he ommentator T The Independent C Student Newspaper of Yeshiva University

VOL. LXXXV MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020 ISSUE NO. 12 Rynhold Appointed Dean of Revel as Berger Steps Down

Prof. Rynhold will understand why I am By Avi Hirsch pleased by this, and those who do not will soon share that pleasure.” Dr. David Berger will be stepping In a statement to The Commentator, down from his position as dean of YU’s Berger elaborated that although he had Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish “resisted major administrative positions” Studies, effective June 30, to be replaced in the past, when he assumed a profes- by Professor of Jewish Philosophy and sional Chair at YU 13 years ago, he found Director of Yeshiva College’s (YC) Jay and himself in “an institution that [he] cared Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program about deeply for reasons that transcended Dr. Daniel Rynhold. Berger will continue the fact that it was [his] employer.” teaching as a professor of Jewish History “I accepted the vigorous argument at Revel. by the Provost at the time [Dr. Morton According to Dean of the Undergraduate Lowengrub] that it was my obligation to Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dr. Karen undertake this position,” explained Berger. Bacon, Dr. Eliezer Schnall, clinical profes- “After a dozen years, and well past the sor of psychology at YC, will be replacing normal age of retirement, I told the cur- Rynhold as the new director of the Honors rent Provost [Dr. Selma Botman] that it Program. “We anticipate appointing an was time to return to the simple status of Associate Director as well,” explained Dean Professor. I hope that I am leaving Revel in Bacon in an email to The Commentator. a position to build on its stellar status in the “Our goal is to continue to make the pro- academic world through its extraordinary gram as robust and engaging as it has been constellation of world class professors and in the past.” students who are conversant with the texts The news that Revel would soon have a and teachings of the millennial Jewish new dean was first publicized in an email tradition.” from Berger two months ago informing When Rynhold was called into Berger’s Revel students that he would be stepping Dr. Daniel Rynhold will be assuming the position YESHIVA UNIVERSITY down. In the email, Berger announced his Continued on Page 4 of Dean of School at YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate successor, adding, “Those of you who know School of Jewish Studies beginning July 1.

New B.S. Computer Candidate for Syms Treasurer Barred Science Degree Offered at From Running Yeshiva College, in Student Council Election Stern College Stays two days after he had presented HaTorah, an institution affiliated By Elisheva Kohn more than the requisite 179 sig- with the S. Daniel Abraham Israel with B.A. natures to run for the position, Program. Commenting on this and 22 days after he submitted untraditional arrangement, Stark program in the spring. Diament The Wilf Student Court ruled in favor of the Canvassing his “Intent To Run” form to the explained that he had received By Sruli Fruchter explained that some employers, two scholarships, one which re- like Google, “assume that ambi- Committee on May 4 by a major- ity of 3-2, terminating Michael quired him to attend his freshman Yeshiva College’s (YC) tious C.S. [computer science] stu- "The signatures are Stark’s (SSSB ‘22) candidacy year of college on campus, and Computer Science department is dents are in a B.S. program,” and for Sy Syms Student Council all from students who the other which required him to offering its students a four-year while students with a B.A. can still Treasurer in the upcoming Wilf attend a yeshiva in Israel. Stark track to receive a Bachelor of compete for those same jobs, a B.S. student council elections on May want to see me on the intends to return to campus as a Science (B.S.) as an alternative to “is assumed in top C.S. industry 7. Majority and dissenting opin- junior for Fall 2020. the three-year track for a Bachelor contexts.” Additionally, students ballot for this election ions of the court have not yet been Commenting on his reasoning of Arts (B.A.). The new B.S. track pursuing a B.S. degree have a released due to the “time-sensi- behind the decision to remove is effective immediately and was smaller set of required “general period" tive nature of the case,” according ___ Stark’s name from the ballot, officially announced to Wilf com- education courses” than a B.A., to an email from Chief Justice Shiner said, “He's currently in puter science students via email such as a writing intensive course, Michael Stark Phillip Dolitsky (YC ‘20). the S. Daniel Abraham Israel on April 7. and can instead focus on taking Stark sued the Canvassing (SSSB ‘23) Program, as opposed to regis- Wilf students enrolled in the more major-related courses. Committee and the Office of tered as an on-campus student. 4-year tracks of either data science “I hope all parts of Yeshiva Student Life (OSL) on April 30 Canvassing Committee on April 7. Only on-campus students vote or distributed systems will receive a will continue to put in the effort after he was informed by Jacob Unlike the majority of YU in on-campus elections, and only B.S. while the unspecialized 3-year and resources, and be given the Shiner (SSSB ‘21), a member of students who attend a gap year on-campus students can run.” track will earn a B.A. According to indispensable siyata Dishmaya the Canvassing Committee, that program before coming to YU, According to Shiner, the decision Chair of the YC Computer Science [help of heaven], to continuously his name would be removed from Stark spent his freshman year to terminate Stark’s candidacy was Department Judah Diament, expand and improve our C.S. offer- the ballot due to his current en- in the 2018-19 academic year made “after a discussion between the New York State Education ings and services to our students,” rollment in the S. Daniel Abraham on the Wilf Campus, where he Department enabled YU to offer Israel Program. Stark was first had served on the YSU Student the B.S. track this past fall, but the Continued on Page 4 informed that he was disquali- Council. Currently in his sopho- YC faculty officially approved the Continued on Page 4 fied from running on April 29, more year, Stark is attending Lev

NEWS | 7 FEATURES | 14 OPINIONS | 16 BUSINESS | 23 Undergraduate Student Government Election Results Commentator COVID-19 Survey As Jews, We Must Support the Corporations Taking a Stand: Results: An Analysis Anti-Discrimination Policy Should They Care 2 From the Editor’s Desk Monday, May 11, 2020

The Commentator 2019-2020

Editor-in-Chief AVI HIRSCH

Managing Editor YOSSI ZIMILOVER

News From the Editor's Desk Senior Editor Junior Editors YITZCHAK CARROLL ELISHEVA KOHN SRULI FRUCHTER Features Senior Editor Junior Editors YOSEF LEMEL JACOB ROSENFELD TEMMI LATTIN Opinions Senior Editor Junior Editors CHANA WEINBERG MICHAEL WEINER In Retrospect: AHARON NISSEL Takeaways from a Tumultuous Year Business Senior Editor Junior Editor students, calling out the administration decision made with little to no student ELI FRISHMAN EITAN LAVIAN By Avi Hirsch for not communicating sufficiently time feedback and every semester with no pub- and again. Although not always success- lic forums or town halls by administrators Layout ful, we have worked to influence the ad- to hear from the students they purport to Following a relatively calm and un- Senior Editor Junior Editor eventful year, in which a rosh yeshiva ministration to further prioritize students’ serve. As long as administrators fail to denouncing a coed Shabbaton was per- concerns. reach out to the student body to demon- ROCKY PINCUS MICAH PAVA haps the most controversial and widely Many undergraduate students at YU strate their support and actually convey to discussed news story, one might have cherish their time here. They appreciate the students that they have been working Social Media Manager expected that this year would be no the close relationships they form with many long hours for them, their attitudes SHIRA LEVITT different. their rabbeim and mashgichim, whose fo- won’t change. cus on each individual student’s spiritual That’s not to say this is a problem But as early as August, there were signs Website Manager that this year would not follow the same and emotional well-being is unrivaled by across the board. Those administrators path. Beginning with the lawsuit brought any other university. They acknowledge who have not only been responsive to ELAZAR KRAUSZ by nearly 40 former students against YU, the benefits of YU’s small class sizes and student concern but have gone out of week after week brought with it new major enjoy the social atmosphere of a predomi- their way to engage personally with their Business Manager nantly Jewish undergraduate student students have overwhelmingly positive events. The LGBTQ march in September Senior Manager Junior Manager body. Often these students arrived at YU impressions among the student body. was followed by the rejection and subse- SAMUEL KATZ MEIR LIGHTMAN quent reinstatement of the YU College with friends from yeshiva, seminary or Dr. Noam Wasserman, in his first year Democrats club. In November, student high school, but many more met their as Dean of Sy Syms School of Business, group of friends for the first time when has been perhaps the most extraordinary Programmer backlash to the restructured dining plan OMAR FARUK saw it quickly reverted back to the previ- they arrived at college, pleasantly sur- example of an administrator with univer- ous year’s system, and December brought prised by the warm and inviting atmo- sally positive impressions among students with it a much-discussed break-in and sphere they found here. These students both in his school and across YU. I’ve Layout Staff arson attempt at the Schottenstein dorms, will fondly remember their time at YU heard many students share anecdotes that SHIRA LEVITT, RAIZY NEUMAN, as well as the return of the Chanukah when they graduate after four years. usually center on his eagerness to directly TEMIMA YELLIN concert. But another, often more vocal con- engage with students, from the open-door Then 2020 began, and somehow things tingent of students have predominantly policy of his office, to his roundtables and Staff Writers became even more hectic. As the spring negative views of YU and its administra- “meet the dean” chats, to his one-on-one SARAH BEN-NUN, MAYER FINK, MITCH semester started in late January, eleva- tion. These students have had their expe- schmoozes with students and his ten- rience here tainted by interactions with dency to take student feedback seriously GOULSON, ZACHARY GREENBERG, tors began to malfunction across campus, NATHAN HAKAKIAN, JOSH LEICHTER, sometimes trapping students and faculty an administration that doesn’t respond when implementing policies. In my own AVI LEKOWSKY, DANIEL MELOOL, JACOB while they waited to be rescued by the when elevator malfunctions threaten stu- interactions with him, I have found his fire department. February then saw the dent safety, refuses to take a stand on demeanor to be one of genuine concern METZ, DONIEL WEINREICH abstention of the student council from a the formation of an LGBTQ alliance on for his student body and a willingness to vote on the YU Alliance club — deferring campus, waits for vocal student protest act on their behalf. The Commentator is the student newspaper of the decision to the YU administration, before reversing a dining plan that over- Dean Wasserman was the first of the Yeshiva University. which, with the semester already over, whelmingly dissatisfied students, and at undergraduate deans to host a virtual For 85 years, The Commentator has served has not yet released its decision on the times seems more interested in preserving town hall explaining to students how the its own image than in responding hon- P/N policy of his school — which itself students and administrators as a communicative club’s status — as well as the beginning conduit; a kinetic vehicle disseminating of the historic streak of YU’s basketball estly and transparently to student com- was formed largely based on input from undergraduate social, religious and academic team. This would continue into March, plaints. Despite all the services, activities, Syms student leaders — would work. beliefs across the student bodies; and a reliable overlapping with what was to be the last events, advisement and assistance that Interestingly, The Commentator’s recent reflection of Yeshiva student life to the broader Jewish and American communities. significant story of the year, as well as the YU administrators have worked tirelessly survey of undergraduate students found most tragic — the infection of a student to confer on them, these students will that not only do more Syms students have The Commentator staff claims students with the novel coronavirus and YU’s sub- graduate YU with a cynical and generally a positive view of their school’s P/N policy spanning the diverse spectrum of backgrounds sequent transition to remote learning that unfavorable impression of their college. than Yeshiva College (YC) or Stern stu- and beliefs represented at Yeshiva. we currently find ourselves in. Why do these students endlessly criti- dents, but the percentage of students who cize an institution that has given them expect to make use of the policy for their We are united by our passion for living the It’s been a busy year, to say the least. ideals of Torah Umadda, and a commitment to Throughout this year, The Commentator so much? Although partially a result of courses is nearly double in Syms than journalistic excellence. has stayed on top of each news story as simple administrative failures, the most in YC or Stern. Following Pesach break, it unfolded. Our dedicated staff has often significant cause is a pervasive sense — Stern and YC deans held their own virtual Views expressed in The Commentator are those of its writers and do not necessarily reflect worked long hours to highlight impor- right or wrong — that YU executives don’t town halls explaining the effects of the really care about student satisfaction or those of the editorial board or the student tant issues and keep the student body body, faculty, and administration of Yeshiva informed. One of our primary missions welfare. This feeling grows more pro- University. has been to uphold and promote trans- nounced with every email ignored by the Continued on Page 3 parency between administrators and Office of Student Life (OSL), every policy Visit us online at www.yucommentator.org. Monday, May 11, 2020 7 Up 7 Down 3

IN RETROSPECT, 7 Up / 7 Down continued from Page 2

You're reading this column, so clearly you agree with me on this one. Farewell, loyal readers. And coronavirus on academics for 1 remember, "Publish and be damned!" their students — a belated but still much appreciated gesture and certainly an indication that The 2019-2020 Commentator Group Photo things may be headed in the right direction. It's practically as iconic as Ellen's selfie at the Oscars. 2 Dean Wasserman’s tireless efforts developing a summer initiatives program for those students who would be without Suing in Student Court an internship over the sum- mer due to the coronavirus All the #coolkids are doing it these days 3 pandemic, which attracted far more students than he had originally anticipated, was Cereal built with constant student en- gagement and feedback in the This versatile, crunchy food leaves many questions unanswered. Is it a meal? Is it a snack? Can I eat form of a survey completed 4 it in bed? Why is my munching drowning out my movie? by 235 students across YU’s undergraduate colleges. His competent work has made him Student Government Elections Coverage During This Pandemic an effective dean; his notice- able dedication to students Or: why do all the fun articles happen when it's 4 AM in Vienna? #SlackHock! has helped students appreci- 5 ate that work. Dean Wasserman is cer- tainly not the only execu- John Krasinski's Some Good News tive working on students’ behalf. The efforts of count- Heart-warming, but “Good Shtick! with Zack” is clearly superior. less other administrators, 6 including Associate Dean of Syms Michael Strauss and the Open-Note Finals deans of the other undergradu- ate colleges, have helped stu-

The best thing that happened to YU since Senator Chuck Schumer gave the Macs a shoutout at the dents in numerous ways. But

7 AIPAC Policy Conference. Wasserman’s student-oriented leadership ought to set the

standard for all administrators

at YU and promote a new form

7 of student-administrator inter- DOWN action that elevates students by Elisheva Kohn to the level of partnering with 7UP the officers of the school for their own benefit and thereby empowering them. It is unfortunately the case that the most dissatisfied stu- dents tend to be the most out- 7 Up / 7 Down spoken, whereas those with more positive stories to tell Pure lashon harah. The Volozhin Yeshiva should have put an end to this column years ago, or better 1 will often remain silent about yet, handed it over to the Canvassing Committee! their experiences. People tend to speak up most often when they are unhappy with the state Engagements EVERYWHERE of affairs and are therefore mo- tivated to demand change. As a Is it just me or are MORE couples tying the knot during the GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS? 2 result of this imbalance, nega- #QueenHadassahPenn! tive perspectives of YU have often been amplified, leading

to a frustrated administration Elections: 2019 Versus 2020 that feels under attack even while it struggles to continue Remember the free lollipops and 8 ½ by 11-inch posters of 2019? Yeah, good times. 3 its job of assisting students. The Commentator has contributed to this dynamic No Physical Access to the Gottesman Library During Finals Season as well; although we have al- How else are we supposed to spend an entire “reading day” cramming for two hours and socializing for ways tried to represent a broad ten, while eating old sushi from Nagel’s and “distracting bochurim?”. 4 spectrum of student opinions, both positive and negative, our pages have often ended up reflecting the more critical "The Yeshiva Ballot" voices among the student body. Looking back on the ups and @VolozhinYeshiva iS tHat yOu?! 5 downs of the past year, I know that we have not always been successful in conveying all as- Mayor Bill de Blasio’s tweet pects of student experience at YU, the good together with the We’ve been trending on Twitter, and it’s not about our rowdy Purim festivities or outrageous bad. My hope is that as I hand editorials. #antisemitism 6 over the paper to my succes- sor during this unprecedented 7 up/7 down Vol. 85 Honorable Mentions time, all of us — students and In keeping with Commie tradition, here are this year’s headlines that never wound up making the final administrators — will work to- cut for 7up/7down. Good luck figuring out which are up and which are down: Platonic Relationships, gether for the benefit of YU as Military Time, Cheesecake, Giving Day Drama, The Grünangergasse Shtiebel, Trader Joe's European well as its student body. Yoghurt, Congratulations Macs From Robert Kraft, and WhereverYouAre. 7 4 News Monday, May 11, 2020

Rynhold sketched out his three main area by making the Ph.D. program more ac- and moving forward, Rynhold will be look- goals for the school as he assumes the po- cessible as Revel transitions online. ing to form similar collaborations with other BERGER, sition. First, Revel had already been on a Another priority in the coming year will YU-affiliated institutions. continued from Front Page trajectory to expand its online degrees and be further expanding the Chinese-Jewish Overall, Rynhold is expecting the adjust- prioritize remote learning to increase enroll- Conversation (CJC), a program spearheaded ment to a new form of learning necessitated office in late January, he was not expecting ment and attract students from around the by Cohen. According to Rynhold, one avenue by the coronavirus to be a challenge, and to find himself offered the position of dean globe. Revel’s Jewish Philosophy Master being considered for expanding the program there is no word yet on whether classes at of Revel. But ever since that meeting, he has of Arts (MA) degree has been available to would be the development of a track in Revel Revel will resume in-person in the fall. But been working closely with Revel’s associate take remotely for over a year, and with the for Chinese students. he is nonetheless excited — and humbled dean, Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Cohen, to pre- — to be taking on the challenges of his new pare for the upcoming year. “Ever since the “I hope that I am leaving Revel in a position to build on its position. “I’m looking forward to building first day in January, he’s been very helpful on the platform that Dean Berger has set, and supportive,” said Rynhold about Cohen. stellar status in the academic world through its extraordinary and hoping for exciting times ahead for us,” “I think between the two of us as a team, we he said. can take Revel from strength to strength.” constellation of world class professors and students who are “During my years as a student at Revel, Rynhold previously served as a lecturer conversant with the texts and teachings of the millennial Jewish Dean Berger’s exacting standards of schol- in Judaism at King’s College London from arship and menschlichkeit defined Revel 2001 to 2007, before moving to the United tradition.” during his tenure,” said David Selis (YC ‘19), States to begin teaching Jewish Philosophy at ___ who is studying Medieval Jewish History at Revel. He was appointed to serve as director Dr. David Berger Revel and hoping to graduate this year. “I of YC’s Honors Program in 2018, after its look forward to seeing Dr. Rynhold guide the previous director Dr. Shalom Holtz was ap- coronavirus pandemic driving schools across Finally, Rynhold explained that he plans institution in its coming decade.” pointed to the position of YC Associate Dean the world online, Rynhold hopes to further to explore the possibility of launching new of Academic Affairs. Rynhold also currently expand the online offerings at Revel, begin- collaborative programs with centers and Editor’s Note: The Commentator spoke serves as the director of Revel’s doctoral pro- ning with a fully online summer session. schools at YU such as the new Fish Center with Dr. Berger virtually regarding his time gram and has simultaneously been serving Citing Dean Berger’s success with expanding for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, to ex- as dean of Revel. The conversation can be as the Shoshana Shier Distinguished Visiting Revel’s Ph.D. program over his tenure as pand Revel’s reach. A dual degree program read on Page 15. Professor at the University of Toronto for dean, Rynhold expressed a desire to further already exists with Azrieli Graduate School the spring semester. build on Dean Berger’s achievements in this of Jewish Education and Administration,

farther than a B.A.” Department was reimplemented, said Adina Bruce (SCW ‘22), a com- to be limiting. “Stern’s Computer While the 79 YC students ma- Broder explained. Since that time, puter science major. Commenting Science graduates have consistent- B.S. COMPUTER SCIENCE, joring in computer science can two full-time computer science in- on the new B.S. degree offered to ly landed competitive internships, continued from Front Page choose to pursue a B.A. or the spe- structors and an adjunct profes- YC students, Bruce added, “I think work at impressive companies, and cialized B.S, the 32 Stern College said Diament. He added that the for Women (SCW) computer sci- administration and various YC de- ence majors can only complete a Diament explained that some employers, like Google, “assume that ambitious partments are working to “make B.A. degree, as Stern will not be sure that we provide the best C.S. offering a B.S. in the near future. C.S. [computer science] students are in a B.S. program,” and while students opportunities to every student in Commenting on this discrepancy, with a B.A. can compete for those same jobs, a B.S. “is assumed in top C.S. the YU community who is inter- Dean of the Undergraduate Faculty ested and ready to work assidu- of Arts and Sciences Karen Bacon industry contexts.” ously to take advantage of what said, “It is my understanding that we can offer.” we do not have the critical number YC computer science majors of CS majors to support the BS at sor were added, and the number in general there is a discrepancy have been admitted to graduate have expressed great enthusiasm SCW at this time.” of SCW computer science majors between the opportunities offered school,” Schick said, adding that for the new opportunity. “This is Professor Alan Broder, chair of climbed; Broder expects the num- on the Wilf Campus versus the while “the program only began a greatly beneficial for the C.S. stu- Stern College's Computer Science ber of declared majors to continue Beren Campus in regards to the couple of years ago,” it is expand- dents so they can take less classes department, told The Commentator growing. two CS departments,” citing YC’s ing its course offerings, hiring new unrelated to the major, enabling that “SCW does not currently have Some Beren students felt disap- two specialized computer science professors, and building a new lab. them to direct all their attention plans to offer a BS option in CS,” pointed about the difference in aca- tracks and SCW’s fewer choices The construction of Beren’s new solely to the major,” remarked as the department’s efforts will in- demic opportunities between YC’s for electives. computer science lab — located on Nathaniel Silverman (YC ‘23). stead be working to expand course and SCW’s department. “I am very Co-President of the Stern the 9th floor of Stanton Hall — was “This change also gives the C.S. availability for SCW students. In proud to be a CS major at Stern, the Computer Science Club Mori delayed due to COVID-19, accord- students greater opportunities 2017, after a “few years” suspen- faculty and people in the major are Schick (SCW ‘20) did not see ing to Broder. down the road, as a B.S. goes a lot sion, SCW’s Computer Science incredibly caring and supportive,” SCW’s lack of a B.S. degree-track

formally published in written form. Stark of the termination of his candida- was perceived that the OSL’s official position SYMS TREASURER, In his complaint to the Wilf Student cy, Shiner explained, “We were unaware was as such,” he wrote, “then I apologize for continued from Front Page Court, Stark claimed that his candidacy that Stark was in the S. Daniel Abraham the miscommunication and will be more was initially approved by the Canvassing Program because he led us to believe other- careful in the future.” Concluding his email, Committee after he submitted his “Intent wise.” According to Shiner, Stark “wrote in Weisberg stated that “OSL does not have an members of the Canvassing Committee and To Run” form. Referring to the COVID-19 his Intent To Run form that he's a current official position on this matter.” the OSL.” health crisis, Stark argued that since “there member of IBC [one of four Wilf morning “Voting is about this semester, but run- Although Article II, Section 6(5), of are no students on campus this semester,” programs], which mislead us from the begin- ning is about next semester,” remarked the Wilf Constitution requires the Syms there should be “no difference between me ning.” Shiner told The Commentator that the YSU President Zachary Greenberg (SSSB Secretary/Treasurer to be “at least a junior and the rest of the candidates in that aspect.” Canvassing Committee was only made aware ‘21), referring to Shiner’s claim that Stark in good standing and a full-time student,” The health crisis also prompted candi- of Stark’s status as a gap year student after is currently ineligible to vote and should, it does not outline any conditions to run for dates running for Wilf student government Linda Stone, director of student events for therefore, be ineligible to run. Greenberg is the position. positions to gather signatures virtually, a feat the OSL, looked up Stark’s student identifi- currently running unopposed for reelection. There is also no constitutional require- many students found challenging. Stark told cation number. Stone could not be reached “In my opinion, it should be fine,” Greenberg ment for voters — or candidates — to be The Commentator that he gathered a total for comment. added. “Especially if he got the signatures, current students on campus. Acknowledging of 183 signatures. “These signatures are all In an email to Dolitsky, Senior Director so it shows students want him.” this, Shiner said, “It's still a Canvassing from students who want to see me on the of OSL Rabbi Josh Weisberg wrote, “The “While I am not happy with the Court’s de- Committee rule that we made using our ballot for this election period,” Stark wrote OSL does NOT decide if a candidate is eli- cision to uphold the Canvassing Committee’s constitutional authority.” Article III Section in his complaint to the Wilf Student Court. gible, we only provide information to the CC termination of my candidacy, I respect the 1(1) in the Wilf Constitution commissions the “Furthermore,” he argued, “during last year's [Canvassing Committee] to help them make judicial process and the ruling given by the Canvassing Committee to be “responsible for election for YSU President, Ariel Sacknovitz an informed decision based on the criteria Court,” Stark told The Commentator. “I am all elections” and ensure “that all candidates ran for President and was allowed to be on set forth in the Wilf Campus Constitution.” very appreciative of the members of the stu- meet all qualifications for their respective the ballot even though he was on a leave of In his email, Weisberg admitted that he dent body who took the time to fill out my positions.” Shiner acknowledged that the absence and not on campus.” Sacknovitz had offered his “personal opinion” to the signature form in order for me to attempt Canvassing Committee's rule preventing confirmed to Stark that he was on a leave Canvassing Committee agreeing with their to make it to the ballot.” off-campus students from running had never of absence at the time of the 2019 election. decision to bar Stark from the election. “If in been communicated to candidates and is not When asked why it took a week to notify stating that I agreed with that assessment it Monday, May 11, 2020 News 5 Revamped Virtual Post Pesach Program Includes Women

highest in 2017 and 71 more than listing dozens of shiurim available “It’s definitely not going to be as away in Israel for their gap year are By Zachary Greenberg last year. for them to join. Additionally, exciting as actually starting college now taking classes, shiurim and Wilf students participating in one SSSB course and three Stern on campus, but it’s still really good lectures virtually at home. While This year, Yeshiva University’s the program can take a maximum College for Women (SCW) courses that everybody still has the option yeshivas and seminaries have been Post Pesach Program, which began of six credits from their choice of are being offered to Beren students. to get a head start with the Post offering these opportunities pri- on April 20 and concludes on May three Sy Syms School of Business Commenting on the small program Pesach Program.” marily for current students, many 27, is completely online and, for the have also offered alumni to join in first time, open to women. These “It’s definitely not going to be as exciting as actually starting college on on these virtual lectures, hoping to changes come as gap year yeshivas provide alumni-oriented shiurim and seminaries that are partnered campus, but it’s still really good that everybody still has the option to get a over Zoom. with the S. Daniel Abraham Israel “We are supporting our affiliate head start with the Post Pesach Program.” yeshivas and seminaries in Israel Program will be utilizing online ___ resources for the remainder of the and have been working with them year. Alex Paul (SSSB ‘23) to migrate their courses online to Previously, the Post Pesach allow students on the S. Daniel Program was only available to men (SSSB) courses and four Yeshiva size, Naomi Fried (SCW ‘23), who “The beauty of being in yeshiva Abraham Israel program to fin- who completed their second year in College (YC) courses. Additionally, attended the seminary Machon was the stress free environment ish their year of study to obtain Israel and wanted to gain exposure Wilf students have the opportu- Raaya and is currently enrolled surrounded by my Rebbeim and their anticipated credits,” stated to YU by earning up to six credits nity to join a virtual Beit Midrash in the Post Pesach Program, said, friends,” shared Ari Rosenthal Chad Austein, YU’s chief enroll- on campus in the condensed, one- program with different threeshiur “This is a huge advantage because (YC ‘23), who switched from ment management officer, re- month program. This year, due to options taught by YU rabbeim for with this class size we get to in- Yeshivat Har Etzion to the Post garding Israel credit for students COVID-19, the program is open their morning program. teract with the Professors a lot, Pesach Program after his yeshiva currently enrolled in the gap year to both shana aleph and shana There are 18 women from give our opinion and ask questions announced it was going online. program. “In addition, we are de- bet students, even those already seminaries including Midreshet much more than would usually be “Seeing that the learning in both veloping supplemental instruction receiving the regularly-allotted 32 Tehillah, Midreshet Lindenbaum, possible on Zoom.” yeshiva and YU would be online, for students to take advantage of credits for their complete gap year Midreshet Harova and Sha’alvim Alex Paul (SSSB ‘23), who fin- I thought this was an amazing op- the many shiurim and programing program. There are 132 registered for Women enrolled in the program ished his second year at the yeshi- portunity to get a head start on available at YU in New York.” men participating in the program, this year. Beren students in the va Aish Gesher and is joining the Yeshiva University credits.” 54 more students than the previous program receive a weekly schedule Post Pesach Program, commented, Hundreds of students who were

University To Hike Tuition, Fees by Over $1,500 for Next Year

added, noting that the university and launched an emergency schol- resume on campus in the fall. YU’s everyone remains as afloat as pos- By Yitzchak Carroll awards “competitive financial aid arship campaign to mitigate the Wurzweiler School of Social Work sible during this time. On the flip and Sruli Fruchter packages” to students. financial burden students and already emailed students announc- side, a lot of people are facing fi- In an email to the student body families are facing, which will likely ing that courses will be held online nancial hardship, and the $1,500 Yeshiva University will be rais- on Monday, May 4, President impact tuition revenue. in the fall semester. may really make a difference to ing undergraduate student tuition Berman announced that he would A university spokesperson clari- Some students felt that the those struggling financially.” and fees by $1,575 for the 2020-21 be taking a 20% pay cut through fied the President’s email, noting price hikes are a byproduct of the However, other students saw academic year, The Commentator December, while some senior uni- that some maintenance and hiring COVID-19 pandemic. “If [the tu- the tuition increase as an added has learned. Next year’s $43,575 versity officials would be taking will continue. “We are reviewing ition raise] were a post-Corona de- burden on top of the pandemic’s fi- tuition cost and $2,900 in miscel- voluntary 5-10% pay cuts through all current projects and are only cision, then I think it makes a lot nancial effects. “The price increase laneous undergraduate fees repre- that period as well. Capital proj- hiring for critical positions,” the of sense since [YU administrators] doesn't seem very appropriate sent an aggregate increase of more ects, travel and unspent budgeted spokesperson explained to The have to try and compensate for given the current COVID-19 situ- than $5,800 since the 2016-17 aca- expenses will be frozen in the inter- Commentator in an email. “As the amount of money they lost in ation,” Scott Stimler (YC ‘21) said. demic year. im, according to the email, which we prepare to return to campus, order to keep the school running,” “Who knows how many students This past year, the university also touted furloughs for some planned work on elevators, class- said Avigail Winokur (SCW ‘22). and parents have tremendously hiked tuition by $1,200 and fees university employees as a cost- rooms and general maintenance “Looking at the new financial mea- suffered from mass employment by $200. In the 2018-19 academic saving measure. Additionally, the are continuing.” sures Rabbi Berman announced, cuts and income reductions.” year, the university raised tuition university secured federal aid from It is unclear whether in-per- it is quite clear that the university and fees by $1,500 compared to the Congressional relief package, son undergraduate classes will is doing a lot to make sure that the 2017-2018 school year. Compared to this past year, 2020-21 residence hall fees will increase for all Beren housing op- tions and nearly all Wilf housing options. Rooming costs at the 35th Park Street Residence Hall will rise to $12,000 — a $500 markup — while students residing at other Beren residence facilities will be charged an additional $250 com- pared to this year’s rates. Housing fees will also increase by $250 for all Wilf Campus hous- ing options, with the exception of two-occupancy dorms in the Muss Residence Hall as well as single-oc- cupancy rooms in the Morgenstern and Rubin Residence Halls. A housing official referred inquiries regarding the housing price hikes to other university departments. “YU has done its best to keep tu- ition and fee increases in line with national standards,” said Chief Enrollment Management Officer Chad Austein. “Due to increased operating costs such as health in- surance, maintenance of our fa- cilities, and creation of new and innovative academic programs, among other rising costs, increases are necessary to ensure continu- Tuition rose by more than $5,800 since the 2016-17 academic year. THE COMMENTATOR ity of programs and services,” he 6 News Monday, May 11, 2020 News Briefs: Annual Yom Events Held Over Zoom the Holocaust. A “Names, Not attended the program. “Although evening of April 28 and drew ap- President of Clubs Elka Weisenberg By Shlomit Ebbin Numbers” video was shown in these were not the circumstances proximately 900 student viewers (SCW ‘20) delivered opening re- which Dr. Avital tells the sto- we all expected the program to be via Zoom and YouTube live stream. marks, followed by IDF soldiers YU Hosts Yom HaShoah ry of his life before the war in done in, it was done flawlessly and The YOMS Student Committee, a Yehuda Benhamu (YC ‘16) and Lara Virtual Commemoration Czechoslovakia, during the war in still brought so much meaning to group of students appointed by Vosbourgh (SCW ‘20). The evening Over 400 people tuned in live on different camps, and his journey to the night.” student council leaders to coor- continued with a candle lighting April 20 at 8:15 p.m. for YU’s Yom Palestine after the war. “Dr. Moshe President Berman added, “I am dinate Yom HaZikaron and Yom ceremony and words from various HaShoah Virtual Commemoration Avital is a true inspiration to all,” deeply thankful to our students for Ha’atzmaut programming, to- rabbeim. in memory of the six million Jews said Gordon in her introduction. who perished in the Holocaust at “His passion for Israel, Jewish “In the end, online programs did a great job in filling in for what we could not the hands of Nazi Germany. The education, and devotion to family program was organized by the and faith has accompanied him do in person. I really enjoyed every part of the Zoom programs and appreciate OSL and YU’s student-run Student throughout his life.” all the hard work that the organizers put into planning it all.” Holocaust Education Movement Following a speech by President ___ (SHEM). Berman about the importance of Co-President of SHEM Isaac continuing the values of those who Shira Pahmer (SCW ‘22) Goor (SSSB ‘22) introduced the perished, a video was shown of YU program, which was followed by students from various parts of the organizing this event which reflects gether with the Office of Student Rachel Silvera (SCW ‘20), a stu- the anthems of the United States world lighting candles in memory the perseverance, continuity and Life (OSL), planned and organized dent who attended the program- and Israel sung by SHEM mem- of the victims of the Holocaust. strength of our people.” the programming in honor of Yom ming, said, “The sheer number of ber Moshe Stuart (YC ‘21). Rabbi The program concluded with words HaZikaron. people in attendance, combined Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, University from Co-President of SHEM Tania A recording of the program At his event, Rund related the with the fact that people joined Professor of Jewish History and Bohbot (SCW ‘21), read by Gordon. was posted on YU’s Facebook history from the battles of the no matter the time of day or night Jewish Thought and Senior Scholar “I was very moved by this page. Jewish Quarter in the Old City of it may have been in their physical at the Center for the Jewish Future, year’s Yom Hashoah program,” Jerusalem during the wars of 1948 location, demonstrates both the began by sharing stories of his late shared President Berman. “With Yom HaZikaron and 1967. “It was nice to hear from students’ and faculty’s sincere com- father, Rabbi Herschel Schacter, all of the lives that have been lost Commemoration Held Over Eytan again after having him as my mitment and dedication not only an army chaplain and one of the during this pandemic, including Zoom tour guide in seminary last year,” to the YU community, but to the liberators of Buchenwald concen- many from the generation who Yom HaZikaron commemo- shared Elisheva Grayson (SCW greater community of Am Yisrael tration camp; his father was the lived through the Holocaust, there rations began on April 26, the ‘22). “He was very informative and and Medinat Yisrael.” first American Jewish chaplain to was something about this year’s Sunday before Yom HaZikaron, at engaging, and he’s also so funny.” YOMS committee member Eli enter into the concentration camps ceremony which was particularly 2 p.m. with over 30 students hear- The Tekes Ma’avar began with Seidman (SSSB ‘22) introduced the as a soldier on April 11, 1945. meaningful.” ing from Israeli tour guide Eytan Yom HaZikaron commemorations candle lighting ceremony, which Afterward, SHEM member “It was a beautifully run pro- Rund about Israel’s holy sites. This at 8 p.m., which were followed Sophie Gordon (SCW ‘22) intro- gram commemorating the 75th preceded the main event of Yom by Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations duced Dr. Moshe Avital, a well- Yom Hashoah,” reflected Leeba HaZikaron, the Tekes Ma’avar, an hour later. Stern College for Continued on Page 7 known author and speaker on Sullivan (SCW ‘22), a student who which took place virtually on the Women Student Council Vice

Yom programming was held online. YESHIVA UNIVERSITY Monday, May 11, 2020 News 7 Undergraduate Student Government Election Results Akiva Poppers (write-in) - 179 Jared Benjamin - 573 By Commentator Staff Zachary Lent (write-in) - 178 YSU Senior Class Representative Benjy Halpern - 263 On Thursday, May 7, the undergraduate student body Regarding the election for SOY president, the Canvassing YSU Junior Class Representative voted in the Spring 2020 student government elections. Committee released the following statement to The Elazar Abrahams - 174 The night of the elections, the Wilf Canvassing Committee Commentator explaining Akiva Poppers’ ineligibility for and the Beren Election Committee, which oversee student the position: Amendments to Wilf Constitution government elections, shared the results of the elections “There are certain rules in the Wilf Campus constitution Four of the amendments on the ballot received the with The Commentator. regarding the required class standing of the elected SOY required three-fifths majority, or 60%, necessary for In total, 745 out of 1196 eligible Wilf Campus students President. When we heard about Akiva Poppers’ campaign, ratification. voted, or 62.3%. Turnout this year was up 5.6% from 56.7% the Canvassing Committee spent a good amount of time Amendment #1 (Revised, Restructured and Updated in the Spring 2019 elections and up 3.5% from 58.8% in the looking into the particulars of the constitution, and after Constitution) Spring 2018 elections. Neither voter turnout information much discussion, we decided that Akiva Poppers’ class PASSED (69.03% voted yes) nor a breakdown of election results are released for the standing would very likely make him constitutionally ineli- Yes - 428 Beren elections. gible to win the SOY Presidency. We informed Poppers of No -192 The following are the results of the elections, with per- this decision and, he, nonetheless, continued his campaign. Amendment #2 (Katz School Representation) candidate vote totals following the results for the Wilf Should he receive a majority of write-in votes, the Canvassing PASSED (72.19% voted yes) Campus elections: Committee will name the candidate with the next highest Yes - 431 number of votes as SOY President.” No - 166 Wilf Campus Amendment #3 (Makor Representation) SOY Vice President PASSED (78.74% voted yes) SOY President: Zachary Lent Zev Jarashow (write-in) - 136 Yes - 474 SOY Vice President: Zev Jarashow Shmuel Adler (write-in) - 92 No - 128 SOY PR Secretary: Zachary Israeli SOY PR Secretary Amendment #4 (Transparency of GA Funds) SOY MYP Representative: Yoni Laub Justin Goldman (write-in) - 32 PASSED (77.70% voted yes) SOY BMP Representative: Jonathan Malek Zachary Israeli (write-in) - 32 Yes - 467 SOY IBC Representative: Baruch Lerman No - 134 SOY JSS Representative: Not elected, as no candidates After a tie vote in the election, 20 members of the four Amendment #5 (GA Club-Voting Deadline) appeared on the ballot, and no write-in candidate received current Wilf student councils voted 12-8 to award the seat NOT PASSED (50.33% voted yes) the minimum 20 votes necessary to win. to Zachary Israeli. Yes - 306 No - 302 SSSBSC President: Adam Baron SOY MYP Representative Amendment #6 (Anti-Discrimination Policy) SSSBSC Vice President: Zach Tuchman Yoni Laub - 307 NOT PASSED (35.84% voted yes) SSSBSC Secretary/Treasurer: Sammy Lekowsky SOY SBMP Representative Yes - 238 Jonathon Malek - 119 No - 426 YCSA President: Ari Lowy SOY IBC Representative YCSA Vice President: Jonah Chill Baruch Lerman - 99 Beren Campus YCSA Secretary/Treasurer: David Lifschitz SOY JSS Representative No candidates appeared on the ballot, and no write-in SCWSC President: Shira Schneider YSU President: Zachary Greenberg candidate received the minimum 20 votes necessary to win. SCWSC Vice President of Academic Affairs: Shoshana YSU Vice President of Class Affairs: Josh Weinstein Wallach YSU Vice President of Clubs: Jared Benjamin SSSBSC President SCWSC Vice President of Clubs: Talia Leitner YSU Senior Class Representative: Benjy Halpern Adam Baron - 146 SCWSC Vice President of Public Relations: Tamar YSU Junior Class Representative: Elazar Abrahams Dovie Solomon - 104 Guterson Ely Bloch - 76 SCWSC Vice President of Programming: Danielle Six proposed amendments to the Wilf Student SSSBSC Vice President Pasternak Government Constitution appeared on the ballot, and four Zach Tuchman - 255 of the amendments garnered the three-fifths majority neces- SSSBSC Secretary/Treasurer SYMSSC President: Alex Brody sary for ratification. The following amendments were passed: Sammy Lekowsky - 159 SYMSSC Vice President of Clubs: Shaiel Soleimani Yaakov Schreier - 137 SYMSSC Vice President of Public Relations: Abigail Amendment #1 (Revised, Restructured and Updated Lerman Constitution) YCSA President Amendment #2 (Katz School Representation) Ari Lowy - 209 TAC President: Nina Siegel Amendment #3 (Makor Representation) Albert Dweck (write-in) - 39 TAC Vice President of Shabbat: Eliana Feifel Amendment #4 (Transparency of GA Funds) Josh Leichter (write-in) - 21 TAC Vice President of Speakers: Rivka Barnett YCSA Vice President TAC Vice President of Public Relations: Michal Herman Breakdown of Wilf Campus Results Jonah Chill - 250 TAC Vice President of Chessed: Chaiy Bodek The Canvassing Committee released the breakdown of YCSA Secretary/Treasurer each race, which is summarized below. In races in which David Lifschitz - 140 Senior Class President: Leah Joshowitz candidates officially appeared on the ballot, all of the can- Daniel Melool - 116 Senior Class Vice President: Nechama Levie didates and their vote tallies are listed below; for positions where the victor was a write-in candidate, only the winning YSU President Junior Class President: Hadas Hirt candidate is listed: Zachary Greenberg - 578 Junior Class Vice President: Rina Melincoff YSU Vice President of Class Affairs SOY President Josh Weinstein - 554 Sophomore Class President: Shaina Matveev YSU Vice President of Clubs

Mishna and Shas Bavli by reciting the te- student activities hosted over Zoom included NEWS BRIEFS, Yom Ha’atzmaut Zoom Celebration filat shalom hamedinah. “This siyum ties interactive games and a cooking tutorial with continued from Page 6 Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations began in together our core values of Torah, Talmud Kosher cookbook author and personal chef the second part of the Tekes Ma’avar, but Torah, chessed, and tzionut, and Zionism,” Naomi Nachman. was followed by the kel maleh prayer sung programming continued the following day on remarked President Berman. RIETS Rosh “I was pretty disappointed when I realized by Gedalia Penner (YC ‘17), musical director Wednesday, April 29. The YOMS Committee Yeshiva Rabbi Herschel Schachter then de- that we wouldn’t be able to have the Yom for the Y-Studs A Cappella group. organized a Yom Iyun and student activities livered the siyum. HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut programs Wrapping up the program, Senior including shiurim and games throughout The Tekes continued with President of in person because I know how meaningful Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Yosef Blau re- the day. Y-Studs Ari Mandelbaum (SSSB ‘20) sing- they always are,” commented Shira Pahmer cited the misheberach for the fallen IDF sol- At the conclusion of the Tekes Ma’avar’s ing Hatikvah and reciting Tefilat Chagigit, (SCW ‘22). “In the end, the online programs diers, which was followed by a prerecorded Yom HaZikaron segment, the Yom followed by a shofar blowing performed by did a great job in filling in for what we could message from Rabbi Dr. Leonard Matanky, Ha’atzmaut celebrations began with a com- CJ Glicksman (YC ‘20). A 45-minute live not do in person. I really enjoyed every part Dean of Ida Crown Jewish Academy and munal siyum, a Tefilah Chagigit and a live chagigah featuring Eitan Katz concluded of the Zoom programs and appreciate all co-President of the Religious Zionists of concert with Eitan Katz. The next day, Yom the program. the hard work that the organizers put into America. Finally, Rabbi Meir Goldwicht, Iyun shiurim began at 11 a.m. and ended at The Yom Iyun featured Israel-focused planning it all.” Visiting Israeli Rosh Yeshiva and Visiting 5:15 p.m. Student activities ran throughout shiurim by Beren Campus Rabbi and Professor of Jewish History at YU, delivered the afternoon. Rebbetzin Jacob Bernstein and Penina a closing message to students. At the Tekes, President Ari Berman Bernstein, as well as by other rabbis from A recording of the Tekes Ma’avar was introduced the siyum on all of Tanach, outside of YU. In addition to the Yom Iyun, posted on YouTube. 8 Features Monday, May 11, 2020

FROM THE COMMIE ARCHIVES Editor’s Note: Traditionally, at the end of each volume, the outgoing editor-in-chief of The Commentator writes a retrospective piece, usually titled “In Retrospect.” Published here, in the final issue of Vol. 85, are two such pieces that analyze the overall role of The Commentator at Yeshiva University and the necessity of a free press. From the Archives (May 20, 1935; Volume 1 Issue 5) — Looking Backward

activities. That a tradition so deeply will probably be heaved by the The fact that students had many be a definite liability in treating By Moses I. Feuerstein rooted in the atmosphere of Yeshiva Administration. Theirs has truly ideas to suggest was always realized with the exigencies of the present, and The Commentator could be violated by an immature been a trying position. To witness by the authorities. But the sudden for the more an issue was drowned Governing Board of and struggling young newspaper after years of rugged individualism evolution from rank suggestion to in verbiage, the more the funda- 1935 was merely another omen that in institutional affairs the develop- placing the issue in the open where mental points were brought into even greater surprises were yet in ment in one year of an articulate the problem could no longer be direct relief. Calling faculty meetings to cope As this issue goes to press, with this new and insidious force the first term of the life of The “As the report goes out that this issue will be the last for the semester, the known as The Commentator proved Commentator draws to a close. to no avail, for there could be only All in all, it has been a short but greatest sigh of relief will probably be heaved by the Administration. Theirs one solution — facing the problem colorful one as evidenced by the squarely. interest and comment that greeted has truly been a trying position.” If The Commentator has suc- each issue. For in the short period — ceeded in initiating this new and of its existence it has revealed to Moses I. Feuerstein and The Commentator Governing Board of 1935 only logical method, its mission the student body the possibility of has been fulfilled not only to the accomplishments which only the store for the institution. Needless to student body is no very soothing evaded, climaxed the fears of the students but to the Administration most hopeless optimists had dared say, the predictions have long since tonic, any college authorities will Administration. The old methods as well. The cases of delirium tre- to seriously consider till now. been realized, as even the most pes- testify. Especially is this true when of allowing the requests to die from mens that visited the authorities The very appearance of The simistic will testify. a student body has been as meek old age or circumlocution suddenly before each issue as rumors of the Commentator at the scheduled As the report goes out that this and complacent for such a period became as out-moded as the horse forthcoming “fiery” editorials flew bi-weekly intervals was already a issue will be the last for the se- of years as in Yeshiva and Yeshiva in the Machine Age. In fact, the thick and fast “will not have been record breaking phenomenon in the mester, the greatest sigh of relief College. solution of the past turned out to in vain.” history of the College and student

The Commentator archives THE COMMENTATOR

From the Archives (May 18, 1953; Volume 18 Issue 11) — In Retrospect day, became more a part of me. It is not an easy task. and level-headed understanding of my blue pencil. But when the situ- By Irwin Witty was not motivated by sheer altru- The Commentator was founded our actions, is one thing; to cow- ation arose where we could clearly ism, but neither was it motivated by in the firm belief that freedom of the tow and assent without reason is stand up to reiterate these truths, There is an odd sensation self-grandeur. It was, I fear, more press is an inalienable right of the blindness, cowardice and an un- we were ready and dedicated in that comes with any discovery of of that serenity that unchallenged student. “The People of the Book” dermining of man’s own right to fulfilling our task. change. Many have tried to capture position generates. inspired that freedom, and with it free expression. I leave to Sheldon Rudoff and this intangible, almost inarticulate, But the jolt has brought me to the implicit feeling that everyone In the person of a newspaper, his staff a Commentator entering feeling that overcomes anyone who reflect. I am faced with the task has a right to be heard. But, as is these ideas are embodied. It is my upon its nineteenth year of pub- finds himself jolted from a status of “passing on the reign.” I hope I so often the case where one inter- belief that these were the conscious, lication — and simultaneously its quo of any sort. It is an almost lull- am not treading upon the maudlin est group can impose its wishes if unexpressed, motivations of the third year under an advisorship. ing effect that the peace and se- when I say that it is an odd — I and decisions upon another by dint framers of the axiom of a free and The step from Alumni Advisor, to renity of a position, once secured, really want to use the word sad — of uninspired authority or by in- independent press. It is my belief, faculty supervision and eventually brings with it. feeling. Granted there is a certain timidation and threat, the fear of as well, that these ideas motivated administration censorship can be The realization that this was joy to know that now you can “take reprisal throttles us; and the baser those students who first labored spanned in time. We must forever to be my last issue as editor of things easy.” But before that can be inclination of man, to suppress and over the early pages of “Commie.” remain vigilant that “advice” be “Commie” came as something of the done, there is yet another matter to to cringe in the face of forthright- The past year has had its times confined to counsel. same nature. It was a job to which be taken up. I realize that it is my ness, commits us not alone to si- when these axioms were challenged Shelley, it is to the continuation I had come to grow accustomed, duty to charge the incoming editor lence, but to the effacing of our by the agnostics of freedom. I fear of this principle that I ask you to and one which, with every passing with what has been called “Commie individuality. To subject oneself that their campaign may have suc- remain dedicated. tradition.” And I must confess — it to authority in the face of rational ceeded long before I could take up Monday, May 11, 2020 Features 9 The Ghosts Have Become Alive: Yeshiva University and the Future of Religiously Affiliated Higher Education in America and become a secular institution, having lost Chaim Dov Keller, a prominent rabbi and the religious mission of the undergraduate By Michael J. Broyde its moorings as a religious institution.1 an alumnus wrote in 1995 in a public let- colleges. Yeshiva managed to discriminate So far, Rabbi Soloveitchik (d. 1993) has ter to the president of Yeshiva at that time, without engaging in overtly discriminatory Forward not been correct in his prediction of the Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm: “Are your un- practices. Thank you, dear reader, for letting me future. For 50 years, Yeshiva managed to dergraduate colleges, Yeshiva College and Third, until recently, the Orthodox com- share my thoughts on the legal status dilem- function as a religious undergraduate college Stern College for Women, not under the munity that attended YU treated the LGBTQ mas that Yeshiva University faces concerning with a dual curriculum of Jewish studies and same nondenominational charter? Sooner community as far outside its boundaries. The its charter as a secular institution during secular studies, just like the model Rabbi or later you will have to face the problem of students who were LGBTQ stayed deeply in these complex and unusual times. I know Dr. Belkin had proposed: a secular college gay students in these schools. How will you the closet, either due to their own choice or that we are in the middle of a pandemic and affiliated with a religious seminary, with the avoid the problem there? Whatever means due to communal pressure (or both). This era there are much more important short-term deep religious and ethical vision flowing from you are presently using will soon become too is over. Many in the Modern Orthodox concerns — numerous essential worries for the seminary to the university. While only obsolete, if you are true to your duty as the community are comfortable with the po- Yeshiva and for us all — but I am confident the seminary was formally exempt from the head of a non-denominational institution to litical agenda of the LGBTQ community’s 7 that this pandemic crisis shall pass. “The non-discrimination rules, both the college ‘conform to the secular law.’” I myself wrote call banning discrimination based on sexual 8 sun will come out tomorrow” seems clear and the seminary functioned as if they were to Rabbi Lamm Shlita about this in 2002 at orientation and the extension of Title VII to 10 and when the sun shines again (in just a one — for example, almost all the students some length as did many others. prohibit such (I am, as I note here ) while few short weeks, we all hope and pray) the were traditional Orthodox Jews, an apparent Instead, beset by financial problems after exempting religious institutions from Title same important problems brewing for many violation of Title VII as well as many other the recession, Yeshiva continued to define VII obligations. Furthermore, there is much months about YU’s legal status will return to statutes that govern secular institutions. itself as a secular institution as a matter of more tolerance and sympathy regarding the the forefront, maybe even with greater speed Yeshiva University avoided the many law, mostly to allow them to remain eligible LGBTQ movement within the Orthodox com- and urgency, having been put on hold for complexities in its undergraduate institutions for a great variety of financial assistance munity now. 2 some time. Yeshiva will need to be prepared that essentially serve a religious community provided by the state and national govern- Fourth, Yeshiva College has expanded for that moment, and I publish this piece by employing a number of strategies (some ment. When tensions arose (as they occasion- its admission base so that it has admitted now — written many months ago — in that of which I will outline below). Such cannot ally did), they were addressed in a discrete many more students who are less committed spirit. Finally, in the name of full disclosure, I be said with regard to the graduate schools way without publicity or legal challenge. to a complete and full Orthodox life than in 11 reveal my biases here: I am not some neutral of Yeshiva University, which are (or were, We all knew that this situation was both other eras. The number of students who are academic writing on some random “law and in the case of the Albert Einstein College of somewhat disingenuous and legally tenuous, not Sabbath observant has gone up, and the religion topic” of professional interest. I Medicine, formerly Yeshiva’s medical school) since Yeshiva was not secular like NYU or number of male students who do not wear am a loyal YU alumnus — having graduated essentially secular in their student body and Columbia or even Emory — its legal status the customary head covering has increased from MTA, YC, and RIETS (twice) — and a academic orientation and never had either a did not reflect its seemingly discriminatory as well. The number of hours of Jewish stud- deep supporter of Yeshiva and its Modern critical mass of traditional Jewish students practices in admission or the conduct of its ies required per student has gone down, and Orthodox vision. One of my children is a or a commitment to any significant study undergraduate colleges. there is a greater variety of programs for both 3 fourth-generation alumnus and I hope to of Jewish law or text or values. Other than So how did Yeshiva’s undergraduate col- men and women that are not classical text have grandchildren who are fifth-generation Revel, all of Yeshiva’s graduate schools are leges manage to avoid the kinds of challenges study. Furthermore, there are many more graduates in many years to come. indisputably secular in their orientation. its graduate divisions confronted? To answer programs that compete with Yeshiva for The current legal environment seems to They allow social, religious and student affin- this question, four historical realities are classically yeshiva-trained students, decreas- me to challenge or even threaten the future, ity clubs and organizations that no Orthodox worth noting. ing the number of those who end up going and I share my thoughts in the hopes that we Jewish organization would allow, and they First, LBGTQ rights were less clearly es- to YU. These trends have brought to YU a can find the best way forward for YU. have students with no connection to Judaism tablished until recently — no one was exactly higher percentage of students who are not but who attend merely because of the lofty certain how they would interact with religious traditionally “Orthodox.” Introduction academic quality of the institution. When institutions or even secular institutions with Of course, lurking in the background of During the Spring of 1970, the deeply Yeshiva University sought to restrict the right a religious history. At the beginning of the all of this is the secular truth: the diverse rational Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik to housing for married students at Einstein LGBTQ movement, there was little stomach pluralistic society that America has become zt”l spoke of ghosts. At the triennial ordina- and not allow students in a same-sex rela- for that fight and much bigger — and clearly has little tolerance for discrimination based 9 tion ceremony at Yeshiva University, the tionship to have housing for the student and secular — fish to fry. That era is over; the on sexual orientation, and New York City’s Rav — the leading Talmudic authority in their partner, the New York Courts ruled that bigger fish are fried, and now the little fish Commission on Human Rights has flatly America at the time, scion of a multi-gen- Yeshiva would be in violation of the New York are being primed for the fryer. prohibited such discrimination for secular 4 erational rabbinic dynasty, and the person City ordinances that legally mandated that Second, Yeshiva University under- educational institutions. 5 who signed the ordination certificates soon to housing be given to such students. With graduate colleges —Yeshiva College, Stern be given — warned the president of Yeshiva, some squealing and moaning, handwringing College and the Sy Syms School of Business The Reality Rabbi Dr. Samuel Belkin (his friend and co- and kvetching, Yeshiva complied with the — employed tight admission standards that All of these trends culminated in a stu- signer on the ordination certificates), not to mandate of the court and allowed housing selected only students who were deeply in- dent’s recent request to form a “gay-straight” change the legal charter of Yeshiva University in the Einstein dorms for same-sex couples terested in an Orthodox life and lifestyle alliance club at YU, as well as the filing of a 6 from a religious institution to a secular one. who were not married. in a gender-separated institution. With a civil rights complaint against Yeshiva with Rabbi Soloveitchik — ever a visual speaker — robust dual curriculum of morning Talmud the City of New York Commission on Human claimed that he “saw ghosts.” Harvard, Yale The Present study and required Bible, Hebrew and Jewish and Princeton “all began as divinity schools,” Others have raised the concern in the history coursework in its colleges, few ap- he warned, “and Yeshiva, Heaven forbid, years since the Rav did, since it was grow- plied who did not fit in. Furthermore, there Continued on Page 10 could also go the way of all these great and ing progressively harder to be both secularly was an admissions process that informally early citadels of American higher education” chartered and religiously affiliated. As Rabbi weeded out students who were a bad fit for

1 For more on this, see Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, 3 Rather, the graduate schools merely accommo- 6 See Adam Dickter “Yeshiva University Changes point-counterpoint-2/2019/07/03/ “The Rav and Dr. Belkin,” in Mentor of Generations: dated traditional Jewish practice by providing kosher Housing Policy: Medical School To Allow Same-Sex Reflections on Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, ed. Zev food and scheduling class around the vacation days of Couples To Share Housing” (August 16, 2002) in Voices 11 See for example “How Bare Heads Are More Eleff (Jersey City: Ktav, 2008), 85 and Andrew Geller, both the Jewish and the secular holidays. For more on of New York at https://voicesofny.org/2002/08/ Than Just Bare Heads, and Why It Matters for YU” “Rav Responds to Secularization; Sympathizes with this, and Rabbi Soloveitchik’s observations about why nycma-voices-31-news-news_2/. which notes “Indeed, Yeshiva University accepts stu- Student Rally,” The Commentator 35, no. 13 (April 15, this is proper, see the remarks of Rabbi Soloveitchik dents spanning a wide range of religious commitment 1970):. For a thoughtful discussion of this in the con- entitled “On the Creation of Yeshiva University’s 7 See Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller, “A Letter That and does not enforce any religious observance on text of the times, see Jeffrey S. Gurock, “The Men and Albert Einstein College of Medicine found at Rabbi Should Never Have Been Published” The Jewish its students. It is an open institution that welcomes Women of Yeshiva” (Columbia University Press, 1988) Joseph B. Soloveitchik, “Community, Covenant and Observer pages 31-32 (Summer 1995) also found at non-religious students who want to connect to and at pages 236-245. In the course of writing this article, Commitment: Selected Letters and Communications” https://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ learn from Judaism in their own way, allowing ev- Yosef Lemel of The Commentator shared with me that pages 85-92 (Nathaniel Helfgot, editor) (Ktav, 2005). JO1995-V28-N05.pdf. eryone to feel comfortable in his own level of ob- The [Stern College] Observer published what seems servance.” at https://yucommentator.org/2018/10/ to be close to a transcription of Rabbi Soloveitchik’s 4 Basically, secular institutions in New York City 8 May the One Above comfort Rabbi Lamm and bare-heads-just-bare-heads-matters-yu/ and https:// remarks on April 15, 1970 in an article entitled “Rav could not discriminate against same-sex unmarried his family for the recent sad loss of his wife Mindella yucommentator.org/2018/10/response-ask-barehead- Soloveitchik Speaks Out on YU Crisis” (This article is couples in 2000 based on the combination of three as well as grant Rabbi Lamm himself a full and com- ed-students-wear-kippot/). This is a far cry from the found in volume 12, issue 12 of The Observer, dated laws: (1) NY Roommate Law (Real Property Law, sec- plete recovery. historical policies and social practices of many other Wednesday, April 15, 1970). tion 235(f); (2) New York City Human Rights Law sec- eras of YU. tions 296(2-a), 296(4) and 296(5); (3) New York City 9 It could be that the reason for this was even 2 I hesitate to compare the approach YU has taken to Administrative Code 8-197(5). The law has changed more profound. There might have been an implicit 12 See the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination this topic with many Christian universities nationwide, slightly since the legalization of same sex marriage, understanding that religious institutions could be of- Act (SONDA) which is New York law that prohibits as both New York State and New York City law and but the differences are not important in this context. ficially nonsectarian and still impose religious values discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived funding play an important role here. It is worth noting 5 Levin v. Yeshiva University 96 N.Y.2d 484 indirectly, and it was also in the interest of the city sexual orientation in employment, housing, public that St. John’s University and Fordham University (NY Ct of Appeals 2001). (In New York, the Court and state to host such institutions. The consensus accommodations, education, credit, and the exercise are both still religious corporations, as Yeshiva was of Appeals is the highest court in the State.) For a perhaps has changed in regard to LGBTQ issues and of civil rights. Let me add that this complaint and up until 1970. Indeed, one is hard-pressed to find a popular recounting of the win by the students, see religiously affiliated but legally secular institutions. the general focus on Yeshiva in the LGBTQ world is Catholic institution that adopted the legally secular “Yeshiva Lesbians Win Ok To Sue Over Dorms” NY coordinated and not coincidental, as is noted in many path chosen by Yeshiva. This could also be explained Post July 3, 2001 at https://nypost.com/2001/07/03/ 10 See Michael J. Broyde, “The Equality Act Is places. This means that these matters will not go away. by the unique difficulties of running a medical school, yeshiva-lesbians-win-ok-to-sue-over-dorms/ Good For The Jews” The Jewish Press, 3 July 2019 a dilemma that is no longer part of the YU calculus. at https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/ 10 Features Monday, May 11, 2020

and not under the aegis of an academic de- provide kosher food. Only the former should resistance to oppressive laws with a great partment in order to prevent the opening of have a religious charter. Second, enough of deal of success. New York State could im- GHOSTS, a “gay-straight alliance” club. It could tighten the university needs to be left secular to allow prison Yeshiva’s president for contempt continued from Page 9 its enrollment policies to reduce the likeli- for robust access to those benefits uniquely of court, but it would create a “prisoner of Rights. This complaint notes a violation of hood of students being interested in these provided to secular programs. A close look conscience” in that act. The British lost India the New York City Human Right Law, which clubs, and it could raise the threshold of at what the Dormitory Authority of the State to a resistance movement that never fired certainly on its face applies to secularly char- student signatures needed to form a social of New York calls the “Touro College and a shot — religious sacrifice is a compelling 21 tered Yeshiva.12 club to such a high number so as to reduce University System” reveals that Touro has narrative. The New York Jewish Week reported the likelihood of such a club being able to be a complex corporate structure with many Related to this approach (but very dif- simply: “The move intensifies a long-sim- formed consistent with the neutral secular distinctly different corporate statuses and ferent) is another option: YU can close its mering battle for gay recognition at Modern rules as they exist now. Religious student corporate forms in order to address these doors in a grand way, sell its New York City 18 Orthodoxy’s flagship institution . . . The clubs could be re-chartered under RIETS, issues well. Countless “religious institu- assets, and move to a more sympathetic ju- complaint, filed last week, states that YU has the religious seminary generally exempt tions” have learned to do this, as anyone risdiction like Israel or New Jersey or Utah. ‘refused to allow an official LGBTQ student from these laws. The advantages of this ap- can see from the diverse institutional bond- In this approach, it would announce to the group’ over the course of many years, and proach are three-fold. It is a tried and true issuing practices of the New York Dormitory community that the ideas and ideals that has ‘suppressed LGBTQ-themed events.’ method that YU has employed before, and Authority. Yeshiva University was crafted around — The complaint also stated that a senior vice all of its administrators are familiar with it. The fourth approach is to fight: Yeshiva that the best of secular culture and Orthodox president at the university ‘tried to pressure It continues to allow access to the pools of can argue for an extension of the basic hold- Judaism actually can co-exist in a yeshiva student council leaders to reject’ the club’s money provided to secularly chartered insti- ing of Hobby-Lobby and argue that religious- which is a university — can still be done, second bid for approval in two consecutive tutions. Finally, it seems at first glance to be ly influenced secular institutions should be but it cannot be done in New York City any- years . . . Though it is easy to ‘feel like ideologically more consistent with the basic granted exceptions from secular laws that more. Like the legendary Volozhin Yeshiva 22 the underdogs,’ Alberstone said, he message of a yeshiva that is a university, are contradictory to their religious traditions, of lore, which was putatively forced by the is confident that the grassroots stu- which is that one can be both. One can be just as individuals are granted such exemp- government in Czarist Russia to offer secu- 19 dent club has the upper hand. ‘YU is both an Orthodox Jew and a secular person. tions. In its weak form, it would argue that lar studies and choose to close rather than a non-sectarian institution, with no comply, YU can announce that in light of the legal basis for discriminating against oppressive attacks on its religious values, LGBTQ students.’”13 (emphasis added) If Yeshiva does not act, it will have its religious agenda it will cease to function in New York City. What should Yeshiva University do in this determined by a secular court and not by its own religious situation? Yeshiva simply cannot view same- So, What Would I sex relations as consistent with Jewish law sensibilities. Recommend? as it understands it,14 and yet the New York Yeshiva has positioned itself uniquely City law directly denies secular institutions inadequately for the current legal reality. the right to engage in the religiously driven The third approach is to recharter the Yeshiva need not comply with those provi- It is a secularly chartered but religiously LGBTQ discrimination. undergraduate colleges or even the whole sions of the New York City Human Rights affiliated institution, a status both unrec- university as a religious institution and seek Law that violate its religious beliefs. In its ognized by secular law and unprotected by Possible Responses by Yeshiva shelter from the Human Rights Laws of New strong form, Yeshiva would argue that it the rights granted to religious institutions. In response to this dilemma, Yeshiva York City in that way, which explicitly do not should remain entitled even to the alloca- Furthermore, it is in a city with a vibrant 17 University has four reasonable options and apply to religious institutions. The advan- tions provided to secular institutions since Human Rights Commission dedicated to 20 one unreasonable option, as I will describe tages of this approach are clear: they allow it is one, albeit with religious values. The making secular institutions comply with the below. a direct and unmanipulated assertion of the problem with this approach, of course, is letter and spirit of the Human Rights law. I First, it can allow such clubs to open and values of Yeshiva University untampered by obvious: this is a complex area of the law, think that resistance is an awful idea, even permit students to conduct themselves in the New York Human Rights Law. The law and predictions about who will win such as it has some emotional appeal. While the a manner not consistent with Jewish law. school and other secular divisions could litigation are not simple — Yeshiva could lose aphorism of “it is better to die on your feet This approach is not only consistent with remain with their secular charter, but any this litigation. The relationship between reli- than living on your knees” sounds coura- their secular charter but also legally the divisions that are intended to serve Orthodox gious rights and neutral regulation is murky geous, it actually is mistaken in this case, easiest to do. This was the action that Rabbi Jews will clearly be defined as religious. The at best even for individuals, and it is even since there are many other standing op- Soloveitchik feared the most when he spoke disadvantages are also clear: as a religious more murky for educational institutions. portunities. The costs of litigation — social, 50 years ago.15 It would mean the abandon- institution, Yeshiva will lose access to a few Of course, with all strategic choices, one economic and practical — will be high, and ment of the historical mission of Yeshiva pots of money only granted to secular intu- can employ more than one at a time. Yeshiva the likelihood of vindication is low. Thus, University — to meld the best of Western itions — the exact reason Rabbi Dr. Belkin could both tighten its enrollment standards I am opposed to a policy of resistance and culture with traditional Jewish law and run sought a secular charter to begin with. and litigate while abolishing all non-academ- litigation. an educational institution that was consis- Let me add that it is clear that this char- ic clubs. The real world is much less binary Along the same lines, I am opposed to tent with both the vision of Harvard and tering as a religious institution is not an “all than the theoretical model. the policy of continuing to thread the needle Volozhin.16 or nothing activity”; rather, this needs to be Finally, of course, Yeshiva could litigate, of being nominally secular while actually Second, it can seek to continue its cur- done with a great deal of care so as to ac- and upon losing, they could resist. Its board being substantively religious. I think too rent policy of being nominally secular while complish two central goals. First, leave those can engage in acts of defiance and resistance many people are watching closely for YU to acting functionally like an Orthodox Jewish parts of Yeshiva that are secular as secular. and force the secular society around it to have an announced policy at tension with 23 institution. It can double down on its practice Nothing is gained by chartering the law take it apart piece by piece in a painful way. its implemented policy. Of course, it could of adopting pro forma secular policies that school (for example) as religious. Division Although the most popular paradigm for that comply with the law’s calls for neutrality by division, Yeshiva needs to examine itself resistance was found in the segregationist Continued on Page 11 while functionally reinforcing YU’s religious to honestly determine which portions have South in the 1950s and 1960s, many other mission. For example, it could prohibit all central religious values and which merely times and many other places have seen re- student clubs that are not academic in nature adhere to the Jewish holiday calendar and ligious institutions engage in Gandhi-like

13 The Jewish Week, LGBTQ Students File “There is only One Yeshiva College (pages 219-225) how to do this. This is discussed in not enough detail Trinity-Western-University-School-of-Law-2013-201, Complaint Against Yeshiva U: Battle for gay rights and Rabbi Lichtenstein’s essay is entitled “Looking later in this letter. although this is in Canada. intensifies as students take discrimination griev- Before and After” (pages 231-239). I have an essay in ance to NYC Human Rights Commission. (Feb 18, that volume entitled “Truth Seeking as the Mission” 19 In its strongest form, it is an argument that the 22 For a more historically accurate portrayal of why 2010) also at https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/ (pages 325-328). majority decision by Justice Scalia in Employment the Yeshiva in Volozhin closed, see Jacob J. Schacter battle-for-gay-recognition-intensifying-at-yeshiva-u/. Division v. Smith (1990) is wrong, and in its weaker “Haskalah,Secular Studies and the Close of the Yeshiva See also https://nypost.com/2020/03/07/lgbtq- 17 As the New York State Attorney General notes forms it is an argument that Religious Land Use and in Volozhin in 1892” in Torah Umaddah 1:76-133 students-file-discrimination-complaint-against- simply: Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUPA) should apply (1990) or see Shaul Stampfer, Lithuanian Yeshivas yeshiva-university/. Some exemptions that preexisted SONDA – and to such institutions. This is not the place to review of the Nineteenth Century. Creating a Tradition of apply to discrimination on any of the grounds listed in all such plausible arguments other than to note that Learning Translated by Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz. 14 This is not the place to address this issue in the law, not only sexual orientation — affect SONDA's the consensus is that the argument that the New York Oxford: Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, 2007. detail. See for example “Statement of Principles on application. A “religious or denominational institu- City Human Rights Law does not apply to secularly the Place of Jews with a Homosexual Orientation in tion,” or an “organization operated for charitable or chartered, but religiously valued institutions is not 23 In addition, this type of policy has internal social Our Community” at https://statementofprinciplesnya. educational purposes” that is “operated, supervised generally considered the state of the law now. See costs of some complexity as. Even at the time of the blogspot.com/ or Michael J. Broyde and Shlomo or controlled by or in connection with a religious also note 18 confirming that this is the opinion of the 1970 events “Rav Lichtenstein voiced the problem of Brody “Homosexuality And Halacha: Five Critical organization,” may: NY Attorney General. presenting one image to the outside world while trying Points” at http://text.rcarabbis.org/homosexuality- 1. Limit employment, sales or rental of housing to preserve another general direction” (as mentioned and-halakha-in-tradition-and-beyond/ or many other accommodations, and admission to persons 20 Related to this, of course, is seeking special in The Observer article cited in note 1) as an ethical fine articles written. of the same religion. legislative status or exemption from the State of New issue. Indeed, in conversation with people about 2. Give preferences to persons of the same York. Since I see this approach as practically unlikely, this topic over many years, this has been a common 15 See note 1. religion or denomination; and I will not address this here. I do see the possibility that ethical theme. Dr. Zev Eleff notes this as well in his 3. Take "such action as is calculated by such if (big word) we all supported a “fairness for all” type alternate history “What if Rav Aharon Had Stayed? 16 What exactly is this mission is beyond the scope organization to promote the religious of proposal, maybe these proposals would exempt even A Counter-History of PostWar Orthodox Judaism of this short note. My favorite short essays that en- principles for which it is established or religiously affiliated secular institutions, and maybe in the United States” at http://www.thelehrhaus. capsulate the Yeshiva University experience can be maintained." Congress would also preempt local increases. None com/scholarship/2017/3/9/what-if-rav-aharon-had- found in essays by Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein and https://ag.ny.gov/civil-rights/sonda-brochure of this will help Yeshiva in the short term. stayed-a-counter-history-of-postwar-orthodox-juda- Rabbi Norman Lamm at Menachem Butler and Zev ism-in-the-united-states. Nagel (editors) “My Yeshiva College: Seventy-Five 18 Yeshiva needs to examine in more detail what 21 For an example of a fight, see https://www.evan- Years of Memories.” Rabbi Lamm’s essay is entitled Touro does and why, as well as deeply understand gelicalfellowship.ca/Resources/Court-cases/2018/ Monday, May 11, 2020 Features 11

The Rav outlined the many dangers of secularization in his “Ghosts” speech. YESHIVA UNIVERSITY

or move to more hospitable jurisdiction and Western ideal, when one is living in a worse, if Yeshiva does not act, it will (or both). The economic costs of having a place where that is not possible, one looks have its religious agenda determined GHOSTS, religious charter are complex and require a for a new place to live.25 by a secular court and not by its own continued from Page 10 very tight and detailed look at the various In summary: Yeshiva University religious sensibilities. have a set of actual policies that reduce this losses and gains suffered by that chartering. seems to need (if it wishes to preserve issue (such as “no social clubs at all”), but I Calculating this is complex, since sometimes its Orthodox Jewish identity) to re- Michael J. Broyde is a Professor of the gains and losses are subtle.24 Moving charter some of itself as a sectarian Law at Emory University and the Projects suspect that these matters will not go away 26 in the current environment. So too, changing the institution out of New York would be or religious corporation, rather than Director in the Center for the Study of Law enrollment policies might or might not be a difficult, heart-rending, and dislocating for remain a completely non-sectarian or and Religion. In the past, he has been the good idea, but doing so to address this issue the legions of students, faculty and staff at secular institution, and Yeshiva should Rabbi of the Young Israel in Atlanta, the seems unwise and economically untenable. Yeshiva. However, it might be the approach even consider moving to a more legally Rosh Kollel of the Atlanta Torah Mitzion So, I see only two real options for Yeshiva: most consistent with its mission, actually. friendly jurisdiction. If it does neither Kollel and the Director of the Beth Din of re-charter it as a religious institution in part Having defined itself as an institution com- of these, it is going to have a very rough America. mitted to the harmonization of Torah values ride preserving the status quo. Or even

24 It is clear to me that the real issue is hardly and federal funding. For example, see this $90M bond College and University System has the practice of to legal claims, allowing a smaller General Counsel’s “Bundy Money,” which has gone down every year issued just by Yeshiva University. I have not been having multiple units apply, only some of which are office and so on. Each and every upside and downside since 1990 and is now a total allocation of only $35M able to get a complete picture of the bond issuances secularly chartered; that is clearly acceptable. Let needs to be calculated closely. to a slightly less than 100 schools. For more on this, of Yeshiva, but since 2010, it seems that Yeshiva has me add that being religiously chartered has many see https://www.cicu.org/legislation-policy/state- issued only that one bond. Let me add that it is clear advantages that need to be factored in as well. For 25 Let me add, as one early reader noted, that aid-programs/direct-institutional-bundy-aid. (I was that there is a mechanism for parochial colleges to example, a religious charter allows the granting of Manhattan real estate is still very expensive. Yeshiva told that Fordham was approved for Bundy money receive funding from the authority, as both St. Joseph’s parsonage to many more people, which both saves could sell its holding and relocate to a much more in 1970, although I have not been able to verify that.) College and St John’s University have been funded. on payroll taxes and increases take-home pay while idyllic location and rebuild its depleted endowment. The much more complex issue is access to the bond- Unlike Yeshiva, they do not define themselves as also reducing costs. So too, religious institutions issuing authority of the New York State Dormitory non-sectarian. This is a crucially important issue, have a less robust regulatory environment allowing 26 See the paragraph accompanying note 19. Authority to issue tax-free bonds as well as other state and further research is required. Indeed, the Touro for a smaller administrative staff. They are less open 12 Monday, May 11, 2020

REVEL BERNARD REVEL GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES

BROADEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF JEWISH STUDIES AT REVEL

Range of programs New! Revel Online Award Winning including dual-degree, allows you to earn your Professors MA and PhD degree remotely

Learn More at: yu.edu/revel

BUILDING TOMORROW, TO DAY Monday, May 11, 2020 Features 13 Bioethics in Practice Northwell Yeshiva Site Open Yoshuv Institute, a facility with By Talya Lisker an ideal open floor plan and fully accessible amenities, located in Bikur cholim ein lah shi’ur a populated area lacking a major (Nedarim 39b). local hospital. The rosh yeshiva, The warmly lit Sh’or Yoshuv Rabbi Naftali Jaeger, agreed to hallways teemed with life. Echoes repurpose the facility in order to of Torah learning circulated from care for the sick. The only request the coatroom to the beit midrash, made was that the main sanctuary where talmidim sat. Close togeth- remain untouched, as it has, unless er. All day. Learning, exchanging absolutely necessary. svaras, sharing seforim and, oc- Within a week of its conception, casionally, a basketball. There is the field hospital was fully set up. It also a gymnasium here. was developed, funded and staffed Though the students are gone, entirely by the community, under the gym in Sh’or Yoshuv is anything the medical guidance of Dr. Avishai but empty. Neuman, an anesthesiologist and Sh’or Yoshuv Institute in co-founder of HatzolAir. Monetary Lawrence, NY, is the largest ye- donations for equipment made it shiva in the Five Towns. Nestled on possible to secure beds, monitors, the manicured, tree-lined lawns of ventilators and oxygen, as well as Cedarlawn Avenue since 2003, the essential supplies such as medica- site normally functions as a place tions, full protective gear, cleaning of post-high school Torah learn- supplies and electric wiring. Room ing, with a focus on community dividers were fashioned from re- outreach. Since closing in accor- purposed mechitzahs, which were TALYA LISKER contributed by party planners. 500 Northwell and Hatzalah team members outside the facility on its dance with government guidelines, inauguration day the yeshiva has hosted its shiurim iPads, enough to be distributed to each patient and healthcare online. together to do great things.” indicated. been volunteering since day one, worker, were designated to facili- In response to the COVID-19 And that’s how you end up with “Even though trends were emphasized how meaningful it is to tate remote communication with pandemic, this center of Torah re- Siyata D’shmaya markings atop reversed, we decided to open in “answer a lot of questions the com- family members. Equally critical ceived a major Madda makeover. Northwell Health signs. limited capacity,” said Eli Rowe, munity has [about coronavirus],” to the operation’s success was the The coatroom now functions as a Northwell’s Lawrence acknowledging the aspects of the providing reassurance and “helping hard work and time put in by all triage ward, and the gym houses a Ambulatory location, as Sh’or facility left unused. A number of people get the care they need to members of the team, as well as fully-equipped potential hospital, Yoshuv is officially known, is cur- ventilator units, as well as other make it feel like everything will be sustained volunteer efforts. The with 384 beds and over 100 ven- rently operating as a COVID-19 in-demand supplies, were donated ok.” This is a testament not only to way that Eli Rowe puts it, the cre- tilators. The shul is a sanctuary of testing and evaluation site. It is to various hospitals when it seemed Sh’or Yoshuv’s clinical capabilities, ation of the Sh’or Yoshuv site was first-aid supplies. Conveniently, the staffed by a Northwell Emergency the field hospital would not need to but to its role in providing support the “foresight to build something yeshiva cafeteria is outfitted with Room physician, community vol- open. However, we are still amid and reassurance to those in need. that we always hoped would be numerous hand-washing stations. unteers and EMTs, as well as Sh’or the crisis. Because all equipment The fate of the Sh’or Yoshuv the biggest waste of money.” To The driving force behind this Yoshuv staff members. Thanks to remains in place and the Sh’or facility is intertwined with that of date, the hospital wards have not entire operation? Concern for the around-the-clock security, op- Yoshuv site is already part of the the community; like the people, been used. community. erations have been able to run health system, Rowe reminds us how it is treated is largely depen- That is not to say that the site I spoke with Eli Rowe, a smoothly. The facility has seen that the flip of a switch is all that dent on the jurisdiction of the has remained lifeless. The next Hatzalah paramedic and founder over 200 patients (as of May 6) will be necessary to begin treating healthcare system. The nature of step in the process stemmed from of its aviation division, HatzolAir, since opening on April 22. Once over 200 patients, should the need what is deemed essential changes a phone call with Dr. Gita Lisker, to get a grasp on how the Sh’or registered, patients are received arise. “We’re in it and we can treat every day. Today, I might mea- the director of the Respiratory Yoshuv site, now a satellite loca- in the spacious (and regularly it,” he says. sure a patient’s vital signs as the Care Unit at Long Island Jewish tion of Northwell Health, came to disinfected) waiting room, until It is inspiring to work with the doctor prepares the COVID test Medical Center (LIJ), consulted be. The project is best understood evaluated and tested for COVID-19 kinds of people who dwell not on swab. Tomorrow might find me for advice on stocking and staffing from the panicked perspective of by the doctor. Patients can be re- the good they have already done, scheduling an appointment for se- a hospital unit. Dr. Lisker recom- society just a few weeks ago, when ferred to Northwell’s homecare but on how much more there is rologic antibody testing. We’ll all mended partnering with a health what Rowe calls an “almost apoca- program (which may include oxy- to do. Everyone involved — the be hanging in there until, someday, system “to ensure that all safety lyptic fear” set in, with the realiza- gen, if needed), and referrals are dedicated doctor, proficient cleri- hopefully soon, the triage center and quality standards would be tion that hospitals might run out of also available for telehealth visits cal staff and meticulous cleaning will be restored to its former glory met” in the facility. In the days beds. What would happen if people with a Northwell pulmonologist. crew — is invested in maximizing as a coat room. before the Navy ships docked in continued to get sick once hospitals Pulse oximeters are given out to the facility’s capacity to help. Max New York or the Javits Center be- were filled to capacity? patients for home monitoring when Rowe, a Hatzalah EMT who has Hatzalah, as an organization, came a hospital, Northwell Health is a link between the community leaders were invited to visit the and the hospital system. Hundreds Sh’or Yoshuv premises. Eli Rowe of ambulances service people to proudly describes the impression provide access to hospital care. that the site left on the represen- Imagining a scenario, then, where tatives — “they were flabbergast- Hatzalah could not fulfill its mis- ed,” he says. Michael Goldberg, sion — where ambulances wait the Executive Director of LIJ, was on endless lines to deposit the in- among the twelve Northwell del- firmed at a hospital — led to the egates initially given a tour of the question: “What would happen to facility. Mr. Goldberg commented the patients?” If there is no hospital that he is “continually inspired by available, where can patients be the way this community supports taken? Ultimately, Rowe explained, one another...to build an unbe- the goal is to “treat the most lievably well thought out center amount of people with the few- to provide care.” The goals of the est providers … to get the biggest Sh’or Yoshuv site, Mr. Goldberg return on our investment, from a maintains, “aligned perfectly with human resource standpoint.” our Northwell mission to help.” With this in mind, gathering A similar sentiment is expressed support, information and supplies, in Dr. Lisker’s reflection on the a team of visionaries set out blue- pivotal phone call, which included prints for a field hospital, a place Northwell leadership, Hatzalah, where, at the very least, patients Achiezer and Orthodox community could be triaged and treated until leaders — “it was one of the proud- est moments of my life,” she says, hospital space became available. TALYA LISKER The sketch materialized at Sh’or “as so many of the different and Northwell Health signage, BS"D, at Sh’or Yoshuv wonderful aspects of my life came 14 Features Monday, May 11, 2020

Commentator COVID-19 Survey Results: An Analysis more difficult for them to maintain focus of Syms-Men say they will use the P/N op- during online classes when compared to in- tion when compared to 16% of YC and 18% person classes. Of that number, 57% found of SCW. When broken down by year, 32% it much more difficult to maintain focus. of third-year students say they will use the Smartphone use during class has also option when compared to 16% for second- increased with 86% of students saying they year and 17% for first-year students. use a smartphone more frequently during President Berman recently announced online classes, and 56% of that number say- that the university will provide full refunds ing that they use smartphones in class much for remaining caf card balances as well as more frequently. a 30% refund of spring semester housing Students’ responses were more diverse charges. 66% of students expressed that they when it came to maintaining their class are satisfied with the refunds compared to schedules. 40% find it more difficult, 39% 21% who are dissatisfied. 34% of students find it neither more nor less difficult and think that the refund policy is more generous 21% find it less difficult to maintain their than they expected, 39% say that it is neither class schedules when compared to in-person more nor less generous than they expected, classes. and 24% say that it is less generous than When looking at their experiences with they expected. online learning, 41% say that they frequently encounter technical difficulties, 20% say Methodology they experience technical difficulties nei- We primarily followed the methodol- ther frequently nor infrequently and 39% ogy used in the previous surveys of The infrequently experience technical difficul- Commentator over the past two years. Overall, 68% of the student body is satisfied THE COMMENTATOR with the university’s response to the COVID-19 ties. 52% of women frequently experience We reached out to students through the health crisis technical difficulties during online classes Wilfevents/Berenevents email lists encour- when compared to 30% of men. aging students to sign up for the survey, College (YC) students, 120 (41%) are Stern By Yosef Lemel Only 14% of students say their classes gathering a total of 290 interested under- College for Women (SCW) students, 49 (17%) have been “Zoombombed.” Zoombombing is graduate students. We conducted a raffle are male Sy Syms School of Business (Syms- Editor’s Note: For the purposes of this an unwanted disruption of a Zoom session, with a $50 Amazon gift card as the first Men) students, 18 (6%) are female Sy Syms article, “more difficult” refers to students usually by strangers. When broken down by place prize to motivate respondents. We also School of Business (Syms-Women) students who indicated that they found aspects of college, 33% of Syms-Men, 17% of YC and confirmed that respondents were current and 1 (.3%) is a Katz School student. online classes to be “more difficult” or “much 6% of SCW students say their classes have undergraduate students with YU’s Office 103 respondents (36%) are in their first more difficult,” and vice versa for “less dif- been Zoombombed. of Student Life. The survey was conducted year on campus, 85 (29%) in their second ficult.” This rule is true for every measure Overall, 68% of the student body is sat- through SurveyMonkey. All responses were year, 79 (27%) in their third year and 23 (8%) of student opinion in this survey unless in- isfied with the university’s response to the completely anonymous. in their fourth year or beyond. dicated otherwise. COVID-19 health crisis. 21% are neither satis- Several confounding factors may have 84% of the students polled live in the fied nor dissatisfied and 11% are dissatisfied. skewed the survey in a certain direction that Eastern Time Zone. Over the past week, The Commentator The university announced the implemen- was not representative of student opinion In the analysis, specific conclusions or ex- conducted a survey on the experiences of tation of a pass/no credit (P/N) option for as a whole. For example, while Syms-Men trapolations were not drawn from the results students during the COVID-19 crisis, their undergraduates. 46% of the overall student are 28% of the undergraduate student body, of specific groups with a low sample size, such transition to online learning and other pol- body is satisfied, 24% is neither satisfied nor only 17% of respondents to our survey were as respondents from Syms-Women, the Katz icies of the university in response to the dissatisfied and 28% is dissatisfied. When from Syms-Men. YC students were over- School and fourth-year students. pandemic. The following article presents a broken down by college, 39% of YC, 48% represented in our survey, comprising 35% detailed analysis of the results. of SCW and 57% of Syms-Men are satisfied of the survey respondents while only be- Survey Results by the policy. ing 23% of the student body. These factors, Overall, 66% of respondents find online Introduction Overall, only 20% of students plan on among others, may have affected the results classes to be more difficult than in-person Overall, the survey polled 290 students, using the P/N option while 40% will not and of the survey. classes. or 15% of the undergraduate student body. another 40% are still unsure as to whether 92% of students also expressed that it was 102 respondents (35%) are Yeshiva they will use the option. Interestingly, 39%

Abroad in Four Walls: An Atypical Study Abroad Experience Hebrew University and developing was a called-off basketball game. the internship program was shut- forward would be. That Thursday By Deborah Jewish leadership values through Then, it was an order from the ting down. I could handle all the was terrible, but it ended with my Coopersmith The Nachshon Project. When I Israeli government limiting only other cancellations and missed mom firmly saying that I could ei- started in January, everything was 50 people in any area, followed by opportunities, but this was too ther come home or choose to deal This semester, Spring 2020, set up and good to go. I was loving a canceled Purim concert because much for me. On the walk back to with it and accept my new reality. was supposed to be my highly an- being back in Israel, experienc- the artist had been abroad within my apartment, I called my parents So that’s what I did. The next ticipated semester abroad. It was ing and taking in so much of what the past 14 days. The breaking with tears rolling down my face the semester that I was going to this country had to offer me, both point was on an average Thursday, and feeling absolutely miserable: spend exploring Israel, research- religiously and culturally. on my way to the first day of my for the lost opportunities, all the Continued on Page 15 ing in Yad Vashem, studying at However, in March, things be- internship at Yad Vashem, when unknowns and just being unsure gan to slowly fall apart. At first, it I was told to not come in because as to what my next steps moving 15 Features Monday, May 11, 2020

by the middle of this week as the world they currently are, always ABROAD IN FOUR WALLS, number of new cases per day con- brighten my day with their thought- continued from Page 14 tinues to drop. Soon, I will be le- ful comments and laughter. My gally allowed to walk to my sister’s roommate, the mom of the group, apartment which is on the other is so caring and compassionate, day I woke up with a completely side of Jerusalem. However, my continually ensuring that everyone new mindset, determined to stay in friends and I decided, for the time is taken care of. I have pursued an Israel and be happy about my situa- being, to remain under lockdown interest in comedy as seen in my tion. This was a conscious decision procedures. We are nervous about latest Instagram posts. I know that that I had to make, but it was vital getting COVID-19 while abroad my family will always be there for for what was to come. Happiness especially because of the lack of me and they have proven it to me is a choice, one that I deliberately a nearby family support system. time and time again, whether by chose every day following that one. creating a Zoom meeting so we can At first, I had a vast support celebrate a birthday all together, or system in Israel, but slowly, co- After the heaviest enabling me to join in on a fitness hort fellows and friends started class by repeating everything the trickling back to the U.S. At first, restrictions were trainer says so I can do it alongside only a few left Israel, but as restric- them 6,000 miles away. Because tions tightened, it became half of placed, I had a spark of today’s technology, I am able them, until it was almost every- of realization, which to speak to my grandparents every one I knew. Friends were changing night over FaceTime. I now have so their minds right and left, because allowed me to grasp the much extra time to learn Jewish of their own fears as well as their texts and read the books that I have parents’ demands. In the end, I good in my life. always pushed off in the past. I had three fellows remaining from a As I once learned from some- have my friends who stayed in the Cohort of 34 and only a handful of one, saying no to one opportunity dorms with me whom I can rely friends were still in Israel with me. means that you are saying yes to on for being there with a smile, My apartment of five has dwindled another. I understand this to mean some fun, and empathy during the to just two people. that there is always a choice taking difficult situation that we are all Daily life has been unlike how place; a choice between focusing dealing with together. It is not easy I would have ever imagined it. I on what is missing or recognizing during this time, especially being rarely venture outdoors despite what is present. This is far from abroad, but knowing that I have the current beautiful weather. Last the semester I had envisioned in such good people in my life whom month, the restrictions in Israel January, but I am content with I can spend an incredible Shabbat had intensified to such an extent what it has turned into. After the with is truly a gift. that one was only allowed to walk heaviest restrictions were placed, During these times, I have up to 100 meters from their resi- I had a spark of realization, which learned that it is so important to dence. When I walked to the gro- allowed me to grasp the good in focus on the good because if not, cery store, I needed to wear a mask my life. what else is there? I’ve recognized and carry my Student ID to prove I am fortunate to be healthy. My that being miserable and ungrate- to the police officers that might professors are working incredibly ful didn’t do me any good, and I stop me that I was following this hard, adapting to new technolo- now have no interest in repeating law. Currently, one is supposed to gies in order to make their online that. So, in this less-than-desirable remain within 100 meters of their courses interesting and engaging. situation, I have an opportunity to home residence, but the 500-me- My friends reach out from all over choose my destination and I am ter rule for exercising has been the world to ask how I am doing, al- choosing happiness. lifted. This means I can now run ways filling my heart with so much outside my parking lot! Many more gratitude and love. My Nachshon restrictions should be loosened Deborah’s semester abroad was DEBORAH COOPERSMITH Fellows, no matter where in the interrupted by the health crisis.

A Conversation with Revel’s Dean Berger

Dean Berger is enthusiastic about & Administration and has enhanced By Jacob Rosenfeld Revel’s future with Dr. Rynhold, the the faculty by recognizing younger “obvious choice to take over,” and in professors who have reached the level In an email to Revel faculty and stu- a great position to move the school of guiding doctoral students, most re- dents on March 10, 2020, the Ruth & forward. His unique situation as be- cently by the addition of Dr. Naomi I. Lewis Gordon Professor of Jewish ing just senior enough to command Grunhaus of Stern College. This has History and Dean of Bernard Revel the respect of the faculty and students been Revel’s main method of acquiring Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and also being from the younger gen- new professors. David Berger, announced he would eration, allowing him to better relate Dean Berger did note that Revel has be retiring as dean and “return to the to doctoral candidates, qualities that lost several professors recently. This simple status of professor.” make him the perfect candidate for includes those who have passed away, This past Thursday I was lucky the position. Additionally, his scholar- such as Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Elman zt”l enough to have a chance to sit with ship, belief in the Jewish tradition and and Dr. Arthur Hyman zt”l. In addi- Dean Berger and reflect on his time as expertise in areas of student interest, tion, Dr. Daniel Tsadik has moved to the dean of Revel and what he sees for namely the thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Israel with his family. Unfortunately, the school’s future. Soloveitchik, make him a great leader the school has not been able to replace Dean Berger began as the dean of for Revel. these professors. Dean Berger hopes Revel 12 years ago after a long and fruit- Dean Berger was also extremely that over time the school will be able to ful career at CUNY. In his 12 years on grateful to the associate dean, Rabbi further enhance its already top of their the job, Dean Berger oversaw the expan- Dr. Mordechai Cohen, who has worked field faculty, exemplified at the senior sion of the doctoral program, which had extremely hard on many Revel projects, level by Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel, just a handful of active students, to a most notably the development of the Rabbi Dr. Elazar Hurvitz, Dr. Jeffrey point where there are currently six doc- admissions department. Dean Berger Gurock and Dr. Steven Fine with even toral students finishing their doctorate greatly appreciates Cohen’s enhance- more professors. To do this Dean Berger in Jewish Studies from September 2019 ments to the program including the hopes to see an overall improvement in through January 2021. Even now, this introduction of many outside lecturers, the financial state of the university and figure is much higher than the norm, but as well as the move of Revel’s quarters continued support from the generous Dean Berger views it as a testament to from an almost hidden location in Belfer Katz family which has enabled so much the renewed vigor of the program and Hall to its current suite and lounge in of the school’s development. the effort to nurture its students. Over Furst Hall. “Revel is the school that should the past several years Revel has intro- Revel has also introduced a new attract fundraisers and strong enroll- duced mentoring for doctoral students track in Ancient Jewish History, a ment,” Dean Berger said, “[It] is a YESHIVA joint Master’s program with the Azrieli unique and extraordinary institution.” Dr. David Berger will be retiring from UNIVERSITY which has been overseen by Dr. Daniel his position of Dean of Revel. Rynhold, the incoming dean. Graduate School of Jewish Education Monday, May 11, 2020 Opinions 16 As Jews, We Must Support the Anti-Discrimination Policy of an anti-discrimination policy, mitigate discrimination, bullying deeply immoral.” He continued, Have we, as a collective Jewish By Sruli Fruchter similar to the existing one in the and hate on campus is deeply sad- “I don’t think I need to elaborate community, fallen to the point Beren Consitution. dening and in direct conflict with on that … We, of all people, of ev- where we need Torah sources to Editor’s Note: This article was One of the circulating mes- our basic, Jewish values. ery nation on the face of the earth, teach us that discrimination is originally published online on sages among students was a flyer The full text of the amendment should understand the poison of wrong? This should not be some- May 6, before elections on May 7. titled “The Yeshiva Ballot,” de- reads, “Membership and actions of racism.” Mashgiach Ruchani of thing any YU student should need As students of Yeshiva manding that students “Vote NO the WCSG shall not discriminate RIETS Rabbi Yosef Blau similarly to learn, regardless of their reli- University, we boast an impressive for Membership and Actions of based on race; ethnicity; nation- wrote about the need to abolish gious observance or affiliation. experience that sets the classic col- WCSG [Wilf Campus Student ality; sexual orientation; gender racism in his articles about the Rav Kook writes in “Orot lege experience in the context of a Government] Amendment!” identity; religious, spiritual and Orthodox community and Jewish Yisrael” that “a love of [Am] Yisrael Jewish environment. While it may Additionally, a screenshot of the humanistic belief or lack thereof; racism. demands a love for all mankind, be naive or idealistic, one would ex- and when it impresses hate to any pect that our Jewish values would Has our experience as Jews — our collective history, upbringings, education part of mankind, it is a sign that therefore extend beyond the beis the soul has not fully purified for midrash and our Jewish Studies and values — taught us to otherize our fellow Jews? Can we be comfortable its filth. And if so, it can’t align with classes. Recent events, however, the higher love” (4:5). Here, Rav have suggested otherwise. being in a student body that cannot call out discrimination? Kook speaks of a more universal In light of the approaching love for all people, implying the student government elections on obvious nature of loving our fel- May 7, a flurry of screenshots and amendment form was leaked to age; disability; health status; politi- It would then seem obligatory low Jews. messages have flooded various students, accompanied by a warn- cal affiliation or ideology; or socio- to support a policy that bars dis- Isolated in the context of consid- WhatsApp group chats encour- ing that if the amendment were to economic standing.” It reasons that crimination on the grounds of race, ering a Pride Alliance Club, some aging students to vote against an pass, it would “legitimize a path for since the current Wilf constitution ethnicity and nationality. students have justified the notion amendment that would incorpo- an lgbt club.” lacks any anti-discrimination pol- In his “Shmoneh Kevatzim,” that Jews should reject an anti- rate an anti-discrimination policy This anti-discrimination policy icy, this addition will “ensure that Rav Kook writes that “the heart of discrimination policy. However, I into the Wilf Campus constitu- goes well beyond the discussion of every student feels included and a tzaddik is filled with a great love cannot help but imagine what our tion. These calls are antithetical to a Pride Alliance club and whether part of the student body.” for all creatures: the righteous and perspective on this policy would be Judaism, as they essentially defend a student should wholly or par- Has our experience as Jews — the wicked, Jews and non-Jews, if placed in the times of our histori- discrimination on campus. tially support or reject such a club. our collective history, upbringings, and even towards all animals…” cal persecution. Jews should never On election day, aside from vot- Without the amendment to include education and values — taught us (3:170). It would be intellectually be bystanders to intolerance in the ing for students to assume various this policy, students involved in to otherize our fellow Jews? Can dishonest to believe that this “great world. This policy is about more roles in student government, stu- campus clubs would, according to we be comfortable being in a stu- love” would tolerate the targeting than a potential club; it is about dents are asked to approve or reject our constitution, be permitted to dent body that cannot call out of a fellow student because of sex- championing our Jewish values amendments to their campus’s con- deny membership as well as limit discrimination? ual orientation, political belief or and concretizing them in our stu- stitutions. Among the six proposed the opportunities available to stu- In an article about racism in the like. This is reinforced when dent constitution to ensure that all amendments that were approved dents, simply on prejudicial beliefs. the Orthodox community, Rosh considering the famous pasuk in students feel safe and secure at YU. by the Wilf General Assembly (GA), However, students advocating Yeshiva Rabbi Jeremy Weider ar- Vayikra that urges us to “love your the last one suggests the addition to completely reject an initiative to gued that “racism itself is deeply, neighbor as yourself” (19:18).

Furst Hall on Wilf Campus THE COMMENTATOR 17 Opinions Monday, May 11, 2020 We Too Must Unite Against Sexual Assault Further inspiration was taken was assaulted, whether it be a close to recognize that they are not the students to professional support By Neima Pollak from “YU and Stern Confessions” friend, a fellow student or a family only one suffering. Therefore, a and resources. We do not claim to Facebook posts I read last spring member. Sexual assault is more primary goal in creating SASA is have any professional experience Unfortunately, sexual assault that were related to both childhood prevalent than we realize. While to send the message to the stu- or knowledge, but we are a passion- affects our community like it does and recent sexual assault. There the statistics show that women are dents at YU who may be dealing ate group of students whose role any other. That is why it is impera- was one post in particular that was victims of sexual assault more often with sexual assault that they are is to educate the student body on tive for our university to have a club written by a woman who had been than their male counterparts, men not alone. Clubs are not formed to issues pertaining to sexual assault that brings education and aware- assaulted and still saw her attacker experience rape and sexual assault serve a need that is only relevant and to direct survivors to resources ness to the forefront and eventu- around campus. After reading this at alarming rates, rates that are to a handful of people, so when a that can help them. ally eradicate this issue from our post, I knew we needed to address even higher on college campuses. student sees that there is an entire I am grateful for everyone that campus. Forming Students Against club devoted to combating sexual supported this club along the way Sexual Assault (SASA) was the first Whether a student knows it or not, they likely assault, it sends the message that and to the incredibly capable board step towards these goals. The inspi- there are others out there suffer- that will take over the leadership. ration for SASA was sparked last know someone who was assaulted, whether it be a ing from similar issues. It sends I look forward to seeing all that spring when I attended a work- a message to survivors and their SASA continues to contribute, and shop for Education majors, led by close friend, a fellow student, or a family member. supporters alike that they matter I thank all of you for joining the the Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus and that there are resources and fight against sexual assault, both Chair in Psychology, Dr. David the existence of sexual assault on According to the Rape, Abuse support available to them. in the world at large and within Pelcovitz, about understanding campus. I approached my friend and Incest National Network SASA exists as a means to direct our YU community. and preventing child abuse. Rivky Wigder (SCW ‘19), who I (RAINN), male college students To me, it seemed that the mate- know is passionate about the issue, ages 18-24 are five times more rial Dr. Pelcovitz shared was basic, and asked her to organize an event likely to experience sexual assault yet, it was relevant to more than together. than non-students of the same age, just the future educators who at- With assistance from the Office while women ages 18-24 who are tended the lecture. Dr. Pelcovitz of Student Life, we were able to college students are three times mostly spoke about the signs of run a panel discussion titled more likely than non-students to abuse to be aware of, signs that “Preventing and Dealing with experience sexual violence. Being anyone can look out for. Many of Sexual Abuse,” a self-defense assaulted is a terrifying experience, us have heard parts of what he said, workshop, a poster contest to raise and it is common for survivors to maybe in a counselor orientation awareness for sexual assault and feel that they are alone. As univer- or an employment training course, most recently, a panel discussing sity students, we are part of an en- but after hearing it all together, I Title IX policy at YU. vironment that was made uniquely thought to myself “Why is this only I think that many students do for us, and as such we should work for education majors? Why is this not realize the extent to which together to ensure that it is accept- critical information that pertains sexual assault affects our commu- ing and supportive. nity. Whether a student knows it or It can be hard for a survivor, to everyone not shared with all the Students Against Sexual Assault Logo DEVORA T university’s students?” not, they likely know someone who especially one in our community,

Morphine Alarms Out of Tune: A Review of Hospice

with indie albums of high-school angst and other genres of music. on both parties. In the sole track devoted to By Josh Leichter the late 2000s turmoil over recessions and The story of Hospice follows a nameless Sylvia’s perspective, titled “Thirteen,” singer depressions, what The Antlers succeeded male hospice worker who finds himself car- Sharon Van Etten lends her voice to the There are times when we get so swept in doing was tapping into another aspect ing for and subsequently falling in love with haunting plea of a patient alone and dying, up in the books we read or the movies we of traumatic life experiences that many felt a terminally ill patient who is often referred begging her caregiver to help save her from watch that the stories we are told over song were not discussed in mainstream music at to as Sylvia by fans of the album, inspired by an impossible situation. It sounds romantic, get overlooked. Some of us look to music but as the tracks that precede and follow as the background noise to help us study this one talk of heavy and sensitive subjects or that extra person in the passenger seat In an era that was overwrought with indie albums of high- like abortion, post-traumatic stress disor- accompanying us on a long, lonely drive or school angst and the late 2000s turmoil over recessions and der and abuse, we come to understand that subway ride. This is not to say that we ignore their relationship was never equal to begin what we listen to. After all, if I were to ask depressions, what The Antlers succeeded in doing was tapping with, rather it was built on these unhealthy you to name your favorite song, the chances foundations that served as crutches for two are that you would be able to tell me the lyr- into another aspect of traumatic life experiences that many felt broken lovers. ics. Especially nowadays with platforms like There has been much speculation as Genius, the era of mishearing lyrics are long were not discussed in mainstream music at the time. to whether or not the story told is auto- past us, and despite the annotations from the biographical, with the band’s frontman and artists themselves, we are still free to come the time. In addition to this, the band’s us- the name of the album’s third track which writer, Peter Silberman, choosing to play up with our own meanings to what we hear. age of soft vocals and unique instrumentals, is a reference to Sylvia Plath, the famous coy about what is and isn’t fact, simply stat- Every now and then, an album comes along interspersed with the chilling lyrics, created American poet of the 20th Century. Within ing for the past ten years that it is true “to that requires no need for annotations or ex- an album that fought against the grain of the this relationship that the narrator carves an extent.” Regardless of how much truth tra commentaries because the artists paint cut-and-paste chorus that was common in out, we hear about the emotional toll it takes Silberman decided to put into the story, such a vivid picture that, at the moment we listeners may find themselves empathizing begin listening, we understand what they are with the characters and subject matter that talking about. These are albums where the the music and lyrics put forth in the nine tracks bleed into one another, where we find tracks. (The first, titled Prologue, is entirely ourselves emotionally invested in the people instrumental.) being sung about. In a way, they serve as a Overall, Hospice provides a rich musical modern-day version of vintage radio serials, experience for those that listen to it, with except instead of running to the next album, the band successfully choosing to subtly we linger a little longer and return to Track riff on previous melodies used both within One, ready to relive the experience for a this album and those previously utilized in second, third or fourth time. their first two releases. While it may not One album that does this perfectly is The be everyone’s cup of tea, taking the time Antlers’ 2009 album, Hospice. Following to listen to it and experiencing a story in a two previous releases that flew under the new way provides a richer understanding of radars of many, the release of Hospice saw how versatile storytelling can be, whether it critical acclaim and widespread coverage engages the senses via sound or sight. with NPR placing it as number one on their year-end music review and music publica- Hospice is currently streaming on tion Pitchfork placing it at number thirty- Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music and Apple seven out of fifty, going so far as lauding Music. the album’s ability to “emotional destroy Following two previous releases that flew under the radars PIXABAY listeners.” In an era that was overwrought of many, the release of Hospice saw critical acclaim Monday, May 11, 2020 Opinions 18 Ultra-Orthodoxy in a Time of Corona

experience that is entirely new to me. Despite institutions stayed open until the very last able to see fellow classmates or teachers, By Elyanna Saperstein the memes going around showing men’s minute.) In my experience in a community students miss out on an integral learning worry about increased responsibilities at where there appears to be a heavy or varied experience. Research has shown that over I live in Passaic, a community known for home, men are actually being given a chance reliance on internal sources to gain insight 50 percent of communication is nonverbal. its thriving black-hat life. There has been a to spend more time with their families. This on the world, medical information is often In addition, teachers cannot demonstrate a lot of discussion, especially by people exter- has created a heightened appreciation for the obtained through word of mouth, as op- lesson in any other way than talking about nal to the community, about how the coro- space in which their wives have invested so posed to official sources. For example, people it. For many other students doing online navirus has impacted the ultra-Orthodox or much time and effort. who have a strong skepticism of the inter- learning, if they feel the teacher has not ad- “yeshivish” communities. As a resident of equately explained a concept, they can look Passaic, I have had a courtside seat to the online for answers. From Khan Academy to communal response to this pandemic and The social distancing that has slowly forced people into their Youtube, the internet is full of experts on want to reflect on this topic from myw own own households has been a dramatic shift for a community every topic. Students using only audio de- experience inside the community. vices are not able to rely on this as a backup One major underlying principle of ultra- where it is not unusual to find each other popping in and out of plan if they don't understand something Orthodox life is the importance of unity. the teacher has taught. Of course, this does Thus, in our close-knit enclave, community each other's houses and praying together. By decimating our not negate the excellent and hard work the is an integral and continual part of our lives, teachers of Passaic have been doing. From both religious and secular; whether its ser- social norms, the coronavirus has targeted the heart of the original source packets to individual phone vices on Shabbat, shiurim, book clubs or community. calls, Passaic teachers have been going above simply lending a hand to someone in need, and beyond to make sure their students are members of my community are constantly in still learning the best they can. contact with one another. The social distanc- The coronavirus has other silver linings net and media often rely on shared emails The lack of easy access to the internet has ing that has slowly forced people into their for women as well. As religious resources and WhatsApp messages more than official consequences in the field of healthcare. I own households has been a dramatic shift shift to the internet, many doors have been news sites. This mistrust of the “establish- work in a doctor's office where we encourage for a community in which it is not unusual open to those of us with internet access. I ment” can lead to a misinformed populace. any patients with respiratory symptoms to to find each other popping in and out of now have access to previously all-male re- However, my community is blessed with book an appointment with the doctors over each other's houses and praying together. By ligious spaces. While in the past I may not hard-working local doctors, experts and Zoom in order to minimize the health risk to decimating our social norms, the coronavirus have joined an all-male class to learn daf people with more exposure to the world who staff and anyone who might be in the office. has targeted the heart of the community. yomi, once it’s being given on Zoom, I can make it their mission to disseminate correct I have received calls from people who do not Besides for a strong emphasis on inter- just click in without entering that previously and accurate information. As we’ve learned have internet access for ideological reasons dependence within the community, ultra- uninviting physical space. The wonderful with last year’s measles outbreak, the best and do not wish to obtain it. These people Orthodoxy also has a strong differentiation thing about the internet is that everyone has way to fight faulty information is with truth. cannot access particular medical resources between the public and private spheres. the same access to information — with the By supporting local medical authorities in and are forced to either venture into public The public sphere is encouraged for men, click of a button you can reside in anonymity disseminating information, there will be spaces, such as doctors’ waiting rooms and while the private sphere is thought of as the in a space that would have not necessarily a higher success in informing people who urgent health clinics, for advice or receive woman’s domain. This is because the ultra- allowed you in. inform themselves differently. advice without the visual aspect of their Orthodox lifestyle celebrates women as the Contrary to popular belief, ultra-Ortho- The mistrust of the internet also hits an- medical visit. However, it is important to mainstay of the home and men primarily dox attitudes towards the internet and ex- other point that is near and dear to the com- state that these have been exceptions as responsible for things external to domestic ternal sources of information vary greatly. munity’s heart: education. As most schools opposed to the norm. life. For example, usually on Friday night, This has generated very diverse reactions across the country have moved educational Another aspect of my religious lifestyle men go to shul while most women stay home. to the pandemic. While some communi- resources online, without access to the inter- that has been impacted is Shabbat. Shabbat Since the coronavirus has infected the world, ties who embrace a more open approach net, the local Ultra-Orthodox school has tried is a break from the relentless onslaught of Kabbalat Shabbat is davened at home; in a to information (particularly the internet) to continue classes via telephone. Eschewing COVID-19 news, watching the number of sense, shul davening has come to the women. shut down communal spaces very quickly, the internet has left both children and adults overall cases and deaths tick higher and Watching my father lein with no mechitza other communities have had much slower without educational resources that might higher. However, an ominous air still hangs between him and my mother, I am privy to an reactions. (For example, in Lakewood, some be more easily available online. Not being over those 25 hours. Each Shabbat, I specu- late about how the world has changed dur- ing my isolation from it. Has the governor announced new restrictions? Has someone I know fallen ill? The anxiety of ignorance does not measure up to the frenetic anxiety of the news cycle, but it has still changed my Shabbat experience. On the flip side, being able to step away from our digital devices to pray and eat together as a family is a literal godsend, now more than ever. Having faith in God, especially during a time of international suffering, is complex. While I know that everything God does is good, it is not always evident to me how. Right now, a significant part of my faith that does seem clear to me is the sense of compassion and sanctity of human life that ultra-Orthodoxy reveres. It makes staying home and washing my hands not just a good idea but a moral imperative. It reminds me that every time I forgo seeing my friends, there is a higher purpose that I am serving by doing so. It reminds me to call and check up on people who might be feeling isolated during this difficult period. It reminds me of my obligation to others instead of my own panic. A pandemic is a paradigmatic shift for most people, however, it affects different communities in vastly different ways. Ultra- Orthodoxy has given me a space and support system to rely on as we go through these trying times, as well as a moral obligation towards the rest of humanity. I hope people learn to be understanding of different types of communities and plan critical responses for the future that incorporate an under- standing of the different cultural nuances. Besides for a strong emphasis on interdependence within the community, ultra- WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Orthodoxy also has a strong differentiation between the public and private spheres. 19 Opinions Monday, May 11, 2020

On My Friend and Student, Saadya, A”H

a college; it is, for many people, the next nor- by. Equally wonderful, however, and im- the best cleaner I have ever met, and while By Dr. Steve Glicksman mative stage in their growth as Jews. Saadya portant to remember, is that he was also a this trait sometimes got him into trouble didn’t just want to go to college; he wanted to real person. He relished being the center if he straightened up the possessions of a Soon after we announced the founding of walk the halls and sit in the classrooms his of attention, loved a good danish or slice peer who preferred his items to remain un- the Makor College Experience, I received a father walked and taught in. He wanted to (or two) of pizza, could be a prankster at straightened, he was incredibly helpful in call from the mother of a potential applicant. study Torah in the beit midrash his friends times and sometimes got himself into trouble keeping the Makor classroom orderly. Once, She informed me that her son had for years learned in. He wanted to be welcomed and when he overstepped a boundary or wanted after numerous staff scoured the campus dreamed of attending Yeshiva University; he included and accepted not simply in “the something that perhaps he wasn’t meant to searching for something another student had many friends that went to YU, and his world,” but in what he knew was “his world”; have access to. A few people on campus over had lost, Saadya proudly announced that late father was a long time professor. Over the world of his father and his forefathers. the years called me with what we can now he had discovered the missing item in the the years, she knew that his Down syndrome He wanted what was expected of his peers simply refer to as a “Saadya related matter,” classroom itself in a place that only he would made that dream unattainable, and simply to be expected of him: To continue growing, and I sometimes came down hard on him for have thought to clean. A year or two into smiled and changed the subject when he to study Torah, to be part of our community. behaving in ways that I felt would hurt his the program, an opening came up in one brought it up. At the same time, she knew of Makor’s residences in Brooklyn that was that her son always seemed to find a way of Now is the time to be sad over our collective loss of Saadya. perfect for Saadya. Not wanting to miss the getting what he wanted. When she saw the opportunity, Saadya moved out of the Makor announcement that Makor was starting a Soon, it will be time to honor his legacy, and we at the Makor House at YU and started commuting every program in partnership with and on the day. He was so proud of this next transition campus of YU, she relished the chance of program will do that. And, eventually, our thoughts of Saadya into independence, but, I have to admit, seeing her son’s dreams at last come true. will move beyond our mourning and return once again to the Makor House became noticeably less There was only one problem: He was al- organized without him living there. ready in his thirties. Was he too old? Did moments of joy and positivity that he so beautifully and eagerly While Saadya was sick, there were times he miss his chance? I explained to her that, when we were not sure he was going to make in truth, having a middle-aged man in a brought into our lives. it through. But he did, and he got stronger. college setting could be problematic; if a Had his death occurred two weeks earlier student didn’t “fit the part,” it could impact The Makor College Experience gave inclusion and independence opportunities than it did, it would have been sad; now, it the overall acceptance of the program on Saadya the opportunity to live his dream, in the long term. When I did, Saadya would is sad and shocking. Frankly, I’m still numb. campus and minimize our students’ inclu- and he, in turn, was a huge part in the pro- always begin with, “It’s okay. Don’t worry.” In the morning of April 28th, I was talking sion opportunities. But, that being said, we’re gram’s initial success. A lot of things went When I would insist, “No, Saadya, it isn’t to Makor staff in Brooklyn about Saadya’s here to fulfil people’s dreams, and from an right in the birth of the Makor program, and okay. You really can’t do that if you want to impending discharge from the hospital set inclusion perspective his chronological age I have often described its birth to people as be welcomed to places,” he would eventually for the following day. Just hours later, I was truthfully less important than how old a miracle. Part of that miracle was having get serious and say, “Okay.” Then, without got the call that he had gone into cardiac he looked. So, we asked him to come in for Saadya as a member of our inaugural class. fail, I would receive a text at some point arrest and wasn’t able to be resuscitated. an interview. Having a student like Saadya, with his warm within the next 24 hours that stated some When I sent out the devastating news to I had actually met and known Saadya smile and air of exuberance and positivity, variation of (and I am copying this directly the Makor College parents, I immediately about twenty-five years earlier from the made it easy for us to be accepted on campus. from my phone as I type), “Thanks you so received an emergency message from the camp he attended as a child, but we had lost Sitting in the first seat in the Glueck beit much for all years of me you are special staff mother of one of Saadya’s classmates: “Are touch for a decade or two. When he entered midrash meant that his smile was often the my life forever come to you all life ever in the you sure? Where did you hear this from? I the room for his interview, and despite the first thing people saw if they entered thebeis world.” How can a text like that not bring was just talking to his mother an hour ago!” long gap in our relationship, he immediately on the left side on the second floor. Watching some light into your day? Apparently, that is often how this dread- recognized me and said, “Dr. Steve!” I, in Saadya daven was a lesson in kavana, and Even when he struggled, Saadya always ful virus works: There are good days. There turn, immediately recognized not only that if you were having a tough day there was wanted to do the right thing and be helpful. are bad days. Too often, there are worst days. Saadya would be a good fit for Makor, but a nobody better in the world at telling you In looking through my texts, in addition to One of the things we teach the Makor perfect fit. In fact, he was precisely the type of everything was going to be okay. the thank yous and never-missed birthday students is that you cannot argue with an student for whom the program was founded. Since his passing, a lot of people have wishes, there are numerous calls to come emotion; emotions just are, and nobody The Makor College Experience was never been rightfully talking about the angelic down from the office for mincha (“mincha can tell you not to feel how you are feeling. just about giving people with Intellectual side of Saadya, of how close to shamayim now please come down to davening to to- We also teach them that in responding to Disability the chance to experience college and “otherworldly” his neshama was, even gether ever”) and announcements of things your emotions, it is important to remember life; it was about the chance to experience in life. That is all true, and that “special” he thought it was important for me to know, that no emotion lasts forever. So, while it is Yeshiva University. YU is so much more than side of Saadya was a wonderful side of him like photos of announcements of new beit sometimes important to refrain from acting that we should learn from and be inspired midrash rules as they were posted. He was on one’s emotions (acting out of anger, for example), it is equally important to refrain from fighting one’s emotions (it is still okay to feel angry). Just let your emotions happen. Just experience how you feel. You won’t feel this way forever. Now is the time to be sad over our col- lective loss of Saadya. Soon, it will be time to honor his legacy, and we at the Makor program will do that. And, eventually, our thoughts of Saadya will move beyond our mourning and return once again to moments of joy and positivity that he so beautifully and eagerly brought into our lives. I noted before that a lot of things went right in the birth of the Makor program, and I have often described its birth to people as a miracle. I have come to learn in the last few days that this particular miracle did not just happen; it had a very strong advocate. I am convinced, now, that what I saw as unexplained miracles were, in fact, Saadya’s prayers to attend YU being answered. I am so grateful that they were, that he re-entered my life, that he helped build our program into what it is, and that he gave me the op- portunity, in some small part, to help him realize his dream.

Dr. Stephen Glicksman is the Director of Clinical Innovation at Makor Disability Services and founder of the Makor College Experience.

Having a student like Saadya, with his warm smile and air of exuberance and positivity, made it TIMES OF ISRAEL easy for us to be accepted on campus. Monday, May 11, 2020 Opinions 20 Take an English Class and Experience the Best been doing this for years? Every semester have. My advisor is Dr. Linda Shires, Chair said about William Dean Howells only to By Chana Weinberg there is a “Majors Meeting” where students of the English department, and aside from be answered with a supportive smile and (non-majors are invited) get a sneak peek being an excellent professor, Dr. Shires has blank eyes, I realized that not everyone can Before we can understand the excellence at the course offerings and descriptions for made time to meet with me about my course be convinced to even take an additional lit- of the SCW English Department, let's look at the upcoming semester while also getting requirements and to discuss graduate school erature class. Loving of English Literature is some numbers. There are three tracks: cre- a chance to request subjects and topics for possibilities. For those of you who are not part of my nature — both of my grandfathers ative writing, media studies and literature. upcoming semesters. The professors take studying English, you can gain access to this proudly studied it in college, one at Yeshiva According to the most recent list from the notes and prioritize your requests. They are generous faculty by taking a class with them. College and one at City College. Registrar, there are 43 students currently excited to hear your ideas while being hon- Did you know that by using the Beren That being said, I am certain that much majoring in English and four students mi- est if you request something too unrealistic. Campus Writing Center, you have been of my passion for English has come through noring. Of those 43, there are six students the nurturing of this English department — it concentrating in literature, and of those You would think that spending so much time with the same comes from Dr. Wachtell’s eye-opening in- six, I am one of two students graduating sights into the mind of a playwright, from Dr. this semester. department would help me find the flaws, but it has in fact Nachumi’s fascination with the feminist writ- A majority of the full-time English profes- ing way back before British novels thought sors teach literature classes and I have had brought me to the conclusion that it is the best department at of feminism, from Dr. O’Malley’s particular the pleasure of taking almost all of them. You SCW. ability to weave history into meaningful would think that spending so much time with literary insights, from Dr. Miller’s giddiness the same department would help me find the for meter and anything Whitman. My love flaws, but it has in fact brought me to the Unfortunately, SCW’s smaller size limits guided by Writing Center Director Dr. of literature has also been nurtured by my conclusion that it is the best department at the budget and class options that can be of- Joy Ladin and Assistant Director Dr. Gina classmates’ passion for the subject, by our SCW. It is the best because it functions as fered. A refrain at that meeting is “I’d love Grimauldi and, by extension, the SCW conversations that continue outside of the a cohesive unit that prioritizes its students to teach that, but we are not sure we could English Department? These professors classroom and the relationships I have built by being available to them, and because the get enough people to sign up.” That’s where work tirelessly to provide students with tu- from those conversations. professors are kind, generous and brilliant you come in. Fill your requirements with tors who support the students through any I hope that I’ve raised awareness for the scholars in their respective concentrations. English classes so your requests can be made part of the writing process for any and all greatness of the department which, accord- As far as declarations go, this one likely ap- available. And for Wilf students who want types of writing assignments. The English ing to Dr. Shires explained, hopes to give the pears a bit biased. So, in order to convince exposure to this excellent department, check department is there for every student, even students “entry into another world, another you of my claim, I have some proof that can out the summer course options. if the student doesn’t realize it. Remember time, others’ lives, non-human creatures and be considered more objective. What sets the English department further those days in English Comp? nature,” through literature. Though I am a You may have noticed emails in your in- above the others is the advisor program. Something I’ve learned at Stern is that student who prefers papers to tests, I can box about departments’ meetings discussing When you declare yourself as an English ma- not everyone agrees with my sunny view on still be considered trustworthy — so find a class options for the upcoming semester. Did jor you are assigned an advisor who is there analyzing written works. And after a couple class that sounds intriguing and dive right in. you know that the English department has to guide you through course requirements short conversations with friends where I and selections — and any other questions you gushed about something brilliant Dr. Peters

Stuart Woods, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pulp

the character Stone Barrington, an and hits the major cliches of its So why do I keep reading them? these so much? By Matthew Silkin NYPD detective turned somewhat genre. While the strict definition I suppose, on the one hand, I’m I suppose, in a way, the same private eye. I haven’t read every of pulp extends to the cheap sci- a bit curious to see how bad they reason I enjoy cheap American I’m an English major. Ostensibly single thing he’s written — that’s fi rags of the early 20th century can get. Much like the ironic en- beer, or eat junk food, or watch what this means is that I sit around a bit too ambitious, even for me — (the kind of places you’d see early joyment one gets from watching stupid YouTube videos — I need dressed in tweed jackets in libraries but I’ve read a good handful of his work from H. G. Wells, Philip K. The Room, or the schadenfreude to turn my brain off sometimes. filled with old manuscripts, holding books, my siblings have read others Dick, and Isaac Asimov originally of seeing a prominent public figure Yes, every time I turn the page in a a snifter of my bourbon of choice Stone Barrington novel, my English and talking about my favorite Percy Yes, every time I turn the page in a Stone Barrington novel, my English major major brain is yelling at me to put Bysshe Shelley poem (Buffalo it down and read some literature Trace and "Adonais", by the way). brain is yelling at me to put it down and read some literature of higher caliber of higher caliber and quality, but Unfortunately, quarantine has left my English major brain needs to me without tweed, large libraries, and quality, but my English major brain needs to shut up every once in a shut up every once in a while. And and/or bourbon, and I must make while. besides, Wells and company are all do with other pieces of literature. high brow literature now, so why So, once I finished my more high- should I let the quality of the paper brow literature, I turned to my fam- and I’d say that I’ve developed a published), I think I’m safe in ex- get their just desserts, or watch- on which their writing is printed ily’s growing collection of Stuart sense of what his work is like. And tending the definition to Woods’ ing a dumpster burn. But as I put determine my enjoyment of it? Woods novels. I have to say, my tweed-wearing, works. They’re permeated with down my Stone Barrington novel And to give Woods some credit, For those of you not in the know, library-dwelling, bourbon-sipping, cheap thrills, somewhat abrupt this afternoon and reached for the he does know how to write a chap- Stuart Woods is, well, to say “a pro- Shelley-reading English major and less than satisfying endings, next one, I realized that I could ter-ending cliffhanger worth his lific author” would be a tad bit of brain… isn’t liking it all that much. gratuitous descriptions of charac- easily drop the “ironic” from my salt. Sure, the payoff at the begin- an understatement. He’s written For starters, it’s pulpy — it’s ters’ wealth, and sex — a lot of sex. description of enjoyment for his ning of the next chapter isn’t all 85 novels since 1981, a vast major- mass-produced, easily digest- In fact, I’d wager to say an obscene work. Which led me back to my that much great in retrospect — one ity of which prominently feature ible, sensationalist, a bit trashy amount of sex. question: Why the heck do I enjoy example comes to mind, in which Barrington opens his room door to see his current paramour with a gun, only for the next chapter to open with her stating “This is for your protection” and handing it to him — but it’s at least enough to keep one turning the page. So yes, sometimes I’ll take off the tweed, exchange the Buffalo Trace for Budweiser, and put away Ozymandias for Stone Barrington. Because darn it, we’re in quaran- tine, and sometimes my brain needs a break. And to Stuart Woods, if you’re reading this — first of all, how did you find The Commentator? Second, hi! And third, go write more Stone Barrington!

So once I finished my more highbrow literature, I turned to my family’s growing collection of MATTHEW SILKIN Stuart Woods novels. 21 Opinions Monday, May 11, 2020 Criteria Mysteria: A (Highly) Critical Analysis of YU's Course Requirement System After my request was denied, I doubt. Maybe my situation is just I’m almost always in the middle respect it must be fair and true By Avraham Sosnowik went back to look up more classes a one time mistake — after all, none of writing a paper. Some of my to itself, or in other words, have to see what cores were available. I of us are perfect. But when I vent- courses were tagged as Writing integrity. YU’s system doesn’t even Over my time in YU, there has decided that I would compare the ed my frustration to my friends, Intensive, but I wrote one paper the follow its own descriptions of their been almost constant controversy different courses tagged with the I learned that I am far from the entire semester. Others demanded core classes. Thus, the requirement over the YC core curriculum. Many same attribute and see if I could only one frustrated with the seem- weekly writing assignments or four system, as it stands, completely argue that the very idea of the core reverse engineer whatever stan- ingly arbitrary system of attribute to five large papers over the semes- lacks integrity. curriculum is pointless, and that all dards the administration claims to designation. Next semester, both ter, but weren’t deemed WI. In fact, However, I’m not just ideologi- a student really needs is their ma- be following. When you look, and I at Stern and YC, there is a team- on the WI website (yeah, it has its cally frustrated by the superficial jor. I don’t want to talk about this encourage you to do so (if only for taught course called “Shakespeare, own website) it states that a course requirements system and an ad- point. In fact, let us assume that the humor), expect to be confused. Bible, & Political Thought.” This only has to have one writing as- ministration which stubbornly de- the core curriculum is a vital part fends it. The difference between of the education of each under- retroactively counting Philosophy graduate. My point is to talk about The criteria for determining course requirements listed on YU’s website are of Law as an HBSI and having to how the core designations are as- blatantly ignored when deciding which courses get which attributes, and we take another course amounts to signed. Now I know what you’re my enrollment in an HBSI over thinking: here's yet another article are left to wonder if there are any criteria that the administration actually the summer. The requirement at- pointlessly complaining about YU. tributions may not seem like such What if I promise not to talk about follows. impactful decisions to the faculty misogyny and the libraries, or even — but it can carry significant -fi attempt to diagnose a fundamental nancial repercussions for students. problem in YU’s ethos? Now that Take, for example, the wide course, tagged with the Straus signment to be considered “inten- Anyone who has heard their you’re wondering what’s even left variety of courses that fulfill the Center attribute, is listed as an sive.” My guess is these aren’t the FYWR professor breathe once, to talk about, let me begin. Cultures Over Time (CUOT) re- Honors course at Stern — but not only instances and that I’m not the knows the English department I took Philosophy of Law in quirement. When I think about at YC. The course will be taught by only person who has experienced supports the core curriculum so Fall 2018. It was the ideal course: a CUOT course, I normally envi- Dr. Neil Rogachevsky and Rabbi the seeming randomness of the that students will be “well-round- interesting material, an engaging sion something like the one I took, Dr. Meir Soloveichik at YC, and requirement qualifications. The ed.” As an English major, I’m no professor, and nice classmates. Wholly Moses, where we looked Dr. Matthew Holbriech and Rabbi criteria for a course to fulfill a given exception. I believe in all of YU’s For those of you new to YC, the at artistic depictions of Moses Dr. Meir Soloveichik at Stern. Now, requirement is at best obscure and requirements; but for this system core system used to be different throughout history. Or perhaps unless this reflects an aspersion at worst completely arbitrary. to work in a way that’s truly benefi- (if you aren’t familiar with the old something like Media Revolutions: cast on Dr. Rogachevsky's pedigree Perhaps now you understand cial to students, there needs to be a system, read this). Anyway, when From Scroll to Screen, which, to (simply ridiculous), or Stern's low- why I sound like I just heard some- set of strict, concrete and publicly I took Philosophy of Law, back in my knowledge, goes through the er standards for Honors courses one say “YU and Stern” instead of available criteria for any and all my day, it was cross-listed under technology of media throughout (hopefully ridiculous), we have yet “YC, Stern, and Syms.” YU’s rejec- course designations. I understand philosophy and political science, history. On YU’s Core website, another puzzling case of seemingly tion of my request to retroactively that, at some point, those of us but not the HBSI subject. they describe the CUOT as ex- identical courses with an unex- count Philosophy of Law as my that aren’t educators just need Fast forward to Spring of 2020: ploring “the distinctiveness of the plained distinction. HBSI requirement seems com- to trust that the educators know Philosophy of Law is being offered past in relationship to the present In addition, the courses being pletely baseless. The criteria for what they’re doing. But if the stu- again in the fall, this time tagged through an investigation of values, offered in the fall that do have the determining course requirements dents who actually believe in the with the HBSI attribute. I was ex- traditions, modes of thinking and HBSI attribute don’t fit YU’s own listed on YU’s website are blatant- requirements don’t know what the cited when I saw that, thinking that modes of behavior of one or more definition of the HBSI require- ly ignored when deciding which administration wants them to take maybe I retroactively fulfilled my cultures, beginning before 1900.” ment, namely that “Students learn courses get which attributes, and away from these courses, shouldn’t HBSI requirement. I was planning In other words, a course that has to interpret and analyze qualitative we are left to wonder if there are that be corrected? Won’t we have on taking that core this summer so Syms guys rolling their eyes and and quantitative data through the any criteria that the administra- a better chance of getting the full I would be on pace to graduate in gets blacklisted by the Volozhin approaches of at least two social tion actually follows. What are the value of these requirements if we January, but maybe now I wouldn’t Yeshiva because the professor said science disciplines to a substan- administration’s goals concerning go in knowing what the goals are? have to. Sadly, this was not so. Not the word “modern” without the tive area of interest.” I suppose the these requirements? How are the I’m not an educator, but speaking because YU doesn’t allow retroac- “ish” suffix. You get the picture. “two social science disciplines” in classes that fulfill those require- from my experience being edu- tive fulfillment; they do. Instead, I Much to my surprise, there were Principles of Economics are macro ments accomplishing those goals? I cated (admittedly, anecdotal evi- was told that the two Philosophy of courses fulfilling this requirement and micro. don’t have any idea how to precise- dence at best) the answer is yes. Law courses are “significantly dif- that have seemingly nothing to do Even when there isn’t a specific ly answer these questions, which is I will learn more if I know what I ferent.” To be fair, the course I took with culture or time. For example, issue, the designations of these re- itself an indictment of YU's general am trying to learn. and this current course are taught the Philosophy department is of- quirements don’t seem to follow requirement framework. I learned Anyway, the article is over, I by different professors, and the fering a course on Kurt Gödel’s any consistent rhyme or reason. As in my Philosophy of Law course kept my promises. Macro and mi- syllabi are not identical. However, theorems on the incompleteness an English and Philosophy major, that for a system of rules to gain cro, here I come. when Intro to Bible was still a re- of mathematics. For those of you quirement, the courses taught by who have no idea what that is, trust Professors Carmy and Bernstein me when I tell you it doesn’t seem were not identical, yet they still to have anything to do with CUOT fulfilled the same requirement. (beyond technically fulfilling the Academic Advising explained to core requirement). Certainly, Kurt me that the current Philosophy Gödel (born 1906) lived in a cul- of Law course was designed “spe- ture, and undoubtedly it took him cifically to conform to the require- quite a bit of time to come up with ments of the core curriculum.” his theorems, but the similarities I’ll admit that I was immediately appear to stop there. Interestingly, skeptical of this claim. They didn’t Intermediate Spanish I also fulfills elaborate on the rubric they’re fol- the CUOT requirement. Why? I lowing or how a course listed under don’t know. By the way, Elementary the same name and course ID as Spanish I doesn’t fulfill the CUOT its iteration from two years prior requirement. Why? Good question. could be significantly different. Still don’t know. Despite my skepticism, I gen- Perhaps now you’re wondering, erally believe that it is incumbent “Ok, the range of courses which upon us to trust the administration satisfy common requirements is unless there is reason to believe a bit strange. What’s your point?” otherwise. If they say there are Here’s my point: how can a course some concrete criteria that they on Gödel’s theorems, Intermediate use to determine whether a course Spanish I, and Media Revolutions fulfills a certain requirement, then all overlap enough to fulfill the we should believe them. Here’s the CUOT requirement, but Philosophy issue, though: when you look at of Law and Philosophy of Law don’t the courses that have a common overlap enough to both be consid- attribute, it is extremely unclear ered an HBSI? what this rubric might be. At first, I tried to give the ad- The Wilf campus THE COMMENTATOR ministration the benefit of the Monday, May 11, 2020 Opinions 22 What We Lose Through Online Education

day stuck in class, taking notes and allot- might find it difficult to hang out during the the dominant force in my life then. However, By Betzalel Shapiro ting ourselves appropriate time to study, week due to overwhelming workloads, there’s given the current circumstances, those feel- but then we also have our social lives. For always extra time, whether it’s spending ings are greatly amplified and I yearn for the How is everybody holding up? Are you some people, this can be more robust than Shabbat on campus together with one’s peers chance to actually “live” again, in a way that enjoying your online classes? Passing them, for others, but quite literally, at the end of the or attending club events from time to time. is both socially productive and fulfilling. I hope? I applaud efforts made by some of the If you’re anything like me, it’s difficult student body and the YU community to cre- to answer positively to any of those ques- The beauty of the traditional college setup exists in the fact that ate virtual events through platforms like tions, because unfortunately, things aren’t Zoom and Facebook, and the fact that people so hot right now. We’re burned out. This we get a proper reprieve from the stress of constant schoolwork are trying their best to maintain a sense Zoom thing may have seemed like a feasible of community and culture through these replacement to physical classrooms several in the form of meeting friends for lunch, going on dates and makeshift methods is admirable. I myself weeks ago, but by now sitting through these have been doing my best to stay connected online sessions is exhausting, defeating and attending club events as we please. to others, and I find that even friends with ultimately draining. whom I may not have regularly hung out But why exactly, is this the case? One with much during a normal semester have could argue that online classes, as is now the day, there is another side to our college lives The point is, there’s something to be said been reaching out. norm, offer many advantages and quality- that comes in the form of fun and friends. about the value of a proper social life serving There’s a reason for this. We’re starving of-life conveniences compared to more tra- Some of us are lucky to share classes with as the backdrop to our college experience. for genuine social connections. Frankly, ditional classroom settings. our friends, or are even able to make new Now personally, there have been periods I don’t even need to be saying this, as it’s For one, we don’t have to deal with strict ones along the way. At the moment, we may during my time at Yeshiva University where constantly on all of our minds while this bathroom policies, we can get up and ef- not realize it, but that physical sense of com- I wasn’t “getting out” as much as I may have quarantine drags on and on. But coupled fectively “leave” class whenever we feel like, panionship goes a long way towards making wanted to, and I recall feeling incredibly with the fact that we’re still technically in and quite frankly, there’s not much profes- that time more bearable. And to those who dulled by the monotony of my education, school, attending classes and doing work, sors can do about that. Additionally, we can well, I think the absence of this cornerstone enjoy whatever food or drinks we have at to our lives is noticed all the more so. our disposal, and getting a refill is as easy as We’re doing the work that college de- wandering over to the kitchen mid-lecture. mands of us, but despite our best efforts to Some students have found the comfort of remain social online, the rewards of a true their beds replacing those hard, cramped social life escape us. desks we’re all accustomed to sitting in. This On a technical level, Zoom classes might is hardly a personal confession, but the fact “cut it”, despite a growing sentiment that remains, with the webcam turned off, the they are more difficult to learn through. students of YU are free to pick their noses Personally, I feel as if my brain gets instantly as they please and learn basic economics distracted the moment I log on. But at the simultaneously. end of the day, I suppose it “works.” But the Effectively, some of the stricter elements bleeding social aspect of our lives, much as of schooling have more or less gone out many of us are trying to keep it alive online, the window. Class is a more casual affair simply cannot replace the real deal. these days, and in a way, this quarantine The beauty of the traditional college setup has granted us new freedoms. exists in the fact that we get a proper reprieve But those freedoms come at a cost, one from the stress of constant schoolwork in the that many would agree is far too steep, and form of meeting friends for lunch, going on quite simply, not worth it. It’s the reason dates and attending club events as we please. that, despite these small freedoms afforded Seeing my friend in a small rectangle on my to us, we feel more trapped than ever, and screen for about an hour a day and tagging being stuck at home, bound to our online them on Facebook just can’t compete. The routines, becomes an increasingly soul- days we are currently living through enforce sucking experience. those same isolating feelings I had during See, we’re losing a very valuable aspect previous semesters when I wasn’t taking of our college lifestyles. Under normal cir- advantage of social opportunities, and now, cumstances, the more difficult times spent we simply can’t, as much as we want to. in class and studying are complemented by In the end, we feel exhausted, defeated, social opportunities. I like to think of it as The bleeding social aspect of our lives, much as many WIKIMEDIA COMMONS and ultimately drained. a work/reward scenario. Yes, we’ll spend a of us are trying to keep it alive online, simply cannot replace the real deal. Making Strides Towards a Stronger Beit Midrash on Beren

change: We need a stronger presence of con- “There’s no other time in which Jewish should by having more mentors there, but By Sarah Ben-Nun stant religious mentors inhabiting Beren’s women have the opportunities and the access it’s not there yet. beit midrash. that they have today,” President Berman told It is slow and steady strides that will get When I chose to attend Yeshiva The Wilf campus, home to the men of The Commentator in December 2018. “And our Torah to a place of proper attention University, the main reason behind it was YU, nestles the famed Glueck Beis Medrash, we want to strengthen, encourage, support and authority, and, though I won’t be here to qualitatively and quantitatively continue the pillar of Yeshiva. As such, the uptown, and grow that as much as possible.” Do more. to see it, I look forward to Mrs. Shoshana my Torah learning. On the eve of my college or Wilf, campus, is a physical yeshiva. The Access is not just filling a room with books Schechter’s appointment as the Associate graduation, I can testify that I got to do that downtown Beren, or women’s campus, is not. and planting it on the Beren campus; that’s Dean for Torah Studies at SCW. I hope to see through a beautiful beit midrash, a plethora I would like to suggest that a serious place not equal access. We need more of our reli- more religious authorities inside this space, of courses that enhanced and complemented of Torah study — such as Glueck — consists of gious mentors inhabiting this area. to see those who are already in the build- my learning, and countless opportunities for three essential elements: students dedicated shiurim. I am changed, and I have a tremen- to religious growth through Torah study, dous hakarat hatov for what I’ve gained. religious authority figures that inhabit the The beit midrash on Beren sometimes seems to me like a Every day, I came into contact with wom- physical space of the yeshiva, and a whole en who were eager to learn — and the range lot of books. symbolic space, in that it symbolizes a perfected place of Torah of learning materials was wide — in pursuit Having religious mentors in this spe- of a stronger and more meaningful religious cific, physical space is a pillar of theyeshiva study — it’s quite incredible, and has women studying in there experience. My fellow students were taking world, a factor that is critical to its relevance almost all of the time. it seriously, my professors and Rabbis added and its success. By not providing its Stern the appropriate gravitas to it and the campus College for Women (SCW) beit midrash with couples warmly provided — and continue to enough people like that, Yeshiva University The beit midrash on Beren sometimes ing spend more time in the beit midrash provide — so much Torah. is effectively demoting its importance as a seems to me like a symbolic space, in that it establish a presence there. I hope that she Yet, it does not seem to me that the uni- yeshiva, as it denies us the full exposure to, symbolizes a perfected place of Torah study; will continue to advance the institution on versity as a whole gives women’s Torah and respect for, religious authorities; this it’s quite incredible and has women studying the path it’s already started going on, and learning the full attention that it deserves. can be detrimental to our religious growth. in there almost all of the time. It is so close take it to a place where our Torah study gets Our institution offers a curriculum of Torah It is a slap in the face to Yeshiva University’s to becoming that, to becoming a place that the proper attention and the proper kavod study, and the attitude toward it needs to women. treats its Torah learning as seriously as it that it deserves. 23 Business Monday, May 11, 2020 An Editorial Discussion: Analyzing the in-Home Work Model

up, put on a shirt and join a Zoom The markets are incredibly vola- documents is the same regardless of human element is critical. By Eli Frishman and with all of our friends. tile and this creates uncertainty location. Even doctors are conduct- EL: But do you think the world Eitan Lavian EF: Luckily, the camera only towards a company’s true valua- ing routine checkups through video will take the good from what tech- focuses on our torsos... tion. However, because banks do chats. I recently experienced this nology has offered and implement EL: True. Additionally, people a great deal of pitching, that has form of medicine first hand and it it into our future day-to-day work- Editor's Note: As COVID-19 who are working also have to main- continued. actually worked pretty well. ing lives? has shuttered corporate America, tain the same professional stan- EF: I think people will realize professionals are forced to work dards at home, while, in many that technology makes it possible from home. In this edition of an In a way, you are working 24/7, because your home cases, they are expected to accom- to do a large chunk of their work Editorial Discussion, the Business plish a larger workload. has become your office. remotely, and if not for the pan- editors examine the in-home model EF: I’ve been speaking to a num- demic, this model actually seems and how various professions are ber of accountants and they’ve been EF: It seems like every profes- EL: Although many industries somewhat sustainable. People are adapting. saying that the work is the same sion is adapting similarly. Recently, have been using technology to ad- saving time commuting, and as a but busy season has been especially the Supreme Court was forced just to the current situation, I still result there’s also less air pollution. Eli Frishman: How's school brutal with everything else going to hear oral arguments over the believe the restricted face-to-face That being said, I can't wait for life from home been for you? on. And naturally, since people are phone, and outside of litigation, contact for deals has made it harder to become normal again and to get Eitan Lavian: Surprisingly, never actually leaving work to go lawyers are also sticking to a similar to secure new transactions. out of the house! schoolwork has been the least of home, they end up working more work model; drafting and reviewing EF: Yes, in every profession the my worries. The bigger challenge than they were used to. was adjusting to my current en- EL: Interesting. In a way, you vironment. Even today, I am con- are working 24/7, because your tinuously tested and trying to find home has become your office. On new ways of being more productive. that note, how have audits been However, although this is the case, conducted? the fact that others are facing the EF: Normally, for accountants same challenge helps me cope with who work in audit, if they need the situation. additional information to verify EF: Yes. I can definitely relate. financials, they go to their clients. Adjusting to a new work environ- Now, they’re emailing and calling, ment is tough and not having a and when collaborating, they use library to pound out some work video chats. Interestingly, tax ac- makes finishing projects and school countants who primarily work in work much harder. I’ve been setting their set offices and don’t usually one-hour timers where I’m not al- go to clients, aren’t experiencing lowed to be distracted. This way, I that much of a change. What about can ensure that I devote my focus, finance? at least for a short amount of time, EL: Things have been a little dif- solely to being productive. But like ferent for investment banks. For you said, the struggles are universal example, there has been a decrease and everyone is forced to deal with in M&A activity. Of course, this also this new work reality. depends on specific sectors; how- EL: Exactly. After talking to a ever, recently many deals have ei- few people in Finance, I realized ther fallen through or are currently that students have it way better. on hold. Companies are not look- At the end of the day, we are not PIXABAY ing to perform any transactions. Professionals are adapting to the in-home work model. at risk of losing our jobs. We wake

Corporations Taking a Stand: Should They Care? and 50%, respectively. By revoking protest police brutality during the that has tried this tactic has come a company promises to donate a By Avi Lekowsky the Antiquities Act, the President national anthem ignited wide- out unscathed. Gillette’s campaign portion of their sales to a char- sought to remove the presidential spread controversy. Many claim titled “The Best a Man Can Be” ity, highlights their worker com- Companies large and small are powers to designate areas of land that the symbolic gesture led to drew immediate firestorms of com- pensation programs, or expands constantly vying for the eyes of as culturally and environmentally Kapernick being cut from the 49ers ments and boycott declarations. their efforts to help fight hunger, their consumers. In an age where significant. Many environmental- and to his subsequent ostracization The campaign had little to do with consumers are more likely to buy fast food Twitter accounts are more ists and conservationists opposed from the NFL. Nike escalated the men’s products; instead, the com- and to continue supporting their famous for their personalities than these proclamations, but the most debate by including him in an ad mercial addressed the #Metoo product. This demonstrates that their food, companies are relent- there are some causes that con- lessly trying to personalize their re- sumers universally agree are good lationship with their customers. A If a cause is divisive, a company has to clearly analyze the implications of and worthwhile. But, if a cause is prominent strategy for a company incorporating it into their marketing campaign. divisive, a company has to clearly to achieve this is to display its so- analyze the implications of incor- cial responsibility efforts. A report porating it into their marketing from Markstein in 2019 found that prominent voice protesting the in late 2018 which was captioned movement and toxic masculinity, campaign. Patagonia’s ad was suc- 70% of consumers want to know president’s action was Patagonia, with “Believe in something, even admonishing men for their behav- cessful because they were able to what efforts corporations are mak- the clothing outfitter known for if it means sacrificing everything.” ior towards women and rhetorically connect an environmental issue to ing to address social and environ- its rugged and outdoor styles Much like Kapernick’s kneeling, asking “is this best a man can be?” their outdoorsy brand. Nike, too, mental issues. The study also found and whose vests are ubiquitous many people were divided on To many, it seemed like a com- was able to make the connection that 46% of all consumers surveyed across the professional world. the content of the ad. Videos ap- pany jumping on to whatever they between athlete and athletic pro- and 51% of millenials pay attention Yvon Chouinard, the founder of peared online of people burning thought was today’s most relevant vider. Gillete, on the other hand, to a brand’s social responsibility Patagonia, even decided to tempo- their Nike sneakers, while others issue in society and using it to build failed to make a noticeable connec- efforts prior to deciding to buy a rarily redesign the company's web- went out of their way to buy Nike brand awareness. Today, the ad tion between its menscare products product. This demonstrates some- site homepage, placing a simple, products. In an interview with Fast has received 1.5 million dislikes and the messages it was displaying; thing important: people care about albeit pointed, text stating, “The Company, Phil Knight, founder of on its YouTube page compared to the company’s efforts were seen as the ethical aspects of a company President Stole Your Land.” While Nike, said, “It doesn’t matter how 812,000 likes. But Gillette is far nothing more than a cheap ploy to and its products. it's unclear if this political attack many people hate your brand as from the only recent example of add “social points” to a company's Yet, ethics are, at times, also directly affected sales, the company long as enough people love it. And a company misfiring with a social profile. These case studies demon- a political argument. In 2017, noted 2018 sales were up and ap- as long as you have that attitude, issue. Pepsi encountered a simi- strate that when choosing an issue President Donald Trump ex- proaching $1 billion. you can’t be afraid of offending lar reaction while using Kendall to promote in the social-awareness pressed his desire to have two Another instance of a compa- people.” That decision ultimately Jenner in a commercial addressing sphere, a company must be sure national monuments decreased ny taking a stance on a conten- ended up working well for Nike. “Black Lives Matter” protests. that the message is tastefully pro- by millions of acres. Both monu- tious social issue occurred when In 2018, the company received a While some ad campaigns are duced and directly related to the ments, Bear Ears and Grand Nike featured Colin Kapernick, $6 billion brand valuation and a political in nature, it appears con- brand. Staircase-Escalante, would be the former San Francisco 49ers 31% increase in sales. sumers are, for the most part, altru- minimized in size by about 85% quarterback whose “kneeling” to However, not every company istic in their buying habits. When