STRAUS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

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1 The Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University STRAUS SCHOLARS PROGRAM Deep Intellectual Engagement with Torah and Western Thought 1

2 Contents 1 STRAUS CENTER MISSION 2 MESSAGE FROM RABBI DR. MEIR SOLOVEICHIK Straus Center Director 3 THE STRAUS SCHOLARS PROGRAM OVERVIEW 4 RECENT STRAUS COURSES OFFERED 5 HOW TO APPLY 1

3 The Straus Center The mission of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University is to help develop Jewish thinkers and wisdom-seeking Jews by deepening their education in the best of the Jewish tradition, exposing them to the richness of human knowledge and insight from across the ages, and confronting them with the great moral, philosophical and theological questions of our age. In pursuing this mission, Yeshiva University stands in a special place: its students arrive with a deep commitment to Jewish life and to the study of Torah and Talmud, yet are also eager to learn from the best of Western thought. The Straus Center is dedicated to bridging an immersion in Torah study with a formative academic experience, thereby furthering Yeshiva s mission of Torah Umadda and securing Yeshiva s critical role in the future of the American Jewish community. Working in concert with the faculty, and guided by an academic advisory committee, the Straus Center constructs courses that expose students to both Jewish and Western schools of thought. The Straus Center also hosts, throughout the academic year, public forums at Yeshiva University s campuses on great human questions that have engaged Jewish and non-jewish thinkers. Visiting faculty invited by the Straus Center participate in both the teaching of these courses and Straus Center events. Through these efforts, the Straus Center provides a vibrant community at the University that enhances the academic lives of all its students x6899 aryeh.czarka@yu.edu 3

4 Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik Straus Center Director Hinc, lucem et pocula sacra: Here, light and sacred draughts. In lumine tuo videbimus lumen: By Your light God, We see light. Lux et Veritas: light and truth. These are the school mottos of three of the West s leading universities. The very phrases proudly proclaim what the academy used to believe: that the knowledge they safeguarded and transmitted was vital to the moral and spiritual survival of civilization, that faith and reason must go hand in hand, that religion not only enhances the pursuit of wisdom, and that the fear of God is the very beginning of wisdom itself. The Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University was founded with the aim of more fully realizing Yeshiva University s mission: to create truly educated Jews by bridging Judaism and the West, teaching them how the Jewish faith has so deeply shaped so many of the achievements associated with modernity, and encouraging them to defend the traditions, and the canon, of Western civilization itself. The Straus Center s mission is to help its students, and the larger Yeshiva community, join faith and wisdom, believing that the world itself has been intellectually and morally enriched by the light of Judaism and must be similarly inspired in the future. We take upon ourselves this cherished task, hoping for the fulfillment of words millions of Jews pray every day: May You shine a new light upon Zion, and may we all merit to partake in its luminance x6899 aryeh.czarka@yu.edu

5 Straus Scholars Program Overview The Straus Scholars Program seeks to identify and attract exceptionally gifted undergraduate men who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to studying the great works of the Jewish and Western traditions. Straus Scholars will undertake a course of study that includes specially designed, unique interdisciplinary courses. Additionally, Straus Scholars will fully participate in supplementary programs and activities offered by the Straus Center, and have the opportunity for small group sessions with visiting dignitaries and scholars. Scholars will receive tuition support in the form of an annual scholarship up to $25,000, renewable for up to three years on campus in New York. Straus Scholars will be chosen on a competitive basis. The Straus Center will consider high school and post-high school Israel records, letters of recommendation and proof of deep intellectual engagement with Western and Jewish thought.

6 Recent Straus Courses Offered Judaism and Democracy Rembrandt and the Jews: Art as Midrash in 17th Century Amsterdam 16th 19th Century Jewish Intellectual History Modern Political Foundations Politics and Literature Moses Mendelssohn and His American Friends Jewish Engagements: Judaism s Encounter with Contemporary Society Shakespeare: Politics and the Human Condition The Bible in America Epistemology of Religion The Kuzari and Contemporary Jewish Thought Zionist Perspectives from Herzl to Begin Comparisons of American and Talmudic Law x6899 aryeh.czarka@yu.edu

7 Who Should Apply Applicants who: are engaged in post-high school study in Israel have exhibited excellence in talmud Torah and Jewish studies demonstrate a commitment to Yeshiva University s philosophy of Torah Umadda exhibit leadership potential through extracurricular activities and community involvement will be on the New York campus in academic year How to Apply Applicants should complete the Straus Scholars Program application found at The application requires an essay and two letters of recommendation Transcripts on file with the admissions office will also be reviewed Applications should be ed to aryeh.czarka@yu.edu To be considered for the Straus Scholars Program, applications must be submitted by February 1, Late applications will not be considered. Finalists will be contacted to arrange for a personal interview.

8 Office of Undergraduate Admissions Yeshiva University 500 West 185th Street Furst Hall, Suite 101 New York, NY The Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University 2495 Amsterdam Avenue Belfer Hall, Suite 501 New York, NY