Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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June 1950 To The Graduates ot 1950: The graduates ot this year, frt)m all the colleges of the country, will he termed the Class of the Mid-century. The graduation of this class has been k)oked u wn with great e.xpectation by your predecessors and w ill be looked back upon by future classes for many sorts of comparisons. From both poiius of view, your class most ably represents a milestone of achievement in the progress of ' eshiva College in Yeshiva Universit . Statistically, you are graduating in the 21st year of the existence of ' Yeshiva College and you will swell the number of graduates to a figure approaching the 800 mark. In leaving, all of us who remain at Yeshiva Universitv give vou our heartiest congratulations and our very best wishes for individual futures till ed with happiness and prosperity. On your part, we hope that you will consider vour ties with Yeshiva College broken onl in the academic sense, but still strong in affection and good will. Sincerely, Moses L. Isaacs Dean

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Dear Friends; During your college days you have received a three-fold education. First of all in the natural sciences which are primarily concerned with the world in which we have been placed, and in the hidden secrets of the universe which are constantly being discovered by the human intellect. Second, the social sciences and humanities which seek to convey to us a better understanding of our complex society, of which we are individual members, and an appreciation of the laws which bind society together. Third, in religion which endeavors to define the higher purpose and spiritual values of our own lives and daily experiences. The endless search after G-d ' s knowledge which helps us to orientate our- selves in the uncharted land of the spirit; the continuous desire to become acquainted with the discoveries of the human intellect, and the search for a deeper understanding of the people around us, create within us a harmonious perfection which may be characterized as the integration of knowledge. Remain firm in your convictions and hold yourselves responsible for translating your ideas into realities. Above all, we must seek knowledge of our own selves. Self knowledge, and self criticism are the essence and vital elements in the growth of personality and spiritual selfhood. Our sages often emphasize our duty to search within the inner chambers of our hearts, and Jewish students of antiquity have often spoken of taking account of our inner selves. This searching introspection, this turning of the searchlight into our hearts and souls will enable us to discover our real strength and weaknesses. It will teach us that before we criticize others we must be merciless in self-criticism. It will develop within us a spirit of modesty and humility. Self-knowledge and self riticism are great cleansing influences in our lives. I have abiding faith that you will govern your lives by the standards of the Torah and our American democracy, and that you will consider your education as a means to a greater end — towards consecrated service to G-d and our fellow-men. I congratulate you, and wish you well-being and well-doing. Samuel Belkin President

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Morris H.ilpcrn MA Boris Rackovsky Herman Potok