This past Sunday, the annual YU Seforim Sale began its three-week commitment to pretending it doesn’t have a hidden agenda.

This event is expected to be packed with people anxious to participate in the only real time of year when they get to check out all the well-groomed, good-looking seforim that have arrived  from Israel in the last year. One first semester Stern College student, who is eagerly  awaiting the event said, “I really need a new Women’s Siddur. I have last year’s edition, but it’s not pink!”

This year, though, the usual hordes of people did not rush into Belfer Hall when the sale opened its doors on Sunday. It seems that February 5 also happened to be the same day as a popular annual football game, and apparently one of the teams playing is technically a New York team, despite playing its games in New Jersey. People were ultimately forced to choose between their love of American sports’ traditions and their tolerance of awkward social situations that involve books. One sale official seemed quite confident that the game would not hurt the sale’s attendance. He said, “Which would you rather go to: A party that will have tons of excitement, people, and fun… or a Super Bowl party? I thought so.” 

One junior YC student had plans to attend the sale on the opening day, saying, “There’s no other real opportunity to see so many beautiful seforim. Of course, I don’t let  girls being there have any bearing on my attendance. But, there are so many seforim there, I plan on going every day.” When we informed him that Sunday was also the day of the Super Bowl, he said, “Who needs seforim? I’m doing it just to make my makom in the Beis Midrash look nice.” He then proceeded to chant the word “football,”  tear his shirt, pull out a beer can from his pocket, chug that, and smash the empty can against his forehead. 

Whether or not more people chose football over books, one thing is clear:  YU's attempt to prevent people from watching the halftime show is definitely hilarious.