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Message from the Dean

Dear Talmidim,

It is interesting to note that although Yitzchak Avinu is generally depicted through the attribute of גבורה, of steadfast commitment and ability to overcome all obstacles, which generally is associated with a more serious demeanor, Hashem named him Yitzchak, from the word צחק, which means laughter and is related to joy and שמחה (see Rashi 21:6). Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch (Taam Vedaas Bereishis 21:3) notes that this is done to teach us that we need to always strike a balance between taking our religion and goals seriously, but to also maintain a cheerful disposition of תמיד בשמחה, and not to take ourselves too seriously. Our lives may be complicated and difficult at times, and we may have obstacles to overcome, but Yitzchak, whose life was most certainly more complicated than ours, guides us to keep our heads up high with a smile on our face.

Speaking of smiling and having a good time...it is not too late to sign up for the Sunday hike (flyer below)!

Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem Genack on the birth of a grandson!

Have a great Shabbos,

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Kalinsky, Dean

Undergraduate Torah Studies

Have a simcha? Let us know here

Name: Jacob Katz

Where are you from: Englewood, NJ

Morning Program: SBMP

Shiur: Rabbi Schnall

My Favorite Part of YU: I enjoy that I have the option to explore interests relating to my major through extracurricular clubs, elective courses, and shiurim. Another thing I enjoy abut YU is that I have been able to meet new people all over campus, whether in class, at the library, and over Shabbos as a Minyan Man.

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Name: Rabbi Menachem Genack

Originally From: Forest Hills, NY

Teaches: RIETS

Message learned from the pandemic: The more and more we think we’re in control of our destiny, through science and technology, that’s really not the case.

Rabbi Menachem Genack is a Rosh Yeshiva here at RIETS and teaches Yoreh Deah. He is also the CEO of OU Kashrus and the general editor of their publishing arm, OU Press. Rabbi Genack lives in Englewood, NJ where he serves as the rabbi of Congregation Shomrei Emunah.