Commenting on The Commentator

UPDATED

I was quoted in an article in The Commentator about the incident surrounding this post (link): link. I'm in the fourth paragraph:

Since the publication of How to Read the Bible, objections to Dr. Kugel have surfaced in the American Orthodox community. Dr. Kugel joked with the crowd on Thursday night that he would never pray in Teaneck again. Behind the humorous comment lies a real issue in the community, highlighted by a statement from YU alumnus and prominent blogger Rabbi Gil Student: "I believe that Jewish Studies in Yeshiva University should be taught [or lectured] by people full of not only knowledge but also Yiras Shamayim… Studying Jewish Studies is in many ways a fulfillment of the mitzvah to learn Torah and should be treated as the religious experience that we expect it to be." When asked about the importance of diversity of discourse, Rabbi Student said, "Our religious outlook certainly includes the existence of multiple, valid views under the rubric of Eilu Va-Eilu. However, they must still be within the framework of Orthodox beliefs and not attempt to undermine Divrei Elokim Chayim."

Click here to read moreHere is the full text of the quote I gave The Commentator:

Without speaking about any particular individual or incident, I believe that Jewish Studies in Yeshiva University should be taught by people full of not only knowledge but also Yiras Shamayim. While I may misunderstand the dynamics of visiting speakers, and I welcome correction, it seems to me right now that they should also be included in this religious requirement, whether they are invited by the faculty or the students. Studying Jewish Studies is in many ways a fulfillment of the mitzvah to learn Torah and should be treated as the religious experience that we expect it to be. Our religious outlook certainly includes the existence of multiple, valid views under the rubric of Eilu Va-Eilu. However, they must still be within the framework of Orthodox beliefs and not attempt to undermine Divrei Elokim Chayim.

More articles about YU and Madoff: I, II, III, IV

For those wondering how $14.5MM could turn into $110MM, it requires an average annual return of 14.5% or 20.5% or 13%. See this spreadsheet (Sheets 1, 2 &3): link