Welcome Home: Inside Stern’s Orientation Week
Walking onto Yeshiva University’s Beren Campus for the first time on Aug. 19, incoming students were greeted by cheery upperclassmen and a buzz of nervous energy. Blue bins full of duffel bags crowded the hallways, signaling the start of a hectic week. Orientation on Beren Campus was a glimpse of the community and friendships that will define the year ahead.
The week started with move-in. Whether taking advantage of the early luggage drop-off system or arriving with luggage on move-in day itself, the organization was seamless. Helpers efficiently helped unload cars and carry bags upstairs, which was appreciated considering the lack of parking in front of Brookdale Residence Hall. Despite rumors about the overcrowded elevators and hallways, getting up to the rooms was no issue.
“RAs welcomed us, handed out our keys, and assured us we’d have a great semester. It was an amazing first impression of YU,” Keira Kahn (SCW ‘28) told The Commentator.
Tuesday night, students and their parents were welcomed at a dinner with Dean Asher, marking the official start of orientation.
The next morning began with breakfast and small-group sessions meant to help students transition into college life at YU. Options included a Sy Syms introduction, assistance with class registration, learning about the school’s electronic systems, Hebrew placement tests, tours of the library and more.
At lunch, President Ari Berman introduced himself and shared his vision for YU. He demonstrated his commitment towards the student body by spending time with individual groups of students. The afternoon continued with more informational sessions, mostly led by Resident Assistants, who offered practical advice on navigating YU from a student’s perspective.
Following dinner, the evening ended with optional outings to Dave & Buster’s or a Broadway show — “Six” or “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
On Wednesday afternoon, everyone gathered together for a discussion panel led by Dr. Schwab with Dean Cypess, Dean Schechter and Dr. Muskat. They discussed the goals of a YU education, how to optimize one’s years in college and how to get involved at Stern. Beren Campus couples, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Fine and Tropp, along with the new mashgichim, introduced themselves and conducted rotating sessions about Jewish life at Stern. Each session focused on a different aspect, including Shabbos on campus, common halachic questions related to living in the city and how to set up meetings with the campus couples and mashgichim.
The night concluded with an excursion to a Yankees game.
“The baseball game was my favorite of the off-campus activities,” Sarah Schafer (SCW ‘28) told The Commentator. “It was a fun way to get to know people while also experiencing New York’s unique culture.”
Friday offered a more relaxed schedule, with optional excursions such as visiting the Empire State Building and getting a library card from the New York Public Library. Shabbos programming began Friday night, bringing a sense of calm and community to the Beren Campus. Shabbos was brought in with a beautiful women-only Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by Maariv led by Rabbi Fine. Dinner lived up to the excitement surrounding the new Shabbos caterers. Following dinner, there was a panel discussion with student leaders moderated by Dr. Schwab about how to make the most of your time at YU. The night concluded with an oneg with the Fines and Tropps.
Shabbos day began with davening and kiddush, followed by lunch. After another delicious meal, there was a discussion led by Dean Asher and Dr. Esty Rollhaus, Dr. Schwab’s wife, about how to prioritize mental health while in college. Students then had the chance to attend shiurim and play board games until Minchah and seudah shlishit. The programming continued with slow shira with Rebbetzins Fine and Tropp, before it was time for havdalah, bringing the end to an amazing Shabbos.
The feedback from students regarding the Shabbos experience was overwhelmingly positive.
Schafer says of the experience, “Shabbos was a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends. Between the meals and programming, we were able to connect with our peers and start building a sense of community.”
Eliana Waghalter (SCW ‘28) agreed and said, “The programming on Shabbos was very nice and a great way to start off the school year.”
Many students added that the programming inspired them to consider attending future Shabboses.
Orientation concluded on Sunday with a trip to Six Flags, combining excitement, bonding and fun.
The mix of programming, social events and Shabbos experiences helped new students navigate the start of college life and form connections that will last well beyond orientation. By the end of the week, students felt both welcomed and inspired, ready to begin their first year with a sense of belonging and excitement for what lay ahead.
Eliora Gissinger (SCW ‘28) summed up the experience: “Orientation was invaluable in helping me feel settled on campus and prepared for classes. It connected me with professors, peers, campus rabbis and new friends — and I loved the experience.”
Photo Caption: President Ari Berman addressing students
Photo Credit: Rabbi Azi Fine
