Alumni Newsletter
August 2025
The Power of Being an Alum
As we gear up for the start of a new academic year, I want to remind you of the many benefits that come with being a YU alum.
Some are tangible, like getting a .
But many go much deeper, into the heart and soul of what makes èßäapp and your connection to it so enduring and redeeming: professional networking events, lifelong learning opportunities and the chance to reconnect with fellow alumni from all walks of YU life.
I hope that the dog days of August don’t dog you too much, and I look forward to seeing you at the many exciting events we are going to bring to you over the next academic year. You can always check out .
Warm wishes,
Beth
Beth Lebenson Praver
Director of Alumni Engagement
646.592.4493 | beth.lebensonpraver@yu.edu
Events
Annual YU Young Alumni Summer Social
Sunday, September 7, 2025: Enjoy Smash House burgers, coolers, beer and entertainment by the renowned mentalist, Shlomo Levinger, on the rooftop terrace of Lincoln Square Synagogue on the Upper West Side.
Akiva in Concert
Sunday, September 14, 2025: Akiva performs at the United Palace Theater, with guest artist Idan Raichel. Special 10% discount for YU students, staff and alumni with promo code YUAKIVA. °Õ¾±³¦°ì±ð³Ù²õ»
An Evening of Women’s Independent Learning
Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Shoshana Schechter, Associate Dean of Torah Studies and Spiritual Life and Director of the Mechina Program at Stern College for Women, will give the featured shiur at this evening of learning at Shenk Shul. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free, but registration is required.
Rabbi Yehuda Halpert: Speaking to an Empty Shul
Tuesday, September 16, 2025: On March 11, 2020, Jewish life in Bergen County shut down. In this online YU Library Book Talk at 8 p.m., Rabbi Yehuda Halpert reflects on his community’s spiritual resilience during COVID and its lasting impact.
State of the Markets: What Now?
Almost 100 YU alumni gathered for this important networking event on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, organized by the YU Wall Street Group. This cutting-edge discussion at the midtown NYC offices of Grant Thornton featured industry leaders from Blackstone, TD Cowen and Capital Group. See and so you won’t ever miss events like these.
Mazel Tovs
- Mazel tov to Gabe ’88YC, ’84E and Aliza Sosne and Jay and Debbi Lakritz on the engagement of their children, Betzalel Sosne ’17SB and Miryam Lakritz.
- Mazel tov to Michael ’85YC and Leah Poppers on the marriage of their daughter, Shalva, to Eli Sadiky of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and to the grandmother, Esther Pascher ’68S.
- Stanley Mirvis ’05YC, ’08R took up the mantle of director for Arizona State University’s (ASU) Jewish Studies department.
- Diagnos, Inc. welcomes veteran optometrist Dr. Barry A. Ginsberg ’74YUHS, ’78YC to its scientific advisory board for the United States.
- Denholtz has added to its leadership team with the hiring of Jonathan Callahan ’09C, tapping the former Related Management Co. executive as its general counsel.
- Mazal tov to Yisroel Tannenbaum ’23SB and Ayelet Richter ’21S on their marriage!
What You Need To Know
has all the information you need about Benefits & Services, Career Support, Events, News, Networking and Making a Gift.
Here are a few things we want to emphasize:
- because your alumni ID card gains you selective campus access and puts you on our mailing list for notices about events, jobs, social gatherings, reunions, minyan access on campus and legacy admission support.
- so that we can better serve you, especially if you have moved or changed your email address.
- Share a simcha, mazel tov, life event or even (G-d forbid) a loss with the alumni community.
- What’s in the News at YU: You can find more news about èßäapp at . And if you are a YU sports fan, check out and don’t miss a game!
- Prep YU Students for the Workplace: Any alumni interested in engaging with YU students are welcome to contact the Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development anytime. (Todd Lotcpeich, senior director of employer relations and engagement, at todd.lotcpeich@yu.edu)
- Hosting Events: If you would like to host an affinity event, we would love to take you up on your offer. (Beth Lebenson Praver, beth.lebensonpraver@yu.edu)
- Contact Us: Please email us at alumni@yu.edu or call us at 646.592.4490.
èßäapp Office of Alumni Affairs
500 West 185th Street | Belfer Hall 7th Floor | New York, NY 10033
646.592.4490 | alumni@yu.edu>
