Summer 2014
Volume II / Issue I
In This Issue
A Message from the Rosh Yeshiva/Head of School
Class of 2014 Welcomed into Alumni Family
Alumni Award Recipients
Class of 2004 Celebrates Ten Year Reunion
Friends, Families and Students Celebrate YUHS at Annual Dinner of Tribute
After Decades, YUHSB Says Farewell to Rabbi Dr. Michael Hecht ('57) and Rabbi Shmuel Borenstein ('60)
Class Notes
Condolences
Recent MTA Happenings
Upcoming Alumni Events
Sunday, September 14th

MTA & BTA Class of 1964 - 50th Anniversary Reunions

Invitations are being sent shortly. To find out more info and/or to get involved, contact Beth Gorin, Director of Institutional Advancement, at: beth.gorin@yu.edu 

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Alumni supports helps YUHSB continue to provide a world class education in both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies. As we near our centennial, your support is imperative for capital improvements, as well as for educational and extra-curricular activities.

To contribute, please visit the donation website. 
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A MESSAGE FROM THE ROSH YESHIVA
Rabbi Michael Taubes ('76)
As I write these words, Klal Yisrael is still reeling from the profoundly sad and horrific news of the murder of the three young yeshiva students in Eretz Yisrael, z'l, who became known to the broader Jewish community as "our boys." Two of them learned in Yeshivat Makor Chaim in Kfar Etzion, a yeshiva with which MTA has enjoyed a unique and special relationship for the last several years, as a dozen or so of our 10th graders spend close to six weeks each year studying there, and four or five of their
talmidim come and learn in our yeshiva. It goes without saying that our hearts go out to the bereaved families and that we fervently direct our prayers to Hashem that He spare us further sorrow and suffering.

Much has already been written and said to help us approach this most devastating and tragic episode; one unpleasant thought which occurred to me, though, was that as painful as this event was, it was not the first of its kind, and frighteningly, might not be the last. As a people, we have had, and continue to have, no shortage of enemies who seek to harm us. What do they have against us? The answer varies, on a simple level, from case to case. Sometimes the hatred is politically motivated. Sometimes religiously. Sometimes socially. Sometimes economically. Sometimes it is a combination of factors. But in virtually all cases, the goal of our enemies is our delegitimization, in one manner or another. Our enemies want to show that we are not a legitimate people, and we certainly are not God's people. 

In the Haggadah on Pesach, we cite the phrase "Arami 'oved avi" (Devarim 26:5), usually translated to mean that an Aramean tried to destroy my father, the Aramean referring to Lavan, and the father referring to Yaakov Avinu. In the broader sense, the Aramean is a reference to all the enemies of the Jewish people, and the father to all those who came before us whose destruction was sought by those enemies. I once heard, however, an alternate explanation in the name of Rabbi Meir Shapiro, the famed Rosh Yeshiva of Lublin, who, among other accomplishments, conceived of the idea of "Daf Yomi." Rabbi Shapiro suggested that the Aramean indeed refers to the quintessential enemy of the Jewish people, but what that enemy seeks to destroy is "avi," a reference to Hashem Himself, He whom we call our Father (as in "Avinu Malkeinu" - our Father our King). Specifically, what our enemies have as a rule desired most of all is to destroy the relationship of "avi" - my Father - that we have with Him. And to this very day, they want to prove to us - and to the world - that in truth we have no Father, we are not at all a real people, let alone a chosen people; they want to delegitimize us.

In response, then, what we need to do is work even harder on that relationship with Hashem as our Father. We have to behave in a manner that clearly reflects that He is indeed our father, we are His children, we are a proud and indomitable people. It is, of course,  difficult to forge a relationship with a God that we cannot see or hear, but Chazal tell us that we can in fact get a taste of that connection by finding role models who teach, live by, and indeed represent Him and His Torah (see Rashi to Devarim 11:22). In our yeshiva high school, we have always tried to provide such role models; the job of the MTA Rebbe has always been more than to merely impart important information. So many of our alumni - myself included -were  indeed able to establish relationships with their high school Rebbeim  that have been maintained long, long after the last grade was recorded on the report card. It is our hope that you are among those alumni, but that even in the absence of any life-long connection, you still look with gratitude and appreciation at all of those who educated and trained you here, helping you become the person you are today, and that in some way you learned from them to identify as a member of the Jewish people, a badge which you wear with pride even when confronted with challenges.
News
Class of 2014 Welcomed into Alumni Family  

On Thursday evening, June 12th, the 95th annual Commencement exercises of YUHSB took place in the iconic Lamport Auditorium. Rosh Yeshiva/Head of School Rabbi Michael Taubes ('76) presided over the ceremony, which saw about 80 young men enter the alumni ranks. Yeshiva University President Richard Joel ('68)was on hand to deliver one of the addresses.  

 

The various award winners showcased the geographical diversity of the YUHSB community: Valedictorian was Yitzi Lindebaum of Teaneck, NJ; Salutatorian was Binyomin Shtaynberger of Brooklyn, NY; Invocation was delivered by Chen Sapir of Queens, NY; Benediction was delivered by Efraim Tepler of New Rochelle, NY; Class Speaker was Aryeh Klein of Monsey, NY; and a siyum was made by Aaron Schwartz-Messing, of Queens, NY.

 

Following the program, a collation was held for graduates, friends and families, in Weissberg Commons.

 

We look forward to hearing about and sharing in many great accomplishments from the graduates. Mazel Tov, Class of 2014!  

 

More pictures are available on Flickr.

Alumni Award Recipients


Over the past few months, a number of our alumni were recognized for a variety of achievements:

  

Joshua Gortler ('54), president of the Kline Gallard Center Foundation, received an honorary doctorate at YU's 83rd Commencement Ceremony on May 22nd.

 

Joseph Gitler ('92), Leket Israel's Founder and Chairman, was recently awarded two prestigious honors for his work in food rescue for the benefit of Israel's needy: The Jerusalem Post named Joseph one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world and  Nefesh B'Nefesh's honored Joseph with it's inaugural Bonei Zion Prize.

  

Eli Lunzer ('97), owner of Eli Lunzer Productions, was named to the Jewish Week's 36 under 36 for the significant time he has donated to an array of charities.

 

Donny Rosenberg ('02), Managing Director at Greystone & Co., was named to The Commercial Observer's 30 Under 30.

 

Alex Goldberg ('10), who graduated from Yeshiva College this past May, was named to the Jewish Week's 36 under 36 for establishing, along with Aharon Watson ('10), the "Race to Save Lives," an annual 5k that raises money for the United Hatzalah of Israel. For the past couple of years, when the race has been held in NYC, YUHSB students, faculty, and alumni have participated in the race under the mantra of "Lions Run as One."

 

Yisrael Feld ('11), currently studying at Yeshiva College, was named Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year, Second Team All-Conference and Men's Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year for an outstanding rookie season. The former MTA Lion was named Rookie of the Week 5 times and scored more than 20 points in a game 8 times over the course of the 2013-14 season.

Class of 2004 Celebrates Ten Year Reunion
On Wednesday, June 25th, members of MTA's Class of 2004 gathered in Manhattan for their 10 year reunion. While a number of graduates were unfortunately unable to attend - best excuse goes to Pinchus Mezei whose wife gave birth during the reunion (Mazel Tov!).  Those who did attend enjoyed catching up with their fellow graduates and finding out what they've been up to since the last time they all gathered as a group at their graduation 10 Junes ago. While their life paths all differed, the bonds of their time spent together in Washington Heights will last a lifetime.  
Friends, Families and Student Celebrate YUHS at Annual Dinner of Tribute
On Tuesday evening, June 17th, friends and family of Yeshiva University High Schools gathered at Terrace on the Park in Flushing to celebrate both Yeshiva University High Schools.

 

Before the start of dinner, MTA graduating senior Yisroel Ben-Porat impressed the crowd with a special shiur he prepared. Honored this year was longtime Maggid Shiur and Director of Athletics Rabbi Gary Beitler, devoted parents and board member Sheon and Rena Karol, and Parents of the year Rabbi Allen ('79) and Alisa Schwartz - longtime leaders of Cong. Ohab Zedek of the Upper West Side. Awards were presented by YU President Richard Joel, YUHS Chair Mrs. Miriam Goldberg, Rosh Yeshiva/Head of School of YUHSB Rabbi Michael Taubes, and Head of School of YUHSG Mrs. C.B. Neugroschl.

 

After the awards presentations, guests enjoyed a full desert spread. Special thanks to dinner chairs Mr. and Mrs. Harvey and Deena Wrubel.
 
More pictures available on Flickr.
After Decades, YUHSB Says Farewell to Rabbi Dr. Michael Hecht ('57) and Rabbi Shmuel Borenstein ('60)
With the close of the 2013-14 school year, YUHSB bid farewell to two longtime, greatly respected educators: Rabbi Dr. Michael Hecht ('57), who has been on faculty in a variety of roles including Dean, for 50 years, and Rabbi Shmuel Borenstein ('60), who has been teaching at the high school for 46 years. Both have made a massive impact on the lives of hundreds of young men over the course of their educational careers and will, of course, be tremendously missed. They have loyally served the high school and University, serving - as Rabbi Hecht put in in his address at the farewell dinner in May - as "bridges" to the past.
 
 
 
To read Rabbi Hecht's farewell remarks, which - as mentioned - were relayed at the farewell dinner, please click here.
 
To read Rabbi Borenstein's farewell letter, as published in the most recent edition of The Academy News, please click here.
Class Notes

Vivien and Rabbi Bernhard ('41) Auerbach announce the birth of their great-grandson, Yoav, born to Tzuri and Avital Dotan.

 

Rabbi Nisson Shulman ('48) announce the birth of his great granddaughter Chaya Shaindle, born to Dassi and Mordy Tiefenbrunn. Mazel Tov to grandparents Baila and Moshe Shulman.

 

Rabbi Stanley Wagner ('49) published co-published his book with Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin, What's Beyond the Bible Text? (Mekor, 2013).

 

Elihu Levine ('50) published his third volume of his translation of the Kli Yakar (Targum Press, 2013) into English with annotations. This volume is on the first six parshiyos of Bereishis; the previous two volumes covered all of Shemos.

 

Diane and Dr. Norman ('51) Linzer announce the birth of their great granddaughter, Rotem Hallel. Mazel tov to grandparents Rebecca and Moshe ('84) Linzer.

 

Dr. Seymour Hoffman ('52) edited the volume, Rabbis and Psychologists: Partners or Adversaries (Mondial, 2014).

 

Elke and Nachman ('55) Kupietzky and Judi and Rabbi Harris ('57) Guedalia announce the birth of their great grandson. Mazel Tov to parents Miriam and Rabbi Eitan Kupietzky; to grandparents Allison and  Dr. Ari Kupietzky  and Sue and Zev Gershon; and to great-great grandmother Mrs. Els Bendheim. Eitan is the great grandson of the late Charles H. Bendheim, a YU Benefactor.

 

Dr. Morton Frieman ('56) sculpted a giant menorah for the IDF Golani Brigade's training base and was named Sculptor of Israel Defense Forces. You can view the construction of the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEZuXws4Xq4&feature=share.

 

Judi and Rabbi Harris Guedalia ('57) announce the birth of their great-grandson, born to Gilat and Asher Sacks.

 

RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Hershel Schachter ('58) received the 2014 Katz Award for his contributions to the practical analysis and application of halakha in modern life.

 

Monty Noam Penkower ('59) published his book, The Swastika's Darkening Shadow: Voices Before the Holocaust (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013).

 

Sara and Rabbi Carmi ('61) Horowitz announce the birth of their grandson, born to Pe'er and Amitai Horowitz.

 

Michael (Mechy)  Frankel  ('64) senior scientist at Penn State, gave an invited talk to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Science and Technologies Futures Symposium on the subject of nuclear electromagnetic pulse. In addition, his monograph, "The Uncertain Consequences of Nuclear Weapon Use," was published by Johns Hopkins University (http://www.jhuapl.edu/ourwork/nsa/publications.asp). 

 

Toni (Feltscher) and Phil ('65) Chernofsky and Judy and Irwin Kotler announce the birth of their grandson, a third son born to Ora and Noam Kotler.

 

Miriam and Rabbi Edward ('65) Feigelman announce the birth of their grandson, Tzvi Yehuda (Julius Hirsch), born to Tikva and Shulem Weinreich. Mazel Tov to grandparents Roiza and Feivel Weinreich and great-grandfather, Moshe Perlman.

 

Rabbi Menachem Genack ('65) published his book, Letters to President Clinton: Biblical Lessons on Faith and Leadership (Sterling Ethos, 2013).

 

Sandy and Rabbi Alan ('69) Kalinsky announce the birth of their grandson, Ezra Yehoshua, born to Michal and Dr. Yoni Frankel.

 

Leah and Rabbi Ellis ('66) Bloch were honored at the Bridge Shul Dinner on January 26 for their forthcoming Aliyah and as a farewell for many years of devoted service to the Shul.

 

Vivian and Rabbi Moshe Neiss ('68) announce the birth of their granddaughter, Dahlia Chaya, born to Alison and Jeremy ('99) Neiss.

 

Rivka and Rabbi Howard ('69) Finkelstein announce the marriage of their son, Netanel, to Judith Frankiel.

 

Ruthie and Ahituv ('71) Gershinsky announce the birth of their granddaughter, Shachar Shulamit, born to Hadas and Yosi Gershinsky and the birth of their grandson, Nadav Zechariah, born to Efrat and Zev Gershinsky.

 

Ruthie and Ahituv ('71) Gershinsky also announce the birth of their granddaughter, Tohar. Mazel Tov to the parents, Hanannel and Bat Hen Gershinsky.

 

Esther and Uri ('72) Ladell announce the birth of their grandson, Or, born to Miki and Moriya Ladell. 

 

Brenda and Rabbi Elihu ('72) Turkel and Dr. Jessica and David Jacob announce the birth of their grandson, Ezra Pesach, born to Dahlia and Nathaniel Jacob.

 

Pearl (Steinmetz) and Martin ('73) Herskovitz announce the birth of their grandson, born to Michal and Netanel Herskovitz.

 

Daphne and Neil ('74) Herskowitz announce the marriage of their daughter, Jennifer, to Shlomo Shenker. Mazel Tov to grandparents, Sylvia and William Herskowitz.

 

Doreen and Beryl ('75) Eckstein celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Rebecca, to Judah ('07) Orlinsky, son of Mindy 'and Henry ('74) Orlinsky. Mazel Tov to grandparents Beila and Rabbi Dr. Shimon Eckstein.

 

Ira Herman ('75) of Thompson & Knight LLP was included in the 2013 New York Super Lawyers.

 

Russell Mayer ('75) was appointed by retired Israeli Supreme Court Judge Jacob Turkel to a quasi-judicial position on the Israel Bar Association's Disciplinary and Ethics Court.

 

Edwin F. Simpser ('75) was appointed President and CEO of St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children.

 

Rabbi Marc Schneier ('76) with Imam Shamsi Ali published Sons of Abraham: A Candid Conversation About Issues That Divide and Unite Jews and Muslims (Beacon Press, 2013).

 

Rabbi Marc Schneier ('76) was honored for 25 years of leadership in Black-Jewish relations as President of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding at the Congressional Ceremony in Washington DC commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Freedom Summer.

 

Dr. Deena and Rabbi Samuel ('77) Zimmerman announce the marriage of their son, Ari, to Hodaya Rosh.

 

Rabbi Ari Kahn ('78) published his book, Echoes of Eden: Sefer Bamidbar - Spies, Subversives, and other Scoundrels (Gefen Publishing House, 2014).

 

Dr. Esther and Rabbi Meir ('83) Orlian are pleased to announce the birth of their granddaughter, Hod. Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Rabbi Dr. J. Mitchell Orlian ('51) and Associate Dean of Stern College for Women Ethel Orlian.

 

Michael "Moshe" Karash ('86) was appointed Administrator of the Fort Tryon Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing located in Washington Heights.

 

Anita and Rabbi Ari ('87) Berman celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Tamar Rivka. Mazel Tov to the grandparents Rosalie and Ted Berman.

 

RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Dr. Jeremy Wieder ('88) has been appointed as Scholar-in-Residence at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun.

 

David Wagner ('90) was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Elderplan, Inc.

 

Rabbi Joshua Fass ('91) was honored by the World Orthodox Leadership on November 11th for co-founding Nefesh B'Nefesh and for his contributions to Aliyah to Israel.

 

Rabbi Avi Cutler ('93) was the Scholar-in-Residence at the Young Israel of Woodmere where discussed on "The Significance and Relevance of the Rebbe-Talmid Relationship in the 21st Century."

 

Shira and Rabbi Eliezer ('95) Schnall, PhD, professor of psychology at Yeshiva College, announce the birth of their daughter, Bayla Lielle. Mazel Tov also to big brothers Yonatan and Gavriel, and to grandparents Tova and Azrieli Dean David ('65) Schnall and Rosalyn and Dr. Irvin ('67) Hirsch.

 

Rabbi Eliezer Schnall, PhD ('95) professor of psychology at Yeshiva College, lectured at Congregation Sons of Israel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey at an event marking the 120th anniversary of the synagogue.

 

Michal and Rabbi Ari Zahtz ('97) announce the birth of their son.

 

Chava and Rabbi Yonah ('98) Gross announce the birth of their son, Yosef Leib.

 

Dr. Dale Rosenbach ('99) has been appointed as clinical instructor and course director for periodontics and implant dentistry at the postgraduate periodontal program at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He was also invited to present to the Bronx County Dental Society in April on the topic of "Atraumatic Exodontia: Principles, Concepts & Techniques." Additionally, he was invited to submit a continuing education review paper for publication to Dentaltown Magazine for its June 2014 issue. The title of the paper is Immediate Peri-Implant Gap Management: A Summary Review of the Literature and its Application in Clinical Practice, in reference to immediate dental implant placement.

 

Rebecca and Rabbi Eli ('00) Belizon announce the birth of their daughter.

 

Mazel Tov to Ilana and Rabbi Eli ('00) Cohn , currently a 9th grade Maggid Shiur at YUHSB, upon the birth of twin boys. 

 

Mazel Tov to Arly and Ari ('01) Klein upon the birth of a daughter, Dalya Francis. 

 

Avi Sinensky ('01) became an associate at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein, and Breitstone, LLP.

 

Mazel Tov to Ayelet and Rabbi Ari ('02) Yablok upon the birth of a daughter. 

 

Batya and Rabbi Yosef ('03) Bronstein announce the birth of their son, Yehuda Ariel. Mazel Tov to grandparents Chasida and RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Hershel Reichman and Brenda and RIETS Administrator Rabbi Chaim ('66) Bronstein.

 

Peshie and RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger - parents of Motti ('03) Yechiel ('07), Raphi ('10) and, Dovie ('14) - announce the birth of their grandson, Shlomo Tzvi, born to Bruria and Jackie Siegel, and the birth of their granddaughter, born to Chaya and Aryeh Westreich. Mazel Tov to great grandfather Rabbi Zevulun Charlop ('47), Dean Emeritus of RIETS and current Special Advisor to the President on Yeshiva Affairs.

 

Mazel Tov to Erica and Pinchus ('04) Mezei upon the birth of a son.  

 

Chani and Ariel ('04) Schachter announce the birth of a son. 

 

Mazel Tov to David Chapler ('07) upon his marriage to Jayme Dachs.

 

Eliana and Moshe ('07) Watson announce the birth of their daughter, Tamar Tema. Mazel Tov to grandparents Oran and Mark Watson and Mandy and Rubin Brecher.

 

Mazel Tov to Yosef Weinberger ('07) upon his engagement to Aviva Azar.

 

Mazel Tov to Zachary Handler ('08) upon his marriage to Robin Wenig.

 

Mazel Tov to Yitzi Loewy ('08) upon his engagement to Temi Zomick. 

 

Mazel Tov to Nachum Cooper ('09) upon his marriage to Chani Spirn. 

 

Evan Rottenstreich ('09) married Estie Hirt on February 16, 2014. Mazel Tov to parents Stern College for Women Board Member Pamela and Ari ('84) Hirt and Stacie and Tzvi Rottenstreich and to grandparents Linda and Stern College for Women Board Member Murray Laulicht, and Virginia and Rabbi Robert ('55) Hirt.

 

Mazel Tov to Noah Kirschner ('10) upon his marriage to Eliana Goldrich.

 

Mazel Tov to Kalman Laufer ('10) upon his engagement to Talya Lent.

 

Mazel Tov to Yisrael Feld ('11) upon his marriage to Rachel Schwartzbard.  

 

Mazel Tov to Nechemia Zemel ('12) upon his engagement to Eden Fried. 

WE MOURN THE LOSS OF....

Harry Perlmutter ('37)

Rabbi Jacob "Jack" M. Sable ('44)

Harold Zigelman ('52)
 
Rabbi Sheldon Chwat ('53)

Dr. Herbert A. Friedman ('54)

Leon Mir ('54)

Rabbi Edgar Gross ('56)

Menachem David ('59)

Rabbi Dan Segal ('93)

May the families know of sadness no more and be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem 
Recent MTA Happenings
Please share with us your significant family milestones so we may appropriately acknowledge events and losses and properly communicate information. Please contact Shuey Jacoby ('02), Co-Chair, YUHSB Alumni Assocation, at sjacoby@yuhsb.org.

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