Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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MASMID Twentv-nine

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SENIOR CI.ASS HlSl ' ORY It was in September, 1932 that the present Senior Class began its college days. Forty enthusiastic youngsters, we registered for our first courses. To more than half of the class the surroundings were familiar and the environment not at all new; the others, newcomers from various high schools and strangers from distant states soon grew at home in their new surroundings and were one by one admitted into what came to be known later as the society of the Boys. Yet ere the strangers had had time to become acclimated to New York ways and ere the newcomers had really become acquainted with Yeshiva life, the urge for organization, already apparent in those days, grew strong and in one of the most tumultuous and exciting of class elections, Jacob Karsh was chosen president and William Kaufman was elected vice-president. Back in 1932 when social life at the college was almost nil and extra-curricular activities hadn ' t yet come into vogue, the classes were the source both of torment and of joy. As Freshmen, we were already introduced into the realm of infnify and told that for everything we do we receive credit — even negative credit. The Duke Landman to Rabbi Cohen relationship, the careful enunciation demanded by Erastus Palmer, and the welter of oratorical discord which began with Dr. Damon were all highlights for the beginners. The big event of the year was the march down to Madison Square Garden to protest against Germany ' s anti-Jewish program. Two of our boys carried the huge Yeshiva college banner, and we led the parade of all the other colleges. The Sophomore year, voted by the present Seniors as their most difficult one, brcJught with it besides such ordeals as Sunday night lab periods and memori- zation of four lines, many joys as well. The chemistry class became the Mecca of all types of discussions from politics to sports. And the class periods not to be outdone proved a constant source of diversion with the anti-Schmerler tirades. And what with the corridor formation of Schmerler to Muss and back, midnight lectures during pre-exam days, and experiments which always worked, Chem became the haven of even the most philosophical. It was in this year that the history boys brought the Duke down from his castle and made him mingle with his vassals. Of course, it took more than one brand of chewing gum, but that proletarian revolt staged by Leader Kasten against the quota of seven books was remuneration enough. The political horizon was quieter somewhat this year. Leo J. Usdan and Lou Muss were elected president and vice-president respectively. In addition the Sophomores began to rake an active interest in school affairs. Usdan became Head Librarian of the college library and business manager of the Masmid. Noveck broke into intercollegiate debating: Feuerstein became secretary of the Council; Kasten began his position as Athletic Manager; Theodore Adams organized the choral society; and Shamal gained fame by his note taking powers. With the coming of the Junior year the class found itself divided for the first time. Some began to take more courses in government and history while other; stuck to chemistry and physics and clamored for more sciences. However, all of us met In philosophy, psychology, and ethics. MASMID