Jewish Bearcat of the Week
Featuring Rebecca Linder
What is your major, and why did you decide to pursue this degree?
My major is Human Development with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I chose this path because I’ve always had a passion for working with children, and I want to be the kind of supportive, inspiring teacher I had when I was growing up. Teaching feels like a way for me to give back the love and guidance that shaped me.
Why did you choose Binghamton University?
I chose Binghamton because of its strong academic reputation and the community I found here. The Human Development program offered the perfect blend of social sciences and real-world experience. Plus, I fell in love with the people—especially the Jewish community and Chabad.
Where are you from? Where did you go to high school?
I’m from West Hempstead Long Island, New York, and I went to HANC there too.
What do you love about Jewish life on campus?
Jewish life at Binghamton has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Chabad Downtown became my second home, and Rebbetzin Rivky Slonim became like a second mother to me. There’s a warmth and depth to Jewish life here—it’s welcoming, spiritual, and personal.
What is your favorite book? Why?
My favorite book is Igeret HaRamban because it was the book my mom and I learned together when I was in seminary. This has brought us a lot closer and opened up deeper conversations we had never had before.
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
Shabbat— yes i know it’s not a holiday per say but it is my sacred pause of the week. it gives me a beginning, middle and end and basically forces me to turn all the outside noise off and just connect with Hashem and my family. I love the rituals, the songs, the meals, and the feeling of peace and community that comes with it. It reminds me to slow down and be present.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job would be running a creative art-based early childhood education center/art therapy center -somewhere children can grow emotionally and artistically while feeling safe and inspired. There are obvious advantages to art when it comes to cognitive and physical development.
What’s a quote or saying that you like?
“it happened for me not to me”
How do you envision yourself in twenty years?
I see myself with a family of my own, running a creative education space, deeply involved in my Jewish community, and still learning, growing, and helping others heal through creativity.
What is your favorite Chabad experience?The weekly Tuesday learning sessions with Rivky Slonim. Those talks changed my life. They gave me the courage to embrace Judaism in a p
ersonal, empowering way.
What’s your favorite lockdown experience?
I taught myself guitar!
What makes you proud to be a Jew?
Our resilience, our depth, our wisdom, and our commitment to community. I feel proud to be part of a people who have held onto light through darkness and who continue to create beauty, meaning, and connection in the world. I like how times have also been changing and adapting in the Jewish community to make sure everyone feels welcome.