Continuing a successful partnership that began last summer, Yeshiva University faculty and staff once again joined the list of top educators who delivered sessions at the Yemei Iyun B’Tanakh [Bible study days] at Herzog College in Alon Shvut, Israel, from August 4-8, 2019. The five-day conference attracts thousands of people, primarily from Israel but also from around the globe. There are four days of classes in English, including a day aimed at educators and a day of Tanakh-in-hand touring, as well as a day of classes in Spanish and French. Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, delivered a lecture titled “The Role of Terah in the Foundational Stories of the Jewish People,” and Dr. David Berger, Ruth and I. Lewis Gordon Professor of Jewish History and dean of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, addressed Jewish eschatology in “When Will the Messiah Come? Jews Interpret the Final Verses of Daniel.” Dr. Ilana Turetsky, instructor in Jewish education at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, who, like Dr. Berger, was presenting for the second consecutive year, gave a session on “Using Tanakh to Teach and Explore Our Emunah [faith].” Rabbi Dr. Stu Halpern, senior adviser to the provost, offered a window into ancient biblical interpretation in his talk titled “Angels and Demons: The Exodus, the Akedah and a Pre-Rabbinic Midrash.” This year’s presentations by YU scholars, arranged by Dr. Halpern and Dr. Shalom Berger, coordinator of the English language Yemei Iyun B'Tanakh, stemmed from a natural affinity between Herzog College and Yeshiva University, which recently formed a partnership with the Saul and Sally Ashkenazi Sephardic Rabbinical College and the Allegra Franco School of Educational Leadership. “Herzog and YU both take great pride in training Jewish educators and leaders and spreading Torah learning throughout the globe,” remarked Dr. Halpern. “We look forward to forming more collaborative opportunities in the future.” Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes, President of Herzog College, agreed. “It was an honor to welcome YU faculty to this year’s Yemei Iyun B'Tanakh.  As two of the Jewish world's largest and most influential institutions of higher learning, Herzog and YU are exploring additional opportunities for collaboration between our students and faculty.”

(l-r): Dr. Deena Rabinovich, chair of Jewish Studies at Stern College; Stephanie Strauss, executive director of YU in Israel; Dr. Ari Berman, President of YU; Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes, President of Herzog College; Rabbi Dr. Stu Halpern; Yehuda Aronson; Rabbi Dr. Shalom Berger