Ishay Ribo to Perform at YU Rise Up Siyum and Concert
Yeshiva University will host a siyum and concert on May 26 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, followed by a concert by popular Israeli singer Ishay Ribo as part of its Rise Up campaign. Akiva and Alex Clare will also star as guest singers.
The program is being planned by Undergraduate Torah Studies (UTS) and the Office of the President, with all logistics being organized by the Office of Events, headed by Aliza Berenholz-Peled. Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky, dean of UTS on Wilf Campus; Shoshana Schechter, associate dean of Torah Studies at Stern College for Women (SCW); Marc Zharnest, director of admissions and Geri Mansdorf, assistant vice president of enrollment were also involved in programming.
The event is part of the larger Rise Up fundraising campaign that YU has launched this year. The “Rise Up” campaign seeks to raise $613 million over the next five years to meet the evolving needs of YU students and faculty, create more innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives and develop state-of-the-art facilities.
Doors are expected to open at 6:30 p.m., followed by the siyum at 7:45 and the concert at 8 p.m. The concert is expected to be an hour and a half to two hours long. The siyum is part of YU’s new initiative for its students to learn different parts of Torah and make a siyum. Much of the initiative relates to the goal of allowing YU students to incorporate learning into their day even after graduation.
As of May 9, 3,100 of 6,000 tickets available for purchase have been sold. The cheapest tickets for sale cost $50 while the most expensive tickets went for up to $230, according to Ticketmaster.
Premium tickets, which include preferred seating and a chance to meet Ribo off-stage after the concert, are still available at a cost of $1,000. Corporate sponsorships, which range from $5,000 to $100,000, are available as well.
The university also distributed complimentary tickets to all faculty, students and staff who requested them through a form that was available through May 2. All admitted high school students throughout the tri-state area also received complimentary tickets.
Since many students don’t check their university email accounts, complimentary tickets are still available to those who email ribo@yu.edu requesting them. Complimentary tickets are planned to be distributed this week to those that requested them.
The university also partnered with JBE Music, Triple S Productions and Or Davidson Productions, Ribo’s management company.
Security is being coordinated with the NYPD and Arthur Ashe Stadium security, and logistical advice is being taken from the organizers of the Siyum Hashas, held in Metlife Stadium on Jan. 1, 2020.
There will be kosher food options on-site including Kosherboyz Grill, Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard and others selling light refreshments. Outside food and drink may be brought into the venue. Accessible seating and ushers will be available to assist individuals with disabilities. Separate seating will also be available.
The concept of the concert was initiated by students and the Office of Student Life (OSL).
“What started as a pipe dream between student council and OSL is now going to be one of the biggest gatherings in YU history thanks to the events team,” Yeshiva Student Union (YSU) President Elazar Abrahams (YC ‘22) shared with The Commentator.
“We're all really excited to dance and celebrate together later this month,” Abrahams continued.
Other students were similarly excited. “I can’t wait to enjoy the concert with my friends,” said Daniel Malinsky (YC ‘23), who is planning on attending. “It is a great way to celebrate the end of finals and complete a successful year.”
Transportation will be provided for all YU undergraduate students leaving from Wilf and Beren campuses. Those not eligible for transportation are able to park in Lot B of the Citi Field parking lot for $25.
In accordance with the updated health guidelines of the UTSA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, attendees will not be required to mask or show proof of vaccination.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on May 10 to correct that tickets were not, in fact, sold out by May 3. Tickets remain on sale and are available at yu.edu/ribo. Additionally, the earlier version misrepresented the university officials and departments involved in planning the concert and siyum. The article has been updated to include their involvement and the distribution of complimentary tickets to staff, students, faculty and accepted high school students.
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Photo Caption: The siyum and concert will be on May 26.
Photo Credit: The Commentator
