Oct 30, 2008 — A two-day symposium, ‘Treasured Possession: Jews and Christians in a Medieval City,’ co-sponsored by the Yeshiva University Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will look at various aspects of medieval culture Nov 5-6. The special symposium is in conjunction with ‘Erfurt: Jewish Treasure from Medieval Ashkenaz’ on view until Jan. 29 at the YU Museum, the only North American venue for this exhibition of medieval gold and silver jewelry, tableware, and rare coins, culled from a personal treasure hoard.

The first part of the symposium, on Nov. 5 at the YU Museum, will feature a lecture, ‘Sefer Hasidim: A Brief Talk on a Strange Book from Nowhere,’ by Haym Soloveitchik, an expert on Jewish medieval history, a distinguished Talmudist and the Merkin Family Professor of Jewish History and Literature at Yeshiva University. There will also be a performance of medieval music by Duo Marchand, consisting of Marcia Young, director of performance studies at Stern College for Women, on voice and medieval harp and Andy Rutherford on medieval lute.

This will be followed by a viewing of the Erfurt exhibit, which offers a glimpse into Jewish life and culture in medieval Europe.

A half-day conference on Nov. 6 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will explore cultural interactions during medieval times with presentations on metalwork, architecture, and sculpture.

Speakers will include Barbara Drake Boehm, curator in the Department of Medieval Art and the Cloisters Museum and Gardens, the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Vivian B. Mann, director of the master’s program in Jewish art at the Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary and curator emerita at the Jewish Museum; Carol Herselle Krinsky, professor of art history at New York University; and Nina Rowe, assistant professor of art history at Fordham University. The sessions will be moderated by Jacob Wisse, associate professor of art at Stern College.

The Erfurt exhibition is organized by the Thüringisches Landesamt für Denkmalplege und Archäologie, Germany and sponsored by the Leon Levy Foundation, with additional funding provided by the David Berg Foundation and Lufthansa.

Students in the new Honors College are selected based on academic standing and interpersonal skills.

Oct 30, 2008 — This fall, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (YUHSB) inaugurated its Honors College, a forum for enriched spiritual and intellectual stimulation geared to engage gifted students.

Twenty-four students were recruited from the top echelons of their elementary school classes for the incoming class of the Honors College. The program reflects a synergy of Torah principles with the broader intellectual world.

Edward Berliner, director of the Honors College, said the program will establish an “intellectual hothouse for participating students.”

“We spend a lot of time at yeshiva high schools with students who need extra attention but the question is how much time are we spending with students who need and deserve special attention to further their intellectual growth?” Dr. Berliner said.

After eight months of planning, the program was developed with four academic features in mind: investment in academic excellence, interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning and directed mentoring.

Throughout their four years in the program, students will have additional thematic readings and will read perspectives of various authors ranging from Mark Twain to Rav Joseph Soleveitchik. They will also go on field trips, which will include preparatory research and debriefing. They have studied both the biology and politics that play a role in the preservation of the Meadowlands wetlands in preparation for a scheduled pontoon boat tour of the wetlands.

Members of the Honors College are selected based on academic achievements and interpersonal skills. During their first semester at YUHSB, candidates will be observed and counseled by members of the Honors faculty to determine if the program is a fit. It is only then that the student will be invested as an Honors College chaver [member], a term that Dr. Berliner explained that was meant to indicate “a combination of brotherhood, peoplehood and responsibility.”

The program will be adjusted as it progresses based on student feedback. Taking into account the transition to a heavier workload and longer hours of high school, the faculty want to be careful not to overburden the students, Dr. Berliner said.

Meir Hirsch, a freshman from Teaneck, NJ, said he joined the Honors College in the hope of a deeper challenge in both secular and Judaic studies. “I saw the opportunity as a chance to gain knowledge and skills from sources that are not available to all the high school students, such as advanced fieldtrips and speakers,” Hirsch said.

Dr. Berliner and his colleagues were pleased with student participation at the program’s opening event, a seminar discussion on the boys’ summer reading assignment, ‘Huckleberry Finn,’ led by Dr. Fred Sugarman, associate dean of Yeshiva College.

“Students made comments that were so profound,” Dr. Berliner said. “These kids want to be challenged and it is our job to live up to that.”

Ariella Zoltan, left, and Malka Bromberg, right, are two of the four Kressel Scholars.

Oct 29, 2008 — Four undergraduate scholars have won the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship, established to enrich and perpetuate YU’s student research community. The scholarship was created by Dr. Henry Kressel, managing director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, with the goal of expanding student-faculty research.

This year’s Kressel Resarch Scholars are chemistry major Samuel Blass and Jewish studies major Ari Lamm, both at Yeshiva College (YC); and physics major Malka Bromberg and political science major Ariella Zoltan, at Stern College for Women (SCW).

The four scholars were all identified by their faculty mentors as students whose academic commitment and intellectual rigor set them apart from the rest of the student body

Mr. Blass, who is researching how proteins crystallize, was one of only four students across the country selected to NASA’s Undergraduate Student Research Program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. “Sam’s dedication to research is admirable; it is a privilege to work with him,” said Dr. Neer Asherie, assistant professor of physics and biology. “I expect his research as a Kressel Scholar will lead to exciting discoveries.”

Ms. Zoltan is researching religious accommodations for Muslims in France, Britain and Germany, and hopes to determine if religious discrimination serves as a primary cause of violence and protest in Western Europe.

Dr. Elizabeth Radziszewski, assistant professor of political science at Stern, offers nothing but praise for her pupil. “Ariella’s research will be an important contribution to our understanding of the onset of internal protests [by the European Muslim community] with significant implications for policy improvements.”

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project.

Ms. Bromberg, who is being mentored by Dr. Anatoly Frenkel, head of the physics department at Stern College, is researching the synthesis and characterization of functional carbon nanotubes. The Philadelphia native has been an aspiring physicist since the fifth grade when she read a book about Niels Bohr and quantum physics.

“Malka is a phenomenally motivated and independent young researcher,” said Dr. Frenkel. “She has made a positive impression on me with her determination to perform hands-on research.”

Mr. Lamm’s research will focus on the intellectual history of the Amoraim (ancient scholars) of the Babylonian Talmud. His mentor , Dr. Yaakov Elman, professor of Judaic studies at YU and an associate at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies, believes his pupil has a bright future ahead. “Ari has the intellect and capabilities that a career in scholarship or the rabbinate requires,” said Dr. Elman. “He is deeply concerned with the problems of the world and will do his part to correct them.”

Mr. Blass praised the Kressel Scholarship for providing him with the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced researchers. “What makes YU unique is that it is a major research university with a distinctly Jewish flavor,” he said. “It has allowed me to develop close relationships with faculty that would have otherwise been impossible at a larger school.”

This close collaboration was one of Dr. Kressel’s main goals in setting up the scholarship. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” he said. “This program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”

Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

The voters cast their ballots from behind makeshift booths.

Oct 29, 2008 — In anticipation of the upcoming U.S. elections, YU’s S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program hosted a Cast Your Overseas Ballot event at the YU in Israel Campus Oct. 27. The event was co-sponsored by the non-partisan organization, Vote From Israel.

More than 150 students at schools in the Israel program voted, some bringing in sealed ballots for their friends. This was the first time the 18-year-olds voted in a U.S. presidential election.

Several rabbinic students in the RIETS Israel Kollel and their wives also took advantage of the opportunity to vote. Staff from the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program and Vote From Israel were on hand to answer questions and offer instructions. The voters cast their votes from behind makeshift voting booths and submitted exit polls.

“A lot of people would not have voted had YU not done this for us,” said Deena Avner, a student at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim. “It’s exciting to vote for the first time, and cool that you can even vote in Israel.”

During recruitment visits to the schools earlier in the year, the Israel program’s advisors stressed the importance of registering to vote in the elections and distributed registration forms.

“Our staff feels strongly that American students must participate in the democratic process, even from Israel,” said Stephanie Strauss, assistant director of the Israel program. “We are always looking for ways to enhance their year in Israel and we were able to use our energy and resources at YU to support this worthwhile effort.”

Oct 28, 2008 — Samuel Blass, chemistry major at Yeshiva University’s (YU) Yeshiva College (YC), is one of four scholars chosen as a 2008 winner of the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship, established to perpetuate YU’s student research community. The scholarship seeks to embody the commitment to intellectual rigor, creativity and pursuit of knowledge that defines Yeshiva University.

Mr. Blass, who is researching how proteins crystallize, was one of only four students across the country selected to NASA’s Undergraduate Student Research Program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He is being mentored by Dr. Neer Asherie, YC assistant professor of physics and biology.

“Sam’s dedication to research is admirable; it is a privilege to work with him,” says Dr. Asherie, who first met Mr. Blass in his Introduction to Physics course in 2005. “I expect his research as a Kressel Scholar will lead to exciting discoveries.”

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

Mr. Blass, a Paramus, New Jersey native, praised the Kressel Scholarship for providing him with the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of highly experienced experimentalists.

“What makes YU unique is that it is a major research university with a distinctly Jewish flavor,” says Mr. Blass. “It has also allowed me to develop close relationships with faculty that would have otherwise been impossible at a larger school. The curriculum challenged me to produce my best work.”

Dr. Henry Kressel, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, funded the program with the goal of expanding student-faculty research. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” says Dr. Kressel. “My expectation is that this program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”

Oct 28, 2008 — Malka Bromberg, physics major at Yeshiva University’s (YU) Stern College for Women (SCW), is one of four scholars chosen as a 2008 winner of the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship. The scholarship was established to perpetuate YU’s student research community and seeks to embody the commitment to intellectual rigor, creativity and pursuit of knowledge that defines Yeshiva University.

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

Ms. Bromberg, who is being mentored by Dr. Anatoly Frenkel, head of the physics department at Stern College, is researching the synthesis and characterization of functional carbon nanotubes. The Philadelphia native has been an aspiring physicist since the fifth grade when she read a book about Niels Bohr and quantum physics.

“Malka is a phenomenally motivated and independent young researcher,” says Dr. Frenkel. “She has truly made a positive impression on me with her determination to perform hands-on research.”

Dr. Henry Kressel, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, funded the program with the goal of expanding student-faculty research. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” says Dr. Kressel. “My expectation is that this program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”

Oct 28, 2008 — Ari Lamm, a Jewish studies major at Yeshiva University’s (YU), is one of four scholars chosen as a 2008 winner of the first annual Henry Kressel Research Scholarship, established to perpetuate YU’s student research community. The scholarship seeks to embody the commitment to intellectual rigor, creativity and pursuit of knowledge that defines Yeshiva University.

“As a firm believer and proponent of the Torah U’madda ideology embodied by Yeshiva University, I am grateful for the myriad of opportunities provided for serious commitment to both Torah studies and worldly knowledge,” says Mr. Lamm, a West Hempstead native. “The Kressel Scholarship has allowed me the privilege of engaging in both at the same time.”

The scholarship funding provides a stipend of $7,500 for the academic year, with additional grant monies available for travel or research support. Academic mentors to the scholars also receive a $2,000 grant to offset costs of supervising the student’s research. Recipients are expected to spend at least one intensive summer and academic year on the project. Following their research tenure, Kressel Scholars will lead student sessions publicizing their work to catalyze a larger intellectual discussion on the topic.

Mr. Lamm’s research will focus on the intellectual history of the Amoraim (ancient scholars) of the Babylonian Talmud. His mentor is Dr. Yaakov Elman, professor of Judaic studies at YU and an associate at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies.

Dr. Elman believes his pupil has a bright future ahead. “Ari has the intellect and capabilities that a career in scholarship or the rabbinate requires,” says Dr. Elman. “He is deeply concerned with the problems of the world and will do his part to correct them. His creative mind and outstanding personality will allow him to impact whatever audience he addresses.”

Dr. Henry Kressel, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC and a Yeshiva College graduate, funded the program with the goal of expanding student-faculty research. “The idea is to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and to get a taste of the exciting world of research,” says Dr. Kressel. “My expectation is that this program will lead to a richer intellectual environment at Yeshiva University and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies.”

David Pirtle shared his story of homelessness with the students.

Oct 24, 2008 — Students at Stern College for Women gained a deeper insight into the problem of homelessness when the student-run Social Justice Society invited current and former homeless people and officials from agencies working with the homeless to address them.

“Homelessness is an injustice that we witness on a daily basis in New York City, but seldom take the time to understand and combat,” said Gilah Kletenik, of the society’s board.

Addressing the more than 120 students in the audience were Michael O’Neill, speaker’s bureau coordinator of National the Coalition for the Homeless, and two formerly homeless people, JoAnn Jackson and David Pirtle, who all traveled from Washington, D.C.; Tamara Ortiz from Women in Need, which provides services and housing to homeless families in New York City, and members of the formerly homeless Broddaus family.

The guests shared their harsh personal stories of homelessness. “When Shannon Broddaus, a high school student, told us that upon being asked by classmates if they could visit her, she had to remind them that she had no home, there was not a dry eye in the audience,” Kletenik said.

The Social Justice Society board members spent some time getting to know the speakers over dinner before the event.

“The speakers touched us in a profound way by demonstrating that normal people are homeless and by showing us the extent and severity of the economic injustices surrounding us,” said Kletenik.

The event is the first of many activities the society has planned to spur students to action. The theme of this year’s activities is economic justice. In addition to organizing weekly volunteers at a soup kitchen, the student group packages left-over food from the school cafeteria for distribution by City Harvest twice a week and is planning a volunteer day for students on both campuses to donate their time throughout the city in December.

Oct 23, 2008 — A group of 13 Yeshiva University (YU) graduates from the class of 2008 enjoyed their studies so much that they will stay on for a year after graduation, serving as Presidential Fellows. The prestigious group includes New Jersey residents Abigail Atlas, Highland Park; Danit Golubtchik, Paramus; Meyer Laniado, Oakhurst; and Victoria Stone, Teaneck.

The Fellows will build their professional skills while assisting in administrative and service roles in various departments and schools across the institution. Since it was established by YU President Richard M. Joel in 2004, the Presidential Fellowship in University and Community Leadership has played a major role in transforming the University into a leadership laboratory, training top graduates and expanding YU’s service to the Jewish community.

“The program has motivated its participants to reflect on the positive experiences they have had at Yeshiva University and examine the opportunities in the Jewish community––both for lay leaders and professionals—in light of their interests and skills,” said President Joel. “The fellowship inspires them to reach for the nobility and responsibility that comes with leadership.”

The Fellows were chosen after an intensive screening process based on academic performance, campus leadership, and involvement with the Jewish community. For the duration of the year, each fellow is mentored by a senior administrator within their assigned department and work on projects of importance to the University. Throughout the year, the Fellows attend a graduate-level weekly leadership seminar covering key topics in university administration and Jewish communal leadership.

Some of this year’s Presidential Fellows are considering careers in Jewish communal service and see their participation as a good way to test the waters. Others will use their new skills and experiences as future lay leaders in the Jewish community.

“The Fellowship is a great opportunity for me to continue to develop my strategic planning skills, specifically in a capacity that will allow me to create real meaning,” said Mr. Laniado, who will be assisting the Office of the Dean, Center for the Jewish Future (CJF).

Ms. Stone, who will be working for the Office of the Dean, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, believes that this year will help formulate her long-term goals. “My career path is uncertain, which is why being able to take a year off after graduation and work as a Presidential Fellow really appealed to me,” said the psychology major. “I am confident that this year will teach me a lot about myself and what I want to do with my future.”