World.” It featured YU alumni employed leagues wearing one that he is consider- shared some of his experiences working by some of the most prestigious law firms, ing doing so as well. A female executive in a Wall Street law firm. He related how investment banks and accounting firms spoke about hair coverings for women, his firm had a tradition that all newcom- in the city, including Citigroup, Gold- stressing the importance of feeling com- ers dress as elves and hand out gifts to the man Sachs, JPMorganChase, Pricewater- fortable while looking professional and other employees. Uncomfortable with houseCoopers and Proskauer Rose LLP. explaining that wigs serve this purpose this, he decided to dress as a Maccabee in- “Tonight, we began the process of best. stead, to the delight of his coworkers. preparing our students for challenges From wardrobe issues, the conver- “Being open about observance cre- they will face in the secular world and sation moved to proper etiquette in at- ates a reminder to yourself and expecta- Howard Wietschner ’88YC, head of the Hedge then gave them the tools, resources and tending a business lunch at a non–kosher tions in the case of others that you have a Fund Industry Group at Goldman Sachs, speaks support to determine how to handle these eatery. Advice ranged from ordering fruit right and a responsibility to be different,” to a student at the CDC event scenarios,” said Laurie Davis, director of platters to respectfully recommending a said Rabbi Reiss. counseling and programming at the Ca- reasonably priced kosher option. “I have heard many stories about ndergraduates heard career advice reer Development Center (CDC), which Challenges involving leaving early problems that can arise if you want to live from their predecessors—a cadre sponsored the event. on winter Fridays to make it home before an observant lifestyle in the corporate Uof some of Yeshiva University’s The gathering was part of a renewed Shabbat, and taking off on Jewish holi- world,” said Benjamin Rosenberg ’11SB. most accomplished alumni profession- effort by YU to prepare students for life days, garnered significant attention. The “I came looking for advice and now that als—who addressed real–world issues after college through a variety of informa- presenters stressed that while most su- I heard these interesting stories, I better faced by many Torah–observant indi- tional sessions covering a host of topics. periors would understand, leniency must know what to expect when interviewing viduals upon joining the workforce. The One alumnus commented that he never be taken advantage of. for a job.” n

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Annual Dinner ç Continued from Page 1

“He was a beacon of light … and we look to Women student studying journalism, these students to be the bright lights and whose writing has been published around leaders of the future.” the world. A participant in the Center for Senator Gillibrand—a member of the the Jewish Future’s Counterpoint out- Senate’s Armed Services Committee— reach program in the Ukraine, she is also passionately emphasized her unwavering active in YU’s political science club and support for the state of Israel and reaf- Israel advocacy. firmed its right to self-defense. “The only • Rabbi Reuven Brand, an alumnus of Ye- path to lasting peace is through direct shiva College, Azrieli Graduate School of negotiations at the negotiating table, and Jewish Education and Administration not through preconditions,” she said. and the Wexner Kollel Elyon of the Rabbi The senator also shared a personal Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. anecdote about her trip to the rocket-rid- den town of Sderot, where she witnessed Israeli parents sending their children to school in fortified daycare centers and sleeping in bomb shelters, a daily routine which she described as “unimaginable.” The convocation and dinner—the Members of the YU administration and University’s main annual fundraising honorary degree recipients convene at the event—drew more than 600 of the re- annual convocation. gion’s leading Jewish philanthropists Back row (l-r) Lance Hirt, dinner chairman and community leaders and raised over and member, Yeshiva University Board of $4 million. Past speakers at the black-tie Trustees; Ira Mitzner, honoree and member, Board of Trustees; Dr. Henry Kressel, chairman, gala have included Newark, NJ Mayor Board of Trustees; Philip Friedman, honoree Cory Booker, Secretary of State Hillary and member, Board of Trustees; Dr. Felix L. Rodham Clinton (then senator), Sena- Glaubach, convocation chairman and member, tor John McCain, New York City Mayor Board of Trustees Michael Bloomberg and Vice President Al Front row (l-r) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Gore. honoree and keynote speaker; Yeshiva During the dinner, President Joel University President Richard M. Joel; Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, chancellor; Stephen B. also recognized eight Points of Lights— The YStuds, a Yeshiva College a cappella group, perform for YU President Richard M. Joel and U.S. Siegel, honoree and honorary member of the people who exemplify the mission of Ye- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand before the dinner Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Board shiva University—calling each one up to of Overseers light a candle on a symbolic menorah. He now leads YU’s Torah MiTzion Kollel former president of Boca Raton Syna- in Chicago and also founded Lman Achai, gogue, he also runs a charity founda- health workers to provide them with a THE POINTS OF LIGHTS INCLUDED: a student organization dedicated to the tion, providing scholarships to deserving medical education. • Yair Saperstein and Menachem Spira, needs of Jews in Israel. students. • Jennifer MacLean, a student at Car- two award-winning Yeshiva College sci- • Joseph “JB” Bensmihen, a Yeshiva Col- • Heather Wright Bliss, a student pursu- dozo, whose work for the Innocence Proj- ence students, who, in addition to their lege and Wurzweiler School of Social ing a PhD at Wurzweiler, who overcame ect helped exonerate a jailed man who extracurricular involvement in musical Work alumnus recently appointed to the a cancer diagnosis and now channels her had been wrongly convicted of a rape pursuits, debate clubs, journal publica- Yeshiva College Board of Overseers. Born skills toward helping children in the fos- and murder and sentenced to 80 years in tions and outreach to disabled children, with spastic cerebral palsy, he overcame ter care system. prison. began a program called START Science, a doctor’s prognosis that he would be un- • Daniel O’Neil, a student at YU’s Albert Concluding the lighting ceremony, in which YU students volunteer to teach able to walk, and operates Boca Home Einstein College of Medicine, who dedi- President Joel paid tribute to the honor- science in local public schools. Care, a Medicare-certified home health cates his time to working with disadvan- ees: “May their flames grow and may we • Avital Chizhik, a Stern College for agency in Florida. A father of four and a taged populations in Uganda and training continue to bask in their light.” n

Leadership and Longevityç Continued from Page 1 their coach, and upon learning that Camp Raleigh, a summer camp where display was unveiled. It featured captains’ other schools did so, I felt that it was Halpert was a head counselor, and names, photos and bios; a message from time for YU to do the same.” later as a student at MTA, where Coach Halpert; and documentation of the So far, more than $150,000 has Halpert coached basketball before history of the team. The display is now been raised from alumni, many of moving to the university level. mounted on the wall just outside the whom are still close to Coach Halpert “Coach Halpert was really an Melvin Furst Gymnasium in the Max decades after graduation. They recall early mentor in my life, and today, if Stern Athletic Center. Shabsi Schreier their time spent under his tutelage as there are about five people who I try ’YC85, a Macs captain from 1983–85, gen- years that truly helped shape their to model my character and values on, erously underwrote the gift. lives. he is one of them,” said Hoenig. “He The Dec. 18 game also served as the Daniel Aaron ’94YC of Hewlett, has an amazing blend of passionate official launch of the scholarship cam- NY, recalls the years he played (’90- competitiveness, tempered with ab- paign, a major component of the gift to ’94) as a golden age in YU basketball, solute integrity.” honor the Coach. where games were packed every night On Dec. 18, alumni brought their All contributions to the scholarship and a strong bond was felt between families to the Wilf Campus to cheer fund will be recognized in a Scroll of team members. From Coach Halpert, Coach Halpert was back in action on the basketball on the Macs as they played against St. Honor that will be displayed on a large he remembers learning to always be- court Dec. 18, as former players and their family Joseph’s College as part of Alumni screen at the dedication and ribbon- have with dignity. “Many of us had members looked on Day. Before the game, children par- cutting ceremony for the court on April success on the basketball team and ticipated in mini tournaments with 29. At Coach Halpert’s request, the schol- within school and there was definitely the tive person, the coach always behaved team players, followed by a buffet-style arship will be awarded to children of YU potential for it to go to our heads,” re- like a mensch and it is this trait that de- lunch where a new documentary called alumni living in Israel who wish to study called Aaron. “Coach Halpert really im- fines him more than anything else.” The History of the Macs was screened. at Yeshiva College, and who meet the pressed upon us that you always have to Mark Hoenig ’74YUHS, ’78YC had After lunch, the game began; at halftime a University’s scholarship requirements. n remember who you are and that it’s the privilege of playing with Halpert lon- tribute was paid to past team captains in

Yeshiva, and Judaism, that you are repre- ger than most other Maccabees. He first the audience. k To watch a brief video history of the Maccabees, senting. Despite being a fiercely competi- became acquainted with the coach at Prior to the game, a new interactive please visit yu.edu/macsvideo

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Institute for University-School Partnership Unites Educators

host of new forums to unite Jew- That focus on technology is also ish educators across the country evident in the institute’s development of Ais being spearheaded by Yeshiva MaDYK (Mivchan Dinami shel Y’cholot University’s Institute for University- Kriah), a set of screening tools that test School Partnership, with a focus on Hebrew literacy skills of first and second technology and online tools, as well as graders. Based on DIBELS (Dynamic In- collaboration between schools. dicators of Basic Early Language Skills), On a national level, the effort began a dynamic assessment of English literacy, with the North American Jewish Day MaDYK allows for early monitoring of School Conference, a gathering of more Hebrew reading skills so teachers can than 600 school leaders in Atlanta, GA assist struggling students faster. “The on Jan. 15-17. The conference, now in its goal is prevention and early interven- third year, focused on “Current Land- tion rather than remediation,” said Dr. scapes—Changing Horizons.” Drawing Elana Weinberger, who directs the pro- together Conservative, Reform, com- gram. “Our vision is for MaDYK to be- munity and Modern Orthodox school come common practice in all Jewish day networks, workshops addressed issues schools so that all students can receive including 21st-century skills, reimagin- Programs run by the Institute for University-School Partnership aim to help educators provide a the interventions they need.” ing and sustaining day schools, and inno- better learning experience for their students She added that the absence of such a vations in Jewish education. One-on-one standardized tool has been felt in the ed- consultations tackled challenges unique isolated from their colleagues because of of professionals who come together to ucational community and administrators to each group. time constraints and politics,” explained learn how to improve the institutions find MaDYK to be a welcome addition. “Fields are built on collaboration; Dr. Dina Rabhan, the institute’s director they work in,” said Dr. Naava Frank, the Currently in 18 schools nationwide, plans not by individuals but by networks,” of recruitment, placement and induction. YU-School Partnership’s director of con- are in the works to expand MaDYK for said Dr. Scott Goldberg, director of the “A cohesive group emerges from each tinuing education and professional de- kindergartners and students in the third YU-School Partnership. “So too with conference, with a profound appreciation velopment. “The idea is that people have grade and beyond. learning in 21st-century classrooms and for the struggles they share and a recog- access to the community 24 hours a day “It’s about sharing knowledge and schools. The conference advances the nition that reflecting on their practice so they can ask questions, share their ex- resources and finding ways to partner field of Jewish education through col- with colleagues leads to improving lead- periences, and look back on an archive of together,” said Elysia Stein, director of laboration and learning through the con- ership.” collected conversations to see how others operations at the YU-School Partner- vening of people with a shared purpose.” With the help of modern technol- have dealt with challenges in the past.” ship. “In 2011, everyone in the field is feel- The School Partnership is also con- ogy, the YU-School Partnership is de- Topics vary from support for new ing this push for collaboration. Having necting professionals with that sense termined to expand that network of teachers or mental health profession- schools come together and establish con- of shared purpose on a smaller scale. collaborative relationships around the als in schools to educators interested in nections between one another can only Cohorts, or Critical Friends groups, of globe, Online topic-driven forums serve developing online Judaic learning. An benefit each institution.” n school administrators meet to provide as discussion boards and think tanks for expert in the field facilitates each com- k Find out more about what the YU Institute of feedback and expand their thinking on educators and student services staff. munity and Frank estimates that close to University-School Partnership at www.yuschoolpartner- critical issues. “School leaders are often “A community of practice is a group 1,000 people are involved. ship.org and follow them on Twitter @yuschoolpartner

Once Upon A Time: Festival of Jewish Folktales Honors YU’s Peninnah Schram

Stern College for 42 years—work to en- said Ben-Amos. “In that sense, storytell- The festival culminated with a sure that true communication does not ers like Peninnah are drawing upon a tra- heartfelt performance from Schram become a lost art, but continues to involve dition that is dynamic, classical, and an herself, as she shared the complex re- words, heart and soul.” influence on world literature. It’s a real lationship that she, her grandparents, The conference featured storytell- pleasure to celebrate the contribution parents and children have with Israel in ing legends such as Dr. Dan Ben-Amos, Peninnah has made in oral and written a piece called “Five Generations Rooted professor of folklore and Near Eastern storytelling—she is a pioneer in the field.” in Israel.” She was also presented with an studies at the University of Pennsylvania “Folktales are an essential part of honorary volume of collected folktales— and editor of the major series Folktales of Judaism because of the way we tell our- Mitzvah Stories: Seeds for Inspiration the Jews; Rabbi Saul Berman, professor selves about our past determining our fu- and Learning. Published by Reclaiming of Jewish studies at Stern College and an ture,” said Dr. Steven Fine, director of the Judaism Press and dedicated to Schram, inaugural fellow of the Tikvah Center Center for Israel Studies. “Bringing this the book contains 60 original stories by Professor Peninnah Schram for Law and Jewish Civilization at New element of the mesorah [transmission of professional storytellers, members of the York University Law School; and Ellen tradition] to life is what YU is all about.” rabbinate, and others. rofessional storytellers, students, Frankel, former CEO and editor-in-chief Schram’s colleagues and former stu- “This is better than an Oscar,” said academics and members of the of the Jewish Publication Society. Stern dents also spoke about her influence in Schram, who is a recipient of the Cov- Ppublic gathered at the Yeshiva Uni- College for Women, the YU Museum and their own development as storytellers. enant Award for Outstanding Jewish versity Museum in early November 2011 the American Zionist Movement were For Yaelle Frohlich, a former student Education and the National Storytelling to share tales rich with tradition, per- co-sponsors. of Schram’s at Stern who is currently pur- Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award. sonal meaning and religious discovery In addition to keynote lectures that suing a master’s degree at YU’s Bernard “An Oscar stays behind glass but this during “Folktales of Israel: A Festival of highlighted the role of storytelling in Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, book is a living document with never- Jewish Storytelling Honoring Professor Jewish education and tradition, perfor- the festival was an opportunity to cel- before-told stories centered around mitz- Peninnah Schram,” organized by YU’s mances explored tales that ran the gamut ebrate a mentor and to delve deeper into vot—you can dive right in.” Center for Israel Studies. from a legend about the staff of Elijah to a a field that has fascinated her since child- She added: “It’s up to each of us to “So much of the story of the Jewish young woman’s emotional first journey to hood. “I came as a fan of Professor Sch- take these stories in our rich Jewish rep- people is feeling and sharing the warmth the Western Wall. ram’s, but also because I have a special ertoire and transmit them to the next of our tradition,” said YU President “Jewish tradition, being part of oral love of Jewish folklore,” she said. “The generation. We must wear the mantle of Richard M. Joel. “People like Peninnah world literature, contains the jewels and chance to hear about it from an academic responsibility to perpetuate the Jewish Schram—who has been here with us at the core of oral traditions the world over,” perspective was too good to miss.” oral tradition.” n

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YU Students Initiate Positive Change in the Heights

college opportunities and career paths, College EDge “It is incredibly important to be involved in commu- works with numerous YU departments including the nity service both inside and outside the Jewish commu- Career Development Center and the Writing Center, and nity,” said Adam Berman, a former head of the Heights runs an annual fair and seminar that helps prepare pub- Initiative who currently serves as a mentor. “This is es- lic school students for college. It drew 77 students from pecially imperative when we live in a community that Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx last year. is not predominately Jewish. With that perspective in “We help students get the edge they need on their mind, I think that it is crucial that we do our best to make college education, both by exciting them about the pros- a positive contribution to our local neighborhood in any pect of attending college, and helping them achieve that way we can.” goal,” explained Jonah Rubin, the program’s president. The Heights Initiative runs a fair every semester for In March 2011, the New York City Council’s Black, YU students to learn how to become involved in the vari- Latino and Asian Caucus awarded an $8,000 grant to the ous outreach opportunities. YU students teach in local public shools as part of the START Heights Initiative to help fund their community service “Above all else, the Heights Initiative serves as a Science program projects. social-action think-tank, empowering our creative stu- Other groups that are overseen by the Heights Ini- dent leaders to make truly meaningful contributions to eshiva University students partaking in the tiative include YU Bridgers, where students run across the Washington Heights community,” said Berman. Heights Initiative are mentoring their peers the George Washington Bridge to clean it; Project According to faculty mentor Dr. Gabriel Cwilich, Yin public schools in the Washington Heights START (Students, Teachers, and Researchers Teach) associate professor of physics and the director of the community. With well over 100 participants this year, it Science, in which students and professors from YU Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program, the YU is one of the fastest growing student-run organizations design and teach science lessons in a local public school; community is benefitting from these interactions as in YU. a bone marrow drive targeting eligible donors in the well. “I love when the YU students help out the sur- College EDge is one of a number of successful stu- Hispanic community; and a business initiative to help rounding community, but what is just as important is dent-run programs operating under the Heights Initia- local merchants improve their enterprises and increase that we learn from [them] and bring those skills into our tive. Founded to educate public school students about revenue. own community,” he said. n

YU President Richard M. Joel presents a plaque to Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, the Rabbi Henoch and Sarah D. Berman Professor of Talmud at YU’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, who was honored at the RIETS annual dinner in November, along with Dorothy and Rabbi Julius Berman, chairman of the YU students gathered in September at the United Nations’ Dag Hammarskjold Plaza to protest Durban III, the UN’s controversial board at RIETS conference on racism

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