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December 6, 1968

Culture, Counterculture, and Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University

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What's in a Name? An Introduction to Yeshiva University (1993)

The name "yeshiva" combined with "university" often seems to perplex people unacquainted with the history, background, and mission of these two venerable institutions. Most people in our society know what a university is, but their knowledge of a "yeshiva" is often cursory and, usually, based upon stereotypes — most of which are long outdated. How, they wonder, can there coexist in a single institution one department (the university) which stands for critical thought and pushing ahead on the frontiers of knowledge, and which prides itself on its universal concerns, with another (the yeshiva) which seeks to preserve an ancient way of life and is mostly confined to the Jewish people and religion? As a result, when hearing about Yeshiva University they are either puzzled or amused, as if the very name is an oxy moron, a contradiction in terms. Yet in over a century of its existence, and over fifty years of its having attained official university status, Yeshiva University has proven that the two are not a contradiction and, even if often divergent in mission, style, and purpose, they are ultimately compatible. The purpose of this brochure is to elucidate this relationship and introduce you to the reality that is Yeshiva University — surely one of the most unusual schools of higher education in the universe of universities, and most certainly unique in the history of the institution called "yeshiva." The Yeshiva — What Is It? The yeshiva (plural: yeshivot) is the oldest institution of higher learning in Judaism. As such, it may well be the oldest form of formal higher education in the world. The earliest yeshivot we know of flourished in both Palestine and Babylonia in the century before the Common Era. By comparison, universities began to coalesce into formal schools only in the late Middle Ages. So inseparable is the idea of higher formal education from the fabric of Judaism, that Jewish legend maintained that, in earliest Biblical days, Abraham sent Isaac to study i…
Yeshiva University

Note

Yeshiva University and Modern Orthodox Policy (1997)

Yeshiva University’s major function is that of education; all else is secondary. Its commitment to Modern Orthodoxy goes without saying – it is, indeed, the flagship of Modern Orthodoxy in a fleet that boasts of few other ships, if any at all – but the integrity and proper functioning of Yeshiva University must take precedence over the ephemeral issues that agitate the Modern Orthodox community from time to time. Hence, where there exist legitimate differences of opinion between groups of authentic halakhic authorities — whether they are Roshei Yeshiva or pulpit/community rabbis — Yeshiva University must and will, if at all possible, stay above the fray. It must continue to make it possible for its students to consider all legitimate opinions without introducing divisiveness into the student body, a condition which inevitable distracts students from achieving progress in their education.This policy has come under attack from many quarters as a cop-out by the administration. We are being challenged to “take a stand” on every controversial issue. My answer is that, indeed, there are many issues where it is morally and Jewishly imperative to offer a decisive opinion; but there are an equal number of occasions where the issues are such that they do not require a response from me or the administration. No one ever appointed us (or anyone else, for that matter) as the ultimate decisors for the Modern Orthodox community.Our master, the Rav זצ״ל never attempted to answer all questions. He was intellectually honest and also communally responsible; thus, he sometimes said, “I don’t know,” and at other times, “Do what you think is right.”Roshei Yeshiva, whether of our or any other yeshiva, are not authorized to decide all issues for the Jewish community or, certainly, to impose their will on others. Individual Jews are bidden to consult their rabbis. The pulpit rabbi may, if he so wishes, consult other rabbis whom he considers more halakhically knowledgeable and/or more sens…
Yeshiva University

Speech

Chag Hasemicha 5763 (2003)

Rabbi Lamm addresses newly-ordained rabbis at the Chag Hasemicha 5763.
Yeshiva University