NYC Gazette

Yeshiva University's Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought recently concluded an extracurricular seminar series titled "Writing as a Public Intellectual: An Advanced Mentorship Program" for the academic year 2023-2024. The sessions, led by Dr. Tevi Troy, aimed to provide professional development opportunities for YU alumni, staff, and faculty, as well as aspiring writers outside the YU community.

Dr. Troy, a prolific writer with over 400 articles and multiple books to his credit, shared his methods and advice for writing and pitching pieces based on his extensive experience in the field. Throughout the year, the seminar welcomed a host of prominent writers and editors who offered valuable insights to the participants.

Guest presenters included Dr. Abe Socher, editor of the Jewish Review of Books, who shared his editorial experiences and advice on effective book reviews. Dr. Liel Leibovitz, editor at large for Tablet Magazine, also contributed by presenting his "Ten Commandments" for writing, adding to the diverse perspectives offered in the series.

In the spring semester, the seminar continued to feature esteemed speakers such as Elliott Kaufman, letters editor at The Wall Street Journal, who delved into the intricacies of crafting and pitching successful letters to the editor. Adam Kirsch, a renowned literary critic and features editor at The Wall Street Journal, provided guidance on submitting pieces for his section. Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet, discussed the magazine's history and mission in the rapidly evolving media landscape of the twenty-first century.

Reflecting on the seminar series, Dr. Troy expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It has been a pleasure to work with a group of YU-affiliated professionals who want to learn about the challenging but rewarding world of writing for publication." He added, "I was excited to give them my insights from decades of experience in this world, and I've benefited along with them in learning from the tremendous guest speakers."

The seminar series provided a unique opportunity for individuals to enhance their writing skills, learn from industry experts, and navigate the dynamic landscape of publishing in today's digital age.