A Commentator/Observer Presidential Special Joint Issue

A Compromise with Hope

We first express relief that the protracted and embarrassing search process has come to a conclusion. After a year and a half of selecting, scrutinizing and scaring away candidates, the Yeshiva board has finally found its man. No longer must we lament our plight as “the congregation of God that are like sheep that have no shepherd” (Numbers 27:17).

President Joel offers our university far more than just leadership in title. An experienced administrator and Jewish communal leader, Joel possesses a wealth of skills and connections necessary for guiding our complex institution. Joel’s lifelong work with Jewish collegiates especially qualifies him to head up our undergraduate schools. We are confident that under his tenure Yeshiva will continue to flourish as an academic institution.

Directing Yeshiva’s future as a Modern Orthodox institution will be Joel’s most serious responsibility. For the first time in its 116-year history, Yeshiva’s most powerful leader will not be a rabbi. Inconceivable even six months ago, the splitting of the positions of President and Rosh HaYeshiva has provoked the strident opposition of our Roshei Yeshiva and justified concern from the Yeshiva community. While a positive development for Yeshiva as a university, Joel’s appointment represents a compromise for Yeshiva as a Torah institution. Because we sympathize with the concerns of our Roshei Yeshiva, we urge our new President and them to forge a strong collaborative relationship. Maintaining opposition post facto will only further polarize our institution. Only by continuing to infuse the office of the Presidency with halakhic perspective and a strong dedication to Torah values can Yeshiva perpetuate its mission as the flagship institution of Modern Orthodoxy.

Finally, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm for his 26 years of service to the university. We cannot possibly encapsulate in a few words the depth of gratitude that we owe to him for revitalizing the university and for overseeing our educations until this point. We hope that our institution will continue to benefit from Rabbi Lamm’s experience and advice for many years in the future.

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