The Dream Job: YU Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Michael Taubes - Aseh Lecha Rav

Rabbi Michael Taubes reflects on a life deeply intertwined with Yeshiva University, tracing his journey from a childhood in the fledgling Orthodox community of Teaneck to becoming an educator, administrator, and eventually a Rosh Yeshiva in RIETS. Throughout the interview, he emphasizes the transformative power of dedicated Torah learning, meaningful relationships with rebbeim, and a lifelong commitment to chinuch. Growing up in Teaneck during the 1960s, Rabbi Taubes recalls a community with only one Orthodox shul, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, and virtually no local kosher food. His father, an English literature professor at Yeshiva College for over forty years, maintained strong ties to YU, making the university a central part of family life. Rabbi Taubes attended Yavneh Academy and later became part of the first graduating class of Moriah. Several educators profoundly shaped his development. Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen instilled discipline through chazarah and night learning, Rabbi Michael Hecht introduced him to serious study of Rishonim, and Rabbi Leibel Dulitz taught careful Gemara analysis and memorization. Dulitz also brought him to hear Rav Soloveitchik, sparking a lifelong admiration for the Rav. After entering Yeshiva College early, Rabbi Taubes spent a year at Yeshivat Har Etzion, where Rav Aharon Lichtenstein became a major influence. Upon returning, at Rav Lichtenstein’s encouragement, he joined the Rav’s shiur in YU. Although the Rav was no longer in peak health, Rabbi Taubes describes witnessing extraordinary Torah brilliance and later had the privilege of helping edit and preserve the Rav’s teachings. During and after semicha, he developed a close relationship with Rabbi Hershel Schachter, participating in his chaburas, taking bechinos, and learning extensively under his guidance. At the same time, Rabbi Taubes taught in several schools while maintaining a rigorous learning schedule. Though he always preferred teaching to administration, he was eventually asked to serve as principal of MTA during a difficult period when the school’s future was uncertain. He later returned for a second term as head of school before being appointed Rosh Yeshiva in RIETS, a position he describes as a dream role. Even today, he remains involved with MTA through shiurim, shailos, and special educational programs. Rabbi Taubes draws inspiration from the Rav, Rav Lichtenstein, and Rabbi Schachter, while also maintaining connections to the Chassidic world through the Munkatcher Rebbe. He recounts recovering fully from a stroke and credits both communal tefillah and encouragement from Rabbi Cohen. His advice to students is simple: maximize time in Yeshiva, never compromise serious seder, and recognize that habits formed in youth shape the future. He strongly advocates for careers in chinuch, particularly elementary education, emphasizing that a true mechanech molds each student according to his or her unique personality and needs. He concludes by expressing profound hakaras hatov to Yeshiva University, which shaped his family and his own life. For Rabbi Taubes, YU remains home—a place where he can continue teaching Torah, inspiring students, and carrying forward the legacy of his rebbeim. 3:21 Growing up in Teaneck and early community 6:14 Elementary schooling: Yavneh Academy and Moriah 8:09 High school at MTA and influential teachers 17:45 Junior Year Abroad program decision 19:12 Studying with Rav Soloveitchik at YU 7:12 Meeting the Rav with a shayla 5:45 Editing the Rav's publications and legacy 0:57 The Rav’s shiur style and study methods 17:16 Choosing teaching during semicha track 22:33 Getting involved with the Teaneck Eruv 1:26 Becoming principal of MTA during crisis 19:06 Being asked to be Rosh Yeshiva at RIETS 10:07 No Rush to Leave Yeshiva 5:47 Calling for More Chinuch Teachers 21:25 Defining Chinuch via Rashi