Over the summer, ’s Undergraduate Torah Studies and the Office of Residence Life began construction of a new Sephardic Beit Midrash in Morgenstern Hall. Over the summer, the Sephardic Beit Midrash will be relocated into the current student lounge space, enabling for a more vibrant, meaningful and spacious Beit Midrash experience for students.

Sephardic students gather in the former Beit Midrash.

Students who utilize the current Sephardic Beit Midrash have maximized and frequently overflowed from the existing Beit Midrash, necessitating the plans to relocate to a larger space. The new space will create a more welcoming and expansive environment for the growing population of Sephardic students among ’s student body. Sephardic Rabbinic leadership and student leaders have been involved and consulted at each step of this project. They are excited to share the new space with their fellow Sephardim, as well as the many others, especially the residents of Morgenstern Hall. All students on campus, Sephardic or Ashkenazi, are welcome and encouraged to use the new space to learn Torah, Daven and grow spiritually.

Rabbi Dan Cohen, Sephardic Mashgiach, talks to students.

"Sephardic programs at are on the rise and this new Sephardic Beit Midrash will greatly enhance our efforts,” said Rabbi Dan Cohen, Sephardic Mashgiach at . “We are very excited to move into this new space and offer a highly meaningful experience to our students.” As these renovations are made, the current student lounge will be relocated into the former Sephardic Beit Midrash area. The lounge will be upgraded with new furniture featuring a modern design and will be expanded into the lobby to enhance the space for students. Improvements will include stool seating at an elevated table facing out the front windows onto Amsterdam Ave. With these upgrades, aims to create a unique ambience in the lounge to better serve students. designed the new student lounge with student input, including Resident Advisors. Both projects will enhance and elevate campus life at for all.