YESHIVA

UNIVERSITY
THE ZAHAVAAND MOSHAEL STRAUS
CENTER FOR TORAH AND WESTERN
THOUGHT STRAUS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Application Supplement

Straus Center BH501 New York, NY 10033-3201 212.960.5400 x6902

strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars
I NFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
The Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University helps develop Jewish thinkers and wisdom-seeking Jews by deepening their
education in the best of the Jewish tradition, exposing them to the richness of human knowledge and insight from across the ages,
and confronting them with the great moral, philosophical and theological questions of our age. The Straus Center is dedicated to
bridging an immersion in Torah study with formative academic experience, and hosts numerous academic and communal programs
throughout the year. For more information about the Straus Center please visit www.yu.edu/straus.

The Straus Scholars Program seeks to identify and attract exceptionally gifted undergraduate men and women who demonstrate high
academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to studying the great works of the Jewish and Western traditions.

Straus Scholars will undertake a course of study that includes specially designed, unique interdisciplinary courses bridging Torah, art,
literature, philosophy, and political science. Additionally, Straus Scholars will fully participate in supplementary programs and activities
offered by the Straus Center, and have the opportunity for small group sessions with visiting dignitaries and intellectuals. Scholars will
receive tuition support in the form of an annual scholarship up to $25,000, renewable for up to three years on campus in New York.
Acceptance of this scholarship will replace any previous academic offers from Yeshiva University.

Straus Scholars will be chosen on a competitive basis. The Straus Center will consider high school and post-high school Israel records, letters
of recommendation and proof of deep intellectual engagement with Western and Jewish thought. Select applicants will be notified and invited
for individual interviews. Completed applications should be submitted by January 31st, 2021. Late applications will not be considered.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Applicants who
■ Have already applied to Yeshiva College or Stern College
■ Have excelled in general and Jewish studies while in high school
■ Are engaged in post-high school study in Israel
■ Demonstrate a commitment to Yeshiva University’s philosophy of Torah Umadda and a deep interest in both Jewish and Western thought

■ Exhibit leadership potential through extracurricular activities and community involvement

■ Will be on the NY campus in Academic Year 2021 – 2022

HOW TO APPLY

■ Complete this application

■ Complete the essay
■ Solicit two confidential letters of recommendation
■ Email application and letters of recommendation to strauscenter@yu.edu by January 31st, 2021

2 Straus Center BH501 New York, NY 10033-3201 212.960.5400 x6902

strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars
APPLICANT DATA

Legal name Fuksbrumer Michelle Joy

Last Name First Name Middle Initial/ Name

Preferred name Meital Date of Birth____________________________________________ 03/13/2002

Social Security number (only United States S.S. number) 141 — 11 — 5659

Home address Mailing address (if different from home address)

519 Northumberland rd
Number and Street
Number and Street

Teaneck NJ 07666 City State Zip

City State Zip

201-625-3007 Phone

Phone
meital.fuksbrumer@gmail.com
Email
Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School
High School Attended

07 July 2020
Graduation Date Month Year

Contact information in Israel

Are you currently studying in Israel?
+972 55-931-7502
First Year Migdal Oz Phone
Name of Program meital.fuksbrumer@gmail.com
E-mail
Second Year __________________________________________
Name of Program

Please indicate if you are currently enrolled elsewhere or engaged in another post-high school program or activity.
I am currently participating in the Tikvah Overseas Program.

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Please list your school and community leadership activities as they relate to Torah and Western thought, beginning with the
one most important to you:
As a member of the high school debate team, I had many opportunities to delve into the political and ethical issues plaguing our time. From initial research to
delivery, I spent hours studying niche issues, and then competed against my peers in other schools. Subsequently, as captain, not only was I deeply engaged
in the study of my own arguments, but that of every team member. Such an experience facilitated broader and more cooperative thinking. Moreover, as a
participant in the Tikvah Summer Program, I studied a myriad of topics, ranging from Western and Jewish Philosophy to the Orthodox Literature.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe your special skills or talents: ______________________________________________________________________________________

As someone who enjoys exerting both mind and body, I have been incredibly lucky to have participated in numerous,
diverse, skill-oriented activities throughout high school, such as, but not limited to: volleyball, debate, soccer, poetry,
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
college bowl, and school newspapers.

I won the MVP Award for two consecutive as a volleyball player, and the
List scholarships, prizes or awards you have received both in and out of school: leadership and coaches award for soccer.

Additionally, I was an accredited member of the English Enrichment Program, and won multiple writing contests such as the Siegelbaum Literacy and Visual Arts
Competition, Torrence Legacy Competition, and the FreshInk/StandWithUs contest.
Straus Center BH501 New York, NY 10033-3201 212.960.5400
x6902 strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars 3
RECOMMENDATIIONS

■ Two written letters of recommendation from current or former teachers who can speak to your past achievements
and future potential in the realm of Torah Umadda.

■ Please list the names of the two people who will submit recommendations on your behalf.

1) Dr. Caryn Keller 2) Harabbanit Esti Rosenberg

ESSAY

■ An essay is required. Please answer 1 of the 2 questions below. It must be typed and between 500 – 700 words.

1. Benjamin Franklin once recommended that the national insignia of the United States depict the Israelites' exodus from
Egypt. In what way do you think the story of the Jewish people can and should continue to inspire America today?

2. Describe the impact a secular text has had on your religious life as a Jew, and/or a Torah text that has inspired your
thinking as a member of Western society.

REQUIRED SIGNATURE

REQUIRED SIGNATURE

This certifies that all information contained in this application is complete, accurate and prepared to the best of the applicant’s ability.

01/03/2021
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE

4 Straus Center BH501 New York, NY 10033-3201 212.960.5400 x6902

strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars
 The Zahava and Moshael
Recommendation Form Straus Center for Torah and
Western Thought Straus
Scholars Program

APPLICANT I NFORMATION
To be completed by the applicant:

Fuksbrumer Michelle Joy

Last name First Middle

519 Northumberland rd
Street Address

Teaneck NJ 07666 201-530-0034

City State Zip Home Phone Number

03/13/2002 Meital.fuksbrumer@gmail.com
Date of Birth Email Address

RECOMMENDATION
The Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University helps develop Jewish thinkers and wisdom-seeking
Jews by deepening their education in the best of the Jewish tradition, exposing them to the richness of human knowledge and
insight from across the ages, and confronting them with the great moral, philosophical and theological questions of our age.
The Straus Center is dedicated to bridging an immersion in Torah study with formative academic experience, and hosts
numerous academic and communal programs throughout the year. For more information about the Straus Center please visit
www.yu.edu/straus.

This student is applying for admission to the Straus Scholars Program. The Straus Scholars Program seeks to identify
and attract exceptionally gifted undergraduate students who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership
potential, and commitment to studying the great works of the Jewish and Western traditions. Please comment on the
candidate’s academic ability as well as his/her potential, personality, and leadership qualities, and supply any
additional information that might help us understand why you think this candidate is qualified to be a truly outstanding
Straus Scholar.

All recommendations should be received no later than January 31st, 2021, and should be emailed to
strauscenter@yu.edu

The candidate’s full name should be included in the email subject line of all application material and letters submitted on his/her
behalf.

Signature

Print Name

Position

Organization

Date Address
Straus Center BH501New York, NY 10033-3201212.960.5400 x6902strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars 5
6 Straus Center BH501 New York, NY 10033-3201 212.960.5400 x6902
strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars
 The Zahava and Moshael
Straus Center for Torah and
Recommendation Form Western Thought Straus
Scholars Program

APPLICANT I NFORMATION
To be completed by the applicant:

Fuksbrumer Michelle Joy

Last name First Middle

519 Northumberland rd
Street Address

Teaneck NJ 07666 201-530-0034

City State Zip Home Phone Number

03/13/2002 Meital.fuksbrumer@gmail.com
Date of Birth Email Address

RECOMMENDATION
The Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University helps develop Jewish thinkers and wisdom-seeking
Jews by deepening their education in the best of the Jewish tradition, exposing them to the richness of human knowledge and
insight from across the ages, and confronting them with the great moral, philosophical and theological questions of our age.
The Straus Center is dedicated to bridging an immersion in Torah study with formative academic experience, and hosts
numerous academic and communal programs throughout the year. For more information about the Straus Center please visit
www.yu.edu/straus.

This student is applying for admission to the Straus Scholars Program. The Straus Scholars Program seeks to identify
and attract exceptionally gifted undergraduate students who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership
potential, and commitment to studying the great works of the Jewish and Western traditions. Please comment on the
candidate’s academic ability as well as his/her potential, personality, and leadership qualities, and supply any
additional information that might help us understand why you think this candidate is qualified to be a truly outstanding
Straus Scholar.

All recommendations should be received no later than January 31st, 2021, and should be emailed to
strauscenter@yu.edu

The candidate’s full name should be included in the email subject line of all application material and letters submitted on his/her
behalf.

Signature

Print Name

Position

Organization
Date Address

Straus Center BH501New York, NY 10033-3201212.960.5400 x6902strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars 7

Straus Center BH501 New York, NY 10033-3201 212.960.5400 x6902
strauscenter@yu.edu www.yu.edu/straus-scholars