YU Today, WSJ April 2024

This publication has been generously underwritten by the Ira Mitzner/Riva Schneck Collins families, Houston, Texas. YU TODAY YESHIVA UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

MANISH KUMAR

ALEX REINERT Professor, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

THOTA Katz School of Science and Health DR. YAFFA

DR. NECHAMA PRICE

Director, Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud Studies

ZILBERSHATS

Academic Chair, Yeshiva University in Israel

Education and Leadership TO EMPOWER OUR NEXT GENERATION

Inside

Dear Friends,

A Message from Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman President, Yeshiva University

Inside Cover

We stand today at an inflection point in American history. Many universities that were once highly regarded as the engines of our country’s success are finding themselves unable to meet the moral needs and opportunities of this moment. With deep unrest on college campuses and a national decline in attendance, university systems are severely challenged. For us at Yeshiva University, we find the opposite phenomenon. Our campuses are growing, and our attendance is at record numbers. Quality students are seeking an education that is both academically excellent and values driven. As an institution that believes in the transmission of wisdom that has been tested over the span of history, we offer our students a classical education with the latest scientific and technological innovations based on a foundation of core values to drive great personal and professional success throughout their lives. This year in particular, with anti- semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on the rise on college campuses, Yeshiva University as the flagship Jewish university has played a leadership role in protecting all of the Jewish students in the country. But the most impactful contribution we make is by continuing to elevate the excellence of our values- based education, attracting the most exceptional teachers and highest quality of students.

Partnership for The Future— A Letter from Our Chairman Ira Mitzner, Chairman, Yeshiva University Board of Trustees

Alex Reinert Leading the Charge in Transforming the Criminal Legal System

In these pages, you will meet students, faculty and alumni who embody our values and our commitment to making the world a better place. These are leaders who fight for global human rights and local civil rights; pioneer cancer-curing biotechnology and innovative eating disorder treatments; champion women Torah scholars; and lobby on behalf of Israel and battle anti- semitism. In every generation, the call of history is different. The challenges change, the circumstances shift. But what never changes are the opportuni- ties to make a difference. By bringing our values into their lives, our students bring their values into this world. The great gift Yeshiva University gives to the Jewish people and the world is our students. And the great gift that our students receive from Yeshiva University is the education that empowers them to respond to the call of history and become the leaders of tomorrow. I am pleased to share with you this issue of YU Today, which highlights the accomplishments of our students, alumni and faculty. Individually, each is impressive. Collectively, they provide the leadership base that inspires us with hope for the future.

Julie Feder A CFO Driven by Passion, Values and Purpose

Gabi Sackett Bringing His YU Values to the Front Lines

Dr. Nechama Price Educated and Inspired by the Program She Now Leads

The Maccabeats Inspiring Jewish Pride Around the Globe

Jonathan Frieden Standing Up for Israel at Harvard

Manish Thota Meet the IA Chatbot That’s as Smart as Your Favorite Prof

Dr. Margaret Sala Mindful Courage: A Groundbreaking Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery

Dr. Tamar Avnet Time vs. Task—the Billion-Dollar Question

Dr. Yaffa Zilbershats Educational Pioneer Unveils New Partnership in Israel

Warm regards,

Jaqueline Englanoff Activism in the Wake of October 7: A Student’s Journey

David Price Building on a Foundation of Torah Values

YU IN ACTION

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman President, Yeshiva University

Leading the Charge in Transforming the Criminal Legal System ALEXANDER A. REINERT Max Freund Professor of Litigation & Advocacy

Grounded in our core Torah values, YU students continue to experience the long-term power of a YU education: a 92% admissions rate to medical school—double the national average; employment in world-class companies such as Amazon, Meta, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Google; and a 98% rate of admission to grad school or acceptance of employment offers within six months of graduation. As we fulfill our mission as the world’s flagship Jewish universi- ty, I am especially pleased to announce YU’s new Lieberman- Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy, inspired by the legacy of Senator Joseph Lieberman as a model of faith and civility across the political aisle. Deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition, the center will prepare the next generation of public servants and advocates, empowering students to improve the world through leadership on a national and international scale. As I complete my 16th year on the Yeshiva University Board and my third as Chair, I have never been prouder to be a part of this exceptional institution. Our many achievements, built on your generous support, will continue to propel us forward to even greater successes in the months and years ahead. Notwithstanding our success, the inflationary pressures on the university, particularly the additional expenses incurred over the last several months, have created an environment where we grant $45 million annually of scholarships to over 80% of our undergraduate population. More than ever, we look to our alumni and friends to help us grow and diversify our global impact as we build our University—particularly through these challenging times as we provide a safe haven for more students and the opportunity to experience a YU education through scholarship programs. Our students have shown immense growth and strength of character amid the challenges facing our people, and they continue to show the world the values our institution stands for. It is here that students from around the world not only learn and prepare for their chosen careers, but also stand as proud Jews dedicated to our Torah and the truth when much of the world seems bereft of moral clarity. The University needs additional scholarship philanthropy to support these amazing young men and women and to support our University as we go from strength to strength. Please consider donating a generous one-time gift as well as making YU part of your annual communal philanthropy. Now is the time to honor the past and invest in our future and the future of the Jewish people. With appreciation,

Director, Center for Rights and Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

tions have firmly established his place within the legal field. In ad- dition to his legal work and research on the rights of the incarcerat- ed, Reinert has produced the most comprehensive study to date on how the courts of appeal have handled the controversial doctrine of qualified immunity, which shields government officials from per- sonal liability for constitutional violations. His academic work and articles have appeared in top law jour- nals and the national press and have been cited by state and federal courts throughout the U.S. In 2023, he was elected a member of the prestigious American Law Institute, an independent organization producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize and otherwise im- prove the law. Recognizing that the law fails more often than it succeeds in building a just world, Reinert remains hopeful for change: “I see ways in which the law can break through structural inequality … and treat everyone as having worth and humanity. But mostly I see ways in which it has to do better.”

L egal scholar, litigator, advocate, educator—Alexander Reinert approaches his groundbreaking work with a rare depth of commitment and insight. As the Max Freund Professor of Litigation & Advoca- cy and director of the Center for Rights and Justice at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Reinert’s expertise in civil procedure, constitutional law and the complexities of the criminal legal system place him among the nation’s leading litigators fighting to limit the use of solitary confinement in prisons. In a landmark moment in April 2023, Reinert achieved a signifi- cant victory in his career defending the rights of incarcerated indi- viduals in Miller v. City of New York, a federal class-action lawsuit. The case resulted in New York City agreeing to pay a settlement of $53 million to more than 4,000 pretrial detainees over the misuse of restrictive conditions at the Rikers Island jail complex and other Manhattan jails. The historic settlement builds on Reinert’s scholarship and ad- vocacy challenging the use of harsh treatment like solitary confine- ment, which current research deems ineffective, inhumane and tantamount to torture. Reflecting on the case and other pro bono legal work he has done on this contentious issue, Reinert notes that “although we have far to go to get to true elimination of solitary confinement, I feel that I have helped to break new ground in obtaining relief for many of my clients.” Reinert, who graduated magna cum laude from New York Uni- versity School of Law in 1999, had the distinction of clerking for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer before working as a civil rights lawyer and has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court as counsel for the plaintiff in Ashcroft v. Iqbal . But despite his notable accomplishments, a career in law wasn’t always part of his game plan. “I wasn’t brought up with the aspira- tion to become a lawyer,” says Reinert. “However, I was raised to care deeply about the impact I could mke in the world.” This ingrained sense of mission, inspired by his activist grand- parents, led him to engage in social justice efforts during his high school and college years, ultimately guiding him to see how his ded- ication to equality and justice could align with a legal career. The inflection point came when he attended the Rebellious Lawyering Conference, the nation’s largest student-run public in- terest conference, held annually at Yale Law School. Reinert real- ized then and there that there was a place for him in the world of law, where his passion would resonate and find its purpose. Now, nearly three decades later, his headline-making contribu-

A Letter from our Chairman I am very proud to recognize the ongoing success of Yeshiva University—in our historic enrollment numbers, our ground-breaking programs and initiatives, and our heightened presence as the flagship Jewish university on the world stage. This success is due in large part to the support of our friends and alumni—support that is vital on many levels: providing scholarships for our talented and ever-growing student body; new opportunities to strengthen our students as they become the next generation of leaders; and ongoing measures to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff. Confidence in Yeshiva University has never been stronger. In stark contrast to a country-wide crisis in college enrollment, Yeshiva University’s Spring 2024 enrollment alone is up nearly 25% from Spring 2023, a record-breaking increase that illustrates the university’s continued phenomenal growth. This increase puts the Class of 2027, already the largest on record, in a true class by itself. YU’s tremendous performance has also extended to its graduate programs, which boast a 97% increase from 2016 to 2023. In fact, the Katz School of Science and Health alone has seen a remarkable tenfold increase since 2016. Indeed, as we witness an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and anti-Israel hostility on campuses across the country, students and their parents are recognizing the unique value of Yeshiva University: a safe and supportive institution that combines a world-class yeshiva with a world-class university, successfully educating and empowering the next generation of global leaders.

Ira M. Mitzner Chairman, Board of Trustees

A CFO Driven by Passion, Values and Purpose

JULIE FEDER ’92 Sy Syms School of Business Chief Financial Officer, Aura Biosciences

I n the life of a corporate chief financial officer (CFO), guiding a private company through the complexities of an initial pub- lic offering (IPO) is a significant milestone because of the profound impact it can have on a company’s future. Julie Fed- er, CFO of Aura Biosciences and a proud alumna of the Sy Syms School of Business, knows that very well. A financial star with a decadeslong career, Feder has skillfully navigated both the button-down world of business consulting as well as the dynamic realm of pharma and biotech. But it was her inaugural role as CFO at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, a global nonprofit, that was especially transformative. “Working there for six years, I came to understand the tremendous influence a CFO can have on saving lives around the world,” Feder remarked, underscoring her belief that aligning one’s work with one’s person- al values is the cornerstone of a meaningful success. However, Feder’s most formidable career challenge emerged in 2021 when she steered Aura Biosciences, a private biotech compa- ny she had joined only three years prior, through its IPO. This ven- ture, a first for her, generated $87 million in equity capital, an espe- cially notable accomplishment given the global pandemic’s impact on the capital markets. Her success confirmed that she possessed the resilience and strategic expertise required in such high-stakes deal making. Reflecting on the collective effort that propelled the IPO to suc- cess, Feder cited one of her favorite maxims: “There’s no ‘I’ in team,” she said. “Our journey to the IPO was spearheaded by an exceptional group of people, internally and externally. And key to it all was the vital leadership of our CEO, Dr. Elizabet de los Pinos.” For CFOs like Feder who “love science” and are driven to make a difference, Aura is the place to be. Founded in 2011 and headquar- tered in Boston, Massachusetts, this pioneering clinical-stage bio- tech firm is developing innovative therapies to target and destroy cancer cells selectively and activate the immune system with the potential to create long-lasting, anti-tumor immunity. With potential applications ranging from rare ocular cancers to more common ones such as bladder cancer, Aura’s technology shows significant promise. Its leading drug candidate, Belzupacap Sarotalocan (Bel-sar), has completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. Its current multiple-country Phase 3 trial will focus on the drug’s ef- fectiveness as a treatment for primary choroidal melanoma, the most prevalent type of eye cancer in adults.

How have Feder’s challenges as a CFO changed with Aura’s transition from a private to a public company? “Navigating the pub- lic markets continues to be tricky for numerous companies,” she remarked. “Fortunately, we are well funded, which allows us to ad- vance our flagship drug, Bel-sar, through various stages of clinical development. But nonetheless, in the current market environment, maintaining patience is still key.” Her patience and perseverance have helped her gain member- ship in an exclusive club: women CFOs. According to a 2022 report by the Boston Consulting Group, women CFOs in the corporate world remain relatively rare, and although their numbers are slow- ly increasing, they still face significant obstacles in reaching senior finance roles. “I know opportunities exist for women, and I have been very fortunate in my career to have them, but I think women should con- tinue to break through the glass ceiling and rise,” said Feder as she pointed to the fact that she is one-third of a partnership even more rare than women CFOs in the biotech industry: a female CEO- CFO-CMO trio. And to make her presence in the corporate world even more rare? She is a Modern Orthodox woman whose faith serves as a guiding force. “I could never have achieved so much, so quickly without the wisdom and values I have gleaned at Sy Syms School of Business,” Feder added, acknowledging the significant impact her education has on her career. In addition to heading up finance at Aura, Feder is on the Board of Overseers at her alma mater. She is also the former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors and the current Treasurer at the Maimon- ides School, a coed, Modern Orthodox Jewish day school in Brook- line, Massachusetts that was founded by Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik. As an involved mother of three who has celebrated 30 years of marriage with her husband, Wayne, she recognizes the enduring example she sets for young Modern Orthodox women seeking lead- ership positions and careers in business. “My colleagues and I had the privilege of ringing the Nasdaq closing bell. It was absolutely thrilling. Then and there, I wanted to be a visible example to young women, especially to those in the Orthodox community, letting them know that ‘yes, you can do this.’ Success in the secular busi- ness world is indeed possible.”

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

Bringing His YU Values to the Front Lines

Educated and Inspired by the Program She Now Leads NECHAMA PRICE, ED.D. ’01 Stern College for Women ’03 Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud Studies ’05 (MS), ’23 (Ed.D.) Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration ’08 (MA) Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies Director, Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud Studies (GPATS) Clinical Assistant Professor, Stern College for Women D r. Nechama Price ’01S isn’t just the head of the Graduate Pro- gram in Advanced Talmud Studies (GPATS) at Yeshiva

Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), combat training and frontline experience in infantry operations, he was particularly qualified for his important role. Sackett has since returned to his work for YU Israel, ensuring that YU students receive a rewarding and unforgettable experience in the University’s popular year-round and summer programs in Israel, which include Counterpoint Israel, in which students run an English-based summer camp in Israel for teens; and YU’s Summer Internship Program, in which students work as interns in Israeli companies in areas such as marketing, engineering, communica- tions, data research, computer science and accounting. The intern- ships give students hands-on experience and invaluable insights into Israel’s world-renowned startup culture, while also providing significant benefits for the host companies. Every aspect of Sackett’s work is done with an eye focused on what is best for the students, and he spends many months meticu- lously planning every aspect of YU Israel’s summer programming. “This holistic approach to education extends beyond the class- room, shaping well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the chal- lenges of higher education and beyond,” he said. Sackett, who grew up on Long Island, New York and in Israel, enlisted in an IDF combat unit as a lone soldier when he was 20. He came back to the States to pursue his studies at YU and has great memories of his time there, where he learned an important value that guides him to this day: Make a positive impact. It’s a value he brought with him as a security manager for eight years at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, during his service in the IDF and in his work for YU Israel. We’re thrilled and proud he’s part of the YU family.

GABI SACKETT ’05 Yeshiva College Program Director of YU Israel

T here are proud YU graduates and there are graduates of which YU could not be prouder. Gabi Sackett ’05YC checks both those boxes—first, as program director of YU Israel, for which he plans and creates dynamic pro- gramming for YU students in Israel, and second, as a devoted sol- dier who answered the call to help the people of Israel after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. As soon as he heard the news, he rushed to the front and served for four months straight without a break. As a captain in the Rabbanut (chaplaincy) Division 99 in the Is- rael Defense Forces (IDF) reserves, Sackett was stationed along the northern Lebanese border for the first two months and was in Gaza for the following two months. Sackett provided crucial pastoral support for his fellow soldiers and valiantly assisted in the retrieval of fallen comrades amidst hostile fire in enemy territory. With a background that includes studying at YU’s rabbinical school, the

University, she is also a proud graduate and world-renowned for her love of learning and teaching Talmud. “From a young age, I fell in love with learning Torah and knew I wanted to enter the field of Jewish educa- tion,” said Dr. Price. While an undergraduate at Stern Col- lege for Women, she took as many high-lev- el courses in Bible and Jewish Law as she could. “My skills really developed, and my life’s mission took focus when I spent three years studying in GPATS,” she said. After her third year as a student in GPATS, she was offered the opportunity to teach a class in Jewish law at Stern. She jumped at the chance, which led to a full-time teaching position, and 10 years later, becoming the director of GPATS. Women’s advanced Torah learning has never been the same, as Dr. Price is a highly respected, beloved teacher and inspiration for Jewish women around the globe. Learning the Talmud is a challenging undertaking, yet for those who master it, deeply rewarding intellectually and spiritu- ally. For Dr. Price, it is not just a labor of love to study and teach the wisdom of the Tal- mud to the young women at YU: She is awed by the opportunity. “For the last 20 years, I have been privileged to teach Torah to the most passionate, intelligent and learned students at Stern,” she said. “It is thrilling to watch the faces of my students as they de- velop their appreciation for the complexity and meaning in the Torah and its messages,” she added. “I love to journey with them

through Jewish history as we travel step by step through the halachic (Jewish law) ana- lytic process of each law.” Once an area of learning reserved exclu- sively for men, the Talmud offers those studying it deep insights into Jewish law and religious observance. “I believe that women can and should be given the oppor- tunity to learn Torah at the highest of lev- els, as undergraduates and, especially, at the graduate level.” Under her leadership, GPATS has dou- bled in size and added tracks and new areas of study. The program has also expanded its reach to inspire and educate on a much larger scale by adding a summer learning initiative, an online learning program and a visiting scholars program in which stu- dents give lectures in various communities.

Dr. Price has earned the coveted title of Senior Class Professor of the Year for 12 of her years at Stern as well as other awards for her scholarly work and teaching. In ad- dition, she is the author of a book on the 12 tribes, Tribal Blueprints . She feels privileged to not only teach her students Torah, but also to get to know them and learn from them. “Teachers of Torah must love what they teach and love who they teach,” said Dr. Price. “I look at my students and am inspired for the future of the Jewish people and—specifically—the future of women’s Torah education. I only hope that I am an honorable representation of Yeshiva University, its values and the community it represents.” Dr. Price, it’s not even a question.

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

Inspiring Jewish Pride Around the Globe

THE MACCABEATS A Capella group founded at YU in 2007

L ast November, the Maccabeats looked out from the stage at the March for Israel rally in Washington, D.C. and faced an audience nearly 300,000 strong. As is customary, the all-male a cappella group huddled for inspiration and focus before starting its set. To say they were nervous would be an understatement. Just then, group member Ari Lewis was embraced by a fam- ily friend, a parent of one of the Oct. 7 hostages. As the pair hugged, tears ran down Lewis’ face, and the other Maccabeats, witnessing the emotional exchange, felt their anxiety being re- placed by a deep sense of shared purpose. This was a much big- ger moment for everyone. The crowd roared with approval as the group began performing at what was to be the biggest show of the singers’ lives. “I believe everything we’ve done in these past 16 years was leading up to that moment, representing the Jewish people through music and bringing them together,” said Lewis, who is also an associate director of admissions at Yeshiva University. It is hard to believe that this group, singing before the largest pro-Israel gathering ever in the U.S., started performing as stu- dents at Yeshiva University. As the Maccabeats are fond of say- ing, Yeshiva University is part of their DNA. “Before every show, we introduce ourselves as the Mac- cabeats of Yeshiva University,” said Julian Horowitz, one of the group’s founding members and music manager. “YU trains the next generation of software engineers and rabbis, but it also trains musicians and artists. I think it’s a great place to go to find like-minded Jewish musicians, some of whom may someday be our competition.” The group was established at YU in 2007 as a university- sponsored student ensemble called the Yeshiva University A Cappella Group. Initially, they debated whether to hone their skills in private or perform live. They decided on the latter and started singing at Hanukkah candle lightings and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) events at YU’s Wilf Campus. They chose the name The Maccabeats, cleverly riffing on YU’s sports teams’ name, The Maccabees. The group’s 12 members are YU grads, and Yeshiva Universi- ty is still close to their hearts. YU provided the group with funds

to get started and paid for their first album. It was during the creation of that album in 2010 that the Maccabeats got their big break. Deciding to record a holiday video as a fun surprise for friends and family, they produced the song “Candlelight,” a Ha- nukkah-inspired transformation of Mike Tompkins’ cover of Taio Cruz’s song “Dynamite.” “Candlelight” immediately went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube in its first few weeks and currently standing at 17 million views in total. The Maccabeats’ newfound success drew invitations to numerous TV shows, including “Good Morning America,” and eventually the group became one of the most popular acts in Jewish music. More than worldly success, the Maccabeats claim that their biggest achievement is bringing together Jews from all back- grounds and denominations. During the holidays, their music has become a beloved fixture in many Jewish households around the world. Their emphasis on Jewish pride, a value in- stilled at Yeshiva University, along with the integration of Jew- ish spirituality, prayer and biblical references into their music, has helped inspire many young Jews to embrace their identity. “We got this beautiful message from someone who said he was the only Jewish student in his high school of 3,000, and he felt like he couldn’t wear his yarmulke to school,” said Noey Jacobson, Maccabeats member and MBA candidate at NYU. “But after listening to ‘Candlelight,’ the Hanukkah song, he felt he could. I feel that Jewish music has always been a part of what helps us move through difficult moments.” The Israel-Gaza war and the March for Israel rally took this sense of Jewish pride and perseverance, expressed through mu- sic, to new heights. Usually, the group releases a Hanukkah song that is playful and riffs on a popular song on the charts. Not this last Hanukkah. Instead, the Maccabeats recorded an original song, written by Jacobson, called “We’re Still Here,” which is about the Jewish ability to overcome every obstacle and not only survive but also return to and thrive in their ancestral homeland, Israel. Looking ahead, as the initial inspiration they found at YU continues to grow, the Maccabeats are committed to producing new music that inspires joy and Jewish pride around the globe.

Opposite, L–R: Chanina Abramowitz, ’11YC; George Rubin, ’16YC; Ari Lewis, ’11SB; Mordy Prus, ’11YC; Buri Rosenberg, ’11YC; Nachum Joel, ’11YC; Josh Jay, ’11YC; Yonatan Shefa, ’09YC; Michael Greenberg, ’09YC; Meir Shapiro, ’11YC; Julian Horowitz, ’10YC. Not pictured: Noah (Noey) Jacobson, ’12YC

YU Today : Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

YU’s esteemed faculty are highly accomplished experts in their fields, published authors of scholarly papers and books, research grant recipients and industry leaders. Join us in supporting the kind of work that inspires our students to lead meaningful lives that improve humanity.

Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik Director of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought

Dr. Marian Gidea Professor of Mathematics Advancing Understanding of Dynamical Systems for Sustainable Energy and Space Science

Dr. Youshan Zhang Professor of Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Radhashree Maitra Professor of Biology Combatting a Deadly Form of Colorectal Cancer With Lifesaving Research

Myriam Gilles Professor of Law

riseup.yu.edu

Led the Legal Fight to End Forced Arbitration, Protecting Employees and Consumers

Deploying Deep Neural Networks and Computer Vision for Self-Driving Technologies HONORING

Training the Next Generation of Aspiring Jewish Intellectual Leaders

BRILLIANCE

Standing Up for Israel at Harvard JONATHAN FRIEDEN ’20 Yeshiva College JD Candidate at Harvard Law School

Meet the AI Chatbot That’s as Smart as Your Favorite Prof MANISH KUMAR THOTA

’24 Katz School of Science and Health M.S. Candidate in Artificial Intelligence

G oogle the name Jonathan Frieden ’20YC and you’ll be amazed at the number of results that appear. That’s be- cause the third-year student at Harvard Law School has become a leader in the fight against antisemitism that’s been plaguing college campuses since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. “Right after Oct. 7, over 30 student clubs at Harvard signed onto a statement blaming Israel for the murder of their own peo- ple,” said Frieden, the president of Alliance for Israel at Harvard. “Since then, some antisemitism has masqueraded as anti-Zionism, including unauthorized rallies in buildings that stop classes, with hundreds chanting ‘from the river to the sea’ and ‘globalize the inti- fada.’” The hatred has been isolating, he admits, “but has brought the Jewish community together in a beautiful way.” The rising star has been the go-to spokesman for Jewish college students after he spoke eloquently and passionately at a press con- ference in Washington, D.C. (introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson), and has appeared on many national news channels since, including C-SPAN and Fox News. The press conference took place shortly before the hearing held by the Committee on Education & the Workforce on December 15, 2023, titled “Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism.” At the hear- ing, presidents from three of the nation’s most elite universities failed to forcefully condemn antisemitism and threats against Jew- ish students, which resulted in outrage and the resignation of two of the presidents. Thanks to his campus advocacy for Israel, Frieden was invited to attend the hearing by U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx, chair of the committee, and sat for over five hours directly behind Dr. Claudine Gay, then-president of Harvard, while she testified. “The hearing was a mess,” said Frieden. “Instead of taking responsibility, asserting moral clarity, and laying out a plan for the future, the presidents tried defending themselves with free speech arguments, yet never addressed the double standard.” Prior to the hearing, he helped prepare materials for U.S. Repre- sentative Elise Stefanik, who led part of the questioning of the uni- versity presidents. “I had the pleasure of meeting Speaker Johnson, Representative Stefanik, Representative Foxx and other members of Congress,” he said. “They were horrified by what my fellow stu- dents and I told them and empathized deeply with us.” Frieden has since been a guest on a Fox/iHeartRadio podcast, published an article in the National Review, met with the Israeli consul general in Boston and is still receiving media inquiries. In addition to his advocacy and law school studies, he is the host of the Harvard Business Law Review podcast, which he founded, and for which he has interviewed leaders and innovators at the intersec- tion of business and law. He attributes his success as a leader to skills he learned while at

I magine conversing with your most knowledgeable professor, the one who has a wealth of information and is eager to share it. That is the es- sence of my Visual Question Answering (VQA) model. The twist here is that the ‘professor’ is not a person but a computer equipped to provide insights and answers with the same depth and accessibility.” That is how Manish Kumar Thota, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Katz School of Sci- ence and Health, describes his research work on developing a machine-learning chatbot that can assist students academi- cally. “The challenge is to teach my VQA model, which I refer to as a ‘digital brain,’ to understand both images and questions and respond the way your most knowledgeable professor would. It’s all about making com- puters as smart as the sharpest minds out there, one pixel at a time.” Originally from Hyderabad, a major center for technology in southern India, Thota became interested in AI and data sci- ence during his undergraduate years when he worked on a project focused on “deep learning”—a method in AI that teaches computers to process data in a way that is inspired by the human brain. Deep-learn- ing models can recognize complex patterns in pictures, text, sounds and other data to produce accurate insights and predictions with the precision one might expect from a seasoned pro. “That project fascinated me,” explained Thota. “Together with my back- ground in computer science, it led me to join Stryker R&D, working on cutting-edge projects in the Asia-Pacific region.” His passion for AI research eventually drew him to the Katz School. “I chose Katz for my master’s degree because of its excel- lent course structure and alignment with my research interests,” said Thota. “The

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opportunity to work closely with faculty members whose work resonated with my interests was a major factor in my decision. Additionally, I had the privilege of intern- ing as a machine-learning engineer at S&P Global during the summer and was fortu- nate to receive the Sacks Impact Graduate Fellowship in Ethics and Entrepreneurship from YU, covering my tuition expenses.” At the Katz School, Thota is engaged in innovative projects, including the develop- ment of a VQA chatbot that integrates com- puter vision and natural language process- ing technologies. It leverages a cutting-edge Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) model to deliver enhanced personalized and interactive learning experiences. By in- corporating machine learning algorithms, advanced natural language processing and a comprehensive range of educational con- tent, the chatbot enables students to learn at their preferred pace. They can revisit the material as often as necessary, engage with it more interactively and receive instant

feedback on their comprehension. “The goal of the project is to train a large-language model with vision capabili- ties that can recognize and teach course content, answer questions and provide in- teractions with audiences,” said Dr. Youshan Zhang, an assistant AI professor in the Katz School and Thota’s adviser. “This model can then be used to improve the learning expe- rience for students in online courses by pro- viding them with a more interactive and engaging learning environment.” When asked if we should be nervous or excited about what lies ahead, Thota smiled. “The future of chatbots holds great promise, revolutionizing how we interact with technology and business,” he said. “While some may feel apprehensive about their chatbots, there’s more reason to be excited. These AI-driven assistants will streamline tasks, improve customer ser- vice, enhance accessibility and make daily life easier and more efficient.”

Yeshiva University. “One of the things that I loved about my experi- ence at YU was the ability to take leadership roles,” said Frieden, who was an honors student and majored in behavioral economics. “I had the amazing opportunity to learn from Dr. Jonathan Schwab, YU’s director of Student Life, who taught me about cultivating team culture, the power of active listening and rallying around a shared vision.” He also served as Head RA (resident advisor), pres- ident of the Honors Council, Mock Trial captain and Model UN chair as an undergraduate. Since Oct. 7, he has been documenting campus antisemitism, fostering Jewish and interfaith solidarity and advocating to the uni- versity administration. “Throughout my legal career, I hope to stay involved in the Jewish community,” said Frieden. With his devotion to the truth as well as his leadership and pub- lic speaking talents, we’re sure Google hasn’t heard the last of this impressive and accomplished YU graduate.

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

Time vs.Task—the Billion-Dollar Question TAMAR AVNET, PH.D. Professor of Marketing at Sy Syms School of Business Chair, Marketing Department Director, MBA Program

Mindful Courage: A Groundbreaking Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery MARGARET SALA, PH.D. Assistant Professor of YU’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology Licensed Clinical Psychologist Principal Investigator, $800,000 NIH Grant

been a mentor to students and a sought-af- ter marketing expert for various media out- lets ever since. Dr. Avnet is proud to be a member of the Syms faculty at YU, a university dedicated to fostering innovation and leadership in its faculty and students. She is especially excit- ed for what the future holds as she spear- heads the marketing of Sy Syms’ innovative, fully online MBA program. The program offers flexible start times throughout the year, can be taken from anywhere, and gives students market-leading skills from Syms’ exemplary faculty, all while instilling values in students that help improve the world. “YU is a very special place,” said Dr. Avnet. “It promotes a culture of collabora- tion and working together among its facul- ty. I am grateful that we are given the op- portunity to conduct innovative research while being supported for who we are. It’s a powerful combination.” And thanks to Dr. Avnet’s groundbreak- ing research on time management, we can all learn to manage our days—and our lives—more efficiently, more enjoyably and more meaningfully.

A s over 24 million Americans grapple with eating disor- ders—a crisis exacerbated by the pandemic—treatment, for the vast majority of sufferers, remains inaccessible and ineffective. Through groundbreaking research and a new $800,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Margaret Sala, assistant professor in YU’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, is trans- forming that narrative, distinguishing herself as a leader in a chal- lenging field. A world-renowned expert on eating disorders, at just 34, Dr. Sala and her team at Ferkauf are revolutionizing the treat- ment of these deadly conditions. Her innovative research began with marrying cognitive behav- ioral therapy (CBT)—the gold standard treatment for eating disor- ders—with mindfulness, a treatment with emerging evidence for many psychiatric disorders. Now, with funding from the NIH grant, she and her team are pioneering a digital intervention combining mindfulness and CBT, creating one of the first-ever evidence-based, digital platforms to treat eating disorders. The initiative stems from a stark reality: 80% of those struggling with disordered eating do not receive treatment. “Treatment access is fraught with barriers—cost, scarcity of specialists and stigma, to name a few,” Dr. Sala said. Interactive and user-friendly, the digital program, called “Mind- ful Courage,” uses animation voiced by actors to engage users in otherwise complex material. Pilot data shows 95% completion rates—double the rates of most digital treatments—as well as signif- icant reductions in eating disorder symptoms. Dr. Sala and her team are now at work on an expanded, 16-week digital program. The re- sponse, once again, proved the need. “We had no problem recruit- ing participants—and some of these disorders are pretty rare, so the fact that it was so easy to recruit was a shocking surprise for us.” Dr. Sala’s venture into digital treatment was never in the plan. Beginning her research in 2020, she, along with the rest of the world, faced constraints on her own in-person work. “Going digital was a culmination of my experience and my interests,” she said. Despite the promise of her digital platform, Dr. Sala, who main- tains her own private psychotherapy practice, recognizes the unique value of face-to-face therapy. “Digital treatment complements, not replaces, the traditional therapist-patient interaction,” she ex- plained. Her observations underscore a glaring problem in the field: the scarcity of therapists practicing evidence-based treatments. “Our goal is to eventually translate millions spent on research into real-world practice, something that is not always done,” she added.

D oes an external clock guide your daily routine, or is the in- ternal satisfaction of a job well done driving your schedule? Can you toggle between the two behavioral patterns? These are the fascinating ques- tions asked by Dr. Tamar Avnet, chair of the marketing department at YU’s Sy Syms School of Business and professor of mar- keting and the director of its MBA program. Dr. Avnet’s research shows that we pos- sess one of two different styles of behavior regarding time management, which she re- fers to as “clock time” or “event time.” Those who run on clock time will schedule an event for 1 p.m.–2 p.m., and it will last an hour, no more, no less. Others may sched- ule the same event at 1 p.m., but it could end as early as 12:30 p.m. or as late as 3 p.m. As Dr. Avnet explained, “the amount of time given to the event is dependent on feeling that the job has been done well. Essentially, the trigger for beginning and ending a task can be external, based on a clock, or inter- nal, based on your own judgment of com- pletion.” According to Dr. Avnet, both styles of scheduling have their benefits—clock time is more efficient while event time is more effective. When asked if it’s possible to tog- gle between the two styles, Dr. Avnet said it is, however it takes practice, which can lead to a more enjoyable and efficient life. In the business world, Dr. Avnet be- lieves event time is better for entrepre- neurs running a start-up, because, as she said, “they will want to give as much time as possible to ensure the product is perfect and people will love it. But once the prod- uct is scaled and being offered broadly on the market, a clock-time CEO is probably better for the company to run efficiently.” She believes that billions of dollars of

economic potential exist within her model, from workplace efficiency to marketing. It can also be relevant for shoppers’ product choices. “The implications are boundless,” Dr. Avnet said, adding, “to be good in busi- ness you have to think like a psychologist.” Born in Israel, Dr. Avnet served in the Israel Defense Forces and then completed a bachelor’s degree in economics and a mas- ter’s degree in organizational behavior at Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel. She then earned a Ph.D. in marketing at Columbia University Business School. In 2007, she joined Yeshiva Univer- sity as a professor of marketing and has

Dr. Sala’s journey into eating disorders began during her gradu- ate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s re- nowned UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, where she became fascinated by the psychological complexities of anorexia. “It is so against biology to starve yourself, there are so many drives to protect against it,” she said. “And it’s such a hard disorder to treat. I developed a real compassion for these individuals, and it’s stayed with me.” As has her frustration—with the shortage of specialists in the field, and with the fact that eating disorders are so understudied and underfunded; obesity receives 10 times more funding than eat- ing disorders. As a result, many providers, and patients themselves, come to feel hopeless. “Often in treatment, there’s a revolving door—pa- tients go in, they get better, they relapse, they come back.” Eating disorders, particularly anorexia, are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid addiction, resulting in about 10,200 deaths each year. It doesn’t have to be that way. “Everyone deserves treatment,” said Dr. Sala. “This is a passion project, a hope that we can bring recovery to the millions who suf- fer alone.”

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

Educational Pioneer Unveils New Partnership in Israel YAFFA ZILBERSHATS, PH.D. Academic Chair, Yeshiva University in Israel Professor, Bar-Ilan University School of Law Former head of Israel’s Council for Higher Education’s Planning and Budgeting Committee

S he revolutionized Israel’s education system. Now, Israeli powerhouse Yaffa Zilbershats is doing it again. This time, as the Academic Chair of the Yeshiva University in Israel (YUI). The first project of YUI is to establish an undergraduate pro- gram in Israel. This unique four-year program, a collaboration between Yeshiva University, Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan Uni- versity, offers a specially designed curriculum taught in English. Students can earn a YU degree while living in Israel, preparing them to enter an ever-more-competitive global job market. Launching this fall, the first-of-its kind program integrates rig- orous coursework with YU’s distinctive dual curriculum, balancing world-class Torah studies and top-tier academics. Students can choose to study Business and Management through Tel Aviv University, or Psychology and Multidisciplinary Jewish Studies through Bar-Ilan University. Set on YU’s Israel cam- puses, every aspect of YUI is informed by the spirit, standards and vision of Yeshiva University. “This groundbreaking collaboration deepens YU’s academic presence in Israel, connecting students with top Israeli universities,” said Dr. Zilbershats, an international lawyer and the first woman to head Israel’s powerful Council for Higher Education’s Planning and Budgeting Committee. “But this is just the beginning.” With antisemitism growing worldwide, Dr. Zilbershats—a mother of three and a grandmother of seven, including a grandson who is an active IDF officer—feels a special urgency for a program like YUI, emphasizing its potential to create a stronger, more uni- fied Jewish community. “I’ve always felt that the best way to bring Am Yisrael [the Jewish people] together is by strengthening ties to Israel,” she said. “Connecting American Jewish students with our elite universities is a great way to accomplish this.” If anyone is up to such a task, it’s Dr. Zilbershats. She’s made her mark in a nation known for its considerable intellectual capital and distinguished high achievers, transforming the country’s educa- tional landscape. As chair of the Council for Higher Education’s Planning and Budgeting Committee from 2015 to 2021, she promot- ed and implemented long-distance digital learning to make higher education accessible to all segments of the population. She did not know at the time how valuable a tool digital education would be- come. “Before COVID, I envisioned that we would have to use our digital capacity, which is relevant to all teaching but mostly in aca- demic teaching,” she explained. Once the pandemic hit the country and prevented children from

going to school, the Finance and Health Ministries asked her to de- termine whether the academic digital teaching system could be used for elementary and high schools. The unanimous answer from developers throughout Israel who had created these systems: “We can do it all.” And so it was that Dr. Zilbershats helped pave the way, not only for digital learning during the pandemic but also for today’s “any- where, anytime” learning environment in which people from across the globe can access Israel’s exceptional educational system. “Our project, which was supposed to be an evolutionary change in the method of teaching, transformed overnight to one of the big- gest revolutions in the past decades,” she said. Indeed, when it comes to making what she considers clear and necessary changes in the world, Dr. Zilbershats thinks big. And when Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, was introduced to her, he recognized her as the ideal person to power the budding dream of a full-degree program for Yeshiva University in Israel. For Dr. Zilbershats, too, the idea resonated deeply; and with their shared commitment to academic excellence and Torah education, plus a profound bond to the country, a partnership made perfect sense. “He offered me the job, and of course I took it,” she said. “I am a big believer in what YU stands for. It’s the only institu- tion in America that creates strong, well-rounded leaders of char- acter by combining world-class academics and Torah values.” Dr. Zilbershats envisions a wide-reaching partnership across Israel, connecting YU with numerous Israeli universities and in- corporating a broad range of disciplines. She believes this collabo- ration will greatly impact Jewish communities in both America and Israel. “I’ve done my bit for Israel,” she said, “and now I’d like to do something for the Jewish people as a whole.” Born in Tel Aviv to a family with deep roots in Israel’s history, Dr. Zilbershats infuses her work with personal significance. She was inspired by her mother, a Holocaust survivor, and her father, whose family immigrated to Israel before WWII and who helped build the city of Tel Aviv. Her service in the Israeli army was fol- lowed by many academic achievements—including a master’s de- gree from New York University and a Ph.D. from Bar-Ilan. Yeshiva University in Israel is the realization of a dream, its ramifications potentially enormous. “With YUI, students will get the best of all worlds: an education that combines the excellence of Yeshiva Uni- versity and our Israeli universities, a deep, life-long connection with the country, and a profound bond with the Jewish people.”

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

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