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YESHIVA UNIVERSITY

∞ FALL 2015/ WINTER 2016 YUTODAY ∞ VOLUME 19 • NO. 4 A Path Forward President Joel Announces Final Term, Launch of Strategic Plan

n a September letter to the YU community, President Richard M. Joel announced that he would not seek another term as president of Yeshiva University after his current Itenure ends in June 2018. “I am well into my 13th year of the presidency and the 28th year of leading Jewish educational institutions,” wrote President Joel. “When I accepted a third term as presi- dent, I informed our [then] chair, Henry Kressel that it would be my last.” The announcement came on the heels of the completion of YU’s joint venture agreement with Montefiore Health System for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (read more on page 8) and marked a major turning point in the strengthening of the University. “With a huge collective effort, we’ve steadied the ship and are on a path forward,” said President Joel. “We’re going to continue to work hard, build on our successes and make YU more vibrant than ever.” By publicizing his plans well in advance of the end of his term, President Joel pro- vides the Board of Trustees the time it needs to begin the deliberate process of transition and recruitment of a successor. “The presidency of Yeshiva University is an extraordinary opportunity for advanc- ing the values of education, caring, commitment and the Jewish story and continues to enrich Esther’s and my life,” said President Joel. “While the Board of Trustees will move & Marsal, to address YU’s fiscal challenges and build a long-term sustainable business ahead with the planning for succession, life at Yeshiva thrives, and we all continue to plan. The endpoint of the strategic planning process, which is expected to conclude look to the future.” June 2016, will be a set of actionable, measurable initiatives to move the University for- ward with excellence over the next several years. A BRIGHTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW YU trustees, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University will be involved Recently, the president has also outlined a proposal for the development of a strategic throughout the process and a website (below) has been established for the greater plan for the University: “With the establishment of our Roadmap for Sustainable Ex- community to receive updates and share questions or suggestions. cellence and the completion of the landmark joint venture agreement for Einstein, we “Our collective effort is essential if we wish to operate and thrive in the challenging have an enormous opportunity to refocus on our unique mission and stake out a vision environments of today and tomorrow,” said President Joel. “Working together to de- for the future. The best institutions—even those with long, rich histories—take the ini- velop and execute a plan will help ensure the success of the University—its students, tiative to move ahead in new ways on a periodic basis.” faculty and staff.” n Senior Vice President Rabbi Josh Joseph will spearhead the development of the strategic plan that will capstone the efforts, started two years ago with advisers Alvarez k Learn more about the strategic plan and submit your comments at yu.edu/strategic-plan

Six Faculty From Across University Granted Tenure

eshiva University recently awarded tenure to six faculty members in positions across the University’s undergraduate and graduate schools. Y The newly tenured professors include Dr. Ariel Malka, associate professor of psychology at Yeshiva College; Dr. Greta Doctoroff, associate professor of psychology at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; Dr. Felix Wu and Christopher Buccafusco, professors of law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Dr. John Greally, professor of genetics, and Dr. Dongsheng Cai, professor of molecular pharmacology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “These professors excel in the classroom, meaningfully contribute to their aca- demic disciplines and serve their departments, schools and colleges with grace,” said Dr. Selma Botman, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “They bring stature and distinction to YU and act as important role models for our students. We congratu- Ariel Malka Greta Doctoroff Felix Wu late our colleagues and welcome them into the ranks of the tenured professoriate at Yeshiva University.” Dr. Ariel Malka’s research combines the disciplines of psychology and political sci- ence as it analyzes the way different populations think about politics and the reasons behind their political preferences. His work has included studies on everything from the relationship between religiosity and political attitudes to studies of how people’s per- sonalities relate to their political attitudes across different countries and how the word- ing and order of questions in surveys impacts participants’ responses. Dr. Greta Doctoroff’s area of expertise at Ferkauf is multidisciplinary, intersecting with clinical, developmental and educational psychology. Her research focuses on the development and prevention of conduct problems and school failure in young children, particularly those growing up in poverty. The long-term goal of Doctoroff’s research program is to identify key mechanisms in the development of children’s social-emo- tional and early academic competence and to apply this knowledge to the development Christopher Buccafusco John Greally Dongsheng Cai Continued on Page 2 ç 2 YUTODAY

Cardozo Expands Data YU|DIGITAL Law Initiative

he Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law is “Our goal is to build the most comprehensive continuing its tradition of innovation by data law program of any law school in the coun- Texpanding the Cardozo Data Law Initia- try,” said Leslie. “In the year ahead, we will gradu- tive (CDLI), a program that prepares students for ate students with data law concentrations who are the practice of law in the digital world while in- uniquely qualified for careers in all fields of tech- creasing Cardozo’s contribution to legal thought nology law.” leadership. Leslie also announced new industry partner- Launched in 2014, the CDLI provides students ships as well as a public events schedule for the with the theoretical course work, practical training academic year at Cardozo, featuring leaders in A PERSONAL and real-world exposure necessary for success in the field of data law. “As technology continues to the rapidly developing field of data law. In its first produce sweeping changes in society at large, the MISSION year, the CDLI added courses and professors that legal and business challenges have become more cover the data law spectrum, including privacy, complex and urgent,” said Burke. “Cardozo law- Emanuel Alvarez shares his information governance, e-discovery and cyber se- yers will have the tools and expertise to be leaders journey from the Navy to Wurzweiler’s Social Work curity. The program placed 18 students in extern- in these fields.” Practice with the Military ships or permanent post-graduation employment. Students will get real-world experience certificate program. Cardozo Dean Melanie Leslie thanked the through externships at major corporations and law yu.edu/veterans CDLI Board of Advisors for their strong leader- firms, including Swiss Re, Merkle, Havas Health, ship during its inaugural year and said she looks Select Media, and Reed Smith. Students will also forward to working with Ariana J. Tadler, who gain technical skills working at consultancies, in- has agreed to serve as the executive director of cluding CDS, KPMG, Ernst & Young, Knowledge the board. She praised Founding Directors Patrick Strategy Solutions, Tritura, EDT, and ViaLumina. Burke and Denise Backhouse, who will continue Leslie said she is confident that the program YESHIVA UNIVERSITY

to play an active role in the future of the CDLI will change students’ lives and increase career ∞ FALL 2015/ Board of Advisors. Additionally, the board named opportunities. n WINTER 2016 13 new members from leading national businesses YUTODAY ∞ VOLUME 19 • NO. 4 and law firms as well as a retired magistrate judge. k To learn more visit cardozo.yu.edu/cdli MOSHAEL J. STRAUS Chairman, YU Board of Trustees

RICHARD M. JOEL President

PAUL OESTREICHER Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs Tenured Faculty ç Continued from Page 1 YUTODAY MATT YANIV Director of Marketing and Communications, and evaluation of cost-effective, feasible preven- sion that don’t result from changes in the DNA Editor in Chief tion programs in home and preschool settings. but that can be passed from one generation to the LISA MATKOWSKY PEREL SKIER HECHT GISEL PINEYRO Editor Associate Editor Art Director Dr. Felix Wu’s research focuses on information next. Greally began his career as a pediatrician Daniel Abraham, Aliza Berenholz, John DeNatale, Caitlin Geiger, David Khabinsky, law, which includes diverse topics ranging from with a subspecialty in clinical genetics. He cared Shimon Lindenblatt, Tova Ross, Deborah Strober, Jerry Strober, Devon Wade, Jennifer Weisbord privacy to freedom of speech as well as intellectual for children with genetic syndromes, birth defects Contributors property and Internet law. His work is informed by and developmental problems. Today, he focuses [email protected] www.yu.edu/cpa

his doctoral work in computer science, which has on understanding how glitches in the way genes YUToday is published quarterly by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and is distrib­uted free to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends. It keeps them informed allowed him to delve into problems such as the role are switched on and off may cause these and other of news from across Yeshiva University’s undergraduate and graduate divisions and affiliates. of de-identification of data in privacy laws. genetic conditions. The quarterly newsletter covers academic and campus life, faculty and student research, com- munity outreach and philanthropic support. It showcases the University’s mission of Torah Professor Christopher Buccafusco’s exper- Dr. Dongsheng Cai is a leader in the study of Umadda, the combination of Jewish study and values with secular learning, through stories tise is in intellectual property. His recent book, the neural mechanisms of aging and metabolic about the diverse achievements of the University community. © Yeshiva University 2015 • Office of Communications and Public Affairs Happiness and Law (University of Chicago Press) syndrome. Cai studies the role of the central ner- Furst Hall, Room 401 • 500 West 185th St. • New York, NY 10033-3201 • Tel.: 212.960.5285 uses social scientific methods to empirically study vous system in the development of obesity, diabe- Stanley I. Raskas, Chair, Board of Overseers, Yeshiva College; Shira Yoshor, Chair, Board of how laws affect creativity and innovation. He is tes, age-related illnesses, neurodegeneration and Overseers, Stern College for Women; Steve Uretsky, Chair, Board of Overseers, Sy Syms School working on several new projects, including an ex- cardiovascular disease. His laboratory seeks to of Business; David P. Samson, Chair, Board of Overseers, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Froma Benerofe, Chair, Board of Overseers, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Mordecai D. Katz, perimental study of sequential innovation, which understand the underlying molecular, cellular and Chair, Board of Overseers, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Dr. Carol Bravmann, Chair, Board of Overseers, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chair, examines how people decide to borrow ideas from physiological mechanisms that cause these condi- Board of Overseers, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; Michael others or come up with their own ideas. tions, with the goal of developing safe and effective Jesselson and Theodore N. Mirvis, Co-chairs, Board of Overseers, Yeshiva University Museum; Roger W. Einiger, Chair, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Joel M. Dr. John Greally is a pioneer in the field of therapies and prevention protocols. n Schreiber, Chair, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; and Miriam P. Goldberg, Chair, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) YU High Schools. epigenetics—the study of changes in gene expres- Board listings as of October 13, 2015

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Small Actions, Big Impact Marian Gidea Awarded NSF Grant to Study Large Effects in Dynamical Systems

athematics professor Dr. Marian Gidea has been networks and brainstorming novel ideas about how to cal system or an undergraduate class in differential awarded a $290,000 grant by the National Sci- apply their new knowledge to different social systems. equations, I bring up topics related to my research that Mence Foundation to study a central question “I learned some computational skills that are crucial run the gamut from mathematical models for the posed by his research: When a small change is made to a nowadays to scientific research,” said Jeff Ohana, a third- spreading of infectious disease, of suspension bridges dynamical system (like knocking down the first domino year math major and premedical student who worked and shock absorbers to analysis of oscillations in chemi- in a chain), what happens? with Gidea on two parallel projects: persistent homology cal reaction and of hysteresis in the Josephson junction “The objective is to analyze how small actions ex- on weighted networks, a method for computing topologi- superconductor,” he said. erted on dynamical systems can have big impacts,” said cal features of a space at different spatial resolutions, and But Gidea believes that the connections between Gidea of his funded research proposal, “Large Effects in an application to his own area of interest, a model for the teaching and research go far beyond the direct usage of Dynamical Systems.” His expertise involves the math- transmission of drug and alcohol consumption behaviors research topics in his classroom. “Research fuels me with ematical modeling of time evolution, the change of state on college campuses. energy, inspiration and enthusiasm—it keeps me engaged brought about by the passing of time, in physical, biologi- cal or social systems. Unlocking the key to that mystery could have implications for almost anything: bioengi- neering, climate science—even spaceships. For example, one application of Gidea’s research in- volves astrodynamics: “In that field, small forces result- ing from the intertwining of the natural gravity of the moon, sun and planets can be exploited to design space- craft trajectories to distant locations within the solar sys- tem or to correct the orbits of artificial satellites near the Earth with significant fuel savings.” A similar approach can be useful in the realm of cli- mate science. “Calculating small changes in system pa- rameters—for example, the concentration of greenhouse gases—can cause sharp transitions of the climate,” said Gidea. “The mathematical analysis of climate data can detect early warning signs of such transitions.” The ramifications of his work expand to the social sciences as well. “Personalized interventions targeted to carefully selected clusters within social networks can Dr. Marian Gidea incorporates his cutting-edge research into the courses he teaches be optimized to improve the health behaviors of larger communities,” Gidea said. “Surprisingly, these very dif- “I appreciated that Dr. Gidea helped me develop my in a continuing learning process, and I can communicate ferent types of phenomena can be described through personal research project by putting me in touch with my learning experiences to the students,” he said. “It en- similar mathematical models, and tools from differen- Dr. Andrea Weinberger, assistant professor of psychol- ables me to better motivate students by relating the class- tial equations, geometry and topology can be used to ogy and psychiatry at the Ferkauf Graduate School of room material to the most innovative and far-reaching analyze them.” Psychology and the Yale University School of Medicine, applications of mathematics and helps me to transform Gidea’s NSF grant will support him as he applies to develop a survey which is very important to it,” said students into partners in the exciting journey of learning these tools to a 50-year-old open mathematical problem Ohana. “I’m also having a great time doing research and discovery. Last but not least, through the numerous known as the “Arnold conjecture,” which supposes that with Dr. Gidea, who encourages us to take the initiative connections developed via collaborations and participa- the total energy of a typical mechanical system can al- and learn about applied mathematics subjects that are tion in professional conferences, it helps me to better ad- ways be increased with the application of an arbitrarily trending right now, like social network theory and per- vise students when they seek to pursue advanced degrees small external force. With more than 10 years of work sistence homology.” at top schools in the United States and abroad.” in the area already under his belt, Gidea expects his re- Students also get a taste of Gidea’s cutting-edge re- “Competition for NSF grants in mathematical re- search to provide a very clear answer to the problem by search in the classes he teaches at both the undergradu- search is currently intense nationally,” said Dr. Thomas drawing on the geometric and topological methods he ate and graduate level. This semester, undergraduates H. Otway, chair of the Department of Mathematical Sci- has developed. had a chance to take Network Science, a graduate class ences. “But even among the small number of successful The NSF grant will enable undergraduate and grad- he team-teaches with other distinguished faculty at proposals, a mathematics award of this magnitude is very uate students at YU to work alongside Gidea as he cracks Yeshiva College, with the proper prerequisites. Gidea’s rare. It is an indicator of the importance of Marian’s re- the code—under his supervision, three students already courses are studded with examples from his work. search and of his stature in the research community. And started work on it this summer, studying the topology of “Whether it’s a graduate course on chaotic dynami- it puts our department in a very select peer group.” n

Kressel Research Fellowship Supports Ambitious Student Projects

Five YU undergraduates are making an impact at the frontiers of science and medi- cine this year as Henry Kressel Research Scholars. The scholarship—established in 2008 by Dr. Henry Kressel ’55YC, former chair- man of the YU Board of Trustees—offers students the unique opportunity to craft a yearlong intensive research project under the direct supervision of University faculty. The honor is highly selective. This year’s Kressel Scholars are biology majors Yosef Frenkel, Sheldon Lerman and Jennifer (Sima) Grossman; chemistry and Judaic studies major Daniel Shlian and mathematics and physics major Russell Spiewak. Frenkel is studying possible causes of infertility under the guidance of Dr. Josefa Steinhauer, assistant professor of biology. Under the guidance of Dr. Sumanta Gos- wami, associate professor of biology, Lerman is investigating fine needle aspiration of cancer cells. Grossman is conducting research in understanding the pathways by which hormone receptors influence breast cancer development with Dr. Marina Holz, the Doris and Dr. Ira Kukin Chair in Biology and associate professor of biology. Shlian is investigating alternative fuel sources with Dr. Jianfeng Jiang, associate professor of chemistry, while Spiewak is getting hands-on programming experience and devel- oping expertise in computer systems with Dr. Sergey Buldyrev, professor of physics. Dr. Holz and Grossman in the lab

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Infusing Business Expertise With Jewish Values Sy Syms Launches Judaic Studies Curriculum

previous Judaic studies requirements. take students through some of the great- “Today, more than ever, business de- est works of medieval and modern Jew- mands a deep knowledge of how to apply ish philosophy, examining the role of authentic values in a practical and work- ethics in Judaism. able way,” said Pava. “This is where Sy “My course will be looking at some Syms has a tremendous comparative ad- of the best available material on ques- vantage and I know it is something that tions that modern Jews in the workplace our current students are very interested might find themselves grappling with,” in learning.” said Rynhold. First-year students enroll in a course Serving as a capstone of the new called Jewish Encounters, taught by program will be Jewish Public Policy, a Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, University third year course designed by Rabbi Saul Professor of Jewish History and Jewish Berman, associate professor of Jewish Thought and senior scholar at YU’s Cen- studies. The class will examine broad ter for the Jewish Future. social issues concerning income inequal- Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schachter teaches Jewish Encounters, a new first year course “The goal is to sensitize the stu- ity in the United States and Israel, health dents to think more clearly, forensically, care policy, corporate social responsibil- tate-of-the-art education, top- “This means providing students not only thoughtfully and introspectively about ity and individual responsibility in mat- level analytic skills and hands-on with technical skills but also with an un- what it means for them to have a commit- ters of morality . Sexperience are critical to succeed matched understanding of Jewish values ment to Jewish life and Jewish learning RIETS Roshei Yeshiva Rabbi Ozer in today’s business world. But to succeed and how to apply them in the real world. while fully recognizing the tremendous Glickman and Rabbi Daniel Feldman will spiritually and ethically, even more is Our business school is unique in that, as centrality and importance that living in teach two tracks of the fourth course, necessary. From the technical details of part of Yeshiva University, we have ac- the larger world has to them, and to help Business and Jewish Law. Glickman’s Jewish law to the broader expanses of cess to some of the leading authorities them navigate in a thoughtful and strate- track focuses on the immediate applica- Jewish morality and values, a business and professors in the world on Jewish gic way the nature of this dual commit- tions of Jewish legal concepts. Feldman’s leader faces new and unique challenges ethics and its relevance to the contempo- ment,” said Rabbi Schacter. course will explore the underlying values as a professional each day. rary world.” “This new curriculum helps them of the Jewish legal system. At Sy Syms School of Business, a new Those authorities, including cel- unify multiple identities and gives stu- “The business world, like every as- academic Jewish studies curriculum for ebrated Roshei Yeshiva from YU-affili- dents an opportunity to grapple with pect of life, is a venue for holiness and Wilf Campus students is focused on im- ated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological these issues within the calmness of the Kiddush Hashem,” said Rabbi Feldman. parting an ethical and moral framework Seminary (RIETS) and scholars from the undergraduate college experience and “The most advanced education in the to students rooted in the great works of Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jew- classroom, so they will be prepared when structures and techniques of business is Jewish thought. ish Studies, are leading four two-credit they inevitably arise later in life,” he incomplete unless it can place that within “The goal of a Sy Syms education courses that students will take as a co- added. the context of a moral system worldview is to prepare students to become well- hort each year. Titled Jewish Encoun- Dr. Daniel Rynhold, associate pro- of integrity, responsibility and awareness rounded business professionals,” said ters, Jewish Values in the Contemporary fessor of Jewish philosophy, will teach of the values that need to be balanced. Sy Syms Dean Dr. Moses Pava, Alvin World, Jewish Public Policy, and Busi- Jewish Values in the Contemporary Providing this is part of the fundamental H. Einbender Chair in Business Ethics. ness and Jewish Law, the courses replace World, a second-year course that will mission of Yeshiva University.” n

MTA LEAD Gives Teenage Entrepreneurs a Head Start

TA LEAD (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Advisement, and Development) is a unique program designed to provide Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/ MYeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) students with lasting busi- ness and communal leadership skills through both high school and University-level leadership training. Intended for students interested in creating new business or so- cial enterprises that can help change the world, this hands-on initiative—started in 2011—focuses on the creation, evaluation, development and launch-readiness of new business or social ventures. “Four years ago, when I was approached to become the entrepreneur-in-residence for this program, I was very excited, and I’ve only become more so,” said Associate Dean of Sy Syms School of Business and Entrepreneur-in-Residence Michael Strauss. “Lots of students have great ideas but don’t know how to bring them from concept to implemen- tation. I help students refine their thinking, develop viable business plans and funding plans and direct them to patent lawyers as necessary. I make myself personally accessi- ble to each and every one of them, and I do it because I love to do it.” “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Seth Taylor, principal for general studies. “It’s another great way we at MTA can leverage the resources of the Sy Syms Associate Dean Michael Strauss mentors MTA students University that are not found in any other high school. With unique access to the Sy Syms School of Business, we create an environment in which passion and drive can be instructors, visiting experts, and peers. At each stage of the venture plan development, fueled with world-class knowledge and expertise. We recognize that different students students learn critical terms, apply tools that support their research and decision-mak- have different talents, and we encourage our entrepreneurial students to innovate.” ing and develop a deeper understanding of how each major planning activity fits into MTA LEAD participants are mentored by industry leaders and are included in the formal venture creation. Doris and Dr. Ira Kukin Entrepreneurial and Executive Lecture Series at Sy Syms. The “At the program’s culmination, they present their project to a panel of Executive program empowers students to build on entrepreneurial ideas to create meaningful and Council members, and by that point, it’s pretty advanced,” said Jacoby. “Recent exam- sustainable business projects. Students work in teams to develop a new venture idea and ples of presentations have included revolutionizing 3-D printing, titanium dioxide gain experience, applying entrepreneurship as a problem-solving tool for creating social nanoparticle-infused self-cleaning paint for cars, and a pillow alarm clock that vibrates and economic value. to wake and which can be controlled from an iPhone app. “About 40 kids start at the kickoff of the program,” said Joshua Jacoby, executive The winning student or team receives a gift card and the council finds a business director of Yeshiva University High Schools. “They may not necessarily have an idea yet. leader who will continue to mentor them going forward. Students are also assigned They might simply want to explore an interest in business and gain unparalleled access graduate students as mentors as they continue to develop their projects, and Sy Syms to top-notch professors and prominent executives. LEAD gives them that chance.” professors provide workshops on business communications, entrepreneurship and Students work through a series of structured peer activities and assignments that marketing. The winners also have the opportunity to present at the Sy Syms business correspond with each phase of the new venture planning. Throughout the program, stu- plan competition. “MTA LEAD is a very exciting opportunity,” said Strauss. “Talent can dents refine their venture’s hypothesized business model based on feedback from their be spotted even at such a young age, and it’s a special honor to help cultivate that.” n

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YESHIVA UNIVERSITY ALUMNITODAYFALL 2015/WINTER 2016

Building the Foundation of the Future

Yeshiva University Philanthropic Support Comes from Alumni, Broader Community

hen giving to Yeshiva University, different people give for different The Katzes share an abiding passion: their belief in YU’s values and aca- reasons and in different ways, but they all have one thing in com- demic excellence. Thus, they have for years invested not only in YU’s present Wmon: a core commitment to the mission and values of YU, and an but, more importantly, its future, their philanthropy stemming from their aspiration to promote those ideals. forebears’ values. From alumni dedicated to investing in people, to successful former The future physician and her parents had boarded a ship for New York recipients of scholarship assistance who want to help other students achieve on September 1, 1939, escaping from Europe a mere seven months before the their dreams, to members of the broader community who deeply believe in brutal Nazi invasion of Belgium. “We were among the lucky ones,” she the crucial importance of YU, these profiles represent people committed to recalled. Coming of age in a Belgian refugee enclave in Manhattan’s Upper creating continuity for the future. West Side, she attended the Ramaz School before going on to Vassar College “In order to provide each student with the knowledge, skills, opportuni- and the Yeshiva University-affiliated Albert Einstein College of Medicine. ties and values to become a whole person and to live a life of meaning, we Her husband, born and raised in Brooklyn, was nurtured within the must secure the resources that will enable them to fulfill their mandate to largely Orthodox neighborhood of Crown Heights. He was taught that phi- matter—to themselves, their families, their professions, the Jewish commu- lanthropy, no matter how modest, was a priority. He recalled, “every month nity and the world,” said President Richard M. Joel in the little shul where we davened [prayed], they would have an appeal for some Jewish cause. And you would give. It could be two dollars or it could be five dollars, to be donated to different charities.” Following studies at Yeshiva University High School, Katz attended col- lege at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, where he graduated first in a class of more than 500 students. He was then recruited to MIT by the future Pres- ident John F. Kennedy’s science adviser, Jerome Wiesner, where he studied, taught and did research in his field of engineering. During Katz’s college and university years, he would encounter a very different mentality toward giving. A United Jewish Appeal representative visited his dormitory at MIT and requested that he seek donations from other Jewish students. Katz recalled asking one fellow student, “Can you give a couple of bucks to UJA?” His request was met with puzzlement. “He didn’t understand the concept of giving,” Katz said. “His attitude was: Why would I want to give my money to somebody else? He had no idea what I was talking about.” Surprised by his fellow student’s response, Katz decided that his time would be much better spent “helping others to truly understand the profound importance of philanthropy, as well as giving my own money. And that’s what I did.” As for philanthropy within the Jewish world, Katz said: “I encourage the organizations to which I contribute to take what I’m giving and find other people to give as well.’” Yet Katz’s giving is not conditional on match- ing donations. He allows the organizations to tell people what he has given to encourage others to step up. This approach, he notes, inspires generosity. He maintains that Yeshiva University is unique among Jewish-spon- sored institutions of higher learning: “It is our community’s resource for producing our future lay leaders as well as our rabbis, teachers, and adminis- trators. We have top-notch academics; this is the Ivy League of the Jewish world.” This, he said, is the message that resonated many years ago as he embarked on his philanthropic endeavor to make the world a better place in Drs. Monique and Mordecai D. Katz which YU plays an important part. Dr. Monique Katz believes that making the world a better place includes PHILOSOPHY OF “INVESTING IN PEOPLE” IS AT THE CORE OF THE providing one’s children with both Judaic values and a sense of well-being in PHILANTHROPY OF DRS. MONIQUE ’63E AND MORDECAI KATZ ’48YUHS an increasingly hostile world. “I would be very concerned about the anti- “The first time we announced a million dollar gift to YU at their annual Jewish and anti-Israel attitudes at many of the colleges which have attracted Hanukkah Dinner, our young children were there. We wanted them to be a significant number of Jewish students,” she said. “There needs to be a place part of it,” said Dr. Mordecai D. Katz. where our children can have free minds and not be distracted by anti-Jewish Katz holds degrees in engineering, business and law from Polytechnic and anti-Israel teaching. That place is Yeshiva University.” Institute of Brooklyn, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University. He is a retired aerospace executive, a former practicing attorney, and is currently a private investor. His Belgian-born wife, Dr. Monique Katz, a radiologist affiliated for many years with New York–Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical We invest in people... You can Center prior to her retirement, shares her husband’s philanthropic philoso- phy. “Giving is not intuitive,” she said. “It has to be taught to children when invest“ in a business and get a return. they are young. Any time there was a dedication, dinner or some other char- itable event in which we were involved, our children came, as did our grand- But you can invest in the Jewish children. If they don’t see that you are involved, it becomes very difficult to influence them to be concerned with giving.” world and get an even better one. At the core of this couple’s philanthropic philosophy is Mordecai Katz’s Dr. Mordecai Katz ” dictum: “We invest in people.” As he observed, “You can invest in a business and get a return. But you can invest in the Jewish world and get an even bet- ter one. It’s not monetary; it’s satisfaction in the knowledge that you are

making the world a better place.” Continued on Page 4 ç

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Nava Rephun ’76W was the featured Rabbi Cary Friedman ’96R recently YOUR NEWS IS OUR NEWS! 1960s speaker at the Annual Mikvah of the published his new book Beautiful Days, Class Notes is where Yeshiva Lower East Side Brunch and gave an Holy Days (Compass Books 2015). University celebrates the milestones Miriam (Krimsky) ’68S and Rabbi Eddie interactive presentation on “Making Good and accomplishments of its alumni. Abramson ’69YC, ’73BR, ’73R announce Relationships Great.” She was also the Melissa Groman LCSW, ’93W In this section, you can catch up on the birth of a granddaughter to Elie and featured speaker at the Emunah of America recently published her book Better Is everything your classmates have been Hila Abramson. Brooklyn Region Luncheon, and spoke on Not So Far Away: Decide to Recover up to over the years, from marriages “Tales From a Couples Therapist: What I from Bingeing, Starving or Cutting and births to professional and personal Sara and Rabbi Aharon Angstreich Have Learned About Life From My Clients.” (McGraw Hill Education, 2014). achievements. ’65YUHS, ’70YC, ’72F, ’73R announce the marriage of their son Netanel to Shira Nechama and Elliot Rosner ’72YC Shara and Rabbi David Israel ’96R Submit your class note by emailing Meirovitch of Avnei Cheifetz. announce the birth of a grandson, Dovid announce the bar mitzvah of their son, [email protected] with the subject Aryeh, to their children Chana Sara and Eytan. line “Class Notes” or by visiting Miriam and Rabbi Chaim Brovender ’65R Yussie Abramowitz ’08YUHS, ’12SB. www.yu.edu/alumni/notes to complete celebrated the 50th anniversary of their the online form. We hope that you enjoy aliyah le’aretz. Esther ’75YUHS and Rabbi Mark Ann Koffsky ’93S reading about your fellow alumni and Weiner ’76YC, ’79F, ’80R announce had her new book friends, and we look forward to hearing Rabbi Dr. Charles H. the birth of a grandson. Kayla and Kugel about your achievements. Freundlich ’62BR published (Apples recently published Marilyn and Rabbi Robert Zeiger ’77YC, and Honey Press, his second novel, ’81R announce the marriage of their 2015). Awake the Dawn daughter Devorah Rivka to Yaakov STAY C NNECTED (CreateSpace, 2015). Mordechai Verdiger. Dave Matkowsky ’91YC was appointed executive director of The Shmitah Fund, Do you receive the biweekly Miriam and Dr. Philip Josowitz ’64YC which helps shmitah-observant Israeli events email and monthly announce the birth of a grandson to David 1980s farmers to replant throughout the 8th year. eNewsletter from the Office and Chagit Bar Yosef. Ilana and Dr. Seth Friedman ’84YC ’86S Judge Louis L. Nock of Alumni Affairs? Dr. Monique Katz announce the bar mitzvah of their son, Eitan. ’90C was elected last ’63E was honored November as a New Don’t miss out on exciting at the JOFA Tribute Drs. Debbie ’88S and Alan Jotkowitz York State Judge of programs as well as news and Dinner for her ’87YC and Lisa and Heshie Sommer the Civil Court of the updates for YU alumni. commitment to ’83YUHS, ’87YC announce the birth of City of New York, advancing women’s a grandson. County of New York Update your profile and your scholarship and (initially and presently meaningful ritual Dena and Rabbi Shimon Kerner ’81YC, sitting by designation email preferences to get our participation within ’84R, ’85A announce the marriage of their of the NYS Chief Administrative Judge news and information. halacha. son Dov ’07YUHS to Adeena Traube ’10S. as a Judge of the Criminal Court of the City of New York, County of New York). Visit www.yu.edu/ Ruth ’69YUHS, ’73S, ’75F and Rabbi Tova and Rabbi Eliakim Koenigsberg alumnidirectory today! Elchanan Lipshitz ’67YUHS, ’71YC, ’76F, ’88YC, ’92R, RIETS Rosh Yeshiva, Nechama and Steven Pudell ’91YC ’77R announce the birth of a granddaughter, announce the marriage of their son, announce the bar mitzvah of their son Ziv Ann, to Leora and Yossi Barnet. Chaim, to Sara Necha Treff. Gavriel.

Judith and Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenbaum Chaya and Rabbi Jonathan Krimsky Dr. Dale Rosenbach 1940s ’60YC, ’62R, ’63BR announce the marriage ’88YC, ’02R announce the birth of a ’99YUHS, ’03YC was of grandson Akiva Berger ’13YC, son of daughter, Shoshana Reizel. invited to give four Rabbi Pinchas ’49YUHS, ’53YC, ’56R Rabbi Dr. Michael and Elisheva Berger, to full-day lectures in New and Rivka Kahn ’54TI announce the Gabrielle Hiller ’14S. Director of Yeshiva University in Israel and England on the topic of engagement of their grandson Yosef Dov Director of YU’s S. Daniel Abraham Israel “Critical Issues Relating to Shoval Cohen. Mazel Tov to Yosef Dov’s Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg ’69YC, Program Stephanie (Schechter) to Peri-Implant Tissue parents Rabbi Ari ’78YUHS, ’83YC, ’86R ’74R, ’74F, ’92A has been named the ’85YUHS, ’89S and Alan Strauss Handling: Anatomy, and Naomi Kahn. Director of the Palestinian Authority ’82YUHS, ’86YC announce the birth of a Diagnosis & Treatment Anti-Semitism Study Project for the granddaughter, Sarit Raiza, to Meira and Planning Considerations” in October 2015. Rabbi Max N. Schreier ’49YC, ’52R Center for Near East Policy Research Doni Lerner. announces the birth of two great-grandsons: in Jerusalem. Bruria ’03S and Jason Rozen ’96YUHS, Aharon born to Elana and Ashie Schreier, Debra and Dr. Mark Teicher ’80YC, ’84E, ’01YC, ’12A announce the birth of a son. and Eliezer Tzvi Raphael born to Jackie ’79YUHS announce the birth of a grand- and Yoni Schreier. daughter to their children Lauren and Rabbi Eliezer Schnall, 1970s David Teicher. PhD ’95YUHS, ’00YC, ’03F, ’03R, ’06F professor Dr. Myra Rapoport and Rabbi Michael Laura and Rabbi Neal Turk ’80YC, ’83R, of psychology at YC, 1950s Balinsky ’74YC, ’80R, ’80BR announce ’83A, announce the birth of a granddaughter, coauthored “Global the birth of a grandson. Rachel Tehila, to Rabbi Yitzy and Talia Turk. Quality of Life Modifies Adele and Rabbi Joshua Cheifetz ’56YC, Terminal Change in Physical Functioning ’58R, ’59W announce the birth of their Helena and Steve Usdan ’89YUHS, ’92YC among Older Adult Women” in Age & great-grandson, Nosson, to Zippora and Rabbi Ari Kahn announce the engagement of their Ageing: the journal of the British Geriatrics Chaim Y. Isaac. ’78YUHS, ’83YC, daughter Racheli to Shimi Farber ’12YC. Society, published by Oxford. ’86R, ’89BR Rabbi Dr. recently published Rabbi Moshe Schochet ’95YUHS, ’99YC, Maurice his new book A ’03R has been hired as the High School Lamm’s ’51YC, River Flowed from 1990s Principal of Judaic Studies for the Rabbi ’54R, ’73BR Eden (Kodesh Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy in book, The Press, 2015). Rabbi Dovid Cohen ’94YC, ’97R has Miami. Jewish Way in been appointed the Orthodox Union’s Death and Department of Community and Synagogue Dr. Chani ’90YUHS, ’94S and Jason Mourning, has Services regional director for New York City, Schwartz ’93SB announce the bar reached the Dr. Martin Kerzer ’73YC Westchester, the Bronx and Connecticut. mitzvahs of their sons Akiva and Gavi. milestone of received the 2015 Dean’s having sold Excellence in Teaching Bonnie ’86YUHS, ’90S and David Sheer 75,000 copies award from The Warren Judy Dick ’92S ’91YC, ’93R, ’93A announce the marriage since 1971. Alpert Medical School contributed of their daughter Penina to Zack Nussbaum, of Brown University. illustrations to son of Tsippy and Stuart Nussbaum Sara and Julian Landau ’52YUHS Jewish-themed ’91YC. Mazel tov to grandparents Judy announce the birth of a great-granddaughter, adult coloring and Rabbi Charles Sheer ’65YC, ’67BR, Tahalel Paz, to Avraham and Zehava Landau, book, Shalom ’67R, Joan and Philip Soskin, Marilyn and the bar mitzvah of their grandson Rifka Monderer ’72YUHS, ’75TI Coloring and William Nussbaum, and Sandy and Amitai Landau. announces the birth of a granddaughter, (Behrman Alex Bienenstock. Neta Miriam, to Tovah and Itay Stern. House, Fay and Rabbi Yitzchak Sladowsky November Mirel ’04S and Rabbi Moshe Stavsky ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’56R announce the birth Navah and Rabbi Yoni Mozeson ’77YC, 2015). ’99YUHS, ’05YC, ’07R, ’09BR announce of a great-granddaughter, Shaindel, to their ’80R announce the birth of a grandson to the birth of a son, Nachum Yitzchak. grandchildren Ariella and Akiva Rosenberg. Amitai and Shayne Mozeson of Jerusalem.

2 ALUMNITODAY SEARCH THE ALUMNI DIRECTORY FOR CLASSMATES AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNIDIRECTORY ß Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz ’94R, ’94BR Elana ’07S and Rabbi Elie Kurtz has been appointed senior rabbi of ’03YUHS, ’10SB, ’12A, ’12R announce the 2010s Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) birth of a son, Avraham Ephraim. Mazel tov on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. to grandparents Judy ’81S and Rabbi Ronald Schwarzberg ’80YC, ’82F, ’83R. Andrew Wigod ’99SB announced his marriage to Kira Batist. Rachel and Rabbi Yosie Levine ’06R announce the birth of a daughter.

Sarah ’08YUHS and Marc Merrill ’05YUHS, ’11YC announce the birth Talia Lichtenstein’14S and Noah Cohen of a son, Binyamin ’14YC announce their engagement. Menachem. Daniel Abraham ’13SB announces his engagement to Faigy Weintraub. Rena ’10S and Marc Liebman ’10YC, ’14R announce the birth of a son. Ari Zoldan ’99SB was selected as Ari Ackerman ’12YC, ’14A, ’15R announces moderator at the New York Media Festival, Jaclyn Ramras ’10S and Dr. Moshe his marriage to Daniella Kotowitz. which brings together the leading companies Schiffmiller ’03YUHS, ’07YC, ’11E Daniel Mandel ’13YC in entertainment, media and technology for announce their recent engagement. Mazel Rabbi Tuvia Brander ’12YC, ’15R was has been accepted to riveting discussion and debate. Tov to parents Shari and Rabbi Dr. Richard appointed Head Rabbi of The Young New York Medical Schiffmiller ’68YUHS, ’72YC, ’76R, ’77BR, Israel of West Hartford in West Hartford, College. and Diane and Dr. Harry Ramras ’79YC. Connecticut. 2000s Rachel and Daniel Schilowitz ’08SB Noelle and Yitzy Feigenbaum ’10YC announce the birth of a son. Mazel tov to announce the birth of a son. Rachel and Yoni Mandelbaum ’11YC Rabbi Elihu Abbe ’04YUHS, ’11R grandparents, Tobi and Alan Schilowitz announce the birth of a daughter, Liana announces his marriage to Eliana Lipsky. ’73YUHS, ’77YC. Janna ’11S and Ben Feldman ’11S B Esther. announce the birth of a son, Yehuda Aryeh. Lauren ’10S and Yonah Bardos ’08YC, Rabbi Ariel Schochet ’03SB,’06A, ’06R, Gurney F. ’12C, ’13E, ’14R announce the birth of a LPC, has been appointed Chief-of-Staff to Alyssa and Aryeh Frager ’11YC announce Pearsall III son, Zev Uriel. Rabbi Eliyahu Teitz, Associate Dean at JEC. the birth of a son. Mazel tov to grandparents ’13YC has Karen and Joe Frager ’76YC. been selected Yonah Bardos ’08YC, ’12C, ’13E, ’14R Aliza ’04S and Rabbi Yechiel Shaffer to receive the published an article in the Green Journal ’08YC, ’11A, ’11R, announce the birth of a Chana ’06S, ’08A and Rabbi Ephraim prestigious 2015 titled “A National Survey on Public daughter, Shaina Amalya. Glatt ’06YC, ’09R, ’12C announce the birth American Inns Perceptions of Miscarriage.” of a son, Yitzchak Isaac. Mazel tov to grand- of Court Warren Rachel Shtern parents, Marjorie (YU Connects staff) and E. Burger Prize Lauren (Elefant) ’07SB and Andrew ’03S received the Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt ’76YUHS, ’79YC, and for Writing. Bochner ’09YC announce their recent 2015 Samuel A. Syma and Dr. Jeremiah Levine ’72YUHS, The award will be presented at the marriage. Goldsmith Award, ’76YC and to great-grandfather Rabbi organization’s annual Celebration of presented to Marshall Korn ’51YUHS, ’54YC, ’59R. Excellence at the Supreme Court of Jill (Friedman) ’04S and Yoni Ellman young profes- the United States. ’02SB announce the birth of a daughter, sionals who have Michal and Eitan Gold ’11SB announce the Nili Ora. Mazel tov to grandparents shown outstand- birth of a daughter. Noah Pollack ’11YC, ’14W announces his Elana ’74S and George Ellman. ing performance marriage to Adina Brizel ’06YUHS, ’10S, in their work at a Jewish agency in the Avital Chizhik Goldschmidt ’12S will ’12A, ’15BR. Chicago area. teach the Stern College Featured Writing course. Avital Goldschmidt is a journalist Emma and Rabbi Sam Taylor ’14A, ’14R Joey Small ’05YC, living in New York City. Her essays have announce the birth of a son. ’09BR, ’13A received appeared in the New York Times, Tablet, his MBA from the and The Forward, and she is a frequent Ora and Rabbi Jonathan Ziring ’12YC, Marshall School of contributor to Haaretz. ’14R announce the birth of a son. Business at USC in May 2015 and Giti ’10SB and Rabbi Yaakov Hoffman has been serving ’10YC, ’13R announce the birth of a son, as the Director Pesachya. In Memoriam Tanya and Rabbi Natan Farber ’09YC, for Institutional ’11A, ’15R announce the birth of twin sons. Advancement at Molly (Ratzker)’15S and Tani Isaac ’13YC Rabbi Dr. Reuven Aberman, RIETS Mazel tov to grandparents Rifky and YULA. Joey was recently appointed West announce their marriage. director and visiting Rosh Yeshiva Dr. Marvin Wertentheil ’69YUHS, ’73YC Coast Director for Yeshiva University. Yehuda Bayme ’08YC and Elaine ’85S and Yossi Farber ’85YC. Mindy ’12S and Rabbi Josh Koperwas Asher Buxbaum ’32F Abby and Rabbi Tuly Weisz ’04YC, ’05C, ’11YC, ’13R, ’13A announce the birth of a Beth Faitelewicz ’78YUHS Sarah ’04S and Rabbi Avi Fried ’08YC ’06R announce the birth of a son, Amitai daughter, Leiba Esther. Mazel tov to the Rabbi Mordecai Goldzweig ’53YC, announce the birth of a son. Yehoshua Falik. grandparents Renee ’83S and Michael ’57R, ’99W Sojcher and Renee and Nathan Koperwas. Rabbi Sander Hirth ’65YC, ’69R Ariel and Rabbi Yoni Fox ’06YC, ’10R Rabbi Moshe Rabbi Paul S. Laderman ’57YC, ’60R announce the birth of a son, Yeshaya Winograd Shlomit and Rabbi Ari Lamm ’10YC Henny Machlis ’75 YUHS, ’84TI Menachem. ’08YC, ’11R announce the birth of a daughter. Mazel tov Abraham Okun ’36YC won the 2015 to great-grandparents Mindella and Rabbi Dr. Oliver Sacks, longtime Einstein Elyssa and Rabbi Ezra Goldschmiedt Dr. Zellig Bach Dr. Norman Lamm ’49YC, ’51R, ’66BR. faculty member ’08YC, ’14A, ’11R announce the birth Award for the Peter Tillers, longtime Cardozo of a son. Study of the Elisheva ’15S and Ben Langstein faculty member Family, through announce the birth of a daughter. Mazel Olivia and Brandon Jerome ’09SB the New Jersey tov to grandparents, Adeena ’90S and announce the birth of a daughter, Psychological Rabbi Menachem Penner ’91YC, ’95R. The Yeshiva University community Tzirel Miriam. Association Foundation. He was also mourns the tragic murder of Eitam hired as the Managing Director of Devorah ’14S and Eliron Levinson ’11YC and Naama Henkin, children of Yehezkel Jesin ’09W was recently hired Brooklyn Jewish Xperience, Kings announce the birth of a son. Mazel tov to Rabbanit Chana Henkin ’68S, as executive director of the Riverdale Highway Division. grandparents, Marcia and Barry Levinson Jewish Center. and Naomi ’76YUHS and Ken Shlian. ’76BR founder and dean of the Jeanie Schottenstein Nishmat Institute for Advanced Jewish Studies for Women in Jerusalem, and esteemed Torah scholar Rabbi Legend for school abbreviations: Yehuda Henkin. Rabbanit Henkin

A: Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration • BR: Bernard Revel Graduate School • BS: Belfer Graduate School of Science • BZ: Philip and Sarah Belz School received an honorary Doctor of of Jewish Music • C: Cardozo School of Law • E: Albert Einstein College of Medicine • F: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology • R: Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • S: Humane Letters Degree from Stern College for Women • SB: Sy Syms School of Business • TI: Teacher’s Institute • W: Wurzweiler School of Social Work • YC: Yeshiva College • YUHS: Yeshiva University High Schools YU in 2001.

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Building the Foundation ç Continued from Page 1

GRATEFUL TO YU, AN EDUCATIONAL “CORNERSTONE OF MODERN ORTHODOXY,” DR. TIRTZA N. SPIEGEL ’11S, ’15E, BASES GIVING ON HELPING OTHERS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS Born in Canada and raised in a modern Orthodox home, Dr. Tirtza Spiegel, an obstetrician-gynecologist now completing her residency at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital, was a junior in an all-girls high school when she experi- enced a life-changing event: she attended YU’s National Model United Nations as a delegate from Toronto. Spiegel would be deeply impressed during the gathering by the “intelligent, articulate and passionate” students from Stern College for Women. “It was a for- mative event in my high school career,” she said. “I had never before been exposed to such a large academic conference, with so many Jewish students of my own age.” Having been raised within Toronto’s vibrant Jewish community, and discov- ering the opportunities available to math and science students at Stern College, Spiegel realized: “This is the ideal setting to receive religious and secular higher education.” She would do so through financial support from the Anne Scheiber

It is of utmost importance to“ give back to YU so I can help other students achieve Dr. Tirtza Spiegel their dreams. ” Dr. Tirtza Spiegel

Scholarship Fund, which offers assistance to qualified students at both Stern College and the YU-affiliated Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Benefactor Anne Scheiber established the Scholarship Fund for financially and academically deserving Jewish women who have indicated their desire to assist in the develop- ment of humanity, and alleviate pain and suffering. The rest is YU history: Spiegel majored in biology, concentrating on cellular and molecular studies with a minor in women’s studies, while taking courses in religion. Citing the importance of pursuing both disciplines, she said, “As a modern Orthodox woman, truly living a life of Torah and Madda, my medical knowledge is enriched by my study of halachic medical ethics—and vice versa.” Spiegel’s decision to study medicine stems from her desire to help others, as well as to pursue scholarship and research opportunities. “My love of molecular biology and genetics made medicine a natural choice for me,” she said. “And I chose to attend Einstein as it truly helps a community in need of medical care, and because of its Jewish life on campus.” As for Spiegel’s choice of specialization, “I have always been interested in women’s health. As an OBGYN, you are able to comprehensively manage your patients,” she said, “in the clinic, the hospital, the operating room and in labor and delivery, and to care for women through their lives’ milestones.” And, she added, “Nothing is as exciting as labor and delivery!” Looking back on her formative undergraduate years at YU, Spiegel stressed the importance of Stern’s “investment in its students and support of their interests.” “The faculty members at Stern want to mentor students and take personal pride in their students’ accomplishments.” She recalled that when she and several of her friends founded the Women’s Studies Society, their professors were “extremely DAVID A. ISAAC ’86YC, ’89C WANTS TO ENSURE THAT THE NEXT GENERATION supportive and often stayed late at night to attend our events.” BENEFITS FROM YU’S UNIQUE ALUMNI NETWORK She considers herself both fortunate and inspired to have been “surrounded at “The impact Yeshiva University has had on my career is incalculable,” said David A. Stern College by a myriad of educated women, many of whom were Orthodox.” Isaac, chief executive officer of the Garden City Group (GCG). “So whenever young Among her role models were Dr. Karen Bacon, The Mordecai D. Katz and Dr. men and women ask for my advice on which undergraduate and graduate schools Monique C. Katz Dean of the Undergraduate Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. to choose, I emphasize the incredible alumni network that exists in the YU com- Marina Holz, the Doris and Ira Kukin Chair in Biology, who encouraged Spiegel to munity. There’s something very special about YU alumni and how they help each enroll in courses that would spur her to think as a scientist. On graduating from other. It’s a unique bond that can’t be found in any other school.” Einstein, the newly-minted physician embarked on her four-year residency in For Isaac—who serves as vice chair of the Sy Syms School of Business Board of obstetrics and gynecology at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital. Overseers, Hanukkah Dinner vice chair, and a member of the Yeshiva College What are Spiegel’s eventual plans? “After completing my OB-GYN residency, Board of Overseers—that network is a family affair. “My mother attended Stern. I’m considering a fellowship in maternal fetal medicine,” she said. “I hope to focus My wife, Deborah, who recently concluded her tenure as president of Amit, gradu- on prenatal genetics and to improve maternal health—at the individual, communal ated from Yeshiva University High School, and her parents, Drs. Ruth Freeman and global levels.” She added: “Yeshiva University invested in me eight years ago Lewis and Robert Lewis, were both Einstein graduates dedicated to serving YU, when I applied to Stern College for Women, and I am exceptionally grateful. It is and my mother-in-law was on the board of Central for a long time,” said Isaac. And of utmost importance to give back to YU so I can help other students achieve their two of Isaac’s children, Tani ’13YC—who recently married Molly Ratzker ’15S— dreams.” and Jared, currently a student at Syms, have followed the family tradition.

4 ALUMNITODAY DOWNLOAD THE YU ALUMNI SMARTPHONE APP AT WWW.YU.EDU/ALUMNI/APP ß continues. “I want the next generation to know how helpful it is to get into the YU network and to continue to support the University for the generations that follow. That’s what we do: We take care of each other.”

WURZWEILER’S BOARD OF OVERSEERS CHAIR FROMA BENEROFE VIEWS SOCIAL WORK AS “AN EXTENSION OF YU’S CORE VALUES, MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE” A licensed clinical social worker, Froma Benerofe worked for 10 years in a residen- tial treatment center’s diagnostic unit with troubled, inner city boys and their fam- ilies. She would spend the following decade working at a treatment center for child victims of sex abuse. Now retired from the public sector, she maintains a small private practice as well as serving on the board of Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Introduced to Wurzweiler by a close friend, she described her experience there as “the blend- ing of three of my passions,” social work, education and the serving of my Jewish spirituality.” She added, “I’m a great supporter of YU even though I, myself, am not a gradu- ate.” Benerofe believes that “social work embodies tikun olam [repairing the world]” and that her choice of profession as well as her involvement with Wurzweiler con- stitutes “the bringing together of who I am.” Benerofe’s feedback from students is that “they are drawn in by the size of the school and their personal interactions with their professors.” Especially interest- ing to Benerofe about Wurzweiler is what she characterizes as its “very diverse student body. The many, many non-Jewish students are not coming for a connec- tion with a Jewish organization,” she said. “They are coming for an excellent social Dr. Tirtza Spiegel Froma Benerofe work education.” Stressing the importance to YU’s student body “of knowing that Jewish values are so universal and aligned with their values as social workers, whatever their faith is,” she regards attendance at Wurzweiler as “a phenomenal experience for everyone.” Wurzweiler raises money for scholarships as “the way to attract the best and brightest,” said Benerofe. Setting an example to others, Benerofe and her husband Andrew have provided the school with one million dollars with which to fund such scholarships. Benerofe said, “My parents were an example for me, as were my in- I want the next generation to laws later, so I have always been immersed in environments of giving back. And my children were raised to give back, as I was, and they do.” know“ how helpful it is to get into Wurzweiler also reaches out to its graduates in terms of philanthropy. Especially during the last five years, she said, “We have made concerted efforts to the YU network and to continue connect with our alumni, to have get-togethers, and to have networking meetings on topics of interest. We are getting better and better in terms of staying con- to support the University for the nected.” When speaking with prospective donors, she said, “I talk about YU, with its broad array of undergraduate and graduate schools, as a superb academic and generations that follow. That’s religious experience for all.” what we do: We take care of Benerofe feels “very privileged to be part of the Wurzweiler family… we have a brilliant, phenomenal dean in Dr. Carmen Ortiz Hendricks. We have a talented, each other. David A. Isaac dedicated faculty always willing to go above and beyond in terms of their teaching and what they provide for the students.” She also paid tribute to the school’s diverse ” board, “a wonderful group of people who do everything they can to enhance the student experience. I sometimes feel that I receive more than I give,” Benerofe said. “I’m honored to help students obtain good educations and go out into the world of social work.” It is thanks to supporters such as these that Yeshiva University is able to con- tinue to provide a powerful foundation for the future. “With the partnership of committed supporters, YU is moving forward with a long-term roadmap for sus- tainable excellence, continuing the remarkable legacy that makes it unique,” said Seth Moskowitz, vice president for institutional advancement. n

“I view Yeshiva University as having a central role in modern Orthodox life and in the business world,” he said. “I don’t know where we, as a community, would be without YU, and on an individual basis, the connections you make are unparal- leled.” The Isaac family established the Deborah and David Isaac Scholarship Fund as a tangible expression of their support for the University. Isaac joined GCG’s senior executive team as vice president and director of legal I sometimes feel that I receive more services in 1996 and became president in 2000. In 2006, he was named chief execu- than“ I give. I’m honored to help students tive officer and, in 2008, was appointed to the global executive management team of Crawford & Company, GCG’s parent company. Under Isaac’s leadership, GCG began obtain good educations and go out into a major expansion and now serves law firms and corporations nationwide. “I was approached to speak to Cardozo students a couple of years ago to show the world of social work. Froma Benerofe them that just because you have a law degree doesn’t mean you have to be a lawyer,” said Isaac. “The skills you learn that are unique to law school, such as critical read- ” ing, can be parlayed into a career in business. And when you couple that with the one-of-a kind, real-world connections you get at YU, I can’t say enough about how helpful that is in achieving success.” “Cardozo provided me with an excellent foundation for my legal career,” he k For more information about philanthropic giving, please visit yu.edu/giving

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YU Chai: Inspired Giving

s Yeshiva University moves forward into the grow the base of philanthropic support for Yeshiva. He future, seeking sustainable excellence while will be helped in this regard by an anonymous $1 million Anavigating the world of 21st-century learning contribution that will match any new or increased gift to and higher education, there comes a renewed focus on the Annual Fund. the University’s Annual Fund. “This is an exciting and invaluable opportunity A university’s annual fund is, historically, its life- because you will be identifying with this particular blood. It supplies cash for day-to-day operations and vision of excellence,” explained Gibber. “By becoming has an impact on nearly every aspect of the student a YU Chai donor, you are strengthening your bond with experience. Money from YU’s Annual Fund covers Yeshiva and distinguishing yourself as a leader in this everything from scholarships and academic funding University-wide effort.” to cultural programs and faculty support; from career Alumna Rena Kwestel ’92S recently added her development and undergraduate and graduate pro- name to the list of YU Chai donors. “I feel like it’s grams to infrastructure. The Annual Fund enables important to give to this campaign because whether alumni, parents and friends to give what they can each you’re an alumnus or not, world Jewry has benefitted year and to know that they are part of a strong group of from what YU has produced and what it will continue fellow donors, just like them, who are having a power- to produce,” she said. “YU has an unparalleled global ful collective impact on the student experience at YU. impact, producing the foundations of communities “Annual Fund gifts are critical because they sus- around the world.” tain the education and services that we offer. When our “By becoming a YU Chai donor, you will be serving entire community participates, it provides substantial as a role model for your peers,” said Gibber. “By simply ongoing fuel for the fire of the future that is YU,” said taking initiative, you have the power to inspire others President Richard M. Joel. to follow your philanthropic example and, together, Elliot Gibber is the new national chair of the Elliot Gibber have a major impact on YU.” Yeshiva University Annual Fund, and he and his wife, The Gibbers themselves are proud to lead by exam- Deborah Goldner Gibber, are no strangers to giving ple. Not only are they major supporters of YU, but they back to YU. Elliot served as chairman of Yeshiva University High Schools and as also support the Orthodox Union, Yachad, the American Committee for Shaare a member of the Board of Trustees of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Zedek and other more local Jewish institutions, like the Mikvah of the West Side while Deborah was a member of the Board of the Yeshiva University Museum. and Manhattan Day School. Elliot Gibber received an honorary degree from Yeshiva in 2008. Their children— “I’m a major believer in the transformative power of tzedaka, and I believe one Daniel, Jacob, Marc, Michael, Mindy and David—all graduated from YU high of the most important charitable causes out there is Jewish education,” said Gib- schools and colleges. ber. “Jewish education is the key to the future of the Jewish people and cannot be “As the parent of six proud Yeshiva University alumni, I know that YU, with its undervalued. Gifts to YU’s Annual Fund are unrestricted dollars that are critical in singular mission, is essential to a strong Jewish future,” Gibber said. “What makes helping YU create tomorrow’s leaders of the global Jewish community.” YU unique is the philosophy of Torah Umadda—to give children the full range of “Most major institutions in this world have global support, but I think people what it means to be an Orthodox Jew in the modern world. No other institution often feel that YU is not necessarily an international institution that merits sup- serves that purpose like YU.” port from all corners of the world,” Gibber continued. “That’s a mistake. YU does Yeshiva University recently announced a new initiative called YU Chai to this world a great service by educating and molding the future leaders of the global encourage 1,800 donors to contribute new or increased gifts of $1,800—or multi- Jewish community and, whether you have a direct connection to YU or not, you are ples of $1,800—to Yeshiva University over the next three years. “This will grow the benefiting from a stronger Jewish future. It is incumbent upon all of us to support Annual Fund by more than $3 million annually and, together with other initiatives YU in the way that it needs—for us, for the next generation, and for the generation underway, will go a long way to providing the resources YU needs to educate the after that. It is a foundation for our community, and it positively serves the entire next generation of Jewish leaders,” said Alan J. Secter, executive director of annual world.” n giving and major gifts at the office of institutional advancement. k For more information about the Yeshiva University Annual Fund and YU Chai, contact Alan Secter, Gibber is assembling a campaign cabinet of lay leaders to serve as brand ambas- executive director of annual giving and major gifts, at [email protected]. To make a gift online, sadors and volunteer solicitors for the Annual Fund as he looks to aggressively visit yu.edu/support

ANNUAL FUND LEADERSHIP RETREAT (OCTOBER 18–19, 2015) Yeshiva University held its Annual Fund Campaign—YU Chai Leadership Retreat, which included workshops, interactive discussions and students sharing stories of the personal impact of their scholarship assistance.

m Elliot Gibber, national chair YU Annual Fund and member of the YU Board of Trustees

m Andrea Hale, YU director of annual giving, speaks to lay leaders

k (l–r) Scholarship recipient Hudy Rosenberg ’17S; Moshael Straus, chair, YU Board of Trustees; and scholarship recipient Alexander Wascher ’16YC

6 ALUMNITODAY SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND AT WWW.YU.EDU/ONLINEGIVING ß Governor Cuomo Keynotes Yeshiva University Hanukkah Convocation

The Honorable Governor Dr. Benjamin Chouake Norman Sternthal Mark Wilf Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky Andrew M. Cuomo

he Honorable Governor Andrew M. Cuomo will deliver the keynote address versity–affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) to support and receive an honorary degree at Yeshiva University’s 91st Annual Hanuk- a special training initiative for pulpit rabbis, known as the Norman and Johanne Tkah Convocation and Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on Sternthal Halakhah L’Maaseh Program. December 13. President Richard M. Joel will confer honorary degrees upon Dr. Mark Wilf, co-owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings football team, Ben Chouake, Norman Sternthal, and Mark Wilf, and Vice President of University serves on Yeshiva University’s Board of Trustees. His support of YU is not just a Affairs Rabbi Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky will receive the Presidential Medallion. personal cause but also a family legacy. As the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wilf, “We are thrilled to confer the University’s highest tribute on this year’s group and the nephew of Harry z”l and Judith Wilf z”l, Wilf was born and raised in one of honorees who exemplify and are a wonderful reflection of many of our own val- of YU’s “first families,” a birthright to which he and his wife, Jane Frieder, have ues,” said President Joel. proudly adhered and instilled in their four children. Wilf serves as a principal Dr. Benjamin Chouake, the national president of NORPAC, the nation’s largest of Garden Homes Development, a family-owned real estate business founded by pro-Israel political action committee, is a board member of both Yeshiva College Joseph and Harry in 1954. He is a YU benefactor and serves as a member of the and the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. He and his wife, Esther, Yeshiva University Institutional Advancement Committee. established the Esther and Ben Chouake Scholarship at Yeshiva College in 2003. In Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’57R, ’80F began his YU addition to his roles at YU and NORPAC, Chouake also sits on the boards of Touro career in 1962 at RIETS, first serving as assistant director and then as associate College, New York Medical College, the Orthodox Union, the Frisch School, and director of the Max Stern Division of Communal Services. In 1973, he was named the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, and he serves as vice president of the Zion- executive assistant to then YU president Dr. Samuel Belkin, and later to Dr. Nor- ist Organization of America, and as the secretary of the American Jewish Congress. man Lamm, YU’s third president, who named Dobrinsky vice president for uni- Norman Sternthal, an active member of Montreal’s Jewish community, serves versity affairs in 1981. He is co-founder of the Sephardic Studies Program and the as a member of the Yeshiva College Board of Directors and director of the Cana- Sephardic Community Activities Program and established the Sephardic Council dian Friends of Yeshiva University. He is co-founder of Groupe Fairway, a Mon- of Overseers. In 2010, he received the Harav Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik zt”l treal-based real estate and development firm. Together with his wife, Johanne—a Aluf Torah Award at the RIETS Chag HaSemikha Convocation. During his 53 renowned theatrical producer, author and philanthropist—they established The years of service to the University, he has played a major role in the establishment Johanne and Norman Sternthal Foundation in Montreal to support Jewish agen- of 38 professorial chairs and has secured hundreds of scholarships throughout the cies, human services and education and the Joel and Sarah Sternthal Rabbinic United States, Canada and abroad, for all of YU’s high schools and undergraduate Fellowship. The Sternthals recently made a benefactor-level gift to Yeshiva Uni- and graduate schools. n

m Jennifer Cahn, YU senior annual giving officer

m Seth Moskowitz, YU vice president for Institutional Advancement

o (l–r) Morris W. Offit, chairman of Offit Capital and Daniel Forman, YU senior philanthropic advisor

s WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS FOR PROGRAMMING IN YOUR REGION. CONTACT SUZY SCHWARTZ AT [email protected] OR 212.960.0848 ALUMNITODAY 7 ALUMNITODAY

Barbara Lauer Listhaus Contributes to YU Through Leadership

or Barbara Lauer Listhaus ’80YUHS, ’82S, ’88F, Yeshiva University is Health Psychology. She has taught psychology in many other universities a legacy. Her parents, Elias ’55YC and Ilse (Ungar) Lauer ’60S, z”l, met as well as in high schools. She is currently an adjunct professor in Marriage Fat YU in the ’50s. Growing up in Woodmere, New York, Lauer Listhaus and Family Therapy and Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology attended Yeshiva University High School for Girls. “Many of my role models Masters Programs at Kean University in Hillside, New Jersey. “I’m grati- during my formative years, whether camp fied that many of my students have become counselors or teachers, were affiliated with psychologists and are pursuing rewarding YU,” said Lauer Listhaus. careers,” said Lauer Listhaus. Lauer Listhaus chose to study in Israel Throughout the course of a demanding for her senior year of high school through career, Lauer Listhaus has been commit- the YU early admissions program, and then ted to staying communally active. She has attended Stern College for Women, where served on the boards of various synagogues she majored in psychology. “I decided to and yeshiva day schools within each of the become a psychologist when I was in high communities in which she and her fam- school, but was inspired to become a clini- ily lived. Currently, she is involved in The cal psychologist when I attended Stern,” Friendship Circle, Camp HASC, Mikvah she said. “I wanted to work with people Chana of Livingston, the Synagogue of the with diverse mental health issues, and as Suburban Torah Center of Livingston and a clinical psychologist, I am able to follow Ferkauf. them across their lifespans. In my current She takes special pride in being a mem- practice, I work with individuals of all ages. ber of Ferkauf’s Board of Overseers because When I am able to help them find a better of her longstanding affiliation with YU. way to cope with or to move past a barrier, I “My husband and I support YU because we feel like I’ve made a significant impact.” appreciate the opportunities that were When she wasn’t studying at Stern, given to us,” said Lauer Listhaus. “Our Lauer Listhaus could be found participat- daughter was the third generation in my ing in extracurricular activities such as family to major in psychology at Stern, and the Stern College Dramatics Society, the one of her psychology professors, Dr. Mar- Psychology Club, and the Psi-Chi Interna- cel Perlman, proudly told the class that he tional Honors Society in Psychology. “I had taught my daughter’s grandmother, mother, several part-time jobs that I found through and her.” the career development office,” Lauer List- Lauer Listhaus continued, “It’s impor- haus added. “I enjoyed these opportunities, tant to support an institution financially, but I but found the interpersonal connections to be believe that it is my responsibility to contrib- most valuable. These other jobs reinforced my My husband and I support ute through taking a leadership role. I enjoy interest in pursuing psychology as a career.” YU“ because we appreciate working with the many dedicated Board mem- She particularly enjoyed her courses with bers, especially on outreach to the alumni and Dr. Ira Belmont, a professor who emphasized the opportunities that were promoting the outstanding education that the biological causes of mental illness. “This Ferkauf provides.” was a fairly radical understanding of psychol- given to us. Besides a host of impressive professional ogy in the early 1980s; it influenced my deci- accomplishments—she was instrumental in sion to complete my dissertation on the causes ” developing an inclusive Applied Behavior of developmental delay in children with autism, and to pursue a career as a Analysis (ABA) program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; and neuropsychologist,” she said. she speaks nationally on marital and sibling issues in special needs fami- While pursuing her master’s degree and PsyD at the Ferkauf Graduate lies and on the impact of divorce on young children in the Orthodox Jewish School of Psychology, Lauer Listhaus found challenging internship oppor- community—Lauer Listhaus recently self-published a book titled Flavors for tunities at Long Island Jewish Hospital, Bronx Children’s Psychiatric Hos- Everyone: A Guide to Raising Siblings in a Special Needs Family (2015), based pital and the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. Working with on her personal and professional experiences. The book encourages parents a diverse population provided firsthand exposure to the dynamic that men- to recognize their own strengths and each child’s unique characteristics tal illness can create within a family. “When a child has mental illness, the in creating a balance within the family. Yet she credits her greatest profes- siblings and parents are impacted in profound ways,” said Lauer Listhaus. sional achievement to something less tangible. “These experiences helped develop my focus on treating whole families, and “Early in my career, I often wondered how I would be able to translate encouraged me to look beyond the individual to see the big picture.” the lessons I learned in the classroom into practice,” she said. “I’ve learned Lauer Listhaus completed her post-doctoral training in adolescent and that when you receive a good foundation in your field, it opens the door to adult neuropsychology at the International Center for the Disabled in New acquiring the experiences through which you will gain the skills and profi- York City, and then served as a neuropsychologist in rehabilitation hospi- ciency to become an accomplished professional. I often tell my children and tals first in New York, then in California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with their friends who are starting out that each experience leads to the next, and individuals diagnosed with neurological conditions, developmental delays that I don’t think you ever stop learning.” and learning disabilities. She has worked in private practice for over 20 years. Lauer Listhaus lives in Livingston and is married to Dr. Alan Listhaus, Soon after she received her doctorate, she returned to Stern to teach a ’81YC,’85E. They have four children, Joe, Jason (and Maggie Dweck ’08S), yearlong course, The Biological Basis of Behavior, and again in 2006 to teach Jonathan and Jessica ’13S, and two grandchildren, Henry and Kailey. n

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Online Arch of Titus Course Brings YU Expertise to the Global Classroom

or Yeshiva University undergradu- attitudes toward the Arch during ates, The Arch of Titus: Between the early modern period. FRome and Jerusalem—a Jewish The course focuses on the history course taught by Dr. Steven Fine, ways that Romans, Jews and the Dean Pinkhos Churgin Professor of Christians have looked at the Arch Jewish History and director of Yeshiva and its symbolism from antiquity University’s Center for Israel Studies— to the present. Fine’s ultimate provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportu- goal is to involve students in the nity to explore the cultural impact of a continuing life of this monument, central artifact in both Jewish and West- especially as its menorah now ap- ern history. Thanks to a new massive pears on the state symbol of Israel. open online course (MOOC) being of- He hopes to open students’ eyes to fered through YU Global, YU’s online the many references to the Arch of initiative, and Coursera, this opportu- Titus that surround them in their nity is now available to anyone with an daily lives. It has served as the in- Internet connection and the passion to spiration for many arches over the learn. last 2,000 years, from the Arc de The free online course takes Fine’s Triomphe in Paris to New York’s teaching beyond the classroom, combin- own Washington Square Arch. In his new online course, Dr. Steven Fine takes students on a journey of discovery through museums and ing aspects of archaeology, art history “The imagery that appears in cultural sites around the world and Judaic studies. Its unique format the Arch of Titus—that is, classical allows students to accompany Fine on Roman art and architecture of the mid- table and the silver horns,” added Fine. world—that is its core mission,” said Dr. expeditions across New York, Los Ange- first century—can be found in every town “Perhaps even more so since we discov- Selma Botman, provost and vice president les, Jerusalem and Rome, as he discusses throughout America, ” said Fine. “These ered the golden paint used to color the for academic affairs. “In creating this on- artifacts with museum curators, schol- are all standard motifs, and the Arch is one Arch menorah in 2012.” line course, we hope to introduce people ars and artists and even visits the Arch of the best examples that have come down Created by YU Global, the course is worldwide to Yeshiva University and the itself—a post-mortem commemoration to us through antiquity. We’re teaching part of a larger rollout of upcoming classes depth of scholarship we have here.” of the Roman Emperor Titus depicting students to look into hidden depths of an and certificates that aims to extend the Ye- The Arch of Titus is the first pub- his triumphal return to Rome from Jeru- object that has been meaningful to many shiva University brand beyond New York lic course available online through YU salem, where his legions destroyed and different people, whether it was the Ro- City to interested learners worldwide. Global, but Fine feels it is the beginning looted the Jewish Temple. mans, medieval Christians, 20th-century It is YU’s first project with Coursera, an of an incredible partnership. “Coursera Fine’s discussions with guest ex- Zionists or the United States Army during educational platform boasting more than is a great place to be because it includes perts give students a multidimensional World War II.” 15.6 million unique students, and repre- the top universities in the world,” he said. approach to the Arch, including a talk “The Arch is particularly significant sents one of the first Coursera courses in “In joining Coursera, we’ve joined our with Dr. William Stenhouse, associate to the Yeshiva University community, Jewish history and archaeology. peers.” n professor of history and chair of the his- with its portrayal of the Jerusalem Tem- “YU Global wants to radiate the Uni- tory department at YU, about Christian ple artifacts—the golden menorah and versity faculty’s knowledge across the k To learn more visit global.yu.edu/coursera

Yeshiva College Student Builds Online Torah Learning Community

t started simply as a way to share divrei and Efrat Family University Professor of Jewish Thought, brought him clarity. Torah with friends. As a student in a “I asked him how he became so knowledgeable about so many things,” said Maged. Icommunity day school in Toronto, On- “He told me that, as a young man, his own rosh yeshiva had instructed him to teach tario, Alex Maged had enjoyed sharing subjects that he didn’t have much of a background in, and that forced him to develop Torah thoughts in the school’s newslet- one. It was so true. The process of trying to formulate ideas in a succinct and relevant ter. He was excited to continue his own way has forced me to crystallize thoughts, push myself to learn how to use all the re- Jewish growth after high school at Ye- sources that are available to YU students and explore new sources that I’ve never seen. shiva College. But fewer opportunities It’s also helped me with retention because after you’ve worked an idea over in your head for learning would be available to some so many times, it’s bound to sink in.” of his friends as they moved on to secular Maged found himself increasingly immersed in the blog and the process of creat- universities. ing content for it. But he also noticed that the more he wrote, the more people began to “I realized they wouldn’t have a read and respond. “It bloomed from the few friends I was writing for to over 1,200 fol- regular outlet to hear divrei Torah [Torah lowers,” he said. “Some of the people who have offered positive feedback are incredibly insights], so I would send them things,” humbling: Rabbi Shalom Carmy, Rabbi David Fohrman, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi said Maged. “What mattered was the per- Yaakov Beasley. There have been dozens of prominent scholars and communal leaders sonal element. If I sent them something who subscribed too—Rabbi Hayyim Angel, Dr. Avivah Zornberg, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass somebody else wrote, they might not read and Rabbi David Aaron, for instance—and that’s been incredibly humbling as well. it. But if it was written by someone they Closer to home, I have also started to hear it get quoted at Shabbat tables, which has knew, perhaps they would.” been really exciting.” Blogger Alex Maged So Maged decided to create a weekly Stories about the impact of his divrei Torah began to trickle back to Maged. A rabbi blog that would focus on a unique kind of mentioned that he refers to What’s Pshat? when preparing sermons, and a few cam- Torah thought: his own. Though he drew regularly from sources as diverse as biblical pus rabbis who work with the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus and Talmudic texts to Western philosophy and ancient Near Eastern literature, the con- mentioned to Maged that they also rely on the blog as a resource. Another reader told cept of each post was original, carefully researched and written by Maged alone. Called Maged she had shared an article with her class at Hebrew Union College. It was espe- What’s Pshat?, the blog follows a few simple guidelines. cially meaningful for Maged to hear his own professors quote his articles in class. “It “The goal is for you, as a reader, to feel that you are engaging with the Parsha directly made me feel like I have a role to play in the cycle of learning,” he said. and to discover within it insights that are sophisticated on both a textual and a theologi- Maged’s studies at Yeshiva College have been at the heart of that cyclical process. cal or moral level,” said Maged. “It’s inspired by figures like Rabbi David Fohrman and “Whatever I’d learn in my secular classes that week, I’d bring to bear in my articles,” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and I like to incorporate secular sources as well. I’m trying to he said. “I’d learn in a psychology class about the bystander effect and I would happen put together the kind of literary observations and analysis one might find in a more aca- to see it in that week’s parsha [Torah portion]. It was exhilarating.” He added, “That’s demic journal, with a message that resonates with the average person.” why I absolutely love my time at YU. The rich secular studies complementing the Jew- Initially, Maged was a bit nervous about the amount of time he found himself ish studies feels like heaven for me.” n spending on the rigorous researching and composition of his articles. But on a Shabba- ton at Stern College for Women, an encounter with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Kressel k To learn more visit whatspshat.org

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Focus on Faculty Faculty Bookshelf

Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald, director of The following is a sampling of books recently published by Yeshiva University faculty the Wilf Campus Writing Center and chair of the Department of English at Yeshiva College, has been pro- Rabbi Dr. J. David Bleich, professor of Tal- Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman, rosh yeshiva moted to full professor of English. mud at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Fitzgerald has served as the direc- Seminary and the Herbert and Florence Seminary (RIETS), recently published tor of the Wilf Campus Writing Cen- Tenzer Professor of Jewish Law at its Benja- False Facts and True Rumors: Lashon ter since 1997, a role in which she min N. Cardozo School of Law, and Dr. Ar- HaRa in Contemporary Culture (Mag- has prepared hundreds of student thur J. Jacobson, Max Freund Professor of gid Books & Michael Scharf Publica- tutors and dozens of faculty con- Litigation and Advocacy, have recently coau- tion Trust YU Press, 2015). The book is sultants to work with thousands thored Jewish Law and Contemporary Issues the latest installment in the RIETS of writers from the YU community: (Cambridge University Press, September Practical Halakhah Series, undertak- students, faculty, staff and alumni. 2015). The book is organized as a series of ing the vital task of examining the hala- Fitzgerald also teaches courses on authoritative discussions and examines topics from divorce to chic sources regarding lashon hara academic writing, digital and mul- war and from rabbinic confidentiality to cloning. In each case, it [derogatory speech] and applying them to today’s technology- timodal composing, research and carefully delineates the issues presented, shows the various po- driven world. Combining erudite knowledge of rabbinic texts, pedagogy, authorship, and Roman- sitions taken by rabbinic scholars, clarifies areas of divergence philosophy, and psychology, Rabbi Feldman explores this un- tic-period British literature. and analyzes reasons for disagreement. charted territory of contemporary Jewish life.

Dr. Robin Freyberg, clinical Dr. Mordechai Z. Cohen, professor of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Kressel and assistant professor of psychology at bible and associate dean of Bernard Revel Efrat Family University Professor of Jewish Stern College for Women, recently Graduate School of Jewish Studies, is the Thought, recently published Not in God’s published two chapters in the coeditor of Interpreting Scriptures in Juda- Name: Confronting Religious Violence American Psychological Associa- ism, Christianity and Islam: Overlapping (Schocken Books, October 2015). In the tion’s Handbook of Nonverbal Com- Inquiries (Cambridge University Press, book, Rabbi Sacks explores the roots of vio- munication (APA, September 2015). January 2016), a comparative study of Jew- lence and its relationship to religion, em- The book provides scholarly reviews ish, Christian and Muslim scriptural inter- ploying groundbreaking biblical analysis of state-of-the-art knowledge in pretation from antiquity to modernity, and interpretation to show that religiously the areas of nonverbal communi- with special emphasis on the pivotal medi- inspired violence draws on misreading of cation and nonverbal behaviors. eval period. By concentrating on points of overlap and intersec- biblical texts at the heart of all three Abrahamic faiths. Studying Freyberg’s chapters, “Methods in tion, the study brings to light aspects of methods in Judaism, the book of Genesis in a new light, Rabbi Sacks offers a radical Olfactory Research” and “Signs, Christianity and Islam that remain hidden until set in relation to rereading of many of the Bible’s seminal stories of sibling rivalry: Signals and Symbols in Olfactics,” one another, opening new interdisciplinary approaches to the Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and examine olfactory methods of non- history of scriptural interpretation. his brothers, Rachel and Leah. verbal communication and discuss advances in the research in this area. In Beyond Bullying: Breaking the Cycle of In his new book, Realism in the Age Shame, Bullying, and Violence (Oxford of Impressionism: Painting and the Dr. Aaron Golden, research asso- University Press, December 2015), Dr. Politics of Time (Yale University ciate professor of mathematical Jonathan Fast, associate professor of so- Press, August 2015), Stern College sciences, is a member of an inter- cial work at Wurzweiler School of Social for Women’s Associate Professor of national team of astronomers who Work, deftly weaves together research Art History Dr. Marnin Young ex- have reported the direct detection from the fields of psychology, sociology, amines the final phase of 19th-cen- of the aurora borealis—otherwise economics, and history to create a single tury Realist painting, focusing on known as the Northern Lights— overarching theory of shame. The book in- five artists who showed their work on another world, according to an troduces the concept of “weaponized in Paris between 1878 and 1882— article published in Nature. They shame,” a toxic and intentional attack on another person, noting years which saw changes in the ex- confirmed the presence of aurora that weaponized shame is often at the heart of bullying situa- isting economic and social structures that produced and 10,000 times more powerful than tions. Fast traces the nuances of shame through several common increasingly measured experience of time. These artists rejected what we experience on Earth types of bullying—highlighting bullying based on sexuality, gen- the impending wave of Impressionism by spearheading a short- above the polar regions of a brown der and race—and extends shame theory to acts of domestic vio- lived revival of the Realist practices that advocated slowness in dwarf known as LSR J1835+3259, lence, racism, school shootings and domestic terrorism. technique, subject-matter and beholding. located some 18 light years away in the constellation Lyra. What makes this result so remarkable is that by conventional wisdom, brown dwarfs should be inert objects with insuf- ficient mass to support the kind of internal nuclear reactions that are responsible for these auroras. Einstein Faculty Receive First-Time NIH

Dr. Jill Katz, clinical assistant pro- Research Grants fessor of archaeology, is part of a hree researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medi- team of archaeologists who uncov- cine recently received their first R01 grants from the ered remains of the enormous gates National Institutes of Health—a major milestone in an and fortified walls of the biblical city T academic scientist’s career. of Gath this summer. Katz, an area Dr. Michal Melamed, associate professor in the Depart- supervisor at the Ackerman Fam- ment of Epidemiology and Public Health and the Department of ily Bar-Ilan University Expedition to Medicine, has been awarded $3.5 million over five years to take Gath, has been excavating at the part in NIH’s ongoing clinical trials to prove the effectiveness Tell es-Safi/Gath site for 11 years. of using Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to protect against Dr. Michal Melamed Dr. Julie Secombe Dr. James Brust The city of Gath was one of five kidney disease. Philistine city-states and, according Dr. Julie Secombe, associate professor in the Department of Dr. James C.M. Brust, associate professor in the Depart- to the Bible, was the home of King Genetics, has been awarded a five-year, $1.6 million grant to study ment of Medicine, received a five-year, $3.6 million grant to Ashish and the Philistine warrior a particular family of transcription regulators—cells responsible study bedaquiline—the first new tuberculosis drug to receive Goliath. for regulating the process that converts DNA into messenger FDA approval in 40 years. n k Keep up with the latest faculty news at RNA, thus enabling the construction of new proteins—which, blogs.yu.edu/facultynews due to a mutation, are overproduced in a number of cancers, such as breast, colorectal and melanoma. k Keep up with the latest Einstein news at einstein.yu.edu/news

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p The Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and YU Global presented a lecture by Dr. Youde Fu, distinguished professor of philosophy from China’s Shandong p The Yeshiva University Museum and the Center for Jewish Law and Contemporary University, titled “Hebrew Prophets and Confuscian Sages: A Comparison,” on Civilization at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law presented a September 30 con- October 13. In his talk, Fu examined similarities and differences between the prophets versation with Professor of Law Suzanne Last Stone and Israel’s Justice Minister and sages in their roles as recipients and transmitters of their respective traditions’ laws Ayelet Shaked on the role of shmita in modern society. n and principles. n

p The Student Medical Ethics Society presented its ninth annual Fuld Family Con- ference on October 25. The student-run conference explored halachic [Jewish legal] p On October 19, former U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, the Joseph Lieberman implications of pediatric healthcare, including preventative medicine, vaccinations and Chair in Public Policy and Public Service, delivered his first talk of the semester to stu- adolescent depression. n dents, faculty and staff. Titled “Torah, Halacha and American Politics,” the lecture, pre- sented by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, reflected on the role of Jewish values in American history and Lieberman’s own career. n

p On November 1, the Center for Israel Studies hosted an academic conference to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassi- nation. Titled “Yitzhak Rabin: Twenty Years After,” the program included discussions and presentations on the life and legacy of Israel’s fifth prime minister. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Selma Botman and Consul General of Israel in New York Ido Aharoni were among the speakers. n

p On November 1, Yeshiva University students hosted a moving kumzitz [concert] in support of Israel on the Red Steps in Times Square. Led by student Aryeh Tiefenbrunn p The YU men’s cross country team took first place in the men’s division of the 14th on his guitar and the Y-Studs, YU’s student a cappella group, they were joined by more Annual Baruch College Cross Country Invitational in September. This was the second than a thousand fellow students, friends and passersby, flooding the heart of Manhattan championship for the team, who previously claimed the title in 2012. The Maccabee with songs of peace and love. n women placed a close second in the women’s division. n

s FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/YESHIVAUNIVERSITY FALL 2015/WINTER 2016 WWW.YU.EDU/NEWS ß YUTODAY YESHIVA UNIVERSITY • 500 WEST 185TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10033 • FALL 2015/WINTER 2016 • VOLUME 19 NO. 4 Historic Joint Venture Agreement Advances Einstein

eshiva University and Montefiore Health System recently finalized a new land- demic calendar that respects the holidays and 150 students joining us on campus each mark agreement for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where Montefiore Shabbat. Einstein appreciates and honors the special nature of Stern College for Women Yhas financial and operational responsibility for Einstein, and Yeshiva has aca- and Yeshiva College applicants, and will continue to welcome YU students to all of our demic oversight. The agreement comes half a century after Yeshiva and Montefiore’s special programs, like our summer research opportunities.” affiliation was first forged to strengthen Einstein’s excellence in science, education and Linking Einstein with Montefiore is a natural step in the evolution of a top-level clinical care. medical research school, according to Burns. Like most medical schools, Einstein’s chief “This is part of a journey that began when Yeshiva University founded Einstein 60 sources of funding are research grants generated by its faculty and funded by the Na- years ago,” said YU President Richard M. Joel. “Albert Einstein lent his name to this fledgling institution at a time when Jewish students were turned away from other schools. The new imperative in today’s com- plex health care environment is to formally link this now world-class medical school and research institution to a world-class health sys- tem. Yeshiva University continues its historic commitment to medical education while we further our unique mission to prepare students through a contemporary academic education enlightened by Jewish values.” Montefiore and Einstein’s relationship is rooted in shared values and a commitment to so- cial justice. This momentous agreement will perpetuate Ein- stein as a top-tier medical school and research institution by deep- ening the bonds between Monte- fiore and Einstein. Further integrating the institutions’ fac- ulty, students and staff will align operations to best advance sci- ence and medicine and build on traditions of service and success. “As the University Hospital tional Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as through gifts from philan- for Albert Einstein College of thropic donors. When the economic recession hit in 2008, NIH drastically Medicine, we have together reduced its funding and philanthropic gifts to Einstein declined. strengthened the shared mis- “Every other research-intensive medical school in the country faced sions of our two institutions in a the exact same circumstances but with one critical difference—while way that few academic medical every medical school loses an average of 53 cents on every dollar of re- centers have been able to search grants they receive, Einstein and Harvard are the only two research achieve,” said Dr. Steven M. medical schools that were not financially tied to a hospital,” said Burns. Safyer, president and CEO of Montefiore. “Montefiore and Einstein have become the Hospitals’ clinical revenues play a major role in offsetting research deficits. example of what transformative care, science and education can be. This new agree- The partnership between Einstein and Montefiore will ensure the medical school ment, which brings us even closer, will be the first step toward a more secure and sus- can continue to thrive as a preeminent medical research powerhouse, while opening up tainable future.” new clinical care opportunities for students at Montefiore and enabling Montefiore to “The agreement states that Einstein remains an affiliate of YU in perpetuity and integrate Einstein’s cutting-edge research into its practices. It will also ensure that YU medical school classes will continue to hold to a Shabbat schedule,” said Einstein Execu- can continue to offer a world-class medical education. In addition, the transfer of fiscal tive Dean Dr. Edward Burns. “President Joel and his team insisted on this and President responsibility will significantly reduce the University’s annual operating deficit. n Safyer from the onset committed himself to ensuring our Jewish mission remains un- changed. In fact, Jewish life at Einstein has never been better, with kosher food, an aca- k Learn more about the agreement at yu.edu/movingforward

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