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T H E M A G A Z I N E O F Y E S H I V A U N I V E R S I T Y
S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 / A V I V 5 7 6 9
Discovery
YESHIVA
UNIVERSITY Spring Exhibitions
MUSEUM 2009
FINAL MOURNERS KADDISH:
I OF THE 333 Days in Paintings
STORM MAX MILLER
ILLER
MICHAEL Popper Gallery
February 26
HAFFTKA August 16, 20099
Recent Work
Winnick Gallery
March 22
August 30, 2009
O;I>?L7KD?L;HI?JO9ECC;D9;C;DJ(&&/:7J;I
MONDAY, MAY 26
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Lamport Auditorium, Zysman Hall, Wilf Campus
MONDAY, JUNE 1
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
MONDAY, JUNE 1
Yeshiva University High School for Boys/The Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy
Lamport Auditorium, Zysman Hall, Wilf Campus
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls
Lamport Auditorium, Zysman Hall, Wilf Campus
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Lamport Auditorium, Zysman Hall, Wilf Campus
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration
Weissberg Commons, Belfer Hall, Wilf Campus
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Morry J. Weiss
CHAIRMAN
Ira Kukin
VICE CHAIRMAN
new landscapes, but in having new eyes. In an ever-changing world, Sy Syms
VICE CHAIRMAN
rich in innovation and progress, it is easy to become consumed with Ludwig Bravmann
staying updated. Often, in an attempt to maintain control in the mod- VICE CHAIRMAN
Mordecai D. Katz
ern world, we hunt for new landscapes to keep us informed without
VICE CHAIRMAN
delving into the beauty of those of the past.
Alan E. Goldberg
At Yeshiva University, we make it our mission to ensure that our TREASURER
students not only seek new landscapes, but explore old ones with new Joseph Wilf
TRUSTEE EMERITUS
eyes. That is not to say that we neglect innovation. Our faculty and
David J. Azrieli
students are constantly pushing the envelope, using all of our gifts as Jayne G. Beker
Jack A. Belz
human beings to make admirable discoveries, acknowledged and Julius Berman
Marvin S. Bienenfeld
celebrated by our colleagues and friends. However, it does not end there.
Marjorie Diener Blenden
Our traditions inform us not to let discovery remain idle, but to harness science and the human- Sender Z. Cohen
Israel A. Englander
ities for the greater good in an effort to uplift and improve our global community. Watch as our jour- David Eshaghian
Jeffrey J. Feil
ney of discovery flourishes amid deeply rooted values and long-held beliefs. Applying both critical
Felix L. Glaubach
analysis and classical Talmudic approaches, we are using lessons of the past as predictors of the Ruth L. Gottesman
Kathryn O. Greenberg
future. Tempered by the humility of our humanity, we extend our royal reach heavenward as we aspire Fanya Gottesfeld Heller
Lance L. Hirt
to the Transcendent. Moses asks for G-d to reveal the Divine splendor. He is told, that as a human,
Michael Jesselson
he is incapable of perceiving G-ds glory. But the story does not end there. G-d asks Moses to come Richard M. Joel
Marcos D. Katz
and join G-d on the rock. Perhaps the message is that as humans our job is not to see G-d, but to Henry Kressel
Norman Lamm
see as G-d sees. Our challenge is not to perceive the Divine in this world, but to make our vision more
Matthew J. Maryles
like the Divine vision. Ira Mitzner
Joshua L. Muss
In universities like ours, discovery is also applied inwardly. Our students step through our doors Jack M. Nagel
Vivian Glueck Rosenberg
and onto a never-ending road to self-discovery, challenging them to determine who they are and what
David I. Schachne
they can do to enrich humanity, whether they emerge as leaders in the community or researchers in Jay Schottenstein
Irwin Shapiro
the laboratory. Moshael J. Straus
Josh S. Weston
Our landscapes certainly enlighten us, but it is our eyes that define us. They define us as a com-
Zygmunt Wilf
munity dedicated to advancing civilization and bettering the human condition, one discovery at a time. H O N O R A RY T R U S T E E S
S. Daniel Abraham
Hal H. Beretz
J. Morton Davis
Aaron Feuerstein
Gerald Furst
Jacob E. Goldman
Emanuel Gruss
Joseph Segal
RICHARD M. JOEL Elie Wiesel
David Yagoda
Jay H. Zises
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY
Richard M. Joel
PRESIDENT
YUReview
Daniel T. Forman
VICE PRESIDENT FOR
I N S T I T U T I O N A L A D VA N C E M E N T
11 31
Georgia B. Pollak
VICE PRESIDENT FOR
C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A N D
P U B L I C A F FA I R S
YUREVIEW
Valerie L. Peters
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kelly Berman
NEWS EDITOR
Judy Tashji
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R 30
CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ISSUE:
Manny Behar
Philippe Cassamajor
June Glazer
Catherine Fredman
Lauren Freudmann
Rabbi Josh Joseph
2 FROM THE PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Kratz
Helen Kuttner
Clifford Meth
Stephen Nickson
Celia Regan
4 YU DIGEST
Hadassa Rubinstein
Boris Volunuev
Yael Wolynetz 16 DISCOVERY
College yearsthe time in a students life when their quest for
PHOTOGRAPHY enlightenment is realized through access to brilliant minds nurturing
Jared Bernstein personal exploration; Collegethe safe haven for this inquiry and
Dan Bretl
Enrique Cubillo
home to supportive faculty and experts who understand this quest
Norman Goldberg for knowledge.
Mark Katz
Holly Kuper In this issue, we discover the complex nature of Torah and Madda
Peter Robertson in criminal law; how the recovery of hidden treasures in Germany
Matt Schwartz
Annie Wasserman
identified a lost community; what secrets lie within our own
V. Jane Windsor University archives; and how the life-changing experiences of three
Emily Zeng students are making a difference to many.
32
YUReview is published bi-annually by Yeshiva
Universitys Department of Communications and
SPOTLIGHT
Public Affairs. It is distributed by mail to alumni
and friends of the university and on campus to
faculty and administrators. Paid subscriptions
are available at $15 per year.
FA C U LT Y B O O K S H E L F CLASSNOTES
to editing. Opinions expressed in the Review are
not official university policy.
and increasing financial aid. We have always been mindful A new scholarship drivesupported by the
of the costs of education, looking for ways to do more Board of Trusteeswill add up to $5 million to
the Universitys undergraduate scholarship
with less, while building a great university; now we must budget. This will augment the approximately
look harder, said President Joel. $31 million in institutional aid that the
University annually budgets.
We have an operating plan for the coming year
New and currently enrolled students who start
that ensures our delivering on the promise we make to our
their undergraduate studies with a year in
families: providing a superb education for every Israel, and plan to stay on the YU campus for
four years after they return, will be eligible for a
Yeshiva University student, while keeping our institution
half-tuition scholarship for that fourth year.
strong and helping us weather the economic climate. This applies to students returning from Israel and
Yeshiva Universitys mission has never been as vital as enrolling on campus in fall 2009 and is also
being extended to students who are currently in
it is today. Our values are invaluable and our education their first or second year on campus.
is nonnegotiable. To hear more from the president about these new
initiatives, go to www.yu.edu/president/tuition
4 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Shining Examples
This years Hanukkah Dinner Points of Light are models of excellence
representative of the entire YU community.
T
here is much to celebrate about Yeshiva University and the
Respond to needs for quality legal
accomplishments of this community, said President
representation for indigent immigrants
Richard M. Joel at the annual Hanukkah Convocation and
Dinner held in December at the Waldorf-Astoria. The
evenings emotional highlight focused the dinner presenta- Avi Amsalem, senior at Yeshiva College
tion on the Points of Lighta group of students, faculty, alumni and and co-president of student-run
donors whose achievements represent the excellence of YU. Medical Ethics Society
We present to you seven points of light; the number could just as His experience as a donor led to a massive
easily be 70, said President Joel as he introduced these outstanding on-campus bone marrow drive yielding eight
members of the YU community. Our 17 schools and affiliates potential matchessee page 28 for full story
brought us a bumper crop of great stories, from which we could
choose a few exemplars of excellence to share with you.
Rabbi Ari Zahtz YH, 01YC, R, fellow of the
During the inspiring presentation, each person took a place on the
Dr. Lamm Kollel Lhoraah,
stage and lit a symbolic candle on a menorah depicting themes of
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary
Jewish learning. (See sidebar.)
Compiled tribute volumes to Rabbi Zevulun
New York State Governor David A. Paterson, one of the events
Charlop on his transition from dean of RIETS to
honorees and its keynote speaker, paid tribute to the Universitys val-
Presidents special advisor on yeshiva affairs
ues and public service. After 122 years and only four presidents, this
university is thriving, Governor Paterson said. President Joel is pur-
suing the opportunity to fulfill the true meaning of education: a high- Dan Kelly 08AE, graduate of
er knowledge and a greater spirit. Albert Einstein College of Medicine
This greater spirit was recognized as President Joel awarded hon- Founded Global Action Foundation and
orary degrees to five leaders whose lives embody the Universitys val- built free clinic for victims of violence
ues: philanthropists David Feuerstein and Roslyn Goldstein; Elliot in Sierra Leone
Gibber, president and CEO of Deb-El Food Products; Rabbi Haskel
Lookstein, rabbi of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and head of the
Ramaz School; and Governor Paterson. Sofia Gordon, Wilf Scholar and senior,
In his remarks recognizing these leaders, President Joel also noted Stern College for Women
that, despite the difficult economy, the generosity of those attending Discovered true Jewish identity as a young
the evenings event raised $3.2 million, over $1 million more than the Russian immigrant in Germany and chose
previous year. To read in-depth biographies of the honorees, visit to attend Stern to deepen her Jewish studies
www.yu.edu/ hanukkah2008 educationsee page 29 for full story
digest that ongoing supervision, mentorship and access to Jacob Wisse to
the latest research in secular and Jewish education
are some crucial elements in avoiding burnout and Lead YU Museum
turnover. The Institute has already begun answering
Azrieli Institute this call by offering many continuing education
Addresses Professionalism programs at no cost for day school administrators,
educators, lay leaders and other professionals that
in Jewish Education address school leadership, teacher training and sup-
port, student support and interactive media.
Through live seminars, videoconferences (in
O
ne of the biggest issues in Jewish educa- cooperation with the Global Learning Initiative at
tion today is attracting, training and the Center for the Jewish Future), online materials
retaining high-quality teachers and lead- and discussion boards, conference calls and fellow-
ers for day schools, yeshivot and commu- ships for careers in Jewish education, opportunities
nity and synagogue-based schools. Raising for quality training are timely and far reaching.
the level of professionalism is critical as schools Schools also benefit from teacher and administrator
compete with their secular counterparts for student placement services, mentorships and research-based
enrollment. Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Edu- publications. Additionally, the Institute has initiated Dr. Jacob Wisse, associate
cation and Administration is addressing this commu- original research on Jewish day school issues such as professor of art history at Stern
nal challenge through its new initiative, the Institute bullying, differentiated instruction, the effects of the College for Women, has been
for University-School Partnership. year in Israel on post-high school students, religious named the new director of the
The Institute, directed by Dr. Scott Goldberg, a purposefulness and school affordability. Yeshiva University Museum follow-
noted researcher and educational consultant, offers A unique aspect of the Institute is its commit- ing Sylvia Herskowitzs retirement
educators opportunities for enhanced professional ment to outreach and collaboration with educational after 32 years as director.
development through the use of new technologies and nonprofit organizations to achieve common goals Wisse, who received his PhD
and applied research. The Institute can offer this in promoting Jewish education. For example, the from the Institute of Fine Arts of
support because of its access to experts and research Institute co-sponsored the Jewish Day School New York University, also has a
at Yeshiva University. For example, Azrieli faculty mem- Economic Summit at the 2009 Annual Leadership background in museum education
bers, who serve as Institute senior fellows, collabo- Conference run by RAVSAK: The Jewish Com- and curatorial work. Through the
rate with schools of all denominations across North munity Day School Network and hosted other major Metropolitan Museum of Art, he
America to mentor educators and raise awareness of conferences on The World Outside the School: earned a Curatorial Studies
school issues among lay leadership and parents. Engaging Parents and Community and Topics in Certificate and was twice awarded
Recent surveys among Jewish educators indicate Modern Orthodox Education. the museums Theodore Rousseau
Curatorial Fellowship.
Since 2005/06, when he was
appointed to head the art history
program at Stern, Wisse has intro-
duced courses that use exhibitions
and museum collections to
complement the classroom experi-
ence, including a summer program
in Florence on the art and culture
of the Renaissance period. He
will continue to teach and guide
the program.
During her tenure, Herskowitz
gave the nascent YU Museum an
identity by shaping it as a teaching
museum that collected, interpreted
and exhibited the art, artifacts and
material culture of Jews the world
over through creative and evoca-
tive interdisciplinary exhibitions,
catalogues and programs for Jews
and non-Jews of all ages.
Goldberg provides teacher training via live videoconference.
6 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
EINSTEINS and in the Lab a daily break of 15 minutes or more
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 7
CARDOZO HIGHLIGHTS current loan repayment assistance exceeding last years record of
program and ensures that our grad- 92 percent. The statewide pass
uates can continue to work for the rate for first-time takers from all
public good. Such work is a sterling ABA-accredited law schools was
affirmation of our commitment to 90.5 percent; for all takers it was
equality, social justice, and human- 74.7 percent.
istic and intellectual values.
Tisch believes that the public
sectorwhether it be legal assis-
tance services, the District Attor-
neys office, government, human
rights groups, or not-for-profit
organizationsshould not be
deprived of some of the best and
brightest legal minds coming out of
law school. She noted she comes
from a family in which public David Rudenstine
service was immensely important;
it was instilled in all of us from the Alumni Honor Dean
time we were children. This gift to Dean David Rudenstine was
Cardozo builds on that family lega- selected by the Alumni Associa-
cy. Ms. Tischs daughter, Emily tions 50-member executive com-
Tisch Sussman, is a 2008 alumna mittee as honoree at its annual din-
of Cardozo. ner in November for the dramatic
Laurie Tisch physical renovation and for the
remarkable growth Cardozo has
Record Bar Passage undergone during his tenure.
Loan Repayment Assistance Gets Rate at Cardozo Rudenstine will step down as
$5M Boost at Cardozo According to figures announced by dean in June 2009 and rejoin the
the New York State Board of Law faculty. Kathy Greenberg 82C,
In a visionary gift, Laurie M. Tisch overcoming their debt. She hopes Examiners in November, Cardozo who became chair of the Cardozo
has established the Laurie M. the gift will relieve burdens of out- graduates achieved a 93.2 percent board shortly after Rudenstine was
Tisch Loan Repayment Assistance standing financial obligations as first-time passage rate on the July named dean in 2001, said, I feel
Program (LRAP)to benefit Car- graduates work for the common 2008 New York State Bar Exam. privileged to know him, to have
dozo graduates who have chosen to good. Of the 310 Cardozo graduates who had the opportunity to work with
pursue careers in public interest/ This is a transformative gift, took the exam for the first time, him and to have witnessed the
public service law by providing said Dean David Rudenstine. It 289 passed. This is the highest extraordinary growth of Cardozo
forgivable loans to assist them in completely changes the face of our pass rate in the schools history, under his watch.
and special advisor to the president on yeshiva affairs and vice chairman
of the RIETS Board of Trustees, Herbert Smilowitz, and his son, Rabbi
Mark Smilowitz 92YC, 98AZ, 02R. RIETS dinner participants raised over
$1.1 million, thats $500,000 more raised than the previous year.
8 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
digest
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 9
digest
A Historical Perspective on
Modern-Day Slavery
A
member of the Shilluk and the Marcia Robbins-Wilf
tribe in southern Scholar-in-Residence Program.
Sudan, Simon Deng Gilah Kletenik 09S, a member of
was abducted when he the Social Justice Society, put the
was nine-years-old and relevance in perspective: Our col-
given as a gift to an Arab family. lective experience as slaves long
His job was to draw water from the ago, and as victims throughout his- Simon Deng
Nile River and carry it back to the tory, suggests that we have a
household, work typically assisted unique opportunity to free those was seen as a capital expenditure slaves were dependent on the mas-
by camels. After three and half enslaved, to be the custodians of and was given clothing, shelter and ters will, being a slave was a mis-
years as a slave, Deng was liberat- justice throughout the world. food in order to allow for the most fortune, a curse.
ed by a man from his former village Deng shared the podium with substantial return on investment, Now an American citizen and
who recognized him and arranged Mary Temple, volunteer coordina- Temple explained. In the past 50 anti-slavery activist, Deng sees his
for his escape. tor for Free the Slaves, which works years, the price has collapsed and main role as an advocate and is
Deng is a former child slave to eradicate slavery while liberating the average price of a slave is now hopeful for the future, knowing it
from Sudan who spoke last fall at a slaves around the world, and Rabbi $90. People have become dispos- will take someone who is free to
panel discussion on Slavery Un- Shalom Carmy, assistant professor able. free someone who is not. He said
shackled: An Exploration of Mod- of Bible at Yeshiva University. Rabbi Carmys comments on that most people think slavery is a
ern Day Slavery sponsored by the Temple highlighted the differ- slavery were based on his analysis thing of the past, but he is living
Social Justice Society, the Center ence between historical and mod- of biblical and halachic [Jewish proof that it continues to exist
for Ethics at Yeshiva University ern-day slaves. A historical slave legal] texts. He noted that since today.
YU IN ISRAEL
charged these students with the responsibility of Rabbi Kenneth Brander, dean of the Center
becoming the next leaders of Klal Yisrael [the for the Jewish Future (CJF), and Rabbi Yosef
people of Israel]. He also eloquently conveyed Blau, mashgiach ruchani [spiritual guidance
the message that the path to meeting this counselor] at YU, headed the delegation,
challenge runs through Yeshiva University, said introducing the students to leaders from across
Rabbi Ari Solomont, director of the S. Daniel the Jewish world and encouraging attendance
Abraham Israel Program. at sessions aimed at helping them understand
concepts and ideas that they may revisit as
General Assembly teachers and spiritual leaders of North American
Jewish communities.
Touches on Diversity of Blau contends that it is this understanding
North American Jewry
UK Chief Rabbi Shares that breeds stronger, better prepared Jewish
A delegation of 30 rabbinical students from leaders. While Orthodox rabbinical seminaries
Thoughts on Leadership Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary could simply lecture about the viewpoints
Last November, nearly 800 students studying in (RIETS) studying at YUs Gruss Institute in of other streams of Judaism, firsthand discus-
Israel on the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program Jerusalem attended the United Jewish sions with those who actually subscribe to these
heard Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of Communities 2008 General Assembly (GA) to views are an invaluable learning experience
the United Kingdom, speak on the importance gather with the larger Jewish community that will help these young rabbis relate to their
of leadership. In the presence of lay leaders through interactions with Jews from different students and congregations in the future,
from the OU and rabbanim alike, Rabbi Sacks streams. said Blau.
1 0 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
MACCABEE MINUTE
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 1 1
digest
YUs Center for the Jewish
Future ran three service-learn-
ing missions in January to
Texas, Nicaragua and Israel.
The trips, all subsidized by
a grant from the Charles and
Lynn Schusterman Family
Winter Missions Take Tikkun Olam on the Road Foundation, offered students
a unique lesson in making
a difference.
HOUSTON
ISRAEL
NICARAGUA
$$$ %# $ ! "
An excerpt of a book chapter by President Richard M. Joel, which was included in Letters to the Next President:
Strengthening Americas Foundation in Higher Education, published by Korn/Ferry International, 2008.
Exploration in the natural world,
from the subatomic to the cosmic,
or in the private world of self-knowledge,
snaps existence into focus
and provides missing puzzle pieces
to reveal a more complete picture of life.
You know it when it happens:
Discovery
THE CATALYST FOR DISCOVERY can be happenstance. Explore the archives and hidden treasures in the Mendel
Yet it is often triggered by the exchange of ideas in an envi- Gottesman Library of Hebraica/Judaica, which illuminate
ronment open to possibility. Enter Yeshiva University. The our deeply rooted traditions, our experiences and our cultur-
art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery, wrote the al history.
American Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mark van Doren. Our Learn about the students whose journeys of self-discovery
faculty practice their art in wide-ranging scientific, social provide inspiration to others: A Ferkauf graduate student who
and spiritual studies. Applying both critical analysis and clas- discovered she could not stand by and do nothing while her
sical Talmudic approaches, faculty and students work to effect neighbors home in China suffered with the aftereffects of
substantial change and make discoveries in their worlds. catastrophic earthquakes; the student who discovered his
Take a few moments to see how discovery is flourishing in potential to save a lifeand sparked fellow students to do
the YU community. Learn how our scholars in the areas of the same; and the student who discovered her identity as a
criminal justice and Halacha [Jewish religious law] have won Jew and now regularly does outreach work with others.
renown for their pioneering work in applying current DNA Theirs are discovery stories awakened and nurtured by the
research to the pursuit of justice and to resolving one of the tools and resources of Yeshiva University.
most painful halachic issues of our time. Our faculty and students are pushing the envelope, using
Discover our recently unearthed past as we reveal the their gifts to drive discoveries that uplift and elevate our
last-known Jewish treasure hoard of medieval history, once global community. See how the YU experience arms our
concealed within the foundation of a 12th-century home in students with the tools they need to shape and improve our
the former Jewish quarter of a small German town. collective future.
discovery
D
r. James Gill, deputy chief med-
Yeshiva University represents a commitment to the ical examiner of the Bronx for the
moral values of Torah while also supporting whole- New York City Medical Exami-
ners Office and visiting professor
heartedly the pursuit of the latest discoveries in of pathology at the Albert Ein-
stein College of Medicine, explained that DNA
science. Using the science behind DNA, the double consists of the genetic building blocks for
humans and all forms of life, down to the single
strand of deoxyribonucleic acid unique to every person, cell. The implications for medicine are limitless
since the study of DNA can help us determine
our scholars in the areas of criminal justice and which people are most at risk for certain dis-
eases and may soon tell us why cells mutate to
Halacha [Jewish religious law] have won international cause diseases and how the process can be pre-
renown for their pioneering work in applying current vented or reversed. At Einsteins recently dedi-
cated Michael F. Price Center for Genetic and
research to the pursuit of justice and to resolving one Translational Medicine/Harold and Muriel
Block Research Pavilion, work in this area will
of the most painful halachic issues of our time. be applied directly to patient care.
1 8 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Hidden
DNA Research in the
Pursuit of Justice Treasures
T
oday, the impact of DNA research of the gottesman library
is being felt in areas beyond med-
icine and biology, revolutionizing
the field of criminal justice. As
recently as the 1980s, judges and A library is the heart of a university, a
juries in criminal cases have had to rely on often
repository of the best of the past that can
contradictory, incomplete or inaccurate eyewit-
ness testimony, inconclusive forensic studies serve as a springboard to discovery.
and circumstantial evidence. As a result, many With 8,000 rare books, 1,200 manuscripts,
criminals were either never apprehended or
over 40 Hebrew and Latin incunabula
acquitted at trial for lack of evidence, while
innocent people were wrongly convicted. (books printed during the earliest period
Beginning in 1989 with the successful applica- of typography, the 1450s to the end of
tion of DNA evidence, samples from crime
the 15th century) and collections of
scenes as small as the tip of a pencil led to dra-
matic changes. memorabilia, the Mendel Gottesman
Dr. Gill explained: Except for identical Library fulfills its role as a vital resource
twins, each individual has a unique sequence in
for inspiration and accomplishment.
his or her DNA. By looking for repeating
sequences in 13 different loci [noncoding DNA
On the 40th anniversary year of the librarys
regions], we can typically distinguish people
from one another. While hundreds of millions dedication, YUReview takes you to its
of people may have the same blood type as that book stacks and boxes for an exploration
found in evidence, the chance of two people
of some of the unseen treasures defining
having the same DNA sequence in even a few of
the 13 loci is less than one in a billion. our community.
This makes DNA sequencing a powerful tool
for law enforcement professionals, prosecutors
and defense attorneys. By comparing DNA evi-
dence to DNA data banks operated by the FBI
and other agencies, suspects can be more easily
identified. By matching the evidence with the
suspects DNA, guilt or innocence can be
proven.
Once DNA evidence became available for
identifications, investigators were able to revisit
old cases both to apprehend suspects in cases
where the trail had long ago gone cold, and to
determine whether the people convicted of
crimes were actually guilty.
One of the pioneers in the use of DNA evi-
dence in the pursuit of justice is Barry Scheck,
Commemorative medallion marking the dedication of
a professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School
of Law and the director of clinical education for the Mendel Gottesman Library on April 20, 1969.
the Trial Advocacy Program and Cardozos Jacob
Burns Center for Ethics in the Practice of Law.
Background: A papercut charity collection sign asking for donations
He is a past president of the National Associa-
tion of Criminal Defense Lawyers and known to support the work of the Hevra Kadisha in Piaseczna, Poland.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9
discovery
2 0
Hidden Treasures
DNA Identification
and Halacha G E N I U S AT W O R K
Without doubt one of the most original thinkers of any era, Albert Einstein
T
he impact of DNA research on
propelled modern scientific thought through his discoveries. In 1958, Yeshiva
secular law leads to an obvious
University acquired a 20-page handwritten manuscript donated by Dr. Leo
questionwhat is the status of
Perlman of Mt. Vernon, New York. This document, one of Einsteins early
DNA evidence in Halacha? The
attempts to find a Unified Field Theory, written in 1929, contains many
question became particularly
revisions, corrections and preparatory calculations giving a rare insight into
urgent after the terrorist attacks of September
Einsteins working style. Dr. Peter Bergman, a noted Einstein scholar, said
11, 2001.
these numerous changes are indicative of Einsteins search for the best
For observant Jewish families, the attacks
possible presentation of his ideas. In several instances there is evidence the
immediately raised significant and practical
he rearranged materialsto make it easier for the reader to grasp the
halachic questions: When do I sit shiva [mourn]
argument. The complete manuscript may be viewed at www.yu.edu/libraries/
and say Kaddish [the traditional mourning
digital_library/einstein/panel2.html
prayer]? What do we do about observing the rit-
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 1
discovery
uals for preparing the body for burial, and the of their husbands. Eleven of these women tion were dental records, the retrieval of person-
timing of burial? turned to the Beth Din of America for guidance al items and eyewitness testimony or other evi-
For the wives of the victims, the most far- in the days following the attacks. dence that the men were in the World Trade
reaching and painful question came a bit further Rabbi Yona Reiss, a graduate of Yeshiva Col- Center at the time of the terrorist attacks.
down the road: when, if ever, will I be able to lege and Yale Law School with semicha [rabbinic
remarry? Many feared that scores of women
whose husbands were killed at the World Trade
ordination] from RIETS (who was recently ap-
pointed as its dean), was the director of the Beth
Some Ethical
Center might face the tragedy of a life of perma- Din of America, the largest rabbinical court in Challenges
nent widowhood known as agunot. This term, the United States, at the time. Rabbi Reiss and
W
the plural of agunah [chained woman], is most his colleagues worked around the clock at the hile our knowledge of
commonly used today to refer to a woman who New York City headquarters to assemble evi- DNA has opened new
is unable to remarry because her husband refus- dence, meeting with the widows and personal frontiers of knowledge,
es to grant a geta Jewish divorce. In the time acquaintances and consulting with rabbinical, some people have ex-
of the Talmudic sages, however, it was used scientific experts and civil authorities. pressed concern that it can
more often to describe a wife whose husband Initially, Rabbi Reiss and representatives of be misused in unethical ways.
had left and did not return and whose fate was other rabbinical courts met with the New York For example, a national DNA database used
undetermined. The woman was forbidden to City Medical Examiners Office, which was to identify suspects in criminal cases could
remarry because the husband might yet be alive. charged with the task of identifying remains and become a tool for profiling people and to deter-
Because of the great tragedy implicit in this issuing death certificates, to establish a working mine decisions such as school admissions and
situation, the sages were lenient in many ways in relationship and to determine whether the con- job hiring or even the roundup of potential crim-
accepting testimony as evidence of the husbands clusions of the medical examiner could be inals based on what our DNA says about our
death. While Torah law generally requires the accepted as definitive proof that the husbands future.
testimony of two eyewitnesses to verify a death had died, thus allowing the widows to remarry. Dr. Gill emphasized that the loci used for
in the case of a missing husband, hearsay evi- As a result of advances in DNA research in identification purposes contain no genes at all.
dence and the testimony of a single witness are the years preceding the attack, DNA evidence They are like fingerprintsthey can be used for
acceptable. The sages also ruled that the testi- was now available for the first time as a tool for identification but tell us nothing about the indi-
mony of witnesses who were otherwise unquali- halachic authorities as they sought definitive vidual. But there are less dramatic scenarios that
fied would be admissible in such cases. One of proof that the missing men had in fact been still raise difficult ethical challenges.
the latter day sages noted for his sensitive han- killed in the World Trade Center. The work of The same genetic screening that is used to
dling of such cases was Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Rabbi Reiss and his colleagues allowed the lead- identify people most susceptible to a disease
Spektor, for whom our yeshiva, the Rabbi Isaac ing dayanim [judges] of the Beth Din, Rabbi could conceivably be used by insurance compa-
Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS),is named. Gedalia Dov Schwartz and Rabbi Mordechai nies to determine which patients are the highest
Since many of the bodies of the victims of Willig, to rule that the husbands had died and risk and to deny coverage to the people who
the September 11 terror attacks were never that every one of the widows was permitted to need it most.
recovered intact, the widows were confronted remarry. Should we forgo the benefits of DNA identi-
with the possibility that they might become It is important to note, however, that in no fication out of concern that the negative conse-
agunot unless it could be definitively proven that case was DNA evidence the sole source for issu- quences may be even greater? Dr. David
the fragmentary remains recovered were those ing a ruling. Other factors taken into considera- Wasserman, an attorney and director of research
2 2 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Hidden Treasures
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 3
discovery
C
oncealed within the foundation of coins as well as gold and silver jewelry, was effec-
Ten years ago, a construction a 12th-century home in the for- tively a 600-year-old time capsule, including 3,000
mer Jewish quarter of Erfurt, the silver coins, 14 silver ingots and over 600 pieces
worker in Erfurt, Germany, capital city of Thuringia in central of jewelry weighing in at 62 pounds. Since the
Germany, the worker discovered artifacts were buried in the 1340s (known by the
was helping to dig the two cups that locked together. He took them dates on the coins), experts surmised that they
home, opened and polished their contents, and were probably hidden by a Jewish merchant just
foundation for a simple then, realizing that his find could be of historic before the vicious massacre of Erfurts Jews in
parking lot in his growing city. importance, turned the objects over to German 1349 at the time of the Black Death.
authorities. From this treasure, we learned a great deal
Little did he know that he The plans for a parking lot were abruptly can- about the Jewish community in Erfurt, said
celed. In its place, an archaeological investiga- Rhoda Seidenberg, an associate curator at the
was shortly to discover the last tion was carried out in 1997 and 1998 near the Yeshiva University Museum. The community
site of the medieval synagogue. The treasure had might have been affluent, or, more likely, the
known Jewish treasure hoard been found buried under the western wall of a person who hid the treasure might have been a
stone building in what was most likely a private rich merchant and/or a money lender. It may
of medieval history. house on the same side of the street as the syn- have been owned by him, or these were pieces
agogue and what was discovered later to be a of pawned merchandise, she said.
mikvah [ritual bath]. Conservation experts Seidenberg said that Erfurt had been an
Above: Gold brooch with jewels and pearls
from the Erfurt treasures. Photograph courtesy of
worked for a full year to carefully restore the important center for Jews during this time peri-
Thringisches Landesamt fr Denkmalpflege und precious artifacts. od. A kinah [elegy] was recited in many
Archologie, Germany. Found within the cups, filled with medieval Ashkenazi communities to commemorate the
objects in private hands were rings like this one were an impor- discovered in different hoards
frequently melted down. Almost all tant part of the Jewish marriage around Europe, but the Erfurt ring American venue selected for this
surviving objects are religious in ceremony. The mid-15th century surpasses them as the most elabo- exhibition. Next stop is the Wallace
character, sacred Christian objects Second Nuremberg Haggadah rate example of this type of treasure, Collection in London and the Beth
saved in the treasuries of churches. features a scene from a Jewish according to the experts. Hatefutsoth in Tel Aviv before the
But the Erfurt Treasure is primarily wedding, where the groom places Erfurt: Jewish Treasures from objects return to their permanent
secular tableware and jewelry, with a large gold ring on the index finger Medieval Ashkenaz, featuring 167 home at Erfurts new 11th-century
a few select objects associated of the bride. Gold rings with a set pieces, was displayed at the Yeshiva synagogue museum, set to open
with Jewish ritual. value, without jeweled adornments, University Museum, the only North in the fall of 2009.
2 4 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Hidden Treasures
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 5
discovery
A University is,
in its Essence, a Place for
Discovery
The college years are not only about reaching for excellence,
maturing and reflecting knowledge. They are also about
Discovering My Place
achieving the essential discovery of our roles in life, in Another World
as human beings and public citizens. Three current students B Y E M I LY Z E N G ,
D O C T O R A L S T U D E N T, F E R K A U F
have journeyed to great heights of personal discovery. G R A D U AT E S C H O O L O F P S Y C H O L O G Y
I
was born in Sichuan, a southwestern pro-
vince of China. I came to Ferkauf as a
doctoral student in the clinical child psy-
chology program four years ago. In May
2008, an 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit
my hometown while I was here in the Bronx. I
was distraught, so I requested permission from
my professor, Louise Silverstein [Ferkauf profes-
sor of school psychology], to be excused from
classes for a few days. She asked if I had lost
family in the disaster. They are all my family, I
told her.
I discovered that I could not stand by and do
nothing while my neighbors suffered back home
in China. I discussed the issues in great detail
with my professors at Ferkauf. Over the course of
several weeks, the seedlings of a plan grew, and I
worked with Dr. Silverstein and Dr. Carl
Aurbach [Ferkauf associate professor of clinical
psychology] to organize a summer trip to China.
My aim was to do what I could with the skills I
have to volunteer for the community.
My professors warned me of the risks
Zeng (left) and an earthquake survivor in Sichuan. involved in my plan. We discussed the chaos
2 6 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Hidden Treasures
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 7
discovery
I
ts not every day that I get an opportunity those swabs in Jerusalem. Typically, when stand- community to ease their worries.
to save someones life. ing on the brink of our own life changing deci- A week after receiving the initial phone call,
Four years ago, on my way out of the sions, we spend time contemplating, seeking the I agreed to the confirmatory tissue typing stage
chadar ochel [dining hall] of Netiv Aryeh, advice of everyone we know and lose endless of the donor process. A month later, the results
the Old City Yeshiva where I studied for hours of sleep. My life, and the life of another of the blood tests confirmed that I was a match.
a year and a half, I stopped by a folding table and person, however, was changed by an act that During the moments leading up to my proce-
participated in a quick swab test of the insides of seemed relatively inconsequential at the time dure, I sat in the waiting room along with cancer
my cheeks for a bone marrow registry program. just by participating in a student program in patients awaiting their treatments. Later, as I
During my second year at YU, while I was Jerusalem. processed the experience, I couldnt help but
think that those other people were sitting there
because they had to be there, and I was there
because I was healthy enough to be there. I was
overwhelmed with a sense of privilege.
I didnt cast myself as a lifesaver, especially
since the procedure was done anonymously. For
me, those words are reserved for someone who
runs into a burning house and rescues someone
or some other grand, heroic gesture. It was not
until I received a handwritten thank-you note
from the recipient that I truly digested that this
person was alive and well because of me.
Receiving a letter meant that my bone marrow
match was a real person; he is someones hus-
band, father, brother, uncle, cousin and neighbor.
Since then, we have continued to correspond,
expanding our physical bond to the emotional.
The experience was, for me, a call for action.
Through my involvement with the Student
Medical Ethics Society, I spearheaded two very
successful bone marrow drives on campus. We
surpassed everyones wildest expectations, regis-
tering over 880 people into the Gift of Life Bone
Marrow Registry. I recently learned that, as a
result of our drive, two matches were found and
I have been in contact with both donors. I now
also serve as a speaker ambassador for Gift of
Life where I talk to potential donors, offering
them advice and encouragement throughout the
process.
Thinking about my journey over the last four
years, I discovered that small acts can save lives.
Where would I be now if I had not stopped for
five minutes to do those cheek swabs in
Avi Amsalem Jerusalem?
2 8 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Hidden Treasures
Discovering My Identity
as a Jew
BY SOFIA GORDON 10S
W
hen I arrived in Germany
in 1995 by way of a refugee
camp for Russian Jews, I did
not know what the word
Jew meant. All I knew was
that they were a hated people and I was among
them. I was surrounded by negative buzz, and I
couldnt help but ask: Why were we there? Was
I Jewish? Hesitantly, my mother answered in the
affirmative, but she cautioned me that it was
something I should keep to myself once we emi-
grated to Germany.
Once settled in Wrzburg, a small city in the
German state of Bavaria, I did as I was told. I
adopted German culture as my own. My wish
was to assimilate myself completely. I started to
speak the language, and my blond hair and blue
eyes were helpful. But I was lonely. I needed to
find a whole new community in Germany, a new
way to identify myself.
In Bavaria, the schools require each student
This hand-bound, watercolor-illustrated special edition of Walt Whitmans
to register as either Catholic or Protestant. I
1865 elegiac poem on the death of Abraham Lincoln, When Lilacs Last in
chose Protestant because, for some reason, I
the Dooryard Bloomd, is part of the Universitys Charles E. Feinberg
always favored the minorities. I enjoyed my
Collection. The 70 volumes and folios of Whitmans important work donated
classes as I began to discover a concept of G-d,
by the Detroit businessman and Walt Whitman authority in 1959 include
a greater power from whom to draw strength and
some signed by the poet, and other rare and limited editions.
love. I incorporated prayer into my daily routine,
The poem, considered one of Whitmans best, never mentions Lincoln
standing in front of the cross at school.
by name.
It was not until my grandmother came to visit
and brought me to a shul that I discovered and
internalized my Jewish roots. I already knew I
had a passion for religion, and I was particularly
interested to know where I came from. I began
The photo at left is a life-sized image
to attend weekly classes at the synagogue to
learn more. I did not tell my friends and espe- of a Bible titled The Bible in Miniature
cially not my mother. She would not have or A Concise History of the Old & New
approved. For me, these classes were like histo-
Testaments. Its first page reveals that
ry lessons. I still wanted to be German, but I
knew that I was hiding some major part of my the book was printed for John Dickens
identity and the impetus I had to explore that living at No. 50, North Second Street
was very strong.
in Philadelphia (1796). Measuring
Because of my participation in the class, I
was invited to attend a seminar in Munich run approximately 2 inches tall, this tiny
by Rabbi Benjamin Kraus about Pesach. But illustrated volume was published for
a juvenile audience.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 9
discovery
3 0 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Hidden Treasures
THE PRAGUE BIBLE Presented as a gift to the Gottesman commentary of Rashi surrounding the
Library by Ludwig and Erica Jesselson text is in cursive script. There are
This beautifully illuminated manu- in 1985, this three-volume treasure is 84 illuminated leaves; four of them
script on vellum was completed by the considered one of the finest examples have full-page decoration. You can
scribe Mattathias ben Jonah of Laun in of a complete Hebrew manuscript view each page of The Prague Bible
1489 during a period of relative calm Bible in existence and is the oldest online at www.yu.edu /libraries /
within a period of catastrophic attacks written and dated in Prague. The text praguebible.asp
A Spectacular Thinker
Focused on Human Dignity
Rabbi Yona Reiss Becomes Dean of Seminary
R
abbi Yona Reiss is the first dean of satellite space for beth din [rabbinic court] activ- Rabbi Charlops strong voice in support of
the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theo- ities at the planned Glueck Center on the Wilf Rabbi Reiss as his successor informs and echoes
logical Seminary (RIETS) to hold Campus so that current RIETS students may others who have heralded his unique skills as
the degree of Juris Doctor, which have the opportunity to observe firsthand the an expert in practical Halacha and other secular
happens to be from Yale University. proceedings in action. This would help them to law matters.
While he is proud of his degree from the other understand the sensitivity and expertise that is Rabbi Reiss is one of the smartest people I
YU, Rabbi Reiss is quick to acknowledge that required by dayanim [judges], which also have ever met. RIETS and YU will encounter in
his lifelong associations with Yeshiva University informs the need for strong leadership in com- him a powerful combination of erudite Torah
are most indicative of who he is, both as a jurist munities in relation to the halachic decision- scholarship, spectacular thinking and careful
and a scholar. making process. attention to human dignity. The yeshiva will soar
Rabbi Reiss accepted the deanship of the It is important for us to resolve disputes in a to unexpected heights under his direction, said
seminary this past summer, which necessitated manner which is compatible with halachic tradi- Rabbi Michael Broyde 82YUHS, 84YC, 93R, a
that he give up the post he held for 10 years as tion as well as the contemporary needs of our colleague who was the immediate past predeces-
director of the Beth Din of America, the largest community, said Rabbi Reiss. sor to Rabbi Reiss at the Beth Din of America.
rabbinical court in the United States. He has Rabbi Reiss is a stellar choice for the dean- President Richard M. Joel, who also serves as
indicated that, during his tenure here, Yeshiva ship of RIETS, said Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, president of RIETS, shared how Rabbi Reiss
Universitys rabbinical students will continue to dean emeritus and special advisor to the presi- embodies the complex intermingling of Torah
reap the benefits of the seminarys previous dent on Yeshiva affairs, who was a mentor to and Madda. Tempered with sensitivity and
strong leadership, the same dedicated focus on Rabbi Reiss during his days as a student in the warmth, the themes of Torah and secular knowl-
excellence in textual study, pastoral training and seminary. His most important character trait is edge are present in everything he says and does.
service learning, with new mechanisms in place his integrity, which is known and respected The yeshiva is the soul of Yeshiva University. In
for proper, dignified and professional ways of throughout the Orthodox community. Moreover, Rabbi Reiss, we have a leader who will nurture
resolving halachic [Jewish legal] disputes. while he lives in two worlds, the secular and the that soul and advance Torah study and protect
Rabbi Reiss has proposed a plan to provide sacred, he is anchored in the yeshiva. Torah values, said President Joel.
3 2 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
A Conversation with Rabbi Yona Reiss
student newspaper. [Editors note: of absence from the law firm to
The article, Torah UMadda: study in the Kollel full-time.
Centralized leadership
What Does It All Mean?, was During that year, a colleague
published in The Commentator on of mine, Rabbi Michael Broyde, a
is important to me because
December 10, 1986.] law professor at Emory University
Most particularly, Rabbi in Atlanta (who also serves as the
I think its important to
Charlop has always been very pulpit rabbi for the Young Israel
encouraging. He was one of the of Toco Hills), was brought to
create a holistic and cohesive
eydim [witnesses] at my wedding New York for a year to head the
and every step along the way Beth Din. I was his chavrusa
yeshiva environment
when I was still learning; when [learning partner] and did some
where we all have a place.
I went to law school; when I was volunteer work for the Beth Din.
working in my law firm; and I was asked to take over the job
when I was working at the Beth when he went back to Atlanta.
Din of Americaconversations continued on next page
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 3 3
A Conversation with about my goals for the future, with major Jewish institutions for them to reach their fullest
Rabbi Yona Reiss I came to the conclusion that outside of YU, such as the potential, to find their strengths.
continued this was an exciting opportunity Rabbinical Council of America They should be able to develop
that I was truly passionate about. and rabbinical caucuses at the and learn; they should be able to
Im glad that I accepted it. It time, and widely endorsed by find the right rabbeim for them
YUR: Like the directorship of the is a daunting responsibility to leading rabbinical authorities. and the right courses of learning.
Beth Din of America, one doesnt follow in the path of my prede- It is now widely utilized. I want them to have the neces-
really apply for the job to be cessors, but I hope to be worthy sary attention to develop a
dean of RIETS. How did you come of this task. YUR: You and your wife, Mindy, healthy sense of self-esteem and
to be dean? are blessed with five boys under accomplishment. I want to make
RR: A couple of years ago, I YUR: What are your plans for the age of nine. Tell me about the sure they have the tools to con-
entered into discussions with RIETS in relation to working with kind of relationship you want your tinue to learn and to grow, to
President Joel to strengthen the the larger Jewish community? children to have with YU. contribute to building families
ties between Yeshiva University; RR: In addition to being a center RR: My house is very lively and communities and continually
the Lamm Yadin Yadin Kollel, for learning and Torah leader- [laughs]. I have brought my seek to improve themselves
where many rabbeim train post- ship, it is a part of our responsi- children into the office. Its the throughout their life.
RIETS; and the Beth Din of bility to train students to really type of environment where I feel Centralized leadership is
America. I had a vision, which be the dayanim, the poskin that my whole family belongs. important to me because I think
I still have, of a more formal [decision makers] and the baalei The yeshiva is an extension of its important to create a holistic
relationship in terms of the Yadin horaah [Jewish law experts] of our home because the Beis and cohesive yeshiva environ-
Yadin Kollel training for people our communities, to define and Midrash is where we live. ment, so everybody feels inter-
to serve as dayanim under the identify the issues, to find solu- Recently we spent a Shabbos connected and feels a sense of
auspices of the Beth Din of tions and answers to halachic here, and I brought my baby belonging, where we all have a
America. problems and to answer ques- around the campus and I felt a place. Regardless of what pro-
We discussed our mutual tions that arise in our contempo- very warm sense of all of us gram students are in, they all are
vision, both in terms of learning rary community. It is also very belonging. I want everyone to a part of the yeshiva.
Jewish communal institutions important to have the right vehi- feel this way. I want YU to be I think that we at Yeshiva
and our vision of Jewish commu- cles and mechanisms in place for there not just for my children, University are one of a kind, and
nities. The discussion then meta- halachic problem-solving. but for everybody. at the same time we are very
morphosized into whether or not For example, the prenuptial much a part of everyone and
Id be interested in taking over agreement has been a very YUR: What matters most to you in everything Jewish, and very
the position as dean of RIETS effective tool, resolving potential providing an education to the next much a vital component of the
because Rabbi Charlop was agunah [chained woman] situa- generation of rabbis? global yeshiva world.
stepping down. After thinking tions. It was developed in concert RR: For me, its the opportunity
3 4 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
spotlight
The Center for Israel Studies (CIS) encompasses Israel-related scholarship, teaching
and programming of every variety. With a rich array of courses on Israel, classic area study
projects and international cooperation initiatives, as well as providing enthusiasm for
Israel-themed cultural events, CIS brings together a diverse group of academic disciplines
to provide expertise and fresh perspectives to the study of all things Israel.
Y
eshiva University has been, for conference entitled The Temple of Jerusalem: and Johns Hopkins, to use advanced technology
many years, a global resource for From Moses to the Messiah, held in conjunc- to read ancient inscriptions. Thanks to this con-
the study of Israel thanks to deep tion with Yeshiva University Museums exhibi- sortium, this year well make available 15 an-
faculty expertise, a dynamic cur- tion of five architectural models of the Temple cient Jewish inscriptions in Aramaic and Hebrew
riculum, a highly motivated stu- based on Leen Ritmeyers work. More than 600 that have never been published, Fine said.
dent body, plus renowned research libraries and people participated in the conference, including Joining forces with other institutions will
a preeminent museum. Now, the Center for scholars from institutions across North America also be key to the Centers success. Were part
Israel Studies brings all of those resources and Israel. of a [science] partnership with the Jerusalem
together under an interdisciplinary umbrella Fine explained that CIS is about the broad Institute of Technology and Bar-Ilan University.
that aims to develop scholars who will assume study of Israel and forging University-wide part- Well be talking about ways to bring the lessons
academic and communal leadership in all areas nerships. CIS scholars will work with YUs Israel has learned about ecology to our campus
related to Israel. Our goal is to train students to Center for Ethics on, say, the ethics of the 1948 more deeply than before. I can imagine us doing
understand the complexities and strategic envi- partition, or work with YUs Center for Jewish science missions and sending students as
ronment of Israel, and to then interpret that Law and Contemporary Civilization on contem- interns to major medical institutions in Israel,
understanding to the wider community, said porary Israeli law or historical Jewish law. Fine added.
Steven Fine, CIS director and chair of the Were also bringing the international com- He also noted that CIS is working closely
Department of Jewish History. munity together, institution by institution, with the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies
Research, conferences, museum exhibitions human being by human being, Fine explained. at Brandeis on several projects, and one of YUs
and academic courses and programming are all For example, we just joined a consortium political scientists, Dr. Ruth A. Bevan, was able
part of the Centers core mission. CIS celebrat- put together by the University of Southern Cali- to enhance her teaching thanks to training she
ed its inauguration this past May with a two-day fornia, which includes the University of Illinois received at the Schusterman Center.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 3 5
Promoting the Academic Study of Modern Israel
YUReview: What is the purpose of College. We want to affect how YUR: The topic for the next confer-
the Center for Israel Studies? much Israel-related courses are ence is Israel and India: A
Steven Fine: The Center seeks to being taught here. Ive created Relationship Comes of Age. What
transform the academic study of faculty working groups in areas as is the significance of that topic?
the State of Israel by providing diverse as the history of Zionism; SF: This is a relationship that is
the best expertise and new per- Israel, Science and Technology; both deeply rooted in history and
spectives on Israel; by educating Modern Israel and International is up and coming. We know Jews
Steven Fine received his doctorate the next generation of Israel Affairs and Archaeology. The have lived in India as long as Jews
in Jewish history from the Hebrew scholars; and by offering relevant charge of these working groups is have been writing. We know of
University of Jerusalem, holds an and exciting public programming to act as a think tank to develop elephants being waltzed through
MA in art history from the for the broad New York communi- programming and, more impor- Palestine to the Roman Empire.
University of Southern California ty. We have taken an area studies tantly, to develop long-term And we know of the military,
and a BA in religious studies approach, meaning were interest- projects that will transform our economic and tourist relation-
from the University of California, ed in everything having to do with campus and the study of its ships today. Twenty years ago, the
Santa Barbara. Dr. Fines most Israel, from Abraham to Zionism. subject areas. The truth is, our relationship between Israel and
recent book is Art and Judaism We bring people together from scholars have been doing that for India wasnt on the front page of
in the Greco-Roman World: disciplines as distinct as political three generations. But now is the international relations. Today it is.
Toward a New Jewish Archaeology science, biology, archaeology and moment where we can take Theres an obvious Indian
(Cambridge University Press, modern history to focus on this something superb and show the connection through the medical
2005), and he is editor of place in as broad and deep a way world how great it is. school. Sonia Suchday [co-direc-
IMAGES: A Journal of Jewish Art as we possibly can. At YU, that tor of the Institute of Public
and Visual Culture (E. J. Brill). literally means from the very YUR: CIS celebrated its inaugura- Health Sciences, a joint program
beginning of civilization to the tion with a conference on The between Ferkauf Graduate School
present. Israel is deeply embed- Temple of Jerusalem: From Moses of Psychology and Albert Einstein
ded in this institution, far more to the Messiah. How did that College of Medicine] came to me
than at any other major university represent CISs goals? and said, This is a chance to
in North America. Our goal is to SF: Our Temple conference was a deepen our relationship in a place
strengthen and deepen that real high. We had top-flight where YU can make a real contri-
relationship. scholars from all over North bution. Its real synergy. So a
America coming just to listen. group of Stern students and
YUR: What does CIS do thats There were Orthodox Jews and Ferkauf students went to India
different from existing Israel- pious Christians and political this summer to study global
focused programs at YU? scientists all in one room talking health initiatives, and a Marsha
SF: Were deeply involved in the to each other. Were going to be Stern Talmudical Academy group
curriculum in a way that hasnt bringing together people who is going to India in the coming
happened before. CIS is develop- have never talked to each other year to do service work in the
ing minors in Israel studies at before, and theyre going to be Jewish community and, in the
Yeshiva College and Stern talking on our turf. process, to learn about the Jewish
3 6 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
culture of India. Were looking for take time and money. One of the everything from a representative our window onto New York City.
government and ways were filling those gaps in the archaeological dig to an olive oil Its hard for the general public to
university sponsorship from both meantime is through distinguished plant to a planetarium. Each know what exciting things are
countries to make this a truly visiting professorships. That will subject has its own pavilion. going on at the University, espe-
large event. Well bring India onto continue even after weve made I thought, wouldnt this be a won- cially in the humanities. The
campus and bring the India/Israel the right hires because it adds derful model for a center at YU? Museum allows people to see
relationship onto the front page of spice to the entire system. We have a museum where you what were dreaming about. It is
New York culture for a year. can actually touch things, we planning an India-related exhibit
YUR: CIS offers a perfect way to have students learning Torah for this years conference. Were
YUR: CIS is a huge umbrella. practice YUs core philosophy of Umadda, our medical and law already talking about an exhibit
Which particular areas would you Torah Umadda. Which opportunities schools are world-class. Can you on early Zionism to enhance the
like to focus on first and why? excite you the most? imagine finding a way to take all 2009/10 CIS conference on Zion-
SF: Whats most important at this SF: The most important opportu- those individual pavilions that ism before the Balfour Declara-
point is everything having to do nity is the coming together of the make up YU and get them talking tion. The Museum often comes
with modern Israel. We have different parts of our university across a big quad about Israel? up with an idea for a project and
enough faculty resources to under this banner. the University brings together
satisfy the requirements for a This year, for example, the YUR: What is the nature of the academic courses and programs
general university, but not enough Center co-sponsored the Univer- relationship between CIS and the around that project. Its almost
for YU to excel in Modern Israel sitys first Torah Umadda Week at Yeshiva University Museum (YUM)? like symbiosisthe productive
studies. If were going to be the Stern College. We invited world- SF: YUM is one of our major partnership of our public space
top research institution in this renowned physicist Nathan drawing cards. The Museum is and our academic life.
area, we need real depth in Aviezer of Bar-Ilan University,
everything from the Arab-Israeli along with Rabbi Natan Slifkin,
conflict, to art and culture, to a noted author in Israel, and our
folklore, to Sephardim in Israel. own Einstein professor and
We have people who have taught esteemed scholar Dr. Edward
Our goal is to train students to
it extremely well, but its not their I. Reichman, to present a series
research area. of lectures on the intersections of
understand the complexities and
Weve begun the hiring process Torah and science.
in a number of those areas and
strategic environment of Israel,
have hired more than a dozen YUR: Where did you draw your
academics from the junior to inspiration for the Center?
and to then interpret that under-
senior faculty level to complement SF: I was standing in the Eretz
standing to the wider community.
the people who were here before. Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, trying
Theyre among the best in the to imagine a Center for Israel
country, but to be the best will Studies at YU. The museum has
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 3 7
spotlight
T
his fall, a group of handpicked graduate colleges, according to Ruth Fried, ly talented and serious. Seven of them accepted
students at Samuel H. Wang teacher and science department chairperson the invitation to participate in the new venture.
Yeshiva University High School who conceived and directs the new program. Students in the Institute will remain enrolled
for Girls (YUHSG) became the The idea of an institute grew when she was in- throughout their high school careers following a
first to participate in an enriched spired by the state-of-the-art science lab facility carefully designed guided sequence of courses
science curriculum initiative that is setting a that opened at YUHSG in fall 2007 and she saw that focuses on science literacy and research
new standard among Jewish high schools in and how technologically well-equipped the lab was; methodology. It includes summer research
around New York City. faculty member Dr. Edward Berliner had spear- internships after grades 10 and 11 and an
The Science Institute at YUHSG was estab- headed the multiyear improvement efforts to up- emphasis on preparing students for the most
lished to offer our brightest students an oppor- grade both the boys and girls high schools with prestigious national research competitions.
tunity to study and conduct research at a level modern laboratories. The institute crystallized The goal of the program is to expose stu-
more advanced than currently available in most when a group of 10 students emerged from among dents to research methodology skills, indepen-
yeshiva high schools and, in some cases, under- last years incoming freshmen class as particular- dent thinking and inquiry skills, the use of tech-
3 8 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
nology and different lab techniques and prac-
tices that allow them to be placed in a serious
Science Enrollment and
lab environment, Fried said.
By their senior year, students will be expect-
Med School Acceptance Up at Stern
ed to conduct independent research and write a
paper to defend in-house and, possibly, present A natural destination for many YUHSG science students is Stern College for Women,
around the country at the Siemens Westing- where they find cutting-edge science programs in biology, chemistry and physics
house or Intel competitions. combining strong instructional coursework with a myriad of research opportunities.
According to Fried, the Institute is structured More and more women are going into the research sciences now, said Dr. Chaya
around the scope of the SAT II exam (more com- Rapp, assistant professor of chemistry, who observed that the number of students
prehensive and advanced than the New York taking general (introductory) chemistry at Stern this fall hovers near 90, up from 47 in
state-mandated Regents curriculum), but employs 2005. These are students who are premed and pre-
a creative approach to all things scientific. dental and interested in allied health fields or who
I aim to produce thinkers first and scientists plan to go into research, she said.
second, said Jason Williams, who joined Enrollment is growing in the advanced courses as
YUHSG this year as the Institutes research well, including biochemistry, thermodynamics and
methodology instructor. It was the first course physical chemistry. Further indicators of the pro-
offering and the students met with Williams for grams strength include: expanded course offerings
two hours once a week; they meet twice a week in the health and biological sciences; a distin-
in the spring. guished and growing research faculty; state-of-the-
To that end, my curriculum includes enrich- art lab facilities; opportunities for undergraduate
ment activities such as debates and discussions students to conduct research at the graduate level,
in the history and philosophy of science that will both independently and in collaboration with faculty;
introduce the classical concepts of knowledge, and the numerous research publications Stern
skepticism and truth, Williams said. Among the women co-author.
additional courses the Institute requires are AP Proof of Sterns success in building its science
English, AP Calculus and a choice of electives. program can be measured in part by the consistently
A mentor to previous Intel winners at Stony high acceptance rates to medical schools: 19 of 22
Brook University and at his current position as graduates applying last year are now enrolled. MCAT
an instructor at the Cold Spring Harbor scores are another indicator. As of November 2008,
Laboratory in Long Island, NY, Williams opened 67 percent of Stern MCAT test takers scored 29 or
the Institute this past summer by hosting a above, while during that same period, only 30 per-
weeklong course at the Laboratorys Dolan DNA cent of all national test takers scored 29 or above.
Learning Centers satellite in Harlem. YUHSG Our results, which are above the national average, reflect our outstanding curricu-
participants learned techniques in recombinant lum in general, and our superior science curriculum specifically, said Dr. Bracha
DNA technology and how to use the equipment (Brenda) Loewy, clinical associate professor of biology and director of prehealth advise-
necessary to do this type of research. ment at the womens undergraduate school.
The program at the Dolan DNA Learning Not only does our program thoroughly prepare students for the MCATs, it gives
Center was a good launch to the Science Insti- them an excellent foundation for the first-year curriculum of medical school, she said,
tute because it helped to acquaint us with many adding that the numbers also reflect the high caliber of the students Stern College
of the more complex apparatuses and proce- attracts. These are women who are extremely bright, highly motivated, very conscien-
dures involved in the research we will be con- tious and, in short, the cream of the crop, she said.
ducting later this year, said sophomore Bracha Since 2002, a boost to the Stern program has been the attractive scholarship made
Rose, one of the seven students enrolled in the available by the Anne Scheiber Fund for students interested in medicine. This scholar-
Institute. ship offers up to full tuition to graduates entering YUs Albert Einstein College of
For me, this is an incredible experience be- Medicine and has made Stern an even more attractive choice for science-oriented high
cause I have always had a hope that I could one school students.
day find a cure for cancer, HIV/AIDS or anoth- Scheiber Scholars have gone on to establish the Stern-Einstein Research Connection
er disease, Rose said. (SERC), a nonprofit program promoting research between the two campuses. The group
The Science Institute gives our students an donates money each year to fund a freshmans or a sophomores 10-week summer
opportunity to explore higher levels of thinking research internship at Einstein.
and analysis, and to consider continuing on in To watch our women rise to the intellectual challenge of scientific research, and to
the sciences during their college careers, Fried see the exceptional camaraderie that emerges from teams of faculty and students
added. I look forward to watching these young working together, is to see the best of science in action, said Dr. Karen Bacon, the
ladies grow as they accept the challenges the Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean of Stern College for Women. The women in science at Stern
Institute has to offer. College are a formidably creative group and they are having a lot of fun in the process.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 3 9
spotlight
D
r. Arthur Hyman may have re- the foundation laid by Hyman who doubled the When he became dean, Revel had approxi-
cently stepped down as dean of number of faculty at Revel and significantly ex- mately 80 studentsmostly graduates of YU. By
Bernard Revel Graduate School of panded the student body during his tenure. his last semester, there were 140 students,
Jewish Studies, but that doesnt Dr. Morton Lowengrub, provost and senior roughly half of whom came from colleges such
mean hes slowing down. In fact, vice president for academic affairs, described as Columbia, Barnard, Brown and Penn.
since resigning this past summer, Hyman dived Hyman as one of the preeminent scholars in As the school grew, it hewed to the model of
back into doing what I was trained to do: teach- Jewish philosophy and said, Arthur Hyman was classical Jewish studies with concentrations in
ing and research. I wanted to go back to my own enormously successful as a teacher of both grad- Bible, Talmudic studies, Jewish history and phi-
work, the scholar of medieval Jewish and uate and undergraduate students and his admin- losophy, but it was also sensitive to changes in
Islamic philosophy said recently from his new istrative skills have resulted in building a first- disciplines. In surveying Jewish history, we now
office in Belfer Hall. class school of academic Jewish studies. also appreciate that the day-to-day life of the
Hymans successor at Revel is Dr. David He was appointed dean of Revel in 1991 by Jewish people is important in understanding
Berger 64YC, 67R, an esteemed scholar in Dr. Norman Lamm, then YU president, and set who they were, said Hyman, noting the
Jewish history. Berger, whose many ties to YU about building a first-rate faculty to fill in the appointment of Dr. Debra Kaplan, whose
include a visiting professorship at Revel since schools offerings in areas such as Kabbalah and research focuses on Jewish life in the early mod-
1975, was appointed to joint positions at Revel modern Jewish philosophy. ern period.
and Yeshiva College in fall 2007. Our faculty are all publishing scholars, The highlight of his deanship came in 1999
The integration of Jewish studies across the Hyman noted. Theres virtually no national or when a visiting committee of distinguished
graduate and undergraduate schools is part of an international conference [in Jewish studies] to scholars evaluated the school. They gave us a very
initiative to transform the University into a cen- which they are not invited and no jubilee volume high recommendation that the University is solid-
ter of excellence for this curriculum. It builds on to which they do not contribute. ly committed to Revel and sees it as a jewel in its
Hyman (left) passes the torch to Berger (right) but remains a valuable part of the successful program he built.
4 0 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
philosophy at YU, Dr. Hyman has taught at
Revel for 47 years and has written or edited
In surveying Jewish history, we now seven books. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, the
scion of modern Orthodoxy who was rosh yeshi-
also appreciate that the day-to-day life va of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Sem-
inary at the time, recruited him from the now-
of the Jewish people is important in defunct Dropsie College in Philadelphia.
Over the course of his career, he has seen
understanding who they were.
Jewish studies grow from an isolated subject
studied only at rabbinical schools and Hebrew
A RT H U R H Y M A N teachers colleges to a place in the mainstream
of academic study.
In the 1970s, we founded a General Associ-
crown. That gave me great satisfaction, he said. it are something else, he said but conceded, I ation for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy.
Based mainly at Revel, Hyman also teaches a guess in the modern world one has to learn I was the first president, he said. Now it has
course on the philosophy of the 17th and 18th something about publicity. 300 members and the American Philosophical
centuries at Yeshiva College. He is particularly He holds visiting professorships at some of Association now has a session or two on Jewish
drawn to the work of Maimonides, whose inter- the nations top universitiesincluding Colum- studies at every general meeting.
est in finding common ground between phi- bia; Yale; the University of California, San Diego; He is by no means one to rest on the laurels
losophy and Jewish tradition he shares. An area and Hebrew University and Bar-Ilan University of his success. After almost 50 years of teaching
that I want to work on next is the philosophic in Israeland honorary doctorates from Hebrew the same courses, year in and year out, he has
components of Maimonides halachic writing, Union College and the Jewish Theological mastered the art of reinvention. It is never the
he added. Seminary. He received his PhD in philosophy same two years in a row. I rethink the material
Keeping his eyes fixed firmly on his goals from Harvard University, where he studied with every year and I become interested in new prob-
may be the secret of this philosophy professors Dr. Harry Wolfson, the scholar laureate of Jew- lems with each new year. If you want to stay
self-effacing charm. He is in the 2009 edition of ish studies who occupied one of the first full- alive as a teacher, you have to have new ideas
Whos Who in America, a fact he noted wryly. time chairs in the field at any university in the and keep an open mind to students ideas. Thats
Im not a person for all this recognition. Im U.S. my theory of teaching and being with people,
goal-oriented and the accolades that come with Now the distinguished service professor of he said.
Our Students
Have Never
!
Needed Us More
We know times are tough. Thats why Yeshiva University
has committed to raise an additional $5 million for
scholarships this year for our students. And, to help us
meet our goal, one benefactor has committed to match
up to $600,000 in gifts received before June 30.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 4 1
spotlight
still see children bullying and taunting their fel-
low students.
Novick has been conducting carefully con-
trolled research on bullying, and the viability of
M
any adults may recall being Her classroom-based program, called Bully Select educators and administrators recently
bullied or witnessing bully- Reduction/Anti-Violence Education and Social took part in intensive training at Yeshiva Uni-
ing during their school years, Leadership Development (BRAVE), is part of a versity, which they will in turn model for col-
but research shows there are career-long goal to bring psychological expertise leagues to adapt for their classrooms. Patricia
positive steps that parents into the classroom to help educators make bet- Zahl of the Greater Miami Hebrew Academy
and educators can take to combat this phenom- ter decisions. The application of the program is who attended the training session at YU sees
enon still occurring today. supported by the Institute for UniversitySchool BRAVE as a way to address the needs of middle
That research is being conducted by Dr. Partnership at Azrieli, which is dedicated to schoolers in what Dr. Novick calls a safer, gen-
Rona Novick, associate professor at Azrieli bringing the latest pedagogic research and tech- tler environment. It points to being proactive
Graduate School of Jewish Education and niques into Jewish day school environments. in addressing the issue by getting the tools and
Administration, director of its Fanya Gottesfeld Bullying is a social issue that requires a social giving them to students.
The BRAVE program begins with a mock trial
of cartoon-character bullies and bystanders
accused of bullying, which allows students to
explore the definition of bullying and come to
understand the impact innocent bystanders
have when they do not become involved in help-
ing those victimized, said Novick, who is the
author of Helping Your Child Make Friends and
editor of the series Kids Dont Come With In-
struction Manuals. The program also includes
student workshops and monthly student ses-
sions with trained BRAVE instructors. Novick
visits schools to offer support, collect data and
address parents.
Novick has vast experience in the field of
education and child psychology (she is also asso-
ciate professor of child and adolescent psychol-
ogy at Albert Einstein College of Medicine), and
helping children deal with various forms of vio-
lence is one of the hallmarks of her career. Her
Novick (center) reviews the mock trial activity with educators and administrators at the BRAVE
articles on the effects of 9/11 on children have
training session. Azrieli student Eli Shapiro (rear), BRAVE program manager, served as court officer.
appeared in such publications as Journal of
Traumatic Stress and she directed an antibully-
Heller Division of Doctoral Studies and a context and an audience, said Novick. Often ing program for the Alliance for School Mental
licensed clinical psychologist. She said bullying that social context is the school peer group. Health initiative at North ShoreLong Island
and related problems such as taunting, name- Novick said preliminary results appear to Jewish Health System.
calling and social exclusion are more serious indicate that the phenomenon of bullying is as Novicks next steps include piloting BRAVE in
than most adults acknowledge. prevalent among Jewish day schools as it is in Israeli schools, analyzing the programs effects
It is common that children who are harassed comparable public schools. Our schools are in on single-gender versus mixed-gender environ-
and bullied suffer severe long-term effects, no way immune, she said. We teach the notion ments and investigating the most successful ap-
including depression and suicidal feelings, of bein adam lchaveiro [treating ones fellow proaches for both younger (i.e., elementary) and
Novick said. man properly] as part of Torah values, but we older (i.e., high school) students.
4 2 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
alumninews
ALUMNI PROFILE about it. That was certainly the was saying. His manuscript de-
case when he heard from a friend scribes what today we know as
about a manuscript in the British E=mc2. He called it the Laws of
The Secret to Long Life Museum that was written by a
grandson of the Rabbi Moshe ben
Equality, meaning that the laws of
physics that prevail here also pre-
is Lifelong Learning Nachman (aka, the Ramban, con- vail outside of this world. And he
sidered the foremost halachist of talks about the movement of the
Enduring financial devastation, the 13th century). Published constellations around the sun
Bentsi Cohen struck it rich. around 1,300, the manuscript from 286 years before Copernicus!
Rabbi David had been virtually Cohen has already published
two books on the manuscript and
B
orn in Tangier, Morocco, is working on publishing the entire
in 1941, Bentsi Cohen text. He also recently wrote a book
emigrated to Israel when on Parshat HaShavua, a weekly
he was six years old. He Torah portion that includes his
served in the Israel De- own poetic commentary. Whats
fense Force, moved to America at more, he compiled a unique
age 24 and struggled to put himself Haggadah to add to his extensive
through school including Yeshiva collection wherein he presents
College (196466). He earned simultaneous translations of the
degrees from several academic in- Hebrew text into Russian, French,
stitutions, went out into the world Spanish and English for use by
to make his fortune, made it, then multiethnic guests at the same
lost most of his money. seder.
Thats when he really struck it Now 67 years young, Cohen
rich. shows no signs of slowing down. I
Cohens life turned in a new di- always want to have projects in
rection after financial disaster Bentsi Cohen mind, he said. The more proj-
struck at age 61. Until then, his ects, the more time Ill need to
rags-to-riches story included a the way it goes, said Cohen, who ignored by scholars. Its existence, accomplish them. Its the secret to
career as a respected economist, lost more money when the markets however, piqued Cohens interest long lifeliving like the formula of
author and entrepreneur. His first seized and he was forced to sell his and he dove right in. a spiral. The more we go around,
significant money came from in- Israeli plant and European distri- The author was a geniusso the greater strength well have.
vesting in gold; then he built a bution centers. With just a small ahead of his time, he said. I took When we learn, we bring forth
plastic bottle manufacturing com- nest egg and his wifes pension to a course on nuclear physics for from our inner resources strengths
pany that he sold; later he co- live on, Cohen decided that the nonphysicists at Columbia just to we were unaware of. Thats what
owned factories in Israel, Hungary, time was right to indulge his love make sure I understood what he Im doing.
Ukraine, Romania and Tajikistan. of learning. He reenrolled in YUs
But in 1992, when civil war broke Bernard Revel Graduate School of
out in Tajikistan, his business part- Jewish Studies in 2001 and con-
ner, that nations sitting president, tinues to attend classes at Yale, Ive begun to recognize that when
was assassinated. Warned that he Columbia University and NYU.
might be next, Cohen fled the There are so many things to Im involved with something,
country, abandoning the factory into know, to learn and to do, said
which most of his savings had gone. Cohen. Ive begun to recognize I want to know everything about it.
I returned to America knowing that when Im involved with some-
that the way money comes, thats thing, I want to know everything
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 4 3
alumni
W
the nine-day string of suicide bus hen Elana Silber 89S first entered
bombings carried out in Israel in Stern College for Women, she had no
Matthew Levitt 92YC, senior fel- March of 1996Levitt demon- idea how perfectly her education
low /director of the Washington strates how violent, militant would prepare her for her current role
Institutes Stein Program on Coun- groups can derail negotiations and as director of operations at
terterrorism and offers a crisis-management model Sharsheret. The national, not-for-profit organization of
Intelligence, has to address these vulnerabilities. cancer survivors is dedicated to addressing the unique
made a career of From 2005 to 2007, Levitt concerns of young Jewish women facing breast cancer.
studying the ob- served as deputy assistant secre- When I completed high school, I was very inter-
stacles to peace tary for intelligence and analysis at ested in continuing my Jewish education, said Silber,
in the Middle the Department of the Treasury. and growing up in a YU family, choosing Stern was a
East. In his new Previously, he served as an FBI natural decision for me. Knowing that their daughter
book, Negotiating counterterrorism analyst. In all, his was interested in both business
Under Fire (Row- research leads him to believe that and healthcare, Silbers mother,
man & Littlefield), published in the various leaders in the Middle the late Marcia Brickman Hirt
October 2008, the author decon- East are the key to the puzzle. In 62S and father, Robert S. Hirt
structs the means by which violent the 90s, you actually had leaders 55YUHS, 59YC, 62BRGS,
groups hostile to peace talks can who were capable of achieving a 62RIETS and current senior
undermine negotiations. peace deal, he said. They were advisor to the president, en-
Peace is in everyones best in- able but not necessarily willing. couraged their daughter to take
terest, said Levitt, a recognized Today we have a situation where a shaped major that would effectively combine her var-
expert on Hamas and Hezbollah. the leaders are very willing but ied interests. Following her business management
But just wanting that doesnt completely unable, lacking in polit- degree with a concentration in healthcare, Silber
mean its going to happen. ical legitimacy at home. received an MBA in healthcare administration. I
always wanted to be in business, but I wanted to apply
my business skills in a way that could help people, she
said. I saw the healthcare industry as a great way to
Y E S H I VA U N I V E R S I T Y S combine both. I also had a great interest in a career
that would serve the Jewish community.
In her directors role at Sharsheret, Silber oversees
4 4 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Alumni Bookmarks
Rabbi Edward Y. Abramson Lynn (Edelman) Biederman
64YUHS, 69YC, 69JS, 73BR, 89CSL (co-authored with Seymour Moskowitz
73RE Michelle Baldini) 54YC, 56RE
A Circle in the Square: Unraveling Inter-Religious Prayers
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Reinvents Random House Urim Publications
the Synagogue Novel for young adults featuring Libby Kahane Provides help for anyone
Urim Publications the adventures of a precocious 55YUHS unexpectedly called upon
Detailed account of Rabbi 15-year-old girl Rabbi Meir Kahane: to offer a prayer in public
Shlomo Riskins influence on His Life and Thought
Orthodox Judaism Rabbi Benjamin Blech 54YC, Urim Publications Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg 69YC,
56RE (co-authored with Volume 1 (19321975) covering 74RE, 74FGS, 92AGS
Rabbi Marc D. Angel 67YC, Roy Doliner) the life of the authors late husband Public Speaking: A Guide for Study
70RE, 75BR Sistine Secrets: Michelangelos BEHR Publishing House, Inc.
The Search Committee Forbidden Messages in the Heart William D. Kaufman 36YC Everything you need to know
Urim Fiction of the Vatican The Day My Mother Changed Her about speaking in front of an
Novel pitting the traditional HarperCollins Publishers Name and Other Stories audience
Yeshiva world versus Modern Tells the story of how Michelan- Syracuse University Press
Orthodox Torah institutions and gelo embedded messages in his Book of short stories featuring the Rabbi Sol Steinmetz 53YC, 56RE
rabbis most famous work immigrant Jewish experience in Semantic Antics: How and Why
small-town America Words Change Meanings
Rabbi Dr. Gersion Appel 38YC, Rabbi Hillel Goldberg 52YC Random House
41RE, 45BR, Hallel Hakohen Meyer Lubin 58FG Etymological study tracing the
YU Professor Emeritus Urim Publications Thrilling Torah Discoveries development of many everyday
A Philosophy of Mitzvot: The An elucidation of the commentary Self-published words
Religious and Ethical Principles of of the Vilna Gaon (17201797) A personal story of Torah
Judaism, Their Roots in Biblical on the laws of mikvehs fulfillment Rabbi Joseph Telushkin 70YC,
Law and the Judaic Oral Tradition 73RE, 74BR
Yashar Books Penny (Finkelstein) Harow 92SCW Jonathan Mishkin 90YC, 92RE A Code of Jewish Ethics:
A comprehensive view of the Festival of Lights Think of It This Way: Creative Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
structure and meaning of the Urim Publications Strategies for Jewish Education Bell Tower
Torahs commandments A journey through a world of Self-published Second volume that elucidates
chanukiot designs An innovative text for informal the practical application of the
Adena K. Berkowitz 85CSL Jewish education biblical commandment
(co-authored with Rivka Hau) Amy (Ginsberg) Hendel
Shaarei Simcha-Gates of Prayer 76YUHS Seymour Moskowitz 54YC, 56RE Joel B. Wolowelsky 69BR
Urim Publications Fat Families, Thin Families Falcon of the Quraysh (co-editor),
First liturgical work in the BenBella Books Urim Publications Abrahams Journey: Reflections on
modern era written by Offers a family team A historical novel depicting the the Life of the Founding Patriarch
Orthodox women approach to tack- eighth-century Muslim conquest KTAV Publishing
for use in the ling obesity and of Spain Latest book in the MeOtzar
Orthodox and other health chal- HoRav series, which covers the
general Jewish lenges life and work of Rabbi Joseph B.
communities Soloveitchik
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 4 5
faculty bookshelf
4 6 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
respect. Through historical testi- Pots of Honey, which teaches the
monies and anecdotes he has col- importance of both justice and
lected, Pimpare shows that the forgiveness; The Boy Who Prayed
poor are all too often aware that
charity comes with a price. It is
with the Alphabet, about an un-
learned boy who finds a unique
WHATSNew
@YU?
that price that he questions in this way to express his love for G-d; and
book, reminding us that poverty is The Wise Daughter Who Solves
not simply a moral failure. Riddles, one of the most beloved
stories in the Jewish tradition. This
childrens book is filled with evoca-
tive artwork and a cast of colorful
characters.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 4 7
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Stern College for Women
4 8 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Yeshiva College Bernard Revel Graduate School
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
of Social Work
Directors of Yeshiva College and as the honored with the Lifetime Achieve- and extensive Jewish sources, Rabbi eligibility, and organizes medical
honorary president of the Beth Din of ment Award from the Society of Safran illuminates every aspect of the rescue missions. He is happy to be
America and the Union of Orthodox Uroradiology (SUR) at the annual Passover festival in 31 essays. Rabbi a guide and offer a stayover to any YU
Jewish congregations of America. He meeting in Rancho Mirage, California. Safran is vice president-communica- alumni who find their way to Japan.
is chairman of the board of a UJA- tions & marketing /Orthodox Union
Mazel tov to Robert Philip Kaminsky
Federation agency, chairman of the Kashruth division. He previously
Audit Committee of the Conference on
66AECOM who recently retired from
a successful career as a gynecologist
served as principal of Yeshiva 1970s
Claims Against Germany and a University High School for Girls.
and has three granddaughters and Tamar S. Kramer Klein 73SCW, 79CSL
member of the audit committee of the
one great-granddaughter. Dr. Edward Stim 60AECOM lives in and her husband Yitzchok announce
United Jewish Communities.
Tokyo and works for the Japanese the marriage of their daughter, Adina
Mazal tov to Charlie and Susan
Mazal tov to Sol Steinmetz 53YC, medical assistance company Klein, to Ari Lerer. Mazal tov also to
Rotsztajn and Robert J. 64JSS, YC and
56RIETS, and his wife Tzipora, on the Emergency Assistance Japan (EAJ). the brides uncle, Rabbi Dr. Doniel Z.
Judy Pransky on the recent marriage
birth of great-grandson Moshe He speaks to physicians around the Kramer 70YC, 73RIETS, 76BRGS,
of their children, Amanda and
Menachem, in Israel. Mazal tov also to globe, makes medical reports that and her grandfather, Rabbi Meyer
Yehoshua.
the grandfather Steven Steinmetz assist insurance companies in deciding Kramer 40YC, 41RIETS.
82YC and his wife Liba. Phyllis Maza Parker 69SCW has been
named a shareholder at the Philadel-
Dr. Joseph Sungolowsky 55YC,
phia law firm Berger & Montague,
58BRG, professor of French literature
P.C., where she specializes in securi-
and Jewish studies at Queens College,
ties class action litigation. She is
City University of New York, and
married to Charles B. Parker 68YC.
adjunct professor of French at Stern
College for Women, wrote La tentation Mazal tov to Joseph Pessah 64YC,
dans Le Pre Goriot de Balzac, 66IBC, 68FGS on the birth of a
which appeared on the Web site of the granddaughter, Hannah Grace. Mr.
Association Franaise des Enseignants Pessah recently lectured at the
de Franais (AFEF) on October 24, Museum of Jewish Heritage on the
2007, and Andr Neher (19181988) Jews of Greece during the Holocaust,
et Erets Israel, which was published and the courage of his father in saving
in Delmaire, Danielle & Pollefeyt, many Jews during this period.
Didier, eds., La pense juive contem-
Benjamin Z. Richler 60YC edited the Rabbi Shmuel Simenowitz 75YUHS (second from left) recently
poraine, Editions Parole & Silence,
recently published Hebrew Manu- received a citation from the Hon. Uri Lapolianski, mayor of
2008. He also wrote Hidden Children
scripts in the Vatican Library. His pre- Jerusalem, for his contribution to the journal, The Environ-
in France (1940-1944): A Memoir,
vious editorial work includes Hebrew ment in Jewish Thought and Law, jointly sponsored by Sviva
published in The Hidden Child, vol.
Manuscripts in the Biblioteca Palatina
XVI, 2008. Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection and the
in Parma and Guide to Hebrew
municipality of Jerusalem. His article, entitled Composting
Mazal tov to Dr. Gerald 55YC and Manuscript Collections.
Torah Style, traces the history of biomass use through
Judith 57TI Traub on the Bar Mitzvah
Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg 69YC, Talmudic times, using the laws of hatmana as a guide.
of their grandson Jake.
74RIETS, FGS, 92AG recently pub- Simenowitz is the executive director of Project Yaaleh VYavo,
lished a revised and expanded version
1960s of his educational text entitled, Public
Inc., a Torah-based environmental education program based
on his maple farm in Southern Vermont. His sugarhouse
Speaking: A Guide for Study. He and
Congratulations to Rabbi Edward Y. which is a functional synagoguewas built to resemble the
his wife also celebrated the engage-
Abramson 64YUHS, 69YC, 69JSS, wooden synagogue from his family shtetl, Ivye, and is featured
ment of their son Yaakov to Avital Kelin.
73BRGS, 73RIETS on the publication prominently in the new book, How Strange It Seems
of his book, A Circle in the Square: Insights on the Haggadah and (Michael Hoberman; University of Massachusetts Press, 2008)
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Reinvents the Pesach (1993), written by Rabbi
about the resurgence of Jewish life in New England.
Synagogue. Eliyahu Safran 69YC, 78RIETS,
78FGS was reprinted (2003). Drawing
Mazal tov to Dr. Stanford Goldman PHOTO: COURTESY OF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF JERUSALEM
on the resources of Jewish thought
61YC, 65AECOM, who was recently
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 4 9
Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Yeshiva College
classnotes Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Sy Syms School of Business
Linda (Pattashnick) Klonsky 71SCW Public Accountants for the fiscal year tions to Zhava on obtaining her pump and donate their milk to pre-
has been elected president of Kemp 20082009. Mr. Neumark is the licensed clinical social worker status mature and sick babies.
Mill Synagogue and is a Ph.D. student partner-in-charge of employee benefits and her completion of the seminar in
Adena K. Berkowitz 85CSL co-
in organizational development at and executive compensation with field instruction at Touro College
authored, Shaarei SimchaGates of
Fielding Graduate University. In addi- Rosen Seymour Shapss Martin & Graduate School of Social Work in
Prayer the first liturgical work in the
tion to teaching leadership at Hebrew Company LLP (RSSM) and has more order to supervise Touro College MSW
modern era written by Orthodox
Union College in New York City, she than 25 years of experience in public social work students.
women for use in the Orthodox and
runs a firm that specializes in strategic accounting and employee benefits
Mazal tov to Philip Schiffman 79YC, general Jewish communities. During
planning, leadership development, consulting. He also has served as
IBC and his wife Miriam (Ryfka) 20072008, Adena served as scholar
organizational assessments and board counsel to the law firm of Rosen &
80SCW on the birth of granddaughter in residence at Congregation Orach
retreats. She and her husband Elliot Reade. Prior to joining RSSM, Mr.
Anna Michelle. Chayim and KRA in Manhattan and
are pleased to announce that their son Neumark served as a partner in Weber
the Great Neck Synagogue.
David is an assistant professor in Lipshie & Company and Ernst & Young. Mazal tov to Sheila and Larry Strulowitz
clinical psychology at Stony Brook and 72YC on the birth of two granddaugh- Mazal tov to RIETS Rosh Yeshiva
Mazal tov to Dr. Abraham H. Pollack
is married to Alexis Black. ters. Meira Tamar was born to their Rabbi Assaf Bednarsh 89YUHS,
73YC and Shelley Pollack 72YUHS
son, Rabbi Joshua Strulowitz 01YC, 97RIETS and wife Leora, on the birth
Estelle I. (Faden) Krumholz 73WSSW on the birth of a grandson to parents
05RIETS and his wife Bethany 01SCW, and brit milah of their son Yechiel
recently received a certificate in Sunni and Jonny Halpern.
06AG, and Aliyah Serach was born to Yaakov.
completion of a three-year program in
Nava Rephun 76WSSW participated in their daughter Sari 02SCW and her
advanced study of psychoanalytic Mark M. Goldberg 84YC has been
a panel presentation at Stern College husband Ari Kahn 99YC.
psychotherapy from the Institute of appointed president of Carey Finan-
sponsored by the SCW Psychology
Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of Mazal tov to Deborah 78SCW and cial, LLC, the W.P. Carey & Co. broker-
Club and the YU Career Development
New Jersey. She maintains a private Heshy Wengrow, who serves on the dealer subsidiary responsible for
Center, on the topic Careers in
practice in Florham, New Jersey, and Orthodox Union Board of Directors, wholesaling its Corporate Property
Psychology. She also gave a lecture
her daughter Abigail recently received upon the engagement of their son, Associates series of nontraded real
series at the Friar Tuck Inn in Catskill,
her bachelor of arts degree from Yoni, to Tzippy Leidner. estate investment trusts. Prior to join-
New York, on Using the Imago
Haverford College. ing W.P. Carey, Mr. Goldberg served as
Approach to Develop Vibrant, Commit- Mazal tov to Samuel 77YUHS, 81YC,
Mazal tov to RIETS Rosh Yeshiva ted Relationships. Nava is a licensed 84RIETS, BRGS and Deena 88AECOM CEO and president of independent
Rabbi Yaakov Neuberger 77YC,79RIETS clinical social worker and certified Zimmerman on the Bat Mitzvah of their broker-dealer AIG-Royal Alliance, Inc.
and his wife Peshi (Charlop) 73YUHS, Imago relationship therapist who works daughter Rivka Shafrira. He has also held senior management
77SCW on the engagement of their with couples and individuals in her positions at SunAmerica Financial
son, Motti, to Avigayil Schwerd. Motti is New York City private practice, and Network, AIG SecuritiesTokyo, and
the grandson of Rabbi Zevulun Charlop leads workshops in the U.S. and Israel. 1980s Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.
47YUHS, 51YC, 54RIETS, dean
Mazal tov to Rabbi Yitschak and Zhava Naomi (Bromberg) Bar-Yam 81WSSW Mazal tov to Chanu 88SSSB and David
emeritus of RIETS and special advisor
78SCW, 82WSSW Rudomin upon the is the founding executive director of 87YC Goldis on the Bar Mitzvah of
to the president for yeshiva affairs.
marriage of their daughter Miriam to the newly formed Mothers Milk Bank their son Shmuel Elimelech in
Avery E. Neumark 70YUHS, 74YC has Menachem Yifat and upon the birth of of New England. A milk bank is a November 2007 and the birth of their
been elected director-at-large of the their first grandchild, Yocheved, to service through which mothers who triplets Gavriel Moshe, Arielle Charna
New York State Society of Certified David and Sara Rudomin. Congratula- have more milk than their babies need and Adielle Bracha in December 2007.
A, AECOM Albert Einstein College of Medicine AG Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration BG, BGSS Belfer Institute for Advanced Biomedical Sciences B, BRGS Bernard Revel
Graduate School of Jewish Studies BSJM Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music CTI Cantorial Training Institute C, CSL Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law F, FGS Ferkauf Graduate School
of Psychology I, IBC Isaac Breuer College of Hebraic Studies J, JSS James Striar School of General Jewish Studies MSDCS Max Stern Division of Communal Services Y, MYP Yeshiva Program / Mazer
School of Talmudic Studies SBMP Irving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program R, RIETS Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary S, SCW Stern College for Women SG Sue Golding Graduate Division
of Medical Sciences SB, SSSB Sy Syms School of Business T, TI Teachers Institute T, TIW Teachers Institute for Women W, WSSW Wurzweiler School of Social Work Y, YC Yeshiva College
YH, YUHS Yeshiva University High Schools (MSTA The Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy) (SWHSG Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls)
5 0 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Stern College
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Bernard Revel Graduate School
Yeshiva University High Schools
Ellie Kastel 80WSSW has been named Department and Centre for the Study
executive director of the Boro Park Y of Religion at the University of Toronto. The
in Brooklyn. Ms. Kastel has worked at
Alan Steven Ronkin 89YC, IBC was 3TERN #OLLEGE FOR 7OMEN 3Y 3YMS 3CHOOL OF "USINESS 9ESHIVA #OLLEGE
the Boro Park Y since September
1980, first as its program director,
honored by the Jewish Community 5NDERGRADUATE $INNER
Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater
later as assistant director and, finally,
associate director. She brings with her
Boston with the Warren B. Kohn
Award for dedicated service to the
An Evening of Pop Art
many years of experience and an
Jewish community. The Kohn Award is honoring
understanding and appreciation of the
presented to an outstanding Jewish
needs of the community.
community relations professional each
Suzanne and Miles Berger
STE R N COLLEG E FOR WOM E N
Mazal tov to Ephraim Kanarfogel year. Since January 2000, Ronkin has
73YUHS, 77YC, 79RIETS, 87BRGS, served the Boston Jewish community Benjamin S. Chouake, MD
the E. Billi Ivry Professor of Jewish as JCRCs deputy director. His passion YESH IVA COLLEG E
History at the Bernard Revel Graduate for the Jewish community is reflected
School of Jewish Studies and at Stern in his 20 years of Jewish communal Philip Friedman
SY SYMS SCHOOL OF B USI N ESS
College for Women, who has been service, having worked at Jewish fed-
elected to the American Academy for erations in Los Angeles, Cleveland and
Jewish Research, the oldest organiza- Seattle. Since being in Boston, his
tion of Judaic scholars in North work has focused on Israel advocacy,
America. Members are nominated and community and interfaith relations,
elected by their peers and thus Holocaust programming and the devel- Wednesday, June 17, 2009
constitute the most distinguished and opment of media and public relations
senior scholars teaching Judaic strategies. Ronkin led highly success-
0IER 3IXTY s #HELSEA 0IERS s .EW 9ORK #ITY
studies at American universities. ful efforts to defeat what the JCRC 6 p.m. Reception s PM $INNER AND 0ROGRAM
Professor Kanarfogel joins Yeshiva considered anti-Israel resolutions in
colleagues professors David Berger, the city of Somerville, developed a new
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PSFNBJM6OEFSHSBEVBUF%JOOFS!ZVFEVPS
Louis Feldman, Arthur Hyman, Haym focus for the Israel Action Center, and
WJTJUXXXZVFEV6OEFSHSBEVBUF%JOOFS
Soloveitchik and Richard Steiner as implemented JCRCs rebranding.
a member of the academy.
For service and commitment to his
Russell D. Mayer 81CSL is a senior synagogue and his community, Mark
partner in the Jerusalem-based law S. Ross 82CSL received the Distin-
firm Livnat, Mayer & Co. and recently guished Alumnus Award by the United
had an article published in Law and Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Dr. Michael (Mike) Cohen 93YC, 93JSS, founder of The Galilee
Financial Markets Review entitled, New Jersey region. Ross is the co- Institute for Practical Zionism, and former YU sports information
Capital Adequacy Requirements for owner of the Menorah Chapels at
director, womens basketball coach and special assistant to the
Israeli Banks: The Impact of the Basel Millburn funeral home as well as a
II Accord. practicing attorney and the owner of director of public relations, was awarded the second annual
M. Ross Advertising, all located in
Hindy Najman 88SCW has been Defender of the Reserves award by Israels minister of defense,
Union, New Jersey.
appointed director of the Center for
chief of staff and chief of all reserve forces. The award was pre-
Jewish Studies at the University of Evelyn (Sarota) Rutstein 80SCW,
Toronto. Professor Najman received 82WSSW is a life coach specializing sented to 10 companies that exemplify the spirit of national serv-
her Ph.D. in Bible and post-biblical in women going through transitions in
ice and Zionism in uniform. Five major corporations, including the
literature from Harvard University in their lives. She and her husband
1998 and subsequently taught at the Dr. Stan Joel Rutstein 80YC, JSS live in Strauss-Elite conglomerate, Bank Mizrachi-Tefachot and Bezeq
University of Notre Dame in South West Hartford, and their son Yaakov Telecom, three midsize corporations and two community initiatives
Bend, Indiana. In 2003 Professor (Jay) 07YC recently married Tzirel
Najman moved to the University of Cook. They are also grandparents were presented with the award this year.
Toronto, where she has been associate of a granddaughter, Channa, who was
professor of ancient Judaism in the born to Rochel (Rutstein) and Avi
Rosenholtz.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 5 1
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Sy Syms School of Business
classnotes Rabbi Isaac Elchanan
Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education
Mark Sommer 80YC is a visiting Jeremy on the birth of their son Natan
professor at West Point Military Zev (Nathan), brother to Julia.
Academy in the Social Science Depart- Margy founded the Jewish Womens
ALUMNA PICKS YU BLUE ment and has recently published Repertory Company, a nonprofit
numerous articles in many different musical theater group for religious
U.S. Intelligence and Department of women in Los Angeles.
Shanna Blaustein Winters 90YUHS, 93SCW, 96CSL, recently
Defense publications.
left Yeshiva Universitys trademark color blue on Americas Mazal tov to Shoshana (Scheide)
eminent publication relating to copyright law. Mazal tov to Rabbi Brian Thau 86YC, Hurwitz 99SCW on her aliyah to Maale
Working as an attorney for the U.S. House of Representatives 90RIETS, 94AG and his son Avraham Adumim with her family in July 2008.
Judiciary Committee, Winters is chief counsel for the Zvi Thau on the completion of the
Sarah Klayn 98SCW, SSSB and Gary
entire shas Mishnayos.
Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property. Klayn announce the birth of their
Winters has been with the Judiciary Committee since March Linda (Vlosky) Zack 84SCW recently daughter Meirah Leeba.
2006, and previously worked in the U.S. Patent and Trademark graduated from Capital University Law
Mazal tov to Shelley Klein 93SSSB
Office. She spent part of that time as a fellow for U.S. Rep. School and passed the Ohio state bar
and Judah Fierstein on the birth of a
Howard Berman (D-Calif.), chairman of the intellectual property exam. Linda is married to Rabbi
baby boy.
Howard Zack 80YC, 85BRGS, RIETS
subcommittee where she now works.
and is the mother of Etana 09SCW, Mazal tov to Amir and Necli Kohan
Winters gets one interesting perk through her job. As chief
Shifra 10SCW and Meira 11SCW. 91SSSB, who had a baby daughter,
counsel of the subcommittee, you get to pick the color of the
Natalie Sarah, in February 2008.
cover of the copyright book when it comes out. Its basically an
unofficial tradition, she explained. 1990s Mazel tov to Jeremy Kurz 92YUHS,
So this past year, the Circular 92 96YC, 00AECOM and his wife,
Otto M. Berk 90WSSW is now in pri-
Rebecca (Breslau) who are happy to
Copyright Laws of the United States vate practice in Forest Hills, New York.
announce the arrival of a new son
and Related Laws Contained in Title 17
Mazal tov to Dina Bogner 97SCW and Daniel Yisrael (Israel), brother to
of the United States Code, October
Daniel Heiss, who were married in Yonatan (8), Ayelet (5) and Aviva (2).
2007 Version, was outfitted in YU blue. April 2008. Dinas parents are Gail and
The previous counsel went to Mazal tov to Shira (Lieberman)
William Bogner 71YC, 73WSSW.
Goldress 96SCW, SSSB and her
Duke, so his choice color was blue, and
Mazal Tov to Ariel Davis 98YUHS, husband, Gadi, who announce the
before him, the color was purple for
05YC and his wife Yael who had a birth of a son, Eitan Pesach. Mazal tov
Northwestern, she said.
baby, Avishai Azriel. Avishais grand- to grandparents Andrea (Kaplan)
I debated about whether the color
parents are Dr. Hillel 72YC, 75BRGS, Lieberman 69SCW and Dr. Michael
should be hot pink, but then I decided RIETS, vice president for university Lieberman 70YC and Leslie and Irwin
to pick Yeshiva, as I am a triple alum. life, and Rachayl Davis 75SCW. Goldress, and great-grandmothers
Winters is not just a high school, Esther Kaplan and Roslyn Novack.
Mazal tov to Talia and Yitzi Flynn
undergraduate and law school alumna of three Yeshiva schools; Great-grandfathers were Rabbi Murray
93YUHS, 00CSL on the birth of their
she also represents the third generation of YU graduates in her H. Lieberman 35YUHS, 39YC, IBC
baby boy.
family. Her mother, Joette Milians Blaustein, graduated from and Rabbi Philip (Pesach) Kaplan
Cardozo in 1986, and her grandfather, Bernard Milians, graduat- Isaac Geld, 97WSSW was promoted to 36YUHS, 39YC, 42RIETS.
director of community education
ed from both the Isaac Breuer College of Hebraic Studies and Mazal tov to Chana E. (Schiffmiller)
outreach at Citywide Adult Protective
Yeshiva College in 1933. Meyers 96SCW and Tsachi Meyers on
Services.
This past summer, Winters presented Yeshiva University the birth of their son Akiva Yonatan.
President Richard Joel with a copy of the book in Washington, Dr. Isaac Halickman 98YC has com- He joins siblings Atara Tzipporah and
when he joined the community for a shabbaton at Kesher Israel pleted his fellowship in cardiology at Ariana Tamara. Mazal tov also to the
Synagogue, in Georgetown. Cooper University Hospital in New grandparents Shari (Spilky) 72TI and
Jersey. He is currently a staff cardiolo- Rabbi Dr. Richard Schiffmiller
Winters lives in Washington with her husband, Gary, a former
gist in southern New Jersey. 68YUHS, 72YC, 76RIETS, 77BRGS;
president of Kesher Israel, and their three children.
and Josie (Kaplan) 71SCW and Joel
Mazal tov to Margy (Berkowitz)
Meyers 69YC, JSS.
Horowitz 94SCW and her husband
5 2 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Yeshiva University High Schools Albert Einstein
Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies
Theological Seminary
and Administration Stern College for Women
Jonathan Mishkin 90YC, 92RIETS charity dedicated to saving the lives of Conventional Alum
published Think of It This Way, a orphaned, abandoned and abused
book on informal Jewish education. Jewish children in Odessa, Ukraine. Jeff Stier, 93YC, 96CSL was an attendee at both the Democratic
Rachelle Hannah Nash 99CSL litigated and Republican Conventions this year, on behalf of his non-profit
in the area of commercial real estate
and corporate law in supreme, appel-
2000s independent think tank, the American Council on Science and
Health, which works to debunk health scares and put public health
Daniel Abramoff 01YC has joined the
late, housing and civil courts before issues into perspective. His organization gets involved in public
firm Nossaman Guthner Knox & Elliott
recently becoming one of the youngest debates when junk science finds its way into federal regulations,
LLP. He earned his J.D. from Fordham
administrative law judges hired by the often involving issues like alleged health implications of plastics, the
University, and his practice focuses
City of New York. safety of nuclear energy
on real estate law.
Mazal tov to Jeremy S. Neiss 99YUHS, and food safety. He said
Mazal tov to Zachariah 07YC and
03YC on his recent marriage to Alison his time at Cardozo, and
Penina (Oberstein) Abramowitz 03SCW
Leventhal. Mazal tov also to brother especially as editor of
on the birth of their son Naftali Yaakov.
Jonathon 93YUHS, 97YC and Mindy the Cardozo Law Forum,
Neiss on the birth of their son Yishai Mazal tov to Alex Altberg, 02YC and prepared him well for
Gavriel. Proud parents are Rabbi Jennifer Feldman 05SCW on their
his role in public affairs
Moshe S. Neiss 68YUHS, 72YC, recent marriage.
advocacy.
74RIETS, 75BRGS and Dr. Vivian J.
Mazal tov on the marriage of Tamar As an orthodox Jew,
Neiss 91FGS.
Estreicher 08SSSB to Yoni Braun. Jeff said he enjoyed the
Rabbi Eliezer Schnall, Ph.D., 95YUHS, diversity of comments
Dr. Rachel Leah Farkas 00SCW,
00YC, 03RIETS, 07FGS recently ran and sideways glances he
daughter of Zelda Farkas and Israel
a study assessing the efficacy of a
Farkas of Willowbrook, Staten Island, gets when he wore his yarmulke at the national con-
psychosocial intervention for use by
married Dr. Jacob Moalem, the son of ventions. Last night [outside the Democratic National
family medicine physicians. His results
Rowena Moalem and Sasson Moalem Convention] someone tapped me on the shoulder to
were published in the June 2008 issue
of Plainview, New York. Dr. Farkas is a say shalom. He said, I am from South Lebanon, and
of the journal Family Medicine.
third-year surgical resident at Strong Im on your side.
Zvi Shapiro 99SSSB and his wife Leah Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New
Jeff took the opportunity to attend and participate in a
announce the birth of their first child, York, and received her medical degree
myriad of Jewish events at the conventions, some of which were
Adina Yaffa. from New York Medical College in
sponsored by the American Jewish Committee, the National Jewish
Valhalla, New York. Dr. Moalem is an
Avi Shmidman 96YC delivered a Democratic Council, the Republican Jewish Coalition, AIPAC and
assistant professor of endocrine
lecture entitled, Cibarious Motifs in JPAC, a new left-leaning public affairs committee.
surgical oncology at the University of
the Festival Poetry for the Grace after Because Jeff often appears on television and radio to debunk the
Rochester.
Meals, at the Fifth Medieval Hebrew
latest health scares in the media, he especially enjoyed the Radio
Poetry Colloquium, held at the Univer- Lisa (Helprin) Feldman 02SCW recently
Row, areas at the national conventions, where many radio shows
sity of Groningen, in the Netherlands, completed her MPA in nonprofit man-
broadcasted live on location in the unending hallways that run
during July 2008. agement from the School of Public
Affairs at CUNY and was honored at around the perimeters of the convention centers. During the course
Mazal tov to Miriam (Bluth) 90YUHS, of one afternoon, Jeffs voice was heard in over 100 cities, where he
graduation for having the highest
93SCW and Daniel Wallach 93SSSB
academic record in the school. She spoke about a variety of issues in the public health arena.
on the birth of their fourth child,
recently accepted a position with He had a variety of unique Jewish experiences in the two cities,
Shlomo Yonatan (Yoni).
Nishmat as its director of development both of which have smaller Jewish populations than cities in the
Mazal tov to Deborah Michelle Waltuch and alumnae relations in its New York tri-state areas. He ordered in kosher sandwiches from the East Side
94YUHS, 98SCW, 98SSSB, daughter office. Her husband, Dr. Jonah Feldman Kosher Deli with an Orthodox Union staffer and davened mincha with
of Rabbi Marvin 66YC, 69RIETS, 03YC, recently graduated from Stony a minyan in Denver. He visited the Chabad House in Minneapolis,
99FGS and Rosalie Waltuch, on her Brook Medical School and will soon
tempering an afternoon of schmoozing with lobbyists with an evening
marriage to Uri Frenkel. begin his residency at Winthrop
shiur with Rabbi Manis Friedman. Jeff said he appreciated the
University Hospital on Long Island,
Effy Zinkin 93SSSB, 96CSL chaired a fellowship with other Jews to help process an exciting and sometimes
New York.
$1.5 million fundraiser for Tikva, a exhausting convention experience.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 5 3
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Yeshiva University High Schools
classnotes Yeshiva College
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Mazal tov to Joseph B. Korn 00SSSB Mazal tov to Amy 02SCW, SSSB and
Contact Melissa Klein at
and his wife Devorah (Rubin) 01SCW Shalom 01YC Schwartz on the birth of
the Office of Alumni Affairs on the birth of their daughter Avigail twin sons, Yehuda Bavriel and Shuvel
Email mnklein@yu.edu Bracha. Aron. Mazal tov to the proud grand-
or call 212.960.5412 Mazal tov to Chaim Kozlovsky 01YC on
parents Janet and Berni Schwarz
77YC and Mona and David Schwartz.
his marriage to Randi Adelman.
Jonathan (Yoni) Shenkman 07SSSB
Jeremy Kupferman 06SSSB and his
recently joined Secemski & Associates,
wife Danielle joyfully announced the
a wealth advisory and financial
birth of Noah Aaron. Mazal tov to
planning group within Merrill Lynch.
grandparents Alan 82YC and Mindy
Peyser and Carole and Max Kupferman
65YUHS.
5 4 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Stern College for Women Rabbi Isaac Elchanan
Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Bernard Revel Graduate School
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Mazal Tov to Drs. Joshua 01YC, public affairs, daughter of Lori and
05AECOM and Rachel 05AECOM Larry Wolynetz, on her recent marriage
Sisser on the birth of their daughter
Rebecca Elizabeth.
to Baruch Jakubovic 09YC, son of
Holly (Yudkowitz) 76SCW and Henry Your news
Mazal tov to Ari Spodek 05SSSB and
his wife Ariella on the birth of their
Jakubovic, in Toronto, Canada.
riage to Ezra Sutton 09YC (expected), 88YC Weiss. NAME (FIRST) __________________________ (LAST) ____________________________
son of Nancy and Sam Sutton 71YC.
Dr. Michael A. Stocker, secretary of the (MAIDEN) ______________________________________________________________
Jenny and Samuel Sultan 05YC Albert Einstein College of Medicines
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________
sponsored an Eruv in September in Board of Overseers, has been appoint-
honor of the marriage of Sammys ed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg as CITY, STATE, ZIP ____________________________________________________________
brother, Rabbi Raymond Sultan 01YC, chairman of the board of the New York
PHONE (HOME) ________________________ (OFFICE) __________________________
06RIETS to Chana Leora (Ora) Klein City Health and Hospitals Corporation,
06SCW. Sammy and Rays parents are the largest municipal hospital and FAX (HOME) ____________________________ (OFFICE) __________________________
Dr. Ronald and Andrea Sultan 78SCW. health-care system in the country,
E-MAIL (HOME) ________________________ (OFFICE) __________________________
serving 1.3 million New Yorkers annu-
Mati Sved 08YC and his sister Amber,
ally. Since his election to the board in MY NEWS: __________________________________________________________________
children of Ira 79YUHS and Naomi
1999, Michael has provided invaluable
Sved, were both recently engaged. ____________________________________________________________________________
service to the college. A member of
Mati will be marrying Jenny Steinberg
the executive committee and an ____________________________________________________________________________
07SCW, and Amber will marry Joseph
Einstein benefactor, he has also served ____________________________________________________________________________
David (Joey) Schwarz 08SSSB.
as chairperson of the hospital affilia-
Josh Vogel 07YC, past SOY president, ____________________________________________________________________________
tion committee, and as a member of
and Tamar Grun 07SCW were married our ad hoc governance and nominat- ____________________________________________________________________________
in Baltimore. Joshs parents are Alan ing committees. Although the wisdom,
____________________________________________________________________________
and Cheryl 80SCW Vogel. guidance and personal warmth he
brought to AECOM will be missed, ____________________________________________________________________________
Sharon Weiss 03SCW, 06AG was
AECOM wishes him all the best in his
recently married to Ben Greenberg, ____________________________________________________________________________
new position and thanks him for his
who went to Landers College and is
many years of dedicated service. ____________________________________________________________________________
currently completing his studies at
Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Mazal tov to Jack Zencheck, YUs chief ____________________________________________________________________________
procurement officer, and wife, Robin,
Mazal tov to Yael
on the marriage of their daughter I WANT MY CLASSNOTE TO APPEAR:
Wolynetz 08SCW,
Wendy to Tom Cavuoto. IN YUREVIEW ONLINE BOTH
the Robert M.
Beren Presidential
S E N D O R FA X T O : Office of University Alumni Affairs,
Fellow for the
500 West 185th Street, New York, NY 10033-3201.
Yeshiva University
Phone 212-960-5373 FAX: 212-960-5336 E-mail: alumni@yu.edu
office of commu-
nications and
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 5 5
Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Yeshiva College
classnotes Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Sy Syms School of Business
WE MOURN Sarah Fishman 55TI, brothers Moshe Condolences to the family of Daniel Rabbi Dr. Moses Mescheloff 32RIETS,
Berlin 54YUHS, 58YC and the late Alan Epstein 82YC, 82JS, who passed rabbi emeritus, Congregation K.I.N.S.
Condolences to the family of Dr. Joseph I Berlin 62YUHS, 66YC, and away in September 2008. (Knesset Israel Nusach Sfard),
Yehudah Assouline 95YC, 01AECOM, sons Elie and Avi. Chicago, recently passed away. He is
Condolences to the family of Aliza
who died in July 2008. mourned by his daughter Renah M.
Rabbi Jerome H. Blass 44YC, Esral 08SCW, who passed away in
Bell 58SCW, sons Rabbi David
Rabbi Eli Baum 54RIETS, 99FGS is 48RIETS, 60BRGS, who died in April July 2008.
Mescheloff and Rabbi Efraim
mourned by his wife Margot and by 2008. Condolences to his wife Rita
Hyman Fleishman 59IBC, 59YC, Mescheloff 62YUHS, 65RIETS and
their son Rabbi Shalom Baum 88YC, and children Dr. David M. Blass, Dr.
beloved husband of Elinor and father daughter-in-law Felice Mescheloff
92CSL, 94RIETS. Robert A. Blass and Dr. Joel M. Blass.
of Ovadaya Elchanan. 62YUHS, 64TI.
Condolences to the family of Nisson A. Condolences to the family of Charles
Sol Kalish 48YUHS, father of Jay Rabbi Leon Mozeson 40YUHS, 44YC,
Berlin 64YUHS, who passed away in Bernstein 74YC, who died in October
Kalish 79YC, 82CSL, president of 47RIETS was the husband of Bernice
April 2008. His family includes sister 2007.
Yeshiva University Israel Alumni and Mozeson, father of Rabbi Yoni Mozeson
father-in-law of Judy 76YUHS, 80SCW. 77YC, 80RIETS and father-in-law of
Navah Mozeson.
Henry Kamioner 74YUHS, 78YC, 81C
passed away suddenly. Condolences to Rabbi Philip H. Reiss, 48RIETS was
Rabbi Dr. Leon A. Feldman 48RIETS, 57BRGS, renowned scholar,
Henrys wife Debbie 78SCW, his the beloved husband of Gladys and
prolific author and master teacher, passed away on July 23, 2008,
daughter Chava Weisstuch 05YUHS father of Gedalia.
at the age of 87 after a brief battle with cancer. He had served as
professor of Jewish history at the Touro College Graduate School of and his son Michael 04YUHS. Condolences to the family of Rabbi
Jewish Studies since September 2004. Dr. Feldman was born in Isaac B. Rose 38YC, 42RIETS, who
Condolences to the family of Dr. Benny
Berlin, and found refuge in England and Canada during World War passed away in August 2008.
Kraut 68YC, who is survived by his
II, eventually settling in New York. In addition to semikhah, he
wife, Penina L. Kraut 67BRGS, 71TI Yeshiva University
earned a D.H.L. from Yeshiva University and a Ph.D. from Columbia
and his daughter Yosefa Kraut 04SCW. mourns the loss
University. He also received a doctorate from the University of
Condolences to Harvey Lieber 59YC of Yeshiva College
Amsterdam, and bachelors and masters degrees from Oxford Uni-
on the loss of his wife, Vera 60SCW. student David
versity, as well as an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University.
Rottenstreich who
Dr. Feldman founded the department of Hebraic studies at Rutgers
Our condolences to the family of Yoel passed away on
University and taught there from 1962 to 1992, serving as distin-
Lipschitz 62YC, 65BRGS, RIETS who Tuesday April 7,
guished professor of Hebraic studies. He also held visiting faculty
died in February 2008. He resided in 2009 after a brief
appointments at universities in Canada, England, Germany, Israel,
Petach Tikva for more than 35 years but serious illness. Over 60 of his
Spain and Switzerland, and was the founding rector of the College of
and was the Baal Koreh and Baal friends and fellow classmates joined
Jewish Studies in Heidelberg, Germany. Dr. Feldmans many schol-
Tokeah in the Great Synagogue of together after night seder and maariv
arly volumes and articles focus primarily upon medieval rabbinic
Petach Tikva for 22 years. on April 20 in the spirit of camaraderie
literature and, in particular, on responsa as a source for the study of
and love to remember David.
Jewish history. His critical edition of the sermons of Rabbi Nissim Condolences on the passing of Rabbi
ben Reuben Gerondi was awarded the Jerusalem Prize for Literature Dr. Levi Meier 64YUHS, 70RIETS, Condolences to Suzie (Schapiro)
and Jewish Thought in 1975. In 1988, he received the Rabbi Judah 71BRG, who was the chaplain of Steinberg 84SCW, 86WSSW upon the
Leib Maimon Prize for Rabbinic Literature and Jewish History. Dr. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is death of her mother Rosalee
Feldman was the recipient of numerous prestigious academic fellow- survived by his wife Marcie; his broth- (Jacobson) Schapiro 59SCW.
ships, and served as consultant to a wide variety of Jewish commu- er Rabbi Menachem Meier 60YUHS,
Jacob Silvera 71YC, beloved husband
nal and educational organizations. He had been a fellow of the 66BRGS, RIETS and his wife Dr.
of Marlene.
American Academy for Jewish Research since 1982. He is survived Tzipora Meier 63BG, 67SCW; his
by his wife, Elizabeth Small Feldman, his brother Emmanuel daughter Chana Gelb 94SCW and her We mourn the passing of Rabbi Dr.
Feldman, his sons Howard R. Feldman 62YUHS and Peter B. Telem, husband Rabbi Pinchas Gelb; and his Victor M. Solomon, Col. Ret., USAF
his granddaughters Debra Belowich, Adee and Michal Telem, daughter Malka Grebenau 04SCW and 50YC, 55RIETS in June 2008. A
grandsons Brian Feldman, Elan Telem, and great-grandchildren her husband Rabbi Maurice Grebenau renaissance scholar, author, rabbi,
Alexa and Talia Belowich. 01YC, 04RIETS, 07AG. psychologist and psychotherapist, who
served as a pulpit rabbi in Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania, and Fairfield,
5 6 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Stern College
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Bernard Revel Graduate School
Yeshiva University High Schools
Rachel Balsam 62SCW, whose mother Program at AECOM. The Cohens are
Ann Steinberg passed away. Yeshiva University benefactors who
LILLIAN ZACH 64F have established and supported many
Rabbi Howard Seth Balter 83YC,
scholarships at Yeshiva University
Everyone in the Yeshiva University and Ferkauf 85RIETS, devoted member of the
and AECOM.
community mourns the loss of Lillian Zach, RIETS board of trustees, on the death
a beloved alumna, founding faculty member of his father David Balter in July 2008. Dr. Jay 81YC, 85AECOM and Mindy
and mentor who taught every student in the Cinnamon and Dr. (Yussie) Robert and
Rabbi Aharon 56YC, 58RIETS and
schools psychology and school-clinical child Carol L. Lesser 72 SCW on the pass-
Lolet Batt 59SCW, who mourn the loss
psychology programs during her 45-year ing of their mother Ethel Cinnamon.
of their grandson Yonadav Haim
tenure. She chaired Ferkaufs department of Hirshfeld, age 19, of Kochav Hashahar, Joseph Cukier 00YC and Robert Philip
educational psychology and guidance, served in the Yeshiva Mercaz Harav terrorist Cukier 02YC, whose beloved mother
as associate dean and was first director of its attack on March 6, 2008. passed away in September 2008.
school psychology program. She created the Ph.D. program in
school psychology and developed Ferkaufs National Institute of Carl Bennett, husband of Dorothy Rabbi Eliot Feldman 72 YC, JSS,
Mental Health fellowship training program. An early giant in the field Bennett, Yeshiva University benefactor, 75RIETS, his wife Ann 72SCW, and
of school psychology in New York, she worked with the New York who passed away in May 2008. The their sons, Joshua 97SSSB, Jay Nathan
City board of education and other school systems. Heartfelt couple established the Carl and 07SSSB and Jeremy 02SSSB, on the
condolences are extended to her son, Dr. Jonathan Zach; her Dorothy Bennett chair in pastoral death of mother and grandmother
brother Leon Feingold; and all members of her extended family. counseling at the Wurtzweiler School Blanche Feldman.
of Social Work in tribute to Rabbi
Jeffrey Fiedler, member and past
Joseph H. Ehrenkranz, as well as a
chairman at Einstein, on the death of
major scholarship fund at the Sy Syms
his mother Caroline Fiedler in
School of Business. Condolences also
August 2008.
Connecticut, then as the highest-rank- Our condolences to the family of Harry to their children, Marc and his wife
ing Jewish chaplain in the United Steinberg 32YUHS, who passed away Katy, Bruce and his wife Jennifer, and Jutta Freudenstein, whose husband
States Air Force, he also was chief of in May 2008. He was one of the last Robin and her husband Joseph Erich Freudenstein died in June 2008.
the Jewish chaplains in the Far East surviving alumni of Yeshiva Colleges Kanarek, as well as to Dorothys sister Condolences to their children George
and associate director of the Jewish first graduating class. Florence Caplan. 71YUHS, Deborah Fink 73YUHS,
Welfare Board in NYC. His distin- Shoshana Silver and Michael.
Rabbi J. David Bleich, a RIETS Rosh
guished career was recognized by Yeshiva and Tradition columnist, on Rabbi Joel Grossman 83BRGS on the
CONDOLENCES TO:
Yeshiva College several years ago. A the passing of his daughter Chaya loss of his mother, Ruth Grossman.
graduate of YUs High School for Boys The family of Roland Arnall, who Gurwitz.
and Yeshiva College, he was ordained strengthened the Jewish community as Rabbi Yeshaya Arnold Heisler
by RIETS and earned three doctorates a generous supporter of Jewish causes Rabbi Jon Bloomberg 69YC, 74RIETS 40YUHS, 44YC, 46BRGS, RIETS,
from other universities. Heartfelt con- around the world. With his beloved on the loss of his beloved father Allan Reuven Ruby Heisler 51YC, Toby
dolences are extended to his beloved wife Dawn as benefactors to YU, they Bloomberg. Goldberg and Yitta Weiss on the loss
wife, Marcia R. Solomon, to his sister helped establish The Center for the of their sister, Dorothy Ciment.
Jan Blumenfeld, senior director of oper-
Rhoda Fefferman, to his children, Jewish Future and supported educa- ations for institutional advancement, Yeshiva University Benefactor
Yeshiva College and Yeshiva University tion and research at the Albert on the death of her grandmother Ruth Geraldine Schottenstein Hoffman and
Museum Board member Rabbi Samuel Einstein College of Medicine. They Blumenfeld in April 2008. her husband, Martin Hoffman, on the
(and Meryl, M.D.) Solomon 81RIETS, also established the Roland Arnall passing of Martins brother, Phillip
BRGS, who are also YU guardians, Presidential Fellowship at YU. We Rabbi Aaron Chomsky 42 YUHS,
Hoffman, in May 2008.
Shimon (and Lisa) Solomon, Yitzchak send our heartfelt condolences to his 46IBC, YC, 51RIETS on the death of
Solomon 84YC and wife Yosepha wife and children, Daniel and Michelle; his wife Lillian Chomsky. Rabbi Chaim Ilson 68YUHS, 72YC,
87SCW, Avraham Solomon 94YC and his brother Claude; his nephew Adam 76RIETS, on the death of his wife,
Olga Cohen, on the death of her
his wife Rebecca 94SCW, and also to Bass; and to all members of the family. Rebbetzin Esther Chana Ilson in June
beloved husband Ezra Cohen, in April
his many grandchildren. 2008.
Shirley Auslander, member of the 2008. Symphathies also to their
We mourn Leon Sutton 43YUHS, 47YC, Jewish Studies Office, on the death of daughter Chella and her husband Professor Eliezer Jaffe 55YC, TI, on
brother of David Sutton 50YUHS, who her husband Heshy Auslander in Moise Safra, a YU benefactor who the passing of his wife Rivka Jaffe in
passed away in September 2008. May 2008. established the Womens Health September 2008.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 5 7
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Sy Syms School of Business
classnotes Rabbi Isaac Elchanan
Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education
Rabbi Lowell Kronick 63YUHS, 67YC, on the death of her father, Samuel Jewish Communities. Rabbi Ruben- was well known. Condolences are also
70BRGS on the loss of his father Spiegel, in June 2008. steins many awards over his lifetime sent to their children Kenneth Scharf,
Julius Kronick. included the Yeshiva University Mrs. Donna Hoenig and their entire family.
Susan Meyers 92SCW on the death of
Abraham Stern Service Award.
Doris Kukin, a member of the Stern her grandmother Adela Engel. Arnold Skolnick, husband of Beverly,
Before coming to the Young Israel of
College for Women Board of Directors, who was a past president of Young
Melekheh Nassimi and children Albert, Scarsdale, New York, where he was for
who with her husband, Dr. Ira Kukin, Israel of Oceanside, New York. Our
Morris, Mike and Edward, on the the past 20 years, Rabbi Rubenstein
a YU benefactor, mourn the loss of thoughts go to his son Zev Skolnick
death of their beloved husband and served in pulpits in Milford, Massachu-
Doris sister Evelyn Nadler. 80YUHS, 85YC and his wife Erica,
father Aghajan Nassimi in May 2008. setts, and Providence, Rhode Island.
and to his daughter Naomi Kaszovitz
The family of Hy Koblinsky, an He served as a member of YUs
The Sy Syms School of Business on 87SCW and 90CSL and her husband
employee of Yeshiva University from Sephardic Council of Overseers and
the loss of Dr. Peter Lencsis, an David 80YUHS.
1985 through 1997, who died in established the Aghajan Nassimi
adjunct assistant professor of finance
March 2008. Endowed Scholarship Fund for Dvorah Telsner 63YUHS on the death
and coordinator of insurance programs
Sephardic Students. of her mother Edith in March 2007.
The family of Susanne Kornreich, with since 2000. He taught insurance,
profound sorrow, on the passing of this The family of Mortimer Propp, a distin- finance, estate benefits and employee To the family of Anne Tanenbaum, who
dear friend and longtime, passionate guished Jewish communal leader who, programs. He was also a beloved passed away in April 2008. She was a
supporter of the Albert Einstein with his beloved wife, Eugenie, and his student advisor and special projects guardian of Yeshiva University and
College of Medicine. Susanne was the brothers, Ephraim (and Gail) and the coordinator. Lencsis was the author of generous provider of scholarships for
beloved wife of former overseer late Seymour Propp, and his wife many articles and several books on students at Yeshiva University and
Matthew Kornreich, mother of Kathy Gabrielle, served as a YU guardian, business insurance, liability and work- AECOM. Condolences are sent to her
Weinberghonorary president of the having jointly established the Propp ers compensation law. Heralded as a children, Joey and wife Toby Tannen-
divisions Westchester/Fairfield chapter Brothers Scholarship Fund at the affili- favorite of many students, he took baum, Minda and husband Les
and a vice president of its national ated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological great pride in having been selected Feldman, Tuaba and husband Sol
boardand mother-in-law of Einstein Seminary in memory of their parents, adjunct professor of the year at Sy Spiro, Howard and wife Carole
Overseer Samuel Weinberg. Susanne Morris and Anna Propp. Morris and Syms in 2007. Tanenbaum, Lawrence and wife Judy
was an honorary vice president of the Anna were also founders of the Albert Tanenbaum, Carol Tanenbaum, and
The family of Samuel J. Sable, who
Westchester/Fairfield Chapter of Einstein College of Medicine and Jeannie Tanenbaum; to her brother
with his late wife, Jean, and their
Einsteins Womens Division and supported many other projects within Bill and wife Noah Wolf; and to her
friends named the Samuel J. and Jean
served on its national board. Deepest Yeshiva University and the Yeshiva grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sable Chair in Jewish Family Social
sympathies are extended to all her University Womens Organization Anne and her husband Max, who
Work at the Wurzweiler School of
family. (YUWO), where all three sisters-in-law predeceased her, were among the
Social Work. He was a devoted leader
Eugenie, Gabrielle and Gailare most generous supporters of Jewish
Yonina Langer 71SCW and Meira on behalf of the university and many
members of the executive council. causes in Toronto.
Davis 69SCW, on the passing of their other institutions. Heartfelt condo-
mother Lotte Katz of Brookline, Norma Rodriguez, administrative lences are extended to his children, Wilfredo Toledo, lead mechanic in
Massachusetts. Mrs. Katz is also assistant for campus events communi- Marlene Weller, Heather Sable, Martin facilities management, on the loss of
mourned by Yoninas husband Dr. cations, on the loss of her mother, (and Gayle) Sable, as well as his his brother.
Sidney Langer and their daughters Guillermina Rodriguez. grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Stanley Waintraub, a YUHS parent and
Talia and Naomi, as well as Meiras
The kehillah of New Rochelle and Rabbi Nachum Sauer 69YC on the former member of the YUHS board,
husband Rabbi Edward Davis 68YC,
Scarsdale, NY, on the tragic loss of passing of his mother Chana Bas Akiva on the death of his beloved father Izak
70RIETS, 71BRGS.
Rabbi Jacob and Devorah Rubenstein, Sauer. Waintraub in July 2008.
Rabbi Pinchas Stolper 49YUHS, a rabbi and rebbetzin of the Young Israel
Jack L. Scharf, Esq., on the passing of Dafna Zwickler, on the death of her
long-serving executive vice president of Scarsdale, who passed away in a
his beloved wife, Anita Scharf, who beloved husband Rabbi Joel Zwickler
of the Orthodox Union, on the passing house fire in 2008. They are survived
together have been longtime support- 77YC, 82RIETS, 82FGS. We also
of his sister Frayda Labovitz. by four children: daughters Shira
ers of Yeshiva University and its Rabbi send condolences to his mother, Ruth
97SCW and Yocheved 04YUHS,
Meyer Lubin, 58FGS and his son Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Zwickler, his sons Donald 79YC and
09SCW and sons Daniel and
Lazan, on the loss of Malka, a beloved personally and through associated Zvi, and his daughter Chavi Tilson
Jonathan. Rabbi Rubenstein was a
wife and mother. foundations. Anita was a kind, gentle 83SCW.
past president of the Rabbinical
and caring friend, whose commitment
Geri Mansdorf 96AG, associate direc- Council of America and a past chair of
to Jewish education and to her family
tor of admissions at Yeshiva University, the Rabbinic Cabinet of the United
5 8 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
Yeshiva University High Schools Albert Einstein
Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies
Theological Seminary
and Administration Stern College for Women
IN MEMORIAM conferring the degree, then University President and now Chancellor
Rabbi Norman Lamm said of her: Throughout your lifein work and in
E. Billie Ivry, leisure, in family and in communityyou have unabashedly proclaimed,
Ivry AnokhiI am proudly Jewish, a member of the Hebrew people.
Benefactor and First Female Trustee, Ms. Ivry served since 1992 on the Board of the Jewish Theological
Dies at 102 Seminary, where she endowed the Rebecca and Israel Ivry Prozdor High
School and the E. Billi Ivry Professorship of Talmud and Rabbinics.
Yeshiva University deeply mourns the loss of E. Billi Ivry, a University She was served on boards of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity,
trustee, YUs longest continual donor and a celebrated philanthropist of the State of Israel Bonds, the Friends of the Bezalel Academy of Arts
Jewish causes. Ms. Ivry died on October 18, 2008 and Design in Israel, and the Brookdale Center on
at her Manhattan home. She was 102 years old. Aging at Hunter College. She also supported
Billi Ivry taught us how to use all our being to Jerusalem College of Technology (Machon Lev),
serve God, said YU President Richard Joel in his David Yellin College of Education, and Boys Town,
eulogy. Her heart was large and pure, her spine Jerusalem.
upright with dignity and integrity, her eyes undi- E. Billi Ivry was born on August 27, 1906 in
minished in their foresight and love, and her lips Grajevo, Lithuania/Poland, one of seven children
filled with encouragement and humility. of Israel and Rebecca Ivry. Her father was in the
Even as her eyesight faded, President Joel lumber business in Europe and a paper box
noted, her vision remained clear. That vision was manufacturer in New York City, while her
focused on the children, on the Jewish story, on mother became very active in philanthropic work
learning and on knowledge. That vision focused with womens organizations in Manhattan.
until the last on serving as a link between her After graduating from NYC public schools Ms.
parents, Rebecca and Israel Ivry, and our children, Ivry accepted a summer secretarial job at United
Jewish history and Jewish destiny. Cigars and was soon selected to work for various
In 1987, Ms. Ivry became the first woman ever executives. She so enjoyed her work that she
elected to the Universitys Board of Trustees. She decided to forego her acceptance at Hunter
was also the first person to serve on the boards of College to take a position as secretary to the CEO
five different YU schools: Stern College for Women of that company.
(1987), Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law From there, she went to work as personal
(1985), Bernard Revel Graduate School for Jewish Studies (1992) and secretary to the top executive of McCrory Department Stores; he fueled
Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration (2002). her interest in investing when he loaned Ms. Ivry a small amount of
A YU Benefactor, Ms. Ivry memorialized her mother by endowing money to invest on her own behalf.
the Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies at Stern College, the When Ms. Ivry was in her 50s she became a licensed stockbroker,
largest and most diversified university program of Jewish studies in enjoying a successful second career at Bache, McKennon, E.F. Hutton,
North America. Prudential and Prudential Bache. This success propelled her thirdand
Ms. Ivry also endowed scholarship funds, research fellowships, a favoritecareer, as a philanthropist, following in her parents footsteps.
professorial chair, a free loan fund, a Beit Midrash [study hall], and Ms. Ivry is survived by her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces,
a student center at various schools under the Yeshiva University banner, grandnephews and cousins, many of whom attended the special birthday
from Stern College and Cardozo to Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological celebrations sponsored by Yeshiva University over the years, including
Seminary. her centennial. It was at that event that Richard Joel, the YU President,
In 1987, Ms. Ivry was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane played the accordion. I hope she forgave me for that, he said in his
Letters degree, the highest honor YU bestows upon an individual. In eulogy.
Y U R E V I E W S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 5 9
CURIOSITY IS TIMELESS (and apparently much more formal in the 40s). This student life
photograph, shot in one of our laboratories, was taken sometime during or after 1947 by
Herbert S. Sonnenfeld. We have identified the young man with the glasses as Theodore Ted
A Look Back Kallner 44YUHS, 48YC. If you recognize the other two gentlemen pictured, let us know who
they might be at yureview@yu.edu and we will publish their names in the next issue.
6 0 S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 Y U R E V I E W
TREE OF
L IFE S OCIETY
Inspiring
For one intensive and inspiring monthfilled with lectures, tours and about the concept of pintele yid, fostering the spark of Judaism that
traditional beit midrash [study hall] and chavruta [partner-style] exists in all young people of Jewish descenta spark that can be easi-
study20 Yeshiva University students traveled this past summer to ly lost in the din of mainstream culture.
Israel as part of a program called July in Jerusalem. Now in its second Swartz, who is currently working part-time as a lawyer for the city
year, the program is designed to provide those from secular back- of New York focusing on the issue of eminent domain, decided to spon-
grounds with focused learning about Torah and Jewish values. sor July in Jerusalem as part of her continuing involvement with the
During part of their month, students also had an honored guest in Mechinah Program. Jerry and I always valued what the school stood
their midst: Mary Swartz 88C, the donor who has made this program for, especially its mission of Torah Umadda. I think of it as a modern
possible. Orthodoxyyou can be Jewish, lead a religious life and also be en-
It was wonderful, Swartz said of her time with the program. gaged in the world.
Young people have to have a real interest to make this type of com- The Swartzes values are inextricably linked to the program.
mitment to their religious lives. They were able to build a tremendous Shoshana Schechter, coordinator of the Basic Jewish Studies Program
identification with Israelis, both on a spiritual and religious basis. at Stern College for Women, noted that the Swartzes had an incredi-
Swartzs own life experience has been marked by a deep commit- ble amount of insight to understand that education is the key to
ment to her faith. A native of Cincinnati, she converted to Judaism strengthening Jewish identitywe have a tremendous amount of grat-
when she and her late husband, Jerry, an advertising executive, were itude for how profoundly their gifts have enhanced our program and
living in Tokyo. Years later, in 2004, the couple provided seed money touched our students.
for YUs then-new Mechinah Program, now the Gerald and Mary One student touched by the couples generosity is Cheryl Noll
Swartz Introductory Learning Program. The program takes students 10SCW, who had the opportunity to attend the recent session of July
with limited foundations of Judaism and offers them unique experi- in Jerusalem. Noll, whose parents are both Israeli, had attended pub-
ences in Jewish life and scholarship. It was a perfect fit for the lic schools her whole life and found the classes in Israel deeply affect-
Swartzes interests in raising consciousness of the Jewish faith, espe- ing. July in Jerusalem was a life-changing experience, said Noll. Now
cially amongst unaffiliated Jews. Jerry, in particular, was passionate I know that this is where Im supposed to be.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP OR ENDOWMENT AT YESHIVA UNIVERSITY TO HONOR A LOVED
ONE, PLEASE CONTACT HENRY T. RUBIN, JD, DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING, TOLL-FREE AT 877-983-3857 OR 212-960-0870;
FAX TO 212-960-0869; OR E-MAIL HRUBIN@YU.EDU