Apr 13, 2010 -- Ari Lamm, a Yeshiva College senior and resident of West Hempstead, was recently awarded a Fulbright Grant – a first for a Yeshiva University undergraduate. He will spend next semester pursuing a master’s degree in Hebrew and Judaic Studies at University College London School of Oriental and African Studies. The specific area on which he will focus is the historical context of the Babylonian Talmud during the Persian Empire, and the influence of Zoroastrian philosophy and law on the Talmud. “This is fertile ground for discovery in terms of using texts of one culture to illuminate texts of another culture,” Lamm explained. “There was a great deal of cross-pollination between the two.” He credits his mentor, Dr. Yaakov Elman, with getting him “hooked on the field.” Dr. Elman is professor of Judaic studies at YU and an associate professor at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies. “I’ve had amazing professors at Yeshiva University, but Dr. Elman is a treasure. This is a subject that is taking the Jewish academic world by storm and YU is on the cutting edge of this area of Jewish scholarship,” added Lamm. “Aside from his intelligence and creativity, Ari has an even rarer quality - leadership,” said Dr. Elman. “He will succeed at whatever field he undertakes.” In 2008, Lamm was named a Kressel Scholar to support his research on the intellectual history of the Amoraim (ancient scholars) of the Babylonian Talmud. The scholarships were established to make it possible for students to work with talented faculty in advancing knowledge and encourage more students to pursue a career in research through graduate studies. Lamm is also active on several other fronts. He is an assistant coach with the basketball team at the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy and he plays guitar and teaches music to seniors in a jazz ensemble.