Yeshiva University Observer

University to Mandate Health Coverage for All Students

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yeshiva University has approved a new mandatory health insurance policy, requiring all students to have coverage by the fall 2008 semester.

SLC Reinstates Defunct Academic Senate on Beren Campus

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Student Life Committee (SLC) on the Beren Campus is currently in the midst of directing efforts to reinstate the defunct Academic Senate, which has not met for a number of years.

New Jewish Studies BA/MA to Offer Courses in Fall '08

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Stern College for Women's new Master's Program in Biblical and Talmudic Interpretation will offer two advanced Tanakh courses in the fall 2008 semester, announced Rabbi Ephraim Kanarfogel, chairman of the Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies.

President Informs and Answers Students at Town Hall Meeting

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On March 26, President Richard M. Joel addressed a crowd of SCW students, faculty, and administration for the second time this year at a Town Hall Meeting held in Levy Lobby. While the tenor of the forum was largely uneventful, students were informed of relevant news and in turn raised a host of issues involving academics, technology, and larger international concerns.

Interdisciplinary Courses to Enrich SCW Science Curricula

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In consonance with the restructuring of general education requirements, the Curriculum Review Committee of SCW has proposed the creation of a variety of interdisciplinary courses, to be implemented in the fall 2009 semester.

Hebrew Department Goes High Tech with Online Program

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yeshiva University (YU) anticipates the addition of an interactive Hebrew language program to the yu.edu website in the upcoming fall semester. The newly devised program, initiated by SCW Hebrew Department Chair Dr. Zafira Lidovsky Cohen, will employ multi-sensory media to address the various learning styles and preferences of the student body, drawing from texts, pictures, videos, animations, and sounds.

Managing Crises, Martino Talks Safety with The Observer

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Observer sat down with Mr. William Martino to discuss the university's expanded attempts at emergency preparedness.

Names of New Stern Faculty Announced

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

SCW Dean Karen Bacon has released the names of new faculty who have recently been hired for the college. There will be an addition of eight professors to five academic departments.

Sans Seminary, SCW Freshmen Forge Unique Identities

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The women who arrive at Stern College for Women (SCW) straight out of high school comprise the class often dubbed with the somewhat redundant moniker "real freshmen." With the majority of students in their age group headed to Israel after graduation, freshmen at SCW are often perceived to be somewhat of a rarity.

Navigating the Collegiate Maze: Academic Advisement Examined

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Journeying through the collegiate labyrinth of choosing a major and making career decisions is sometimes a complex and perplexing experience. In order to better navigate the process of designing a course schedule and understanding general and major requirements, undergraduates have the option of venturing to the 14th floor of 205 Lexington Avenue, home to the Office of Academic Advisement.

The Kosher Conundrum: Relocated 2nd Avenue Deli Prompts Student Inquiries

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Tucked into the façade of buildings lining East 33rd Street, a mere stone's throw from the revolving doors of the 215 Lexington Building on the Beren campus, is the historic Second Avenue Deli. Founded in 1954 on the corner of Second Avenue and 10th Street, the deli moved to its new Murray Hill location after a 52-year run in the East Village.

Tikkun Olam through Social Justice

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

One of the most compelling and beautiful aspects of halakha is its ability to address the needs of both the nation and the individual simultaneously. Because the Torah allows for a multiplicity of views and paths within the halakhic framework, the halakha allows us the room to develop as individuals while remaining a cohesive and unified nation.

Maddeningly Frustrating Tests (MFTs)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The exit exams at Yeshiva University, more commonly known as the MFTs (Major Field Tests) are unfortunately treated as little more than a joke. While students expend effort in studying and preparing for the test, desiring to do well in the area of their major, the current system does not enable them to successfully demonstrate their knowledge or expertise.

All Quiet on the Beren Front

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In light of the recent student council elections, it is important to note the amazing contributions of the exiting cadre of undergraduate representatives on the Beren campus. They have created an estimable model of understated leadership, emphasizing the collective good over individual agendas.

The Portrait of a Lady

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The last few weeks at Yeshiva University have provided an unprecedented outlet for female talent and creativity. The YU Arts Festival and the Sy Syms School of Business fashion show served as premier venues at which the women of the Beren campus could openly express themselves, without having to compromise on halakha.

Stern University: School of Thought?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Hanging in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican City is one of Raphael's most famous frescoes. "The School of Athens" depicts an imagined convocation of the world's greatest Greek philosophers and scientists.

Choosing Life Amidst Death

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For all our divisions and our spite, we Jews have a tremendous capacity to suffer as one.

Re(search) and Ye Shall Find

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Learning researching skills has never been part of the curriculum at YU, and on the ground level it certainly shows. Students receive no formal education on doing research for their classes, and instead must develop their own way to get to the sources (after a few stressful early semesters).

Man in Search of God

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

There is a lot that is beautiful at Yeshiva University. There is so much that I enjoy here, so many people from whom I learn and whose company strengthens me, so many wonderful sights that I see every day.

Prenups Preserve Women's Futures

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In our Stern College environment, where, thank God, we are consistently sharing the joyous news of engagements and marriages, it can be difficult to conceive of divorce. When we do hear of tragic agunah (chained wife) cases, we cannot help but wonder-how could this come about?

A Smile a Day

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

There is one integral part of our community that is often overlooked and ignored. The service personnel -including maintenance, facilities, housekeeping, and most obviously, security-are an underappreciated presence on campus.

Stern Stereotypes

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Women's Learning

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Academic Bible

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite Delays, Aliyah Fair Still Meets with Success

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Occurring four months later than last year's November event, the fourth annual Yeshiva University Aliyah Fair was held on Wednesday night, March 26. With over 250 YU students and representatives from eight Israel-related organizations present, Israel Club Vice President Rachel Aviv, (SCW '09) called the night "a major success."

Essay: Students Reflect on Israel at 60

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In the coming month, the Yeshiva University (YU) community will be celebrating Israel's 60th birthday, and needless to say, Stern women and Hallmark have very different ideas of what it means to be 60. For many students, Israel's sixtieth birthday is a significant milestone both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Undergrads Address Situation in Sderot

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On March 2, Stern College for Women (SCW) hosted an inter-campus event to fundraise and generate awareness about the danger-fraught situation in Sderot, Israel. Coordinated by Ayala Kurlander (SCW '10) and Max Saltzman (YC '09), the program was sponsored by TAC, SOY, the YU Israel Club, One Family Fund, and Hagshama.

Terrorists Target Schoolchildren: Nothing New

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Terrorism, the use of methods of violence to intimidate others, tends to target anyone whose death will cause others to be fearful, striking military and civilian victims alike. As terrorism increases, many people become desensitized to the news of new attacks, and react to such news with nothing more than a passing sigh instead of with fear. However, the targeting of schoolchildren has yet to be considered the stuff of common cruelty, perhaps because striking those who are least able to defend themselves petrifies everyone, even the most desensitized members of our society, and even those whose job it is to defend civilians.

"Odd Couple" Wins Laughs at SCW

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Reuven Russell's rendition of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple [Female Version]" opens to choppily spliced music, with the audience's attention focused more on the dark figures removing stage curtains than upon the actresses. Happily, lights illuminate an exotically colored and beautiful stage, bringing us back to 80s chic.

Arts Festival Brings Talent and Culture to SCW and YC Undergrads

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Yeshiva University Arts Festival, the annual student-run series of events, brought talent and culture to the otherwise unsuspecting masses from March 30 to April 14.

Ensemble-in-Residence Quartet Debuts at YU Museum

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yeshiva University's Ensemble-in-Residence, Momenta Quartet, gave its first concert at the Center for Jewish History this month. With pieces from new romanticism to downtown music, the highlight of the evening was the premiere of "Kinesis," a composition of Stern's own assistant professor of music, Dr. David Glaser.

Cut: Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcision

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon's new documentary, entitled "Cut," is brave in its scope and concept, exploring the possibly taboo topic of circumcision, whether it be practiced within Jewish circles or even by gentiles.

Connoisseurs Drink to Kosher

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

To spit or not to spit? That was the question on everyone's mind at the 2008 Kosher Food and Wine Experience on February 21, hosted by the Royal Wine Corporation.

SCW Bio Professor Wins Grant for Infertility Research

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Dr. Margarita Vigodner, assistant professor of biology at SCW, has received the Young Clinical Scientist Award and a grant of $300,000 from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (FAMRI). Vigodner first heard about the opportunity from SCW Dean Karen Bacon, who encouraged her to apply for the prestigious award.

MES Explores Scientific, Halakhic Facets of Conjoined Twins

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, March 18, the Yeshiva University Student Medical Ethics Society (MES), together with the Center for the Jewish Future, sponsored an event entitled "Separating Conjoined Twins in Jewish Law." The lecture, whose topic was chosen at an MES board meeting at the beginning of the semester, featured three speakers addressing different aspects of the debate on separating conjoined twins.

Biology Club Raises Funds for Cancer Research

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Last month, the words "Candy sale for charity!" were heard throughout the lobby of Stern College for Women's 245 Lexington Avenue building. During the week of February 18, the Biology Club ran a fundraising event to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the world's largest volunteer-driven foundation for childhood cancer research.

CDC Event Gives Students Glimpse into Physician Life

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On Monday March 2, five well-established physicians convened to share their experiences as Orthodox medical professionals, contributing to a panel discussion entitled "A Day in the Life of a Physician."

The Chemistry Club: All About Lipids

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On April 7, Stern College for Women's Dr. Evan Mintzer gave a lecture to the Chemistry Society on his research: "The Biophysics of Lipids and Membranes and The Effects of Oxysterols."

Classy Couture for a Cause

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On April 8, the Sy Syms School of Business (SSSB) Fashion Marketing Club held their 2nd annual fashion show, dubbed "Classy Couture for a Cause." Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to Sharsheret, a national organization providing support for Jewish women with breast cancer.

Industry Insider: Modern Bride Magazine

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I fetched tea, coffee, chocolate, bagels, and Tasti-D-Lite for my editors and water for their plants. I sorted mail, organized file cabinets, stuffed envelopes and prepared shipments. These requisite intern tasks come with the territory, but are negligible in the scheme of my overall experience at Modern Bride Magazine.

Spotlight on Project Runway

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

All the designers really stepped it up a notch at their fashion week debut. The judges were overwhelmed with this season's impressive array of talent.