The Commentator

Panel Discussion in Morg Lounge: On October 23, over 60 students joined YC Dean David Srolovitz, Associate Sy Syms Dean Joel Hochman and Assistant Dean of Jewish Studies Rabbi Daniel Rapp for a panel discussion.  The event was sponsored by the Office of Housing and Residential Life.  Invited to ask questions on any topic, students picked the panelists brains on issues like requiring economics majors to take calculus, and hiring teachers with “less-than-desirable” English speaking skills.

Looking for a convenient time for students to attend, administrators scheduled the event at 10:15 PM, right after most maariv minyanim conclude.  “We are fortunate to have administrators who are willing to accommodate students,” said Housing Director Jonathan Mantell.  “The number of students who took the opportunity to ask questions to deans informally and comfortably, surpassed our expectations.”  Mr. Mantell confirmed that his office is working to schedule a similar event in the near future.

SSSB Student Council: Over 150 students attended part two of the Wall Street Panel Discussion on Tuesday, October 30. It was titled "How to Land a Job on Wall Street". The event took place in the Weissberg Commons and was open to students of any major from any of the undergraduate or graduate schools. The panel featured five Yeshiva alumni that now work as senior professionals on Wall Street. 30 alumni also attended the event for students to have networking options.

The event was headed by Alumni Affairs and The Career Development Center. The event was aimed to help students understand the ins and outs of Wall Street and to help them with the job application process. One discussion was called "The Dos and Don'ts of Interviewing". Other topics of discussion included how to write cover letters and resumes and the importance of informational interviews (where applicants meet with employees of a business for insider information). Among the speakers was Alumni Mr. Daniel Posner. He is on the Board of RIETS and works at D.E. Shaw, a hedge fund on Wall St. A potential third part of the Wall Street Series would be "Interviewing for an Investment Banking Position."

Center for Ethics: On October 24 in Furst Hall, the Center for Ethics and The Center for Jewish Law and Contemporary Civilization of Cardozo Law School presented the lecture and panel discussion "Dirty Hand in Politics." The lecture was given by Professor Daniel Statman of The University of Haifa. Over 60 people attended, which included male and female students and faculty. This was the first public event by The Center for Ethics that took place on the Wilf campus.

Professor Statman was engaged in discussion by many, and even exchanged opinions with Rabbi Shlomo Carmi and Rabbi Yosef Blau. Professor Statman addressed the popular assumption that politicians are dishonest. He began by delving into the nature of politics as well as the nature of those who go into politics, but not the nature of politicians. He also brought sources to prove what Jewish Texts say on the topic. John Fousek, Program Director or The Center for Ethics, said "we expected him to be an effective lecturer but didn't really know what to expect in terms of content." He admitted "eventually we were pleased" and describes the discussion as "lively and engaging." The video recording of the lecture will be available on The Center for Ethics website within a few weeks.

Schneier Center Event: On Tuesday, October 30, Over 150 people attended the panel discussion "From Darkness to Life: A Conversation on Art, Freedom, and Creation." The event took place at the Yeshiva University Museum, and was open to YU students and the public. It was co-sponsored by the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Center for International Affairs. The evening began with an exhibit of the art of Laura Murlender, an Argentinean woman who was held captive but eventually escaped.

After the exhibit a panel discussion was held, focusing on ideas of art and freedom in society today. The panelists were Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Professor Ruth Bevan Ph. D., Poet María Negroni Ph. D., Artist Laura Murlender, and Writer and Professor Nora Strejilevich Ph. D. Topics of discussion included terrorism in Argentina and throughout the world. Rabbi Schneier spoke of his travels and personal experiences in Argentina. The event was held as a conclusion to Ms. Murlender's exhibit at the museum.

Avraham Fried Concert: Over 350 students from the Wilf and Beren campuses listened to Avraham Fried play at the Schottenstein Cultural Center in Midtown.  Organizers said they were pleased to see that every seat in the auditorium was filled.  “The concert was a wonderful experience and provided students with a much needed break from studying before midterms,” said YSU President Daniel Stokar (SSSB ’08).  “On behalf of all the students who enjoyed this event, I’d like to thanks Vice President for University Affairs Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky for his tremendous help in making this concert a reality.” 

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