Jewish Tradition

New York Medical College (NYMC) has been a bastion against anti-Semitism and bigotry in health sciences education since its founding in 1860. The College accepted women into medical school by 1863 and its first African-American graduate was valedictorian of the Class of 1870. The picture on the right shows the medical school's students in 1901: men and women and an African-American student. NYMC long ignored the quota system that prevented members of the Jewish faith and other communities from attending medical school. The College continues that tradition of inclusiveness today and is proud to have a highly diverse student body, faculty, and staff. All are welcome at NYMC.

In 2011, NYMC became part of the Touro College and University system. Chartered in 1970 to serve the American community and enrich the Jewish heritage, Touro's U.S. campuses are located in New York, Illinois, Nevada, and California. Jewish students at New York Medical College will find a campus with a kosher dining hall under the supervision of a mashgiach of the Orthodox Union; designated space on campus for Shacharit services, Mincha and Ma'ariv; an academic calendar that is cognizant of Sabbath observance and the Jewish holidays; periodic shiurim; and an eruv encompassing the campus.

The late Dr. Bernard Lander founded Touro College and served as its first president until his death in February 2010. The creation of The Touro College and University System was solely based upon the vision and nonstop energies held by Dr. Lander. His life was dedicated to Touro College’s establishment and success.

It is crucial that we do not forget this brilliant and humble man who created Touro institutions across the U.S. and overseas. Dr. Bernard Lander’s life ambition was Touro College. We remember this dynamic visionary and remember him – founder and first president of Touro College (1970-2010). Having joined the Touro College and University System in 2011, New York Medical College pays tribute to Touro’s founder and not let his memory be forgotten. We have the privilege to continue Dr. Lander's legacy as part of the Touro College and University System.

Campus Eruv

The NYMC Valhalla Campus Eruv encloses the central portion of the campus using existing building and structure walls and fences and filling gaps with wire strung from poles. See the attached map for the approximate boundaries. Please note the following key points:

• Only the insides of buildings along the route are included; the outer walls of the buildings are part of the boundary. Ground floor patios in student housing along the boundary line are OUTSIDE the eruv. Above ground balconies are all within the eruv, as are patios (such as those facing the courtyard) that are not along the boundary line.
• Please familiarize yourself and be aware of the boundary since it crosses the middle of some lawn areas, particularly around Grasslands housing, the Alumni House and to the east of Sunshine Cottage.
• Although the eruv uses SHSP (Vosburgh) as a boundary, the building itself does not have Shabbat access (the main entrance is outside the eruv). Similarly, Sunshine cottage is closed on Shabbat.
• The MEC/BSB complex is accessible through the security office. Note that some spaces in the BSB and MEC may have automated lighting and plumbing controls. The library, lounge, café, and nearby restrooms are available for Shabbat use, as are corridors.
• Eruv status will be checked bi-weekly unless there has been unusual construction or disruptive/turbulent weather on campus.
• As in all communal eruvim, this eruv is intended to enhance the Shabbat experience on campus. Please keep this in mind as you utilize the eruv in planning your Shabbat activities.
• The eruv was constructed under rabbinical guidance and any questions about the eruv should be directed to Rabbi Moshe Krupka, Executive Vice President, Touro College and University System. Rabbi Krupka can be reached at moshe.krupka@touro.edu or (646) 565-6277.

NYMC Valhalla Campus Eruv Status