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∞ FA LL 2011 YUTODAY ∞ VOLUME 15 • NO. 3 Top-Tier Graduate Schools Accept More 50 YU Alumni Than Ever years of YU and community service by Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein and Rabbi Julius Berman PAGE 3

99 YU alumni who have served as Presidential Fellows PAGE 4

8 Community kollels and learning programs Yeshiva University welcomed over 600 new undergraduate students during Orientation 2011 run by CJF across the country this summer he new classes of 2014 and 2015 have arrived at Yeshiva in the health fields has grown substantially, and the acceptance rate PAGE 4 University (YU) armed with personal and academic goals and has gotten better and better,” said Dr. Brenda Loewy, who has been Ta desire to succeed in whatever career path they choose. For the pre-health advisor at Stern for close to seven years. “This reflects some inspiration and encouragement, they can simply look toward the high caliber of students that we are attracting, and is also indica- YU’s current crop of students and alumni. tive of the quality of education that they are receiving at Stern Col- At Stern College for Women, 30 students applied to medical lege, both in the overall curriculum and especially in the sciences.” school this past year, with 27 receiving offers of admission, including One Stern student will be pursing a Ph.D. at Einstein in the 17 to YU’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine, making them eligible biomedical sciences, while two others will be pursuing Ph.D.s in 21 to apply for up to a full tuition scholarship from the Anne Scheiber chemistry, one at Princeton and the other at Columbia. Thirteen years Sheldon Gelman Fund. Stern’s 90 percent acceptance rate to medical schools is well out of the 14 women who applied to dental school were also offered served as Wurzweiler above the national average of 60 percent. acceptance to top schools, including Columbia, Harvard and the dean, a record for “As the years have progressed, the number of students interested University of Pennsylvania. Continued on Page 6 ç social work schools in North America PAGE 5 Creating Sense From Tragedy: Remembering 9/11

hey felt helpless. “There was this terrible, over- Jessica Russak Hoffman, whelming sense of fear and dis- Tthen a senior at Stern College belief,” recalled Dr. Karen Bacon, 4 for Women, watched the two tow- Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean of Stern YU alumni selected ers of the World Trade Center fall to College. “It was like a science fic- for Wexner Fellowships the ground from the window of her tion movie. A bright, sunny day was last year apartment on Lexington Avenue. turned into one of tragedy and hor- PAGE 6 “One second you’re having a nor- ror, and I think for all of us it took mal morning, brushing your teeth,” days to internalize how things had she said. “The next you’re staring at changed.” the television, at the window, at the Former students remember a smoke, saying, ‘What do we do?’ ” city without hope, where three- Dodi-Lee Hecht heard the first hour-long lines to donate blood plane as it roared across Manhat- were suddenly dispersed because 116 tan before crashing into the South the projected casualties were all YU student athletes Tower. A freshman from Toronto, assumed dead and subway stations named to the Skyline she turned to her new roommates, were wallpapered with photos of Academic Honor Roll, also first-timers in New York City, the missing. Yet, with no wounded the most in the and joked, “If that pilot’s not careful, to aid, members of the YU com- conference he’ll fly into a building.” The joke left September 11, 2001 munity responded to the devasta- a deep memory. “It was the kind of tion of 9/11 with the ultimate chesed PAGE 8 joke that was never going to be funny again,” she said. shel emet (genuine kindness): They dedicated their efforts to those For students, faculty and staff of Yeshiva University on Sept. who perished. 11, 2001, those memories are as vivid today as they were a decade Rabbi Daniel Rapp, then associate dean for undergraduate Ju- Interesting new facts about YU all the time. ago. Their experiences differ profoundly, but together they cre- daic studies at YU, was tapped to serve on the committee investigat- Check in often at ate a shared narrative of shock and futility, marked by nightmarish ing the resulting aguna (chained wife) crisis. As one of the youngest blogs.yu.edu/news plumes of smoke, the constant wail of sirens, and dazed, ash-covered members of the Beth Din of America, his understanding of current masses of people walking uptown to escape the calamity. technology, including computer Continued on Page 6 ç 2 YUTODAY

Packed House for Sen. Joseph YUTODAY ON THE WEB www.yu.edu/news Lieberman at New Straus Center

he Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought played a key role in the launch of Yeshiva University’s Tnew academic year on Aug. 31, featuring an appearance by U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut. The program in Lamport Auditorium drew more than 1,200 students, alumni and community members. “I feel very much at home,” Lieberman said. “YU and the Straus Center stand for an important proposition, that our mission cannot be narrow.” Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, the center’s director, interviewed the senator about religion in America, his historic political career Senator Joseph Lieberman and his new book, The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the WEB EXCLUSIVE: Sabbath. ChampionsGate 2011 “The center’s theme for the year will focus on Jewish ideas, faith and American democracy,” said Look at our online photo gallery, with Rabbi Soloveichik. “We will be featuring public figures whose lives relate to that theme.” dozens of pictures from the conference. Future speakers will include former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Britain’s Chief k yu.edu/championsgate2011 Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, who will lecture on faith and democracy in the United States and Europe. k Download mobile reader at http://scan.mobi and enjoy additional Rabbi Soloveichik will engage each guest in dialogue at the events, which are geared “first and fore- web content throughout YUToday. most to the students, but will be open to the public as well,” he said During the year, Rabbi Soloveichik will teach a course for undergraduate honors students on PLUS Biblical ideas in American democracy and will lead a seminar for select semicha students, which looks 11 undergrad students participate in summer at how Jewish ideas appear throughout America’s foundational documents and helped shape the new research program at Einstein democracy. n k yu.edu/einsteinsummer2011 Meet the fresh faces on YU’s faculty k For full coverage of the event, please visit yu.edu/lieberman k yu.edu/newfaculty2011 Dr. Pava Leads New Team Forward at Syms PHOTO GALLERIES

U’s Syms School of Business has a new advising and administration at the school, where director. Dr. Moses Pava, Alvin Einbender he has taught business courses for several years. YProfessor of Business Ethics and profes- Strauss is currently CEO of a company he founded sor of accounting at Syms, is now several years ago, BSafe Electrix, responsible for both the undergrad- Inc. and is also chairman of Sher- uate and graduate programs, report- wood Consulting Group, Inc., while ing directly to the provost’s office. serving on several advisory boards. Pava is the author of numerous books Dr. Avi Giloni has been named CJF Missions Orientation 2011 and articles on corporate account- associate director for academic re- The Center for the Jewish Future Over 600 new YU students ran several worldwide service arrived on campus during ability and is an expert on Jewish search of Syms. Giloni has been with missions this summer. Orientation 2011. To view our business ethics. He has been with Syms since 2000 and chaired the Check out photos from the full photo gallery, please visit the business school since 1988, has Information and Decision Sciences Counterpoint Brazil program at k yu.edu/orientation2011 chaired the accounting department Department since its inception. His k yu.edu/counterpointbrazil and served as chair of the Executive research is in robust forecasting, Faculty Committee. optimization, stochastic system de- “My goal as director for the Dr. Moses Pava sign and their applications to sup- Syms School of Business is to ply chain management. Giloni has YESHIVA UNIVERSITY strengthen our primary commitment to our en- published papers in top-tier journals, including ∞ FALL 2011 ergetic, bright, ambitious and very hardworking Management Science and the SIAM Journal on students,” Pava said. “I view Syms as a dynamic Optimization. YUTODAY ∞ VOLUME 15 • NO. 3 learning-community, dedicated—first and fore- Syms continues to pursue accreditation most—to preparing the next generation of highly through the Association to Advance Collegiate DR. HENRY KRESSEL Chairman, YU Board of Trustees successful Jewish business leaders and pro- Schools of Business International and recently RICHARD M. JOEL DR. NORMAN LAMM fessionals in accounting, finance, marketing, received New York State approval for an executive President Chancellor management and entrepreneurship.” MBA program. The growing Master of Science YUTODAY Michael Strauss, entrepreneur-in-residence program in accounting, which has graduated its MAYER FERTIG YAFFI SPODEK GISEL PINEYRO and clinical professor of management at Syms, second cohort, will continue under the director- Editor in Chief Editor Art Director has been appointed associate director of student ship of Dr. Joseph Kerstein. n Bruce Bobbins, Enrique Cubillo, Zev Eleff, Norman Goldberg, Aliza (Berenholz) Peled, Peter Robertson, Tova Ross Perel Skier, V. Jane Windsor, Matt Yaniv Contributors [email protected] www.yu.edu/cpa

YUToday is published quarterly by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and is distrib­­uted President Obama Appoints Cardozo free to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends. It keeps them informed of news from across Yeshiva University’s undergraduate and graduate divisions and affiliates. The quarterly newsletter covers academic and campus life, faculty and student research, community outreach and philanthropic support. It showcases the University’s mission of Torah Umadda, the combina- Professor to Federal Commission tion of Jewish study and values with secular learning, through stories about the diverse achieve- ments of the University community. © Yeshiva University 2011 • Office of Communications and Public Affairs resident Barack Obama announced his nomination of Professor Richard Weisberg—the Floer- Furst Hall Room 401 • 500 West 185th St. • New York, NY 10033-3201 • Tel.: 212.960.5285 sheimer Professor of Constitutional Law at Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School

of Law—to the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. In this position, Stanley I. Raskas, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Yeshiva College; Shira Yoshor, Chairman, Board P of Overseers, Stern College for Women; Alan Kestenbaum, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Syms Weisberg will help protect and preserve historic buildings, collections and monuments in Europe that are School of Business; Ruth L. Gottesman, Chairperson, Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College significant to the heritage and culture of U.S. citizens. of Medicine; Leslie E. Payson, Chair, Board of Overseers, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Froma Benerofe, Chair, Board of Overseers, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Mordecai D. Weisberg has been a member of the Cardozo faculty since 1977. He received his doctorate from Cornell Katz, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Carol University and his JD from Columbia Law School, where he was an editor of the Columbia Law Review. Bravmann, Chair, Board of Overseers, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; “An opportunity to serve in any governmental capacity is a great privilege and I’m especially pleased Julius Berman, Chairman, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; Miriam Goldberg, Chairman, Board of Trustees, YU High Schools; Theodore N. Mirvis to serve on this commission,” Weisberg said. “Its work was designed to respect and extend the memory of and Michael Jesselson, Co-Chairs, Board of Directors, (affiliate) Yeshiva University Museum. Holocaust victims now in the U.S. and other interested citizens by preserving American patrimony abroad Board listings as of September 1, 2011. from misuse, desecration or expropriation.” n

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RIETS to Honor Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein and Rabbi Julius and Dorothy Berman for 50 Years of Service

o hear Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein an agenda for Yiddishkeit [Judaism], we have,” he said. “It is a personal ac- the core of the movement with which I tell it, he simply “ended up being and to develop bnei Torah, both within complishment, a social accomplishment, proudly identify, so it stands to reason Tthe right man at the right place at the respective yeshivot and the broader and a contribution—through what they that I would ‘return home’ … and share the right time.” After entering Yeshiva community.” are giving and will give in service of the whatever leadership talent G-d has University at 16, he went on to become an Reflecting on the occasion of being Ribbono shel Olam in the future.” granted me as honed by the teaching of English professor at Stern College, later a honored, Rabbi Lichtenstein said he Rabbi Berman, who currently chairs the Rav,” he said of his appointment. shiur assistant to the Rav, Rabbi Joseph considers it a privilege to work in chinuch the RIETS Board of Trustees, received In 2002, under Rabbi Berman’s B. Soloveitchik, of blessed memory, and [education], “which satisfies a personal his bachelor’s degree from YU and his leadership, a Special Strategic Initiative finally a maggid shiur [Torah lecturer] need, and enables one to transcend the semicha from RIETS, where he was also a Task Force was convened and eventu- and head of the Gruss Institute in ally recommended “exceptional Jerusalem, an affiliate of Yeshiva professional training to prepare University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan our talmidim [students] for the cur- Theological Seminary (RIETS). rent realities of the Jewish com- RIETS will honor 50 years munity,” leading to the creation of of Torah and community leader- R-PEP, the Rabbinic Professional ship by Rabbi Lichtenstein and by Education Program. its chairman of the board, Rabbi Those advancements have Julius Berman, and his wife contributed to the way RIETS Dorothy, at its annual dinner on students are now tracked, in one Nov. 13 at the Grand Hyatt in New of five courses of study: pulpit, York—a jubilee tribute to Rabbi education, community and cam- Lichtenstein and the Bermans. pus outreach, non-profit work and Rabbi Lichtenstein earned his hospital chaplaincy. bachelor’s degree from YU, semi- Alongside these changes, cha [rabbinical ordination] from “RIETS continues to perform its RIETS and a PhD in English litera- age-old responsibility of ground- ture from Harvard. After serving ing our musmakhim [ordained as rosh yeshiva at YU in New York rabbis] with the spiritual and intel- for several years, he made aliyah lectual base upon which they can in 1971 to become rosh yeshiva at Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein Rabbi Julius and Dorothy Berman pasken [determine] the Halacha, Yeshivat Har Etzion. He maintains while at the same time, equipping a close connection to YU as rosh kollel for egocentricity and to devote oneself with student of the Rav. After graduating from them with the wherewithal to deal with the Gruss Institute. He is deeply involved genuine religious fervor to the Ribono New York University School of Law, he the diverse situations that arise, to enable in educator training programs world- shel Olam [Master of the Universe].” went on to hold a number of influential them to educate, lead and care for our wide and has published extensively on As for RIETS today, “any observer positions in communal affairs, including people,” Rabbi Berman noted. Jewish life and education. of the beis medrash [study hall] would be leadership roles at the Orthodox Union Reflecting on his achievements in A renowned scholar, Rabbi Lich- impressed with the positive development and the Conference of Presidents of the broader Jewish community, Rabbi tenstein’s teachings reflect the tradition of a more Torahdig [Torah-oriented] cli- Major American Jewish Organizations. Berman takes pride in having been the of the Rav, who was not only his teacher mate, as regards both the ability to learn, Today, in addition to his work as first Orthodox lay person elected to but also his father-in-law. “I spent many the desire to learn, and the readiness a partner at the law firm Kaye Scholer, chair the Conference of Presidents. “To years learning,” Rabbi Lichtenstein said. to assume the mantle of responsibility Rabbi Berman is chairman of the Confer- sit in the Oval Office next to President “The combination of background skills within the Jewish world,” he noted. ence on Jewish Material Claims Against Reagan or in the Kube Palace in Cairo that I had made me, both for YU and for Over the last 50 years, Rabbi Lich- Germany. He took the helm of the RIETS with [former] President Mubarak, as the Yeshivat Har Etzion, the kind of person tenstein is most proud of “having built, board after the previous chairman, representative of the total organized whom they felt they needed to promote, together with my wife [Tova, nee So- Judah Feinerman, stepped down in 1999. Jewish community in America is an to develop and to inculcate learning and loveitchik], the wonderful family that “Yeshiva has been and remains experience beyond compare,” he said. n

Revel Hosts Int’l Conference In Memoriam: Rabbi Moshe Furst

ozens of scholars from Jerusalem sors Avinoam Cohen, Hanah Kasher, abbi Moshe (Milton) Furst, the executive assistant to Dr. Samuel Belkin, to Wyoming gathered on Yeshiva Yeshayahu Maori and Yosef Rivlin. Sup- Yeshiva University’s second president, passed away July 19 at the age of DUniversity’s Wilf Campus in July port for the conference was provided by R88. A valedictorian of Yeshiva College in 1943 and a graduate of the Rabbi to share research on a broad array of the Mordecai D. and Dr. Monique C. Katz Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in 1946, Rabbi Furst served the YU and topics within Jewish studies. The three– Fund. Over 40 scholars lectured in both RIETS communities with distinction, and was responsible for the Synagogue day international academic conference Hebrew and English and presented on Campaign Division of RIETS. on “Israel and the Nations: Visions and ancient, medieval and modern Jewish In 1971, he made aliyah to Israel, in where he was served as director gen- Reality” was hosted by YU’s Bernard history, Bible, Jewish ethics, Jewish law, eral in the Rabbinical Council of America’s Yeshivat HaDarom. He and his wife Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. literature and Zionism. Batya (Beatrice, nee Bick), who predeceased him in 2005, were both deeply “This conference, precisely because The opening day was highlighted by beloved by the members of the Rabbinic Alumni for their warmth, friendship of its breadth, high quality of participants Berger’s keynote address, charting the and genuine commitment to strengthen RIETS and YU, together with mem- and international scope, reflects the en- development of Jewish-Christian encoun- bers of their respective distinguished families. hanced role that the Bernard Revel Gradu- ters throughout history. Cohen lectured “He was very devoted and a great Zionist,” said Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky, ate School has assumed on the global stage on the second day, arguing that it is possi- YU’s vice president for university affairs, who succeeded Furst as executive of Jewish studies,” said Dr. David Berger, ble to detect early anti-Christian polemic assistant. “I considered him to be my mentor, along with others here at Yeshiva, dean and Ruth and I. Lewis Gordon Pro- in Talmudic literature. and a remarkable leader whose dedication to YU and RIETS was a source of fessor of Jewish History at Revel. “To add Dr. Seth Ward of the University of inspiration to all who knew him.” to the extremely impressive research by Wyoming presented on attitudes of 20th Heartfelt condolences are extended to his children, Zev (and Sandy) Furst, our veteran faculty, we have recruited century writers toward gentiles. “As Aryeh (and Deborah) Furst, Malkah (and Dov) Cymbalista of Israel, and his younger scholars who have bolstered our a visiting scholar, it was a particularly grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as to his beloved cousin, YU research in Bible, modern Jewish history welcome opportunity to spend time with Trustee and Benefactor Gerald (and Violet) Furst, the son of his beloved uncle and Jewish philosophy.” academics who share both my commit- and aunt, Sol and Hilda Furst, of blessed memory, for whom Furst Hall was Berger served on the conference’s ment to Modern Orthodoxy and Judaic named during his tenure. n steering committee, along with Profes- scholarship,” he said. n

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On the Road: Students Put YU Education Into Practice

his summer, Yeshiva University organized an array of learning and professional internship pro- Tgrams in cities across the United States, including Denver; Los Angeles; Teaneck; Chicago; Stamford; Atlanta; and Kansas City, MO. These internship pro- grams and kollels [intensive Torah and Talmud study programs]—ranging in length from two to six weeks— were sponsored by YU’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), in partnership with local congregations in participating cities. Students in the summer kollels had the oppor- tunity to grow through rigorous Torah learning and daily shiurim [lectures] as well as to share their knowl- edge of Torah with their host communities. Students participated in formal and informal workshops with top educators, physicians and psychologists on a variety of topics that confront rabbis and communal professionals. The programs were intended to help students develop skills in public speaking, as well as to encourage shiur and drasha [sermon] development, and to allow them to experience Jewish life outside of the tristate area. Students participating in the Chicago and Kansas City kollel programs completed internships in a variety YU students help residents rebuild in Joplin, MO of professions for local firms. Additionally, students led numerous community-wide social, cultural and educa- nights to energizing and learning Torah with the Jewish Malkie Krieger, Asher Lindenbaum, Gabrielle Moskowitz, tional activities, interacting with the local community. community. Mindy Sojcher and Yaakov Taubes. “Such opportunities allow our students multiple On June 12, Tuvia Brander, a second-year RIETS “Having the [students] be part of our community experiences as interns in professions they wish to pur- student currently serving as a rabbinic intern at BIAV, for the month has been a special experience,” said Rabbi sue as careers and to realize how their knowledge and led a group of YU students and community members Daniel Rockoff, BIAV’s rabbi and also a RIETS graduate. passion as lay leaders can empower communities around on a Red Cross-sponsored Disaster Relief Mission to “I am especially proud of the positive example they have the world,” said Rabbi Kenneth Brander, David Mitzner Joplin, MO to help residents there rebuild their city and set throughout the entire Jewish community as spirited, Dean of the CJF. their lives following a devastating tornado in May which observant young Jews who are eager to engage the world One program which really made an impact on the killed 150 people. around them.” community was the YU Kansas Summer experience, “We have done more than fulfill the mitzvah of The students, each of whom was provided a men- held from May 31 to June 26 in Kansas City, MO. Hosted tikkun olam [healing the world],” said Tuvia Brander. tor and a host family, spent the month interning at by Congregation Beth Israel Avraham & Voliner (BIAV), “We have added to the dialogue of the community and local businesses, led a nightly beit midrash [study hall] the program offered participants the opportunity to inspired others to get involved.” program and organized panel discussions dealing with integrate with the community, spending their days Joining Brander on the Kansas City Summer Ex- contemporary religious and halachic issues. n working at a variety of businesses and dedicating their perience were YU students Baruch Cohen, Sarit Cohen,

Former Presidential Fellows Find Success After YU

hey work for the best financial firms and attend about what you see and what you make happen, not just “The fellowship really set me out on this path top medical schools. They craft programs to create what is.” and empowered me to get clarity about what I was pas- Tleadership in Israel and coordinate national events Alumni have used their training to secure leader- sionate about and where I could make a difference,” for handicapped children. They are rabbis, lawyers and ship positions across a diverse spectrum of organiza- Stone said. teachers across the country. And they all have one thing tions. Rebecca Stone, a 2005–06 fellow in the Office of That empowerment is one of the fellowship’s lega- in common: they are alumni of Yeshiva University’s University Life, felt the fellowship’s educational compo- cies for many alumni, along with the development of Presidential Fellowship in University and Community foundational business skills and an enduring connection Leadership. with senior staff who cultivate their talents. The fellowship, founded by YU President Richard “It was my first full-time job after college and it was M. Joel in 2004, offers graduating students the op- helpful to have a relationship with a mentor who could portunity to effect change from within the University, guide me through those steps,” said Raffi Rosenzweig. putting their skills to work in departments that range Rosenzweig was a fellow in the Office of Commu- from the YU Museum and the Office of the General nications and Public Affairs during the 2007–08 aca- Counsel to the Office of the President. A senior member demic year. He later participated in the Legacy Heritage of the department mentors each fellow during the year. Teacher Training Fellowship, which places fellows in Through weekly graduate courses, as well as on-site Jewish day schools across the country, and facilitates visits and other training activities, the group is exposed study for a master’s degree in education. to multiple aspects of leadership. As a fellow, Rosenzweig led Bible and Jewish his- While they have all moved on to the next stage in tory classes at Yavneh Academy in Dallas, Texas. He their personal and professional lives, former fellows still began studies at Harvard Law School this fall. feel the impact of the program. On June 16, alumni from Equally important to these alumni are the camara- each of the seven cohorts gathered at the YU Museum Hadassa Rubinstein, ’08–’09 fellow in the Office of the President, derie and connections fostered between fellows. “The for a reunion that celebrated not only their time as fel- catches up with Ephraim Shoshani, who served as the ’09–’10 fellowship created friendships that have been with me lows, but the careers and lives they have built since. fellow in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs for the last six years,” said Eli Hagler, a 2006–07 fellow “We wanted to bring you together to reignite the in the Office of Student Affairs on the Wilf campus. “It inspiration, but also to look back at where you’ve gone nent helped her identify and hone her strengths as she creates a bond…. There’s a whole network of support.” over these years and think about where and who you transitioned from the role of student to professional. Hagler is earning his master’s degree in business are,” said Rabbi Josh Joseph, vice president, chief of staff As a fellow, Stone worked with the American Jewish management from Baruch College. After working as and director of the fellowship, addressing the fellows World Service to develop programming for students in YU’s assistant director of undergraduate admissions, and noting that the program has 99 alumni. Honduras, and organized events to raise awareness of he now serves as assistant director at Yachad, where President Joel highlighted one characteristic that social justice concerns. She is currently the director of he has organized fundraising marathons and national all members of the fellowship shared. “You were at- community engagement at Encounter, an organization Shabbatons. “The attention to detail, learning how to tracted to this fellowship because you want to struggle that informs Jewish Diaspora leadership on the intrica- run an event and the pieces that go into it—that all came with the meaning of the word ‘leadership,’” he said. “It’s cies of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. from the fellowship,” Hagler said. n

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‘Where Others See Obstacles, Joseph Bensmihen ’91YC, ’95W Sees Opportunities’

oseph Bensmihen ’91YC, ’95W, the newest member of the Yeshiva Commentator and acting with the YC Dramatics Society,” he recalled. JB’s College Board of Overseers, has long believed in the power of education. roommate at the time and close friend to this day, Andrew Goldsmith (who J“My father’s motto was ‘Education is freedom,’ and it was something he also happens to be YU’s director of institutional advancement for the Rabbi emphasized to me every day,” said Bensmihen, who is known to most of his Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and the Center for the Jewish Future), family and friends as simply “JB.” said of his inspirational one-time roommate: “Where others see obstacles, JB A native of Montreal, JB was born with spastic cerebral palsy, and sees opportunities.” doctors told his parents that their son would never walk. Fortunately, his After graduating YU with a degree in political science and working at parents never told that to JB, and never indicated that he couldn’t do anything a Montreal bank, JB befriended Jerry Lifschitz, a”h, who headed Cana- because of his disability. “In addition to emphasizing the power of education, dian Friends of Yeshiva University. Lifschitz thought JB would make a my dad told me I was the best every night before I went to sleep,” said JB. great social worker, and insisted he attend Wurzweiler School of Social “Because of him, I believe it to this day.” Not only did JB walk, but the con- Work, with a scholarship fully funded by Canadian Friends. JB excelled at fidence his father instilled in him has carried him through his life and been Wurzweiler, completing an advanced internship in his first year of studies, instrumental in his success. though he balked when the dean of the school suggested that he become a JB is a successful social worker and businessman in Florida who, with his clinical social worker because he could empathize with a struggling patient wife Lisa, is co-owner and CEO of Boca Home Care Services, a private duty due to his own circumstances living with a disability. “I sometimes say I don’t home healthcare agency. He is also the founder, in 2005, of Boca Home Care, really care about helping or protecting people, that I just care about providing a Medicare-certified home health agency. Both companies serve seniors the resources to make sure that people can protect themselves,” said JB, who, and their families in South Florida. He is a former president of Boca Raton in his job as CEO of Boca Home Care and court-appointed guardian for those Synagogue; has four wonderful children, the eldest of whom will have his who are vulnerable, clearly does help people every single day. bar mitzvah in October; and is a kind, extremely funny and engaging person. As for how he has maintained ties to YU over the years, JB said, “I have JB also administers the David Bensmihen Charitable Foundation, named in always been plugged into YU since I graduated, keeping in touch with Andy memory of his father, which provides scholarships for deserving students. [Goldsmith] and Rabbi Kenneth Brander, who used to be the rabbi of Boca His accomplishments started early in life. At seven years old, JB was Raton Synagogue. I have supported YU over the years and when asked to told he had to attend a special education school, instead of the local public become a Board member, I naturally said yes.” school, in accordance with Canadian law at the time. “I hated going to that In his new official YU capacity, JB is most excited to reach out to alumni school, which had children of all ages and with various kinds and levels of and the greater Jewish community, articulating the mission of YU and disabilities, such as deafness and being wheelchair-bound,” said JB. “I just letting everyone know its recent accomplishments. “People take it for granted wanted to go to the regular school my sister was attending. I knew I could keep that YU exists, thinking it was always here and always will be, but that’s not up, and thought the law was really stupid.” Thanks to his unwavering deter- necessarily true—we need to cultivate pride in and support for YU, ensuring mination and confidence, the very young JB decided to tell the prime minister that everyone knows YU is improved and keeps getting better every day,” he of Canada, then Pierre Elliot Trudeau, that the law should be changed, and so declared. “I understand the mission of YU intimately, and am one of YU’s he had his father drive him to Trudeau’s office in Ottawa. “I learned then that biggest fans—I know I can communicate the University’s importance to oth- if you walk like you know where you’re going and act like you belong, nobody’s ers who may have doubt. Eight of 10 times, when I speak with a high school going to bother you,” he said. He got all the way to the main office before a student who has arguments for not attending YU, I change their minds and security guard even noticed the young visitor and tried to prevent him from they end up going to YU and loving it.” entering. Hearing a commotion, the prime minister emerged to see what was Speaking to YU students today, JB emphasizes, “[Being a student at going on, and when he was told what was happening, he declared, “If this Yeshiva] is the best job you will ever have—you’re in a risk-free environment! young man got all the way to my office, I want to hear what he has to say.” The Try anything and everything. For instance, I don’t know why students have law was “stupid,” JB promply told the prime minister. “I was just as bold and ‘undecided’ as their major; you can change your major numerous times, so confident at age seven as I am today,” said JB. why not try a few different things and see what you like? You’re not going In just a few years, after much petitioning and struggling with government to get fired or lose a big investment from trying out the different courses, officials, he and his father succeeded in changing the law so JB could attend activities, and opportunities that exist at YU. Don’t be ‘undecided.’ ” the mainstream school with his sister. Such ambition and determination has “JB always viewed those who wanted to exclude him as having the real marked JB’s path through life. In the sixth grade, he said, he simply knew he disability, and that’s been the driving force of his impressive accomplish- was going to be valedictorian of his high school class, which JB saw come to ments professionally, personally and in his community,” said Goldsmith. fruition upon graduating Hebrew Academy of Montreal. Growing up with a JB may walk with a cane, but he navigates his way through his personal strong foundation in Torah Umadda, he always knew he would attend Yeshiva and professional life better than most people, and will surely be a wonderful University, and was further impressed when several Yeshiva College (YC) ambassador for YU for many years to come. n students—among them, Moshe Kranzler, director of undergraduate admis- sions at YU—came to spend a few days learning and chatting with the high school students on a retreat. k Feel inspired by JB’s story and interested in becoming an Ambassador for YU? To become a At YU, JB took advantage of every opportunity that came his way. “I member of YU’s Ambassador Network and join other alumni in a wide range of volunteer opportunities was involved in many extracurricular activities, like writing for the YC supporting our students and graduates, visit www.yu.edu/ambassadornetwork

s STAY CONNECTED AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNI ALUMNITODAY 1 ALUMNITODAY CLASSNOTES

Bryna (Greenberg) ’71S and Paul Epstein Judith and Dr. Alon Stern ’74YC announce announce the birth of their grandson, Meir the birth of their granddaughter, Carmel, to YOUR NEWS IS OUR NEWS! 1960s Yeshurun, to Neta and Aharon Epstein. Dikla and Zvika Weiss and the marriage of Class Notes is where YU celebrates the Pnina “Pam” (Forman) ’68S and Ya’akov their son, Liran Shlomo, to Yonit Weiss. milestones and accomplishments of its “Jerrold” Aronson (MTA faculty, 1964– Bonnie ’75YUHS and Steve Farkas Mazel tov to Yonit’s parents, Miriam and alumni. In this section, you can catch up 1968) celebrated the bar mitzvah of their announce the birth of their granddaughter. Dr. Shimon Weiss. on everything your classmates have been grandson, Ephrayim. Mazel tov to parents Mazel tov to parents Michelle and Dr. Josh up to over the years, from marriages Bracha and Yisroel Weinman. Arbesman. Brenda and Rabbi and births to professional and personal Dr. Elihu Turkel achievements. Helen ’65YUHS, ’70TI and Rabbi F. Meier Ruthie ’72YUHS and Ahituv Gershinsky ’72YUHS, ’76YC, ’79R, Brueckheimer ’63YUHS, ’67YC, ’70R, ’70F ’71YUHS, ’75YC, ’77W announce the birth ’84F announced the Submit your class note by e-mailing announce the birth of their grandson, of their grandson, Peleh, to Bat-Chen and birth of their grand- [email protected] with the subject Moshe Shmuel, to Orit (Tatelman) ’00S, Hannanel Gershinsky. daughter, Lielle Sima, line “Class Notes,” or by visiting ’02W and Rabbi Aryeh Brueckheimer to Dahlia ’04YUHS and Nathaniel Jacob. www.yu.edu/alumni to complete the ’96YUHS, ’01SB. Nancy ’71S and Rabbi Kenneth Hain online form. We hope that you enjoy ’69YC, ’78R announce the birth of their reading about your fellow alumni and Sonia ’62S and Rabbi Mallen Galinsky grandson. friends, and we look forward to hearing ’61F celebrated the three b’not mitzvah of 1980s about your achievements. their granddaughters Leah, Miriam Devora, Dr. Martin Jacobs ’79F retired after and Rachel Leah. Mazel tov to all the 42 years as an associate professor of Erica Brown ’88S parents: Chavi and Ephraim Galinsky, counseling from the City University of New published In the Narrow Adina and Shaul Gold, and Yonat and York (Brooklyn College, 1970–1979, and Places: Daily Inspiration Shimon Galinsky. Queensborough Community College, for the Three Weeks 1940s 1980–2011). His wife, Dr. Ruth Jacobs, (OU Press/Maggid Rabbi Shmuel Goldin recently graduated from St. John’s University Books, 2011). Miriam and Rabbi Dr. Bernard ’69YUHS, ’73YC, ’76F, with her EdD degree after retiring from the Rosensweig ’47YC, ’50R, ’70BR celebrated ’76R was elected NYC Department of Education. They also Rabbi Neil Fleischmann ’84YC, ’92R, the bar mitzvah of their grandson, Elisha president of the announce the birth of their grandson, ’96W published In the Field: A Collection of Meir. Mazel tov to parents Debbie ’77S, Rabbinical Council Samuel Jacob, to Alana and Malcolm. Haiku (Lulu.com, 2011). ’80C and Judah Rosensweig ’77YC, ’80C. of America. Rabbi Ari Kahn Rabbi Mark Gottlieb ’87YUHS, ’90YC, Dr. William B. Helmreich ’67YC ’78YUHS, ’83YC, ’86R, ’94R received the Kesser Shem Tov Award republished What Was I Thinking! The Dumb ’89BR published at the Yeshiva University High Schools 1950s Things We Do and How to Avoid Them Echoes of Eden: Annual Dinner of Tribute on May 3, 2011. (Taylor Trade Publishing 2011). Insights into the Weekly Rabbi Gottlieb, who served as head of Susan ’59YUHS and Rabbi Aaron Torah Parshiot school at YUHSB/MTA from 2005–2011, Fruchter ’57YUHS, ’61YC, ’63BR, ’63R The June 15, 2011 (Gefen Publishing was recently named senior director at the announce the birth of their granddaughter, edition of Hamodia’s House, 2011). Tikvah Fund. Aviva Rachel, to Miriam and Josh Fruchter “Inyan” magazine ’90YC. featured a cover story on Judy (Miller) ’76YUHS, ’80S and Joseph “Yossi” Huttler Dr. Elie D. Krakowski Jay Kalish ’79YC, ’82C announce the birth ’87YC published Lakol Sarah (Lebowitz) ’55YUHS, ’58TI and ’64YUHS, ’68YC in his of two granddaughters, Haleli Ahava, born to Z’Man: A Poetical Journey Rabbi Hersh Moshe Galinsky ’51YUHS, diplomatic role as an Yael and Gavriel Kalish, and Rachel Hodaya, Through the Jewish ’55YC, ’58R celebrated the bar mitzvah of expert in Afghanistan both as a high to Leora and Yonatan Halperin. Calendar. E-mail Huttler their grandson, Yaacov Daniel. Mazel tov to Pentagon official and with his consulting at [email protected] parents Chaya and Aviad Sasson. firm, EDK Consulting. Dr. Bernie Kastner ’78YC has begun a new to learn more. bimonthly column in the 5 Towns Jewish Tova and Azrieli Dean David Schnall Times on the subject of Olam Habba [the Peninah and Rabbi Maury Kelman ’87YC, Rabbi Joseph Harris ’53YC, ’57W ’65YUHS,’69YC,’72R,’72BR announce the afterlife]. The articles can be accessed ’93R announce the birth of their daughter, received the Allan Weissglass birth of their grandson, Yisrael Moshe, born online at www.5tjt.com. Rachel Bracha. Distinguished Leadership Award during to Yonina ’02YUHS, ’07S, ’09A and a gala affair at the Joan and Alan Avi Lermer ’02YUHS. Amy (Herskowitz) Katz ’72YUHS, ’76S, Dr. Michelle J. Levine ’87BR, Stern College Bernikow Jewish Community Center ’78W was appointed executive director of associate professor of Bible, was voted in Staten Island. Rabbi David Shapiro ’65YC, ’68BR, ’68R Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Professor of the Year for Jewish Studies by and Rabbi Jon Bloomberg ’69YC, ’74R Education (PEJE). the Stern College senior class. were honored at the Maimonides School farewell reception as each concludes Judy (Yehudit) ’78YC and Irwin “Itzhak” Rebecca (Stillman) ’84YUHS and Rabbi David their Maimonides career and prepares to Kotler announce the birth of their grandson. Moshe Linzer ’84YUHS, ’87YC celebrated Hartman ’54R make aliyah. Mazel tov to parents Ranit and Ariel Kotler. the marriage of their daughter, Aderet, published The God to Yehonatan Shatz. Who Hates Lies: Deena (Sigler) ’63S and Dr. Auri Penina (Reich) ’72TI and Rabbi Confronting & Spigelman ’58YUHS, ’62YC announce the Joel Kutner ’60YUHS, ’68YC, ’71R, ’72F Rethinking Jewish engagement of their grandson, Shaul announce the birth of their 11th grandchild, Tradition (Jewish Edelman, to Temima Bracha Cohen. Mazel a daughter, Elah, to Yael and Amnon Kutner. Lights Publishing, tov to parents Sarah and Moshe Yaakov Elah is the great-grandchild of Chaya and 2011). Edelman and Simma Leah and the late Zvi Reich ’79W, the founding Avraham Cohen. director of Camp Morasha.

Debra ’58S, ’80W and Rabbi Dr. Sol Roth Anita (Presler) ’63YUHS and Rabbi Stuart Ruth (Frank) ’69YUHS, ’73S, ’75F, ’92A ’48YC, ’50R received the Jewish Continuity Tucker ’65YC, ’69F, ’69R and Sara and Yosef and Elchanan “Charles” Lipshitz Dr. Batya L. Ludman ’84F, a clinical Award at the Manhattan Jewish Experience Spitz announce the birth of their grandson, ’67YUHS, ’71YC, ’75F, ’76R announce the psychologist and Jerusalem Post columnist, (MJE) East gala in recognition of their David Nachman, to Tirtza and Evyasaf Tucker. birth of a granddaughter, Chibat Sarah, to published her book Life’s Journey: Exploring tremendous contribution to the Jewish Elana and Elyasaf Shweka. Relationships, Resolving Conflicts (Lambda community. Publishers/Urim Publications, 2011). Malka and Rabbi Saul Mashbaum ’70YC, Rabbi Melvin Sachs ’56YUHS, ’60YC, 1970s ’73R announce the birth of their grandsons, Rebecca and Rabbi Nahum Spirn ’87YC, ’62R, ’85A was honored at the Jewish Yechezkel Shlomo to Dvora and David ’90BR, ’90R celebrated the bar mitzvah of Community Council of Pelham Parkway’s Miriam and Rabbi Mashbaum, and Yedidya Asher to Yocheved their son, Eliyahu Shimon. Mazel tov to Annual Breakfast on May 22, 2011 with a Aharon Adler ’74YC, and Yehonatan Schreier. grandparents Regina and Rabbi Lifetime Rabbinic Achievement Award for ’76BR, ’77R celebrated Charles Spirn ’47YC, ’51R. his work as a chaplain at Rikers Island, a the marriage of their Dr. Natan Ophir (Offenbacher) ’74YC pulpit rabbi and educator. Ora and Rabbi daughter, Moriya, to announces the birth of his fifth grandson, Sheryl and Rabbi Michael Susman ’83YC, Melvin Sachs also announce the birth of Yair Ariel. Yehonatan Moshe Ophir. ’86R, ’86A announce the birth of a their granddaughter, Shira Gittel Barg, to grandson, Ya’Are, to Tamar and Tsuriel Edri Esther and Daniel Barg. Joanne ’75S and Rabbi Kenneth Auman Nava Rephun ’76W presented a program and the birth of a granddaughter, Rut, ’71YUHS, ’75YC, ’75BR, ’78R announce sponsored by Congregation Bnai Yeshurun to Elisheva and Izik Dahan. Shoshana and Rabbi Hershel Schachter the marriage of their son, Zvi, to Miriam in Teaneck, NJ, on the topic “Enhancing ’58YUHS, ’62YC, ’67R announce the birth Shirah Davis. Marriage: From Good to Great.” Rephun is a Laura and Rabbi Neal Turk ’80YC, ’83A, of their granddaughter, Hila, to Yehudis and licensed clinical social worker and certified ’83R announce the birth of their grandson, Akiva Posen; the bar mitzvah of twin Shulamith (Predmesky) ’73YUHS, ’02A Imago Relationship Therapist who works Eliezer Tzvi. Mazel tov to parents Talia and grandsons, Elisha and Ezra, to Aliza and and Rabbi Joel Cohn ’73YUHS, ’77YC, with couples and individuals in her NYC Yitzy Turk. Moshe Heching; and the bat mitzvah of their ’80R announce the birth of their grandson, private practice and conducts workshops in granddaughter, Hadas, daughter of Aviva Doniel Yechiel, to Elana and Yossi Cohn the United States and Israel. Tamar and Dr. Moshe Weber ’89YC and David Engelmayer ’92YC. ’96YUHS, ’00YC. celebrated the bar mitzvah of their son, Eli.

2 ALUMNITODAY SEARCH THE ALUMNI DIRECTORY FOR CLASSMATES AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNIDIRECTORY ß ALUMNITODAY

RIETS SHAVUOS YARCHEI KALLAH (JUNE 7–9, 2011) SUMMER LECTURE SERIES FEATURING RABBI YAAKOV NEUBURGER (JULY 12, 2011)

o Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger ’77YC, ’79R, lectures on “The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Does Refraining From Holding Certain Events During Certain Times Have Any Halachic Basis?”

m 600 alumni and friends enjoy Shavuos at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa in Kerhonkson, NY, and participate in a Havdalah ceremony led by Hillel Davis ’72YC, ’75R, ’75BR

ALUMNI NIGHT AT THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC (JUNE 29, 2011)

Stern College For Women Hosts Third Annual NIGHT OF FASHION AND GLAMOUR

NOVEMBER 8, 2011 m Ora and Melvin S. Sachs ’56YUHS, ’60YC, m Daniel Somech ’11SB outside of Avery ’62R, ’85A prepare to hear the music of Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center “Tchaikovsky and Other Romantics” Join us again this year for an exciting evening of fashion and fun to benefi t the scholarship program at Stern. “CHANGING WORLD—WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL ESTATE?” YU WALL STREET REAL ESTATE EVENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BERNSTEIN GLOBAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT (JUNE 23, 2011) Glitz, Glamour and Giving—this stylish night will have it all!

For more information, please call 212.960.5422 or visit yu.edu/sternfashionshow2011

m (l–r) Yeshiva College Board of Overseers chairman Stanley Raskas ’65YC, ’69R, ’69BR, Yeshiva University Board of Trustees member and chair m Glen Kunafsky and Mark Schlossberg of the Real Estate Committee Joshua ’97SB Muss ’58YUHS, ’62YC and Yeshiva College Board of Overseers member Lawrence Askowitz ’87YC The Annual Fund supports YU’s values and mission of Torah Umadda

This fall YU welcomed to its campus more than 600 new students from around the country and the world. These students come to YU to prepare for successful careers and experience a true sense of community. Whether from Los Angeles, Boca Raton, Houston, Chicago, Silver Spring, Teaneck, Woodmere, or New York, at YU they will all be part of one community that melds a first -rate secular education with the values of an integrated life based on Torah.

m Co-chairs of YUWSG Evelyn Nowhere but at YU is the commitment to the values and mission of Havasi Stavsky ’82S, ’85C and Torah Umadda greater. Your gift will provide the critically needed m (l–r) Moderator Michael Stoler and Lawrence Askowitz ’87YC funds to ensure that YU maintains its excellence including small class panelists Bradford Klatt, Brahm Cramer, sizes, outstanding faculty, a rich array of student programs and career Jeffrey Barclay, Ralph Herzka and planning services. Richard Born Visit yu.edu/onlinegiving or call 212.960.5422 to make your gift today.

Annual Fund Committee: o (l–r) Rebecca Hedaya Joseph Bensmihen ’91YC, ’95W, Boca Raton, FL ’08S, Yeshiva College Adam Berner ’90SB, ’94R, ’94C, New Milford, NJ Board of Overseers Saul Burian ’88YC, New York, NY member Lawrence Barry Diner ’90YC, Houston, TX Askowitz ’87YC and Benzion Fuchs ’83YUHS, ’87YC, Woodmere, NY Martin Kessler Laura Goldman ’90SB, Silver Spring, MD Nowhere Joy Sklar ’93S, Bergenfield, NJ but Susan Ungar, MD ’87S, New York, NY Steven Usdan ’89YUHS, ’92YC, Los Angeles, CA here.

SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND AT WWW.YU.EDU/ONLINEGIVING ß ALUMNITODAY 3 ALUMNITODAY

THIRD ANNUAL ANNE SCHEIBER SCHOLARS BRUNCH (AUGUST 21, 2011) THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS IS TRYING TO LOCATE ALUMNI WITH WHOM WE’VE LOST TOUCH. TO DO THIS, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

• For every graduate that you identify (and is confirmed), you will be in the running to win great prizes! A recent winner received two YUALUMNI round-trip tickets sponsored by EL AL Israel Airlines. FINDER • Once confirmed, the lost graduate, too, will be entered to win a prize. m (l–r) First–year medical students at Einstein, Estee Mizrachi ’11S, Faye Burekhovich ’11S, GET STARTED TODAY! Rebecca Weiss ’11S Visit YU Alumni Finder today at yu.edu/AlumniFinder to start searching for alumni you know.

m Reena Gottesman ’09S and son Netanel Moshe

k (l–r) Shoshana YESHIVA UNIVERSITY AND Gilbert ’10S, Aviva Ginsburg Berkowitz ’10S, DELUXE KOSHER TOURS Nechama Grunsweld Ackerman ’09S and PRESENT daughter Ashira

m (l–r) Ahuva Freilich ’11S, Sarah Ariella Reinstein ’10S, Batya Matla Herzberg ’10S, Jenny Ariella Deluty ’10S and Hadassa Klerman ’11S

YU TORAH MITZION KOLLEL OF CHICAGO’S SUMMER EVENT AT THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO (AUGUST 28, 2011) PANAMA ADVENTURE JANUARY 19–29, 2012

Panama, known as ‘the Bridge of the World’, is a country where man-made wonders perfectly compliment natural wonders. With its biodiversity and its captivating natural beauty, rich culture, ample recreational facilities, well-organized infrastructure and modern amenities, Yeshiva University and Deluxe Kosher Tours promise you a complete luxury leisure package. The friendly approach of Deluxe Kosher Tours will make your vacation this winter to Panama a wonderful experience complimented by the scholarship of Yeshiva University’s top faculty.

INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR: • A specially designed sightseeing program to include visits to the colonial ruins of Panamá Viejo, and Casco Antiguo. m Yossi ’86YC and Gina Gottesman ’86S m Beverly and Ira Piltz ’95YC • A visit to Miraflores Locks on the infamous Panama Canal offering the best view of the locks at work. BEREN CAMPUS ORIENTATION DINNER (AUGUST 29, 2011) • Activities exploring rain forests, relaxing on the Pacific Coast beaches and enjoying magnificent sunsets.

• Panama City Tour visiting key tourist attractions as you learn about Panama’s significance throughout history. A story of Spanish colonization, pirate attacks, independence from Spain and later Colombia and the construction of the Panama Canal. • Three Kosher meals daily, Shabbat programs, and related lectures by a YU faculty member and scholar

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

For more information about this opportunity, please contact: Dorit Roth Deluxe Kosher Tours m Guest speaker Grace Charles ’09S and fellow alumnae Orli Haken ’11S, Michal Jaff ’11S, 800.953.1531 Shoshana Balk ’11S, Adina Poupko ’11S, Esty Rollhaus ’05YUHS, ’10S and Tami Adelson [email protected] ’11S attend the 2011 Beren Campus Orientation Dinner

4 ALUMNITODAY s WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS FOR PROGRAMMING IN YOUR REGION. CONTACT ILLANA FEIGLIN AT [email protected] OR 212.960.5247. Yocheved and Rabbi Elly Krimsky ’91YC Caroline Sarah Rabbi Ezra Frazer announce the birth of their daughter, Rachel ’00SB and Rabbi ’01YC, ’04A, ’05R, 1990s Chavivah. Dr. Eytan M. Cowen ’05BR married Azadeh Miriam ’99S and Rabbi Ely Bacon ’11R announce the birth Refah. ’92YUHS, ’97YC, ’99A, ’00R announce the Andrea and Nicolas Muzin ’97YC of their son, Efrayim birth of their son, Yitzchak Doniel, named for announce the birth of their son. Menashe. Jennifer (Novick) ’07S and Yehuda his great grandfather, the late Isaac Bacon, Gelberger ’08SB announce the birth of dean of Yeshiva College from 1959–1977. Dina and Rabbi David Rabhan ’89SB, ’92R Ora ’07S, ’10W and their son, Zachary Philip. Mazel tov to grandparents dean of Stern announce the birth of their daughter, Sophia Rabbi Michael Davies College for Women Dr. Karen Bacon ’64S Rivka. ’07SB, ’09R announce Shoshana ’07S and Yitzi Genack ’08YC, and Dr. Stephen Bacon ’64YC. the birth of their ’11R announce the birth of their son. Mazel Yeshiva College Professor Rabbi Eliezer daughter, Chana. tov to grandparents Sarah and Rabbi Moran and David Beker ’94YC, ’94W Schnall ’95YUHS, ’00YC, ’02F, ’03R, ’06F Menachem Genack ’65YUHS, ’69YC, ’73R announce the birth of their daughter, co-authored “The 15 Minute Hour: Practical Yacov Farkas ’10SB and Helen and Yeshiva College Board of Ayala Devora. Psychotherapy for Primary Care,” a chapter married Hannah Overseers member Emanuel Adler in Primary Care: The Art and Science of Chornock. Mazel tov ’72YUHS, ’76YC. Joseph Bensmihen Advanced Practice Nursing (F.A. Davis to parents Bonnie ’91YC, ’95W was Company, 2011). ’75YUHS and Stephanie ’09S and Mordechai Gershon appointed to the Steve Farkas. ’07YC, ’11A announce the birth of their Yeshiva College Board Dr. Chani (Pearlman) ’90YUHS, ’94S and daughter, Sara Rivka. of Overseers. Jason Schwartz ‘93SB announce the birth Ayelet ’06S and Bensmihen is the of their son, Uriel Eitan. Ari Feder ’04SB At the May 2011 NYU current CEO and owner announce the birth of School of Law of Boca Home Care Services (1998), Boca Ellen (Payne) ’91S, ’94A and Rabbi David their daughter, Chava convocation, Moshe Home Care (Medicare–2005) and was Solomon ’90YC, ’94R announce the birth Esther. Mazel tov to Goldfeder ’07YC, ’11R appointed National President of Private of their son, Moshe Tzvi. grandparents Charlene was awarded the Chuna Care Association in 2010. ’68YUHS and Rabbi David and Rose Lauren Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg ’69YC, ’74R, ’74F, Estreicher Memorial Ariella and Rabbi Yaacov Ellish ’91YC, “Shoshana” ’92A and Soshie ’80C and Elliot Feder Prize for the law student who has shown the ’96A, ’96R of Moshav HaZore’im announce Stein ’98YUHS, ’69YUHS. greatest promise in the study of issues the birth of their daughter, Miriam Esther. ’02S married confronting the Jewish/Israeli people. Mazel tov to grandparents Lea and Rabbi Shmuly Leah (Lubetski) ’00S and Ari Feldman Dr. Daniel Hain ’61YUHS, ’66YC. Yanklowitz ’09BR. ’00SB announce the birth of their daughter, Dr. Rena ’98S, ’01F, ’05F and Avi Goldin Aliza Tamar, born in London on March 26, ’95YUHS, ’99SB, announce the birth of their Rubin M. Stone ’92SB was promoted from 2011. Mazel tov to grandparents Ann ’72S daughter. Mazel tov to grandparents corporate controller to vice president of and Rabbi Eliot Feldman ’72YC, ’75R and Barbara ’76S and Rabbi Shmuel Goldin finance and corporate controller for the Edith ’68BR and Dr. Meir Lubetski and ’69YUHS, ’73YC, ’76F, ’76R and Harriette Topps Company in NYC. siblings Talia, Ilan and Atara. ’67S and Willy Moses.

Sarah ’91S and Kenneth Wagner ’82YC celebrated the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Meira Leah Wagner.

Rachel (Israel) ’90YUHS, ’98C and Isaac Rabbi Efrem Goldberg ’97YC, ’01R Zetooney announce the birth of their son, delivered the April 5, 2011 invocation before Michael Benjamin on February 18, 2011. the United States House of Representatives.

Hila ’95A and Rabbi Meir Goldwicht announce the marriage of their son, Elyada, 2000s to Leora Lichtenstein. Sara and Rabbi Yaron Barach ’05YC, ’08R, Dr. Patricia Goodman ’94F, ’99F ’09A announce the birth of their daughter, introduced Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Leah Rivkah. (PCIT) at the Westchester Parenting Center that she founded in 2006. PCIT is an Sarah ’09S and Jeremy Baran ’06YC, ’10A ATTENTION ALUMNI evidence-based treatment that helps announce the birth of their daughter, Ahuva parents build more positive relationships Meira. Mazel tov to grandparents Brenda GET LINKED WITH THE with their children and teaches effective and Rabbi Chaim Bronstein ’66YUHS, CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER behavioral management techniques. ’70YC, ’72R, ’73BR.

Greg Haber ’95YC, VOLVED • ’98C was promoted BE IN YU CareerLink | YU InfoLink OP • KSH TUDENTS • M to National Director of www.yu.edu/cdc OR EET S W • M Business Development A E! ONDUCT INTE UN OR E • C R M VIC at the Garden City • CH AD S • POST J Learn how to leverage the RK U R SHIP O M EE ERN Group, Inc. (GCG). W D AR NT CDC for your professional T AN C T I E T S Haber will be spear- N E O • G P development or support heading all of GCG’s B O students and fellow J business development activities for both Joseph Becker ’04 YC published The A R class action and bankruptcy matters. Spider and the Ant: A Philosophical Tale of alumni with their O F H Man’s Reason and Experience (Imaginarium career aspirations. C R A Devorah (Newman) ’97S and Tzvi Harow Press, 2011), available on www.jrbecker.com E S • ’94YUHS, ’98SB announce the birth of their and amazon.com. T S P daughter, Nofet Maya. I O L H E S Gigi ’09S and Rabbi Dovi Bergman ’07YC S T N K A N R David Hazony ’94YC, announce the birth of their son, Elisha. P E

O V A W E D ’94BR published The Contact the E E A D B V

N L Ten Commandments: Yonina ’00S and Rabbi Etan Berman Career N • E O U T S V How Our Most Ancient ’02YC, ’05R announce the birth of their Development R T T N • A Center N I Moral Text Can Renew daughter, Shifrah. • E K E

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Faygie ’02S and Jay Hellman ’01YC Babette Marciano Dr. Denise Sandole The Jewish Week featured several YU announce the birth of a boy. Mazel tov to ’03S was featured in ’11F received the alumni in their annual “36 Under 36” grandparents Rochel ’72S and Rabbi a solo art show titled American section profiling Jewish leaders under the Moshe Bomzer ’75R, ’75BR and Leona “Pop Up Gallery” on Psychological age of 36. Among the honorees were and Rabbi Chaim Zev Bomzer May 5, 2011. Association 2011 Rabbi Jeremy Stern ’07YC, ’09A, ’10R ’45YUHS, ’48YC, ’51BR, ’51R, ’84F. Division 56 Award who was recognized for his work as the Lavie Margolin for Outstanding executive director of the Organization for ’02SB has been Dissertation in the the Resolution of Agunot (ORA) and Uri The 2010 Bnei quoted for his career field of trauma psychology for her Westrich ’09YC as the music video Akiva Schools coaching expertise in dissertation, “Trauma Transforms: Female director for the Maccabeats, YU’s male a Toronto annual numerous media Survivors of the Rwandan Genocide.” capella group. newsletter articles including: recognized “Long-Term Rebecca ’04S, ’06W and Rabbi Ariel During the week of May 9, 2011, the Michael “Micha” Unemployed Schochet ’03SB, ’06A, ’06R announce City of New York celebrated “Project Hershkop ’10YC Shunned by Employers” in the New the birth of their son, Avraham Menachem Sunshine Week,” recognizing the for his emer- Pittsburgh Courier; “How to Succeed at Schochet. Mazel tov to grandparents nonprofit organization that Joseph “Joe” gency relief Job Fairs” in AOL Jobs; “Top Ten Ways to Miriam (Furst) ’70YUHS and Lenny Weilgus ’00SB founded in a dorm room services as an ambulance technician Blow the Job Interview” and “How to Halstuch, and Shelley (Lipschitz) ’76S at Yeshiva University in 1998. The week in serving the victims of the Carmel Gather References for Tech Jobs” in The and Stuart Schochet ’70YUHS. received proclamations from both the forest fire. Micha shared that a key Wall Street Journal; and “Job Interview New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and NYC reason he is an ambulance technician Horror Stories” on “CBS MoneyWatch.” Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Project is because, “it allows me to personify Sunshine brings over 10,000 volunteers the lessons of Torah.” Houston’s May 19 edition of the who provide free educational, Jewish-Herald Voice highlighted Torah recreational, and social programs to Letzion, an organization that helped raise over 60,000 children facing medical Elisheva (Ginsburg) ’99S and Rabbi over $130,000 for student scholarships challenges and their families in 150 major Yosef Kalinsky ’00YC, ’03R, ’06A, ’09W to study in Yeshivot or seminaries in Israel. cities across the United States and in five announce the birth of their daughter, Torah Letzion was started in 2008 by international satellite sites. Bracha. Mazel tov to grandparents Sandy Michael Adler ’10YC, Yoni Bardash and Rabbi Alan Kalinsky ’69YUHS, ’12YC, Rachey Berkowitz ’11YC, Corey Rabbi Matan Wexler ’05SB, ’09A, ’09R ’73YC, ’76R, ’77F. Fuchs ’08YUHS, ’13YC, Jason Jacobs and Yaffi Spodek ’08S, editor of YU ’10SB, Marc Merrill ’10YC, Estie Neff Lisa and Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Today were married. Naomi ’04S, ’06W and Rabbi Eli Kohl ’11YC, Chana Salomon ’11YC and ’00YC, ’03R announce the birth of their ’06YC, ’08R announce the birth of their Daniel Sherman ’11YC. daughter, Gila Yael. Frieda and Pablo Zamoszczyk ’08SB daughter, Elana Ora. announce the birth of their son. Rebecca Miller ’10S President Richard M. Ariella and received a research Joel selected Rabbi Sammy Landa scholarship for a Dr. Meir Y. ’09Y announce Master of Science in Soloveichik ’02YC, In Memorium the birth of pharmacology at the ’03R to serve as Rabbi Melvin Amos Bunim ’50YC, ’50R their son, University of Toronto. director of the Straus Bernard A. Finkelstein ’39YC Naftali Center for Torah and Rabbi Albert B. Hollander ’45YUHS, Aryeh Landa. Western Thought. ’49YC, ’52R Rebecca ’06F, ’10F and Rabbi Dr. Vera Hornstein ’98F Chaviva ’11S and Yair Libin ’10YC Elie Mischel ’03SB, ’06BR, ’07C, ’07R Esther ’05S and Rabbi Elon Soniker Robert Kurtzman ’50YC, ’55W announce the birth of their son, Jamie announce the birth of their daughter, ’05SB, ’08R, ’11A announce the birth of Dr. Irwin Smalleiser ’59F Abraham Libin. Aderet Raaya. their daughter, Elisheva Beila. Stanley Sobolofsky ’64YC

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k [email protected] Legend for school abbreviations:

A: Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration • BR: Bernard Revel Graduate School • BS: Belfer Graduate School of Science • BZ: Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music • C: Cardozo School of Law • E: Albert Einstein College of Medicine • F: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology • R: Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • S: Stern College for Women • SSB: Syms School of Business • TI: Teacher’s Institute • W: Wurzweiler School of Social Work • YC: Yeshiva College • YUHS: Yeshiva University High Schools

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Dean Gelman Retires from Wurzweiler

ome 40-plus years ago, Dr. Sheldon Gelman was starting what he envisioned and noted that his years at Wurzweiler have been filled with one highlight after would be a long and fulfilling career as a social worker, providing counseling and another. He said he is especially proud that the school was among the first in the nation Sservices to handicapped children at an agency in Central Pennsylvania. As part to address the physical and mental health and public policy challenges of HIV/AIDS of his work, he was also asked to help supervise a group of social work students from and to champion Black-Jewish and Hispanic-Jewish dialogue. nearby Penn State University. Gelman said he also takes pride in the passion and commitment of Wurzweiler “I must have done a good job, because I was then invited to join the Penn State students, faculty and alumni, “all of whom do our school and our University proud,” he faculty,” Gelman said. “So getting into academia was a total fluke.” stressed. What hasn’t been a fluke has been Gelman’s unparalleled success over the past Gelman has held office and served on national commissions of the Council for 21 years as the dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Social Work Education, National Association of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Indeed, when he stepped Work Deans, and American Association on Intellectual down from the Dorothy and David I. Schachne Deanship and Developmental Disabilities. He has conducted exten- in September to return to research and teaching, he was sive research and published more than 100 professional the longest tenured dean of a social work school in North journal articles and book chapters on topics related to America. social policy, developmental disabilities, liability issues in “The length of my tenure is certainly unusual,” said non-profit organizations, ethics and child abuse. Gelman. “The average term of service for a social work That Gelman has been able to accomplish all this while school dean is about five years, so I’ve quadrupled that. running one of the most prestigious social work schools in What can I say? I’ve loved the job.” the country—an institution that has graduated more than And the students, faculty and alumni—not to mention 7,000 professionals—is a testament to his abiding commit- his many peers in the social work profession—love him. In ment, creative leadership and far-reaching vision. his honor, YU has established the Dr. Sheldon R. Gelman So, what’s his secret to longevity and success? “It’s Scholarship Fund, which will provide scholarship support essential to surround yourself with equally committed and for future generations of social work students. competent people, from fellow administrators to the high- Recently, the New York State Assembly issued a proc- est quality faculty,” said Gelman. lamation in Gelman’s honor and he has received an official YU announced the appointment of Dr. Carmen Ortiz letter from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg rec- Hendricks as interim dean of Wurzweiler, the first Latina ognizing his service. He was also presented with awards dean of a school of social work in New York City. Since from the Latino Task Force of the National Association of July 2005, Hendricks has served as associate dean and Social Workers and New York City Children’s Services. professor of social work. Prior to joining YU, she taught “For nearly a quarter of a century, Dean Sheldon Dean Sheldon Gelman retires after two decades of service at the Hunter College School of Social Work for 25 years. Gelman has nurtured, sustained and advanced Yeshiva at Wurzweiler Hendricks has served on the board and as an accreditation University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work into a force commissioner for the Council on Social Work Education, for good, the impact of which is felt around the world,” said YU President Richard M. and as president of the New York City chapter of the National Association of Social Joel. “With passion and commitment, Dean Gelman has championed the nobility of his Workers. Last year, Gov. David Paterson appointed Hendricks to New York City’s profession and sent forth thousands of students to serve humanity.” Citizens Review Panel on welfare policies and services. Dr. Norman Linzer, the Samuel J. & Jean Sable Professor of Jewish Family “Hendricks’ scholarship is nationally recognized in the arena of culturally Social Work at Wurzweiler, noted that Gelman raised the stature and reputation of competent social work practice and education,” said Dr. Morton Lowengrub, provost Wurzweiler, “so much so that at a recent site visit by the Council on Social Work Educa- and senior vice president for academic affairs. ”Her years of experience in academia tion we were told we were the best school in the country,” he said. “Such an achieve- have honed her ability to serve as an effective administrator.” n ment attests to the spirit of gevurah [heroism] with which he has endowed this school. In his own quiet, self-effacing way, he took a very good school and made it a great one.” k For more information about the Dr. Sheldon R. Gelman Scholarship Fund or to make a donation, contact Gelman said he is “profoundly moved” by the outpouring of support in his honor, Doris Holz at [email protected]

YU’s Jewish Genetic Health Program Aims to Ensure a Healthy Future

ews, like any ethnic program’s director of Clinical Services and Community For example, Schreiber-Agus says, the program col- group, have health Outreach. Screenings are held at synagogues and com- laborates with other medical institutions to examine Jconcerns unique to munity centers throughout the New York metropolitan the relationship between Ashkenazi Jewish heritage their ethnicity. Nearly one area. Donations fund the cost of the test for those whose and the propensity to develop Parkinson’s disease. The in four Ashkenazi Jews insurance plans don’t cover it. program is also planning an educational event with the carries a genetic alteration Before participants are screened, they meet with breast cancer support group Sharsheret. associated with Tay-Sachs Estie Rose ’09SCW, the program’s primary genetic coun- YU’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) will be disease and other Jewish selor, who educates them on the available childbearing partnering with the program on the awareness and genetic diseases. A child options if both spouses are found to be carriers. Blood education component. In June, the center co-hosted Dr. Susan Gross who inherits altered genes samples are sent for carrier testing at clinical laborato- a practical genetics forum for students from the Rabbi from both parents has a ries, including the Human Genetics Lab at Jacobi. One Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, to educate future 25 percent chance of having one of these diseases, and of the tests performed, which was developed by Einstein rabbis on Jewish genetic testing, genetic health issues knowing one’s carrier status is critical to planning for researchers in 1971, is known as the “platelet assay for and its halachic components. healthy families. Yeshiva University’s Program for Jew- enzyme levels,” a gold-standard test that accurately de- Rabbi Levi Mostofsky, CJF’s director of continu- ish Genetic Health focuses on safeguarding the health tects the disease more than 99 percent of the time. ing education, is heading a program this year that will and future of the global Jewish community, through Over the last few years, the Jacobi lab has tested train communal rabbis on how to counsel couples with genetic testing, education and community support. more than 4,000 Jewish individuals for genetic diseases questions about genetic issues, compatibility and the The program, which was launched in February, is at near cost. Now, with an official YU/Einstein collabo- emotional impact of receiving a particular diagnosis. the brainchild of director Dr. Susan Gross. “This pro- ration, the program can be far more comprehensive by The program faces the challenge of receiving sig- gram truly emphasizes the Torah Umadda philosophy offering community education and support to lay lead- nificant support from grants and private philanthropy to that exemplifies YU,” said Dr. Gross, chairperson of ers, rabbis and medical professionals. help subsidize the genetic screenings and to support the Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jacobi Medical Center “Over the past decades, with the explosion of ge- community programs being organized. and North Central Bronx Hospital, affiliates of Albert netic knowledge and technology, there are many other Another crucial challenge, Dr. Gross noted, is to Einstein College of Medicine, and Medical Director of issues beyond Tay-Sachs and the other, lesser-known raise enough awareness about the link between one’s ge- the Human Genetics Lab at Jacobi. “It’s also one of the recessive Jewish genetic diseases that require the netic background and vulnerability to certain diseases. first programs to bridge YU and Einstein, combining same focus, and education plays a large role,” explained “Our ultimate hope is that our efforts will move the Jewish communal responsibility and education with Dr. Nicole Schreiber-Agus, the scientific director and Jewish community to take ownership of these issues and clinical services and biomedical research.” program liaison, who has a Ph.D. from Einstein. “We are work together to help one another,” she said.” n A major component of the program consists of sub- hoping to be a centralized resource of the Jewish com- sidized community screenings, coordinated by Dr. Susan munity for current and future generations for all Jewish k For more information on the program, contact Bruce Lander, director of Klugman, an OB/GYN and geneticist who serves as the genetic health concerns.” Institutional Advancement, at 212.960.5279 or [email protected]

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Top-Tier Grad Schools ç Continued from Page 1

“I am particularly gratified by our students’ continuing successes because they aspire to use their talents to make this a better world,” said Dr. Karen Bacon, Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean at Stern College. “At the same time our alums invariably credit Yeshiva University for giving them both the tools and the inspiration to reach high. I am so very proud.” The numbers are similarly impressive at Yeshiva College (YC). A total of 31 men applied to medical school this past year, with 28 receiving offers, including 16 to Einstein and others to Harvard, Cornell and Dartmouth. Several students were also accepted to M.D./Ph.D. programs. Michael Siev, a YC graduate who began at Einstein this year, was the recipient of a prestigious community service scholarship, which is awarded to only one incoming student each year. Of the 13 men who applied to dental school, nine students were accepted to one or more schools, including Columbia, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. “The YC pre-med students are just exceptional,” said Lolita Wood-Hill, the pre-med advisor at YC. “They are driven, they’re very community-minded and they participate in an enormous number of extracurricular activities while taking on a rigorous dual curriculum, and I am extremely impressed with them.” Wood-Hill also noted that dozens of YC and Stern students participated in research programs this summer, includ- ing a new initiative with Jacobi Medical Center and a joint program with Bar-Ilan Kressel Scholars; standing: Ma’ayan Hachen, Nisim Tishbi University in Israel. Several students and Aviva Gubin; seated: Mordechai Kornbluth and have also been published in nationally Alexandra Michalowski recognized scientific journals. Last year, YC’s Yair Sapirstein was “Our students do well because they are in an in- one of 300 students in the country to timate environment with top-flight faculty where receive a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar- education is more than downloading information—it’s ship, granted to those who intend to pur- the developing of serious educational and research re- sue careers in mathematics, the natural lationships that yield great fruit,” said YU President sciences or engineering. Richard M. Joel. “Our students do superbly because the “YU undergrads distinguish them- dual curriculum that they participate in gives them the selves not only by the high level of their rigor, the analysis and the discipline to be able to con- academic achievements but by their front any challenge in the world. And our students do strong desire to give of their talents to optimally well because they are in a culture of tomor- build a sense of community by help- row and a culture of success.” ing others,” said Dr. Barry Eichler, dean YC student Yair Sapirstein, a recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater scholarship, does In addition to pursuing advanced graduate degrees, at YC. “One of many examples is Yair research in the science lab students and alumni have been the recipients of various Saperstein’s leadership in seeing a need nationally acclaimed awards and scholarships. and creating the solution. He became aware that the local public school lacked labora- Four YU alumni—Yehuda Bernstein, Mijal Bitton, Simcha Gross and Shlomo tory instruction and organized a cadre of YC and Stern students to create and teach a Zuckier—were selected as Wexner Graduate Fellows, part of a group of 20 people en- one-term laboratory science course in chemistry, biology and physics, thus enabling tering graduate school who aspire to careers in the fields of Jewish education, Jewish these students to experience the excitement of scientific discovery.” professional leadership, Jewish studies and the rabbinate. During the past few years, YU students were also offered admission to some of Current students are also excelling at YU. Five students will perform advanced the top law schools in the country, including Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, NYU, research this year as part of the Henry Kressel Research Scholarship program. The Stanford and the University of Pennsylvania. In the 2009–10 year, 93 percent of YU scholarship—established in 2008 by Dr. Henry Kressel, chairman of the YU Board applicants were admitted to at least one school. of Trustees, managing director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a YC graduate—offers Over the years, hundreds of YU students have matriculated into the best gradu- students the opportunity to craft a year-long intensive research project under the ate schools around the country, and these numbers are growing, as the university guidance of a faculty mentor and with a stipend of $7,500 for the year. The past year’s continues to attract top-performing men and women who channel their talents toward recipients were Aviva Gubin, Ma’ayan Hachen, Mordechai Kornbluth, Alexandra higher education. Michalowski and Nasim Tishbi. n

Creating Sense from Tragedyç Continued from Page 1

systems, databases and DNA analysis, accordance with the halacha that Jew- 3,000 neshamas [souls] lost in this little was critical in establishing the evidence ish bodies should not be left alone from world of souls. I realized that as long as of death that would allow young widows the time of death until burial. Finding these souls were trapped in Manhattan, to mourn their husbands and be free to volunteers for Shabbat, however, was we were keeping them company.” remarry. more difficult. The intervening 10 years have seen “Over the next few months I spent With the help of then Dean of Stu- much growth and healing. The Freedom my days tracking cell phone towers, post- dents Zelda Braun and the college’s se- Tower rises in downtown Manhattan, ing on company Web sites for informa- curity force, Hoffman organized a group missing posters are gone and subway tion and searching databases like Lexus of Stern students to sit with the victims service is restored. to read about survivors who may have every Shabbat. A security guard accom- For Hoffman, though, like many seen someone,” Rapp said. “Understand- panied each woman to and from the in New York, no matter how much time ing technology was key. It was a 21st morgue for her four–hour shift. When passes, the impact lingers. century tragedy.” she arrived, the student would take the “At some point on most days, some Hoffman and Hecht found a dif- Stern identification badge from the young thought of what happened comes into ferent way to create meaning from the woman she was relieving; it couldn’t be your head,” Hoffman said. “It’s simply a tragedy. During the week, Rabbi Allen carried since there is no eruv in midtown reminder.” n Schwartz of Congregation Ohab Zedek Manhattan. Ten years ago, Jessica Russak Hoffman had arranged a shmira (watch) for Jew- “It was the one thing that made me (pictured today, with her daughter) was one of ish volunteers to sit with the remains of feel less hopeless,” Hoffman said. “When k To read firsthand accounts of several Stern students who volunteered to do victims being held in a makeshift morgue we were sitting in the morgue, saying Sept. 11 from Hecht, Hoffman, Rapp shmira for the victims of September 11, 2001 near New York University Hospital, in Tehillim [Psalms], we felt connected to and others, visit yu.edu/september11

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10 Years: A Renaissance at Azrieli Meet YU’s Recently–Elected n 2001, Dr. David J. Schnall was invited by then-Yeshiva techniques and train to be school administrators and com- Trustees and Board Members University (YU) President Norman Lamm to sit down with the munity leaders. They hail from community day schools, the newly configured Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Educa- Solomon Schechter system and all types of Orthodox schools— I YU Board of Trustees tion and Administration’s board of overseers to discuss taking co-ed, single-sex and Chabad. the helm. “Azrieli has really changed what is happening in the field of Michael Gamson–Gamson, of “It was a chance to do things differently,” recalled Schnall, Jewish education,” said Dr. Howard Deitcher, an alumnus of the Houston, is senior partner and who recently marked 10 years as founding dean of the school. former institute and former director of the Melton Centre for group manager with Vitol S.A., a “Jewish education was always an im- Jewish Education at Hebrew University. private international oil and gas portant concern at YU. There had been He pointed to the school’s emphasis on trading and marketing company. for many years a unit, then a department research and theory and the development He is also director of the Holocaust Museum and finally an institute for Jewish educa- of programs that reach out to day schools Houston. Gamson is currently a member of the tion, but Azrieli was not yet a graduate across North America. Yeshiva College Board of Overseers. school.” Located on the eighth floor of As headmaster of the Ramaz Upper what is now Stanton Hall at Stern College School and recent recipient of a doctor- Mark Silber–Silber, of for Women, it employed only one full- ate from Azrieli, Rabbi Jay Goldmintz Lawrence, New York, is time faculty member and offered a small highlighted the school’s impact on teach- executive vice president, chief selection of courses. ers and administrators across the field. compliance officer, chief legal The board had something bigger in “Azrieli [has] helped to fundamentally officer, chief financial officer mind. change the way Jewish education is done and director of Renaissance Technologies LLC, Long-time professor and acclaimed in our community,” said Goldmintz. an investment management company. He is a administrator Dr. Chaim Feuerman was “There are now students graduating who member of YU’s Finance Committee. soon joined by a group of all-stars includ- have greater knowledge and proficiency ing Dr. David Pelcovitz, a renowned psy- than ever before.” Shira Yoshor–Yoshor ’89S, of chologist; Dr. Moshe Sokolow, a prolific “Azrieli is creating a cadre of school Houston, is a litigation partner Jewish scholar and now editor of Azrieli leaders who are dually credentialed in with the law firm of Baker Botts publications, most recently The Azrieli Jewish philosophies and practices as LLP, as well as the president of Papers (see below) and PRISM, a journal well as in state-of-the-art research and United Orthodox Synagogue. of research about Holocaust education; application of research in educational Yoshor is currently chair of the Stern College Dr. Rona Novick, an expert in bullying Dr. David J. Schnall leadership,” said Novick. “Over the years, Board of Overseers. Her husband, Dr. Dan and school culture, who heads the Azri- we’ve created educators who are not only Yoshor, is a 1989 graduate of Yeshiva College. eli doctoral program; Dr. Jeffrey Glanz, consumers but contributors: presenting former New York City Public School at conferences and publishing in journals Albert Einstein College of Medicine principal and dean of graduate educa- so their knowledge adds to [that of] their Board of Overseers tion at Wagner College, who heads the colleagues and the global community of Sue Ann Friedman | Nathan Gantcher Azrieli master’s program, and Dr. Scott Jewish educators.” Karen Mandelbaum | Edward S. Pantzer Goldberg, pioneer of the Institute for Uni- The next frontiers are distance versity-School Partnership, which brings learning and online programming, ac- Cardozo School of Law Board of Overseers its expertise and research to schools and cording to Goldberg, director of Azrieli’s William Greenblatt | Meredith Perl Kornreich communities all over North America. Institute for University-School Partner- Hon. Dianne Renwick | David P. Samson “The single most important vari- ship. Thanks to a generous grant from the able in promoting Jewish identity and Jim Joseph Foundation, the Partnership Ferkauf School of Psychology affiliation into the next generation is offers certificate programs in differenti- Board of Overseers full-time Jewish education in the form ated instruction, technology and student Dr. Elizabeth Barkin Leight of day school or yeshiva attendance,” ex- support on these platforms. Credit-bear- Dr. Barbara Lauer Listhaus plained Schnall. “In this regard, it is fair ing programs, in addition to a full mas- Dr. Lee Rosenbaum to say that the future of the Jewish com- ter’s and even a doctoral program, will be Dr. Arlene “Lu” Steinberg munity is being forged in the classrooms offered in coming years. and schools led by students and alumni “A powerful renaissance has taken Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Azrieli.” PRISM, a journal of research about Holocaust place,” Schnall said. “But it’s important Board of Trustees Enrollment has skyrocketed over education to recognize that everything we’ve ac- Eric A. Rothner | Kenneth Zitter the last decade and few, if any, graduate complished over the last 10 years speaks programs attract such a diverse mix of Jewish day school educa- to the collaboration of an outstanding faculty and a university Stern College for Women Board of Overseers tors, from so wide a religious and theological spectrum. Some president who continues to appreciate and support the impor- Michelle Ross Goldwyn | Baruch Weinstein 250 veteran and fledgling professionals are currently enrolled, tance of research and professionalism in Jewish education as a seeking to gain a foundation in theory, hone their classroom core value of Yeshiva University.” n Syms School of Business Board of Overseers Alan Kestenbaum | Steve Uretsky

Wurzweiler School of Social Work Board of Overseers New Collection of Azrieli Research Combines Fara Leff | Robert Oppenheimer Yeshiva College Board of Overseers Educational Theory with Practice Joseph Bensmihen

ince its inception a decade ago, the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Educa- YU High Schools Board of Trustees tion and Administration has pioneered serious research in Orthodox Jewish Alissa Horn | Louis Tuchman day schools in North America. The Azrieli Papers: Dimensions of Orthodox Day S Legend for school abbreviations: School Education, its first volume of collected works, showcases that research—in areas Graduate and Professional Schools: A: Azrieli Graduate School of as critical and varied as educational psychology, differentiated instruction and school Jewish Education and Administration • BR: Bernard Revel Graduate School • BS: Belfer Graduate School of Science • BZ: Philip and Sarah infrastructure—for an audience that includes parents and lay professionals as well as Belz School of Jewish Music • C: Cardozo School of Law • E: Albert academics. Einstein College of Medicine (includes BGSS for Belfer Institute for Advanced Biomedical Sciences and SG for Sue Golding Graduate Division “This book represents the confluence of theory and practice,” said Dr. Moshe of Medical Sciences) • F: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology Sokolow, associate dean at Azrieli and co-editor, whose chapter demonstrates the use W: Wurzweiler School of Social Work Undergraduate Schools: IBC: tefilah Isaac Breuer College of Hebraic Studies • JS: James Striar School of of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik’s writing in developing a day school curriculum for Jewish Studies • MY: Yeshiva Program/Mazer School of Talmudic Studies [prayer]. “Jewish education can be improved through research and development,” he S: Stern College for Women • SBM: Stone Beit Midrash Program noted. “Azrieli is uniquely situated to advance it in this way because our faculty and SSB: Syms School of Business • YC: Yeshiva College • Affiliates: R: Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • TI: Teacher’s Institute students engage both in practice in the field as well as research and theory.” n YUHS: Yeshiva University High Schools

k For more information, visit yu.edu/azrielipapers

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YU Athletes Sweep Academic Hundreds Attend ChampionsGate Honor Rolls Leadership Conference dent athletes who compete in the Skyline Conference made the Skyline Academic Honor Roll for the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. The Maccabees led the conference with 116 student athletes, the only school to break 100. St. Joseph’s was next with 89 student athletes on the list. To make the list, athletes must achieve a 3.3 GPA or higher in their season of competition. Of the 381 students who made the list conference-wide last fall, 65 attend YU; 351 did so for the winter and spring including 51 for YU. Yeshiva’s Zach Charles was named Men’s Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year for having the highest GPA on the All-Conference First Team. This was Charles’ third consecutive appearance on the six-person First Team and the first time he earned the top honor. From left: Beryl and Doreen Eckstein, YU President Richard M. “It’s an honor to recognize these student athletes Joel and Rabbi Kenneth Brander, dean of the Center for the who truly exemplify what the college experience is all Jewish Future, at ChampionsGate about,” said Skyline Commissioner Linda Bruno. “Their commitment to excellence on and off the playing field is ore than 400 Jewish leaders gathered in Or- inspiring and should serve as an example to all.” lando, FL in early July, for Yeshiva University’s The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association MNational Leadership Conference at the Cham- (WBCA) also puts together a list of teams with the best pionsGate resort, hosted by University Trustee Ira GPAs among the three NCAA divisions. YU’s 3.457 Mitzner. The theme of the sixth annual conference, pre- team GPA ranked them 19th in the country among all sented by YU’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF), was Division 3 women’s basketball programs. The top team “Community Re-Imagined: Building New Horizons.” in the country, Case Western Reserve University, had a During the four-day event, YU President Richard 3.609 team GPA. This is the sixth time since the 2000-01 M. Joel announced that an anonymous donor would season that YU has made the top 25, and the fourth time make a $1 million gift to support YU’s Rabbi Isaac in the past six seasons. Elchanan Theological Seminary. Seminar topics ranged In July, the Hudson Valley Men’s and Women’s from the financial sustainability of day schools to how Athletic Conferences announced its All-Academic to keep families connected to schools and shuls in an YU student athletes excel at both sports and academics Teams for the winter and spring semesters, with each increasingly stratified world, as presenters sought to student athlete required to have an overall GPA of at provide new strategies for building and strengthening eshiva University’s student athletes make a triple least 3.5. Four women’s basketball players made the All- communities. commitment to their sport. In addition to the Academic team: Mercedes Cohen, Ayelet Friedman, “The overarching power of ChampionsGate is that Yrigorous dual program of Torah study and aca- Lauren Kempin and Malka Lebovic. On the men’s side, it models and advances a hopeful vision of community demic subjects that is de rigueur at Yeshiva College and eight volleyball players made the team: Moshe Cohen, based in Torah Umadda,” said President Joel. “Com- Stern College for Women, student athletes also make Eitan Finkelstein, Raphael Herskovits, Kevin Katz, munities gather to celebrate their successes, share their time for practice, often beginning late in the evening, Elchanan Margolis, Jared Rechnitz, David Wagner and challenges and resolve to continue their commitment to and for scheduled games. Still, 60 percent of YU’s stu- Jonah Wilkof. n advancing the values and story of the Jewish people.” n

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