Shlomo Troodler

Candidate for SOY President

I have spent a lot of time representing students' interests and working to better this institution. I happen to think there is a lot more to being a student leader then just "doing things" to pad one's resume. Leadership, representation and the ability to deal with the administration are each vital pieces of the puzzle. My experience working in and helping out with the SOY Seforim sale clearly indicates my desire and ability to put myself out for others and allow students to be able to reap the benefits of this institution.

In addition, I have displayed leadership skills in many different forums, be it my experience with various kiruv organizations (including going on Counterpoint Australia this summer), Yeshiva University's Model UN, or my current position as Secretary of the Yeshiva College Student Council. My position on YCSC has required me to have extensive dealings with the administration and gain extraordinary familiarity with those who work most closely with the students. The truth is, I am proud to say that I have worked with the administration on many issues, fighting on behalf of the general student body. When I looked back on my year, I realized that there was one part of this institution that is not given the credence and recognition that it deserves, and, in addition, is perhaps the most vital branch of this entire institution. That is the Yeshiva.

As a person who spent two years studying Torah in Eretz Yisrael, it bothers me to see the Yeshiva neglected. There is no reason whatsoever that SOY and the entire Yeshiva should not be the most vital part of the University, not only in the eyes of the Roshei Yeshiva, but in the mind of the entire administration. SOY's prominence needs to be restored, and I feel I can do it. My close association with the administration allows me to deal with a variety of issues by going through the proper channels, and achieving what you, the students, want. Whether it is a bigger and better Chanuka or Purim Chagiga, a Seforim Sale that takes place without administrative qualms, or to see once again a number of SOY publications that help spread Torah to the general public - I can do it.

Once I have stated my qualifications, and what it means to be a student leader, I just wanted to mention a number of the goals I hope to accomplish once elected to the office of SOY president. Shabbos at Yeshiva is already a powerful experience. However it might easily be expanded to introduce the excitement of Shabbos at Yeshiva for those who can't always share the experience with others, and can't always spend Shabbos in such a positive environment. I hope to facilitate easier acquisitions of lockers near the Beis Medrash. I feel that the number of Shiurim given by Roshei Yeshiva, and the students' exposure to the Roshei Yeshiva whose shiur they do not belong to needs to be increased. We have a tremendous blessing here in YU with all the talmidei chachamim in the institution - let's take advantage of it. SOY has the ability to spread Torah to hundreds, not only here in YU - I hope to increase the number of SOY publications and give them out to the public to be marbitz torah. The bottom line is as follows - let's reinstate SOY as one of the primary representative student councils of the Yeshiva.