SINCE 1958

THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER OF STERN COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, SY SYMS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, AND YESHIVA UNIVERSITY WWW.YUOBSERVER.ORG OCTOBER 2019 CHESHVAN 5780 ‘DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT’ Students, Family, and Colleagues Mourn Professor Bob Tufts

AUGUST 2019

NEWS Bob Tufts teaching at Yeshiva University. by his side.” San Francisco Giants and Kansas Miram Schloss, President of the The day before he passed, City Royals and worked on Wall Sy Syms Student Council on the BY YU OBSERVER STAFF his daughter, Abigail Tufts, post- Street. He taught at YU while Beren Campus, corroborated this ed an update on Twitter about fighting cancer and fighting for statement. His counseling extend- On October 4th, Bob Tufts, his condition, which was declin- others suffering from rare medi- ed to his work on the Wilf and Clinical Assistant Professor at ing. The tweet concluded with a cal conditions. His wife, Suzanne Beren campuses, with students YU’s Sy Syms School of Business note to her father, with lines from Israel Tufts, said that not only remembering him as more than a and assistant coach for the YU Dylan Thomas’ poem: “Do not did Professor Tufts co-found the teacher. Schloss said, “Professor baseball team, passed away from go gentle into that good night/ non-profit My Life is Worth It, Tufts was aware of his impact on procedural complications relating Rage, rage against the dying of which advocates for treatments people, and wanted to empow- to his multiple myeloma. Accord- the light.” which would cure diseases, but he er the students in his classroom. ing to his Twitter account, which Before teaching business “personally counseled dozens of He gave pep talks about women has been documenting his 10-year strategy, entrepreneurship, and people battling multiple myelo- in business and shared [the] best journey battling cancer, Professor sports management at YU, Pro- ma… He helped them face their Tufts, at 63 years old, “went peace- fessor Tufts was a Major League deepest fears and obtain the care SEE PROF. TUFTS, PAGE 7 fully…with his wife and daughter Baseball relief pitcher for the best for them and their families.” BEREN CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL SETS PRECE- LGBTQ+ AWARENESS SIGNS TORN DOWN DENT, RULES IN FAVOR OF DEFENDANT AT FIRST ON THE BEREN CAMPUS TRIAL lead plaintiff, brought a claim BY FRUMA LANDA BY YU OBSERVER STAFF against SCWSC in an attempt n September 24th, 2019, to get their approval for her O Sexual Abuse Awareness and On September 15th, a few the Beren Constitutional Coun- hours after LGBTQ+ students and cil ran its first trial, Pollak vs Prevention Club, which they denied on the basis of her hav- allies marched for equality and rep- SCWSC, a few months after resentation at Yeshiva University, signing the newly constructed ing missed the club application deadline. Two plaintiffs filed three anonymous students hung Beren constitution and establish- LGBTQ+ awareness and sensitiv- ing the Constitutional Council ity signs in the bathroom stalls of in May 2019. Neima Pollak, the SEE AFTER THE TRIAL, SEE LGBTQ+ SIGNS, PAGE 5 Stanton Hall (245 Lexington Av- PAGE 4 INSIDE

Why ‘YU and Stern Profile: Myra A Call to “Life starts all over Confessions’ is nec- from the Caf. Recycle in the again when it gets crisp essary. Stern Caf. in the fall.” OPINION, FEATURES, SCI-TECH, - F. Scott Fitzgerald page 14 page 19 page 22 CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 EDITORIAL PAGE 2 EDITORIAL NEWS

EDITORIAL TEAM 2019-2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Meisels

MANAGING EDITOR Talya Hyman

NEWS EDITORS Rachel Jacobi 1958: First Stern College for Women graduating class and first year of theYU Observer. Fruma Landa

OPINIONS EDITORS FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK: Shayna Herszage Based on this report from Spring 2019, 744 of the 4,372 students in YU responded to the campus climate survey. Phillip Nagler THE (POWER IN)(FEAR OF) Elka Wiesenberg FEATURES EDITORS WOMEN’S VOICES Ellie Parker dent body. His comment makes constantly comparing us to what Hadassah Penn BY MOLLY MEISELS it seem like the Observer is not a they considered to be the superi- Mikki Treitel n erev Yom Kippur, true student newspaper -- that we or paper -- the Commentator. O SCI-TECH EDITOR October 7th, an article written are a group of silly girls attempt- This year, the Observer Sarah Brill by a leader of Jewish learning, ing to make our voices heard at has been lucky to have a cour- published in the YU Commen- YU. He is publishing his piece teous and friendly relationship LAYOUT EDITOR tator, suggested that the YU in the Commentator -- which he with the Commentator. The Sara Schatz Observer is illegitimate. The sees as the real student paper of Commentator’s current edito- article, “Why YU Needs a YU. The Commentator even had rial board views the Observer SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Rosh Yeshiva” was written in to include an editor’s note atop editorial board as equals, and Shifra Lindenberg response to the Observer-pub- the piece, clarifying the Observ- it shows. However, the strains lished article, “On Halakha of sexism which emerge at YU and LGBT” by Professor Aar- through the comparison be-

The inequality that is placed on our paper has spoken volumes, spe- cifically in the reactions...from...the administration. Founded by the women of er ’s standing as an “independent tween the two papers is beyond on Koller. Yeshiva University’s Stern student newspaper of Yeshiva Commentator control. The YU The author of the re- College in 1958, The Observer University.” The only difference student body, administration, sponse piece chose a route is the independent newspaper between the two papers are our and general Modern Orthodox of slander, instead of respect, of Stern College for Women, names and our histories. community view the Commen- in responding to Professor Sy Syms School of Business, The Observer has, since tator as the student newspaper Koller’s opinions on the hu- and Yeshiva University. manizing of LGBTQ+ Jews its inception, been considered of Yeshiva University. The Ob- the inferior younger sister of the server? We exist in their minds, and the Observer’s decision The Observer is an independent Commentator. Since we are tra- but merely as blips, even though to publish the piece. We were student publication, self-funded ditionally female-led, as we rep- the work we put in, and put out, most taken aback by the arti- and published on a resent Stern College specifically matches that of our Commenta- cle’s delegitimization of our monthly basis throughout and Yeshiva University generally, tor counterparts. publication. The article ex- the academic year. Views while the Commentator represents The inequality that is presses perplexity over the Ob- expressed in The Observer Yeshiva College specifically and placed on our paper has spoken server’s position on campus, are those of the writers and Yeshiva University generally, volumes, specifically in the- re since the author was told that do not necessarily reflect sexism at YU has deemed the Ob- actions our articles receive from “the Observer… [is] not really those of the editorial board server less-than because of our students and the administration. a fully sanctioned YU newspa- or the student body, faculty, female-oriented roots. This year, the Observer has at- per.” By choosing to include and administration of Yeshiva In the past, Commenta- tempted to speak truth to power this seemingly minor view- University. All Observer tor editors have “hypothetically” -- to wrestle on behalf of student point in his article, the author content is copyrighted and asked the Observer to close up groups silenced on campus. This insinuates that the Observer may not be reprinted without shop and consolidate with the has involved questioning the ad- had no right to publish Profes- permission. sor Koller’s “heresy,” since we Commentator, to become one ministration and the way the uni- student paper, erasing our 62- versity is run. have no right to exist to begin Please visit us at www.yuobserver. year history and the power of the The Commentator has with. This was done without org. recognizing that the Observ- female voice at YU. Last year, been doing so for years. This er and Commentator are both Commentator staff writers and year, the Editor in Chief of the equally independent and equal- even YU staff, mocked the Ob- ly representative of the YU stu- server to me openly, questioning SEE FEAR OF WOM- our existence as a newspaper and EN’S VOICES, PAGE 3 PAGE 3 EDITORIAL CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 NEWS 79% OF STUDENTS NEVER TAUGHT HOW TO RESPOND TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CAMPUS, SURVEY SHOWS

Based on this report from Spring 2019, 744 of the 4,372 students in YU responded to the campus climate survey.

sault….” and the way people respond to 51.6% of the respon- BY MOLLY MEISELS The survey, a require- it with shock and appreciation, dents are undergraduate stu- ment by New York State Educa- lauding the school for being so dents, with 59% being female, At the end of the Spring tion Law Article 129-B, Section forward-thinking has frustrated 39% male, and the remaining 2019 semester, Yeshiva Uni- 6445, is part of Governor An- me since I first heard about it.” 2% non-binary/third gender, versity sent a “YU Campus Cli- drew Cuomo’s plan to address Article 129-B requires those who prefer to self-de- mate Survey” to YU undergrad- sexual assault in educational that “[i]nstitutions shall publish scribe, and those who prefer not uate, graduate, and professional environments. The campus as- results of the surveys on their to say. 88.6% of the respondents students to “ascertain general sessment provision of the law website[...].” Spring 2018’s cli- identify as heterosexual, 2.6% awareness and knowledge of the went into effect for the 2016- mate survey is absent from YU’s as gay or lesbian, 3.8% as bisex- University’s prevention and re- 2017 academic year, introduc- website, but Spring 2017’s has ual, 1.3% who prefer to self-de- sponse to sexual assault.” Nei- ing YU’s Spring 2017 Campus been published, along with the scribe, and 3.8% who prefer not ma Pollak, SCW ’20, a student Climate Survey. While it is a results of last semester’s survey. to say. who has been advocating for requirement for YU to distrib- The surveys are designed by Of the respondents, improved sexual assault preven- ute the survey, it is not manda- the Yeshiva University Campus 6.3% say that someone has tion on campus, appreciates the tory that students complete it. Climate Survey Commission “made sexual advances, ges- survey. She said, “I am glad that Rivkie Reiter, who graduated and are “anonymous and con- tures, comments, or jokes that YU sends out the campus cli- from Stern College for Women fidential,” pursuant to the NYS were unwelcome” to them in the mate survey because the results in May 2019, told the Observ- law. According to this year’s 2018-2019 academic year; 3.2% allow us an insight into sexual er, “I’ve never been particu- survey results, “[o]f the total of assault on campus. We can then larly impressed or surprised by 4,372 YU students, 744 students SEE CAMPUS CLIMATE use these results as further di- the survey. The school doesn’t responded to the survey, result- SURVEY, PAGE 6 rection in combating sexual as- have a choice but to send it out, ing in a response rate of 17%.”

FEAR OF tator is not demeaned for its con- publishes an opinion article articles reaching tens of thou- WOMEN’S VOICES troversial messaging, but rather with which they disagree, stu- sands of readers. Our team of FROM PAGE 2 praised by some for standing up in dents will not come to us to strong women and men strive to the name of journalism. But when publish response pieces, but in- represent the YU student body Commentator published an ed- the Observer -- YU’s women stead turn to the Commentator. through allowing students to itorial titled, “On the Absence -- begin publishing controversy, They have become the default, amplify their voices. Our arti- of Leadership at YU.” The heads turn. For instance, this year, even for YU’s women. Instead cles showcase diversity in reli- Observer’s first editorial of the the Commentator received an in- of using the Observer as their gious practice, sexuality, gender 2019-2020 academic year was terview with President Berman publisher of choice, students identity, and political affiliation. titled, “Bigotry is Heresy: The and the Observer did not, with- and student groups turn to the We have proven ourselves as Observer’s Religious Mission to out an explanation. We have been Commentator. We, the women equals to Wilf’s student jour- Eliminate Intolerance” and our told that our pieces have been too of YU’s student journalism, are nalists. We have recognized our second, “Yeshiva vs. University: harsh on the administration, even cast aside. It is no wonder that ability. Now it’s your turn. YU’s Institutional Identity Cri- though our male counterparts do the author of “Why YU Needs sis”. These articles (in both the the same. But when we do it, it’s a Rosh Yeshiva” does not view Commentator and Observer) of- different -- it’s subversive, be- us as he does the Commenta- fer significant criticism towards cause instead of men speaking the tor. Why should he, when our YU, but with a purpose -- to truth, it’s women. own administration and student make YU a home for all its stu- The problem does not body cannot do the same? Stu- dents and for us student journal- only lie within the administration. dents and administrators need ists to transform the issues which Students, too, act as if the Com- to ask themselves -- are the Ob- plague YU into a list of goals for mentator is superior to the Ob- server and the Commentator YU to take on. server. Students choose to publish unequal, or is the institutional While the Commenta- their pieces in the Commentator sexism present at YU emerging tor’s editorials and other critical over the Observer for no other through the newspaper hierar- articles upset the university and reason than “the Commentator chy? some students, the paper is still has more reach” and “it’s more The Observer publishes taken seriously and the Commen- legitimate.” When the Observer dozens of pieces a month with Booklet distributed at SCW’s senior dinner in 1958, written by the PR director at the time. CHESHVANCHESHVAN 57805780 ~~ OCTOBEROCTOBER 20192019 NEWSNEWS PAGEPAGE 44 NEWS NEWS NEWLY FORMED BEREN CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL PREPARES TO HEAR FIRST CASE

ogy Club and Yael Marcus and request due to protocol, Pollak will be permissible, at 5 minutes BY MOLLY MEISELS Meira Gurell of the Education reached out to the Office of -Stu per side. Only then will the Council Club -- are disputing SCWSC’s dent Life, which stated that this deliberate and make their decision. On Tuesday, Septem- decisions regarding the club ap- issue was one she had to take up The Council is comprised of Chief ber 24th at 9 a.m., the newly plication process based on Sec- with SCWSC. It was only then that Justice Adler and four other justices formed Beren Constitutional tion I.B. Pollak decided to bring the -- Noa Eliach, Eliana Lindenberg, Council will be conducting its Pollak says that case to the Constitutional Atara Kelman, and Yael Evgi. Chief first trial in 215 Lexington Av- Justice Adler tells the Observer that enue’s Gottesman Boardroom. she is looking forward to the trial Chief Justice Shana Adler “It’s [...] rewarding to see all the effort we put into and is “confident that both sides will sent a sstud to the Beren stu- the new Constitution... become a reality!” present their arguments well.” dent body regarding the his- - Eliana Lindenberg, ‘21 This trial is historic for the toric suit. The case, Pollak vs Beren Campus. While the Wilf SCWSC, has been brought by the club application was open Council. Campus has had a Constitution- the lead plaintiff, Neima Pol- for 8 days, rather than 14 at Katz and Wiesenberg ex- al Council for some time, Beren’s lak. Pollak attempted to have the beginning of the semester, press confidence in their defense: all-female Constitutional Council her proposed club -- the Sexual which she claims contests Sec- “We spend a lot of time work- was officially established with the Abuse Awareness and Preven- tion I.B. Pollak tells the YU Ob- ing hard to represent the student signing of Beren’s new constitution tion Club -- approved by the server why she’s decided to take body— it’s our job— but they have in May 2019. The justices look for- Stern College for Women Stu- her case to the Constitutional to work with us. It’s unfortunate ward to establishing student-led au- dent Council after the SCWSC Council: “ Unfortunately, sex- that there’s a clash and we have to thoritative precedence on the Beren club application deadline had ual abuse does not discriminate go to the Constitutional Council to Campus. “It’s exciting to be part of a passed. She was denied by and affects every segment of the resolve this issue, but [we] firmly new institution that has the power to Elka Wiesenberg, the SCWSC Jewish community [...] I believe believe in [our] council’s having affect real change on campus,” says Vice President of Clubs and it is incredibly important to have made the right decisions by keep- Justice Noa Eliach. Justice Eliana former-interim SCWSC Pres- a club on campus for sexual ing to deadlines, and we stand by Lindenberg, one of the individuals ident. According to Chief Jus- abuse awareness and prevention them,” they tell the Observer. who constructed the Beren Consti- tice Adler, the “alleged consti- because it sends the message to Since this is the Council’s tution last academic year, is ecstatic tutional violation can be found students that they are not alone first trial and according to Adler, to see her work come to fruition. She in Article VII Section I.B of and there is support available…” “there is no official procedure estab- says, “It’s [...] rewarding to see all the Beren Constitution.” The According to the de- lished in the Beren Constitution,” the effort we put into the new Con- constitutional clause states: fendant, SCWSC, represented the justices have decided upon their stitution last year become a reality! “Applications for new club by Aleeza Katz, newly elected own rules. They’ve outlined a trial This council is something I especial- status shall be made during an SCWSC President, and Wiesen- order with time limits. The plaintiff ly care about...I’m so excited to be agreed upon two week period berg, Pollak reached out after and defendant will each be allowed part of it and to finally see our first within the first three weeks of the club application was closed a 4-minute opening, followed by a case.” each academic semester[...]” to request that it be reopened. series of evidence, witnesses, and ------Pollak and the other plaintiffs After Wiesenberg declined her rebuttals, meant to last no longer Update: The justices ruled in favor -- Ahuva Fried of the Psychol- than 44 minutes total. Closings of SCWSC.

LGBTQ+ SIGNS eted student that they are not tearing down the signs, the pres- outrage or other inaccurate infor- mation about what we’re trying FROM PAGE 1 alone.” ence of an LGBT+ community On the rainbow-col- isn’t being prevented. They are to do,” she stated. “I thought it ored signs were quotes from no more or less present than they was important to get the word out enue) on the Beren Campus. LGBTQ+ students, both closet- have always been, they are only there to the general student body… The next day, the majority ed and otherwise, and their al- becoming harder to ignore.” to help them recognize us as stu- of the signs were torn down, lies. The 52 quotes covered top- The Beren student who dents… and real people.” leaving LGBTQ+ community ics including the importance of created the signs did so because The organizers do not be- members and allies frustrat- education on LGBTQ+ issues, she recognizes the “incredible lieve that the signs were contro- ed. Courtney Marks, one of the gradual nature of progress, things” LGBTQ+ students and versial. One Allied quote read: the LGBTQ+ march organiz- and the insensitivity of debates allies were saying in the lead-up “Many of my friends are gay. That ers and an openly queer YU about the existence of queer to the march (and at the actual doesn’t make them less Jewish. student, says, “It is common students at Yeshiva University. march itself). However, she says That doesn’t make me gay. That that when people are forced Allies on campus were disap- she knew that only a self-selec- doesn’t make me love them less. It to acknowledge their bigotry, pointed that the signs were torn tive group of YU students were just makes them gay.” The quotes they get [defensive]. I hope down. Shayna Herszage, SCW listening. “Most of the student by LGBTQ+ students pleaded for that while the signs [were] still ‘21, says, “People are trying to population doesn’t have any ex- the YU administration and the stu- up, it opened up one person’s give a voice to an already exist- posure [to LGBTQ+ people] so mind… or showed one clos- ing community on campus. In they are only hearing about the SEE LGBTQ+ SIGNS, PAGE 6 PAGE 5 NEWS CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 NEWS read of the article. AFTER THE TRIAL The plaintiff argued FROM PAGE 1 that the word could not be read this way, claims -- the Education Club and as section 1A of the the Psychology Club. At the trial, constitution states all the plaintiffs were represented specifically that ‘the by Rachel Rosenberg. SCWSC renewal of club sta- was represented by Aleeza Katz, tus shall be made… SCWSC President, and Elka Wi- within the first three esenberg, SCWSC Vice President weeks of the fall of Clubs. semester’, which Official email describing the verdict. On September 19th, a few would make the defense’s read- if we were to accept this defini- our brand new constitution. Is mis- days before the trial, Chief Jus- ing of 1B seemingly redundant. tion that the constitution had no construing one word of the consti- tice Shana Adler sent an email to However, 1A refers specifical- minimum requirement, one would tution to justify SCWSC’s actions the Beren Campus student body ly to the renewal of club status, need to accept that had SCWSC more significant than the aims of informing them of the basis for while 1B refers to applications only opened the form, for say, the SGA that align with the plain the case, citing that “the alleged for new clubs. As such, the read- three minutes, that too would have meaning of the text?” constitutional violation can be ing of ‘during’ as ‘within’ is not been constitutional. If we look at Regarding her decision, found in Article VII Section I. B a redundant understanding.” the continuation of clause 1,B it Adler commented to the Observ- of the Beren Constitution.” They respond- states that the two week er, “We were faced with a difficult Article VII Section I.B ed to Plaintiff’s claim period must be ‘within the case because both sides present- states: ed solid arguments. The debate in “Applications for new deliberations mainly surrounded club status shall be made during “Applications for new club status shall be made whether to follow the letter of the an agreed upon two week peri- during an agreed upon two week period within the law or the spirit of the law. Ulti- od within the first three weeks of first three weeks of the semester...” mately, the majority felt that the each academic semester […]” - Article VII Section I.B of the Beren Constitution letter of the law took precedence Plaintiff’s case against in this case which led us to rule in SCWSC was centered around the favor of the defense.” claim that the application period that SCWSC was not fulfilling first three weeks of each academ- There is no level of appeal was not open for fourteen days. its role of enhancing students’ ic semester.’ It thus becomes ap- in the Constitutional Council pro- On September 25th, the lives by saying: “The majority of parent that the three weeks were cess, so the Pyschology Club, the day after the trial, Adler sent an the court felt that this argument the span of time in which the two Education Club, and the Sexual email to Beren students explain- did not hold water. The defense week window needed to be open. Abuse Awareness and Prevention ing the results: brought evidence to show that If the two weeks were not a min- Club cannot be approved for the “Pollak vs. SCWSC was they did and continue to fulfill imum requirement, the additional Fall 2019 semester. Although the heard this morning by the Con- their duties to enhance student requirement for a three week time verdict has been difficult for the stitutional Council…After much life, but stated that they must frame would be redundant.” Education Club and Psychology deliberation, the Council ruled in have hard deadlines made by Furthermore, Kelman, an Club, SCWSC personally reached favor of the defense (3-2 vote), the student leaders or by OSL in author of the constitution, “can out to all previous club presidents feeling that not enough evidence order to operate in a functional verify that the word ‘during’ was and asked them if they wanted to had been presented to prove that manner.” employed to relay the full two renew their club’s status. The Edu- SCWSC violated the Beren Con- They concluded their week period.” cation Club was undergoing a pres- stitution. Both the majority opin- opinion by explaining, “Our Kelman and Eliach re- idential switch during the club ap- ion and the dissenting opinion job as justices is simply to in- sponded to Plaintiff’s claim that plication window and by the time will be circulated in the coming terpret the constitution, not to SCWSC was not fulfilling its there was an official president, days.” enforce it. Accordingly, the final role of enhancing students’ lives the club renewal had passed. The In an interview with Jus- decision lay only in whether or by citing the constitution itself. defense says, “SCWSC officials tice Atara Kelman, she told the not SCWSC violated the Beren They write, “Article II Section reached out to students who[se] Observer that Plaintiff’s main Constitution. The majority felt 2 states that the purpose of SGA clubs had been denied to suggest claims were, according to the that the plaintiff did not present is ‘To gather and express student other ways they would be able to published dissenting opinion, enough evidence to prove this opinion, actively represent stu- bring their events to campus with- “[...] that the seven days that the was the case and thus we found dent views, appropriately address out forming an official club.” student body had to fill out the in favor of the defense.” student concerns, and ensure that SCWSC has voiced frus- club form was in violation of this The dissenting opinion, students are informed of all infor- trations that by taking them to article which mandates a full two supported by Atara Kelman mation of impact to their under- court, students have been ungrate- week period.” Another of Plain- and Noa Eliach, agreed with graduate experience.’ Addition- ful, as the student councils work tiff’s claims was quoted by the Plaintiff’s claim that the word ally, Article III Section IV clause hard for the student body. Howev- majority opinion, which states “during” indicates the full length B defines SCWSC’s purpose ‘To er, Kelman says, “Student Coun- that “[t]he plaintiff also argued of the two weeks, “[a]ccording carry out the desires of the Stern cil’s obligation is to help students. that SCWSC and SGA failed to to the Merriam Webster Dictio- College for Women undergradu- Questioning the decision of the fulfill their duties of enhancing nary the first definition of during ate student body.’” student council isn’t necessarily student life by denying club sta- is ‘throughout the duration of.’” Kelman and Eliach con- being ungrateful.” tus if applications were submitted Eliach and Kelman ex- cluded their dissent with: “To- after the deadline.” plain, “This [definition] then day the Constitutional Council The majority opinion was mandates that the club form be lost sight of why the constitution voted on by Shana Adler, Eliana open throughout the duration of and this very council was created Lindenberg, and Yael Evgi. In re- the decided upon two weeks. As in the first place. We were- sad sponse to Plaintiff’s claim that the such, the defendant evidently re- dened to see the formalistic atti- word “during” indicates the full jected Article VII Section I.B by tude which emphasized a narrow length of the two weeks, the ma- having the form open for seven and technical reading of the con- jority says, “The defense argued days, rather than the prescribed stitution. This case must be con- that the word ‘during’ connotes fourteen.” textualized with careful attention ‘within’ as opposed to ‘for the The dissenting opinion to the social and cultural needs duration of’. The majority of the questions the constitutional in- of our campus in addition to the court felt this was a compelling terpretation of the majority: “[...] more broad and holistic view of CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 NEWS PAGE 6

NEWS hang the signs in Stanton Hall bath- causes have been posted around awareness signs were kept in the NEWS LGBTQ+ SIGNS rooms as opposed to constructing YU before. In 2017, students on bathrooms and a few were hung in more visible spots around cam- FROM PAGE 4 a mural in the lobby because they the Beren Campus hung a mural believed it would last longer. The in Stanton Hall protesting the pus. One of the last remaining lead organizer tells the Observer: Trump administra- signs hangs on the ninth floor of dent body to recognize them. “We “I didn’t think they’d be forci- tion’s immigration Stanton Hall, where construc- have existed for as long as the bly taken down… If people were restrictions and stu- tion is taking place and less stu- Torah itself,” one said. Elka Wi- dents congregate. The sign, past- esenberg, Vice President of Clubs “ ...If ed down with construction tape for the Stern College for Women I didn’t think they’d be forcibly taken down placed by workers on the floor, Student Council, commented to people were passive, they would [have left] them highlights a quote from Sarah the Observer after reading some up...” Graff, a YU alumnus: “One thing of the quotes: “Being gay does I have noticed in my life is the im- not change a person’s value and passive, they would leave them up dents on the Wilf Campus did portance of community… There does not diminish the fact that the and ignore them. You have to be an- the same in the Gottesman Li- are a lot of components that affect person is a child of G-d. There is tagonistic to tear them down.” She brary. Two weeks later, the YU life as someone who Jewish and no excuse for treating gay people now wonders if the signs would Feminists Club hung a mural LGBT. Of course it makes sense as anything less than that. Taking have been torn down had she post- about the existence of sexism that these people with so many down flyers about awareness is ed them mural-style in the lobby, at the University on the Wilf common experiences want to get wrong, no matter what it’s for.” which was her original plan. Campus. together and talk about it.” The organizers chose to Murals for social justice However, the LGBTQ+

MINING OF UNPROTECTED THESES NEW LIBRARY PROGRAM FROM YAIR TO THIRD PARTY FOR FRESHMEN WEBSITE dents to initiate a relationship pervised and mentored by a fac- BY RACHEL JACOBI BY RACHEL JACOBI with the PL when they first come ulty member. To ensure that these onto campus so when they are as- projects are only accessed by the The Yeshiva Academic The Personal Librarian signed intensive research as up- YU community, they are hosted Institutional Repository (YAIR) program provides a librarian by perclassmen, they already have by YAIR through password pro- is an initiative that was recently assignment as a mentor to each an existing relationship with a tection, or are supposed to be. launched by the Yeshiva Uni- incoming Stern or Yeshiva Col- librarian in place. Wendy Ko- Two weeks ago, Chani versity Library with the intent lege student. Personal Librari- sakoff, the Public Services and Grossman, Stern College for to digitize a wide database of ans (PL) work on an individual Outreach Librarian at the Pollack Women alumnus, discovered that Yeshiva University written basis with a student to assist or Library, says that the goal is for her honor thesis was mined from material. This digital database guide research. The PL program freshmen to understand that the the repository and published on includes uploads of undergrad- is valuable in helping students library has not only books, but third party websites, without uate student journals such as find and identify relevant print people that want to help them. proper crediting to her name. the YU Clarion, Kol Hame- and digital resources, cite or in- The PL program for fresh- This resulted from a lack vaser, the Journal of Fine Arts, tegrate sources, and locate mate- men is popular program amongst of oversight by YAIR, as they Journal of Abstracts, and other rials in other libraries, including many schools and universities failed to protect a group of up- works produced by Yeshi- non-YU libraries. and has been met with success. loaded honor theses. va University schools and While this program has According to Wendy Kasakoff, Unprotected works in- its general student popu- been in use for the last two years research has shown that a rela- cluded the theses of assisting and mentoring honor tionship with a librarian over a students with their theses, this students college career impacts Two weeks ago, Chani Grossman, SCW alumnus, year the YU librarians decided the overall success of the student.PAGE 4 discovered that her honors thesis was...pub- that the resources for the Per- This personal librarian lished on third party websites, without crediting sonal Librarian program would program for freshmen can be be better utilized if directed at accessed on both undergraduate her name. freshmen. Previously all honors campuses, at the Hedi Steinberg students had access to this pro- andPAGE Pollack 6 libraries. Appoint- both Stern and Yeshiva College lace. gram but now, although honor ments can be made by freshmen honor students. These theses ap- To further maintain its PAGE 6 students can still request assis- online, via email, and walk-in. peared on databases that com- currency, the repository fea- tance from librarians, personal monly feature scholarly works, tures a YAIR Self-Deposit, librarians will no longer be as- such as Semantic Scholar. where students, faculty, and signed to them. However, YAIR took staff can “deposit research ma- This year all first year students swift action when the issue was terials in any digital format, in- will benefit from the PL pro- brought to their attention. Chani cluding: articles, monographs, gram. The objective is for stu- Grossman commented on Face- theses and dissertations, work- book that YAIR “not only imme- ing papers, technical reports, diately password protected [my conference papers and presen- thesis] when I emailed, they also tations, datasets, software code, contacted the outside academic images, video, and other multi- database to have my paper re- media creations.” moved.” While a Google search Included in the schol- for a student thesis may result in arly works and theses that are the appearance of a direct link to digitally available in the re- Semantic Scholar, clicking on the pository are 208 honors theses link to visit the page indicates that written by undergraduate Stern the thesis has been taken down. and Yeshiva College students. YAIR has also confirmed that all As part of the honors program, theses and works are now pass- all honors students are required word protected. to design a research project, su- Hedi Steinberg Library. PAGE 7 NEWSNEWS CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBERPAGE 2019 6 NEWS NEW HALACHIC ORGAN DONOR SOCIETY INITIATES DIA- LOGUE ON CAMPUS cessity of organ donation, and is There is variety in their organ dona- have occasionally made [h]ala- BY ALICE ARONOV sponsored by the Halachic Organ tion card options, allowing individu- chic statements that are not in Donor Society organization, which als to choose how and when they do- line with Rav Schachter’s p’sak. Sara Verschleisser and Talia has provided a fellowship to the nate. It should be clear that if/when Kupferman, co-presidents of the club and its two presidents for the The club has been received speakers come in, that we have newly approved Halachic Organ 2019-2020 academic year. Accord- with some apprehension because of roshei yeshiva who do not agree Donor Society (HODS) chapter ing to the greater HODS organiza- the more traditional halachic views with all of their p’sak.” at Stern College for Women, have tion, Verschleisser and Kupferman and leanings of some YU rabbis, A conversation is what repeatedly encountered the ques- are expected to “organize lectures like that of Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Verschleisser and Kupferman tion, “Don’t you need to be buried around the medical, ethical, and whose p’saks (rulings on Jewish law) are striving for, and they are with all your organs?” halachic issues surround- forbid Jews from donating finding others receptive to - dis The answer is complex. ing organ donation, se- organs. Verschleisser and cussion. “People want to save While there are halachot regard- lives,” Verschleisser said. ing Jewish burial, Verschlessier Students at SCW agreed explained that a halachic dialogue The club has been received with some appre- with the club’s presidents and needs to be had. The HODS presi- because of the more traditional halachic are looking forward to the dia- dents bring up pikuach nefesh (the hension views...of some YU rabbis...whose p’saks... logue the club will initiate. Fru- Jewish value of saving a life) in forbid ma Landa, SCW ’21, told the regards to Jews donating organs, Jews from donating organs. Observer, “I think many people and the halachic importance are not educated in the halachic of the practice. They said that cure campus space for HODS ed- Kupferman had originally wished to discussion of organ donation so halachot “can be overridden in ucational brochures, coordinate call the club “Stern College for Organ there are a lot of misconceptions order to save a life. The real hala- campus participation in a Donor Donation” but were dissuaded by the about the role of organ donat- chic discussion surrounding or- Registration Day, and recruit peer student government due to the pos- ing in halacha. It is important gan donation is not [surrounding] participants for the HODS annual sible issues it would cause with YU to have a club on campus that is those halachot, but determining 5K race.” HODS has “saved hun- rabbinical authorities. dedicated to teaching the many the halachic definition of death.” dreds of lives, educated more than The Office of Student Life views and discussing these hala- The purpose of the HODS 50,000 Jews about organ donation supports HODS bringing speakers to chos in depth.” chapter on the Beren Campus is and has recruited hundreds of rab- YU, but told the presidents, “In the to raise awareness about the ne- bis to carry organ donor cards.” past when HODS has come in, they

A discussion on halachic organ donations organized by the Medical Ethics Society in October 2018.

PROF. TUFTS va (Jewish week-long period of posted a Google Form in the YU mourning) were shared wide- by sharing a thought or story FROM PAGE 1 Marketplace Facebook group about his impact on your YU ly on Facebook. Students were with the following message: “Last urged to attend. Experience….” The anecdotes talks about women in business week the YU community and fond memories students re- and shared [the] best practices to On October 10th, lost a dear and beloved Chayim Mahgerefteh, Pres- member will be shared with his demonstrate competence and ded- professor, Bob Tufts… family. “Professor Tufts was a ication in the workforce.” huge asset to Yeshiva Universi- When news of Professor “I’ve never seen a professor so dedicated to ty and his passing is a very un- Tuft’s death reached YU students teaching women how to prepare for the business fortunate loss. He was friendly and alumni, statements acknowl- and genuinely cared about his edging his character, teaching world...” ability, and strength were posted - Rebekah Khakshoor, SSSB ‘17 on social media. Information and SEE PROF. TUFTS, PAGE 9 updates about his funeral and shi- ident of the Sy Syms Student Pay tribute to Professor Tufts Council on the Wilf Campus, CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 TISHREI 5780 ~ SEPTEMBER 2019 NEWSNEWS ELUL 5779 ~ AUGUSTPAGEPAGE 2019 86 NEWS HISTORY REPEATS: AIDS PROGRAM HALTED AT YC AND SCW From the Archives: December 12, 1994 Weiner added that the un- dergraduates at YC and SCW BY MICHELE BERMAN are going to go on to profes- sional schools and will be As December 1, World working with different peo- AIDS Awareness Day, passed ple. Weiner added, “They’re virtually unnoticed on the un- going to have to work with dergraduate campuses of YC lots of people who are HIV and SCW, the Social Dimen- infected. I really don’t be- sions of AIDS class, a part lieve there’s any working en- of the Wurzweiler School of vironment that you can even Social Work, was denied per- think of that’s not going to mission to run an educational have HIV infected people in AIDS program for YC and it.” SCW students, in what Dean The Wurzweiler students of Students Efrem Nulman ex- said they felt that the under- plained as a result of their lack graduate students needed to of experience and YU students’ be more empathetic and tol- ingrained attitudes and beliefs. erant of those suffering from “I didn’t feel it was use- AIDS, that it’s not simply ful for college age students… a gay disease, and that they, The time to begin education too, can get it.” is in grade school. Values are Graubard said, “They are well in place by college,” said not just a group of people who we can say forget about them, Nulman. “Education and infor- was… [because] I graduated a program that combined hala- throw them away, they are not mation is a part of the puzzle from Stern and really didn’t cha and medical data. “We’re not worth our helping. But they are in- but doesn’t always solve the know anything about AIDS. A opposed to people talking about dividuals, they have parents, they problem. Values and behav- lot of the students who are in AIDS and sensitivity to AIDS, have siblings, they have friends, iors are the hardest things to Stern either fall under two cat- but the halachic, psychological they have lovers.” change.” egories [--] know about AIDS and medical [sides] need to be According to Simcha Nulman also pointed and will actively look for infor- addressed.” He said someone like Rosenberg, Coordinator of the UJA to their lack of experience. He mation or are totally ignorant Rav Tendler would be better suit- Federation AIDS Project, there is said, “With all due respect to about AIDS.” ed to speak on this topic because estimated to be in the New York them… I don’t think they have She added, “I think it’s of his knowledge in both halacha Metropolitan area, at least 15,000 the experience [to run a pro- very important as peo- and biology. gram on AIDS].” Jews infected with HIV, and though The conflict arose after she said they didn’t know how many Wurzweiler students in a class have died from AIDS, she did say called “Social Dimensions of “We wouldn’t have been hurting the that it is estimated to be in the thou- AIDS” were assigned a proj- integrity of the sands. Rosenberg also said her only ect by Professor Adele Wemer, school by what we would have been presenting.” firm statistic was from a 12-month period from 1991/1992 where assistant dean of Wurzweiler, over 7,300 core Jewish house- to educate a body of students ple who are going to graduate However, Nulman said, “If stu- holds, meaning that they are defi- about AIDS. The class chose college and hopefully come dents of YC and SCW come [to nitely Jewish, used AIDS services to do their project on the un- out as knowledgeable people to me] and want to have a program just within that 12-month period. dergraduate schools, YC and learn about it, and there are very [on AIDS], we’ll have a program.” Charles Berman, one of the Wurz- SCW, and went to Nulman to few avenues that Stern College Nulman added that, “A weiler students chosen to speak to ask his permission. students can [take to] learn good majority of [the YU] student Nulman directly, said sarcastically, Nulman said that their about AIDS.” body are not going to be engaging “In the Orthodox community and target audience was not a good In response to Nulman’s in practices that put them at risk.” in Yeshiva University there is no choice, and that they should ed- views that education should Weiner commented on the domestic violence, there’s no sex, ucate a different student body start at a young age, Graubard administration’s attitude on the there’s no drug abuse, and the Or- outside of Yeshiva. “We have said, “...better late than never.” student body of the undergraduate thodox institutition’s responses are a very well-educated group of Graubard said that the schools. She said, “...many other commensurate with that. They are undergraduates. They come program the class would have schools have felt that it’s some- not ready yet to admit that there is a in with an education. They’re done would have been “tailored thing that needs to be dealt with problem.” not ignorant, [but] intelligent, to the needs of the group” and and I”m not quite sure in terms of Berman added that there is well-read… Our student pop- would have “encompassed the the student body what one group a common link often made at YU ulation has a great sensitivity type of people who would be of people are saying about how exclusively between AIDS and ho- to [people with diseases] and there, their values, the values the students behave and how the mosexuality. “I would gage the in- certainly to those with AIDS.” of the school.” She said, “...we students are actually behaving, if stitution’s response to the fact that However, the Wurz- wouldn’t have been hurting the those two realities, are 100% con- were it not homophobic we would weiler students disagreed with integrity of the school by what gruent.” She pointed to the fact be doing the same type of AIDS Nulman. we would have been present- that there may be those SCW or prevention with Orthodox sensi- Adeeva Laya Grau- ing.” YC students who will be marrying tivity than any other institution of bard, SCW ‘93, graduating Nulman said he under- those outside of the YU commu- Wurzweiler ‘95, said, “One of stood this but also felt the Wur- nity “who themselves may have the real reasons why I want- zweiler students didn’t have the a history which they may or may SEE HISTORY RE- ed to do the program at Stern experience, nor could they offer not have told the person about.” PEATS, PAGE 10 PAGE 9 NEWS CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019

CAMPUS CLIMATE showing students the “Tea and SURVEY Consent” video, no workshop or FROM PAGE 2 online training on sexual assault prevention is mandatory for un- dergraduate students. 25% of re- of respondents report that an spondents say that they’ve been individual had “unwanted sex- to a YU class, training (online or ual contact” with them during otherwise), assembly, or work- this time. 22% of the incidents shop dealing with the “definition occurred on a YU campus and COMING YOUR WAY... of consent and how to obtain it 65% occurred off-campus, but from a sexual partner.” The num- in New York City. 42% of the bers drop for other topics -- 23% perpetrators were current stu- of respondents say they’ve been dents of YU. educated on YU’s sexual as- 41% of the victims sault policy; 21% on how to re- notified a YU figure, -includ port sexual assault; 15% on the ing YU’s Title IX Coordinator services available for survivors The Libertarian take- (currently Dean Chaim Nissel, of sexual assault; 14% on how over. (...wait, what does the Dean of Students), the YU to intervene as a bystander to Counseling Center, and YU that mean?) protect other students of sexual Campus Security; 8% notified OPINION assault. Some students believe local police and 63% did not training should be conducted on page 17 notify anyone. 32% of vic- campus. Sara Schatz, SCW ’20, tims did not contact YU’s Title told the Observer, “There...isn’t IX Coordinator because they nearly enough sexual assault pre- “were concerned that the group vention training on campus (if at would treat [them] poorly, not all), which...does make campus Jewish life at Stern - a respond effectively, or not take life feel unsafe… And even if mechina student’s per- action….” 26% of students did something still happens despite not reach out to YU’s Office spective. the training (G-d forbid), at least of Student Life or other YU YU won’t lose more money from administrative figures, faculty, a lawsuit because they chose not FEATURES and staff for the same reasons. to take precautionary page 19 With a recent measures.” push on campus for the The survey an- initiation of a Sexual As-

The majority of survey respondents say they “don’t know” how YU deals with instances of This is one stressful sexual assault. article.

swers reflect a lack of aware- sault Awareness and Preven- SCI TECH ness of administrative resources tion Club and the lawsuit by page 23 available on campus “specifical- 38 former Yeshiva University ly relating to sexual assault, do- High School for Boys’ students mestic/dating violence, and against YU for how it “failed to stalking.” 61% of students aren’t protect students” from sexual at all aware of the resources of- abuse by rabbis in the institu- fered by YU’s Title IX Coordi- tion, there is a spotlight on YU nator; 41% responded similarly for how it deals with sexual to their awareness of the Dean abuse and its prevention. The of Student’s resources and 46% majority of survey respondents to YU Housing’s resources. The say that they “don’t know” how majority of students are aware of YU deals with instances of sex- PROF. TUFTS teaching me to fight for what’s the YU Counseling Center’s re- FROM PAGE 7 ual assault -- 52% of respon- important. To think critically.” sources regarding sexual assault, dents say they “don’t know” His family wishes to domestic/dating violence, and students’ success,” Mahgerefteh if “YU is doing a good job of extend his legacy of fighting stalking, with 66% of respon- told the Observer. providing needed services to for what’s important through dents saying that they are “very YU alumni cite Professor victims of sexual assault,” 59% fundraising. Their Go-Fund aware” or “aware.” Dean Nissel Tufts’ classes as those which most say they “don’t know” if “YU Me page, “Team BT — cancer claims that safety of students is inspired them during their college is doing a good job of investi- care costs; keep BTs legacy YU’s top priority. He says, “It is experience. Rebekah Khakshoor, gating incidents of sexual as- alive” has raised over $26,000 important to us that if students SSSB ’17, had him four times, sault,” and 72% say that they so far. The proceeds will go to experience any type of harass- starting in her freshman year and “don’t know” if “[a]t YU, when cover the expenses of Profes- ment, they report it to security, ending with her final semester’s it is determined that a sexual sor Tufts’ 10-year treatment our Title IX coordinator[...] or capstone class. She said, “In my assault has happened, the per- and the continued funding Human Resources so we can experience, Professor Tufts’ classes petrator gets punished.” of My Life is Worth It. The properly investigate and take ac- were different. He challenged me… While YU distributes its money raised will ensure that tion if needed. We use the survey He taught me to think differently “Title IX: Non-Discrimination the advocacy work he began data to monitor the students’ ex- and not restrict my views to those and Anti-Harassment Policy” during his lifetime will contin- perience on campus and ensure within my bubble…I’ve never seen to incoming students during ue on and serve as another one that they are getting the support a professor so dedicated in teach- undergraduate orientations and of his lasting legacies. needed.” ing women how to prepare for the has a segment dedicated to business world or how to enter the May Professor Bob addressing sexual assault by ‘boys club’ of sports marketing… Tufts’ memory be a blessing. Thank you for exemplifying what a professor should be. Thank you for CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 NEWS-OPINION PAGE 10 OPINION PAGE 6 FROM THE PRESIDENTS’ DESK: COLLEGE DEMOCRATS

tered Democrats or believe in BY SARAH BRILL progressive ideologies. These & COURTNEY MARKS students who believe in what the Democrats stand for-- A few weeks ago, whether it is LGBTQ+ rights, when the YU club list came safe and humane immigration out, we discovered that the T reform, or any other number College Democrats was not of issues-- deserve a voice on listed. We did not receive campus. They deserve to hear this notice from the Student about the political issues that Council via email, but rath- concern them just as other po- er found out when we were litical parties, whether at YU approached to comment or on another college campus, on the matter for the YU get to voice their issues and Commentator. About three have an impact on democracy. days following the news, A major issue, however, we were notified that our facing many eligible voters is club had been reinstated. It the lack of turnout at the polls is a sad truth that our own come election time. Many of peers would want to physi- our peers, in the 2016 election cally and mentally toy with L-F: Courtney and Sarah, the YU College Dems Presidents, at NYC’s Climate March season, stated that their voice us. A college without College pus. America was founded as on our campuses. 78% didn’t matter whether they voted Democrats would be wrong and the first modern democracy of American Jews vot- or not. They stated that they are everyone, including the College and we believe it is critical ed for Democrats in the only one person out of millions Republicans, understood and voting. While this may be true, it understands that. The College Recognize that just because you have the privilege is also a fact that if that one person Democrats, just like the Col- , you not voting affects has that mentality, the same could lege Republicans, play a vital to simply debate politics be said for a great deal more. In role in maintaining an environ- the people...and your silence...puts...people in 2016, there were approximately 24 ment where we can respectfully harm’s way. million votes under 30 years old. disagree with one another on This is out of the 71 million people many matters, and both clubs under 30 as of 2016. As many of provide an outlet for students of the Generation Z population were like-minds to connect and dis- that our school embodies that. 2018 midterm elections, wheth- unable to vote in the 2016 election, cuss the political climate. This includes having campus er or not this statistic reflects the It is essential to have student body governments, and views of our university is irrele- SEE both the College Democrats and also applies to having a presence vant because we know that there COLLEGE DEMO- CRATS, PAGE 11 the College Republicans on cam- from both major political parties are many students who are regis- out and have a voice.” HISTORY REPEATS Marner said that the pre- FROM PAGE 8 sentation would have included issues dealing with discrimina- tion against those with AIDS. She higher education is doing.” said, “You wouldn’t discriminate Karen Marner, Wurz- against someone because they weiler ‘95, said, “I think it’s had cancer. But people, because really sad that a group, speak- they have AIDS, are discriminated ing of the Jews as a group that against Berman said, “Very often has been oppressed by so in the more religious many different cultures for community there’s so many different years, is a sha still approach,

“You wouldn’t discriminate...someone [with] cancer. But...because they have AIDS, [peo- ple] are discriminated against.” - Karen Marner (WWSW ‘95)

meaning that this problem does not sitting here looking down upon affect the Jewish community.” other...people.” Berman stated, “We, mean- Mickey Ronen, Wurz- ing the society and Yeshiva Univer- weiler ‘95, said, “I think these sity and the Jewish community, is HIV/AIDS Awareness is still a pressing issue today. At the end of students living in a microcosm not where it should be almost 15 2016, the CDC published that over 1.1 million Americans have been are going to realize one day diagnosed with AIDS. (Source: CDC) years after the discovery of the dis- that somebody they know is ease in terms of prevention, in terms going to be affected somehow of education, in terms of awareness personally and that’s what will and in terms of tolerance.” instigate them to finally come PAGE 11 OPINION CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019

COLLEGE DEMOCRATS makes one an informed voter. As FROM PAGE 10 the next presidential election ap- proaches and primaries are under- way, it is the responsibility of our we looked to the millennials to generation to not only vote but to choose the right candidate. Un- also know who we are voting for fortunately, they failed to show and why. It is our responsibility up at the polls. Many people may to vote for the things that matter also say that their vote doesn’t to us most and for the candidates matter because regardless of the that stand up for those values and girl who said “no” but now has to with Millennial voters, make popular vote, the electoral col- have viable, bold policy plans to give birth to the child of her rapist. up 27% of eligible voters to- lege may sway in another direc- get those objectives done. Think about your gay friend who gether, and have more power tion, as we saw in the 2016 elec- It is not only within the fears they might get fired from their as a voting block than Baby tion where 46.1% of the popular context of the election cycle that job for being who they are. Recog- Boomers do. We have the po- vote was for President Trump young voters and young people nize that just because you have the tential to be the most engaged and 48.2% for Clinton. However, must get involved. When you feel privilege to simply debate politics, young generation, and we can despite this fact, we the people like politics do not affect your you not voting affects the people, rise up as a collective voice. have an obligation to vote, and life, think about how politics af- whether you know them or not, and We empower you all to take we as college students, whether fect the lives of those around you. your silence, not just on election advantage of all this democra- you are Republican or Democrat, Think about Muslims parents day but everyday, puts those people cy has to offer you, although at have the right and privilege to fearing that their children will be in harm’s way. times it may seem overwhelm- vote-- so exercise that right. targeted at school. Think about You and I, all of us, we are ing, heart breaking, and some- Not only should we, as the child of an immigrant worried the young voters. In 2020, one out times terrifying, we have the young voters, be voting in ev- constantly about their parents be- of ten eligible voters will be from power to make an impact. ery election, but we must all be ing torn away from them. Think Gen Z, meaning born after 1996, making informed votes. Know- about the black boy who fears for which includes much of our uni- ing what ballot measures will be his life every time he sees a police versity’s population. Gen Z, along decided at a state or local level officer. Think about the young STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PEOPLE TOO not a decision made because I do “Is it really a win though,” BY ELKA WIESENBERG not strongly believe in the clubs a woman sneered from across the and their missions, but a decision room, “if you’re really just pre- S tudent council members made because of the necessity to venting an important club from are people too. Sometimes it set a precedent of deadlines and being on campus?” It wasn’t funny. My face feels like people have forgotten rule-following. Alternative ways “We obviously had our was flushed, and warm tears built this fact. Yes, I am in a position to achieve many goals set forth reasons,” I tried to politely ex- up in my eyes. of power, and yes, I represent by would-be club presidents plain, but she wasn’t listening. Don’t you dare cry, I in- more than myself, but at the end were offered, and it was difficult I’d like to stress again, it structed myself. of the day, I am a human being and demoralizing to have to go wasn’t about my personal beliefs. “Feminist,” the first wom- with very real feelings. to court against the very people This was about upholding the an taunted, putting air quotes up After joining SCWSC, we set to represent, just to defend rules, and the students who served to imply my lack of respect for my my world came crumbling down. ourselves. on the court agreed with this. I was own gender. Not because of the actual posi- Then the article about the solely being blamed for a decision The tears spilled, and I tion’s responsibilities or working College Democrats came out. that was made democratically and turned my face away. with the school, but because of This involved even more dis- according to the student constitu- “That’s enough,” my friend the student body I had commit- cussions and hard decisions, and tion. defended me. But the damage was ted to spending more hours of SCWSC’s name was brought The club heads of the event done. my life on than myself -- the stu- into it without a statement or af- I was attending made mention of I was humiliated. Worse dent body I stepped up to repre- firmation that these were, partisan issues and ref- than that, I was shamed in a public sent. indeed, the facts. I person- erenced the Republicans setting. Was I a bad person for try- Since being elected, my ally had always felt there and Democrats clubs. ing my best in these impossible sit- name has been mentioned in uations? For trying to balance my many articles, whether good, I’d like to stress again, it wasn’t about my personal morals and my responsibilities? bad, or neutral. I have had count- No, I wasn’t. I am not a bad less conversations, deliberations, beliefs. This was about upholding the rules... person, and I do not deserve to be and questions about how to han- treated like one. Neither does any dle issues that arise in my posi- should be a Democrats club “What Democrats Club?” a wom- other member of SCWSC, nor any tion. Not a single decision was and fought for it, and no one on an jeered, looking pointedly at student council member, nor any made lightly and without serious SCWSC ever wanted otherwise. me. All eyes on the room fell on human being. Because that’s what consultation of other knowledge- If the Commentator had asked me, and I uncomfortably hid my we are: human beings. So think able people, whether colleagues SCWSC, there would have been face. about that, the next time you ap- or mentors. a very different article. “Love you, Elka,” a wom- proach one of us to ask for details SCWSC was brought to Tonight, for the first time an laughed. about student trials and scandals student court for not renewing since middle school, I felt small. “We all love Elka,” a we’re tired of being harassed about. or giving club status to three I felt defenseless. I was a victim. friend of mine inserted, trying to Think about that, the next time you clubs that did not apply on time At a club event, which I diffuse the tension. He looked at want to criticize our actions. Think -- a pertinent qualification of be- attended as a student, to support me sympathetically. about that, before stomping all over coming a club. The decision to my friend’s club, I was bullied. “Not today,” the woman me and making me feel small. Just not extend deadlines was not an When I first came in, who made the original Democrats think. Maybe you’ll think again. easy one, but it was made with I was talking to a friend about club comment said. “We love care, despite the difficulties and SCWSC winning the trial against Elka, but not today.” my personal desires to help fos- the three clubs that had brought “The Hate on Elka club,” ter these environments. This was us to court that morning. another woman joked. CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 OPINION PAGE 12 OPINION PAGE 6 WHAT IS THE “GENOCIDE AWARENESS CLUB”? Igniting the Spark of Awareness, One Day at a Time pleasantness and all its paths are BY SARA SCHATZ peace” (Mishlei 3:17). & TZOPHIA STEPANSKY A life is a life, created by G-d, and has inherent worth. As a A few weeks ago, at the Wilf world, we should create a unified club fair, a few people came over community that cares about those to our club’s table asking ques- around them, to ensure safety for tions such as, “Okay, so we’re all, because everyone deserves that. aware there’s a genocide. What During World War II, many now?” people, especially in America, said As painful as the ques- they had no idea what was happen- tion is, we get it. What exactly is ing to the Jews at that time. Per- GAC? And why are we here? haps some of us are falling victim Here’s our response --our to those same behaviors. During names are Tzophia and Sara, and World War II, those who weren’t di- we’re two Jews from the tri-state rectly experiencing the tragedies of area who want to bring people out the Holocaust were unaware of the of their bubbles to learn about the events going on, despite how ex- crimes against humanity happen- treme they were. It’s easy to repeat ing around the world. history when we’re not being aware There is a profound quote Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-Jewish lawyer who coined the term “geno- of what’s going on in the world, es- from Rav Kook: “It is not [the cide”in 1943, during WWII. pecially if it doesn’t directly affect Jewish people’s] terrible suffering to prevent such atrocities cause I was not a socialist. Then us. But we shouldn’t be doomed that is the source of its longing for from ever taking place they came for the trade unionists, to repeat the errors of the past. We redemption, but rather its striving again? and I did not speak out—Because should hold high standards and to do good to mankind, for this is One of the most I was not a trade unionist. Then want to change. The GAC is here to the essence of its soul.” During powerful keys to change is they came for the Jews, and I did bring an awareness to the Yeshiva this time of year in particular, we looking around ourselves, not speak out—Because I was not University student body of the suf- face a plethora of introspection. outside of our four cubits, a Jew. Then they came for me— fering that affects millions of peo- We have recently embarked on and seeing people unlike us, and there was no one left to speak ple around the world daily. And we Tishrei the month of , a time of di- but who were brought to the for me.” do this in three ways: 1. Learning Rosh Hasha- alectical emotions: world just like us. Unfor- It is essential for us to care more. 2. Talking about it with oth- na , when we reflect on renewing tunately, as Jews, we have about human life, regardless of re- ers. 3. Finding easy ways to make a Yom Kippur our lives; , when we been victim to many ligion, ethnicity, or gender. change. pinpoint the details to better our iniquities (most re- There is a sugya (topic) in Let’s say “never again,” to- Sukkot lives; , when we find hap- cently, the attack in Mesechet Gittin that states gether. piness in our lives. This also hap- Passionate about change? pens on a national front -- lives Want to learn more? Contact are lost, gained, and renewed During WWII, many [Americans]...said they had [email protected] or sara- throughout the year around the no idea what was happening to the Jews at that [email protected]. We have lots world. In light of this, we ask our- time. Perhaps some of us are falling victim to of volunteer opportunities, and need selves many questions, including your help to make them happen! the most pressing: how is our lot those same behaviors. ------determined in life? And when we Sources: PAGE 4 look at the news, this question is Halle, Germany) and can the following: “We provide for 1. “The Ethical Foundations of Rav unfortunately raised to a much thus truly comprehend how the gentiles’ poor with Israel’s Kook’s Nationalist Views,” trans. higher level -- why do some peo- unjust things are. Therefore, poor, we visit gentiles’ sick with B. Caspar and R. Ziegler, Alei Etzi- ple suffer, while others succeed? as a community, we have the Israel’s sick, and we bury the gen- on 2 (5755), 19 How is it fair? power to wake up and show tiles’ dead with Israel’s dead, due 2. Niemöller, Martin. “First They As we’ve witnessed from empathy to the inhumanities to the ways of peace.” The Ram- Came for the Socialists” (1946) Iyov the times of (Job) until today, facing others. As Lutheran bam adds these two beautiful pe- 3. Gittin 61a we know that this question can Pastor Martin Niemoller fa- sukim (verses): “Hashem is good 4. Mishnah Torah, Hilchot Mela- never be adequately answered. mously uttered, “First they with all and he is merciful upon chim u’Milchamot 10:12 However, in place of this, we can came for the socialists, and all of his works” (Tehillim 145:9), ask ourselves yet another question I did not speak out— Be- and “And its ways are ways of --how can we implement change STUDENTS ARE HUNGRY A Call for YU to Alter the New Meal Plan Services. Their money is being BY MILI CHIZHIK Once you’ve reached the cash your remaining meal plan balance is register and they scan the drink, suspiciously low, about half of what appropriated, and many students It’s another typical morn- to your delight, you notice that it should be. still don’t recognize the situation ing at Stern College for Women, the prices are lower than you re- This is a description of the in which the school has automati- and as usual, you’re running late member -- this is the Stern cafete- basic routine that students at Stern cally put them in. to class. You should probably ria after all, notorious for its over- College for Women have maintained In May, before the end head straight there, but can’t priced food. So you happily hand from the beginning of this semester. of last semester, I submitted the bear to skip your morning cof- over your caf card. As you grab What many students do not under- fee, so you make a gamble and the coffee and begin your sprint stand is that they are being cheated SEE MEAL PLAN, PAGE dash to the cafeteria to grab one. to class, you barely register that by the administration and YU Dining 15

CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 OPINION PAGE 14 OPINION PAGE 6 OPINION FROM THE DESK OF A STUDENT WITH A SEVERE PHOBIA

look up, don’t look up, dont- BY ELKA WIESENBERG lookup dontlookupdontlookup. Of course I looked up, just in time to see a little, It’s 4:23 a.m., the night but larger-than-life, creature before the biggest test of my squeeze under my door. life, and I cannot sleep. Of I’ve never screamed like course, you sympathize, you’re that in my life. taking the LSATs tomorrow. I stood on my bed fro- You’re terrified. Well, partial- zen as it ran under the other bed ly. But I haven’t been sleeping in my room (which thank G-d well in days, and it’s not be- no one was in). Tears streamed cause of Logical Reasoning. down my face as a guttural If you’ve ever taken a scream tore instinctively from Subway with me, you probably my throat. My heart jumped and know this: I have a severe rat jumped. My breathing was rag- phobia. Everyone is scared of ged. rats, you say. Okay. Does ev- Stay calm. Staycalm eryone feel their heart palpi- experience I might almost kill you while to calm down. staycalm staycalmstaycalm. tating, breathing jumping, and by instinctively pushing you out Then of course, dreams Call someone. head and stomach getting so of the way so far I almost knock do come true. By that I mean Taking out my phone, I dizzy they might pass out from you over to another track. nightmares come to life, and by hit the number for Beren securi- seeing a rat a block away? My biggest nightmare that I mean… ty. Didn’t think so. coming to New York was It was just past It didn’t connect. You’re waiting for the having a rat in my apartment. two in the morning and I tried again— nothing. subway with me, and I can’t Creds to Housing right peel my eyes away from the I see rats everywhere. [...] They dance below my here— I called my GA, Alana track. What are you looking eyelids when I close my eyes at night. Reichenberg, who wasn’t even for? you ask. I can’t stop pan- on duty, and she immediately icking about rats, I reply. They dashed upstairs. She offered to can’t hurt you, you reassure I knew it happened frequently in I was finishing my homework trap the thing with one of my me, if they’re all the way down the City; I wasn’t completely de- (yes, English majors have a lot there. And what will happen if lusional. Still, if I saw a rat far of work too) in my bed. I heard you see one? away on the street or the Subway, a scuttling, and I froze. SEE RAT PROBLEM, Well, ask my friend I’d call a friend crying and take a It’s someone in the PAGE 17 Nina, and she’ll tell you from kitchen, I told myself. Don’t IN DEFENSE OF CONFESSIONS up until this point. It has helped help fellow students who are strug- funny submissions. Some of us BY SHIFRA LINDENBERG LGBTQIA+ students find each gling. comment on the posts, some of us While there are mixed feel- get our confessions posted, and I wasn’t planning on other by allowing vocal students ings about what is posted and not everyone asks me why I haven’t writing an Observer article until to offer support to closeted, anon- posted on the YU and Stern Confes- posted their confessions or when I was fully recovered from the ymous students. sions page, the page has been doing the Rejected Confessions videos concussion I’ve been suffering 2. The confessions page more good than harm. The page has will return. from since May. However, giv- has helped to de-stigmatize men- united the student body in ways that Whether you’re in SCW, en the importance of this topic, tal health by featuring a wide ar- the YU administration could never IBC, YP, or Syms, the confessions with the help of my editor, I am ray of posts from students dealing have achieved on its own. After long page means something to you. able to write this. with depression, anxiety, PTSD, days of classes, social drama, or The page is important because it When I first started the and self-harm. Students have got- work, we all check the confessions connects all of us. When we are Facebook page, “YU and Stern ten a chance to see that they ar- page in the evening, hoping our con- connected, we are stronger. When Confessions,” my goal was for en’t alone in their struggles, and fessions are posted or hoping to read we are connected, we are able to it to be the Yeshiva University have even reached out to those in need, volunteering their advice to others’ powerful, light-hearted, or band together for social justice version of other college confes- causes, such as giving a voice to sions pages. I wanted to create LGBTQIA+ students on campus. entertaining content for the stu- When we are connected, we of- dent body via social media, as fer our support to help raise each content-creating is something I other up. When we are connect- enjoy doing. I would have never ed, we see that we are all fight- anticipated that the confessions ing similar battles, whether with page would not only reach non- mental health, dating troubles, YU students across the US, but and even with our own religious also largely impact the Yeshiva observances. University student body. Here’s The administration could how it has impacted YU: have never done this and I nev- 1. The confessions page er thought I’d be able to do it. has revolutionized the visibil- Reaching students during this ity of LGBTQIA+ students on formative time in their lives is campus. It has given them tre- personal and impactful. It has the mendous visibility and an on- ability to heal. I’m grateful that line voice that had not existed I’ve been able to provide such a powerful tool to the student body. PAGE 15 OPINION CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 OPINION SUKKOT AS A CALL

BY ALICE ARONOV

To me, Sukkot has always been a holiday of migration and impermanence. The tactile, en- veloping sukkah that my father built was temporary. It stood for some days, housed our joys and allowed us to freeze as we ate in the New York City au- tumn, and then it came down. It was an in-between place, not quite our home, and not quite the unknown. For my family of Soviet Jewish immigrants, the sukkah became a symbol of transience associated with movement, of not yet having something of our own. For my mother, the hut reminded her of the stops their privilege. of chesed and tikkun olam. They had a segment about inhumane con- she made in Berlin, in Vienna, Jews in America and Is- lobbied governments, established ditions at the US-Mexico border. I and outside of Rome, as she rael had the freedom and means Hebrew schools across the path began to wonder about the Syrian found her way to America. Her to live, eight days a year, in a of migration, and ensured that refugees that were never taken out wandering, across Europe, was temporary hut, so that they could these Jewish refugees were in hu- of refugee camps. Both groups of her tangible connection to her understand the plights of their an- mane conditions, from Tashkent to people, and so many more fleeing ancestors. It tied her to Abra- cestors. Thankfully, they learned Queens. from violence and poverty, lived in ham in his hut and the Jews on from that lesson. They used their When I was building my structures not dissimilar from the their way to Israel. Yet, under money and influence to help other sukkah this year, it was on my patio, hut I was building. Theirs would the dried reeds of the sukkah Jews who did not have the choice within earshot of the television. For not be filled with joy. They could roof, she did not talk about of living exposed to the ele- the few hours that my not run inside when the hut got the hardships of immigration. ments. What was an option brother laboriously put cold, just like my mother experi- Instead, her eyes lit up as she for eight days a year for some up the roof, the news enced. When I told this to my fa- spoke of how other Jews, safe ther, he reminded me of something in real houses in America, in- I think is essential. No matter your formed her, with their help and No matter your politics, people in migration are politics, people in migration are sympathy, of Jewish values. moving so that their lives will be better than moving so that their lives will be My mother was tak- how they are. On...Sukkot, we live in huts... to better than how they are. On this holiday of Sukkot, we live in huts en out of Soviet Uzbekistan make sure that the world is not as broken ... through the “Save Soviet Jew- not only to remember that our an- ry” movement in America and as it was in the past... cestors lived in them as well, but to Israel. She was granted reli- make sure that the world is not as gious freedom through her ex- broken in the present day as it was traction from Soviet atheism. Jews, was others’ relentless reali- anchors spoke about something, I in the past, and to remember that Her survival, as a refugee, ties. honestly couldn’t tell you what. In we cannot force people to live in though, was dependent on Jews Jews of privilege took the middle of this something, they huts in their story of migration. across the world understanding arms using what they learned

MEAL PLAN first time I had purchased meal plan would be $1,500, balance by Thanksgiving, a plan cost, while the food FROM PAGE 17 food that semester. The out of which $675 would month and a half before the has only been discount- cashier told me to call and automatically be taken end of the semester. Trou- ed by 35-40%, leaving confirm my meal plan and away as a “Membership bled by this, I subsequent- a discrepancy of 5-10%. housing application which mentioned that many stu- Fee.” The remaining $825 ly calculated how much I This leaves students, es- included meal plan options. I dents seemed to be equal- would be left for the pur- would be able to spend per pecially ones from out- personally chose the reduced ly confused. chase of food throughout day given the new balance, of-town, at a significant plan because it was not only After a little the semester. The supposed and found I was only able disadvantage. more financially feasible for searching, I found that benefit is that the food at to spend a daily average of Many students me, but last year’s plan had YU’s Office of Universi- caf stores and cafeterias $11 if I wanted the meal feel as though they are been more than enough, so I ty Operations had sent out will not be taxed and will plan to last me until the being cheated out of knew it would be sufficient an email to the student be discounted by 35-40%. end of the semester. In the their money and feel for the entire year. But at body describing the new Given this new Stern cafeterias, $11 a day very strongly about the the beginning of the school “Yeshiva University Un- balance of $825, I want- would essentially be one need for a change. Nu- year, I quickly realized that dergraduate Dining Club” ed to gauge if this amount regular main dish and two merous students say that my financial situation was and all its so-called “ben- was indeed sufficient for side dishes for lunch, plus they should have been completely different than it efits,” including “giv- an entire semester’s worth a hamburger for dinner. No informed in advance of had been the previous year. ing students the greatest of food purchases. I found breakfast. No snacks. No the changes in the new When I bought my first din- degree of convenience, that last year’s spending drinks. meal plan (and not four ner, my caf card balance accessibility, and money habits, which had always The cost of the $675 appeared to be significantly management on campus.” been sufficient in the past, membership fee is 45% of SEE PAGE lower than I had expected it MEAL PLAN, The cost of the reduced would deplete my caf card the original reduced meal 21 to be, given that this was the CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 OPINION PAGE 16 OPINION PAGEPAGE 4 6 OPINION DEALING WITH DEATH Yet, at 5:37 p.m. on Sep- ruch dayan haemes,” I abruptly got my grandmother. I told her that BY PHILLIP NAGLER tember 4th, when I received a text up and left class. I couldn’t handle I was, and then my friend asked that my grandmother had passed, people knowing what happened; I if I had any fond memories of bout a month ago, I I was struck with emotion. I was A didn’t need them feeling bad for me. her. learned a very tough lesson: in my apartment, about to leave I decided that I needed to be isolat- I thought for a couple of One is never prepared to handle for my 5:45 class in Belfer Hall. ed and mourn my grandmother, so I seconds and then was instantly death. I was not able to process even the returned to my apartment and locked taken to a very vivid flashback Over the summer, thought of this news, so myself in my room. to roughly two and a half years my grandmother at age I decided to go to class As I lay in bed, a flood of prior. Before attending YU, I 92, became very ill. She and act like nothing hap- incoherent thoughts filled my head. was a student in the engineer- I was paralyzed. Crying at that mo- No matter where you are in life, death will never ing school at Cooper Union. ment seemed appropriate, but I was After a rough fall semester be easy to handle. But especially in a college unable to form tears, despite how there, I officially dropped out like YU, where everyone has a busy schedule, it much pain I felt. After lying silently three weeks into the spring se- can sometimes feel like everything is crashing for half an hour, I realized that I had mester. I was ashamed to tell to cancel plans for the next night. It down. my friends and my parents; I was weird to tell my friends that my felt like a total failure. For the grandmother had died; I didn’t want rest of that semester, I lived at had melanoma (skin cancer) pened. Denial, the first stage of this to be real. home with my parents, figur- that spread throughout her body, grief. They all offered to talk to me, ing out what to do next in life. and in late July she had a stroke, It was fairly apparent but I wanted silence, I didn’t know My grandmother used to live caused by a lesion that devel- that I looked uneasy on my way what to even say. But when one of around the corner from us, and oped in her brain. It was diffi- to class. A couple of friends said my friends texted me again a few she had noticed that I was home cult to see my grandmother in a “hi,” and one asked if I was ok minutes later, I decided it couldn’t a lot more often. I knew that I deteriorating state. Anyone who when I looked down. hurt to talk to her for a couple of had to tell her that I dropped had ever met her knows that she “I’m fine,” I said with a minutes. out of Cooper Union, but I was had a sprightly personality with shaky voice. It was an obvious On the phone we mostly so scared to do so. a zest for living life. I originally lie. had a casual conversation for a lit- When the day came thought I had processed that this In retrospect, I’m sur- tle while. My friend was being very along for me to tell her, I was was it; I thought I had fully ac- prised that I was actually able supportive and she talked about her pleasantly surprised by her re- cepted that my grandmother was to sit through class for about experience when her own grand- gone and that I was mentally twenty minutes. Upon receiving mother died. She said that it was hard prepared to say goodbye to her a text that said, “Sorry to hear for her, since they were very close. SEE DEALING WITH from this world. about your grandmother, Ba- She then asked if I was close with DEATH, PAGE 17

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK: THERE’S A NEW PARTY IN TOWN

several years. In 2016, the Lib- to reach 500,000 registered voters. BY DANIEL MELOOL October of 2004 and has decreased ertarian Party became the In contrast, the Green Par- since. The Libertarian Party re- only party aside from the ty’s registered voter count ceived the third largest share of S ince the Civil War, Republicans and Democrats peaked at 312,963 back in the popular vote in the 2016 pres- American politics has been idential election, with 4,489,341 dominated by a two-party sys- votes. This is the fifth consecu- tem. Every election, voters vac- Since the Civil War, American politics has been tive election that the party has in- illate between the Republican dominated by a two-party system. [...] Enter, the creased its popular vote count and Party and the Democratic Par- the second consecutive election in ty. In recent years, the Ameri- Libertarian Party. which it has finished in third place. can people have grown quite The data indicates that the party is frustrated with the status quo. growing rapidly. When Gallup started measur- The Libertarian Party’s ing public approval of the po- influence has now come to Yeshi- litical system in 2003, 40% of va University. Part of the party’s Americans thought there was rapid expansion includes creating a need for a third party and new branches of the party within 56% said the two-party sys- all levels of the American educa- tem was doing an adequate tional system. It is of utmost im- job. Today, the numbers are portance to spread the message of almost the reverse -- 57% of fiscal conservatism, balanced with Americans say that a third a healthy dose of social liberal- party is needed and 38% say ism, to young Americans. For too that the two-party system is long, young Americans have felt doing an adequate job. Indeed, the need to choose between smart a majority of Americans have fiscal policy and a social liberal- said that a third party is need- ism -- both at the core of Ameri- ed in the United States for five can identity. Students have had to consecutive years. choose between aligning with a Enter, the Libertari- an Party. The party has been SEE LIBERTARIAN growing rapidly over the last PARTY, PAGE 17 TISHREI 5780 ~ SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGEPAGE 15 17 OPINIONOPINION CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 OPINION RAT PROBLEM No sh*t. where I felt very brave for being, as traps, which clearly were super they went into my room. FROM PAGE 14 I had good friends who effective. lived on the seventh floor, and Be careful, I warned them, There are still rodents in- thankfully, news hadn’t reached terrified. They packed my things as vading the place I had prepared bed risers. I don’t think I’ve me about any furry guests on the I instructed them from my place of to call home for the year. There ever seen anyone that brave. eighth and ninth floors yet, so I safety. I stayed in a different friend’s is a gap under my door that they No, I said, it’ll kill you. reasoned that high up was safe. room that night. can come through. There are I’m going to die. I’m going to One of my friends wasn’t This cycle continued un- traps that, to my knowledge, die. there. I knew her mom was in til I went home for the weekend— have yet to catch a single cul- Can you get out of town, and I guessed they were at friends would pack for me, I would prit. I plan to play pinball be- here? she asked. I shook my the hotel (lucky!), so I crawled stay in someone’s room, and I would tween my friends’ rooms again head. She lifted the other bed into her bed. My other friend, her toss and turn all night. and sleep at my cousins in Law- up, and I squeezed my eyes roommate, woke up. Obvious- Thank G-d, thank G-d, thank rence for a couple nights. Yes, shut. ly not understanding that I’d just G-d, I had already been planning to I’m willing to commute an hour Do you see it? I asked. been through one of the most trau- take my LSAT at home in Chicago. after all my meetings at night to She affirmed that she could. matic nights of my life , she gave Why, you ask? Because I was so avoid the Stern dorms. No. It was real. It was real. it to me for waking her up two terrified of being distracted or anx- I see rats everywhere. It ran behind the clos- days before a test. Of course, this ious or unable to sleep if I stayed at They come out, instead of wa- et, she informed me seconds was the opposite of helpful, since school for the weekend. ter, when I drink from a bottle. later. My chance to escape, my now I was shaken and guilty. I felt LOL. They crawl between my sheets brain told me. I bolted, making so, so bad, but what could I do? While I was home for the at night. They dart into my it to the kitchen before I real- This was my hour of need. weekend, two of my Stern room- shower just before me and wait ized I didn’t know where to go. The RA, Zehava Seidman, mates reported mouse or rat sight- to attack. They dance below my I wasn’t in pajamas yet, but I woke up just to check on me— ings (these two are substantially the eyelids when I close my eyes at wasn’t wearing shoes either. It G-d bless her. I have to point that same in terms of my phobia, in case night. was almost 2:30 a.m. out, just to again give Housing you were wondering about my re- This infestation of the I climbed onto a bar- credit where credit is truly due. action to mice, and there have now 35th Street Dorms needs to be stool. I closed my eyes, but all I been both in 35th Street and my Housing’s number one priority. You know if you sit, saw were rats, and my brain com- room this week). One of them told When a student is haunted by it still can’t touch you, Alana plemented the image with that a security guard, who laughed in her thoughts of her own room, it’s joked. I couldn’t sit. If I sat, my awful scuttling sound. Needless to face. time to not just get two exter- feet would dangle too close to say (silly phrase, ‘cuz I’m saying Now, I don’t feel safe com- minators a week, but to devote the floor for comfort. it anyways), I did not get much ing back to school. An exterminator every working minute to taking Do you need anything? sleep that night. came last week after my middle- care of this problem until it’s she asked. The next night, I had two of-the-night unexpected company, gone. A Xanax, I replied. great friends come with me into didn’t find any holes in my apart- I’m about to get ready Do you need to sleep my apartment. I again took my ment, and left. Another one came for my LSAT. If only I’d gotten somewhere else? perch on top of the bar stool, later in the week and put down glue a better night’s sleep.

LIBERTARIAN PARTY DEALING WITH DEATH people. At the same time though, perhaps I regret not spending FROM PAGE 15 FROM PAGE 16 it was cathartic because it felt like enough time with my grand- I was properly honoring my grand- mother these last couple of party that strikes down social lib- mother’s death, by reflecting on years, and don’t want to lose action. My grandmother react- erties, or a party with fiscal poli- who she was as a person. connection to other people. But cies that are beginning to leave the ed to the news with a light and The tears didn’t stop there. whenever I feel like quitting, I loving tone: “Don’t worry Phil- capitalist sphere. In other words, Two days later, at her funeral, I think of my grandmother and students have been left with the lip, so Cooper Union wasn’t don’t think anyone else in the room remember how she always be- for you, that’s alright, but I’m following quandary -- do you want cried as much as I did. When the lieved in me and would want to regulate the boardroom or the not worried, you are my Phil- speakers were telling stories of my me to keep moving on and push lip, and I know that wherever bedroom? grandmother, it made me remember past the grief. The presence of the new you end up, you are going to how much she influenced me and So why share my story be so successful.” In that mo- Libertarian Club on campus means made me the person who I am today. in a student publication? Well, that YU students will no longer ment I felt the unconditional There were many tears of sadness, my hope is that others dealing love that my grandmother had have to deal with the aforemen- but there were also tears of joy, as with death can connect to my tioned dilemma. Instead, students for me. It didn’t matter what I I was so lucky to have had such a story and feel that they are not did or who I was, she was able can have the best of both worlds. special person for the first 22 years alone. No matter where you are Libertarians are best to make me feel loved in such of my life. in life, death will never be easy an incredible and genuine way. known for their support of the le- Death is an emotional roller to handle. But especially in a galization of marijauna. While this As I recounted this sto- coaster, and I am still dealing with college like YU, when every- ry to my friend on the phone, is an important issue for Libertar- volatile emotions weeks after my one has a busy schedule, it can ians, we stand for more than just I started to choke up and cry. grandmother’s passing. At times, I sometimes feel like everything It felt so strange to cry with that policy. The YU Libertarians feel like completely giving up and is crashing down. However support laissez-faire, free market someone else listening; I rare- not finishing my senior year at YU. hard it may be though, what ly cry, and never in front of capitalism. This includes property I’m not sure why I feel like this-- keeps me motivated is remem- rights and free trade.We believe bering all that my grand- the market should be able to op- mother has passed on to me. erate free from government inter- I hope my experience can ference. We also support the right be relatable, and perhaps we of every individual to live his or can all find our inner strength her life how he or she sees fit, so to push forward, even when long as it does not interfere with times are overwhelmingly the lives of other people. This in- dark.

SEE LIBERTARIAN PARTY, PAGE 21 CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 FEATURES PAGE 18 FEATURES PAGE 6 REMEMBERING PROFESSOR TUFTS

BY ELLIE PARKER

Am I the only girl here who doesn’t know what she wants to do with the rest of her life? I have always been so jealous of the born doctors, en- tertainers, and housewives. For as far back as I can remember, there was never a driving force in my professional prospects. For this reason, I spent the first six months of my sophomore year exploring my options, weaving the pursuit of conversion, or his ty. in and out of Stern College for inside out. He taught me Coordinated by senior Lindsey Brandwein (center, back), the SCW student body came together to get Myra some baby gifts. health struggles, Professor Tufts Professor Tufts taught me Women and Sy Syms School of that passion is more than Business, trying to find my pas- professional accolades and sion. In one, twice-a-week course the benefits of top-down vast achievements, it is even more than knowing I went through the gam- vs. bottom-up leadership, I learned what it meant to be ut -- giving every major an equal what you want or who you opportunity to wow me. Noth- a fighter from a man who had mastered the art. are. Professor Tufts taught ing did. me that genuine passion By the end of my soph- can only be found in the was proof that giving up was never an how to find strength in not know- omore year, I was passionately confidence that you never option. ing and comfort in confusion. He dispassionate, exhausted by the gave up trying to figure it He was the embodiment of taught me to build myself from the pursuit of zeal. As a self-hating out. grit. He per- BIMA major, I had made my severed even peace with the fact that I would when lying have to find self-fulfillment out- down seemed side of my job. Though it wasn’t like the only ideal, I was at a loss. I expected choice. He college to discover myself for changed the me. I never imagined having to lives of so many chase my interests so fervently. of us just by be- I blamed myself. I came ing who he was. into college with unrealistic ex- I only pectations. I remember watch- had the plea- ing Dead Poets Society on the sure of be- plane to New York. I assumed ing Professor that my first class would garner Tufts’s student more than interest -- I was in for one semes- search of a mentor. My dreams ter, but his im- were left unfulfilled until the pact has guided second semester of my sopho- me through my more year, where, at the front of years at Stern. the classroom, there he sat, my In one, twice- Robin Williams of Manhattan. a-week course A Princeton grad, trained on the benefits in the MLB -- Professor Tufts of top-down vs. had all of the makings of a world- bottom-up lead- class mentor. But it wasn’t the ership, I learned way he taught that guided his what it meant students. Professor Tufts didn’t to be a fighter need to teach. He educated us from a man who through his character. I was cap- had mastered tivated the moment I met him. the art. Though His command of the room was professional- only second to his respect and ly Professor devotion to his students. Never Tufts was many had I met someone so masterful things, at his in so many different trades. But core, my men- what I loved most about Profes- tor was a war- sor Tufts was the way he viewed rior -- someone hardship. Countless times in his who so pas- life, Professor Tufts reached a sionately faced stumbling block, and every sin- life’s most dif- gle time, he climbed over it. Be ficult tests, that it injuries sustained in the base- his defiance be- ball diamond, determination in came his identi- TISHREI 5780 ~ SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGEPAGE 19 19 FEATURES CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 FEATURES STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MYRA

Coordinated by senior Lindsey Brandwein (center, back), the SCW student body came together to get Myra some baby gifts. EP: What’s that like? Is prised by anything at YU? Did love your input and we really BY ELLIE PARKER that hard? you know anything about the take it into consideration. So if M: Yeah it’s hard, I get at- school coming in? you have advice, please feel free Myra is a cashier in the tached. Because you guys come M: I didn’t know it was to reach out to any caf manager Kushner Dining Hall on the Beren to me with these big smiles at the a kosher school. I was never and let us know. Campus. She will soon be taking end of the day and you’ve been up around Jewish people before, so EP: Has your relation- maternity leave. since six o’ clock in the morning, I had no idea what kosher was. ship with the students changed Ellie Parker: Hi Myra! To but you manage to push through. When I first came, I was in the throughout the years? start, I think the student body would Especially at dinner when you 215 caf which is dairy all day, M: It has been a positive love to know a little bit about your guys have conversations so when they switched me experience every year. And like background and how you got start- with me and you say hi to the 245 caf...it took me I said, I see you guys three times ed at YU. and ask me how I am… maybe a month or so to get a day, everyday, for years and Myra: I was born and raised then it’s time to say goodbye in the Bronx and I started working and it’s very, very hard. at YU through a temp agency. I was [When I first started,]I was never around Jew- EP: We know you’ll be temping for three months before so I had no idea what kosher leaving us soon for maternity they made me permanent on Feb- ish people before, was...Now I know goodnight and good morning leave. How does that work at ruary 13, 2017. I think they hired YU? me full-time because they liked my in Hebrew and I’m still learning each day with M: I will be off for prob- work ethic and the way I treat you you guys. ably 2-3 months, depending guys. how much time they give me. I EP: What has your experi- am trying to work up until my ence been like so far at YU? EP: What’s it like with the used to it and figure out where last few weeks, but then it’s go- M: Before I started at YU, I other staff at the caf? things go. It wasn’t challenging, ing to be hard to leave because worked as a cashier at a bakery. It M: It’s a very close rela- but it was a lot to learn. Over- I’m so used to having you guys was very fast-paced and very busy. tionship with us. We need good all, it’s been a good experience. around. You know, three months I was very outspoken and custom- communication with each other, Now I know goodnight and good without you is going to be er service was always a priority to especially regarding things that morning in Hebrew and I’m still hard. And, I don’t know if you me. So now when I come into work we’re missing or things that we learning each day with you guys. know, but I’m having a boy and at YU, I have that same mindset...I need to restock. If [someone] is EP: In the years that some... [students] gave me a gift am here to make sure you...have having issues and I don’t know you’ve been here, do you think bag which I really appreciated. what you need day-in and day-out, how to resolve it, I will ask my co- the caf has made improvements? It had some gift cards and I got especially during finals and -mid workers for help. There are things M: When I first started, a card that said “mazal tov” and terms. I am very particular with that [they] might know that I don’t, it was a little hectic. But since they gave me some toys for him. you guys because I have been with or vice versa, so communication is then, menu-wise and food-wise I really didn’t expect it and you some of you since freshman year key. everything has changed. We try guys have really done so much and then I see you...leave me se- EP: Have you been sur- to do better...each year and we for me. I really appreciate you... nior year. MY RELIGIOUS JOURNEY AT YU

be.” I lived all of my life, years of age, without fitting Growing up, my parents sadly BY BRIDGET FRENKEL up until now at nineteen into this religious form. didn’t have the ability to prac- tice their Judaism due to an- Born and raised in New York ti-Semitism. The non-Jews in City as a modern Jew, I never re- ...I accepted YU’s offer and I was excited to start their community called them ally knew what lay ahead of me names and they were told that religiously. All my life I lived in college, but I had a lot of nervous jitters. [...] I they weren’t allowed to prac- a community surrounded by non- [didn’t] know how to pray in Hebrew! [...] [But] tice Judaism -- they weren’t Jews. On my way to school I would when I finally got settled, I slowlybecame more even allowed to pray or dress pass by ultra-Orthodox Hasidic and more comfortable with the school. communities and think to myself, “Wow, I am not as religious as they SEE RELIGIOUS JOUR- are, but I am Jewish, so I should NEY, PAGE 22 CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 FEATURES PAGE 20 ////// FEATURES: SERIES ////// PAGE 6 UNSOLICITED DATING ADVICE: ON RECYCLING

him out for yourself, what is the this is something that should BY ANONYMOUS up over an hour late for our first date. For me, that is a deal-break- harm in suggesting him to a friend? be viewed as a huge red flag. er. But I thought “Hey, he seems However, there is anoth- It is not something trivial like I was chatting with a friend like a really nice boy, and I could er case which I think needs to be showing up late for dates; rath- recently who exclaimed, “Did you really see him with Tzipporah.” I addressed as well. What happens er it indicates a certain propen- hear? Chaya just started dating proceeded to set them up, and they when you notice red flags in some- sity towards abusive power David, Bracha’s ex. HOW AWK- hit it off right away. Turns out, I one you’ve met or dated? Should dynamics. No person looking WARD?” I responded “I don’t was right. He showed up late for you try your best to see the good to enter a relationship should really find it awkward at all. If every single one of their dates, in them and set them be concerned primarily with he’s a nice guy, and all of Cha- but, unlike me, Tzipporah was not up anyway? Or do obtaining “leverage.” That is a ya’s friends are nice girls, then are bothered by that. She has similar- you have some obli- recipe for abuse. Knowing this they barred from dating each other gation to protect your information, how could Yoch- because of Chaya?” This can’t be eved possibly set this boy up right. Yet, unfortunately it is a rel- However, there is another case...What happens with her friend? atively common response to peo- when you noticed red flags in someone you’ve... Similarly, a girl re- ple dating the same people as their dated? Should you...set them up anyway? cently confided in me that she friends. had to end her relationship be- So what do we do when ly passed on nice boys who were cause the boy did not respect things don’t work out with some- not for her. friends? her physical boundaries. This one? Are they officially prohibited In those scenarios, I would A friend recently shared is not a judgment on halacha, from dating all of our friends and urge friends to not only allow their a story with me. Yocheved was but rather an assertion that no acquaintances? I would argue that friends to date the same people working with Avi in a profes- matter what ground rules you it depends. they have dated, putting aside any sional setting when the topic of set for your relationship, nei- One of my closest friends, perceived “awkwardness,” but to the halachic prenup came up. Avi ther party has the right to chal- let’s call her Tzipporah, and I date go out of their way to set up nice said “Oh, I would never give my lenge those boundaries without the same boys all the time. We guys with their friends. If it isn’t wife a halachic prenup. That’s the consent. She told me, though, have similar enough hashkafot but for you, please pass him my way, only leverage a man has in a rela- that he had previously dated a very different personalities. For thank you very much. This pro- tionship.” Yocheved told me that, friend of hers, and she knew example, I was once set up with a motes a sense of community and prior to that interaction, she had nice boy, who I knew was not for encourages people to look out for thought of him as a stand-up guy SEE ON RECYCLING, me within five minutes of meeting each other. If you’ve already ruled and was looking to set him up with PAGE 21 him. Long story short, he showed her friends. Unfortunately though, FILM: ART AS CATHARSIS

one of the greatest action fran- BY TALYA STEHLEY chises in cinematic history. The son of a Russian mobster killed John Wick’s *** dog. John Wick killed 77 It’s initially a little hard people in his quest for re- to tell what 2016 YouTube series, Dances Moving venge (and even more in the , is supposed to sequels). But in the end, it be. It’s shot like an exercise video, wasn’t really about the dog. but the episodes are far too short The dog had been a gift from to be a real workout for anybody. his wife, who died of Creator and host Brian David Gil- cancer shortly before the bert is ostensibly acting as events of the 2014 film a dance instructor, but the moves he teaches are ru- Over the summer, I wrote a short story...It was something I needed to write for myself. Obviously, Hollywood doesn’t work on this model..

Dances John Wick. Wick was griev- dimentary. That’s because Moving ing. He couldn’t do anything isn’t about the technical hows about what had happened to of dancinge, but about the whys his wife, or his intense sor- . In the first episode, Brian row, but he could get revenge David Gilbert declares, “Here’s on the man who killed his the secret of life, it won’t suck dog and stole his car. So John if you’re groovin.’.” And he em- Wick took a sledgehammer to bodies that for most of the series, his basement floor, retrieved the guns and golden drachmas SEE ART AS CATHARSIS, PAGE 15 buried underneath, and began PAGE 21 FEATURES CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019

to explain himself. Brian has been ON RECYCLING ART AS CATHARSIS tions where it would be difficult through a lot, and has changed t, to even identify an individual FROM PAGE 20 FROM PAGE 20 changing in ways that are difficult the sole creator of the project. to describe, and impossible for Or what about fairy tales, whose that he had caused similar issues as he deals with problems in him to explain, except through the originators are lost to history? then, as well. Overall, I do think his life, principally his anxi- medium of dance. Clearly these stories have value, it’s great that she decided to date ety over leaving Baltimore for to have outlived their authors by this guy despite the fact that he had New York, through the medium *** so many years. dated her friend. But, perhaps, it of song and dance. John Wick is an assassin, Much as the process of would have warranted consider- But as Brian’s prob- but money isn’t what drives him to creation can help the artist under- ation of the things she had heard lems become more personal in kill. Brian David Gilbert is a danc- stand herself, that creation, that about his previous relationship. nature, thisthe formula starts to er, but the need for exercise is not story or piece of art, can help the Overall, I strongly urge break down. Episode 5, Part- what drives him to dance. Rather, consumer make sense of their everyone to consider suggesting ner Dancing, contrasts the they both take action to deal with own experiences and see their anyone you go out with to a friend, dance students dancing in pairs emotions too overwhelming to be reflections in the inky depths. I assuming all is well. Even if there with scenes of strife in Brian’s dealt with in any other way. For don’t own a dog, and I’ve nev- were certain things that did not romantic life. Episode 6 finds all but the poets among us, lan- er killed a person, let alone 77, work for you, don’t assume right Brian despondent, his students guage is insufficient to explain the but I’ve certainly made bad deci- away they won’t work for someone leaving one -by -one as he lay- depths of our strongest feelings. sions because I was upset about else. However, if you notice traits sis lying on the ground and , This is one reason why people something unrelated. I’ve never which show a tendency towards insistsing that worms are better make art. moved from Baltimore to New physical or emotional abuse, the people. And by the seventh and But where does that leave York (not directly, at least), but big RED FLAGS, be mindful that final episode, Brian is alone. the consumers of art and entertain- I’ve been anxious about my fu- those gut feelings are often correct. While every other episode ment? Over the summer, I wrote a ture beforefuture. Much of the It is hard to navigate appropriately consistedconsists of Brian ex- short story. You’re never going to entertainment we consume is es- without violating lashon harah, but plaining the dance moves and read it, and you probably wouldn’t capist, but sometimes, it can help I strongly suggest that you consult , what they meantmean, and want to, because it wasn’t really us understand ourselves better with an appropriate authority and how he was feeling, by the fi- meant to be read. It was something than we could have otherwise. stand up to protect your friends, nal episode, Freestyle, his feel- I needed to write for myself. Obvi- Art can, but doesn’t always, ben- and help support healthy relation- ings defy simple explanation. ously, Hollywood doesn’t work on efit both creator and consumer. ships in our community. He stops lip-synching to the this model, and it’s hard to justify Also, John Wick could have pre-recorded preamble, puts the claim that audience enjoyment saved himself a lot of trouble if on some music, and he dances, is only a by-product of a process he had just taken up pottery or no longer confined to individ- mainlyfocused on the about the something. ual dance moves or his ability auteur, even . It is even harder to justify in the case of large produc-

MEAL PLAN es are extraordinary and reflect FROM PAGE 17 frustrations felt across the entire LIBERTARIAN PARTY student body. I instantly knew omy. With the Libertarians, FROM PAGE 17 days before the start of the school from the responses that a nerve people can choose a party that year) and also should have been had been hit amongst the student believes in both of these ideas. given a choice about whether body and that something must We demonstrated in the begin- cludes individuals being able to ning of this article, a majority to be a member in the “Dining be done. Once the petition re- marry whomever they want to. Club.” ceived 249 signatures, I decided of Americans have longed for a Marriage is a private contract third political party to enter the After sending out a peti- to email it to the administration. that the government has no role Shortly after, the administration American political sphere. The tion (access to petition here) to in. Our view on civil liberties PAGE responded to my email saying wait is now over, the Libertari- many students in YC and Stern, is best encapsulated by a quote 4 asking for signatures of those that they would get back to me ans are here. from John Stuart Mill: “The Throughout the school who oppose the new plan, sig- once they reviewed the material only purpose for which pow- natures piled in. Within the first with the directors of Dining Ser- year we plan to host many er can be rightfully exercised speakers and town halls to ed- two hours, approximately 150 vices. over any member of a civilised students had signed it, along with A student’s primary con- ucate and engage students in community, against his will, is Libertarian policies. We plan comments relaying their thoughts cern at YU should be their class- to prevent harm to others”. on the new meal plan. One out- es and social affairs. A student to promote fiscal responsibility That is why the YU and economic freedom, com- of-town sophomore in Stern should not have to worry about Libertarians matter. We are wrote, “This is one of the most whether they will be able to af- bined with a strong emphasis the prime choice for people on a liberal, live-and-let-live outrageous systems I have ever ford food for the day. This issue who do not align themselves seen YU put in place.” Another cannot be left alone and must be view on culture. We also plan completely with the usual two to explore the ideas of various student wrote, “Please let me eat resolved immediately and trans- parties. We believe strongly in normally again.” The respons- parently. thinkers that have influenced fiscal responsibility, yet at the Libertarian politics -- Ludwig same time, cherish our civil von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, liberties. For too long, people Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, have been forced to decide be- and Robert Nozick, among tween the Republican Party and many others. To any student Democratic Party. The former, who no longer wishes to com- supposedly, stands for fiscal re- promise on fiscal or civil liber- sponsibility, but wants to reg- ties, the YU Libertarians wel- ulate the way people live their come you with open arms. Join lives. The latter, while allowing us, and help us proclaim liberty people to live the way they see throughout the campus. fit, wants to regulate the econ- CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 FEATURES~SCI-TECH PAGE 22 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

REUSEABLE CUTLERY: A GREEN ALTERNATIVE TO DINING

BY ATARA KELMAN YU to ask about switching to bio- though plastic forks are not the most responsibility to take owner- degradable cutlery. In our email important issue we face, we must ship over our actions. During ust before we went on J exchange, he explained that we address it. As someone was quick to this time of year, we are expect- break, I ordered myself a set of would need to overcome hurdles point out to me, while the cutlery I or- ed to reckon with our actions reusable cutlery instead of us- in price -- biodegradable utensils dered on Amazon may reduce plastic and actively engage in bettering ing the free plastic cutlery the (at $0.04) are “more than double pollution, there are troubling allega- ourselves. Rambam in Hilchot dining halls provide. This was the cost” of the cutlery YU dining tions from Amazon’s workers on the Tshuva (3:4) tells us to imag- an easy step for me to stop con- halls currently use, and that the conditions in which they work. I am ine ourselves as half-guilty and tributing to the overwhelming cutlery must be able to fit in the more concerned with buying cloth- half-innocent, so that the next plastic pollution problem. After dispensers YU has -- which bio- ing and produce from companies action we take will tip the scales my reusable cutlery set arrived, degradable ones don’t -- since whose workers are mis- and determine our fate. When it I wrote a post in Stern Col- health regulations require all treated than throwing out comes to pollution, most of us lege: In the Know encourag- cutlery to be covered. At this plastic, but that shouldn’t can’t look at ourselves and say ing others to do the same. This we are equally innocent and post was quickly met with a guilty. Yet we can still appreci- greater-than-average response We can’t control the waste output and the inaction of ate the words of the Rambam, of well-intentioned likes and those around us, but we do have personal responsibil- and with every action we take, comments. I first felt the glow- tiy to take ownership of our actions. choose to do the better one. ing elation of an activist’s clean The combination of a conscience, but that was soon sense of duty that pushed me replaced with a sense of futility stage of the conversation, it seems prevent me from talking about plas- to write a post and a feeling of -- whether people switch to re- that if we could raise the money, tic pollution. Perhaps there is some powerlessness is frustrating. usable cutlery or not is almost we would be able to switch to inconsistency in buying reusable But it is much better to engage meaningless in reducing pollu- biodegradable utensils, at least cutlery from a company that has had with the problem, than to let ap- tion, and in any event, no one partially. The increase in cost for charges of worker abuse, but the in- athy win as we move on. Buy- I spoke to planned on bring- a Shabbat with biodegradable consistency doesn’t discount the act. ing reusable cutlery won’t solve ing reusable cutlery to school. utensils would be $50-$100 per There are options (other websites or a global problem, but it will Anyway, my actions felt more week, per campus, according to stores) that assure humane treatment show that in some small way, symbolic than useful. the director of the dining hall ser- of workers while providing the prod- we are committed to working Some commented on vices. While reusable cutlery is a ucts you need. We might not be able towards a solution. the post suggesting that the much more sustainable solution, to quickly solve this global issue, or If you are passionate Beren dining halls switch to switching from plastic utensils to more pressing ones, but we can hold about this issue, please reach reusable or biodegradable biodegradable utensils would be ourselves to a higher standard. out. I would love to work to- utensils. Following these com- a significant improvement. We can’t control the waste gether. ments, I reached out to the head Using reusable cutlery is output and the inaction of those of the dining hall services for easy, and relatively trivial. Even around us, but we do have personal that were all a bit more religious RELIGIOUS JOURNEY up until my acceptance to col- a religious school. lege. When I was applying to Finally, I accepted YU’s than me, for which I am so thank- FROM PAGE 21 colleges, I was in search of an offer and I was excited to start ful for looking back at it now. amazing pre-med program, and college, but at the same time, I The YU environment is like Jewish people. They were that is when I found Yeshiva had a lot of nervous jitters. Am I the perfect place for both spiritual shunned and isolated from ev- University. They were affiliated a perfect fit for this school? Am and physical growth. Each of my eryone else. The non-Jews and with Albert Einstein School of I religious enough? I don’t wear friends helped me grow religious- the Jews had their own lives, but Medicine, which caught my eye skirts...am I going to be made ly. I am no longer scared to show the non-Jews were the dominant because I was really interested fun of or judged? I don’t know my Jewish side. I am fully tznius group where they lived. When my in pursuing the medical field. how to pray in Hebrew! All now and I pray every single day parents got married and had me, As I applied to YU, I knew it these thoughts ran through my when I get up in the morning. It they tried to protect me from an- was a religious university with mind. When I finally got settled was a long nineteen-year jour- ti-Semitism by not practicing Ju- many religious classes that I’d into my dorm a week into the ney, but I am so thankful for all daism publicly. But we were still a never taken before, and when semester, I slowly became more my friends and my family for sup- Jewish family that kept kosher and I was accepted into YU, I wor- and more comfortable with the porting me every step of the way, observed all major holidays and ried that I wouldn’t fit into such school. I made amazing friends and I can proudly say that I helped all of the fasts. We didn’t pray or both my parents move past their wear certain outfits like the other fears of showing their Judaism in Jewish communities for fear that public. They are now unafraid to we would be made fun of just be- show their religion, and I’m proud cause we were Jewish. to see them so happy about show- I attended public school ing their Judaism to the world. PAGEPAGE 2323 SCI-TECHSCISCI TECH TECH CHESHVANELUL 5780 5779 ~ ~ OCTOBER AUGUSTAUGUST 201920192019 THE KETO CRAZE: IS IT HEALTHY?

undergoes glycolysis and the cit- togenic diet restricts carb intake and supply first thing in the morning af- BY NICOLE SOUSSANA ric acid cycle to produce energy focuses solely on converting fat mol- ter an entire night without food. from glucose. Our bodies convert ecules into energy, thereby lowering But before jumping on the carbs into glucose and insulin the amount of fats in our body and bandwagon of the keto diet, it is It seems as though ev- signals for our liver, muscles, and resulting in rapid weight loss. The important to note that the long-term eryone has discovered the “best fat cells to intake glucose for ketones themselves do benefits are preceded by short term way” to eat and live a healthy later usage. With less expo- not cause weight loss, complications, coined the “keto life. If you are looking to lose sure to glucose, such as with a rather, people on the flu.” This includes headaches, con- weight, one friend might swear stipation, bad breath, high choles- by a Mediterranean diet, while terol, and fatigue which can all be another recommends a juice [B]efore jumping on the bandwagon of the keto present within the first few weeks cleanse that helped her cut diet, it is important to note that the long-term ben- of the diet. Generally, those on the down 20 pounds. There are efits are preceded by... .” ketogenic diet feel a bit sick at the even diets specific to one’s the “keto flu beginning, however, the side ef- blood type. A new addition to fects usually recede after a couple the long list of diets and life- low carb diet of 20 to 50 grams keto diet eat less calories as a result of weeks. styles to choose from is a diet of carbs a day, our bodies enter a of cutting out an entire food group, Keto blogger, Moshe Bloch high in fats and low in carbs -- state of ketosis. Fatty acids travel allowing them to burn fat for energy. (@ketokosher), mentioned that he keto. to the liver as a response to the This results in the production of ke- experienced the keto flu when his Keto rests on the foun- deficiency in preferential energy tone which is later disposed by urina- diet first began, but is now extreme- dation that our bodies should be source for our cells and are oxi- tion or remains present in the blood- ly happy with the results, having in constant ketosis, a metabolic dized into ketones (which are ac- stream. Ketosis as a result of a low state in which our bodies pro- ids). carb diet also mimics the body’s nat- duce ketones out of fats rather Rather than restricting ural metabolic function while fast- SEE KETO CRAZE, than utilizing carbohydrates calories for weight loss, the ke- ing or starving, similar to our energy PAGE 24 for energy. Normally, the body

STRESS IS STRESSFUL

insomnia, heart disease, high blood BY SHAYNA HAIN pressure, and depression and anxiety. Stress is something ev- As college students, we are eryone experiences. This emo- all used to feeling stressed, whether tion can be caused by various about school, social situations, or cir- situations, ranging from small cumstances at home. It is vital to take disturbances like worrying care of ourselves and to have effective about what you’ll have for ways of dealing with stress so that we dinner, to complexities such can live healthy, happy lives. Thank- as wondering who you might fully, there are ways to manage stress marry or grieving the death and prevent stressful situations from of a loved one. There is no getting the better of us. Exercising, way to rate what may be con- eating healthy, and getting enough sidered more stress-inducing sleep are some first key steps. It is than something else, since it also important to stay connected with all depends on how a person friends, family, and people who can perceives the situation. Some- provide you with emotional support. thing that may be debilitating Many people, when they ex- to one person might be a mere perience stress, tend to isolate them- nuisance to another. Stress, selves. However, this will only ex- however, can be grouped into acerbate the situation. Talking about two categories: long-term and stressful situations will not only help short-term. Short-term stress you find a solution, but will make tends to motivate us and give you feel better knowing you’re not us the extra push we need alone. It’s important to set goals and to take an exam or make a or that the stress continues body, but since the stress priorities for yourself rather than stay tough decision. It also pre- long after the source is no never fully goes away, it stagnant and expect that things will pares us for “fight or flight” longer there. When someone can leave people emo- get better with time. While this may mode, which can be vital when work sometimes, and it often does we’re in danger -- our pulse As college students, we are all used to feeling not, we must be flexible and dynam- and breathing quickens, our ic instead and come up with our own stressed[...]Thankfully, there are ways to man- solutions. Hopefully, if we imple- muscles tense, and our brains age [it]...from getting the better of us. can process and think fast- ment these strategies and spread more er than usual. All of these are awareness on the topic of stress, we critical functions for survival. is under constant stress, they often tionally and physically exhausted. will all be able to live our best lives. On the other hand, long- feel like certain aspects of their life Over time, it can suppress proper term stress can be extremely are out of control, which triggers the immune, cardiovascular, and di- harmful. This may mean that stress response over and over. This gestive functioning. It can also lead the source of stress is ongoing, causes an increased alertness in the to severe health problems, such as CHESHVAN 5780 ~ OCTOBER 2019 SCI-TECH PAGE 24 INSULIN: ITS DOWNFALL AND MEDICAL NECESSITIES

year, Jared Polis, Governor BY SARAH BRILL of Colorado, became the first official to cap co-payments of insulin to $100 per month id you know that as D for insured patients. The law of 2017, approximately 1.25 states that “one in four type 1 million people in the United diabetics have reported insulin States were diagnosed with underuse due to the high cost diabetes and an estimated of insulin ... [t]herefore, it is 40,000 people are diagnosed important to enact policies to with it each year? Therefore, reduce the costs for Colora- the likelihood of you sitting dans with diabetes to obtain in a classroom or a lecture life-saving and life-sustaining hall with at least one person insulin.” Hopefully, lawmak- are some complications relating with diabetes is very high. ers in New York State, and to the keto diet. When the body Type 1 diabetes is a deficien- KETO CRAZE throughout the United States, does not have enough insulin to cy of insulin in the pancreas FROM PAGE 23 look to Jared Polis’ system of produce energy from glucose, it which causes heightened glu- “capping” and follow burns fat for energy and releas- cose levels in the blood. lost 90 pounds in one year. Af- his lead. es ketones into our bloodstream. It is a dangerous illness ter experiencing extreme health Even with this The increase of ketones in the that can result in hospital- complications and being told blood of a healthy individual by a nurse that he was “too fat,” hasn’t shown to be of much con- [E]xpensive products are usually covered by Bloch turned to keto as a solu- cern, however in cases of those major insurance providers, but insurers... tion and said, “When I’m in fail with type 1 diabetes, too many that much of population lives deep states of ketosis, I’m way ketones can lead to ketoacidosis, to admit with- more focused, energized, I feel an extremely dangerous condi- out insurance... healthier. It’s almost as if your tion in which blood acid levels body is a constant fuel.” system however, we do run slow the ability of hemoglo- ization (or even death) if not The keto diet has also into another problem. Law- bin to bind to and transfer oxy- dealt with properly. The good proven to provide increased en- makers, including Jared Po- gen to our organs. This has also news is that people with Type ergy supply for the brain. While lis, fail to recognize that ex- been displayed in a few cases of 1 diabetes have control. They the brain can’t use fat as an en- pensive products are usually breastfeeding women on low- can control their diets to ac- ergy source and mainly utilizes covered by major insurance carb diets. However, if insulin commodate less sugar or car- glucose, it can also derive en- providers, but insurers and does its normal job, the keto diet bohydrates in their systems ergy from ketones. This energy sellers fail to admit that much shouldn’t lead to any problems. and they use insulin pumps, supply explains why much re- of the population lives without As a general trend, most which administer insulin search is being done on the abil- insurance due to a host of fi- complications listed above co- into their bodies on a regu- ity for a ketogenic diet to treat nancial issues. So where does incide with prior health compli- lar basis. Recently, the Food brain illnesses like epilepsy, that leave the rest of the pop- cations. This is why it is always and Drug Administration, or Alzhiemers, and Parkinson’s, in ulation? The people who have best to consult a doctor before FDA, approved a closed-loop addition to heart diseases, type insurance are getting the insu- PAGE beginning the ketogenic diet, as insulin patch which is worn 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, lin assistance they need and 4 with any other major changes to directly on the body and has cancer, and even acne. In addi- those without are forced to ei- one’s diet. Bloch recommends a reservoir-pumping mecha- tion, respectable hospitals such ther pay out-of-pocket for all this diet to anyone “that’s tried nism and infusion set inside as Packard Children’s Hospital medical necessities, including it all,” himself having attempted a small case. Patch pumps at Stanford University Medi- regular doctor visits, or find juicing, Weight Watchers, and are controlled wirelessly by cal Center, utilize the keto diet their own means of dealing the flat belly diet, before -start a separate device that allows as special treatment for seizure with this dangerous deficien- ing keto. For some, the keto diet programming of insulin deliv- disorders. cy. seems to be a great way to focus ery for meals from the patch. While the list of ben- The hope is that in the on the foods we consume and cut This pump, however, can cost efits continues to unfold, it is future, everyone is covered by down unwanted body fat. upwards of $400, not includ- important to mention that there insurance, and therefore, peo- ing diabetes test kits and insu- ple who require a pump will lin pump supplies. The House not have anxiety over how of Representatives reported they must take care of their that “the price of a milliliter bodies. of insulin rose from $4.34 in ------2002 to $12.92 in 2013. And Sources: a March report...found [that] 1. NPR ‘prices continued to climb, 2. diabetes.org nearly doubling between 3. beyondtyp1.org 2012 and 2016.’” There is a silver lining for those who have insurance and are still paying an exor- bitant amount for this life saving medicine. Earlier this PAGEPAGE 232325 SCI-TECHSCISCI TECH TECH CHESHVANELUL 5780 5779 ~ ~OCTOBER AUGUSTAUGUST 20192019 THE WONDERS OF A BACTERIAL TAKEOVER MEMORY or good old-fashioned seals surrounding the BY SARAH LIBEROW soap. Cleaning the ward door held residual water from after the wash and acteria.Every- could spread the mi- B the multi-drug resistant one knows that these sin- crobes (microscopic bacteria accumulated gle-celled pesky organisms organisms) and release there and in the deter- are everywhere. While tril- them into the air, like gent drawer. Ironically, lions of bacteria call our when an infected patient the tools we use to keep bodies their home (and coughs or talks. Howev- our clothes clean spread most of them are benefi- er, the latest threat has infection, and only once cial), there are some bac- come from an unexpect- the washing machines teria that can cause deadly ed place — washing in question were relo- diseases if left untreated. machines. cated to the attic did the Different types of bac- A study pub- infections stop. teria crop up in all kinds lished in September re- Currently, there of places -- researchers counts the case of new- is no official statement at Weill Cornell Medical borns being repeatedly regarding hazards of College swabbed the NYC infected in a pediatric it to the victim. She using domestic wash- BY ELIZABETH KERSHTEYN subways for roughly a year hospital in Germany. pointed to Titus’ photo ing machines, although and a half and were able to Attempts to locate the and said: ‘That one’s the source of the infection there is thought to im- ave you ever develop a pathogen map of H closest.’ During the tri- took almost a year. From prove the designs of the thought to yourself -- I wish the city. They found that al, the rape victim said: April machines in hospitals to I could just forget? Do you while most strains present ‘I’m absolutely positive 2012 avoid contaminated wa- ever have trouble falling on the subway are harm- that’s the man.’” Later, to May ter from accruing and asleep because your brain an investigative jour- decides to remind you of nalist actually found the Currently, there is no official statement regarding hazards that stupid thing you did a real rapist. How did that long time ago? I think some victim go from her as- of using domestic washing machines, although there is of us would give up much sumption to confidence? thought...to avoid contaminated water from accruing... for a chance to forget past Turns out that events. However, be careful less, there are antibiotic-re- the brain does not re- 2013, fourteen new- transmitting unwanted what you wish for, as it may sistant bacteria (bacteria cord the memory as borns contracted a type surprises to patients. come true at some point. that defeat the antibiotics one big video tape, but of Klebsiella oxytoca, Although harmless Henry Molaison, used to kill them) in 27% rather, in fragments, as an infection that can bacteria can be found known as H.M., cracked his of the samples they collect- a constructor. A North- cause an inflamma- everywhere, the most skull in an accident during ed, and even DNA frag- western study shows tion of the colon. The dangerous can be found his childhood. As a result, ments from bacteria such that every time you re- lengthy time period in unexpected areas. he developed epilepsy (a as Anthrax and the species member an event from over which babies in Just take precautions condition that caused sei- that caused the Bubonic the past, your brain net- the NICU were getting and know that the next zures and an inability to plague. Nevertheless, there works change in ways sick, showed that the time you’re on the NYC control bodily movements). isn’t enough of a presence that can alter the recall infection wasn’t being subway (which has Dr. Scoville, a neurosur- to pose an actual hazard to of the event. simply transmitted by been rated America’s geon working with H.M., human health, and most of The results of hospital staff or visitors. most bacteria infest- decided to remove H.M.’s the bacteria that commute the research show that Realizing that ed subway system) by hippocampus to treat his with you daily on the sub- when you feed people reservoirs of water, es- holding the pole for bal- seizures. The operation way are harmless. misinformation about pecially in healthcare ance, you’ve virtually seemed to be a success and Another debilitat- some experience that settings, can harbor shook hands with about the seizures virtually dis- ing bacterial problem is they may have had, you colonies of drug-resis- 10,000 other New York- appeared. H.M.’s memory, the transmission of anti- can distort, contaminate, tant bacteria (that can ers. Happy commuting! however, was damaged. He biotic-resistant bacteria in or change their memory. be spread to patients), ------could not remember pre- hospitals. Originally, there It sounds like something the infection was traced Sources: vious memories or form was a belief that the spread from a sci-fi movie, but to the laundry ma- 1. Weill Cornell Medi- new ones. Breakfast was of germs was only facil- could it be, that in the chine used to launder cine Newsroom forgotten in an instant, and itated through contact of near future it would be the newborns’ hats and 2.https://doi. new memories could not be doctors and nurses with pa- possible to change or socks. The strange thing org/10.1016/j. formed. The study of H.M.’s tients and could be carried erase certain memories? ajic.2016.01.041 in bedsheets and medical is that it wasn’t the ac- brain redefined what memo- Is it ethical? Who would equipment. Later, research tual machine which was ry is. Findings revealed that benefit from it? showed that bacteria could supplying the clothes in order for memories to be We are our also spread through the air, with a dose of K. oxy- stored, they have to be pro- memories. It is the link which couldn’t be com- toca during its spin cy- cessed in the hippocampus. between past, present, bated by the use of gloves cle — rather the rubber Elizabeth Loftus, an and future. It’s what American cognitive psy- makes us who we are. chologist, and expert on If a person loses their human memory, described memory, is he or she a legal case she worked still the same person? on: “Steve Titus was once Or is it someone else? pulled over by a police offi------cer. Titus’ car resembled the Sources: car that was driven by a rap- 1. BBC News ist earlier that evening and 2. Northwestern Uni- Titus kind of resembled that versity rapist. So, the police took a picture of him and showed