With joy, humility, and gratitude to G-d, I share the news that I have this evening been elected President of Yeshiva University. Esther and I have spent the past six weeks struggling with what our life path should be. As many of you know, I was contacted by some of Yeshiva's leadership just before the wonderful opening of our international headquarters. Since that time, we've been exploring what the challenges and opportunities of YU would be, and wrestling with whether I had the capacity to make a difference in that special institution.
As you can imagine, I am overwhelmed by the responsibility and opportunity presented. Yeshiva is a wonderful place, representing the philosophy of Torah U'Mada, the synthesis of Torah and worldly knowledge that is the challenge for each of us. As a product of Yeshiva, in various ways, Esther and I have a special bond with that institution. As the alma mater of our eldest three children, we obviously believe it is critical to the future of our people.
You know I am inspired by a vision of a Jewish renaissance. I believe Yeshiva University is central to that vision. Having a chance to foster the advancement of those ideals is an opportunity we could not resist.
You know how I feel about Hillel. The past 14 1/2 years have been the most wondrous and joyous of my life. I have been privileged to work in partnership with you to kindle flames of Jewish passion and purpose for a generation. Your friendship means more than I can express. I pray that it continues, even as our paths may diverge.
I will be working with Edgar Bronfman, Neil Moss, and the Hillel leadership to plan for a seamless transition. I expect to remain at Hillel for a while until I assume my responsibilities at Yeshiva. I always say I have the best job in Jewish life. You have helped make it so. My hope is I can now have another best job in Jewish life.
There will be time for farewells. Now let us dedicate ourselves to insuring the strength and vitality of Hillel as it moves higher and higher.
With gratitude and affection,
Richard