Wurzweiler School of Social Work Announces Spring 2012 Conference Series Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work has announced its 2012 Spring Conference Series. Addressing topics as varied as the composition of North American Jewish family and what professionals can do to combat poverty, the series will convene educators and social work professionals on three Fridays in March and April to immerse themselves in some of the biggest challenges facing Jewish communities. On Friday, March 23, a Symposium on Poverty and Professionals, titled “From Concern to Action,” will be held at the Yeshiva University Museum, 15 West 16th Street, New York City. Keynote speaker Bob Herbert, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Demos and renowned New York Times journalist, will focus on how poverty affects political, economic and social conditions in American society, with follow-up comments delivered by Dr. Robert L. Hawkins, McSilver Assistant Professor in Poverty Studies at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, and Ruth W. Messinger, president of the American Jewish World Service. A panel exploring the professional response to poverty will feature Dr. Paris R. Baldacci, clinical professor of law at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Dr. A. Hal Strelnick, chief of the division of community health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine; and Dr. Richard Caputo, professor at Wurzweiler. The Sixth Annual Joanna M. Mellor Aging Conference will be held on Friday, March 30, at the Jacob Burns Moot Court Room in Cardozo, 55 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Keynote speaker Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging, will discuss changes in New York City that will impact services and policies affecting older populations. Co-sponsors of the conference include Emblem Health and the Washington Heights-Inwood Council on Aging. On Friday, April 20, a half-day conference titled, “The Diversity of the North American Jewish Family: Challenges and Opportunities,” will also be held at Cardozo’s Moot Court. Keynote speaker Dr. Sylvia Barack-Fishman, chair of the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department and Joseph and Esther Foster Professor of Contemporary Jewish Life at Brandeis University, will bring her expertise to a discussion of some of the dynamic changes that have taken place within the Jewish family structure, such as later and smaller families, blended families, and evolving status and gender hierarchies. A panel featuring Rabbi Andy Bachman, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim; Paul Levine, executive vice-president and chief executive officer at JBFCS; and Rabbi Joy Levitt, will respond to her remarks. “These conferences represent the diversity within the social work profession and at Wurzweiler,” said Dean Carmen Ortiz Hendricks. “These are cutting-edge topics that professionals and students need to understand. The faculty and administration at Wurzweiler are very excited to bring this range of issues to the forefront with such scholarly speakers and forums.” For more information about any of these conferences or to register, visit www.yu.edu/wurzweiler/events. none

Student-Run Medical Ethics Conference Explores Jewish Perspectives on Public Health Bright and early on the Sunday morning of November 6, an eager crowd braved New York City Marathon traffic to attend the Yeshiva University Student Medical Ethics Society’s (MES) sixth annual conference in Lamport Auditorium on the Wilf Campus. [caption id="attachment_8773" align="alignleft" width="344" caption="Daniel Elefant and Rachel Blinick, co-presidents of YU's Student Medical Ethics Society."][/caption] As one of the largest and most celebrated student-run initiatives of the year, the conference, titled “In the Public Eye: Jewish Perspectives on Public Health,” brings luminaries of the medical and halachic [Jewish law] realms together to share their insights on pressing health related topics of the day. “It is our obligation to study and continue to understand the development of humanity through the lens of medicine and halacha,” said MES President Rachel Blinick. “It is our hope that this conference will help impact our participants to become active members of the Jewish community, informing healthier lives for us and our children.” Furthering this point, Daniel Elefant, co-president of MES, described the importance of this year’s topic. “A discourse on public health begs the questions of who is responsible, what are we accountable for, and how far can we extend those responsibilities within our community, our country and around the world? Today we have been given tremendous tools and opportunities to help in the battle against many public health issues,” he said. Following introductions by the co-presidents; Rabbi Dovid Fuld, who sponsored the conference along with his wife, Anita; and conference chairman Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, the conference proceeded to the first of three plenary discussions focusing on the health and halachic issues surrounding obesity and smoking tobacco. The other two plenaries dealt with vaccinations and perspectives on Jewish responsibility towards public health around the world. [flickrslideshow acct_name="yeshivauniversity" id="72157627960153215"] In the opening plenary, the crowd listened to John Banzhaf III, a professor of public interest law at George Washington University Law School, recount his experiences combating the tobacco industry in the legal realm. He described how his actions led to the proliferation of anti-smoking advertisements, the banning of smoking in many public places and a raised awareness of the dangers of second hand smoke. Although he is not a medical professional, he stressed to the audience how anyone can spread healthy living regardless of their job. Following this speech, Rabbi Asher Bush, chairman of the Rabbinical Council of America’s Va’ad Halacha Committee, discussed how and why he had his organization rule that smoking cigarettes is strictly prohibited according to Jewish law, offering many traditional sources to bolster his position. Other topics covered in depth throughout the day included the importance of breast cancer screening, the permissibility of alternative medicine and contemporary controversies surrounding circumcision. Speakers at the conference consisted of roshei yeshiva from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), personalities within the YU community, rabbinic specialists on medical issues and experts in medicine and other health related industries. All of the presenters shared their wisdom in the plenary sessions or the breakout sessions throughout the day. The diverse crowd at the event consisted of students, alumni and inquisitive members of the community. Yona Saperstein ’10YC, a medical student who also hopes to attain rabbinic ordination at RIETS said, “I do not come to YU as often as I would like, so I used this fascinating conference on issues I am interested in as an excuse to visit.” Ruth Fried, chair of the science department at the Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls, was in attendance with a few of her 11th-grade biology students.  “We attend every medical ethics conference,” she said. “I think it is one of the best-run programs YU has, and I love how it exposes my students to the whole University and the wonderful initiatives of the student body.” One of Fried’s students, Golda Aharon, shared her excitement to observe the conference. “We try to always be continuous learners and we try to experience science outside the classroom,” said Aharon. “This conference is a great way to do that.” The next Medical Ethics Society event, “Panel for Pink: A Discussion on Breast Cancer,” will take place on November 28 on the Beren Campus. none

Festival of Jewish Folktales Honors Peninnah Schram On November 6, students, academics, professional storytellers and members of the public gathered at the Yeshiva University Museum to share tales rich with tradition, personal meaning and religious discovery during “Folktales of Israel: A Festival of Jewish Storytelling Honoring Professor Peninnah Schram,” an event organized by YU’s Center for Israel Studies. [caption id="attachment_8743" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Jess Olson, associate director of the Center for Israel Studies, offers greetings at the Nov. 6 event."][/caption] “So much of the story of the Jewish people is feeling and sharing the warmth of our tradition,” said Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel. “People like Peninnah Schram, who has been here with us at Stern College for 42 years, work to ensure that true communication does not become a lost art, but continues to involve words, heart and soul.” Co-sponsored by Stern College for Women, the YU Museum and the American Zionist Movement, the conference featured storytelling legends such as Dr. Dan Ben-Amos, professor of folklore and Near Eastern studies at the University of Pennsylvania and editor of the major series Folktales of the Jews; Rabbi Saul Berman, professor of Jewish studies at Stern College and an inaugural fellow of the Tikvah Center for Law and Jewish Civilization at New York University Law School; and Ellen Frankel, former CEO and editor-in-chief of the Jewish Publication Society. In addition to keynote lectures that considered the significance and role of storytelling in Jewish education and tradition, performances explored tales which ran the gamut from a legend about the staff of Elijah to a young woman’s emotional first journey to the Western Wall. Schram’s colleagues and former students also spoke about her influence in their own development as storytellers. “Jewish tradition, being part of the oral world literature, contains the jewels and the core of oral traditions the world over,” said Ben-Amos. “In that sense, storytellers like Peninnah are drawing upon a tradition that is dynamic, classical and an influence on world literature. It’s a real pleasure to celebrate the contribution Peninnah has made in oral and written storytelling—she is a pioneer in the field.” “Folktales are an essential part of Judaism because of the way we tell ourselves about our past determining our future,” said Dr. Steven Fine, director of the Center for Israel Studies. “Bringing this element of the mesorah [transmission of tradition] to life is what YU is all about.” [caption id="attachment_8746" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The festival honored Peninah Schram, professor of speech and drama at Stern College."][/caption] For Yaelle Frohlich, a former student of Schram’s at Stern College who is currently pursuing a master’s degree at YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, the festival was an opportunity to celebrate a mentor and to delve deeper into a field that has fascinated her since childhood. “I came as a fan of Professor Schram’s, but also because I have a special love of Jewish folklore,” said Frohlich. “The chance to hear about it from an academic perspective was too good to miss.” The festival culminated with a heartfelt performance from Schram herself, as she shared the complex relationship of her grandparents, parents and children to Israel in a piece called, “Five Generations Rooted in Israel.” She was also presented with an honorary volume of collected folktales, Mitzvah Stories: Seeds for Inspiration and Learning. Published by Reclaiming Judaism Press and dedicated to Schram, the book contains 60 original stories by professional storytellers, members of the rabbinate, and others. “This is better than an Oscar,” said Schram, who is a recipient of the Covenant Award for Outstanding Jewish Education and the National Storytelling Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “An Oscar stays behind glass but this book is a living document with never-before-told stories centered around mitzvot—you can dive right in.” She added: “It’s up to each of us to take these stories in our rich Jewish repertoire and transmit them the next generation. We must wear the mantle of responsibility to perpetuate the Jewish oral tradition.” one

Renowned Scholars Gather for Conference on “Israel and the Nations” Hosted by Revel Graduate School From Jerusalem to Wyoming, dozens of leading scholars gathered for an academic conference on Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus to share research on a broad array of topics within Jewish studies. The international conference on “Israel and the Nations: Visions and Reality,” was hosted by YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and took place July 5-7. [caption id="attachment_7892" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Dean David Berger addresses the crowd."][/caption] “This conference, precisely because of its breadth and high quality of participants, and its international scope, reflects the enhanced role that the Bernard Revel Graduate School has assumed on the global stage of Jewish studies,” said Dr. David Berger, dean and Ruth and I. Lewis Gordon Professor of Jewish History at Revel. Berger pointed out that the school’s faculty, doctoral students and course offerings have increased significantly in size over the past several years. “In order to add to the extremely impressive research by our veteran faculty, we have recruited younger scholars who have bolstered our research in Bible, modern Jewish history and Jewish philosophy,” said Berger. [caption id="attachment_7893" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel"][/caption] Berger served on the conference’s steering committee along with Professors Avinoam Cohen, Hanah Kasher, Yeshayahu Maori and Yosef Rivlin. Support for the conference was provided by the Mordecai D. and Dr. Monique C. Katz Fund. Over 40 scholars lectured in both Hebrew and English during the three-day conference, including Yeshiva’s Berger; Shalom Carmy, assistant professor of bible; Ephraim Kanarfogel, E. Billi Ivry Professor of Jewish History at YU; Jess Olsen, assistant professor of Jewish history; Jacob J. Schacter, University Professor of Jewish History and Jewish Thought and senior scholar at the Center for the Jewish Future, and Vice Provost Lawrence Schiffman. The expansive fields of study included presentations by scholars of ancient, medieval and modern Jewish history, bible, Jewish ethics, Jewish law, literature and Zionism. Kanarfogel led off the first session, demonstrating the influence that the Tosafists had on Sephardic “conversion” process for repentant apostates. The opening day of lectures was highlighted by Berger’s keynote address. He charted the development of Jewish-Christian encounters from the rise of Christianity to present time. Berger concluded that modern thinkers like Rabbis Samson Raphael Hirsch, David Zvi Hoffman, Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg, Yosef Eliyahu Henkin and Ahron Soloveichik supported medieval scholar Menachem Meiri’s favorable attitude toward adherents of Christianity. In turn, Berger pointed out the “revolutionary” work of the Second Vatican Council during the 20th century to create a more positive outlook of Jews. In his concluding remarks, Berger shared his concern that there exists a high degree of ignorance in the world today concerning Jewish-Christian relations and called for scholars and educators to help rectify this situation in order to promote further progress. The second day of presenters commenced with a lecture by Cohen, who earned his doctorate in Talmud at Revel in 1980 under the guidance of Dr. Mayer Simcha Feldblum. His presentation argued that it is possible to detect early anti-Christian polemic in Talmudic literature. Cohen concluded his lecture by drawing distinctions between different polemical devises found in the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds. “Bringing together American and Israeli scholars provides each group with the opportunity to interact and learn from different methods of research,” said Cohen. “Many Israeli and American scholars read different journals and lean toward different interests. It is therefore important that we take time to pause and consider how both groups can improve their research.” [caption id="attachment_7895" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter"][/caption] While participating at the conference, Cohen was heartened by Yeshiva’s commitment to producing a community of Orthodox scholars who are also committed to the study of traditional Torah study. Dr. Seth Ward of the University of Wyoming presented on attitudes of 20th century writers toward Gentiles, touching upon religious leaders like Rabbis Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Abraham Joshua Heschel. “As a visiting scholar, it was a particularly welcome opportunity to spend time with academics who share both my commitment to Modern Orthodoxy and Judaic scholarship,” said Ward. none

Center for Israel Studies Hosts Scholars for International Two-Day Conference featuring "Talmudic Archaeology" An international conference organized by the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies (CIS)—“Talmuda de-Eretz Yisrael: Archaeology and the Rabbis in Late Antiquity”—attracted some 300 scholars, students and community members. Attending were more than 100 students from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, Yeshiva College and Stern College for Women, and from area universities. [caption id="attachment_2713" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Professor Eric Meyers of Duke University"][/caption] The March 27-28 conference was hosted by Steven Fine, professor of Jewish history and director of the CIS, and Aaron Koller, assistant professor of Bible at YU. The Yeshiva University Museum and Revel co-sponsored the event. In his summation report to YU Provost Morton Lowengrub, Fine made special note of student enthusiasm in interactions with attending scholars, from the Yeshiva, University, Duke University, Bar-Ilan University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hebrew Union College, Jewish Theological Seminary, DePaul University, Nyack College, University College London and Yale University. “Our students treated the scholars like rock stars,” Fine wrote. A number of his own students from a Revel seminar class in Talmudic archaeology were paired for luncheon discussions with professors whose works they had recently studied, an arrangement Fine described as a “teaching moment.” "Yeshiva University has a long and distinguished history of scholarship on Talmudic Archaeology," said Fine. "The first professor of Jewish History at YU, Nahum Slouschz, was the first Jewish archaeologist, and such greats as Rachel Wischnitzer, Louis Feldman and Yaakov Elman have written on the relationship between the rabbis and material culture."  YU Museum has mounted a number of exhibitions on this theme, including Fine's own award-winning Sacred Realm: The Emergence of the Synagogue in the Ancient World (1996). Presenters at each day’s sessions—the first day at the YU Museum, the second on the Wilf Campus—focused on the sometimes puzzling evidence of artifacts, comparing these findings to ancient rabbinic writings, especially Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash and liturgical poetry, piyyutim [liturgical poetry]. Each speaker explored a different way that material culture and text help illuminate the culture of the ancient rabbis in the land of Israel in the Greco-Roman period. “If we’re lucky, we can try and make [text and material] interpret each other,” said Professor Galit Hasan-Rokem of Hebrew University. For historical reconstruction, “one is not superior to the other.” Of individual conclusions drawn from such interpretation, Professor Eric Meyers of Duke University cautioned, “None of this is a slam-dunk. It’s highly contentious.” [caption id="attachment_2721" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Professor Daniel Sperber of Bar-Ilan University"][/caption] Yonatan Adler of Bar-Ilan suggested that archaeology reflects the masses more than the writings of the Jewish elite. Nonetheless, he said, “We need both. The tensions become interesting.” But often in poetic writings, “allegory outdoes reality,” according to Professor Laura Lieber of Duke University, whose paper dealt with Jewish marriage customs of the early Byzantium period—for which there is virtually no material evidence. Mentions of bridal “gold crowns” and “silver cups” in wedding poetry are neither “inherently religious” nor necessarily regal, she said. A crown could mean simple garlands, and only a tiny percentage of Jews had the wherewithal for silver goblets at wedding rituals. Other speakers dealt with issues of idolatry, color in the Jerusalem Temple, mosaics that reveal ties to ancient Jewish homiletics (midrash), historical geography and the earliest text of the Talmud yet discovered.  Lawrence Schiffman—the newly appointed vice-provost for undergraduate education at YU and professor of Jewish studies—presented “Of the Making of Books: Rabbinic Scribal Arts in Light of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” one

Honors Program Presents International Conference on Messianism on April 3 Throughout the ages, Jews have dreamt of the coming of the Messiah. This yearning for the arrival of a redemptive age, included by some Jewish thinkers as a tenet of faith, served as a beacon of hope in times of crisis and led to many remarkable episodes in Jewish history, from the times of the Second Temple up to the present day. This year's Yeshiva College Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program student-run conference brings together leading scholars in the field of Jewish studies to explore the history of Jewish messianism, as well as its evolving theological meaning. The April 3 conference begins at 1:30 PM at YU's Washington Heights Wilf Campus, Furst Hall, Room 501, 500 West 185th Street. Speakers include David Berger, dean and Ruth and I. Lewis Gordon Professor of Jewish History at YU's Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Benjamin Ish-Shalom, Beit Morasha, Jerusalem; Reuven Kimelman, Brandeis University; Daniel Lasker, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Ronnie Perelis, assistant professor and the Chief Rabbi Dr. Isaac Abraham and Jelena (Rachel) Alcalay Chair in Sephardic Studies at Revel; Lawrence Schiffman, YU vice provost; and Elliot Wolfson, New York University. To register for the upcoming Messianism Conference, please visit www.yu.edu/messianismconference. 2 com

Conference Explores Tensions between Israel and Iran, Reflects on Their Long History Rising tensions between Israel and Iran were explored in the context of their lengthy, nuanced relationship in “Israel and Iran: From Cyrus the Great to the Islamic Republic,” a conference held at the Yeshiva University Museum on October 31. [caption id="attachment_1095" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Dr. Houman Sarshar leads a panel discussion on Persian culture."][/caption] Co-sponsored by the Center for Israel Studies and the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Center for International Affairs, the conference featured panel presentations that highlighted Jewish engagement with historical, cultural and contemporary Iran. Subjects ran the gamut from Jewish life under the Persian Empire to the surprising impact of Jews on classical and popular Iranian music. “There is a larger conversation about Iran and Israel,” said Dr. Steven Fine, director of the Center for Israel Studies. “We really wanted to get away from the confrontation model as a way of talking about Iran and instead showcase that as a piece of this long, multifaceted history which needs to be dealt with. This is a much more complex and interesting relationship than people realize.” Houman Sarshar, founder and director of the Center for Iranian Jewish Oral History, echoed that sentiment in a question-and-answer session. “I think if there’s one thing the history has taught us, it’s that even if at times these two sides have not admitted it, they’re desperately in need of each other,” he said.  “They’ve learned through history that the posturing may be beneficial, but it’s only posturing, because the times they’ve both prospered are when they’ve acknowledged their interdependence.” Renowned scholars in an array of fields shared their expertise. Speakers included Mahnaz Moazami, associate research scholar at Columbia University; Judith Goldstein, professor of anthropology at Vassar College; Sarshar; and YU’s own Yaakov Elman, professor of Judaic studies at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies; Evan Resnick, assistant professor of political science at Yeshiva College; and Daniel Tsadik, associate professor of Sephardic and Iranian Studies at Revel—all of whom have done ground-breaking research in Mid-eastern fields. According to Fine, one of the conference’s aims was to harness the university’s innate talent. “We have the expertise on our campus, and this is the place to start the discussion,” he said. “YU is the place to talk about Iran.” Students, academics, members of the public and field authorities attended the conference, which was also sponsored by Revel, YU Museum and YU Sephardic Studies Program. “It’s a tremendously understudied subject,” said Dr. Lawrence Schiffman, chairman of the department of Hebrew and Judaic studies at New York University and an acclaimed Jewish historian. “To have so many learned and distinguished people gathered together to talk about the relationship between Jews and Iran is truly remarkable.” [caption id="attachment_1096" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Dr. Evan Resnick discusses contemporary American-Iranian relations. Drs. Daniel Tsadik and Ruth Bevan look on."][/caption] Mijal Bitton, a student in Tsadik’s “Jews Under Islam” course at Revel, agreed. “It’s a little-known subject and I think it’s foolish to ignore Iran and its history when you see its place in the world today,” she said. “There are definitely echoes of its history and its culture in modern Iran which you can’t understand without context.” “The speakers today have brought out historic rhythms that helped shape Mideast relationships,” said Dr. Ruth Bevan, director of the Center for International Affairs. “How many of us really know anything about Iran? We talk about it all the time. When you know things, you don’t just operate on fears and prejudices.” Tsadik, the conference’s coordinator, drew the day to a close with a presentation of his own research, which focuses on the modern history of Iran, Shi'ah Islam and Iran’s religious minorities. “Generally, scholars make no serious attempt to compare the Jews’ situation in Iran with that in other places or to systematically juxtapose, connect or contrast questions relevant to Iran’s Jews and issues of broader Jewish significance,” he noted. “A conference such as this one shows us that in virtually all sub-fields related to the Jews of Iran, so much more can and should be written. So many questions still await serious answers.” none

Oct 23, 2009 -- This year’s Yeshiva University Medical Ethics Conference—organized by over 50 students in conjunction with YU’s Center for the Jewish Future and supported by the Fuld family—discussed the latest advances in detecting some 1,600 genetic diseases, coupled with perspectives of leading rabbinic authorities on the issues that have emerged. The conference, titled “The Human Blueprint: Jewish Perspectives on Modern Genetics,” featured experts in biology, halacha [Jewish law] and groundbreaking medical research on reproductive science and endocrinology in a full day of plenaries and breakout sessions attended by over 400 students, faculty, alumni and guests. The Oct. 18 event was organized entirely by the Student Medical Ethics Society under the guidance of Dr. Edward Reichman, associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a rabbi who was ordained by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). The students in the Medical Ethics Society receive mentoring and leadership skills from staff at the CJF. “In Bereishit we learned that God made man from the dust of the ground but scientists have proven that every one of us has an intricate pattern of genetic information that makes us unique,” said Tali Bauman, co-president of the Medical Ethics Society with Sam Weprin. “Our obligation is to continue to understand the development of humanity through the lens of halacha.” Weprin said the society’s goal was “to put education and awareness of medical ethics issues and halacha not only into our learning but beyond the University’s walls as well.” The conference, webcast to an audience in Israel, discussed genetic issues relating to cancer, reproduction, DNA, forensics, aging and longevity. It featured medical experts such as Dr. Harry Ostrer, professor of pediatrics, pathology and medicine and director of the Human Genetics Program at New York University School of Medicine; Dr. Susan Lobel, the founder of Metropolitan Reproductive Medicine; and Dr. Wayne A. Rosenkrans, a distinguished fellow at the Center for Biomedical Innovation at MIT. Rabbinic authorities included Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler, the Rabbi Isaac and Bella Tendler Professor of Jewish Medical Ethics and rosh yeshiva at RIETS; Rabbi Mordechai Willig, rosh yeshiva and the Rabbi Dr. Sol Roth Professor of Talmud and Contemporary Halachah at RIETS; and Rabbi Herschel Schachter, the Nathan and Vivian Fink Distinguished Professor of Talmud at RIETS and head of its Marcos and Adina Katz Kollel. Rabbi Kenneth Brander, The David Mitzner Dean of the CJF, explored the theological implications of our ability to perform genetic embryo screening through Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). He highlighted the religious mandate to proactively obliterate genetic illness while pointing out that we are God’s junior partner in the creation process. none

Oct 1, 2009 -- Yeshiva University’s (YU) Student Medical Ethics Society (MES) will be hosting its fourth annual conference, entitled The Human Blueprint: Jewish Perspectives on Modern Genetics on Sunday, October 18 from 9am to 5pm at YU’s Wilf Campus, 500 West 185th Street, New York, NY. The conference is sponsored through the generous support of Rabbi Dovid and Mrs. Anita Fuld. The conference will provide participants with a broad foundation for the medical background needed to understand human genetics, as well as the technologically advanced medical research and practices used today to prevent and manage genetic diseases. Topics covered will include reproductive genetics, cancer genetics, personalized medicine, aging and longevity among others. Participants will also be introduced to an overview of the fundamental ethical dilemmas surrounding genetics, as well as how the system of halacha [Jewish law] approaches these complex issues. “These are issues that affect all of us in one way or another,” explained Rabbi Kenneth Brander, the David Mitzner Dean of YU’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF). “It is important that we deal with these issues with first-rate medical experts and through the prism of halacha.” Rabbi Brander, a lecturer in the field of medical ethics, infertility, and gynecology, helped launch MES four years ago as one of his first initiatives with the CJF. In addition to gaining broad knowledge in medical, ethical, and halachik issues of modern genetics, conference participants will be able to choose from a series of specialized tracks, each geared towards in-depth analysis of the most pressing issues in the field. These tracks include genetics and law, DNA and forensics, behavioral genetics, DNA Shoah, and Familial Dysautonomia (FD). The individual sessions will be guided by leading rabbis, physicians and lawyers, all of whom are experts in their fields. “Yeshiva University is the embodiment of Torah U’Madda,” said program director, Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, associate professor of emergency medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and associate professor of philosophy and history of medicine at YU’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “The philosophy of the institution permeates its students, who are infused with a love of learning and acquiring knowledge. The Medical Ethics Society is comprised of men and women who truly reflect the University’s ideals.” MES, a student run organization, was founded in fall 2005 to promote education and awareness of medical ethics at YU. Since that time, it has grown from a small group of students with common interests to a major campus organization running large-scale events and educational programming with university-wide participation. Their previous conferences dealt with organ donation, fertility and end-of-life issues in Jewish law. Sam Weprin, who along with Tali Bauman serves as co-president of MES, hopes the vast topics included in this year’s program will attract a diverse crowd. “The conference will include sessions given by physicians, ethicists, rabbis, expert lawyers and renowned science researchers,” explained Weprin. “We hope that these accomplished speakers will have a profound impact on our audience intellectually and educationally.” “Medical genetics has the potential to create and sustain life,” adds Bauman. “Learning and understanding the halachic, ethical, and medical issues related to genetics can deepen our understanding of our greater society and the future of medicine.” The conference is open to the public but pre-registration is required. For more information or to register visit www.yu.edu/medicalethics or contact medicalethics@yu.edu. none

Aug 4, 2009 -- For three days in July, Orlando, FL, was the epicenter of a series of nationwide conversations in Modern Orthodox communities across North America when the 4th Annual ChampionsGate National Leadership Conference convened more than 200 rabbinic, educational and lay leaders from 50 communities across North America to address the most pressing challenges facing the movement. The conference, sponsored by Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF), has grown from a gathering of 40 lay leaders in 2005 to become a major event involving prominent leaders from many sectors of the Modern Orthodox world. Its creation and growth were made possible by the vision and support of Mindy and Ira Mitzner ’81Y, University Trustee and chair of the CJF advisory council who offered his ChampionsGate resort as the conference venue at no charge. Mr. Mitzner also recently endowed the deanship of the CJF, held by Rabbi Kenneth Brander, in honor of his father, prominent philanthropist David Mitzner. “ChampionsGate 2009 was a profound celebration of a vision of Jewish values and community. We modeled hope, not fear, and aspiration rather than crisis,” said YU president, Richard M. Joel. “We demonstrated to community leaders how we can partner together and create a tremendous resource to help build community.” Rabbi Brander said this year’s conference surpassed expectations. “ChampionsGate strengthened an emerging network of passionate and committed lay and professional leaders who understand the need to leverage the efforts of one another and partner effectively to realize specific goals,” he noted. The program addressed key issues in a direct and open manner, based on the input of participants throughout the year as well as the changed economic and social landscape since last year’s conference. “We are marshalling the energies of the University in service to the community. Our intention was to inspire and provoke substantive dialogue, reach consensus on the issues that we can really do something about and create working plans that will enable lay leaders and professionals to enrich Jewish life and accomplish great things for the wellbeing and future of our people,” Rabbi Brander said. Speakers included Jewish leaders such as Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; Barry Shrage, president of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston; Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder of the National Jewish Outreach Program; Rabbi Dovid Stav, chair of Tzohar Rabbis in Israel; and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The program brought to the fore the expertise of YU staff and faculty. Harry Bloom, director of planning and performance improvement for YU’s Institute for University-School Partnership, spoke about ways to address the chronic challenge of making Jewish day school more affordable in a session on “Community Economic Realities, Priorities and Values.” Dr. David Pelcovitz, the Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus Professor of Jewish Education at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education, addressed generational shifts that are impacting young adults’ religious observance after the post-high school in Israel and other social dynamics, while Dr. Efrat Sobolofsky ’95W, ’06W, director of YUConnects, a CJF program that facilitates social networking for singles, discussed the perceived pressures on young Orthodox singles. Dr. Steven Nissenfeld, clinical professor of management science at Sy Syms School of Business, spoke about his experience running leadership seminars to help rabbinic and lay leaders work more collaboratively. Morris Isaacson, director of interactive media, introduced participants to new technological tools that will create community. The conference brought teams of people together in task forces to address solutions to specific challenges. “We’re stronger when we work together because we all bring our own expertise,” said Rabbi Ari Rockoff, director of community partnerships for CJF. “This was not just a gathering for the purpose of gathering, but a dynamic ongoing community of community leaders engaging in non-stop dialog together.” Conference participants have formed task forces that will look into ways to use technology to connect community members and continue the conversations that took place at ChampionsGate, generate ideas to address issues affecting Orthodox singles and develop best practices for governing boards and institutions. The conference highlighted the work of the Community Growth Initiative, which was a product of a task force team formed at ChampionsGate last year. Co-chaired by Rick Guttman from Houston, TX and Barbara Ast from St. Louis, MO, the project introduced YUvillage.org, a Web site that will be a “one-stop shopping” resource for young Jews looking to move to smaller communities and cities outside the New York City tri-state area. “The quality of the sessions was unparalleled,” said Sharon and Michael Feldstein, lay leaders from Stamford, CT. “It made us proud to be associated with YU and we gained tremendous chizzuk [strength] meeting other like-minded individuals in communities across the country.” none