2008 Woodie Awards
Discontent in Schottenstein: Should BMP and YP Remain Divided?
Avi Shteingart
Issue date: 2/15/05 Section: Opinion
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Anyone who has ever walked into the Main Beis -- or should I say Beit -- for the first time, has definitely experienced the same feeling I felt a number of years ago. Seeing a Beis Midrash (Torah Study Hall) teeming with yeshiva students and the spirit of Torah is unbelievable, as well as intimidating. Knowing that great gedolim (Torah leaders) once learned there, and that potential future leaders of our generation are shteiging away (learning intensely) is amazing. A number of people have made the Main Beis their home, and many have been instantly swept into the fervor and excitement that is produced from early in the morning until way after midnight. Many would venture to say that learning in the Beis is beneficial and supportive to one's seder (period of study) and general outlook on learning. Seeing hundreds of talmidim (students), as well as many rabbeim (teachers), breaking their heads over a difficult Tosefoth or Rav Akiva Eiger, is motivating. However, does Yeshiva do the students of the Stone Beit Midrash Program a disservice by requiring that they learn in a separate Beis Midrash? In addition, does learning in a separate Beis generate a rift between the Mazer Yeshiva Program and BMP? On the other hand, does learning in the Schotteinstein Beis Midrash, two blocks away, provide a more conducive and better environment for the talmidim in BMP?
Speaking to students in both programs, I discovered that, like any other important Jewish issue, there are many different views, ideas, and criticisms of the current system. Some offered praise, while others offered suggestions for improvement. The separation of the programs exists for two general reasons: necessity and harmonization. It is important to note, however, that not even all YP students learn in the same Beit Midrash. According to SOY's Chanukah Program, "Dean Jeopardy," there are actually seven Batei Midrash in Yeshiva University (I got the question wrong so don't ask where they are). It is impossible to fit all those students into one Beis because, after all, the main Beis only holds 445 people -- technically (RJ should check out BMG in Lakewood). Therefore, due to its limited capacity, the Main Beis cannot accommodate the students of BMP. Additionally, it would be harmful to the atmosphere of the Main Beis if guys would come in at 10 AM -- after BMP's scheduled Halacha shiur -- and leave at 11:30, half an hour before YP students leave for lunch.
Speaking to students in both programs, I discovered that, like any other important Jewish issue, there are many different views, ideas, and criticisms of the current system. Some offered praise, while others offered suggestions for improvement. The separation of the programs exists for two general reasons: necessity and harmonization. It is important to note, however, that not even all YP students learn in the same Beit Midrash. According to SOY's Chanukah Program, "Dean Jeopardy," there are actually seven Batei Midrash in Yeshiva University (I got the question wrong so don't ask where they are). It is impossible to fit all those students into one Beis because, after all, the main Beis only holds 445 people -- technically (RJ should check out BMG in Lakewood). Therefore, due to its limited capacity, the Main Beis cannot accommodate the students of BMP. Additionally, it would be harmful to the atmosphere of the Main Beis if guys would come in at 10 AM -- after BMP's scheduled Halacha shiur -- and leave at 11:30, half an hour before YP students leave for lunch.