Sep 22, 2003 -- Campus-wide events celebrating President Richard M. Joel’s Investiture underscored Yeshiva University’s stature in science and medical ethics, Torah, Israel advocacy, and law, reaffirming the rich diversity of academic life. Weeklong activities kicked off with a Sept. 16 symposium, “The Jewish Genome: Fact or Fancy,” hosted by Albert Einstein College of Medicine at its Resnick Campus. Discussions by four leading Einstein scientists covered the role of Jewish genetics in research, including the effects on family dynamics, as when parents and health professionals adjust to thinking about family not just as flesh and blood, but flesh and blood and genes. The Shabbat experience was joyously observed at a Sept. 19-20 Shabbaton for undergraduate men and women. Some 300 students joined President Joel’s family and YU faculty at the Stern College-Sy Syms Midtown Campus for shiurim (Torah lectures), prayers, singing, and communal meals. In his inaugural address, President Joel stressed Israel’s centrality “to the future vision of the Jewish people” and “the Yeshiva University community.” Middle East scholar Daniel Pipes brought home that centrality in the annual Lena and Harry Cabakoff Lecture entitled, “Activism for a New Middle East.” The talk highlighted a Yom Iyun (day of educational programming), sponsored by the Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon and Semikha Honors Program, including workshops on activism held at Weissberg Commons. The Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School has gained national prominence as one of the nation’s most accomplished, youngest law schools, attracting outstanding students and faculty. That stature was celebrated Sept. 24 at dedication ceremonies for Cardozo’s completely redesigned and newly constructed home at 55 Fifth Avenue. Viewing the new lobby, the Jacob Burns Moot Court Room, as well as the school’s library and renovated classrooms were New York First Lady Libby Pataki, Cardozo Dean David Rudenstine, and President Joel. YU and Cardozo trustees and alumni also attended. Delivering the 19th Annual Kinus Teshuva High Holidays lectures, Sept. 30 in New York, were Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler, Rabbi Isaac and Bella Tendler Professor of Jewish Medical Ethics at RIETS, among the nation’s leading medical ethicists. Speaking in Israel was Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, Rabbi Henoch and Sarah D. Berman Professor of Talmud at YU’s Caroline and Joseph S. Gruss Institute in Jerusalem.