YESHIVA HANDBOOK 5780/2019-2020 YESHIVA UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS THE MARSHA STERN TALMUDICAL ACADEMY 2540 AMSTERDAM AVENUE • NEW YORK, NY • 10033 PHONE: 212-960-5337 • FAX: 212-960-0027 • E-MAIL: [email protected] 1 Statement of Philosophy Yeshiva University High School for Boys emphasizes the core belief that Torah is at the center of our existence and represents the lens through which we look at all of life, as it guides our response to each and every opportunity and challenge. We therefore define our lives not only by the ongoing study of Torah, but by our complete dedication to the values and ideals of Torah. Simultaneously, we recognize that proper understanding of the sciences and humanities, examined through the prism of Torah, can further our appreciation of G-d’s great wisdom. It is by the light of both of G-d's expressions of His will - through revelation and creation, Torah U’Madda - that we interact with and impact the world around us. In light of the above, the yeshiva provides a challenging academic program in an atmosphere that expects and expresses adherence to the traditional ideals and practices of Orthodox Judaism. It is designed to motivate Torah living - striving to become ever more devoted to G-d, Torah learning, personal integrity, and the kind of ethical behavior basic to Jewish life as well as to participation in contemporary society. Genuine concern for the welfare of others, observance of mitzvos, love of the Jewish people, and pride in our Jewish heritage and values should characterize the intellectual goals and the daily behavior of our talmidim. Moreover, we expect each talmid to identify wholeheartedly with the destiny of our fellow Jews throughout the world and to exhibit loyalty to Eretz Yisrael, recognizing it as the spiritual homeland of the Jewish people. We are dedicated to preparing our talmidim for adulthood, both as knowledgeable and committed Jews, and as broadly educated, intellectually curious, and caring members of society. Talmidim are also expected to be law-abiding citizens of the United States of America and the countries in which they reside. By contributing to the culture of the broader community in which we live, we bring Torah values to the larger civilization and thereby sanctify G-d’s name. As the High School of Yeshiva University, our identification with the institutional commitment to Torah U’Madda requires the establishment of an environment in which talmidim are encouraged to pursue all academic studies with the intent of becoming more understanding of the world and its mysteries, to work hard at personal academic achievement, and to maximize intellectual potential. It is our hope that each talmid will seek to enrich the high school experience by involvement in co-curricular activities, both at yeshiva and through communal participation. Our programs, both academic and extracurricular, reflect the primacy of Torah as well as the importance of a broad liberal arts and science program. We strive to enable our talmidim to fulfill their religious and intellectual passions to the fullest extent possible. 2 Yeshiva University High Yeshiva for Boys Admissions Policy Yeshiva University High School for Boys is a Torah institution of academic excellence. The curricula in Jewish and general studies are demanding. They are designed for young men who have completed a yeshiva or all-day elementary yeshiva program and have demonstrated, via appropriate admissions tests and interviews, that they are capable of maintaining a level of excellence in a serious dual studies secondary yeshiva program. Yeshiva University High School for Boys admits talmidim of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to talmidim at Yeshiva University High Schools. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other yeshiva administered programs. Community and Communication Yeshiva University High School for Boys is a community. Communities thrive through structure and articulated norms, which ensure the safety and happiness of all members of the community. As members of the YUHSB community, talmidim must consider how their actions impact others and reflect the values of our community. Communities thrive when everyone is working together. Effective communication helps everyone collaborate to achieve our goals. We recognize that what happens at home has a profound impact on what a talmid is feeling and experiencing in yeshiva and vice versa. Parents can expect to hear the following from the yeshiva: ● Weekly updates on the happenings in the yeshiva, through Lion’s Life ● Quarterly updates on their child’s progress, through report cards as well as bi-annual parent teacher conferences ● Timely posting of grades on assessments ● Reports when a teacher sees something of note (positive or negative) ● Significant disciplinary actions or behavioral concerns Parents are asked to be in touch with the yeshiva if: ● A talmid will not be in yeshiva ● In case of an important family event (a simcha, bereavement, family illness, or divorce) ● You hear something concerning ● To share nachas We look forward to working together to ensure the growth of your sons, our talmidim. 3 Policies and Procedures Talmidim at the Yeshiva University High School for Boys are expected to behave in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, on our yeshiva, and all of Klal Yisrael. Whether in yeshiva, at yeshiva sanctioned programs and events, and even while engaged in personal activities, our yeshiva expects that the conduct of our talmidim and their feelings of responsibility toward others will identify them as growing Bnei Torah of the highest standards. Please realize that these rules are general guidelines only. The yeshiva's administration reserves the right to deal with specific situations as it sees fit on a case by case basis. Please understand as well, that all of the yeshiva's policies and regulations will be strictly enforced. Section 1 - Learning Talmidim best achieve our goals when they are present and engaged. Our attendance policies are intended to provide a structure to ensure our talmidim are accountable for properly following their schedules and reflect the value of attendance as part of the learning process. I. TEFILLAH Tefillah is an opportunity for us to begin our day by connecting with Hakadosh Baruch Hu in a meaningful conversation. As a yeshiva, we are passionate about creating an environment that is conducive to each of us having the opportunity to engage in meaningful tefillah. 1. Davening is an essential component in the life of a Ben Torah. Yeshiva sessions begin daily at 8:10 am with shacharis. Attendance will be taken and all talmidim are required to be at the minyan to which they have been assigned, unless given specific permission by the administration. Barring unforeseen circumstances, talmidim are expected to be in their assigned location prior to the start of the minyan, with their tefillin. Attendance will be recorded on Renweb. Each shiur rebbe will be responsible for the attendance grade of the talmidim in his shiur. Shacharis attendance will be counted as part of the Talmud grade. This arrangement reflects the commitment we have to shiur focusing on the total religious growth of each talmid. The attendance system works as follows: ● 8:15 am - Tardy Unexcused ● 8:25 am - Absent Unexcused ● 1 point will be deducted for each lateness, beginning the fourth time. ● 2 points will be deducted for each unexcused absence, as well as lunch detention. 4 2. When talmidim arrive at yeshiva each morning, they are required to go directly to their minyan. Knapsacks can be left in Lamport Auditorium, near the lockers or outside of the classrooms, but are not to be left outside of the main office. Talmidim are expected to remain in davening throughout the entirety of the tefillah. Any talmid found away from the minyan during davening without his rebbe’s permission will be considered as cutting davening. 3. Due to the importance of davening, proper decorum is expected at all times. In order to enable everyone to have a spiritually meaningful and halachically appropriate experience, we expect that all talmidim will respect the environment and not engage in any sort of disruptive behavior. 4. The same behavior standards and minhagim are in effect, as applicable, during mincha (which generally takes place in the classrooms) and ma’ariv within the yeshiva. The minhagei hayeshiva are a long standing tradition of Yeshiva University, and talmidim are expected to respect and abide by them. II. ATTENDANCE Classroom learning time is irreplaceable because of the valuable classroom discussions and learning process. Furthermore, our goal is to instill a sense of punctuality and responsibility in our talmidim. For both of these reasons, attendance is of great importance. 1. Regular attendance is a prerequisite for good academic performance. Talmidim are therefore required to attend every class, meeting, and assembly scheduled during the yeshiva year. If a talmid is going to miss or be late for yeshiva for any reason, a parent must call the attendance line at 212-960-5337 before 10:00 am and follow prompts to report your son’s absence. In some cases, further documentation, such as a physician's note, may be required in order for the absence to be considered excused. 2. If a talmid needs to leave early for any reason, a parent must call the attendance line at 212-960-5337 and follow the prompts to report your son’s early dismissal prior to him leaving yeshiva. The talmid coming late or leaving early must also sign in or out in the main office. 3. Regular exams represent an important component of talmid assessment in the yeshiva setting.