VOLUMEYU 8 NO. 2 To YESHIVA UNIVERSITY • MARCH 2002d ay

Main Campus named for Wilf family

he Wilf family of all academic experience of stu- Hillside, NJ, has made a dents. The Wilf Campus is Tnew gift to Yeshiva Un- home to 3,000 students and iversity of $10 million, chiefly more than 1,000 faculty and to underwrite major enhance- staff. ments to its main campus in Key elements of the beauti- the Washington Heights sec- fication plan include alter- tion of Manhattan. ations in the Tenzer Gardens In gratitude for the family’s area adjacent to Belfer Hall; extraordinary generosity, the installation of a signature campus has been named sculpture identifying the cam- the Wilf Campus of Yeshiva pus and new functional land- University. scaping of the lawn in front of Eight million dollars of the the Max Stern Athletic Center; gift will, over the next few dramatic redesign and land- years, provide a facelift for the scaping of the southeastern seven city blocks of the up- entrance to the campus on town campus, while the Amsterdam Avenue; and in- balance of the gift will con- stallation of new lighting posts Operation Torah Shield II repeats history tinue the family’s support and placement of new banners of the Wilf Distinguished Un- throughout the campus. Much dergraduate Scholarship Fund of the work may require n January 13, 200 Ye- sites. Students visited cancer 1,000 venues across the coun- at YU. approval by city government. shiva University stu- patients, took a tour of Jeru- try including synagogues, The campus enhancements “I cannot overstate the im- Odents embarked on a salem’s Old City, and traveled community centers, and con- will greatly improve the quali- portance of the Wilf family’s weeklong solidarity mission to to a kibbutz. ferences, to promote tourism ty of campus life and the over- continued on p. 6 Israel, Operation Torah Shield Student executive com- to Israel. II. The program, created and mittee member Yehuda Student committee member designed by students, aimed to Shmidman said, “While visit- Joshua Kramer said, “Our mis- Faculty Profile uplift Israelis and lend support ing communities, participants sion has not ended now that to victims of terror. took every possible opportuni- we have returned. In fact, our Carole Silver: Operation Torah Shield II is ty to meet with families, chil- real work has just begun.” a sequel to Torah Shield I, dren, and soldiers to offer They also visited more than Looking back, looking forward which took place January encouragement.” 20 yeshivot and seminaries 14–28, 1991, during the Gulf The mission featured a across the country to study Dr. Carole Silver, longtime profes- War. Torah Shield I took 400 unique component: the Tour- with students currently en- sor of English at Stern College for students to Israel to demon- ism Ambassador Training Pro- rolled in YU’s S. Daniel Abra- Women, reflects on the sweeping strate support for the country gram. The Israel Ministry of ham Israel Program. changes at SCW during her despite the US State Depart- Tourism appointed students Throughout the mission, tenure and discusses her passion ment’s advisory to avoid travel official Tourism Ambassadors several RIETS roshei yeshiva for teaching and writing. to the region. of the State of Israel and they joined the group to lecture Participants in Torah Shield will attend continuing train- and participate in activities. You’ve been at Stern for a II met with Israelis who have ing sessions offered by the They included Rabbi Meir while. How long has this been victims of terror, and at- Ministry in the US. Goldwicht, Joel and Maria been your home? tended lectures and seminars Additionally, students will Finkle Visiting Israeli Rosh It’s been thirty-three years, on Israel’s history, culture, and be speaking in more than continued on p. 4 but as I said to President Lamm, I started when I was CAROLE SILVER ten. I was chairman of the President of Israel at RIETS Chag HaSemikhah–March 10 University’s Humanities Divi- Stern has more than dou- sion from the late 1980s until bled in size and courses and srael President Moshe Katsav The Chag HaSemikhah of Yeshiva University. the fall semester of 2001. students have become more and Herbert Smilowitz, vice ceremony, which takes places Mr. Smilowitz has been a Earlier, while getting my sophisticated. Ichairman of the Board of every four years, will celebrate consistent supporter of out- doctorate at Columbia, I The number of courses we Trustees of Rabbi Isaac the ordination of 147 RIETS reach services through the taught at Hunter and Vassar have taught over the years has Elchanan Theological Sem- students. Max Stern Division of Com- Colleges. I’ve also taught in literally tripled (I’ve taught inary (RIETS), will be honored This year’s event will also munal Services at RIETS. He the graduate English depart- about forty different courses); at RIETS’ Chag HaSemikhah mark the culmination of Rabbi and his wife Marilyn recently ment at New York University. we’re always working in new convocation on Sunday, Norman Lamm’s quarter cen- made a new Guardian-level What changes have you areas, trying to keep up with March 10. tury as president of RIETS and continued on p. 4seen during this time? continued on p. 8

HYPE HOPE HOOP Sam Hartstein: Dr. Lamm goes the Jonny Halpert: “The Voice of extra mile for Mikey Coach of “Team Yeshiva University” Butler graduation Torah Umadda” page 3 page 5 page 11 INSIDE

www.yu.edu/news/publications 2 YUToday March 2002

F ACULTY NEWS

Studies and chairman of the been written by a Yeshiva fessional Achievement; Rabbi Dr. Kanarfogel among Rebecca Ivry Department of College or Stern College for Chaim Brovender ’62, for Jewish Studies at Stern College Women graduate. Religion and Religious Ed- alumni awardees for Women. In 1992 he re- “Having studied at Yeshiva ucation; and Rabbi Yechiel ceived the award for his first with my rebbeim and teachers Eckstein ’73, for Community n December, Yeshiva book, Jewish Education and in all fields, it became clear to Service Leadership. College alumnus Dr. Society in the High Middle Ages, me” that one should “expect SCW Samuel Belkin Mem- IEphraim Kanarfogel re- and is the only author thus far the unexpected” when it orial Award recipients were ceived the YC Alumni Assoc- to receive the honor twice. comes to people at YU, he Elisheva Benovitz Kaminetsky iation Samuel Belkin Literary At the annual Yeshiva Un- said. “Though they were im- ’91, for Jewish Education; Award for his second book, iversity Alumni Awards Cere- mersed in Torah study, they Barbara Cooper Radinsky ’65, Peering Through the Lattices: mony, held at Geraldine often had interests that were for Community Relations; and Mystical, Magical and Pietistic Schottenstein Cultural Center very different.” Dr. Jessica Wernick Grant ’62S, Dimensions in the Tosafist at the Midtown Campus, Dr. His book demonstrates that for professional achievement. Period. Kanarfogel noted wryly that many tosafists (legal experts in Judith Krotki Putterman, A widely recognized auth- he has spent his entire adult the Middle Ages) were in- ’71, received the Norman ority in the areas of medieval and professional life at Yeshiva volved in mystical and magi- Lamm Business Leadership intellectual history and rab- University. He also noted— cal doctrines. Award from Sy Syms School of binic literature, he is the E. seriously—that he believes a Other YC awardees were Business. Billi Ivry Professor of Jewish book like his could only have Sam Hartstein ’43, for Pro-

Dr. J. David Bleich, Herbert and 2000. Dr. Havazelet is an editorial Dr. David A. Rettinger, assistant Dr. Walter S. Wurzburger, adjunct PEOPLE Florence Tenzer Professor of Jewish member of Tema World Center of professor of psychology, was a professor of philosophy, was schol- Law and Ethics, CSL, authored Yemenite Scholarship. member of a five-psychologist ar-in-residence at Cong. Shaar CSL Board of Directors Chairman “Clergy Privilege and Conscientious research team from across the US Hashomayim, Montreal. He lec- Earle I. Mack announced that fellow Objection to the Privilege,” Law Rabbi Robert S. Hirt, assistant to that tested 167 participants on a tured on “What is Unique in Jewish Board member Eric M. Javits has and Religion: Current Legal Issues, the president, RIETS, has been variety of tasks to discern the rela- Ethics?—Particularism or Universal- assumed his duties as ambassa- vol. 4, “Genetic Engineering,” appointed vice chairman, Conti- tionships among spatial abilities, ism?” and on “Is There a Problem dor and US representative to HaMaariv, September 2001, and nental Council for Day School Edu- visuospatial working memory, and of Evil?” the Disarmament Conference in “Use of Surveillance Systems on cation, being launched by the executive functioning. Their results Geneva. He was appointed by Shabbat, Use of Contact Lenses on United Jewish Communities and appeared in the December issue of Dr. Joshua Zimmerman, occupant, President Bush. Shabbat,” Tradition. Also, he was a the Jewish Educational Service of the Journal of Experimental Psy- Eli and Diana Zborowski Profes- scholar in residence at Cong. Etz North America (JESNA). He spoke at chology—General, published by the sional Chair in Interdisciplinary In December, 49 Marsha Stern Chaim, Livingston, NJ. the General Assembly of the United American Psychological Association. Holocaust Studies, BRGS, presented Talmudical Academy students Jewish Communities in November a reading of his chapter, “The traveled to Washington, D.C. as Dr. Louis Feldman, Abraham Wouk on “Visions of Judaism in the Rabbi Bernard Rosensweig, ad- Attitude of the Bund to Polish part of their senior seminar course Family Professor of Classics and Lit- 21st/58th Century—Where are We junct professor of Jewish history, Independence, 1897–1905,” at the for a weekend that focused on erature, wrote articles that ap- Headed?” delivered a paper at the 13th World Center for Jewish History. The event achdut (unity). The high school stu- peared in The Cambridge History of Congress for Jewish Studies in Jeru- was sponsored by the Yivo Institute dents visited the Senate where they Judaism; Jewish Quarterly Review; Dr. Norman Lamm, YU president, salem on “The Moral Status of the as part of a book party in honor of met with NY Senator Hillary Reinterpreting Revelation and delivered the Harav Lord Jakobovits Jews in Ashkenaz in the Aftermath the publication Jewish Politics in Clinton, Israel’s Embassy, the US Tradition: Jews and Christians in Annual Memorial Lecture last of the Black Death.” He wrote the Eastern Europe: The Bund at 100. continued on p. 4 Conversation; Where We Stand: November at the Hendon United historical introduction to the schol- Issues and Debates in Ancient Synagogue in London. He spoke on arly edition of the Responsa of Rabbi Judaism; Dictionary of Biblical “Jewish Leadership in Times of Jacob Weil, published by Machon Interpretation; and Biblical Arch- Crisis: Duties and Dilemmas.” Also, Jerusalem in Jerusalem. He was aeology Review. He delivered lec- he led a session of world religious scholar-in-residence at the Homo- YUToday tures at the Colloquium on the leaders at the World Economic wack Hotel in Spring Glen, NY, dur- Antiquities of Flavius Josephus; the Forum, the elite gathering recently ing Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot. VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 2 Sorbonne in Paris; and the Society held in NYC. The religious leaders of Biblical Literature, Denver. were charged with developing rec- Dr. Alvin I. Schiff, Irving I. Stone YESHIVA UNIVERSITY ommendations of religious contri- Distinguished Professor of Jewish Robert M. Beren, Chairman YU Board of Trustees Cantor Sherwood Goffin, coordi- butions to setting priorities for the Education, AGS, spoke on “Biblical nator of outreach programs, BSJM, globalization agenda. and Exegetical Insights into Ancient Dr. Norman Lamm President lectured at Young Israel of Hollis- and Modern Travel.” He also lec- Peter L. Ferrara wood on “The Music of Duchenen.” Dr. Michelle Levine, assistant pro- tured on “Educational Implications Director of Communications and Public Affairs He lectured at Young Israel of fessor of Bible, participated in the of the Reactions to the Twin Tower Jay Schottenstein, Chairman, Board of Directors,Yeshiva College; Marjorie Diener Woodmere on “The Missinai Tunes— Annual Association for Jewish Stu- Tragedy,” Cong. Torah Ohr, Boca Raton. Blenden, Chairman, Board of Directors, Stern College for Women; Bernard L. The Sacred Melodies of the Yomim dies Conference, Washington, D.C., Madoff, Chairman, Board of Directors, Sy Syms School of Business; Robert A. Belfer, Chairperson, Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Earle Noroim.” where she presented a paper, “The Prof. Peninnah Schram, associate I. Mack, Chairman, Board of Directors, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Inner World of Biblical Character professor of speech and drama, David I. Schachne, Chair, Board of Governors, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Dr. Jeffrey S. Gurock, Libby M. Explored in Nahmanides’ Com- presented a talk on “The Jewish Mordecai D. Katz, Chairman, Board of Directors, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Jayne G. Beker, Chair, Board of Governors, Ferkauf Graduate Klaperman Professor of Jewish His- mentary on Genesis.” Oral Tradition and Rhetorical School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chairman, Board of Directors, Azrieli tory, participated in a conference to Theory,” Florida Atlantic University, Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; Julius Berman, celebrate the inauguration of the Prof. Edith Lubetski, SCW head Boca Raton. Chairman, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Semi- nary; Erica Jesselson, Chairperson, Board of Directors, (affiliate) Yeshiva University Center for Jewish History as a major librarian, presided over a session on Museum. resource in Jewish studies. He spoke the Pentateuch at the Society of Rabbi Moses D. Tendler, Rabbi YESHIVA UNIVERSITY TODAY on “American Jewish History: Per- Biblical Literature 2001 Interna- Isaac and Bella Tendler Professor of sonal and Professional Reflections tional Meeting. Jewish Medical Ethics, spoke on Hedy Shulman Managing Editor on a Discipline’s Path Towards “Bioterrorism: Anthrax is Not the June Glazer Scholarly Acceptance.” Daniel Pollack, WSSW assistant Real Assassin” in November. Editor professor, was interviewed by BBC Doug Dayhoff Dr. Meir Havazelet, professor of Radio about a Sixth Circuit Court of Dr. Manfred Weidhorn, Abraham Graphic Designer Bible, published “Unknown Cus- Appeals ruling in the case of S. and Irene Guterman Professor of Jerry Bergman, Kelly Berman, Adam Cohen, Esther Finkle, toms of Hospitality and Protec- Wilkinson v. Flagner. Prison officials English Literature, authored “An Michelle Fogel, Norman Goldberg, Peter Robertson tion,” Saadia’s Commentary and cut off a prisoner’s beard despite his Early Modern ‘Failure of Nerve’,” Contributors Yemenite Midrashim, Bait Mikrah, protests of First Amendment reli- Colloquium: Essays in Literature and www.yu.edu/news/publications August 1962. He authored “The gious protection, and the Court Belief; “The Great Paradigm Shift,” Yeshiva University Today is published monthly during the academic year by the Yemenite Midrashim as Historical ruled that he has the right to sue. Journal of Thought, fall 2001; and Yeshiva University Department of Communications and Public Affiars, 401 Furst and Cultural Source,” Hebrew Lan- “Landmines of the Mind,” Michigan Hall, 500 West 185th St., New York, NY 10033-3201 (212-960-5285). It is dis- tributed free on campus to faculty, staff, and students. © Yeshiva University 2002 guage and Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, Quarterly Review, fall 2001. March 2002 YUToday 3

In this issue, YU Today inaugurates a series of profiles of YU faculty and staff who have spent Living History a lifetime at the University, becoming invaluable threads in the tapestry that is YU. The first subject is Sam Hartstein, the first director of public relations, who has been associated with the institution for 66 years. Sam Hartstein: ‘The Voice of Yeshiva University’

“When you come to a fork in career at the paper.) the road, take it.” He would also serve the —YOGI BERRA “Gray Lady” as a news clerk, working the graveyard shift omehow, Yogi Berra’s alongside some of the greats of loopy advice to make a journalism. The night editors Sdecision and stick to it came to value his extensive makes perfect sense when re- knowledge of Jewish life and flecting on the life of Sam Judaism, giving them a deeper Hartstein. perspective on the horrible Mr. Hartstein came to a fork events unfolding in Europe in the road in 1943, the year during the early ‘40s. he graduated from Yeshiva The only drawback to his College. While his mentors stint at the paper was that it pressed him to study for the often made him late to morn- rabbinate at RIETS, his heart ing classes. This did not please told him to pursue a career in his rebbe, who once com- journalism, a childhood dream. plained to Dr. Belkin. He chose the latter. But the young man, feet As fate would have it, this firmly planted in both worlds, path would also keep him thrived. He even found time to closely tied to the Yeshiva play on the YC basketball community. Indeed, he would team, eventually rising to spend his entire career at YU as team captain, all the more His term of service is ing number of international cult decisions, which I’m not director of public relations, remarkable considering he is believed to be the longest of figures have come to YU to sure just anybody could have getting the University’s mes- barely 5'4". any public relations profes- deliver lectures and to accept made.” sage out to the world. sional at a university or Jewish awards and honors. Does he worry, then, about “Put it in the paper” organization in America. As head of public relations, who will succeed Dr. Norman From the Lower East Side Then came an event that “When I started, every time Mr. Hartstein was fortunate to Lamm? “No, I don’t,” he says. Sam Hartstein was born in would change his life. I called a newspaper I had to meet most of them, including “One of the advantages of get- 1921 on Manhattan’s Lower The occasion was Dr. spell out the name Yeshiva,” Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, ting older is that you worry East Side, the second child of Samuel Belkin’s election as he says. “The word ‘yeshiva’ Nixon, Reagan, and Bush (the less about certain things, and Nathan and Lea (Harris) Hart- president of the College in was an alien term in American elder), David Ben Gurion, this is one of them. There’s stein, a tailor and a housewife, 1943. Yeshiva officials, aware society. I do hope we have Bernard Baruch, Golda Meir, nothing I can do about it. It’s recent émigrés from Eastern of Mr. Hartstein’s ties to The overcome this handicap.” Earl Warren, and Albert up to the current president Europe. Times, asked him if he could The changes he witnessed Einstein, to name a few. and the board.” “My parents spoke Yid- “put it in the paper.” He did. during his tenure at YU are Mention of the great physi- Mr. Hartstein “retired” in dish,” he says, “but in order Subsequent requests for astonishing. Enrollment grew cist evokes one of Mr. Hart- 1994 at the age of 72. But his for us to become Ameri- publicity were also handled from 850 to 7,000, the faculty stein’s fondest memories. “I definition of the word differs canized, they encouraged my with success, and the adminis- from 94 to 1,092, the budget met Einstein several times,” he from most. He still reports reg- brothers and me to speak Eng- tration eventually invited him from $444,000 to $315 mil- recalls. “One of those meet- ularly to his old office, now lish. They wanted us to fit in.” to establish a publicity depart- lion, and the physical plant ings, we brought a number of called the Department of The Hartstein kids were also ment at the College. Four from a single building in our outstanding students Communications and Public encouraged to get an educa- years later, he was hired full Washington Heights to four down to Princeton. One of the Affairs, where he handles a tion and, one by one, they time at a salary of $3,000 a major campuses, including af- people with us was Dr. Ben- variety of projects. found their way to Yeshiva year. filiates in Jerusalem and, until jamin Fine, who was going to “I retired in ‘94,” he insists. College. Over the years, he publi- recently, Los Angeles. interview Einstein for The “It’s a difference of day and The eldest brother, Jacob, cized and chronicled a bewil- But Mr. Hartstein, who has Times. night. I don’t live by the clock. was a member of YC’s first dering array of events and lived in Washington Heights “When Dr. Fine asked I don’t have the administrative graduating class. Next was milestones at Yeshiva, from since 1935, is more impressed Einstein for his opinion on headaches or the meetings— Sam, who enrolled at Boys’ celebrations to groundbreak- by what hasn’t changed. how mathematics is taught in they kill more time than any- High School in 1935, and at ings to literary symposia to “What is amazing about my schools, he replied, ‘I don’t thing.” the Teachers Institute for Men honorary doctorates. experiences here is how so know,’ and that others knew That same year, he was the (forerunner of the Isaac Breuer He is particularly proud of many things have remained more about the subject than recipient of two of Yeshiva’s College of Hebraic Studies), his work related to the cre- constant. For example, a com- he did. top honors, an honorary and finally at YC. ation of the University and the mitment to Torah study, as “It left a lifelong impression Doctor of Humane Letters All the while, Sam worked. founding of the medical well the commitment to out- on me. The other person of from the University and a “I was earning money by the school, Stern College for reach,” he says. great stature to react similarly Lifetime Achievement Award age of sixteen, one way or Women, and the law school. He knows of what he was the late Rav while being from the College. another,” he says, fiddling “The best part is that I’ve speaks. Just after World War II, interviewed by a Life magazine with his ever-present cigar. “I seen all of them thrive,” says Mr. Hartstein studied Yiddish reporter for a special issue on “I have been blessed” did tutoring, preparing kids for Mr. Hartstein, who has been so that he could converse with Judaism.” Mr. Hartstein once said that bar mitzvah. I worked in the called “the voice of Yeshiva European refugees who came “YU is the greatest Jewish post office Christmas and New University.” to YU as students and faculty. From Revel to Belkin to achievement on American Year’s. I was also a bellhop, a His own department thrived And he reached out to help Lamm to… soil. It has remained true to its camp counselor, and for as well. In his 51 years at the many students and employees Mr. Hartstein, now 80, also ideals and has never lost sight eleven years head counselor at helm, the department evolved in the years since. had the good fortune to know of it major mission. I am a number of Jewish sleep-away from a one-man show into a all three Yeshiva presidents. proud that I have been blessed camps.” multifaceted media and devel- Meetings with remark- “Remarkable people, outstand- to have played a role in this Most notably, he was a col- opment operation, earning able men—and women ing scholars,” he says. enterprise.” lege correspondent for The him numerous industry hon- By staying at Yeshiva all “Each one of them brought Many would say that the New York Times, one of only ors and the respect of his those years, Sam Hartstein did- to the job a special skill and Yeshiva has been blessed two at the time. (The other employees (although at times n’t go out into the world; in- talent. And each one had the because Sam Hartstein played was Abe Rosenthal, who went he could be a gruff, demand- stead, the world came to him. courage of his convictions and a role in the life of the on to a long and distinguished ing boss.) Over the years, a bewilder- was forced to make very diffi- University. 4 YUToday March 2002

PEOPLE American students in a changing Dr. Mitchell Orlian, associate pro- Seymour. Condolences to her chil- world. The principals also began fessor of Bible, on the loss of his dren, alumni Helen (Mrs. Jacob) Mazal tovi continued from page 2 planning “twinning” projects mother Fanny. Berman, Rebecca (Dr. Charles) Holocaust Memorial Museum, and between schools in Israel and North Sprung, and Daniel E. (and Gladys (Dr. Julius) Cherny, ad- Hillel houses at George Washington America. Mareleyn Schneider, associate Rosalind) Levine. ministrative assistant to President University and University of professor of sociology, on the loss Lamm, on the birth of grandson Maryland. of her sister Estelle. Binyamin Peled, a former Jewish Samuel Cherny. Condolences toi Telegraphic Agency correspondent. The following MSTA students have Helen Stone, wife of the late Irving Born in New York, he graduated Dr. Norman Linzer, occupant, been signified as commended stu- Dorothy Berman, vice chairman, I. Stone, a Benefactor and Trustee from YU before emigrating to Samuel J. and Jean Sable Chair in dents in the 2002 National Merit SCW Board of Directors who is a YU of RIETS, on the loss of her son, Palestine in 1935. In addition to Jewish Family Social Work, WSSW, Scholarship Program: Avraham Guardian with husband Julius, a YU Ricky Sill. JTA, Mr. Peled also worked for The and his wife Diane on the bat mitz- Albelda, Oren Epstein, Samuel Trustee and chairman of RIETS’ Palestine Post and a number of for- vah of granddaughter Aderet Sara, Flaks, Asher Fredman, Michael Board of Trustees, on the loss of her Cantor Moshe Tessone, BSJM fac- eign wire services, covering the daughter of Moshe and Rebecca Gordon, David Karnarfogel, mother, Lola Gewirtz. ulty member and director, Sephar- 1948 establishment of the State of Linzer, in Israel. Michael Lauer, Steven Rosen- dic Community Activities, on the Israel and the country’s first bloom, Avi Strauss, and Michael Marvin Bienenfeld, Benefactor loss of his father-in-law Isaac Omid. decades. Dr. Meir Havazelet and his wife on Strongin. and member, YU Board of Trustees the birth of a grandson to their son and the RIETS and YC boards, on Howard M. Squadron, attorney Ehud. During Thanksgiving week, the the loss of his sister Elaine Silver. We Mourni and former member of the CSL Association of Modern Orthodox Board of Directors who established Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel Day Schools and Yeshiva High Debbie Gibber, YU Museum Board Anna Tulin Elyachar, a distin- Cardozo’s Squadron Program in YH ‘73, YC ‘77, R ‘79, B ‘87, E. Billi Schools (AMODS), under the aus- member and YU Guardian with her guished communal leader who Law, Media, and Society and who Ivry Professor of Jewish Studies and pices of the Max Stern Division of husband Elliot, a RIETS Board mem- with her late husband, Colonel played a significant role in strength- Chairman, Rebecca Ivry Depart- Communal Services, cosponsored a ber, on the loss of her father Jehiel R. Elyachar, was a Benefactor. ening the law school. ment of Jewish Studies, and his wife principals’ seminar in Israel with the Charles Goldner. Dr. Devorah on the marriage of Jewish Agency for Israel and the Judye Hauryluck, former manager Bronka Weintraub, a member of daughter Tova SCW ‘02 to Yossi New York Board of Jewish Educa- Dr. Elazar Hurvitz, professor of of the Production department. Col- the Albert Einstein College of Milgrom YC ‘02. tion. Dr. Jeremiah Unterman, biblical and Talmudic literature and leagues called her a warm-hearted, Medicine Women’s Division and a AMODS director, and some 20 the Dr. Samuel Belkin Professor of hard-working woman who helped Benefactor with her late husband The Zucker Family on the birth of principals from the US and Canada, Judaic Studies at YC, on the loss of many people in her department. Jacob. They supported medical re- a son to Erica Zucker, widow of joined together with 20 principals his sister Sarah Hurvitz. search and education programs at Andrew Zucker, a Cardozo Law of Israeli State religious schools in Goldie Levine, a member of the Einstein. School alumnus who was killed in Jerusalem to discuss methods of Anthony Kelly, President Lamm’s SCW Board of Directors who was a the World Trade Center bombing, making Jewish studies relevant to driver, on the loss of his son Tyrin. Master Builder with her husband may his memory live on.

Editor’s note: Mr. Rosenberg perished on September 11 in the World Trade Center tragedy. Torah Shield II throughout the East Coast to ganization, the Jewish Agency collect items to be dispensed for Israel, and private donors. 1992 alumnus of Yeshiva University continued from page 1 High School for Boys to Israelis. Members of the student Yeshiva; Rabbi Mordechai Each student took a second committee were instrumental Mark L. Rosenberg Willig, Rabbi Dr. Sol Roth piece of luggage filled with in organizing the program, Professor of Talmud and Con- the donated food and sup- developing its itinerary, and Mark L. Rosenberg met his future wife, Jennifer, in 1995 on temporary Halakhah at RIETS; plies, which were distributed securing financial support. a seven-hour bus ride to Richmond, VA, for a Jewish youth Rabbi Michael Rosensweig, throughout the week. Student committee mem- program. He was trying to shine a flashlight on a book and Nathan and Perel Schupf The mission was coordinat- ber Julie Pianko said, “We went turn the pages at the same time. She sat behind him, and finally offered to hold the flashlight. He gratefully accepted. Professor of Talmud; and Rabbi ed by the Orthodox Union to Israel with one purpose in “I thought he was really cute,” said Mrs. Rosenberg, who Harold Reichman. and cosponsored by the Israel mind—to support Israel and to recalled being smitten by his green-blue eyes and smile. Another facet of the mis- Ministry of Tourism, the Con- publicly share the message Mr. Rosenberg, 26, a software developer for Marsh & sion was Project Kesher. Prior ference of Presidents of Major that the best way to demon- McLennan, was no stranger to buses, or subways, for that to departure, students organ- American Jewish Organiza- strate solidarity is to go there.” matter. His friends called him “Mr. Public Transportation” ized drives in communities tions, the World Zionist Or- because he favored mass transit over driving because of concern for the environment. His wife recalls him hailing a cab only three times during their courtship and marriage. Rosenberg also used to ride from his home in Teaneck, An Iranian Jew, President Among his leadership affili- NJ, over the George Washington Bridge and down to Central RIETS Chag Katsav began his political ations, Mr. Smilowitz is vice Park on Sunday mornings. HaSemikhah “He loved the city,” his wife said. “He never wanted to career as mayor of the devel- chairman of Congregation go anywhere else.” continued from page 1 opment town of Kiryat Ahavas Achim B’nai Jacob and Malachi at age 24. He has been David in West Orange, NJ, (With permission of The New York Times) gift to RIETS as part of the a member of the Knesset since president of the Jewish Ed- RIETS Capital Campaign. 1977, holding various minis- ucational Center of Elizabeth, President Katsav will re- terial positions. and member of the board of ceive an honorary doctor of Between June 1996 and July The Union of Orthodox Jewish humane letters degree at the 1999, he served as minister of Congregations. Board Newsi ceremony, beginning at 11 am tourism, deputy prime minis- He is the former chief exec- in the Nathan Lamport Audi- ter, and minister in charge of utive officer of Allied Building The following have been elected members of Yeshiva University torium of David H. Zysman Israel-Arab affairs. Products, a wholesale distribu- boards: Hall on the Wilf Campus. Mr. Smilowitz will receive tor of building materials that “He is most deserving of the Eitz Chaim Award, the he established with his father • Board of Trustees, Yeshiva University: Dr. Jayne G. Beker, Marjorie this honor,” said Rabbi Robert highest honor RIETS can be- and brother in 1950. Diener Blenden S. Hirt, assistant to the presi- stow upon those who have The Chag HaSemikhah will • Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Neil A. dent and occupant, Rabbi made outstanding contribu- be of special personal signifi- Clark, Dr. Roger Duvivier, Michael F. Price Sidney Shoham Chair in Rab- tions to the institution and the cance to Mr. Smilowitz and his • Board of Directors, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law: Hon. binic and Community Leader- Jewish community. family as his son, Mark, will be Sandra J. Feuerstein, Morris Goldfarb, Terence A. Todman, Jr. ship. “In his person, his life’s among those receiving ordina- • Board of Directors, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish “President Katsav is one of dedication, and his family, he tion. His son-in-law, Rabbi Studies: I. Lewis Gordon Israel’s most distinguished lead- is the finest example of the Eliyahu Teitz, associate rabbi • Board of Directors, Yeshiva College: Joshua Annenberg ers and an observant Jew who ancient partnership between of the Jewish Educational • Board of Directors, Stern College for Women: Joan Jakubovitz, is deeply committed to the Zevulun, the tribe of maritime Center of Elizabeth, NJ, is a Doris Travis mission of RIETS. In addition, and business, and Yissachar, RIETS musmakh (alumnus). • Board of Directors, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education his selection reflects the his- the tribe of learning,” said and Administration: Julius Berman, David E. Miller toric connection between our Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, Max institution and Israel.” and Marion Grill Dean of RIETS. March 2002 YUToday 5

Student Profile Mordechai Raskas: Working with wood to help his fellow man

any people associate working interested Mr. Raskas chance to put his skills to use. community service and he began to develop those Over the course of four Mexclusively with hos- skills, creating bowls, mallets, months, he and a friend put pital visits, giving charity to and signs by “woodturning,” a approximately 150 hours into those in need, and working process of shaping wood into building a new bimah, aron, in soup kitchens. forms on a lathe. and shtender (lectern) for his But for Mordechai Raskas, a “My goal in life is not to be school, which are still in use. Yeshiva College sophomore a carpenter, but I love using “Building the aron was def- Mr. Raskas’ gazebo at Camp Morasha. and Distinguished Scholar, the my woodworking skills as a initely the most satisfying of ultimate act of community hobby to create things that all my woodworking projects families, helping to construct religious-Zionist youth move- service means using his car- people will appreciate and that because it has such a special houses for local families in ment in US and Canada, pentry skills for projects like will help them,” Mr. Raskas and holy purpose,” he said. need of adequate shelter. where he volunteered on an building an aron (holy ark) said. “Every time I return home, “There is really a sense of army base building a club- when his school needed one, By the time he was in high I go to pray at my old high service and community know- house for soldiers and repair- or constructing houses for school, Mr. Raskas had already school at least once. When I ing that you are building up ing tanks. He is considering low-income families. set up a woodworking work- see the aron, I am always poor neighborhoods and help- majoring in the sciences, al- Mr. Raskas, a St. Louis na- shop in his house, and had reminded of the experience ing to rejuvenate them,” he though he has an interest in tive, came to YU this year after spent a summer at Camp Mor- and fun [we] had building it.” noted. architecture, as well. spending two years studying asha, a summer sleepaway The following year, Mr. “Some people actually live “I have always dreamed in Israel. He first learned basic camp in Pennsylvania, build- Raskas took his carpentry skills in the houses while they are about what it would be like to woodworking skills from an ing a gazebo. and passion for community being finished, and it means a move to pre-1948 Israel, culti- older brother, who wanted When he found out his service to a new level. He vol- lot to them that you are build- vate the land, and build the them to share something in school was planning to dedi- unteered at Habitat for Hu- ing a home for them.” first modern structures,” he common despite an 18-year cate a new Torah, but was manity, a worldwide organiza- Mr. Raskas recently re- remarked. “Building houses in age difference. using a bimah (pulpit) in disre- tion that builds affordable turned from a mission to Israel Israel would in a sense be ful- The initial exposure to wood- pair, Mr. Raskas jumped at the housing for underprivileged sponsored by Bnei Akiva, a filling this dream.”

boardroom for the ceremony awesome experiences of my Dr. Lamm goes the extra mile for as he could only be on the life, especially at this point, ground for 90 minutes, and now that my health has taken Mikey Butler’s graduation Mr. Butler’s parents gathered a turn for the worse. I keep on were additional credits over together friends and family, thinking ‘Thank God I don’t and above his degree require- some of whom came from as have to sit for finals!’” ments, President Lamm saw far away as Detroit and New Receiving his bachelor of no reason why the student York City. arts degree was the culmina- couldn’t graduate then and “I was extremely over- tion of years of determination there. whelmed when I walked into for the fifth-year senior, who Within 72 hours, he con- the room and saw all the grad- was rarely on campus for more tacted the young man’s family, uation decorations and all than four to six weeks in a row, arranged a surprise graduation these people there. There were frequently faxing and email- ceremony at the city’s airport, even friends who hadn’t been ing papers and tests from his and flew to Pittsburgh to con- able to travel to Pittsburgh to hospital bed and keeping up fer the degree on Mr. Butler visit me before,” he recalled. with his many extracurricular himself. It was the first time in his responsibilities. “I thought it was just going 25 years as president that Dr. Mikey Butler’s special grad- to be a bikur cholim, a ‘get well’ Lamm had personally given uation was a fitting way for the visit, from Dr. Lamm. In fact, I out a degree, but it was an University to pay tribute to a was worried he had come for honor he thought befitting a dedicated student. hen President Nor- University to him. precisely the opposite rea- student of Mr. Butler’s enthusi- man Lamm found Mr. Butler, a popular and son—to tell me I had to drop asm and hard work. Wout that Mikey But- active student who suffers out of this semester,” said Mr. “He is one of the most out- Editor’s note: As we went to ler, then a senior at Yeshiva from cystic fibrosis, spent most Butler, who was vice president standing young men I have press, Mikey Butler underwent a College, wasn’t well enough to of last semester hospitalized of Yeshiva College Student ever met. He never let his successful lung transplant. Our leave his home in Pittsburgh and was advised by his doctors Council in his final year. health become a handicap. He thoughts and prayers are with to sign up for the spring not to register for this term. President Lamm, mean- came along heroically,” said him and his family during this semester, he did something Recognizing that the courses while, arranged to use Pitts- Dr. Lamm. difficult time. unheard of: he took Yeshiva Mr. Butler was going to take burgh Airport’s executive “It was one of the most

Elana Soleimani, president of Stern College for Women Student Council, Mr. Davis Students pay Mikey Butler gathered a crowd of Mr. Butler’s friends for the trip. “They were willing to pay for it with Student Council money, but Rabbi David Himber, dean of student affairs, a ‘get well’ visit decided his office would pay,” explained Avi Rosman, coordinator of student serv- t was Hanukkah, and nearing the end of the term. There were papers to be writ- ices, who accompanied the students on the trip. ten and finals for which to study. But that didn’t stop a group of Yeshiva “We left New York City at five thirty in the morning, arrived in Pittsburgh at IUniversity students from driving six hours each way to see the newly-graduated around noon, and then left for the drive back at six in the evening. We only got Mikey Butler, recuperating at home in Pittsburgh. home after midnight, so it was a long day,” said Mr. Rosman.“The tone of the visit “We were planning on going out to visit him anyway, but we realized we wasn’t focused on him being sick at all. We had a barbecue, lit the Hanukkah can- should do it sooner because he was quite ill,” said Michael Davis, a senior at Sy dles and sang Hanukkah songs. It was a regular hang-out party,” said Mr. Davis. Syms School of Business and president of its Student Council. “The trip was so inspiring. It gave all who participated much chizuk (encour- Together with Lou Shapp, president of Yeshiva College Student Council, and agement). Mikey was just overwhelmed with joy,” said Mr. Shapp. 6 YUToday March 2002

Students who took the 2001 medical school MCATs last spring continued a ‘Shemirah’ story garners four-year trend of test im- acceptances impressive provement, as well, the report international coverage noted. The average scores were ndergraduate members College for Women; 34 were 8.1 in verbal reasoning and he New York Times story describing the shemirah performed of the 2001 graduating accepted—26 from YC, 8 from 10.2 in the physical sciences. by Stern College students at the NY Medical Examiner’s Uclass have continued SCW. YU students also averaged 10.2 Tsite in “The Nation Challenged” section, has generated YU’s tradition of impressive Medical schools at which on biological sciences. extraordinary coverage in the international, national and local admission to medical schools, students were accepted in- Of the 16 students who media. with an acceptance rate that is clude YU’s Albert Einstein Col- applied to dental schools, 14 The mitzvah (commandment) of shemirah stipulates that a nearly double the national lege of Medicine, Boston Univ- were accepted—10 of the 12 Jewish body must never be left unattended and someone must average. ersity, Columbia University, YC students and all 4 SCW stu- stay with the body from the time of death until burial. For the academic year 2000– Mount Sinai School of Med- dents. Overall, this translates Outlets ranging from the BBC to the Associated Press, the 2001, approximately 66% of icine, Sackler School of Med- into a 94% acceptance rate as Jerusalem Post to PBS, and newspapers around the nation ran The YU applicants were accepted, icine (Israel), SUNY/ Down- compared to 80% last year. Times story or similar reports on this selfless act. The total read- compared to 36% nationwide. state, UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental schools at which ership of the coverage thus far exceeds 18,000,000 readers. Also, According to a report re- Medical, UMDNJ-Robert Wood students were accepted in- individuals from all walks of life have made contributions to leased by the Office of Pre- Johnson, and Yale University clude Boston University, Col- funds for victims of the World Trade Center tragedy in honor of Health Advisement, 50 YU School of Medicine. umbia, Harvard, NYU, Penn the students’ prayer vigils. students applied to medical Osteopathic schools were State, UMDNJ, and University In addition, numerous congregations in the northeast region school last year—38 from NY College of Osteopathic of Pennsylvania. have requested that the students speak at their synagogues about Yeshiva College, 12 from Stern Medicine and Sackler. this special mitzvah to inspire their congregants. Our students have performed a true kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God’s name) that reflects positively on the entire Jewish community. It should be noted that many Yeshiva College and RIETS stu- Wilf Campus named ported Yeshiva University for of academic achievement— dents also played an important role in performing shemirah many years, made its first the Wilf Distinguished Un- immediately after the tragedy occurred both during the work- continued from page 1 Benefactor-level ($1 million or dergraduate Scholarship Fund. week and throughout the High Holy Days. Their efforts were not continuing philanthropic sup- more) contribution 11 years This brings their total support highlighted in the media but are no less significant and merito- port,” said University presi- ago, when it established a for the Campaign to $12 mil- rious. All the students continue to maintain their vigil. dent Dr. Norman Lamm. “The major scholarship fund for lion, making the Wilf family the third largest Campaign donor. Joseph Wilf and Leonard Wilf are chief executive officer Stern and YC annual dinners held and president respectively, of Garden Homes. Joseph Wilf’s sons, Mark and Zygmunt, are also principals of the firm and active partners in the family’s philanthropic activities. Along with support for Israel, Jewish education as the pathway to leadership in the Jewish community has long been a top priority for the Wilf family in their philanthropic Leonard and Joseph Wilf endeavors. “Jewish education is very benefits of this new gift will be financially needy and deserv- close to our hearts,” said evident to all those who study ing students of the three Joseph, a YU trustee and a and work on the Wilf Campus.” undergraduate schools. member of the Board of Joseph Wilf and his late More recently, Joseph and Directors of its Sy Syms School Stern College for Women saluted Dr. Norman Lamm for his brother, Harry, founded Gar- his nephew, Leonard Wilf, of Business. 25 years as president of YU and honored Jessica M. den Homes Management, one gave $2 million during the “Our concern is for the wel- Bibliowicz, Susan Rosenblatt, and Daryl Roth as Women of of the New York-New Jersey early phase of the Campaign fare of Yeshiva University and Achievement at its annual dinner at the Pierre. From left: area’s foremost real estate for Yeshiva University to cre- we are enthusiastic about mak- appellate lawyer and SCW parent Ms. Rosenblatt, dinner development building and ate a major scholarship pro- ing the campus as attractive chair and YU trustee Ronnie Heyman, theatrical producer management firms. gram for undergraduate stu- and conducive to learning and Ms. Roth, and financial services executive Ms. Bibliowicz. The family, which has sup- dents at the highest level studying as possible.”

Bookshelf

Seventy Faces: Articles of Faith by Dr. Norman Lamm, president, Yeshiva University KTAV Publishing House, Inc. Hoboken, NJ This two-volume compendium includes 60 of Dr. Lamm’s most important “popular” articles, some of which were first delivered as lectures in various forums. The first volume includes chapters on Modern Orthodoxy, faith, community, morality and the family, and education. The second vol- ume examines themes including Halakhah, holidays, the rabbinate, Israel and Zionism, and the Holocaust.

Halakhic Correspondence of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Yeshiva College honored Benefactors Harriet and Joshua Edited by Haym Soloveitchik, PhD L. Muss at its scholarship dinner at the New York Marriot Merkin Family Professor of Jewish History and Literature, BRGS Brooklyn. The event established the Harriet and Joshua L. Dr. Soloveitchik has published a double-columned folio volume of some 325 pages. He and two Muss Scholarship Fund at YC. A record $1.1 million was associates worked eight years on the project. The book appeared in late August 2001 and is in its raised. From left: Dr. Lamm, Harriet and Joshua L. Muss, second printing. Mindy Lamm, and Ruth Muss. March 2002 YUToday 7

Gauging the Schottenstein and Abraham honors importance of art programs honing minds

ith a double cur- painting. sk Elie Rosenblatt, a riculum, most un- “It seemed like something violinist and senior at Wdergraduate students that was fun and interesting. AYeshiva College, about have little time to seriously What I found was that it chal- his favorite kind of music, and pursue an interest in the arts. lenged me as much as any he’ll launch into an animated This is especially true at the other class I’ve taken here. I discussion about the evolution Wilf Campus, where the work- learned about color, brush of klezmer, a long-term interest load is coupled with a prevail- strokes—sometimes I’d be in and by no coincidence the topic ing expectation that young the studio late at night in of his senior honors thesis. men enter professional careers, order to finish a project.” He is one of a select group and so must prioritize their Mr. Krieger took two semes- of students at Yeshiva Uni- time accordingly. ters of painting and through versity pursuing their passion the medium found for knowledge through the Jay that he became more and Jeanie Schottenstein aware of his surround- Honors Program at Yeshiva ings. “Walking outside College and the S. Daniel and seeing the way Abraham Honors Program at YU Senior Honors Student, Philip Green shadows fall, the way Stern College for Women. colors change at differ- The senior research project, many will present their ideas have been developing over the ent times of the day— the culminating requirement in a public forum. All students course of the program. being sensitive to the of the honors programs, offers have more opportunities to see “You learn more about your beauty around you is students the challenge of mas- the life of the mind at work,” subject when you have to directly connected to tering a particular field. he said. write about it,” explains Creation, to God.” “The honors program is a This year, both programs Michael Helfand, whose topic YC senior Daniel unique opportunity,” says have the highest number of for the research project is “The Galvut signed up for Philip Green, a chemistry students completing senior Judaic Social Contract and Ms. Golin’s drawing major whose senior research research projects since their Social Contract Theory.” class because he was topic is “The Effects of establishment. About 16 wo- Students writing research looking to “find” him- Angle Strain on Transition men and 12 men are hoping projects work with a faculty self culturally. After Metal Carbene Alkyne Ben- to submit research projects by mentor, who helps them traveling through Eu- zannulation.” the end of this academic year. develop as critical thinkers. rope and visiting “You get smaller classes, the “The senior project is the “I found it very beneficial many of its museums, best professors, and courses culmination of the honors stu- working with my mentor, Dr. he decided that the that add new and challenging dents’ academic career,” says Marcel Perlman, professor of Adjunct Associate Professor Golin in the hands-on experience dimensions to your degree.” Dr. Cynthia Wachtell, assistant psychology, as he is a practic- YC art studio. of an art class would Dr. Will Lee, associate professor of English and direc- ing clinician and has a broad “help me define professor of English and acting tor of the women’s honors knowledge of the issues in his While there are students myself more articulately. director of the men’s honors program. field,” says Lisa Helprin, whose who are talented and serious “For me, art is an escape. program, says the senior re- “Although the project might project proposes that there about art, to others it may There are no limitations, no search project enhances the seem daunting at first, it ulti- should be a professional code seem a frivolous pursuit, ac- boundaries. Art helps open undergraduate academic envi- mately becomes a source of of conduct for the advertising cording to Shoshana Golin, people up, helps them to see ronments of Yeshiva University. great pride.” industry in the United States. adjunct associate professor of things from another perspec- “As the senior honors stu- The senior research project Mr. Rosenblatt admits that art at Yeshiva College. tive.” dents grow more and more requires students to apply the research project is tough But, said the former Stern And then there’s the satis- interested in their research, selectively the methods, criti- but adds, “It’s easy to underes- College for Women art major, faction of seeing a finished many naturally talk with their cal thinking, and intellectual timate your potential. You can in reality art has a great deal to piece hanging. friends about it. In the spring, and communicative skills they do more than you think.” offer students who might not “It’s the best feeling,” Mr. have given the discipline a sec- Krieger said. “The paintings ond thought. that now hang on the walls of “The majority of students my apartment—I look at them at YU come from a yeshiva day and say, ‘that’s my work.’ It’s school background where something I’m really proud their exposure to art was mini- of.” mal, so they may not know “When you’re done with a that there’s a way of interact- drawing, let’s say, you think, ing with the world that’s very wow. I’ve worked hard and different yet very wonderful,” I’ve really accomplished some- said Ms. Golin, a professional thing,” said Mr. Galvut. printmaker and painter. Student artwork was on dis- A graduate of the yeshiva play at the YC/SCW Arts Festi- day school system herself, she val, Feb. 10–19. became serious about pursuing Events included gallery pre- art as a career while a student sentations, as well as student at SCW. concerts, prose and poetry “Exploring areas that make readings, and a night of one- you think in a different way act plays. broadens your overall think- ing ability. Art utilizes your physical self and your mental energies at the same time, so it’s a more complete way of feeling and perceiving.” Matt Krieger, a history major who graduated in Jan- Dr. Karen Bacon, Stern College for Women dean since 1977, was invested as the inaugural Dr. uary, called his introduction to Monique C. Katz Dean at a ceremony at Jerome and Geraldine Schottenstein Residence Hall in the arts “eye-opening.” His November. The deanship was endowed by a gift from Dr. Monique C. Katz, SCW Board of Directors first encounter was with art member, and Mordecai D. Katz, YU trustee and chairman, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish history to fulfill a YC require- Studies Board of Directors. Their gift was made in conjunction with the Mozes S. Schupf Foundation, ment, and it spurred him to and also establishes an endowed scholarship fund at the College. Pictured: Mr. and Dr. Katz; Marjorie broaden his horizons through Diener Blenden, SCW board chairman; and Dean Bacon. 8 YUToday March 2002

Faculty Profile: they have been transformed do your thesis on William and no longer fit into the Morris? Carole Silver mold of women who think I chose Morris because I continued from page 1 they are supposed to keep found the late poetry of Robert their hands down and their Browning unintelligible and students’ interests and with mouths shut lest they be con- there was very little written on new trends in the teaching of sidered “too brainy.” Morris. He fascinated me be- literature—all the while mak- Another positive outcome cause he was so multifaceted. ing sure that students get the is that they network with He was an artist who also basic skills they need. other women; they are increas- designed wallpaper, fabrics, What has not changed is ingly successful in the business stained glass windows, and the quality of our students and world and follow more diversi- furniture. the intimacy of the student/ fied career paths. This was in addition to faculty relationship. Tell me about your inter- being a leader of English One of the most important est in fairies and Victorian socialism, a poet, and great developments within the cur- society. Is Tolkien’s popular- thinker. His motto was: “Have riculum is women’s studies ity part of that interest? nothing in your home that courses. For example, Dr. Ellen Many of the same princi- you do not know to be useful Schrecker [professor of history] ples that underlie people’s sto- or believe to be beautiful.” and I are team-teaching an ries of, and belief in, aliens That resonated with me and I honors course this semester generated the fairy tales of ear- was drawn to him. called Women, Culture and lier times. Fairies have merely My dissertation was on his Society. It’s about women’s changed color and shape in long poem, “The Earthly history and women’s literature our era. Paradise.” My first book, The in England, the US, and France Tolkien comes from this Romance of William Morris, and during the nineteenth and tradition of Victorian fairy lore three collections of essays were twentieth centuries. This is the although his tales are based on devoted to him. Poet Maya Angelou was the inaugural speaker of the Dr. Marcia second time we’re teaching it. Scandinavian folklore as well Mainly, I worked on Morris’ Robbins-Wilf Scholar-in-Residence Program. The program brings The S. Daniel Abraham as English sources. poetry and prose fantasies, but top scholars, authors, artists, and opinion-shapers to Stern Honors Program has been My most recent book, that got me interested in his College. Ms. Angelou presented a unique lecture-performance at important and successful for Strange and Secret Peoples: art, design, and political theo- the Geraldine Schottenstein Cultural Center at the Midtown Stern, combinng enriched Fairies and Victorian Conscious- ry. His decorative art is emulat- Campus. conventional courses and ness, discusses how a given ed and imitated to this day. newer, innovative ones, often society uses and interprets My research led to my

The Human Stain and Louise independence. He was impris- Erdrich’s Love Medicine. And, I oned and later went into exile desperately try to keep up with for a time. The New York Times and The By profession, he is an eco- New Yorker. nomic historian specializing in I am very interested in non the history of labor. He retired Western, postcolonial writers last year to write his own book from India, Japan, and South on South Africa since the Africa including Salman Rush- 1920s. die, Anita Desai, Murakami, What are you working on and Coetzee. I would love to currently? have time to read more non I am working on a group of fiction, especially good biogra- nineteenth-century novels using films, computers, and fairy lore and people’s fascina- becoming interested in fields phies. written by women who were other media. tion with it. outside of literature and my What are some of your either South African or visitors The Senior Honors Thesis is The book actually derived work has become increasingly hobbies? to the country from 1860 for- the final project for honors from one of my courses, a class multidisciplinary. Who has time for hobbies? ward. Oliver Schreiner is prob- students and it can be exciting on Myth and Folklore: Re- I was a cocurator of an ex- When I can, I walk, cook, and ably the only author in that to work with them on a one- lations to Literature. It was one hibit of Morris’ art and design listen to music. group that people know. to-one basis. of those rare occasions when in 1992 that was sponsored by What are some of your I discovered about twenty Do you think women ben- one’s teaching and research the Art Gallery of Ontario and accomplishments? interesting novels by her con- efit from single-sex educa- coincide. shown all over Canada. As part I’m proud of my books, temporaries—women who tion? Who were your mentors? of the exhibit I helped create a proud of my writing, proud of were popular in their day but Yes. When women raised Carl Ray Woodring, with room typical of those decorat- my teaching. I’m also proud, I are now forgotten. with traditional values start whom I did my dissertation at ed by Morris. It was thrilling to think, of having a reasonably I’m working on bringing college, they often do not feel Columbia, Jerome Hamilton have an opportunity to work happy, contented life. I’ve been some of the novels back into as free [as others] to express Buckley, John Rosenberg, and in areas that complement my lucky but I’ve had to work print and perhaps doing a themselves in coed classes. A Marjorie Hope Nicholson, expertise in literature. hard to achieve that balance. book on the novels and novel- single-sex environment em- chair of Columbia’s English What books have you And, I have a wonderful hus- ists. I anticipate that this will powers and liberates them. Department. I did take classes read recently? band. be a lengthy project. I’m also They feel more freedom to with Lionel Trilling, Moses I just started Margaret At- He was a South African involved in another exhibit of develop. Hadas and others. wood’s The Blind Assassin. I’ve political activist and did a lot Victorian painting, again with By the time they graduate, Why did you choose to also been reading Philip Roth’s to try to help South Africa gain a curator in Toronto.

erated through postconviction Cardozo Innocence Project launches website DNA testing, 11 off death row. he Innocence Project, a new legislation, shifting of has launched a comprehensive expansion of the Innocence More than half of these cases path-breaking pro-bono policies, and a heightened website, innocenceproject.org, Network," according to Prof. were handled by Cardozo's Tclinic founded in 1992 public awareness of issues sur- that will be a critical aid for Barry Scheck, project codirec- Innocence Project, worked on at Benjamin N. Cardozo rounding wrongful convic- defense lawyers and other tor with Prof. Peter Neufeld. "It by Cardozo law students and School of Law that works to tions. legal professionals, for prison- will create synergy amongst the clinic cofounders. The free wrongfully convicted pris- It has also helped establish ers and their families, for the the various organizations that clinic has generated legislative oners through DNA testing, an Innocence Network of sim- media, and for individuals share two important goals: the reforms and helped focus the has opened a window on the ilar wrongful conviction clin- interested in the subject. correction and the prevention legal community on efforts to criminal justice system. Its ics in law and journalism "The site will be a techno- of wrongful convictions." prevent the miscarriage of jus- postconviction exonerations schools across the nation. logical springboard for our By March 2002, 102 prison- tice and the cause of wrongful have spurred the passing of Now, the Innocence Project continuing work and the ers in the US have been exon- convictions. March 2002 YUToday 9

Einstein Roundup Rabbi Horwitz is inaugural Rabbi Dovid Lifshitz Professor of Talmud • Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine abbi David Horwitz, Rabbi Horwitz, an alumnus have developed a method of gene therapy that corrects sickle cell a rosh yeshiva (professor of YU High Schools, Yeshiva disease in mice, suggesting future therapies designed to treat the Rof Talmud) in the College, Bernard Revel Grad- genetic disease in humans. The new method is described in the undergraduate Yeshiva Pro- uate School of Jewish Studies December 14 issue of the journal Science. gram/Mazer School of Tal- —where he was an Irving and mudic Studies (MYP), has been Helen Spatz Scholar—and • Lupus, an incurable autoimmune disease that destroys the cen- named inaugural occupant of RIETS, where he was a fellow tral nervous system, has remained an unexplainable mystery for the Rabbi Dovid Lifshitz Chair of the Gruss Kollel Elyon, gives decades. Now, scientists at Einstein, led by Betty A. Diamond, in Talmud. a shiur (discourse) at MYP. MD, chief of the division of rheumatology, report that they may Rabbinic Alumni, the alum- In 1997, he was recipient of have identified exactly how lupus antibodies kill nerve cells. The ni association of Rabbi Isaac YU’s 13th Annual Moshe and discovery eventually may lead to new therapies for the disease, Elchanan Theological Sem- Madelaine Baumel Judaic Fac- the Einstein researchers said. inary, has made a $1 million ulty Incentive Award, which gift to establish the chair at honors outstanding Jewish RABBI HORWITZ • Dr. Diamond recently received the Distinguished Investigator RIETS. studies educators at the Uni- Award of the American College of Rheumatology, which is given Rabbi Dovid Lifshitz, known versity and RIETS. Alumni Rabbi Berel Rosensweig, annually to a senior scientist who is making significant contri- as the Suvalker Rav, was a “He is one of the young adjunct professor of Jewish butions to the field of rheumatology. revered rabbinic sage and brilliant talmidei chachamim history at Yeshiva College, and long-time rosh yeshiva at [scholars] with broad Jewish Rabbi Max Schreier were • The US Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Pro- RIETS. He first joined the sem- scholarly sweep who help to instrumental in securing the gram recently awarded a $626,000 grant to Robert Burk, MD, inary in 1944 and was the assure RIETS’ Torah primacy funds to establish the gift. professor of epidemiology and social medicine and a leading occupant of the I. Meier and now and in the future,” ac- The large gathering includ- medical geneticist at Einstein, for his ongoing study to identify Henrietta Segals Chair in cording to Rabbi Zevulun ed faculty, students, Rabbinic genetic markers that might increase a man’s risk for developing Talmud. Charlop, Max and Marion Alumni, and members of prostate cancer. He taught thousands of stu- Grill Dean at RIETS. Rabbi Lifshitz’ family. The pro- For nearly three years, Dr. Burk and his colleagues have been dents and was beloved by them. In November, a plaque was gram included reminiscences studying DNA samples from Jewish men. “Studying a homoge- A world-recognized authority dedicated in memory of Rabbi of Rabbi Lifshitz by RIETS rosh nous group such as Jews, Amish, or French Acadians is helpful on Halakhah, elder statesman Lifshitz in the main beit mid- hayeshiva (president) Rabbi because fewer genetic mutations have occurred within such pop- among rabbinic leaders, and rash (study hall) of Zysman Norman Lamm and Rabbi ulations,” he explained. esteemed communal leader, he Hall, where Rabbi Lifshitz Charlop, and a shiur by Rabbi died at age 86 in 1993. spent much of his time. Horwitz.

new program at Ferkauf ty to serve a multicultural pop- help strengthen psychological New Beker program Graduate School of Psy- ulation,” Dr. Givner said. services in the Jewish commu- Achology is providing Many of the boys and girls nity,” said Dr. Beker, who provides vital services psychological services to an at Beth Jacob Beth Miriam are earned her masters and doc- under-served segment of Heb- Bukharian, from families that toral degrees at Ferkauf and is to schools rew day school children, fami- emigrated from parts of the a psychologist in private prac- lies, and teachers in New York former Soviet Union bordering tice and at the Bank Street City. Afghanistan and Pakistan. College of Education. The program was made pos- The Beker Program for Psy- “We came up with the idea sible by Benefactor-level gift chological Services in Schools that Ferkauf could serve as a from Dr. Jayne G. Beker, YU is under the leadership of Dr. bridge to provide psychologi- trustee and chairman of Judith Silver, the full-time pro- cal services to some of the Ferkauf’s Board of Governors, gram coordinator and a Fer- needier schools in the Or- and her husband Harvey kauf graduate with prior Heb- thodox community.” Beker. rew day school experience as a “By next September,” Dr. Beth Jacob Beth Miriam in school psychologist. Givner said, “we plan to add a the Bronx is the first school to She is assisted by Miryam second school to the program. participate in the program, ac- Benovitz, a fifth-year doctoral We also are exploring linkages cording to Dr. Abraham Giv- student at Ferkauf and a certi- with Stern College for Women ner, Silverstein Professor of fied school psychologist, who and Yeshiva College that will School Psychology at Ferkauf. is the full-time intern at the enable undergraduates to serve “The school was eager to school. as mentors or big brothers and Dr. Silver (left), program coordinator, is assisted by Miryam expand its psychological serv- “Several years ago, we be- sisters.” Benovitz (center), a doctoral student at FGS. ices and offered an opportuni- gan thinking about ways to

High school students raise $1,000 for heroes and fallen alumnus

Students of The Marsha alumnus who perished on the Stern Talmudical Academy– 96th floor of the Trade Yeshiva University High School Center’s north tower (see We for Boys (MSTA) gathered in Mourn, p. 4). November to demonstrate Students raised $1,000, their gratitude for the heroic which was donated equally to efforts of New York’s firefight- the Widows’ and Orphans’ ers and police officers follow- Funds of the New York Fire ing the World Trade Center Department and the New tragedy. York Police Department in MSTA held a ceremony at memory of Mr. Rosenberg, the Wilf Campus to applaud and presented the firefighters New York’s bravest and finest in attendance with a plaque and to honor the memory of of appreciation signed by all Mark L. Rosenberg, a 1992 MSTA students. 10 YUToday March 2002

with a slim 31-30 advantage. the low post. Yossy Gev all-time leading scorer Upset at the lack of offen- The Ducks began to pound sive rhythm, a distraught the ball each possession down at Yeshiva Halpert insisted that the Macs to Nyilas (19 points), and the needed to "execute better on Macs were helpless to stop lashbulbs popped, the offense" and "control the big- him. Over a short span of crowd rose to their feet, guys inside" on defense. about four minutes, the lead Fand the noise built to a The Macs seemed to heed shrunk to four points. But crescendo at the Max Stern their coach's instructions—at Hami ended any chance of a Athletic Center as Yossy Gev least at first. Coming out in a comeback, hitting two free received a pass from Eli Hami new defense, a 3–1–1, the throws with 1:24 left, and con- in transition and scored the Macs played very aggressively, verting the conventional three- way he had done 1806 times jumping out to a 12–2 run. point play on the following before—with power and fi- After forcing a bad shot on the possession with 59 seconds nesse. Ducks first possession, the left. Backing in against the larg- Macs scored at the other end It would give the Macs a er Istvan Nyilas, Gev spun when Zev Hendles grabbed much-needed victory, evening around in a power move and two offensive rebounds in a their record at 11–11, and kissed the ball off the glass to row and converted the put- boosting them to 8–6 in the pass Ayal Hod's 13-year-old all- back on the second one. Skyline Conference. time scoring record at Yeshiva Hendles (7 points, 13 But the story of the night University. rebounds) would score again was Gev. A native of Rehovot, Immediately after scoring on a jump shot off a steal by Israel, the 6'4" power-forward the record-breaking basket, Hami, and another steal by has earned the respect of his Gev pumped his fists and Hami led to a Gev bucket. On coaches and teammates for his waved his arms in the air, the ensuing possession, Hami character off the court as clearly euphoric at the dramat- fed Gev for a three-pointer in much as his prowess on it. ic moment. At the next stop- front of his own bench. After “He had a spectacular night, Ayal Hod congratulates Yossy Gev on breaking his 13-year-old page of play, Gev was immedi- two free throws by John and he's had a spectacular all-time scoring record. ately surround by all his team- Almonte, Jack Yulzary (9 career,” Halpert said after the mates as he hugged his coach, points) drained a three-pointer game. “He's a great player; Dr. Jonathan Halpert. hand, the Maccabees turned Tech Ducks, but almost cer- from the same spot as Gev (28 more significantly, he's a great During a brief ceremony their attention to the game, tainly lose their first-round points) to give the Macs a 43- individual.” before the game continued, which they desperately need- home game with a loss. 32 lead. When asked for some Hod, who was in attendance, ed, yet almost let slip away. Using a pair of 14–6 and The lead grew to as much as thoughts on the game, an ec- presented Gev with a ball Having started the evening in 7–2 runs and terrific shooting 15 points, but as soon as Gev static Gev responded, “can I inscribed with the words, 5th place in a tight Skyline by Eli Hami (17 points), the broke the scoring record, the scream?” "Yeshiva University All-Time Conference playoff race, the Macs jumped out to an early 8 Macs fell back into their first- “First of all, it's a big win, Leading Scorer Yossy Gev." Macs would move up to 3rd point lead, but were unable to half woes, unable to prevent before my achievement. But it's With the record safely in with a win against the Stevens hold it, going into halftime the ball from being passed into an honor to hold this record.”

Women’s tennis team captures awards in 2001 Skyline Conference

inding up a success- cluded Skyline Conference at the conference and ranked ful season, the Stern First-Team All-Star honors to 4–2 overall in singles. WCollege for Women sophomore Rachel Guimoye This year’s team is com- tennis team earned several and Skyline Conference prised of nine women, six who honors at the 2001 Skyline Second-Team All-Star honors returned from last year and Conference Women’s Tennis to senior Shoshana Penstein three new players. “The wo- Awards. and junior Randi Schwartz. men keep getting better every The Lady Maccabees cap- Ms. Guimoye finished the year and the longer they stay tured the Sportsmanship Award, conference with a 5–1 record, with the team, the more they given to a team that demon- playing in the team’s number- improve,” Coach Nathan said. strates respect for fellow play- one and number-two posi- The individual awardees are all Lady Macs win ers and opponents and cele- tions. Her overall season second-year members. brates group spirit. Coach record in singles was 6–1. Ms. The Sportsmanship Award Shabazz tournament Heidi Nathan said, “I’m glad Penstein scored 3–1 in the and All-Stars were chosen by the coaches saw that our girls conference and her season Skyline Conference coaches. he Stern College for Women basketball team, newcomers are honest and commended record in singles was 4–1. Ms. Awards will be presented at a to the Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic Conference, took them for that.” Schwartz, playing in the num- dinner in May 2002. Ttop honors at the Third Annual Betty Shabazz Memorial Individual accolades in- ber-one position, finished 3–2 Tournament hosted by Medgar Evers College of the City Uni- versity of New York, December 8–9. Over the course of a tough two-day tournament, the Lady Macs played Medgar Evers and the College of New Rochelle. Now hear this: Broadcasting Macs Coached by Dr. Karen Green, Yeshiva defeated the College of New Rochelle by a score of 87–71 on the first day of the tourna- games on the Internet ment. First-year team member Shayna Greenwald scored 31 points and second-year team member Lisa Misher scored 21 hanks to a generous grant by the President’s Circle, a group of undergraduate alumni that points. helps advance undergraduate programs, this season Macs basketball marked an important The second day, Yeshiva won the tournament championship Tmilestone when its December 27 game was broadcast live over the Internet. by defeating Medgar Evers with a score of 71–66 in an exciting The gift, to purchase needed equipment, also makes possible Internet broadcast of the Macs’ finish. Ms. Greenwald was named tournament MVP, and captain remaining season home games, perhaps including post-season tournament competition, with and third-year team member Stephanie Aaron was named to the play-by-play, pre-game, half-time, and post-game shows hosted by students. All Tournament Team. Ms. Aaron said, “All the women displayed The project was the initiative of seniors Adam Cohen and Avi Bloom, whose tireless efforts were their potential and capability to play well and excel.” rewarded when the President’s Circle agreed to provide $4,500 and the YU administration offered Coach Green noted the women’s increased high level of per- space on the University’s official website. During the games, Mr. Cohen calls the play-by-play and formance, which enabled the Lady Macs to enter the Hudson Mr. Bloom contributes color commentary. Valley Women’s Athletic Conference for the first time this year. The broadcasts can be found on the University’s official website, www.yu.edu/athletics. The “The team is demonstrating excellent teamwork, sportsmanship, last scheduled home game was February. 13. The Red Sarachek Memorial Basketball Tournament, and aggressive play, which has resulted in our success this sea- for which the University is negotiating broadcast privileges, is scheduled for March 14–18. son,” she said. March 2002 YUToday 11

Jonny Halpert: Coach of ‘Team Torah Umadda’

since the opening of the A family affair coaching and leadership,” he gym. Dr. Halpert’s remarkable af- said. “Your Maccabees contin- Coach Halpert’s legion of filiation with YU is intergener- ue to make us all proud.” acolytes does not have to be ational. His father, Max, was a coaxed into singing his graduate of Teachers Institute Grateful for the praises. for Men (renamed Isaac Breuer opportunity “For me, Coach Halpert’s College of Hebraic Studies in Looking back, Coach Hal- leadership has meaning on 1982); YC; Bernard Revel pert expressed satisfaction several levels,” said Dave Graduate School of Jewish with his accomplishments and Kufeld (YC ’80) a star center Studies, and Ferkauf Graduate is grateful for the opportuni- from 1976 to 1980 who was School of Psychology. ties he has been afforded. drafted by the Portland Dr. Halpert senior worked “I want to be known as a Trailblazers in 1980. for all three presidents of good coach and I’m proud “On the basketball level, Yeshiva University as a that we’ve had winning sea- he transcended the teach- fundraiser for 40 years, in- sons for sixteen out of seven- ings of Red Sarachek with cluding stints as a Yiddish and teen years and have gone to his own strategies that pro- Hebrew translator at Revel four ECAA post-season tourna- vided his players with a during his high school and ments. strong fundamental base in undergraduate days. “I’ve coached over one the game.” Currently Dr. Halpert’s son, hundred and seventy-five kids, ention Yeshiva Uni- lent coach as proven by his Mr. Kufeld emphasized that Rafi, a YC sophomore, plays among the best of YU. They versity and colle- record,” a high compliment the lessons he learned from for his father. “There has been succeeded in their studies Mgiate basketball and from this seasoned veteran. Coach Halpert also inspired a Halpert at YU for over seven- while playing basketball and one name instantly comes to “He’s an excellent student him off the court. ty years,” Dr. Halpert summed went on to be prominent mind: Jonny Halpert. of the game and a tremendous “His perspective on the up proudly. members of their communities Dr. Jonathan Halpert began asset for YU and for Judaism.” importance of basketball in Family friend, former Mac- throughout the country. his 30th season this past Nov- For decades, Dr. Halpert the greater scheme of life is cabees assistant coach, and ember as coach of the had to scrounge around the what truly sets him apart from Libby M. Klaperman Professor Enabling dreams Maccabees, the renowned metropolitan area to find loca- other coaches. I genuinely of Jewish History Jeffrey “What I’ve been trying to Yeshiva College basketball tions where the Maccabees believe he cares about each Gurock said, “The Halperts are do here is give kids an oppor- team. could hone their court skills— player more than just about the quintessential YU family tunity to dream a little bit. Only seven men’s basket- Xaverian in Brooklyn, St. his wins or losses.” and he is coach of Team Torah They could succeed in school, ball coaches in the NCAA’s Helena’s in The Bronx, or The “For me Coach Halpert has Umadda. play basketball, and not only Division III schools (no athlet- Fashion Institute of Technol- been like a father figure since I “All five of Dr. Halpert’s maintain their Jewish identity, ic scholarships) have coached ogy. With the opening of the arrived here from Israel three children are graduates of our but actually represent the longer than Dr. Halpert. How- Max Stern Athletic Center at and a half years ago,” said high school, two are graduates Jewish community. In the eyes ever, Coach Halpert has the the (then) Main Campus in Yossi Gev, captain of the cur- of our undergraduate schools, of the world, Yeshiva Uni- distinction of having coached 1985, the team finally had a rent team. his brother, Danny, is a gradu- versity represents the Jewish all of his 30 years at one place to call its own. Dr. Halpert’s colleagues in ate of YC, and Dr. Halpert is a community in the realm of school—YU. “The building of the gym, a the close-knit collegiate coach- graduate of three of our college basketball.” first-class facility, enhanced ing community also hold him schools including Ferkauf Dr. Halpert was awarded Succeeds Sarachek students’ perception of them- in high regard. [PhD ’78].” the College Basketball Officials In 1972, at the tender age of selves as well as their image of Renowned Hall of Famer Association Schoenfeld Award 26, Dr. Halpert succeeded the the school,” said Dr. Halpert. Lou Carnesecca dubbed Dr. “Making us proud” in 1981 and again in 1997. He legendary coach, Bernard The gym also influenced Halpert “a great man, great At a pre-home opener cere- received the Metropolitan “Red” Sarachek, only six years perspective athletes and was a teacher, and a great coach.” mony organized by basketball Basketball Writers Association after having captained the factor in recruiting good ath- His colleagues at Yeshiva alumni, President Lamm pre- “Good Guy” Award in 1998. In Maccabees during the 1965–66 letes to YC. College echo Mr. Carnesecca’s sented Coach Halpert with a 1999, he was named Skyline season. sentiments. commemorative plaque. Dr. Conference Coach of the Year. “When Red tapped me for Overcoming obstacles “One of the attractions for Lamm affirmed the value of Off the court, for the last 14 the coaching position, I was YC players have had to con- coming to YU for me was that physical fitness within Jewish years Dr. Halpert has been very excited to be representing tend with other limitations as I would have the opportunity tradition as documented in chief executive officer of YU and the Jewish communi- well. to work with Dr. Halpert,” said scholarly writings from the Camelot Community Resident ty,” Dr. Halpert said. “It was a At YU, basketball is an Dr. Richard Zerneck, YU direc- Rambam to Rav Kook when Program, an agency that pro- dream come true for me.” extracurricular activity given tor of athletics. “After four done with concern for civility vides group homes for severely “I felt he had a love of the the students’ rigorous dual years, I am even more and good sportsmanship. retarded adults. game, and that showed in the program. But these pressures impressed with his expertise as “I want to express my ap- As we went to press, Coach three or four years he stayed have not prevented the team a game coach, his ability to preciation to you, Jonny, on Halpert won his 300th career with me,” said mythical coach from racking up wins. In fact, overcome obstacles, and his behalf of the students of YU game when his son, Rafi, scored a “Red” Sarachek. “Jonny is a the 1986–87 season was the extraordinary caring about and the entire University com- three-point shot that took the wonderful man, and an excel- only non-winning season young people.” munity, for your thirty years of game into overtime. Mazal tov!

Dr. David J. Schnall delivered Spotlight on Alumni: Twice Blessed a public lecture based on his latest book, By the Sweat of Mark Sokolow Your Brow: Reflections on Work family were shopping at a shoe tive when a powerful blast and the Workplace in Classical ark Sokolow (YC’79, store on Jerusalem’s Jaffa Road knocked us apart,” Mr. Soko- Jewish Thought , in conjunc- CSL’82) has been when a terrorist blew herself low said. “A huge puff [of tion with the opening of the Mtwice blessed. On up yards away, killing one smoke] filled the air. I saw annual Student Organization September 11 he was on the other person and injuring at things flying up and over. I of Yeshiva (SOY) Seforim 38th floor of the World Trade least 150. He was knocked off must have been knocked Sale at Yeshiva University. Center’s south tower when the his feet and sprayed with down.” The third annual lecture, first airplane struck the adja- shrapnel on the right side of Later, Mr. Sokolow was in- presented by the YC Alumni cent building. An attorney and his body. His wife, Rena, suf- terviewed on TV from his hos- Association, the Azrieli partner in the law firm of fered a fractured leg, and two pital bed. He said it was impor- Alumni Steering Committee, Thatcher Proffitt and Wood, of their three daughters also tant for Jews to visit Israel SOY, and the undergraduate he dashed out of his building sustained injuries, none life- despite the threat of terror. student organizations, took to safety. threatening. place Sunday, February 3. On January 27, he was “We were waiting outside The sale opened afterward. saved again when he and his on the sidewalk to meet a rela- NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE YUToday PAID YESHIVA UNIVERSITY A PUBLICATION OF YESHIVA UNIVERSITY 500 WEST 185TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10033 MARCH 2002

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Top corporate leaders offer Kukin seminars at Sy Syms School

here can students ruary 1, followed by Matthew meet New York’s Pittensky, Blackboard Inc. Wtop executives and chairman on February 8, and hear first-hand insights about Russ Berrie, CEO, Russ Berrie their corporate ventures? Inc. on February 15. Dates for Every Friday morning from the other speakers, subject to February to May, the Sy Syms change, are as follows: School of Business undergrad- uate course, Contemporary • Nurit Amdur, CEO, Alex Problems in Business, features Toys—March 1 the success stories of industry’s • Aaron Dobrinsky, CEO, finest. GoAmerica—March 8 The classes are a free ex- • Erel Margalit, managing change of ideas with students. partner, Jerusalem Venture The topics cover issues, chal- Capital Fund—March 14 lenges, and initiatives that • Nina McLemore, president, have been instrumental in the JESSICA BIBLIOWICZ RUSS BERRIE STEVEN BERNSTEIN Regent Capital Partners— speakers’ success and their March 15 thoughts on what qualities nent of SSSB’s Rennert Entre- chairman of Yeshiva Univer- of only a handful of its kind in • David Neeleman, CEO, help shape future leaders. preneurial Institute, endowed sity’s Board of Trustees, was a the nation at the undergradu- JetBlue Airways—April 12 Each Friday from 10 am to by Ira L. Rennert, a noted founding member of SSSB’s ate level. “The willingness of • Jessica Bibliowicz, president, 12:30 pm, starting February 1 Jewish communal leader and Board of Directors, and his key executives of our country’s National Financial in Jerome and Geraldine chairman and CEO of The wife is a member of the Stern leading industries to interact Partners—April 19 Schottenstein Residence Hall at Renco Group, a private hold- College for Women Board of with our business undergradu- • Mary Farrell, managing the Midtown Campus, a dis- ing company for industrial Directors. Dr. Kukin is founder ates indicates the value they director and senior tinguished business leader pre- product companies. of Apollo Technologies Inter- place on the preparation of investment strategist, UBS sents issues and challenges con- The program, in its eighth national Corp. in Livingston, NJ. tomorrow’s captains of indus- Warburg—April 26 fronting his or her industry. year, known as the Doris and Coordinated by Dr. Law- try,” said Dr. Bellman. • Richard Grasso, chairman, Students receive three cred- Dr. Ira Kukin Entrepreneurial rence Bellman, assistant pro- Steven E. Bernstein, chair- New York Stock Exchange— its for this entrepreneurial Lecture Series, is named for its fessor of marketing and man- man, SBA Communications, May 3 seminar course, a vital compo- Benefactors. Dr. Kukin, vice agement, the program is one kicked off the series on Feb-