Dr. Perry Brickman ~ History Visits Yavneh's Halls ~  

History stepped out of the books and into the classroom when Atlanta residents Shirley and Dr. Perry Brickman visited Dr. David Portnoy's Senior Seminar classroom.  Dr. Brickman was featured at the Dallas Jewish Historical Society's Andres Family Lecture Series event, "From Silence to Recognition: Confronting Discrimination in Emory's Dental School History," and his visit was coordinated by DJHS Executive Director, Debra Polsky.

Dr. Brickman, a retired oral surgeon and former Emory University student, one of many who suffered discrimination - ultimately ousted from the school - told the students of the prejudice, then sharing an excerpt of Emory's ultimate public apology, "From Silence to Recognition." (click here to watch). 

"This story stayed hidden from the public eye for more than 60 years and that is a testimony to Emory's ability to deny, suppress, and to cover up discrimination and anti-Semitism," said Dr. Brickman, "and it's sad that the Jewish community valued political correctness to such a degree that they refused to confront a powerful institution that was harming its Jewish students." 

Dr. Brickman's story, and that of many others was very much kept quiet by those who suffered, himself included - and only after he read the ADL book "Some of my Best Friends Are ...," did he investigate amongst his former classmates, conducting interviews in 20 states, determining the severity  and deepest truths of the issue. 

A "fraternity of silence" Mrs. Brickman called it, her husband ultimately producing a documentary on the subject. Essentially, 65 percent of the Jewish students at Emory's dental school either failed out, or had to repeat significant amounts of coursework. "There were four Jewish boys in my class. All four of us were gone in two years," said Dr. Brickman, noting the contrast to his experience at Emory as an undergraduate. 

His ultimate consideration to Yavneh's students, a heartfelt message of four lessons:

1)   I wanted to bring the truth to light, the response - the ultimate apology - unintended by me.  Know that it's never to late to right a wrong, and always have the courage to apologize, do it quickly, open, and with sincerity.

2)   When the man who served as dean during the time in question resign - the matter was "closed."  Never leave the wounded on the battlefield, and don';t wait to be asked for help.

If someone falls, you pick them up.

3)   It took years to find the students whose life paths were changed. Many had felt humiliated and shamed.  Regardless of adversity, you can determine your own futures.

4)   The truth must always be honored.  Keep your eyes and ears open and realize it's never too late to apologize.  Emet tirdof, tzedek tirdof ~ righteousness shall you pursue.

Yavneh Leadership in the Community -  

                               Strength at BBYO IC 2014 ~  

       photo credit & appreciation to unknown participants and Michelle Friedstadt '14

Kol Hakavod to Yavneh's representation at the BBYO International  Convention (IC), hosted last  weekend at Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel.  With more than 2000 Jewish teens, from 20 countries, gathered together - it was Jacob Herstein '15, Gadol of North Texas Oklahoma Region, who officially opened the convention.  Joining Jacob in leading the global teen connection, were Yavneh emissaries; Mika Stein '13 Grand Aleph Godol/ International President and Gary Levine '14 Grand Aleph Shaliach/International Vice President of Judaic Programming, Community Service and Social Action.  In addition, close to 50 Yavneh students, from numerous BBYO chapters, many holding chapter and regional offices, attended the IC.

"Seeing IC unfold as one of the event's planners was unreal and even that is an understatement," said Gary.  "It was the culmination of working throughout the year to provide a home - a haven - for thousands of Jewish teens around the world.  We came together and the energy was unprecedented.

Mika, introduced with honor by his Zeida Moe Stein, gave an amazing State of the Order address, including a multi-faceted  shout out to Yavneh.

Yavneh Family members on the speakers' menu include Jaynie Schultz (Yavneh Board member and Mother of Adina '16, Dalya '14, and Ben '12) who spoke about Life Lessons on Leadership and Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum who co-led a Rebbe's Tisch with Shabbat singing, storytelling as well as a discussion titled Anti-Semitism Goes Viral: Seven Reasons Why They Hate Us which had more than 200 teens participate. Bertta Herstein (Mother of Jacob '14 and Jillian '12) was on deck, medical kit in tow.

"I was so excited to be invited to come an teach Judaism to teens from all over the world who may not have local opportunities for learning and it was such a great experience to see our students in action. Not only did many of our students to lead Kabbalat Shabbat with their singing and dancing, but I also had them teach a beautiful niggun to the other kids Friday night at the Rebbe's Tisch," said Rabbi Tannenbaum who also led a Carlebach-style service Friday night.  "That is why I go. I love teaching and impacting other teens. BBYO brings together teens from all over the world and I savor these opportunities to be able to help them bring Judaism alive to these groups."

"Having Rabbi Tannenbaum there made the experience even more special," said Gary, "as I was able to share the feeling of being inspired by his insight, presence, and passion for Jewish education with some of my closest friends around the country and world."

Indeed, Jewish teens of the world inspired by Yavneh connections - inspiration, indeed.