MARCH 28, 2016 TheHow to be an accountant OMMENTATORKey Career Guidance For Volume LXXXI CThe Independent Student Newspaper of Yeshiva College, Sy Syms School of Business, and Yeshiva University • www.yucommentator.org Issue 8 Professor Wins Award After Having Contract Terminated By Adir Fiefel

Yeshiva University’s research faculty is well represented in all fields when it comes to re- ceiving noteworthy fellowships and academic awards. One of the reasons for YU’s excellent reputation as a highly ranked private university is the quality of research published by its profes- sors in the science, humanities, and business dis- ciplines. Prof. Michael Richter of the economics department is one such faculty member who has had his research recognized this year by receiv- ing the prestigious Bergmann Memorial Award for Young Scientists. This award is a significant honor for Richter and his peers in the economics department, yet the news of it comes at a bittersweet time. This is because Richter was one of the two economics professors let go by YU a year ago as a result of institution-wide budget cuts. Therefore, despite accepting the award on behalf of YU, Prof. Rich- ter will most likely be teaching at a different uni- versity in the coming academic year. The Bergmann Memorial Award for Young Scientists is presented annually by the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation. The BSF is an independent academic body whose goal is to “promote scientific relations between the U.S. and Israel by supporting collaborative research projects in a wide area of basic and ap-

The annual Seforim Sale was a huge success. Read more on page 4. SEE RICHTER, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 Greek Thought, Women’s Roles, and Rabbinic Discourse at YU

By Rabbi Yitzchak Blau changes in women’s roles in the modern world? Are we to see all those advocating greater learning and leadership opportunities for women as negative forces with This past Chanukah, R. Aharon Kahn delivered a sichat mussar in Yeshiva inauthentic motivations? Are there distinctions between different kinds of inno- University emphasizing avoiding the negative influence of foreign cultures and vations? Finally, what is the standard tone of rabbinic discourse? Does it exhibit sharply criticizing the call for women rabbis in some Orthodox circles. I found the nuance, balance, sympathy, and generosity or is it cynical, extremely critical, and talk representative of larger trends at YU and would like to present an alternative negative? We now turn to the sicha and explore these three issues seriatim. voice. This essay is not addressing the question of women rabbis per se, but rather Chanukah is about rejecting foreign influences. This surely reflects one Cha- the general orientation and mode of conversation reflected in this sicha. Italicized nukah theme but the Jewish encounter with other societies is a much more com- sections will include either my paraphrases of R. Kahn or direct quotes from his plex business. Significant rabbinic voices struck very different notes in their presentation and the numbers are the minutes and seconds of the presentation. Chanukah discourses. R. Moshe Avigdor Amiel, onetime Rav of Tel Aviv, gave a (The talk can be found at http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/846713/ derasha on Chanukah about the Jewish ability to utilize ideas from the outside rabbi-aharon-kahn/sichas-mussar-chanukah-5776/). world. R. Amiel’s writes: “The Rambam even integrated Aristotle into the realm Problematic elements certainly exist on the of Yahadut and he converted Greek wisdom and liberal fringes of Orthodoxy regarding both hal- “FEMINISM HAS BROUGHT brought it under the wings of the shechina, and he akhic and hashkafic issues. One sometimes feels followed R. Meir in that he ‘found a pomegranate, that, among these groups, modernity casts a criti- CHALLENGES TO TRADITIONAL ate the inside, and cast aside the rind” (“Hanerot cal eye on our Jewish tradition, but that the tradi- Hallalu” in Derashot El Ami). tion cannot criticize Western liberalism. Indeed, SOCIETY, BUT ITS INFLUENCE HAS Those Greeks are not such good guys after all. Chanukah seems an appropriate time to address NOT BEEN PURELY NEGATIVE.” All that art and all that philosophy and all that the encounter with other cultures and the need for culture. What does it boil down to, says the Ram- caution in not mindlessly adopting what is popu- bam?... A bunch of gazlanim and rapists” (34:26). lar in broader society. That being said, criticism No doubt, the Chanukah story reveals some of the requires nuance and moderation. R. Kahn’s discourse overstates the wrongness of evils of Greek society. At the same time, it is difficult to claim that Rambam had his opponents and fails to acknowledge the more complex nature of our interac- a uniformly negative attitude to Greek culture. Rambam accepted (with slight tion with the outside world. variations) Aristotle’s approaches to the Golden Mean and to friendship, he iden- R. Kahn’s sicha exemplifies approaches taken by other rabbinic voices at Ye- tified Ma’aseh Bereishit and Ma’aseh Merakva with physics and metaphysics, shiva as well. Thus, I am not addressing one specific talk, but using it as a spring- and he said that Aristotle achieved a level just short of prophecy. board for raising issues relevant beyond one evening’s address. As manifest in R. Mordechai Pogromonski thought he could not offer Daas Torah since he this essay’s title, three themes merit attention. How do rabbis talk about secular had read too widely. Better to go to R. Baruch Ber. who had only studied To- wisdom in particular and the gentile world in general? Do they tend to portray it SEE GREEKS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 exclusively as a source of danger and corruption? Secondly, how do we react to 2 Editorial Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 The

DITORIAL YECHIEL SCHWAB E Editor-in-Chief DANI WEISS A Sad and Insulting Excuse for Managing Editor Student Input By Yechiel Schwab survey only offered three options, ranging from a “large AVI STRAUSS YADIN TEITZ extent” to “some extent” to “not at all.” This severely Senior News Editor Senior Opinions Editor As consumers of the college experience with a vested limited the students’ ability to accurately offer their DAVID HILLEL FIELD interest in our institution’s success, students offer a opinion on these questions. Junior Opinions Editor Additionally, the structure of the questions, or rather RUBINSTEIN unique and important perspective on the inner work- Junior News Editor ings of our University. But despite the easy availabil- question, once again demonstrate the minimal effort in- ity of this valuable viewpoint, many decisions in this volved in this survey. The survey used one question, “To DORON LEVINE what extent should the next YU President demonstrate ADAM KRAMER University are conducted with little or no student in- Senior Features Editor these characteristics?”, and then offered twelve charac- Senior Business Editor put. YCSA President Josh Nagel’s article from two is- ETAI sues ago, “The Yeshiva College Student Senate,” and teristics allowing students to choose the extent to which ETAN NEIMAN Shai Berman’s article from last issue, “The Search for the next president should exemplify each of these quali- Junior Business Editor SHUCHATOWITZ YU’s Next President: Exclusion, Priorities, and (Lim- ties. If the creators of this survey had bothered to con- Junior Features Editor ited) Progress” both discuss the lack of student input in sult with someone about polling, or simply even read the many administrative decisions. In both pieces, the ad- question, they would have known that the formulation ministrators quoted defended their decisions by noting of this question is non-conducive to polling and some- Senior Layout Editor the logistical obstacles involved in soliciting the student what misleading. As formulated, the respondent is of- TZVI LEVITIN voice. But, as they say, where there’s a will there’s a way fered twelve characteristics and chooses the President’s ideal expertise in each area. To respond “to no extent” -- the administration’s unwillingness to push and over- Layout Editors to one of these questions would then imply that you come these obstacles displays the limited value they SHIRA FEEN place on student input. Far worse than this undervalua- actively wish the President did not contain this attri- tion of student opinion was the presidential search sur- bute. So for instance, unless you reject the University’s STEVEN KOHANE vey sent out by Provost Botman and Chairman Straus, motto of Torah U’Madda, there would be no reason to which showed almost zero interest in obtaining a stu- not respond “large extent” for the President’s academic Staff Writers dent perspective on this important issue. background, since, in an ideal world, of course our next ARTHUR SCHOEN Berman’s article mentioned this survey, noting that President would be knowledgeable and scholarly. Pre- SHLOMO FRISHMAN sumably, what the question meant to ask was not “to in an attempt to console students who feel routinely ig- AREL LEVKOVICH nored, the Presidential Search Committee would send what extent,” but rather “how important is it that the out a survey to get a feel for next YU President EITAN LIPSKY what the students expect demonstrate these JOEY CHESIR from their next president. “THE PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH characteristics?” In BENJAMIN KOSLOWE that case, students However, the content and URI SHALMON manner of the survey did SURVEY SENT OUT BY PROVOST who believe in the AARON SZYDLO not allow for genuine stu- BOTMAN AND CHAIRMAN STRAUS importance of Torah dent input and only served U’Madda but think ELIE LIPNIK to demonstrate that the SHOWED ALMOST ZERO INTEREST that academia is not JONATHAN LIVI survey was most likely sent a vital qualification BENJAMIN ZIRMAN IN OBTAINING A STUDENT for President could simply to placate students KOCHAVA LONDON rather than to sincerely seek PERSPECTIVE ON THIS IMPORTANT express their opin- their viewpoint. ion in this survey. In terms of the structure ISSUE.” This question only MICHAEL PERES of the survey, the form in- becomes more ridic- Programmer corporated no built-in veri- ulous for categories AVIAD SAPIR like “alumnus of YU” fication system, allowing Business Manager -- what does it mean to ask “to what extent should the anyone who possessed the link to the survey, even if YONI FLEISCHMANN they had no connection to Yeshiva University, to submit next YU President be an alumnus of YU?” Maybe they a response. Moreover, there was no limit to the num- meant to ask whether our next President should wear Junior Business Manager ber of responses any given individual could submit, so his or her YU hoodie sweatshirt every day, or only on students, or, for that matter, anyone with access to the weekends. A similar analysis can be performed on most The Commentator is the official student survey, could submit as many answers as they pleased. of the other twelve characteristics. Amazingly, faced newspaper While for student elections the Office of Student Life with the daunting and grueling task of creating one logi- of Yeshiva University. uses a system which requires students to verify their sta- cal question, the creators of this survey fell short. tus and many other surveys prevent multiple responses, The current presidential search process will deter- For 81 years, The Commentator has served it seems that the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and mine the path and the future of our University for years students and administrators as a commu- the Office of the Provost do not have access to the types to come. The Search Committee must take this obliga- nicative conduit; a kinetic vehicle dissemi- of funds and technological infrastructure available to tion seriously, and dutifully represent all the stakehold- nating undergraduate social, religious, and the Office of Student Life. Or, in less charitable moods, ers of this University. They should be actively seeking academic beliefs across the student bodies; we might more realistically posit that the administra- out input from all interested bodies--from diverse per- and a reliable reflection of Yeshiva student tion expended minimal effort into this survey since they spectives--and not simply from other Board Members. life to the broader Jewish and American com- were not sincerely interested in gathering student input. As stakeholders and possessors of a valuable perspec- munities. tive, students have a right to a voice in this monumental The questions on the survey only further highlight The Commentator staff claims students span- the casual indifference that characterizes this survey. decision. The survey sent out by this committee is a sad and insulting excuse for student input. With the future ning the diverse spectrum of backgrounds Standard surveys offer response options based off the and beliefs represented at Yeshiva. Likert Scale, a five to seven point scale of responses sci- of our University at stake, we must do better. entifically shown to elicit more accurate results. A sim- We are united by our passion for ple perusal of almost any other survey conducted at this living the ideals of Torah u-Maddah, university, from the class evaluation forms conducted and a commitment to by the Dean’s Office, to the Library Survey, the Writ- journalistic excellence. ing Center surveys, the Honors Council surveys, and so many more, confirms the ubiquity of the five point scale. Indeed, most of these surveys were created in conjunc- tion with professors at this University who specialize in survey design and analysis. These five-point scale sur- veys allow respondents to analyze the questions and of- 500 W 185th Street fer nuanced responses without confounding them with New York, NY 10033 too many options. In contrast, the presidential search yucommentator.org

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 7 Up 7 Down/News 3 Jews on the Supreme Court News Briefs There are three Jews already on the nation’s highest court and now 1there’s a possibility of adding a fourth, potentially bringing us just one justice By Commentator Staff away from a Jewish majority. The Elders of Zion are shepping nachas. Sausage Party Yeshiva Representatives Nominat- The trailer for this upcoming animated spoof at first looks like just ed for Activists of the Year Award at 2another charming pixar personification of inanimate objects. But it quickly AIPAC Policy Conference turns grisly; a group of assorted food items watch in horror as their compa- triot, an idealistic potato, is skinned alive and the hot dogs learn that they are fated to be brutally devoured. A delegation of around 35 YU students attended the Policy Conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Security Washington, D.C. March 20 - 22. Among the YU representatives were several student leaders, including Noam Safier, President of These fearless fellows deserve a round of applause for putting up with Yeshiva Student Union, Rachel Rolnick, President of Stern Col- 3a gym full of tipsy masqueraders holding hands with each other and endlessly lege for Women Student Council, and Talia Molotsky, President running around in circles. Confusing as this may have been, Securitas took it of Torah Activities Council. Yeshiva University was one of eight in stride. schools nominated for the prestigious Activist of the Year Award, which is conferred yearly at the Policy Conference. Reddit AIPAC’s annual policy conference is the largest annual event I have no clue what this site is or how to navigate it, but in the inter- of the pro-Israel lobby, drawing almost 19,000 attendees this 4est of maintaining my disguise as a hip millennial I am just going to pretend. year. Several dignitaries addressed the assembly, including Vice President Joe Biden and every presidential candidate still in the Prices at Eizenshtein Bakery race except for Bernie Sanders. The food and location are great, but purchasing a pastry from this 5place might require you to take out a second mortgage. Professor Manfred Weidhorn Preparations for Purim Breaking news: Professor Manfred Weidhorn’s name has been re- Include Chesed, Laughter 6vealed to be simply a string of four unrelated nouns: man, Fred, weed, and horn. By Elliot Heller The Space Behind the Vending Machines Students turned up in droves this past purim to help spread Originally part of the caf store, the area behind the Rubin vending the purim joy to those less fortunate. iGive coordinated their an- 7machines is now empty, making it an ideal space for quiet naps or practic- nual “Simcha Deliveries on Purim,” a mishloach manot prepara- ing salsa dancing. tion and delivery event. Two nights before Purim, approximately 30 student volunteered to assemble food packages and make dec- orative cards for senior citizens. On Purim day, about 100 student volunteers delivered the packages to local nursing homes and hospital following a special megilla reading and breakfast. Music Vs., TheEruv, Tzedek Society and Zmanim Club co-sponsored the event. 7 UP 7 DOWN “I went to the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, a beautiful nurs- ing home on the Hudson River just a 15 minute drive from the Heights,” said Rachel Lelonek (SCW ’18). “It was such a mean- Baby ingful experience that really enriched my Purim. We were able to Alright, Jay Sean? You can stop asking. Baby is down. brighten so many residents' days and bring holiday cheer to not 1 just the patients, but ourselves as well.” The Man Bun Eitan Blumstein (YC ‘19) agreed. “I had great time. I had a lot These seem pretty cool in the abstract, but in real life they tend to of fun being mesameach [making happy] others, who don’t al- 2make you look like a troll. ways have something to be happy about. Seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces – it’s what Purim is all about. I am glad to have The Katz School of Graduate and participated in such a great event.” "It is absolutely incredible how many students from Yeshiva 3Professional Studies University are truly devoted to enhancing the Purim of others,” said the heads of iGive, Shira Aharon (SCW ’17) and Shayna Rabin Is this the same thing as the school of continuing education, or not? (SCW ’17). “Students traveled near and far while carrying heavy And how does this relate to YU Global? Questions abound but one thing is clear: packages and wearing their costumes, and succeeded in making a this new branch of YU will utilize a “collaborative course structure” alongside a great impression on all the people they met!” “multifaceted approach” to create an “array of online courses” in “a myriad of Other groups chose to spread the pre-purim/post-midterms fields.” Specificity is clearly not our strong point. joy by treating their fellow students to a revival of an ancient de- Naot bate. Kol Hamevaser hosted the "annual, first in two years" Latke vs. Hamentaschen Debate in Rubin Shul with the ambitious goal These ungainly clunkers were all the rage around fifth grade, but their of determining once and for all (for this year) which traditional 4popularity has steadily declined since. Their practicality as shoes, though, has holiday treat is superior. While the discussion likely goes back consistently remained at zero. millennia, it was first formally debated in the University of Chi- cago in 1946. Merav Gold (SCW ’16), Chaim Metzger (YC ’16), and Hamentashen Joshua Skootsky (YC ’17) presented for Team Latke in the epic Jewish cuisine has its highlights, but this isn’t one of them. A pointy battle, while Becca Epstein (YC ’17), Josh Nagel (YC ’16), and Eli- 5pastry packed with prunes and poppy seed paste? We can do better than that. sheva Rabinovich (SCW ’17) represented Team Hamantaschen. I doubt that Haman’s hat bore even the faintest resemblance to this ludicrous Both foods were served. confection. Reuven Herzog (YC ’19) and Elana Perlow (SCW ’17) organized the event, which was moderated by Danny Shlian (YC ’17). Bag Checks Epstein focused her presentation on the issues of food equality and social justice. She likened latkes to oil-guzzling corporations, Getting alcohol into the dorms is incredibly easy. And complex secu- who “steal oil from those who really need it – like French fries.” 6rity measures like bag checks starting three days before Purim is not going to She also argued for the acceptance of fruit-filled hamantaschen, change that. noting that “taste is blind,” and urging the public to “Free the Boom Chicka Pop Poppy Seed.” She added that if one must eat latkes, they should be well done (Feel the Bern). Sold in bulk quantities in Nagel Bagel, this snack’s catchy name is sab- Judge Bronstein praised her for her noble focus on inclusion, 7otaged by horrifying flavor combinations such as caramel cheddar. but said that accepting fruit-filled hamantaschen was going too SEE PURIM, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 4 News Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Seforim Sale Marks Third consecutive Year in the Black By Judah Stiefel chase their congregants make in their name. This encour- were more floor managers at the sale than customers.” ages the shul to market the sale while increasing their de- Head floor manager Ofir Afenzar suggested future For the third year in a row the Seforim Sale is in the sire to purchase from us in general. floor managers hire more than this year’s approximately Black, a massive achievement considering the fact that “We also launched shul and wedding registries,” ex- 100 volunteers and also suggested there be more com- only four years ago in 2013 the sale had lost a not so in- plained CEO Nissim Franko. This new program led to munication between volunteers and the board. To drum significant $57,000. This tri-consecutive trend suggests many more online sales and opened a wider range of up more buzz, there was a great deal of advertising done that financially stable Seforim sales are the new reality. people the sale reaches. Said Franco, “This was our best for the sale. While the numbers are not finalized, according to the year yet for online sales perhaps due to our efforts in Advertising was lead by Sarah Sheps, Head of Market- sale’s CFO Natanel Brakha, in 2016 the sales increased branching out. We strive to improve the website and on- ing. The sale advertised by placing ads in local papers, by approximately “10%” from last year despite the fact line sales every year.” Chief Productions Manager Baruch placing a large ad on YU Torah, and launching a Dan’s that the sale was an entire week shorter, or three weeks Schonbrun ensured that online ordering went smoothly. Deal, a website that highlights well priced sales. instead of four. Of course, while the main goal of the sale is to sell Despite the healthy revenue of this year’s Sale, it was According to last year’s CFO Nathaniel Kukurudz, the as many seforim as possible, balancing pricing with re- not without a bit of controversy over the refusal to sell 2015 sale generated $722,000 in revenue and a net in- sponsible financial practices is very difficult. According Rav Kahana’s books, which even drew a minor, one man come of “approximately $46,000,” which suggests that to COO Sami Ginsburg, “We spoke a lot about what our protest outside of Belfer Hall. this year’s sales broke $50,000 in total revenue. According to CEO Nissim Franko, “The Se- The growth in sales is likely to attribute to the sig- forim Sale Board of this year and last made a nificant increase in transactions this year. Accord- “THIS WAS OUR BEST YEAR YET FOR collective decision with YU Administration that ing to 2016 CEO Nissim Franco, this year’s sale ONLINE SALES PERHAPS DUE TO OUR selling books containing content of Rav Kahane recorded approximately 6,600 transactions, many is not fit for the Yeshiva University crowd. There coming from the sale’s expanded online division. EFFORTS IN BRANCHING OUT. WE STRIVE is a discussion every year whether certain se- The Seforim Sale’s dramatic turnaround from forim and books should be sold.” financial nuisance to successful business is due TO IMPROVE THE WEBSITE AND ONLINE This year’s successful Seforim Sale is due to mainly to the incredible effort and diligence the SALES EVERY YEAR.” the countless hours of work the managers put in sale’s managers have invested. According to to ensure the sale was fiscally stable while also Franco, the sale managers spent approximately 7 - NISSIM FRANCO, CEO true to its mission to spread seforim to as many months preparing for this year’s 3-week sale. Each people as possible at the best prices possible. year the staff considers the various financial and Each year the managers seem to leave their own management decisions of the previous years’ sales and markup for the year is going to be and went back and impacts on the sale. The dedication and innovation in- attempts to add to and improve on them. forth about whether we could go lower or if we had to go troduced each year suggests the sale will continue to see This process began between the 2013 and 2014 sales. higher to cover costs.” Ginsburg continued, “at the end of success in the future. Sy Syms Dean Michael Strauss pointed out that the sale the day a lot of our pricing depends on how good of a deal had previously lacked process and business function the vendors can give us. If they give us the products for while also having no real inventory or consignment. The cheaper, then we sell it for cheaper.” sale is now run as a legitimate business, balancing its The positive relationships the sale has built with its excellent pricing with financial stability. Beforehand the more than 100 vendors have allowed the sale to maintain sale lacked even a website. Now it boasts an excellent one. stability while keeping prices as low as possible. Being While the sale has acquired a new financial vigilance, that as one would expect, the purchase of seforim is the it remains a 501(c)3, not for profit. “The main goal of the sale’s largest expense, Sami emphasizes that the manag- Seforim Sale is to make seforim available to as many peo- ers heavily consider sales and orders from previous years ple as possible,” says CFO Natanel Brakha. This mission in order to select what to purchase and in what quantity. was as apparent as ever this year as the sale used its on- This year saw many other creative initiatives to cut line division to spread sales to shuls (synagogue) across costs and raise sales. According to Dean Strauss, the sale the United States. For the first time the sale attempted to offered a 5% discount to alumni during YU Basketball’s market to shuls in order to broaden its client base. “We big home playoff game. As well, the number of student offered a credit back program to shuls across the country volunteers was cut due to the fact that at points during where a shul receives 5% credit to the sale of every pur- previous years’ sales, says COO Sami Ginsburg, “there

Representing the “fine arts,”­­ Skootsky began by recit- Despite admitting that he "just couldn't relate," Bron- PURIM, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 ing the aramaic "akdamut" from Shavuot, as well as a stein gave Skootsky an 11. Sandman followed suit with a far. He gave her an 8 for being too open-minded. Judge yotzer for shabbat zachor. He then recited a rap/poem, 9. Sandman also praised the presentation, but gave an 8 as based on the broadway show Hamilton, about the great- Skootsky later provided further explanation. "It was well, asking "taste may be blind, but is texture?" ness of the latke, yelling the word "Latke!" at the end of a parody of songs from the broadway show Hamilton, Representing "all of the defunct sports teams at YU," each stanza. He noted that his food "won't cause indiges- which tells the story of political revolution with the lan- Metzger took a unique approach, giving a dramatic read- tion" and "isn't named after a villain." guage of hip hop. It told the story of how the Maccabees ing of select passages from the Book of Mac- sailed to America to obtain the potatoes neces- cabees and Josephus, and replacing the words sary to defeat the Syrian-Greeks." "Greek" and "Hellenist" with "Hamantaschen." “I BELIEVE THAT THE DEBATE ANSWERED That brought the score to a 46-46 tie, which, “There was such an extreme of Hamantaschen… MANY QUESTIONS, BUT IT RAISED EVEN as the official rules stipulated, was followed by a that the priests were no longer intent upon their three-minute rebuttal by each side. service at the altar." His main talking points in- MORE, GIVING OUR ATTENDEES MUCH In their rebuttal, Team Latke quoted the pow- cluded not abandoning Hamantaschen, the fact er rangers theme song: "'a circle is round it has that Hamantaschen are chametz, a t-shirt is an FOOD FOR THOUGHT.” no end/that's how long I want to be your friend' oversized napkin I wish I didn't have to use, - DANIEL SHLIAN - they weren't talking about triangles." and other absurd arguments. Team Hamantaschen seemed to misunder- He received a 9 from Bronstein for being stand the rules (the hamantaschen were not test- "intellectual, intelligent and historical." Sand- ed for drugs) and attempted to use their rebuttal man dished out a 5, calling his logic "hard to follow." to "rebut" the judges. The risky move did not pay off. Rabinovitch began by sharing that had she decided "I should probably award you points for chutzpah," what to talk about on the shuttle ride uptown. She set- quipped Sandman. "But I won't." Team Latke was de- tled on an “empirical evidence”-based approach. Tri- clared the winner. angles are used in architecture, she noted. Specifically, Despite calling hamantaschen a "crumpled stale that “they measure size of circles by putting a triangle crummy pastry," Skootsky said that he does eat them inside it and guessing the rest.” Latkes, she warned, on occasion. No word from Team Hamantaschen on if were dangerous for “kids, old people, and people with they plan on boycotting Chanukah this year. acne.” She also pointed out that a square or rectangle The event promised to "reveal the truth" and "give is two triangles coming together, while a circle is "al- solace to the tastebuds that have been perplexed ways just a circle" and “represents isolation.” for millenia." Did it succeed? "I believe that the de- Bronstein: "Speaking as an English major, you lost bate answered many questions," said Shlian. "But it me at basic shapes...It sure sounded smart. I also don't raised even more, giving our attendees much food for like war or old people. 9." Sandman said, “I liked the thought." dvar torah. 8.”

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 News 5 The Meaning of Sarachek

By Aaron Szydlo beater by the RASG Warriors to defeat the IDA Crown players, former player for YULA, and current coach of Ko- Aces, boosted them to the Tier II finals and topped off a helet, Josh Friedman said, “Sarachek is an amazing thing What is Sarachek? It is an annual basketball tourna- day of close games and down-to-the-wire finishes. This because it broadens the local teams’ basketball seasons ment that takes place in March; bringing Jewish high exciting play received a good deal of internet fame, and and adds meaning to the seasons of the teams from across schools from all over the country to Yeshiva Univer- even appeared on the local news the country. In doing so, it creates this incredible atmo- sity from Thursday through Monday. Excitement roars The final games of the tournament took place on Mon- sphere that brings kids together. I want my players to have throughout the country as the tournament approaches, day. In the Tier 1 Championship, Gabriel Leifer and the the same incredible experience I had. To compete with the and this year had much to be excited about. heavily favored DRS Wildcats, looked to add another vic- best in the country.” The tournament teaches the players When the tournament began Thursday March 10, angst tory to their perfect season against the Shalhevet Fire- about much more than basketball. and jitters filled the stomachs of the players. JJ Zakheim, hawks. In the first half, the Firehawks contained Leifer For the Sarachek tournament, players travel in from all a junior guard from Frisch said, “Playing in front of all the and the Wildcats, keeping the game tied at 13 going into over the country to compete against other teams. Howev- people is energizing and exciting. It feels like everyone’s the break. However, an explosion in the second half by Le- er, what lasts longer than the wins, are the friendships and eyes are on you whenever you are on the court.” ifer and DRS proved to be too much for Shalhevet. As the bonds that are formed over the extended weekend. Isaac Edan Sokol, a junior forward from Shalhevet stated, final buzzer sounded, DRS won 47-32, adding to their per- Laifer, junior guard from Frisch offered his opinion on “Playing in front of all of those people is nerve racking, but fect record of 32-0. Yoel Schreier, former DRS player and Sarachek, “Playing against everyone is obviously very fun, once the game starts you just get into the flow of things current YU student (Syms 18), said, “I am overcome with but I think making new friends is the coolest part about and forget about the crowd.” The nerves showed, as the joy to the team bring another title home to DRS.” the tournament.” Players and fans cannot wait to see what opening games featured lots of sloppy play. However, as Commenting on what the tournament means for the Sarachek has in store for them next year. the teams settled in and the tour- nament hit full stride, the play- ers seemed to find their groove. Thursday’s ac- tion showed re- markable skill and athletic ability, as numerous players, including Andrew Langer of Frisch and Ethan Lasko of Yeshiva High School, scored over 30 points. As the players put on tremendous performances, the fans at the games and watch- ing via Macs Live got their money’s worth. Daniel Lasko (Syms ‘18), cousin of Yeshiva’s Las- ko, posited, “It is cool to watch my younger cousin play in the same tournament I did only a few years ago. Especially considering he put up 36 points in the first game.” As Thursday wrapped up, the players relaxed and pre- pared for Friday’s games. As Friday came around the heat of the competition turned up. The day featured a series of close games, with six out of eight decided by less than 10 points. Several games came down to the closing seconds, testing the men- tal toughness of the high school athletes. Yet, whether players won or lost on Friday, the tournament seemed to have something for everyone, as Shabbos was something they would cherish for the remainder of their lives. The players had live speakers, large assortments of food, and played competitive games of jeopardy versus one another. However, the programing, food, and enter- tainment on the shabbaton were only an appetizer for the camaraderie that took place. Sokol commented, “It is good to have a short break from playing ball. It is also really fun to meet kids from all over the country that I would never had met otherwise.” Perhaps more important than the basketball that goes on is the bond Sarachek builds be- tween players. Play resumed Saturday night with two games, while the majority of the remaining games, including the Tier I and Tier II semifinals, were played on Sunday. Fortunately for the crowds watching, the teams did not disappoint. Many exciting games took place, including a nail-biting one- point victory by the favorite DRS Wildcats over the YULA Panthers to propel them into the Tier I finals. The buzzer

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 6 News Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 At Schneier Program Event, Experts Weigh in on Future of U.S.-Israel Relations By David Mehl deputy national security advisor who now teaches at Tel take time for that wound to heal." Aviv University. All of the panelists, both during the discussion and the On March 7, Yeshiva University's Schneier Program for The conversation ranged from the panelists' broad question-and-answer period which followed, were bullish International Affairs brought together three distinguished visions of Israel's relations with the United States to de- on the future of the bilateral relationship. Explaining the experts on American-Israeli relations for a symposium tailed observations about the personalities of each coun- reasons for his optimism, Lerman described the durability on the topic of "The U.S.-Israeli Partnership: What Is It? try’s leaders. At times, the discussion itself made quite Israeli-American ties as stemming from three sources: an Where Is It Going?" clear which of the panelists had represented Israel in their affinity of values, common interests, and connections be- The event began with the singing of the Star-Spangled previous careers and which one had represented the Unit- tween the people of each nation. It is the stability of these Banner, Hatikva, and a prayer for the state of Israel, led by ed States. three sources, he concluded, which gave him hope. Kurtz- Cantor Joseph Malovany. When the singing and numer- One of several such examples was the exchange be- er, too, had a positive outlook, though he seemed to place ous introductions concluded, the panel discussion com- tween the panelists on the topic of Israeli Prime Minister his hopes farther in the future emphasizing future changes menced. Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress in advance in governmental leadership in both countries as the way Leading the discussion as moderator was Dr. Bernard of congressional consideration of the Iranian nuclear ac- the relationship could potentially improve and "heal." Firestone, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sci- cords. Both Ambassador Ayalon and Colonel Lerman In the end, Ayalon added, maintaining friendship and ences at Hofstra University. The panel consisted of Dan- praised the speech and Netanyahu's decision to make it. close cooperation with Israel is in the United States’ inter- iel Kurtzer, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and Egypt Lerman argued that speaking before Congress was the est, even beyond mutual interests prosecuting the War on and currently a professor at Princeton; Danny Ayalon, right choice for Netanyahu because it gave his words the Terror and preserving stability in the Middle East: as a de- who represented Israel in the United Nations, served as widest possible audience. Ambassador Kurtzer pointedly mocracy, Israel is valuable "because democratic regimes deputy foreign minister, and is currently a visiting profes- disagreed, saying that Netanyahu's actions damaged Is- don't start wars with other democratic regimes," he said. sor at Yeshiva; and Colonel Elan Lerman, a former Israeli raeli-American relations significantly enough that "it will

Student vs. Faculty/Staff Basketball Game Returns After 14 Year Hiatus

By Elie Lipnik verse events – the addition this year of the bas- ketball game is the return of a success from years “WE BELIEVE THAT THIS Ever wanted to see your professors, Rabbis or your ago. Working with the Director of Athletics, Joe favorite staff member shoot hoops or run laps around Bednarsh, Linda Stone, Assistant Director of Stu- EVENT WILL BE COMPELLING the gym? Well, you finally have your chance. On dent Life came across a poster from when this AND APPEALING ENOUGH TO March 31st at 8 PM the Office of Student Life (OSL) event was last run in ’02. Bednarsh explained how will be hosting a student vs. faculty basketball game fun and successful the event was back then, and a UNITE THE STUDENT BODY.” that is sure to attract students from around campus. decision was made to bring it back. For the first time since 2002, faculty and Rebbeim “We want to ignite school spirit on - LINDA STONE from Yeshiva College, Sy Syms School of Business the Wilf campus and we believe that this and the Undergraduate Torah Studies program, along event will be compelling and appeal- with staff from the President’s Office, Admissions, ing enough to unite the student body.” Food Services, Facilities, Security, University Hous- said Stone. Along with Stanton Fellow, ing and Student Life will give everything they have to Malka Sigal, Stone and her colleagues beat the student team in a game that is sure to make in OSL have worked to assure that this YU Basketball history. will be one of the best events of the Every year the OSL plans many exciting and di- year. There have been several promo-

tions for the game, including a promo video made to get the student body excited for the return of this event. To choose which students would be playing in this year’s big game, students signed up for a lottery sent through a ystud. According to Akiva Lautman (YC, ’18), “it was completely random, which I think is a really good thing because everyone was given an equal shot at playing.” Moreover, Lautman said that “I am most excited to play against my Rebbe, I think the game is going to be a blast!” The players on the student team differ in age, year in college, morning program, major, and more. The major theme of this event is about bringing together the entire student body. Stone said that “it is going to be a competitive, fun game, but it is more about the spirit of friendship and unity.” This night is sure to be one to remember. Be sure to be one of the first 250 students in the MSAC Gym to receive your free T-shirt! In addition, although de- tails have not yet been revealed to The Commentator, there is going to be a fantastic half-time show. Stone explained that she “likes the challenge of bringing something new to campus each year,” and this year OSL is sure not to disappoint! So mark your calen- dars, and make sure to bring your school spirit to cheer on your team!

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 News 7 The Politics Behind Every Bite: Undue Tax Charged at All Omni Dollars Restaurants By Noam Feifel Mr. Chan recalled a story where he accidentally the restaurant and speak to the manager who will re- charged a customer for a drink that wasn’t purchased. fund any sales tax collected.” The local restaurants around Yeshiva University’s “When I saw the error, I refunded him in cash!” told Strikingly, the four local kosher restaurants have Wilf campus have seen an increase of attention and Chan. “I really have the students’ best interest in had tax-related gaffes. This may be due to the slight scrutiny in the past few weeks since news surfaced Go- mind.” discrepancy of policy between YU and MTA student lan Heights had overcharged students and that YU and Mr. Chan also noted that he has seen an increase in Caf Cards. Golan would be severing their relationship. sales since Golan stopped accepting Caf Cards. MTA, Yeshiva University’s high school for boys, Although initially it was only reported that Golan Lake Como Pizza and Grandma’s Pizza have also which is located adjacent to the Wilf Campus in Wash- ceased to accept students’ Caf Cards for purchases been accused by YU students for taxing their orders on ington Heights, also provides Caf Card use to its stu- made in the restaurant, it seems the split involved a Caf Card purchases. Both Seth Rudin and Asher Amsa- dents. But while YU and MTA student purchases with clean break. Both the restaurant and the university lem, who manage Lake Como and Grandma’s respec- Omni Dollars are both subject to a commission by have now confirmed that all business between the two tively, assured that if tax was charged when it should YU, only MTA students, and not YU students, are to parties, such as having Golan cater certain events on not have been, it was surely a mistake, and that they be taxed when using these funds. The cashiers at the campus, has been discontinued. would be happy to refund the money with the student restaurants may fail to distinguish between the two Golan declined to comment on how the recent ces- providing a record of the error. brands of students, ultimately leading to confusion sation of business with YU or students using the Omni It seemed that all parties involved were moving and execution of incorrect tax procedures. plan has affected their business. to resolve this issue as soon as possible. In an e-mail A young-looking college student may be erroneously “Golan chose to no longer work with the University to the student body, University Dean of Students Dr. perceived as a high school student, and therefore could on the Meal Card. Catering is part of that relationship” Chaim Nissel explained “We have received a few re- get wrongly taxed. On the flip side, a more mature- commented Director of the Yeshiva University’s Ad- ports from students who were mistakenly charged looking MTA student may give off the impression of a ministrative Services Department, Joe Cook. sales tax for purchases made with Dining Club- Omni YU student and could get away without paying taxes. The fallout began when students reported that Go- funds. If you were unjustly charged sales tax from any In any case, although Golan has opted out of the lan was wrongfully charging them tax on transactions of our local eateries, please bring your receipt back to joint “Omni Plan” partnership with YU, the deal re- paid with Omni Dollars, which are sup- mains intact with Chop Chop, Lake Co- posed to be tax exempt. A recent update mo’s Pizza, and Grandma’s Pizza. to student services enabled students to "EVER SINCE STUDENTS OBTAINED THIS Mr. Rudin of Lake Como stated regard- monitor their transaction history online ing the Omni Dollars deal, “While the uni- through “eAccounts,” which confirmed the PREROGATIVE TO REVIEW THEIR TRANSACTION versity does take a big cut from us, it is suspicions of the students. HISTORIES, THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF most important to keep our strong rela- But this update hasn’t affected only Ye- tionship together with YU. It makes much shiva University and Golan. Ever since Caf THE OTHER LOCAL RESTAURANTS, BEYOND more sense not to pull out and to remain Card users obtained the ability to review on good terms.” their transaction histories, students have JUST GOLAN, ERRONEOUSLY CHARGING TAX TO Mr. Amsalem of Grandma’s Pizza de- reported that other restaurants besides STUDENTS WHEN USING CAF CARDS." clined to offer his opinion of his restau- Golan have been charging tax unduly to rant’s partnership with YU. students when using Caf Cards. Mr. Cook of YU stated that no negotia- A senior in tions are currently taking place regarding Yeshiva College, a potential restruc- who wished to tured deal that remain anony- would be more ap- mous, noticed he pealing to the res- was being over- taurants and that charged when would possibly reviewing his give Golan renewed transaction his- interest in doing tory, specifically business with the on an order he university. had placed at With the addi- Chop Chop, the tion of Eizenshtein local Kosher Chi- Bakery to Amster- nese restaurant. dam Avenue, the “I get the same local Kosher res- thing at Chop taurants around Chop every time Yeshiva University I go,” he said. “So have had an event- I quickly noticed ful month. Wherev- that something er you next go out was off when this for a bite to eat, and one particular however you pay, time, my order cost more than it take a moment usually does. I happened to have to recognize how saved my receipt, and a look at fortunate you it confirmed what I thought. It are to only be re- may have been unintentional, but quired to sit down it seems like this issue exists be- and enjoy your yond just Golan.” food, and not be When informed of the instance, involved in the Matthew Chan, Chop Chop’s turmoil and poli- manager, responded, “my priority tics behind every is the students. I do as much as I bite you take. can to give to the students from YU. I offer promotions online to get discounts here, sponsor and host a weekly Chabad learning program, and above all, view YU students as my family.” He con- tinued, “A rare mistake can hap- pen when ringing up a custom- er, but of course I would refund them. I always provide receipts so that customers can review their order on the spot.”

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 8 Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 javascript:void(0) javascript:void(0)

Graduating Seniors: Save the Date! Cap and Gown Distribution Israel Henry Beren Campus Wilf Campus Tuesday, May 3 Monday, May 9 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Yagoda Commons Heights Lounge Commencement is Wednesday May 25, 2016

THE COMMENCEMENT Please Note: No attire will be given out at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Commencement Day. If you are unable to pick up your academic attire on these days, please contact the Office of Student Life.

www.yu.edu/commencement

RICHTER, CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Professor Richter, and one that will reflect well on accomplishment did not get any official coverage on whichever institution is fortunate enough to hire the YU News page, but a picture of him at the award him” said Dr. James Kahn, head of the Yeshiva Col- ceremony was shared on the Yeshiva University plied scientific fields, for peaceful and non-profit lege’s economics department. Admissions’ Facebook page. Ironically, the caption purposes.” By and large, the BSF is well known to The decision last year to terminate Richter’s con- given to the photo was “#TopFaculty teaching #Top- researchers in both countries for its substantial re- tract was made against the wishes of Kahn and the Students ~ #NowhereButHere.” search funding, in addition to the fact that some economics department as a whole. Prof. Richter’s When reached for comment, the Office of Com- awardees have gone on to receive greater honors like munications and Public Affairs the Nobel Prize. said, “We congratulate Professor Richter was one of just three Richter on this achievement.” recipients for the 2015 Bergman At the present time, there been Award (all of whom are under no reversal in the administra- the age of 35) for his research tion’s decision to terminate the on abstract competitive equi- contracts of Prof. Richter and libriums. Although the award is Prof. William Hawkins (the other more noteworthy for its prestige economics faculty member whose than its monetary component, job fell to budget cuts), and it is it does contain a research grant unlikely the recent news will have worth close to $100,000 in value. any effect on their status at YU. Regarding this money, Richter Both professors are currently commented: “The funds will en- visiting economics professors at able me to plan to travel back and Ivy League schools--Richter at forth from Israel working on my the University of Pennsylvania research, to buy equipment, and and Hawkins at Yale University. to fund students which will be Richter is the first-ever Yeshiva helpful for me and I hope just as University faculty member to re- helpful for them.” However, the ceive an award from the BSF. Re- grant was not accepted by YU be- flecting on his current situation, cause of Richter’s impending de- Prof. Richter said: “In our lives parture from the school after this we make decisions not knowing academic year, and he has been what the future holds. As a Jew- unable to access these funds as ish scientist, I took an offer from long as he is still technically em- Prof. Richter (far right) at the February 10th ceremony for the Bergmann Yeshiva over other more prestigious ployed by Yeshiva University." Memorial Award at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. universities and it is a decision that “This award is a great honor for I regret.”

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Features 9

Getting an Indecent Education: The Joys of Naked Statistics

By Yitzchak Fried ally, statisticians studying a population don’t actu- because it neatly conveys the likelihood of given in- ally evaluate every member of the population; they tervals. If something is described by a normal distri- Often enough, statistics can seem like science’s judge a sample group, and extrapolate the results of bution, then 95% of the time it manifests within two mystifying tool for disproving common sense. Both the group to the larger population. But how is that standard deviations of the average outcome. As long the natural and social sciences employ statistical valid? As Wheelan explains, it comes down to the as the standard deviations are not that large, this can methods, and their findings make headlines and form “normal distribution” and something called the Cen- give us a pretty narrow window of what values we can the basis of the latest scientific and popular ortho- tral Limit Theorem. Some useful background will help expect. For example, if the average height of Jewish doxies. That’s why there was such a commotion when, us here. The normal distribution is another name for males in Yeshiva College is five foot five, standard last year, the Reproducibility Project found that 60 deviation two inches, then 95% of Jewish males can out of 100 studies published in leading psychology be expected to be between five foot one and five foot journals yielded different results the second time "LAST YEAR, THE nine. around. This bombshell was deemed a “replication REPRODUCIBILITY PROJECT All well and fine, if something follows a normal crisis”. Debate now rages between top psychologists distribution. But who says everything does? Is it re- over the field’s methodological soundness and the di- FOUND THAT 60 OUT OF 100 ally true that 95% of heights are dispersed within two rection of its future. To a great extent, the discussion standard deviations of the mean? What’s amazing is comes down to the power and limitations of statistical STUDIES PUBLISHED IN LEADING that almost anything can be brought into relation to inference. As Yale psychologist Paul Bloom wrote in PSYCHOLOGY JOURNALS YIELDED the normal distribution, at least in terms of calculat- his article, “Psychology’s Replication Crisis Has a Sil- ing averages. If you take a random sample of a popu- ver Lining”: “[M]uch of psychologists’ standard oper- DIFFERENT RESULTS THE lation, say a group of Yeshiva students, and measured ating procedure—our style of collecting data, analyz- SECOND TIME AROUND.” them, it’s very likely that their heights won’t corre- ing our results, reporting our findings, and deciding spond to a normal distribution. However, if you calcu- what to submit to publication—is biased toward “false lated their average height, that average height would positives,” where random effects are reported as sig- the famous bell-shaped curve; it’s probably the most likely be close to the average height of the entire Ye- nificant findings. Too many of us engage in “p-hack- famous of what are called “probability density func- shiva population. In fact, if you took multiple sample ing,”…where we rummage through our data looking tions”. A probability density function (PDF) is a pat- groups and calculated their averages, those averages for statistically significant findings, and then, with tern that shows what the statistical likelihood is of a would be scattered in a normal distribution around the most innocent of intentions, convince ourselves “continuous” set of outcomes. Let me explain what I the actual average of the entire population. By mea- that these findings are precisely what we predicted in mean by “continuous”. Take, for instance, the height suring a few sample groups, we can calculate with the first place.” of male orthodox Jews in Yeshiva College. Something high likelihood the average height of everyone in YC. For the conscientious consumer of modern sci- like height doesn’t come in discrete intervals; some- This fun fact is called the Central Limit Theorem. ence, it’s natural to have some curiosity about what one can be five foot five, five foot five and a half, five Sorry if the math was a bit dense. But if you found all the fuss is over. foot five and a half and a hundredth, or any conceiv- this interesting, you’ll love Wheelan’s chapters on Charles Wheelan’s Naked Statistics is the perfect able fraction between five foot five and half and five “The Central Limit Theorem”, “Inference” and “Poll- book to satisfy that curiosity. As the subtitle suggests foot six. Assigning a statistic to each possible outcome ing”. Perhaps the most important take-away from the (“Stripping the Dread from the Data”), the book is an is impossible. For example, consider the probability of book, however, is the limitations of statistical studies. easy-to-read guide to the foundations and limitations finding someone that is exactly five foot five and three The hard part of a statistical study is organizing the ex- of statistical methods. Wheelan cuts out periment, not crunching the numbers. The as much of the math as possible, instead process is laden with pitfalls. One is get- using long winded (but very entertaining) ting a representative sample, which isn’t as stories to drive home key statistical con- easy as it might seem. To take an example cepts. This method does have its draw- from the elections, The Atlantic’s polling backs. For some reason, Wheelan some- expert, Andrew McGill, recently discussed times seems to compromise accuracy in the difficulty of using web polls to predict the interest of his beautifully clear prose. how people will vote. The problem is, many (He claims erroneously on page 79 that older people, who are most likely to vote, adding “each outcome multiplied by its don’t spend much time on the web. More expected frequency” will always give you generally, sometimes the way a poll is con- 1. It won’t. It will give you the expected ducted gives too much weight to a specific value -- but more on this soon.) If he occa- sector of the population. This is known as sionally misspeaks, however, he deserves selection bias, and Wheelan discusses it in to be forgiven. The prose is good. “The Importance of Data” along with other For a student who’s taken a course issues that can confound statistical conclu- in statistics or probability theory, the sions. book’s more technical math will be a re- The greatest and most systemic source view. Wheelan gives a brush up on how of concern – and this will take us back to to calculate variance, and how that relates psychology’s replication crisis – is the fact to standard deviation. He also devotes a that statistics only measure probabilities. chapter to an intuitive account of correla- If patients in a drug study show “statistical- tion, without going into the mathematical ly significant” improvement, it means the details. Those who aren’t math geeks may said improvement is not likely the result of be tempted to skip these parts – you can, chance. But unlikely things do happen, and without losing much of the big picture. if enough trials are repeated, then they are The “Basic Probability” section is im- bound to happen. This leads to “publica- portant though, because it explains how tion bias”: the fact that only studies with to calculate statistical averages, or “ex- positive results get published. The ones pected values”. (You may have encoun- that yield no results don’t, which skews the tered this term if you’ve taken statistics, published studies’ statistical validity. This probability, or an intermediate economics is what Bloom was talking about when he course.) Expected values are important – said psychologists’ method of publication they tell us the overall outcome you can “is biased toward ‘false positives’”. Orga- expect over a long period of time. Take nizations that fund research try to address rainfall, which is usually calculated as a this: they force researchers to submit re- yearly average. While the rainfall on any cords of all their trials. But for every study given day may be pretty unknowable, the that produces significant results, it’s im- average rainfall in an area is a good mea- portant to ask: How many came up nega- sure of whether it’s the right place to grow tive and weren’t published? your crops. Its dangers notwithstanding, statisti- The really interesting math comes in when Whee- thousandths of an inch. The odds are essentially zero. cal inference remains a powerful tool of the scientific lan explains statistics’ theoretical underpinnings. Instead, a probability density function describes the method. (I haven’t even mentioned regression analy- When a study says that 70% of males between 18 and probability of finding heights within a certain interval sis!) New statistical studies are published every day, 36 tend to brush their teeth at least once day, how – say, between five foot five and six foot, including all advancing the front of human knowledge. Or at least did statisticians come up with that number? Gener- the infinite possibilities contained in between. purporting to. It’s not a bad time to take a peek under The “bell-shaped” normal distribution is useful their hood with Naked Statistics.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 10 Features Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776

Featured Faculty: Professor David Lavinsky

By Arthur Schoen textual scholars who make difficult material ac- and whatever strange or neglected item I can find cessible to undergraduates and non-specialists. in the rare books room at the Strand. I’ve come Arthur Schoen: Can you tell us a bit about One of the best things about working on the era to enjoy film more in recent years and the classic your life story/background? Where are you before print is that you get to spend a lot of time old NYC venues like Film Forum, where I just saw from originally? What influenced your de- in archives looking at handmade books and manu- Orson Welles’ version of Othello. My curricular cision to attend a small liberal-arts college? scripts, often in ornate and beautiful medieval li- life unfolds uptown; my extracurricular one, down- David Lavinsky: I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, braries such as those at Oxford and Cambridge. So town. where I never learned to ski, and where I attend- in turning to earlier contexts there was the promise AS: Who are some of your favorite au- ed a public high school with an extremely limited of discovery as well as a special kind of proximity thors and thinkers? What are some of your humanities curriculum. The idea was to go on to to the past, its artifacts, even to a certain extent its favorite books? the big state university and then get a job at one of physical settings. I sort of stumbled on my disser- DL: Well, some titles immediately come to mind: the tech companies dotting the western landscape. tation topic when I became curious about English Tristram Shandy, Paradise Lost, The Canterbury But when I started to look more closely at my col- Tales, The Faerie Queene, The Mill on the Floss, lege options, I realized that the prospect of a cur- Blood Meridian, The Sound and the Fury—I could riculum with small classes and accessible profes- go on. One of the few books I was actually required sors appealed to me. I eventually found myself at a to read in high school was, appropriately enough, small liberal arts college with a robust humanities Crime and Punishment, by Dostoevsky; that may program, innovative courses, and absolutely dedi- have been the text which first prompted me to hold cated faculty. Even then, in the late nineties, the religion and literature together within the same in- humanities were in decline, but you wouldn’t know terpretive scope. There are also those books that it looking around campus, where the most popular have influenced to varying degrees my intellec- majors were English, Art History, and maybe Phi- tual sensibilities and style. Favorites here include losophy. Despite how long it took me to pay back The Making of the English Working Class, by E. P. my student loans, there was never any sense, as Thompson; Religion and the Decline of Magic, by there is now among many US undergraduates, that Keith Thomas; and basically everything by Patrick a degree in the humanities was a form of conspicu- Collinson and Roy Porter. These are all historians, ous consumption. I’ll add that when I found a job mostly of early modern England, and yet they also after college, as an investigator of police miscon- seem relevant to me as a medievalist and a humani- duct allegations for the city of New York, what mat- ties scholar with a decidedly historicist orientation. tered most in making sense of any case was critical Erich Auerbach and Marc Bloch are also favorites thinking and the ability to write well. I think those in this sense, especially the latter, a French histo- skills continue to make humanities majors highly rian and member of the Resistance whose work fo- employable. cused on feudalism but extended to a wide range of AS: Can you please elaborate on your time topics in medieval intellectual and social history. spent as an investigator of police miscon- biblical translation before the so-called King James AS: How (if at all) does your interest in duct allegations for the city of New York? Version of 1611, which I had always assumed was ancient/classical texts relate to your inter- How did you get that job? What specifically the key text. But as I soon realized, a lot of com- est in the works of Tolkien and Augustine? did you do in that role? Who were you work- plex and interesting questions about English as a DL: Tolkien might be a special case insofar as ing for? NYPD? The city? How long did you literary and theological language converged in the he was also a medievalist, having taught first at do that for and how did you decide to return 1380s and 1390s. I eventually settled on a project Leeds and then Oxford, and someone whose fiction to academia? concerned with heresy, censorship, and the first full was deeply intertwined with his philological schol- DL: After college, I worked in New York for a translation of Latin scripture into English, writing arship. So he makes it necessary to span contexts city agency that investigated allegations of police a dissertation that very conveniently overlapped and to think about how his work was in dialogue misconduct. This was a civilian agency, not part of with the birth of my first child. Both the child and with much earlier traditions of English literature, the NYPD, and involved investigation rather than the dissertation have grown into much larger proj- such as those centered on Beowulf. Many students law enforcement. I had spent only a little time in ects; the latter is now a book, to be published later who have taken English 2010 or an INTC class with NYC prior to accepting the job, and had never been this year by Boydell & Brewer press. me have read something from Augustine, most of- to many of the neighborhoods, including Washing- AS: Outside of your teaching duties, are ten excerpts from his Confessions, a wide-ranging ton Heights, where my cases were typically located. you working on (or have you recently worked spiritual autobiography, or his writings on biblical I got to know NYC very well while also learning a on/been involved with) any interesting proj- interpretation. This also gives you some idea about lot about the NYPD and policing. But it was hard ects (research, articles, books, etc.)? the breadth of the Middle Ages as a concept and a to feel effective when credible allegations of mis- DL: I’ve had to focus a lot on polishing the book methodological field: from fifth-century Latin the- conduct, especially those involving excessive force, manuscript, but I’ve found time to publish articles ology and exegesis to twentieth-century fiction and did not always result in disciplinary action against on other topics as well, including clandestine print- fantasy. police officers. With this kind of experience, I as- ing in sixteenth-century Antwerp and, more re- AS: One of the classes you offer in YC is sumed I would eventually go to law school, but the cently, an eleventh-century adaptation of Exodus “The Monstrous.” Could you briefly de- more I interviewed victims, witnesses, and espe- edited by J. R. R. Tolkien. The latter project had scribe that class for the benefit of curious cially police officers, the more I started to think its genesis in a class I taught for the first time last readers who might have noticed it in the about narrativity itself, especially as an epistemo- semester called Tolkien: Fantasy, Scholarship, and course catalogue and wondered what “The logical problem. Suddenly literature promised a Popular Culture. Allow me a brief, hopefully not Monstrous” was all about? broader intellectual context, and it was that idea, too polemical digression here: when I started at Ye- DL: This class began as a kind of trial run for along with my terrible LSAT practice scores, that shiva, I worried that the teaching load would mean the category of the core curriculum we refer to as put me on a different path. No one who chooses losing touch with my research. That’s something Cultures over Time. It explores representations academia hasn't experienced the transformative every scholar with an active research agenda thinks of monsters and the monstrous across different power of good teaching and compelling scholar- about to some extent. But instead I’ve found that contexts, drawing on methods from literary and ship. But in my case, it was experience in the “real certain courses—those, for instance, where there is historical scholarship. The idea is that such rep- world” as much as anything else that led me to con- a lot of group discussion, a lot of vigorous engage- resentations reveal a lot about the cultures which template a Ph.D. program. ment and restless debate—also shape the intellec- produced them. We take an interdisciplinary ap- AS: What was the focus of your graduate tual work I do beyond the classroom. Perhaps in proach to much of the material, which includes studies in Michigan? Can you please tell us part because of their immersion in Talmudic study early historical writing from classical Greece and a bit about your dissertation? and analysis, students here are good at asking Rome, medieval werewolf stories, world maps de- DL: I entered grad school as an early modernist, counterintuitive questions, the ones I myself would picting strange creatures at their edges, and first- with an interest in the literary contexts of Refor- not have thought to ask, and I think this is often hand accounts of witchcraft investigations. There’s mation England, but then gravitated towards me- where interesting research projects begin. also a film component to the class; we kick off each dieval studies for a number of reasons. For me, it AS: What are some of your extracurricu- semester with the famous “chestburster” scene at was the pleasurable disorientation that comes with lar interests? the beginning of Ridley Scott’s 1979 horror/sci-fi studying a period which is both culturally distant DL: Being an English professor and utterly pre- film “Alien,” and end the term with clips from Da- and uncannily relevant in all kinds of ways. I also dictable, I’ll say reading. Texts holding my atten- vid Cronenberg’s 1986 remake of the “The Fly.” found that I enjoyed encountering material that tion at the moment include Philip Roth, The Human had not yet been packaged up into anthologies and Stain; Ron Chernow’s new Hamilton biography; edited volumes—though as a teacher I’m also very poetry by Wallace Stevens; Dante’s Divine Comedy; SEE LAVINSKY, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 grateful for the painstaking efforts of editors and memoirs by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Gary Shteyngart;

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Features 11 The Imprecise Nature of Calories

By Kochava London fornia transplanted gut microbes from a pair of twins sumed the exact same foods, their glycemic responses into two groups of mice. One of the twins was obese and varied greatly. This provides evidence that the glycemic Calories in < calories out = weight loss. This ubiqui- the other was average weight. All of the mice were fed index (GI), used to determine how specific foods will af- tous diet formula has been around for years, and is still the same diet, yet the mice who received the microbes fect blood sugar, cannot be applied universally since gly- propagated by reliable organizations today. According to from the obese twin gained considerably more weight. cemic response is such an individual phenomenon. the CDC, “To lose weight, you must use up more calories Turnbaugh concluded that “microbes might actually be The presentation of these research findings is not than you take in.” Is it really that simple? Do our bodies contributing to the energy that we gain from our diet.” intended to imply that calories are completely worth- operate like machines that perform precise mathemati- There is also considerable variability in individual less, rather that calorie counts are merely estimates cal calculations every time we eat? glycemic response, as demonstrated by a recent study and should be regarded as such. They are far from be- Calorie counting and dieting are rampant in our soci- conducted in Israel. Over the course of a week, the re- ing a precise measurement of energy absorption. Dr. ety. According to the Boston Medical Center, 45 million searchers measured the blood sugar levels of 800 partic- Adam Drewnowski, an epidemiologist at the University Americans go on a diet every year. Many of these people ipants. They found that even when the participants con- of Washington, proposed that nutrition labels include count calories because they think that consuming fewer a nutrient density score that considers the amount of calories will result in weight loss. However, recent re- nutrition per calorie, as opposed to only the number of search indicates that the process of caloric absorption is “A 100-CALORIE BAG OF POTATO calories. much more complex than we think. It turns out that all It is important to remember that the human body calories are not created equal, and that nutrition labels CHIPS IS NOT METABOLIZED IN is a complex organism that utilizes food in a variety of are often inaccurate measurements of the amount of en- THE SAME WAY AS A 100-CALORIE ways, only some of which are understood by scientists ergy actually extracted from food. today. By turning eating into a numbers game, we fail to Chemically speaking, a calorie is the amount of ener- APPLE, WHICH IS WHY LOOKING consider the nuances of nutrition and risk missing out gy required to raise the temperature of one gram of wa- on important vitamins and minerals that are present in ter by one degree Celsius. The word “calorie” is actually AT CALORIES ALONE CAN BE many calorically dense foods, like nuts and seeds. These derived from the Latin word calor, which means “heat.” nutritious foods are metabolized differently by the body Calorie content can be calculated a number of different MISLEADING." than their processed counterparts, and should certainly ways, and the FDA currently permits food manufactur- be included as part of a healthy diet. ers to use any of five different methods. Only some of these methods take into account the body’s inability to digest certain dietary fibers, which means that many nu- trition labels are inaccurate estimates of caloric content. This is why different brands of cashews, for example, can have different calorie contents - even though they are the exact same food, the calories were calculated using dif- ferent methods. In addition, there is a significant difference between the amount of calories listed on a label and the amount of calories actually absorbed. Research conducted last year at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland found that people absorb about 30% fewer calories than what is listed on the nutrition facts for al- monds, and about 20% fewer calories than the number listed for walnuts. Dr. David Baer, a physiologist at the research center, says this is because of the structure of nuts: “All the nutrients – the fat and the protein and things like that – they’re inside this plant cell wall.” The cell walls must be broken down through chewing and digestion for the calories to be absorbed. And because the cell walls aren’t completely broken down, some of the calories are not absorbed and are eliminated. Another factor to consider is that not all calories are created equal. After studying wild chimps in Africa in the 1970’s, Dr. Richard Wrangham, an anthropologist at Harvard University, discovered that the chimps ate a completely raw diet of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and in- SUMMER sects. Wrangham attempted to adopt this diet himself, but it left him ravenous. In his novel Catching Fire: How SESSIONS 2016 Cooking Made Us Human (2009), he argues that cook- ing breaks down certain molecular structures in food, MAY • JUNE • JULY • AUGUST making it easier for people to digest. In one of his ex- periments, he fed raw peanuts to one group of rats and roasted peanut butter to a second group of rats. After a number of weeks, the rats fed the raw peanuts weighed less than the rats fed the peanut butter. Wrangham’s research demonstrates that cooking step closer to graduation. methods can significantly alter the amount of calories we extract from our food, yet nutrition labels do not take this into account. Based on his research, Wrangham pro- online, on campus, or both. posed that the more processed a food is, the easier it is for our bodies to extract and absorb all of the calories, have your summer since processing involves exposing foods to extreme- ly high temperatures and pressures. In other words, a and earn credits too. 100-calorie bag of potato chips is not metabolized in the same way as a 100-calorie apple, which is why looking at calories alone can be misleading. Another problem with counting calories is individual variation. Every person has a unique genetic makeup that determines his or her caloric needs and expendi- ture. Gender, height, weight, liver size, and stress level are only a few of the many factors that affect how many calories an individual burns. For example, the caloric re- quirements for two people of the same gender, age, and register now at montclair.edu/summer weight can vary by more than 600 calories! One reason for this is that we have different gut mi- crobes. Dr. Peter Turnbaugh of the University of Cali-

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 12 Features Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776

“By the Sweat of Your Brow”: Counter-Biblical Themes in the Movie WALL-E

By Moses Dyckman literally programmed to do nothing but mindlessly dust and ground being associated with Adam. First compact trash into cubes. In spite of this, over the of all, Adam is created from “dust from the ground”, If you are in a movie theater surrounded by tod- course of the movie, WALL-E and EVE are able to which is the root of his name, Adam. However, this dlers, teenagers, adults and elderly people, odds are overcome their directives in pursuit of love. Andrew dirt aspect of man is portrayed as something crude, you’re watching a Pixar film. The studio has proved Stanton, the director of WALL-E, wrote that “It took especially since it is juxtaposed with G-d breath- again and again their prowess at producing movies these really irrational acts of love to sort of discover ing into Adam’s nostrils, the action which actually that are funny, colorful, and engaging enough to at- them against how they were built.” In other words, makes him a living soul. When G-d punishes Adam tract younger audiences, while illustrating thought- through their love, the robots discover that they are with mortality, he says that he will live “until you provoking ideas to bring in the adult crowd. something greater than their constructors intended. return to the ground, for you were taken therefrom, Take the movie WALL-E. It’s about the last ro- In the story of Adam, it is repeatedly emphasized for dust you are, and to dust you will return,” as- bot on an abandoned earth, who, in pursuit of love, sociating man’s earthy beginnings with his mortal- finds his way onto a spaceship filled with humans ity. Similarly, when Adam is exiled from Eden, the who have been infantilized by technology. There, he “THE MORAL OF ADAM’S FALL verse reads, “And the Lord God sent him out of the leads a rebellion to bring humanity back to earth. Garden of Eden, to till the soil, whence he had been The movie has been praised for its intriguing ideas FROM GRACE IS THAT HE SINNED taken,” which connects man’s punishment with his about politics, humanity, technology and conserva- earthiness. tion. However, very few critics have picked up the BECAUSE HE DISOBEYED THE The Pixar movie also connects natural man with powerful biblical themes which run through the INSTRUCTIONS OF G-D. ON THE dust and earth. Earth, the planet, has become com- movie. pletely covered with dust, with dust storms occur- WALL-E can be compared with many biblical OTHER HAND, WALL-E VALORIZES ring periodically. In contrast, the unnatural Axiom narratives, including the story of Noah. Here, I starliner is absolutely dirt free, to the extent that chose to focus on the most fruitful (pardon the pun) DISOBEDIENCE AS A TRUE the sole purpose of one of the robots (M-O) is to of the comparisons: the story of Adam and Eve. The eliminate filth. However, when WALL-E enters the premise of the movie is that there is a robot named EXPRESSION OF FREE WILL." Axiom, he simultaneously disrupts its mechanical WALL-E who lives entirely by himself on an isolat- routines with his human spontaneity and tracks dirt ed and trash covered earth. He is very lonely. Sud- all over its pristine white floors. When he meets the denly, a female robot named EVE is sent down to that he was a creation of G-d. Since his value is de- human captain, he shakes the captain’s hand, leav- Earth. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Andrew Stanton, termined solely by fulfilling the purposes of his cre- ing a dirty residue. The captain later analyzes that the director of WALL-E, said in an interview that ator, eating from the tree of knowledge was a ter- very dirt on the ship’s computer (which it defines he named the female robot “EVE” because WALL-E rible sin. On the contrary, the creators of WALL-E as “earth”) which leads him to learn about and falls struck him as an Adam figure: all alone on Earth, believe that true value can only be found outside of in love with planet earth and all the facets of natu- longing for companionship. the creator’s intentions. ral human life, such as farming and dancing. In the The parallels don’t stop there. On Earth, EVE dis- WALL-E and EVE are not the only characters in end, the captain is so enchanted by Earth and natu- covers a lone living plant, the film’s equivalent of the movie to resist their instruction. In fact, just ral man that he fights to bring the passengers of the the tree of knowledge. In the movie, EVE was built about every character in the movie rebels, from the Axiom back to a dusty Earth. This movie, unlike the as a probe to search for growing plant life on earth: captain, who fights against complacency (and the Bible, shines a positive light on the earthy side of a sign that Earth is capable of supporting life again. ship’s autopilot) to bring humanity back to earth, to man, proclaiming that it is what makes us human. When the plant is discovered by EVE, humanity the robot M-O, who steps off his illuminated floor In the same vein, the punishments which Adam leaves the indulgence of the starliners to return to line to follow WALL-E’s dirty tracks. The only ma- received become blessings in WALL-E. Adam was the now habitable earth. Thus, EVE’s seizing of the jor character in the movie who is totally incapable also cursed that he would only be able to eat bread “tree of knowledge” results in a fall from the comfort of disobeying his instructions is AUTO, the villain- “with the sweat of his brow” through planting and of a technological Eden to a harsh earth. ous autopilot of the starliner “The Axiom”. He was harvesting. On the other hand, the humans of the However, that does not mean that the movie has instructed not to allow humanity to return to Earth Axiom fight for this very opportunity! They choose the same messages as the biblical story. Just the op- and obeys those orders blindly, even when he sees to abandon the comfort of the starliner so that they posite! Everything that is evil in the Adam and Eve the plant, evidence that earth is capable of support- could grow their own food in the dust-filled deso- story becomes good in WALL-E. For example, the ing life again. By making the obedient character into lation of earth. One of the final scenes of the film moral of Adam’s fall from grace is that he sinned the villain, the movie WALL-E creates a code of eth- consists of happy human children planting a seed- because he disobeyed the instructions of G-d. On ics which is completely different from the story of ling on Earth while their captain exalts “This is Adam. the other hand, WALL-E valorizes disobedience as a SEE WALL-E, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 true expression of free will. For example, WALL-E is Throughout the story of Eden, there is a motif of

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 13

WALL-E , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 LAVINSKY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 to Read; Literature, Morality, and Enter- tainment; The Monstrous) are organized called ‘farming’! You kids are going to grow all kinds around original questions and concerns. of plants: vegetable plants, pizza plants!” In the bibli- AS: What led you to come to YU? How What inspires you to craft these kinds of cal story, Adam was cursed with mortality: “for dust has your experience teaching in YU dif- creative courses? you are, and to dust you will return." However, the hu- fered from what you expected coming in? DL: Well, I think first of all this is something mans of WALL-E are willing to risk death for a chance DL: Well, I didn’t quite know what to expect, that characterizes the core curriculum, where to return to earth. For example, AUTO, trying to dis- to be honest with you. But while I had no per- there are many examples of innovative and de- suade the captain from returning to Earth, says “On sonal connection to the school, I knew something liberate course design. In my case, electives like the Axiom you will survive.” To this, the human captain about its history, its significance, a little about its Burning to Read also reflect the priorities of a de- replies “I don’t want to survive! I want to live!” curriculum. Also, a family friend of many, many partment that has largely moved away from tra- Despite all that I have written, there is one theme years had graduated from Yeshiva in 1960 and ditional models of literary-historical “coverage”— in WALL-E which is synonymous with the biblical sto- spoke often of his time here, so when the job was the overarching Brit Lit I and II surveys taught ry. When Adam is first created, “he placed him in the listed, it caught my eye. I also very much want- at so many other colleges and universities. Such Garden of Eden to work it and to guard it.” This verse ed to return to the NYC area after enduring grad courses have their uses, to be sure, but they also implies that Adam has a responsibility to care for na- school in Michigan and promising myself I would reinforce longstanding assumptions about canon- ture, an ecological duty. In the movie WALL-E, the hu- never again live somewhere that resembled Hoth icity and literary value; I worry that they invite the man captain realizes that humanity has forsaken their eight months of the year. When I finally had a passive consumption of great books, when my in- responsibility by polluting and abandoning Earth. chance to visit the campus for interviews, I was terest instead is to embolden students to become When the captain is watering the seedling which EVE intrigued at the idea of a dual curriculum, even active producers of knowledge, even in the rou- retrieved from earth, he remarks “There you go little if my own checkered Hebrew School attendance tine practices of essay writing and class discus- guy. You came a long way for a drink of water... Just record precluded any informed ideas about the sion. Listen, if in some lapse of good judgement needed someone to look after you, that's all--” and then yeshiva itself. But I immediately noticed that the Norton asked me to edit one of their anthologies, glances symbolically at a globe of Earth lying on the kind of work students did in the morning pro- I probably wouldn’t say no, but I think it’s more floor. Even in the world of WALL-E, every human has gram prepared them to frame texts and criticism often the case that literary texts actually disrupt an inherent responsibility to take care of the earth. in interesting ways, and that as a result I could secure frames of reference, and this is one thing Though I earlier compared the Axiom to Eden, in do things here as a teacher and as a medievalist my classes are designed to model. And I would some ways, Earth too has the capacity to become an that would be impossible elsewhere. Here my hope that a student studying in the YC English Eden, if humanity works it and guards it. This is ex- research topics—religious belief and practice, curriculum would likewise learn to see himself pressed in one of the last images of the film, a painting hermeneutics, translation, Jewish-Christian rela- as taking part in this larger enterprise of critical in which WALL-E and EVE stand in a green landscape, tions in the Middle Ages, the history of the book— consciousness. in the shade of a giant tree. By cultivating the earth, have a natural place in the undergraduate class- humanity has nurtured a new tree of life and created room. That would not be the case at most other their own Eden. colleges and universities. AS: Many of your classes (e.g. Burning

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WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 14 Features Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 An Interview with The Scope By Benjamin Koslowe Yaacov: I commend my colleague on an eloquent Yaacov: Mr. Koslowe, I’m no career politician. I delivery. have no eloquent speeches, like my opponents. I’m Students, faculty, and those otherwise involved Benjamin: Inspiring indeed. Devir, what would just an ordinary American trying to speak my mind. with Yeshiva College have likely by now encoun- you like to add? I’m proud to represent the working man and average tered The Scope. Subtitled “YU’s Comedic Lens,” Devir: Without getting too philosophical here, I Joe, who have lost faith in the Washington estab- this new magazine garnered laughs across Yeshiva think that comedy, and the ability to laugh at things lishment. When I speak, you don’t hear the words of University from satirical articles about the new li- that may sometimes seem frustrating, is a good way Super PACs and super lobbyists, you hear the voice brary mural, YU security policies, Rabbi Wieder’s to bring people together, and allow everyone at YU of the American people. And that’s a promise. stance on women’s issues, and more. This author to feel a part of the same community. If everyone is Benjamin: Ok then. Maybe let’s direct the fol- had the opportunity to sit down and talk with those able to see the same humor in the same things, and lowing question to someone else. What has the re- in charge of The Scope: Yaacov Bronstein, Daniel be able to talk about and discuss it, as Zach men- ception to The Scope been like? Has anyone been Goldstein, Devir Kahan, and Zach Sterman. Here is tioned, I just think it creates a certain sense of unity. notably offended? the inside scoop on The Scope. More fundamentally, college is stressful, midterms Daniel: The response has been very positive. We’ve received a lot of positive Benjamin Koslowe: How feedback and people are very excit- did The Scope get started? ed to see something new like this on Yaacov Bronstein: Mr. Ko- campus. Thankfully we think we’ve slowe, I’d like to thank you and managed to write quality comedy the rest of the moderators for while offending very few, although asking that question. For years, obviously when writing a comedy the American people have been paper it can be very hard to not of- wondering precisely the same fend somebody. thing, and Washington certain- Benjamin: What about the sub- ly isn’t providing the answers. jects of the articles? Did you hear When my father first came to about any reactions from YU secu- this great country from Cuba rity guards, Rabbi Wieder, etc.? in 1957, he brought with him Zach: We’ve heard that Rabbi the clothes on his back, a vehe- Wieder very much enjoyed it. That’s ment hatred for Obamacare, and the only specific reaction we have a love for writing comedy about heard to-date. YU campus topics. Thank you, Benjamin: Alright, you guys and God bless the great state of have been great. How about one fi- Texas. nal statement from each of you to Benjamin: Thank you for wrap this up? that insightful answer. You are aware that this is a are stressful, Lord knows YU as an institution can Yaacov: The American people have spoken, Mr. Commentator interview, not a Republican debate? sometimes be stressful, and the ability to laugh at it Koslowe, and their decision is clear. The Scope has Yaacov: Mr. Koslowe, I will never apologize for all and relax a bit is always a good thing. swept the last few primaries, and we’re polling way my love for this great nation. Zach: {Applauds} ahead going into Wisconsin. We’re a movement Zach Sterman: The Scope began as a political Daniel: This racially diverse group of people funded by the people. Our average donation is only entity during our junior year at MTA. We ran a sati- think you did well {says while noting several emoji 37 cents, and by God, we will continue to accept all rized campaign for the student we perceived as least faces and hands}. the spare change we can get from this proud nation. interested in becoming president, and sure enough Benjamin: Can you guys talk about your status Daniel: Like Yaacov so eloquently stated, we’re he went on to serve as vice president of MTA for a as a club, and the extent to which YU was willing to very happy with the positive feedback on what we’ve year. After tasting victory on the campaign trail, we sponsor The Scope? done so far and we are eager to see what the future pivoted away from the cutthroat world of politics to Yaacov: Mr. Koslowe, in 1776 when Ronald Rea- holds for The Scope. become MTA’s official satire publication. gan descended from Heaven to start this Godly na- Devir: Yup. There’s not much more to say than Benjamin: So did you just restart what you guys tion, he didn’t take handouts from the federal gov- that. We were really excited to launch The Scope, did at MTA, or is this somehow a new brand? and we’re just as excited to see where it goes. We Yaacov: Progress is the backbone of our proud “WHILE DELIVERED hope the YU populace will join us. American Industry. This week in Ohio I met with a Zach: We had a really good time writing the first group of steelworkers who told me they don’t like HUMOROUSLY, THE edition of The Scope and we hope the YU student- taxes. I’m proud to still believe in the American body enjoyed it too. We are very excited to continue dream, Mr. Koslowe, and so are all the hardworking DISCUSSIONS WE RAISE ARE bringing great satire to our campuses. American dreamers. And despite what our current president has done to deliberately destroy this na- RELEVANT AND REAL. THAT tion, our children will keep dreaming! God bless The Scope! IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN Zach: This is a new brand, as we are presenting SATIRE AND COMEDY.” to a new audience about new content. As satirists, our perspectives and skills have been honed since - ZACH STERMAN then, and we hope our work reflects that. Benjamin: Thanks, Yaacov and Zach. Let’s get a bit more specific. What do you envision that The ernment. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work. I Scope will achieve? Is it just about getting a chuckle am the only candidate on this stage who has offered out of YU folk, or is there something more? a viable plan to put a machine gun in the hands of Yaacov: We need to return to the ideals of our every schoolchild in America, because our children Founding Fathers. I am the only candidate who cur- deserve a Washington that works for them. rently maintains a deep, romantic, and intimate Zach: We are an unofficial club. We approached relationship with the Constitution of the United YU about becoming official, however, they expressed States. I don’t like terrorism. I like the Constitution. to us that they were uncomfortable sponsoring sat- I promise the American people that as my very first ire due its potentially offensive nature. In response, act in office I will tear up every single amendment we worked very hard to keep our jokes in good taste added to the Divine perfection that is the Constitu- and of good nature. We would be totally open to be- tion of the United States of America. I will ascend coming an official club in the future. for 40 days and 40 nights, and return with a bal- Benjamin: Can students expect any more issues anced budget and a God-given decree of destruction this semester? against Planned Parenthood. Devir: More ever? We very much hope so, yes. Zach: Certainly it is our intention to make peo- More this semester? We’d rather not commit our- ple laugh, but our publication intends to accomplish selves to a precise timeframe. Certainly, even in the something a little deeper than that. While delivered absence of another print issue, we hope to be rather humorously, the discussions we raise are relevant active online at scopeyu.com and on Facebook and and real. That is the distinction between satire and Twitter (ScopeYU on both). comedy. Benjamin: Bronstein, do you have anything Daniel: Wow. Well said Zach. non-debate-ish to add?

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Opinions 15

GREEKS, CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE (35:32). There, Rambam writes that the wife “should Al Hanssim refers to a clash with Jewish Hellen- be in awe of her husband, base all her actions on his izers who are the “zeidim” (3:40). Elya Rabba does rah (19:46). If we truly accept this idea, we cannot word, and view him as an officer or king.” Rambam mention one interpretation that zeidim refers to rely on the opinions of Rambam, R. Hirsch, or R. does not here present the exclusive model of spousal Jews, but he also cites an alternative reading that the Solovetichik, since they all read Western literature. interaction within our tradition. R. Aharon Lichten- term is about the Greeks. Chazal certainly do not em- For that matter, we could not trust R. Kahn himself, stein writes in a 2005 Tradition that issues between phasize the internal Jewish battle in their depiction since this sicha reveals that he clearly knows Horace spouses such as “areas and degrees of authority and of Chanukah (Shabbat 21b), perhaps because they and the Greek etymology of “enthusiasm.” I think the responsibility, the prioritization of respective indi- did not want to celebrate an internal Jewish struggle. contrary true. In many scenarios, we should prefer vidual interests, the nature of decision making” are Ironically, a portrayal of Chanukah that stresses the that Daas Torah, the application of Torah ideals to mostly devar hareshut, “an area not axiologically Jewish Hellenizers relies on non- Chazal sources, worldly questions, come from those with broader ex- neutral but neither fully normative, with regard to such as the Book of Maccabees. posure since they have the knowledge of the outside which personal preference, with a possible eye upon “No one wants to reject the culture around him world necessary to comment intelligently about it. meaningful variables is characteristic. In a word, because that alienates you and makes you feel that In fact, R. Baruch Ber’s lack of exposure led him to they are subject to the discussion, predilection and you don’t belong and everyone wants to belong” misinterpret Rav Hirsch’s endorsement as of secular decision of individual couples.” Given the element (11:10). This statement attributes an ulterior motive studies as an emergency measure, a hora’at sha’ah. of flexibility regarding these questions, we need not to those looking for expanding women’s leadership Someone who had read R. Hirsch extensively and feel compelled to adopt Rambam’s model. Does R. roles in our community. They are not motivated by knew the nature of German Orthodoxy would have Kahn think we should follow Rambam’s position that ethical and religious values but by a desire to fit in. arrived at a different conclusion. According to my a woman should only leave the house once or twice a Attributing negative motivations to your opponents grandfather, R, Mordechai Pinchas Teitz, yeshiva month (Ishut 13:11)? is an unfair tactic that avoids discussing the real is- students at Slobodka and Mir would eagerly gather Feminism has brought challenges to traditional sues. We could easily think of ulterior motives driv- around R. Pogromonski to discuss their philosophic society, but its influence has not been purely nega- ing those of a more conservative bent on women’s questions. Apparently, there are some religious ad- tive. Halakha is clearly not egalitarian and we must issues. The argument would then degenerate into vantages to reading widely. oppose a feminism that downplays the significance of competing accusations of misogyny and imitating the The mere fact that an idea comes from non-Jew- having and raising children. At the same time, added gentiles. Rather than each side accusing the other of ish society does not in and of itself constitute reason Torah-study opportunities for women enable many bad faith, it behooves us to keep the debate centered to invalidate it. We should evaluate each idea based in our community to practice a more profound and on matters of substance. on its own merits. Democracy may have come from committed Judaism. About a century ago, the Mish- R. Kahn’s approach to these topics reflects larger Western sources, but it has enabled the state of Israel neh Berura (489:3) advised women not to count se- tendencies in the YU world. YU Roshei Yeshiva rarely to survive despite fierce disagreements within Israeli firat ha’omer with a berakha since they do not know mention the benefits of a good university education society. It has also safeguarded Jewish life, culture, the meaning of the words. Is such ignorance an ideal and never talk about problems on the right. They fre- and observance in America (and many other western that we strive to return to, or are we happy that wom- quently complain about the Orthodox left, very of- democracies) in ways our forefathers living under en are currently more educated? ten with an intensive focus on women’s issues. Those Czars and Kings would have found unimaginable. “Mashiach comes by recreating yiddishkeit. No who promote more ritual opportunities for women I once spoke at a Seattle high school about Ra- different than mashiach comes when he doesn’t come are compared to heretical groups such as the Sad- chel, the wife of R. Akiva. After the talk, a girl came and you say he came” (44:20). Given the negative na- ducees. Excessive frequency and vehemence reveal over and informed me that they wanted to hear ture of much rabbinic discourse about Christianity, lack of proportion and perspective. A more nuanced about Beruria and not about Rachel. Why is the this comparison is rhetorical overkill. Is the initia- discourse would promote a far healthier institutional Rachel model not good enough? “There is a Rashi in tive to ordain female rabbis the equivalent of a false and communal atmosphere. Avoda Zara, but I do not think she wanted to hear messiah? This current mode of discourse has three negative that Rashi” (followed by student laugh- ramifications. What impact does it have ter, 27:14). A Rashi about R. Meir ask- on students to hear several of their rab- ing a student to seduce Beruria because beim adopt positions in direct opposition she did not like rabbinic comments about to the entire philosophy of the institution women is not something to joke about. they teach at? If secular studies and en- The story is quite embarrassing; indeed, countering the broader world are truly so Rashi’s account includes R. Meir him- pernicious, then the students should not self fleeing in shame. Moreover, why be be attending YU, and the Roshei Yeshiva negative about a girl who identifies with should be teaching elsewhere. Further- Beruria more than Rachel? Those who more, this type of expression may please love Talmud Torah should appreciate some students currently in YU, but it someone who wants to learn herself and drives others away. Students who could not only support the learning of others. have attended Yeshiva hear this sicha Additionally, the entire question of hus- and immediately find NYU and Maryland bands going away for extended periods more attractive. A fellow looking for a to learn and leaving their wives behind is more moderate rabbinic voice now choos- far more complex than one Talmudic sto- es other semikha programs over RIETS. ry indicates. The same Talmudic section The larger Jewish community becomes that cites the Rachel and R. Akiva story more estranged from Orthodoxy. Finally, also mentions stories in which the hus- this model trains students to adopt cyni- band gets punished for not coming home cism and negativity as basic character when he needs to (Ketubot 62b). traits. Sarah is megayes et ha’nashim, not Both Yeshiva University and the larger et ha’anashim (38:38). Presumably, Jewish world would benefit from hearing R. Kahn utilized this line as a rhetorical other notes sounded by YU Roshei Yeshi- flourish and not as an argument. If this va. Of course, they can continue to voice inference from the midrash indicates that important opposition to left wing innova- Sarah did not teach the men, it also in- tions, but those criticisms should be bal- dicates that Avraham did not teach the anced: after all, many difficulties lurk on women. This hardly supports the notion the right as well. Furthermore, criticism that men must have a more significant should maintain a healthy sense of pro- leadership role. In general, it is difficult portion. Not every innovation is invalid, to accept a haredi message about wom- nor is every mistake an act of heresy. en’s more private roles when haredi kollel Proportion also requires avoiding obses- culture means that their women have to sively talking about the same battles all take jobs requiring much more exposure the time. A softer and more nuanced criti- to the broader world than their men ex- cal voice would significantly enhance the perience in the beit midrash. If support- honor of Torah and Am Yisrael. ing Talmud Torah can justify women in Rabbi Yitzchak Blau is a Rosh Yeshiva the workforce interacting with men and and Shana Bet R”AM at Yeshivat Orayta with secular Jews, then apparently other in Jerusalem. values can trump the privacy of a bat me- lekh. We should adhere to our mesorah about men and women’s roles as out- lined in Rambam Hilkhot Ishut 15:20

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 16 Opinions Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 The Glueck Beit Midrash: A View From the Outside By Mindy Schwartz all we want to do is end the interrogations so we can their precious treasure from bandits. focus on actually learning. Our sincerity, our intellec- But this boy wasn’t trying to protect Torah from I’ve only been to the Wilf Campus about four times tual capability, and even our yirat shamayim have been some bra-burning interloper. Because people like this in my first year in Stern, but each time I go I always brought into question more times than I like to think boy don’t really understand why anyone would want to make the same stop. I walk up to the big glass windows about. Of course these comments hurt, and I don’t know protect it all. that line the Glueck Beit Midrash and look inside. Peek- if I’ll ever be numb to their sting. But it’s comments like And, for me, that is much sadder than some misguid- ing through the blinds, I take in the handsome, mas- the one from that boy from YU that bring me the most ed opinion on women’s learning. sive room, the grand aron kodesh, the towering shelves sadness. I know that Gemara learning isn’t for everyone, boys stuffed with sefarim. I try to count the clustered tables or girls. Not everyone connects to that sort of logic and and the students that hunch over them, beside hills of nitpicking that I, and many others, find so thrilling. more sefarim and notebooks. "WE SHARE THAT PASSION. Chanoch l’naar al pi darko. My friends usually have the same reaction to my pit WE LOVE THE SAME THING. But I’ve heard too many boys say that they just don’t stop: frustration. They can’t understand why I like to understand why I would want to learn, or why I even look at the beit midrash so much. From 8:15 till 9:00 WE PROTECT IT WITH OUR care, for me to think it’s only about al pi darko here. am every morning of the school week, I sit with my What I see is a lot of young men disenchanted with chavruta and prepare for my Gemara class in the Stern EVERYTHING. I SEE THAT WHEN I fundamental texts of our faith, ones that they have been Beit Midrash, a beautiful but undeniably small room on LOOK INTO GLUECK." staring at since elementary school. Boys that just can’t the seventh floor of 245 Lexington. “Don’t you resent understand why a girl would fight to learn Gemara this enormous hall?” they wonder. “Doesn’t it make you when all they want is to escape it. And many of them feel upset, jealous, inadequate?” People who challenge women’s learning for all the have escaped. “Of course it does,” I always say. other reasons do so because they sincerely care about That is why I love peering through the windows of But it also makes me feel something very different. Torah and want desperately to protect it. They fear the Glueck. Sure, I wish with all the stardust from every fai- Something that took a long time to understand. rising tides of feminism or egalitarianism; they gaze rytale that I could learn in a room just like that one. It makes me happy. at the rapidly changing world with horror and suspect That I could sit at a table like those, surrounded by all Not because I’ve deluded myself into thinking I’ll women who learn Gemara of hiding in a Trojan horse. the wonderful, passionate women of the Stern Beit Mi- ever get a chance to learn in a place like that, at least They are afraid to share their treasure with us because drash, and debate a sugyah with my lovely chavruta. not any time soon. Looking through into the Glueck Beit they think we will spoil its purity with an agenda. That That I could run to shelves sagging with sefarim and Midrash makes me feel optimistic for the Jewish future, we will taint it, subvert it, crush it. They want to guard pull one off, bring it to our table, and prove my point even though it makes me sad about my with the words of an acharon’s com- own present experience. mentary. A few months ago I was talking to a But at least there are enough young boy in YU at some event or other and men who really do feel the passion of as the conversation began to dwindle, Torah, who value it and want to protect he asked me what Jewish classes I was it, to fill this massive room. Sitting there taking. I said Shoftim and Gemara. is a huge number of men who see the His face screwed up as he processed, treasure of Torah. Who think learning is and after a moment he said, fun. Who enjoy it. Who have sat through “You’re taking Gemara? Why would yeshiva day school, yeshiva high school, you ever want to?” one or two years in Israel, and now Ye- “I enjoy it,” I said simply. shiva University and haven’t let that “But Gemara is so dull,” he pushed. treasure dull its shine. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but I And that makes me optimistic about think it’s really fun.” our future, as the Jewish People. Since I started taking my Gemara Maybe some of these men would like learning (and women’s learning in to protect the treasure from “bandits” general) more seriously last year, I like me. But at least we all see it for what have had tons of conversations that it is. A treasure. Worth treasuring. start just like that one. I’ve been ap- We share that passion. We love the proached by handfuls of men and same thing. We would protect it with women, boy and girls, who all want our everything. I see that when I look to know why I do this or think that. into Glueck. I try not to get into disputations with So even as the stardust grows stale people about women’s learning. The around me, how can I not be happy? At returns are always almost nonexistent, least a little. and I always walk away with a ball in my throat. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying to argue. Many people choose to challenge women like me, even though

Trump Rally Equivalent By Donald J. Trump Daniel Luxenberg with: the smartest people in the world read my articles before I publish them. Obviously I have final say. But Thank you very much for reading this article. I love the smartest people. I’ve written some pretty great ar- you, I really do. And you love me. I know you do, because ticles. who wouldn’t? I’m great. I’ve written two great articles I want to give you the access to my knowledge in for this paper. I have two fantastic internships. I attend order to better form your opinion about the goings-on the best Jewish University ever. But I’m willing to put of the world. Who better to do that than me? I mean- everything on hold in order to write this article for this students write and write and write. They write what the paper. Pretty great, huh? administration tells them to write! They are controlled Oh, you’re scrolling down? Closing this link? Get out by the administration of this school. Richard Joel? Con- of here! I don’t need you. I’ll get a hacker to shut off your trols the writers. Not all of them. Some of them. Most of computer. Just ask the many, many, the most actually, them. Not me. I don’t need their ideas. I have the best people in the university, (and probably the world, but we ideas. won’t get into that here), reading my articles. Some of the writers for this paper- they’re young and I’m the leading writer for this paper. When people weak. They are liars. A lot of them lie. I don’t lie to you, click the link to this wonderful paper- by the way, one because the administration can’t control me. I don’t two, but I’ll see how they treat me. of the best run papers in the world. The editor-in-chief, need access to their information, because I’m the smart- And who’s going to pay for the wall? Mexico! a very good friend by the way. Very, very smart and tal- est person. I attend the best Jewish University. Still do. Thank you. Thank you very much. ented person. It’s people like him who I surround myself And when I’m an alum, I’ll donate a wing. I could donate

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Opinions 17 Jewish Self-Interests Must Not Trump Basic Values of Humanity By Judah Kerbel legitimate candidate for the presidency of the United AIPAC must maintain relationships with all politi- States is outrageous.” cians to the best of its ability. There are few other I left my first AIPAC Policy Conference with a With all of this in mind, it goes without saying that places, if any, where all of the presidential candi- strong feeling of optimism and inspiration, on the AIPAC’s invitation to Trump met controversy. While dates come to speak, where both Yitzhak Herzog and whole. The major takeaway for me was AIPAC’s abil- I cannot speak for AIPAC, the following thoughts re- Binyamin Netanyahu come to speak, and where the ity to compel people to “come together,” as was the flect my own perception of the situation. Generally House Majority Leader and Minority Whip speak in conference way, with respect and kinship, in a way speaking, AIPAC invites all presidential candidates conversation. It is also clear that AIPAC’s invitations that is not replicated almost anywhere in the United to speak during an election year. In its commitment to candidates do not serve as endorsements of their States. 18,000 people came together with the shared to serving as a bi-partisan organization focused on views. It simply provides an important opportunity goal of supporting the United States-Israel relation- the single issue of the US-Israel relationship, AIPAC to get candidates on the record regarding policies af- ship, representing an extremely diverse makeup of invited the leading Republican candidate. Its several fecting Israel, and it also acknowledges that whoever religious, political, and ethnic backgrounds. As part warnings issued to delegates to be respectful through- gets elected president is with whom AIPAC have to a program for the Leffell Fellowship for rabbinical out the conference suggests that AIPAC was aware of work. The need to secure the US-Israel relationship students, an Orthodox rabbi and Reform rabbi sat the negative feelings in the air surrounding this issue will not disappear even if we have to fight a president together on panel, discussing why they love Israel, at the very least, and perhaps it even suggests that on other policies he maintains that we must abhor. drawing from their own set of values and experience. the organization itself felt some discomfort danc- None of this means, though, that AIPAC as an orga- The theme for the Leffell segment of the conference ing this dance of having to invite a candidate whose nization buys into what Trump believes whatsoever, was “Unity vs. Unanimity” – and indeed, the sort of values counter their own. Many who lean liberal or and I think it would be absurd to suggest so. achdut (unity) that we preach about becomes more progressive believe AIPAC, in this laser focus on the At the same time, I felt that the people who make real at AIPAC than any place else I’ve been. This is bi-partisan support of the US-Israel relationship, up AIPAC’s delegation have the power and responsi- what I like to think about when people have asked me lacks moral backbone in standing for other impor- bility to act as individuals aware of Trump’s problem- about the conference. tant values. While none of the religious movements atic character. I chose to walk out quietly as Trump Before Donald Trump took the stage at the Veri- dissented with AIPAC’s decision, many Reform and approached the stage. Loud demonstrations only zon Center on Monday night of the conference – 72 Conservative rabbis organized a walk-out to study add fuel to fire, yet I did not want to have to tell my hours after I arrived in DC – his appearance was not Torah on derekh eretz to counter Trump’s messag- grandchildren one day that I sat complicit as a dan- a popular topic of conversation, and I was happy that es, their movement arms issued statements warning gerous demagogue was rising to power. My experi- this was so. It would be a pity for his di- ence this past summer on the Fellowship visiveness to block out all that was good at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional at this conference. I have generally felt "TO MY UTTER SHOCK (I HAVE BEEN NAÏVE Ethics engrained in me the moral obliga- that media and social media have turned tion, as a future rabbinic professional, to Trump into a hock (chatter) that only BEFORE), I HEARD THE ERUPTION OF APPLAUSE smell evil where it is to be found – what fuels all that is undesirable about him, AND SAW STANDING OVATIONS ON THE SCREENS Professor Donald Nicholls termed the and thus I would not have wanted to fo- “discernment of spirits” – and I see this cus an entire article talking about him. OUTSIDE THE ARENA AS TRUMP PANDERED TO issue through the prism of my experi- But I feel that what happened at Policy ence in Europe. But many rabbis across Conference when Trump spoke requires THE CROWD, DESPITE HIS DISCLAIMER THAT HE the denominational spectrum chose to comment. While the internet has been DID NOT COME TO PANDER." remain inside for the speech, knowing saturated with commentary on this inci- that they were not going to applaud or dent, I feel compelled to speak to an au- cheer Trump and concerned with what dience of what perhaps he would say, and I re- will be the future leader- spect that decision. And ship of the Modern Or- in that vein, I expected thodox community, the that the crowd in general Jewish community, and would at best politely ap- even the larger American plaud while remaining society. As our institu- relatively lukewarm in tion encourages us to be comparison to other can- engaged with the world didates. I have already while remaining ground- received pushback for my ed in Torah values, we nuance on this issue, but must remain acutely I thought it could work. aware of our mandate in In short, I understand this context. why people stayed in for First, let us remind his speech, even though ourselves about whom I did not, and I under- we are talking. The New stand why some people York Times, as of March were upset that AIPAC 4, had documented a invited in him the first “complete list” of “The place, even though I see 202 People, Places and the merits. Things Donald To my utter shock (I Trump Has Insulted have been naïve before), on Twitter.” That, as however, I heard the columnist David Brooks eruption of applause and reports, amounts to 33 saw standing ovations pages of Donald Trump on the screens outside insults. It is clear that the arena as Trump pan- Trump is not someone dered to the crowd, de- who deals with substan- spite his disclaimer that tive policies, but rather stoops to bigotry (racism, against Trump’s values, and Orthodox rabbis wrote he did not come to pander. Granted, it’s unclear ex- misogyny, xenophobia) to attack people with whom an open letter to Trump calling on him to use this op- actly what proportion of the audience cheered, but all he disagrees. This is a man who the former ADL chief portunity to recant his many problematic statements. reports indicate that it was significant that it cannot Abraham Foxman, a Holocaust survivor, fears is suc- My personal opinion is that AIPAC, as an organi- be dismissed. For some people, it only mattered that cessful specifically because of his hate mongering. zation, can only remain successful if it remains bi- they heard what they wanted to hear (regardless of When Trump asked supporters to raise their hands partisan and stays out of other issues because “ta- glaring contradictions with reality or his own previ- and pledge their allegiance to him, Foxman com- fasta merubeh, lo tafasta; tafasta mu’at, tafasta” – ous statements). For some people, it only mattered mented “to see an audience of thousands of people take on too much, and the whole thing is guaranteed that he was entertaining. What did not matter was raising their hands in what looks like the ‘Heil Hitler’ to fall apart. There are many organizations that can, that the context of this speech was his campaign that salute is about as offensive, obnoxious and disgust- and do, lead the effort in dealing with whatever po- stands antithetical to American or Jewish values. It ing as anything I thought I would ever witness in the litical or moral issues face our society. It is vital that United States of America… to see it at a rally for a we maintain bi-partisan support for Israel, which is SEE AIPAC, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 not to be taken for granted anymore, and therefore

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 18 Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776

AIPAC, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

did not matter that he himself has never, in his entire career, been someone we would want our children to see as a role model. There was a pervasive myopia in the room as a man, who has a strong record of deni- grating others, received so much applause because it seemingly serves our own purpose. The story could have been that AIPAC invited Trump out of its neces- sity to fulfill its mission, while its constituency faced him with critical minds and hearts. Instead, some delegates made it seem as if the Jewish community is blind to the risk of other minorities in our country. Interestingly, someone I know overheard two people in conversation the next day, expressing their embar- rassment that they had applauded. It is scary how quickly Trump was able to win over hearts when he, in an unprecedented manner, presented what he be- lieved from a well thought-out script. To be sure, the next day, AIPAC issued an apology, chastising delegates for cheering when Trump said, emotions and opinions overcome the serious impor- help themselves. We must not repeat that mistake by “this is Obama’s final year of the presidency – yay!” tance of maintaining an atmosphere of derekh eretz leaving our brains at the door when such a demagogue because it does not condone ad hominem attacks on towards the leadership of our country in this setting. panders to our own interests. Second, what I see not leaders. What’s telling, though, is the last sentence, I assume that this readership generally cares about just in the context of AIPAC, but also in the context of which states, “Let us pledge to each other that in this Israel strongly, and many of AIPAC’s concerns are our the Orthodox community and Religious Zionist com- divisive and tension-filled political season that we will concerns also. There are two final things to note. First, munity, is a plaguing inability to stand for nuanced not allow those that wish to divide our movement— as carriers of the “Never Again” slogan, we must be and civilized conversation. I am also scared of apathy from the left or the right—to succeed in doing so.” extremely sensitive when someone presents bigoted often found in our generation, and so I believe in the While one particular comment seemed to cross the views against other groups. Whether or not Trump is importance of passion for important causes, and Is- line, Trump’s unique ability to be as divisive as he is, comparable to Hitler, we must take him seriously when rael’s security is one of them. But we desperately need when elections are always divisive, is extremely fright- he shares ideas about discriminating against Mus- to learn how to check our own cynicism and self-cer- ening. One person I encountered after this episode was lims and Mexicans, and as a student of history, there tainty when we engage with others if we truly desire to upset that the AIPAC president was expressing what is what we must learn from our past in this respect. fix what is broken. We need to look at ourselves in the was “personally offensive to her.” Perhaps, though, There were Catholic leaders in Germany who stayed mirror and figure out how we will rally behind leader- there is a slight possibility that the leadership was away from criticizing the Nazi party, even though it ship that can deal with these issues in a way that does genuinely concerned that AIPAC’s mission was in the was opposed to its values, because they feared it would not cause strife and division, but instead allows people process of being undermined by people letting their be self-defeating, and they figured the Jews would to “come together.” Make a Difference ARE YOU A GRADUATING SENIOR WITH POLITICAL OR JEWISH COMMUNAL EXPERIENCE LOOKING FOR THAT MEANINGFUL FIRST JOB?

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WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Opinions 19 The Case for a Medical Humanities Minor By Tzvi Levitin help students go beyond the physiology of medicine education should reflect the non-scientific factors that and understand the social, economic, political, and may influence our professions as well. Just like or- The pre-med track, consisting of a grueling set of ethical influences on health and medicine. ganic chemistry provides the basis for understanding requirements and high-pressured demands for spe- The medical profession is changing at a rapid pace: how biological pathways and drugs function, medical cific extra-curricular activities, often leaves students doctors are becoming more specialized, Obamacare humanities may lay a foundation for grappling with feeling disconnected from their ultimate goal of be- is changing how hospitals run, and new technologies major problems that will face the medical profession coming doctors. Over the course of spending three to such as genome editing and artificial organs are chal- in the future. four years enduring the pains of organic chemistry, lenging doctors to confront new ethical dilemmas in Yeshiva College already offers several interdisci- calculus, and physics, it becomes tempting to perceive their pursuit of providing health and satisfaction to plinary courses exploring the intersection between undergraduate education as nothing medicine and the humanities. One of my more than a series of boxes to check favorite courses I’ve taken so far at YU, off, and the pressures of pre-med re- Professor Daniel Kimmel’s Medical So- duce the desire to heal people into a ciology, explored topics like the history desperation to maintain a good GPA. of the medical profession, the medical- Personally, I’ve immensely en- ization of deviance, and the constantly joyed most of my hard science cours- evolving jurisdiction of medicine. This es at YU; they’ve deepened my un- course, more than any of the biology or derstanding of how the world works, pre-med courses I’ve taken at YU, shaped piqued my interest in specific areas my perception of the field I seriously con- of medicine, and helped me establish sidered pursuing. Other courses, such as a solid network of knowledge that Bioethics, Health Economics, Medical I’m confident I can build upon in my Psychology, and Psychopharmacology - future studies and career. However, a new course coming to YC next semes- I realized after my first year at YU ter - investigate the relationship between that I was losing sight of what lay at medicine and social sciences. the center of my interest in pursuing With YU’s new plan to revitalize mi- medicine: a desire to understand the nors, a Medical Humanities minor may human condition. not be so far off. The administration’s Knowing how to diagnose and new approach to the core curriculum en- treat illness is only a part of practic- courages students to supplement one or ing medicine. Jack Coulehan, Pro- two interdisciplinary core courses with fessor Emeritus at the Center for four or five other courses related to an Medical Humanities and Bioethics at area of interest. While a discussion of Stony Brook University, claims that the changes (or lack thereof) to the core being a doctor “requires communica- would require an entirely different ar- tion skills, empathy, self-awareness, ticle, the new system allows students to judgment, professionalism, and mas- have more control over their education, tering the social and cultural context of personhood, their patients. By the time current undergraduate stu- which I believe is a move in the right direction. I can’t illness, and health care.” Stony Brook, along with many dents enter the medical field, it will likely look vastly wait to see which new minors take shape over the next other schools, including Columbia, Yale, and Boston different than it does today. In addition to addressing few years at YU, and I hope Medical Humanities will University, offers a medical humanities program to developments in medical research and technology, our find a place amongst them.

My Sad Stomach By Jake Schrier claim, after acknowledging that you stole, that you were (This 80 day streak includes winter break. I returned entitled to steal that money? And to think, they didn’t to the Heights eager for my laffa, only to find out the Since starting YU two years ago, one of my favorite even apologize for the misconduct. It is this sheer au- bad news). I just don’t feel right supporting a place that places to eat has been Golan Heights. Scratch that, one dacity on the part of Golan’s owners that gets me. steals from its customers, even if it makes excellent of my favorite things in general has been Golan Heights. Here is my favorite part. A Y-Stud that went out last food. And to be honest, maybe a part of me hopes that “Golan is the best!” I used to tell everyone. Who doesn’t week stated that there have been students who were they will see revenues decrease and realize they need to love that awesome laffa, the one that no actual human “mistakenly charged sales tax” at Golan. In fact, it wasn’t apologize and get back on the caf card plan. Until then, needs to eat in one sitting, but does anyway? Golan was I’m just left with this sad stomach. always there for me. I would have Golan on a random Thursday night with friends. I would have Golan after " I JUST DON'T FEEL RIGHT taking a tough midterm. I would have Golan to break a fast. I would have Golan on pretty much any occasion SUPPORTING A PLACE THAT possible. But recently, I’ve been inhabiting Chop Chop instead. STEALS FROM ITS CUSTOMERS, As I’m sure you all know by now, Golan is no longer EVEN IF IT MAKES EXCELLENT on YU’s Omni Card plan. The fact that it is no longer on the plan is upsetting, but the manner in which this FOOD." occurred is way more irritating to me personally. I over- hear people discussing the recent Golan scandal and I highly disagree with the way many present the details. a “mistake” at all- Golan specifically said that they care- Are there two sides to every story? Yes. However, in this fully chose each victim to charge the additional tax to. particular story, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that The email urged students affected by this unfortunate one of the sides actively steals money. Golan has very le- mistake to “Please bring your receipt to the restaurant gitimate claims against YU. Golan has every right to cry and speak to the manager, who will refund any sales tax foul when its business partner acted unethically. It isn’t collected.” When was the last time anyone in the history fair that YU decided to add more money to the student of the caf card took a receipt? And if they are referring restaurant plan and allowed students to refill their cards to the online receipts, those only date back to January, independently, all without informing Golan. (Let’s as- but how long has Golan been stealing from us? sume that Golan is telling the truth on this one). If this So all of those sneaky sales taxes are gone. And they were my business, I would probably be very upset. What add up. For those of us who inhabited Golan frequently would my course of action be? Hmm. Well, I could go to (and again, we were the ones they claimed to specifi- the other party and state my issues and work out a new cally target, as ridiculous as that sounds), we probably deal that is more beneficial to both parties involved. An- lost a good amount of money. So where does that leave other option would be to cut the deal entirely and walk us now? With no formal apology, or even an acknowl- away. There are many logical next steps, but you know edgement of error, I see no option to eat at Golan. It’s what isn’t one of my options? STEALING!!! possible my stance will change if I simply can’t resist, Since when is it permissible to steal money from but for over 80 days now I have not eaten Golan, by far innocent people? Since when is it acceptable to then the longest streak since starting YU in August of 2014.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 20 Business Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Marketing YU's Latest Graduate School Program

By Dovid Simpser es built on the three core basis classes students take in on buttons, which we all can learn very fast, but actually their first semester. understanding why you are clicking on this button and The Syms administration is constantly updating and According to Professor Avnet, the program is unique what will happen if you change something. Business en- reinvigorating the programs they offer. For example, in that “Unlike a regular brick and mortar [school], vironment and marketing environment are constantly over the past few years, the faculty has refocused the where there are three courses in the first semester with changing, so our job is to create a graduate who can be major concentrations, making the majors more dis- each professor providing their own assignments and able to think and make decisions based on the changing tinct and focused. More recently came the creation of projects, we designed the program in the way that the environment.” the Business Honors and Entrepreneurship Leadership first three courses were created together in collabora- The difference between The Katz School for Graduate Program along with the Kukin Lecture Series. Continu- tion. Although students see separate modules in each and Professional Studies and Sy Syms School of Busi- ing in this trend of adapting to a changing business course, we know what is being taught. There is no over- ness master’s degree and the undergraduate marketing environment, The Sy Syms School of Business, with lap in material. We know exactly what will be taught degree is that having a master’s degree can help propel the support of The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz and when.” This helps provide similar casework and your career to the managerial level. It will give you the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Yeshiva projects, but focused through the lens of each course knowledge and ability to get to the next level. Professor University, is launching a fully online M.S. in Marketing respectively. Professor Avnet told me that “Students Avnet explained that “If you received a degree in mar- Program. This is the first offering from the Katz School, will be able to attack business cases from all different keting, it’s not like you can now be a brand manager; if with the inaugural class beginning August 29th. angles, which is what happens in the real world. So this you major in finance, it’s not like you can directly be- What is a M.S. in Marketing, you might ask? Speak- program will be much more coherent and fun for stu- come a managing director. Obviously one way of getting ing with Dr. Tamar Avnet, Chair of the Marketing De- dents than having to take courses that were designed the knowledge to become a brand manager or a manag- partment, she explained that an M.S. in Marketing is separately.” ing director is by working for ten years. Another way is a master’s degree that “Specializes in digital and social The program is designed to meet the needs of early to work for three or four years and then get a graduate media, mainly in the application of projects done online and mid-career marketers seeking new skills for career degree.” with online tools.” This degree gives one the ability to advancement, as well as for professionals working in This program is a great step into a bright future for strategize, create advertising campaigns, and fully uti- related fields like graphic design, social media, journal- YU. In a hopeful tone Professor Avnet said: “Online de- lize online tools to make a successful marketing scheme. ism, photography and video, who want to pursue a ca- grees are taking off, and this will be the pioneer pro- The year-long program is comprised of three se- reer in marketing. gram for Yeshiva University to start with. If we are good mesters, adding up to a total of thirty credits. The first Dr. Blekher explained that “In order to step forward, at it, if we attract many students, we can take off from three core marketing courses in the first semester will to take the next job, to get to the C [corporate] level, there and develop more similar programs. We chose be marketing management, buyer behavior, and ap- marketing professionals have to be industry leaders. marketing because the online platform of digital me- plied research. Dr. Maria Blekher, Director of the On- Taking a digital marketing course is an option, and you dia and social media fits so well as the students will be line M.S. in Marketing Program, explained that “Every will get some tools, but if you get a degree you will get working online [in their professions]. These are people person in marketing has to know this, whether in digital the science behind the strategy. A leader should be able who shouldn’t be afraid of technology. It’s a great fit of [marketing] or not. This is the basis.” The remaining to understand and analyze the “why” behind the “how”. what you will do with your life when you graduate and courses will be divided up into data analysis and analyt- We will provide our students with the tools, but we will what the program can offer.” ics, digital media, social media, advanced social media also provide our students the background, the logic, and advertising, business communications, and brand and the theory behind how things are done – and this management. This will be a pyramid of advanced class- is very valuable.” She continued, “It is not just clicking Pixie Home By Adam Kramer objects is removed from the bag, you can receive an own location-based apps utilizing the technology and alert on your phone through the app. Pixie Points. Pixie Technologies, a startup co-founded by two Is- While they’ve filed eight patents around their tech- As an established start-up with over $6 million raelis and currently based in Los Altos California, is nology, Pixie is also taking steps to open their tech- raised in two rounds of venture funding, Pixie employs hoping to create a product and network to ensure that nology for others to use by creating developer API’s over 20 people. Among these are the two co-founders, no one loses anything ever again. They are pioneering (programming instructions for accessing application CEO Amir Bassan-Eskenazi, and CTO Ofer Friedman. a technology that matches location trackers (they call software) . Pixie envisions creating an open ecosystem Bassan-Eskenazi received a degree in Electrical Engi- them Pixie Points) that can be attached to items, with where developers and manufacturers, can build their neering from the Technion Institute of Technology, a mobile app that directs the user to the item’s loca- and proceeded to co-found BigBand Networks Inc. in tion, using walking instructions and augmented reality 1998. BigBand revolutionized a new platform of digital video. According to their website, Pixie’s technology is "PIXIE AIMS TO TAKE THE video networking, and Bassan-Eskenazi helped take the accurate to a measure of inches, and this is clearly vis- company public in 2007 and remained at the company ible in their demo videos where one can see the app giv- INTERNET OF THINGS TO THE through its acquisition in 2011. Friedman holds bache- ing the user instructions to turn right after walking for NEXT LEVEL IN WHAT THEY CALL lor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from a certain number of inches. Tel Aviv University. He spent 13 years working at Texas These Pixie Points operate through Bluetooth tech- THE 'LOCATION OF THINGS -- A Instruments in Ra’anana before leaving to co-found and nology and look like large guitar picks. As these Pixie be CTO of Pixie. Points will ultimately determine how useful the tech- TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM THAT One of the most popular areas that startups are in- nology is, specifically in terms of how many Pixie Points KNOWS WHERE EVERYTHING IS, novating in is known as the Internet of Things (IoT), users purchase, how they’re priced is a critical ques- which creates a network between different objects, al- tion. Currently, Pixie is pricing them at one pack of four ALL THE TIME.'" lowing them to send and receive data. Pixie aims to take Pixie Points for $69.95. This pricing the IoT to the next level in what they call the “Location strategy compares very favorably to of Things - a technology platform some of the competing technolo- that knows where everything is, all gies in the market. Settings such the time,” according to their web- as factories and hospitals, which site. need to track people or high-value While one could debate how equipment, often use RFID (radio much the “Location of Things” actu- frequency identification) or clusters ally differs from existing Internet of of Wi-Fi transmitters and receivers, Things technologies, and it’s clear but these trackers can cost $50-$80 that Pixie is by no means the limit according to a Wall Street Journal to connected devices technology, article that profiled Pixie. Pixie certainly does showcase some Once Pixie Points are attached cool innovation in this space. How to multiple objects, they create a Pixie is able to continue connecting network, with the different sen- people’s devices behind the scenes, sors talking to each other. Where what this will look like from the us- this can be really useful is in creat- er’s perspective, and how the indus- ing kits of things. For example, you try as a whole continues to evolve can put sensors on your computer, should be exciting to monitor in the homework folder, and pencil case to years come. ensure that these items are always together in your bag. If one of these

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Business 21 Getting to Know Professor Leonard Fuld

By Etan (Alex) Neiman of my corporate career, I taught in one capacity or an- Times to publish. other. Specifically, I taught as an adjunct at various NY I recently had the opportunity to sit down with popular based graduate schools and led training seminars for Neiman: What about the accounting and tax Sy Syms Professor Leonard Fuld, who is known for his the companies I worked for. For example, at Coopers & subjects make them particularly important engaging personality and unique approach to hair styl- Lybrand (now PwC), I taught accounting and tax semi- skills for a business student? ing. After a wide-ranging career in corporate America, nars across the country, and Schlumberger would pe- Professor Fuld came to YU, where he currently teaches riodically send me to Paris or London to teach a two- Fuld: I wouldn’t limit the importance of these subjects on the Wilf campus and at Cardozo during the sum- day mergers course. to just business students. I actually believe that basic mer. His course offerings include both of the Account- accounting and individual taxes should be taught to ing Principles core classes and both Federal Income Neiman: Was there a specific reason you chose every high school student in the country, along with Taxation courses for accounting majors. We discussed to teach at YU? basic finance. Whatever a person does in life, he or a broad set of topics ranging from his extensive cor- she is going to need to have some knowledge about porate and academic experiences to the one piece of Fuld: When the time came to pursue teaching on a full- finance, accounting and tax. There is just no way to advice he makes sure all of his students know. time basis, I gave some serious thought as to where avoid it. would I feel most comfortable and have the most fun. Neiman: I’m just going to come right out and Throughout my corporate life, I had the pleasure of Neiman: Well Ted Cruz may be taking care of say it: what is the story behind your luscious traveling and teaching all over the world and, and as the IRS for us, so maybe one day soon. locks and which barber can students go to if an academic, I taught in several universities, including they’d like to get that cut? YU, Queens College, NYU and Baruch College, but I Fuld: (Laughs) That would be nice. felt and continue to feel that the general spirit, midot Fuld: They would have no barber to Neiman: What are some things go to. I don’t go to any barber, as you about you which students might could probably tell. There is no story; "ON THE ONE HAND, I RIDE A MOTORCYCLE, not know that would interest there is no reason. I just stopped cut- them? ting my hair about three or four years LISTEN TO THE GRATEFUL DEAD, DO CONSTRUCTION ago. Previously, I had to live the cor- Fuld: I am not your run-of-the-mill porate life and couldn’t completely do PROJECTS AND REGULARLY HIT THE GYM. ON C.P.A., professor, as I’ve followed my what I wanted. Now, I’m doing things THE OTHER HAND, WITH MUCH GRATITUDE, I'VE own path and continue to do so. To il- the way I want to do them. lustrate, on the one hand, I ride a mo- COMPLETED SHAS AND BECAME A SHOCHET." torcycle, listen to The Grateful Dead Neiman: Hopefully, YU students -PROFESSOR LEONARD FULD (a popular rock band), do construction can have a similar haircutting projects and regularly hit the gym. On policy one day soon. the other hand, with Right now, we have much gratitude, I’ve to apply for jobs, un- completed Shas (all of fortunately. Speak- the books of Talmud), ing of employment, became a schochet (cer- how long have you tified to kill an animal been at YU for and in as prescribed by Jewish what capacities? law) and enjoy my chil- dren and grandchildren Fuld: I’ve taught at YU (who live in Efrat, New in some capacity going York, and New Jersey) back for probably 15 to the fullest. Overrid- years. I started as an ad- ing everything, though, junct professor and then is that the Republican advanced to a full-time backroom kingmakers professor four years have asked me to be- ago, primarily teach- come their candidate ing tax and account- when the contested con- ing. Another role that vention breaks down. I’ll I enjoyed was helping give it some thought, but institute controls that I cannot imagine giving turned the Seforim Sale up teaching at YU. into a more profitable venture. Currently, I am part of a team effort try- ing to put together an M.S. in Taxation gradu- ate program at Syms. (behavior) and overall respect of the students here at YU is unmatched. I look at all of my students as if they Neiman: How is that progressing? are part of my extended family.

Fuld: There is certainly a lot of demand for it amongst Neiman: Can you detail some of the corporate our current students. Everybody in the Syms admin- jobs you previously alluded to which you had istration is very excited about the potential of having before you became a full-time professor? the program. At this particular point in time, the ap- plication for approval to New York State is being re- Fuld: I started at PwC and left as a Tax Manager. From viewed by an independent third party. When that is there, I went to Schlumberger (a large oil and gas ex- concluded, we’ll submit the application to New York ploration/technology firm) where I was the Deputy Di- State and hopefully get approval to move forward. If rector of Taxes. Next, I went to Citigroup and worked all goes well, the M.S. in Taxation program would be in Mergers & Acquisitions as a Senior Tax Counsel. Af- looking at a launch for the 2017-2018 school year. ter that, I moved on to my final corporate job as Vice President of Taxes at Griffon Corp, a publicly traded Neiman: What inspired you to join academia? company on the New York Stock Exchange.

Fuld: My first teaching experience was at George Neiman: Were there any lessons which you Washington High School, which I did concurrently learned in your time in the corporate world with graduate school (at NYU for an MBA specializing that may be of benefit to YU students? in Accounting). I fell in love with teaching then. When I started in the corporate world, the plan was always Fuld: I always teach this to all of my classes: do the to teach full-time one day. In fact, throughout much right thing. Don’t ever do anything that you would not want your mother to know about or the New York

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG 22 Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776

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WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.ORG Monday, March 28, 2016 - 18 Adar II, 5776 Business 23 Start-Up University: Nucleus By Philip Neff To turn his idea into a reality, Frankel initially in- was a two-way street—Frankel trusted that Levy would vested a good amount of his own money hiring devel- bring solid technical and software advancements to the Yonatan Frankel, founder and CEO of Nucleus: opment firms and freelancers to develop a prototype. company and Levy, who left a dependable, paying job The Smart Home Wireless Intercom, received a BA The result was “ugly hardware with barely-functioning to join Nucleus, trusted that Frankel’s idea would suc- in computer science from Yeshiva University, semi- software.” But he used this rudimentary model to win ceed. With a diversified staff, on the other hand, comes cha from RIETS, and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard over his first round of investors—friends and family. a diverse range of ideas and approaches to problems Law School. He didn’t expect to start his own company With these funds, he was able to improve his technol- that will inevitably arise, which is an important factor until he came up with the idea. Two years ago, while ogy, which led to even more money—what Frankel de- in innovation. renovating his house in Philadelphia, he was looking scribed as a “virtuous cycle” (as opposed to the alterna- One of the great things about founding a startup— for an intercom system to be able to keep track of his tive, a “vicious cycle”). and Frankel pointed out that there are many—is being three rambunctious sons as they run around the house Frankel’s next step was to build his team, which able to explore a new territory. His BA in Computer Sci- and to let them know when it’s time for dinner. He was he began by bringing his friend, Isaac Levy, aboard as ence helped Frankel talk to his engineers and under- surprised when he was quoted a steep price of $5,000 the second cofounder. Levy was one of the software stand them on a basic level and his Harvard Law educa- for the “old, beige, ugly analog” intercom systems. He architects behind Google Hangout and introduced tion helped him understand the legality of the process. looked everywhere for a wireless intercom system, but the WebRTC (Real-Time Communications) software Prior to this venture, he worked as a legal intern for the search proved futile, so he decided to take on the to the Nucleus intercom. In their first official round Weiss Asset Management, a developer for JPMorgan- task of making his own, realizing there was a real mar- of funding, Nucleus raised $3.37 million, including Chase, and a management consultant for Boston Con- ket for it and that this was an amazing op- sulting Group. All of these jobs provided portunity. He knew the basic components invaluable experience and prepared him his idea would need—a Wi-Fi chip, a wide for various aspects of starting Nucleus, angle camera, and an affordable price, so but every day he goes to work, he learns he just jumped in. And on the day that I something new. Another amazing benefit spoke to him, two years after the idea was of working for yourself is being able to born, he told me that he had just received make your schedule around your family a picture of his first product coming off and your life. Frankel told me that he was the production line in China, ready to be shipped. Fam- from Foxconn Technology Group, which manufactures able to bring his sons to school the morning that we ilies across the United States have already reserved Apple’s iPhones. As the product developed and more spoke and wasn’t late for work. thousands of Nucleus intercoms, which are set to be funds were raised, he expanded and improved his team, Frankel expressed his excitement to talk to me about released this summer (available for sale in Lowe’s and most notably with the addition of Morley Ivers as the his company, because he wants to encourage as many on Amazon). third cofounder. Ivers specializes in business develop- YU students as he can to pursue entrepreneurship. One The Nucleus intercom elevates the standard house- ment—he helps develop rapid growth organizations message Frankel especially wanted conveyed to Ye- hold intercom system to a whole new level, but at an and worked to create partnerships for Nucleus. Frankel shiva University students was that if you have an idea, affordable price. Not only can you talk to anyone in any also added some junior engineers to his team. While the just go for it. Frankel never thought about starting a room in your house—with a wide-angle camera to cap- company is based in Philadelphia, which currently has company until he had the idea dropped in his lap. He ture the entire room—but now you can talk to your fam- a relatively small technology scene, most of his team believes that if you’re competent enough to get into a ily in another state and even country. Frankel told me is based in New York, with some in Israel and Mexico, good program, be it law or medical school, or a pro- that at the click of a button, within 200 milliseconds, he using Google Hangouts and, yes, the Nucleus intercom, gramming job, then you’re competent enough to start can talk to his mother in New York or his grandmother as platforms for company meetings. your own company. He believes people otherwise tal- in Toronto. The intercom can also integrate with other Frankel emphasized to me that there are two things ented shouldn’t be afraid to take the path less travelled house-connected devices, serve as a baby monitor, and to look for when building your team: trust and diver- for fear of earning a steady living—the chances of some- keep an eye on your house when you're away. There sity. Starting off with his friend, Levy, was a good first one being successful in a startup are roughly the same is also an option to answer calls without lifting a fin- step, because, in Frankel’s opinion, when you have a as following the safe path, if they are motivated to put ger—and a way to silence it when you need peace and shared culture and background with someone, there in the requisite work. quiet. is a sense of trust, which creates a strong foundation on which to build a company. Trust in this situation

Finance and Tamid Clubs Host Joint Event to Inform Students About a Wall Street Career By Adam Gutman of conquering a crisis in the moment, Schiff has found in preparing him for the communication skills neces- that the more passion a person brings to their work, the sary in his current Wall Street life. The Tamid Club teamed up with the Finance Club easier it will be to work through crises and achieve great Even the non-finance majors in the crowd were on Wednesday, March 16th, to bring in a dynamic YU things. There are certainly no shortages of crises one treated to a very applicable talk. Many of the Wall alumnus to speak about what it takes to successfully would face in a Wall Street life, and the best way to pre- Street principles Schiff offered hold true for a number work on Wall Street. Students across numerous majors pare for them is to embrace your experiences of crises of industries. As far a selecting the right major, Schiff, a gathered to listen to David Schiff, Managing Director of and learn from them. computer science major turned financial whiz, specified US Equity Trading at J.P Morgan Asset Management, Schiff then pivoted to his second piece of advice, that the major a student chooses must be something as he drew upon his vast experience to advise those in which was directed specifically at Jews working on Wall they feel passionate about; that passion will help carry attendance about the Wall Street life. After majoring in Street. As observant Jews, we must be able to confront them through the inevitable hard times ahead. A ma- Computer Science at YU, Schiff started his career as a challenges that work may present. For example, late jor should not be chosen based on the glamor or pres- computer consultant at the infamous former Big Five hours on Friday afternoons may result in challenges tige. By adhering to that principle, along with the three accounting firm Arthur Andersen (which collapsed with preparing for Shabbos. Such challenges will in- fundamental pieces of advice detailed above, Schiff has amid the Enron scandal). From there, Schiff moved to evitably happen and it is important to be prepared for been able to climb the Wall Street corporate ladder to Fidelity Investments, where he became interested in the them, whether that means coming in on a Saturday the high level position he enjoys today. financial market. After his time at Fidelity, Schiff made night or working late on a Thursday night. Schiff closed the decision to go back to school in order to get a degree this segment by preaching that we should be proud of in finance from Columbia University. Schiff worked his being Jewish. Though they may not say it straight out, way up the finance world from there, reaching the ex- our future colleagues will generally respect our reli- ecutive position he has at J.P. Morgan today. gious devotion. Speaking at the event, Schiff broke things down into The third and final fundamental piece of advice three fundamental pieces of advice which will help which Schiff offered was the importance of strong com- ready a YU student to work on Wall Street. Firstly, over munication skills. While some may consider communi- the course of the evening, Schiff reiterated several times cation skills to be of minor significance, it is actually that a moment of crisis should be viewed as a moment one of the most important aspects to being successful of opportunity due to the learning experience. The crisis on Wall Street. The ability to make a good first impres- may be very stressful and difficult; however, once it is sion can often be the difference-maker in landing a in the past, only the memory of navigating it remains. great job. A bad first impression, however, is very dif- Those experiences will be invaluable as Wall Street em- ficult to overcome. Considering this, a very smart and ployees, providing the skills to overcome a similar cri- capable person with poor communication skills may sis or situation that may arise. As for the best method very well not be able to succeed. Schiff remembers the resume process and mock interviews were very helpful

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