Yeshiva University High School - Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

Page 11 text:

Rabbi Herbert Hexter School Principal Dear Graduates, The Mishna in Pirkei Avoth says on three things, the world stands: on To- rah, on Avodah, (Prayer) and on Ge- miluth Chasodim (Kindness). Based on this, I can proudly say that you, the Seniors of 574 M 981, hove contributed to the establishment of the world. You have set an example for all of your fellow students in areas, not only ' Bein Adam Lemakome but ,., , also Bein Adam Lechovero. Your diligence and depth of Torah learning, as well as your devotion in davenina have served to set the standard at Y.U.L.A. High Schools. Most of all we have seen how you ' ve practiced loving kindness to your fellow Jews in your weekly Mitzvah Missions to the Nursing Homes as well as how you ' ve extended your helping hand to the less privileged students in Vancouver, British Columbia. We are extremely proud of our first boys ' graduating class as well The depth of Torah learning which has been attained and the appreciation of knowl- edge in general, has been demonstrated by so many of our students having decided to pursue their studies in Israel. May you continue on the path that you ' re on so that you will continue to bring Nachas to your parents and teachers. The challenges ahead are many but by continuing to learn and to practice honesty and kindness in our confused world, you will be perpetuating that whi ch the Torch teaches. Hotzlocha Rabba Rabbi Herbert Hexter t ' ' ' b- (.

Page 10 text:

Rabbi Moshe Meiselman Dean of Academic Studies The The end of the senior year nnarks Q major turning point in one ' s life. As you, the second graduating class of YULA High School, close the door on your years of adolescence and emerge into the adult world, we are confident that the many years of preparation in the day school system of Los Angeles will equip you to meet the twentieth century as mature, in- telligent Jews. The philosophy of YULA High is that a firm foundation in limud ha torah is the only way that a young Jew becomes equipped to deal with the realities of modern life. Our sages taught us 1f a man will tell you there is wisdom among the nations of the world, believe him. If He tells you that there is Torah among the nations of the world, do not believe him. The only source that a Jew has for his values, for his ethics and for his world-view is the Torah. It is that solid learning of the classic sources of our tradition that will continue to inspire you for your entire lives. It is therefore important for you to view the learning of Torah not only as port of the schooling of your adoles- cence, but also as a continuing and necessary part of your life as a Jewish adult. During your lives you may learn much wisdom in many schools and universities, but it is only the continual learning of Torah that will inspire you to live your lives as well-integrated Jews and complete human beings. Rabbi Moshe Meiselman

Page 12 text:

Dr. Bruce Powell General Studies Principal June 18, 1981 Dear Graduates, During the senior year, one often spends a great deal of tinne pondering tl e notions of endings and beginnings, Both ideas are exciting to the point of exhilirotion and very scary. On the one hand, you are culnninating twelve years of hard worl , discipline, set hours, and the close attention of your teachers and principals. You are bidding farev eil, in a sense, to a warm, closely-knit world, a world of securi- ty, open doors, and clear directions. On the other hand, and most importantly, you are offi- cially ending the safe environment of child- hood and entering an adult world where, all of a sudden, you become legally, morally, and socially responsible for making crucial choices and decisions for life. You must now apply the skills, knowledge and disciplines developed during the past twelve years to aid in analyzing various options. The most strenuous challenge will come in the making of moral choices. No longer will there exist a simple black and white moral scheme. The myriad shades of ethical decision making will tax your countf ° commitment to the extreme. In essence, the choices you make from now on really Even though it is important to ponder future responsibilities and past achievements you must not lose sight of your present existence. Be aware of the future and past, but plan to live right now I he future and past are inexorably composed of every action you do at the present time tssentially, the past and future is the present. Concentrate your energies in absorbing the magnifi- cence of G-d s world. Sensitize yourselves to the intricate and mystifying relationship between mankind and nature. Enjoy the very act of breathing, seeing, smelling, and touching. Don ' t miss out on your present life experiences by living in the future or past. By losing the now there will be no other chance to relive it in another dimension of time. Finally, in thinking about beginnings and endings, and about the time dimension in which you plan to live, remember the line from Shakespeare ' s play, Hamlet, where Polonius advised his son Laertes: This above all- to thine one self be true; And it must follow, as the night the day. Thou canst not then be false to any man. Since I cannot improve on the Bard ' s advice, I shall end as he did, Farewell: my blessing season this in thee. c , : :tr Sincerely, Bruce J. Powell, Ph.D.