Outline
Annual Hannukah Dinner: Greetings (1985)
Yesterday, synagogues throughout the world read a special passage in honor of Hanukkah. It comes from the prophet Zechariah, who, 2,400 years ago, returned to the Land of Israel from exile in Babylon and there encouraged his despondent brethren and inspired them to continue rebuilding the Holy Temple. In this haftarah, Zechariah has a vision of two of the leaders of our people who are shown a marvelous stone – even roshah – a headstone, a chief or excellent stone, a symbol of strength and endurance by virtue of which the Temple will be rebuilt, the Land rehabilitated, and the People redeemed. Now, this stone, according to the prophet, had a remarkable feature: it had shiv'ah einayim al even achat – seven eyes on one stone. And when the people behold it, they will cry out, chen chen lah – “beautiful, beautiful!” What do these seven eyes mean? Two interpretations: one is that the Lord will watch over it with seven eyes – that is, He will protect it lovingly, cherish it, and care for it. The other interpretation is that it has seven facets – a multi-faceted gem. I mention all this because I believe that Yeshiva University is, for the Jewish and American communities – and especially the American Jewish community – an even roshah, a most precious gem. Truly, there is only one YU. There is no other institution quite like it in the range of its academic offerings, research, community service, and unique commitments. And as we draw to the close of the first century of our existence, our even roshah sparkles ever more brightly. We have, over the last several years, experienced the hashgachah pratit of God’s shiv'ah einayim – the special care and providence of His watchful eyes over us. Just five years ago we were at the brink of despair, teetering on the edge of insolvency. Even our annual Hanukkah Dinner had become so depleted, listless, and lifeless that I seriously considered doing away with it. But – in response to the strenuous labor, incredible generosity, and wise l…
