Dear Talmidim,
Some weeks are more exciting than others here in Yeshiva. No, I am not referring to the Baruch Hashem extremely low number of positive cases on campus in the past two weeks. Rather, there is something happening on campus this Sunday that typically takes place only once in 4 years: the Chag HaSemicha! A day in which we celebrate the next group of leaders of our community. It is a day to be very proud of our Yeshiva, its history and legacy, its role in our community, and its Musmachim.
The Netziv (23:6) notes the unusual phrase with which Avraham is described: “נשיא אלוקים”––“a prince of G-d,” which seemingly depict two opposite attributes. A prince is a leader in the general sense; he rules over a nation or country. Whereas “אלוקים” reflects a spiritual leader. Was Avraham a prime minister or a Rosh Yeshiva? The answer is that Avraham embodied both simultaneously and seamlessly.
On Sunday we will celebrate our newest Musmachim, who through their years of learning and professional training through RIETS, are now prepared to lead both in the capacity as spiritual leaders and with a sophisticated understanding of worldly matters as well.
Please join us on campus for a viewing on a large screen at 1pm on the lawn outside of Rubin and for “Dancing on Amsterdam” at approximately 3pm.
For a quick 2 minute highlight reel from 2017 see here. And to get pumped up with a rendition of “Baruch Elokeinu” as it will be sung at the Chag, as has been our tradition for decades ,you can listen here.
The Chag will be live streamed at yu.edu/chag
A special Mazal Tov to some of our Rebbeim who will be celebrating on Sunday:
Rabbi Kalman Laufer
Rabbi Matt LeVee
Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig (Yadin Yadin)
Mazel tov to Aryeh Steinfeld on his marriage!
Have a great Shabbos,
