Yeshiva University Commentator

The Commentator

The Commentator Message Board

This is an open forum for YU students to post their opinions of courses and professors at YU. If you would like to post a message, go to our submission form.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Rosensweig - Jewish History
Do not take any of his courses. You learn to memorize and that's all. His grading system is very unfair - to him, it appears grades depend on things like whether you come from Toronto or not. If you come late you might as well drop the course. Asking for justification of a grade on a test is like talking to a wall. Stay away.

Name: Anonymous
Course: MIS with Dr Marty Tillinger
Wow, if they wrote a book on how to be a bad man and worse teacher, this guy would be a star. We all signed up thinking Ross would be giving this class and hes supposed to be a great guy. Meanwhile we have a vindictive, non-professional teacher who letures on the obvious while testing on the obscure. He gives out grades arbitrarily, looking for criterion to detract points rather than adding up merit and seeing what was lacking. All I can say is that I have never seen a professor with so much anger towards the students.

Name: Spartacus
Course: commento the anonymus student on BIO
You must not get out much little boy. You are probably either a fault in YC's system or you just have never heard of AECOM(Einstein Colllege of Medicine for the ones like u who havce nevr heard of it) next time before u cry about no graduate programs linked with biology, think first

Name: Alex
Course: Accounting, Prof. Hochman
Great teacher but hard. If you want to learn something, he is the man to go to. Really have to work for a good grade.

Name: Been There, Done That
Course: Taubes-English
In agreement with the post from a fellow student-This "professor" is but a perfect example of a burn-out tenured professor. He is a bitter grumpy old man whose sarcasm and coldness goes nowhere and the class never seems to end. Now HE'S the one who should have been forced into retirement. (unlike Ceil)

Name: Anonymous
Course: physics otway
he knows the subject but can not teach, his multiple choice physics tests are very very very stupid.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bio Dept.
Three comments: 1) YU's bio dept is totally geared toward getting guys into medical school. They invest no resources into helping guys who's interests lie in research. This is why majoring in Bio alone does not require organic chem or physics, and why there is no graduate school advisor. 2) Not having a graduate program that is directly affiliated with YC means that students are not exposed to serious teachers who are doing serious research. 3) The selection of courses is dismal, you almost have to plan your courses three years in advance because they're only offered once every few semesters. Of course, if you look in YU's course catalog there are like 15 course listed, but many are never offered at all.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Taubes, Lit/Soc Change
Course had much potential, but the Prof. ruined it- his cynicism and all-encompassing contempt not only overshadowed the opportunity to examine the brilliance of satire and symbolism resonating throughout literature, but also made me into a "hard" and cynical person. It is my opinion that Taubes single-handedly turned what could have been a fascinating experience into a lose-lose situation. As all english majors here know, the limited options require desperate situations, but for the C or below you're sure to get from this "prof," i wouldn't take him again even just to graduate on time.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Lit 1 Weidhorn
never go to class and still salvage a decent grade. now that's my kind of professor.

Name: SLY SYMS
Course: MIS w/ Ross
MIS was no question the best course i have taken in YU. I have taken difficult courses in the last two years and even though MIS was not one of them, it still was the most beneficial. Prof. Ross should not be ridiculed bc he wants to make class more enjoyable; instead, he should be praised. He is one of the few professors that students can be sure has a pulse, unlike whole departments in YU which well could be ravaged by rigor mortis. Come one come all take this great class. Get an A from this class. Get enjoyment from this class. Get lolipops from this class. And most important of all, actually learn something practical from this great man.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Gorelick
I have taken Rabbi Gorelik for both Jewish History and Gemorah. I find the man to be somewhat immature for a Rabbi and altogether ignorant of Jewish History for a professor. The constant perverted "jokes" that he makes in class are on a fifth-grade level and only stand as a testiment to his childish personality. He lectures straight from his notebook. If you ask him a question that is not answered directly in his magic legal pad, he cannot respond appropriately. I think he needs to make gross changes to his teaching style as well as to his displayed personality.

Name: Joey Vogel
Course: English Composition 1--Mr. Kotzin
Mr. Kotzin is an excellent teacher who has great discussions in his class. He is a fair grader and is a very nice teacher and a person. he always has time to answer questions about future essays and I highly reccommend taking anything he teaches

Name: Anonymous
Course: Introductory Psychology-Dr. Stewart
Dr. Stewart is one of my favorite teachers this semester. Her lecture is both informative and interesting and her class poses interesting and sometimes funny questions to her. The Midterm was very fair and to the point which consists of multiple choice, fill-ins, short answer essays, and true or false questions. Dr. Stewart is one of the nicest and smartest teachers Yeshiva university has to offer. You'd be missing a great class if you didn't take her class.

Name: Joey Vogel
Course: Introductory Psychology-Dr. Stewart
Dr. Stewart is one of my favorite teachers this semester. Her lecture is both informative and interesting and her class poses interesting and sometimes funny questions to her. The Midterm was very fair and to the point which consists of multiple choice, fill-ins, short answer essays, and true or false questions. Dr. Stewart is one of the nicest and smartest teachers Yeshiva university has yo offer. You'd be missing a great class if you didn't take her class.

Name: Joey Vogel
Course: Isaiah
Rabbi Sarfati is a good teacher who brings mepharshim to the learning of Navi. His class is interesting and fun. take him for any class.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bio for poets, Dr. Chiappetta
This guy is a gem. Great teacher, great personality, interesting lectures, and really knows what he's talking about. Anyone who puts in a little effort will do well, but he has no mercy on people who don't do the work. Good for him. Too bad for the science majors that they don't get to take him.

Name: Mr. Hyman Breaker
Course: Dr. Ariella B. Brown
ALL I HAVE to say is that she is not the teacher for me. she gave me an F on a paper becasue it was late and she didnt like the topic. She thinks she ca be a touch cookie bc she thinks that her class is the harndest Englsih Comp. class there is But Individuals Take Classes Harder than hers. She should have her liscence revoked based uopn unproffsionalism and incompetence.

Name: Jon Damnock
Course: dr zucker
if u dont like the decison tough. if u think u should be one voice then ur crazy bc the last time jews were one voice was during the pre 2nd churban period. if ur gona voice out at least give ur name bc remianing anonymous for a crazy cause like this is useless and will get u know where

Name: Anonymous
Course: BIo courses
Could people write about advanced bio courses and their profs? Thanks

Name: YC Junior
Course: DR. RUTH BEVAN
SHE IS AFRAID OF BEING SHOWN UP BY THE NICEST, MOST BELOVED MOST PERSONABLE PROFESSOR IN THE EINTIRE UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL. SO SHE FIRES HIM. THE FUNNY THING IS, ALL THE THINGS THEY SAID ABOUT DR ZUCKER, ARE THE EXACT OPPOSITE. ITS HIGH TIME SHE TOOK HER EGO AND FLUSHED IT. FIRE HER FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! HECK FIRE ADLER WHIL YOUR AT IT AND GET US ANOTHER SHIKSA DEAN WITH A DEGREE IN CINEMA STUDIES. AFTER ALL, IF THAT AINT TORAH UMADDA, WHAT IS????? PS-without dean hecht, who will serve as our "torah umadda example"??? no one, for the concept is dead.

Name: Anonymous
Course: To All Students
I strongly encourage all students enrolled in Yeshiva College to write letters to Deans Adler, Hecht and Jesinowski as well as to Interim Academic Vice President Sheldon Gellman and of course to Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm in protest of the decision not to grant Dr. Ross Zucker tenure. Show the administration that we care when the screw us for no reason. Do not roll over and play dead. They get away with it once, they get away with it twice and we are screwed everywhere we go. We must not go down without a fight, write to them, email them, go to their offices' to talk with them. They will have nothing to say, they know the decision was wrong. Do not let them ruin your education and Dr. Zucker's career. If not for yourselves, if not for Dr. Zucker, the do it simply because it is the right thing to do. Show them we have a unified voice.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Zucker
I am with that other guy a few messages down. "Oh Captain My Captain!"

Name: Anonymous, Graduate of YC, '96
Course: Ross Zucker, everything he teaches
My past years of experience in Yeshiva University have led me to believe that my words will fall on deaf ears; but I cannot stand idle while one of the greatest professors in Yeshiva is given the 'boot' due to YU's version of 'politics as usual.' Dr. Ross Zucker is not only a renowned scholar of the highest degree, he is a professor that encourages and fosters debate and excitement for politics into and out of his class. He is also always available to aid students in any area be it term papers, finals, summer jobs, graduate schools or even personal matters. Dr. Zucker is one of the greatest assets that Yeshiva currently possesses and his termination is unfortunate for the institution, but more so for the students. I am sorry that none of you will be able benefit from his wisdom and kindness as I have. To Dr. Zucker, thank you for the great years - the administrations absurd decision by no means reflects to opinions and feelings of this student.

Name: YC Senior
Course: Rabbi Yitzchok Cohen, Pillar of YUHS
So YU decided not to Shut Down MTA. They decided to fire 6 of its best rabbeim??? Terminating Rabbi Cohen IS shutting down the school! Rabbi Cohen "Mashgiach Ruchani" of MTA is the only Rebbe in the entire YU beis Medrash Known for His Keen style of mussar shmuezin along with his talent for instilling a love of learning in all that have the pleasure of passing through his shiur, be it in school OR CAMP. Thus another hallway rumor turns into a loud addition to the bullet list of ways YU enjoys shooting itself in the foot. LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE! The high school have no chance to grow as long as YU admins keep firing ppl! Between MTA and Central, they have had over 12 principals come and go the past decade and only one left his cuz he died. All we are saying is give Education a chance! Forget the Superficial images for a moment! Please!

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Ross Zucker
Being fairly new in this university, I am not familiar with the practices of the administration. However, I am only left to wonder how it is that the boards, committees, or whomever else makes the faculty review decisions can possibly not have granted tenure to Dr. Ross Zucker. I am currently stuck in required classes with professors (and I use that term lightly) who do not seem to be capable of conducting, administering or teaching a college level class; yet these professors have jobs and Dr. Zucker will lose his. I have been told that there were three reasons given as to why Dr. Zucker is being dismissed and quite frankly, I do not believe that a single one these 'objective' reasons has any basis in reality. Admittedly, I am a fool. I do not know how to run a university; I can not even run my own life. But I simply do not understand how a professor so beloved by his students can be let go for the most ambiguous and unfounded of reasons. I guess that I will just go with the 'YU Flow' and convince myself that this is not my problem while continuing to live in my own little bubble. But that does not change the fact that this is a most unfortunate turn of events and I do wish there was someway that I can do something to help change it. But as I am quickly learning, this is YU.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Principles of Biology Lab, Dr. Z. Loewy
If you want to take a Bio lab that won't be a burden on you for the four hours that it says in the schedule you have to be there, take Dr. Loewy. He is a fun and easy going professor, they call him the King of Bio Lab, usually lets you out within two hours of lab, and is an extremely nice guy. However, make sure you have a good sense of humor to laugh at a lot of corny jokes, and make sure that you get on his good side. But don't make the mistake of taking the class lightly because of his easy going attitude during most of the semester. You have to prepare well for the tests because they are not easy. There are many tricky questions, especially first semester. But, he is a very nice, understanding, and a great guy to be taking lab with, so if you put in the effort not only will you do well, but you'll also have fun.

Name: Seriously Upset Student
Course: Dr. Zucker
We the students of Yeshiva University have been delt some pretty low blows this year, but this one is the culmination, this one tops it all off. The whirlwind of stupidity that has become a way of life for the obtuse morons who call themselves the administration, the board, the committee or whatever other titles are created to fill someone's sick sense of egotism, has now let go one of the greatest professors to ever walk the halls of this G-d damned corrupt beaurocratic excuse for an institute of higher education. Torah U'Madda my big toe!!! Are these pathetic excuses for human beings the people we are to take example from? No respect is given to the emes! They tell this man that students dislike him, while he is the most beloved of professors. They tell him that people in academia are not impressed by his works, while he is constantly published in journal after journal and while two major publishing houses are busy duking it out for rights to his book. They even have the audacity to claim that he doesn't do enough with or for his students. Lies, lies, lies and more bloody lies!!! G-d damn it and all of you, I have the man's home phone number and his apt number!!! Madam Chairperson and all of you others on the the committee, I don't have your numbers!!! Perhaps YOU are not colligate enough!!! Someone has taken a step too far here. Personal Destruction cannot be tolerated! To the people who made this erronous decision, Dr. Zucker declined an offer of tenure from an institution that far surpasses Yeshiva. He did so because he loves his students at YU and his students love him. By not granting him a much deserved tenure, you jerks (and I am being very polite) have showed a total disregard for what is right, for the truth, for what is better for the university, and for the students. Idiots, have you forgotten why it is this place exists? Okay, I'll remind you, ITS FOR THE STUDENTS!!!!!! So get your heads out of the sand (once again I am being polite) and deflate your personal egos, and for once damn it do what is right and give the man his job back. Dr. Zucker, I think that I speak for most of your students when I say that I stand by you, no matter what the cost!

Name: Anonymous
Course: Political Science, Dr. Ross Zucker
"Oh Captain My Captain!"

Name: Ezra Levine
Course: Mr. Kotzin -English Comp
Mr. Kotzin is really phenomenal. With his laid back passive control of the class he captivates the attention of the class by encouraging debate and discussion in the midst of days in which the sound of many snoring classmates is still ringing in my ears from previous classes.Josh Kotzin should offer a seminar in which other, older Academians employed by YU should be tought how to grade as fairly as he does and how to simply be a nice guy. Take his class, even if you already took English comp.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Zucker
I am sure that many students will use this forum as they have used the Letters To The Editors forum to defend Dr. Zucker. I will not do that, for Dr. Zuker requires no defence and anything I say will not do justice to the best professor I have ever had. It is the adminstrators who determined that Dr. Zucker was no longer qualified to teach at our highly academic and completely venerable institution who require a defence. Therefore, I challenge anyone of the adminstrators who made the half-witted decision regarding Dr. Zucker's future to step forward like the cowards that they are and to attempt to explain themselves and their personally driven decision. I dare any of you to lie to the students and to Dr. Zucker any further, attempting to found your decision on academicly legitamate reasoning. Do not create a false facade, tell the truth you little babies. Ego, spite, immaturity and all other things that characterize you people drove your decision to drive YU's most loved professor from its ranks. In my personal opinion, which as a student is not worth anything around here, you all stink, you are a bunch of misrable rotten people. You are an embarassment to the Jewish religion, a slight to the academic profession and totally characteristic of Yeshiva University. I mean just take a step back and evaluate what you have done. You have denied students the opportunity to learn from this man while destroying his carreer for no damned reason. Would at least one of you people please be big enough to get up, admit your mistake, and do the right thing - ha, for a second I almost thought that might happen. Whatever is done in the end, I would like to thank all of you who are on the board for giving me and the rest of the students in YU people to look up to. I would like to thank all of you wonderful role models. But most of all, thank you all for giving me another reason to hate you and this university. To Dr. Zucker, you are simply the best and your termination has stirred a side of me that I did not know existed. If they continue on this foolish path and do not grant you tenure, we will all miss you greatly and those who will never be privledged enough to have had you will never know what they are missing. But cut your losses, and got to Harvard or Yale where you belong. If your not good enough for YU I am sure that those schools will be more than happy to take you in. You are the greatest, G-d Speed sir.

Name: Stud Lee Mann
Course: brown
I have to agree with that guy Simon. Brown is an unfortuante additon to our great college. I think that she should take her female feminist fraudulant antics elsewhere where people care. Maybe she should teach midtown; wait then shell have noone to put down. I think altogether she should have her teaching license revoked. Where did she get that thing anyway? A crackerjack box?

Name: Anonymous
Course: Ross Zucker, anything
The word has been floating around for a few days now that Professor Zucker has been terminated. I must say, this is among the more unfortunate things that I have heard in my time as a student in tis school. It is rare that you encounter a man with the knowledge scholarship and passion of Dr. Zucker. Moreover, on top of his credentials as a scholar, he is a wonderful teacher who encourages spirited debate in his classroom, and is always willing to give a few minutes of his time to sit with a student and advise him on academic matters. It is unfortunate for the students who will lose out on this wonderful professor. It is unfortunate for a school so desperate to raise its standing in the academic world. It is yet another example of Yeshiva U. politics, which have long since lost focus of priorities, and trample the academic life out of its students. Woe unto us.

Name: Anonymous
Course: English Composition--Mr. Kotzin
Mr. Kotzin has interesting discussions in his class and is a fair grader on essays--he helped us do well on the grammar tests and on my paper made insightful comments. It is not a pressured course and the short stories we read in class are a good basis for discussion.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Stewart-Introductory Psychology
Dr. Stewart is an extremely interesting teacher. She explains psychology in a concise fashion and things that you learn with her will be easily remembered. Her exams are fair and are not very difficult if you study.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Sarfati--Isaiah
Rabbi Sarfati is a good teacher of Isaiah. In class he goes over Isaiah's chapters, many chapters per semester, and teaches meforshim from rashi, radak, etc. He also adds on a little dikduk in case you didn't learn that in Hebrew Class.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Stewart- Psychology
Her tests focus mostly on the lecture notes, but in very great detail. If you know the material well, and study hard, you will probably get a B+ or A-. Her questions on the exam are very tricky, but you can do well if you take good notes, and know the material.

Name: Simon B. Landsberg freshman
Course: MRS or Dr. Brown English Comp
I have to say she is the worst and the most unproffesional teacher I have ever had the honor of dropping. I say this to all current and incoming students to avoid this woman at all costs. In 6 words I would call her "A rebel without a cause". I am not against feminism, however contrary to her opinion, she is suppsoed to teach Enlgish Comp. Not Femmy 101. To be a feminist in an all male school, cmon Ms. B. you're askin for debates. Female chauvinism vs. male chauvinism is not what i came to learn from you. If you are agaisnt her opinion or miss an assignement, your GPA is as good as dead. she will give u no higher than a F, maybe a D if u smile a lot. I also think that she can be quite the unreasonable type, and if you start off bad, even if you are sick with the flu, she won't care. Her mentallity is that college and being Compasionate don't mix. Heed my words fellow students. Avoid Ariella Brown.

Name: Anonymous
Course: kellman, economics
thank the lord that finally the department is interviewing new economic teachers. i am warning you to be prepared. the new teacher need not know anything about economics as long as he dons a skullcap. as any economics major could tell you, this department is god-awful. levine is is the only saving face there. even if they did hire yomi, i believe yeshiva college's only black employee, unless you count the hundred or so security guards who are expoited on a regular basis. i think that the aversion to hire anyone, or to teach any class, even remotely removed from judaism is sad. i am an economics major who is graduating with wonderful knowledge of ribis, and not higher econometrics

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Gorelik
Who are you kidding? Rabbi Gorelik may be genuine and idealistic, but he is by no means a good professor. Although I feel that memorizing dates and spitting back notes are important in helping the students know facts and get a good picture of how things relate to each other historically, they should not be the main focus of Jewish History courses in IBC (a Judaic Studies school). Jewish History taught at IBC should include the significance of the history and how it relates to the Jewish thought of the time on a level higher than that taught at the average Yeshiva high school. Despite Rabbi Gorelik's mentioning some basic historical effects on Jewish thought and life, Rabbi Gorelik's tests never include any of this important information. Therefore, is it surprising that students rarely remember what he teaches in his Jewish History courses? However, Rabbi Gorelik's Talmud course is excellent. It supplies a person with limited background in Talmud to advance rapidly to a level in which the student can move up to an "advanced shiur" or at least learn a daf Gemarah on his own. I give him a lot of credit for developing such a skillful method to help talmidim advance their learning skills. I wish that he could use the same motivation to teach Jewish History.

Name: Ari Kellman, Upper Junior
Course: The Ongoing Rabbi Gorelik debate
I took Rabbi Gorelik for Medieval Jewish History for one semester. While I cannot comment on the Gemara shiur, and I believe Mr. Weinreb that 'His Gemara shiur is phenomenal', I unfortnately cannot say that I feel the same in respect to his JHI class. Although I don't agree with the previous students who felt the need to bash Rabbi Gorelik personally, I feel that there are definitely some shortcomings in his teaching style and methodology. Obviously, there are those who like his style, and feel they benefited a lot from him, and there are those students, who like myself, felt they might have been better off with another Rabbi. If any of the students who felt the need to attack Rabbi Gorelik personally want to really be helpful, they could at least either provide constructive criticism, or bring up the issues with the Rabbi himself. If you need a way to relieve your pent-up aggressions try banging your head against the wall, it may be more constructive.

Name: Anonymous- Sr.
Course: Haahr
To answer your question, Dr. Haahr is a tenured professor who has been at YU practically forever. She has a PhD. and is an expert in the field, not to mention that she is a great professor who demands competence from her students. If anyone is looking for a good English course in which the student is encouraged and expected to use his head, take this class. Granted, she is not an easy A and is monotonous, but she is very fair and intellegent, and her class instills improved analytical skills into her students. By the way, out of curiosity, why do you dislike Dr. Haar's class?

Name: Anonymous
Course: English: harris
does anyone know anything about harris for comp 2?

Name: Anonymous-Grad
Course: Haahr
What is up with her? How did SHE get to be the CHAIR of the English department?? Between her and Bevan this school is in for some real trouble. Glad I graduated last semester!

Name: Anonymous
Course: Gorelick
Firstly, I would like to publicly renounce mr. Hershkoph for accusing Elan Weinreb of making those statements. Elan is one of the finest people in this institution, he is always willing and able to help a fellow student, as well, I don't think I have EVER heard him even remotely say anything bad about any professor. Surley he would never publicly denounce any via this forum. Needless to say Elan's explanation of Rabbi Gorelick was right on. He is an excellent professor, one of the finest this University has to ofeer, and is truly concerned about the growth of each of his talmidim. Thank You Rabbi Gorelick and thank you Elan!

Name: Yoseph Hershkop
Course: Public Apology
I just wanted to apologise to Elan for accusing him of writing a message that he didn't write. Sorry Elan:)

Name: Anonymous
Course: Nordlicht's advocates
First, let me start with an apology to Prof. Nordlicht for picking her class to make a point (Elan, you're right, not only about considering students' reputations, but also professors'). Next, take a tenured professor and you will find out that he/she (NOT THEY- pronoun-antecedent agreement)does not teach philosophy. Most of these professors, if not all, (surrounded by commas on both sides)teach how to write, and from my experience, they do quite a good job at it. I (capital letters)have read writing by students who have taken easier Comp. courses, and unfortunately, this inability to write on the same level as students at other FIRST TIER universities, is a detriment to students of YU and YU's reputation.

Name: English Comp 1 & 2
Course: Mrs. Nordlicht
To Mr Anonymous who said "Nordlicht's easy A close out in five minutes course will not teach you how to write (and apparently hasn't)." I got placed by "chance" in her class my first semester in YU. She happens to be, without a doubt one of greatest EDUCATORS i have encountered in almost 3 years at YU. SHE TEACHES, involves the entire classroom, requires active participation of everyone for the full class period AND TEACHES HOW TO WRITE-in her own unique style very diffrent than any of the Phd'd "Composition" professors who think they have been hired to teach philosophy. (and she aint such an easy "a"...)

Name: Elan Weinreb
Course: Re: YC English Dept.
Dear Yos: Guess what? You guessed incorrectly. I did not write the previous message regarding the YC English Department. I have never taken Professor Nordlicht, Taubes, Fitzgerald, Jacobson and many of the the other professors mentioned in my college career. Moreover, I make it a point to sign my name to any message that I post to this board (see further below). For future reference (and this also goes for everyone), please consider the value of a person's reputation IN ADVANCE of making assumptions. Thank you, Elan Weinreb

Name: Anonymous
Course: MR. (double underlined, bolded, italicized, capitalized and in a very large font size) Leo Taubes
This message is in response to the following message that was posted regarding MR. (double underlined, bolded, italicized, capitalized and in a very large font size) Leo Taubes -- "Keep away from him-not equipped to teach, the man is an old grump. time to retire" Whoever wrote this message was one hundred percent correct. The fact is, this "professor" has no right to be teaching in a college atmosphere (he should not be teaching in an HS, elementary or adult ed. atmosphere either). He does not hold a Doctorate and has absolutely no idea how to teach. His idea of education is spitting out information so that (dare I call them students? -- no!) the persons sitting in his (dare I call it a class? -- no!) grumpy presence may regurgitate the information right back at him on a (dare I call it a test? -- no!) memorization form. Had this "professor" done any true learning when he went for his Masters, he would have known about Emerson's view of "The American Scholar". The scholar is NOT one who regurgitates the infomation passed on from generation to generation, but rather one who takes that information and builds upon it. The scholar is a free thinker, not a person who is so nauseated to be in MR. (double underlined, bolded, italicized, capitolized, and in a very large font) Leo Taubes' presence that he vomits all the information fed to him by this "professor" and leaves with nothing. Do not take this "professor" for any of his (dare I call them courses? -- No!) You will not learn anything from him. He is not a true professor and cannot teach. I pleed you, DO NOT take this man for anything or you will leave the semester as I did -- with a sick feeling in your stomach.

Name: S.B.L.
Course: Rabbi Gorleick
i assume you received the A because you worked right? So now that you got it you can badmouth Rabbi Gorelick? Who do you think you are? If I was your teacher I would give you the F and have u bounced from the class. You are ungrateful selfish and rude. And to where im coming from, I got an A also, so there goes YOUR defense. Be man and respond to this one ok? And as to boring... this is college, wake up you don't always have to like the classes, maybe you are still on high school mentality. Do us a favor and voice your hostile and biased negatvity elsewhere.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Yc english dept.
Hey Elan... Did I guess right? One thing to start. English is pretty much dead on the internet, don't bomb someone for typing badly when all that person is is a confomist, as am I. Prof. Nordlicht's "easy A" course, wasn't easy, I took her, did you? However, she does one thing in class that I don't often hear about other teachers doing. She instills a love for English, the language, the subject, whatever, into her students. People come into her class figuring it for a boring hour at the most, and are pleasantly surprised when the time flies, and not from sleeping. On a seperate note: I can understand the people who take "easy A" courses. College is an investment for most of us. It will help us get better paying jobs when we join the "real world". A bad GPA will work against a student in the end. The company he/she/it applies for won't care that s/he/it took the "real teacher" all they will see is a GPA less than 3.5 This applies for graduate schools. Most people want to be able to choose a graduate school, and a good one at that. Try getting into Columbia with a 2.0 It'll take a miracle and a relative on the board of directors. Signing off of my ranting spree. Yos

Name: Anonymous
Course: comp II
This is going to sound wierd, but I would suggest taking Dr. Brown for comp II. While she has a reputation of being "hard" and taking off points for being late with assignments her best quality is that she lets you revise your thesis paper, which is worth most of your grade. Not only that, she worjks with the class through each step of the way with the paper, and most people ened up getting good grades because of that.

Name: yo no se me llamo
Course: Intro to spanish Spanish
I will say that i enjoyed Mrs. Michelson's class, and have learned some spanish to boot. No, not enough to speak fluently with the gueards or to eavsdrop:) But enough to read the spanish metro card signs on the train. Her class gets fairly high grades, but that's because she gives a quiz every week and collects homework every day, there is no chance to fall behind, and most people who don't want the extra work drop the class early in the semester. But the average marks of the class don't fall below the B range, while most are in the a category.

Name: John Donath
Course: Dr. Kellman, economics
I must disagree with what was written about Dr. Kellman previously. I believe that he has thorough knowledge in the subject. Furthermore, after talking to him numerous times, that he is extremely interested that students do well. I believe that he prepared me very well for the GRE. I remember him telling me that he wishes everyone could get an 'A'. He teaches straight out of the book, and gives a quiz at the end of every chapter. Usually, these are all multiple choice style questions. The grade is based on the average of the final (50%), and, either the midterm or the average of the quizes, whichever is better. Also, the questions given on the midterm and final are very similar to those on the quizes, and he is generous with skewing (since curving is an improper term to use if you know statistics) the grades. If you want to learn something and still get an 'A', take as many courses with him as possible.

Name: Anonymous
Course: YC's English department
To all the brilliant studens (most of whom can't write for their lives) that have posted messages regarding YC's English department: Nordlicht's easy A close out in five minutes course will not teach you how to write (and apparently hasn't). Try taking a tenured professor for Comp: Jacobson, Fitzgerald, Lee, Haahr, Taubes, Nochimson -- Professors who know that Heart of Darkness should be underlined or italicized, not put in quotation marks. These professors will help you improve your writing abilities, creativity, and argumentation skills. Also, though Prof. Taubes may not have a PhD, but he is interesting (take it from someone who has taken him for four classes). I do admit, however, that his tests are pointless (I never found any significant use for quoting insignificant phrases from Prometheus Unbound- underlined) Overall, the English department is one of the strongest departments in YC. Dr. Haahr's classes are outstanding and challenging (as are Lee's and Nochimson's). Finally Professor Weiner's grades are not harsh nor difficult. Her Creative Writing class is quite interesting, especially because of its relatively informal structure). She's somewhat biased in terms of the stories she likes and I admit, it is difficult to write stories for her that require knowledge in some specific fields. However, her experience and great sense of writing is extremely useful when it comes to pinpointing recurring problems in tone and narration-- assuming the student can narrate a story half decently and has a half a creative cell in his brain.

Name: An Economics Major
Course: anything with Kellman
Why in the world is this man teaching here? He doesn't care about what the students think and he's not interested in any kind of critical thinking from us. He's uninteresting and a terrible lecturer. He'll probably get all "excellents" on the evaluation forms simply because he's an easy-A course: no work and it's all a joke. This is yet another way for people to get out of here without ever learning anything. Get rid of him now!!!

Name: S.B.L. '02
Course: Rabbi Gorleick
To Anonymus is the JHI class If you got the A why do you complain? You sounds very stuck up and act like you don't know the facts. If you found his lecture boring hten you really don't deserve the A you claimed you worked for. If you belive his lectures are boring drop the class or tell him so.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Gorelik - JHI Response to Freshman, ; S.B.L.
In case you are interested I received an "A" in Rabbi Gorelik's lecture, not an "F" as you fallaciously stated. Which brings me to my next point; I, a student who strongly disliked his lecture, and put in a coresponding amount of time and effort was able to pull off a good grade. Not only is it boring and pointless, but an easy "A" as well...I guess that explains your defense.

Name: Freshman, ; S.B.L.
Course: Rabbi Gorelick Talmud IV
To the student in RABBI Gorelick's class, if you feel like you are in high school maybe you should go back. Rabbi Gorleick is a very brilliant man and isn't as you put it "spit-back". If you failed his class, Don't say that he doesn't belong there. He does a great job and isn't the pompous self righteous man you claimed.

Name: PolySci Major
Course: Professor Naomi Weinberger
Very knowledgable, especially when it comes to anything regarding Israel, Syria or the Middle East. Although, she must come to the realization that not EVERYTHING in Politics stemmed from Israel or Syria. Yes, we know that you have numerous PhD.'s in that specific area of study and we know that you know all the top people in the Pentagon and Mossad. Albeit when we are learning about intervention in Vietnam, we would like to learn about intervention in Vietnam, not the Israeli influence on the Vietnam war!! Don't get me wrong though all told Dr. Weinberger is one of the best Political Science teachers this school has ever had.

Name: Anonymous
Course: kotzen comp 2 (english)
Terrible teacher, must start teaching how to write-not how to analyze boring literature

Name: Anonymous
Course: english comp 2 josh kotzen
i think he must understand that english composition does not mean englsih literature.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Sober - Any Jewish History Course
The only Jewish Studies teacher to truly get it right (with apologies to Rabbi Fink and Rabbi Schwartz). Best Judaic Studies teacher on the planet (Once again, apologies to Rabbi Fink and Rabbi Schwartz). Never have i had a "torah" course so frighteningly honest. Almost makes me want to convert but then i realize it's time for Minchah. if only there was a way to get rid of the freshman and that semi epsilon moron finance major, life would be perfect. Lashon Hakodesh? It was all Pheonician to me.

Name: Ari Kellman
Course: Rabbi Schwartz - Bible
I must concur with two previous statements made in this forum. Rabbi Schwartz is brilliant, energetic and an excellent teacher. He does demand alot from his students, but in the end it is well worth it. If you can arrange try to take Rabbi Schwartz for an y or all of your 4 required Bible courses.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Gorelik
Teachers like these are the reason why I sometimes feel as if I am back in High School. I took Rabbi Gorelik for one semester and found his course to be nothing more than a boring lecture, with exmas that were solely spit-back. Yes, a student who is a goo d little boy, and inflates Rabbi Gorelik's already over inflated ego, will most probably get a good grade, but if learning is your motive, as it well should be, or if you dislike pompous, self-righteous people avoid any and all of his classes. I think it is time to start replacing some of the 'old-school' rebbeim in Yeshiva University with some new young energetic Rebbeim who don't seem as bored with the material as we are.

Name: Anonymouse
Course: Ross MIS
If your A slick Syms boy, Ross will give you all his lollipops and A+ . He'll spend half of the class time talking to you about his pretty daughter. If your a YC student or anyone else, who needs to gain knowledge in computers, or even an "easy A" -forget, its not worth wasting your time with this egotistical clown who does nothing but tell stories about how he saves peoples lives every day by click a mouse.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Intro to MIS Prof. Ross
Though he may water down the course with his warped sense of humor, this is one of the few classes in the school that has a hands on expierience.The skills you gain in his class are with you forever. ( And he's an easy A)

Name: freshman or Si
Course: prof. Dubitsky Hebrew class
Great guy. really knows how to teach the class and to keep our attention. His grading system is terrific. You can't complain because there really isn't anything wrong about this class.

Name: Concerned Junior
Course:
First off, Dear Sir, there is a very obvious reason why I do not give my name, for the same reason you were so careful to give it. I know, just as well as you do, that the Professors and Teachers from Yeshiva University are frequent visitors to this particular web-site. Therfore, as much as I wish it wasn't the case we still do live in a world where criticism, albeit constructive, is not taken "dearly" by those being criticized. On the flip, it sure does look good for people like you who make your thoughts known by writing impecable statements about teachers who just hours ago you were cursing becuase her classes are so boring, or because he gave you a B. That being said, I still do have concerns over grades and do not feel I need to be a target of a certain Professors anamosity due to my First Amendment right. I do not think this should be the TL board much like you would prefer it to be. I do happen to write a great deal on this message board, and Dear Sir, there IS a reason why the powers-that-be created this site so that the default is Anonymous! I have written, as you put it so quaintly, "vindictive" messages due to the content of a particular Teachers class, or teaching style. I prefer the anonimity so that when I graduate Summa Cum Laude I can be PROUD of my accomplishment and go home satisfied I earned it, whereas you, Dear Sir, will never know if you earned it or just licked it. As far as your statement about my "incoherent babbling", well Dear Sir, I suppose you are a Sy Syms student who is incapable of distinguishing the difference between a Noun and a Verb (just try to remember Mad Libs........)

Name: Chananya Weissman
Course:
I won't waste too much of my time responding to the incoherent babbling directed against me by "Concerned Junior". A couple of his points might be interesting in presented in a different forum, but I see no connection between his words and my own. Perhaps it's because I'm spending too much time studying last year's exams. (By the way, "Dear Sir", why didn't you have the guts to put your name on your message?)

Name: Concerned Junior
Course:
In regard to Mr. Weissman's comments I feel the necessity to rebut with feelings shared by many here at YU. I beleive this message board is an excellent outlet of frustration from second rate teachers and provides us with adequate catharsis from the daily grind of this institution. In my opinion most students who take the time to comment on this message board are not being "insulting" or "vindictive", rather Dear Sir, I feel they are being honest in their evaluation of this institution and it's personnel. Possibly an honesty in which you do not share because you are too caught up in the typical brown-nosing that plagues this University. Dear sir, I do not beg to judge, but I do beleive that you fit the mold of the "A"-typical YU student meaning all you care about is getting the A, regardless of actually learning the information! Unfortunatley for all your concerted efforts to buddy up with your teacher, and shteig hard over that mesorah from the past 5 years I think, Dear Sir, that you have missed the point of College. It is those of us who care to learn from the teachers and classes in which we enroll in order to further our knowledge, rather than study the same test from previous years, who utilize this outlet in a resourceful manner. Dear Sir, this outlet provides a medium for the minority of us who want to actually learn the information to connect with others who share the same feelings. This message board has provided those of us who care to share the opportunity to do such. Therefore Dear Sir, do not misinterpret what you read on this board as criticism, in fact Dear Sir do not interpret anything you read on this board, rather go back to studying your mesorah and go home happy with that A of yours. My last thought to you is this though, Good Luck in the Real World!

Name: Chananya Weissman
Course:
It would be nice if people could give honest, critical assessments of classes without being insulting and vindictive. Instructors are people too. It's also appropriate for reviews of classes to be submitted anonymously, especially when the author is a current or future student of the instructor on trial, and MOST ESPECIALLY when the content is of a negative nature. Whether or not the teacher is likely to see it is irrelevant. Finally, anyone who knocks a teacher should first ask himself just what his motives are. If they are to advise prospective students of the pros and cons of a class, the author should choose his words carefully. If, however, he seeks nothing more than petty revenge, his own shortcomings undoubtedly rival those of the ones he seeks to address.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Mr. Dubitsky ..hebrew class
Great guy. Knows what hes talking about. A very easy and fair class if you cooperate with him. U can't go wrong with this teacher, unless you are a complete fool. unlike other "Hebrew" classes

Name: Freshman.
Course: Mr V.J. Chiapetta
Excellent ess. of biology class. Very bright and funny. Classes are more or less easy to follow considering therer 61 kids in a big lecture hall.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Schwartz
Excelent Bible class....I was FEARING taking the Bible core but not only is he brilliant and exciting, it has been far and away my favorite class at YU (and I am not even religious!). His Intro. class is amazing, he does NOT have the chip on his shoulder much like the other "Rabbaiem" at YU. He will not preach to you, rather he will teach you and WANT you to understand and make sure you do, because he cares. Thank You Rabbi Schwartz!

Name:
Course: Rabbi Hororwitz. macro economics
If u want a funny guy who talks endlessly about nothing, and talks to fast.....well then watch seinfeld. Or if its during the day pop intro this class and maybe catch some ZZZ's in the meantime. Who cares about car prices and costs? Boring. I'd rather go to a hanson concert (blech) than this class.

Name: freshman
Course: Mr waxman psychology
the class is interseting and well put together. very organized. mr waxman knows how to grasp our attention and to get everyone involoved and learning. i give him 2 thumbs up

Name: freshman
Course: Rabbi Elman
the class is boring. If u didnt get any sleep the night before don't worry.... you can make it up during his class.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Michael Ross MIS
The original poster hit it dead on. the man is extremely immature and spends most of the class time sucking and giving out lollipops cuz hes the best lollipop man. Stay away from this freako.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Weinberger
Excellent professor with excellent credentials. She is not only a master in her field, but she has participated either directly or indirectly in several history making events. I highly suggest she be taken and if you are a political science major, taker her several times. However, I warn you that keeping up with the reading is absolutely imperative. In fact, the only way to understand her lectures is to read the assigned readings. Also you won't get away with handing in late papers.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr.Zucker
Dr. Zucker, through his thorough preparation for class and his incredible breadth of knowledge on the subject at hand, presents by far the best Poli-Sci class for those who are interested in understanding politics and government and what (and who) make them function. Great Class!

Name: Mesorah Crap DIalogue
Course:
What you people fail to realize is that this is what YU is all about. PAPER! 4.0,A,degree. etc. thats it! learn knowledge??? fill my head??? pass the dougies...

Name: Anonymous
Course: mesorah for frummies...
I think the original poster had it dead-on. If something doesn't explicitly break a halacha, does that mean it's right?? Ever heard of integrity? If you were to ask the teacher if you were allowed to use the old tests, would he/she say yes? Try it. And forgetting the halachik aspect, aren't you interested remotely in learning the material? Have some self-respect.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Rabbi Gorelick
If you are married, take him and he will give you an "A". If you are not, take him and he will give you hell.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Assistant Dean Jaskoll
I would like to denounce the abuse of power incurred by the Dean. He forces some students to take courses with teachers that are sometimes not even known or which are mediocre and to only fill their classes instead of opening more classes with the teachers that are more demanded. I would suggest the Sy Syms School of Business to consider on having more people to advice students and to avoid requiring students to only go to the Assistant Dean which during registration periods is of total lack of consideration for the students time which most of times occurs during finals exams.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Acc. 1002- Prof. Morrow
If you are trying to learn some basic Accounting do not take this professor. He is a great person but does not have any experience teaching. The class is totally bore, we never followed the book and I never understood his teaching methods. I would only recommend somebody that wants to take the two basic Accounting to take pfof. Leibowitz as your only choice.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Intro to Spanish Prof. Michelson
If you are not into history or philosophy, and need to get rid of some social science requirements, and at the same time want a chance at getting an A, then this course is for you.

Name: Anonymous
Course: MIS Michael Ross
Dont expect to learn anything. its a free for all onlne with a lecture on how he loves to give candies in shul, and to watch the wizard of oz. the man has a big ego and always talks about how he saves people's lives by clicking a mouse. i came into his class knowing nothing about computers and i leave the same.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Zucker - Any Course
Dr. Ross Zucker, no, he's not your average YU prof. A quite soft spoken man who never expresses interest in supressing the students with his own opinion. Nor does this man ever look for credit for what he does. His knowledge of the material is unlike any other. He wants to hear from the students and he encourages participation. He also exhibits a concern for his students that is rarely seen from YU's host of drive through or tenured too long professors. Another trait that Dr. Zucker possesses that is uncharacteristic of many YU prof.'s is that he is a fair grader. If care even slightly about the class, you will succeed. In summation, Dr. Zucker is quite knowledgable in any class he teaches and if you have any interest in getting a good grade and learning something about Pol Sci and perhaps about the world, then any class with Dr. Zucker is worth while. It is truly a phenominom that such a prof. exists within the walls of Y.U. --Thank You Dr. Zucker

Name: Brian Cohen- Junior
Course: Dr. Rosensweig/Jewish history
I am writing to concur with the many opinions stated regarding the dryness and boredom experienced in Dr. Bernard Rosensweig's Jewish History course. I recently completed his Classical course, and the man is simply a talking text book. There is virtually no discussion, no give and take, no questions posed, and little to no class involvement. Do not worry about the fact that there is no actual textbook; the guy sitting behind me usually completed the New York Times crossword puzzle during class, and other classmates routinely caught up on sleep, homework, mincha and/or other things, anything to avoid having to pay attention to this course. After all, the course is striclty mesorah, so there is little incentive to ever listen or take notes. I received an A- in the course, and for the amount of work I put in I may as well have been in another school! If you are looking for an interesting Jewish history lecture, Dr.Rosensweig is not a good idea. If you are looking for some time during the day when you can catch up on things, Rosensweig for Jewish History is for you. However, one caveat to be aware of should you join this class, is not to come late. In my class there was a guy who came late on an infrequent basis, and Rosensweig would grill him the minute he walked through the door, questioning his excuses and mocking his comments. As a junior, this surprised me because I had never seen co llege prof's so intent on attendence records, so be aware that Roaensweig is very strict on it: After all, with he exam notes floating around virtually from the first day of the semester, why else would anyone show up? Rosensweig obviously is aware of thi s, and if you can't make it on time, dont bother signing up for this class. In conclusion, I would rate this course a D-, and would strongly discourage any student with intellectual curiosity and integrity from taking this course. I would rate it an F, but hey, how many other classes are you guaranteed of getting the exam in the first week of the semester?!

Name: Jonathan Levy
Course: Dr. Marrin/ Western Civ II
This is the best forum i can think of to publicly thank Dr. Marrin for being the great professor he is. Western Civ II was a fascinating course, and Dr. Marrin presented the course material in a logical, sensible and extremely interesting way. Marrin's th orough knowledge of the coursework and his question/answer style of teaching allows students to really get all they can out of this course by forcing them to think about the questions he poses in light of the rest of the material already taught. I sincerely recommend taking Dr. Marrin for any course, and I regret that I only discovered him in my senior year.

Name:
Course: Rabbi Schwartz - IBC
Rabbi Schwartz is one of the shining jewels of the YU community. His speaking and teaching skills are outstanding, and this helps make any class he teaches extremely interesting. The depth and intellectualism with which he explores material is fascinating. The course material is not easy, but if you want to experience one of YU's greatest Rabbeyim, I urge you to take a course with him.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Political Philosophy- Dr. Wurzburger
Simply the BEST. There is not a single professor in the entire school who can touch the fingertips of this great man. The course was the most incredibly stimulating course I have ever taken, and being able to absorb knowledge from this GIANT in terms of philosophy was the best thing I have ever done in YU. For as terrible and atrocious as YU generally is in terms of "professors", and so-called classes, this is truly a diamond in the rough.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Accounting 1001 Dr. Joel Hochman
excellent course if you are just taking this to get rid of the SSSB requirement...but not if you are thinking about the major....

Name: Anonymous
Course: Albert Marrin "History" Western Civ.
Spends most of the class time talking about philosophy than history. If your looking for history, forget it. This is more of a Carmyesque Philosophy religion stuff-he seems to think he knows exactly what went on in the minds of ancient egyptians,christian s,etc. Will use any excuse he can to end class early.

Name: anonymous
Course: Leo Taubes-English
Keep away from him-not equipped to teach, the man is an old grump. time to retire

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Mareleyn Schneider
THE ABSOLUTE NICEST PROFESSOR IN YU HISTORY!

Name: Anonymous
Course: Cynthia Weiner-Creative Writing
A good class where you will learn to write well, but she's a very harsh grader

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Zucker
By far the greatest professor in Yeshiva University.Spread the word!

Name: Anonymous
Course: Speech - Dr. Beukas
Many people are intimidated by Dr. Beukas's attitude, energy and willingness to insult. However, students must realize that you cannot take anything he says as being personal. The many is TRUELY good and is trying to help the students of YU excell in sp eech, and he succeeds in all cases. Take this course even if it not a requirement, because not only is it extremely rewarding but Dr. Beukas makes it fun - and an easy "A" too. In my book, Beukas is one of the most unique and amazing proffessors i have even encountered and it was my privalege to be in his class.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Solomon -
Dr. Solomon is by far the most knowledgable biology professor in YU. Her labs are extremely interesting and she displays her command on the subject, which far exceeds that of any other biology teacher in our college. In my opinion she should be the head of the Biology Department. Take her for lab if you want to actually learn something.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Biology - Dr. Feit
In my opinion Dr. Feit's teaching skills are average. He sticks to the book like glue. However, it is made obvious that he doesn't care about the students. You can't approach him with questions or personal concerns outside the class or not within the c lass period. Unfortunately this is YU and he is the only biology professor so we don't have much chioce.

Name: Anonymous
Course: English Comp 1 & 2 Prof. P. NORDLICHT
DAVEN TO HASHEM-that you have her for these classes. SHE IS THE ONLY ONE that actually teaches you english composition and rhetoric. REAL assignments that teach you how to write. Not the stupidity of all the other-first year intellectual philisophicals wh o love to sound intellectual by dishing out ridiculous writing assignments. NORDLICHT IS THE BEST-GET IN HER CLASS IF YOU CAN!

Name: Pinchas Gage
Course: Bible / Rabbi Hurvitz
Most probably the most boring class available at YU. Learning something is out of the question.

Name: Happy mesorah user
Course: "Mesorah for frummies"???
Why do you think there's a contradiction between being frum and using mesorah? If a teacher cares that the guys shouldn't use old tests to do well, then (s)he would either not return the tests or not give the same tests. In that case, you'd have to stea l the tests to have them, and nobody would allow that. But if the teachers DO give the same tests, and they DO give back the tests, then it must be OK with them. So if it's OK with them, and these "frummies" aren't breaking any halachos, why are YOU the only one it's not OK with?!

Name: Elan Weinreb
Course: Rabbi Gorelik, Talmud/Jewish History
While I am not one to agree with every viewpoint advanced by Rabbi Gorelik, I strongly disagree with the skewed perception of this fine teacher espoused by some of this board's respondents. Rabbi Gorelik is certainly not pompous, arrogant, bitter, or bias ed. He grades very fairly (take it from a person who took four of his courses) and is certainly not boring. Furthermore, he treats every student with derech eretz. I once saw him personally apologize to a student in front of an entire class when the stude nt claimed that he had been offended. His Gemara shiur is phenomenal. When I first came to IBC/YU, I could barely read a page of Gemara. Now, thanks to Rabbi Gorelik and my maggid shiur this year, I can tackle Tosafot with ease. I have also learned much f rom his Jewish History class. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. In defense of his reputation, I ask every person who reads the messages posted to this board to disregard the previous malicious, unwarranted, and unjust attacks advanced against Rabbi Gorelik. The authors of these messages clearly have no idea of the mea ning of derech eretz. I pray that their venomous lies go unnoticed and that they realize that their rhetoric of malice has no place in our institution. Finally, take note, that, unlike some others, I have the courage to reveal my name. Sincerely, Elan Weinreb

Name: Doctor Anonymous
Course: Andrew Harary's remarks on anonymity
Harary claims that it shows some kind of weakness to post anonymous remarks about professors and the administration, but it is easy for him to be critical of we the anonymous, for his remarks (about Dr. Marrin in this instance) were wholly positive. I don't think that students who feel short-changed have anything to gain by exposing themselves--or "coming out" to use the parlance of our times--to a knowingness on the part of those they criticize, whether this knowingness takes the form of a sly facia l expression or a petty, and usually private, power-play; or worse. So keep the critique alive in this semi-public forum: The Commentator would be wise to publicize this message board as much as possible, perhaps to the alumni.

Name: Anonymous, ex-YUnik
Course: Dr. Weinberger, Political Science
I don't understand what that guy who criticized her was talking about, her classes are excellent. She is a highly intelligent and articulate woman who infuses her classes with enthusiasm and fascinating tidbits of information. Though the class is very lec ture-oriented (i.e., there's no juvenile "so class, who knows who the first prime minister of Israel was"...it's straight soliloquy) any student who wishes to speak is given free reign to do so - she's a very fair "caller on"er. Truth is though, the cours e I took with her (and I imagine it's the same with all of her courses) requires, at least officially, a heckuva lot of reading, but there's not really any grilling or homework on the reading - just about four papers that have to be completed over the cou rse of the semester; and the research should come from the mandated reading assigned in class as well as outside sources. And the final is intense. This class is absolutely not for someone who wants to breeze by the semester or take care of a requirement. But if you are truly interested in delving deeply into the topic(s) covered in a particular course, this is a good bet for a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the subject material.

Name: Anonymous
Course: General
I find it reprehensible that you gentlemen can so cavalierly discuss which professors have strict attendance policies and which "don't care if you show up." Need you be reminded that someone is paying upwards of $20,000 a year for you to goof off, sleep late and ditch class? If you can't make it to class, it's because you're sick or indisposed, not because you don't feel like it or would rather sleep late. Otherwise, what is the point of attending an expensive, private college? I'll tell you one thing, though. The real world has an attendance policy. And all the nonsense you get away with in the coddling halls of YU will not fly in today's workplaces. Just ask the graduates who are scrambling to rack up marketable experience bec ause they sat on their duffs throughout YU.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Microeconomics Professor Arluck
This teacher, who is a true genious in the field of economics, is a complete ignoramous in the field of teaching. His tests in no way match the material covered in his class, and do not measure a students work ethic, or understanding of the text, and are therefore simply unfair. In an advanced course, this technique may be preferable, but for an introductory course, this method is simply unacceptable. In no way should this man be teaching an 1101/1102 course. It is time for the administration to take action, for students are suffering!

Name: Anonymous
Course: bible- rabbi carmy
Either you love him, or you loathe him. I myself couldn't understand what the hell the guy was talking about.

Name: Anonymous
Course: nordlicht english comp. 1&2
one of the best kept secrets of yu... in a dept. of boring, hard, unfair, teachers she gives an interesting, semi-easy, fair, class with alot of student participation... you are even given the chance to rewrite essays... her style is a little diffent and takes some getting used to, but her class is well worth the work... TAKE THESE CLASSES bec. the other options for these required courses are just not worth the aggrevation...

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bible- Dr. Hurvitz
Unbelieveable courses: Midrashim, Iyov, and Ezra-Nechamia. You can learn a great deal and he will be more than happy not to screw you with grades if you show him you are interested, and show up. It is worth it to wait it out a semester to take him rather than the Gushies

Name: Anonymous
Course: Perception- Dr. Palij
Tries to make a very boring topic interesting, but knows how dumb the topic is and does not care if you show up. Exams are usually not that difficult.

Name: Anonymous
Course: General Chemestry- Dr. Viswanathon
Teaches the course at a quick and challenging pace. Is always available to answer questions any day of the week. However the exams are usually impossible so the usual pre-med aganda in YU of being able to determine how many A's are given is satisfied her e. However she will try to curve the class average to a respectable level. Remember it requires a ridiculous amount of work to do respectable.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Jewish History- Dr. Landman
Classical Scum-bag. Is a nut job with attendance, you are marked late which factors into the grade if you come at 3:00.15 and if you are at the beginning of the alphabet and he is taking attendance you are still late. He can't lecture, will talk at a fast pace and it's the end of the world if you ask him to repeat something. Will make exams consisting of more than half of it on outside readings, and enjoys messing people over with their grades or life. It helps if you are a higher classman.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bio-Lab- Dr. Loewy
If you want to have fun in lab and finish early, he's your man. But if you want a good grade you must work. He is the toughest lab slot by far, so for the grade take others.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bio-lab-A. Belizon
Most unbelievable teacher in YU, a real rising star too bad he is in Med. School, YU finally could have had a good professor.

Name: Senior
Course: Jewish History- Dr. Rosensweig & Rabbi Gorelick
This has to be the most boring class I have taken in my college career. While Dr. Rosensweig must know the material, he drones on and on endlessly about Talmudic and religious interpretations that should be limited to a Limudei Kodesh- morning class. Anot her option for Jewish History is Rabbi Gorelick, a miserable elderly gentleman who finds much glee in poking fun at students who either do not share his point of view or nationality. He is virulent in his rhetoric against the ultra orthodox, and peppers h is class with occasional embellished stories of when he was a heroic rabbi in Nowhere, USA. Jewish History is a course that Yeshiva forces you to take. I sincerely doubt there are more than a handful of students who would take these courses if they were not forced. If you must make a decision between Dr. Rosensweig and Rabbi Gorelick, I sincerely urge you to go the CLEP route- save yourself the aggravation.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Contemporary American Literature: Dr. Jacobson
Fellow students, I would like to comment on a course I am currently taking, Contemporary American Literature. As the course title says, the authors read are extremely contemporary- those featured include James McBride and Jamaica Kincaid, both recent best selling authors. While this fact may impress some, their respective biographies were extremely shallow and boring- Not exactly the typical fare for an English Lit. class. The books were obviously written for the masses, and the fact that the two have appe ared on the Oprah Winfrey Book Readers Club List speaks louder than I can about the quality and intellectual merit of these books. The classes are extremely boring, and I suspect that Dr. Jacobson is aware of that. But what to do? Stay away.

Name: Andrew Harary
Course: anonymous??????
Why don't you guys write your names on your articles. Why is it that the student body is so scared of the all powerful administration. Guys if you have something to say, dont be afraid to put your name on it.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Professor Stewart- Psychology
hard to imagine, but her tests are nuttier than she. If you can, avoid her.

Name: Andrew Harary
Course: Dr. Marrin- Western Civ
Great professor, very lively class, cares what the students have to say, extremely fair grader, pseudo -mesoraic tests -TAKE HIM-

Name: Anonymous
Course: Intermediate Talmud (IBC) Rabbi Woghlenter
Anyone who is intersted in how to truly read a page of gemara should learn under Rabbi Woghlenter. He is a master teacher who runs a tight ship. Class is small (6 guys) and the Rabbi teaches through the students reading until around 10:30 with a short bre ak followed by chevrutot until 11:10. Don't be worried by the fact that class is 2 hours long, the time flies by. I highly reccomend this Shiur ****

Name: Anonymous
Course: Statistics Dr.Vrettos
Great class, easy material, intersting conversations, great teacher, tests are a breeze.

Name: Anonymous
Course: All Classes
If YU wants to be recognized as a legitimate Tier I school, it is time that they gave the students more than one option for a class. There should be choices within certain classes, such as General Chem, Organic Chem, Bio, Jewish History etc.. While the current professors are knowledgeable, the students should decide whether to take the instructor, not be forced into it.

Name: Anonymous
Course: business internet
Knows a lot. Very practical course. Not many assigmnments, but wants to see you know the stuff.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Dr. Weinberger Political Science
Totally unprofessional, she teaches anilitical history and not political science. She leaves no room for student thought or involvment. If you can't take Zucker and Hecht I am tempted to say that it might even be worth it to take Dr. Bevan over Weinberger

Name: Anonymous
Course: Jewish History----Rabbi Bernard Rosensweig
The best teacher Yeshiva University has. If you want to learn about history from a man that lives it, then take any of his courses. They are trully unbelievable and you would benfit from them immensely.

Name: Anonymous
Course: English Comp.- Nicolosi
you might think that he is easy. true.... but only if you will be satisfied with a B. if you want an A then don't take him

Name: Anonymous
Course: Principles of Biology-Dr. Carl Feit
He is a horrible teacher. all you need for this course is knowledge on how to memorize a book. no need to come to class. and he has no heart when it comes to grading.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Mesorah for frummies
In a school where Torah U'Madda is the slogan, isn't it ironic that most of the guys who spend their evenings learning believe it acceptable to cheat? However, the blame isn't entirely their's. Don't place a stumbling block... The school as a whole sho uld not turn its head the other way as teachers give the EXACT SAME TESTS year in and out. You would think they don't even believe in Dr. Lamam's Torah U'Madda. ;)

Name: Anonymous
Course: Caf food
Not only is the cafeteria food bad in taste, it's terrible for the health. Being a required choice for all students living on-campus, it is downright irresponsible of them to offer such a limited variety of healthy food. Even their salad bar screams as it drowns in oil. Pasta, one of the healthiest foods in potential is likewise ruined. Is it difficult to NOT ADD GALLONS OF OIL?? How about serve some with and some without? What's the problem?

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bernstein
Prof. Bernstein is a genius and knows a lot about bible ugarits and people other than Moshe who wrote the torah. He is a very difficult class!!!! Yes, you can learn a lot from him, but spending all of reading week in order to be prepared for a test in a class that is only worth two credits is just plain stupid! Wait for Elman's intro class even if it means staying another semster.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Economics Arluck
While he is no doubt an intelectual economist, teaching is not his feild. Classes are taught in a monotone voice that could kill anyone, his test are anything but fair and as a grader he is one of the worst! If you must take economics wait!!! Do not tak e Arluck, it is in your own best interest, trust me!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: Anonymous
Course: intro to marketing
i dont know what all you guys are talking about. Intro to marketing is one of the most intellectually stimulating and demanding classes ever. just learning what the correct procedure for filling a survey is absolutely incredible and impossible. unless you are elisha goldberg or one of those geniuses enrolled in yc dont fool yourself to think that you can handle the demands of this class. i remain Sy Syms

Name: Anonymous
Course: Jewish History; Gorelick (GTP)
Rabbi Gorelick is one of the most self-centered, pompous people of all of YU. His course is dry, and boring. Avoid him like the plague.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Intro to Bible: Bernstein
Those who want to learn the material will benifit most with Bernstein. That is only one advantage, though. He is also a great teacher, and a generally good person to know from many perspectives, not only mercenary, grade grubbing ones.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Economics Arluck
Terrible class. He is the worst grader, and gives impossible tests. Spend an extra semester in college if you have to in order to avoid him

Name: Anonymous
Course: none
Why is this message board restricted to discussion of courses? Why not have a general message board to sound off on all aspects of YU? The Commentator could encourage debate, dialogue, and discussion of issues of relevence to all YU students. It could also serve as a forum for proposed solutions to problems we all face. Message boards of this type can be found on the web pages of most major news sources. If you think this would be a good idea, post a message here. If you don't think this is a good idea, say that too!

Name: Anonymous
Course: Intro to Bible; Bernstein
A lot of memorizing. It's worth it to take intro later with Ellman. If you are in Bernstein's intro, get Masora notes or tests.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Bio Feit
if your good at memerising a lot ofstuff take it. if you want to learn anything, don't

Name: Anonymous
Course: school grub
why cant this school get its act straight? All I want is an edible meal at a reasonable price. fire the current food supplier and caterer, and find a new one. Why should I have to be turned off from eating in my own school cafateria. I admit that I talk a big game, but you guys at the commie have the power of the pen. Why don't you guys do something about it. Writr an article about it, or do a survey to see if the students are happy with the way the cafateria is being run--- do this for the good of humanity- peace, and only good food

Name: Anonymous
Course: Yeshiva
Hi, all! In my opinion, YU students should give evaluations to the rabbeim whose classes, shiurim they take through JSS, IBC, BMP and even YP programs. Rabbeim evaluations would be most useful in JSS and IBC program where most shiurim resemble in their format a regular class in college. I can say from my own experience that there is little control from the JSS/IBC office over what and how is taught in the class/shir.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Intro to Philosophy II; Wurtzburger
Basically, it's a pretty good course, although Dr. Wurtzburger can be a bit boring at times. It doesn't require too much work, just the final and a minor essay that doesn't count for much. Get good notes, the book won't be of much help. Also, try to understand the precise distinctions between the different philosophers. I would recommend it as an option for requirements.

Name: Anonymous
Course: Masterpieces of Western Literature Dr. Feldman
It is an excellent and most worthwhile course to take

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