From the Presidents’ Desk: Continuing to Build

Mesorah (heritage). A word that carries a deep meaning about who we are as Jewish people. No one lives in isolation. We are surrounded by the experiences, contributions and lives of those before us and those that will come after us. We, the BCSG president and vice president, are not coming into office in an isolated time pocket. We are not coming to lay the foundations of a new building. The previous president, Betty Khirman (SCW ‘26), vice president, Shoshana Fisher (SCW ‘26)  and those before them, have already laid down our foundations. They worked tirelessly to not only create incredible programing but to foster a culture and community in Stern that is open, kind and supportive. They are our mesorah. We hope to pick up the baton with the same tenacity and passion that our predecessors did and continue to build a campus where students feel seen and heard.

To better illustrate our goal, I (Ellie) want to share a mashal (parable) my father told me when I was in seminary for the year. There was a day I did not want to go on a hike. I called my dad and told him that I was planning on staying behind. He went on to tell me something I have never forgotten: “Ellie, your year in Israel is your lemon, and you have to squeeze out every last drop.” It suffices to say I went on the hike, and it ended up being one of my favorite teyulim (trips) of the year. Now, Stern is our lemon. We are only here for three to four years. When you first arrive at orientation, this feels like a long time, but in reality it is finite and fleeting, so we have to squeeze out every last drop. 

We know that school can be challenging, and it is easy to feel like you are slipping through the cracks, but we are writing this letter to say we see you. Come talk to us in the halls, cafeteria, classrooms and dorms. We took on these positions to represent you, and we can only do that with your help. We encourage you to share your ideas and experiences with us. We want to create the change you want to see and this happens best when we hear from you.

It is our hope that by the end of the year we have positively and wholeheartedly contributed to the mesorah of Yeshiva University. With your help we will continue to foster a community that centers around achdut (unity), Torah and meaningful experiences. 

Photo Caption: BCSG Logo

Photo Credit: Yeshiva University