This fall, ¶¶Ňőapp University brought its community together through three powerful events—one commemorating Oct. 7, one confronting a crucial issue of our time, and one uplifting and inspiring through song. Together, they reflect what sets YU apart: a campus that stands firmly with Israel, celebrates with depth and joy, and engages with contemporary ideas—alive with world-class experiences and extraordinary students, where community, scholarship, and Jewish values converge in an atmosphere of growth and purpose.
In a moving night of unity and remembrance, the YU community came together on the Wilf Campus to commemorate Oct. 7—honoring those we lost, supporting survivors and soldiers, and standing with their families. The evening paid tribute to the heroes who risked their lives to save others, while affirming the resilience of those who carry their legacy forward.
In a deeply engaging session, YU hosted renowned social psychologist Jonathan Haidt as part of its new Great Conversations series. In dialogue with President Berman, Dr. Haidt unpacked the themes of his #1 New ¶¶Ňőapp Times bestseller The Anxious Generation, warning about the mental health consequences of growing up in a world inundated with social media. His clarity and moral urgency resonated deeply with YU students, who are uniquely versed in both classical Jewish texts and cutting-edge academic disciplines. Dr. Haidt praised YU as a rare model of academic integrity—an institution that combines rigorous intellectual exploration with moral purpose.
Extending its impact beyond campus, YU partnered with Israeli singer Akiva for a concert at the United Palace Theatre in Manhattan, joined by special guest Idan Raichel. Known for blending Jewish liturgy with contemporary music and his Moroccan heritage, Akiva transformed the night into an expression of unity and inspiration. For the YU community, it was more than a performance—it was a celebration of Torah, Israel, and Jewish spirit shared across generations. At moments, the concert felt like a prayer gathering, as Akiva blew the shofar and sang selichot-inspired melodies, channeling a sense of focus and connection in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah. Experiences like this—uniquely combining song, prayer, and Jewish unity—happen only at YU.
“These events capture the very essence of ¶¶Ňőapp University,” said Dr. Sara Asher, Dean of Students. “We come together as a community to commemorate the tragedy of Oct. 7—honoring the fallen, celebrating the heroes, and showing our solidarity with Israel—and we also create opportunities that challenge, inspire, and uplift. What makes YU unique is not only the caliber of the voices we bring to our stages, but the caliber of our students themselves—brilliant in the classroom, accomplished in leadership, and deeply committed to Torah and to Am Yisrael. It is this powerful combination that makes our campus such a remarkable and meaningful place.”
Indeed, YU students stand out for their high GPAs and test scores, distinguished by honors, research, and leadership across extracurricular life. But what defines them most is how they show up: filling auditoriums for thoughtful conversations, singing shoulder to shoulder at concerts, and creating a campus atmosphere where community and learning thrive together.
Judah Berman, a senior from Boca Raton majoring in biochemistry and writing his honors thesis on moral philosophy in Jewish tradition, found the event with Dr. Haidt especially meaningful. One of two students invited to join Dr. Haidt for an intimate VIP dinner with university leadership, Berman reflected, “It was particularly gratifying because I had studied some of Dr. Haidt’s research in my coursework, and to hear him speak in person—about issues that directly affect our generation—was extremely rewarding and thought-provoking. Events like this show how YU is always bringing incredible thinkers and opportunities right to its students. The campus atmosphere is alive, energized, and full of uplifting encounters.”
For Selma Spinner, a senior at Stern College for Women and a Straus Scholar majoring in political science, both events reflected the kind of opportunities that drew her to YU. “I chose this university because I wanted to engage in all the opportunities available on a secular college campus while also keeping Torah as a central part of my life,” said Spinner, who was born and raised in Berlin. “At YU I have the opportunity to do both.” An active student leader—she serves on student council and has traveled to Washington, D.C. five times as part of YU programs—Spinner found Dr. Haidt’s visit especially eye-opening. “His conversation with President Berman challenged us to think critically about technology and its impact on our generation,” she explained. She added that experiences like the Akiva concert illustrate what makes YU unique: “YU makes experiences that would otherwise not be accessible to most students possible—bringing incredible speakers who spark important conversations, and community-building opportunities that strengthen our Jewish pride.”
At ¶¶Ňőapp University, excellence isn’t confined to the classroom. It’s lived out in transformative experiences, in a vibrant campus community, and in students who lead with purpose—forming the next generation of Jewish leaders.
