Board to Vote on Whether to Confirm Rabbi Ari Berman as YU’s Next President

The Commentator has learned from a source close to YU’s presidential search process that the Yeshiva University Board of Trustees will vote next week on whether to confirm Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman as the university’s next president. Chairman of the Board Moshael Straus announced on September 13 that Rabbi Dr. Berman’s candidacy had been advanced by the presidential search committee and that “[Rabbi] Dr. Berman will meet with trustees, faculty and other key university stakeholders and acquaint himself with the University, after which it is anticipated his nomination will be forwarded to the full Board of Trustees.” The Commentator could not determine the exact date of the vote, but it is likely to be in the vicinity of November 15. The outcome of the vote is, of course, not yet officially determined, but The Commentator’s source implied that it is likely that Rabbi Dr. Berman will be confirmed. Once elected, Rabbi Dr. Berman would begin to conduct official visits to Yeshiva University, in contrast to the unofficial and secretive visits that he has been conducting thus far. The Board’s vote is well-timed, as it could potentially allow the university to present Rabbi Dr. Berman as its next president to its elites and donors when they assemble for this year’s annual Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation on December 11.