Stern College for Women - Kochaviah Yearbook (New York, NY)

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STERN COLLE6E FOR WOMEN YESHIVA UNIVERSITY 10016 1212) 481 0587 It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of pride that I wish you mazal tov upon your graduation from Stern College. The educational process in our college may be described as symbiotic. We teach, instruct and guide, but we cherish above all the responsiveness, participa- tion and growth of our students. The credo of Stern College, which I trust you will bring to bear in all your future endeavors, is Torah U-mada. As a parting message, let me offer a formulation of R. Israel Salanter and others concerning the dual aspects inherent in the precept of Torah study. This mizvah contains two components: The first is Limmud ha-Torah, the act of dedicated study, of simply devoting time and effort to learn. Even if one does not achieve full comprehension of the material under scrutiny, he or she has fulfilled this dimension of Torah study by virtue of having made the effort and put in the time. At the same time, one must strive for Yedi ' at ha-Torah, for a comprehensive intellectual and spiritual mastery of the subject matter at hand. Yedi ' at ha-Torah is inextricably linked with the development of yirat-ha-Shem, of true reverence for God and for His Torah. We hope that you have acquired the desire and the discipline during your stay at Stern College, to undertake Limmud-ha-Torah on your own or with others as often as possible. You have been afforded the methodological tools, the breadth of knowledge and the ability to translate these dimensions into a formula for the creation of personal and societal ethics, all of which are necessary in order to achieve true Yedi ' at ha-Torah. Each one of you brings to this world unique qualities and talents which can enhance your life and the lives of others. It is up to you to use them wisely. May you continue to be a source of pride to your alma mater, your families and Klal Yisrael. Sincerely yours, Rabbi Ephraim Kanarfogel Chairman, Dept. of Jewish Studies 16