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December 28, 1999/19 Tcl'tll 5760 Thti Official Newspaper of Yeshiva College Volume UIV Issue 6 UNIVERSITY PAYS COMMENTATOR IN CENSORSHIP CASE BY AARON KLEIN stating that the University will not discarded all copies of the newspa­ AND ALEX TRAIMAN again "remove or dispose of issues pers in preparation forevents that of The Commentator." were open to the public, including As reported in The New York These events come after a speeches by former Prime Minister Times, US News and World Report, month-and-a-half rampage by the Benjamin Netanyahu and and other internationalmedia, the Yeshiva administration to confis­ Reverend Jesse Jackson, as well Yeshiva University administration cate the printed editions of the Open House programs forperspec­ last week paid the governing feisty student newspaper of tive students. board of The Commentator Yeshiva College. During that time, On November 23, Governing $1,850.00 for newspapers allegedly administrators stated publicly their Board members of The confiscated by members of unease with several articles Commentator contacted Assistant Facilities Management at the direc­ appearing in recent Commentator Director of Facilities Management, tive of high-level University admin­ additions. The most notable article Paula Bomzer regarding what was istrators. The administration issued questioned the intentions of the deemed "a continued illegal and a signed letter, serving as contract, President's office in using an $8 immoral practice on the part of the million donation. University." Mrs. Bomzer guaran­ The Yeshiva administration has teed that the newspapers would State Board Member Questions allegedly maintained a long history no longer be removed for any rea­ of attempting to silence the stu­ son. Removal of Yeshiva Newspapers dent publications, however the Yet, on November 30, when the BY AARON KLEIN copies of The Commentator during tents. In attendance were Dr. newspaper removals intensified N.Y.P.D. held a meeting downtown public events. Sheldon Socol, Vice President for this year when employees of continued on page 10 On Tuesday, December 21, the Harold Cohen, a member of the Business Affairs, Dr. Morton Facilities Management reportedly Yeshiva administration received a Board of Regents and Chairman of Lowengrub, Vice President for letter from Harold Levy, one of The Higher and Professional Academic Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey University Dean of Students fourteenmembers of the New York Education Committee, explained Rosengarten, Director of State Board of Regents, asking that that the letter was sent by Levy as a Supporting Service Administration the university explain its reported private citizen concerned about and other high-level administra­ Announces Resignation silencing of student publications. possible censorship practices, and tors. Notably absent was Rabbi Dr. BY ALEX TRAIMAN The New York Board of Regents is was not sent by the Board of Norman Lamm, the person to the state entity responsible for ·Regents itself. Cohen said, "It is whom Levy reportedly addressed Dr. Efrem Nulman, University chartering all colleges within New possible that if the University does the letter. It was decided that Dean of Students, has announced York. not respond properly to Levy's let­ Yeshiva's General Council Martin H. his resignation from Yeshiva, after Although Levy would not com­ ter, he may bring the matter to the Bockstein, Esq. will be responding fifteen years of servingthe student ment on the content of his letter, attentionof the Board of Regents, on behalf of the University. body. Citing personal reasons as high level Yeshiva administrators but as of now, I believe Levy is act­ Cohen said that if a complaint the impetus for his decision, informed The Commentator that ing as a private individual." was brought to the Board of Nulman's departure will leave a siz­ the letter asked for an explanation Almost immediately following Regents by Levy, the Board would able void at the helm of the of published reports that the receipt of the letter,the University , visit the school to explore the mat­ Student Services Department. adininistrationhas been removing held a meeting to discuss its con- ter further, and could · then bring The resignation, effective June ------, the matterto the attention of the 30, 2000 should give the University Board of Higher Education, censure a significant span of time to find a Lowengrub Announces the school, abolish the Yeshiva suitable replacement. No formal find the appropriate compromise Administrative Board, or ultimately committee has yet to be formed, between student and administra­ "New Plan" to Raise remove the charter of the though it is anticipated a national tive wishes and demands. University. search committee will be created During his tenure at Yeshiva, The Board of Regents does not in the very near future. Nulman focusedhis efforts on cre­ Teachers' Salaries conductyearly reviews of universi­ A graduate of Queens College, ating a •warm and friendly atmos­ BY PINCHAS SHAPIRO pattern, explained one senior pro­ ties, but they do research all com­ Nulman then went on to receive a phere for students at Yeshiva." fessor. A representative of Yeshiva's plaints brought to their attention. doctorate in the field of psycholo­ When asked about his accomplish­ On September 14, 1999 over junior faculty further explained, The Commentator has not filed a gy. Nulman joined the ranks of the ments during his fifteenyear stay, r · thirty undergraduate faculty mem­ "That members of the faculty can complaint with the Board of Yeshiva administration in 1984 as Nulman stated "Who am I to judge bers sent a letter to Yeshiva write a letterto the president and Regents, but internal pressure from an Assistant to the Dean of accomplishments. If you want to University President, Rabbi Dr. not receive a response just shows Levy or pressure from the student Students. Slowly, Dr. Nulman know what I have accomplished, Norman Lamm expressing their how much we matterto the ivory newspaper would be enough to worked his way up the administra­ ask the students. It is their opin­ disappointment over what they tower." "It's not like we ever really warrant further Board investiga­ tive ladder, being named Associate ions that can determine my suc­ termed 'inadequate salary incre­ expected a response, we haven't tion. Dean of Students, Dean of cess here." ments.' Three months later, the received any in the past, why Cohen said, •For the University Students, and finally University Jonathan Mell, YCSC President professors claim they have yet to should this be any different/ to intrude on itsown newspaper is Dean of Students, the title he car­ stated of Nulman, "His accomplish­ receive a response from the univer­ echoed another tenured professor. wrong. Thisparticular case seems ries today. ments are immeasurable. He was sity president. Rabbi Lamm was unavailable to reflect improper behavior on As University Dean, Nulman always there to help the students The problem of teacher salaries to comrnent on the letter or the behalf of the administration. I am a served as the highest ranking wheneverthere was a problem. The has existed for some time and remarks made by members of strong advocate of freedom of 'intermediary' between the stu­ student bodywill certainlymiss him.n prospects for considerable raises speech, it's a partof what a univer­ dent body and the administration, continued on page 19 seem to follow a disheartening sity is and should be: often working incredibly hard· to continued on page 16 . "''Can?you· ·· • ii,a��-alittl� · Tzecl'aka?i'; ,,rii�fit "'---':;·!� .... December 28, 1999 Page 2 ------�jwww.vuc0MMENTAT01.co•�1------SwiftAdmini strative Action The confiscation of newspapers Is an Issue which has been felt on many cqllege campuses across the country this year. At Yeshiva, this removal of E-Mail: [email protected]. Commentators had been a source of contention between students and admin­ Telephone/Fax: (212) 928-8637. istration for years. Fortunately, today students, faculty,alumni, parents, and ... An Independently operated student publication funded by the Yeshiva College Student distinguished guests can be fairly certain that as they arrive on campus, Council and published on a bi-weekly basis during the academic year. The views expressed In Commentators will be waiting there to greet them. the columns herein are those of the writers alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions It Is with this In mind that the Governing Board of The Commentator now of TheCommentator, the student body,the faculty,or the administration of Yeshiva University. thank the Yeshiva Administration, particularly University Dean of Students Dr. We do not necessarily endorse any of the products or services advertised In these pages. Efrem Nulman for acting swiftly and responsibly to ensure that Yeshiva's most Copyright t 999,Volume 64,The Comment ator. One Issue free, $1.00for each additional Issue. powerful student voice will now remain a priority In the eyes of the University. AARON KLEIN ALEX TRAIMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Praying for EPHRAIM SHAPIRO our Leaders WEBMASTER Israel Is set to begin a delicate peace negotiation with Syria at which dis­ JASON CYRULNIK PINCHAS SHAPIRO cussions will focus on the sensitive Golan Heights Issue. The Golan currently Is home to 18,000people In 33 settlements, and Is of great strategic import to NEWS EDITOR NEWS EDITOR Israel's defense. The Golan stands as a buffer to possible enemy lrwasion and •··· provides Israel with visual Intelligence on military movement In Syria and Iraq. The Golan also houses Israel's main water supply. YISHAI FLEISHER Duo, FEUER Regardless of which side one falls on the poUtical spe.ctrum, one must real� FORUM EDITOR SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR lze the magnitude of this moment as the results of negotiation will without a shadow of doubt affect our homeland, Israel, and the Middle East as a whole. ARI ELLENBERG In times such as these It is lncumt;>entupon every Jew to pray forour leaders LAYOUT EDITOR In order that they will make the right decision,with safety on their minds and G-d's will In their hearts. HADAR WEISS DAVID WALLACH COPY EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHYEDITOR MESSAGE FROM THE EDMUNDO ROSENBERG MARC SCHMERLER YCSC PRESIDENT BUSINESS EDITOR BUSINESS EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITORS Business David Swedarsky JON MELL Features Shmuli Singer Photography ZionOrent Spread _the News, YU is in NYII Sports Dorian Levy It wasn't long ago that I, fresh as ever from my year at an Israeli college, stepped foot on cam­ Greg Samuels pus. I remember my amazement at the girthof our Yeshiva, the appearanceof an actual quasi­ campus, which I never imagined; I was so veryhappy to walk from one building to the next. Even THE CoMMENTAT0R ONLINE: HTTP://WWW.\'UC0MMENTAT0R.C0M having to walk around the almost dead grassy patch outside of Rubin didn't bother me that much. However, despite my friend's Insistence that we were "going to spend three years in the Associated .:,P'' ,. American ,.... I O ... , greatest city In the state!" I refused to accept that we were actually part of the city, especially Collegiate ' Jewish Press once I got there. . ·· . � 1 He brought evidence-from the MTA, not to be confused with TMSTA ("We're still part of Press ... :»--'··� Association ,,�-o., Manhattan,") while I gave more visual proof ("Yeah, but the little map In the cabs doesn't show detail of Washington Heights, as it does the rest of the city"). He said, "People near VU vote for Manhattanoffices," but I responded,"So what? We're just so far from the action. We Special thanks to YCSCSC, BMPSC, IBCSC, JSSSC and SOY, may as well be in the Bronx!" for sponsoring Rabbi Hanoch Teller. It wasan amazing event. But this past week, as I was walking down 5th Avenue and 42nd street, I finally felt some­ .... A special thanks to Aryeh Goldbergfor all hisefforts. thing different. Although I'm from South Africa, Los Angeles, and most recently,Washington -Rabbi Marc Spivak and the Shabbat Enhancement Committee. Heights,which explains much about my personality, I finally felt a genuine heartstrings con­ nection to New York City. I'll admit, It may have something to do with the beauty of the city that emerges during this (forus, post) holiday season, but I still comfortablystrolled through Rockefeller Center without the gaze of a tourist, shopped on Madison Avenue less the aston­ ishment of a foreigner,and I even ate at a popular steakhouse near Broadway lacking the · wonder of a •west-Coaster" (where there are fewer kosher restaurants). None of this Is to say that I am without the love - or even with less love - of this city than before my newfot,1nd sentiment of residency. In fact, quite the opposite: Once I've ·gotten past those na'ive barriers, the deep beauty, culture, and warmth of Manhattanemerges. But, more importantly,what I declare Is the true,real, actual,genuine, honest,absolute, def­ inite, connection between Yeshiva University and the City of New York. Folks, our campus LINE STARTS· HEBE· may be placed In Washington Heights, but we detract from much of our potential college experience when we separate ourselves - even begrudgingly - from the rest of our home­ town. Even the U.S. News· university rankings placed us on the cover as one of three •colleges In [the New York City]Area.• Rather than focuson the importanceof •declarlng•vu as residing in NY, I say we need to focus on �aklng more from •the city thatnever sleeps." Take a lookin the past few course cat­ alogs: History of New York City; Architecture In New York; Halacha in New York; ArtIn New York; and Evolution of thy Skyscraper (ostensibly dealing primarily with Skyscrapers). I know, I know: It's far, so very very far, it's a hassle, a bother,a nuisance, It takes time to go down,·there. But we're not more than twentyminutes from a popular museum, a hit.show, a comfortablemovie theater,Teaneck, or a female Jewish college. The BD shuttles,the A train, the 1/9 train, or even, yes, Family San Juan, can take each and everyone to probe new parts of the City or even the world. And,although, New York Is, I Insist,our home, try to come out, and see It like a tourist. When was the last time you went to a museum? (We have a museum on campus, and I have never been there.) There Is absolutely a museum for whatever one's interest (even a museum of tele­ vision and radio broadcasting). Have many of us purchased student price tickets for events at Lincoln Center, the 92nd Street V or the Cloisters? Probably not, yet these are experiences that are •uniquely New York.• And I don't use that phrase lightly, as do many designers (see Donna Karan, Kenneth Cole, Richard Sleger,To Boot,Kate Spade)• ... So, come out therel And If you find yourselves admiring the rubber Mickey Mouse dolls dressed as the Statue of Liberty;or wearing Items that say, •1 LOVE NY,"or ogling the inter­ esting and thought provoking crowds In Times Square, don't worry, •• Just say no and go and· Yeshiva Introduces tell someone you really trust. Think of It as hometown-pride! And, don't be surprised If you 'Online'Registration hear a,"What are you looking at?• 19 Tevet 5760 Page 3 ------�lw w w.vucoMMENTATOR.coM�I ------

FR OM TH E MESSA GE FR OM TH E EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SOY PRESIDENT AA-HON KL EIN ATON HOLZEH We soon will enter the weeks known as sh'nei anashim nitzim, the two fighting Message In A Time Capsule "shovevim-tar'; in a Jewish leap year, the men, remain nameless, as do the eight weeks spanning parshiyot shemot to mekoshesh, the megadef, and other Jewish TheCo mmentator I offerthis message to all those browsing archives in hopes of discerning tetzaveh are demarcated, according to the sinners. The Torah refuses to report their the quality of life at Yeshiva University right before the turn of the Millennium. disciples of the ArlZal (R. Isaac Luria), as Identities, even when that omission might In writing this column, I try to gain some perspective on things, attempting to look with a dis­ days of introspection and repentance gen­ obscure thematic unity. Perhaps most bla­ tance at the people and places of this year,fro zen In event and memory, calcified and motionless erally, and as days of atonement forsins of tant is the use of "pelonl almoni" in Ruth to in a grand chronology that starts In August and ends for now in the month of January. Just as I self-defilement in particular. The cycle of conceal the true name of the reluctant . think I reach the summit of this metaphorical hill, as I begin to conceptualize some understanding sin, repentance and acceptance for the redeemer. Elisha Ben Avuyah, the proto­ of recent events, I Immediately realize that I cannot write an objective analysis of life at Yeshiva. I typical learned apikores, is known simply can only offer views colored by personal experience and tainted by innate predisposition. future parallels the cycle of slavery, redemption and acceptance of the Torah as Acher, 'the other.' The Talmud and our . Life has been Interesting since assuming the reigns of TheCommentator. . I've felt like an parshlyot.. bein energetic character trapped in a soap opera (a censored Melrose Place), immersed in a cease­ in these Sins committed liturgy omit or cloak the role of the less flow of melodramatic events that would be entertaining if I were watching them on screen, adam /e-atzmo, between man and himself, mityavnim in the Chanukah story; tradi­ and not living them on an imperceptible stage. are seen as the root of all other sins, and tional sources conceal the identities of our I have had the privilege of involving myself this year with the inner workings of Yeshiva, and the rites of shovavim-tat are designed to corrupt coreligionists. In the process I've forged a relationship of Infinite and timeless value with a school that contin­ strike at that root. R. Yekutiel Yehudah But beyond a grudging civility lies a ues to exemplifyitself as an outstanding center for personal growth andmaturation. I think I Halberstam of Klausenburg identifies that greater challenge: chakhamim hizaharu have also seen a side to Yeshiva that had been previously described by others - only I didn't root as ga'avah, arrogance; shovevim-tat be-divreikhem. As representatives of believe In its existence until I unsuspectedly found myself standing at its core. therefore calls for bittu/ ha-yesh, negating Halakhic Judaism, we must be diplomats I will never forget the departing words of my predecessor, Mordechai Fishman, who wrote the self, physically (through fasting and all, measuring our every word. Every pub­ in his last column as editor-in-chief,"lndividuals that I had the highest respect for, I can no longer self-deprivation) as well as emotionally lic or private pronouncement must be the stomach, having seen them for what they truly are." When r read it last year, those particular and spiritually. proverbial davar dabur al ofanav. Our words struck me as exaggerated, cynical and sensationalistic. Surely he was not being serious, Perhaps there has been no year in words and deeds should draw outsiders in I thought. He was obviously brainwashed by TheCo mmentator's constant assertion that evil which this message has been more mean­ by showcasing our values and our ahavat lurks within the gloomy depths of administrative offices. ingful than ours. The public affairs of the Yisrael. Tolerance is insufficient; treating All I will say is that I now understand Fishman's words. But I am proud to report that the Jewish community of late have been no one with disdain is only a good start. tables have somewhat turned since Fishman's days. It seems as though the students are now marred by an air of self-defiling arrogance; Shovevim-tat coincides this year with the taking charge, becoming more active and less forgiving. And this is frightening to some mem­ prominent leaders from across the reli­ beginning of winter vacation, when our bers of the administration, who have pathetically attempted to retaliate because they are no gious spectrum attack· leaders of other change of pace and location generally longer able to implement the authoritarian practices that have over the years become silent synagogues or denominations ad allows forint rospection and self-improve­ tradition. hominem, and rancor and acrimony domi· ment. Let us take a permanent vacation Student activism has recently produced much change. The administration attempted to nate public and private discourse. Perhaps from old ways of behaving and return to silence student publications, and as a result their actions were reportedin international media, the age of chutzpahyasgei has arrived, the Yeshiva re-committed not only to shemirat causing members of the Board of Regents to demand an explanation. I think it's now safe to period in which brazenness dominates as Torah u-mitzvot, but also to a more power­ say that our papers will not again be removed under this Commentator regime. the tool of choice for winning over hearts ful expression of love and invitation for all The University was allegedly attempting to use a donation,delineated for Torah purposes, to and resources. Even at home, we have at Jews; ve-nimtza shem shamayim mitkadesh construct a faculty officebuilding. Student activism has ensured that plans are now underway times allowed passion to dictate our a/yadeinu. fora fullTorah Technology Center. actions. We fail to temper our tempers, Hakaras HaTov to my A-men - Aryeh The administration last year announced that it will be closing The Marsha Stern Talmudic defiling ourselves with the eish zarah that Morris, Adam Scheier, Avi Oppenheimer Academy (MTA), leading to immediate student protest and newspaper coverage. With this stu­ we allow to burn and flare against others and Amichai Erdfarb; to Amichai and dent intervention, MTA now stands proudly among the finestYeshiva high schools in the coun­ in our haste. Simcha Goldstein (Seforim), Ben Skydell try,and all strategies to close the school have been officiallytermina ted. Shovevim-tat urges us to tone down the and Azik Schwechter (Cholent), David Student protest has also led to the installation of speed bumps on Amsterdam Avenue, as rhetoric, to abandon old habits and rebuild Regev (Hamin), Moshe Farkash well as the removal of a fence and "Keep of the Grass" signs that had previously graced the ourselves from the inside out. We begin at Dancziger Quadrangle. (Refreshments), Ezra Starr, Ephraim Shapiro The students continue to voice their opinions and demand that their rights be granted In the core, struggling to replace our proclivi­ and Jonathan Strauss (Publicity), Jonathan full. Effortsfor a student speaker at graduation have been initiated. Requests.for a broader ty toward pursuit of self-interest with Gross and Donny Rose (Bagels), Chaim range of courses have been made. Demands that our professors receive immediate salary rais­ greater hesed, to tern perour expressions of Strauchler (Mima'amakim Journal), Ben es have been heard by the previously unresponsive administration. anger and dismay - our "semol dokhah" - Breda (SOY Chesed Club) and Jeremy And so I watch In amusement as Yeshiva continues to undergo change, not radical change, with expressions of love and openness - Frenkel (SOY-Yad Ozer Tzedakah but gradual change, like the erosion of high rock during spring tides. A kind of revolution hides our"yemin mekarevet." We struggle, for our Committee). Special thanks to Rabbi Eitan beneath the shadows of Yeshiva's stern buildings - unspoken, Inchoate, but present nonethe­ own sakes and theirs, to be at least civil Mayer, Rabbi Daniel Reifman, Uri Goldstein, less. There Is no widespread denunciation of the old values, but the erosion of these same val- toward those with whom we differ. David Polsky, Jason Leib, Jeff Bander, ues is already irreparable. Civility is, indeed, a Torah value. Yehuda Balsam and Mark Rozenberg, and For three years, I have beenpart of this institution and have seen it grow more tolerant of stu­ Derakheha darkhei no'am: pleasantness is to my colleagues, Scott Nadel (BMP), Eric dent activism as the past slowly crumbles and the old ways bum out In a final paroxysm of sput­ the hallmark of the path ofTorah Judaism. Schubert (IBC), Fred Kreizman (JSS) and tering paralysisand rage. Out of the fumes rises a new generation with differing values and Ide­ Hevel mekabel et kol ha-adam be-sever Shlomit Zauderer (TAC) who collaborated ologies. Yeshiva still retains its die-hardsand single-minded administrators, but they grow older panim yafot: greet each person with a to produce the beautiful Chanukah sheet, and crankierwith each passing day. Nature will soon take its course, and as their time unavoidably pleasant demeanor. De-alakh sani le-chav­ as well as to Th e Commentator, Andrew approaches, an entire council of Yeshiva administratorswill be silenced and not heard fromagain. erakh la ta'avld: do not do unto others that Leibowitz, the Offices of Student Services For now, though, these centenarians are simply soldiers of a rear guard,captalns of a doomed army which you dislike. The ma/bin p'nei and Facilities Management, Deans Nu Iman retreating through the snow, grumpy men who refuseto accept a new sun rising out of strange chaveiro be-rabbim, who 'whitens his and Himber, and Jeffreys Rosengarten and waters. Theworld Is not the same anymore, and I know that it must be scary for them. friend's face publicly,' is on par with a mur­ Socol. Our utmost thanks to Rav Lamm, I will continue to bear witness as the eyes of Yeshiva turn with excruciating reluctance derer and forfeits his portion in the world Rav Bednarsh, Rav Berman, Rav Blau, Rav toward a more active flow. These eyes seem a bit brighter and less clouded, and it will be inter­ to come. Some of the most potent affirma­ Bronstein, Rav Charlop, Rav Cohen, Rav esting to see where they lead us. tions of menschlichkeit arise from the Kahn, Rav Reichman, Rav Rosensweig, Rav examples set by the Torah and Jewish tra­ Simon, Rav Taragin and Rav Willig, -rt-a�re. · s rno·r� ...-o dition Itself, which so often hides the paragons of personal piety who prompt us Russic:i 41-Fla.n VC>DKAIII names of sinners: In parashat shemot, the to persevere in our pursuit of perfection . WE WA NT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Now is your chance to freely and anonymously express your opinions on classes and professors you have taken .:::Tevvi.sh you"l"hs des ire "l"o explore "t'he.ir rich he.ri"t'age.. He.Ip -t-he.m by e:.n"l"ering 1"he:. Surf to the Pro--fessor Messaae Board YU.S.SR :C.SRAEL RAFFLE or discuss the mesorah issue and \Nin -t-vvo round-"l"rip "l"icke"1's "l"o ::r:srael . Spec ial .S"1'ude:.n"I" Ti c ke:."f" Prices!!! at the Mesorah Message Board $10/Ticke.'1" $25/3 Tic ke-t"s www.yucommentator.com e December 28, 1999 _P_a g_ _4------1l www.vuc0MMENTATOR.COMLI------

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City of Refuge The people who founded the state of Quick: what was Y.U.'s ranking in that Israel foresaw the profound need for a �H• j E PLJ',-,.-,1L U.S. News & World Report listing of best col­ homeland. Believing that the Jews would . .. leges? What was YU's ra nking last year? - ·· be safe only if protected by their own, they . ,. Vishai What's being done to improve our ranking J ws ,� / .' · • • set out to establish a haven for the � l • ... . next time around? If we just stay where from the persecutions of the galut (exile), . . Reisher we are, or, chalila vechas, move down a ' · However, their national aspirations did not is today, the founders of Yeshiva University notch or two, G-d help us all. Especially ably. Our acceptance rate was 79 percent emanate solely from defensive reasons. fo resaw the need for a Jewish university, whoever winds up with the blame. last year, according to the report. How Brotherhood, social unity, and a utopian one with the ability to provide the student Isn't this just a little ridiculous? can we make it higher without compro­ vision all propelled these pioneers along with a quality secular education while still The public relations department here mising the quality of everyone's experi­ their victorious path tothe dream. They fo l- staying true toTo rah values. The architects has done an outstanding job of spreading ence? lowed their classically Jewish instincts to of this dream realized that the Orthodox word of our national ranking to the four Memo to the administrative faculty at fo rm a tight-knit community which evolved Jew struggled in the face of assimilation corners of the earth, to the extent that YU: no one really cares about our national into a country. They believed this political and discrimination. They wanted to insu­ many people actually believe it's an ranking (except for you, of course). It's nice entity would eventually solidify into an late him from the seductive siren call of important piece of news. One wonders if to puff out your chest and say that you unbreakable stone, a cast-iron nation. American society while providing a refuge the administration makes a single decision attend or are employed by a top-tier uni­ And they succeeded. from the prejudices of the day. However, as anymore without the national ranking versity, but no one's world would come to The ingathering of the exiles began, and in Israel, the establishment of YU was not being taken into account. What do the an end if we were 444th instead of ,44th. Jews from the four corners of the Earth solely predicated on defensive reasoning, deans at Harvard eat for breakfast? Do we It's nothing more than a statistic, and sta­ converged in Palestine, the land of their rather, they too werearmed with an ideolo­ measure up? If not, how can we prevent tistics can be bent and twisted more ways forefathers. Quickly, their neighbors assem- gy and a positive vision. To rah U'Maddah others from finding out? than a yoga master. If we're truly a better bled against them and tried to destroy emerged as the new philosophy enabling Okay, so that's not what the ranking is college than what this particular poll indi­ them. But this newborn nation, armed with the Jew not merely to cope, but to thrive in based on. But it would be tragic for any cates, people will know, just as people idealism and a will to survive, fought with the modern world. Armed with the educa­ administrative action to be influenced by know enough to dispute all the other polls tenacity and miraculously overcame all tional philosophy of YU, he would enter the the consequences it might have in a mag­ and lists with which we are constantly pre­ odds. Soon after, they turned their atten- world as a strong religious man and an edu­ azine editor's estimation of our school. sented. You try to convince us that our col­ tion to productivity, and turned a waste- cated citizen of the modern era. We, the students and faculty, should be lege experience should not be about land into an Eden. They worked closely In all these endeavors Yeshiva University molding Yeshiva University to conform to grades and other superficialities, yet you together not only to cultivate the land, but has succeeded. our vision of what Yeshiva University place a neurotic's premium on your own to create the infrastructure of a vibrant, For years there was no alternative to this should be, not someone else's. form of grades. The hypocrisy of this is modern society. This was the generation of great school, for America had not yet mor­ Academic reputation is the most irrelevant to me; it's the ramifications that ideologues, the generation of emigres. phed into the philo-semitic and generally Important "measure of quality" according count. Their children, the first to be born in the tolerant society that we know today. to U.S. NfWS, a whopping 25 percent. This Going against what you feel is best _to new state, preoccupied with hostile neigh- However, due to this institution's fa r reach­ is based entirely on the opinions of offi­ satisfy the whims of a magazine is bors and the need to establish themselves, ing influence and the rise of the Jewish cials from other colleges, whose opinions self-destructive. We may rise from 44th to retained their parents' strong beliefs in the socio-economic condition, new alternatives are based on ...well, whore ally knows? Is 42nd, but is it worth what we may lose in importance of Jewish unity and the State began to appear. Now you could be a reli­ it really In our own best interests to live in the process, be it traditional Jewish values itself. This generation still had a singular gious Jew at Columbia or at Harvard and be a perpetual state of fear of what others or sheer integrity? These are the mea­ vision and a common goal to fight for. just as well off. The YU persona began to think of us? This has been a uniquely sures that. should ·matter most to us, A third generation was born unto them. question the worth of his Institution in Jewish problem for far too long, and has regardless of what criteria others may In contrast to their parents however, these comparison to the world-class facilities of never panned out for us anyway. deem most important, and only within children inherited an established state with the secular universities. The students who Student selectivity is worth another 15 these lines should we shape the rest of relatively safe borders. Thanks to their pre- chose to remain at Yeshiva University spent percent. Essentially, the better you are at our policies. decessors, they grew up without the hard- a large portion of their time complaining turning people down,the better you rank. . If others recognize Yeshiva's status in ships that their parents knew. Their reality about the many shortcomings of their Y.U. has long been known for. opening its the education world, by all means, be differed drastically from that of the school and the modern amenities they per­ doors to all jews, but the holy U.S. News & proud of it and let others know. But keep founders of the State and the people who ceived YU as lacking. Wo rld Report frowns on such benevolent it all within perspective; the national rank­ foughtfor its existence. The new genera- The post-YU persona emerged as a stu­ behavior. Better to thumb your nose in ing is an indication of Yeshiva's success, tion did not remember the tribulations of dent who did not remember the hardships the air, stuff your head with helium, and but by no means the ultimate indicator, their parents, nor could they imagine a of earlier times. Nor did he appreciate the let those who don't fit your vaulted stan­ nor an entirely accurate one. world without the country in which they significance of Torah U'Maddah ideals, for dards go to some "lesser" college. We take If you keep this in mind, we can truly had grown up. They looked around and they had so completely succeeded in the only the best. Frightening! The trend has reach the top and attain the highest stan­ saw nothing but a host of well-entrenched mainstream that it became hard to distin­ already begun at YU, and I hope and pray dards of _excellence. Even if U.S. News & problems and social impasses, which had guish YU from any other institution of that all efforts in that direction fail miser- World Report sees it differently.. . been ignored by the preceding generations higher learning. He grew thankless and while they focused on existential threats. unappreciative. Ing modus operandi amongst Jews today. history could have only dreamed of and They looked further Jo the West and saw a The irony of it all Is, that only due to the That Is the state of affairs In which we prayed for. gold mine of opportunities-freedom from existence of the State of Israel as a national find ourselves. Israel, In many ways Is in the . Is this any way to repay our predeces­ the constrictions of their tiny nation. home for the Jewish people can the Jew best shape it has ever been, yet while its sors who d!;!dicated their lives for our The post-Zionist Israeli emerged as a feel safely at home abroad.· So too, it is the economy flourishes and Its borders are rel­ futures?. Is this any way to thankthe Master person lacking the historical perspective of existence of Yeshiva University that has atively safe, its citizens are resentful and of the Universe who in his merciful kind­ the past. l'Jor didhe care for the outmoded allowed the modern-day Jewish youth to leave Its shores to find their des�lny else­ ness has granted us our wishes? Indeed It ideology of Zionism In a world In which the feel comfortable In the environment of sec­ where. For them, Zionism is dead; merely a is not. Jew was accepted equally without fear of ular academia. Without them, It would be relic of generations past. SlmUarly, here at We Jews must not drown in the river of persecution. For the first time Israeli youth Impossible to venture out into the world YU, ours Is the most privileged generation forgetfulness · which washes away the . · repudiated the dying exclamation of Joszef beyond the borders of our country and to appear in Jewish history. . We command effortsof prior generations In a flood of dis­ Trumpeldor, •it Is good to die for the sake of beyond the walls of our school. Without great wealth and respect In this _benevolent content and. apathy. There Is. much to bet­ our country," replacing It with the cynically Israel and YU, we would have no place of country; Jews are to be found In the top ter in our Israel and ourYeshiva University. jaded aphorism of Aviv Gefen/ It Is good to refuge, no shelter from the storms of asslm­ echelons of business, government, and But we must carefully weigh our words and dle for the sake of ourselves." As Moshe llatlon and persecution. It Is also Ironic that intelligentsia. Our University finds itself In emotions before we express them strident­ Rabbenu A"H prophesied: "But Yeshurun ihe obituaries have been written forboth the top ra nkings amongst secular universi­ ly, or In a negative fashion. We must make grew fat, and kicked... then he forsookG-d Zionism and Torah U'Maddah, while In ties and at the same time we are able to sure that our actions emanate from love who madehim." · (Devarlm 32:15) • truth, their victory has been total and over- uphold our traditions and study our holy and that our outlook Is modest and thank­ To what Is this analo�ous7 YU. whelming. . Israel exists after an lnterreg- texts. Nevertheless, we jealously eye other ful. For we are truly a blessed generation, A century ago, when the status of the num of two thousand years, and Torah schools and we are never content with our and let It not be said of us "But Yeshurun Jew In the United States was not yet what It U'Maddah or someform of It Is the prevail- · lot here at YU, a lot that Jews throughout grew fatand kicked." ...... ,. •,#• , . • ·••• •; • · • - 19 Tevet 5760 Page 5 ------�l w ww.vucoMMENTATOR.COM�I ------

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Curtains Closed on Co-Ed Plays About a month ago when the first meet­ ings for the upcoming undergraduate Arts Peace with Syria and Festival were held I approached a number of Rebbeim to inquire about the feasibility of featuring a coed play in the festival. I know Returning The Golan Heights that the Ye shiva College Dramatics Society is bound by the rules set forth by Rav cordant force against student unity is Is IT A RELIGIOUS ISSUE? Soloveitchik prohibiting female participation enough of a reason to remove his support for .• ..J... in their productions. I am also aware that such a play. In fact, the probability of men The negotiations between Israel and Syria Israel is a haven for the Jews and an opportu­ . YCDS productions are officially courses and women rehearsing together late at night have barely started and the debate about the nity for Jews to live in their own country at offered by Yeshiva College for which actors proved to be less of a worry than this widen­ wisdom of returning the Golan Heights in peace with its neighbors. The Six Day War and crew receive credit. It seems fitting that ing-of-the-abyss apprehension. order to make peace with Syria is already gave Israel the additional land that strength­ women who are unable to enroll in Yeshiva B'chvod HaRav, I must state that I truly heated. It appears clear that there will be a ened its ability to negotiate with its adver­ College, are congruently prohibited from believe that many, of these so-called "d ivisive religious secular split on the issue. Ye t the saries. After the YornKippur War, where casu­ receiving credit for the play and cannot act in factors" are not causal, rather merely indica­ question of whether territory in the Golan alties were high, the lesson learned was that it. tive, of the dichotomy. We must ask, if the can be returned to Syrian control in return for peace eventually had to be reached with all Fair enough. play were to be allowed, what significant security guarantees in a peace treaty is of Israel's neighbors. After the Intifada the What would we gain from having a coed effects would its production have on the stu­ according to most views not a halachic one. Palestinians became players as well. play? Everything. Most plays and scripts are dent body? Many of the Ye shivish guys par­ Many promin�nt rabbinical authorities (e.g. For most religious Zionists, Israel repre­ not written for single-sex casts, use of these ticipate in NCSY or other organizations that Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Z.L.T., Rabbi sents the fulfillment of a dream, the begin­ scripts significantly limits choice of plays, use coed plays that I believe our bochrim are Elazar Schach and Rabbi Ovadya Yosef) have ning of the redemption. The Six Day War was while use of coed scripts requires the rewrit­ used to seeing such displays, and that the ruled that land in Israel proper may be given a Divine Hand into history. What was learned ing of great literal works - not a simple feat. administration is turning this into a bigger to the Arabs in a peace agreement if this will from the Yorn Kippur War was that the Israeli Why should Yeshiva not have a issue than it really would be otherwise. In save Jewish lives. army should not rely on its own might but Shakespearean production, for example? fact, it was the Rav I asked who first men­ Moreover it is questionable whether the trust in G-d. A peace treaty with Syria and Pick any, I dare you, and try to write out one tioned that NCSY stages coed plays- it was Golan Heights have the halachic status of Assad, a Hitler-like figure in their eyes, is a gender, so that either uptown actors could not even part of my original argument. Israel. Rabbi Yosef, in discussing a related betrayal of this vision. Security does not put it on, or so that the midtown women There is a common saying: You are either question, assumes that the Golan Heights do come out of agreements with enemies of the could. Impossible. What is Hamlet minus part of the solution or part of the problem. If not have the sanctity of Israel proper. Rabbi Jews. The religious non-Zionists share a sus­ Ophelia and his mother? Perhaps consider a coed play would cause more dichotomy, Shlomo Goren, Z.T.L., who considered any picion of agreements with non-Jews and the absurdity The Two Gentlemen of Ve rona then its nonexistence would, necessarily help governmental decision to give over to the paradoxically do not acknowledge the secu­ without the two gentlemen? heal the fractionism. But I doubt that It will. If Palestinians any land in Ye huda, Shomron lar state, while simultaneously opposing With the Arts Festival a new opportunity the students planning the Arts Festival, who and Gaza as null and void, saw no religious Israel's willingness to give any territories to has presented itself. In fact, the opportunity were aware of the internal debate, do not feel problem in returning the Golan Heights to the Arabs. Both groups combine a desire for is even greater this year as the Deans' offices resentment towards fellow students that Syria. Land in S�·ria that was conquered by maximum territory remaining in Jewish of both Yeshiva and Stern College are equally they cannot stage the play, then at the very King David was not given the biblical status hands with a mistrust of the non-Jewish sponsoring this year's festival. The point of least we have neither damaged nor of Israel because the king did not complete world. the Arts Festival is to promote the artistic side improved the Intra-student relationship. conquering the land of the seven Canaanite Prior to the Six Day War the majority view of Yeshiva's undergraduates - both male and However, the part of the student body who nations first (Maimonides, The Laws of within religious Zionism was not messianic female. Why not stage a coed play, which Is would have opposed the play and who never Terumot 1 ;3). and its leadership supported essentially the something that has yet to be accomplished knew about the possibility, are left with no The dispute about how to best protect same political and military policies as the sec­ in a Yeshiva University production/ idea why they should now feel closer to their Israeli security is real and there are differing ular majority. The phrase "Reishit Tzm ichat society/club/facility? This involves two reali­ fellow brother. So we now stand no closer to evaluations of the consequences of a treaty Geulatenu" (the beginning of the flowering ties. Firstly, it raises the question of who can a united student body. with Syria on Israel's relations with Lebanon of our redemption) was more an expression issue a ha/achik ruling for the Yeshiva In reference to the Rav's second concern and other Arab counties, but logically these of hope that the miraculous rebirth of a University community, and secondly, it asks about providing a basis for sichot, allow me should not be affected by religious orienta­ Jewish state after nineteen hundred years of what response a coed play would generate to re-emphasize that my suggestion was not tion. A report on the second day of meetings exile would ultimately lead to a fu ll redemp­ on campus. to advocate the decadence of the morals and between Prime Minister Barak and Foreign tion than a plan forachieving redemption. Before any action was taken to select a ethics of Cha'zal. I am opposed to breaking Minister al-Sharaa in the Associate Press Religious Jews not sharing the messianic fer­ script or to put up flyers announcing audi­ halacha. However, I hate, let me repeat that, I mentioned a small demonstration by vor that followed the Six D�y War would view tions, these thoughts brought me to ask a find It completely abhorrent that students in Orthodox Jews. Their quote was "This is not a Israel-Arab relations as not fundamentally Rav of Yeshiva if a coed production could be Yeshiva must by stymied and prohibited from re ligious matter; the lives of millions of Jews diffe rent from those between other compet­ accomplished in accordance with halacha. activities or staging something like � coed are at risk." A dozen American Jews were lec­ ing groups such as the Protestants and Yeshiva University places certain people in play simply because of a fear that a Rebbe turing an Israeli Prime Minister, who had pre­ Catholics in Northern Ireland where peace is positions of authority: just as Dean Adler Is might exaggerate a Yeshiva University cur­ viously been the Chief of Staff of the armed difficult but not impossible. Those sharing - the Dean of Yeshiva College, there is a specif­ rent event intci a similar mutiny against the forces, that he was endangering Israel's this perspective are willing to consider Arabs ic Rav to whom ha/achik questions regarding To rah Hakedoshah like Korach's. In this sense, future existence. as peace partners and have greater trust in Ye shiva University policy are addressed. I the coed play possibility becomes another If the issue is not primarily halachic, how Israel's political and military leaders. take his W.ord as representative of ha/acha In activity that is prohibited not because of sub­ do we understand the sharp contrast in per­ Active messianism, with its focusing only the absolute sense of the word, as does every stantive cause, but because of a dispensation spective? Some claim that the religious on retaining territory as the means of Ye shiva st�dent. If he felt that a coed play towards reduction of sichah topics. Once Zionist opposition is primarily tactical, based advancing the redemption, has had a dev­ was a violation of halacha, then you would again, fear of fear Itself has felled a once on the assumption that it will be easier to astating effect on internal Jewish relations not be rea�lng this column now. Since, how­ noble cause. defeat the referendum on the Golan than in Israel. The corresponding vision of Arabs ever, he sees no infringement of halacha in a I propose that we all take a step back. We one on returning settlements as part of a as eternal enemies automatically eliminates coed play, then we must ask why he will not at Yeshiva University, and by that I mean stu­ peace treaty with the Palestinians. While this any possible peace agreement with them. If condone one. Foremost, he explained that dents, faculty and administrators, have a ten­ has been mentioned prominently in th� all messianic assumptions are eliminated the play will become a divisive Issue among dency of blowing things out. of proportion Israeli media as a strategy of the Yesha' and only rational analyses based on Israel's factions of students at Yeshiva, and to a lesser instead of stopping to take a realistic look at ledearshlp, It fails to explain the Intensity of experiences is negotiating with Arab states degree, that the subject will become a topic the Issues. Why can't we accept a reality for feelings that have been expressed and the and the Palestinians are utilized, the gap for some �ebbelms' slchot. once without overstating the possible sense of despair that Israel's survival Is at between religious and secular will be seri­ ...' The widening of �he gap between more effects? It seems that we can't even find a stake. ously reduced. Caring people will continue religious students (a number of whom might basic common ground for the discussion,and There Is a fundamental underlying differ­ to differ In their judgements regarding how take Issue with a coed play) and some less thereforeI wlll have to continue to figurethis ence between the religious and secular com­ to best enhance Israel's security and future, religious students (a number of whom might . question out hypothe�lcally since one pro­ munities In how they view the meaning of but religious and secular Jews will be ana­ support a coed play) ls an Incomparable loss gram that the Arts Festival wlll not feature the state of Israel and In particular the conse­ lyzing the risks and benefits from a com­ In his eyes. That a coed play would be a dis- this February Is a coed play. Our loss. quences of the Six Day War. In secular terms, mon perspective. l

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iversity'sCensor ship ... Censhorsh1p Continued Un their issue) is beyond me. All that has been To the Editor: We also refilled the bins on the morning of To the Editor: accomplished, as I see It, is a black eye given I write to you as a former Editor-in-Chief the Open House. But we didn't get anywhere I would like to express my displeasure to a fine school by Its own students (and pos­ of the Commentator. Just want to let you with the letter. with the continuing coverage of the confisca­ My present concern Is that Sheldon Sokol tion of the Commentator In non-YU papers. sibly by a disgruntled former student), as well know that I laud your efforts to seek justice as some Ill-gotten publicity and limelight for over the whole newspaper throwing out will continue to order the newspapers Obviously, this is an Importantissue that merits much discussion and exposure, but your paper and its staff. issue. About five years ago, our board held a thrown out even with all the press coverage. what benefit may be achieved by coverage in meeting to discuss this very same issue. In He just doesn't care a whit about all the papers such as the New York Times (or why Nachum Lamm fact, we even had a picture of a YU Facilities media coverage and is not really controlled this issue merits discussion there,· but that's YC '97, RIETS '00 worker throwing out the newspapers. (It by anyone in the YU administration. For him, might be buried somewhere in your office.) throwing out the newspapers is Ironclad pol­ To the Editor: fessors have a right to be paid competi­ We were downright infuriated by YU's icy. I don't know if even a NY Times article will After an article appeared In the New tively, and treated fairly. And it means that behavior. We also discussed the various steps make him change. I suggest that you, and Yo rk Times about the removal of newspa­ when the administration tries to censor we could take.Among them was threatening the editors who follow you, stay on top of pers from YU buildings, I heard some inter- the main voice of student opinion, people legal action, billing YU, and calling some of this story and publicize all attempts to throw esting reactions from current and past YU are going to notice and care. And yes, cen­ our friends in the local Jewish media to cover out the newspapers. students. Several people expressed sur­ sorship on a university campus ls a big the story - all the things you guys did. In the prise that the New Yo rk Times would be deal, at YU no less than at any other uni­ end, we wrote an editorial about the issue, Moshe Kinderlehrer interested in the story. Others assumed versity. wrote a formal complaint letter (without Editor-In-Chief, The Commentator 1994-95 that the Commentator had somehow When something like this comes up, I irvoice) to Rabbi Lamm and Dean Nulman. YC'95, RIETS '00 forced their way Into the Times, and always here people say, "At any other uni­ thought that it would have been better if versity, this would never be allowed to To the Editor: believe and follow this philosophy to the they didn't say anything. After all, why happen." Well, as long as YU students con­ In regard to your article concerning the fullest extent. If you do not sit down with make the school look bad? tinue to believe that YU isn't a "real silencing of the YU staff writers...... Do you these Roshei Yeshivot...... well then, what are Folks, it's time you realized that what school,"they will continue to short-change regularly sit down with the Roshei Yeshivot we all about? you've been denying or not believing for themselves. If you don't respect the edu­ as to the permissibility of publishing certain years is true. That's right: YU is a real cation you're getting and the school you're articles? I would hope to discover that in this Menachem Brick school. And it has been for quite some attending, why should anyone else? center of To rah U'Maddah we actually YUHS, YC , RIETS time now. That means that you go there to get a high quality_ education, and you have Ben Sandler To the Editor: ior would never be tolerated in other private a right to expect that. It means that pro- YC '99 As an alum and a Hillel director at universities. Simply saying the Northwestern University, I was appalled to Commentator would be given compensa­ read of the removal of the Commentator by tion Is not enough, It should be the respon­ In Defense Of VU's Potential ... members of the administration. While sibility of Rabbi Lamm to hid these admin­ Yeshiva has improved in many ways since istrators accountable. Let's Not Overact my days there 25 years ago, apparently the To the Editors: dent's directing? attitude of some administrators remains Rabbi Michael Balinsky I write to defend the potential of our By slighting Dr. Beukas (the opportunity one of contempt for students. Such behav- YC,RIETS 74 Yeshiva University against Aaron Ganz's to teach) and any Yeshiva University dra­ 4- attack. With reckless incoherence, illogical matics student (the opportunity to learn), To the Editor: torials in their papers. reasoning and overly emotional rhetoric, Ganz has merely solidified his reputation As another editor of a college paper In all, what started as a minor annoyance Mr. Ganz - who chose to transfer out of YU for overacting. My suggestion comes from threatened with censorship this past week, for administration ended up as a nightmare - condemned a constructive proposal to abiding and enduring love and pride for I can relate to what you are all going as more than 8,000,000 people had access encourage YU students to expand their Yeshiva University and yes, even our drama through. In our circumstance, the College to the editorial. dramatic skills In directing plays. Simply production department. Mr. Ganz, though, President threatened us with a lawsuit after The power of the First Amendment was put, I believe YU students should be has chosen to leave Yeshiva. This is just seeing my quote in the New Yo rk Times set up in part to keep authorities and their encouraged and allowed to direct student another obvious example of a (now former) about how our newspaper was going to power in check. The authorities at both plays. This effort to improve our student's student underestimating the potential of take a stand against him for allegedly lying schools should note that as long as a news­ learning, has nothing whatsoever to do YU, In every department. I am sorry that all the time. paper is acting responsibly it is oftenmore with YU's esteemed speech and drama pro­ Mr. Ganz Is too Impatient to try to Improve e Instead of letting It simply run its course dangerous to quiet its voice than to not do f ssor, Dr. Beukas, despite Mr. Ganz's repeat­ the University himself, rather than to ed perception that It does. accept the status quo (or leave). in a small 5,000 circulated weekly campus so. For in the world of the student press, I could not identify more with Ganz's Mr. Ganz misrepresented my sugges­ paper, the president turned the issue into a silence is NOT golden. esteem for YU's beloved Dr. Beukas. In fact, tion, and implied a derogatory message local media frenzy. Newsday and the New it is my admiration for this professor's qual­ where there was none. Mr. Ganz does not Yo rk Times picked up the story instantly. Avi Muchnlck ities and the high standards he Infuses Into know me. I have faith In Dr. Beukas' tireless Every single local newspaper picked up the MTA '97 YU's dramatic presentations that permits efforts and I am an avid fan of his work, story as well, running excerpts from the edi- Editor-in-Chief Th e Queens College Quad me to make such a suggestion. Since Mr. every semester. I make my assertion Ganz Is so fond of Dr. Beukas and our because I believe In his ability to help To the Editor: actions of the school would inevitably well-regarded Drama Department, I Invite YC/SSSB students engage In directing - not As a former writer on the Commentator, I make It Into both The Jewish We ek - where Ganz to return to Yeshiva University, only as "production assistants" or "stage am appalled that the administration at Joanthan Mark has an axe to grind against reclaim his Jewish connection, and utilize managers." Yeshiva would censor the news. But I am YU � and the Times? our extensive dramatic faculties under the I wish YCDS continued success and sadly not shocked. The school's ;:-,ttltude At the same time, I am quite happy to wonderful leadershlp of his favorite drama much hatzlocha In their current play, and I toward the truth, and toward the under­ see that the Commentator Is continuing Its teacher. But, should he llke so many others thank Mr. Ganz for his continued Interest In graduates and the press, has never been stalwart tradition. I was a writer when wish to direct, I Invite him to join me and our University. However, I recommend that quite what people might expect. I have Behnam Dayanlm was editor-In-chief and others In working to expand and Improve he show more respect for one of his many never given any money to YU since my the scandal of the day was the Shabbos TV the drama department with Dr. Beukas' alma maters, and recognize YU's top-tier graudatlon as the admlnstratlon and espe­ raids, and I think the standards he set all blessings. potential, not squash It. I also suggest Mr. cially Rabbi Lamm himself seem less dedi­ those years ago have been surpassed by Ganz, perhaps unwltt;ingly, short­ Ganz reflect on· what YU did teach him - ... cated to acting on the principles of Torah today's writers and today's wllUngness to changes Dr. Beukas In usurping from him dan l'chof z'chus. It Is about time Dr. Beukas U'Mada than on running just another bland take on the administration with a strong the posslblllty to expand the Drama Is given his due ... and room to expand his and mindless college. I also have to add voice. Department. He Ignores the merit of giv­ superlative teaching practices. that I work In publicity and find YU's actions ing students the chance to direct. Indeed, quite dopey from that point of view as well. Alex Wittenberg Dr. Beukas has done so well with bringing Benjamin J. Mantell Didn't their PR people realize that the YC '89 out acting skills, why not bring out stu- YC '0O Page 7 19 Tevet 5760 ------�jw ww.vucoMMENTATOR.co•�I ------

In Response To Singer. Keep up the Good Work To the Editor: his list of potential medical experiment sub­ To the Editor: was cheap, plentiful and tasty. I believe that Dr. Peter Singer Is mistaken jects: deaf-mutes. We relied on The Commentator to report when he writes, "[Rabbi] Tendler doesn't Or, if speech doesn't satisfyhis search for I recently returned to my alma mater fora the news that the administration preferred bother to react to my actual argument."Even a distinction between humans and other visit, and picked up the first issue of The we didn't hear. Keepup your good work. Your a casual reading of R' Tendler's column species, we could use the ability to read. This Commentator that I had seen in over 22 years. newspaper reaches a high standard of pro­ de_monstrates that he Is strongly reacting to way, if a person can't read the form designat- I read about a despotic university admin­ fessionalism. And The Commie looks great the absence of respect for the sanctity of Ing a procedure as dangerous or experimen- istration that works in secret, woefully low with color pictures! When I was a student, human life In Singer's moral system. ta!, he becomes the perfect-moral" subject. salaries and pensions for professors, and an The Commie was only black and white. Of According to Singer, thwarting "future The point of R' Tendler's column, amply inept registration process (November 1, course, I also remember when television was deslres".is the onlY,"morally rel�vant" factor demonstrated by Singer's response, Is that 1999). It struck me that these are the same only black and white, but that was before that gives us a reason forthinking it worse to abserit a Supreme Moral Authority, our things I used to read in Commentator when I your time ... kill typical humans than other species; In his notions of morality become arbitrary and was a YC student in the 70's. I guess not article, he provides no moral basis for the subjective-determined only by factors we much has changed over the years, except St�ven Lesser assertionthat future plans are more relevant consider relevant at the time. If we consider that in my day, the food at Parker's cafeteria YC '77 than pain, suffering, or the loss of family con­ pain a relevant factorthen killing an animal nections, except that certain h_umans . have becomes the moral equivalent of killing a Keep your mouth shut! this ability to plan for the future while other human. species lack this ability. By dismissing religion as a "refuge," it Is To the Editor: the girls aren't even working in a real theater? If that Is the only basis forour moral dis­ Singer who refuses to address the argu­ I think it Is wonderful that The Was he there forall of the practices to con­ tinction, then there are other abilities ments and concerns of R' Tendler and the Commentator has a full Culture section, with clude that the girls were not up to par? Did humanity as a whole enjoys which other millions of Americans who believe in a G-d movie reviews, play reviews and articles he put in all of the hours? How does he know species lack. We could arbitrarily argue that that created man In His image, separate from about music and radio. But I was disturbed to that what he saw was not exactly the way the only humans have the capacity for speech animals. read the •completely Objective Review" of show was supposed to be performed? and therefore assert that the moral reason As R' Tendler Implores In his column, we SCDS's latest play. As much as the author Your reviewer should reconsider his state­ killing a human Is worse than killing an ani­ who believe in these religious values must views himself as a professional critic, his ments and fess up to the fact that he honest­ mal lies In the fact that we are depriving the transmit them and their moral Source to objectivityseemed to focus more on bash­ ly does not know what he is talking about. human of the power to speak. Singer could both our generation and the next. Ing the actresses' performances than review­ He is not a professional, and thereforehas no still justifyhis arguments forInfanticide since Ing the play. By calling the girls •wannabes• right to talk. I appreciate the amount of time it is well established that within 28 days of Ari Kahn and wondering whether the girls remem­ I am sure was put into the preparation for the bered if they were no longer practicing, your birtha baby has no power of speech and he Editor-In-Chief,· TheCommentator 1997 show. I saw the play and I had a good time. could also add a new category of humans to YC 98 reviewer completely put an ax on the whole And if I have any criticism, at least I have the performance. He claims "the cast failed to live decency and common sense to keep my up to my expectations: But who is he and mouth shut. English Lessons how can he claim that his expectations are top priority? Did he take into consideration Avi Billet From Grandma the size of Koch auditorium, or the fact that YC '0l To the Editor: 4th. The correct -spelling are forty (40) and INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC AFFA.IRS I want to congratulate the entire staff of fourth(4 th). The Commentator for Interesting and well­ I don't want to be critical, but it is a shame WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM written articles.The present eqitors aredoing to spoil a terrific publication with a simple a superb job. I enjoy the paper very much and error. So gentlemen, forgetyour spellcheck on read every word of every article (including the computer, and use the old fashion dictio­ advertisements)from the firstpage to the last. nary. However, in most every issue there are two The Orthodox Union's words that are hard to believe a college stu­ Selma Klein dent would misspell. I am refe.rrlng to 40 and Aaron Klein's Grandmother Institute for Public Affairs' Internship Program is seeking lrlHllE CCCO)MIMlIEMrA\ lfCO)lR{ to place Orthodox Jewish welcomes letters from its readers. college students in Letters must include th� writer's Washington, DC offices ., -I' name, address and telephone number. in the su1nmer of 2000. Students should include the school

in which they are enrolled he Internship program involves out­ Applications fi., r tht� summc'r of 2000 arc' Tstanding young adults in the politicnl now available. Applicants must be soph,1- and expected date of graduation. pmcess and provides a link hctwecn <.i ur morcs or junior1- in college ;111d .ir� nation's Capitol and the Jewish cornnrnni­ required to suhmi1 lt>tt.c� rs of recommenda­ T1-11 C0Mrv11 NT1\ Tun reserves the right to edh: ty. Students will scn•e in Congn•li:;ional tion from academic ad,•isors and to oul­ nnd Scnat(lrial offices and in Jewish polit­ line work done for Israel and the Jewish a 11 I e t t e r s f o r s y n t a x , c o n t e n t , a 11 cl i e n g t h . ic11Jorguni zations. community. Stipends are available.

The Co nnnen tat or DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION Of APPLICATIONS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2000. 500 W. 185th St. 1· For application o.ndfurther dctuils, N e w Yo k, N Y 1 0 0 3 3 write thc. ln�tilutc for Public· Affairs,Orllmdox llnlun 1640 Rhode Mand· Avenue, N.W: . .SrhFloor, Wa �hing1011, DC 20036 or call (202) 857•-2770. cornn1ie ,, yuconunentator.com • ....6\1 _,,, December 28, 1999 Page 8 ------il www.vucoMMENTATOR.co •�I------

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Learning Torah What Happened ·to Mosh1ach? Your inclusion of the late, great Hashem." At Columbia Lubavitcher Rebbe as one of the ten most However, even when he was well, he To the Editor: are all too busy learning? Is that the prob­ influential Yidden of the twentieth century never stopped his followers from calling It is with bit of annoyance that I read lem? was an obvious and excellent choice. This him "Melech Hamoshiach," and, even when your latest article about your neighbors to You see, some of us actually believe in great man directly, or through his army of old and frail, and having no children, he the west, "Yeshiva founded at Columbia.• the . value of going to a secular college devoted followers, influenced, and contin­ never appointed a successor. The Frankly speaking, I foundthe comments by (gasp!) That means we ac�ually want to be ues to influence, hundreds of thousands-of Lubavitch main web.si�e ( "Moshiach.com") YU students that were quoted, while at Columbia - it's-not a compromise forus.' · Jews worldwide. However, I find it quite is replete with references to the validity of exhibiting that oh-so-well-developed Some of us are of the belief that Orthodox perplexing that you .neglect to mention the belief in resurrection in Judaism, even humor that is YU, distasteful and overtly Judaism beyond the admittedly safe and the great controversy that has followedhis for a potential Moshiach. The web site jealous. non-threatening wallS'Of the Yeshiva world death. I refer to the belief of many, If not even slips up once in a while, �nd says I think I speak for much of the Columbia is an experience that should be valued. most, Chabbadniks In the Rebbe as the things like the "Rebbe Shlita� totally con­ community when I make the following Anyone can be a Jew at YU - and that's one Moshiach, despite his death. Thus,his influ­ fusing even the issue of whether he ever statement: we're sick of hearingit. We're sick of the great things about Yeshiva University, ence continues even after his death, in a really died at all. This is a controversy of hearing you babble away about how no doubt about it. But just try things on our manner which many find to be quite dan-· which will not go away. It is also one which "frumn YU is, how morally reprehensible side ofthe island fora while - arguing about gerous. It is time we removed the "kid many say lends credence to why the great Columbia is, and how much better the theology with your floor mates at 3 AM, or gloves" and dealt with the issue openly. A Vllna Gaon put the original Chassidim into world would be if only we'd all been good being in a class where you're called upon to visit to Crown Heights on any given day Cheirem, fearing exactly such a Jewish boys and girls and gone to YU like actively defend your beliefs, sometimes to a will attest to the multitude of signs and "Meshichus" movement. our rebbes told us. hostile audience. banners ref erring to the "Melech To have left out any reference to this in Funny how a Stern student is quoted as But back to my original point: I think the Hamoshiach." No, the Rebbe neveropenly your review of the Rebbe's effect on twen­ saying that"if the Barnard girls were serious Commentator made the point better than I claimed to be our long-awaited Moshiach. tieth-century Jewry left an important void about learning they'd have gone to Stern" - ever could with the followingquote:"lt real­ And, the Rebbe's "coronation" as the in understanding the depth and power of that doesn't stop the YC guys from filling ly made me fe el like I was at a real college." Moshiach took place after he had suffered the influence this great man had, and con­ our Shabbat morning davening andpoking ouch. a series of strokes and could no longer tinues to have, on so many Jews. their heads over the mechitza (which, by speak nor make any meaningful gestures, the way, is proabably too low for you). Vair Hakak in a public ceremony many viewed as Dr. Norman Gold What's the matter guys, the Stern students Columbia '00 pathetic and bordering on a "Chillul YC '76

At these p:riceS, -.t's too bad 1 ·.c:'·a ·· ••· ._-_ we · dOn t · Se. ·::: :; ll. . •· .

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SAVE UP TO 40% ON TEXTBOOKS. 19 Tevet 5760 Page 9 ------�1w ww.vuc0MMENTATOR.COM�1------

Student Soap Box. 1[1HllE (CO)M[MllEMrAl[O)]R

Behind. TheScene . s: Food ServicesExposed is currently soliciting submissions BY ERIC GUTMAN $2.30 ((1 /3 of $6.85) for a small fo r the Student Soap Box, dish of industrially-made beef I must admit that I am totally baffled by the thought jumbolia (whatever that is, I processes of the food service management. During the still don't know) is ludicrous. It a feature devoted weeks of the baseball playoffs,we were treated to baseball is also highly doubtful that tablecloths, simultaneous Yankees and Mets menus, and they pay $.25 for every fresh to sharing student viewpoints even baseball-looking cookies to compiement one night's fruit they buy in massive bulk. "World Series Dinner." The management seemed to be I invite anyone on the man­ attempting to gain the affinity of the students, while agement to show me even with the broader University community. remaining the most monopolistic, miserly establishment one instance where they paid eyes ever laid upon. more than one-third what we Preliminary drafts may be sent to: Last year while serving on the YCSC Food Services pay. Committee (which represents the student body in dealings Though all too often cast Th e Commentator with the food service), I began to see just how much Food aside, the mandatory nature Services takes full advantage of its forced monopoly. of the University's "dining Though we met with its management only once, the sole club" is an important factor in 500 W. 185th St. meeting confirmed all of the infamousrum ors that surround assessing the real issue at the 'establishment.' Jake Lieberman, Associate Director, hand. As a result of the "caf New Yo rk, NY 10033 arrived half an hour late. (I wonder just how timely he would card requirement," Food have been if dining club membership was optional.) In any Services can safely assure event, not much time remained in the short club hour for that they will collect $750 per [email protected] the meeting to develop. A few minor topics and requests dorming student per semes­ were discussed, and all but one was rejected (the only con­ ter, no two ways about it. If so, the real issue is not how per semester on food. In fact, this is nothing short of high­ sent made was forthe exchange of two "side dishes" fora much money they receive in a given semester, but rather, way robbery. soup). As expected, the perennial price issue made its way how much foodthey will give out. It is with this that Food One last point. It is imperative that' Food Services decide to the forefront of our agenda. Lieberman promptly told us Services management breaks all records of haggling. With whether it is a business or a service (as its name implies). If that prices were not up for discussion, and that the future high prices, Food Services hopes to deplete our food cards a business, which, by definition, is primarily motivated by only promised price hikes to make-up forthe "thousands of as quickly and efficiently as possible. And of course, this the drive for profit, it must stop serving up its usual "muck," dollars lost every year.'' goal goes way beyond prices. It manifests its ugly head in as described by one of its own servers, and raise itself to When pressed for details, we were led in circles. No portion sizes. Again looking at the factor of bulk, serving at business standards. Restaurant-quality dishes, as well as offense, Mr. Lieberman, but the mere thought of Food least 2100 students with a potential for2500 more (if you decorative servings, would be in order. Side dishes would Services losing money Is laughable. Near the conclusion of include the University schools where foodcards are option­ have to consist of more than just a few spoonfuls of the meeting, as representatives of the student body, we al) for one week, it is likely that Food Services orders in the steamed vegetables, or the nastiest looking wild rice you've requested to look at their financial "books," and were range of S000 pounds of chicken in one shot. That is a lot of ever seen. Nice salt and pepper shakers would be expected promptly assured that in a matter of weeks we could have a chicken. It highly doubtful that each chicken quarter costs on the tables, and of course, the Styrofoam containers look. To this day, that has not happened. It makes me won­ as much as SO cents. Yet servers are under strict orders to would have to be replaced by decent plates. Practically all der how soon our request would have been granted if Food give only one quarter per customer. In fact, one employee the s�lf-service facets of the cafeteria would become full­ Services had any competition whatsoever. of Food Services was fired last year forgiving portions that service. Our meeting was not entirely fruitless. Management did his management deemed too large. Imagine what he now Obviously, this just isn't going to happen. Even if man­ tell us that on average, the amount paid to create a particular thinks of his formermanag ers-miserly, soulless, "religious" agement opted to move in such a direction, this type of dish is.approximately 1/3 the student price. Of course, they Jews:The ultimate chillul Hashem. turn-around would take years, especially under the aus­ were quick to qualifythat statement with a barrage of excep­ These money saving moves merely make operating pices of the present management. The only way to rectify tions to the otherwise surprising generalization.· 1 suspect an costs slightly lower than they should be. It is for this slight the situation is forFood Services to declare itself a service even greater disparity between wholesale and "retail" prices. margin of extra profit that we, the student body, have such (as opposed to a restaurant) and charge the corresponding It is commonly forgotten, or more accurately cast aside, that unpleasant experiences In our own cafeterias. The only prices. Morally, as an enterprise, it cannot provide as a ser­ Food Servicesserves all of Yeshiva University, Including both semi-substantial extra profit that Food Services can vice yet charge as a restaurant, as it has been doing for undergraduate campuses, Cardozo, Ferkauf, and Einstein, as attribute to their pettiness results from the students who years. It must decide one way or the other. well as those attending Revel and RIETS on the main campus. are forced to turn to their parents to put more money on Mr. Lieberman, don't try to win my affinitywith Yankees The Word "bulk" does not begin to describe the mass quanti­ their food cards. This however, does not justify the man­ menus or World Series dinners. Take back your baseball ties In which they buy Ingredients. To believe that they pay agement's cause forhaving students spend $900 to $1000 cookies and tablecloths. Give me lower prices.

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After Sundown NEW YORK, NY 10033 FREE DELIVERY (212) 588�4855 K-OSHER�t> ·· -UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF K'HAL ADATH JESHURUN Page 10 December 28, 1999 ------1l www.vucoMMENTAT01.coMLj------• Administrator Threatens Ye shiva Pays Commie Ye shiva With Legal Action continued from page 1 In Schottenstein Residence Hall, Facilities replied with a second letter, explaining "it BY PINCHASSHAPIRO On December 13, 1999, just days after again removed 200 copies of The may be that when Facilities Manage�e�t extending Persky the contract for a full-time Commentator from the student dormitory. removes copies of The Commentator, it 1s Last Friday, Diane Persky, Assistant to the professorship, Sy Syms Dean Harold Risa Solomon, a sewSenior who witnessed not their intention to dispose of the news­ Dean of the Sy Syms School of Business, Nierenberg received a hand delivered letter facilities removing the newspapers stated,"I papers, although many times the papers are accepted a contract offer making her a full from the law offices of Beranbaum Menken can't imagine why the Facilities in fact not returned. Your stated clause, time professor forthe next three semesters. In Ben-Asher & Fishel LLP, informing the dean Management would feel justified in remov- therefore,still leaves open the possibility of response to prior personnel movements, that•this law firm has been retained by... Diane Ing the student newspapers whenever they removing our newspapers, as long as they Persky, the business school's midtown liaison, Persky, to assist her in negotiating specific feel like it. But I am pleased that The are eventually returned. Our original initiated legal action against the dean's office. terms and conditions of her employment." Commentator and TheOb server have joined request still stands... " Sources have revealed that Persky hoped · Three weeks ago, Professor Persky was forcesto defend the right to free speech on Following · a query from Karen W. allegedly informed by Director of Enrollment that her next move within the Yeshiva com­ behalf of all the undergraduate students at Arenson, education editor for the New York Management John B. Fisher that she would no munity would be to become the first ever YU." Times, the University conceded, and stated longer be allowed to accompany the Yeshiva assistant dean In the business school. Perskyis On December 2, the editors-in-chief -of clearly that they do not condone "disposal contingent on recruitment and registration currently working on her Ph.D. and has exten­ The Commentator sent a formalletter to sev- or removal of The Commentator. Through trips to Israel. "Recruitment and registration In sive administrative and classroom experience. eral Yeshiva administrators, including Rabbi this letter we are recommitting ourselves to Israel are bothmajor components to that job. Bruce Menken Esq., the author of the letter, Norman Lamm, President of Yeshiva, Dr. this in the future." Along with the signed By taking that away,they essentially took away further stated that l')e "would welcome the Sheldon Socol, Vice President of Business contract came a reimbursement check for her activity,• explained one administrator. opportunity to meet the University's legal Affairs, and Mr.JeffreyRosengarten, Director $1,850.00. According to sources close with the situa­ counsel beforethe end of the year: According of Supporting Service Administration. The After a requested apology for the sus­ tion, the decision to exclude Perskyfrom par­ to administrators, official University policy letter stated, "We find this continued abuse tained abuse of power by the administra­ ticipation in the trips to Israel did not come when dealing with legal matters is forall cor­ to be unacceptable. We demand that the tion, Rabbi Lamm during Dorm Talks from Yeshiva's Dean of Admissions Moshe respondence to be conducted through the University state- in writing that they will answered, "It was done. What do you Kranzler, rather it came from Fisher himself. university's legal office. The law office of cease and desist removal of Commentators expect, a Chinese confession? [This issue] While Fisher would not comment on the situa­ University General Counsel Martin H. from any campus, at any time, without the was relatively minor, we make mistakes and tion, citing its status as a personnel matter,a Bockstein Esq. declined to comment on this written consent of the Governing Board of we gave ybu a response ...but was it that number of university employees claim that matter. TheCommentat or." great a cri"1er the reason Fisher decided to limit Persky's role According to administratorswho could not Within twenty-four hours, The But the( faculty and board of Yeshiva's was that she is •not the proper role model for officially discuss the pending legal and per­ Commentator received a letter from Dr. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, gener­ our girls/ referring to both current and sonnel issues, Persky had until last ·Friday to Efrem Nu Iman, University Dean of Students, ously supporting the charge of The prospective Stern College for Women stu­ sign her three semester faculty contract selected to respond on behalf of the Commentato;, passed the followingresolu­ dents. beforeit was removed from the table. Persky adminlstratlon, stating that"there is no uni- tion: "We extend to the editors of The Shortlyafter Persky receivedthe news from has accepted the faculty job and will be vacat­ versity policy or unofficial practice that Comentator, the Official Undergraduate Fisher, she was offered the opportunity to ing her position as assitant to the dean and condones the disposal of The Newspaper of Yeshiva College, strong sup-_ becomea fulltime professor In the business the end of this semester. As of press time no Commentator.n port foryour efforts In maintaining freedom school. The proposition gave Persky the · replacement has beenfound, however sources The editors of The Commentator, con- of expression in the face of the censorship TheCommentator chance to sign a contract that would secure informed that the office Is cerned that the University Intentionally imposed by the· University. We wish you forher a faculty position for the remainderof close securing a professional for the begin­ chose not to state that they will not again well in your efforts to maintain Journalistic this academic year and all of �he next. ning of the spring· semester. remove the newspapers, immediately integrity at Yeshiva University." Chemi$try Professor Claims To Receive Hate Letters IV JASON (YRULNIK relayed the day's events to Don Summers, Chief of Yeshiva Security. Summers promised A sense of unease now permeates the to Investigate the story; the scene seemed classroom of Dr. Fernando Commodari, relatively familiar to Summers, who accord­ Professor of Chemistry, after Commodari Ing to sources has done •his fair share of informed his students two weeks ago that he research• on complaints registered against has receivedfr om an unnamed class member the professor. a slew of•hate e-mails.• One chemistry student in the class said,#I On Wednesday, December 15, Commodari think this is a fabricated story, most probably entered his classroom in Furst Hall to begin Invented by Commodari. • Commodarl has what his students expected to bea routine refused numerous requests to produce the General Chemistry lecture. Instead, actual letters, but guarantees their existence. Commodari proceededto preface the lesson If this prevalent theory were proven to be with an a9monition; he notified his students true, Commodarl's decision to single out of his Intent to swiftly investigate the threat­ Mark as the particularstudent remains a mys­ ening letters that were sent to his e-mail tery. Other members of the class report no account via the Internet. Commodarl did not bad bloodto have existed between the two elaborate on the content of the e-mails, but prior to this incident. "Why would he sign his TheCommentator has reamed that included own name,• asked one YCjunlor. •1 know him; In the letterswere both disparaging remarks there's no chance that he was even involved: against his mother and his personal life, and Commodari himself has changed his story the word 'kill' - although the context of the over the course of the past week, at times word has yet to be clarified. telling newspaper sources that he believes Theday' s peculiar events were just begin­ the student, someone whom he outright · ning for Mark,one YC junior who requested labeled a •bastard,• undoubtedly lays behind that his lden.tity be withheld for"fear of retal­ the threats, and at times denouncing, almost iation.n Commodari had Informed Mark that entirely, any suspicion of the committed stu­ he wanted to speak with him after class. dent's Involvement. During the class break,an unsuspecting Mark The Internet server from which the e­ approached Commodarl and the puzzled mails originated, Yahoo, has confirmed the junior was then Informed by his Instructor Identity of the sender, according to that the aforementioned threats had been . Commodarl, but will not release that infor­ signed with Mark's name. Mark says that mation. As a result, Commodarl has Commodari wamed the student that a full announced his Intentions to sue them as Investigation was· under way, and that any well. The accused Junior atteststhat he has discovered wrongdoing would be prosecut­ no Yahoo account whatsoever, significantly :·- ed to the fullest extent of the law. -diminishing the specter of his involvement. The student, baffled and intimidated, Without confirmation from Yahoo, Immediately proceeded to Andrew Commodari's story remains suspect to many, Leibowitz, Coordinator of Student Services, and his refusalto produce the littleevidencP. for advice on how to handle the unnerving that he claims to possess continues to beg situation. Leibowitz sent him to the Officeof the question to his students - did anything Security, where the student flieda report and really happen? 19 Tevet 5760 Page 11 ------j w ww.v�c0MMENTAT01.c0Mj�------Little Accomplished in Search for Syms Dean BY COMMENTATOR STAFF has commenced the Initial proceedings that In time will lead to a formal search A month after. Sy Syms School of committee charged with performing a �,,(¥., Business Dean Harold Nierenberg made his national search for a new dean. When Intentions to retire public, the University asked whether the committee would be _· THE DORISAND DR. IRAKUKIN ENTREPRENE URIALSEMINAR has taken few steps In pursuing a replace­ looking for someone outside the Yeshiva ment for his position. According to his res­ community as opposed to In house, . · SPRING20CHJ· lg nation letter, Dean Nierenberg will Lowengrub reiterated that It Is the task of a PROBLFMS vacate his office at the end of August coin­ national search committee to perform a "MAN4931 SFMINAR: ·C ONTFMPORARY m Bu�s ciding with the beginning of the fall thorough search, examining all potential semester. candidates. The final decision will be made A search committee to fill the vacancy only after selecting the ·best possible can­ · , · ; · · - Friu�l�:00 a.m.-12 :JOp;m. (J credits) . · and leadership void that will be created didate for the position. Lowengrub realisti­ l ml industry when Nierenberg leaves, has not yet been cally expects that the search wm find suc­ · ..Sen� Execuwes, CEO's aooen-:Yiffl present i� :ard-ttia fu� formed, according to University officials cess rather quickly and a new dean will be sharellleir onOOH 10 fr�nlain a •itian", Dr, laviTenreBel�n wffl ro:(01nale � class. who anticipate being Included In such a In place at the start of next year's fall � · -rd n · · committee if one had been formed. semester. , :)it,qII! co�le exeamves scoodwedlo a� are: .. . � . . . . Individuals close to the Syms Dean assert It has been rumored forsome time that that It was precisely this type of non-action the creation and Implementation of a mas­ that Nierenberg feared when he decided ters of business affairs program would be UNDER, CFO, MOVIEFONECORP to resign, precisely the reason he atop the agenda of a new Syms adminis­ . + : ; . . . · < ._ Ml, ·: ADAM SLU1SKY1 CO-FO . _ announced his Intentions to retire ten tration. Lowengrub commented that while 1� �nm,es1 Dij you everd� mf llM?MMFete �es· mteracnve informa�onadverusi�, ana ��eijn� months In advance. the Idea has not vanished, •the number nmegcEJS. Seeking to ease concerns, · Vice one priority· will be to make the Sy Syms : swees10 lheiootioo piciure indus� and President forAcademic Affairs, Dr. Morton School of Business the number one under­ Lowengrub, explained that the university graduate business school In the country." . MR. AUNLEVY, .P RESIDENT,· DEST/ACORPORATION Confusion Amid Changes in · . OesllaIs a facilnies-baseo glooal �avider of dornes�cana inlemaoonal Ion� aislanrecommunica�ons services, Registration Department offen� inlemalionaland nsijc �ng· d�lan�I camn��rd and prepa� card, al'ldtransmiss�n services. BY PINCHAS SHAPIRO the situation, however, the terms of her acceptance were not so kind. At a stan- -.-· __·_ : :· -·• MR. JEFFREYS.WAR1Z,PRESIDENT/CEO, !iMBERUNDCORPOPJTION� . , Slx weeks after University Registrar dard registrars meeting uptown, Fromfaslloo lo mounlanoool i Tlnterland rumma�e� prem �ual�foot.Year I ap�re and ao"veSsooes,pnmarey Rabbi Melvin Davis resigned, the Yeshiva Honigwachs was reportedly informed that stores! and shoestores ���oul �e worla. she was being transferred to Carol Roth's slores,o�r . re!a�'°a� stores, •nl University registrars office has once again Timaoo®. . r��:. . . . . undergone radical change. Lea formeroffice. "Since this doubles her trav­ . Honigwachs, the recently hired Assistant el time from her home In Brooklyn, she Registrar at Stern College for Women, has [Honigwachs] said she would not accept a ...... _ -MRJUGENECOUEY, : CIIAIRM)JI, � COUEYGROUP. . _ been moved Uptown to the University's transfer,•said one administrator.0 "But after . main registrar's office, with Pinchas ·. some consideration of the benefits of a : : lij�e\1111e f S08lle�I ""11OWi' 1� M�; ma�' and olhervenrures.��Y Mt. � transfer versus unemployment, Lea decld­ . • Friedenberg, former University Registrar, >. ·.: · v_w ' . tempora!IIY fllllng the void leftat the Stern ed to accept the offer and move Uptown.• ·· .·alii"lil._...... · ___ ·_ _ : . College office. Or. Honlgwachs declined to comment on ORPOPJTION . Director of Enrollment Management, the conditions of her appointment and . CIWRMAN,,SYMS:C . . , ' ..·· · ... .. ·.· . :< : MRrSisYMS; 1o 111e · Jqhn B. Fisher Is responsible forthese most subsequent transfer. _· -::Wcdjnl)VJ ijw ;meeloor �s�, am.�. 'ari �ucat&l 0011sUJM� crou�nt nas sucress recent personnel changes. According to Fisher asserted that the Registrars . Mr. Fisher, the nature of Dr. Honigwachs' office will continue to under90 institution­ . flm1: ·.' · . Job and responslLllitles will change dra- al changes over the next three months and · matically as she Is now filling the office left there will be no void In office leadership. I OUCYCIWR, GOlJJMANMCHS · vacant by Carol Roth this summer. The one concern that remains prevalent : MS, ABBYIOSEPBCOIIBN,CHIEF STIJTEGIST/INYFJTMEN P While at Stern, Honlgwachs learned the In most minds throughout the university, Is -_ .Ms;Cohen �� d !heIOOSt o.wjwalaej fot.asfeB lllplr,e oo � and�one of lhem1SI m�nwl vcices of .. Banner System and administered all duties . . the Inability of the university to fill any of . of the undergraduate registrar. With her the vacant offices In the registration · WdStreelHerrepuia&n _�mernaoc.ia1,ard�'sopinmonlhes!Olma�elarelege�.· move uptown, Honlgwachs' work will prl- department. According to Fisher's office, marily cente: around the university's grad- the University has placed a number of uate schools, the review of doctoral theses advertisements soliciting applicants for . . .. . : : . _ , MR. MICHAELROTll , CEO, MUTUALOF NEWYORK and the conferring of degrees. However, assoclate,assistant,and university registrar . Honigwachs expects her workload• to positions. Currently, no suitable candi­ . Mt.Roffi is a mem�of Ctaln'sAl�lar Team, aoo�a� MONY; a �ooinginsurance rompany,�fu almost ,1 o change slightly In the absence of a univer- dates have submitted resumes for consid­ asse�un!ler maM,ment For!he six mon�s endin�&W��. Iola! revenue was�.o sity registrar, as current Registrar Davis Is eration. "We are suffering from an . bml011:in accumulal� expected to leave Yeshiva within the week. extremely goqd econoi:ny right now/ said .mm�. . According to Fisher, Pinchas Fisher, commenting on Yeshiva's Inability Friedenberg was appointed to fill to fill administrative vacancies. Fisher MR,-RAPHAELBENAROYA, PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN, UNITEDRETAIL GROUP Honigwachs' position at Stern for the dura- went on. to explain that hiring good peo­ · Uniled � a na�on�ae s��-rela�et of la�s�e women's_a�parel and accessones. offenn� pnvale label tion of the academic year. Friedenberg, pie from other universities would require the former University_Registrar, left under engaging in bidding wars for profession­ · merchandiseusin� �e AVENUE lradema�. A !rue na�onal �ualfy o�aniza�on! unclear circumstances over five years ago. als' services - something that Yeshiva is not Fisher ass�rts that Friedenberg was hired prepared to do. only as a consultant to assist the Stern Despite all the maneuvers and position- . College Registrars Office until a perma- al voids within the registrar's office, many MR, FRED WILPON, CO-OWNER, NY METS nent replacement can be found. feel that undergraduate spring reglstra­ Accordlng to Fisher, Friedenberg .has not tlon has b_een thus far glitch free. The - -How do you build a Ylinningleam? Areprofl� fi rstfun serond?Is 0Yt11inga �aseball leam a fanlasy come lrue? been given an official title to accompany course catalogues accompanied with stu- hls work. dent transcripts and registration forms The conditions under which were all prepared and distributed In ·_ • No �rerequis11es:O�en to all �usinessaoo lireral arts sru�en3 wlfu u��rclass s�noini, To accommooateall sruoemtme Honlgwachs was moved uptown and advance, with only minor changes being Friedenberg was slipped Into the Stern made to the catalogue. "Mel has taken • elm will reoffered a1 llieMi�1 01�n Cam�ut VanTra�nauon ooiliwa�s will � availaole fromme �fain Cam�u1. position are also unclear at this time. care of us this time around, and all the stu­ Fisher said,"I offered her [Honigwachs] the dents should thank him, I am afraid we . FOR' ADDITIONALINFORMATION CONTACT: Main Camiius,�M), BH-m. Mia1own Center, JW.ml. Job, and she accepted." won't be so lucky In the spring,• cautioned · . According to administrators close to a University employee. . . · MID-9Q.1.Dr. LawrenceBellman, BH40'1, MID-WI. %0-011� Detlember 28, 1999 19 Tevet 5760 Page 13 Page 12 ------.------�l www.vucoMMENT ------1j www.YUCOMMENTATOR.co•�1 ------AToR.coM�I ------

0 The gorerning hoord unters•to•�chi.n,�!�,t',s Li�t:_�pi�J��rg Telev.ision Division. He directed shows Keneally: Schindler's Ark. It was the true both France and Spain, twoc ountries he had attem'pted to defend Communism from the ' only one meal a day she managed to save ness. Even on her deathbed, she was still has never failed to amaze and delight his such as "The Night Gallery, ""Marcus Welby story of the good-hearted Nazi Party mem­ tried to inhabit. He reached New York CityIn imminent threats of Civil War and foreign enough money to buy one of Hirsch's books. teaching, still writing, still penning lessons audience. His career, while still in it's MD, ""The Name of the Game" and the first ber Oskar Schindler who saved the lives of 1917, where he joined the Bolshevik theorist Intervention. With the triumph of the p With war's end, Sarah Schneirer was ready for her students. rime, has surpassed the level of house- episode of-Columbo." ,. mo W.W.11. Nikolay Bukharin in editing the newspaper, Communist forces and the end of the , re than 1,100 Jews during to return to Cracow-- and ready to give over . .hold name t'1 me and time again. S lb f r f " T he TheNew World. Russian Civil War in 1920, Trotsky turned his · pie ergs irst ,eature ilm, The film ·that it became, uschindler's all that she had learned. All she had to do Born in Cincinnati· on December 18 Sugar I d an Express," in 1974, won crltica I During the 1917 Russian Revolution, energies into reconstructing the Russian list" Is now one of the most honored films was find someone to listen. Her efforts to ,1946, the sp·ielberg 1& amil·y m ov· ed from _ I Trotsky hailed the outbreak in Russia· as the economy. ace aim ·including a Cannes Film Festival of all . time, earning Speilberg the long reach out to women and older girls met with New Jersey to Scottsdale. AZ while Steven Award in 1974 forBest screenplay. opening of the permanent revolution he After Lenin was stricken with a cerebral awaited Oscars for Best Director and Best little success: To them her words sounded was still young. At the age of 13 Steven had long ago predicted. He reached h emorr h age in l 922, Trotsky became the In 1975, Spielberg directed "Jaws." Only Picture as well as 7 other Academy Awards strange and outmoded. And then she turned . won Pentrograd in' May 1917, and assumed the obvious candidate forsuccession . But Lenin a contest with his 40 minute film, his second feature film, Jaws was a huge and an exceptional number of other hon­ to the children, beginning with only five. •Escape to Nowhe're."ln leadership of a left-wind Menshevik faftfon. soon recovered, and warned the govern- 1963, atthe ageof success. It was nominated forbest film at ors. They listened, they ·learned, they remem­ 16, Spielberg produced Aftera brief arrest forhis involvement In the ment of Trotsky's•t oo far-reaching self-con- the movie the l 976 Academy Awards, and won 3 The Survivors of the Shoah Visual bered her lessons. faction, Trotsky was formally admitted to the fidence." When Stalin soon gained the •Firelight• (which would later inspire Oscars for Editing, Sound and Original History Foundation was founded by that would reach Into the fields of live The school grew. After one year, more Bolshevik Party and was elected to member­ majority power, Trotsky left Russian for the #Close Encounters"). The movie made a Score. Jaws would later be named as one Steven Spielberg in 1994 after the filming action and animated movies (both tradi­ than eighty students were crowding to hear ship on the Bolshevik Central Committee, Black Sea coast. $100 profit at the local movie theater. of the 100 best films of all time by the of -schlndler's List,. brought to light the· tional and CGI}, music, computer games, the classes, all given proudly In Yiddish. A and then as Chairman of the Pentrograd In 1928, Trotsky and his followers were Spielberg a few years later started pro- American Film Institute. , many azing stories of survival. arcades, television production and movie larger apartment was rented. Former stu­ · am Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies. exiled to remote partsof the Soviet Union. duction on Amblin. It was a·24 minute 1982 was a.big year forSpielberg. uE.T.n In 1994 Dreamworks 5KG became the distribution. dents, barely out of class themselves, were movie Trotsky functioned as the military leader In 1936 he was forced to seek asylum In about a pair of hitchhikers. The . became the firstmovie to beproduce d by first new movie studio in Hollywood In With the release of his latest movie, pressed into service, to teach those still 5,000 m m of the Revolution when Kerensky vainly Mexico where he was kllled by an ax-mur- • Sl budget ca e fro a friend of his, Amblin Entertainment, which Spielberg over.75 years. The partnership between •saving Private Ryan/ to video, Steven younger, The school grew and a movement m who atte pted to retake. . Pentrograd with loyal derer,with the Soviet governmentdisclaim- was·· also trying to break into the founded • . Steven ·spielberg,Jeffery Katzenberg, and Spellberg continues to make monumental was slowly born. troops. Trotsky organized and supervised movie business. Amblln. won several fi • Schnierer attended the conven- · Ing any responsibility. · lm · Six months after the release of "E.T., n . David Geffe n formed a media company movies and lead the entertainment Indus- In 1924, December 28, 1999 Page 14 ------l w w w. v v coMME NT ATo R • coMj 1------

g ii SCHOTIENSTEIN_ CENTER > FI Li'A- R_E�IEW STUDIO THEATER • 560 W, 185th IT. NYC c, Yolhl�• Colle10 Sp•och THUdDAY X � t; i And l>f■ma Department · . • Sleepy Hollow ."?» �y: g· Theater Worklhop • SP£ 2031 ' ; r11 DEC Starring: JohnnyDepp : � � i liteS�a11�ank Redemntion and Christina Ricci : cs:, baHd on tho Nove1To" 1· -5 �O '.> � BY YA IR OPPENHEIM '. g ;r by &ttplttn King . o :: : -U g:\ No Actn,lulol) AfterSIio� Btllln• 1 I 9 9 ' .S: i{� Llml1K Parkln11 Avalf1bl1 9:00 .PM After returning from a leave of absence in the genre, toying with his biopic "Ed Wood" and satire "Mars Attacks,"Tim Burton Shawshank Redeems VCDS once again proves his mastery over all that BY ALEX TRAIMAN Captain Hadley. · Though his performance 2 seemed almost comical at times, his night is morbid, brooding, and nightmarish in cin ema, tackling material that fans should Melodrama at its best, YCDS presented stick restored order on the cast and crowd. Joey London's performace was stellar, as he savor at: the retelling of an old American lit­ The Shawshank Redemption to the greater erary horror classic - the legend of Sleepy dally forthe beheading sequences), the film Yeshiva community earlier this month. The successfully portrayed a young man willing creates a striking mystique for its viewers. to trade in experience in crime fora GED Hollow. Shawshank Redemption is a story of hope, · The story, which most are somewhat Along with that comes a virtuoso score the lack thereof, and finally redemption. under the tutelage of Andy. familiar with, is that of Ichabod Crane composed by Burton's musical Andy Dufresne, an honest banker, is The inmates were a collective group of (played by Johnny Depp), a constable who partner-in-crime Danny Elfman, a story writ­ incarcerated forthe alleged murder of crazies portrayed as such by a cornucopiaof wishes to use and develop techniques in ten by gore scribe Andrew Kevin Walker his wife and her student personali· forensicscience to solve crimes, rather than (famous for"Seven" and "The Game"), and lover. During his sen­ ties, and the Shaw­ watch bureaucracy simply dump corpses sword fights choreographed by master of tence, he befriends shank guards were and 'fill out paperwork. As his attitude and dueling Ray Park (Oarth Maul of"Star Wars: Red who represents well positioned quest for justice seems to annoy those The Phantom Menace"). the illegal black mar­ throughout the play. a Burton's actors are in on the magic as ket of the prison. While the cast around him, he is sent to Sleepy Hollow, certainly acted to town clearly in need of his services. Murder well. Depp manages to display bravado, Andy soon learns he weakness, femininity, wit, and a full range of can manipulate the their potential, and is the crime, and the method is beheading. then way over and The culprit Is claimed· to be a headless quirky characteristics that cements him as system using bank­ the actor who can express vintage Burton. ing skills to survive above, it was the lov­ horseman, who feels no pity or remorse in · Christina Ricci, most probably known as "the the harsh prison life. able staples of all his crimes. What soon follows is Crane's Winona Ryder replacement for the Tim Andy fights desper­ -YCDS productions, search fortruth, immersing himself in town Burton actress slot," does well to define her ately against the corrupt prison system to that gil\le Shawshank the Beukas Signature. politics, witchcraft, and even love. role realize that »hope is a .good thing ... and no Intricate lighting schemes added immensely What stands out in this film is not the as the Crane's bewitching love interest. good thing ever dies," finally escaping to the truly wonderful set which successfully content of the film, but the style. As Tim Though a horror film, "Sleepy Hollow" Burton is noted and judged by standards of manages to inject a surprisingly large through a back door he created through accommodated each of the play's eight dif­ n years of work in his cell. The escape route led ferent scenes. Fading to black was common• style, this alone may rank "Sleepy Hollow as amount of humor fora rather morbid and to a pool of feces and eventually freedom. place within the play, properly delineating his best film. Burton utilizes the autistic unsettling plot. The film also Includes the The performances of • Andy (Joshua one scene from another. Cast members uti­ genius of numerous craftsmen in every token "nightmarish fantasy dream Summers) and Red (Yaacov Silberman) lized the entire Schottenstein Theatre as aspect of the production design. The sets, sequence," a staple of Burton;s films. As a instilled hope in the entire audience. The their stage, weaving in and out of the audi­ costume, and cinematography are captivat­ pure entertainer •sleepy Hollow" does not bond created between Red and Andy In the ence enhancing the overall comfort of all in ing as they completely recreate the period disappoint. The beheading sequences are original Steven King novella was felt within attendance. Special effects included the with all of its mystery and elegance. The cin­ jaw-dropping forthose with a testosterone the onstage relationship of Silberman and increasingly popular smoke clouds, and a ematography alone is ,quite pictorial, as it inclination, so squeamish viewers beware. Summers. glass bottle which shattered over Rooster's strives to capture the most beautlfully com­ The script does take liberties with the origi­ Red carried the play on his shoulders as head fora terrific effect minus the black and posed shots as possible, and added with the nal story, but Washington Irving would be the story's narrat�r,as well as leader of the blue. effects of mists and crackling sound (espe- proud of his classic being reborn. inmates. His passion from the play's start set The show ended with a YCDS special the tone forthe entire production. effects triumph. As the floodwaters opened Noam· Greenberg portrayed a harsh in the play's final scene, the rain prompted a Warden Samuel Norton, a scholar of corrup­ standing ovation. Yearbool< Ad Deadline tion who managed to amass a minor fortune Overall, Shawshank was truly one of the before being ruined financially and emotion­ best shows produced by YCDS in recent Has Been Extended!!! ally, eventually leading to the simple deci­ times. Dr. Beukas and the entire student sion to take his own life before being sub­ body should take pride in the performances Yes, that is right! jected to the same brutal treatment he had of a truly talented cast and crew. enforced on others in Shawshank. The direction was terrific, the casting, Ben Franz was masterful in his portrayal blocking, and lighting were simply excellent You now have of Brooks, the Shawshank librarian and bird­ on all accounts. A succes� all around, The keeper extraordinaire. Hadar Weiss power­ Shawshank Redemption will certainly go until February 1st fully played a man whose word was law as down in YCDS history. to bring in your ads for The Masmid 2000 Please Picl

The Insider Srarri11g: Russell (rmre . . ·II Pnci110 n11d Christopher Plummer

BY VAIR OPPENHEIM

In director Michael Mann's testosterone coated world, con- '· frontation is key. Giants, icons, man-beasts lock horns in physical, mental and emotional combat. This staple of Mann's films·, of con­ JR science clashes and one-on-one wars always ends with the arche-. type winner and loser. But when the true to life events from 1994 involving hundreds of billions of dollars, a three-way tug of war between a whistle-blower, a television newsmagazine producer and a tobacco conglomerate, the consequences are a far cry from the stark contrast of black and white champions and victims. As battles are fought on legal, financial and personal fronts, the complexities mourit and the tension factor rises exponentially. Jeffrey Wigand, played by Russell Crowe, is faced with a situa-. tion that is painful to think about and difficult to deal with. After getting fired from his job as a chemist in charge of research and development at Brown and Williamson, he happens to be contacted by Show," and defines the genre of the corporate thriller, as the only film it Lowell Bergman, a producer for 60 Minutes on CBS for some assistance. resembles is "All The President's Men," a political thriller. When it suddenly seems that Wigand is privy to information that can poten­ The performances in "The Insider" leave nothing to be desired. Al Paci no, tially lead to an expose on tobacco industry malpractice, Bergman's ears perk gives off a rock hard image as Lowell Bergman, an aggressive, defensive, and up and the story takes a turn a la "All the President's Men." Wigand, a hothead prodding television journalist. The real gem of a performance comes. from s by nature, is pressured both to talk and to refrain from doing so. Staring him Christopher Plummer as "60 Minutes'" Mike Wallace. Plummer turns in a com­ in the face is his the moral choice, the good that would result from this inter­ manding presence, as he is required to mimic Wallace's rumored egotistical view. In the back of his mind, though, lies the threat of Brown and Williamson nature in real life. Even more powerful is the performance of the main actor to cut his severance package, which would severely curtail the medical ben­ of the film, Russell Crowe. Crowe manages to create an aura of explosive efits his sick child requires. As Wigand proceeds to unwrap hjs story, corpo­ silence as a tortured personality caught between the battles of journalistic rate ferocity starts to unravel his life. He is the subject of a unmerciful smear ethics and management concerns, constantly maintaining hold of his campaign and is even threatened for arrest in certain states for breach of eye-grabbing performance. contract in his deposition testimony. Bergman is soon forced to succumb to Other accolades the film deserves are in the more creative departments. different types of pressures as he is informed by CBS executives that The cinematography is used as a subtle indication of Wigand's paranoia, as 6r Westinghouse, CBS's soon to be parent company, objects to the airing of the camera angles in the film emerge with a perspective from behind Wigand's Wigand interview, which, should it occur, may influence their interest in the head. Other moments of the film are quite picturesque. Daunt Spinet, merger, with potential shock waves ranging in the billions, capable of tossing Mann's cinematographer, has been responsible for the look of his other films, jobs and shatte ring industries. Bergman's loyalty to his source is fractured such as "Heat" and the gorgeously shot "Last of the Mahicans." The makeup leaving Wigand to face his hunters alone. should also be commended. Christopher Plummer miraculously mirrored In terms of sheer dramatic power, Mann is somehow able to keep the nar- . Mike Wallace, and Russell Crowe was somehow transformed from the virile, rative to a riveting pace, and hits the ground running from the first minute young hero of"LA Confidential,"to that of a 50 year old stoic presence. up until the last hour. The film was written by Mann, the typical practice with "The Insider" has already won numerous industry awards in all major cat­ his films, though he shares co-writing credit with Eric Roth, an Oscar winner egories, and though has shown lackluster box office receipts, is clearly for writing the "Forrest Gump" adaptation. The intelligence communicated in ahead of the game, as a benchmark for future real-life reenactments. It is the script is mind blowing, which not only signifies the talent of the writers, perhaps Mann's best film because it is his best script and his actors keep cre­ but also reflects on the complexities of such a realistic situation. The film is ating powerful moments through their screen time. It is clearly among the potentially the most intelligent film to be released by Hollywood since "Quiz best of the year. TfleTa lented Mr. Ripley Starring: Matt Damon, u Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jude Law

BY VA IR OPPENHEIM

It's not often that a person's unique talent is in being someone else. The multitude of identity, or lack thereof, is what drives u L Anthony Mlnghella's worthy follow- p to his 1996 Oscar-laden film, "The English Patient." Tackling a plethora of themes· such as the arrogance of blue-blooded ivy leaguers, the European tourist scene, the jazz era, and even homosexuality, Minghella's romantic thriller once again follows the reckless ac:tionsof already doomed people, weaving a highly complex psychological thriller that is as com- pelling in its, plot as it is in its e:haracters. · "' Matt Damon stars as Tom Ripley, a nobody, who through the ,..,.__,�-­ machinations of circumstance, manages to meet Mr. Greenleaf, a shipping industry tycoon. _Greenleaf offers to pay Ripley to retrieve his spoiled son Dickie from the shores of Italy and his girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow). Ripley's errand quickly fails, and he soon leaches into the life of Dickie and Marge to their immediate content .., ..__ __ _ and later disapproval. Issues become far more difficult to manage as Ripley dictable nature. begins to assume Dickie's lifestyle, while majntaining his identity as Ripley, and Ripley, the character that is most influenced by the narrative style, must con- further closeting another persona. stantly compensate in his identity changes as the situation frequently fluctu- u Minghella manages to recreate the same elegance and enchantment seen in ates from safety to danger. His manipulation of identity is central to the plot's "The English Patient," and infuse it into"The Talented Mr. Ripley,"though the sit- credence. The script, written by Minghella (based on the novel by Patricia uations are perhaps less grandiose only due to the content. The film, set against Highsmith) is in itself is a wonder to behold. The identities of Tom Ripley and the colorful palette of Italian sunshine and sunsets (beautifully captured by Dickie Greenleaf rotate around each other, molding a plot out of their concen­ Minghella's cinematographer John Seale), manages to maintain its balance as a tric circles. When circumstance ancldanger intertwine, Tom and Dickie swivel in period piece and thriller, while not falling prey to becoming an uneven mess. closer and closer degrees, until they can get no closer than in the finale which e e e e u e e JR Th music v n switch s from being saccharine to s ddenly baroqu as the tak s place on a boat. shadow of murder closes in. Damon Is very convincing as the tortured and confused To m Ripley. It is The most engagi_ng aspect of Mr. Ripley, Is In the method of the story's unrav- this combination of his very mysterious aura and frequent personality eling. One of the most fascinating elements in "The English Patient" was it� changes that manages to support the execution of his plans and solidify his unique narrative style. Mlnghella's script takes the same risks by having charac- career as an actor and not a mere one-time starlet. Jude Law, who plays Dickie ters constantly reveal Information �Q. �ach other that from the point of view of Greenleaf is dynamic as he should be, and the supporting cast is effective in .I an .audience, should remain secretf he characters then have to deal with the their bit roles as well. The film, another fine example of well crafted art, is one mess resulting from these actions, as the non-conformist plot pays off by man- of the year's best, and should stake a claim as one of the best multi-genre e e e a e E aging to d fy view r xpect tions, yet grab their attention from Its unpre- pieces of th 1990's. December 28, 1999 Page 16 ·------1• WW• YU COII II ENTAT O I• CO•I I------NulinanAn nounces Resignation continued/ram page 1 When questioned aboutthe tlming·of Coordinator of Student Services, his departure, Nulman responded, •it Is Andrew Leibowitz was also taken by_ Dr. typically unusual for an administrator In Nulman's · announcement. •1 am.. d�eply my position to remain In one Institution saddened to heafabout Nulmari'5-r¢sig­ for fifteen years. I have been here a long nation. The care·and c�ncern he ixhlblts time, and it is slmpiy time fo'r me to look at toward the students serve� as· an 11'\spfra� some other career options.· tlon, to us a·u. �e Is a deeply cornri'll�e� A personnel change at this level is cer- administrator, and more Importantly; ' a taln to shake up the Student Servl�e's wonderfu,I person; I wlsh::hlmJuck with department; however, It Is hopeful that a his future endeavors, he\vm be\greatly replacementwlll be found rapidly;and the . missed • . · ,·. . ,, · , - ·:. ·: ·.;;. ·,. · Assistant DirectorSpeaks at YU department will continue to function : ·. Cur;ently, Dean:N�lrnan'.stut�re''�lan� without missing a beat. •1t has been a are notcoricrete. "I am very fortun�teto av COMMENTATOR STAFF *organized chaos" and averting stand-ins pleasure working with Dean NLilman," have'optlon·s. : It Is now,tlme. f�(ine)o getting· hurt. Referencing Gus Van Sant's · 1998 "Psycho" remake, he mentioned the said ·oavid Himber, Yeshiva College explore those.options." · . In its second coup of the year,hot off the · ·. · . . · effort taken to recreate the scenes shot by Associate Dean of Students .. •(was very · . When asked about his stay afYeshlva; heels of its documentary. fllmmaklng lec­ ture, the Yeshiva U�iverslty Film Society wit­ shot, with some odd difficulties being the shocked to · hear about his resignation, Nulman stated' ·,t: hafb�erf'a·Jv9,ndef.(ui changes In technology, small as they may and am still recovering from th'enews. He _fifteen years a,t Yes�lva . Y,iq·r�!ng'·�1th.tt,e . nessed a staggering su�cess as its-second ,.. . event took place on Sunday, December5th. be, yet with enormous influence. Examples will certainly be missed: 'iltiok fo rward to ·stud.erits has been an lmmeriseiypos. ltl�e · The evening's lecturer, Assistant Director were different shower heads being used working with the new Dean of Studehts, experience , haVe' nothing bUt\varm feel� Bruce Franklin, a man whose credits have today, and different car models, which · and will do anything to be helpful In find- · tngs for Yeshiva 'ancf· the· entilluriiver�lty graced many a screen over the years, spoke means exiting a car from a different side. In Ing a replacement.• · community." . ''· · · · ·' about the inner workings of the Hollywood furtherref erence to safety in technical situ­ fllmmakingindus try. ations, he explained how in the film -While Speaking to an audience of close to sixty You Were Sleeping/ the · subway cars and students,, Franklin spoke about how his electrical rails were used , yet posed no dan­ career path led him from being a *kib­ ger. Shots were taken from one angle, giv­ butznlck" In Israel, working in an industrial ing the Illusion of movement in a com­ factory, to landing a solid reputation In a pletely opposite direction, while scenes career as an Assistant Directorto the likes of · were shot In the portion of rail which wasn't Director John Singleton. Franklin men­ electrified, or In which the electricity was tioned the numerous attemptshe made at shut off. laying a foothold In the Industry, mentioning Though being. abso�bed Into th,. the well known Catch-22 he faced: •t told Hollywood community, Franklin mentioned them that though I had no experiencein the how ·there Is opportunity at every moment field, I would love to fill a position In their for creativity In the production process. . production,and got the response'Well, what Every technical Job requires creativity to wod

Today's pulpit rabbi is expected to be scholar. poseik.. teach er. activist, counselor, preacher, family friend, programmer. youth SSION organizer, social worker, community relations spec::iaHst. therapist, SE TOPIC,S fund raiser and more. ·· The pulpit rabbi of the 21st century will YlK RABBINICS COUNSE require an even broader ·range of �nowledge, skills. techniques and LING TH£ CONTE MPORARY, 0RtH O experiences. Even seasoned rabbis are confronting issues they DOX JEWISH FA ,' il:J'lilil !J"JJ MILY never dreamed would face them in their rabbanut. Fe n 1 n 11!1 � rtility and Medic J J il"lll!J "JD i! � 1 cor The Annual Rabbinic Conference, spon·s_ored by ttieYo ung Israel dance with Halach CHOSHENM Th: a Council of Rabbis of the National Council of YoungIsrael , is geared ISHPII;� Neglected C DA MA L 'HASHJV: . heilek? to ,assist the Orthodox pulpit rabbi in the continuously expanding . Answerm g Today's Muff1it. role he is required to fill. WHY NOT JOIN us FOR 32 HOURS OF aceted Questions . LEARNING, EXPERIENCING, SHARING AND GROWl�G? Placement . rroi cus Groups • ♦,.• • • • ♦ • ♦ ♦ ♦Rabbinic ...... u�ce Room • • • • • • • ••,. • • Networking • •,. • • � •• ♦...... Reso , ,

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·,I: 3 WEST 16TH STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK I 00 I I 212-929-1525. extension 115 800-6 I 7-NCYI. extension 115 [email protected] Page l 8 December 28, 1999 ------�1w ww.YUCOMMENTATOR.COM�1 ------"Jewish Lure" of Yeshiva Graduate Schools

BY SHMULI SINGER on Yorn Tov makes Ferkauf ideal for Jewish students," she concluded. Other students Yeshiva University's graduate schools did not adopt such a favorable view. One offerYCand Stern alumni the option of com­ former YC student noted that Ferkauf's lack pleting their education under the banner of of Jewish character manifested itself in the Torah U'Madda. The Albert Einstein College dependence on nearby Einstein for Jewish­ of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of related facilities. "It isn't convenient to have Law, and Ferkauf Graduate School of to run over to Einstein whenever you need a Psychology all attract numerous students minyan," he grumbled. "It seems as though from Yeshiva's undergraduate programs, Einstein's Jewish nature eclipses Jewish life partly due to their Jewish natures, kosher in Ferkauf." cafeterias, and no classes on Jewish holidays. Many Cardozo students coming from YU's COMMIE Staffenjoy ing every momentof controversial Dorm Ta lks. After actually attending one of Yeshiva's colleges portray their school in a positive graduate programs, however, some students light. "Cardozo lived up to the expectations I question this pe

In a stellar performance kicking off what undoubtedly will be a long and prosperous musical career, YC alumnus and RIETS stu­ dent Shalom Morgenstern opened up Chanukah concert'99 to rave reviews. Nearly one month following the success­ ful release of his top-selling debut album, "Ltav Avid," Morgenstern wowed the crowd Chanukah Concert of 1,100 in Lamport Auditorium with his sen­ sational performance. Morgenstern, known continued from page 24 on the YC campus simply as "Jon," stole the back at YU two years in a row," Dachs recent upbeat favorites. His set opened to stage as he displayed his phenomenal voice informed the crowd. "You always hear about the number one song of the 1990's, "Didoh while singing three of his signature songs the famous YU concert, and when I was Bei," which set the tone for what was yet to and later returned to the stage fo r the big called to do it last year, people told me to come. His soulful rendition of the classic "No finale, led by Yossi Green. lead-in to the song "Shalom Aleichem." make it good, because you get there once Jew will be Left Behind," accompanied by An MTA graduate as well, Morgenstern · Folioing his entrance, Shloime Dachs joined and maybe they invite you back in five years. images of fire and Stars of David had the joked that he feels he hasbeen here forever, with Shalom center stage, as they'locked So I'm really flattered that you invited me audience cheering to no avail. By the time as he reminded the audience that his last and exquisitely harmonized together in back again." "Indeed, he is one of the best," Fried had sung seven songs, he had the performanceon the YU stage was when he arms commented Olivestone, who raved about crowd on the edge oftheir seats, begging to sang as a soloist for the Miami Boys Choir the a most memorable and dazzling perfor­ Dachs' performance. "Shloime has quickly hear"Chazak,"the song that Fried performed memorable "Torah Today." mance. Throughout the finale's series of distinguished himself as an audience for the first time ever on the YU stage three The Concert opened with awesome ren­ Green and Carlebach tunes, Morgenstern favorite." years ago. When Fried reached the first cho­ ditions of the all empowering"Ltav Avid,"fol­ · and Dachs vocalized together with Avraham Continuing a long first half, the lights rus of the song, two flashpots exploded on lowed by a very emotional "K'ayol," and the Fried, Dedi andYo ssi Green as the five stars of were dimmed to blackness for the entrance each side of the stage, sending fire and effervescent hora,'.'Bitchu"- already a favorite · the evening synchronized their voices with of special guest star, Dedi. Bedecked in a smoke upward. The crowd roared its dancing tune at Jewish weddings. unsurpassed synergy. black t-shirt not bearing his trademark approval of Rabbi Dr. John Krug's lighting Possessing an astoundingly gifted and "It is fitting to be singing here at home in insignia, but rather the official logo of YU effects,only to be surprised once more when harmonious voice, Morgentern is quickly YU," exclaimed Morgenstern who fit right in Chanukah Concert '99, Dedi explained that · two canons fired massive amountsof confet­ becoming well know in the world of Jewish with the seasoned big name stars of the his casual garb was an indication that"when ti over the entire auditorium. Music and making his mark as one of the show. One final "at home" touch was added I come to YU, I am not performing, I come to After Fried's set, much of the audience most popular and talented young stars. as Morgenstern, the YU guy, chanted the party with you. I love YU!" Dedi belted out a assumed the concert was over. However, an Chanukah Concert '99 followed his tri­ infamous "Oy Ribbono Shel O/am, Yeshivas full set of popular tunes including songs announcement was made over the sound umphantly raved Shabbos Chanukah week­ Yitzchak Elchonon," Yeshiva's ,patriotic lyrics from his newest album as well as signature system foreveryone to take their seats, as end show at the well attended Homowack to. the tune of the world famous Carlebach songs from past recordings. Of particular the show was by no means over. Olivestone, hotel in Upstate New York. song ''Simcha L'Artzecha." enjoyment to the crowd was Dedi's perfor­ with the help of Etan Walls, got the crowd Toward the end of the concert, "He really has beautiful voice" exclaimed mance of an almost forgotten song of roaring again, and then announced that Morgenstern returned to the stage amidst Sruli Tannenbaum, former YCSC president Shlomo Carlebach, as he displayed his talent there was a surprise finale. World famous deafening applause, to begin the concert's who still hangs around Yeshiva and thor­ at playing guitar. Dedi's set concluded with composer Yossi Green was in attendance, grand finale with a superb and inspiring oughly enjoyed Shalom's performance. house shaking, rocking renditions of "Ki Va and after a piano was set up, Green strolled Moed" and "Hu Yigal,n which had the entire onto the stage. The audience voiced its crowd off their seats and screaming and approval, chanting "Yossi, Yossi!" Green begging for more. began to play on the piano and promptly, The intermission featured some of the Morgenstern walked onto the stage singing year's most intense mixed, shiduch-encollr­ "Shalom Aleichem." Dachs then appeared in aging socialization. A smattering of pick-up the left aisle and joined In the singing. For ma'ariv minyanim also sprang up in the the last verse of the song, Fried and Dedi Lamport foyer. YUSSR used the break in the walked down the right aisle surrounded by action to sell tickets for its annual rafflewhile the audience. When they reached the stage, Give ourself · concert goers had the opportunity to par­ all of the performers joined Green fortwo of take of the senior class concession stands, or his most popular compositions, Dedi's purchase Morgenstern's best selling tape "Rotzoh," and Fried's "Rifoeni." The finale three -credits ·this and CD. Free T-Shirts from J&R Music World, ended with YU homesong . "Simcha the concert's corporate sponsor, were dis­ L'artzecah" and "Mizmor L'David" as all five tributed along with free catalogs. stars huddled together in an unsurpassed holida season Subsequent to a brief Chanukah medley performanceof Pop-Hassidic music. The per­ by the Neginah Orchestra, YU favorite and formers walked offstage with the crowd still undisputed superstar Avraham Fried stole loudly singing, dancing and applauding. Wintersession. the night away with his headline perfor­ This year's was undoubtedly the best con­ • Va riety of courses :many;fields mance. The most eagerly anticipated part of cert ever, due in no small part to the tireless .- •:·!n·· · · the night, Fried reminded all present why weeks of work by Olivestone and his concert of study they had been so excitingly looking forward committee. ;,The concert was everything it to his unsurpassed stellar performance. was built up to be and more," declared one • All courses _or�:; '.fully: accredited and Fried whipped out an array of tunes ranging · anxious concert-goer. The thoroughly enjoy­ transfera � · : from his most popular classics to his most able event is one that people will be talking b_l _ ... .. · · • Courses offered in :one-week ·and weekend intensives • We b-based: fo rm at courses' avciilable Call (800) 231�10,NA or (9 14) 633,-2 492

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Iona Is o coUegll ir, tire 1radirJon of tire Christian Brothers and American Cathol/c l,Jgher �ucollon. PaJ!e 21 19 Tevet 5760 ------1lw ww.vuc0MMENTA1on.c0M�I------STUDENT EVENTS ROCK YESHIVA BY COMMENTATOR STAFF Auditorium respectively. The night after night as audiences festive events brought a unity sat awestruck at the technical Dispelling rumors that stu­ driven by excitement to the mastery of this screenplay campuses as the participants adapted to stage production. dent life on campus was all " but dead, the collective danced the night away. Among Extra seating and stdnding undergraduate student body the notables in attendance room did not provide ample of Yeshiva University showed were Rav Lamm, Rav Kahn, Rav space for the sellout crowds as incredible signs of life in Parnes, Rav Simon, Rav the managers were forced to recent weeks. In the days pro­ Goldwicht, Rav Charlop, Rav turn people away at the door. ceeding and following the Blau, and many others. That On December 12th, TAC festive holiday of Chanukah, same Monday evening of the hosted a lecture in Koch the undergraduate campuses chagigot, SOY arranged a shiur Auditorium and the following were imbued with a hubbub by Rav Aharon Kahn in Lamport day the Speech Pathology th.at has seldom been visible in recent years. Auditorium at 8 PM and served donuts and soda throughout Club of Stern College forWo men had an evening speaker. On Beginning with a pre-Chanukah Dougies shiur cospon­ the evening. the 14th Shlomit Zauderer and the TAC board hosted yet sored by the Student Organization of Yeshiva and the To rah On December 7, Scott Nadel President of the Stone Bais another Shiur in Koch Auditorium. Also on Tuesday, the 14th at · Activities Council featuring Rabbi Ephraim Kanarfogel and Medrash Program student council and his board conducted 9 PM Rav Ari Berman delivered a joint SOY/BMP Shiur in the Rabbi Mordechai Willig and the first annual SBMP Chanukah �,.,....,=�Morg Shul, followed of course commencing with the open- · Luncheon in Belfer Hall's by Dougie's . YUCS, the comput­ ing night of the Yeshiva Weissberg Commons. Keynote er science clubs, held several College Dramatics Society's speaker Rabbi Dr. Norman workshop classes on web 69th production, The Lamm delivered a spirited mes­ design and how to purchase a Shawshank Redemption, dur­ sage that made his attendance computer. ing the week of Chanukah greatly appreciated.. That December 20th saw the provided an additional social evening Aton Holtzer and the coming of the much anticipat­ and entertainment outlet for Student Organization of Yeshiva ed Uptown Dorm Ta lks featur­ all members of the Yeshiva held another in their series of ing Rabbi Dr.' Norman Lamm. student body. nonstop events, a lecture by Rav With an attendance that The freshman classes of Reichman in the rooms across dwarfed the numbers for his Yeshiva College and Stern from the bais medrash followed orientation shiur four months College for Wo!T\en cospon- by servings of dougies. earlier, this session's controver­ sored a trip to a local comedy club in the city, while the Office December 8th showed how important the students of sial topics and internal publicity packed Morg lounge as Rabbi of Placements and Career Services held a career exploration Yeshiva University are to the Jewish community and the out­ Lamm addressed the crowd and fielded questions masterfully program for people interested in politics with such noted side community at large with the undergraduate student coun­ for two hours.. That very evening on the midtown campus, TAC speakers as Rockland County Legislature and Yeshiva College cils sponsoring and running a bone marrow drive in the lvry hosted yet another lecture in the Midtown Center. Also on the alum Ryan Karben. On Center and in Morgenstern Hall. 20 was the final Academic Wednesday,December 1,at9:40 This critical program registered Colloquia Lecture Series of the PM in the main bais medrash, hundreds of people into the semester, given by Dr. Rav Lamm delivered the weekly global bone marrow registry Mareleyn Schneider, Professor Sichas Mussar to all present that has saved countless lives by of Sociology. beforemaar iv. After much pub­ providing matches for trans­ On Thursday, December 23 licity and hype, the Iranian club plants in critically ill patients. at 8 PM, SOY held another held their first event of the year Yitz Motzen and Howie Torah Ta lks with guest speaker and it was deemed an incredi­ Felderman worked tirelessly for Rabbi Reuven (Kevi) Ta ragin. ble success. countless hours organizing the During this time there were In a unanimously appreciat­ drive and then running around other notable events such as ed collaborative effort, SOY,TA C, campus to ensure that every­ the lecture hosted by the BMPSC,JSSSC and IBCSC distrib­ one on campus gave of them­ Yeshiva College Dean's office uted convenient pamphlets selves forthis noble cause. on the dismantlement of the with instructions and order of blessings forthe chanukah can­ Wednesday in the evening there was a Russian Chanukah Israeli settlements given by Dr. Naomi Weinberger and a special dles. SOY aslo unveiled a brand new updated Roshei Yeshiva Chagigah and a SOY Kiruv program at Mt. Sinai Shul in lecture on Jewish-Christian Relations in Apocalyptic Times, the poster, available fora very minimal price. Washington Heights. Dangers and Opportunities that was given by Richard Landes, The Office of Student Services and the undergraduate stu­ Just one day after the successful SBMP luncheon, Fred Ph.D. Director of the Center for Millenial Studies Boston dent councils invited the Krelzman, Jonathan Fin.klestein University. Numerous Dean's entire student body to spe·nd and · the entire board of the roundtable discussions and cof­ an evening in New Jersey's undergraduate student council fee hours were held as was the Continental Airlines Arena to of the James Striar School held Kukin chemistry lecture in watch the New Jersey Nets their annual Chanukah Belfer Hall. Dr. Ruth Bevan also give the San Antonio Spurs a Luncheon in Belfer Hall's hosted a number of post hour run for their money. A well Weissberg Commons with "video lectures" with her atten.ded riveting game was keynote speaker Rabbi Dr. Russian Politics class. The To rah only one of two Nets losses at Michael Schmidman. That same Umadda lecture series conduct­ home this month. afternoon, the TAC ed a number of sessions of this For all those not fortunate Adopt-A-Bubbie Program held a few week time span and stu­ enough to make it into New chesed event in the Midtown dents should keep their eyes Jersey forthe evening, SOY pro­ Center. open forfu ture lectures. vided ample reason to stay i.n Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Also on campus during yeshiva by serving up a·Massive Mishmar. On Thursday, Tevet, December 9 after the 7:40 AM minyan in the main bais these weeks was a shabbos with Hanoch teller, the world December 2nd at 9 PM: Rav Michael Rosensweig delivered a shiur m.edrash SOY served up theirmonthly Bagel Breakfast forRosh renowned maggid. Only to be topped last shabbos by the on . and at 10:30 PM: Rav BaruchSimon spoke torah in advance of the Chodesh. After aday of no classes on the uptown campus, the campus attendance of Rav Herschel Schechter. Look forward to 12:30 AM arrival of Chinese food from Chopstix. Below the main undergraduate student councils hosted Yeshiva University's the first shabbos back after winter break when the students of bais medrash in the MTA cafete­ annual Chanukah Concert. Yeshiva will be privileged to spend shabbos with the esteemed ria, a D'var Torah by R. Assaf Produced by Naftali Olivestone University President, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm. Bednarsh was delivered. and cosponsored by J&R Music One thing is clear: there is no shortage of campus The undergraduate Chess World, the worlds best home activities to be involved in. The campus these past few Club of Yeshiva University- held entertainment, music and weeks was engulfed in student life, voice and action. The an event in the 3rd. floor largest computer mega-store, beginning of next semester lounge of the Schottensteln · · the concert was an incredible that will supposedly see the Center Just adjacent to the success, selling out and filling return of WYUR and Commentator office. On the room to a capacity crowd. Hamevaser, an lnasense December 5th, the Yeshiva For hours Lamport auditorium concert, the induction of University Debate Society rocked with the best of Jewish many new and exciting · hosted their first home tourna­ pop music. classes, the Yeshiva ment of the year and the Stern On Motzle Shabbos, University arts Festival, the College Political Science December 11th, Dr. Anthony S. SOY Sefo rim Sale, more '> Society presented a lecture In the midtown Schottensteln · Beukas and the Ye shiva College Dramatics Society took center opportunities to work with ;., Residence Hall. stage In what will go down In YCDS history as one of the best the feisty University news­ The following evening, SOY and TAC held their annual productions of all time. Performed In the Schottensteln paper, the Commentator, Chanukah Chaggigot In the Main Bals Medrash and Kotch Theater, The Shawshank Redemption drew capacity crowds and the yearbook. . Page 22 December 28, 1999 ------'lw ww.vuc0MMENTA TOR.c0Mj1------The·Pete Rose Issue BY ADAM COHEN of doubt regarding the authentic nature of the game. A number of recent events have caused the Major League Rule 21, posted In the club­ To ra DOJO Back Pete Rose issue to resurface. Pete Rose is cur­ house of every major-league team, is very rently serving a lifetime suspension from clear on the due punishment for Rose's Where It Started Baseball "in accordance with Major League actions: Rule 21, "which defines and describes-miscon� (d) BITTING ON BALL GAMES. Any player, BY RAMI COHEN despite the strenuous workout. Andron's fran­ duct" and the applicable penalties. umpire, or club official or employee, who shall chise: Heng En Rui To ra Dojo Karate (each Before I continue, let me say that I have bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball black belt becomes his or her own franchise of To ra Dojo has returned to Yeshiva in full read the Dowd report,and there is no doubt in game in connection with which the bettor has force. Under the auspices of Sensei Eric Tora Dojo),offers students an alternative to the my mind that Rose bet on baseball, al')d more no duty to perform shall be declared .ineligible Andron, the classes take place on the third mandatoryPED classes, which are not always specifically, on the Reds. While there Is no evi­ forone year. floor of Schottenstein,righ t outside the often suited to an individual student's expectations. dence that he ever bet on the Reds to lose, Any player, umpire, or club or league official noisy Commentator office, every Tuesday One factor preventing more students from there were days when he chose not to bet on or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever night, from 8:30PM to 10:30PM. Sensei Andron participating in the martial arts course is that the Reds at all. This Is a very big problem. upon any baseball game in connection with emphasizes self-control and discipline as a no credit is received forparticipation. in the In a 1989 article, Gerald Posner explains which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be general philosophy, and views teaching Karate already hectic students' schedule, it is hard why Rose's actions were so hurtful to the declaredpermanen tly ineligible. as a way to perfect his own martial arts style enough to find time to do homework, let game. 'The possibility exists that decisions Rose was given a choice. A) A hearing would take place and he could continue to while sharing the Yeshiva's rich tradition of alone two hours a week for karate. However, won't be made in the team's best interests, but deny the charges. At this hearing the public Tora Dojo with fellow students. The two-hour those involved in the class feel they will reap rather because of the money riding on the would find out everything he did. As Rose was classes are intense, to say the least, but stu­ the benefits of their hard work and commit­ game. If a manager bets on a game, he may shown all the evidence against him, he could dents find themselves enjoying the classes ment foryears to come. bring a player offinjured reserves sooner than he should In order to win, or he may pitch a have predicted being foundguilt y, and being reliever without enough rest, not caring that banned from baseball forever, in accordance Hockey: Behind the Scenes he won't be able to pitch forsever al extra days. with Rule 21 (d). B) Whilenot admitting to any­ BY ADAM COHEN the box. If a betting manager gets in large debt to thing incriminating, he could agree to place t Jackson, then, has to alter his respect theo­ bookies, he can clear his account by merely himself on he permanently ineligible list, effectively keeping himself from the game for­ Steve Webb, the New York Islanders right ry a little."The players all have my respectun til revealing inside Informationabout the team. The opportunity for corruption is greatly ever. Baseball would agree not to publicize any winger, blindsides Mats Sundin of the Toronto they lose it. The league tells us to be careful increased.· This Isnot to suggest that Rose of the evidence against him. (A judge later Maple Leafs against the boards as the Leafs with what we say to the players, so when a compromised the Reds in any way. The deci�ed to make the report public, but superstar heads innocently towards the player mouths off,I either give him a penalty, chance that such impropriety could result is Baseball tried to suppress it.) It was an easy bench. Mayhem erupts, and an on-ice pile-up or I just tell him that he can't talk to me for the the reason forsuch a strict taboo on betting decision for him to make. He accepted upon ensues, with Webb on the bottom,between rest of the game." baseball. ''This is why Pete Rose should never himself a punishment more lenient than the members of both teams. The officials,led by The players, however, are not always recep­ be allowed back Into baseball. What Rose did one baseball was going to levy on him. He Dave Jackson, quickly prevent a bench-clear­ tive to the fact that they can no longer bring is the worst possible thing that anyone in would never have been allowed back into t issues to Dave's attention.''They'II come up to ing brawl. Two minutes later, as Webb exits he Baseball could possibly do (with the possible baseball if he were banned forlif e. The detail t t me and say, 'I have an A on my sweater,I have penalty box and ska es owards the Islanders' exception of purposely throwing a game), as it that he placed himselfon theper manently inel­ bench, he is met on-ice by Leafs' bruiser Tie to talk to the referee.' And I'll tell them, 'Talking undermines the genuineness of the game. I igible list should not change that fact. If Rose t t t Domi, who is clearly disturbed with Webb's o he referee is a privilege, not a righ .'" don't believe that I could ever go to a Major were back in Baseball, fans could not have con­ lack of respect for Sundin. Domi tries to pre­ During a TVtimeou t, Jackson goes over to League game that Rose was managing and fidence that everyone involved was doing his vent Webb from reaching the Islanders bench, the penalty box and gives Domi some friendly have confidence In the integrity of what I was best to win,no matterwhat Rose did to tryand but when Webb gets there anyway, Domi advice. "I told him that he just had to play watching. In fact, I would argue that anyone regain the trust of the fans. The bottom line: grabs his sweater and tries to pull him back smarter.·His team was in a close situation and watching a game that Rose had any hand In, Pete Rose is bad forthe interests of Baseball, onto the ice. Again, Dave Jackson is haste to they needed him on the ice. A player can would, on some level, have at least a modicum and as such, should never be allowed' back in. act as he swiftly pulls Domi away from the never take matters into hisown hand. I let him horde of Islanders. know- that he was really hurtinghis team by Such is the life of one of the National taking these kinds of penalties." The Fan BY JEREMY CHERNIKOFF t New York Times Hockey League most experienced on-Ice offi­ Jackson, a Montreal native, spent seven brainer. Le 's imagine that the cials. Over fourteen years of professional refer­ years in the minors beforemaking the Jump to wrote me a letter saying: •�eremy, we really wantyou to cover sportsfor our paper, we'll eeing, the past seven at the major league level, The Show. Coming from Montreal, where Last week, I found myself leafing through start you at $40,000 a year."Would I even con­ Dave Jackson has established himself as one hockey and life are synonymous, Dave spent the newspaper, quickly bypassing any article sider telling them that sorry, but I still have of the premier referees in a league once his childhood ldolizing'Les Canadiens: playing having to do with the New York Rangers. Luckily, my eyes caught the inch high letters two bibles and a gym to complete first? Not a t street hockey on the icy roads ofPoin te-Claire, renowned for i s violence and insurgent chance. The fault must then lie on the NBA. nature. a pleasant suburb nestled near Montreal's cos­ of an advertisement that proclaimed "MARYAND vs. WILDCATS Tonight!!!" This was The National Football League has a rule stat­ "I love my job. I love what I do/ Jackson mopolitan airport. But all the time spent on referring to the NCAA Division I Pre-Season ing that before a player can be drafted, he beams. "Gary Bettman has made hockey one the road in the minors, living In dingy motel NIT,to be held at Madison Square Garden. As must have completed his junior year of col- of the best products out t here." Jackson, a quarters side by side with the players - of I happen to be a fan of the Maryland lege. TheNBA has no such rule and as a result, Montrea I native, has seen the face of the sport whom many are now playing in the NHL - Terrapins, I couldn't stop myself from hopping anyone with enough skill can play profession­ that consumes him undergo the most dramat­ wiped out any nepotism toward his former on the A train and heading to midtown to al ball, despite having never seen the inside of t a t ic changes of its history both on and off he f vori e team, or biases he may have had cheer on my team. a college classroom. · ice. Over the past few years in particular, there against certain other clubs. Jackson believes In the first half of the game, the Maryland This early entry creates a number of prob­ have been many radical changes in the job that "at this point In my career every team is defense simply did not play and Kentucky led lems. First, fa ns of college basketball .are requirements of an NHL official. Last year the equal." by 13 points at the half. The Terps stormed cheated as their favorite players leave when league initiated a "two referee system," in Refereeing wasn't always In Jackson's life back quickly as the second half began and they develop enough talent. Ta ke Maryland which two refs patrol the Ice as opposed to the plans. Like all other Canadian children, Jackson they tied the gamewith six and a half minutes as an example. Last season, the Terrapins traditional single referee. But this transition Is dreamed of NHL stardom. It was not in the •. to play. The score remained close forthe dura­ were one game away from playing in the Final not yet complete. While this year only sixty cards however, and Jackson turned to officiat­ tion of the contest. With twoseconds lefton Four fort he first time in school history. One percent of games are officiated by a referee ing; a way to get as close as possible to the the clock, Marylandguar d Juan Dixonfired up major reason f or their succ"ess was guard tandem, next year the league plans on intro­ game. When he first started out in the pin­ a three-pointer that would have tied the Steve Francis. Originally, Francis expressed ducing the new system as the standard policy stripes Dave served as both a linesman and a game had it. not ricocheted offthe rim with a interest in returning.to the Te rps the following for officiating all matches. referee. But, Jackson eventually turned to resounding clang. Despite the loss, I left as a year. Soon after Maryland's season ended, But Jackson looks forward to working full-time refereeing after being "told by a proud fa n, having watched the Terps give a however, Francis changed his mind and left college early to enter the draft. Had he under the new system. "It would have been supervisor, in no uncertain terms, that I was a tremendous effort against a Kentucky team done much sooner but the league just doesn't terrible linesman." that was ranked 11ttiIn the nation. The play remained for an additional season, Maryland would no doubt be one of the country's top have enough guys available." However, Jackson's tight control of the game is of Te rrance Morris, a Maryland guard and an ranked teams. whether he has another partner or not,· apparent. Just seven minutes and forty-one All-American candidate fell nothing short of spectacular. Morris, a sophomore, Is a favorite The second and more important prob­ Jackson feels that the on-ice relationship seconds into the game, it looked like these two of Te rrapin fans. Unfortunately, aftert his sea­ lem these players are creating is that they between players and officials is a fixed one. teams would be in for a long night of dirty hit­ son, Morris will follow the paths of others are setting a terrible example for children. "The respect factor is very high," Jackson ting and nasty scuffling. But as the final horn before him and will enter the NBA well before Why should a fourteen-year-old, who Is a insists. sounds, the game turns out to be one of the he is scheduled to graduate. talented basketball player go to school On this night, however, with the Islanders more tranquil. Steve Webb even manages to For many years now, players have been for­ when he can play ball all day? Hey, he does and Maple Leafs at war, all the respect in the escape alive and unharmed, despite the con­ going their senior year of college In order to not have to worry about college or even world won't keep these players in line. Jackson trary seeming like a foregone conclusionafter enter the NBA draft. Players have even gone high school! Kobe Bryant of the Los hits Dom I with a two-minute unsportsmanlike his dirtyafter- the-change hit. to the pros directly from high school. From Angeles Lakers entered the NBA without conduct penalty forhis altercation with Webb, The referee's life on the road is a challeng­ the player's point ofview this practice 1s· more worrying about entrance exams, fulfilling and no sooner has Domi left the box than he is ing and exciting one, but Dave Jackson Is a than understandable. They are by no means requirements, or going to a single class! called for another minor. The Leafs current tough zebra; unfazed by the hazards that wealthy and the prospect of making millions Children must learn that an education Is penalty leader (99 minutes coming Into the would drive a lesser man to pursue a less of dollars before they turn twenty Is a no- essel)tlal.They cannot do this on their own; game, more than double anyone else on his demanding line of work. Besides, Jackson, The NBA must not accept players who are team) would wind up spending six minutes In belleves,"that's why we have summerl" Page 23 19 Tevet 5760 ------�1w ww.YUCOMMENTATOR.COM�1------MACS ENJOY IMPRESSIVE START BY AARON FRIED

The Macs, in their first season In the Skyline conference, have rolled to an impressive 7-4 start. It's been a very exciting season thus far, with a number of close games and an incredible level of play. The Yeshiva fans have responded to their team's strong effort and consequently have been delighted witness an Impressive 5-1 home record, with a 7-4 record overall and (6-3 conference). The Macs started off their season at the United States Merchant Military Academy Nov. 21.The game was close, but the Marines pulled away at the end. The game was closer than the final score (72-58), but the early loss served to motivate the team, as they contin­ ued to win six out of their next seven games. Yeshiva's home opener saw the Macs pull off a victory over a hot shooting Old Westbury. Led by co-captains Yossi Gev and David Co-captain }'ossi- G v (33) with two of his team high twenty-fivepoints. Neiss, the team also continued by blowing first player of the week, with a 26.3 point per Baruch, 72-66 after a bruised Neiss suffered out Polytechnic on the road and a crowd game average on 60 percent shooting. one too many injuries and was forced to sit pleaser against Mt. St. Mary's at home. The Congratulations Yossi. out the second half. Mt. St. Mary's game saw the MSAC reach The Macs continued their winning streak But much to conference opponent SUNY decibel levels not traditionally heard in with a big victory over preseason confer­ Maritime's chagrin, Neiss was able to return Yeshiva sports. The crowd was brought to ence favorite, Manhattanvllle, who took the just two days later, providing for a game their feet with gravity defying alley-oops early lead, but Palefsky, point guard Dov leading 21 points as the Macs gave the (for a definition of alley oop, see Palefsky, Weiner, and Neiss all had big games hitting home crowd a very special Chanukah gift. Nachum), three pointers, and a block Into the crucial shots at the end of the game. Continuing the generous spirit, Yeshiva just the year 3000 by crowd favorite Tuvy Meyer. However, after the Manhattanville game, the kept on giving, proceeding to hand out a These three games concluded Yeshiva's third in just five days, the Macs found them­ 104-78 blowout over SUNY Purchase a few Inaugural week into the Skyline conference, selves coming up just a little too short, los­ days later. and resulted In Gev being named the year's ing a non-conference heartbreaker against The last few games of the semester were somewhat more disappointing as the Macs finished losing two out of their last three games. The team lost an away game to Old Westbury and beat Mt. St.Vi ncent, historical­ ly a fierce rival, at home. Unfortunately tough scheduling once again played a role, as Yeshiva played four games in just seven days. As a result, the team fell apart in the second half against St. Joe's in the fourth game, blowing a hard earned thirteen point second half lead. The team looks forward to the second half of the season· and has high hopes to finish competing for the conference title. They will be traveling to Los Angeles over the upcom­ ing break to showcase their talents to the West Coast Jewish community and to bask in both the warmth of sunny California,as well as in the enjoyment of their own accomplish­ ments. We look forward to watching the Macs continue their quest forthe title, resum­ ing January 17th away, and returning home to the MSAC to avenge themselves against Nachuh1 Pa/eftki (2 1) threading the lane fo r an easy basket. the Merchant Marines February 3rd.

·- TheYe · · shiva Athletic Department BY DORIAN LEVY completion In 1995. Today in addition to the technology. Aaron Meyer, the proud purvey­ . . pool, the MSAC sports a jacuzzi, sauna, or of the facility, is the first full-time, fully cer­ :Last Tuesday, Stan Watson cleaned up the steam room, and locker room. tified trainer to work at Yeshiva. gym after the last Intramural game of the In the aquatic center, classes ranging Besides the aforementioned additions, night. It was.1:30AM and Stan was clearly from elementary swimming to scuba diving YU has successfully maintained seven NCAA exhausted. Under the circumstances, exhaus- have been offered regularly. Lifeguards of varsity athletic teams. They include basket­ tlon was clearly understandable. Stan had the pool are Yeshiva students, certified· by ball, tennis, volleyball, cross-country, fencing, just finished refereeing his second game of the athletic department. Many of the life­ golf, and wrestling. For those who are the night, and had been at Yeshiva since guards obtained their training for certifica­ unable to compete in varsity competition, around 1 PM that afternoon. The day before, tion through the lifeguarding course given there are three intramural leagues: football, he had been at YU the entire day starting at on campus by Joe Bendnarsh. The pool is basketball, and softball. The game room 9: 30AM and finishing at 1AM the following open from 3PM through 1AM Monday provides Ping-Pong and bumper pool for calendar day. Yet, despite his fatigue, Stan through Thursday, and during regular gym the occasional quick sports fix in between was sporting the smile that so many of us hours on Friday and Sunday. classes. For those who believe that sports have grown accustomed to seeing. Another structural change emerging involvement should be limited to watching Stan has good reason to smile. The dedi- during the Stan Watson era, Is the addition the game with chips and a drink, the large catlbn that he exhibits dally has earned him of the downstairs classroom. The classroom screen TV in the Rubin lounge Is a great the respect of everyone at Yeshiva, as his serves as a home for seasonal sports, martial place to watch the game with the other 35 work has helped the athletic department arts classes, and athletic teams wishing to NY sports experts watching the game as show video of past performances. The bas­ grow . tremendously· in· his thirteen-year well. tenure. ketball team also utilizes the classroom dur- Whatever your preference, whatever your �tan began working at Yeshiva In 1986 Ing half-time of thelr home matches. schedule, there Is a sports regiment that can (October 25, 1986 at 7: 30PM., he estimates). The weight room, has been fully stocked fit each and every Yeshiva student. The YU When ._Stan first arrived, the Max Stern and renovated, giving students a chance to Athletic Department Is proud to boast that It Athletic Center did not resemble the center get in shape. For anybody who may overdo Is currently betterthan ever, largely due to as we know It today. The Olympic size pool It In the weight room or on the basketball the efforts of Athletic Director Or. Richard was not around and the area the pool now court, the training room, has been recently Zernecl<, and our favorite thirteen-year vet­ fills served as storage space until the pool's stocked with the latest In physical training eran, Stan Watson. Vol111111• I XIV lsMII' fi December 28, 1999/ 19 ll'\et 5760 Rabbi Lamm Addresses 200 Plus Students in Years' First Dorm Ta lks BY HADAR Wess

reesongs vid,to get underway. hometown as his fellow hanting for r in the enig­ rican Jewish ali Olivestone stem's· perfor­ ple mentioned. is going to be a On the evenin fourth light of Organizationof Yes inging an accapella Chanukah Chagigah i Thejoyo us crowd tha rav,"evok ing cheers was treated to live m from the audience. Orchestra, dancing, and o rieking subsided as he nuts. · sang his most popular Traditionally,the chagiga It's reallya pleasure to be specialshiur in the Lamport shiur was given by Rav Ahar continued on page20 riveting style was greatly anti who attended. Following the shiur, students the large expanse that had beende ·· Beit Medrash. The Orchestra whip frenzyof celebratory tunes as hundreds dents gathered in circles to sing and da Men from allJewish Studies programs join togetherand displayedtheir fancy(and clum­ sy) footwork,prancing aboutthe room. In the center of the numerous circles, various rabbeim excitedly added to the fervor and happiness that filled the air. At one point, a Red Sea stylesplit was made in the crowd,to forma pathfor Rabbi lamm,ashe enteredthe evening roomto lock hands withra bbeim and students and extensive--. and dance the night away. SOY President At Other rabbeim in attendance included dents looking forwa eights native and RabbiMeir Goldwicht,Rabbi Yosef Blau, Rabbi "Thanks to the Stude by the cat, a scuffle Just five days later, University Security Zevulun Charlop,Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen, Rabbi Servicesand Facilities Manag .. · e two not quite domesti� contact� the local police department, and Boruch Simon,RabbiYeh uda Parnesand Rabbi the effortsof my Vic e President, s. · Thedog's owner promptly within �ours the unsuspecting kitten was Harari. EvenRabbi BoruchMendelson of MTA, this Chanukah Chagigah has provento 'to_ intervene and break up the taken fro� its home in the grassy knoll ofthe encouraged his talmidim to celebrate of the most successful, bothqu alitatively a hange. - He soon discovered exactly .how. M�rgenstern Dor"' and brought to a local Chanukahin a Yeshiva style. The energetic quantitatively, in recentmemory" said Holzer. difficult taking on the· hometown kitten . shelter. Don Sumry1ers, Yeshiva University Chief of Security, oversaw _the operation, . . could be. The dog's owner was badly bruised . on both legs and n,anaged to be scratched ensuring that therJ. would remain no t�reat up and down his body, b�t was fortunate to of harm to an;J Yeshiva students or escape with what most consider minor Washington Heights residents fromthe Mwild injuries. . pussy cat." COMMENTATOR 500 West 185th . Street

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