I am pleased to send you the final draft of our report. Corrections noted have been included, but some notations, which in effect reopened issues already concluded, could not be included at this stage (ein le-davar sof). Again, I wish to thank you for your sincere dedication and your willingness to endure cheerfully the many meetings that we had to schedule in order to complete our task. Hopefully, it will bear fruit and we will achieve our commonly shared goals. The Jewish Studies Review Committee has conducted an intensive evaluation of Jewish studies at Stern College, as charged in its appointment, with a view toward a reorganization of the program to meet present and future needs. Having completed its deliberations, following a study of the proposals of its several subcommittees, the Committee herewith presents its recommendations. Stern College views its primary objective to be to provide its students with “a rich background in Jewish learning and traditions,” together with an education in the liberal arts and sciences. The Committee believes that to attain this objective it is necessary to afford every student the fullest opportunity for a thorough, in-depth study of Jewish thought and literature in accordance with her educational background and capacity. The student must be subjected to the challenge of a demanding academic discipline in Jewish studies even as she is imbued with the moral and spiritual ideals of Judaism. In a Jewish studies discipline, it is essential that the student acquire a familiarity with and a mastery of basic Biblical, classical, and contemporary sources, with emphasis upon textual analysis and development of the ability to utilize original sources. It is the firm conviction of the Committee that if these goals are to be achieved the present curriculum must be expanded and improved, qualified and committed teachers added to the faculty, and sufficient time must be allotted for Jewish and Hebrew studies. It therefore submits the foll…

Congratulations and best wishes upon your election as president. May Yeshiva University continue to grow under your guidance, b’ezrat Hashem, as a great educational and Torah center. Dr. Gersion Appel, 2017 Avenue M, Brooklyn, NY 11210.