2010 SOY Seforim Sale Daily Times and Events
 

Sunday, January 24
12pm-8pm
Grand Opening of the 2010 Seforim Sale

Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb and Rabbi Mark Dratch “The Royal Table: Official Book Launch of a New Haggadah Commentary by Rabbi Norman Lamm” 12pm
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb is the Executive Vice President Emeritus of the Orthodox Union.
Rabbi Mark Dratch, Founder, JSAFE, The Jewish Institute Supporting an Abuse Free Environment; Instructor of Jewish Studies and Philosophy, IBC.

Rabbi Norman Lamm, Chancellor of Yeshiva University and Rosh HaYeshiva of its affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, is one of the most gifted and profound thinkers of the Modern Orthodox community. He served for many years as Rabbi of The Jewish Center and was the foundingeditor of Tradition, the journal of Orthodox thought published by the Rabbinical Council of America.

The Passover Haggadah is perhaps the most popular Jewish liturgical book after the Siddur. Each year families gather around their tables to retell the story of the Exodus of the nascent Jewish community from Egypt, using an ancient text made ever-relevant by each generation’s added commentaries. The Royal Table is Rabbi Norman Lamm’s Haggadah commentary, a work of brilliant insights expressed in Rabbi Lamm’s inimitable style, articulate and engaging, while sensitive and moving.

Shiur will take place in Belfer Hall Room 218

Jeremy Gaisin LIVE 5pm

Come join us for a great performance by Jeremy Gaisin. Jeremy began his musical journey playing piano as a child and branching out to guitar during his teenage years. Growing as a singer and composer during his post highschool year in Israel, Jeremy moved on to Y.U. with a newfound fervor for his musical expression. His heart-filled style has found its way to audiences from The Hamptons to Texas to the Old City of Jerusalem. He has sung for Acapella groups Kol Zimra, Bsamim and Harmonia. Jeremy studied at Yeshivat HaKotel (now Netiv Aryeh) in Israel and graduated from Y.U., Cum laude, in 2006. He runs Ratzon Entertainment: Orchestra, Photo & Video, providing top talent and ruach for weddings and other celebratory occasions. Stay tuned for possible album material sneak peaks at the sale.

Bone Marrow Drive

Monday, January 25
6:30pm-9:30pm

Rabbi Gil Student Book Signing 7pm
Rabbi Gil Student is a popular writer who has been featured in The Jewish Press, Jewish Action and other periodicals. His Internet writings include a number of websites and his award-winning blog, Hirhurim-Musings.

Posts Along The Way is an adaptation of the Torah teachings on the popular Hirhurim-Musings blog. In this book, learn about the halachah and hashkafah of shuls in the quick and enlightening blog format. Take a guided tour of the sources and see how they are relevant to the Judaism you live and experience. Topics include how prayer works, talking in shuls, who can be a rabbi - a ba'al teshuvah? a convert? a woman? Shuls and mega churches, women's prayer groups, mechitzah and much more.
 

Shiur by Rabbi Mordechai Willig 8pm

Rabbi Mordecai Willig, is the Rabbi Dr. Sol Roth Professor of Talmud and Contemporary Halachah at YU's RIETS program. He has been a Rosh Yeshiva at the Mazer School of Talmudic Studies since 1973 and a Rosh Kollel at RIETS.Rabbi Willig received a B.A. in mathematics from Yeshiva College in 1968 and an M.S. in Jewish History in 1971 from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. He received semicha that same year. He has served as spiritual leader of Young Israel of Riverdale in the Bronx, NY, since 1974, and has written a sefer, Am Mordechai, and many articles in Torah scholarship journals.

Shiur will take place in Furst Hall Room 501

Tuesday, January 26
6:30pm-10pm

Lecture by Professor Mordechai Cohen 7:30pm
“Is Tanakh Literature? Opinions of Our Great Mefarshim”
Professor Mordechai Cohen (Ph.D., Yeshiva University 1994; Semikhah, RIETS 1989) is Professor of Bible and Associate Dean of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University. He has written extensively on Jewish Bible interpretation (parshanut ha-miqra) in its Muslim and Christian cultural settings, and in relation to modern literary scholarship. His first book is entitled, Three Approaches to Biblical Metaphor: From Abraham Ibn Ezra and Maimonides to David Kimhi. His second book, Opening the Gates of Interpretation: Maimonides’ Biblical Exegesis in Light of His Geonic-Andalusian Heritage and Muslim Milieu, will be published in 2010.
 

Lecture will take place in Belfer Hall, Room 218
Following the lecture will be a book signing at the sale.

Wednesday, January 27th
6:30pm-9:30pm

Shiur by Rabbi Sobolofsky 8pm

Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky is a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University. Rabbi Sobolofsky studied at Yeshivat Kerem BeYavneh and Yeshiva University; graduating in 1987, he was named valedictorian of the Mazer Yeshiva Program. He then attended the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), finishing in 1990 and proceeded to the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration in 1996. He was appointed Rosh Yeshiva in the spring of 2002 and began teaching Talmud at Yeshiva University and its affiliated RIETS in the fall of that year. His shiur has gained much popularity in its short existence, and is currently one of the most popular shiurim in the Yeshiva. Some credit this popularity to his ability to blend the teaching styles of his two teachers, Rabbi Mordechai Willig and Rabbi Hershel Schachter. Rabbi Willig is known for his focus towards practical understanding and Rabbi Schachter is known for his ability to present topics in the Talmud in a broader context. Rabbi Sobolofsky blends these two styles to form a unique package that many students find most rewarding.
In addition to his role as Rosh Yeshiva in RIETS, Rabbi Sobolofsky also serves as the spiritual leader of Congregation Ohr HaTorah in Bergenfield, New Jersey. His synagogue has attracted many Orthodox Jews to the community. Rabbi Sobolofsky also lectures at the Bergen County Beis Medrash Program (BCBM) housed at Congregation Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Prior to his appointment as Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Sobolofsky was a fellow of the Gruss Kollel Elyon and then went on to teach in Yeshiva University's Stone Beis Medrash Program for seven years. Rabbi Sobolofsky is the author of a sefer, Reishis Koach, on Maseches Bechoros.
 

Shiur will take place in Furst Hall Room 501

Thursday, January 28
6:30pm-11pm

Yaakov Chesed Live 8pm
Come join us for a great performance by Yaakov Chesed. Former YU Battle of the Bands winner, Yaakov Chesed is back with their brand new album The Passage. The band will be performing an “Unplugged” set of their resonating rock sound.

Friday, January 29
Closed

Saturday, January 30
8pm-12am

Tu B'shvat

Bone Marrow Drive

The Making of “Lonely Man of Faith” 8pm
Ethan Isenberg is the producer and director of the film, “Lonely Man of Faith”. Ethan has both a BA in English Literature, with a concentration in Film Studies, and a BS in Computer Science, from the University of Pennsylvania. Before embarking on a career in filmmaking, Ethan worked as a computer programmer. He also spent two years studying at Yeshivat Sha’alvim and Yeshiva Har Etzion. Ethan currently lives with his wife, Nili, in Los Angeles. “Lonely Man of Faith” is his first documentary film.

Ethan will share a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Lonely Man of Faith”, which is premiering on DVD, and some never-before-seen footage.

The program will take place in Belfer Hall Room 218.

Sunday, January 31
10am-10:30pm

Alumni Family Day at the SOY Seforim Sale
Sky Café, Belfer Hall, 12th Floor
Bring your kids to campus for a full morning of food, fun, and more! With an alumni ID card, you will also get a 5% discount at the SOY Seforim Sale for all purchases made that day.*

Please RSVP for you and your family to alumnievents@yu.edu.
(*And to have an alumni ID card available for your use on the 31st.)
Contact Erica Phillips at ephillip@yu.edu with questions.

Children’s Block Printing Art Workshop (11am-12pm)
Join Yeshiva University Museum Educators in a children’s art activity they can take home! Make your own stamps or use pre-made ones to create picture frames (bring your own photo!) or fabric pouches to hold your special Purim treats! Art activities are open to children ages 4 and up!

Kernels of A Pomegranate: Storytelling for the Generations (12pm-1pm)
Penninah Schram, well-known storyteller & author, is Professor of Speech and Drama at Yeshiva University’s Stern College. Vibrantly elegant in her storytelling, she tells Jewish stories of wisdom and wit. Her latest book is an illustrated anthology, THE HUNGRY CLOTHES AND OTHER JEWISH FOLKTALES (Sterling Publ.) and a CD, THE MINSTREL & THE STORYTELLER, with singer/guitarist Gerard Edery (Sefarad Records). Peninnah is a recipient of a Covenant Award for Outstanding Jewish Educator and the 2003 National Storytelling Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jewish Music Workshop (1pm-2pm)
Join Julian Horowitz and David Block, members of YU’s Maccabeats, in a fun and educational music workshop for kids. Children will learn about harmonies and rounds using familiar and popular Jewish music. Julian and David are bringing a guitar and harmonica - you just need to bring your voices!
 

Complimentary Gift Wrapping 3-5pm

Come enjoy free gift wrapping on us!

Monday, February 1
Closed

Tuesday, February 2
6:30pm-10pm

YU Maccabeats LIVE 6:30pm

Come join us for a great performance by Yeshiva University's men's a cappella group, the Maccabeats.
 

Professor J. Mitchell Orlian Book Signing 7pm

Dr. Mitchell Orlian received Smicha from Yeshivat Hevron, Jerusalem, in 1957 and his Ph.D. from the Bernard Revel Graduate School in 1973 with a major in Bible and Rabbinic Literature (Parshanut haMikra). He was the coordinator of the National Bible Contest for 17 years and served as a judge at the International Bible Contest several times. He has taught at Lincoln Square Synagogue, Brooklyn College and Haifa Teacher’s College. He has been teaching Tanach and Hebrew language at Yeshiva University for more than 40 years.

Sefer ha-Gan, by R. Aharon ben R.Yosi ha-Kohen, 13th cent: edited by Prof. Mitchell Orlian. Jerusalem: Mosad Harav Kook, 2009.
R. Aharon ben R. Yosi ha-Kohen, one of the French Ba’ale ha-Tosafot, wrote his original and penetrating commentary on the Pentateuch, Sefer haGan, over 700 years ago, but it is only with the publication of this new volume that the full work of this great Medieval commentator has been made available to all. Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Orlian’s painstaking labor over manuscripts and his addition of careful and copious footnotes have resulted in a presentation of both a classical commentary and an illuminating work of modern scholarship. The edition’s introduction of more than 100 pages is the most comprehensive analysis of the exegesis of the Ba’ale haTosafot.

Wednesday, February 3
Closed

Thursday, February 4
6:30pm-11pm

Ta Shma LIVE 7:30pm
Come join us for a great performance by Ta Shma. Ta Shma Orchestra was formed in 2002 in the hallways of Rambam Mesivta High School, and ever since then the band has been working hard to fuse their Carlebachian roots with their more modern jam band influences. The result is a fresh, grooving and exciting new sound on the Jewish Band scene.

Friday, February 5
Closed

Saturday, February 6
8pm-12am

Bone Marrow Drive

Shirei Halevi'im LIVE 9pm

Welcome to the world of indie-pop musician Ben Epstein. In his debut album, Shirei HaLevi'im, Epstein has done something rather magical. He's taken Tehillim (Psalms) written millennia ago by David Ha-Melech (King Davd) and, once again, given them life as intensely personal and intimate songs. Because this is how they started, right? David, warrior and king, conflicted and embattled, pouring out his fear, hope, love and longing in the best way he knew...song. Epstein's flawlessly crafted pop flows effortlessly, one memorable melody tumbling out after another. This is an album to be sung along with, jumped up and down with, and, on a clear starry night like tonight, cried along with.
He will be playing songs from his debut CD, accompanied by various Stollel members and their shofars.

Sunday, February 7
10am-3pm
Levana Cookbook Signing 12-3pm

Levana Kirschenbaum was co-owner of Levana Restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (alas, just closed down in last year after thirty two years), and the pioneer in Kosher upscale dining. She is a cooking teacher, and gets countless devoted fans for her fearless, practical and nutritious approach to cooking. She gives weekly cooking demos at her classroom at Lincoln Square Synagogue, and gets cooking demo engagements around the country. She has published "Levana's Table: Kosher Cooking for Everyone", "Levana Cooks Dairy-Free!”, and a book-dvd set based on her demo series called "In Short Order. She is launching a line of spelt all-natural desserts, called, what else, Levana. Go onto her website to find out more about her demos and her desserts, at www.levanacooks.com

Professor Daniel Rynhold 12:30pm
“Why Does Medieval Jewish Philosophy Matter?”
Bagels and light refreshments will be available
Professor Daniel Rynhold holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, an MA in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from University College London, and a PhD in Jewish Philosophy from the London School of Economics. Before coming to YU, he taught at Jews' College in London and at King's College London. He is the author of Two Models of Jewish Philosophy: Justifying One's Practices, and An Introduction to Medieval Jewish Philosophy.

Lecture will take place in Belfer Hall, Room 218.
Following the lecture will be a book signing at the sale.

Monday, February 8
6:30pm-11pm

Shiur by Rabbi Eytan Feiner 8pm

Shiur will take place in Furst Hall Room 501

Eli Gerstner, Menucha and the Cast of YBC 3 LIVE 9:15pm

Come join us for an exciting performance starring Eli Gerstner, Menucha and the Cast of YBC 3!

Tuesday, February 9
Closed

Wednesday, February 10
6:30pm-10pm

College Comedy Night with Joel Chasnoff 7:30pm
Joel Chasnoff is a stand-up comedian and writer with stage and screen credits in eight countries, including a live stand-up spot on Israeli late-night TV and shows for three Israeli prime ministers. On tour, he was the warm-up act for Jon Stewart and Lewis Black of The Daily Show. After college, Joel volunteered for a combat unit of the Israeli Army. He served as a tank gunner in the Golan Heights and South Lebanon. Joel lives in NY.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is Joel's humorous memoir about his military service.
Disillusioned with Ivy League post-graduate life, 24-year-old Joel Chasnoff makes real on his dream of giving back to Israel (and of being a brave, gun-toting soldier) and voluntarily enlists in the Israeli Army. What follows is a hilarious fish-out-of-water tour across international borders—over, under, and through political fences—and a coming of age story unlike any other. The lone American in a platoon of 18-year-old Israelis, Chasnoff takes readers into the barracks, inside the rumbling caverns of a Merkava battle tank, and face-to-face with the absurd reality of life in the Israeli Army. With equal parts irreverence and vulnerability, irony and intimacy, Chasnoff blends an on-the-ground portrait of life in one of the world's most high-profile militaries with a poignant, thought-provoking look inward at a young man coming into his own. The 188th Crybaby Brigade is a new kind of coming-of-age story—one that teaches us, moves us, and makes us laugh.
Joel Chasnoff will perform his unique brand of Jewish stand-up comedy and read from his new book.
 

Furst Hall Room 501

Thursday, February 11
6:30pm-11pm

Jeremy Gaisin LIVE 7:30pm

Come join us for a great performance by Jeremy Gaisin. Jeremy began his musical journey playing piano as a child and branching out to guitar during his teenage years. Growing as a singer and composer during his post highschool year in Israel, Jeremy moved on to Y.U. with a newfound fervor for his musical expression. His heart-filled style has found its way to audiences from The Hamptons to Texas to the Old City of Jerusalem. He has sung for Acapella groups Kol Zimra, Bsamim and Harmonia. Jeremy studied at Yeshivat HaKotel (now Netiv Aryeh) in Israel and graduated from Y.U., Cum laude, in 2006. He runs Ratzon Entertainment: Orchestra, Photo & Video, providing top talent and ruach for weddings and other celebratory occasions. Stay tuned for possible album material sneak peaks at the sale.

Friday, February 12
Closed

Saturday, February 13
8pm-12am
Bone Marrow Drive

Book Reading with Stand-Up Comedian Joel Chasnoff 8:30pm

Joel Chasnoff is a stand-up comedian and writer with stage and screen credits in eight countries, including a live stand-up spot on Israeli late-night TV and shows for three Israeli prime ministers. On tour, he was the warm-up act for Jon Stewart and Lewis Black of The Daily Show. After college, Joel volunteered for a combat unit of the Israeli Army. He served as a tank gunner in the Golan Heights and South Lebanon. Joel lives in NY.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is Joel's humorous memoir about his military service.
Disillusioned with Ivy League post-graduate life, 24-year-old Joel Chasnoff makes real on his dream of giving back to Israel (and of being a brave, gun-toting soldier) and voluntarily enlists in the Israeli Army. What follows is a hilarious fish-out-of-water tour across international borders—over, under, and through political fences—and a coming of age story unlike any other. The lone American in a platoon of 18-year-old Israelis, Chasnoff takes readers into the barracks, inside the rumbling caverns of a Merkava battle tank, and face-to-face with the absurd reality of life in the Israeli Army. With equal parts irreverence and vulnerability, irony and intimacy, Chasnoff blends an on-the-ground portrait of life in one of the world's most high-profile militaries with a poignant, thought-provoking look inward at a young man coming into his own. The 188th Crybaby Brigade is a new kind of coming-of-age story—one that teaches us, moves us, and makes us laugh.
Joel Chasnoff, author of The 188th Crybaby Brigade, will share video clips and photos from his IDF service. As well, he will read from his book in this hilarious and insightful presentation about life in the Israeli Army.
 

Belfer Hall Room 218
Following will be a book signing at the sale.

Kol Ish LIVE 9:30pm
Come join us for a great performance by Kol Ish. Kol Ish is an a cappella group that was established in the fall of 2005 at the University of Maryland. Kol Ish has performed across the United States at weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Shul events and benefit concerts. They have gained acclaim by engaging audiences with a unique musical experience.

Sunday, February 14
10am-5pm

Professor J. Mitchell Orlian Book Signing 1pm

Dr. Mitchell Orlian received Smicha from Yeshivat Hevron, Jerusalem, in 1957 and his Ph.D. from the Bernard Revel Graduate School in 1973 with a major in Bible and Rabbinic Literature (Parshanut haMikra). He was the coordinator of the National Bible Contest for 17 years and served as a judge at the International Bible Contest several times. He has taught at Lincoln Square Synagogue, Brooklyn College and Haifa Teacher’s College. He has been teaching Tanach and Hebrew language at Yeshiva University for more than 40 years.

Sefer ha-Gan, by R. Aharon ben R.Yosi ha-Kohen, 13th cent: edited by Prof. Mitchell Orlian. Jerusalem: Mosad Harav Kook, 2009.
R. Aharon ben R. Yosi ha-Kohen, one of the French Ba’ale ha-Tosafot, wrote his original and penetrating commentary on the Pentateuch, Sefer haGan, over 700 years ago, but it is only with the publication of this new volume that the full work of this great Medieval commentator has been made available to all. Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Orlian’s painstaking labor over manuscripts and his addition of careful and copious footnotes have resulted in a presentation of both a classical commentary and an illuminating work of modern scholarship. The edition’s introduction of more than 100 pages is the most comprehensive analysis of the exegesis of the Ba’ale haTosafot.

Shiur by Rabbi Yonason Sacks 2pm

Shiur will take place in Belfer Hall Room 218

Monday, February 15
10am-6:30pm
CLOSING DAY
Thank you all for coming to the 2010 SOY Seforim Sale!