"Study Well for "But Also, Like, Finals, Chill Out. Everyone!" he ommentator You'll Be Fine!!" T The Independent C Student Newspaper of University

VOL. LXXXIV MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 ISSUE NO. 7

Future of Paprika Restaurant Uncertain

to keep track of payments through the YU By Sarah Russman One Card website. News of Paprika’s potential closure un- This past week, Paprika restaurant put settled students. “I could not believe that up a “for sale” sign on their front window. they were about to close the only restaurant Paprika is an Israeli-style restaurant located that reminds me of my mom’s food,” said next door to Brookdale Residence Hall on Anaelle Ezekie (SCW ‘21). “I was in total the Beren Campus and is one of the many shock.” restaurants on the student meal plan. David Zaken, Paprika’s owner, expressed his uncertainty over the future of the res- “I spend most of my taurant in an email to The Commentator. restaurant money at Paprika “We might sell and move or we might find an investor and stay. It’s been the first year because their food is so fresh for this restaurant and it’s not easy to run,” he wrote. YU Dining Services Director Sam and good. It’s a huge sign that Chasan, explained that Paprika has not in- formed the University of any changes, and is somewhat in your face, kind Dining Services is awaiting future updates. of screaming ‘help us.’” This past spring, YU had some question- ___ able problems with Paprika in regards to Talia Kupferman (SCW ’20) overcharging students. Four Beren Students reported being overcharged between the months of January and March. This resulted in Paprika being taken off of the student Talia Kupferman (SCW ‘20) added that meal plan for about a week. When Paprika she was very confused and disappointed was approached, they promised to be more by the sign. “I spend most of my restau- careful with payments in the future, and the rant money at Paprika because their food restaurant was restored to the OMNI pro- is so fresh and good,” she said. “It’s a huge sign that is somewhat in your face, kind of gram. In addition, Chasan advised students A ‘For Sale’ Sign Displayed in the Window of Paprika SHOSHI GINSBURG - screaming ‘help us.’” STERN COLLEGE: IN THE KNOW

President Berman Comments A Comprehensive Analysis of YU on Klein@9, Discusses Undergraduate Student Leaders

Women’s Role on Wilf Campus Honors Council members were not considered, and to teach it.” He also explained By Samuel Gelman (Houston, TX) as they predominantly contribute to strictly By Shoshy Ciment that “ is certainly for and Yardena Katz academic campus . Other campus pub- women giving divrei Torah.” lications were not considered independent In a recent interview with The To Berman, a solution for the un- When one thinks of the leaders of Yeshiva categories due to their size, specificity and nu- Commentator (see page 5), President resolved issue should come from the University, many names may come to mind: ance. However, they were included as clubs, and Ari Berman offered his opinion with students themselves. While women are President Ari Berman; Menachem Penner; editors-in-chief of each publication were asked respect to the role of women on the still banned from giving divrei Torah Dean Karen Bacon; the list goes on and on. Yet, to fill out the survey. Wilf Campus and in Yeshiva University at the community minyan on , there is another group of leaders at YU with The survey asked for basic demographic in- as a whole. Regarding last year’s con- Berman believes that channels for simi- which many of us interact with on a much more formation: age, campus, hometown, college, troversy where a Stern College student lar opportunities for women on the Wilf intimate and practical basis than any dean or major, minor, year on campus, leadership was silenced after giving a dvar Torah Campus already exist. rabbi: our fellow students. position(s) and for Wilf students, morning pro- Between Oct. and Dec. 2018, The gram. The survey also asked if student leaders Commentator conducted a survey of under- took a gap year(s). For those that did, students “If there is an interest from students in trying to find an graduate student leaders to examine trends and were asked how many gap years they took and patterns among this small group of students. which institution(s) they attended. The cat- appropriate vehicle that would help bring together our While the definition of “student leader” may egory of academic minor was disregarded as community in which women can also give divrei Torah, I mean something different to everyone, for the too many students either did not have one or purpose of this survey, The Commentator de- were undeclared. A total of 178 students re- am pretty sure that they can figure something out.” fined “student leaders” as those that directly sponded to the survey, making up 8.5 percent ___ contribute to non-academic campus culture. of the undergraduate student body currently President Ari Berman In this article, the term “student leader” thus on campus, according to the Fall 2018 YU Fact refers exclusively to student council members, Book (provided by YU’s Office of Institutional Student Life Committee members, Wilf Campus Research and Assessment). in a Wilf Campus community minyan, “If there is an interest from students resident advisors (RAs) and head resident advi- Of the 178 students who completed the sur- Berman remarked that the situation in trying to find an appropriate vehicle sors (HRAs), Beren Campus RAs, Commentator vey, 51 percent (91 respondents) attend classes was perplexing. that would help bring together our com- editors, Observer editors and club presidents. on Wilf Campus, while 49 percent (87 respon- “There’s no question that we want munity in which women can also give Unlike their Wilf Campus HRA counter- dents) attend classes on Beren Campus. All data our students, both men and women, to divrei Torah, I am pretty sure that they parts, Beren Campus Graduate Advisor (GA) pertains to the Fall 2018 semester. not just learn Torah but spread Torah equivalents were not surveyed as they are not as much as possible,” said Berman. Continued on Page 4 undergraduate students. and teacher’s Continued on Page 14 “We encourage everyone to take their assistants, Writing Center and peer tutors and

NEWS | 5 FEATURES | 10 OPINIONS | 18 BUSINESS | 19 Faculty Unease, Women on Wilf and LGBTQ YC Honors Program Yeshiva College Offers Too Few Brexit: What Is It? Why Is It Events: An Interview with President Ari Berman Fall 2018 Update Honors Courses Important? Where Does It Stand? 2 From the Editor’s Desk Monday, December 31, 2018

The Commentator 2018-2019

Editor-in-Chief BENJAMIN KOSLOWE From the Editor’s Desk Managing Editor SHOSHY CIMENT

News Senior Editor Junior Editor YOSSI ZIMILOVER YITZCHAK CARROLL

Features Senior Editor Junior Editor A Defense of Critical Journalism SAMUEL GELMAN DENA KATZ Opinions critiques head-on, though, it seems pru- things, which leads to real change. Such Senior Editor Junior Editors By Benjamin Koslowe dent to briefly state The Commentator’s articles inevitably cause bad publicity for CHANA WEINBERG JACOB STONE, editorial ethos. This ethos has been ex- the university in the short run, but, when MICHAEL WEINER With this current newspaper issue hit- pressed as recently as last semester, as a real change eventually occurs, the ar- ting shelves, The Commentator has offi- well as countless times over the decades ticles ultimately wind up as net positives. Business cially covered eighty-four fall semesters of of this newspaper’s history, but it is im- The importance of a serious student Senior Editor Junior Editor Yeshiva University news. Commonplace portant enough that it bears repeating. newspaper that delivers a check on power AKIVA FRISHMAN AARON KARESH for editorials in such issues is to analyze The Commentator aims to serve three cannot be overemphasized. Even in the the quantity and quality of the articles main functions. As a student newspaper, age of the internet and Facebook, there Layout that were published, as well as to reflect editors and writers seek out and inves- is hardly any other venue aside from an Senior Editor Junior Editor tigate interesting and important news independent student newspaper that can upon notable themes that surfaced among AVI HIRSCH RACHEL LOFFMAN Commentator readership. This edito- stories that relate, in some broad sense, effectively ensure that the broader world rial, which will attempt to respond to to Yeshiva University. Student writers re- may learn about the goings-on in the one particular critique, shall prove to be port on these stories with articles that are institution. The fact that student writers Social Media Manager no exception. dispassionate, truthful and as objective as are unpaid, motivated purely by ideology, ELISHEVA KOHN This Fall 2018 semester saw the suc- possible. The Commentator also offers a only strengthens the case. cess, for the first time in over a decade, platform to the undergraduate student A tour through Commentator archives of seven print issues. The issues includ- body to voice their opinions. Finally, the indicates that there have been countless Business Managers ed over 180 articles written by over 80 newspaper serves, when necessary, as a instances of YU — whether by offices or Senior Manager Junior Manager check on the university. by individual administrators, and whether unique student writers. There have been SAMUEL KATZ JOSH CHESNER close to a dozen data-driven pieces, many important news updates and interesting investigations that have garnered thou- The importance of a serious student newspaper that delivers Programmer sands of readers on campus and online, a check on power cannot be overemphasized. OMAR FARUK and serious student opinions that have provoked thoughts, discussions and writ- ten responses. A list of functions is inevitably rather with intent or without intent — disserv- Layout Staff A small but significant subset of this abstract, but concrete instances follow ing its community unnecessarily. These DAHLIA LAURY, ROCKY PINCUS semester’s Commentator coverage has almost immediately from these particular instances include minor misdoings, like been articles that showcase, either di- propositions. This semester’s data-driven inflating cafeteria prices and raising ac- rectly or indirectly, unflattering aspects of pieces, this semester’s serious student tivity fees without stated reasons, but Staff Writers Yeshiva University. These articles include opinions and so on, as well as the specific also more serious malfeasance, such as LILLY GELMAN, ZACHARY GREENBERG, pieces about shakeups in Institutional five critical articles that were mentioned imposing curfews on dorming students SHAYNA HERSZAGE, YOSEF LEMEL, Advancement, the Office of Admissions’ at the beginning of this editorial, all fall and removing student publications from PHILLIP NAGLER, MICHELLE NAIM, ELLIE rejection of a Model UN topic paper deal- under at least one of The Commentator’s shelves. It is scary to imagine what YU PARKER, JACOB ROSENFELD, ARYEH ing with sexual minorities and a leaked stated functions. would look like had there never been in- SCHONBRUN, DOVID SCHWARTZ, SARAH survey that indicated a dissatisfied YU Of course, the value of a newspaper’s dependent student journalism to call out faculty, as well as a comprehensive in- fitting to a certain set of rules is directly these cases of negligence and misconduct. TORGUEMAN, LEIB WIENER vestigation into cheating incidents in the commensurate with the goodness of those Critical coverage from this semester colleges and an editorial criticizing the very rules. And this brings this editorial has been no different. The Commentator Photography inadequate state of YU’s pre-law advising. back to the argument at hand, which is publicized cheating scandals that have RACHEL HERSCHMANN, SHIRA LEVITT, The aforementioned (and perhaps to address the following question: Why taken place for the purpose of spark- one or two other) critical articles have does The Commentator engage in critical ing a public reaction that might push HONEY ROGOFF engendered a not insignificant amount of journalism? those with the power to improve YU’s criticism in varying capacities and from Critical articles are a proven means academic integrity to actually do so. The varied segments of Commentator reader- that can be an effective check on those in Commentator publicized the inadequate ship. The critiques typically present them- power. This is true for all serious journal- state of YU’s pre-law advising so that an The Commentator is the student newspaper of Yeshiva University. selves in the form of questions, such as: ism, from international newspapers down adequate advisor might be hired. And so What is to be gained by airing YU’s “dirty to local weeklies. Student journalism is on for all critical articles that have been For 84 years, The Commentator has served laundry?”; Why does The Commentator no exception. published. students and administrators as a communicative deliberately seek to make YU look bad?; Famously, The Commentator in 1992 Being criticized does not always feel conduit; a kinetic vehicle disseminating What is the virtue of printing “negative” publicized the fact that YU board mem- good. The Commentator does not expect undergraduate social, religious, and academic beliefs across the student bodies; and a reliable stories rather than “positive” stories?; bers were considering closing the Bernard subjects of criticism to thank its editors reflection of Yeshiva student life to the broader and so on. The common denominator of Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. for writing critical articles. Moreover, Jewish and American communities. the questions is that they always assume The publication led to student riots, and criticism is very much welcome regard- a certain malicious intent on the part of the graduate school stands to this day. ing the manner in which critical articles The Commentator staff claims students The Commentator’s editorial board. Though most cases do not play out as were handled. spanning the diverse spectrum of backgrounds and beliefs represented at Yeshiva. Such critiques come from sincere, of- linearly as did the Revel case, the goal Criticizing the act of criticism itself, ten valid places of concern. However, they with all critical articles is the same. These though, is categorically unwarranted. We are united by our passion for living the reflect a fundamental misunderstanding articles expose a certain unglamorous ideals of Torah Umadda, and a commitment to of the purpose of journalism. state of affairs, which leads to a reaction journalistic excellence. from the public, which leads to those in Before addressing the relevant Visit us online at power feeling pressure to change certain www.yucommentator.org. Monday, December 31, 2018 7 Up 7 Down/Letter to the Editor 3 YU is the Stanford Prison Experiment Letter to the Editor: 1 Why would you say something so controversial yet so brave? What YU Gains With YU and Stern Confessions Its Open Door Torah Yeah, no way this ends well. 2 Policy Course Evaluations

As Executive Director of Pre-Professional Advisement Lolita Wood-Hill once By Steve Gotlib 3famously said, “those who are not brave enough to turn in the cheaters evaluate their professors are almost as bad. ‘Evil prevails when good men do nothing’ [Edmund In the Dec. 16 issue of The Commentator, there was Burke].” an editorial that asked how YU can continue to be a “cru- cial and necessary citadel of wisdom” within the Modern Orthodox community when so many students are able Syms Facebook Page to take advantage of all the Torah being produced by YU without needing to officially enroll here. “Like our page today and be entered in a raffle to win a free test bank.” In his piece, the author specifically mentioned two 4 types of students who do this. One type of student sits in the Chabad or Hillel of their secular campus and listens to President Berman’s Student Leaders Chanukah Party in shiurim on YUTorah. Within this group, some will listen to just a few shiurim a week, and others will keep up with 5His Home an MYP shiur every day, preparing morning seder along with the talmidim physically sitting in that very shiur. If anyone snagged pics of his house, please let us know and we will include them in The second type of student goes further than this and our next tedious financial update. More importantly, though, were Key Food grapes regularly commutes from their campus to YU so they can served? sit in on their chosen shiur in person. Either way, nei- ther of these types of students is officially part of the YU Ariana Grande, Hozier and The Chainsmokers Releasing community, as even the ones who travel in for shiur will Excellent New Music This Month immediately return to their secular campus and continue 6 their regularly scheduled education. You are all amazing, your music is amazing and some of your opinions on Hakadosh Boruch Hu’s gender are amazing. Without YUTorah, I would not be Rabbi Berman Interview sitting in YU’s beit midrash today. Shoutout to those people who read the whole 5,200 word interview with 7PRDAB. And might I suggest you question your life choices? However, these two types of “freeloading” secular college students are not the only ones who benefit from YU’s Torah outside the walls of Glueck. Without even mentioning the many older individuals, community lay leaders, YU gradu- 7 DOWN ates and women of all ages who benefit from YU’s Torah 7 UP from the outside, there is a third type of secular college Commentator Roasting on the Meme Page student that does the same. The author overlooked those non-YU students who benefit so much from YU’s Torah 1 Don’t tempt us. If you think we won’t run a pretentious podcast analyzing the that they choose to become a part of the YU community cultural undertones of Commentator memes and their impact on the broader YU themselves. They are the members of the YU family who are community, then you clearly don’t understand us. gained only as a result of YU’s Torah being disseminated as widely as it is. I am a prime example of this third category. In May of 2018, I graduated from Rutgers University, a Uptown Coed Wilf “Heights” Shabbaton place that I had chosen to attend due to its strong Orthodox community (including a kosher meal plan, Jewish housing, 2 Let this be a warning. We will come for you. multiple daily minyanim and JLIC) as well as the superior education that it offered in the fields that I wanted to spe- IBC Finals on Christmas cialize in. Throughout college, and especially during my last two years, I spent much of my free time sitting in the beit Classic YU not respecting other ’ beliefs and practices on campus. midrash of Hillel (and sometimes Chabad) preparing for 3 and listening to shiurim on YUTorah and in chevrusa with our JLIC rabbi, a YU graduate. I then spent much of my No More Chevra Friday L.A.B. senior year commuting from New Brunswick, New Jersey to Washington Heights so that I could sit in on shiurim 4 NOOOOOOO!!!!!! Not the chevra! We love the chevra!! We need the in-person before beginning my time at RIETS. The Torah -L.A.B. that I was able to learn as an undergraduate made me BREAKFAST chevra!!! The chevra is what we live for!!!! What, you think that “freshly brewed” AND FRIDAY LEARNING FRIDAY coffee was the reason there are now a full 15 people who attend? Bring them back or realize that I had a true love for learning within me, and I promise it will go back down to the usual 14. taught me how to nurture that love while staying in a place Now with that I could never have brought myself to leave. Without fresh brewed coffee! YUTorah, I would not be sitting in YU’s beit midrash today. Cheddar Cheese Sticks in Stern’s 215 Caf Disappearing Looking around at my peers in RIETS, I know that I am far from the only person who had this experience. We November 30 JOSH FAGIN WHERE. HAVE. THESE. CHUNKS. OF. CHEESE. GONE. These were seriously may not be a particularly vocal group, but there are many 5unreal. These sticks of cheddar alone should have been enough to convince YU’s men and women that would never have chosen to attend SHIUR BEGINS 8:45 AM • GLUECK 2ND FLOOR StudentSOY Organization of Yeshiva administrators to keep more office hours downtown. Actually, you know what? YU or any of its affiliate institutions (RIETS, GPATS, YC or @YeshivaLink These cheese sticks were too darn good for the Beren Campus. When we find out Stern) if not for the access to YU’s Torah that we received their location we will personally set them on fire and invite Wilf’s troops to stop during our undergraduate careers elsewhere. Some of us the raging blaze of fondue. Shoutout to our boys on the front lines who spent their chose to transfer to YU while in college, while others, like Christmas fighting the battle of our generation for us. myself, joined after graduating. All of us, however, share one very important thing in common: a love for YU and a Let Me Be Frank desire to give back to this community that was generated by the positive experiences we had from its Torah which Make it stop. Please, please make it stop. 6 touched our neshamos from so many miles away. Without the “Open Door Torah Policy” of YU, we would not be at Silence YU right now. Without an “Open Door Torah Policy,” YU would have lost us. “Building Tomorrow, Today,” but only if “tomorrow” means 60 years ago and 7“building” means upholding a system of Handmaid's Tale-esque social norms with Steven Gotlib (Rutgers ‘18; RIETS ‘22) no halakhic basis. #betternevermeansbetterforeveryone 4 News Monday, December 31, 2018

program on the Beren Campus, Berman KLEIN@9, mentioned that increasing opportunities continued from Front Page for women’s learning is important to him. “There’s no other time in which Jewish can figure something out,” said Berman, who women have the opportunities and the access added that working with the proper admin- that they have today,” said Berman. “And we istration could help bring this to fruition. want to strengthen, encourage, support and “It would be really surprising to me if that grow that as much as possible.” couldn’t happen,” he added. Specifically, Berman mentioned expand- Berman also discussed the disparity ing the Graduate Program In Advanced between the men’s and women’s learning Talmudic Studies For Women (GPATS) and programs on the Beren and Wilf campuses. bringing in more high-level professors for Specifically, he mentioned his goals for more undergraduate Torah studies. advanced learning programs on the Beren “We are very interested and excited about Campus. the prospects of growing learning at the Though there is not currently a concen- Beren Campus,” Berman said. trated effort to create ashiur -style morning Klein Beit Midrash THE COMMENTATOR

Six Amendments to Wilf Campus Student Constitution Ratified

“majority opinion of the General Assembly.” Firstly, the amendment eliminated the SOY Positions By Yossi Zimilover Previously, if a position was unfilled after a position of YSU Vice President of Class The final ratified amendment granted spring election, the Constitution mandated Affairs from the list of YSU positions in the students enrolled in the Makor College Six amendments to the Wilf Campus that an election for that position be held in Constitution. The position was previously in- Experience Program the right to vote in Student Constitution were ratified on the following fall, and if a fall election posi- cluded in Article II, Section II, Subsection 2, the elections for YSU President and VP of Monday, Dec. 24. This marks the first time tion was unfilled, the position would remain which listed all the positions that comprised Clubs, and SOY President, Vice President since Spring 2017 that the Constitution has vacant for the remainder of the year. For YSU. Due to the fact that the sixth proposed and Public Relations Secretary. The Makor been amended. the current academic year, YCSA Secretary/ amendment (see unratified amendments be- College Experience is a program for young The approved amendments vary in topic Treasurer is the only unoccupied position on low) did not pass, it is unclear if this amend- men with disabilities on the Wilf including giving those in the Makor College the student government. ment is effective in removing the position Campus run by Makor Disability Services. Experience Program and undergraduate Amendment 4 - Repealing Section from YSU. Additionally, if the amendment According to their webpage, the program Katz School students the right to vote in cer- Regarding Editing the Constitution is deemed valid, it is unclear if it is effec- gives individuals an “opportunity to be part tain student government elections, empow- The third approved amendment re- tive immediately and removes the current of the YU community while gaining skills ering the presidents of student government pealed Article XIII, Section II of the Wilf YSU Vice President of Class Affairs from and exploring opportunities as they transi- to fill vacant positions and eliminating per- Constitution. The section read, “the origi- office, or will only affect the future student tion to a life of independence.” quisites for the YCSA Secretary/Treasurer Traditionally, only those enrolled in the position. The approved amendments vary in topic including giving those undergraduate programs at Yeshiva College Approximately 215 students submitted or Sy Syms School of Busines had the ability their ballots for eight proposed amendments in the Makor College Experience Program and undergraduate to vote in student government elections. that were approved by the General Assembly. “More than anything else, the guys in our (The General Assembly is composed of the Katz School students the right to vote in certain student program just want to be included. It’s amaz- Presidents of YSU, SOY, YCSA, SSSBSC ing how so many people in various roles and the Senior Co-Chair of the Student Life government elections. at YU have embraced us,” remarked Dr. Committee). Six cleared the necessary three- Stephen Glicksman, Director of Clinical fifths affirmative threshold required by the nal body of this Constitution shall remain government composition. As of the time of Innovation at Makor. He added that “the fact Constitution. unedited and unchanged in any manner. publication, there has been no student court that this amendment was entirely initiated The Constitution mandates that there All changes to the Constitution shall be ad- case to decide on the matter. by an individual Yeshiva College student “shall be a General Student Body Amendment denda to the Constitution. As a notice of The second element of this amendment who saw an opportunity to help the Makor Votes held each semester” and that the “fall the amendment, an asterisk may be placed now grants eligibility to those in undergradu- guys be more involved in campus life makes semester vote must take place within the two in the point of amendment. On any point ate programs in the Katz School to run and this particular act of inclusion all the more weeks prior to Reading Week.” of contradiction, the amended text shall vote for YSU Freshman and Sophomore gratifying.” Below is an analysis and contextualiza- supersede the original text.” According Representatives, respective of their class tion of each of the amendments: to the explanation written by the General standing. Unratfiied Amendments: Assembly, the “intention of the amendment Amendment 7 - YSU Chain of Amendment 3 - Wilf Student Note: The amendment numbers corre- was to allow future General Assemblies and Command Shifts from YSU VP of Class Life Committee Senior Co-Chair spond to the numbers that appeared on the Student Bodies to amend this constitution Affairs to YSU VP of Clubs Nominated by YSU President and ballot and on the document that was sent to (within reason) while still remaining true This amendment shifted the responsi- Confirmed by General Assembly students by the Canvassing Committee on to its central tenets…” The explanation ap- bility of the YSU VP of Class Affairs to the This amendment would have given the Dec. 20. The titles are unofficial and were peared on a document that was attached YSU VP of Clubs, in regards to the inability YSU President the ability to nominate and written by the author to highlight the major to a ystud email to the male student body of the YSU President to perform his du- the General Assembly the power to confirm point(s) of each amendment. on Dec. 20. ties. Previously, the YSU VP of Class Affairs the Senior Co-Chair of the Wilf Student Amendment 5 - (A) Removal of the would temporarily or permanently act as Life Committee. Currently, there is no es- Ratified Amendments YSU Vice President of Class Affairs YSU President based on the circumstances tablished procedure for how the Senior Co- Amendment 1 - Prerequisites for Position From YSU List in Constitution outlined in Article II, Section II, Subsection Chair is given his position. Traditionally, the YCSA Secretary/Treasurer Eliminated (B) Granting Undergraduate Katz 5. Now, the role belongs to the YSU VP of position has been nominated by the previous The first approved amendment eliminat- School Students the Right to Run Clubs. year’s Senior Co-Chair. The Senior-Co Chair ed the requirement for the YCSA Secretary/ and Vote for YSU Freshman and Amendment 8 - Makor College is an unelected position and has a vote on Treasurer to be “at least a junior” and to be Sophomore Representative Positions Experience Program Students the General Assembly. “a full-time student of the Yeshiva College Amendment 5 had two distinct results. Granted Right to Vote for YSU and Amendment 6 - Role and for at least one semester prior to taking of- Responsibility of YSU Vice President fice.” A minimum number of semesters and of Class Affairs class standing will no longer be prerequisites Amendment 6 would have repealed necessary to be elected to the position. This Article II Section IV of the Constitution. amendment comes after the Fall 2018 Wilf This section discusses in length the role Student Government Elections and subse- and responsibility of the YSU Vice President quent student court case in which a student of Class Affairs. Due to the ratification of who won the election for YCSA Secretary/ Amendment 5, it remains unclear what Treasurer was deemed ineligible for the the significance of this section of the position to due to his sophomore status. Constitution is and whether it does not al- Amendment 2 - Student low for the removal of the YSU VP of Class Government Presidents Given Power Affairs. to Fill Vacant Positions This amendment gave the president of To see a detailed breakdown of the the respective student councils the ability to voting percentages, please see the docu- appoint students to unfilled student govern- ment that was shared by the Canvassing Committee. ment positions within their councils. The Wilf Campus Student Constitution THE COMMENTATOR appointments must then be confirmed by the Monday, December 31, 2018 News 5 Floor Shabbatons Bring Wilf Campus Residents Together

throughout the night. Floors sometimes have Shabbaton to ensure it does not conflict “The unique dynamic of a floor Shabbaton By Zachary Greenberg a Friday night tisch with candy, soda and with another event. There is a minimum allows residents to connect in a way that’s . On Shabbat day, the floors will have of one Shabbaton per year for each floor, not possible in other contexts,” said Noah Floor Shabbatons on the Wilf Campus another meal together with more activities. and some try to have a Shabbaton once per Hazan, the Head RA of Muss. “After my provide an opportunity for students and Often, either before or after Shabbat, there semester. The Office of University Housing floor Shabbaton, I noticed newfound friend- resident advisers (RAs) across different will also be another floor event. Usually and Residence Life offers to provide restau- ships, floor-wide inside jokes and more ex- backgrounds to connect and build a commu- between 10 and 25 residents attend each rant food for Shabbatons, including Chop amples of YU residence life feeling more like nity. To that end, each floor in all dormitory shabbaton. Chop and Golan. From pizza parties, to a community.” buildings hosts at least one floor Shabbaton Floor Shabbatons take place in all three rock-paper-scissor tournaments, to meals Many residents on campus live in their each year at no additional cost to residents. dorms on Wilf Campus. Each floor’s resi- in the hallways, each Shabbaton has its own dorms for seven days a week and are of- The idea for floor Shabbatons came about dential advisors reserves a date for their distinct twist. ten too preoccupied with school to meet in Spring 2017. RAs created an “experiment each person on their floor. The goal of floor Shabbaton” to see whether the idea would be “A few minutes grabbed between classes cannot compare to Shabbatons is for residents to connect with viable or not, and to observe which aspects one another and truly feel as though they are worked well. The first official floor Shabbaton the 25-hour opportunity that Shabbat provides. And it is a one big family. “Floor Shabbatons provide was hosted by the fifth floor of Rubin Hall the absolute best mechanism for residents to in Oct. 2017. great way to further enhance the general Shabbat program on really get to know each other,” said Jonathan The schedule of the Shabbaton is de- Schwab, Director of Undergraduate Housing campus.” and Residence Life. “A few minutes grabbed termined by each floor’s respective RAs. ___ Generally, the floor has a meal together between classes cannot compare to the 25- Friday night in either the basement of Jonathan Schwab, hour opportunity that Shabbat provides. Morgenstern Hall or in the lounge of the Director of Undergraduate Housing and Residence Life And it is a great way to further enhance the floor itself. There are numerous icebreak- general Shabbat program on campus.” ers, speeches and activities that take place

Morgenstern Hall THE COMMENTATOR

Faculty Unease, Women on Wilf and LGBTQ Events: An Interview with President Ari Berman

primary elements. First, I formulate, articu- meeting with all the different constituencies Shoshy Ciment: Yeah, I should do By Shoshy Ciment and late and represent the vision of the future and groups, is now clear. We can talk about that. Benjamin Koslowe for Yeshiva University. In that capacity, I that if you’d like. We’ve also had great success PB: It’s really helped. address a number of different constituencies. in the second part, developing new partner- SC: What would you say the most The following is an abridged tran- We have our undergraduate student bodies, ships, as reflected in the new gift commit- stressful part of your job is? scription of a 45-minute interview with our graduate student bodies, faculties from ments that we received before the PB: I don’t know if I think of it in terms of President Ari Berman. All editing of the across all of our schools, our professional Dinner. And in the third part, we’ve done stress. I think in terms of opportunities. In original 6,500-word transcription was staff, our administrators, our friends, our a lot of work, especially in strengthening the beginning, I had an advantage because done in a way to preserve the essence of alumni, our donor base in different geo- our business model by adding new annual I come from this institution. I’m not just an the conversation. After much insistence on graphic regions here and around the world, revenue streams. alumnus, but somebody who really grew up the part of the YU Office of Public Affairs thought leaders, faith-based leaders, rab- … in this community. So I sort of had a little and Communications, we included some binic leaders, academic leaders and more. editing of syntax and grammar; condensed Representing YU’s values and vision to these sections are indicated by ellipses. various groups is a primary element of my There’s no other time in which Jewish women have the The questions asked in the interview re- position. That’s number one. opportunities and the access that they have today. flect the interests and curiosities of those Second, I form and develop partnerships who responded to the survey that was dis- with major current and potential partners, tributed among the student body. also on a number of different levels. For So my days encompass all of these things, step ahead. I also thought that having a wider example, lay leaders, potential donors, or- at every level of the university: the ten gradu- range of experiences — moving to and Benjamin Koslowe: President ganizations, universities, academic alliances. ate schools, four undergraduate schools, seeing the Jewish world from a whole other Berman, on an average day, what do That’s the second aspect. high schools, museum and library. In order Jewish perspective — was important coming you do in the capacity of your role? The third is being CEO of this enterprise. to move the ball forward on all fronts, I am back to YU, and thinking about YU into the President Berman: I’m very glad to talk I have great vice presidents who are directly meeting with donors, academics and lay- future, I thought that was very important. about this, because I have the feeling that on the ground, operating across the layers leaders and walking around campus and But coming back to your question, I had many people don’t have an accurate sense of of the university, from communications, to speaking to faculty. to learn a lot of things. So my listening tour, the President of Yeshiva University’s role. For legal, to finance, institutional advancement, All these pieces make up my day, which meeting with all of the constituents across example, recently I was davening in Teaneck et cetera. Serving over these great vice presi- is like a marathon. At the end of the day, the YU community and beyond, was eye- and a fellow came over to me, and started dents is the third aspect. when I come home, my daughter and I talk opening on many levels. And we needed talking to me about Yeshiva University’s ads In each of these aspects, we’ve moved about our day. We try to pick out five good to do that to form the vision for the future, in The Jewish Link. I thought to myself, I’m the ball forward considerably. The first things that happened to us each day. And I which is crucial. not the Vice President of Communications. part, forming and articulating the vision, is often find that when she asks me, “so what Our actual Vice President of Communications maybe the most crucial. The vision for the did you do today?” I have a hard time even Continued on Page 6 is great, and you should speak to him. future of Yeshiva University, emerging from remembering what happened at the begin- My role as President consists of three the first year and a quarter of listening and ning of the day. It takes a real effort. 6 News Monday, December 31, 2018

I asked them that question, and they told me meaning the students need to speak to each Tziyyon, that our broader ambition is to INTERVIEW, the same thing. They also thought that part other, work with the right administrators and work towards redemption. continued from 5 of this is that we come from a Talmudic tra- identify the right forums. But it seems to me … SC: Cool. So the next question is dition of asking questions. But studies have that there are vehicles that exist, and if they So what we do is, we bring our values, our something that has come up a lot, and suggested that single-gender educational don’t already exist, could exist. Certainly in 3,000-year-old tradition, in conversation you’ve probably heard about it, and I settings can have advantages for women. concert with what we think that we want for with the best of the Western tradition. And think it flows nicely from what you just But whatever the case may be, we feel our women as leaders for the future. we educate our students to be informed by said about there being a lot of differ- that it’s very important for us to grow in and infused with those values, which will ences. I think at the same time a lot of these areas. Computer for women, BK: I wonder if you could speak enable productive conversations about all things haven’t really changed in many for example, is absolutely crucial. The new more practically. Let’s say, rather than kinds of issues. Whatever the contemporary respects. So, many students have ex- Digital Lab coming to Stern College is an looking towards the future, meaning issue is now, my thinking is, what’s going to pressed concern about the disparities example of how we want to elevate all of the what was your immediate reaction to happen in ten, twenty, thirty years? Meaning, between men and women’s learning education at YU, and to make sure that our the discussion that became a pretty I want our students to have the values and programs in the morning. Basically, students have a great pathway for success. communal discussion about Klein@9 the learning experiences to be able to speak that women don’t really have a learn- There’s no question that the basis of our specifically? What was your assess- how our values and wisdom, our texts and ing program to the caliber of the men’s values and education is Jewish learning — ment of that situation? ideas, will apply to whatever new issues are undergraduate [program] at Yeshiva learning our Jewish texts and learning our PB: I’d say my immediate reaction when going to come up as well. That’s all very im- University. So why has there never tradition. And we want our students to have I heard the general issue was that Yeshiva portant to the education Yeshiva University been a significant effort to institute as much access as possible. Whatever we can University of course stands for our women is trying to provide. similar programs on the women’s do to grow their opportunities, we would not just learning Torah but teaching Torah. At a base level, the most important thing campus? love to do so, and we’re working on that It’s been true throughout Yeshiva University for Yeshiva University is of course the men- PB: Well, I can’t really speak to the pos- now. We are asking questions like, what is communities throughout the world. It’s been tal and physical health of each one of our sible efforts of the past, but I can speak to- the right format? What works best with the true for Yeshiva University specifically. students. That is a threshold issue, crucial wards the issue of women’s learning, which students’ calendar and the structure of the I’ve been at Beren for Shabbos, I have seen across the board. Now, very specifically, what on many levels is very dear and important day? How do we get more high-level teachers women giving divrei Torah all the time. I kinds of events should be run, certainly in to me and to the future of YU. Let me put to the Beren Campus so that women who are was the rabbi of The Jewish Center where the extracurricular sphere — this is another this question into a broader context. Yeshiva interested can tap into it? women give divrei Torah all the time. So example of where students should be speak- I was perplexed that this became, I would ing to each other. We have one community, say, misunderstood. Yeshiva University is so the students who make up that community There’s no question that we want our students, both men and certainly for women giving divrei Torah. should work through these kinds of things women, to not just learn Torah but spread Torah as much as The particular issue of where is the best together. They should speak with each other, place and the right forum on a campus that speak to the right administrators and figure possible. is also a single-gender male yeshiva is a good out the best way for the community to think question, and I think students should talk to about current issues. I think it’s great. each other about that. The students should University educates the leaders of the fu- I love what [TAC President] Adina Cohen speak to each other with the right adminis- BK: Where do you see the role ture. We deliver quality education, great did. When Adina did the bekiyus program trators and come up with the right vehicles. of roshei yeshiva playing into this? jobs and great values. That’s what we’re I was delighted to speak at the opening in There are sensitivities in all directions, and Particularly when it comes to issues about, those three things. We accomplish support of the program. That she was able I have confidence in our student body that like LGBTQ speakers, on the one hand this in two primary ways: through a focus to work with the right administrators and if they work together, they can find the right you mentioned that students tradi- on values and leadership on the one hand, figure out a way of growing that program is directions and vehicles for these kinds of is- tionally do schedule events and deal and educating for the market skills of the great. And certainly, whether it’s student- sues. It’s important for them to do so. with student council and that avenue future on the other. driven initiatives or coming from the faculty BK: Do you think that it was a of bringing speakers in, but especially … or the administration, we are very interested healthy discussion that wound up for speakers like these, roshei yeshiva The first thing we do is values and lead- and excited about the prospects of growing happening? and maybe other administrators often ership. We’re number one in values and learning at the Beren Campus. PB: I don’t know if I followed all of the have certain concerns that could run leadership. There’s no other university set- articles, to comment on the exact discussion. in conflict with speakers that students ting that teaches the ideas, values and texts BK: When thinking about growth But this is an example of how we’re part of might want to bring. So I wonder what of our 3,000-year-old tradition of wisdom, in specific, do you and the current a community. Students should be talking your thoughts are. complemented with the best of the Western administration view as an ideal a fu- to each other. PB: I think our undergraduate students tradition like we do. And our goal is to inspire ture where the Beren Campus would represent a spectrum, and they themselves our students to leave here ready to go out have some equivalent to the Yeshiva SC: Productive conversation would reflect opinions of their teachers and ro- and be people of impact and purpose. Program, or is the belief more that the be nice. At this point, I don’t think it’s shei yeshiva. That’s how the conversation … ideal might be to continue a certain totally resolved. I go to Klein@9 and takes place. Of course, it’s also working with The second thing is educating for the growth, but that there still might be women still aren’t speaking, so, I don’t administrators. I don’t know if our roshei market skills of the future. Our students differences even at an ideal point? know. Maybe with this article people yeshiva have specific positions on any of need to be fully capable in all the skill sets PB: Whatever is best for the students, I’d will talk more. I don’t know. the details, but of course they’re a part of and behavioral competencies that will be want to do. We’re thinking about GPATS So, this is kind of a departure from the mix. But I think the students are pretty necessary for them to succeed in the market- too, it’s not just during the undergradu- what we’re talking about, but in light representative of their teachers. I’m sure stu- place of tomorrow, so that they experience ate experience, but growing GPATS and of recent events on campus that are dents will go to their roshei yeshiva and ask enormous personal and professional success. its classes, so that women can stay longer giving voice to Jewish LGBTQ activ- them questions. This is part of the process. This is crucial to us. and study more intensively. We’re open to ists like Ben Katz and Hannah Fons, When you’re a growing adult and you … as intensive a growth experience of talmud who’s postponed until later, students have questions, you learn from your ro- So with all of this as a larger context let Torah as possible. I think it’s amazing. on both sides of the aisle have voiced shei yeshiva, your rabbi, your teachers. You me talk specifically about Stern College and concerns regarding events the Beren Campus. When it comes to women, SC: So while we’re talking about like this. So what is your barukh Hashem, we are living in the greatest women, there’s been a lot of talk re- opinion on events like this? Our faculty is crucial to the future of time in Jewish history, perhaps ever. There’s cently about the role of women on Do you think that YU should Yeshiva University. no other time in which Jewish women had the Wilf Campus, specifically in the continue to hold these types the opportunities and the access that they aftermath of Lilly Gelman’s article of events in the future? have today. And we want to strengthen, en- about speaking at Klein@9, and then PB: Yeshiva University stands for a learn from those experiences. I have reb- courage, support and grow that as much as being silenced and then the aftermath number of core values. I articulated them beim myself, and I speak to them all the possible. And I mean that in all fields, start- of that. So the question is, do you think last year, but it was just a re-articulation of time about issues that are important to me. ing with issues like women in tech, women that women should be allowed to get the values of Rav Soloveitchik, our roshei Throughout my whole life, rebbe u-mori Rav in entrepreneurship, women in business. divrei Torah on Shabbat on the Wilf yeshiva, and — the truth is — our Lichtenstein, rebbi u-mori Rav Rosensweig, We already have great strengths in science Campus, and what do you think the tradition from Har Sinai. rebbi u-mori Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter and all and technology, and we want to strengthen role of women on Wilf Campus is? We believe in Torat Emet, that our Torah the roshei yeshiva that I studied with here, ourselves more in finance. In these areas, PB: So let me back up and continue the is true. We believe in Torat Chesed, that have affected a lot of my decisions and my we feel like we have a leverage point. The last answer. There’s no question that we our true Torah is one of compassion and thinking. So I think it would be very natural single-gender education system might even want our students, both men and women, kindness. We believe in Torat Adam, that for students to speak to their teachers, and give us a leg up on some of these pieces. to not just learn Torah but spread Torah as each individual carries his or her specific I’m pretty confident in our students’ ability I was just walking around the Beren much as possible. We encourage everyone unique potential and it’s holy work for each to think things through together with each Campus, and one professor said to me that to take their Torah and to teach it. We want individual to develop themselves in the way other. our students ask the best questions. He’s our women students to be marbitzot Torah, that best allows them to reach their own SC: Yeah, I think it’s definitely true been teaching in university settings for 30 and that runs across this institution and ex- destiny. We believe in Torah Chayyim, that that there are students on both sides years, and the students at Stern College ask ists in many forums and places. I think on our Torah is not limited to learning in the of every single issue that goes on in the best questions. So I asked, “what do you the Wilf Campus, it seems to me there are four walls of the beit midrash or davening in YU, and there is a lot of discourse. attribute that to?” And he said, the fact that vehicles that it could exist in already. shul, but that we must bring our Torah out it’s single-gender and that there aren’t men A lot of this has to come from the students, into the world. … And we believe in Torat Continued on Page 7 in the classroom. I turned to the students and Monday, December 31, 2018 News 7

INTERVIEW, are many types of questions that came SC: So this is another question that continued from Page 6 SC: We would be remiss if we didn’t up. One that seemed the most interest- we got. Do you think that YU tuition mention this, just because it’s been a ing to us that we thought might tell a is too high, and, if so, how is the uni- We especially see it in the pages of big story that we recently had and a lot is the following, and that is, do you versity working to make YU a more The Commentator and letters to the lot of people are interested in this. So want every YU student to eventually accessible place for people who want editor and so many different opinions. there was a recent survey that spread make , to move to Israel? to come here? But, I think at the end of the day, stu- through YU faculty that polled the PB: Well, I definitely encourage aliyah. PB: There are two pieces to that. dents talking is important and that [faculty], and there were a lot of in- I think aliyah is wonderful. I think Israel is First of all, in all of [Vice President of happens a lot, but it always ends up teresting facts from the survey. So the great berakhah that Hashem has given Communications and Marketing] Doron being thrown to a higher power. Like, I just wanted to specifically ask you us after close to 2,000 years of waiting. But [Stern]’s ads, Doron points out that 80 per- for example, the Klein@9 thing, there about a few of them. So it said that 40 I love this question, because it cuts to what cent of our student body receives some form was so much on both sides for both percent have confidence in President Yeshiva University is really about when I of tuition assistance. So that’s very impor- students, and people who said all the Ari Berman in his role as President, so talk about Torat Tziyyon. tant, meaning that it is of great concern for way on one side and all the way on the I wanted to hear your reaction to that Let me put it this way. We live other side and they were talking, and and why you think that is or how you in the greatest era of opportunity it was really nice actually to watch. But think that you should approach that? for Jews in close to 2,000 years. We need to show that YU education is at the end of the day, it gets thrown up PB: Our faculty is crucial to the future And I think that we are on a great not a cost, it’s an investment. to an administrator, someone higher of Yeshiva University. Meaning, we pride historic trajectory moving for- up who can make a decision. ourselves in quality education, great jobs, ward. There are two areas, two PB: I don’t want to speak for the admin- great values — all of this comes from the fac- centers, where you see this taking place. us that our community — and I’d say our istrators who are responsible for overseeing ulty. Their sense of their position in Yeshiva One is Israel, where we’re growing a Jewish broader community because there are new these areas, because it’s really not my role, University and the future is very important society and we’re building the Jewish state. markets that we’re looking to reach, that and I don’t want to overstep. But I’m pretty to us. And their morale and their compen- It’s an exciting, riveting, new turn for the we’ve already reached and that we’re grow- sure that if there is an interest from students sation are certainly at the forefront of my Jewish people, and we’ve always encour- ing and continuing to reach — sees Yeshiva in trying to find an appropriate vehicle that mind. Certainly at the forefront of my mind. aged people to make their future in that University as affordable and accessible for would help bring together our community in Everything I’m doing to grow this institution state – to think about raising their children everyone, and that’s part of why I’m working which women can also give divrei Torah, I — and that we’re all doing; not just me, but there and how they’re going to be a part of so hard on raising money for scholarships, am pretty sure that they can figure something everybody in the administration — is obvi- that enormous incredible endeavor. I think to make sure that our students from across out and the administrators would work with ously for the benefit of our students. But we that’s wonderful and great. regions are able to attend Yeshiva University. them to figure out the right way to do that. can only do that through ensuring the future But there’s also a great project that’s tak- But we also need to raise our value propo- It would be really surprising to me if that of our faculty. ing place in the Diaspora. sition. We need to show that YU education is couldn’t happen, by the way. But let’s leave And I think that those polls represent the Now, the first one — the project in Israel not a cost, it’s an investment. So that people that (laughter). I don’t know what the exact difficult past that Yeshiva University is only — I think people know about. It’s the second see that coming to Yeshiva University gives vehicles are, but if everyone is talking to now emerging from. We spent a lot of time to one they actually don’t focus on enough. And the kind of education and sense of purpose each other, it seems to me that these kinds try to create a financial framework for greater this is what I’ve been speaking about when and meaning that will infuse one’s life with of issues can be worked out. growth in the years ahead. We are creating a I talk about Torat Tziyyon. But because the great personal and professional success. … word “Israel” is there so often, I’m not sure And this also includes our great students, if people fully grasp my meaning. the student life and the great Jewish com- I think that those polls represent the difficult past that Yeshiva When I talk about or Torat munity here. Tziyyon, what I’m talking about is the pro- You can’t find this anywhere on any University is only now emerging from. cess of redemption as a whole. And I think other university campus. It’s unbelievable, that specifically in the Diaspora, Yeshiva all the great things that happen at Yeshiva University students have a role to play in that University. And so to raise that value prop- SC: I think there was talk about stronger business model. The people that will process that is enormous. This includes all osition, of course with greater awareness another minyan at some point, right? see their compensation increase because of the things that Paul Singer spoke about in his promoted by our communications and mar- BK: Yeah, that was part of the con- this is of course the faculty. But it’s a mara- speech at the Hanukkah Dinner. He summa- keting, is very important, so that people both versation, and it didn’t pan out in the thon; it’s not a sprint. This is a process. And rized it so well; how Yeshiva University can see that it’s affordable and that it’s worth- end. Anyway, shall we move to the next I’m deeply grateful for our faculty’s loyalty be a bridge between Israel and the Diaspora while, because it’s an enormous, important question? This actually ties in well and devotion. They’ve come through some because we are pro-Israel and also living investment that will reap incredible rewards to another question, in that it has to very difficult years at Yeshiva University. here. We can build bridges to Jews who for people in their future. do with students. So the question is: I’m very appreciative of their excellence. If are less identified with their roots and our Without town hall meetings, do you we’re providing quality education, it’s only tradition. We can build bridges to the non- BK: Thank you very much, President feel that you have an accurate depic- because of our excellent faculty. And I have Jewish world, bringing our values out into Berman, for taking the time. One thing tion of the pulse on campus? their concerns deeply in my heart and my the world, showing what Torah and that I think we would be remiss with- PB: We have a number of campuses and mind as we grow this institution. are about, and what Hashem is about. We out is that, in the process of preparing a number of constituents on each campus. can be mekadeish sheim shamayim barab- for our conversation today, we looked We have undergraduate students, and then SC: To what extent are you going bim in this generation in ways that were into [the] history of old newspaper it’s broken up by schools and Jewish studies to focus on the suggestions that they never possible before. interviews with presidents, and one programs, et cetera. We have our gradu- offered in the survey? For example, So when I tell our students that we want common theme was always ending ate students across ten different graduate they wanted to increase the pension them to graduate here and be people of im- with a certain creative philosophi- schools. We have different kinds of faculty, plan 45.5 percent. A lot of people said pact, I’m not just saying that you’re only a cal dilemma to pick the President’s and the different layers of the administra- they wanted to create a plan for raises person of impact if you make aliyah. I think brains. tion. So it’s important for our senior team and compensation. So to what extent that’s one way of being a person of impact. PB: Now we’re talking! to have our finger on the pulse of all of those are you considering moves like that? But being here in the Diaspora also pro- BK: The student body today is no constituencies. PB: As we see new growth, which we’ve vides enormous opportunities for impact exception, as several of these very cre- We try to do this both qualitatively and already started to see, these are the kinds of that we uniquely can leverage. Where some- ative questions came up. So the one quantitatively. We plan touchpoints with things we can be doing. And we’ve already body decides to live, there’s such a range that we thought was the most interest- all of the different constituents that I men- begun to do it. I don’t want to overstate what of individually-specific factors, I wouldn’t ing was: Who does President Berman tioned. But, beyond that, we also do a great we’ve done so far. I don’t think we deserve venture to say what a particular person think would win in a fight — 1,000 deal of data gathering, so that our thinking is any pat on our back for the chickens or one grizzly bear? more scientific. We try to make data-driven fact that we’ve been able to PB: Wow, that’s a tough one. What could decisions, and our senior team is certainly increase pensions, but it’s a I’m not just saying that you’re only a 1,000 chickens do, really? Can they do any- thinking a lot about the current context and start. And that’s certainly at thing? I like the idea where the smaller ani- how to lead us to a future of growth and the core of what we’re doing, person of impact if you make aliyah. mal wins but, I’m just thinking, chickens expansion. there’s no question about that. specifically, what can they do to a grizzly BK: Would you be able to elaborate should or should not do. These are all ques- bear? He would step all over them! Is there on what the data research into student BK: Those were our main ques- tions that are very case-dependent. I know another side to this? I would go, I think, with sentiment looks like? tions. I know that 100 questions came I wouldn’t suggest my personal journey to the grizzly bear. PB: We do several different collections up, and we obviously couldn’t address anyone! But whatever you decide, the fact SC: That’s our headline. of data. These are internal things. We do all of them. One question that is kind that we’re part of a bigger picture in Jewish (laughter) studies on the current student body and of a synthesis of several questions, but history, and the fact that we’re living in an PB: I think the headline should be how potential student body. We certainly do a a theme that seems to be of interest extraordinary era of opportunity, is the key much I enjoyed the play. lot of those things. to students is that, obviously Israel point. Our students should feel that. They SC: We can write a separate article. BK: And is your sense that student is such an important motif and object should be empowered by that, and then move PB: Well thank you both for your incred- sentiment is positive? of interest for your presidency — you forward with that consciousness. Whatever ible work. I know that you put in a lot of PB: I don’t know if “positive” versus being the President who came from place or whatever profession they’re in, they time for this, and The Commentator is so “negative” is the right framework. We’re Israel, and who very quickly created should have that consciousness of redemp- important. I really appreciate the enormous interested in areas of satisfaction and which pathway programs with Israel, who tion. That’s our goal. amount of time you guys are spending on areas we need to grow in. talks about Israel very often. So there growing Yeshiva University. Thank you. 8 News Monday, December 31, 2018 YU Raises Faculty Pension Matching Contributions, Upholds Salary Freeze the 2013 survey, faculty salaries that they currently “have confi- nationwide, as determined by a professor told the Commentator in By Yardena Katz have remained frozen since 2009, dence in the university’s expertise recent survey by leading financial May 2018, when the contribution when Joel implemented numer- in financial management,” accord- services organization Teachers level was at three percent. “It was In the midst of an ongoing ten- ous university-wide budget cuts ing to the 2018 Faculty Council Insurance and Annuity Association one of the reasons I took the job. It year faculty salary freeze, YU has in an effort to reduce YU’s annual survey. A minority of 15 percent of of America-College Retirement hurts the retiring faculty because of raised its maximum faculty pension budget by $30 million. In the ab- faculty reported to have confidence Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF). course there will be less money for matching contribution from three sence of standard annual one- to in the Provost, while 20 percent According to a May 2018 Gallup them, but it also hurts in attracting to four percent. Effective Jan. 1, two-percent raises that most uni- reported to have confidence in the poll, the average retirement age young faculty.” 2019, the change marks the univer- versities automatically apply to Board of Trustees and 40 percent that Americans predict for them- The four percent level “is ob- sity’s second one-percent increase account for inflation, YU faculty reported to have confidence in selves is 66. viously making very difficult for since the end of the recession in salaries have in effect decreased President Berman. Asked about faculty demoraliza- people to retire because people 2009, when President since 2009. Many universities froze The 2013 Faculty Council sur- tion resulting from years of com- cannot afford to, and it is leading to slashed the contribution level from faculty salaries in 2010 following vey found that of its 127 faculty pensation cuts in a Commentator an aging of the faculty,” a tenured seven to two percent. the recession, but unfroze them respondents, 89 percent expect interview at the outset of her pro- professor told The Commentator Joel had pledged to return two years later by 2012. Accounting that they will financially need to vostship in 2014, Provost Botman in Dec. 2018. “It is affecting more the maximum pension matching for inflation, one professor estimat- keep working until at least age remarked that in American higher the elder faculty, who are nearing contribution level back to seven ed that faculty members are now 70, and 70 percent expect to keep education, “costs are escalating in retirement and won’t have time to percent by 2011, but the level re- making 82 percent of their 2008 working beyond that age. Asked terms of information technology, recover from the losses.” mained at two percent until Sept. income prior to the salary freeze. what conditions they would re- financial aid, alumni affairs … “All my colleagues and I wel- 2017, when President Ari Berman Representing Cardozo, Ferkauf, quire to retire at their preferred We’ve created a business plan that come the increase in pension announced the university’s first Revel, SCW, Syms and YC, 17 one-percent increase to three professors of the Faculty Council percent. Faculty have “heard in- signed onto a letter in May 2013 in Though pension matching contributions have now risen by two percent since formally” that the university will response to Joel’s financial update their 2009 hit and the 2013 survey, faculty salaries have remained frozen continue restoring one percent on the university’s deficit. “The annually going forward, accord- University administration must since 2009, when Joel implemented numerous university-wide budget cuts in ing to one faculty member. This understand and recognize that a would result in a restoration of the strong and well-supported faculty an effort to reduce YU’s annual budget by $30 million. seven-percent level by 2022, 13 is vital to the long-term stability years following its initial reduction and success of the institution,” below industry standards. the letter stated. “The University’s retirement age if it fell below their no longer works.” She said that the contributions,” another tenured Pension matching contributions policy of investing in the faculty in required retirement age, 88 per- costs of pensions and healthcare professor said. “If the university are a standard element of universi- recent years has made it possible cent selected “a resumption of the plans — “many things that are not can only allocate a limited amount ties’ faculty compensation pack- for us to offer our students a better 7% matching contribution” and 82 academic” — have also increased. of money to increase faculty com- ages, by which a university matches education. We are also produc- percent selected “a higher salary.” “I don’t think we deserve any pensation, it is more tax efficient the annual pension savings of an ing more scholarly and creative The report stated that “the survey pat on our back for the fact that to increase the retirement con- employee up to a maximum des- work, earning more grants, and results revealed that the situation we’ve been able to increase pen- tribution. So this is good news. ignated percentage of the given enhancing the reputation of the of a significant portion of Yeshiva sions, but it’s a start,” remarked However, we are still not where we employee’s salary. According to a University.” University faculty members facing President Berman in his Dec. 2018 had been or at industry standard 2013 Faculty Council survey, for The letter also expressed, “If, retirement might best be described interview with The Commentator. and I hope we will get there soon comparable universities located in response to short-term pres- as dire, with too many headed for “This is a process. And I’m deeply in order to retain and recruit the in , pension matching sures, further cuts were to be made underfunded retirements at very grateful for our faculty’s loyalty and best faculty.” The professor added contribution levels hover at around to salaries or to our benefit pack- advanced ages.” devotion. They’ve come through that beyond unfreezing salaries, “it ten percent. Even contextualized ages, our University would, we The report also noted that the some very difficult years at Yeshiva would be great to provide merit within its 80th place ranking in are convinced, be undermined in percentage of YU faculty that ex- University … I don’t want to over- increases that can support the best the 2019 US News & World Report the medium and long term." The pects to have to continue work- state what we’ve done so far.” faculty who contribute above and National University Rankings, YU Board of Trustees, which is respon- ing until at least age 70 is three “We felt [the seven percent] was beyond the call of duty.” falls behind industry standards in sible for overseeing aspects of the times that of university faculty a sort of contract,” one tenured Manhattan. Pace University, which University’s budget allocation in- is ranked 177th, offered a nine cluding faculty compensation is- percent contribution in 2013; St. sues, did not reply to the letter. John’s University, ranked 152nd, Discussing the pension match- offered 10 percent; Fordham ing contribution increase in a Dec. University, ranked 70th, offered 2018 Faculty Council meeting, the five percent to faculty serving for Provost reiterated the university’s under five years and 11 percent to commitment to the one-percent those serving for five years and increase. When one faculty mem- above; and New York University, ber remarked that the Board of ranked 30th, offered 10 percent. Trustees had “also [said] that they The increase was announced to would be adding one percent per faculty by Provost Selma Botman year,” the Provost responded that in late Spring 2018, and trailed “that’s the plan but not an official the May 2018 presentation of a statement.” In frustration, another Faculty Council survey report faculty member remarked to the to the Office of the Provost and Provost that “the plan was to return Board of Trustees. In the report, to seven percent after two years, which was anonymously leaked to but that never happened. Plans The Commentator in Dec. 2018, don’t mean anything.” the Council surveyed 117 faculty In the same meeting, a faculty members on their perceptions of member asked the Provost what the the university, confidence in YU university was doing about the on- leadership and recommendations going salary freeze. “They’re work- for actions to be taken. The most ing on it,” said the Provost. “I’ve commonly selected response to asked [Vice President and Chief what actions the university “should Financial Officer] Jake Harman, take in the immediate future” was and he said they are working on “to increase pension plan contri- it. So hopefully in the new year butions” (46 percent), while the we’ll hear more about that.” The second was “to create a plan for Provost also relayed that according faculty raises and compensation” to Chief Human Resources Officer (38 percent). Julie Auster, YU’s insurance poli- Though pension matching con- cies “are below industry standards, tributions have now risen by two as are our retirement benefits and percent since their 2009 hit and our salaries.” Only 11 percent of faculty agree Furst Hall THE COMMENTATOR Monday, December 31, 2018 Features 9 FROM THE COMMIE ARCHIVES

Editor's Note: Just over fifteen years ago, Yeshiva University welcomed Richard Joel as the institution’s fourth president. This article, which was Joel’s first interview with The Commentator, is being reprinted now alongside President Ari Berman’s recent interview with the student newspaper. From the Archives (August 27, 2003; Volume 69 Issue 1) — Interview With President Joel

The Commentator Archives THE COMMENTATOR

listening - as you might guess, every person of this guf (body), to really look for what the until we have the right vision and the right By Commentator Staff 2003-04 I bump into has an opinion about Yeshiva agenda of academic excellence should be plans… How to do it is going to take a little University… at Yeshiva University, so that we can make bit of ingenuity and involvement of students. Q: So how’s life as president these past This is a unique kind of institution and careful and important decisions… Q: What perhaps might be your imme- two months? I don’t believe, by the way, in consensus. You know, I think that of course there are diate goals, let’s say, for the next several A: It’s wonderfully exciting, it’s over- I don’t believe I should come up with issues of what our population is going to be, months? whelming, it’s somewhat terrifying. It’s kind something safe that should offend no one. how we look from an enrollment manage- A: Survival (laughter). I want to build a of amazing because you really get a perspec- Consensus is a root to death. Consensus is ment and strategic point of view as to what culture of “ivdu Hashem besimcha” (serve the tive about how much is at stake, how wonder- the lowest common denominator. It might we think our population will be and how we Lord happily). And not by putting drugs in ful this place is, and how much we have to be good for doing long division, but it doesn’t house it. What we do with the Independent the Kool-Aid. I think it is about everybody re- do together, and I look at it and say, “Me?”… work for moving towards the Jewish purpose Housing Program, what we do thinking about alizing that they are together stakeholders in It’s gotten much better since my wife and of being mamlechet kohanim v’goy kadosh the future of dormitories here. What we do Yeshiva University and in Yeshiva University my children were able to move up to New (a kingship of priests and a holy nation). thinking about the that now goes across as a prototype of the rest of their lives and the York which happened in the middle of the But I also don’t believe in a lonely vision; I Amsterdam Avenue. With the gentrification community that we have to build. This is a third week of July. We’re still in the midst believe in a collective vision, which means I of this area, and the safety of the area. Some time when young people --more than in the of packing hundreds of cartons. That’s what can, I’m pretty good at enunciating visions. I people want to make this more of a commu- last generation, frankly --are looking to say, we’re calling the President’s house. Seriously think I spent my life, together with my family, nity. How we make this a community so that “How do I build my life in a way such that it because it’s and I hope you’ll have the op- dreaming dreams of what we’re supposed to on Shabbas it’s alive? How we make this an works, and that I matter?” I think Yeshiva portunity to be there. It’s one of the facilities do as Jews… attractive place where secular faculty might University will be foremost among universi- of Yeshiva that we get to live in that has to I think universities in general and Yeshiva want to live as well, so it becomes a neighbor- ties in saying that values matter, that we will be used as a place where people can come University in particular claim its place as hood, the yeshiva neighborhood. Those are both value students and provoke students to together and ideas can be exchanged… an academy for the inspiration of values… I all things that I would love to dream about confront the issue of values. Look, I’ve been building an office of the think we have to look broadly at our respon- in week six of my presidency. And we’re going to look to make this… a President, and I think I’ve only had a full sibility as the great educational institution of Q: Getting back to some administra- sterling place, where Torah is shining and contingent of my support system for two and the Orthodox world, and Modern Orthodoxy, tive things. Speaking practically of Andrew joyous and rigorous and where Madda is a half to three weeks. It’s a new presidency, and we say “what are our responsibilities, Leibowitz leaving, I can tell you from my excellent. This should be a place of excellence it’s a different presidency than that of Dr. to ensure that there’s a lifetime of learning, experience in talking to many students that where we should challenge students --not to Lamm, he should live and be well, and there and to ensure that this educational institu- there’s a lot of optimism coming into this see how we can get by. I want people to walk are different emphases, and I have to build tion transcends its walls, and has a living, year, and many students are excited about the away saying, “Do I really have to leave now? on what he provided me. So everything, from continual relationship with the Jewish com- possibilities. But as the same time, Andrew There’s so much more that I want to learn, having a new office to having new staff and munity, from womb to tomb?” Leibowitz was, it’s a little of an exaggeration that I want to give, that I want to contribute, having a different kind of operating style and And, that we take seriously our role, be- to say he was the only, but he was one of the that I want to do, that I want to serve.” learning about the institution. yond the undergraduate and yeshiva ele- few administrators that students really liked A lot of this is a challenge that I’m going I’m a child of Yeshiva, so I know a lot, and ments, to see how do we make sure that the and it’s a very big disappointment to many to put out to the student body and to the fac- I worked here for ten years, and I have three graduate schools, professional schools that students that he’s gone. ulty, to say “Let’s dream serious dreams, and children who’ve graduated from here, and I we have will look at the wonders of arts and A: It’s a big disappointment to me. then make them happen.” Part of this also went to MTA and graduated and I ran Torah science and letters and professional training Q: Most of the people I’ve spoken to here depends upon the leadership that hired me, Leadership Seminar and all kinds of high and look at it through the prism of Torah said that they really are going to miss him and being open to a challenge, to say “we’re going school seminars from here. In so many ways, and Torah values that have really been the they’d like him to stay, but he said he didn’t to go to the next step.” What we have here, Yeshiva defined my life. My wife got her Ph.D. foundation stone of western civilization. feel like he was really appreciated or wanted. when we put all our cynicism aside, is pretty from here. All my significant friends come Q: More on a practical level, how would A: Sorry he felt that way. But I can’t really darn good. I inherit a healthy university. This from here. I’ve been a part of the YU world, we go about achieving such a goal, in terms of comment on how he felt…I have regard for is the defining force in Modern Orthodoxy… and you know, I’ve done as much hocking at increasing the awareness of Torah U’Madda Andrew Leibowitz, and I’m going to attend We have a responsibility to be able to Yeshiva as anybody else has. and that sort of inspiration? the wedding of his brother this evening. He’s pinpoint achievements. Right now I’m saying I can say that I have the same kind of A: Kavod HaBriyot has to be the corner- a terrific young man an I think he’s done that we took the word “only” off the entrance love/hate relationship. But you know, usually stone because it’s also the outcome. What very fine service to Yeshiva University. And and exit doors is an achievement, we can when people are passionate enough to say “I we want to do is help build a world, a Jewish certainly work was invested in his remaining make jokes about it, but it’s an achievement; hate it,” we’re in good shape. Elie Wiesel said community and a world, based on Torah here. I can tell you that Dean Nulman was that the president has an office that people the opposite of love is not hate; it’s indiffer- values. What do we basically do? We engage a very strong advocate for his remaining can be proud of, and hopefully will be in, is ence. So we have an enormous amount of in the act of imitato dei… here. He was not pushed out, he left of his an achievement, but that it’s not only the goodwill that sometimes masquerades itself You translate that more into how we con- own volition… president’s office, but the whole floor is in- as anger. And I think that we can tap into tinue to build the undergraduate experience So why I’m sorry he left, I think this viting to the whole YU community; that the that, and I think that part of the issue is to so that it’s both personal and excellent. The provides us with an opportunity to review conference room I’m going to have here is a realize the enormity of the challenge of the appointment of Hillel Davis, I joke, I say he’s student services, and we’re going to do to conference room that will be used by all; it’s whole university… vice president of kavod HaBeriyos, looking make sure that we do it well. I don’t see the not the President’s conference room, it’s a Q: You’d mentioned before regarding at all the areas that impact on quality of life Student Services area as one that tries to fix conference room for the university. That the enunciating a vision for the university. Could here, so I’m giving that particular portfolio what the rest of the place breaks. café here is made more attractive, and that you comment on, in general or specific terms, to a professional, a ben Torah, a talmid cha- I think that we have to look at the whole we’re looking to do that not only in that way, what overall your vision for the university is? cham and a great professional, who cares culprit of academic advisement and counsel- that we’re starting to make the Wilf Campus A: Please G-d, you’ll be in the audience on deeply about YU, and who’s a product of YU. ing, student life counseling, the whole aspect a more open and welcoming place, that we’re Sept. 21… I’ve spent seven months listening I think that is making the statement that we of in the yeshiva and how we make maximizing the space we have by doing good to a lot to students. I lived at Morgenstern want to be serious about this, and we want people feel personally valuable and not face- things, I think, will be shown over time to be for three and a half months… I’ve listened to to be professional about this. Unleashing Dr. less. That’s complicated, because this is a part of a new culture of building on what I faculty, to different faculties. I’ve been out Lowengrub as Vice President of Academic complicated place… we have to work to do. have been entrusted with. and around the country and in Israel listen- Affairs so that he’s not dealing with any focus Some of that’s going to take money that we ing to some of the 40,000 alumni. I’ve been except working with the dean of all organs don’t have. But I’m not sweating the money 10 Features Monday, December 31, 2018 Highlights from Student Questions for President Berman

wish of many to learn Torah deep into the weak point? and be more included to act to bring about By Commentator Staff night when the college workload makes it 14. What is one mistake you’ve made so this change? so hard for many? far in your tenure as president? 21. Would you rather fight 1 horse sized In preparation for The Commentator’s 6. How do you reconcile offering classes 15. How’s YU’s financial situation doing, duck, or 100 duck sized horses? interview of President Berman this week, we to students that many, if not most, of the in your opinion? What do you plan to do to 22. Did it really matter to that starfish? invited undergraduate students to anony- roshei yeshiva would find unacceptable? improve it? 23. Are you more of an enabler or enobler? mously submit questions via Google Forms 7. What do you do on a daily or weekly 16. Have you ever been to bathrooms in 24. A university is supposed to serve as for our Editor-in-Chief and Managing basis - the life of the President? Glueck? They reek! What is Yeshiva doing a beacon of thought, change and new ideas. Editor to selectively ask the President. Of the 8. Zysman Hall is one of the architectural to have Kavod Habriyus when we "enter As a university, YU should be no different. 93 substantive and entertaining responses gems of Upper Manhattan, One would expect that, as a self declared that The Commentator received earlier this yet its façade has been con- What is the most challenging part about beacon of Modern Orthodoxy, the university month, the following are a sampling of our sistently obstructed by ugly would be looking at ways to offer insight favorite responses. scaffolding for many years. dealing with the YU Commentator? and solutions to many of the challenges Will this situation change the MO community faces Yet, there seems 1. What are you doing to confront the Juul soon? to be no public effort from the universities epidemic and widespread student use in YU 9. Do you think YC [Wilf] and the Beren into the world of eternity," the beit midrash? to solve major challenges that the Modern facilities, including class and the library? campus should be the same hashkafically? 17. Does YU have an answer for the shid- Orthodox world currently faces, including 2. Do you see a path to remedy the schizo- 10. How do you think the LGBT+ events duch crisis, and how can it use both schools Jewish day school tuition, LGBTQ inclusion, phrenia in the institution? or lack thereof on campus impact the to help contribute to a maximum of Jewish women’s roles, assimilation, relationships 3. In the long run, would the Modern University’s image? How do you think it marriages? with Conservative and Reform Jews and a Orthodox community be better or worse if impact the yeshiva’s? 18. Are you taking a reasonable salary growing dissatisfaction with Israel among YU closed at the end of this year? 11. What have you done to bring closer compared to our last president? What are American Jews. (1) Is the university doing 4. Would you be happier if students chose the Mashiach? we doing to make YU financially sound and anything to solve these problems? If yes, to go to Touro instead of YU or if they chose 12. What steps should one take to end up strong? Can we focus on making more park- what? If no, why not? (2) Is it our place to to go to Penn instead of YU? in your position one day? ing spots for students? solve these problems? If no, what do we 5. You mentioned learning deep deep into 13. Earlier this year, The Commentator 19. What is the most challenging part mean when we say we are a beacon and the night when you spoke in the Glueck beit poked fun at President Berman for his about dealing with the YU Commentator? center of American Modern Orthodoxy? midrash at the beginning of last year. With heavy involvement in philosophy while at 20. It seems clear that the administration the increase of seriousness of the University Yeshiva College. How does Rabbi Berman has no plans to act on the Klein@9 saga. aspect of YU, which in many ways has been plan to improve the current state of the YC How would you advise students who wish positive, how do you reconcile the need or Philosophy department, which is at a historic to see a minyan where women can speak

YC Honors Program Fall 2018 Update

CORE courses or Jewish history courses. to give that to our students.” applying to graduate work. Having that kind By Benjamin Koslowe Rynhold described the motivation for consol- This past fall semester also continued in of serious research under your belt is a real idating Honors courses to the CORE courses the tradition of hosting Honors luncheons, strength to your application.” Yeshiva University’s Jay and Jeanie as aiming to help students fulfill both Honors of which there were nine, similar to Spring Students are expected to enroll in the Schottenstein Honors Program currently and CORE requirements at the same time, 2018’s ten luncheons and Fall 2017’s ten lun- 1-credit “Honors Thesis: Proposal” (HON has 174 enrolled Yeshiva College (YC) un- as well as to a shrinking faculty and student cheons. This semester’s Honors luncheons 4977H) course in the semester in which dergraduate students. These students, all on body that makes it difficult to offer as many hosted various academics to speak to stu- they draft the proposal. Once the proposal is academic scholarships, benefit from Honors Honors courses as was once possible. dents, as well as actor Stephen Tobolowsky approved, students are expected to enroll in courses and optional Honors cultural events, The process of choosing which courses who spoke at one luncheon this past October two courses — “Honors Thesis: Preparation” as well as the opportunity to pursue a senior will be labeled as Honors courses is done about his experiences in Hollywood and his (HON 4980H) and “Honors Thesis: Writing” thesis. One semester into his new role as YC “in consultation with me and the Deans,” new book. (HON 4981H) — over two consecutive se- Honors Program director, Professor Daniel said Rynhold. “We generally look at the Fall 2018 was the first time that Honors mesters. These latter two courses add up to Rynhold sat down with The Commentator semester’s offerings, and then we flag the luncheons took place in the new Honors a total of four credits, which students can to discuss the state of the program and its potential Honors courses, which of those Lounge, located now in the basement of choose to distribute as they wish over two future prospects. we feel would be particularly appealing to Belfer (room C-10) rather than in the base- semesters (i.e. either two semesters with As per current rules, YC Honors students Honors students.” ment of Furst Hall. Though the room right two credits each semester, or one semester are required to take six Honors courses In addition to Honors courses, the YC now is relatively undecorated, there are with one credit and one semester with three by the time they graduate. This Fall 2018 Honors Program offers students a host plans to bring upgrades soon. According to credits). there were 14 Honors courses offered, and of cultural events. Unlike the S. Daniel Rynhold, these upgrades will firstly include The thesis requirement came under criti- in the Spring 2019 semester there will be Abraham Honors Program at Stern College installing a coffee machine and enabling a cism last year when an editorial highlighted 16 (four of which are First Year Writing). A for Women cultural events, the Jay and means by which Honors students uniquely a disconnect between students and the ad- Commentator analysis earlier this semester Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program cul- can access the room whenever they like, ministration that leads to the majority of YC showed that Yeshiva College offered in the tural events are all optional. rather than only during Honors luncheons. Honors students failing to complete senior Honors students can expect these first up- theses, despite the supposed requirement grades at some point this academic year. to do so. According to Honors Program re- “I hope to both come up with ideas moving forward, but also to In addition to access and a coffee ma- cords, 31 students completed senior theses chine, Rynhold and the administration are in 2016, 20 students completed senior theses listen closely to what you guys suggest.” open to discussing with students how to in 2017 and 25 students completed senior ___ make the room into a workspace, leisure theses in 2018. space or something in between. According to Professor Rynhold, “all U6 Professor Daniel Rynhold Finally, the YC Honors Program offers students, now with a year to go, should be students the opportunity to research and signing up for thesis proposal” (U6 students write a senior thesis. The official require- are those students who have completed at range of 30-35 Honors courses through Fall This past fall semester featured five such ments are currently that students find a least 78 credits, which typically takes place 2015, but that the typical amount diminished outings, including off-broadway shows, a mentor by their third year and draft a pro- by the end of students’ second year). He to roughly 10-15 per semester by Fall 2017. New York Philharmonic Orchestra perfor- posal, to be approved by the mentor and the added, “We’re going to work to make sure That same analysis indicated that YC Honors mance and a museum trip. Last spring there Honors Director. Senior theses are typically everybody is assigned a mentor, basically courses average around 10 students per class, were six such events, Fall 2017 saw eight on topics related to students’ majors, but immediately at the beginning” of their final compared to non-Honors YC courses that such events, and Spring 2017 saw seven students historically have also done theses year on campus. Progress will be monitored average around 15 students per class. When such events. The Honors Program this past with non-YU professors who they know from such that “if nothing is done the following “serious-minded students are all together,” semester, as it has for the previous few se- other capacities. semester, we will reserve the right to” re- reflected Rynhold, “courses can push them mesters, also provided students with free Rynhold emphasized the importance evaluate scholarship terms. a little further.” tickets to the SCDS play. of the senior thesis. On the one hand, ex- Yeshiva University tuition is currently The diminished number of Honors course “The cultural events give exposure to in- plained Rynhold, students might “produce $41,000 per year, not counting undergradu- offerings “has to do with the diminishing teresting personalities and academics,” said something that could easily be even a mas- ate fees — including the activity fee, univer- faculty numbers at YC,” explained Rynhold. Professor Rynhold. “It seems to be part of ter’s thesis … which is worthy in itself.” He sity fee and registration fee — that add up Whereas Honors courses used to be offered what an educated citizen taking a liberal added, “On the other hand, for those going across departments, they are now typically arts degree ought to have access to. And onto graduate school, the senior thesis is a Continued on Page 12 offered only for required courses, such as the Honors Program is dedicated to trying real feather in their hat, and very helpful in Monday, December 31, 2018 Features 11

A Year of Commentator News

Women Can Give Divrei Torah but had its authorization rescinded by the (SCWSC), and was held on the 185th Street By Chana Weinberg Dr. Chaim Nissel, Dean of Students re- Dean’s Office after the Fall 2017 semester. Plaza on the Wilf Campus. The attendees leased a statement to the student newspapers As per an update in the Oct. 14 edition, Ben- formed a circle, and while the majority of As the calendar year comes to a close on Friday, March 23 outlining the frame- Zvi has regained permission to tutor on the the crowd was made up of students, many and finals season arrives, The Commentator work for a new “community” minyan on the Beren Campus this semester. members of the Washington Heights com- invites you on a trip through its top news Wilf campus for the 2018/2019 academic munity also attended. stories of 2018. The following list is in chron- year, where women will be able to give di- Syms Male Population Surpasses ological order, beginning with Jan. 2018 vrei Torah. Dean Nissel explained that this YC, Total Undergraduate Enrollment Median GPA at YU Over 3.6, Most through to the most recent issue. decision was made after “student feedback” Down Undergraduates on Dean’s List regarding Shabbat services at YU. The state- For the Fall 2018 semester, the full-time The majority of Yeshiva University un- Doron Stern Named Vice President ment came one month after several articles male student population in the Sy Syms dergraduates merited Dean’s List last year, of Communications in the student newspapers discussed, ques- School of Business surpassed that of Yeshiva and the median grade point average (GPA) President Ari Berman appointed tioned and further criticized the administra- College. As of Oct. 9, there were 524 full-time was greater than a 3.6, according to data pro- Doron Stern as the new Vice President of tion for not addressing Wilf campus policies students enrolled in Syms and 476 in YC. vided by the Office of Institutional Research Communications, announcing it in an email concerning women’s roles in uptown Shabbat The data followed an eight-year trend of the & Assessment (OIR) and confirmed by the from the President’s Office to the YU com- Office of the Registrar. munity on Monday, Jan. 30. As the first to hold the position of VP of Communications As the calendar year comes to a close and finals season arrives, Cheating Incidents Plague YU since 2011, Stern now heads the university’s Midterms Season Once More Office of Communications and Public Affairs The Commentator invites you on a trip through its top news Several students allegedly cheated on a (CPA). In this past year, Stern spearheaded stories of 2018. General Chemistry midterm on Wednesday, an ad campaign in The Wall Street Journal. Oct. 31. Two weeks later, on Wednesday, Nov. 14, cheating was reported once again Men’s Basketball Wins Skyline activities. As per an update in the Oct. 14 Yeshiva College student body decreasing in following a Money and Banking midterm. Championship, Earns Berth into NCAA edition, this minyan will not be established. size. During this time, the large gap between Both were Yeshiva College (YC) courses, Division III Tournament for First Time the Syms and YC populations dramatically with the latter course also cross-listed as a in YU History Second Annual Giving Day Raises closed, and for the first time at the begin- Sy Syms School of Business (SSSB) course. With a win against Purchase on Sunday, $4.5 Million in 24-Hour Campaign ning of an academic year, Syms maintained In addition, Stern College (SCW) Deans this Feb. 25, the Yeshiva Maccabees Men’s bas- The second annual YU Giving Day cam- a majority. semester identified incidents of suspected ketball team won the Skyline Championship paign on Apr. 25 and 26 raised $4,538,697 plagiarism in an advanced English course and secured its first-ever NCAA Division III from 3,004 donors, surpassing the original 21 Cardozo Professors Sign NY and a Computer Systems course. These in- tournament berth. Thousands of Macs fans stated goal of $3 million from 3,000 donors, Times Letter Opposing Kavanaugh cidents followed efforts to curb a culture of were in attendance singing “mishe nichnas according to the Giving Day website. While Nomination lax academic integrity that has plagued YU’s Adar marbim b’simcha” as the team closed the original $3 million goal was reached with Twenty-one professors from the Yeshiva undergraduate colleges for decades. out the victory. The team was eliminated in hours to spare, the total donors' goal was University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of the first round of the tournament. aided by a push of over 1,000 donors in the Law joined more than 2,400 other law pro- Leaked Survey Results Reveal a last two hours. fessors in signing an open letter in The New Concerned and Dissatisfied Faculty Rabbi Ozer Glickman, YU Rosh York Times’ Opinion Section. The professors Results from a survey conducted by the Yeshiva, Dies Suddenly at 67 Private Tutor Nomi Ben-Zvi were attempting to urge the U.S. Senate not Yeshiva University Faculty Council reveal Rabbi Ozer Glickman, a YU Tutoring Illicitly on Beren Campus to confirm Supreme Court nominee Judge a faculty that feels largely underappreci- and professor in Sy Syms School of Business Despite Deauthorization by Dean’s Brett Kavanaugh. The letter appears in the ated and distressed about the future of the and College, died suddenly on Office opinion section of The Times and was pre- university. The survey, which polled 211 fac- Monday, March 19. Glickman, a resident A private tutoring service has been illic- sented to the Senate on Thursday, Oct. 4. ulty members across all of YU’s graduate of Teaneck, New Jersey, leaves behind his itly conducting sessions for undergraduate and undergraduate schools, consisted of 16 wife, Ilana, as well as six children and several students on the Beren Campus, without per- YU Community Hosts Vigil for questions screened by the Faculty Council grandchildren. He was 67 years old, and was mission from the Office of Events, Security, Pittsburgh Massacre with response possibilities on a scale of 1-7 remembered for his dedication to Torah or the Dean’s Office, an investigation by The On Monday, Oct. 29, the YU community (1=strongly agree, 7=strongly disagree). The Umadda and humility. Commentator revealed. The Chromium Prep held a vigil to honor those lost in the attack results were sent to The Commentator via tutoring service, conducted by Nomi Ben-Zvi, in the Pittsburgh massacre. The an anonymous email address on Thursday, Dean of Students Chaim Nissel a science tutor who has been known to Beren vigil was organized by the student councils, Dec. 13. Announces New Wilf Minyan Where students for several years, operated on the led by Yeshiva Student Union (YSU) and Beren Campus with permission in the past Stern College for Women Student Council

Photos from top Commentator stories COMPILED BY SHIRA LEVITT FOR THE COMMENTATOR 12 Features Monday, December 31, 2018

Bioethics in Practice Death in the Hands of the Healer

two physicians, explains that focusing one’s is the patient’s proclamation that his pain is to physician-assisted dying, death with dig- By Michelle Hoch attention on pain exacerbates it. Patients a 10? Wesley Smith, an attorney and Senior nity is a movement to provide options for the who have a somatic preoccupation with pain Fellow at the Discovery Institute's Center dying to control their own end-of-life care.” At a time of extreme duress, it is only become hypervigilant to the sensations that on Human Exceptionalism states, “If we If I am motivated by the joy of fulfilling a natural to seek reprieve. What happens when they are experiencing. It has been found legalize assisted suicide, some patients will simple desire, then it should seem that I am the only respite is death via the hands of the that attending to these sensations amplifies die instead of ultimately regaining their joy even further inclined to provide my patient supposed healer? Physician-assisted sui- them to the point of becoming painful. To in living … But know this: if we are seduced with their greatest wish. cide is not merely a political controversy, counter this psychological phenomenon, into legalizing assisted suicide, we will cheat The Annals of Internal Medicine, an but one that strikes a sensitive emotional distraction is a highly endorsed strategy for at least some people out of the universe’s academic medical journal published by the chord. This practice is an option presented managing discomfort. The process of dis- most precious and irreplaceable commodity: American College of Physicians, summarizes to individuals with a terminal illness, in ad- traction appears to involve competition for time. Assisted suicide isn’t ‘choice;’ it is the the ethics and the legalization of physician- dition to a prognosis of six months or less attention between a highly salient sensation, end of all choices.” assisted suicide in a few poignant sentences. to live. Because of its controversial nature, “Society’s goal should be to make dying less, physician-assisted suicide is currently legal not more, medical. Physician-assisted sui- in seven states, not including New York. If boredom contributes to feelings of pain, how accurate is the cide is neither a therapy nor a solution to Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, patient’s proclamation that his pain is a 10? difficult questions raised at the end of life I do not believe that death should be held in … the principles at stake in this debate also the hands of the healer. underlie medicine’s responsibilities on other As a New York State Certified Nurse Aide like pain, and consciously directed focus on While many doctors and politicians advo- issues and the physician’s duty to provide (CNA), I often encounter patients in pain. some other information processing activ- cate that physician-assisted suicide should care based on clinical judgment, evidence, During my time in CNA school, I learned ity. Hansen and Streltzer report that burn be banned without question, others see the and ethics … However, through high-quality how to measure vital signs, including pulse patients undergoing treatments or physical opportunity from a different vantage point. care, effective communication, compassion- and respirations. While these measurements therapy experience excruciating pain even As a healthcare provider, I seek to provide ate support, and the right resources, physi- are quantifiable, pain, defined as physical after they have been given opioids. It has my patients with all of their needs. Fulfilling cians can help patients control many aspects suffering or discomfort caused by illness or been shown that these patients report only a need can be as simple as fetching an extra of how they live out life’s last chapter.” injury, is purely subjective. Asking patients a fraction of this pain if they are distracted pillow, but this small act can be as graciously In conjunction with this statement, the to rate their level of pain is something that I with a virtual-reality type of video game received as one triple its magnitude. There psychological roots of pain and pain manage- have done firsthand, especially working with during the procedure. is inherent joy in giving a patient something ment bring another dimension to this con- the elderly. Pain is observable, but cannot be As a healthcare professional, I can attest that they need, and all the more so in fulfill- troversy. Not only does physician-assisted felt by another or measured. Because of this, that not every patient in pain spends his day ing one of their simple wants. During my suicide alter the doctor-patient relationship, when asking patients about their pain, I am assuaged with distractions. Compared to the CNA training, I was instructed to give my but the relationship between each health- trained to rely on the standard zero-to-ten complexities of medicine, it seems easy to fill patient a choice of which clothing to wear care provider and patient. A patient’s word scale. In this scenario, I trust the words of my a patient’s day with entertainment, but the each day. Providing the patient with the must always be taken seriously, but there patient. But when my patient tells me that the reality of modern healthcare prevents this opportunity to choose is a form of empower- are times when a trained professional can pain is so great that he wants to terminate from being so. As a result, full- time patients ment, and all patients are entitled to dictate see past the subjective pain a patient is ex- his life, do I apply the same feeling of trust? spend more time on their own. If boredom the minor choices that arise throughout the periencing. Because death is an irreversible “The Psychology of Pain,” authored by contributes to feelings of pain, how accurate day. and immutable decision, this controversial The Death With Dignity National Center decision must be made with the knowledge agrees with this conjecture, proclaiming, that numerous lives hang in the balance. If “The greatest human freedom is to live, and physician-assisted suicide is to be nation- die, according to one’s own desires and be- ally legalized, the words “I want to die” will liefs. The most common desire among those no longer be just words, but a prescribable with a terminal illness is to die with some reality. WE'RE HIRI measure of dignity. From advance directives

WE'RE HIRING!

COUNSELORS FOR OUR 2019 SUMMER IN End-of-life care is a complicated and heart-wrenching issue. ISRAEL PROGRAM FOR AMERICAN TEENS if you are YC HONORS PROGRAM, “It’s been interesting to gauge the mo- interviews will continued from Page 10 rale in the program amongst the students,” Experienced working with teens reflected Rynhold. “I’m three months in, take place Creative to $2,500 per year, and also not counting and I certainly know more now than when in January the meal and housing plans, whose costs I took on the role, which has allowed me to A team player 2019 vary but typically wind up in the vicinity of form some ideas about what it is I’d like to Responsible and great leader $12,000 per year for on-campus residents. do.” He concluded, “I hope to both come up Honors students currently earn scholar- with ideas moving forward, but also to listen THEN YOU BELONG WITH US! ships as high as $25,000 if they apply early closely to what you guys suggest to see how decision, and as high as $20,000 if they we can work together to build the program To apply, Go to campkoby.com/staff/staff-application apply regular decision. Yeshiva University and to add facets or improve on existing or, send a CV to [email protected] used to offer scholarships as high as full facets, whatever it might be.” tuition, but full tuition merit scholarships have not been offered since the 2012-13 application cycle. Monday, December 31, 2018 Features 13

Paid family leave is vital for many families across the country. EVERYDAYHEALTH.COM

Law Review The Paid Family Leave

should allow families the necessary time allocate these funds and where the finances paid family leave to its working citizens. By Rachel Rosenberg to care for those in need, yet the law lacks would come from, it seems that this legisla- As stated on New York’s paid family leave proper protections to ensure families can tion has thought through many of the factors website, “the number of weeks employees Thousands of dollars in debt, scraping by provide care without substantial financial that impede the current FMLA from helping can take will continue to rise through 2021, to make ends meet or steadily working but loss. Major flaws in the legislation include many citizens. However, opposition to the at which time employees will be able to take just getting by, Americans on many levels compensation for necessary time off, leave Family Act states that the minimal payroll up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time of the financial spectrum do not have the is only available if one’s business has fifty contribution is far less than what it must be off to be there for family when they are most capacity to take time from their paying jobs, or more employees, and only twelve weeks to fund such a program. needed.” With a less than 0.2 percent payroll yet familial responsibilities sometimes ne- of leave in a 12 month period. These caveats cessitate taking a break. With tremendous to the FMLA make the leave unavailable to The failure to address the fundamental value and necessity of advancements in technology, society and some, and realistically unattainable for oth- human productivity, life has become some- ers. Yet, one question persists in the minds parental leave only further alienate those who must take leave, what of a race. In the process of advancing of many Americans: Why does this policy our nation’s productivity and increasing the get minimal attention from legislators and increasing the stigma associated with taking time off work. national GDP, the law sometimes fails to constituents alike when it impacts almost ensure that the best interests of constituents all Americans? are always considered. When there is a new While some would chalk up the inabil- Ben Gitis explains that the Family Act’s contribution and a maximum annual contri- mother or father looking to care for their ity to attain paid family leave to partisan predicted cost has the potential to demand bution of $107.97, the burden on employees infant, or a hard worker whose elderly parent politics, Rachel Gillett, in “Why America an immense amount of funding that the is minimal while the protection has the po- needs care, the law takes few precautions to Doesn’t Have Paid Family Leave,” claims government does not seem to have readily tential to be monumental. As we look to the ensure that these people can care for their that both sides of the political spectrum agree available. Gitis’ article “The Earned Income four-year phase-in program to institute the loved ones without being left behind in the that there should be some form of paid time Leave Benefit: Rethinking Paid Family Leave New York State Paid Family Leave Benefits race to success in the workplace. off for new parents. The policy proposed for Low-Income Workers” enumerates a Law, federal legislators can look at this as an Aside from the purely financial loss work- by the Democratic Party, the Family Act, more cost-effective solution to providing paid example, deduce the benefits and failures of ers suffer, there are also stigmas attached would allow twelve weeks of paid family family leave. Considered the mainstream the program and decide whether this form of to missing work and penalization in the leave. Family members on leave, according Republican policy, the Earned Income Leave legislation will benefit our nation as a whole. form of decreased responsibilities given to to “Policy Recommendation: Paid Family Benefit would provide subsidies to families It is incredibly important to be aware of this the caregiver once they return to work. The Leave” authored by Lindsay Oncken, will below a certain threshold of earned income. inner self and know that you can always tap current legislation makes only feeble at- receive two-thirds of their average monthly This form of legislation would protect the into it because it is the source of your ef- tempts to support those who must take a income for 12 weeks administered by Social most financially vulnerable citizens, yet forts and motivation to pursue your dreams. recess from work. The failure to address the Security, and it would be funded by a 0.2 it fails to consider that those who make a Doing the things you like emits this positive fundamental value and necessity of parental percent payroll contribution by employees healthier income do not necessarily have the energy which envelops you afterwards, and leave only further alienate those who must and employers. This policy would resolve savings and stability to receive a 100 percent your smile will emerge simply because you take leave, increasing the stigma associated the problem many workers face when taking cut to their income for multiple months of are more in tune with yourself. That is what with taking time off work. unpaid family leave and find themselves un- necessary leave. we all must be working towards: not just the The current federal legislation, the Family able to financially support the very children Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, New York quantity of the zeros on our paychecks but Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as codified in they took a leave of absence to care for. state will join California, New Jersey, Rhode the quality of the one life we have to live. 29 U.S.C. § 28, instituted regulations that With practical solutions as to who would Island and Washington, D.C. in providing Let’s live it right. 14 Features Monday, December 31, 2018 YU’s Acapella Sensation: The Maccabeats

Maccabeats attempted another shot at a cov- ways from the university. However, there Aside from the $5,000 grant they re- By Michelle Naim er. This time, though, with a twist. Jacobson was no explicit breakaway from YU, as there ceived from the President’s Office, the group noted that a couple members of the group was no formal relationship between the two has not received any other funding from YU has had its fair share of success sto- thought of doing the parody-style video organizations in the first place. Yeshiva University, excluding standard pay- ries; the Skyline Conference Championships; called “Candlelight,” based on a popular Taio “There was no point, or any conversation, ments for events. a student on Jeopardy. They were even fea- Cruz song “Dynamite.” Although the group where there was an official separation,” re- “If Student Council hired one of the tured in a YouTube rewind video. (It’s true! was sure that they could never replicate the marked Jacobson. “It was just that naturally groups to perform at a student event, they Look it up.) Despite all this success, there 100,000 views as they had with their cover as the group evolved, it became ‘Oh we’re just would have paid the cost,” said Linda Stone, is one gem that outshines them all on the of “One Day,” the song became a massive a club that uses space in YU and we rehearse Director of Student Events. world stage, and it’s all thanks to Taio Cruz. hit and, before they knew it, the Maccabeats at YU’ to this LLC that has grossed millions of However, at the beginning of their career, “Candlelight,” The Maccabeats’ parody of were internet sensations. dollars in revenue and has a whole apparatus the group did offer YU discounted rates. “I do the pop star’s hit song “Dynamite” led them believe there was a period [of time] where we to stardom, bringing in 14 million views were doing stuff for YU at a discounted rate,” and earning them appearances on “Good said Jacobson. “At the beginning, we did Morning America” and “The Today Show.” stuff for YU for free because we just wanted Since then, the group has found much suc- to get out there. We weren’t charging much cess, but it did not come easily. anyways even for outside gigs. But as for the Founded in 2007, the Maccabeats started opportunity to perform at Yom Hashoah out just like every standard YU club, going and Yom Hazikaron in front of the whole through the same student council approval school, we certainly didn’t charge for that.” process that many of us are familiar with. With their rising success and fame, things According to Linda Stone, the Director of today are more formalized. “Each booking Student Events, the Maccabeats were YU’s is negotiated on a case-by-case basis by our first acapella group. They were just ordi- manager,” said Horowitz. “But I believe nary students, singing in the hallways and various Yeshiva departments have been rehearsing together after school. offered discounts through the years, includ- The group started out small. “It was ing several complimentary appearances at six guys, among them Michael Greenberg, Yeshiva events and dinners.” Julian Horowitz, who’s now the director Both Jacobson and Horowitz made it of the group, and Imu Shalev, who’s now clear that the Maccabeats see themselves as my business partner, and has since left the “Candlelight” “informal ambassadors” of the institution, group,” said Noey Jacobson, one of the core with Jacobson even noting that he “can’t members of the group. “These guys looked “I remember going to the Apple store in around it. This is a thing that goes beyond. think of a better piece of branding and mar- around and [realized] … every university had the Galleria [mall] in Houston and we were This is no longer a student club. But there keting for YU than what the Maccabeats did.” an acapella group. And not only that, every putting the video on all the screens to get was no clean break.” “[YU] didn’t plan it, they had nothing to university had a Jewish acapella group. But the view count up and we were all excited,” Still, even after graduation, the group do with it, but it really showcases what YU Yeshiva University didn’t have a group, and Jacobson said. The video gathered over a mil- maintains a positive relationship with YU. is about. I honestly believe that,” he said. that was off. That shouldn’t be.” And thus, lion views in just five days and earned them “Only in that our brands overlap,” stressed At the same time, Jacobson stressed how the Maccabeats were born. guest spots on “The Early Show” and “Katie.” Jacobson. “Whatever YU represents — in grateful they are towards YU for everything Except they weren’t. Well, not in the name While the group mainly focuses on their terms of super rigorous academics, fused the institution did for them. “We have tre- at least. It took the Maccabeats a year to own music, Jacobson mentioned that he with traditional learning, [we also represent] mendous hakarat hatov to YU. I know I have change their name to what it is today. “When would love to see more collaborations be- … That’s what we are in this space. That’s that personally...I had the time of my life.” the Maccabeats started, it actually wasn’t tween the Maccabeats and other acapel- the brand — dorky Orthodox Jewish boys Jacobson himself had a very personal called the Maccabeats,” said Jacobson. “It la groups from diverse backgrounds. He meet modern culture. What happens? And connection with YU having worked as a was called YU acapella, or something like noted that the collaboration between the it’s precisely that jarring juxtaposition that personal speechwriter to President Richard that.” Maccabeats and Naturally 7, an African is interesting to people. Like when people Joel two years after graduating. Jacobson There’s a long of tradition of acapella American acapella group, was his proudest opened the original video [they thought]: spoke highly of his experience at YU not- groups including musical puns in their project with the group, even though he was ‘why is what looks like the cast of ‘Book of ing, that although he understands its limits, names,” added Horowitz. “In our case, we not directly involved in it. Mormon’ singing Taio Cruz?’” “If [YU is] right for you, then it is the only were all students at Yeshiva, so we were able place for you.” to incorporate some school spirit as well.” Although the group was sure that they could never replicate The Maccabeats success came, and con- By 2009, the Maccabeats began work- tinues to come, from the original formula ing on their first album. The Office of the the 100,000 views as they had with their cover of “One Day,” of a parody cover to a popular song. They President, then headed by Richard Joel, continue to recreate the genre that they cre- granted the group approximately $5,000 the song became a massive hit and, before they knew it, the ated in the first place. for their first CD, “Voices from the Heights.” Maccabeats were internet sensations. “It’s all about staying ahead of the curve, The group also published a cover of the honestly,” Jacobson noted. “It’s about find- hit song “One Day” on YouTube, ing the thing that hasn’t been done and being receiving over 100,000 views on the site, Dean of Students Dr. Chaim Nissel even “The relationship didn’t change when we the first to it.” He says that “My advice to launching their performing career. remarked that “[The Maccabeats] are great graduated,” remarked Horowitz. “We still people looking to get into the space is to get “That totally helped us it in terms of gigs examples of how our YU students have an proudly announce at the beginning of each ahead of the curve and not just do another in the New York area because 100,000 views impact on our community around the globe,” show that the group started while we were holiday parody video, or another acapella mean that everyone in the Modern Orthodox highlighting the Maccabeats’ important role students at Yeshiva, and we incorporate the cover of a popular song, but [to ask them- community in New York has seen that video in the wider world of acapella. shared ideological vision into our presenta- selves] ‘What’s [my] Candlelight? What’s and they’re interested,” Jacobson remarked. Now, 11 years after getting their start at tion. But we are not formally affiliated with that thing that’s ahead of the curve?’” Following the success of “One Day,” the Yeshiva University, the group has parted YU.”

STUDENT LEADERS, Year on Campus slightly higher than their general enrollment, percent of the undergraduate student body continued from Front Page Most student leaders (55 percent) are where SCW students make up 38 percent of on campus, while Katz Wilf makes up 1.6 in their third year on campus. They are fol- the undergraduate student body on campus. percent of the undergraduate student body Age lowed by second year students (26 percent), They are followed by Yeshiva College (YC) on campus. According to the survey, the average age fourth year students (12 percent), first year students, who represent 28 percent of stu- (The percentage data exceeds 100 percent of a YU student leader is 20.8. The most students (7.3 percent) and fifth year students dent leaders. This is also slightly higher than to account for student leaders that attend common age of student leaders is 21 (39 (0.6 percent). their general enrollment, where YC students two colleges. Students who attend YC/Stern percent), followed by a second most com- make up 25 percent of the undergraduate and Syms are counted in both groups. The Year On Campus mon age of 20 (26 percent) and a total of First Year student body on campus. chart below includes those that attend both 7.3% Fifth Year Second Year just 10 percent who are under 20 years old. 0.6% 25.8% Syms Wilf contains 21 percent of student Syms and Stern/YC as a separate category).

The oldest student leader is 23, while the leaders, despite making up 26 percent of the Colleges

Stern College for youngest is 17. undergraduate student body on campus. 0.6% Sy Syms School of Fourth Year Sy Syms School of 20.8% 11.8% 9.6% Third Year 54.5% Syms Beren contains 10 percent of student Age

18 leaders, slightly higher than the 7.8 percent 1.1% 22 17.4% of the student undergraduate population on Stern College for 41.0% 21 Yeshiva College 38.8% 27.5% 23 College campus which they comprise. 7.3% A plurality of student leaders surveyed at- No students from the Katz School on tend Stern College for Women (SCW), com- Beren or Wilf serve in any student leadership 20 25.8% 19 Continued on Page 15 9.0% prising 42 percent of student leaders. This is positions. Katz Beren makes up less than 1 Monday, December 31, 2018 Features 15

Majors 40 makes up 9.3 percent of the Wilf student STUDENT LEADERS, 30 body. The third most represented yeshiva is continued from Page 14 20 Torat Shraga, which accounts for 11 percent Count 10 (10 respondents). This is also the third most Home State/Country 0 Music BIMA represented yeshiva amongst YU under- History Finance Biology English Shaped Speech Physics Marketing UndecidedChemistry Sociology ComputerStrategy & Education PsychologyAccounting Philosophy Art History Economics Engineering Mathematics Biochemistry Jewish Studies Political Science Most student leaders come from either Jewish Education graduates, making up 12 percent of the Wilf New York (NY) or New Jersey (NJ), making student body, and is thus underrepresented up 26 percent and 23 percent of the stu- by 1 percent. dent leader population, respectively. These Morning Program These were followed in popularity by states are followed by California (CA) with The most populated morning program Netiv Aryeh, which accounts for 11 percent 10 percent, Florida (FL) with 7.4 percent and amongst Wilf student leaders is the Mazer (10 respondents), and Hakotel, which ac- Maryland (MD) with 5.7 percent. School of Talmudic Studies (MYP), with counts for 10 percent (9 respondents). Netiv International students make up 7.4 per- 47 percent (43 respondents) of student Aryeh makes up 16.5 percent of the Wilf cent (13 respondents) of student leaders. 54 leaders enrolled. This is slightly higher student body and is thus underrepresented percent (7 respondents) of the international than the 43 percent of students enrolled by 5.5 percent, while Hakotel makes up 11 student leaders are from Canada. The other in MYP from among all students enrolled percent of the Wilf student body and is thus countries of origin for student leaders are China, England, Israel, the Netherlands and Panama. A plurality of student leaders surveyed attend Stern College for Gap Year Programs

25

20

Women (SCW), comprising 42 percent of student leaders. 15 States and Countries

50 10 Count 5 40

0

IDF 30 KBY MMY TVA Gush Other Tiferet None Harova Orayta Reishit Bar Ilan Hakotel Nishmat in an Undergraduate Torah Studies (UTS) MevaseretMichlalah MidreshetMigdal Oz Netiv Aryeh Eretz HaTzvi Lev HaTorahLindenbaum Shaalvim for Torat Shraga Aish HaTorah Maaleh Gilboa Sheirut Leumi Mercaz Hatorah 20 underrepresented by 1 percent. Maaleh AdumimMachon Maayan Midreshet Moriah Shaalvim for Men Count program. The program with next highest 10 representation is the Isaac Breuer College Amongst Beren student leaders, the most 0 IL RI CA CO CT FL GA IN MA MD MI MS NJ NY OH PA TN TX China Israel represented midrashot are Michlalah and Canada England Panama Netherlands (IBC), which makes up 30 percent (27 re- spondents) of student leaders, higher than Shaalvim for Women, which each respective- its overall UTS enrollment of 20 percent. ly account for 14 percent (12 respondents) of Following IBC is the Irving I. Stone Beit all Beren student leaders. Michlalah makes Midrash Program (SBMP), which makes up up 9.6 percent of the Beren student body, 21 percent (19 respondents) of Wilf student and is thus overrepresented by 4.4 percent. Positions Held State/Country Shaalvim for Women makes up 18 percent of The average number of student leader OH CA leaders compared to its overall UTS enroll- 4.0% 10.2% ment of 24 percent. The James Striar School the Beren student body, and is thus under- positions held per student leader is 1.3. 77 International 7.4% represented by 4 percent. percent (137 respondents) of student leaders NY (JSS) has significantly fewer student leaders, 26.1% making up just 2.2 percent (2 respondents) The third most represented is hold 1 position, 15 percent (27 respondents) Other Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY), hold 2 positions and 6.2 percent (11 respon- 15.9% of the student leader population. This is significantly lower than its overall UTS en- which accounts for 13 percent (11 respon- dents) hold 3 positions. The largest number dents). MMY makes up 17 percent of the of positions held is 4, which is attributable to FL rollment of 13 percent. 7.4% NJ MD overall Beren study body, and is thus un- only 2 of the 178 student leaders surveyed. 23.3% 5.7% derrepresented by 4 percent. These were Morning Program followed in popularity by Migdal Oz, which Chana Weinberg contributed to this Major SMBP 20.9% accounts for 11 percent (10 respondents). article. IBC The most popular major among student 29.7% Migdal Oz makes up 4 percent of the Beren leaders is biology, with 18.5 percent (33 re- JSS 2.2% student body, and is thus overrepresented -- spondents) of the student leader population by 7 percent. Harova and Nishmat each ac- Notes on Methodology majoring in the subject. This is higher than count for 7 percent (6 respondents) respec- 1. Within each category of student leaders, a the 12.9 percent of the YU undergraduate tively. Harova is thus underrepresented by minimum of 70 percent responded to the survey, with the exception of the 69 percent of student student body that is majoring in biology. MYP 47.3% 3 percent, accounting for 10 percent of the The next most popular major is a two-way tie council members who responded. Within the Beren student body, while Nishmat is over- category of club presidents, the percentage of between political science (10.1 percent, 18 re- represented by 5 percent, accounting for 2 represented club presidents within the survey spondents) and accounting (10.1 percent, 18 percent of the Beren student body. could not be calculated due to an indeterminable respondents). Political science majors make number of total club presidents. Because of the Gap Year Notable statistical discrepancies include up a much larger percentage of student lead- unavailability of this statistic, the total number 88.2 percent (157 respondents) took a gap Mevaseret, which makes up 10.9 of the Wilf ers than of the general student body, as only of student leaders on campus and percentage of year, while 11.8 percent (21 respondents) did student body but 3.3 percent of Wilf student 2.8 percent of undergraduate students are student leaders surveyed could accordingly not not take a gap year. leaders; Tiferet, which makes up 12.3 percent majoring in political science. Following those be calculated. Of the student leaders that took gap years, of the Beren student body but 4 percent 2. The following are the percentage of student two majors are psychology (9.5 percent, 17 61 percent (96 respondents) took a single gap of Beren student leaders; and Midreshet leaders who fall into each category of student respondents) and business intelligence and year. This is followed by the 24 percent (38 Moriah, which makes up 14 percent of the leaders surveyed, followed by the response rate marketing analytics (BIMA) (8.4 percent, respondents) who took two gap years and 12 Beren student body but 2.3 percent of Beren within this category: student council members 13 respondents). (The Commentator could (15 percent, 69 percent); Student Life Committee percent (19 respondents) who take one and student leaders. Only 1 student leader in the not collect reliable data on overall major members (12.9 percent, 88 percent); Wilf Campus a half gap years. 1.9 percent (3 respondents) survey served in the IDF, while 2 served demographics for Syms students.) resident advisors (RAs) (7.9 percent, 70 percent); took three gap years. through Sheirut Leumi. Other notable over-representations in- Wilf Campus head resident advisors (HRAs) (2.2 (The percentage data exceeds 100 percent percent, 100 percent); Beren Campus RAs (9 clude English and computer science majors, to account for shana aleph, shana bet and percent, 84 percent); Commentator editors (5.1 which make up 7.9 percent (14 respondents) Number of Gap Years shana gimmel students, as well as students percent, 75 percent); Observer editors (3.9 per- and 7.3 percent (13 respondents) of student 3 1.9% that switched programs in the middle of a cent, 100 percent). Of the total number of student 2 leaders’ majors, respectively. When it comes 24.2% year. An individual student is counted in as leaders surveyed, 75 percent were club presidents. to the overall undergraduate population, many categories as the number of separate 3. Data regarding undergraduate college popu- only 3.3 percent of the student body majors programs which they attended. The data ac- lations, majors and morning program came from in each of these individual subjects. the Yeshiva University Fall 2018 Fact Book, pro- 1.5 cordingly represents the number of students duced by the Office of Institutional Research & (The percentage data exceeds 100 percent 1 12.1% 61.1% who have attended that program.) Assessment. to account for double and triple majors. An 4. Statistics in the “Gap Year Program” section individual student is counted in as many on yeshiva and midrasha representation within the categories as they have majored in. The data general student body are stated as reported in The accordingly represents the number of stu- Commentator article “A Comprehensive Analysis dents who have majored in that subject.) of Which Yeshivot and Seminaries YU Students Attend,” written by Jacob Rosenfeld. Gap Year Program 5. The survey was conducted by Google Forms. Amongst Wilf student leaders, the most Emails containing the survey link were sent to represented yeshiva is Shaalvim for Men, student leaders individually. which accounts for 14 percent (13 respon- dents) of all Wilf student leaders. This is on par with the 15 percent of Shaalvim for Men students that compose the student body, as reported in The Commentator’s latest article on gap year program trends. The second most represented yeshiva is Gush, which accounts for 13 percent (12 respondents). Overrepresented by 4 percent, Gush only 16 Opinions Monday, December 31, 2018 and Universities Manufacture False Consciousness: The Dualistic Debacle of Torah Umadda qualities of my spirituality. I rarely enjoyed davening or Kulturkampf). Others went the way of the intelligentsia, By Aryeh Schonbrun performing the mitzvot — I could not see God’s influence studying in universities and contributing to secular society. on my everyday life, and I rejected the esoteric nature of For the Jews, much the same occurred. European Jewry, Over the past few years I have explored Israel’s rich intellectualized spirituality, Talmud Torah. On account of my once uniformly traditional, opened its doors to the secular and varied society, searching for inspiration and intent on dismissal of society’s crude material interests and my own culture of the Enlightenment, and many Jews went off the learning about my new home. This search has naturally lofty goals for personal spiritual growth, I could internalize derekh. In response, Eastern European society adapted brought me to many a place of higher learning and to many neither the lowly material reality, nor the fetishized spirit. and became ultra-observant, wary of any outside influences new relationships. From acquaintances at university to my Overawed by the innocent spirituality of my righteous peers, and closed-off to the progress of the day. Such closed- good friends at a number of yeshivot, each individual has I felt impure, though still not impure enough to fully identify mindedness culminated in the devoted sects of Hassidim, added to my appreciation and understanding of contempo- with the materialistic desires of my worldly counterparts. who, owing to the non-rational, reactionary premises of their rary Judaism and Israeli political life. Apart from the deep, I was lost in myself. new communities, dealt with their goyishe surroundings engaging conversations, amid the enlightening novelties and These factors came to the fore in my first year of ye- as completely alien to their internal identities. We gained intimate reciprocity that I’ve shared with my new friends, shiva. I justifiably sought out redemption from my internal much from the reinforced ghetto mentality of the Ostjuden, I have noticed a troubling trend that worries me greatly. dissonance through spiritual means, and only later did I but we also lost touch with reality. We managed to keep the For years now I have been looking for people who share realize that such a desire lacked logical coherence. Why majority of Jewry religious until the early 20th century, but my vision for society, life and politics. Throughout my high continue to raise my expectations for my spiritual self, why we left ourselves helpless and self-absorbed. This material school, college and yeshiva experience I have conversed, intensify the disconnect that I felt between my reality and disconnect, our inability to adapt to modernity and adopt argued and criticized my mentors, family and friends for spiritual presence? I was looking for a way out from such a Zionism as a political and religious necessity, contributed their inability to rise above the nonsensical and irrelevant conundrum. I felt that losing myself in my soul, completely to our ultimate decimation. politics of ideas and concretize their views in a coherent un- sublimating my worldly desires, would allow me to function Today, Israel’s society is torn asunder by an increas- derstanding of reality. I found many of my friends interested in society. I did not think of the physical ramifications of ingly threatening divide. On the one hand, secular society in serious discourse, only to then feel disappointed upon such a deprivation of my physical prowess, and I suffered languishes in a xenomanic neo-liberal absurdity, while on realizing that their worldly limitations effectively restricted for mistaking as a deus ex machina. the other hand the ultra-Orthodox suffer from primitive their ability to talk about anything important. Sure, I could Barukh Hashem, my physical confines and revived tribalism and systemic corruption. The dati community always find friends and teachers who could talk about sports, consciousness of my inner bestial spirit did not allow me also suffers from such a dissonance, and we need to finally current events and my superficial individual experiences or, to lose myself as planned in the complexities of rabbinic address the time-old question of dualism. I see the immense in contrast, about God, religion and speculative ideology, wisdom. As much as I tried to force myself to close myself financial, emotional, intellectual and political resources but I could never find people with whom I could converse off from worldly thoughts, I could not bring myself to such that pour into yeshivot and universities. It pains me to see about reality and material philosophy. a sophisticated “suicide.” I did not give in to the religious my young, strong, smart and curious friends fall into either When my father frequently complained of the immense system of sexual and material suppression, and I began to the banal intellectual struggle of intellectualized Talmudic burden of day school tuition, my rabbis, friends and men- question the merit of it all. If religion could not allow me literature or the mundane oppression of hyper-intense tors all looked upon us in suspicion. “Two thousand years of to grow as a person, if it continuously plotted against my academic studies. Were it not for the innately speculative exile and you complain of nature of yeshivot, were some financial distress!” it not for the aggressive “You must make sacrifices materialism that plagues for the eternal well-being universities, I would not of your soul and the con- constantly lose my friends tinuity of the Jewish tra- to such soul-sucking dition!” When I began to morbidity. search for answers regard- In order to bring re- ing my disaffection from ligion into our lives and the barbarous nature of rid ourselves of the unholy politics and post-modern spirit of neo-liberalism, civilization, I again met we must know whom to with frustration or suspi- fight. When society bifur- cion from my peers and cated away from the gold- mentors: “You’re not ap- en mean to the far-flung plying yourself, you don’t reaches of mystified reli- care enough about your gion and the lowly levels future.” I would some- of deterministic savagery, times protest but to no we lost our presence in au- avail. Reality, in its raw- thentic, material reality. est sense of deterministic Our inability to process futility, would await me our physical being and at every turn, unable to spirit thereby made us inspire me to fulfill my vulnerable. When we un- potential, undeserving of successfully attempted to my idealistic spirit. synthesize reality, outside Instead, I lost myself forces monopolized on in the verbosity and com- our weakness and robbed plexity of medieval philos- us of our resources, free- ophies, classical Talmudic Oppression. doms and our souls. By in- theology and the esoteric vesting in universities and worlds of literature and mathematics. I found my spirit human spirit, I could not honestly accept the dictates of its yeshivot, the corrupt establishment reinforces the dualistic wanting of material wealth, strength, fulfillment and en- practitioners and missionaries. Something was affecting my trap that ensnares our youth. College students lose touch gagement, but I could not escape the abstract constructs rabbis and their Torah. with their souls while bochurim forget about their lives and of educational abuse. Some of my friends chose to throw The modern yeshiva system bears a striking similarity to worldly talents. School becomes a dehumanizing psychic themselves into the material realm, investing many hours the monastic system of medieval Europe. Monks and nuns nightmare and yeshiva a cold ghetto. We must recognize in girls, sports and money while others settled on Talmud, historically separated themselves from society, seeking out the corrupt nature of such systems of population control and scholastic curricula and philosophy. I personally tried to isolation and meditation instead of engaging with society and begin the fight. We will purge the manipulations, reject our bridge such worlds by studying languages and politics, but struggling with her collective sins. Owing to their precept, impure reality and rid ourselves of false gods. I remained a geeky, Western ideologue, unable to come to “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, terms with my reality. and in his own house,” (Matthew 13:57) traditional Catholics If we [...] do nothing but engage in the canonical prayer, As much as I tried to explore my worldly feelings, sexual have always demurred from actively pursuing religious petition God, and invoke His name, the imperialists and desires, strengths and confines, the dual system of Torah fulfillment through a synthetic experience with reality. the oppressive governments allied with them will leave Umadda, enforced by a rigorous educational regimen and Philosophical dualism, accompanied by a mythos pervaded us alone. If we were to say ‘Let us concentrate on calling reinforced by communal and religious expectations, slowly by praise of martyrdom and a pious indifference to worldly the azān [call to prayer] and saying our prayers. Let them erased my individuality, leading to many years of introspec- affairs, contributed to Catholicism’s inability to evolve with come and rob us of everything we own — God will take tion and confusion. I could not fully identify with my intel- society, papal corruption and eventually the Reformation. care of them! There is no power or recourse except in lectualized, castrated self, as my rabbinic and philosophic In response to modernity, though, the religious establish- Him, and God willing, we will be rewarded in the here- figures had encouraged, nor could I reconcile myself with ment did not entirely suffer. While many of the younger, after!’ — if this were our logic, they would not disturb us. the coarse, unrefined barbarity that I encountered in the more progressive generations actively rejected the teachings —Ayatollah Khomeini “real” world. I had been conditioned to seek out holiness in and way of life of traditional religiosity, many spiritually in- reality (Torah Umadda), and my expectation for such a lofty clined youths made their way into the priesthood, sometimes Let my people go! material life actually led me to disaffect from the worldly in protest of irreverent liberalism (e.g. during the German Monday, December 31, 2018 Opinions 17 “Mary Poppins Returns:” An Original Tribute to the 1964 Classic

through his acting and musical career. [they] need her touch / And loving gaze / Gone but not By Lilly Gelman Lin-Manuel sets the tone for “Mary Poppins Returns” with forgotten / Is the perfect phrase.” the opening number “The Lovely London Sky.” While the Mrs. Bank’s absence weighs heavily on the plot of “Mary On Sunday, Dec. 16, I, along with 3,200 other Washington songs and story differ from the first “Mary Poppins” (1964), Poppins Returns,” as Michael Banks, now all grown up, Heights community members braved the icy rain and headed Marc Platt, the film's producer, said they were “respectful of struggles to keep up with his bills and save the family home to the United Palace theater for a pre-release screening of [“Mary Poppins”] and [paid] homage to the original tropes from foreclosure by the bank. Throughout the film, Michael, “Mary Poppins Returns” starring Heights native Lin-Manuel of the film, and yet we confidently take those tropes and tell with the help of his sister Jane, Jack, Mary Poppins and the Miranda as lamplighter Jack and Emily Blunt as the ever- the story our way, with our personality.” children, tries to pay back a loan by the end of the week loved Mary Poppins. Many of the new songs’ messages match up to the earlier before the bank repossess the house. This serious note, The event opened with members from the Amber Charter soundtrack. In “Can You Imagine That?” Poppins shows the however, does not take away from Poppins’ convincing Schools honoring the retiring Louis Miranda, Lin-Manuel’s new Banks children, John, Anabel and Georgie, the joys lesson that returning to and allowing some childlike fun father and the school’s co-founder, who has been working of taking a bath, similar to Poppins’ use of “A Spoonful of and innocence into one’s days adds joy into lives that too with Amber Charter Schools since 2000. Miranda helped Sugar” to get the original Banks children, Michale and Jane, quickly turn mundane and monotonous. open Amber, the first Latino-led charter school in New York to clean their room. As an adult, however, one realizes that Poppins’ message State, along with the Community Association of Progressive The combination of live action and animation that de- comes with an incredibly well-balanced attitude towards fun Dominicans (ACDP). Amber currently educates around lighted audiences in 1964 returns, this time with Poppins, and parenting. Both Andrews’ and Blunt’s Poppins exude 850 students in its two locations — Kingsbridge and East Jack and the children jumping into the paintings on a China silly, carefree energy while maintaining necessary amounts Harlem — and has announced the opening of a Washington bowl instead of a chalk drawing, to attend a show at the of responsibility and practicality. They may make cleaning Heights location by 2020. Royal Doulton Music Hall. Elevating the magical ambiance and bathing into outrageous adventures, but, at the end of Several hundred Amber Charter School students attended from the older version with advanced 2018 technology, these the day, the job gets done and a lesson is learned. the event, creating an early and lasting atmosphere of child- hood joy well-suited for the film’s early showing. During the lovable Pixar shorts, played while audience members [Lin-Manuel’s] words, however short, added a layer of personal pride to the already found their seats, audible laughter and giggles rose from the children in the audience, spreading an infectious mood of enthusiastic atmosphere, making the excitement not merely about the film, but about happiness and excitement. Lin-Manuel’s representation of the Heights community through his acting and musical After his father’s introductions, Lin-Manuel ran energeti- cally onto the stage to briefly welcome his community to the career. long-awaited Washington Heights premiere. Expressing deep love for those living uptown, Lin Manuel said, “From the moment I was cast in this movie, I have waited for this scenes pay tribute to the original movie’s use of 2D anima- While the film contains many allusions and references to day. We can watch this uptown with our people. It makes tion which lies at the foundation of these reimagined scenes. the original “Mary Poppins” and has the most to offer to an my heart so full to see so many kids here, so many families. Poppins’ somber bedtime song also makes an appearance audience familiar with the first, hoping to catch a nostalgic Mi gente. I love you.” in “Mary Poppins Returns.” Setting a similar tone to that of glimpse of the 1964 film that settled into everyone’s hearts, Lin-Manuel’swords, however short, added a layer of Julie Andrews’ “Feed the Birds,” Blunt’s “The Place Where “Mary Poppins Returns” does wonderfully as a standalone personal pride to the already enthusiastic atmosphere, the Lost Things Go” brought some tears to the audience’s movie as well. Anyone of any age should consider sparing a making the excitement not merely about the film, but about eyes as Mary Poppins sought to comfort John, Anabel and few hours to become a child again. Could you imagine that? Lin-Manuel’s representation of the Heights community Georgie on the loss of their mother, telling them that “when

Lin-Manuel Miranda speaking before the early screening of “Mary Poppins Returns” on Dec. 16, 2018 LILLY GELMAN 18 Opinions Monday, December 31, 2018 More Than “Just a Joke:” How Comedy Can Keep You Sane

declining mental health, and laugh YU was relatively normal and easy. often enough to turn around an en- I still struggle with depression and By Samuel Kaufman as he attempts to give you what he I had a few ups and downs, but I tire day, just like in middle school. anxiety sometimes. When that hap- cannot give himself.” An article was making friends, having fun and I regularly told jokes about my pens, I rely on comedy and close People often say that the fun- reviewing the special stated: “this getting good grades too. During my depression, and these jokes were friends to pick me up. niest and most creative people are line ties the whole song, show, and second year, I started struggling often depressing themselves! Being Even if today is difficult, we can also the saddest. There are many message together. Burnham’s job, with depression more than I ever able to laugh about my struggles always look forward to tomorrow. famous examples of this. Lots of when simply stated, is to make had before. I went to class but lay in alongside my friends who were With a positive attitude and a little well-known comedians have dealt people happy, even if for only an bed as much as I could, and it was comfortable with my dark humor humor, it might just be the best with clinical depression, includ- hour. The resting irony of the piece hard for me to pay attention and was cathartic for me. It helped me day yet. ing Rodney Dangerfield, Larry is that Burnham can’t give himself enjoy what I was learning. see the real and funny side of life David, Sarah Silverman and the happiness that he wants to give During this time, I found that that had eluded me for so long, and If you have any questions for Robin Williams, just to name a his audience.” a great tool to combat depression gave me the strength to keep going. Samuel, you can email him at few. Williams, who took his own As someone who has dealt with was comedy. In difficult moments, I am now in my fourth year [email protected]. life in the summer of 2014, made depression and anxiety, I can cer- telling and listening to jokes was and things have gotten better, but this point very clear when he said, tainly attest to the cold, hard truth “I think the saddest people always of Burnham’s song and Williams’ try their hardest to make people quote. It is absolutely the case that happy because they know what it’s people with mental health issues like to feel absolutely worthless and often try to make people happy they don’t want anyone else to feel even when they cannot make them- like that.” selves feel that way. Research shows that creativity During my years in middle and mental health struggles often school and high school, I always go hand in hand. Comedy can be had a desire to make people laugh, used as a tool to fight depression and I think I actually had a knack and anxiety. One of my favorite for it. I performed lots of comedic comedians is Bo Burnham, who “bits” that took away from class talks about mental health in a very time and annoyed the teachers but funny and interesting way in one of usually made the kids in my class his Netflix comedy specials called laugh. My bits usually involved me “Make Happy.” interrupting the class in some way, In his final song for the show pretending that I was not actually “Can’t Handle This,” he talks about doing anything wrong, and then the seemingly tedious problem of eventually getting kicked out. Now ordering a burrito, only to have that I am older, I realize that this all of the ingredients spill out. He was not the smartest or nicest thing uses this superficial example as a to do, but just making kids laugh metaphor for the real problems in and smile was worth it to me be- life that we all try (and often fail) cause no matter how bad I felt, I to hide from. He repeatedly asks always knew that my bits might just himself whether he can “handle make somebody else’s day. this right now.” He sings, “Come My real struggles only began watch the skinny kid with a steadily after high school. My first year at Bo Burnham from the Netflix comedy show “Make Happy”

Yeshiva College Offers Too Few Honors Courses

14. In the Spring 2019 semester, there are no interests. It’s not hard to understand why should rethink all of its requirements and By Jacob Stone Honors classes being offered in the Computer an informal 2017 Commentator poll found how students fulfill them. Honors students Science, Economics, English, Mathematics, that only half of YC Honors students intend benefit little from taking Honors classes Prof. William Lee, Yeshiva College Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology to graduate with Honors; Honors students exclusively in the CORE, and another reduc- Associate Professor of English, told The and Sociology departments, which repre- rightly feel no obligation to fulfill the require- tion of the number of required classes would Commentator in 1984 that “the best [stu- sent over half of the subjects that Yeshiva ments of an outmoded and unsatisfactory only delegitimize the program further. Just dents at Yeshiva College] are as talented College students can major in. The Honors program. eight years ago, 754 students were enrolled as the best at Harvard, though fewer, and Program website claims that “students who When asked about the current paucity of in YC for the fall semester, 43 percent more the worse are worse but more numerous.” take honors courses commit themselves to YC Honors classes, Prof. Daniel Rynhold, than the 527 enrolled in Fall 2018. We must Quantity of students aside, Prof. Lee’s com- hard work, a challenging search for under- director of the program, responded, “I acknowledge that as the landscape of our ments comforted me when I first read them; standing, and intellectual excellence,” but am painfully aware of the lack of Honors college changes the requirements should I, among other students, fear that our univer- English majors like me haven’t been offered options in the undergraduate schedule. change as well. sity lacks the academic rigor of other secular Honors English courses not cross-listed as Unfortunately, this is a result of the de- “A university training is the great ordi- institutions, and while I can’t claim that our a CORE class since Spring 2017. Must a YC crease in faculty numbers over the past few nary means to a great but ordinary end,” ar- classes are as vigorous as those in Harvard, Honors student only commit to “a challeng- years, which means that we are simply un- gued John Henry Newman in 1858. “It aims I found solace in Prof. Lee’s assessment of ing search for understanding” if it is within able to staff the same number of courses as at raising the intellectual tone of society, at our student body’s academic ability. the CORE? we could in the past. But the problem that cultivating the public mind, at purifying the The Honors Program at YU exists to de- national taste, at supplying true principles to velop the abilities of the elite students who We must make sure that our brightest students can create a popular enthusiasm and fixed aims to popu- choose to attend this non-elite institution. lar aspiration, at giving enlargement and YU’s standards for admission don’t compare space of serious academic immersion, surrounded by like- sobriety to the ideas of the age, at facilitating to those of most other private research uni- the exercise of political power, and refining versities, and as a result, our student body minded individuals who challenge them to become the best the intercourse of private life. It is the edu- boasts an unusually large range of intellec- cation which gives a man a clear conscious tual ability. Therefore, we must make sure students that they can be. view of his own opinions and judgments, a that our brightest students can create a space truth in developing them, an eloquence in of serious academic immersion, surrounded Faced with dwindling enrollment, the the Honors Program faces here is, therefore, expressing them, and a force in urging them.” by like-minded individuals who challenge Yeshiva College administration recently really a symptom of a more general issue for It is incumbent upon the YC adminis- them to become the best students that they reduced the minimum number of required YC. While I, together with the YC deans, am tration to restore the Honors Program to can be. Honors courses from eight to six and con- looking at what we can do to address these the standards that Newman imagined over But the YC administration’s decision to centrated the Honors courses offered each issues, we are all at the mercy of whether a century ago. Without spaces to develop cut the number of Honors classes offered semester into the CORE. In doing so, the or not YU decides to invest in replacing their opinions with other students, Honors each semester hinders Honors students from administration stripped the Honors Program undergraduate faculty when, for whatever students cannot hope to raise the intellec- creating that space. From Fall 2015 to Fall of its legitimacy, prompting students to take reason, posts are vacated.” tual tone of our university and community 2018, the number of Honors courses offered Honors courses to fulfill requirements for If there aren’t any easy solutions to this at large. We owe it to ourselves to see what in Yeshiva College dropped from 34 to just graduation and not for the pursuit of their problem, then perhaps the Honors Program our best students can do. Monday, December 31, 2018 Business 19

Brexit: What Is It? Why Is It Important? Where Does It Stand?

dues to the EU, frustrating Brexit supporters in the EU and the customs union, allowing Lastly, if no deal is reached by the March By Benni Tuchman who felt it was a waste of funds. free trade and movement of goods across all 29 deadline, then the UK will automatically The UK secession from the EU could have borders within the EU. On the flip side, the exit the EU without any ties in place whatso- On Thursday, June 23, 2016, a referen- major impacts on its own economy and the UK would still have to pay some money to ever. It would be treated just like any other dum was held to decide whether the United world economy at large. the EU for participating and would probably country in the world relative to the EU. Yes, Kingdom (UK) should leave or remain in the Since the vote in 2016, the UK economy have to concede to allowing EU citizens to this would give the UK the most indepen- European Union (EU). The term “Brexit” was has taken a major hit. The pound drasti- move freely in and out of the UK which, as dence possible, but on a global scale this coined, combining “Britain” and “Exit.” The cally plummeted immediately after the vote mentioned earlier, is what Brexit supporters could be the worst of the three options. A “Leave” supporters won the vote by a hair’s and again after article 50 was implemented, primarily oppose. total secession would cause major tariffs on breadth, with 51.9 percent voting in favor the many goods and services that are trans- of the UK exiting the EU and 48.1 percent ferred between the UK and the EU each day, voting for the it to stay. While the vote took A total secession would cause major tariffs on the many goods increasing prices dramatically. Furthermore, place over two years ago, many details such and services that are transferred between the UK and the EU the lack of a deal would also cause difficulties as the amount of money the UK will owe in air traffic as planes would have to figure out the EU upon leaving, what happens to UK each day, increasing prices dramatically. how to navigate across Europe using different citizens living in another part of the EU and flight paths which would largely increase the vice versa and trade between the UK and EU use of fuel and therefore flight prices. have not yet been resolved. Hammering out amounting to a 30 year low of $1.11 before A “hard” Brexit would entail the UK leav- After Prime Minister Theresa May post- all of these details is what is causing the deal rising again. Since then it has been steadily ing the single market and customs union. poned the vote, I have lost much confidence negotiations to linger. weakening. Before the deal the pound was They would still have few ties to the EU, in the ability of the UK to come to an agree- What caused Britain to want to exit the selling at $1.50; now it’s selling at $1.26. The but ultimately the UK wouldn’t have to pay ment before the deadline. Unless there is a EU? The supporters of Brexit were primar- decrease in the exchange rate between the anymore to be part of the single market and second referendum, I suspect that Brexit ily in favor of leaving the EU because of dollar and the pound allowed United States would also restrict free movement across will not reach a deal and that the UK will immigration. The EU offers citizenship citizens to spend more money on UK goods, the borders. Additionally, it would restrict automatically exit the EU upon the March 29, and free trade and free movement across and has allowed Americans to take more UK citizens from working anywhere in the 2019 deadline and become the independent its participating nations. Because of this, vacations in Britain than before. Despite EU for free. nation that its people hoped it would be. there has been a major influx of immigrants, this extra spending in the UK, economist particularly from the EU, to Britain. Brexit calculated that Brexit has caused the UK supporters think that it is too easy for people GDP to decrease 1-2 percent per year until to immigrate from the EU to the UK and that its two year deadline in March — an average the immigrants are saturating the job market. of about 30 billion pounds per year. While immigration was a major concern The further implications of Brexit will for many Brexit supporters, it wasn’t the depend on whether there is a “hard” Brexit, only one. Many people from the UK were a “soft” Brexit or no deal at all. A “soft” Brexit frustrated by the lack of British independence would be a scenario in which a deal is made and preferred not to have to answer to a that allows the UK to maintain some light larger European entity. Furthermore, the ties to the EU. This could mean that the UK was spending large amounts of money in UK would still be part of the single market Summer is coming Summer Session Register Now! Four sessions: four, six, or ten weeks

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