YESHIVA UNIVERSITY

∞ FALL 2012

∞ VOLUME 16 • NO. 3YUTODAYYeshiva College and Stern

College for Women this fall welcomed their larg-

est-ever incoming classes. The milestone was achieved thanks to a better than 12-percent in-crease over the previous aca-demic year in the number of students on campus for the first time. In his State of the Univer-sity address on Sept. 12, 2012, Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel underscored the high academic quality of the new undergraduates, noting that the incoming class also in-cludes more honors students than have ever before studied together in YU’s undergraduate colleges.

The Sy Syms School of Business also experienced sig-nificant year-over-year growth, and launched a new honors pro-gram as well.

In all, more than 660 new undergraduates are now attend-

ing classes at Yeshiva College, at Stern College for Women and at the Sy Syms School of Business, beginning their academic jour-neys at the only institution where high-level Torah studies and cutting-edge academics go hand in hand.

The new students come from cities, towns and villages around the United States, and from Israel, Morocco, Panama, Austria, Switzerland and other countries across the globe. They dream of becoming first-rate business leaders, biochemists,

artists, attorneys, physicians, teachers and Jewish thinkers; no matter their chosen field of endeavor all could potentially become leaders and forces for positive change in their Jewish communities.

They are art historians, human capital consultants and biotechnologists. They

come from Jerusalem, Montreal and Miami. They are pursuing cutting-edge graduate work at first-class institutions such as Harvard and New York Univer-sity. They’re building their own businesses from the ground up. And they’re giving back by developing innovative educa-tional programs and teaching at schools for children with special needs.

On May 24, more than 750 students marched across the Izod Center stage at Yeshiva University’s 81st commence-ment exercises, celebrating the completion of their undergradu-

ate careers. The graduates and a crowd of over 4,500 guests heard a memorable keynote address from Israel’s Ambassador Ye-huda Avner, who also received an honorary doctorate.

Now retired from the dip-lomatic corps and author of The Prime Ministers, Avner made a case for Jewish pride and self-determination in Israel. He told the graduates they all ought to feel the need to make his-tory, in part, because they were graduating from what he called an “unrivaled citadel of Jewish scholarship and accomplish-ment.” He said, “If there be a religious aristocracy in the Jew-ish world today, I am looking at it now.

Ethel Orlian, associate dean of Stern College for Women, was awarded the Presidential Me-dallion. “Between her and her wonderful family, there is more than 150 years of dedicated ser-vice to this University and, mind you, she’s not done yet,” said President Joel.

As they begin the next chapter in their lives, members of the graduating class reflected on good times, defining mo-ments and takeaways of their YU experiences.

Ayala Raice, of Monsey, NY, double-majored in art history and English literature at Stern College for Women. She founded the Art History Club, organiz-ing craft classes, speaker events

and scavenger hunts through the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“YU signified for me a grand conversation between two worlds of my life that I be-lieved could be and should be in dialogue with each other,” said Raice, recalling three summers abroad on YU honors courses in Israel, Britain and France.

In September, she began a two-year master’s degree pro-gram in art history at NYU’s In-stitute of Fine Arts and hopes to earn a PhD and professorship.

Lawrence Albert, of Mon-treal, studied economics at Ye-shiva College with a minor in general business at the Sy Syms School of Business. In July, he

Meet YU’s Class of 2012

Continued on Page 6 ç

Interesting new facts about YU all the time.

Check in often at blogs.yu.edu/news

12Faculty

members newly awarded

tenure

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2Master’s degrees

at once in new dual Azrieli-Revel

program

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40Years

on the job for Maccabees’

Coach Halpert

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1000+Donors

have committed to name YU in their will

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7Business

pros judged Fast-Pitch

Competition

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25Years since

the founding of the Sy Syms School

of Business

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The remarkable young men and women of the Class of 2012 celebrating at commencement

A New York moment: Eytan Veres of Montreal, a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, arrives for orientation on the Wilf campus

Record Undergraduate Admissions

Launching professional and post-graduate careers, newest alumni reflect on college experience

Largest incoming classes at Yeshiva College and Stern, including most-ever Honors students

Continued on Page 6 ç

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Read about Joel Schreiber’s election as chair of the RIETS board of trustees k yu.edu/RIETS-schreiber

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YU at the Celebrate Israel Parade

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Commencement 2012

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PHOTO GALLERY

A Life-Changing Experience

∞ FALL 2012

∞ VOLUME 16 • NO. 3

DR. HENRY KRESSEL Chairman, YU Board of Trustees

RICHARD M. JOEL DR. NORMAN LAMM President Chancellor

MICHAEL SCAGNOLI Executive Director of Communications

YUTODAY

MAYER FERTIG YAFFI SPODEK GISEL PINEYRO Senior Director of Media Relations Editor Art Director Editor in Chief

Ari Ancselovics, Bruce Bobbins, Marganit Rauch, Ilan Regenbaum, Tova Ross, Perel Skier, Nava Unterman, V. Jane Windsor, Matt Yaniv

Contributors

yutoday@yu.edu www.yu.edu/cpa

YUToday is published quarterly by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and is distrib uted free to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends. It keeps them informed of news from across Yeshiva University’s undergraduate and graduate divisions and affiliates. The quarterly newsletter covers academic and campus life, faculty and student research, com-munity outreach and philanthropic support. It showcases the University’s mission of Torah Umadda, the combination of Jewish study and values with secular learning, through stories

about the diverse achievements of the University community.

© Yeshiva University 2012 • Office of Communications and Public Affairs Furst Hall Room 401 • 500 West 185th St. • New York, NY 10033-3201 • Tel.: 212.960.5285

Stanley I. Raskas, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Yeshiva College; Shira Yoshor, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Stern College for Women; Alan Kestenbaum, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Syms School of Business; Ruth L. Gottesman, Chairperson, Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Leslie E. Payson, Chair, Board of Overseers, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Froma Benerofe, Chair, Board of Overseers, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Mordecai D. Katz, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Carol Bravmann, Chair, Board of Overseers, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chairman, Board of Overseers, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; Joel Schreiber, Chairman, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; Miriam Goldberg, Chairman, Board of Trustees, YU High Schools; Theodore N. Mirvis and Michael Jesselson, Co-Chairs, Board of Directors, (affiliate) Yeshiva University Museum.

Board listings as of September 1, 2012.

Dr. Carl Auerbach, professor of psychology at YU’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psycho-logy, on his time at the National University of Rwanda, where he taught courses in the Department of Clinical Psychology as part of a Fulbright Fellowship

In the fall of 2011 I traveled to Rwanda on sabbati-cal, having been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to teach and conduct research at the National

University of Rwanda. I went from YU classrooms where the largest class size was 20 to 30 students, most of whom were white and all of whom spoke English, to classrooms of 80 to 100 students, none of whom were white and only about half of whom spoke English. I went from a cozy apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to an African hotel, where the fact that the power failed at least once a day was compensated for by the invariable cheer-fulness of the desk clerk who assured me that the power would be back in no time at all, which it usu-ally was. I went from a culture of rushing to a cul-ture of greeting. From a work environment where I would nod to my colleagues in passing as we hur-ried to our offices, to a work environment where it was rude not to shake hands with someone you know when you encounter them and to inquire about their health and state of mind.

In short, my sabbatical in Rwanda was a life-changing experience.

In Rwanda, I taught a lot of the same material that I teach at Ferkauf. I taught a course on the psy-chology of trauma and trauma treatment, and a course on qualitative research methodology. I also taught a course on psychoanalysis and psychoana-lytic therapy to the clinical psychology under-graduates.

My emotional reactions to Rwanda were com-plex and contradictory. Rwanda was horrifying and appalling, yet it was also inspiring and amaz-ing. I was horrified when students told me stories of unimaginable trauma, of hiding in the bush and watching their families killed, of somehow surviv-ing after being left to die, of brutal rape and sexual violence. I was inspired when I heard one student say to another, “It is possible that your father killed my father, but that is in the past. Now we are both students at the university and we need to work to-gether if we are to have a future.”

The Fulbright experience changed me. Pro-fessionally, it forced me to rethink our Western theories of trauma and recovery. In our individu-alistic society, we conceive of trauma as something that happens to individuals and trauma therapy as work with these individuals. In Rwanda, a com-munal society that experienced the collective trauma of the genocide, our Western theories do not directly apply.

I intended to study trauma in Rwanda, and there was a lot to be found. But there was an amaz-ing amount of resilience there as well, as shown in the students’ capacity to move on with their lives. My future research will also cover the psychologi-cal and social processes that make such resilience possible.

Rwanda also changed me personally. When I first returned, I was struck by the incredible wealth of America and how much we take it for granted. The money my wife and I spent on the dinner to celebrate my return would have fed a Rwandan student for a month. Even something as prosaic as Internet access was dictated by one’s wealth. When I first thought about teaching in Rwanda, I planned to put my course material on-line so that the students could print it out. Upon arrival, I learned that only the relatively rich stu-dents own computers and others make do with the computers they can borrow. Moreover, students don’t print out articles; they read them on the screen because paper is expensive.

My hope is that Yeshiva University will de-velop more connections with Rwanda, both at the individual and the institutional levels. It would be wonderful to create more student exchanges, in which students from YU travel to Rwanda to meet students at the National University, and vice versa. Rwanda enriched my life and it could enrich the life of others as well. n

Ferkauf ’s Dr. Carl Auerbach found the high price of paper in Rwanda kept students from printing online course materials

In Rwanda to Teach Others, Ferkauf’s Carl Auerbach Learns Something New

Two New Deans, 12 New Tenured Professors

President Richard M. Joel has appointed Professor Carmen Ortiz Hendricks as the Dorothy and David I. Schachne Dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and Dr. Chaim Nissel as University Dean of Students.

At the recommendation of Provost Mort Lowengrub, the Board of Trustees has con-ferred tenure on 12 members of the faculty representing expertise in fields of study including Jewish studies, economics, psy-chology, biology, chemistry, marketing and management and French.

Tenure is conferred based on faculty members’ teaching, research, publication and service to their departments and the University as a whole. The award of tenure includes promotion from assistant to associ-ate professor. n

k Read more about YU’s newest tenured faculty at yu.edu/tenure2012

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For most, birthdays are times for receiving gifts. For David J. Azrieli, how-

ever, a milestone birthday is the time to give a gift—a $10 mil-lion donation from the founda-tion he established to Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.

The gift, in honor of Azri-eli’s 90th birthday, is the largest single donation ever made by the Azrieli Foundation. It will strengthen the Azrieli Graduate School, named in 1983 to train Jewish educators, specifically teachers and administrators at Jewish day schools and other or-ganizations across North Amer-ica. As an expression of gratitude to David J. Azrieli, the school dedicated its current issue of Prism, an interdisciplinary jour-

nal for Holocaust educators, in his honor, to mark this special milestone.

The Azrieli School is now the country’s largest post-gradu-ate institution for Jewish educa-tion, with 260 students enrolled in various programs of advanced study, training and research in pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees. Azrieli’s dean, Dr. David J. Schnall, recently announced that the school has received ac-creditation to award New York State teacher licenses in secu-lar elementary, middle and high school subjects.

The $10 million will be used primarily to make avail-able scholarships for the school and to help attract more men and women to the field of Jewish education.

“The entire Yeshiva Uni-versity family is inspired and strengthened by this gift, espe-cially during a time when Jew-ish education at North America’s more than 800 day schools is being challenged because of the economic downturn,” said YU President Richard M. Joel. “This historic gift will help graduate students pursue their career dreams and will strengthen the future of Judaism throughout hundreds of Jewish educational institutions.”

Azrieli, a Yeshiva Univer-sity Trustee since 1987, escaped the Nazis and landed in Israel in

1942, where he served in Israel’s Seventh Brigade in the War of Independence. He studied ar-chitecture at Technion–Israel Institute of Technology before moving to New York, where he studied at YU for one year. He eventually moved to Montreal, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Montreal’s Thomas More Insti-tute. Azrieli, a life-long learner, earned his master’s degree in architecture from Carleton Uni-versity in Ottawa at age 75. Az-rieli is well known in Canada, the United States and Israel as a developer, architect and phi-lanthropist. He revolutionized retail shopping in Israel, build-ing the country’s first enclosed mall in 1985. Today, he owns 14 Israeli malls and coined the Hebrew word canion, which combines the Hebrew words for “shopping and parking.”

As a philanthropist, Azrieli established the school of archi-tecture at Tel Aviv University, a chair of architecture at Tech-nion, and the Azrieli Institute for Israel Studies at Concordia University in Montreal, where he lives.

He is a major donor to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memo-rial in Jerusalem and inspired the Azrieli Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program, which col-lects, publishes and dissemi-nates the written memoirs of

Holocaust survivors—a project that was initiated and is man-aged by his daughter, Dr. Naomi Azrieli, who chairs the Azrieli Foundation.

“The gift comes from a great personal friend and a truly heroic friend to Yeshiva Uni-versity,” said Dr. Herbert C. Do-brinsky, YU’s vice president for university affairs, who encour-aged David Azrieli to name the graduate school in 1983. “This

and all of David’s gifts will help generations of Jewish children to know about their identity and their heritage.”

“My family and my father can think of no better way to celebrate a 90th birthday,” said Naomi Azrieli, who oversaw the gift. “Seeing young people grad-uate from this school and move on to teach Judaism to the next generation has been one of my father’s greatest joys.” n

Coach Jonathan Halpert’s 40-year career leading the Yeshiva College men’s

basketball program was cele-brated with a court-naming cer-emony in his honor at the Max Stern Athletic Center on the Wilf Campus. The May 6, 2012 event hosted by the Yeshiva Univer-sity Alumni Office included the unveiling of Halpert’s signature on the men’s basketball court, a tribute video and the launch of the Coach Jonathan Halpert Scholarship Fund, an endow-ment that will be awarded an-nually to children of YU alumni living in Israel wishing to study at the University.

“There is no more reward-ing feeling in the world than to feel appreciated,” said Halpert, ’62YUHS, ’66YC, ’78F. “The outpouring of feelings by Ye-shiva University, my friends, col-leagues and former players was emotionally overwhelming and will be cherished forever.”

Halpert, who took over the Maccabees roster in 1972, is the

longest tenured men’s basketball coach in New York City history. He was named Coach of the Year in the NCAA’s Skyline Confer-ence twice, and at one point compiled a streak of 15 consecu-tive winning seasons. Above all, Halpert has served as a role model for core Jewish values to three generations of Yeshiva University students.

“The tribute to Coach Halp-ert was especially meaningful to the alumni who came with their

families to acknowledge the sig-nificant impact he had on their lives,” said Barbara Birch, senior director of alumni affairs and annual giving. “So many gradu-ates see Coach as not just a bas-ketball coach, but someone who taught them life lessons, served as a father figure and had a tre-mendous influence on their YU experience. This was their day to thank him for his dedication.”

Over the last 30 years, Halp-ert has visited Israel twice a year to recruit Israeli talent in-terested in representing YU on the court while receiving a top-notch Torah and academic col-lege education.

The Coach Jonathan Halp-ert Scholarship Fund was es-tablished under his guidance to benefit YU alumni who have im-migrated to Israel. Donors will be recognized in the interactive display documenting the history of the Maccabees in the Max Stern Athletic Center and in an honorary book to be presented to Halpert later this year. n

Azrieli Foundation Donates $10 Million to YU

Shavuos Yarchei Kallah Attracts Hundreds for Weekend of Learning

Yeshiva University-affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) presented its second annual Yarchei Kallah [gathering for Torah study] program on Shavuos, May 25–28, at the Rye Town Hilton in Westchester, NY.

The sold-out weekend featured round-the-clock Torah learning, programs for children and teens, and inspirational lec-tures by renowned YU personalities including President Richard M. Joel; Chancellor Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm; Rabbi Yona Reiss, The Max and Marion Grill Dean of RIETS; Rabbi Elchanan Adler, Rabbi Hershel Reichman, Rabbi Hershel Schachter and Rabbi Jeremy Wieder, RIETS roshei yeshiva and roshei kollel; Rabbi Kenneth Brander, The David Mitzner Dean of YU’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF); Mindy Eisenman, Bible instructor at Stern College for Women and staff connector at YUConnects; Dr. Rona Novick, director of the Fanya Gottesfeld Heller Division of Doctoral Studies at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration and senior fellow at YU’s Institute for University-School Partnership; Dr. David Pelcovitz, The Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus Chair in Psychology and Jewish Education at Azrieli; and Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, professor of Jewish history and Jewish thought and senior scholar at the CJF.

“The Yarchei Kallah is a wonderful opportunity for mem-bers of our larger Yeshiva community to celebrate z’man matan toraseinu [the time of the giving of the Torah] by learning with our roshei yeshiva and celebrating Shavuos together in a conge-nial and convivial setting,” said Rabbi Reiss. “The retreat was perfect for all those who wanted to indulge themselves in both terrific shiurim and a warm and welcoming recreational environ-ment during the holiday.” n

Court-Naming Ceremony and Scholarship Fund Honors Macs’ Coach Halpert

David J. Azrieli

Coach Jonathan Halpert

Azrieli and Revel Offer Dual Degree

YU has introduced a new dual track master’s degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies through its Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration and its Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.

The program combines the best of both schools: Azrieli’s pedagogical teaching in Jewish graduate education, and Revel’s expertise in academic Jewish studies. Aspiring Jewish educators will receive high-level professional preparation and save both time and tuition earning a master’s degree from each school with a total of 54 credits. In the past doing so would have required earning 66 credits.

Azrieli offers a Master of Science in Jewish Education degree, a Doctor of Education degree, as well as New York State Professional Certification programs in both childhood and ado-lescent education. Revel offers Master of Arts degree programs in five concentrations: Bible, Medieval Jewish History, Modern Jewish History, Jewish Philosophy and Talmud, as well as a Doc-tor of Philosophy degree in these areas. n

k For more information please visit www.yu.edu/revel/master-science-master-arts

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Anew genetic analysis focusing on Jews from North Africa has pro-vided an overall genetic map of the

Jewish Diasporas. The findings support the historical record of Middle Eastern Jews settling in North Africa during Clas-sical Antiquity, proselytizing and marry-ing local populations, and, in the process, forming distinct populations that stayed largely intact for more than 2,000 years. The international study, led by research-ers at Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine, was recently pub-lished online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Our new findings define North Afri-can Jews, complete the overall population structure for the various groups of the Jewish Diaspora, and enhance the case for a biological basis for Jewishness,” said study leader Harry Ostrer, M.D., professor of pathology, of genetics and of pediatrics at Einstein and director of genetic and ge-nomic testing for the division of clinical pathology at Montefiore Medical Center. Ostrer noted that obtaining a comprehen-sive genetic fingerprint of various Jewish subpopulations could help reveal genetic links to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other common diseases.

A previous genetic analysis showed that modern-day Sephardic (Greek and Turkish), Ashkenazi (Eastern European)

and Mizrahi (Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian) Jews that originated in Europe and the Middle East are more related to each other than to their contemporary non-Jewish neighbors. Further, each group demonstrated Middle-Eastern ancestry and varying degrees of mixing with sur-rounding populations. Two of the major Jewish populations—Middle Eastern and European Jews—were found to have di-verged from each other approximately 2,500 years ago.

The current study extends that analysis to North African Jews—the sec-ond largest Jewish Diaspora group—and found a high degree of endogamy, or marriage within their own religious and cultural group. Two major subgroups, Moroccan/Algerian Jews and Djerban (Tunisian)/Libyan Jews, were identi-fied. In all, the researchers analyzed the genetic make-up of 509 Jews from 15 populations along with genetic data on 114 individuals from seven North African non-Jewish populations.

The research was supported by grants from the Lewis and Rachel Rudin Foundation; the Iranian-American Jew-ish Federation of New York; the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation; National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health; and Ruth and Sidney Lapidus. n

Donors Make Planned Gifts to Support YU’s Tomorrow

Like many passionate members of the Jewish community, David Gottes-man ’72YC, of Cleveland believes

strongly in the value of a Jewish educa-tion and supports the quest for affordable solutions to the rising costs of yeshiva tuition, on the day school and undergrad-uate levels. Gottesman has therefore com-mitted 5 percent of his estate to Jewish education–including a substantial gift to Yeshiva University–as his family’s contri-bution to helping solve the tuition issue.

Gottesman, a gastroenterologist, and his wife, Jenny ’74S, recently reached out to Alan Secter, director of institu-tional advancement for Yeshiva College, to discuss how to best leverage their gift to YU. After exploring different possibili-ties, the Gottesmans decided to establish

an endowment fund with a gift of life insurance, naming YU as a beneficiary. They signed a policy guaranteed to ultimately gift YU $1 million.

For 10 years, the Gottes-mans will donate a tax-deductible $20,000 each year to YU, totaling $200,000. YU will use these annual gifts to pay the premiums of their life insurance policy. Upon their passing, the $1 million policy will fund the Dr. David L. and Jenny Gottesman Endowment Fund at Yeshiva College, with the income generated going toward providing unrestricted support to YU. This is in addition to the Gottes-

mans’ regular annual giving to YU, which goes toward scholarship support for YU’s undergraduate schools and many of its graduate schools.

“I believe that the future of the Jew-ish community is directly linked to educa-tion, and I strongly believe in the Torah Umadda philosophy that is espoused by Yeshiva University,” said Gottesman, a board member of Yeshiva College who recently spoke at his 40th reunion and, with his wife, celebrated the YC and Stern graduations of their son and two daugh-ters-in-law. “We have unparalleled wealth in the Jewish community, and if everyone in the position to commit 5 percent of his or her wealth to Jewish education did so, we could probably fund tuition in perpe-tuity. I believe it is incumbent upon all of

us to do what we can to alleviate the rising burden of tuition.”

Life insurance is just one of many planned giving vehicles, which can also include gifts of pensions, life income trusts and charitable remainder trusts.

Planned gifts enable individuals to give larger gifts than they could during their lifetime, allowing them to leave a legacy that fits their philanthropic goals and also provides personal benefits in tax and estate planning. With human life span increasing, life insurance premiums have often become more affordable and favorable to donors.

“Planned giving is a particularly good option for people like me, who are not in a position to write a $1 million check right off the bat but who are able right now to pay the premiums on a $1 million life insurance policy,” explained Gottesman. “When you decide to give to Yeshiva, you can give for the moment or you can give for the future. Your gift may not result in instant gratification for the university, but it will make a lasting im-pact in the long run.”

Gottesman was recently a class speaker at YU’s Reunion 2012, where he celebrated his 40th reunion with his wife and peers. In his remarks, he urged oth-ers to consider supporting the further-ance of Jewish education as he and Jenny had. The next day at Commencement he saw a son and two daughters-in-law graduate YC and Stern.

The Gottesmans and over 1,000

other individuals belong to YU’s Tree of Life Society, comprised of the university’s donors who have committed to include YU in their wills and other planned gifts. Bequests and other planned gifts are an important percentage of YU’s annual revenue; in the past nine years, YU has received over $132 million in cash from bequests and planned gifts.

“It may be a particularly optimal time to consider such gifts now, in light of the tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of 2012 and President Obama’s proposed 2013 budget,” said Daniel T. Forman, vice president for institutional advancement. He noted that some tax advisors are rec-ommending that it may be advantageous to accelerate payments or make new con-tributions in 2012 rather than waiting until 2013, since bills in Congress have been proposed to reduce charitable de-ductions for certain individuals.

Many donors are also now discover-ing positive advantages to gifts of their pension. Under current law, pensions may be taxed up to 80 percent. Rather than having a $1 million pension divided between the IRS, which would receive $800,000, and their children, who would receive $200,000, individuals can leave their entire pension to YU, a more attrac-tive option for those who have left their children alternative tax-favorable be-quests or insurance. n

k For more information on planned giving, contact Henry Rubin, YU’s senior director of development for planned giving, at hrubin@yu.edu or 917.326.4959

Science and philanthropy: A lab on the Israel Henry Beren campus

Mapping Jewish Genetics New Einstein Study Defines the Genetic Map of the Jewish Diasporas

Many hopeful executives and celebrities alike have trembled in fear in the boardroom before Donald Trump and his now-famous catch-phrase, “You’re fired!” on television’s hit show “The Apprentice.”

The lucky few who hear “You’re hired!” get an opportunity of a lifetime to work with the larger-than-life mogul and personality who heads The Trump Organization, a conglomerate that owns and operates hotels, resorts, office buildings, golf courses and residential towers across the world.

Yeshiva University’s own Jason Dov Greenblatt ’85YUHS, ’89YC serves as executive vice president and general counsel for The Trump Organization, a position he has held for the past 16 years. Greenblatt, who arrived at Trump after working for a large law firm, said of his prior work, “The firm and my col-leagues there were good to work with, but the work was simply not challenging or exciting enough for my entrepreneurial nature. When a headhunter called me with a job for a ‘major real estate developer,’ he declined to disclose who it was. Though I usually ignored those kinds of cold calls, I decided to meet with him. It was a particularly boring day at work for me, I recall.”

Greenblatt found himself being interviewed by Trump’s former general counsel along with Trump himself, and was soon offered the job. “I learned from this experience to explore all opportunities so there’s no fear of missing out,” said Greenblatt. “I almost didn’t meet with that headhunter, which would have been a big mistake, because the meeting led me to this challenging and varied job that I absolutely love.”

Greenblatt, originally from Forest Hills, NY, attended Yeshiva University’s Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy before entering Yeshiva College through its early admissions program. “I am a firm believer in the philosophy of Torah Umadda and there was, and still is, no other school or institution that can instill and implement this philosophy as well as YU can,” said Greenblatt. “At Yeshiva, I enjoyed being surrounded by a wonderful chevra [group] of like-minded, intellectually curious people who served as great inspiration for me.”

Greenblatt majored in English literature and took several science courses since he was considering pursuing medical school, but he decided that his talents better served the legal field. “I haven’t looked back since!” he said. “Those long days of academic classes going late into the night and then studying afterward, while challenging then, certainly prepared me for law school, for my early years working for a big firm and now for The Trump Organization.”

A typical day for Greenblatt at Trump is filled with multi-tasking, reviewing documents, negotiating and working on a host of interesting and unusual deals, ranging from complex real estate matters to entertainment and hospitality. “Like every job, each day does have its more mundane tasks, but most of my day requires heavy thinking, creativity and the need to always be on my toes,” remarked Greenblatt. “I love working with Donald and his children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric, because they are all passionate about what they do, tal-ented, extremely bright and very hard-working. They are a lot of fun to work with and know how to get things done.”

Greenblatt also said he could not ask for a better job as an observant Jew. “Donald and his family have always been extremely respectful of my obser-vance,” he said. “I have sometimes had to walk out on deals valued in the hun-dreds of millions of dollars because of Shabbos and holidays, and Donald has always said to me, ‘go home and pray, we will pick it up after the holiday.’ He is a true mensch about it and I believe that for a person of his stature to act this way is really incredible.”

He continued, “Having said that, I don’t take his respect lightly. I do what-ever it takes to limit the times when Shabbos or holidays become an issue, and I have slept in the office for two nights in a row in advance of a holiday to avoid situations where I need to leave a deal unfinished. Donald doesn’t ask me to do this, but my feeling is, if he and his family are so respectful, I owe them the same respect in return.”

This is a lesson, Greenblatt feels, that is very important to teach young observant Jewish men and women entering the work force. “Some people think they can have it both ways—regular hours and then leave for Shabbos and

holidays,” he said, “but most jobs don’t work that way. We should be cognizant of that, appreciate the respect we get from others, and not abuse it.”

Greenblatt also has more specific career advice for YU students wishing to pursue a legal career. “Similar to the guidance Donald gives others, my advice is to first make sure—before you worry about the market—that you love and are passionate about a law career,” he said. “If you settle for something less, I think Donald is also correct when he says you likely won’t be as good at what you do.

“Once you’ve decided that law school is indeed for you, recognize that the dynamics have shifted and the money and advancement opportunities may not be the same as they once were,” Greenblatt continued. “There is no doubt that the market for legal jobs is tight, but I think that’s true for a lot of fields now due to the continuing uncertainty in the economy. Like virtually all businesses, the legal profession is cyclical. I think as the economy continues to improve, the legal market will as well. Don’t forget that law school can be a great stepping stone into another career, even if you don’t end up practicing law.”

Greenblatt lives in Teaneck with his family, of whom he is extremely proud: his wife, Naomi, a psychiatrist who specializes in women’s mental health, and their six children: Noah, Julia, and Anna, 13-year old triplets, Sophia, 9, Avery, 6, and Vera, 15 months.

In advance of their b’nai mitzvah, the triplets, along with two of their younger siblings, formed their own organization, Triplets for a Cause, in which

they undertake various chesed [deeds of kindness] projects. They attributed their recognition of the importance of giving to others from their parents, and indeed, despite Greenblatt’s long work days, he makes time to participate in communal activities.

He is a member of the Yeshiva University General Counsel’s Council, a panel of law firm attorneys and general counsels who provide pro bono legal services to the university. He also recently spoke to teens as part of New Jersey NCSY’s Latte and Learning program. At the time, Rabbi Dovid Cofnas, NJ NCSY’s director of development, said, “Mr. Greenblatt feels very strongly about upholding traditional Jewish values and wants to transmit them to the next generation. Hearing from a successful lawyer who makes Shabbat and Jewish holidays a top priority has a certain ‘wow’ appeal. Teenagers love that—he makes it cool to be observant. His talk had a great impact.”

Someone else impressed by Greenblatt’s adherence to his faith, as well as his excellence in the legal field? The Donald himself. “Jason Greenblatt has worked for me for 16 years and he has never been less than brilliant,” Trump said. “He’s accomplished and adept professionally and his dedication extends not only to his work, but to his family. His faith runs deep, which is apparent in all he does. Yeshiva should be very proud that he is an alumnus—he’s solid gold and a total winner!” n

s Stay connected at www.yu.edu/alumni

Jason Greenblatt ’89YC Is No Apprentice: YU Alumnus Serves as Donald Trump’s General Counsel

“ I am a firm believer in the philosophy of Torah Umadda and there was, and still is, no other school or institution that can instill and implement this philosophy as well as YU can. ” Jason Greenblatt ’89YC

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Great-grandparents elke (Shroit) ’59YUHS and nachman Kupietzky ’55YUHS, ’59YC and dr. Judith (Bendheim) ’63YUHS and rabbi dr. harris Guedalia ’57YUHS, ’63R announce the birth of their great-grandson, Etai Lev, born to Gilat (Kupietzky) and Asher Sacks. Mazel tov to: grandparents Dr. Allison (Guedalia) and Rabbi Dr. Ari Kupietzky and Judith (Cohen) and Alan Sacks; great-grandmother Dr. Hilda Cohen; and great-great-grandmother Els (Salomon) Bendheim (widow of Board member Charles H. Bendheim z”l.

chaya (heschel) ’59S and rabbi elihu marcus ’53YC, ’56R, ’99F announce the marriage of their granddaughter, Sari, to Oran Heschel.

RIETS Rosh Yeshiva rabbi hershel Schachter ’58YUHS, ’62YC, ’67R, rabbi moshe elefant ’35YC, ’40R and rabbi yisroel Paretzky ’72YUHS, ’76YC, ’79R received the Chaf-Heh Society Award at the Orthodox Union’s annual Chanukah Chagigah for 25 years of dedicated service to the OU.

Freida and rabbi dr. elihu Schatz ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’57R announce the marriages of their granddaughter Idit Schatz, daughter of Yechezkel and Lisa Schatz of Ofra, to Noam Freeman; and of their grandson, Raziel Shushan, son of Yehudit and Shalom Shushan, to Yael Asor; and the engagement of their grandson, Amiad Gilor, son of Shira and David Gilor, to Becky Offenbacher; and the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter, Lotem Kfir, daughter of Shulamith and Beanie Kfir.

dr. yale ’53YC, ’56R, ’59F and Marlene Port announce the birth of their great-granddaughter, Meitav, born to their grandchildren Joey ’10YC and Shoshana elbogen in Karnei Shomron, Israel. Mazel tov to grandparents milton ’74YUHS and evelyn elbogen ’78YUHS, ’83W, and Chaim and Chaya Korn. They are also pleased to announce the marriage of their granddaughter, Aviva Port to Ari Lurie. Mazel tov to parents, Ariela and dr. Jeff Port ’83YC.

Chany and rabbi yaakov Zev ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’59R announce the marriage of their granddaughter, Estee, to Yishai Stern.

1960s Pnina “Pam” (forman) ’68S and former YUHS faculty member Ya’akov “Jerrold” aronson announce the engagement of their grandchildren, Tzophiya Rachel, daughter of Aviva and Ari Katz, to Shai Yisrael, and Arieh Leib Weinman, son of Bracha and Yisroel Weinman, to Miriam Kovetch.

The Jewish High School Basketball Association honored irv Bader ’60YC for his 50 years as a player, coach and supporter.

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) awarded rabbi dr. Kenneth chelst ’65YUHS, ’69YC, ’74R

the President’s Award at its 2011 annual conference in Charlotte, NC, for his pioneering work in developing a unique educational curriculum that introduces young Americans to operations research and for his essential public safety policy and operational analysis. Former recipients of the award include academics from Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Yale, RPI, Duke, Columbia and the University of California.

meira ’69S and rabbi edward davis ’68YC, ’70R, ’71BR celebrated their daughter, tamar ’00S, who was honored with the Young Leadership Award at the Annual Dinner of Congregation Ohab Zedek in Manhattan.

Gary epstein ’65YUHS, ’69YC was appointed as an independent director for Gazit-Globe, one of the largest owners and operators of supermarket-anchored shopping centers in the world.

nat etrog ’69W and dolores friedel ’71W announce the birth of their granddaughter, Cecelia (Cece) Frost Cohen, born to Gabrielle (Etrog) and Jeff Cohen.

marcia (davis) ’66S and rabbi yitzhak frank ’61YC, ’65F, ’65R celebrated the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter, Hodaya, daughter of Le’a and Uriel Frank.

rabbi yitzchak frank ’61YC, ’65F, ’65R re-published his expanded edition of Grammar for Gemara and Targum Onkelos: An Introduction to Aramaic (Ariel Institute, 2012). This is a compan-

ion volume to the Practical Talmud Dictionary.

dr. Jeffrey r. Garber ’67YUHS was installed as president of the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 21st Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress in Philadelphia on May 27.

Marilyn and rabbi melvin Granatstein ’62YC, ’67BR, ’67R were honored at a Tribute Dinner at Green Road Synagogue in Cleveland on May 16 after 37 years of rabbinic leadership.

The Jan. 26 edition of the Jerusalem Post and the Feb. 16 edition of The New York Times had articles highlighting dr. Jonathan halpert’s ’62YUHS, ’66YC, ’78F vision and legacy as he ventures into his 40th season as the head basketball coach of the YU Maccabees.

marcia ’69S and rabbi david Jacobowitz ’69YC, ’71R announce the birth of their granddaughter, Emanuela Nitza, born to Dr. Tammy Jacobowitz and YU professor of Sephardic studies Ronnie Perelis.

dr. elaine (Sneierson) leeder ’69W published her fifth book, My Life with Lifers — Lessons for a Teacher: Humanity Has No Bars (Ebooks Unbound, 2012).

Jeanne litvin ’69S, the West Coast editor of The Jewish Press, was one of the creators of the Web site KosherWoman.com.

Bob mark ’66YC became marketing director for Zcoil and Boitrek shoes; www.zcoil.com.

Professor Jordan S. Penkower ’60YUHS, ’64YC, ’67BS, ’69BR, ’69R, of Bar-Ilan University’s Bible department, lectured at a conference in Heidelberg, Germany in September 2011, on the topic “Corrections and Additions to Rashi’s

Commentary on Amos by Rashi and his Students.” He later lectured in Rome in March 2012 in the speaker series of the Green Scholars Initiative in conjunction with the special exhibit, “Bibles at the Vatican: Verbum Domini,” on “The Layout of the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15) in Medieval Hebrew Manuscripts and Early Printed Editions: Form and Content.” In addition, Professor Penkower has re-released digitized versions of his two albums: “Jordan Penkower and The Sterling Sound: The Return to Jerusalem” (1967) and “Jubilation” (1972).

Carole and dr. Seymour Perl ’65YC announce the birth of their granddaughter, born to dassi ’96S, ’96W and Allen Kahn.

Lynn Ahuva and Joseph Pessah ’64YC, ’68F announce the marriage of their daughter, Jessica, to Jon Mechlowe.

alan Sirote ’65YUHS, ’70YC, ’84W, presented a paper entitled “The Patient Who Had Me Committed” at the 2012 conference of the International Association of Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. An article by the same title is being published in Psychoanalytic Perspectives. Sirote is on the faculty of the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, the Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis and the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy.

deena (Sigler) ’63S and dr. auri Spigelman ’58YUHS, ’62YC announce the engagement of their granddaughter, Avigayil, to David Salomon.

Chaya and dr. chaim waxman ’63YC, ’66BR, ’66R and Myra and rabbi dr. yisrael (irving) levitz ’55YUHS, ’59YC, ’63R announce the marriage of their granddaugh-ter, Rachel, to Eliad Dennis. Mazel tov to parents Sandy (levitz) ’86YUHS, ’90S and rabbi ari waxman ’88YC, ’90A, ’90R and Esther and Nissan Dennis.

rabbi tzvee Zahavy ’66YUHS, ’70YC, ’73R, ’73BR reported that in honor of the sheloshim for his father, rabbi Zev Zahavy ’39YC, ’59F z”l, Talmudic Books published a kindle version of his father’s 1978 book, Whence and Wherefore: The Cosmological Destiny of Man Scientifically and Philosophically Considered.

1970s Miriam and rabbi dr. aaron adler ’74YC, ’76BR, ’77R announce the engagement of their daughter, Chana, to Avi Lazarovits.

Sharon ’72S and rabbi william altshul ’72YC, ’76R, ’76F announce the birth of their granddaughter, Gili Yehudit, to Zahava and Aryeh Altshul.

dr. Joan ’71S and rabbi Jack Bieler ’69YC, ’74R, ’74F and Shari (rosoff) ’72S and edward freeman ’72YC announce the birth of their grandson, Ezra Yehuda Lev, born to nina (freeman) ’00S, ’02W and daniel Bieler ’00YC.

Beili ’72S and rabbi robert Block ’68YUHS, ’72YC, ’75BR, ’76R and rivi ’85C and rabbi avi Katz ’81YC, ’83R and Dr. Judy and Rabbi dr. norman Katz ’48YUHS, ’52YC, ’55R announce the birth of their grandson and great-grandson, Pesach Zvi, born to dena ’11S and avi Block ’10YC, ’11R.

your newS iS our newS!

Class Notes is where YU celebrates the milestones and accomplishments of its alumni. In this section, you can catch up on everything your classmates have been up to over the years, from marriages and births to professional and personal achievements.

Submit your class note by e-mailing alumni@yu.edu with the subject line “Class Notes,” or by visiting www.yu.edu/alumni/notes to complete the online form. We hope that you enjoy reading about your fellow alumni and friends, and we look forward to hearing about your achievements.

1940s

rabbi david halpern ’49YC, ’52R, founding rabbi of Flatbush Park Jewish Center, was honored by the congrega-tion as he completed 60 years of rabbinic leadership. Rabbi Halpern is now the rabbi emeritus.

Sheila ’52 YUHS and Rabbi David Halpern also announce the marriage of their granddaughter, lauren ’10S, to Avi Klahr. Mazel tov to parents Judith and dr. neil halpern ’74YUHS, ’77YC.

rabbi dr. norman lamm ’49YC, ’51R, ’66BR published Megillah: Majesty & Mystery (KTAV Publishing House, 2012) and Learning or Knowing: Which Takes Precedence? an e-book made possible by the YU Institute for University-School Partnership.

1950s Shifrah and Steve adler ’57YUHS announce the birth of their grandson, Shlomo.

On April 19, rabbi dr. l. nathan Bamberger ’51R, ’74BR met with Prof. Dr. Robert Froschel, president of Wurzburg University, and presented some of his literary works to the Library of the University (which was founded in 1484). Rabbi Bamberger was invited by the city of Wurzburg, where his great-grandfather and grandfather served as rabbis for the city.

rabbi Gerald Blidstein ’56YUHS, ’60YC, ’68BR, ’99R recently published his book, Society and Self: On the Writings of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (KTAV Publishing House, 2012).

Dina and dr. herbert c. dobrinsky ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’57R, ’59F announce the engagement of their granddaughter, Stephanie, to Eli Skoczlas. Mazel tov to parents dr. cindy ’85S, ’89A and aaron david dobrinsky ’81YUHS, ’85YC and Devora and Tali Skoczlas.

dr. mandell i. Ganchrow ’54YUHS, ’58YC published a book, “Coming of Age: An Anthology of Divrei Torah for Bar and Bat Mitzvah” (OU Press, 2012).

rabbi david hartman ’54R published his book, From Defender to Critic: The Search for a New Jewish Self (Jewish Light Publishing, 2012).

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debra (Schulman) ’71F, ’71A and Barnett Brickner ’67YC announce the birth of their grandson, Yonatan, born to Naomi (Frankfuter) and aryeh Brickner ’99SB.

Laya and rabbi asher Bush ’78YC, ’81R announce the birth of their granddaughter, Avigayil, to Yehudis and Donny Bush.

toni (feltscher) ’70S and Phil chernofsky ’65YUHS, ’69YC and Judy (Yehdit) and irwin Kotler ’78YC announce the birth of their grandson, Roee Yisrael, born to Ora and Noam Kotler.

Judge noach dear ’77W rejected the validity of the sniff test, a test used by police to determine illegal public drinking. Under his decision, tests now require demonstrating

that alcohol levels in open containers are above the legal limit.

Bryna ’71S and Paul Epstein announce the marriage of their son, Daniel, to Debbie Arad.

ann (Starkman) ’72S and rabbi eliot feldman ’72YC, ’75R announce the birth of their granddaughter, Lila Ava, daughter to arielle (maslow) ’02S and dov feldman ’02SB.

The 19th annual Israel Day Concert in Central Park featured special guest speaker MK Danny Danon, deputy speaker of the Knesset (2nd from right), and former MK, Rabbi Chaim Druckman (2nd from left), recent winner of the Israel Prize. Long-time organizer, dr. Joseph frager ’76YC (left) and Chairperson dr. Paul Brody ’72YC, flank the two speakers who came from Israel to deliver their messages.

ruthie (Berger) ’72YUHS and ahituv Gershinsky ’71YUHS, ’75YC, ’77W announce the birth of their grandson, born to Batsheva and Zvi Gershinsky.

dr. Jack Gladstein ’78YC, ’83A presented on Feb. 29, “Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Headache” at Sinai Hospital’s Dr. Jennifer Ann Kierson Memorial Pediatric Grand Rounds Series.

rabbi elimelech Goldberg ’74YUHS, ’77YC, ’81R was profiled in the March 19 People magazine’s “Heroes Among Us” section, for his work with Kids Kicking

Cancer, an organization he founded that provides martial arts lessons, breathing techniques and meditation to over 6,000 children living with cancer.

dr. daniel Gottlieb ’79YC, ’84F published his book, Listen to ME!!! Your Child and Your Divorce (Contento De Semrik, 2012). The book first appeared in Hebrew under

the title Kolam Shel Yeladim (Milo, 2009).

On April 5, dr. rosa Perla resnick helfgot ’76W spoke at a symposium on “A Cross National Comparison of Ageing and Older Adults” sponsored by the UN/NGO

Committee on Ageing, Subcommittee on Intergenerational Relationships, which she chairs. Dr. Resnick Helfgot, as the represen-tative of the International Network For the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), spoke at the First United Nations Celebration of World Elder Abuse Awareness (WEAAD), sponsored by the government of Argentina, UN/DESA (Department of Economic and Social Affairs), the NGO Committee on Ageing and INPEA, which was held at UN Headquarters in NYC on June 14.

Pearl and marty herskovitz ’73YUHS, ’77YC announce the birth of their grandson, Yosef Neriya, to Michal and Netanel Herskovitz and granddaughter, Carmel, to Yael Statman and Yaakov Herskovitz.

robin ’79S and Simon Kahn ’74YUHS, ’77YC announce the marriage of their son, Daniel, to Yael Baklor.

cookie ’70S and rabbi david Klavan ’69YC, ’71R announce the engagement of their son, Noam, to Noa Shpindel.

rabbi dr. marc mandel ’79YUHS, ’83YC, ’88R, ’88W was appointed the new senior rabbi of Touro Synagogue in Newport, RI, the oldest synagogue in the country.

debbie ’71S and Morris robinson announce the birth of their granddaugh-ter, Adrienne Jeanette, born to ahuva (robinson) ’08SB and Joshua Sclair ’05SB. Mazel tov to brother Aaron Joseph “AJ” and to grandparents May and

Max Sclair and the Robinson’s children and their families: yehudit robinson ’99S; daniella ’04SB and rabbi avi robinson ’08YC, ’08R and daughter Chaya Shaindel; yechiel robinson ’07YC; Sarah Robinson; and Bracha Robinson.

dr. Simon Shimshon rubin ’71YC, director of the International Center for the Study of Loss, Bereavement and Human Resilience at the University of Haifa and professor and chairman of the

Clinical Psychology Program, organized the Bereavement Center’s annual conference on “Remembrance Days and Other Days: Who, When, What and Why Do We Remember?” held on April 2. His latest book, Working with the Bereaved: Multiple Lenses on Loss and Mourning (co-written with Ruth Malkinson and Eliezer Witztum) was published by Routledge in 2012.

Zhava (Gerri lasky) ’78S, ’82W and Rabbi Yitschak rudomin announce the birth of their seventh grandchild, Eliyahu, to Miriam and Menchem Yifat.

Dr. Phyllis and mark Speiser ’75YC announce the birth of their grandson, Gavriel Reuven, born to Eva and Eliyahu David Speiser, and the engagement of their son, Jonathan, to Tali Rasooly.

dr. roberta ’76E and dr. yitz Strauchler ’73E and dr. rochelle ’80S and dr. Kalman ausubel ’77YC announce the birth of twin granddaughters, Ayelet Vita and Yardena Freda, born to yael (ausabel) Strauchler ’11S and dr. daniel Strauchler ’06YC, ’10E.

annette ’74S and rabbi howard wolk ’70YUHS,’74YC,’77F,’77R announce the birth of their granddaughter, Shoshana Rachel, born to lani ’01S and yonatan wolk ’02YC.

annette ’74S and rabbi howard wolk ’70YUHS,’74YC,’77F,’77R were honored on March 4 by Congregation Shaare-Tefilla of Dallas, TX on the shul’s 25th anniversary. The Wolks were the founding rabbi and rebbetzin and served the congregation and community for more than 15 years. Rabbi Wolk is community chaplain with Jewish Family Services and a Judaic studies teacher at Yavneh Academy High School. Rebbetzin Wolk teaches third-grade Judaics at Akiba Academy, coordinates the bat mitzvah program at Shaare-Tefilla and volunteers with the Chevra Kadisha and the Vaad.

Mindy and rabbi robert Zeiger ’77YC, ’81R announce the birth of their grand-daughter, Talya Malka, to Nadine and Eliezer Zeiger.

1980s

alisha (dennis) ’89S and Jack abboudi ’89YC announce the marriage of their daughter, Racheli, to Dovi Barris.

dr. alan Brill ’82YC, ’85BR, ’87R published his book, Judaism and World Religions: Encountering Christianity, Islam, and Eastern Traditions (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012).

diane and rabbi daniel cohen ’89YC, ’92R, ’96A announce the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Tamar.

laurie ’88S and rabbi Zvi engel ’88YC, ’02R announce the birth of their daughter, Aderet Bina.

etana (Gordon) ’80S and dr. alan friedman ’80YC announce the birth of three grandchildren: a daughter, Renana Hadas, born to Nitzana and Betzalel Freidman; a daughter, Reisheet Chen, born to Edna (Friedman) and Yanai Apelbaum; and a son, Meged Tal, born to Nava (Friedman) and Tzori Wieder. Mazel tov to great-grandfather, rabbi macy Gordon ’49YUHS, ’53YC, ’56R, ’77F.

Linda (Haring) and Benjamin Kaufman ’81YUHS, ’85YC, ’88C were guests of honor at the Rambam Mesivta Annual Scholarship Dinner

held at the Sands at Atlantic Beach on March 3.

lisa lerer-Zahn ’86S married uri (marc) lazar ’90SB in November 2011.

Jody ’84C and Bob linsky announce the birth of their son, Matthew, on March 24. Matthew was born during final exams while Jody was completing law school and attended graduation as a newborn.

rabbi nathaniel helfgot ’81YUHS, ’85YC, ’89A, ’89R published his book, Mikra & Meaning: Studies in Bible and Its Interpretation, a collection of essays offering an in-depth analysis of selected episodes in the Bible using the unique literary-theologi-cal method.

aviva ’82S and Joseph offenbacher ’76YUHS, ’79YC announce the engagement of their daughter, Becky, to Amaid Gilor, son of Shira and David Gilor. Mazel tov to grandparents Barbara and dov Gilor ’67F and Freida and rabbi dr. elihu Schatz ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’57R and Esther and Elmer Offenbacher and Judith ’57YUHS, ’61S and rabbi irwin Borvick ’53YUHS, ’57YC, ’60BR, ’60R.

Blima and rabbi robert rhodes ’88A, ’88R made aliyah on March 11.

Sharon ’84YUHS, ’87S and rabbi Shalom richter ’80YUHS, ’86YC, ’90R announce the marriage of their daughter, Chani, to Moishy Stewart.

rabbi dr. Gidon rothstein ’85YC, ’92R, ’93BR published his book, We’re Missing the Point: What’s Wrong with the Orthodox Jewish Community and How to Fix It (KTAV Publishing House, 2012). In addition, Rabbi Rothstein, along with his wife, elizabeth ’88C, were honored at the Riverdale Jewish Center’s 58th Anniversary Dinner.

dr. marc Schramm ’86F, Psy.D., CGP, FAGPA was guest editor and contributor to an article on the life and work of David Hume for volume 36 number 2 of the journal Group, a special issue on philosophy and group psychotherapy.

Judith ’81S and rabbi ronald Schwarzberg ’80YC, ’82F, ’83R, director, the Morris and Gertrude Bienenfeld Department of Jewish Career Development and Placement at the Center for the Jewish Future, celebrated the graduation of their daughter, Shayna, from Bruriah High School for Girls on June 10 with Chani Hirschey, the granddaughter of Shevi ’62YUHS and rabbi Benjamin yudin ’66YC, ’69R, senior faculty member at the James Striar School/Mechinah Program.

Bonnie ’86YUHS, ’90S and rabbi david Sheer ’91YC, ’93R, ’94A were honored at Tifereth Israel’s 122nd Annual Dinner in Passaic, NJ.

Shira Smiles ’86S, ’88A published her second book, Torah Tapestries: Words of Wisdom Woven from the Weekly Parshah, Shemos (Feldheim Publishers, 2012).

robyn ’87YUHS and Jeffrey Socol ’80YUHS, ’85YC were recognized as Parents of the Year by Yeshiva of Central Queens at the 71st Anniversary Scholarship Dinner.

chemistry in the making: yu alumni and the Science industry

Jews have always been intrinsically linked to the science industry, and in fact, have been credited with some of the major scientific breakthroughs in the world. Think Jonas Salk with his polio vaccine and Paul Ehrlich, hailed as the

father of modern-day chemotherapy, to name just two. The Jewish record in winning Nobel prizes is notable: In the 21st century so

far, Jewish scientists have won more than 25 percent of Nobel prizes in science, an achievement made more remarkable considering that Jews comprise about 0.2 per-cent of the world’s population.

Our own chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Henry Kressel ’55YC, is a renowned scientist and engineer. Read on to see how other YU graduates are mak-ing a difference through science.

Dr. AlAn Willner ’82YC

Dr. Alan Willner ’82YC, the Steven and Kathryn Sample Endowed Chair in Engineering at the University of South-ern California (USC)’s Viterbi School of Engineering, was one of the honorary degree recipients at the 2012 under-graduate commencement.

Willner’s honorary doctorate was a heartwarming return to YU for him, as he proudly calls himself “a YU man first and last.”

“YU profoundly changed the course of my life,” he said emphatically. “I loved the learning, the classes were great, and socially, it was wonderful. Attending Rav Hershel Schachter’s shiurim [lec-tures] was a highlight for me.”

His staunch admiration for his alma mater is ironic, considering he almost attended another university. “I had been accepted to Johns Hopkins. However, after spending a year studying in Israel at Yeshivat Sha’alvim, I knew I wanted to become a ben Torah along the lines of what YU stands for,” Willner recalled. “After I decided to attend YU, I never looked back.”

At YU, Willner quickly began making lifelong friendships and took on a large courseload of science courses. Although he majored in physics, Willner was set on attending law school. After being accepted, he deferred admission to obtain a mas-ter’s degree in engineering at Columbia University.

“I went to engineering school for one reason only. At the time, I was very inter-ested in making aliya in the future, and I was told that patent law was needed in Israel and that an engineering degree would be helpful down that path. If you had asked me then what engineering even was, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you,” said Willner.

Near the end of that program, a professor asked him to continue studying under him for his PhD. Since he was enjoying his studies, he readily agreed—and finally faced the fact that he was well on his way to becoming an electrical engineer.

Shortly after he received his doctorate, Willner began working at AT&T Bell Laboratories in its research department, which was pioneering work on wave-length division multiplexing (WDM) for optical fiber communications systems.

“WDM is conceptually very similar to radio. You have different radio channels that are transmitted at different radio wave frequencies, like WYUR, which is at 530 kilohertz. With WDM, multiple data channels each sent on a different color of light can simultaneously propagate down an optical fiber, thereby achieving an enormous increase in transmission capacity,” Willner explained.

Willner joined the faculty of USC in 1992, and today has almost a thousand publications and 24 patents to his name. He has also been quite active profession-ally, having been an editor-in-chief of three reputable research journals in his field and co-chair of a new U.S. National Academies study on optics and photonics. In fact, he was president of the multi-thousand-person IEEE Photonics Society, a position held decades earlier by YU’s Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Henry Kressel.

“Frankly, Dr. Kressel has been a role model for me,” said Willner.Most laypeople probably wouldn’t understand Willner’s area of expertise,

optical fiber communications, but his research has created devices that make it easier and faster for messages to be transmitted for telephone conversations and computer data. As USC’s spring 2011 Engineering Magazine, which profiled Will-ner and his work, put it: “… his powerful, elegant technology is as simple to under-stand as a rainbow produced by sunlight shining through a waning rain cloud or the stark separation of colors that occurs when a beam of light passes through a prism.”

Despite Willner’s many awards and accolades (including International Fel-low of the U.K. Royal Academy of Engineering, the Presidential Faculty Fellows Award from the White House and a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship), he said his proudest professional achievement is his relationship with his students, who hail from all over the world. “We all try to learn about each other’s cultures, and I am very open with discussing my yiddishkeit [Judaism] with them. In my group, you will hear ‘Happy New Year’ along with ‘Xin Nyan Kwai Ler,’ ‘Saaleh No Mobarak,’ and ‘Shana Tova,’” he explained. “Awards come and go, but maintaining this open and respectful environment where my students and I can learn about each other’s beliefs is something I value, professionally, above all else.”

Upon handing Alan Willner his honorary doctorate, President Richard M. Joel declared, “You are a Yeshiva graduate who so proudly carries the name of his alma mater around the world. Your exemplary research is in optics, and you so readily serve to help others see the light of the values we believe in and celebrate. You model the role of the observant Jew advancing G-d’s world. Through our ‘optics,’ that makes you our success.”

Willner lives with his wife, Michelle, a musical composer, and their four sons, Moshe, Asher, Ari and Yaakov, in southern California.

Dr. ShAnA (FrAnkel) PoSY ’02S

Dr. Shana (Frankel) Posy ’02S is a computational chemist who works at Bristol Myers-Squibb, helping to fine-tune the interactions of molecules with targets of interest so that potential drugs serve as the most effective treatments.

Posy grew up in Silver Spring, MD and, after attending a year abroad studying at Michlalah Seminary in Jerusalem, Posy began college at Columbia University.

“I soon switched from Columbia to Stern,” she said, “because I missed tak-ing part in a formal program of high-level Judaic studies alongside my secular classes. I was also very impressed with the members of the sci-ence faculty, and I also liked the vibe on campus.”

At Stern, Posy created a shaped major in computational biology, taking coursework in both computer science and molecular biology. “I’ve always enjoyed math and science and spent many happy summers in high school doing research in labs at NASA, Walter Reed Medical Institute, and the National Institutes of Health. The only problem was that I found I was clumsy in labs and broke a lot of test tubes,” said Posy. “One summer, I stumbled into a field called bioinformatics, which

applies information theory to biological problems, and I realized that computa-tional science was a perfect fit for me. It combines the excitement of discovering new facets of biological systems with the analytical rigor of computer science.”

Posy enjoyed the camaraderie felt in Stern’s upper-level biology and chemis-try classes, which had small numbers of students and where all of the professors knew the students personally. Dr. Brenda Lowey’s molecular biology class, Dr. Chaya Rapp’s physical chemistry and quantum mechanics classes and Dr. Lea Blau’s organic chemistry class were all highlights.

Posy married her husband, Betzalel Posy, a couple of months before graduat-ing Stern; Rav Mordechai Willig, a YU rosh yeshiva, introduced them.

Following YU, Posy attended graduate school at Columbia University, where she earned her PhD in biochemistry, supported by a fellowship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She joined the lab of Dr. Barry Honig, a luminary in computational biophysics, and spent five years researching a family of proteins—cadherins—that help cells stick to one another and sort into different tissues dur-ing development.

“When I graduated, I knew I was interested in exploring a career in industry and applied science rather than staying in academia and conducting basic research,” said Posy. She accepted a position at Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2008, where she works on drug discovery projects relating to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

“I love that my work is intellectually challenging and satisfying, but is also devoted to improving people’s lives,” Posy said, “I relish the fact that my job really is to help cure cancer and other serious diseases. It’s truly gratifying to see when a prediction or hypothesis that I propose tangibly helps to move a project forward, and may mean designing a more active compound or identifying a novel biomarker

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that may help predict whether a patient will respond to a drug.”When Posy attended a crash course in medicinal chemistry run by the Ameri-

can Chemical Society a few years ago, she bumped into her former professor, Dr. Blau, who was busy planning the curriculum for Stern College’s course in the same area. In April 2010, Posy was invited to speak to Blau’s class about how modern drug discovery is conducted and the role of computational chemistry. Posy also took job-related questions and dispensed advice over lunch.

“It was a great privilege to speak to the MedChem students and to spend time with the deans and faculty again,” said Posy. “I owe YU a tremendous debt of grat-itude; not only did the academic environment help me pursue my professional goals, but many of the faculty members became my personal role models.”

Posy currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children.

Dr. SAmuel DAniSheFSkY ’52YuhS, ’56YC

Dr. Samuel Danishefsky ’52YUHS, ’56YC is a chemist at both Columbia University and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan.

“I attended YU High School, then called TA, and YU because I wanted to receive an education with top Jewish learning as well as top secular studies,” said Danishefsky. “My two older brothers, Chaim and Joel, also attended YU and went

on to have wonderful careers, in addi-tion to both receiving semicha [rabbini-cal ordination].”

Danishefsky, who calls himself the “black sheep” of the family, since he is the only one who did not pursue a rab-binical degree, majored in chemistry, though he was unsure if he would pur-sue it post-college. “In those days, there wasn’t a big chemistry department at YU,” he recalled. “Nevertheless, the professors who taught the classes were excellent, and I found I liked the mate-rial a lot. It was the early days of DNA research, and there was a lot of excite-ment about it.”

Dr. Eli Levine in particular helped encourage Danishefsky’s enthusiasm about science. Danishefsky said, “Pro-fessor Levine was like a benevolent dic-

tator, a very tough teacher with high standards,” he said. “His direction really helped propel me further and enabled me to continue my studies.”

After YU, Danishefsky obtained his PhD at Harvard University, and com-pleted his postdoc at Columbia. He then taught at the University of Pittsburgh and Yale before returning to Columbia, splitting his time between Columbia and head-ing the bioorganic chemistry laboratory at Sloan-Kettering.

Danishefsky’s research focuses on designing new ways to analyze and con-struct molecules and strategies to be used for vaccines and other practical applica-tions. “My day-to-day work was focused much more on the theoretical, but once I came to Sloan-Kettering, I became more sensitive to the ways the chemistry can be used practically, and how it might impact related fields,” he said. “My proudest pro-fessional achievement has been building complex molecules and to have them be clinically evaluated for helping hospital patients who are mostly sick with cancer.”

Offering advice to YU students interested in pursuing chemistry research and application as a career, Danishefsky said, “I would find an intricate problem where the solution of that problem would have a great impact on humanity. Better a B solution to an A problem than an A solution to a B problem.”

Danishefsky has maintained his YU connection by participating in many functions over the years, such as the Annual Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation and the RIETS dinner. When he visits the YU campus, he often walks through the beit midrash [study hall], and is impressed by the intensity of the learning that goes on there.

“I think YU is an absolutely unique place, with very bright and motivated stu-dents who, more often than not, become very successful,” Danishefsky remarked.

“The students can hold their own with people from other top-rated and Ivy League universities, and the students do this without compromising their Jewish learn-ing. That is an amazing achievement to me.”

Danishefsky has won numerous awards for his work, including the Wolf Prize in Chemistry and the Tetrahedron Prize, both in 1996; the ACS Roger Adams Award in Organic Chemistry in 2007; and the Albert Einstein Award given by the Israel Academy of Science in 2012.

He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from YU at the 1987 undergradu-ate commencement. He is married to a fellow chemist, Dr. Sarah Danishefsky, and they have two children, Susannah Greenberg and Daniel, and 14 grandchildren.

JeSSiCA Feig ’08S

A member of the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program at Stern, Feig majored in biology and completed a dual minor in chemistry and English literature. “The quality of education and breadth of extracurriculars are unparalleled at YU,” said Feig. She recalled Dr. Harvey Babich, chair of the biology department, encourag-ing her and other science students to become involved by utilizing their specific

skills. In part, thanks to his support, Feig became the science and health editor for the student newspaper, The Observer, as well as the editor-in-chief for Derech HaTeva, an undergraduate student journal of Torah and science.

Feig also appreciated being able to present her research at student meetings of SURGE (Student Undergraduate Research Group Exchange). “It was there that my ability to present my work was honed and polished,” remarked Feig, “and I am grateful that I could share my work as an undergraduate in such a non-stressful, positive forum.”

It became clear to Feig that the exact science career she would pursue would involve both medicine and research, and as a junior, she applied to various medical scientist training programs; she is now a graduate student in the MD/PhD pro-gram at New York University School of Medicine, where she is studying cellular and molecular biology.

While completing her studies there, Feig was invited by Dr. Alyssa Schuck ’99S, a Stern clinical assistant professor of biology, to deliver lectures to Stern stu-dents who have secured scientific internships. Feig offers advice regarding the professional academic environment to students in several workshops. She also came aboard as the instructor for the human physiology course this past academic year at Stern.

Dr. Schuck said, “Jessica is extremely bright and knowledgeable, while also being enthusiastic with a positive and down-to-earth outlook. These characteris-tics allow Jessica to relate to students while being a truly excellent role model for them.”

Feig said, “Returning to Stern to teach and advise students has allowed me to give back to a university to which I owe so much, as YU provided me with the tools to explore and accomplish all my current and future endeavors. I want to make sure that any student I come in contact with makes the most of their time at Stern.”

Feig’s advice for any student looking to enter medicine is to make sure to love the field. “Medicine is a very rewarding field but it is also extremely demanding,” she said. “I would also encourage students to challenge themselves and take advanced coursework which will prepare them for graduate school. Make sure you learn how to prioritize and balance your busy course load with some fun activ-ities at Stern, as well!”

After her studies, Feig plans to investigate rare genetic diseases and to develop diagnostics and treatments.

Dr. Babich declared, “Jessica is a powerhouse of energy. At SCW, she was a Distinguished Scholar; a participant in the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Pro-gram; maintained a GPA of 4.0 while also being active in research programs at New York University Medical Center; a member of the Student Academic Affairs Committee; the health and sci-ence editor for the The Observer; and a TA for Principles of Biology and for Organic Chemistry. There is little that Jessica cannot do. On a personal level, she is a ba’las midos [a person with extremely fine personal traits]. I am very proud of her.” n

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reunion 2012 (mAY 23, 2012)

q On Wednesday, May 23, members of the Classes of 1962, 1972 and 1987 gathered to celebrate their 50-, 40- and 25-year reunions from Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women and Sy Syms School of Business. Celebrants were treated to tours of the Wilf and Israel Henry Beren Campuses, as well as a special panel, facilitated by Dean Karen Bacon, with Sy Syms professor Tamar Avnet, Chana Zuckier ’12S, Menachem Spira ’12YC and RIETS Dean, Rabbi Yona Reiss, who was celebrating his own 25-year reunion from Yeshiva College. The festive day continued with a dinner at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, where more than 150 alumni and spouses were able to reconnect and reminisce. President Richard M. Joel addressed the group, who were also treated to a d’var Torah by Rabbi Reiss. Class memories were shared by Bert Schreiber ’62YC, Esti (Davidowitz) Stahler ’72S, Barbara (Raskin) ’87S and Michael ’87YC Luxenberg, and David Gottesman

’72YC, who also presented President Joel with a check for more than $115,000, raised as part of the Reunion Class Gift effort, which will benefit undergraduate scholarships at YU.

Sheryl and rabbi michael Susman ’83YC, ’86A, ’86R announce the birth of their granddaughter, Hadas, born to Elisheva and Itzik Dahan, and the marriage of their son, Eitan, to Michal Elishevitz. Mazel tov to Michal’s parents, Ofra and Yisrael Elishevitz.

andrea troy ’85W published her satiric novel, Daddy: An Absolutely Fake Memoir (iUniverse, 2008), now available in e-book format (Smashwords, 2011). Inspired by real scandals about falsified memoirs, the book takes a light-hearted look at hypocrisy, commercialism and other modern-day ills.

ronald Ziegler ’86YUHS, ’91YC published his book, Majesty and Humility: The Thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (Urim Publications, 2012).

Bibsi ’83YUHS and david Zuckerbrot ’84YUHS celebrated the bar mitzvah of their son, Asher. Mazel tov to grandparents Gitta and Yerachmiel Koppel.

1990s

Jonathan alpert ’97F published his book Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days (Center Street 2012).

Ruchi and rabbi dovid cohen ’94YC, ’97R was presented with the Rabbinic Leadership Award at the Annual Dinner of the Young Israel West Side.

rabbi Josh friedman ’97YC, ’01R was featured in the April 17 Jewish Press in an article about his friendship with Yuri Foreman, a Russian-born boxer who later discovered his Jewish roots. Yuri’s story has provided inspiration for baalei teshuva, the newly religious.

Judith Gottesman ’95W celebrated three years as a matchmaker and owner of Soul Mates Unlimited (soulmatesunlimited.com). She also was featured in

“Love Experts” in the spring 2011 edition of Jewish Women International magazine and NPR’s “Morning Edition” interviewed Judith for its June 13 story on “What’s a Yenta?”

rabbi yehuda y. halpert ’93YUHS, ’97YC, ’05R is counsel at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

Shira ’97S and yisroel hochberg ’92YC announce the birth of their daughter, Aliza Sarah. Mazel tov to grandparents, Zese (Klughaupt) ’62YUHS and moshe hochberg ’60YUHS, ’64YC, ’67BR, ’67R and rochelle (ruditzky) ’65YUHS, ’70TI and Harry Zupnik.

aliza ’98S and rabbi avery Joel ’00YC, ’02A, ’05R announce the birth of their son, Avishai Nachshon. Mazel tov to grandpar-ents dr. esther ’83F and yu President richard m. Joel ’68YUHS.

rabbi dayan Benjamin G. Kelsen ’94YC, ’97C, ’00R was named to the 2012 New Jersey Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers, a Thomson-Reuters business, as one of the top up-and-coming attorneys in New Jersey. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state receive this honor.

deborah (Glick) marchuck ’93S received her Masters of Social Work from Touro College in June.

elana and Jesse mendelson ’99YC, ’03C announce the birth of their son, Gabriel Oren.

rabbi michael neuman ’99YUHS, ’03YC, ’07C, ’07R married Shira Jacobson.

ALUMNIToday

s we want to hear your ideaS for ProGramminG in your reGion. contact BarBara Birch at Birch@yu.edu or 212.960.0848. ALUMNIToday 7

Yu WAll Street grouP event: the Future oF the heDge FunD inDuStrY (mAY 2, 2012)

s to See more PhotoS from alumni eVentS, ViSit www.flicKr.com/yualumni

A tribute to CoACh JonAthAn hAlPert (mAY 6, 2012)

m YU Wall Street Group Co-Chairs Lawrence Askowitz ’87YC and Evelyn Havasi ’82S, ’87C, with event panelists Harvey Beker, Daniel Arbess, Stephanie Breslow, and Jeffrey Aronson

m Simcha Richton ’10SB, Ryan Khaldar, Ben Silver ’12YC, and Simon Brookim ’06SB

o Coach Halpert “takes a knee” by his signature

m Daniel Aaron ’90YUHS, ’94YC, Lance Hirt ’89YC and Yehuda Halpert ’93YUHS, ’97YC, ’05R present Halpert with a gift

m David Kufeld ’76YUHS, ’80YC presents a proclamation from Hon. Sheldon Silver

’65YC

m Robby Rosenbloom ’74YUHS, ’78YC, Johnny Halpert ’62YUHS, ’66YC, ’78F and Mark Hoenig ’74YUHS, ’78YC

m Aviva and Johnny Halpert with President Richard M. Joel

m Rachel Chasky ’03SB and Joshua Schainker m Efraim Stefanksy ’11SB and Daniel Oshinsky ’91YC

dr. dale rosenbach ’99YUHS, ’03YC graduated from the Postdoctoral Division of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at Columbia

University College of Dental Medicine. He will receive his Master of Science in periodontology in the fall of 2012 and is clinical assistant attending in the Department of Dentistry and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. His wife, dr. michal (Gold) rosenbach ’01S is clinical instructor in the Special Care Treatment Center of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

rabbi eliezer Schnall, PhD, ’95YUHS, ’00YC, ’02F, ’03R, ’06F, professor of psychology at Yeshiva College, authored “Groupthink and the Sanhedrin: An Analysis of

the Ancient Court of Israel Through the Lens of Modern Social Psychology,” which appeared in the Journal of Management

History in July 2012 and was profiled in The New York Times and The Jerusalem Post.

chaya ’96S, ’98W and Joey Selesny ’95YC announce the birth of their twin girls, Sara Bracha (Sara Beth) and Bayla Rena (Bella Rena).

Bonnie and rabbi Gideon Shloush ’93YC, ’97R announce the birth of their son, Shmuel Amichai.

tamar ’97S and rabbi dr. andrew Sicklick ’95YC announce the birth of their son, Zev Alexander. Mazel tov to grandparents Francine and dr. marc Sicklick ’70YC, ’74E,

’79BS and ronni ’63YUHS, ’67S and rabbi dr. wallace Greene ’62YUHS, ’66YC, ’69R, ’79BR.

miriam l. (mann) wallach ’96S was recently named general manager of The Nachum Segal Network (jmintheam.org). After 3 years as a radio show co-host, she developed her own program, “That’s Life.” Her responsibilities include developing new talent and helping the network expand.

nachum Segal ’84YC began his career in radio at WYUR and is celebrating his 30th year on the air.

2000s toby and Shalom atlas ’02W announce the birth of their granddaughter to Neva and Yossi Treistman.

Shoshana averbach ’07W married Steve Katz on March 12 at Young Israel Synagogue of Forest Hills. Shoshana also recently produced

and released her debut album of original songs entitled “The Time is Coming.” The CD is available at info@healingnotes.com and clips can be found on cdbaby.com/shoshanaaverbach.

elana (lani) ’09S and Joshua Berman ’04YUHS, ’09YC announce the birth of their son, Ya’akov

Uriel. Mazel tov to grandparents Judy ’84S and Zev Berman ’82YC and great-grand-parents dorothy ’59S, ’60F and rabbi Julius Berman ’56YC, ’59R and Sara and rabbi michael hecht ’57YUHS, ’61YC, ’64BR, ’64R.

yael ’07S and michael Bleicher ’11R announce the birth of their daughter, Meira.

nehama cohen ’06SB and dori Zofan ’08W announce the birth of their son, Noam Yaakov.

nina ’02S and Judah eizikovitz ’03SB announce the birth of their daughter, Elana Malka (Emmy). Mazel tov to grandparents Gail and william hochman ’77YC and Bonnie ’70YUHS and Jack eizikovitz.

rabbi Zev eleff ’09YC, ’11R published the articles, “The Wages of Criticism” in the Jewish Review of Books and “Psychohistory and the Imaginary Couch: Diagnosing Historical and Biblical Figures” in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion.

CLAssNoTES

Heather and Brian fefferman ’07W announce the birth of their son, Joshua Parker. Mazel tov to their families including new uncle, eric fefferman ’11W.

Sarah ’04S and rabbi avi fried ’08R announce the birth of their son, Aharon Yerucham.

rabbi moshe Goldfeder ’07YC received the Young Leadership Award at the 33rd Anniversary Scholarship and Tribute Dinner of American Friends of Yeshivot Bnei Akiva.

yael (Strauchler) Goldfischer ’03S, ’04BR and rabbi david Goldfischer ’03YC, ’10R announce the birth of their son, Yehuda Yonah. Mazel

tov to dr. roberta ’76E and dr. yitz Strauchler ’73E and Marcia and Jay Goldfischer ’63YC, ’69F.

elana Gottfried ’03S, ’05W completed a post-graduate certification in sex therapy and sexuality education at the University of Michigan.

Her private practice in metro Detroit focuses on relationship and intimacy issues. She also teaches sexuality education to parents and children and lectures on women’s sexual health issues.

Malka and rabbi maury Grebenau ’01YC, ’04R, ’07A announce the birth of their daughter, Talia Ta’ir.

Shevy and aaron Gropper ’02SB announce the birth of their son.

Dina and rabbi Shaye Guttenberg ’06YC, ’09A announce the birth of their son, Neriya Zadok.

yosefa ’04YUHS, ’08S, ’10BR, ’14E and Jonathan hefter ’08YC, ’12R announce the birth of their daughter, Naama Batsheva. Mazel tov to grandparents abby ’70YUHS and rabbi yaacov lerner ’71YC, ’74R.

Sean hirschhorn ’07SB, ’10W married Tara (Ratz) Hirschhorn in North Woodmere, NY on Jan. 29.

yaffa ’07S and david hoffman ’08YC announce the birth of their daughter, Talia.

Sara and rabbi Simcha hopkovitz ’02YC announce the birth of their daughter.

miriam ’04YUHS, ’08S and rabbi raphy hulkower ’09R, ’12R announce the birth of their daughter, Nava Leora.

erica ’09S and rabbi nathan hyman ’11YC announce the birth of their son, Akiva Tzvi.

Yaffa and ephraim ilyaguev ’08SB announce the birth of their daughter, Tzofia.

Rachel and rabbi nathaniel Javasky ’07YC, ’10R, ’11A announce the birth of their daughter, Leora.

Molly and rabbi aaron Katz ’07YC, ’10R announce the birth of their daughter, Rivka Chana.

rabbi eric nahorai Kotkin ’06A, ’07R, ’12A launched the Web site bible4com-munity.com. Bible4Community

was started five years ago to bring the original text of the Bible to those with no prior experience in biblical Hebrew.

chani ’05S and rabbi Beni Krohn ’06YC, ’10R announce the birth of their son, Aharon Zev.

chani (etengoff) ’06S and asher laub ’06YC announce the birth of their son, Levi. Mazel tov to grandparents Arlene and rabbi david etengoff ’80F, ’80R and Shoshana and Richard Laub.

lavie margolin ’02SB was quoted for his career coaching expertise in the Feb. 12 New York Times article “Out of Work, but Staying a Strong Candidate.”

Bryna and rabbi Shalom ozarowski ’05YC announce the birth of their daughter, Maytal Shira.

Dr. Hindi and rabbi adir Posy ’04YC, ’06R announce the birth of their son, Yaakov Amichai.

leah Shifra and rabbi Baruch Price ’01A, ’01R announce the birth of their daughter, Adina.

Dr. Jessica and rabbi ariel rackovsky ’02YC, ’06R were installed as rebbetzin and rabbi of the Irving Place Minyan in Woodmere, NY. rabbi dr. Jonathan rosenblatt ’82R delivered the installa-tion address, and remarks were delivered by rabbi hershel Billet ’67YUHS, ’71YC, ’74R, ’82BR, rabbi lewis wienerkur ’82YC, ’86A, ’86R and rabbi levi mostofsky ’00YC. Dr. and Rabbi Rackovsky also announce the birth of their son, Yeshaya.

na’ama ’09S and Benjie rosenberg ’12SB announce the birth of their daughter, Gabriella Sarah.

Shira ’04S and rabbi daniel rosenfeld ’04YC, ’07A, ’07R announce the birth of their son, Itiel Shlomo. Mazel tov to grandparents, Karen ’72S and rabbi menachem rosenfeld ’75R, ’75F.

Susanne (Goldstone) ’02S and evan “tex” rosenhouse ’05SB, ’10W, ’14R announce the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Noa.

Meira and mordechai Schiffman ’09YC, ’11A announce the birth of their daughter, Leah Chedva.

rabbi david Shabtai ’09R published his book, Defining the Moment: Understanding Brain Death in Halakhah (Shoresh, 2012). Additional book information can

be found on Rabbi Shabtai’s Web site www.DefiningTheMoment.com.

elior d. Shiloh ’03SB, ’07C, an attorney with Gordon & Rees LLP specializing in commercial litigation, professional liability and intellectual property in New York and New Jersey, was featured in the 2012 edition of the New Jersey Super Lawyers list of Rising Stars, which represents the top five percent of legal professionals in New Jersey.

aviva ’00S and rabbi rob Shur ’01YC, ’05R announce the birth of their son, Bentzion Mordechai.

Shira (Graber) ’00S and Jonathan Spielman ’02YC announce the birth of their son, Noam Yitzchak.

nili ’03S, ’06BR and Gershon (Jonathan) turetsky ’02SB announce the birth of their daughter, Michal Yehudit.

Sharon ’05S, ’08BR and rabbi Jay weinstein ’04SB, ’09R announce the birth of their son.

ilana ’05S and rabbi yaakov weiss ’02YC, ’05A, ’05R announce the birth of their daughter, Meira Rachel. Mazel tov to grand-parents Susan ’69S and dr. arnold weiss ’69YC.

ari yasgur ’06SB married Shushannah Walshe in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Mazel Tov to parents Barbara cohen yasgur ’75S and rabbi Benjamin yasgur ’70YUHS, ’74YC, ’80BR, ’80R, ’97A and Estelle and Michael Walshe.

2010s

yael Brodsky ’10S married Hart Levine, a semicha student at RIETS.

Shoshana (laura Shuman) ’10S and robby charnoff ’09YC announce the birth of their daughter, Aliza Devorah.

Pnina (herskovits) ’12A and eric distenfeld ’97YUHS, ’01SB announce the birth of their twins, Avigayil and Noah. Mazel tov to grandparents debbie (Sondheim) ’72YUHS and fred distenfeld ’65YUHS, ’69YC and drs. Beth (Gross) ’84A and ronny herskovits ’82A.

yael (diamond) ’10W and yoel eis ’06YC announce the birth of their daughter, Alyssa Rose.

Shalom isaacson ’10YC, a licensed yoga instructor, provided a challenging yoga class coupled with Jewish thought for T.O.R.C.H. (Torah Outreach Resource Center of Houston) in Houston, TX.

Batya ’10S and yosef Sharbat ’09YC, ’12R, ’12A announce the birth of their son, Moshe Bentzion.

Barak Shloush ’10YC married Avital Balhani.

The Jewish Week included 11 YU alumni in its annual “36 Under 36” section profiling Jewish leaders under 36:

Sarah aharon ’02YUHSmiriam leah droz ’97Srabbi dov emerson ’9YC, ’03ASimon Goldberg ’12YCmichael Greenberg ’12YCSimi lampert ’12Selana loeffler ’11Syair Saperstein ’12YCmichelle Sarna ’99Sroman Shulenson ’01Wrabbi ari weiss ’97YUHS

In Memoriam Judy rutlick Berkowitz ’65Srabbi dr. martin l. (menachem) Gordon ’56YUHS, ’60YC, ’62R, ’74BRtsvi Groner ’56YUHS, ’60YC, ’65BRrabbi Sholom m. Kaminetzky ’67YC, ’69R, ’99FBertha Kressel ’54YUHS, ’56TIrabbi Pesach levovitz ’42YCrabbi Joel levy ’45YC, ’47Rdr. yaakov Petroff ’48YUHS, ’52YC, ’57Rrabbi israel Poleyeff ’45YUHS, ’48YC, ’51Rherbert Pollock ’48YCdr. o. asher reichel ’38YUHS, ’42YC, ’44R, ’60BRdr. david rosenhan ’51YCrabbi chaim Pinchas Scheinberg ’29Rrabbi herbert Scheinfeld ’52YC, ’52R Sandy Strauss ’62Stzippi “Stephanie” tokayer ’87SJoseph Vogel ’04YCleon yancey ’74Wrabbi Zev Zahavy ’39YC, ’59F

legend for school abbreviations:

a: Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration • Br: Bernard Revel Graduate School • BS: Belfer Graduate School of Science • BZ: Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music • c: Cardozo School of Law • e : Albert Einstein College of Medicine • f: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology • r: Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • S: Stern College for Women • SSSB: Sy Syms School of Business • ti: Teacher’s Institute • w: Wurzweiler School of Social Work • yc: Yeshiva College yuhS: Yeshiva University High Schools

Yeshiva College DramatiCs soCietY

Celebrates its 100th Performance

twelve angrY men

To participate in special events for alumni and friends on

sunDaY | DeCember 2, 2012e-mail alumni@yu.edu

ALUMNIToday

ALUMNIToday 8s follow uS on faceBooK www.faceBooK.com/yualumni and linKedin yu.edu/alumni/linKedin

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YU Graduate and Comic Finds the Humor in Life

Finding a Cure and a Home

Meet Eitan Levine.At 23, the recent Yeshiva

College graduate has performed at comedy clubs throughout the New York region. He’s opened for Daryl Ham-mond of “Saturday Night Live” and per-formed with comedians Louis CK, Judah Friedlander and Jim Gaffigan. During his time at YU Levine hosted “Prolaffs!” on WYUR, the campus radio station, and was a staff writer for the student-run satirical news site, The Quipster. He is a comic book enthusiast, served as head announcer of the International Quid-ditch Association and commissioner of intramural roller hockey. Oh, and he plays the ukulele.

Levine, a native of Springfield, NJ, discovered his passion for comedy at an early age—but not how you’d expect.

At 10, he was diagnosed with Ew-ing’s sarcoma of the tibia, an illness that landed him in and out of hospitals. “I had a journal that just ended up becoming a joke book,” said Levine. “I was kidding around with a doctor one day and he was like, ‘You should go into this.’ And for the first time I thought to myself, ‘Hey, maybe I can be good at comedy.’ ”

Thus a career was conceived. At 15, armed with an arsenal of written jokes, Levine took part in his first open mike at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, NJ. As he finished high school, he hit more and more open mikes across New Jersey, working himself into the comedic milieu and honing his jokes. He went on to at-

tend Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah in Israel, where he also competed in, and won, the Israel Last Comic Standing contest.

But Levine wanted to expand his range. While pursuing a marketing major and film minor at YC, he enrolled in im-prov studies at the Upright Citizens’ Bri-gade and the People’s Improv Theater (PIT), where he currently hosts his own

show. “It’s like a funny Jeopardy-esque trivia show,” said Levine. He also per-forms every other week with DeWolf Hopper, an improv team.

At YU, Levine found a unique home base for his comedic career. “You get the benefits of living in a Jewish commu-nity… but you’re also in New York… This is where comedy is really happening and I [was] able to perform on a fairly regular basis as a student here.”

Levine is proud of his identity as a religious comic. “People look at me as an Orthodox Jew and I don’t want them to think that I’m only religious when it’s

convenient,” he said. “I do this because I believe it’s the right thing. The comedi-ans I work with understand and respect that about me and they are very accom-modating.”

Still, Levine felt, “religious com-ics can be few and far between.” He no-

ticed a lack of humor that felt relatable to young Orthodox audiences so he orga-nized the Kosher College Comedy Tour—a traveling band of Jewish comics that performed at more than a dozen north-eastern universities.

Levine’s shows have also raised money for charities, including the He-brew Academy for Special Children (HASC), Camp Simcha and the YU QUEST comedy fundraiser. Charities are important to him, because during his own childhood illness, humor gave him the tools to fight through tough times. “I think a lot of our problems as a society could be solved if people lightened up a little bit, took a step back from whatever situation they’re in, and laughed.”

Levine hopes to study screenwriting and eventually become a sitcom writer. He’s working on a spec script to show po-tential employers—a project he received some help with from Erik Mintz, adjunct instructor in English at Stern College for Women and a former sitcom writer for “The Nanny” and “Mad About You,” among others.

“My professors here were incred-ibly supportive and have always taken the time to watch my work and offer feed-back,” said Levine.

“Eitan is a highly creative force,” said Dr. Eric Goldman, adjunct associate pro-fessor of cinema at YU, who worked with Levine in several film studies courses. “He has that gift where he can simply look at the camera and make you laugh.” n

Stern Student Discovers Her Passion for Cancer Research

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Helen Unger watched her mother battle cancer and initially decided

to join the fight by becoming a doctor.Eager to get to work, she graduated

high school early and enrolled in pre-med studies at Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program.

“I recognized that my situation in public school wasn’t ideal for me,” said Unger. She had recently become obser-vant on her own and struggled to lead an Orthodox lifestyle in a secular world. Unger was anxious to launch her career in cutting-edge science and medicine, but also longed to expand her understanding of Judaism and be part of an environment where its intricacies would be built into daily life.

“I knew I wanted to go to a college where being Jewish wasn’t something I just did on the side,” Unger said. “I knew that Stern would allow me to focus on excelling in Jewish studies as well as the sciences.”

As a freshman, Unger found that her career vision had evolved. Excited by the amount of research opportunities avail-able to undergraduates, she started work in the breast cancer laboratory of Dr.

Marina Holz, assistant professor of biol-ogy, where they worked to identify thera-peutic targets against which new cancer treatments can be developed. Holz’s prob-lem-solving approach to cancer research fascinated her.

“I love how [research] allows scien-tists to innovate and design new and more effective therapies for disease without the pressure of following clinical protocols,” Ungar said.

When Ungar was a junior majoring in cellular and molecular biology, Holz encouraged her to apply for the Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Award for Un-dergraduate Students. She was recently

selected as a winner, the first YU student to be chosen. The two-year award, given to a handful of students across North America, is intended to inspire young sci-ence students to enter the field of cancer research. It provides unique educational opportunities in the development of ca-reers in science and a $1,500 stipend to attend the next two American Associa-

tion of Cancer Research annual meetings, where Unger will have the chance to meet leading researchers and potentially pres-ent her research with Holz.

“I’m looking forward to the award putting me in touch with people who are higher up in the cancer research realm,” Unger said. “It provides me with good contacts and a lot of exposure to what’s going on in research. I’m also excited to represent YU and Orthodox Jewry at the

conferences and to show them what we’re all about.”

In addition, Unger co-authored an article with Holz and other students that was published in the Jan. 30, 2012 online edition of Oncogene, a research journal.

For Unger, relationships with faculty members such as Holz were enriching both academically and personally. “Dr. Holz has been a wonderful mentor,” she said. “The professors at Stern are there for you for everything. It’s like a little family.”

Unger also felt that the warm, sup-portive atmosphere at Stern encouraged students to compete with themselves to do their best, rather than forcing rival-ries with other students. “We all want to see each other succeed and get into top schools and I think that’s the best envi-ronment for learning.”

During the summer of 2011, Unger participated in the Sloan-Kettering Sum-mer Undergraduate Research Program, a highly selective program that gives students opportunities for hands-on re-search experience in cutting-edge bio-medical research laboratories. Next, she hopes to pursue a doctorate and possibly teach as well.

“I’d love to educate the next genera-tion of scientists,” said Unger. “Biology is the study of life and there are so many things people don’t understand. I’d love to be a role model that could help students with that process.” n

Helen Unger

Comedian Eitan Levine in the WYUR studio shortly before commencement

“ Eitan is a highly creative

force. He has that gift

where he can simply look

at the camera and make

you laugh. ”DR. ERIC GOLDMAN, Adjunct

Associate Professor of Cinema at YU

“ The professors at

Stern are there for you for

everything. It’s like a little

family. ”

6 YUTODAY

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began work at Mercer, a human capital consulting firm.

Growing up in a traditional Jewish home, Albert sought a university experi-ence that would deepen his connection to Judaism while he honed his professional identity. “Balancing my Judaic studies with my academic and extracurricular aspirations has been an incredible life les-son,” said Albert. “Pushing myself hard during the days at work and then going back to the beit midrash [study hall] at night has meant a lot to me.”

Miriam Gofine, of Toronto, majored in psychology at Stern. She tutored in the Writing Center and was involved with the Political Science and Tolerance Clubs. She also pursued high-level psychology research as a cognition lab manager at Ye-shiva College and as a research assistant on groundbreaking studies at YU’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine, including the Longevity Gene Project. “I think my experiences and responsibilities here… wouldn’t have been available to me any-where else,” said Gofine. “They helped me secure internships and job opportunities.”

She felt the same way about the di-verse student group at Stern. “What’s so valuable about YU is how it brings Jews from around the world to the same place at a transformative time in their lives,” she said.

Simon Goldberg, of Jerusalem, ma-jored in history and minored in political science at Yeshiva College. He was in-volved in STAND: the Student Anti-Genocide Coalition, and founded SHEM: the Student Holocaust Education Move-ment. “I was drawn to the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program, whose academic rigor and opportunity to work with a faculty member on a senior thesis greatly appealed to me,” said Goldberg. Interactions with faculty proved deeply meaningful.

“I remember sitting in Rabbi Jacob J.

Schacter’s course on the evolution of Jew-ish memory across time and being in abso-lute awe of his passion and brilliance,” he said. “It’s the kind of moment I think every

college student experiences at least once: that moment when you know you’ve found a mentor—someone whom you deeply ad-mire and respect, who shares a fire similar to the one burning in your heart. I left that class changed.”

Goldberg will go on to change many others by teaching Jewish studies at Elsa High School, a Jewish international school in Hong Kong, and helping develop the first Holocaust Center in Asia.

He advises high school seniors to “find a cause you deem worth fighting for and go fight for it. If it doesn’t exist on campus, create it. There are great oppor-tunities here to lead and inspire.”

Avital Chizhik, of Highland Park, NJ, majored in English with a concentration in journalism at Stern. She was president of the Israel Club and an editor on two undergraduate newspapers and the Uni-versity’s literary journal, Something Rich and Strange. As a student in the S. Daniel

Abraham Honors Program, Chizhik realized a lifelong dream when YU helped her secure an in-person in-terview with cel-

ebrated Israeli author Amos Oz as part of her research for a senior thesis in Hebrew literature. “I’ve grown to really appreciate YU’s openness to exploring nuance,” she said. “Only in this institution could I have examined my identity and heritage with such intensity.”

Benjamin Abramowitz, of Miami Beach, majored in English and cognitive science at Yeshiva College; the honors pro-gram awarded him a full merit scholarship. He was editor-in-chief of The Commenta-tor, YC’s student newspaper, undersecre-tary general of YU’s Model United Nations conference, a fellow in YU’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law’s Undergradu-ate Fellowship in Political Theology and a Center for the Jewish Future commu-nity volunteer in Muchucuxcah, Mexico, among other involvements. This year he is managing a biotechnology company in Manhattan and hopes to pursue a joint de-gree in law and journalism.

“No other college could offer me the resources, attention and community to empower me with a profound awareness of the world’s needs,” said Abramowitz.

Daniel Rosen, of Teaneck, NJ, ma-jored in biology at YC; he served on and eventually chaired the newly-formed Honors Council. “YU has literally been the best of both worlds for me,” he said. “I was able to learn Torah from innovators in Tanach and Gemara, world-famous roshei yeshiva and professors who defined their respective biblical fields. At the same time I conducted top-level science research with a personal research mentor and ob-tained a Roth Fellowship last summer, through which I was able to do research at Einstein.” To make his attendance possi-ble, Rosen received a Golding Scholarship to YU. This year Rosen is attending Har-vard Medical School. “I’d encourage high school seniors to come to YU because it will help you get into any graduate school you want, and most important, you will absolutely love your time here,” he said. “I made a very tough decision to come to YU, and I am so happy that I did.” n

k To watch a brief video of the Class of 2012, visit www.yu.edu/seniors2012

Meet YU’s Class of 2012 ç Continued from Page 1

Record Undergraduate Admissions ç Continued from Page 1

Sarah Stern (left) and Arye Leib Fohrman celebrating commencement at the Izod Center on May 24, 2012

To help the incoming students learn their way around YU, the fall 2012 orien-tation program kicked off on the Wilf

campus uptown and the Israel Henry Beren campus in midtown on Wednesday, August 22 with interactive tours led by

student guides, who introduced them to key faculty, staff and resources dedicated to their academic and personal success.

Tone-setting sessions such as “Bal-ancing Torah Learning and University Study,” “Transitions: Making the Most of Your Yeshiva Experience in New York” and “Pursuing Possibilities: Women in Careers,” featuring deans, roshei yeshiva, alumni and Career Center representa-tives, invited students to think critically about their professional and personal goals at the start of this formative chapter in their lives. Uptown, students partici-pated in an emotional ‘Kavod HaTorah’ celebration with the roshei yeshiva.

But there was also time to celebrate the adventure and excitement of that new chapter with a special New York flavor, whether that meant taking in a Staten Is-land Yankees game for Wilf campus stu-dents or joining in a Broadway-themed evening that culminated in a trip to the hit Broadway show “Mary Poppins” for those at the Beren Campus. Other New York-themed events included educational trips

to the Union Square Farmers’ Market, museum visits, halakhic and historic walking tours of Washington Heights and Midtown Manhattan and a chessed trip to a nearby hospital.

“We are profoundly reminded of the challenge and the opportunity of renewal and new beginnings based on who we are and who we can be,” President Joel said in remarks at the beginning of the month of Elul, leading up to Rosh Hashanah. “In that spirit, Orientation and the start of a new semester is a wonderful time for the entire Yeshiva University community, from students to faculty to members of the broader YU family. It is a time to real-ize that we are a wonderful community and for each student to know that he or she has both an opportunity and obliga-tion to own that community.” n

k Get to know YU with “This Is Yeshiva University”. The app, developed specially for the iPad, is available free on the App Store and features an interactive overview of the entire University, including its history, campus maps, video and more.

Incoming students at Stern College for Women sign in for orientation on the Israel Henry Beren campus in midtown Manhattan

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Sy Syms Business School Celebrates 25 Years

Newark Mayor Cory Booker Addresses Crowd at Straus Center Event

Students, faculty, alumni and members of the greater Yeshiva University commu-nity filled Lamport Auditorium on May 8 to hear Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, NJ, discuss “The Role of Religion in Education and Public Life.” The event was the final installment of the inaugural Great Conversation Series of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought.

Straus Center Director Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik (below, left) led a conversa-tion that covered many topics, from how Booker’s personal faith influences his daily life, to issues regarding the importance of improving education, to the nature of faith in America’s public sector. The mayor sprinkled his words with pointed anec-dotes, quotes from important figures such as the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, and—to the crowd’s delight—passages from biblical and rabbinic literature in English and in Hebrew.

The evening closed out the Straus Center’s academic year that included con-versations with Senator Joseph Lieberman, Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks of the United Kingdom and former United States Attorney General Judge Michael Mukasey. n

k Learn more about the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at www.yu.edu/straus

Sunday, December 16, 2012 • Waldorf Astoria • New York5:30 p.m.

For more information, call 212.960.5468 or e-mail Hanukkahdinner@yu.edu or visit www.yu.edu/Hanukkah

Stanley RaskasChairman,

Yeshiva College Board of Overseers

Moise Y. Safra Communal Leader and

Philanthropist

Jack LewWhite House Chief of Sta�

Diane WassnerNational Vice President,

Yeshiva University Women’s Organization

RECIPIENTS OF HONORARY DEGREES

CONVOCATION SP EAKER AND HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT

Mayor Bloomberg Addresses Students at Awards Ceremony

Graduating seniors of Yeshiva Uni-versity’s Sy Syms School of Busi-ness received congratulations and

career advice from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the students’ 2012 Gala Awards Dinner on May 3, and marked the 25th anniversary of the busi-ness school.

Drawing on his own experience as a young professional in New York, Bloom-berg noted that success often comes in unexpected forms and recommended that students embrace the twists and turns of a fledgling career. “The pathway to your dreams will not always be the one you’re imagining now,” he said. However, the mayor exhorted the new graduates to begin building their careers in the Big Apple. “You have the kinds of skills, de-sire and drive that this city needs,” he said. “Your education has given you all the tools you need to succeed.”

For Dean Moses Pava, those tools include ethical sensitivity, commitment and passion. “If your cause is compelling, if you communicate clearly and with re-spect and modesty, if you work together to balance the needs of all stakeholders, and you play hard and work even harder, you can create new realities and a new playing field,” he said.

Dr. Henry Kressel, chair of the YU

Board of Trustees, stressed that initia-tive and determination were critical to success. “Great leaders in all fields appear to be lucky due to random chance, but in fact, winners largely make their own luck with the combination of a prepared mind, receptiveness to opportunities others overlook, and perseverance,” said Kressel.

Awards were presented for excel-lence in accounting, finance, market-ing, management and student service, as well to the highest-ranking juniors and

the three valedictorians, Anosh Zaghi, Elana Sand and Sultana Shoshani. Faculty members who have made a deep impact on their students were also recognized.

In addition to being named the Lillian F. and William L. Silber Profes-sor of the Year, David Kahn, an instruc-tor in accounting, received a special award called “Professor of the Decade.” Charles Harary, an associate professor of entrepreneurship and management, was named the Professor Pete Lencis Adjunct Professor of the Year.

“The commitment of the professors to our success, as well as the experiential opportunities, were probably the most in-spiring and enabling aspects of my busi-ness education at Syms,” said Benjamin Blumenthal, president of the Sy Syms School of Business Student Council, who organized the evening together with co-president Littal Kravetz.

“It’s overwhelming to see the young, smart and dynamic students gathered here,” said Lynn Syms, wife of the late Sy Syms, who helped establish the school in 1987. “Bringing alumni and undergradu-ates together in this intimate setting, where they can share ideas and find out what each other are thinking, is truly wonderful.”

The students’ talents were on display days later on May 9 at the school’s 2012 Ira Rennert Entrepreneurship Institute Fast-Pitch Competition. 10 student final-ists brought original business models be-fore a panel of seven executives, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. Innovations included a Web site that makes personal training available to exercise novices in their own homes; a Facebook app that offers one-on-one tutoring and tracks coursework; a national organization that enables college students to bring their love of science to classrooms in public schools; and a sandwich company that delivers one meal to a homeless person for every sand-wich it sells. Judges offered comments and

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg addressing 2012 graduates of the Sy Syms School of Business

Continued on Page 8 ç

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suggested ways to strengthen weak spots in students’ plans.

“The competition is a great way of helping our students at Syms, Yeshiva College and Stern to develop and build their busi-ness ideas, and provides them with access to experts who can give them valuable advice and

feedback,” said organizer Dr. Brian Maruffi, professor of man-agement at Syms and director of the Ira Rennert Entrepreneur-ship Institute.

The grand prize, $1,000 and more time to flesh out ideas with the judges, went to Saves By B, a sneaker company formed by

Zachary Charles ’12SB and his teenage brother. For every pair of shoes ordered on its Web site, savesbyb.com, it sends an identi-cal pair to children in need.

“It was an honor to win. There were a lot of great ideas and to be voted the best is a great accomplishment for me as well

as for Saves By B,” said Charles. “I learned a lot, especially about different marketing styles and strategies.

Dr. William Schwartz, for-mer vice president of academic affairs at YU and founder of the business plan competition, was presented with the Award for Entrepreneurship Service.

“The hallmark of the out-

standing professional, entrepre-neur or businessman is not just mastering the mundane knowl-edge of finance and accounting or other fundamentals, but that additional element of creativity,” Schwartz said. “In essence, this competition, this institute, is designed to encourage the devel-opment of your skills as creative individuals.” n

CONNECT WITH YU ON THE WEB

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Sy Syms Business Schoolç Continued from Page 7

Benjamin Blumenthal and Littal Kravetz, co-presidents of the Sy Syms School of Business Student Council, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Bertha H. Kressel z”l

As we went to press the entire Yeshiva University family was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bertha H. Kressel, beloved wife of Dr. Henry Kressel, chairman of Yeshiva Universi-ty’s Board of Trustees. Heartfelt condolences are extended to Dr. Kressel, their children Aron (and Lois) Kressel, M.D., of New York City and Kim (and Zev) Efrat, of Efrat, Israel, to their seven grand-children and two great-grandchildren, and the entire extended family.

Bertha was also a deeply cherished aunt and friend to many because of her humility, acts of chessed (compassion and loving kindness) and her love of Jewish and general culture. Together the Kressels are Benefactors of Yeshiva University, and estab-lished a Chair in Economics and Research Fellowships for out-standing undergraduate students. n

YU Researchers Strike Gold at Arch of Titus Professor Steven Fine Leads Rome Research into Aftermath of Temple Destruction

Ahigh-tech examination of portions of the Arch of Titus in Rome was con-

ducted in early June by an inter-national team of scholars led by Professor Steven Fine, director of the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies. The focus of attention was a bas-relief depict-ing the Menorah looted from the Temple in Jerusalem by the Roman Emperor Titus in the summer of 70 CE.

High resolution three-di-mensional scans were made of the Menorah relief and of one depicting the deification of Titus, and part of the Menorah relief was examined to deter-mine whether any traces of paint decoration were preserved. A non-invasive technique called UV-VIS spectrometry was em-ployed to detect color on the

marble reliefs without risk of damage.

The project was a success. The scan data were processed to create a 3D representation of the form of the reliefs with sub-mil-limeter accuracy. Traces of yel-low ochre were found on the arms and base of the Menorah. This discovery is consistent with biblical, early Christian, and Tal-mudic writings and particularly eyewitness descriptions of the golden menorah by the first cen-tury historian Josephus.

“The menorah on the Arch of Titus has been a symbol of Jewish resolve for 2000 years and is now the symbol of modern Israel. To see its original golden color again is thrilling. I can’t wait to see what we find next,” Professor Fine said.

The team plans to expand the search for ancient paint over the entire surface of the arch, which will also be scanned in 3D. The data collected will enable the Yeshiva University team to create a three-dimensional digi-

tal model of how the arch origi-nally appeared, including the colors decorating its surface.

The arch was originally dedicated after the Emperor Titus’ death in 81 CE and cele-brates his victory in the Jewish War of 66–74 CE, which cli-

maxed with the destruction of Jerusalem and her Temple in the summer of 70 CE. n

k For further information, including images from the expedition, links and updates, visit The Center for Israel Studies at www.yu.edu/cis/

The Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum

Nowhere but

here.