It was only a few a days ago that I began to piece together the words for this column. I couldn't wait to discuss how successful our first week of Orientation went. Everything went perfectly, from Mariachees at the BBQ, to the authentic Caribbean band on the cruise, to the packed-to-capacity Stand-Up YU, and with no better way to end the Orientation week then a ruach-and achdus-filled Orientation Shabbos. Applause goes out to Yaakov, Jason, Miriam, and Bruriah for putting on a phenomenal Orientation. The year seemed to be going so smooth and tranquil.

Unfortunately, it all came to halt on Tuesday, September 11th. It was a day of tragedy and pain that will live for eternity in the American psyche. Most people look back on that day and feel devastation and despair. I too felt that way, but at the same time, another feeling came over me. I saw rebbeim, faculty, and students come together for one cause; one focus. There were rebbeim in each of the lounges leading tehillim and speaking with students with whom they never previously had a kesher. Deans and students were sitting on the same couch, singing at a kumsitz in unison. Food Services, led by Jake Lieberman, opened the doors of the cafeteria to high school students and accommodated the university students to ensure that everyone on campus was taken care of. There were students who voluntarily gathered carts to collect food and clothing for those in the rescue mission. The student body, along with our Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Lamm, convened within hours on the front lawn, while the maintenance department swiftly installed a speaker system to maximize the quality of the rally. Who could forget the talmidim of the Yeshiva filling Lamport Auditorium to near capacity for a spontaneous night of mussar and divrei torah led by the hanhala. These memorable instances were just a few of the precious acts of chesed and unity that occurred in the past few days.

I must say that I have never been so proud to be a student at Yeshiva University as I was last week. The superb administrators like Rabbi Blau, Dean Himber, Jeff Rosengarten, Jeff Socol, Dr. Nissel, and Avi Rosman courageously helped solidify our student body by patiently answering the questions of the students and hearing their concerns. The student leaders and fellow students really came together as a team to assist others during this stressful time. Security, as well, proved once again that at Yeshiva University, safety is a top priority. Everyone truly deserves to be commended for his actions and accomplishments over the past few days. It was Charles A. Beard who said, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." Fellow students and administrators, Yeshiva University is truly shining brighter than ever before.

Despite the difficult times, just like our President said, the continuity of life and the economy must continue "almost normal," so too must our University. Soon the chagim will have passed and the year will go into full swing. The last few club applications are being collected, and the club fair is soon to follow. Freshman and sophomore class elections are also sneaking up on us. And who knows what kind of events the month of Cheshvan may hold? Rumor has it that a "Succos Circus" may be in the works (Don't worry, it'll be after Succos! There's Isru Chag remember?) Whatever the next month may bring, let us hope and pray that Hashem will turn Mar Cheshvan into a z'man bracha v' hatzlacha.

T'hei Shnas Siman Bracha-

Gmar Chaseeva and V'Chaseema Tovah to all!