In 1975, Chancellor Gerson Cohen gave the go ahead, and Rabbi Brodie's vision became a reality when the Office of Student Life opened with two part-time student workers. It was recently cited twice by the Middle States evaluation team in its listing of the Seminary's top ten features. The Seminary wouldn't be the same. You can't teach Judaism just by studying text. You have to live as a Jew and be social and be integrated into the world.
Student Life creates community through Jewish life and observance.
The atmosphere of student life is set by the tone in the office. There are usually students milling around, talking to Rabbi Brodie, now vice president for student affairs, or chatting with Sara Horowitz, director of student life. During our brief chat in her office, more than a few students popped their heads in to take advantage of her ear, her warmth and her openness. Students confess with a smile that they do drop in for the cookies. They set a friendly tone and make the students feel good.