Institute Michelle Levine Adventures Former Child Upgrades Peels Away in Biophysics Slave from Jewish the Bible’s with Sudan Schooling Layers Neer Asherie Speaks Out 4Page 2 4Page 5 4Page 5 4Page 7

Yeshiva University

4winter 2009 YUToday 4issue 1 • volume 4 No Increase in 2009/10 Undergraduate Tuition “We’re Putting Students First,” Says President

iting “our commitment to a time of global economic crisis, YU’s students and their a YU education is more impor- Cfamilies as they face their tant than ever. We’re committed own tough economic times,” to being accessible and affordable President Richard M. Joel has for all our undergraduates.” announced that there will be no Tuition will remain at increase in the cost of undergradu- $31,594 for the year, and there ate tuition for 2009/10. Although will be only a modest increase of the University itself is engaged in $250 per semester for room and a concerted plan of budget-cutting, board. While many American uni- the President said, “We are putting versities are hoping to keep tuition students first.” increases to a minimum, YU was Two other important new ini- among the first to announce a tiatives will address family need: freeze at current levels. • A new scholarship drive—sup- The University is also put- ported by the Board of Trust- ting a strong focus on growing its ees—will add up to $5 million scholarship resources. The Board to the University’s scholarship of Trustees is taking the lead budget for undergraduates. by supporting a new scholarship • Students who spent their first drive, through which YU hopes YU year in Israel can add an to add $5 million in new funds for optional fourth campus year to undergraduate students, augment- their degree program at just half ing the approximately $31 million the cost of tuition. in institutional aid that the Univer- “In spite of Yeshiva Univer- sity annually budgets. YU is commited to keeping its Torah Umadda education accessible to undergraduates, said President Joel. sity’s belt-tightening, we believe Through a third initiative, new that we are in a position of strength and currently enrolled students ship for that fourth year. They will 2009 and is also being extended to are at stronger admissions lev- that enables us to offer these initia- who start their YU undergraduate work with an academic advisor students who are currently in their els. “Our applications are running tives, thereby helping to ease some program with a year in Israel and to develop a comprehensive four- first or second year on campus. higher than last year,” Davis said, of the burden for our students and plan to stay on the YU campus for year academic plan. This applies Dr. Hillel Davis, vice presi- “and retention—that is, the per- their families,” President Joel said. four years after they return will be to students returning from Israel dent for university life, reports centage of students who remain “Our mission is to educate, and at eligible for a half-tuition scholar- and enrolling on campus in fall that the undergraduate programs Continued on Page 6

YU Aims for $36 Million in Scholarship Aid What’sNew? Trustee Effort to raise $5 million more; Students on Board Too

eshiva University is embark­ has a ing on a new campaign aimed at raising an addi- new look Y tional $5 million this year, and in and new each of the next two years, in new approach gifts for scholarships to help cur- yutoday rent families and students as well as incoming students. This broad- 4 New features, Faculty Profiles, based appeal, spearheaded by scene and Heard the Board of Trustees, will aug- ment the University’s $31 million 4 Links to online videos and scholarship budget. Constituents PHoto galleries from throughout YU—including students—are responding. To date, 4 Web exclusives $2.4 million—nearly half of the overall scholarship initiative goal Check out our partner Web site for the first year—has been raised. From L: Reena Ribalt of the student committee, Danielle Rohatiner, a www.yu.edu/news “Everyone has been affected The Eisenberg Presidential Fellow in Institutional Advancement, and by the economic downturn,” said Arielle Frankston-Morris tell a fellow student about the Students Bob Friedman, director of student Helping Students campaign at a tabling event. e-mail us at [email protected] to let us know aid. “We’re aware that many of what you think! our families need additional sup- fundraising efforts are vital to help­ significant funds toward the effort. port during this time and we’re ing them out.” “These are extra­ordinary times, and responding to that call. These new Trustees have already pledged Continued on Page 3 2 YUToday

Institute Partners with Schools YUToday on the Web to Improve Jewish Education www.yu.edu/news

new institute at Yeshiva the most pressing issues in Jewish tant professor at Azrieli, said. University will apply the education today, such as attracting “By establishing the Institute, YU A academic, religious and and training high-quality teachers is now set to approach the most practical expertise of its faculty and principals and finding solu- pressing challenges to the Jewish and staff to enhance the quality of tions to school affordability. day school community in a more education in North America’s Jew- “Faculty at Azrieli and other strategic and organized manner.” ish schools. YU schools were regularly con- While the Institute continues The Institute for University- sulting with schools and conduct- to focus particular programs on School Partnership at Azrieli ing research on topics in Jewish the Modern Orthodox schools, it Graduate School of Jewish Educa- education,” Dr. Scott Goldberg, has become a resource for Jewish tion and Administration addresses director of the Institute and assis- schools of all denominations across Web Exclusive: North America. Supported by the Azrieli faculty as senior fellows, it YU and the U.S. Presidency services schools through a broad Inspired by the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama, range of programming focusing on looks back at its ties to the White House over networking, continuing education, the decades. From correspondence between President Calvin research, professional develop- Coolidge and Dr. in 1927 to President Richard ment and recruitment and place- M. Joel’s visit to the White House in 2006, the University has ment of teachers. paid homage to the U.S. presidency throughout war and peace. “The schools that we partner a www.yu.edu/news/uspresidency with benefit greatly from the- ser vices and training we provide at minimal or no cost,” said Gold- video photo gallery berg. “Our school-change projects in areas of bully prevention, religious purposefulness, and early Hebrew literacy, for example, are all ongo- ing research studies in which the schools receive continuing training Dr. Scott Goldberg leads the Institute for University-School Partnership. and we receive data, which we then analyze and disseminate to enrich the Jewish educational community and the curriculum for our own students.” (See box below.) The schools that we partner “We’re creating a culture in Hear the Stories See the Winning the Jewish educational world of of Our Hanukkah Shots in YU’s First with benefit greatly from research, innovation and collabo- Points of Light Student Photo Contest “ ration based on Jewish values,” a www.yu.edu/flv/pol.html a www.yu.edu/gallery/ Goldberg said. “Beyond our spe- photocontest the services and training cific research projects, our net- plus working and continuing education we provide at minimal or activities also promote this goal.” Visit a www.yu.edu/news for up-to-the-minute University news. no cost. Go to www.yu.edu/school partnership to learn about the Institute’s latest activities. n ” Yeshiva University

4winter 2009

research conducted by the Institute includes: YUToday 4issue 1 • volume 4 • Dr. Rona Novick, associate professor at Azrieli accepted literacy evaluation that is already on the Morry J. Weiss Chairman, YU Board of Trustees and director of the Fanya Gottesfeld Heller Divi- market in other languages. Dr. Nina Goodman, a clinical fellow at the Institute and academic sup- Richard M. Joel dr. sion of Doctoral Studies, is working with nine President Chancellor schools in five states to share her expertise in port coordinator and resource room teacher at the Georgia B. Pollak the area of bullying prevention. The educators Abraham J. Heschel School, is consulting on the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs participating in her BRAVE project convene for project. This evaluation is being piloted in a num- Stanley I. Raskas, Chairman, Board of Directors, Yeshiva College; Marjorie Diener Blenden, Chairman, Board of Directors, ; Joshua Weston, Chairman, Board of Directors, Sy Syms conferences, collect and share data relevant to the ber of day schools before being published. School of Business; Ruth L. Gottesman, Chairperson, Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College study and participate in training seminars. of Medicine; Kathryn O. Greenberg, Chair, Board of Directors, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Robert Schwalbe, Chair, Board of Governors, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Mordecai D. Katz, • Goldberg and a team including doctoral fel- Chairman, Board of Directors, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Beth B. Myers, Chair, Board of Governors, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chairman, Board of • The RUACH (Religious Understanding in Ado- low Chana Maybruch are training educators in Directors, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; Julius Berman, Chair­man, lescent Children) project, directed by Goldberg the area of differentiated instruction, a mode of Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Sem­i­­n­ary; Miriam Goldberg, Chairman, Board of Trustees, YU High SchoolsTheodore N. Mirvis and Michael Jesselson, Vice Chairs, Board of and Dr. David Pelcovitz, Gwendolyn and Joseph teach­ing that allows educators to meet the needs Directors, (affiliate) Yeshiva University Museum. Board listing as of September 1, 2008­­­. Straus Professor of Jewish Education at Azrieli, of more students through proactive planning YUTODAY will collaborate with eight Jewish day schools and classroom administration. This approach valerie Peters kelly Berman Boris Volunuev to explore how best to promote growth in the takes into consideration the diverse needs and tal- Editor-in-Chief Editor Designer areas of students’ relationships with God, reli- ents of individual students. Jared Bernstein, Dan Bretl, Enrique Cubillo, Michael DeVito, Karen Gardner, Norman Goldberg, Sari Goodfriend, Ryan Khaldar, Helen Kuttner, Chana Mayefsky, Clifford Meth, Danuta Otfinowski, gious beliefs and religious actions. With multi- Celia Regan, Peter Robertson, Hedy Shulman, V. Jane Windsor, Yael Wolynetz, Matthew Yaniv, John Zawacki year support from the AVI CHAI Foundation, • Pelcovitz and doctoral fellow Rabbi Steven Contributors the Institute is working to create deeper spiritual Eisenberg are collecting and analyzing data for a [email protected] connections for Jewish students and more reli- study of the post-high school year in Israel. This YUToday is published by the Department of Communications and Public Affairs and is distrib­­uted gious purposefulness in Jewish schools. research—which analyzes students before, dur- free to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends. It keeps them informed of news from across Yeshiva University’s undergraduate and graduate divisions and affiliates. The quarterly ing and after the year in Israel—will be used to newsletter covers academic and campus life, faculty and student research, community outreach and philanthropic support. It showcases the University’s mission of Torah Umadda, the combina- • The Institute is also developing a Hebrew literacy train educators, guidance counselors and students tion of Jewish textual study and values with secular learning, through stories about the diverse evaluation modeled after the Dynamic Indicators to make wise choices about this transformational achievements of the University community. of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), a well- year before college. n © Yeshiva University 2009 • Department of Communications and Public Affairs Furst Hall Room 401 • 500 West 185th St. • , NY 10033-3201 • Tel: 212-960-5285

s www.yu.edu/news winter 2009 YUToday 3

Scholarship Aid Initiative and his wife, Naomi, his daugh- involved with Wurzweiler in 1998 Continued from Page 1 ters attended the Yeshiva Univer- and serves on the school’s Board of sity High Schools, and his older Governors. I’m glad we are able to take extra­ daughter will graduate from Stern “It’s been a great experience,” ordinary steps to help our students,” College for Women this spring. she said of her involvement. “The Lance L. Hirt, Trustee, said. This fall, the Tuchmans just Wurzweiler program blends many Expressing gratitude to the finished paying their three-year threads in my life in terms of my Board for making scholarships a pledge to endow the $25,000 personal commitment to the val- priority, President Richard M. Joel Naomi and Louis Tuchman Schol- ues of tikkun olam [healing the said, “We can have the strongest arship Fund at Stern College. “My world] as well as my professional Jewish studies and secular curri- wife and I had both benefited from commitment to social work. I’m cula, the finest honors programs, the scholarships I received when grateful to be able to support and top student services and career Louis Tuchman I was a student—and in recent Froma Benerofe help the school.” development opportunities—but months, the importance of helping Froma recently had the they mean nothing unless our stu­ ‘Importance of Helping out students who need assistance to Wurzweiler School of Social opportunity to meet Yael Koenigs- dents can enroll and earn their Students Hit Home’ has really hit home,” Tuchman Work, which increased their over- berg, one of the Wurzweiler stu- degrees. Our Board members are Louis Tuchman ’77YH, ’81YC said. As president of his children’s all commitment to $1 million, will dents whose life was changed by really stepping up to the plate.” has spent the years since earning day school, he has seen a big increase scholarship support for the Benerofe family’s earlier gift. A student-led initiative, Stu- his YU degrees in several fulfill- increase in the need for scholar- those entering the helping profes- Koenigsberg, a graduate of Stern dents Helping Students, has begun ing ways: as a partner at the New ships. “It’s just extremely impor- sions. College for Women, is doing her to raise awareness of the need. York law firm Kaye Scholer, as tant for those who can to help “I think everybody needs a fieldwork at Yeshiva Rabbi Sam- “We were amazed to learn that 70 a husband and father—and, he those who can’t. I wish I could do boost right now,” Froma said. son Raphael Hirsch (Breuer’s) in percent of undergraduates receive said, as an alumnus “always look- even more.” “The times are bad, but we hope Washington Heights. scholarship aid from YU,” said ing for different ways to give back [our gift] will be a big boost to the “The meeting was breath- Arielle Frankston-Morris, one of to YU.” ‘Everybody Needs a whole community at Wurzweiler taking,” said Froma. “I felt very the heads of the student commit- “YU holds a very important Boost Right Now’ and encourage other people to privileged to have participated tee. “We feel it’s really important spot in my heart,” Tuchman said. At a time when most people seem think about what they can do, as in helping this young woman that we help each other.” The first “It gave me a foundation, oppor- focused on their own financial opposed to what they can’t do.” develop her professional skills,” Students Helping Students fund- tunities and commitment, and I future, Froma and Andy Benerofe A clinical social worker in said Froma. “She will be an asset raising event, a bowl-a-thon, took wanted to express my gratitude continue to invest in the future of private practice for more than to our profession.” n place on March 5. in tangible ways.” Like Louis others. Their recent $650,000 gift two decades, Froma first became

Sy Syms Adds Master’s in

his summer, Sy Syms School The school hired Dr. Joseph the Beren Campus, conveniently a critical part of the portfolio for accounting program as, effective of Business will expand Kerstein, previously associate prof­ located for those working in YU’s . We felt all August 2009, accounting majors Tits curriculum to include a essor of accounting at Baruch accounting firms in Midtown. It of these steps were important to will need 150 hours of business master of science in accounting, Col­lege, to direct the master’s pro- is the first of a number of planned make our graduates that much accounting and liberal arts cred- the first graduate-level program in gram. Kerstein holds a PhD from initiatives including an executive more competitive.” its in order to be licensed in New the school’s 22-year history. Wharton Business School and an master of business administration The accounting program will York State. “We are broadening our vision MBA from New York University. degree, joint programs with other offer full-or part-time studies, both “Students graduating with just of the business school,” Dean The program’s faculty—including Yeshiva University professional requiring a total of ten courses to a normal bachelor’s degree will not Michael Ginzberg said. “We have senior professors at the school and schools and a full-fledged honors be completed. In order to accom- be eligible to become CPAs with- a unique approach to business edu- new, yet-to-be-announced faculty— program for the undergraduate modate students’ work schedules, out further education,” Ginzberg cation that places Jewish values hold PhDs and conduct and pub- school. the accounting program will offer said. “We wanted to make sure we and ethics front and center. We’ll lish research, qualifications that “We’re moving into a higher two courses in the summer and are doing everything to help them always be dedicated to undergrad- are required by the NY State Board gear with the school’s growth,” four courses in each of the fall and get qualified.” n uate education; now we’re ready to of Regents. said Josh S. Weston, chairman spring semesters. apply our mission to graduate edu­ The master’s program begins of the Syms Board. “The gradu- As the dean pointed out, there cation for the community at large.” this summer with co-ed classes on ate and professional programs are is an immediate need for the MS in

Hanukkah Dinner Redoubles Spirit, Raises Record Amount

fter 122 years and only gregation Kehilath Jeshurun and the world through the majestic and four presidents, this head of the Ramaz School. timeless Jewish mission to illu- “A uni­versity is thriving,” Almost 750 guests attended mine, to ennoble, to enable.” New York State Governor David the event, raising $3.2 million for He acknowledged the impact A. Paterson said in his keynote the University, just over $1 million of tumultuous economic forces caption here address at the 84th Annual Hanuk- more than last year. and “tragic failings that have kah Dinner and Convocation at Undoubtedly, the story of caused harm to us and others,” and The Waldorf=Astoria. Hanukkah, which tells of the Mac- assured the crowd that the institu- “President Richard Joel is cabees’ triumph over the Greeks tion would endure by remaining pursuing the opportunity to fulfill and the miracle of the Temple committed to its mission of edu- the true meaning of education: a candles that burned for eight days, cating the next generation of Jew- higher knowledge and a greater had particular resonance at this ish leaders. spirit,” Paterson added. year’s dinner. “We are a community of Gov. David Paterson received an honorary degree from President Joel. That spirit permeated the “Hanukkah commemorates inspired faculty, students, profes- ceremony at which President Joel the triumph of idealism over mate- sionals, alumni and leaders sin- recipients’ achievements. To read To watch the Points of Light video, awarded honorary degrees to rialism, the victory of purpose over gly committed to the promise of more about the honorary degree go to www.yu.edu/multimedia. Paterson and four communal lead- power, the enduring force of the tomorrow and the responsibilities recipients, go to www.yu.edu/news. “The brilliance of our fac- ers: philanthropists David Feuer- light of faith and commitment,” of today,” the President said. The dinner portion of the eve- ulty, students, researchers, alumni stein and Roslyn Goldstein; Elliot President Joel said at the convo- In a ceremony punctuated by ning showcased the Points of Light, and philanthropists inspires us and Gibber, president and CEO of cation ceremony. “We as a com- moments of warmth and humor, a group of students, faculty, alumni brings the promise of light and Deb-El Food Products; and Rabbi munity, even during seemingly President Joel spoke eloquently and donors who represent the hope to the world around us,” said Haskel Lookstein, rabbi of Con- dark times, focus on investing in about each of the honorary degree excellence that YU is known for. President Joel. n

winter 2009 www.yu.edu/news ß 4 YUToday

NewsRoundup Student-Run Panel Probes Role of Ethics in Kosher Food Dr. Jacob Wisse, associate professor of art history at Stern College for Women, has been appointed as the new director student-run panel discus- “We want to facilitate the tor of Uri L’Tzedek, an Orthodox of the Yeshiva University Museum following Sylvia sion on the role of ethics opportunity for dialogue on a sub- social justice organization. Herskowitz’s retirement after 32 years as director. Since A in Jewish dietary laws, ject that has received considerable While all the panelists agreed 2005–2006, when he was appointed to head the art history “The Kosher Quandary: Ethics and attention in our community,” said that any form of unethical behav- program at Stern, Wisse has introduced courses that use exhibi- Kashrut,” brought together rabbis Stern College for Women senior ior is unacceptable, they differed tions and museum collections to complement the classroom from major Orthodox organizations Gilah Kletenik, who co-founded on their opinions of what role eth- experience. He will continue to teach and guide the program. to address a timely topic on Dec. 9. TEIQU with Yeshiva College stu- ics plays in kashrut. Herskowitz gave the nascent YU Museum an identity by shaping Hundreds of students and dent Simcha Gross. “While we “Experts who have argued it as a teaching museum that collected, interpreted and exhibited guests attended the event, which may not arrive at all the answers this case over and over and suggest the art and artifacts of Jews the world over. was presented by the newly tonight, we are certainly asking that the kashrut at AgriProcessors founded student-run organization, the right questions.” has been compromised are simply Yeshiva University and New York University’s Steinhardt TEIQU (A Torah Exploration of The panelists were: Rabbi Avi inaccurate,” said Rabbi Genack. School of Culture, Education, and Human Development Ideas, Questions, and Understand- Shafran, director of public affairs “But that’s not to say we are not have created a partnership allowing eligible undergraduate ing). Student organizers put the at Agudath Israel of America; concerned about these issues; we students to take undergraduate education courses at NYU event together in response to the Rabbi Menachem Genack, rab- have to be very concerned.” during their junior and senior years. Students who complete controversy surrounding AgriPro- binic administrator and CEO of the Yanklowitz said focusing credits in the program will then be eligible to apply for admis- cessors, which until recently was Orthodox Union’s Kashrut Divi- exclusively on kashrut and not sion to Steinhardt’s Master of Arts program in math or science the largest kosher slaughterhouse sion and a rosh yeshiva [professor paying attention to ethics made education with reduced credit requirements. The partnership and meat-packing plant in the of Talmud] at YU’s Rabbi Isaac Halakhah morally irrelevant. “Even will address the national shortage of highly qualified teachers of United States. After being charged Elchanan Theological Seminary; if ethics and kashrut are not con- math and science in middle and high schools. More information with numerous violations of child Rabbi Basil Herring, executive nected, they are connected in peo- and application instructions are at www.steinhardt.nyu.edu labor laws, immigration and bank vice president of the Rabbinical ple’s minds. We must have the fraud, AgriProcessors filed for Council of America; and Shmuly moral courage to tackle this crisis Wurzweiler School of Social Work recently hosted “Social Work bankruptcy in November. Yanklowitz, co-founder and direc- head on.” n in Hospice and Palliative Care: The Emerging Landscape,” a conference exploring the role social workers can play as part of an interdisciplinary palliative care team. The event was also spon­ sored by the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network, the Center for Ethics at Yeshiva University and Columbia Volleyballers Earn All-Conference Honors University School of Social Work, another Network member. omen’s volleyball senior Adira Katlowitz Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine and and junior Nili Block have been named to Fordham University have agreed to a collaborative relation- W the 2008 Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic ship that will strengthen their science and medical offerings. Conference (HVWAC) All-Conference team. After The agreement will give Fordham access to Einstein’s vast array leading Yeshiva to a 2–14 overall record during its of clinical medical resources, with undergraduates participating inaugural varsity season and 2–4 in HVWAC play, in a hospital mentorship, lab-based coursework and a summer Katlowitz and Block became the first Yeshiva Univer- research program at the medical college. In addition, Fordham’s sity women’s volleyball players to earn All-Confer- science and pre-med students may take two-semester, ence honors. lab-based electives at Einstein. Likewise, Einstein students may Katlowitz averaged 0.59 kills, 1.16 service aces take a research elective or other graduate course at Fordham. and 0.75 digs per game during an outstanding overall season. Block emerged as the top defensive standout Eighteen students in Wurzweiler’s Jewish Communal Service on the team during the 2008 season, averaging a team- Certificate Program visited New Orleans in November to learn best of 2.68 digs per game. about the revitalization of its Jewish community after Hurricane The Lady Macs volleyball team was elevated Katrina. Under the guidance of Dr. Saul Andron, who heads to varsity status after last year’s truncated season the certificate program, and ProfessorL ynn Levy, they studied as a club team. In the past three years, the Athletic the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans’s strategic plan Department has doubled the number of sports offered to reenergize the community and met with leaders of Jewish to students at the Beren Campus. With a successful agencies. The group also volunteered with the St. John’s Baptist first varsity season behind them that included a trip Church Social Ministry in the city’s desolate Seventh Ward. to the HVWAC quarterfinals, Yeshiva looks forward to its second season, as at least 11 team members are A student-organized yom iyun [day of learning] focusing on expected to return for the 2009 campaign. n Nili Block (left) and Adira Katlowitz (right). “Controversial Figures in Tanach” drew an overwhelming 800 people on Nov. 2—double the number of attendees at the previous yom iyun. The day of Bible study was part of the Leaping Leibovich hugely popular Abraham Arbesfeld Kollel Yom Rishon and Nets Weekly Awards Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet Yom Rishon, run by the Center for Men’s basketball junior Martin the Jewish Future-Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Leibovich, a native of Argentina, Lectures can be downloaded at www.YUTorah.org. earned four major weekly awards Dr. Lata K. McGinn, director of the clinical program and associate after an outstanding week of play professor of psychology at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, during which he led the Macs to a was appointed a Beck Scholar by the Beck Institute of Cognitive 1–1 record. For terrific play dur- Therapy and Research, which was founded by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, ing a competitive loss to Baruch the founder of cognitive therapy, and his wife, Dr. Judith Beck. College and a 74–71 overtime win The Beck Scholar Program recognizes individuals who have of Maritime College on Dec. 11, made a significant contribution to the field of cognitive therapy. Leibovich was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Week Mentoring in Medicine, led by Dr. Lynne Holden, associate and ECAC-Metro Co-Player of the professor of clinical emergency medicine at Einstein, hosted Week and was named to the Pres- “Yes, I Can Be a Health Care Professional” to address the toSports/Metropolitan Basketball critical shortage of minorities in the health care workforce. Writer’s Association Honor Roll and A record turnout of 1,800 students joined parents, educators D3Hoops.com Team of the Week. and nearly 150 health professionals for educational workshops, The honors were the first weekly an “Ask the Expert” Fair and lunches with health professionals. awards of Leibovich’s career. n

s www.yu.edu/news winter 2009 YUToday 5

FacultyProfiles Torah Umadda in the classroom f torah ƒ f umadda ƒ dr. michelle levine Dr. Neer Asherie For Advanced Students of Bible, a On the Cutting Edge of Biophysics Guide Who Brings an Open Mind and Taking Students With Him

r. Neer Asherie, assistant professor This has applications in the human of physics and biology at Yeshiva body, as some diseases such as Alzheimer’s DCollege, conducts a large part of his and genetic cataracts are caused by a con- research in the dark—literally. In a darkened densation of protein. laboratory in Belfer Hall, he ran a thin red Asherie came to YU in 2004 from Mas- laser beam through a vial containing a pro- sachusetts Institute of Technology, where he tein solution. did postdoctoral work in biophysics and “I determine the changes in size and from which he received his PhD in physics interactions of the molecules by measuring in 1998. As an experimentalist—a scientist how they scatter light,” Asherie said. who conducts research in a lab as opposed On a nearby computer screen, a graph to a theorist or a computational researcher— appeared, registering the amount of light he has made a large effort to involve under- that changed over time. “By analyzing the graduates in research. pattern of that change, you can deduce the Samuel Blass has worked closely with sizes of the particles and how they interact,” Asherie this year, an experience he said has the professor explained. made all the difference when applying to The protein solution was then mixed graduate programs in chemical engineer- Dr. Michelle Levine encourages her students to “make the text theirs.”

hat can a 13th-century Jewish biblical narrative,” Levine said. “His suc- scholar from Spain teach young cessors have not appreciated significantly W women studying in Midtown what they can gain from Ramban’s analysis Manhattan 800 years later? Dr. Michelle of biblical narrative.” Levine, associate professor of Bible at Stern For Levine, biblical exegesis offers College for Women, believes the biblical unlimited opportunities for analysis and scholar Nahmanides, also known as Ram- investigation of Torah narratives. She ban, exemplifies the active approach she teaches the students in her advanced Bible wants her students to take when analyzing classes to become involved in the intricacies medieval Jewish texts. and complications of the story and “make “Nahmanides demonstrated a refresh- the text theirs.” ing willingness to analyze the Bible based “The students at Stern College are won- on his close reading of the biblical text and derfully enthusiastic and passionate about context, without feeling bound to uphold Torah learning,” she said. “They are bright a particular interpretive approach,” said young women who desire to achieve high Levine. academic levels in their knowledge of the Whereas many of his predecessors Bible and parshanut [biblical exegesis].” generally adhered to certain principles and Levine, who received her master’s Students Jacob Berger (left) and Samuel Blass (center) work with Dr. Asherie (right). applied them almost universally, Ramban’s degree in Bible from Bernard Revel Gradu- exposure to both Ashkenazic and Spanish ate School of Jewish Studies and her PhD with a precipitant to form crystals. ing. He credited the professor’s “love of sci- Andalusian exegesis allowed him to deci- from New York University, recalled a stu- Using a very powerful X-ray source ence and his eagerness to share it with his pher difficult passages with an open mind, dent’s comment in a final paper that illus- at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Ash- students” as inspiring him to pursue a career said Levine, who received tenure at Stern in trated just how seriously she had taken erie studied the structure of the proteins. He in research. “We have spent many hours December. Ramban’s teachings. discovered that the chirality of the precipi- together in the lab, sometimes working late Levine teaches a course at Stern on Ram- “She wrote that she had learned a major tant molecules—the way that the individual into the night to ensure that a particular task ban’s literary approach to the Bible and has life lesson from the course: that life is not atoms are positioned—changes the crystal- gets done,” Blass said. written a book, “Nahmanides on Genesis: The black and white but often gray, and that it is line arrangement of the protein. What motivates Asherie to immerse Art of Biblical Portraiture,” due for publica- important to analyze every issue from more “The left and right forms of the mol- himself in this painstaking work? “Curiosity tion soon by Brown University Press. than one angle,” she said. ecules are different, much like the difference will drive you very far,” Asherie said. “And “I’m presenting Ramban against the For Dr. Levine, this is the best proof between your left and right hands, and the because research with undergrads involves backdrop of his exegetical predecessors and that the lessons of Ramban’s erudition and way they combine affects the crystal struc- a lot of teaching, you get satisfaction out of in light of modern literary scholarship on exegesis continue to resonate. n ture that is formed,” he explained. seeing them get it.” n

Webcast Offers Rabbis Advice for Supporting Community in Hard Times

lose to 100 rabbis from dif- nity professionals offered practical at YU, noted the importance of ect Eliezer, a recently launched executive director of Project ferent denominations tuned financial and pastoral advice for finding resources within the com- initiative that enlists the help of EZRAH—also addressed issues Cin to a two-part interac- rabbis as their congregants feel the munity. “Since rabbis often fall volunteer advisors on mortgage such as school tuition and helping tive Webcast, “What the Rabbi impact of the financial downturn. into the trusted capacity of advisor payment, credit card debt, bud- people find employment. Needs to Know about the Current “Every rabbi without ques- for their congregants, it is impor- geting, unemployment, resume In the second session, which Financial Crisis,” organized by the tion has seen economic difficulties tant to have a network of lawyers writing skills and applications for focused on the psychological Yeshiva University Center for the descending without warning on and advisors in your community unemployment insurance. ramifications of the crisis, Dr. Sara Jewish Future (CJF) and Rabbi members of the community,” said who could help your congregants,” The first panel—which Barris, a clinical psychologist in Isaac Elchanan Theological Semi- Rabbi Shaul Robinson of Lincoln he said. included Dr. John Malindretos, family practice, urged rabbis to nary (RIETS) in January. Square Synagogue. Rabbi Hershel Billet of Young associate professor of finance at “keep an eye on persistent hope- Members of the faculty and Avi Lauer, general counsel Israel of Woodmere shared exper- Sy , and lessness and isolation and identify administration and other commu- and vice president for legal affairs tise gleaned from setting up Proj- Rabbi Yossie Stern, founder and Continued on Page 6

winter 2009 www.yu.edu/news ß 6 YUToday

David Berger Takes Helm of Jewish Studies

New Revel Dean Oversees ‘Symbiosis’ of Undergraduate and Graduate Jewish Studies Begun by Arthur Hyman

r. David Berger may have the Wilf Campus Division of Aca- planning a program for enhanced signed on as a professor of demic Jewish Studies, Berger is mentoring of students in a one-on- Dmedieval Jewish history at overseeing a “symbiosis of gradu- one relationship with faculty. “We Bernard Revel Graduate School of ate and undergraduate Jewish want students to be able to discuss Jewish Studies and Yeshiva Col- studies” that began under Hyman’s their programs and receive advice lege two years ago, but he quickly tenure. “We are utilizing faculty from people who know them as got more than he bargained for. across undergraduate and graduate well as the field,” Berger said. Before he could teach his first lines, not erasing those lines alto- The doctoral program is course, Berger was appointed head gether,” he noted. another focus of the new dean. of the academic Jewish studies The ranks of Jewish studies Applicants to the PhD program cluster at YC. Now he has been faculty have grown steadily over now no longer need to have a mas- appointed dean of Revel, replacing the past few years. Revel Gradu- ter’s degree. long-time dean Dr. Arthur Hyman, ate School now has 13 core faculty “We still expect most of our who is returning to his research members, seven associate profes- students to have already earned an interests. sors and two adjuncts. MA, but we are opening a track for For Berger, an interna­tion­ally The most recent hire is direct application to the PhD pro- known scholar of Jewish history, Dr. Daniel Tsadik, an expert in gram by outstanding students who Revel Graduate School combines Middle Eastern Jewry with a focus are now graduating from college,” the worlds of academia and Juda- on Iranian Jewry. Additionally, a he said. “We’ve also tightened ism on the most ideal level. “Torah search is being conducted to fill the some procedures so that students Umadda means not just the co-exis- Dr. David Berger taught as a visiting professor at Revel for two years. new Chief Rabbi Dr. Isaac Abra- will complete their courses within tence of traditional Torah studies ham and Jelena (Rachel) Alcalay a reasonable period of time.” and secular learning but also the claim that this is the only place in tory and is known throughout the Chair in Sephardic Studies, estab- Revel Graduate School may application of the methodologies the U.S. to do that,” he said. world for his books and articles,” lished as a result of a gift received be small, but it is thriving. With its of academic scholarship to the Berger’s recruitment from Dr. Morton Lowengrub, provost this summer through the efforts of stellar academic record and focus study of Judaism and its texts,” Brooklyn College two years ago and senior vice president for aca- Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky. “This will on Jewish studies, it holds a spe- Berger said. was a coup for YU, which is build- demic affairs, said. “We look for- produce a quantum leap in our cial place at the heart of its parent The melding of these two ing its offerings as a center for ward to his leadership in academic status as a locus for advanced Sep- institution. Said Berger, “I am con- worlds in an environment of tra- excellence in Jewish studies. Jewish studies on the undergradu- hardic studies,” Berger noted. vinced that the success of Revel is ditional commitment to Judaism “He is one of the leading ate and graduate levels.” Dr. Mordechai Cohen, recently central to the mission of the entire sets the school apart. “It’s safe to scholars in America in Jewish his- As dean of Revel and chair of appointed associate dean, has begun University.” n

YUHSB Honors Program Stretches Minds

eshiva University High need and deserve special atten- year at YUHSB, candidates are School for Boys (YUHSB) tion to further their intellectual observed and counseled by mem- Yinaugurated its Honors Col- growth?” Berliner, who is also the bers of the faculty to determine if lege last semester, which provides executive director of science man- the program is a fit. enhanced spiritual and intellectual agement and clinical professor of It is only then that the stu- stimulation for gifted students. physics at YU, said. dent will be invested as an Honors Twenty-four students were The program features academ- College chaver [member], a term recruited from the top echelons of ically challenging courses, student/ chosen by the faculty to indicate their elementary school classes for staff-led seminars and other inter- “a combination of brotherhood, the incoming class of the Honors disciplinary studies, experiential peoplehood and responsibility,” College. learning and directed mentoring. Berliner explained. Dr. Edward Berliner, direc- Throughout their four years The program will be adjusted tor of the Honors College, who in the program, students are given as it progresses based on student teaches calculus and AP physics additional thematic readings and feedback. Taking into account the at YUHSB, said the program cre- study in-depth the perspectives transition to a heavier workload ates an “intellectual hothouse for of various authors such as Mark and longer hours of high school, participating students,” combining Twain, Friedrich Nietzsche and the faculty want to be careful not Torah principles with the broader Rav Joseph Soleveitchik. They to overburden the students, Ber- Sam Wall is one of 24 YUHS-Boys students in the Honors College. world of ideas. also go on field trips, which liner said. “We spend a lot of time at include preparatory research. Meir Hirsch, a freshman from the oppor­tunity as a chance to and closer contact with teachers,” yeshiva high schools with students Members of the Honors Teaneck, NJ, said he joined the gain know­ledge and skills from Hirsch said. who need extra attention, but the College are selected based on Honors College in the hope of a sources that are not available to Berliner concluded: “These question is: How much time are academic achievements and inter- deeper challenge in both his secular all the high school students, such kids want to be challenged, and it we spending with students who personal skills. During their first and Judaic studies curriculi. “I saw as advanced field trips, speakers is our job to live up to that.” n

Webcast Offers Rabbis that proves children get depressed No Increase in Undergrad amount we can give to scholar- port,” he said “We have scholar- Advice when there is monetary loss Tuition ship, we’re ensuring that qualified ship specialists available to meet Continued from Page 5 because they can adapt quicker Continued from Page 1 students can come to and remain confidentially with families.” than adults to a different lifestyle, at YU,” Davis said. red flags for professional referral.” there is a risk in general because of enrolled throughout their degree The overall undergraduate • To apply for scholarship aid, Dr. David Pelcovitz, the the stress caused by the change,” program—is extraordinarily high. popu­lation stands at 3,044 (which e-mail [email protected]. Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus Pelcovitz said. Moreover, our honors programs includes students in Israel and New • To learn more about the fourth- Professor of Jewish Education at Rabbi Shmuel Goldin of are larger than ever, with nearly York), the largest in YU’s history. year-on-campus option, e-mail Azrieli Graduate School of Jew- Congregation Ahavat Torah in 300 qualified students overall. The Admission and Student [email protected]. ish Education and Administration, Englewood, NJ, and Rabbi Jona- “By keeping our tuition at Aid offices have been fielding • To make a gift to scholarships, focused on the impact that finan- than Schwartz of Congregation this year’s level, encouraging our an increase in calls from parents, visit www.yu.edu/giving, cial instability can have on chil- Adath Israel in Elizabeth, NJ, also students to spend that fourth year according to Davis. “No student e-mail [email protected] or dren. “While there is no research participated. n on campus, and increasing the should hesitate to apply for sup- call 212-960-0863. n

s www.yu.edu/news winter 2009 YUToday 7

Scene&Heard

q “If you tell yourself you’re unworthy to be a leader of the Jewish people, that’s a pretty good sign that you should be a leader of the Jewish people,” said Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, during a shiur he delivered in November to a capacity crowd of nearly 800 Yeshiva University students studying in Israel with the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program. Sacks spoke about the impact that students can have on their communities and the world around them. The lecture at the Renaissance Hotel in Jerusalem was sponsored by YU in conjunction with the Bi-Annual Convention of the Orthodox Union. n

p “I am living proof that slavery continues to exist in modern times,” said Simon Deng, a former child slave from the Sudan. Deng spoke to hundreds of undergraduates at “Slavery Unshackled: An Exploration of Mod- ern Day Slavery,” sharing the podium with Mary Temple (far left), volunteer coordinator for the Free the Slaves organization, and Rabbi Shalom Carmy, assistant professor of Bible at YU, who offered a biblical perspective on the topic. The discussion was co-sponsored by the student-run Social Justice Society, the Center for Ethics at Yeshiva University and the Marcia Robbins-Wilf Scholar-in-Residence Program in November. n q “At the moment of freefall I said, ‘What have I t “Shylock should be returned his money,” just done? I don’t want to die,’” said Kevin Hines, was the opinion of Hon. Dianne T. Renwick ’86C, who survived a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate who serves on the New York State Supreme Court, Bridge, to students in December at “Suicide and Appellate Division, at a mock appellate trial based on Mental Illness Discussed.” The event was sponsored “The Merchant of Venice” at Benjamin N. Cardozo by the Counseling Center, undergraduate student School of Law in December. “Shylock v Antonio on councils and Active Minds at YU, a local chapter of the student-run mental health education organiza- Appeal” featured scenes from the play; arguments tion Active Minds on Campus. Hines, now an activ- by two prominent New York attorneys representing ist, spoke articulately to students about his struggle Antonio, the merchant who defaults on a loan, and with bipolar disorder, recounting the extreme para- Shylock, the lender who demands a pound of flesh noia, terrible depression and visual and auditory hal- as repayment; and public deliberations by a panel of lucinations he experienced. n judges composed of authors, lawyers, academics and real judges. Renwick added: “Vacate the convictions, as there was a total lack of due process. And someone should report Portia to the authorities.” n

p “Can you love someone whose views you hate?” playwright Joseph Telushkin ’70YC, ’73RE, ’74BR asked of a group of new honors students after a special performance of his play, “The Quar- p “There is no such thing as the end of Wall rel,” on campus. Telushkin engaged the students in Street,” Lance Hirt ’87YC, a partner at Lind- a discussion of the issues at the heart of the play, say Goldberg and YU trustee, told students at which revolves around the chance reunion of two a Wall Street Connection Series panel discus- Holocaust survivors—a rabbinic scholar and a secu- sion and networking event in November. Hirt lar writer—after the war. The play starred Reuven reassured the students that the services Wall Street Russell, an instructor of speech and drama at Stern provides will always be in demand. Students inter- College for Women, as one of the two lead charac- ested in financial careers networked with over 50 ters in its revival off-Broadway in September. n alumni in senior positions at top firms. n

winter 2009 www.yu.edu/news ß nonprofit org us postage 500 West 185th Street, New York, NY 10033 paid lancaster, pa permit #299

Scholars Find Link Between Religiosity and Mortality Extensive Study Shows 20 Percent Drop in Risk of Death Among Women Who Attend Religious Services

study published by spective association of religious affil- against mortality provided by reli- researchers at Yeshiva iation, religious service attendance gion cannot be entirely explained A College and Albert Ein- and strength and comfort derived by expected factors that include stein College of Medicine strongly from religion with subsequent car- enhanced social support of friends suggests that regular attendance diovascular events and overall rates or family, lifestyle choices and at religious services reduces the of mortality. The women were fol- reduced smoking and alcohol con- risk of death by approximately 20 lowed by WHI researchers for an sumption,” said Schnall. percent compared with those not average of 7.7 years. “There is something here that attending services at all. Although the study showed a we don’t quite understand. It is The research was conducted decrease in the overall risk of mor- always possible that some unknown by Dr. Eliezer Schnall, clinical assis- tality for those attending religious or unmeasured factors confounded tant professor of psychology at services, it did not show any con- these results,” he added. Yeshiva College, and co-authored sistent change in rates of morbid- The study’s investigators by Dr. Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, ity and death specifically related concluded that, although religious professor of epidemiology and to cardiovascular disease, with no behavior (as defined by the study’s population health at Einstein. It explanation readily evident. criteria) is associated with a reduc- was an ancillary study of the Wom- The study adjusted for par- tion in death rates among the study en’s Health Initiative (WHI), a ticipation of individuals within population, the physical relation- national, long-term study address- communal organizations and group ships leading to that effect require ing women’s health issues and activities that promote a strong further investigation. funded by the National Institutes social life and enjoyable routines, “The next step is to figure out of Health. behaviors known to lead to overall how the effect of religiosity is trans- The findings, published in wellness. However, even after con- lated into biological mechanisms “Psychology and Health,” were trolling for such behavior and other that affect rates of survival,” said based on data drawn from the health-related factors, the improve- Wassertheil-Smoller. “However, we religious practices of 92,395 post- ments in morbidity and mortality do not infer causation even from a menopausal women participating in rates exceeded expectations. prospective study, as that can only Dr. Eliezer Schnall, who teaches psychology at Yeshiva College, the WHI. They examined the pro- “Interestingly, the protection be done through a clinical trial.” n co-published the research.

Cardozo Professor Awarded Highest French Honor

ichard Weisberg, Cardozo’s committee, consisting of Ameri- been Colin Powell, Ronald Regan, Walter Floersheimer Profes- can State Department and French Neil Armstrong, Robert De Niro Rsor of Constitutional Law, government officials, which has and Estée Lauder. was awarded the Legion of Honor, responsibility for the restitution of “We are very proud that the highest decoration given by banking assets stolen during the Richard Weisberg’s extensive the French Republic for outstand- Vichy regime to victims or their legal and historical research and ing service to France, at a special heirs. He also worked on cases in service to the French people are ceremony on Jan. 22. American federal court against being recognized,” Cardozo Dean French President Nicolas various banks and other institu- David Rudenstine said. “His work Sarkozy signed a decree award- tions for their actions during the has uncovered disturbing truths ing Weisberg the Chevalier of the Holocaust. that have important legal and National Order of the Legion of Created in 1802 by Napoleon civil implications worldwide, and Honor in recognition of his “con- Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor here at Cardozo, his contributions tribution to the development of recognizes distinguished military enrich the law school for students French-American relations in the or civilian service and profes- and faculty alike.” defense of human rights and in striv- Richard Weisberg is an expert on practice of law and the Vichy regime. sional prominence. Nominees Weisberg is the second fac- ing for the reparation of wrongs and are appointed for life through a ulty member to receive this honor, of losses suffered by Jewish families the practice of law during the New York University Press and decree signed by the President of after Michel Rosenfeld, the Justice during World War II.” regime in the 1940s and wrote translated into French in 1998. the Republic. Each year, about 10 Sydney L. Robins Professor of Weisberg has taught at Car- “Vichy Law and the Holocaust Since 2001, he has repre- Americans are recognized with Human Rights, was awarded the dozo since 1977, is an expert on in France,” published in 1996 by sented plaintiffs to an oversight this honor. Among those have Legion of Honor in 2004. n