YUHSB Guidebook 2014

YUHSB at a Glance

Guided by the vision of the Rav, zt”l, and his premier talmidim who now lead our yeshiva, YUHSB stands for excellence in chinuch, defined by the achievement of significant accomplishments in Torah learning and an

unwavering commitment to the Torah way of life, by a serious and rigorous approach to the study of science and the humanities, and by the instilling of a strong and passionate love for Eretz Yisrael and a genuine sense of concern for every member of Klal Yisrael and for all of Hashem’s creations.

Table of Contents:

Our Mission

2 Introduction

4 At A Glance

11 Limmudei Kodesh

21 General Studies

39 Student Activities

51 ONLY AT MTA

61 Student Services

69 Our Faculty

81 Affordability

2

YUHSB at a Glance

A message from our Rosh YeshivaFor nearly a century, Yeshiva University High School for Boys has represented the very best in secondary Jewish education. With a primary focus on Talmud Torah in the daily Shiurim which, in the traditional yeshiva fashion, span the entire morning and in many cases, the early afternoon as well, our talmidim are taught not only to learn Torah, but to live it and indeed to love it and all it stands for. Under the caring guidance of devoted and learned Rebbeim, they are exposed to the depth and breadth of Torah, they are inspired to strive for Torah greatness themselves, and they are imbued with the values of Yiras Shomayim, of Chessed, and of mentschlichkeit. At the same time, the college preparatory program is likewise exceptional, featuring exciting and challenging courses taught by a superior faculty in a wide array of General Studies subjects, designed to engage the minds of our students, to teach them necessary skills and to help develop them into well-rounded, accomplished young men. In short, the high school at Yeshiva University carries out the institutional mission to produce outstanding graduates whose commitment to Torah informs everything in their lives, for whom notable achievement in Torah study is a life-long quest, and who are at home in all the other disciplines needed in order to be successful, engaging and contributing members of society in the contemporary world. With our long list of alumni that reads like a “Who’s Who” among Torah scholars, Jewish communal leaders and distinguished laymen, it is no wonder that over the years, many yeshiva high schools have attempted to emulate the educational model pioneered in our yeshiva.

Here at YUHSB, we are, I believe, uniquely suited to continue this mission of Torah and academic excellence at this time. Combining the intimate and nurturing setting of an independent school with the intellectual and material resources of a world renowned yeshiva and a first-rate research university, our high school is able to offer an overall educational experience that simply cannot be matched elsewhere. From the vibrant center of our Yeshiva’s main Beis Medrash to historic Lamport Auditorium, where the echoes of the landmark Shiurim and derashos of The Rav, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, still resound, from the majestic two-story stained glass windows of our own Joseph Alexander Library, emblazoned with our yeshiva’s proud crest and motto, Torah Umadda, to the facilities of the famed Yeshiva University Library and the Max Stern Athletic Center, our campus community affords the qualified high school student more than just another yeshiva high school. It provides him with the chance to tap in to something bigger, to be at the center of a world famous Torah institution staffed by renowned Torah personalities, and to take his first independent steps as an adult on a journey towards living the Torah way of life which Yeshiva University stands for, as articulated by The Rav and his widely respected students who are today the leaders of our yeshiva, and are admired and revered by so many.

Any student who identifies with the above and feels ready, even while yet in high school, to become part of the illustrious history and tradition of Yeshiva University is cordially invited now to come learn, come grow and come develop as a true Ben Torah - characterized by success in learning, by Middos Tovos, by moral integrity and by positive interaction with others – by taking advantage of all we have to offer here at Yeshiva University High School for Boys.

B’vircas haTorah,

Rabbi Michael TaubesRosh Yeshiva

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Yeshiva University High School for Boys 2014-2015 Guidebook

As we stand on the cusp of MTA’s 100th birthday, I want to thank you for your interest in our school. We are proud to build upon a legacy of greatness in Talmud Torah and General Studies, and we believe our connection to Yeshiva University, coupled with our location in New York City, allow us a truly unique opportunity to provide students with the education of a lifetime. I invite you to spend time at our school, and to see the incredible opportunities - in Torah, academics, sports, and activities - that we proudly offer.

Our application is entirely online, and the process is fast and efficient. The deadline for submissions is Monday, December 15th, 2014.

Please see the pages in the back of this booklet for details about visit days and parlor meetings.

If you have any questions or concerns at any point in this application process, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 212-960-5400 x6676, or to send me an email at [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application, and we hope, to welcoming you into the YUHSB family.

Sincerely yours,

David LeshawAdmissions Director

Message from our Admissions Director

YUHSB Office of AdmissionsDavid Leshaw, Director of AdmissionsZysman Hall, Room 1092540 Amsterdam AveNew York, New York 10033

Phone: 212-960-5337, Ext. 6676Fax: 212-960-0027Email: [email protected]

Join us online:Twitter: @YUHSB

Instagram: @YUHSBFacebook.com/YUHSB

www.yuhsb.org

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YUHSB at a Glance

Faculty

YUHSB is a fully accredited (Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and the Board of Regents of the State University of New York ) academic high school whose traditional yeshiva and educational philosophy mandates programs of excellence in both religious and secular academic studies. To this end, the school runs a demanding dual program of study, beginning at 8:10 a.m. with Tefillah and ending at 6:00 p.m.

The Limmudei Kodesh program, which runs either until 12:20 pm or until 2:00 pm depending upon the program, is divided into three parts. The majority of the morning is spent in the intense and in-depth (be-iyyun) study of Gemara with time devoted to the study of halachah and hashkafah, at the discretion of the Rebbe. The second component of the morning program is a 45 minute shiur devoted to the study of Tanakh, and the third

component, applicable to our advanced track Shiurim, is comprised of basic general Gemara study with an emphasis on breadth over depth (bekius), which in some cases takes place in the Yeshiva University Beis Medrash under the guidance of RIETS students.

The General Studies program begins at either 1:20 pm or 2:00 pm, depending upon the above Limmudei Kodesh schedule, and is divided into six periods covering a full range of disciplines including the sciences, mathematics, language, literature and history. Each student attends five academic courses and a Physical Education class. Both the Judaic and the General studies program incorporate requirements outside the classroom, including preparation for classes, exams and written assignments.

The School

Located in northern Manhattan, on the Wilf campus of Yeshiva University, home of Yeshiva College and the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), Yeshiva University High School for Boys draws nearly 300 students from the greater New York metropolitan area and beyond. Approximately 90% of the student body commutes from throughout the five boroughs of N.Y.C. and its suburbs. The other 10%, drawn from throughout North America and the world, lives in our campus residence hall.

The teaching, guidance, and administrative staff are made up of a very diverse group of professionals. Rebbeim and General Studies faculty members are carefully selected from candidates who exhibit a love of the subject matter, as well as a display of care and concern for their students. The majority of teachers hold masters’ degrees in their subject area and more than half hold additional degrees and certifications. Most members of the rabbinical staff hold a masters’ degree in addition to their ordination and many are involved in Jewish leadership fields such as the pulpit rabbinate.

Community

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Located at the heart of Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus, YUHSB students have unparalleled access to facilities such as the many batei medrash, the Max Stern Athletic Center (NCAA Full regulation sized basketball court, the Pollack and Gottesman Libraries (world famous for manuscripts and volumes in both judaic and non-judaic sources), university laboratories, Tenzer Gardens, and more.

In our own building, The Joseph Alexander Library, located in an architecturally acclaimed space, is the centerpiece of our second and third floors. It houses over 14,000 volumes and is continually growing. The room serves as a study hall for individual work or review sessions. It also houses a beautiful iMac Lab. Our lending library of over 225 videos, including a classical film collection, is available to both students and teachers.

The Campus

The MAX is home to the YU Macabees, and our own MTA Lions Basketball teams.

Our library has over 14,000 books and a brand new iMac lab as well.

The Lions’ Den, home to our Hockey & Soccer Lions.

The Glueck Beit Midrash is one of 7 available to our students on the Yeshiva University campus.

Average SAT scores

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YUHSB at a Glance

Manhattan

Brooklyn

QueensWest

Hempstead

The Five Towns

Great Neck

All students are required to take: » 4 years of intensive Judaic Studies » 4 years of English and History » 3 years of Math (Upon entry to the school, students are placed in either an honors or regular Math track. Students in the honors track may elect to take AP Calculus in the junior year.)

» 3 years of Science (Including Biology and Chemistry) » 3 years of Physical Training/ Health Education » 1 year of Jewish History or Jewish Thought » 4 years of foreign language (after one year of Hebrew a student may elect to continue with Hebrew or take French, Spanish, and Yiddish for three more years)

» 1 elective (at the minimum)

The Academic ProgramElectives & Options:Starting with the sophomore year, qualified students may elect to take AP courses in Biology, American History, English Literature, European History, Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, and Psychology. Additional electives are offered in Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Film, Literature, Public Speaking, and Music. Advanced students may take courses at Yeshiva College, they Sy Syms School of Business, and the Belz School of Music.

TransportationWe provide daily bussing from the following communities:

This year, we started to provide late busses for students who wish to participate in after school programming (night seder, sports, clubs, studying, etc). This alleviates the burden from parents having to carpool. These busses leave school at 9PM three nights a week.

Special Late Busses

Edison / Highland Park

Passaic

Teaneck / Bergenfield

New Rochelle

Monsey

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9th grade

11th grade

10th grade

12th grade

Course of StudyThis guide is an illustration of the requirements and options available to students as they progress through four years. The route a student takes depends on his background, interest, aptitude, and plans for the future.

The following is the planned curriculum for this academic year, subject to modification.

» Talmud & Tanakh (Bekius) » English » Biology » Biology - Lab » World History I » Mathematics – Integrated Algebra or Geometry

» Hebrew Language » Physical Education

» Talmud & Tanakh (Bekius) » English, United States History I » Mathematics – Algebra II & Trigonometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus or Calculus AB

» Science Elective: Physics, AP Physics or AP Biology

» Physical Education » Language: French, Hebrew, Spanish or Yiddish

» Additional Elective: Biomedical Engineering or AP Computer Science

» Talmud & Tanakh (Bekius) » English, Chemistry, World History II (or AP European)

» Mathematics – Geometry or Algebra II & Trigonometry

» Chemistry - Lab » Physical Education » Language: Arabic, French, Hebrew, or Spanish

» Additional Elective: Scientific Engineering

» Talmud & Tanakh » English or AP English Literature » United States History II or AP American History

» Jewish History, Bekius or Beis Medrash Katan

» Language: French, Hebrew, Spanish or Yiddish

» Electives as offered by YUHSB » Courses at Yeshiva College and Syms School of Business

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YUHSB at a Glance

Who’s looking out for my 9th grader?

Your Son

His Rebbe

Dr. TaylorPrincipal, General Studies

Rabbi GopinFreshman Mashgiach

Mr. DobrickDean of Students

Mrs. LevittFreshman Dean

Mr. GillersDirector of Dormitory Life / Av Bayit

Semikha / YC StudentMadrich

Rabbi SchenkerDirector of Learning Center

Rabbi CimentGuidance Counselor

Mr. ToporovskyGuidance Counselor

Rabbi SchillerMashgiach Ruchani

Mrs. SheffeyDirector of Guidance

Rabbi TaubesRosh Yeshiva

Housed on the 5th floor of Yeshiva University’s Muss Residence Hall, our dormitory is a wonderful option for both “in-towners” and “out-of-towners” alike. With a strong team of devoted and talented dorm counselors, and the warmth and support of an av and eim bayit, the dorms are a wonderful place for students to live while at MTA. The convenience of being in a connected building cannot be overstated. From Sunday afternoon trips to weekly family-style dinners, there is a host of meaningful programming for our dorm students.

Our Dormitory

Weekly dinners at the Av and Eim Bayit’s apartment add to the family atmosphere of the dormitory.

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YUHSB at a Glance

Three major objectives define all of our Torah Studies. The first objective is to foster within each student a passionate love for and commitment to Torah study, accompanied by a conviction that he can attain Torah greatness. This is possible when a student feels a sense of mastery of the material, and thus, the second objective is to develop methodological skills through a progression over the course of four years. Finally, skills alone are insufficient if not applied to a breadth of knowledge, and so the third objective is to expose the students to a critical mass of yedios, Torah concepts. When a student attains these objectives, he is drawn to the majesty that is learning, and is able to see how Torah beautifully applies to all aspects of life.

Torah study is not limited, however, to formal classroom shiurim. We aim to foster warm rebbe-talmid relationships, organize special mishmar programs, chagigos and shabbatonim, and to contribute to the nurturing of our students in a supportive learning environment. In addition, we offer cooperative chavrusa programs with older students in the Mazer Yeshiva Program and with the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Their kollelim and Batei Medrash provide both resources and role models for our students to utilize and to emulate. We offer dynamic yemei iyun programming, and are fortunate to have regular presentations from, and chaburahs with, RIETS Roshei Yeshiva -- all of which goes toward the creation of an all-encompassing, living Torah environment for our students.

In our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, many of our rebbeim and teachers participate in cutting-edge staff development seminars lead by professors from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate Institute for Jewish Education. The close relationship that YUHSB shares with Yeshiva University ensures that our school environment is characterized by a drive toward growth and improvement, and an unfaltering commitment to each and every student.

Overview

Limm

udei Kodesh

In this section:

13 Gemara

14 Halacha

15 Jewish History

16 Tanakh

17 BMK

18 Yeshiva Fellowship

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Limmudei Kodesh

GemaraOne of the goals of the four-year Gemara program is to equip students with the methodological skills necessary for proficiency in the classic style of learning. Students in younger grades learn how to read the lines of the Gemara, that is, the methodology of how to “make a laining.” Through a development of vocabulary, grammar and syntax rules, students progress toward mastery of independent Gemara study. The focal point of this methodology is the Gemara itself, Rashi, and Tosafos. Eventually, the students are taught how to “extract” the unspoken assumptions in the sugya, and to develop the conceptual basis for each machlokes, havah amina and maskanah, and kushya and terutz in the Gemara. Specific methodologies include how to identify the “pivotal point” of each dichotomy, and how to use deduction and induction in the creation of a sevara. Gemara research skills are taught as well, with the use of additional rishonim and of classical acharonim, as appropriate. In addition, students are exposed to the breadth of Gemara through a bekius class, either as a part of their regular morning shiur, or as part of a session in the Beis Medrash; This class culminates with a festive school-wide siyum at the end of the year.

In general, MTA follows a three-year cycle of Nashim, Nezikin, and Moed. The specific Masechta studied in any given year is chosen in consultation with the rabbinic faculties of RIETS, since the high school students are often paired with the older, more advanced boys of MYP and RIETS, and an overlap in study promotes greater academic unity.

Through the combination of the iyyun and the bekius Shiurim, talmidim gain insight into the depth and breadth of Shas. Each Shiur is, of course, geared to the level and the needs of that particular group of students and the specific Shiur curriculum is meticulously designed to reach each talmid in accordance with his ability, so as to instill a love of Torah and an appreciation for learning in every student at every level. In addition to learning from our own outstanding and accomplished Rebbeim— all talmidei chachamim, mechanchim and role models of note—our students have the unparalleled opportunity to benefit from the tutelage and camaraderie of members of the RIETS Beis Medrash and its Kollelim, as well as from consistent exposure to Yeshiva University’s esteemed and world-renowned Roshei Yeshiva, who visit and interact with the High School on a regular basis.

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Annual SiyyumEvery year, MTA organizes a school siyum. Shiurim of all different levels participate, and in May 2014, more than 150 students participated in the siyum. Thanks to the challenging, but still manageable parameters of the initiative, some of our seniors will finish their 4th masechta this year, either in bekius, or b’iyun.

In the words of one rebbe, “To see the genuine pride, joy and excitement on the faces of the talmidim at the siyum is absolutely priceless.”

HalachaThe Halacha curriculum seeks to prepare our talmidim to embrace the world armed with the knowledge and understanding of how to live life fully according to the will of Hashem.

» All classes learn Halacha with their Gemara rebbeim.

» At the end of four years, students are exposed to laws related to daily living, tefillah, shabbos, kashrus, and life cycle events.

» Aside from learning the practical laws, students are also able to appreciate how the halakhah emanates from the Talmud.

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Limmudei Kodesh

Jewish HistoryThe course is designed to develop Jewish literacy by an investigation of major Jewish literary works within the context of their historical period. The time line for the course spans the ancient and classical periods through the modern era. Thus, for example, students will study the formation of the mishnah, the writings that reflect the Rabbanite - Karaite schism, and the letters of Rav Shimshon Rephael Hirsch, zt”l amongst many others. The objectives of this course consist of the following:

» Understanding our heritage and the great, classical works as they fit into the world around them. » Analysis of major trends in Jewish history and in the contemporaneous world history. » Seeing the yad HaShem as the divine force of the fabric of historical development. » Critical thinking and research skills as applied to the social sciences. » Applying the lessons of history to appreciate and understand how we fit into the greater world community.

» Primary and secondary sources are read and analyzed as a tool to achieve the above objectives.

Jewish History education continues outside the classroom through extra-curricular and in-school programming that enables our students to “live” the history through consistent exposure to the ideas, people, and thoughts of Jewish history.from the peshat.

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TanakhThe richness of Torah SheBikhsav is taught in shiurim of Chumash and in shiurim of Nakh. The methodological skills in which students are guided, dependent on their level, involve seven areas, as follows:

» Reading - translation, textual skills, particularly the use of the ta’amei hamikra in understanding the peshat of the pasuk.

» Analysis - understanding themes, literary patterns, conceptual frameworks, particularly using parshanut hamikra to guide us.

» Rashi - extracting the unspoken question behind the commentary, that is “what’s bothering Rashi?” and understanding the lesson which the commentary seeks to teach.

» Targumim - understanding how to extract the hidden ideas that unfold when the targum deviates from the peshat.

» Parshanut - learning to appreciate the unique style and approach of each of the classical meforshim.

» Halakhah - investigating to see how halakhah ultimately derives from the text. » Hashkafah / Relevance - learning the great lessons from Torah and seeing how they speak to us today, throughout our lives.

Many students participate in a chavrusa program in these shiurim with older students from the RIETS programs, under the supervision of the regular rebbe.

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Limmudei Kodesh

Beis Medrash Katan (BMK)The Julius Wrubel Beis Medrash Katan program is designed to afford qualified students an exceptionally intensive learning experience, thereby transitioning them into the world of Beis Medrash learning in which they will continue to thrive in Eretz Yisrael, in Yeshiva University and/or in other mekomos ha-Torah thereafter. These boys are exposed to the very best of the traditional “yeshiva atmosphere” and study at a level not often made available to high school students.

At present, the 12th Graders in the BMK learn in the YU Beis Medrash, where they spend most of their morning preparing for Shiur under the close guidance of Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, one of YUHSB’s outstanding Rebbeim. Rabbi Cohen delivers his advanced level Shiur following the morning iyun Seder, much as at YU and at leading yeshivos in Eretz Yisrael. In addition, the boys in the BMK program are required to spend several nights a week learning at a night Seder, held in local community Batei Medrash (particularly at Congregation Beth Abraham in Bergenfield, NJ, under the direct supervision of Rabbi Cohen). They also benefit from an extended night Seder in YU’s Glueck Beis Medrash under the supervision of two shoalim u-meishivim provided by the high school, both members of the prestigious Kollel Elyon at RIETS. These talmidim also dedicate a portion of their time to independent and group study of mikra and machshavah. On occasion, the BMK has organized trips to communities where the talmidim have functioned as mentors to middle school students.

A form of this intensive and advanced learning program is now available to talmidim in Grades 9-11 as well. Several Shiurim on those levels are offered an afternoon Seder which is spent learning in the YU Beis Medrash (alongside the 12th grade BMK boys) with RIETS students, under the supportive supervision of their own Rebbeim. In addition, several of those Shiurim have adopted a graduated model of the iyun Seder be-chavrusa in a Beis Medrash followed by an iyun Shiur, and those talmidim commit to a night Seder program, as well.

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Yeshiva Fellowship

“To feel the mysterious heartbeat of the Torah, one has to identify oneself with it. The soul of man, his experiences,

must somehow be attuned to the soul of the Torah.”—HaRav Yosef D. Soloveitchik

The YUHSB Yeshiva Fellowship is an exciting initiative that provides students with the chance to be part of a select group of motivated students who are interested in additional opportunities to grow in Torah. The goal of the fellowship is for the talmidim to be inspired, and to develop both communally and individually through involvement in the many unique and special opportunities that our yeshiva has to offer.

The Yeshiva Fellowship has its own separate commitments and requirements, as explained on the following page.

Exciting opportunities:

» Join a group of peers who are interested in unique and exciting opportunities to grow in Torah

» Benefit from the personal guidance of a dedicated Mashgiach for each cohort

» Learn from world renowned Roshei Yeshiva in a warm, personal environment

» Apply the Torah you learn outside of the classroom with special trips and events

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Limmudei Kodesh

Please send questions to:Yeshiva Fellowship Program Coordinator

Rabbi Netanel [email protected]

Rabbi Rafi Pearl, Mashgiach of the 2014-2015 YF Cohort, addresses his talmidim.

With the participation of Rav Hershel Schachter, distinguished Posek and RIETS Rosh Yeshiva/Rosh Kollel, and Rav Mayer Twersky, esteemed RIETS Rosh Yeshiva and head of the Yeshiva University Masmidim Honors Program, the students take full advantage of being part of RIETS, which includes following a special halacha curriculum, hearing chaburos from other RIETS Roshei Yeshiva, and experiencing the vibrant mishmar in the Yeshiva University Beis Medrash.

The talmidim of the fellowship also benefit from the personal guidance of a dedicated Mashgiach for each cohort who will guide the students as they develop into exceptional role models as Bnai Torah. The fellowship also provides informal opportunities to grow and be inspired through special trips, programs, Shabbatons and melaveh malkas. Accepted students may receive a financial reward via our existing Distinguished Scholarship Program.

Who Should Apply? The Yeshiva Fellowship Committee is looking for demonstration of strong interest in and commitment to growth in Torah outside the classroom.Applicants are asked to provide:

- A description of interest in the program - Description of learning done outside school - 2 Letters of Recommendation

What Makes it so Special?

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YUHSB at a Glance

Yeshiva University High School for Boys is accredited by the Board of Regents of the State University of New York and by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools. As such, its courses and requirements conform to the standards of the Board of Regents, and examinations in Regents subjects are given in June of each year in a number of required subjects. Students who pass all the requirements of the Board of Regents receive a New York State Regents Diploma. Those students who meet the more rigorous requirements of YUHSB receive a Yeshiva University High School Diploma, which is approved by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and by the school administration with the sanction of the Yeshiva University High Schools’ Board.

It should be emphasized that Regents examinations are not the central fo-cus of the General Studies curriculum, which is developed and evaluated by the faculty and the administration of the school. Results of the Regents examinations do, however, appear on the official school transcript.

All major courses (some electives excluded) are offered at two levels, Honors and Regular. Honors sections are more demanding in terms of work required and material covered. Students are placed in Honors sec-tions according to interest and aptitude, and are given the opportunity to express their interest in the honors program during course registration each spring.

Overview

General Studies

In this section:23 English

25 History

27 Math

29 Sciences

32 Foreign Languages

33 Senior Electives

35 Sample Schedules

36 Honors College

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22

General Studies

EnglishThis year, the ninth-grade curriculum explores the themes of leadership, heroism, and responsibility. Our units are structured around the major novel we are studying at the time. Within each unit, however, we work on all 4 major foci of our English program:

9th grade Major Works: » Summer reading: Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card

» One additional non-fiction work chosen from Jack Weatherford’s Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau’s Out of the Depths: The Story of a Child of Buchenwald Who Returned Home at Last, Alfred Lansing’s Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, or John Wooden’s They Call Me Coach

» The Odyssey, by Homer » Lord of the Flies, by William Golding » Antigone, by Sophocles » Antigone, by Jean Anouilh

» Major works of literature are supplemented by additional short stories, poems, and essays relating to the work

Literature * Explore novels, short stories, essays, plays, and poems * Improve and develop reading strategies with which to

approach different texts * Learn to read critically and ask questions * Introduce students to a number of classical literary al-

lusions (e.g. Achilles’ Heel, Pandora’s Box…), phrases that are part of the language in Western Culture.

* Develop the ability to present clear, precise oral re-sponses to questions

Writing * Understand basic essay structure * Work to express thoughts, arguments, as well as

creative ideas with precise, clear, and interesting text * Practice writing on demand * Learn to write intelligently about the novels, stories,

poems, essays, and related works that make up each unit

* Begin the process of constructing analytical papers with thesis, supports, and warrants

* In “Writing Workshop,” students have frequent, short assignments. They are expected to revise these pieces multiple times.

* During our examination of memoir, students will focus on writing personal essays.

Vocabulary and UsageThe Freshman vocabulary list was created to expand students vocabulary and give them the chance to write and speak critically and precisely about the works they are reading. The vocabulary list builds slowly and is cumulative.The program also works to systematically clarify commonly confused or misused words. The word clarification part of the program is also cumulative.

GrammarThis is the toolbox or the palette the writer uses to express himself. Students focus on technical grammar:

» Review of eight parts of speech » Examine phrases and clauses, their functions and usage » Recognize errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics and understand how to correct them

We also explore different sentence structures – phrases and clauses – to add variety to writing.

9th Grade

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10th Grade

12th Grade

11th Grade

10th grade Major Works: » Bede's A History of the English Church and People » The Canterbury Tales; Prologue by Geoffrey Chaucer » Macbeth, by William Shakespeare » The Diary of Samuel Pepys » Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe » Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge » Frankenstein by Mary Shelley » Hard Times and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens » Kim, by Rudyard Kipling » The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad

LiteratureWe begin in the Anglo-Saxon period with Beowulf followed followed by the list provided as recommended by the State University of New York..

WritingStudents write two research papers and frequent expository essays as part of the ongoing writing process. Focus is on expository and persuasive writing skills. Students are taught the fundamentals of research and construction of written rhetoric.

VocabularyVocabulary is taught from the studied literary works which allows for modeling and instruction in usage.

GrammarParts of speech, punctuation, and paragraphing form the basics of instruction.

LiteratureOne of the goals of English in 12th grade is to refine an appreciation of literature of all genres, classic and contemporary. Additionally, we aim to stimulate conversation about the ‘self’, destiny, fate, loyalty, and social awareness, and to evaluate, debate, and inform texts that are perspectival in nature and relevant to current issues. WritingNon-Honors Seniors are assigned a Fall and Spring Reaction Paper on a literary work fiction or non-fiction, chosen by the instructor. The writing program is designed to establish a basic structure for written expression, and encourage students to form opinion with confidence

11th Grade - Major Works » Summer Reading -- A Connecticut Yankee At King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain

» The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne » The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams » Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller » The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck » 12 Angry Men, by Reginald Rose » The Awakening, by Kate Chopin » The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner » Hamlet, by William Shakespeare

» 12th Grade - Major Works » Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo » The Magician, by Somerset Maugham » Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw » The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare » The Stranger, by Albert Camus » Catcher In the Rye, by JD Salinger » Brighton Rock, by Graham Greene

LiteratureEnglish in Junior year is geared toward the development of language skills through active reading and intensive writing, and to familiarize students with a canon of literature appropriate to an independent high school. Additionally, we aim to prepare students for the English Language Regents, SAT and SAT II examinations, and for students who apply, the Advanced Placement exams ACT exam. Lastly, we seek to offer students an avenue of personal expression and offer possibility of publication

WritingStudents are assigned regularly to write expository and persuasive essays. Occasionally, students are assigned to research historical data pertaining either to the time period or philosophy of the author or characters. All juniors are assigned a Fall and Spring Reaction Paper based on a literary work.

British LiteratureThe required summer reading of My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok initiates the year, followed by Shooting an Elephant, by George Orwell.

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General Studies

Mr. Semach brought his class

to see a first century tablet in

the YU Library.

» Recognize major trends in historiography: Understand political and economic conflict and consensus as possible motors of history.

» Develop research, writing, and note-taking skills and critically analyze historical evidence.

» Recognize and learn to appreciate the major trends and styles in Art and Music while appreciating the pieces themselves as historical documents.

» Understand the political process and be able to make sound judgments and choices as active citizens of local, national and global communities.

» Appreciate various heritages of people throughout the world and recognize gender roles in the shaping of the modern world.

» Become geographically literate: learn how to use maps for geographic, economic and political analysis.

World History I – Grade NineThis course covers the ancient, medieval, and early-modern periods, beginning with the origins of ancient religions. Topics covered in depth include Greece, Rome, the medieval conflict between church and state, the Renaissance and Reformation, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. Students are required to submit several essays in order to prepare them for the research and writing assignments in later grades. Diversified primary sources are also utilized in the classroom.

History

We develop our students’ knowledge and

understanding of major turning points in the

shaping of world history to help them contribute

to the multicultural, increasingly technological and interdependent world. Going beyond those basic goals, our faculty prepares

our students to:

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American Studies Seminar(AP Credit in American History)

This is a yearlong course open to those students who plan to take the AP exam in May and who obtain the approval of the Department Chair. As an intensive program of text analysis and essay writing, this course is taught in seminar format, with emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to selected topics in 20th Century America.

World History II – Grade Ten (Regents)

The content of this course begins with the French Revolution and examines the political, social, economic, and intellectual forces that have shaped the Modern World. Other topics covered include the Industrial Revolution, Marxism, Nationalism, Imperialism, the Russian Revolution, World War I, the Rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II and the Holocaust, the Cold War, the Fall of Communism and the rise of the third world. Students are introduced to various interpretations and primary sources in order to familiarize them with the methods and diversity of historical analysis.

A research paper is required for this course, where students are expected to make use of both secondary and primary sources.

AP European History – Grade Ten

Similar in content to World History II, this course places greater emphasis on key European historical issues between 1450 and the Fall of Communism. Greater attention is given to analysis of key documents in European political, social, and intellectual history.

Instead of a research paper, students review for a major exam that focuses on the period 1450-1789 in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

United States History I –Grade Eleven

This course presents an introduction to the major themes, personalities and events which shaped the foundation and development of our nation in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Among the areas covered are Colonial Life, the American Revolution and formation of the Constitution, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy, Slavery and the Civil War, the Passing of the Frontier and the Agrarian Revolt. American government is covered as well.

The student is given various research and writing projects aimed at developing the ability to critically analyze key documents in the development of our society.

United States History II – Grade Twelve (Regents)

Building on the foundations laid in United States History I, this course familiarizes the student with the major issues, events, and personalities that have shaped the 20th Century – the American Century. Topics include the Industrial era and Social Change, the emergence of America as a world power, the Depression and the New Deal, World War II and new global perspectives in U.S. foreign policy, the origins and development of the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the Reagan Revolution, and the Post-Modern Era. Special emphasis is placed on the role of government in the shaping of our society.

Several research and writing projects are assigned which will prepare students for the U.S. History and Government Regents Exam.

Students examine the first century tablet being

researched in the YU Library.

26

General Studies

Students are placed in math courses based upon their achievement in elementary school and their aptitude as indicated by their transcripts and B.J.E. results. The department follows the New York State Regents curriculum in Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. All courses integrate the use of graphing calculators into the classroom. Each course is being modified to include the new Common Core guidelines.

Important Note: Students who have come into our school having already studied Integrated Algebra in 8th grade begin the sequence with Geometry.

Grade 9 Math (Integrated Algebra)This course is the basic course for Grade Nine students. Among the topics taught in the first term are mathematical operations on real numbers, equation solving and related word problems, operations on monomials and polynomials, inequality solving, an introduction to geometry and the solving of equations related to geometric topics. In the second term, special products and factoring are introduced as well as the solving of quadratic equations and systems of equations. Graphing is introduced as an alternative way of solving equations. Other topics taught include statistics, variation, and operations with radicals. The theme for the course is for the student to be able to create equations which will model a situation. This course concludes with a Regents exam.

Grade 10 Math (Geometry)This course is an extensive study of Geometry. Proving of geometric theorems and applying them will be the major topics that this course will cover. Algebra related to solving geometric problems is also covered. An introduction to trigonometry is included. This course concludes with a Regents exam.

Grade 11 Math (Algebra II & Trigonometry)The fall term begins with advanced algebra, extending the topics taught in Integrated Algebra. In addition, logarithms and complex numbers are introduced. The spring term focuses on the study of trigonometry. The graphing calculator is used to help students learn linear regression and other statistical topics. This course concludes with a Regents exam.

Mathematics

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Mathematics (Advanced courses)

In addition to our courses in mathematics, students can take advantage of the following math competitions during the course of the school year:

New York Mathematics League: Six examinations for schools in New York State which measure a student’s abilities in abstract topics in mathematics.

America High School Mathematics Examination: A nation-wide three-hour examination for honors students who upon successful completion, qualify for the American International Mathematics Examination.

Pre-Calculus This course offers further preparation for Calculus. After a review of the major topics of Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, additional topics such as Graphical techniques, algebraic and transcendental functions and analytic geometry are studied. Students will be prepared to move on to Calculus AB or college Calculus.

Calculus AB - Advanced PlacementThis honors course is an elective for those students who have completed Pre Calculus or who have done exceptionally well in Algebra II & Trigonometry. Calculus AB consists of a full year of work in differential and integral calculus and related topics. At the completion of the course in May, students may take the Advanced Placement examination, credit and placement for which are offered by most colleges and universities. After the AP exam, the instructor will be covering advanced topics in Linear Algebra, series, etc.

Calculus BC - Advanced PlacementThis honors course continues and extends the work of the AB course and prepares students for the BC examination.

Statistics - Advanced PlacementThis course covers the principles and methods of statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling distributions, error of estimate, significance tests, correlation and regression, Chi Square and ANOVA.

28

General Studies

OverviewThe Science Department offers the three fundamental courses of high school science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, in addition to other exciting science electives and laboratory experiences, such as Advanced Placement (A.P) and Engineering courses. Two of these courses, Biology and Chemistry, are required courses based on standards and curricula established by the Board of Regents of the State University of New York; Regents examinations in Biology and Chemistry courses are taken at the end of the first and second year science courses. Both Biology and Chemistry courses include a weekly lab component in our new state of the art laboratory facility. The Physics Course is offered in two tracks: an Advanced Placement (A.P.) course for those with highly developed Math and Science skills and a non A.P. course for those desiring an introduction to the subject. All three subjects are highly recommended for qualified students. In addition to the core science curriculum, students may choose from our electives, which are described in the rest of this section.

Science

9th Grade Science: RegentsLiving Environment – Biology A one-year Course that covers in comprehensive detail all living systems and functions. There is a weekly lab component, which requires a lab report. Topics include cell theory and chemistry, human biology, organisms, plants and animals, reproduction and development, genetics and heredity, evolution and environment, and data analysis. In addition, health topics such as nutrition and proper hygiene are integrated into the curriculum. The course ends with the administration of the New York State Regents examination. The Honors College section focuses on assisting students wishing to take SAT Subject Test in Biology.

10th Grade Science:Chemistry - RegentsThis is a one-year course based on the New York State Core Curriculum for the Physical Setting/Chemistry Regents. Laboratory work is an integral component of the course and completion of the lab component is required before a student may take the Regents examination. Topics taught include matter and energy, theories of solid, liquid and gas interaction, mathematics of chemistry, nu-clear and atomic chemistry, periodicity, bonding, solutions, acids, bases, salts, kinetics, equilibrium, oxidation reduction, electrochemistry, and organ-ic chemistry. Algebraic skills are required as a significant portion of the course involves mathe-matical computations. The course concludes with the administration of the New York State Regents examination. Strong chemistry students who are enrolled in the Honors College Chemistry course are guided to take the SAT Subject Test in Chem-istry in early June.

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Scientific Engineering – (10th Grade) Inquiry Lab-Based Elective

The first in a two-year Engineering program. This course provides students with hands-on opportunities to learn meaningful science and gain practical knowledge and thinking skills that will additionally allow them to peruse higher level degrees in high-tech fields and careers. Scientific Engineering is a foundational course of study that focuses on engineering design, electrical engineering and computer science. The year begins with an introduction to the engineering mindset of analyzing technological systems and proposing solutions for current human needs, just as bridges, elevators, and indoor plumbing did for past generations.

The fundamentals of electricity and electronics build an awareness of circuits, feedback systems, and control systems in preparation for learning to write computer programs to control electronic devices. Wiring, part of the C-family of computer languages is taught and used with the Arduino microcontroller. LEGO Mindstorms Robotics, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, resistors, LED’s, solar panels, motors and many more components will be used and will guide students towards a final project of their choosing where they will be able to utilize the design, electrical, and computer programming skills they have learned throughout the year. The course uses innovative methods of teaching and learning including in-class contests, student discovery, group work, reflection and rebuilds, teacher-student conferences, and guest experts from the engineering field.

11th and 12th Grade Science Electives:Advanced Placement (A.P.) Physics

A one-year university level course wherein successful completion of the two A.P. exams (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) may result in one or two semesters of college course credit. Calculus is a co-requisite. Classes meet for a double period every day; Lab sessions are held in the University’s Physics Laboratories. The course uses Differential and Integral Calculus to cover a broad sampling of Introductory Physics including Newtonian mechanics, statics and kinematics, rotational motion, oscillations. gravity, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, induction, and Maxwell's Equations. After the A.P. is administered in May, advanced topics such as Special Relativity, alternating current, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, waves and optics, atomic and nuclear physics introduction to Quantum Mechanics, etc. are discussed. In addition to the coursework, Lab reports are a component of the final grade.

30

General Studies

Scientific Engineering II – (11th Grade) Inquiry Lab-Based Elective

The second in a two-year Engineering program. Scientific Engineering II is a multidisciplinary field that unites many engineering subjects. The course investigates fields that are at the cutting edge of research and development worldwide, and trains the students in self-study as a tool for use in the dynamic world of science and engineering; it also provides them with skills in new areas of knowledge, the ability to work in teams, independent judgment and thinking with initiative. Questions on such subjects as cloning, extension of life expectancy, bone marrow transplants, creating live cells and live tissues, experiments on humans, genetic engineering, genetic planning and so on will be explored as a general framework for the possibilities of integration of engineering and biology. Units build upon the foundations of engineering design, electrical engineering, and computer science gained in the Scientific Engineering I course, and allow for advanced study of Biomechanics used for Movement Analysis and Robotics, Design of Bio-electronic monitoring instruments, Building and Training Artificial Neural Networks in their application in artificial intelligence, and the use of Nanotechnology for future transposing of DNA information to molecular electronics.

Physics

Physics is the Science of interactions among bodies and energy at their most fundamental level. This course will give the students an appreciation of the application of non-calculus mathematics to solving conceptually simple problems as well as understanding the issues revolving around some of the most exciting scientific challenges of our age. The first semester will cover topics such as the motion of particles and their interaction with energy, gravitation, behavior of forces, etc. The second semester will cover Electricity and Magnetism, including circuits, Thermal Physics, Optics, and Modern Physics. For students considering taking entry-level Science at the college level, this course is strongly recommended. The primary entry criteria are a demonstrated familiarity in algebra, geometry, and simple trigonometry.

Advanced Placement Biology

A one-year university level course wherein successful completion of the A.P. Exam may result in earning college course credit. Topics include Biochemistry, energy, transport, genetics, evolution, vertebrate biology and physiology, ecology, plant life and systems. Classes meet for a double period every day; Lab sessions are held in the University’s Biology Laboratories.

Advanced Placement (A.P.) Chemistry

A one-year university level course wherein successful completion with the A.P. exam may result in college course credit. It follows the topics in Regents Chemistry course but in much greater depth and mathematical complexity. Advanced Algebraic skills are required. Classes meet for a double period every day; Lab sessions are held in the Uni-versity’s Chemistry Laboratories.

Advanced Placement (A.P.) Computer Science

This is a one-year course in col-lege-level Computer science using the Java programming language. Topics include the architecture of comput-ers and characteristics of high-level programming languages, an introduc-tion to Object Oriented Programming, object variables and methods, condi-tional execution, general class design, advanced debugging, arrays, advanced algorithms, recursion, re-use, and poly-morphism. In the second semester, the Instructor will determine who will be permitted to take the Computers Science “A” A.P. examination. Some previous knowledge of computers/ap-plications is required. A solid grasp of Mathematical skills at the pre-calculus level is strongly recommended.

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Foreign LanguagesStudents are required to take Hebrew Language in 9th grade. In 10th grade, students in an honors shiur will be registered in a foreign language course of their choosing for two days a week. Students in regular tracks will be registered in a foreign language course of their choosing for four days a week. Students will take their second and third year of foreign language instruction during their junior and senior years.

The Yeshiva University High School for Boys’ Foreign Language Program structures its curriculum according to the following goals and objectives:1. Instruction is centered on the development of communicative skills including listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing2. Our aim is to help students develop an understanding and appreciation for the cultural, social, and historical background of those speaking the target language.

Our language courses do not present language as an abstract linguistic system focusing solely on grammar or vocabulary in isolation. Instead, we strive to present the target language as the medium of the culture, history, and literature. For this reason, instructional methodology is both inductive and integrated in its approach, presenting concepts and skills such as grammar and vocabulary in the context of thematic readings and cultural background.In beginning and intermediate classes, the target language is

used as often as possible. In advanced classes instruction is conducted almost entirely in the target language with the students required to participate in the same manner. A wide variety of techniques and strategies are employed in addition to this emphasis on oral and aural instruction. Through these strategies, students are expected to become proficient with critical listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and written expression. Target language texts used are semi-authentic and authentic.

In addition to the acquisition of the basic skills of communication and the understanding of diverse cultures, we also expect our students to develop a critical appreciation of the way language is used to develop thoughts, to express ideas, and to influence others. As students progress through course levels, they are expected to build and enhance their ability to analyze literature with a sound level of sophistication and to demonstrate that understanding in written or oral expression.

Hebrew:Students learn Hebrew language and literature in the 9th grade and have the option of continuing to study Hebrew in 10th and 11th grade. In the twelfth grade, the students are offered an Ulpan elective.

Texts Used:Grades 9 and 10 - BaDerech; B’Noam; B’Darchei Noam – according to the levels of the students; Hebrew Literature from the Gesher SeriesGrade 11- Israel Studies in HebrewGrade 12- Elective- Ulpan- Darkon L'Yisrael Ancillary Materials: Hebrew Newspaper – Sh’aar La’Matchil and Yanshuf; Israeli Songs

In addition to Hebrew, we offer

these languages as well:

» Arabic » French » Latin » Spanish » Yiddish

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General Studies

Julius Wrubel Beis Medrash Katan Enhanced

An additional period of BMK to enhance learning and the Beis Medrash experience. An additional period will allow for a more robust iyyun seder and shiur, and enable more ambitious bekius horizons and expanded machshava opportunities.

Senior ElectivesDuring the senior year, seniors are required to take at least one elective. They may take one of the math (p. 27) or science (p. 29) electives already explained in the course descriptions above or choose from the following other options:

AP Economics

After a brief history of political economy, this course introduces the student to the basic workings of the business world and the stock market. Students learn about the government’s role in the economy and influencing the business cycle. This class takes place two days a week throughout the duration of the year.

AP Psychology

Equivalent to a Psychology I course in college, AP Psychology covers topics such as the human brain, child development, thinking and language, and principles of testing.

Hebrew Ulpan

This class is designed to improve student’s ability to converse in Hebrew in preparation for studying in Israel after high school.

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Music EnsembleRegistration is limited and ability to play musical instrument is required. Students must try out and receive instructor’s permission for registering for this class. The class meets one time per week at lunchtime and at least one time per month at a time of mutual agreement. In addition, students occasionally rehearse outside of school in preparation for performances. The goal of the students in the class, under the supervision of a musical director, will be to form a band and perfect their abilities to play together.

Names, Not NumbersSee “Only at MTA” section for a full description of this amazing program on page 51.

Public SpeakingThe fall segment of the course includes extemporaneous speaking, formal informational speeches, debate, group discussion, interview techniques and oral interpretation. Students are required to do research in preparation for the presentations. In the class the students critique each speech. The spring semester is devoted to the study of a number of play scripts. The students will select a script for presentation. Students will be involved in all facets of the production, from acting to directing to creating the scenery.

Yeshiva College ElectivesSeniors who meet the academic requirements of an 85 average and a combined score of 1250 on the Critical Reading and math sections of SAT I exam, may be eligible to take up to four courses at Yeshiva College and/or the Syms School of Business. There is no additional tuition charge and grades in college courses appear on both the high school transcripts, where they meet elective requirements, and on the college transcript. College credit for these courses is earned for students who will attend YC.

Senior FellowshipThis prestigious senior designation will be available to up to four YUHSB seniors, who will be chosen by Principal/Depart-ment Head. The selected students will forgo two periods of elective course work and, instead, individually meet with a designated Y.C. faculty advisor to collaborate on a special project agreed upon between them. Whether as lab assistant, research assistant or simply as a participant in an independent study, senior research fellows will meet regularly with his Y.C. advisor. Each semester, the student will make a presentation on his progress to a super committee composed of the adviso-ry committee, the other Senior Fellows, the YUHSB Educational Leadership, and selected other invitees.

Criteria for selection include superior academic performance and standardized test scores, propensity for independent study and research, and outstanding midot. Disciplines may include: Jewish Studies, Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Math, Physics, Economics, and Music.

34

General Studies

Sample 9th Grade ScheduleTime Subject

9:20am – 10:40am Gemara

10:40am – 10:50am Break


11:30am – 12:20pm Chumash (Twice per week) OR Hebrew Language (Twice per week)

12:20pm – 1:10pm Lunch

1:10pm – 1:52pm Talmud Topics

1:52pm – 2:02pm Mincha

2:05pm – 2:48pm English

2:51pm – 3:34pm Biology

3:37pm – 4:20pm Math

4:23pm – 5:06pm Phys. Ed. (Three times per week) OR Lab (once per week)

5:09pm 5:52pm World History



10:40am – 10:50am Break


11:30am – 12:20pm Tanakh (Twice per week) OR Spanish Language (Twice per week)




2:05pm – 2:48pm Chemistry

2:51pm – 3:34pm Phys. Ed. (Three times per week) ORLab (once per week)

3:37pm – 4:20pm AP European History

4:23pm – 5:06pm Algebra

5:09pm 5:52pm English



10:40am – 10:50am Break


11:30am – 12:20pm Gemara ORSenior Elective, such as “Names, Not Numbers”


1:10pm – 1:52pm Gemara



2:51pm – 3:34pm AP Psychology

3:37pm – 4:20pm Yeshiva University: Calculus (Twice per week) OR Yeshiva University: Revolutionary Societies (Twice per week)

4:23pm – 5:06pm Yeshiva University: Economics Seminar



10:40am – 10:50am Break


11:30am – 12:20pm Chumash (Twice per week) OR Arabic Language (Twice per week)





2:51pm – 3:34pm AP Calculus

3:37pm – 4:20pm AP Biology (Double Period)

4:23pm – 5:06pm

5:09pm 5:52pm American History

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The Honors College at YUHSBThe Honors College at YUHSB is an enriched academic program for exceptionally gifted students who seek an intensive and integrated course of study. The program’s mission is to explicitly engage the worlds of knowledge by exposing its members to the most challenging course of study and programming.

The students enrolled in the Honors College participate in a more rigorous academic schedule that includes lectures, a book project, cultural and religious experiences, and regular seminars. Through the Honors College, students utilize New York City as an integral part of the classroom experience. The enrichment is centered around student participation in monthly programs and trips to enhance their understanding of religious, historical, artistic, and scientific issues.

Another major component of the Honors College is a commitment to comprehensive academic mentoring, where students are paired up with a mentor, from either the high school or college faculty, who meet with the student and help guide and aid on his path.

The program is directed by Dr. Ed Berliner, Executive Director of Science Management for Yeshiva University, Clinical Professor of Physics at Yeshiva College, and beloved and respected instructor at YUHSB.

Advantages of the Honors College: » Students are introduced to best practices in Limmudei Kodesh, Humanities & Sciences, Leadership, NYC Culture, and Yeshiva University.

» Students who have completed this enrichment course graduate with a special notation on their transcript.

Students discuss their summer reading with Rabbi Schiller and Mr. Kulnis as part of the

inaugural Honors College Session Fall 2014.

36

General Studies

Growth MilestonesYear One Boys to Men: Character, Civility, and the Journey towards Masculine Leadership

Year Two Jerusalem and Athens: Reason, Tradition, and Critique in Western Culture

Year Three Men for Others: The Responsible Community

Year Four Self and Society: The Individual & Politics

Why the Honors College?

» Dedicated seminar style academic experience

» Dedicated Faculty and Peer Mentoring » Dedicated programs & trips for religious and cultural experiences in the spirit of Torah U’Madah L’chatchila

» Dedicated development of advanced written and oral communication

PLEASE NOTE:We will continue to offer an Honors Track & Distinguished Scholarships to students who are not in the Honors College. Many of these course offerings will be shared with the Honors College.

The Honors College Committee looks at a number of factors when considering a candidate:

» Academic Excellence: Transcript and BJE Scores

» Verbal Communcation Skills: Essay » Oral Communication Skills: Interview » Letters of Recommendation that speak to the candidate’s strong leadership, character, and intellectual pursuits.

How To Apply to the Honors College

» Submit a Statement of Intent along with the YUHSB general application

» In addition to the standard application essay, HC applicants should submit an essay on the topic of “What Torah U’Madah Means to Me”

» Submit four total letters of reccomendation: 2 from academic references, 1 character reference, and 1 leadership reference. Letters can be sent to [email protected]

Dr. Ed BerlinerDirector, Honors College

9th Grade Advisors:Mr. Adam Dobrick, Rabbi Tani Cohen

10th Grade Advisors:Mr. Derek Kulnis, Rabbi Mayer Schiller

11th Grade Advisors:Ms. Hadassah Siegfried, Rabbi Mordechai Brownstein

12th Grade Advisors:Rabbi Daniel Feldman (YU), Dr. Emily Schneider

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38

YUHSB at a Glance

Our Student Activities program is incredible. Our mission isto complement our students’ academic classroom experience. Our goal is to involve every student that is interested in something outside of the classroom. From Quidditch to Fencing, to Hockey and Debate, our pro-grams run the gammut and cross social circles to help our students gain new skills, broaden their experiential horizons, and make new friends. Our programs are student-driven. The boys help us plan our trips so that itwill be fun and meaningful for them. Our students organize clubs and teams according to their interests. When a student approaches us with a new idea for a club - all we require is an action plan, a few more interested students and a faculty advisor, and they have the green light.

OverviewStudent Activities

In this section:

41 Athletics

43 Chessed

45 Programs

46 Trips

47 Student Publications

48 Clubs

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40

Student Activities

MTA offers a full complement of competitive sports. All of our teams boast championship victoires.

Our basketball games are played on Yeshiva University’s NCAA court, and our LionsLive often streams our games over at www.macslive.com. Our sports teams embody the values

of our yeshiva. Many of our coaches are alumni of MTA and current YU students, who serve as role models for our talmidim both on and off the court.

We offer both Junior Varsity and Varsity levels of play for the sports

listed to the right.

Athletics » Basketball » Baseball » Fencing » Hockey » Soccer » Softball » Tennis » Wrestling

41


Intramurals Club TeamsIntramurals are competitive, intra-school sports that take place during lunchtime, when students face off against one another in basketball, hockey, or football. The sports are not as time-intensive as the Yeshiva League sports, but nonetheless offer many of the same advantages: fun, competition, and awesome t-shirts!

MTA offers a compelling variety of exciting “untraditional” sports teams, including fencing, Quidditch, and marathon training. Students benefit from MTA’s incredible resources - in terms of facilities, faculty, and equipment - that allow them to compete in arenas no other school can match. En garde!

Recent Sports Achievement

» 1st Place, MYHSL Varsity Hockey, 2011

» Runner-Up, MYHSL Varsity Hockey, 2013

» 1st Place, Tier II, Red Sarachek Basketball Tournament, 2013

» 1st Place, Magen David Pre-Season Tournament, 2012

» 1st Place, MYHSL Jr. Varsity Softball, 2011

42

Student Activities

ChessedChessed is an integral part of MTA life. There is a different fundraiser nearly every week, whether it’s for Hatzolah, Shalva, Od Yosef Chai, Chai Lifeline, Sharsheret, or any other charitabel organization - we are raising money, awareness, and activism for these causes.

It’s not only about raising money - we live chessed. Look through to learn more about the chessed opportunities at MTA - in the classrooms and beyond.

We arrange busses for EVERY shiur to make a trip to the Masbia Soup Kitchen in Brooklyn. Every single week of the year, a different shiur spends their Thursday morning packing Shabbos food for the hungry.

Blood DrivesEvery year, our Arista Honors Society spearheads three blood drives. These drives provide much needed pints of blood to the New York Blood Bank. Students and faculty participate every time, with over 50 participants with each drive. Each pint of blood helps save a life. It is an excellent opporunity we are happy to provide our students.

We partner with Bonim Builders and help to build sukkahs for the elderly, families and individuals with medical conditions or other external stresses.

We joined the Friendship Walk to help support the Friendship Circle. Many of our seniors particpate weekly in iShine.

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Last year, Rabbi Soniker’s shiur ran a clothing drive for Yad Sarah, an organization which helps the needy in Israel. We collected dozens of boxes of clothing and sent it to Israel’s poor.

Before Pesach, Rabbi Richter’s shiur helped Kosher Troops pack boxes of kosher food for US troops who keep kosher.

ChessedWhen we do fundraising, we get creative. Our annual Chanuka auction raffles off prizes such as VIP sporting event seats, basketball with your rebbe, a ski trip with a teacher, and other creative, exciting prizes. Many students partipate, and all the money goes to the Tzedakah.

We also send students to two different marathon races in support of two separate causes. We run with Team Lifeline in the Miami Half Marathon, and with Team Shalva in the Jerusalem Half Marathon. All money raised goes directly to these organizations.

44

Student Activities

Co-Curricular ProgrammingWe create meaningful programming to complement our clasroom education. Specifically, these programs are centered around major events throughout the year: Jewish Holidays, The Shabbaton, and Spirit Week are all major events. However, most shiurim have a shabbaton at their rebbe’s home in addition to the entire Yeshiva-wide Shabbaton. Additionally, we bring in speakers like Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks when opportunities arise.

Before Pesach, Rabbi Richter’s Shiur help Kosher Troops pack boxes of kosher food for US Military troops who keep kosher.

Our lively chagigas for Purim and Chanuka have featured Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Eitan Katz, and always incredible ruach!

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Senior Trip - The Poconos- 3 days in early summer- Private villas in the mountains- Full day at Skirmish Paintball - White Water Rafting- Midnight BBQs, of course!- Mountain Biking - Rock climbing- All night kumzits- Yearbook signing

Junior Trip - Northern Connecticut

- Whirly Ball- Batting cages

- Laser tag- Nighttime Snowtubing

- Indoor Waterpark- Broomball

Freshman Fall Trip:- Hike the Jersey Mountains

- BBQ and Sports

Freshman Spring Trip:- White Water Rafting

- BBQ and Sports

Sophomore Trip - The Dude Ranch- 2 days in early spring - Horseback Riding- Paintball- Bounce- Bowling- Extreme Gaga

Grade Trips We take every grade on a signature trip. Whether single or multiday, we have tons of fun, grow as a community, and build achdus!

46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG0VvVHfMVA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG0VvVHfMVA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyhKabvkYoM

Student Activities

PublicationsWe have a wonderful array of student-run publications. Some publish weekly (Shma Koleinu), some quarterly (The Academy News), and others annually (Perchei Yitzchak). Each has its own flavor and attracts a different type of student, allowing for alternative creative outlets for all our students. The boys gain excellent experience and guidance in writing, graphic design, layout, organization, and management skills as well. These are wonderful opportunities for our students to broaden their horizons. A student can, of course, write for multiple publications.

The Academy NewsCurrentsHatzioniA Lion’s LifeNot the BackwardsOut of BoundsPearls of WisdomPerchei YitzchakPolisShma Koleinu

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Clubs & TeamsWe have over 30 clubs and teams here at MTA. Some meet during lunch, during breakfast, or after school. Our students find time to start new clubs each year. Below is our list of clubs and teams.

The above poster advertised our second annual club fair.

» Bnai Aliyah » Book & Film Club » Chess » Chessed » Chidon HaTanakh » Chorus » College Bowl » Debate » Extemporaneous Speaking » FLEX » School Band » Hatzioni » LEAD » Library Squad » LionsLive » Machshevet Harav

» Math Club » Model UN » MTA-TV » Outdoors » Photography » Poetry » Quidditch » Robotics » Applied Science » Shakespeare Competition » Ski & Snowboard » Sports Management » Stock Market Team Student Council » Tech Tinkering Club » Torah Bowl

Our Hatzioni Lobbying mission visits the Capitol.

Sports Management got a private tour of Madison Square Garden.

Our Ski & Snowboard Club has some incredible talent!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrYT1P21r90

Student Activities

Clubs & Teams

Our Chorus won the V’atah Bonim school choral contest 3 out of the past 4 years!

Shimmy Socol and Yisroel Loewy of MTA-TV, recieved an Honorable Mention Award for their entry in C-SPAN’s

student documentary contest.

The Mountain Lions - our Outdoors Club, hikes regularly, including this recent hike up Storm King Mountain during

Chol Hamoed Sukkos.

With access to the YU training facilities, we are one of a few Yeshivas to have a Fencing team.

Our Debate Team annually hosts The Great Debate. Our pretigious delegation at Yeshiva University’s Model United Nations brings back awards every year.

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http://vimeo.com/110216142

https://vimeo.com/108194661


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MTA offers various Torah-centric, academic, athletic, extra-curricular, and cultural experiences that no other high school can. These advantages are thanks to our close, symbiotic relationship with Yeshiva University; our unique location in New York City; and the passion and rigor with which our administration implements cutting-edge programming for students of all inclinations and capabilities.

We offer a host of opportunities that no other school can provide. Simply put, these are experiences students can have ONLY AT MTA.

Only at MTA

In this section:

53 Yeshiva Connection

55 University Connection

57 Special Programs

60 Technology


52

Chaburahs with YU Roshei Yeshiva

Chidon HaTanakh

At YUHSB, talmidim have the unique opportunity to acquaint themselves with some of Yeshiva University's renowned Roshei Yeshiva, through weekly, intimate chaburahs that continue throughout the semester. Roshei Yeshiva such as Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Mayer Twersky, Rav Moshe Weinberger, Rav Mordechai Willig and Rav Aharon Kahn all participate in the program, providing our students with a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity.

We are the only American Yeshiva high school to boast winners in this fierce competition. Over the past 30 years, only two non-Israelis have won the international Chidon HaTanakh. Both of them went to MTA. The first was Rabbi Jeremy Weider in 1988, who eventually became a Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshiva University. The second was 25 years later, Yishai Eisenberg. He’s only a Junior now, but we have great hopes for his future.

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YU Beis MedrashIn addition to our students’ consistent chaburahs with Roshei Yeshiva, our boys also have regular shiurim and sedarim in the University’s Zysman Beis Medrash - a truly unique opportunity.

Our boys are fortunate to have regular chaburahs with YU students, who are young enough to be relatable, but mature enough to be in bnei beis medrash. We partner up some of our shiurim with YU shiurim in a new Big-Brother program. The YU Shiurim “adopt” an MTA shiur. They have lunch regularly, they learn together, and they build relationships.

Teaneck Mishmar Bergenfield Fridays7th and 8th grade boys from throughout the

Bergen County Area gather on Thursday nights in Congregation Beth Abraham to

learn with Rabbi Kessel - for the ultimate goal of making a siyum at the end of each school

year. The shiur goes lasts 45 minutes, and snacks and raffles are provided! Last year, the

shiur finished Masechta Tamid, and this year have begun Masechta Megillah. The boys

enjoy the close connection they make with each other and their Rebbi as they dedicate

their free time to extra Torah learning.

In MTA, there is a long-standing tradition that there is no Yeshiva on Fridays. There is an equally long-standing tradition of running informal learning programs in the various communities from which our Talmidim come. One such illustration of this is the Teaneck/Bergenfield Shachris, Breakfast and Shiur. This student-driven initiative features a 8:30am shachris minyan hosted by Ohr Hatorah, followed by a light breakfast and Shiur by Rabbi Eli Cohn. Talmidim from various grades and levels join to learn together outside of the classroom - no grades, no pressure, just bagels.

YU - MTA Mentoring

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MTA LEAD

College Courses

Our NCAA Court

Famous Speakers

In conjunction with the Sy Syms School of Business, this program empowers students with the opportunity to build ideas and create meaningful and sustainable business projects. Student pitch their ideas to an “Executive Council” and receive mentoring from a business leader. Additionally, students are able to partake in the Kukin Lecture Series, and hear from CEOs and top executives of major global companies.

In 12th grade, students may choose from Yeshiva University courses -

college credits, but at High School tuition. Our students are currently

enrolled in Finance, Political Science, and History courses, amongst others.

Students are able to use the Max Stern Athletic Center, an NCAA

regulation basketball court, for Basketball home games and in-

school intramurals.

We are fortunate to hear from some of the most influential minds in modern academic, social, and political thought. At left, Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks is pictured speaking with Avraham Tsikhanovski (‘16). Rabbi Sacks addressed the student body before Pesach last year.

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Broadway Shows Museums

George Washington Bridge

Our unique Manhattan location means that we have easy access to Broadway and off-Broadway theatre productions. The picture below is of our students outside BAM, about to see Frank Langella in “King Lear.”

Our proximity to world famous museums in Manhattan affords us the opportunity for expanded cultural experiences. The picture

below is from a trip to the Museum of Jewish Heritage

Dr. Berliner takes his Physics class on an annual trip to the support towers of the famous George

Washington Bridge - just walking distance from our Campus. They study the engineering of the bridge.

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http://vimeo.com/110591686

Makor ChaimMTA partners with Yeshivat Makor Chaim (YMC) for an annual exchange program. YMC is located in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion and was founded by noted Jewish educators Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz and Rabbi Dov Singer. Each year, our MTA sophomores and YMC Juniors spend an academic quarter in each other’s yeshiva. This immersive experience of Torat Eretz Yisrael affords MTA students an opportunity to connect with their Israeli peers.

Meet the Israeli AuthorThis independent study Hebrew literature course is organized by our award-winning teacher, Ms. Liora Haibi. Students are mentored by a renowned Israeli author with the goal of developing their Hebrew language creative writing skills. Entitled “Meet the Israeli Author”,” the program is the first of its kind in a North American Jewish high school.

In part for her work on this project, Ms. Haibi received a Grinspoon award for excellence in Jewish Education in 2014.

Our YUHSB students have an amazing trip schedule while in Israel that complements beautifully their academic schedule at Yeshivat Makor Chaim.

When the Makor Chaim boys spend 6 weeks with us at MTA, they have 5 Shabbatonim in various communities, including fun activities on Motzai Shabbat as well.

The Makor Chaim students live in our dorms and spend every Sunday touring New York City’s historic and Iconic landmarks including Central Park.

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“Names, Not Numbers” offers an integrated, multidisciplinary curriculum, combining research through a custom made website, interviewing techniques, documentary film tools, and editing. Throughout the project, the students work with professional adults—journalists or newspaper editors, a filmmaker, and history teachers.

The crux of the project is the one-hour videotaped interview that each group of students conducts with either a Holocaust survivor--including some who later immigrated to pre-1948 Israel--or a World War II veteran. Students ultimately gain exposure to a small segment of the history of WWII and its aftermath, and at the same time form intergenerational friendships with their interview subjects. These interviews are then edited down

to 15-minute segments and combined into the documentary film, "Names, Not Numbers,” which is distributed on DVD.

In addition to the student-created documentary, the documentary maker/film director and instructor, films students, teachers, and interviewees throughout the process and produces a mini-documentary entitled "Names, Not Numbers: A Movie in the Making." At a culminating event which honors the interviewees and showcases the students’ work, this mini documentary including 4 minute samplers of each interview, is shown. This film has been shown at Yom Hashoah and Tisha B’Av programs in various communities.

Dr. Michael Berenbaum, two-time Academy Award winner and Holocaust Scholar spoke to our students about

interviewing techniques.

Students interview, film, and edit their own Oral History Documentaries.

They learn all these skills from professionals in

those fields.

Alex Goldberg (‘10) was fortunate enough to interview his own grandmother for his project.

Students learn firsthand about the Holocaust through the making of their own professional oral history documentary. MTA students conduct oral history testimonies, and by doing so, form inter-generational connections that inspire them to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred and intolerance. MTA and Central-YUHSG have been the longest participants in the program - 9 years.

Names, Not Numbers©

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Our Freshmen and Sophomores now have fully integrated iPads featuring Google Clasroom and many other wonderfully useful tools and apps.

Leadership Institute

Technology

Technology affords us the tools to educate. Our dedicated Educational Technology Team are constantly seraching ways to utilize new technologies in and out the classroom. We constantly update our connectivity infrastructure to maximaze the functionality of our technology.

The Leadership Institute at YUHSB is designed to impart and in-still leadership traits within each student. As every face is unique, so too is everyone’s mission and calling. This program seeks to work with students to help them define their unique qualities, and help direct them toward Jewish leadership. It is imperative for the future of the Jewish people that tomorrow’s young leaders are charged with responsibility today, and are prepared to take on the reigns of their community’s challenges and needs. Recognizing that leadership is manifested in many different ways, the Institute is open to all students who demonstrate their dedication to com-munal causes, regardless of academic ability. Our goal is to create a sense of passion and urgency within the participants, and to prepare them to actualize their purpose and place in community life. We do this by enabling participants to donate time to commu-nity service, arranging regular meetings with community leaders, assigning mentors to each participating student, and implementing leadership workshops.

REQUIREMENTS:The Leadership Institute Committee is looking for demonstration of strong interest in and commitment to Torah study outside the classroom.

Applicants are asked to provide:• A description of interest in the

program• 2 Letters of Recommendation

(or 3 to be considered for a distinguished scholarship)

Our Library features a brand new iMac lab equipped with the latest Mac OS, and loaded with some of the newest digital creative software, including many of Adobe’s Creative Suite Products.

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60

YUHSB at a Glance

We are here to help every single student in our Yeshiva.

Our guidance department has dozens of years of experience working with teenage boys, and we help our students navigate whatever social, emotional, or spiritual journeys they experience. And as we prepare our students for their future, we coach them and guide them through their selection of Yeshivas in Israel, and College after that.

Our Mission:Student Serivces

In this section:63 Grade

Deans

64 Guidance

65 Learning Center

65 Writing Center

66 College Guidance

67 Israel Guidance

61


62

Student Services

12th Grade

Rabbi Shulman’s experience as a rebbe and a graduate of MTA helps him assist our seniors in this transitional year.

Rabbi Elon Soniker

Rabbi Avraham Shulman

10th Grade

“Rabbi Soniker is always there for me when I need anything. Whether it’s in school or out of school, he is always there.”

- Akiva G. Class of 2016

Grade DeansThe Grade Dean/Mashgiach helps ensure that each student has an enjoyable and successful year filled with growth on all levels, be it educational, religious or social. The Grade Dean/Mashgiach tracks the progress of each student.Grade deans are the advisors and advocates of the students. The Freshmen have 2 grade Deans for extra support through this transition year.

The Grade Deans chair regular grade-wide faculty meetings to discuss different issues that effect each grade as well as share information to help support each student. The Deans also communicate regularly with parents regarding their son’s progress.

9th Grade

Mrs. Levitt has been at MTA for

over 30 years. She shares her years of

experience with the Freshmen to

help navigate their first year of

High School. Mrs. Harriett Levitt

With a finger on the pulse of every student, our grade

deans ensure that no student falls through the cracks.

11th Grade

“Rabbi Danto really ‘gets’ the students. I can always count on him and he always points me in the right direction.”

Avraham O. Class of 2015Rabbi Netanel Danto

9th Grade

As Freshman Grade Dean/

Mashgiach, Rabbi Gopin works

to ensure that every boy feels comfortable in

high school and adjusts to his new surroundings in a

healthy manner. Rabbi Baruch Gopin

[ ]

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Guidance

In keeping with YUHSB's goal of helping students develop in all facets of their character, a certified school psychologist and full-time social worker are available daily for informal assessment, short term intervention and, when necessary, referrals to outside specialists. The school psychologist, guidance counselor, and/or social worker meet with every student on an informal basis, and target those who may need help in dealing with interpersonal difficulties or the ups and downs of daily life, both in and out of school. They work with the administrators, deans, Rebbeim and the teachers to ensure emotional health and welfare of the students. Parents are encouraged to speak with our guidance staff if they are concerned about their son or if there are any major changes happening outside of school to which teachers and administrators should be sensitive.

Mrs. Tamar SheffeyDirector of GuidanceLCSW 18 years of experience

Mr. Arthur ToporovskyGuidance Counselor

MA, Psychology21 years of experience

Rabbi Aharon CimentGuidance CounselorMMHC4 years of experience

64

Student Services

Directed by Rabbi Shimon Schenker, M.S., The Learning Center exists to help every student in YUHSB to succeed to the best of his ability despite any natural challenges.

» Provides direct academic support for students with IEPs, 504 Plans and/or private approved testing.

» Teaches study and test taking skill classes to all ninth grade students.

» Ensures appropriate testing accom-modations and/or modifications for whom it is necessary.

» Gives guidance to parents and stu-dents who need testing or services from the NYC Board of Education or private academic evaluation.

The Writing Center is a wonderful resource for all YUHSB students to hone and develop their writing skills in a comfortable and supportive environment with fellow students who have been trained to help them.

» 11th and 12th Graders are trained by Yeshiva College Writing Center tutors to provide writing support to fellow students.

» Tutors receive ongoing continuing education on best practices for providing writing support by YUHSB faculty and YC tutors.

» Provides college application essay writing workshops for all seniors in the fall semester.

» Creates an address for all students to bring their academic and creative writing projects for clarification and direction.

The Learning Center

The Writing Center

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College GuidanceThe College Guidance staff at YUHSB exists specifically to share perspectives on the world of higher education and career in an active way, so that students understand their options, and can make meaningful choices after high school. YUHSB staff meets with each student to discuss his hopes and goals, and helps each understand how he can translate these hopes and goals into programs of living and study at colleges and universities. The Guidance staff also shares information on standardized testing (the SAT and ACT exams) and the application process, in order that the students’ hard work and achievements are appreciated in the larger world. While we encourage many of our students to continue their education at Yeshiva University, our College Guidance staff has helped to place our students in many other prestigious programs that best fit the particular student.

» Binghamton University - Honors

» Boston College » Boston University » Brandeis University » Columbia University » CUNY Brooklyn College: Macaulay Honors

» CUNY Baruch College: Deans Scholarship

» CUNY Queens College: Deans Scholarship

» Drexel University - 5 Year Biomed

» Florida Atlantic University

» Hofstra University - Presidential Scholarship

» Miami University (OH) » New York Institute of Technology

» New York University

» Northeastern University » Pennsylvania State University

» Rutgers University Honors

» Stony Brook University » Temple University Honors

» University at Albany - Presidential Scholarship

» University of Maryland - College Park Scholars

» University of Massachusetts - Chancellor’s Scholarship

» University of Miami (FL) » University of Michigan » University of Virginia – Jefferson Scholarship

» Yeshiva University Honors

» York College

This past year, our students were admitted to:

66

Student Services

Before starting college, approximately 95% of our graduates choose to attend a Yeshiva program in Eretz Yisrael for one or more years in order to more fully round out their Torah education.

An orientation for students and parents to the application process is followed by individual meetings with our Director of Israel Guidance, who helps students choose the appropriate school and prepare for the interview. Representatives of Israeli Yeshivot ranging from Hesder to “American programs” visit our campus throughout the year and students have the opportunity to interview for a number of different schools right in our High School building.

Last year, our graduates attended the following Yeshiva programs in Eretz Yisroel:

» Yeshivat HaKotel » Yeshivat Har Etzion » Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh » Yeshivat Lev HaTorah » Yeshivat Ma’ale Adumim » Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim » Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim » Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi » Yeshivat Shaarei Mevaseret Zion » Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah » Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh » Yeshivat Orayta » Yeshivat Shaalvim » Yeshivat Torat Shraga » Yeshivat Yishrei Lev

Israel Guidance

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68

YUHSB at a Glance

“And you should teach your children—these are your students…”-Sifrei, VaEschanan

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy increative expression and knowledge.”

-Albert Einstein

Our teaching, guidance, and administrative staff are made up of a very diverse group of professionals. Rebbeim and General Studies faculty members are carefully selected from candidates who exhibit a love of the subject matter, as well as a strong sense of care and concern fortheir students.

The majority of teachers hold masters’ degrees in their subject area and more than half hold additional degrees and certifications. Most members of the rabbinical staff hold a masters’ degree in addition to their Semikhah ordination and many are involved in Jewish leadership fields such as the pulpit rabbinate.

Our Faculty Faculty & Staff

In this section:

71 Biographies

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70

Faculty and Staff

Faculty NameTitle and/or Department of Instruction

Original HometownDegrees and areas of studyYears working at MTAFun Fact about this faculty member.

Rabbi Chaim AxelrodMaggid Shiur, Beis Medrash Katan

Kew Gardens Hills, NYBS, Finance, Yeshiva University; M.Ed., Yeshiva University; Semikhah, RIETS5 Years at MTARabbi Axelrod has the longest commute of any Rebbe, but loves coming to teach his talmidim.

Rabbi Yosef Gavriel BechhoferMaggid Shiur

West Hempstead, NYBTL, Yeshivat Shaalvim; MS, Johns Hopkins University; Ph.D. Candidate, University of Huddlesfield; Semikha: Rabbi Yitzchak Koolitz and Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg8 Years at MTAHe authored Bigdei Shesh on Bava Basra and on Shoftim, and The Contemporary Eruv: Eruvin in Modern Metropolitan Areas.

Rabbi Gary BeitlerMaggid Shiur, Madrich Program Director, Athletic Director

Passaic, NJBA, Psychology, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS. 13 Years at MTARabbi Beitler beat an NBA player in a 1-on-1 game.

Mr. Chanokh BerensonBiology, Biology/Chemistry Labs

West Hartford, CTBA, Biology, Yeshiva University1 Year at MTAMr. Berenson served on the board of the Yeshiva University Medical Ethics Society for two years.

Rabbi Yitzchak BrandMath, Physics

Baltimore, MDBA, Pre-Engineering, Yeshiva University; MS, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education; Semikha, RIETS4 Years at MTARabbi Brand enjoys ice skating.

Dr. Edward BerlinerPhysics, Mathematics, Director of Honors College

Long Island, NYPhD, Physics, Columbia University10 Years at MTADr. Berliner is a serious cyclist (100 mile tours), proud father of MTA Alumni, and proud grandfather.

Rabbi Darren BlacksteinMaggid Shiur, Hebrew, Culinary Arts, Karati (P’TACH)

Mamaroneck, NYBA, Philosophy, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS1 Years at MTARabbi Blackstein is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tora Dojo Martial Arts Association.

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Mrs. Ester CaptanArabic

Cairo, EgyptBA, Foreign Language, Ein Shams University; 2 Years at MTAMrs. Captan earned a grant from the University of Sorbonne and was honored as educator of the year in 2014 at JEC / Bruria High School.

Rabbi Alfred CohenMaggid Shiur, Tanakh

Brooklyn, NYBA, Brooklyn College33 Years at MTARabbi Cohen is the founder and editor of the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society.

Dr. David CohenResource Room & English Teacher (P’TACH)

New Rochelle, NYBA, University of Michigan; MS, SUNY New Paltz; MA, The New School for Social Research; Ed. D, Heed University; Ed. M, Columbia University Teachers College.17 Years at MTADr. Cohen served as the Director of Special Education for the Scarsdale, NY Public Schools.

Rabbi Eli CohnMaggid Shiur, Tanakh

Hillcrest, NYBA, History, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS; MA, Education, Michigan State University7 Years at MTARabbi Cohn has been to ten cities in Europe without ever leaving the airport.

Rabbi Mordechai BrownsteinEnglish, College Guidance

Brooklyn, NYSemikha, Rabbinical College of Montreal6 Years at MTARabbi Brownstein is a practicing Rav in Brooklyn and has published Judaic works.

Rabbi Aharon CimentGuidance Counselor

Miami Beach, FL MA, School Administration, Loyola College; Semikha, Ner Israel 5 Years at MTA Rabbi Ciment is a loyal Dolphins fan!

Rabbi Tanchum CohenMaggid Shiur, Tanakh, Beis Midrash Katan

Brooklyn, NYBA, Mathematics and Physics, Yeshiva University. Semikha and Wexner Kollel Elyon, RIETS. 11 Years at MTARabbi Cohen enjoys salsa, sehug, and tomatillos, but not nearly as much as the charifus of Ginnas Egoz or Kovetz Shiurim.

Mr. Yoni CohenExecutive Director

Fresh Meadows, NYBA, Business Administration, Yeshiva University1st Year at MTAMr. Cohen is a two-time free throw competition champion at Camp Heller.

72

Faculty and Staff

Rabbi Baruch FederP’TACH Coordinator

Nova Scotia, CanadaBA, Economics, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS; MS Education, Special Education, Lehman College; MBA, Baruch College32 Years at MTARabbi Feder received a kabala to be a Sofer.

Mr. Alexander FeinBiology & Chemistry

Monsey, NYBS, Biology, University of Maryland; MA, Science Education, Columbia University Teachers College3 Years at MTAMr. Fein plays guitar/bass in a band.

Rabbi Dov FemanMaggid Shiur (P’TACH)

Bronx, NYBSBA, Business Administration, Yeshiva University. Semikha, YRSRH. 26 Years at MTARabbi Feman worked as an army chaplain in South Korea for five days.

Ms. Abigail FreundlichEnglish, History (P’TACH)

New Haven, CTMA, EdM, Columbia University Teachers College9 Years at MTAMs. Freundlich owns the largest Matt Christopher library of all her friends. Come to Room 410 and check it out!

Mr. Adam DobrickDean of Students, History

Toronto, CanadaBA, History, Brandeis University; M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Florida Atlantic University; Candidate EdD., Azrieli Graduate School of Education7 Years at MTAMr. Dobrick backpacked all over the world with his wife, to whom he proposed in Safed.

Mr. Nachum CooperDigital Marketing Coordinator Varsity Hockey Assistant Coach

Teaneck, NJBA, Computer Science, Yeshiva University2 Years at MTAMr. Cooper is a volunteer EMT.

Rabbi Netanel DantoMaggid Shiur, Tanakh, 11th Grade Dean/Mashgiach

Teaneck, NJBA, Psychology, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS; MS, Azrieli Graduate School, Yeshiva University. 10 years at MTARabbi Danto threw out the first pitch at a baseball game.

Rabbi Boruch DanzgerMaggid Shiur (P’TACH)

Woodmere, NYB.S, Accounting, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS; Ms. Ed, Yeshiva University.3 years at MTARabbi Danzger enjoys playing guitar and piano.

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Rabbi Baruch GopinMaggid Shiur, Tanakh, Coordinator of Jewish Studies, 9th Grade Dean/Mashgiach

Jacksonvile, FLBS, Business Management, Touro College; MEd., Azrieli Graduate School of Education. Semikhah, Mesivta Tiferes Jerusalem. 9 Years at MTARabbi Gopin is a devoted Red Sox fan: Go SAWX!

Ms. Beth GorinDirector, Institutional Advancement

Hackensack, NJBA, University of South Carolina; MBA, University of Maryland1 Year at MTAMs. Gorin rode a camel on the beach in Dubai and Abui Dhabi.

Rabbi Jonathan GreenDirector of Student Activities

Baltimore, MDBA, Psychology, Touro College; MA, Educational Leadership, Bellevue University; Semikha, Yeshivas Shor Yoshuv8 Years at MTARabbi Green lived in nine houses and went to four schools before turning 18.

Ms. Liora HaibiHebrew

Rishon LeZion, IsraelB.ED, Hakibbutzim College, MA, Bar Ilan University8 Years at MTAMs. Haibi held command positions in the Israel Defense Forces and was the recipient of the Regional Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

Mr. Chayim GoldbergChemistry, Biology/Chemistry Lab

Bronx, NYMSc, Biomedical Sciences, Yeshiva University2 Years at MTAMr. Goldberg is a shochet and Mountain Guide in the summer.

Rabbi Nissan Goldberg Educational Technology Coordinator, Science, History (P’TACH)

Kew Garden Hills, NYBA, Psychology and Education; MA, Early Intervation; MA, School Leadership, Touro College8 Years at MTARabbi Goldberg serves as division head at Camp Mesorah in the summers.

Mr. Yosef GillersAssistant Director of Student Activities; Director of Dormitory Life, Halakha, Physical Education

Newton, MABA, Environmental Studies, Washington University in St. Louis; RIETS Semikha Candidate5 Years at MTAMr. Gillers is a glassblower and an avid backcountry skier.

Mr. Daniel Gibber Head Coach, Varsity Basketball

Teaneck, NJBA, Yeshiva University17 Years at MTACoach Gibber serves as Vice President of Sales for Deb El Food Products.

74

Faculty and Staff

Rabbi Shimon KernerMaggid Shiur, Beis Medrash Katan

Bronx, NYBA, Psychology, Yeshiva College; MS, Jewish Education, Azrieli Graduate School of Education; Semikha, RIETS31 Years at MTARabbi Kerner has been on the YU campus for 39 of the last 41 years, beginning with 9th grade.

Rabbi Jonathan KesselMaggid Shiur, Assistant Director of Athletics

Edison, NJBA, Psychology, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS9 Years at MTARabbi Kessel has 2 sets of twins.

Mr. Jeff KidermanAP Computer Science

New Rochelle, NYBSE, Computer Science, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering & Applied Science, BSE, Business, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School2 Years at MTAMr. Kiderman played piano at the White House.

Mr. Nathan KujawskiMathematics (P’TACH)

Far Rockaway, NYMA, Education, NYU5 Years at MTAMr. Kujawski enjoys traveling.

Mr. Noah IsaacsHead Coach, JV Hockey

Teaneck, NJBA, Accounting, Yeshiva Univeristy4 Years at MTACoach Isaacs captained the MTA hockey team in his senior year, and won the championship!

Mr. Shuey JacobyMarketing & Recruitment Advisor

Monsey, NYBA, Political Science, Yeshiva University; MBA, NYU Stern School of Business; MS, Sports Management, Columbia University6 Years at MTAMr. Jacoby appeared on the cover of the August 11, 2014 Sports Illustrated. (Look towards the “T” of “Illustrated”)

Mrs. Megan HLZacksScience (Chair)

Grand Rapids, MIBS, Biology, University of Michigan; MAT, Education, Brandeis University9 Years at MTAMs. HLZacks jumped out of a perfectly good airplane to discover the feeling of sky diving!

Mrs. Maria HernandezSpanish

Gures, SpainBA, Spanish, Staten Island College3 Years at MTA

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Mrs. Hana MatiteyahuHebrew

Herzeliya, IsraelBA, Political Science, Jewish Philosophy, Bar Ilan University; MA, Jewish Education, Gratz College8 Years at MTAMrs. Matiteyahu served in the Israeli Air Force.

Rabbi Baruch Pesach MendelsonMaggid Shiur, Tanakh, Torah Activities Coordinator, Psychology

Brooklyn, NYBA, Psychology, Yeshiva University; MA, Psychology, CUNY; Semikha, RIETS19 Years at MTARabbi Mendelson serves as the Rav of Kehilla Marine Park, and teaches in both Morasha Kollel and Camp Dora Golding’s Chevra Program.

Rabbi Rafi PearlMaggid Shiur, Tanakh

Providence, RIBA, Accounting, Queens College; Semikha, Shaar Hatorah8 Years at MTARabbi Pearl attended part of the longest game in baseball history.

Mr. Michael PlotskerDirector of Educational Technology

Far Rockaway, NYBA Communications, CUNY Queens2 Years at MTAMr. Plotsker is a SCUBA diver, Hatzalah member and a lifeguard.

Mrs. Harriet LevittEnglish (Chair), 9th Grade Dean

Brownsville, PABA, University of PittsburghMany years at MTAMrs. Levitt is the tennis opponent of Rabbi Michael Hecht.

Ms. Danielle LewisLibrarian, Learning Center Specialist, French

New York, NYBA, History, Oberlin College, M.Ed., Long Island University School of Education6 Years at MTAMs. Lewis has lived, studied and worked on three continents.

Mr. Derek KulnisEnglish

Brooklyn, NYBA, Philosophy, English, Dickinson College, MA, Columbia University6 Years at MTAMr. Kulnis took an Educators’ Tour of Japan and China.

Mr. David LeshawDirector of Admissions

Teaneck, NJBA, English Literature, Hunter College2 Years at MTAMr. Leshaw ran a sub-4 marathon.

76

Faculty and Staff

Mr. David RossChoral Conductor, Band Director & Music Educator

Bronx, NYMA, Music Education, Columbia University Teachers College6 Years at MTAMr. Ross loves to cook.

Rabbi Shimon SchenkerMaggid Shiur, Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction

Elizabeth, NJBA, MIS, Yeshiva University; MS, Spec. Ed., Lehman College; MS, Jewish Ed. Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS13 Years at MTARabbi Schenker was a Boy Scout for 5 years.

Rabbi Mayer SchillerMaggid Shiur, Mashgiach Ruchani, Yiddish

Brooklyn, NYSemikha, Kollel Avreichim Shikun Skvera28 Years at MTARabbi Schiller authored three books and many articles and coached MTA hockey to six consecutive championships in the early ‘90s.

Dr. Emily SchneiderHistory, Latin

Cedarhurst, NYBA, MA, PhD, Romance Languages and Literatures, Harvard University4 Years at MTADr. Schneider’s classes emphasize interpreting both written and visual primary sources, and practicing writing skills.

Mrs. Tova RosenbergDirector of Hebrew Language Department, Director of Makor Chaim Exchange Program

St. Louis, MOBA, History, Hebrew, Washington University in St. Louis; MA, European and American History, St. Louis University; Teaching Cert., Webster University in St. Louis; PhD studies, Hebrew University8 Years at MTAShe was called “The New Spielberg” for creating Names, Not Numbers© - the Holocaust oral history film documentary project.

Mr. Benyamin RosnerMath

Cleveland, OHBA, Mathematics & Statistics, Miami University; BS, Mathematics Education, Miami University2 Years at MTAMr. Rosner is a magicain.

Mr. Marc PoleyeffCoach, Varsity Hockey

Englewood, NJBA Candidate, Psychology, Yeshiva University1st year at MTACoach Poleyeff was a ballboy at the US Open for 3 Summers.

Rabbi Shalom RichterMaggid Shiur, Bochen,Makor Chaim Exchange Program

Kew Garden Hills, NYBA, Economics, Yeshiva University; Semikha, Kollel Elyon, RIETS.7 Years at MTARabbi Richter enjoys water-skiing.

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Mrs. Hadassah SiegfriedEnglish, Jewish History

Passaic, NJBA, Oberlin College; MA, NYU5 Years at MTAMrs. Siegfried has been skydiving.

Rabbi Elon SonikerMaggid Shiur, Tanakh, 10th Grade Dean/Mashgiach

New Rochelle, NYBS, Accounting, Yeshiva University; MA, Azrieli Graduate School; Semikha, RIETS 5 Years at MTARabbi Soniker had a penalty called against him in a high school hockey game by referee Rabbi Schiller.

Mr. Murray SragowDirector of College Guidance, History

Rochester, NYBA, Computer Science, Yeshiva University2 Years at MTAMr. Sragow is a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan.

Mrs. Tamar SheffeyDirector of Guidance

Brooklyn, NYMSW, Fordham University 7 Years at MTAMrs. Sheffey has been to Australia twice.

Rabbi Avraham ShulmanMaggid Shiur, Jewish History, 12th Grade Dean/Mashgiach, Director of Israel Guidance

Staten Island, NYBA, Queens College; Semikha, RIETS; MS, Mental Health Counseling, Touro College10 Years at MTARabbi Shulman’s shiur makes a delicious chulent weekly for mishmar.

Mr. Mordecai SegallMath

Queens, NYBA, Physics, Yeshiva University2 Years at MTAMr. Segall composes classical music.

Mr. Sasha SemachWorld History

Vancouver, BCBA, World History, Yeshiva University 3 Years at MTAMr. Semach worked extensively at the YU Museum, helping to curate the October 2013 exhibition “Threshold to the Sacred.”

Mr. David ShatzerMathematics (Chair)

New York, NYMBA, Pace University13 Years at MTAMr. Shatzer ran 15 marathon races.

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Faculty and Staff

Rabbi Mark StaumSchool Social Worker (P’TACH)

West Orange, NJBA, Psychology, Yeshiva University; MSW Wurzweiler; Semikha2 Years at MTARabbi Staum jumped off a cliff at Action Park.


Teaneck, NJBA, History, Yeshiva University; MS, Jewish Education, Yeshiva University; Semikha, RIETS, Yeshiva University7 Years at MTARabbi Taubes served as the sportscaster for the Yeshiva University Maccabees Basketball team, but is prouder of his popular shiurim.

Mr. Arthur ToporovskyGuidance Counselor

Far Rockaway, NYMA, Clinical Psychology, Yeshiva University14 Years at MTAMr. Toporovsky is a CAMERA Honoree.

Mr. Yosef WeinbergerHead Coach, JV Basketball

Teaneck, NJBS, Accounting, Yeshiva University3 Years at MTACoach Weinberger hiked the Swiss Alps.

Dr. Seth TaylorPrincipal for General Studies, History

New York, NYPhD, German History, NYU26 Years at MTADr. Taylor is the author of Left-Wing Nietzscheans: The Politics of German Expressionism, 1910-1920 (1990) and Between Tradition and Modernity: The History of the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy (1991)

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YUHSB at a Glance

“It is said: None is poor but he who lacks knowledge.”-Abaye (Nedarim 41a)

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”-Benjamin Franklin

Overview Affordability

In this section:

83 Payment Information

84 Tuition

85 FAQ

In this section we describe our various options for Payment Plans, Financing, & Tuition Assistance. This is a Priceless Investment You Can Afford.

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82

Affordability

Dear Parents,

As Yeshiva University High School for Boys continues to write a new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history, the costs of providing your children with an unparalleled educational experience have grown - and they will undoubtedly continue to grow as we continue to fulfill our critical mission. We are, of course, deeply sensitive to the fact that for many of our families, the increase in tuition represents a difficult financial challenge. Thus, now more than ever, we remain firmly committed to doing all that we can to ensure that the critical mission of chinuch ha-banim does not become an unmanageable burden for any of our families. To help us fulfill our pledge, we turn to those families with the means to assist their fellow members of the YUHSB community, and ask that they keep our school and our families close to their generous hearts while we do our best to offer flexible and effective programs tailored to the individual needs of our constituency.

In these pages you will find a variety of means and methods of paying for your son’s YUHSB tuition. We are fully confident that our Office of Student Aid will guide you through the process in a strictly confidential and genuinely compassionate manner. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions or concerns you might have along the way.

We look forward to your family becoming part of our family at Yeshiva University High School for Boys.

Sincerely Yours,

A PRICELESS INVESTMENT YOU CAN AFFORD


Mr. David LeshawDirector of Admissions

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Tuition2014-2015

Tuition (includes breakfast & transportation from most communities) $24,105

Registration Fee $750

Security Fee$500 (per YUHSB family)

Dinner Fee $1,000 (per family)

Dormitory $4,400

Dormitory Activity Fee $210

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Affordability

Tuition Assistance

Merit-based scholarship YUHSB awards merit-based scholarships in varying amounts to its most distinguished applicants. Applicants wishing to be considered for the Merit Scholarship must submit a Distinguished Scholars application no later than December 5, 2014. Decisions will be made by a committee comprised of faculty and our educational leadership, based on a variety of character-based and academic criteria, covering both Limmudei Kodesh and General Studies. These scholarships will continue as long as the student maintains the high level of achievement expected of a Merit Scholarship recipient. Notice of the award will come together with the applicant’s acceptance letter.

For More Information Call: (212) 960-5399

Financial aid:Parents may apply for financial aid online by May 1, 2015 by completing the following two steps:

1. Log on to Student and School Services (SSS) sss.nais.org. Follow the instructions to complete a PFS (Parents’ Financial Statement) online. The school code for Yeshiva University High Schools is 2461. SSS charges a small fee for the application, which can be paid by credit card.

2. Complete the Yeshiva University High Schools financial aid application by visiting www.yeshivaaid.com. You will need to create a login account and proceed to complete the entire 2015-2016 form. Incomplete forms will not be processed until all applicable information has been entered.

At YUHSB, we take pride in building a strong relationship with our parent body which includes making the tuition assistance process as easy as possible. Our business office is always available to assist you with completing your application and establishing tuition payment methods. All inquiries can be directed to Mrs. Dana Lynge, Associate Director of Student Accounts:[email protected] or 212-960-0899, or our Executive Director, Mr. Yoni Cohen: [email protected] or 212-960-0074.

Financial aid applications must be completed each year to be considered. Grants are subject to change based on fund availability. If you do not have internet access, or if payment by credit card poses a problem for you, contact the Office of Student Accounts for alternative options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yeshiva University Office of Student AidFurst Hall, Room 121500 W. 185th StreetNew York, New York 10033

Phone: 212-960-5399Fax: 212-960-0037Email: [email protected]

Can a student receive Financial Aid in addition to a Merit Based Scholarship?Yes. Those who qualify for and subsequently receive Merit Based Scholarships may also apply for Financial Aid, which will be awarded and applied toward the remaining tuition and fees.

How should we pay for the balance remaining after Financial Aid and scholarships?Families can use any of the convenient financing options listed on the previous page to pay the balance of their accounts.

Who makes the decision on the amount of Financial Aid awarded?The decision is made by Yeshiva University’s Office of Student Finance based both on the recommendation of SSS as well as on their own independent assessment of the family’s ability to pay.

When will we be notified of the amount of Merit Based Scholarships we have been awarded?YUHSB is firmly committed to notifying all applicants of their Merit Based Scholarship amount with their notification of acceptance in mid February.

Can the amount of Financial Assistance awarded be appealed?Any new documentation of a family’s financial situation that had not been factored in to the original decision making process can be submitted to the Office of Student Finance and will be carefully reviewed and personally considered by the Student Finance Committee.

Can I combine a University employee benefit with other scholarships?At this time, University employee benefits may not be combined with any form of merit aid. Students eligible for UniversitCan we apply for Financial Aid after the May 1st deadline?Yes. For those who qualify for Merit Based Scholarships, applications for those scholarships and for Financial Aid will be considered after the deadline. However, preference will be given to those applications received before the deadline and we cannot guarantee the availability of funding for late applicants.

This book was printed on recycled paper.

All images in this book come from our historical archives, were created by our staff, or created by Shimmy Socol.

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Affordability 87


Apply Now:www.yuhsb.org/apply

Contact our Admissions Director:Mr David Leshaw

212.960.5400 [email protected]

Rooted in Tradition. Pushing Innovation.

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YUHSB Guidebook 2014

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