What is your major, and why did you decide to pursue this degree?
As a freshman, my major is currently undecided, but I am interested in pursuing a Pre-Law track.
Where are you from? Where did you go to high school?
I am from Long Island, NY, and attended Great Neck North High School.
Why did you choose Binghamton University?
The #1 factor in choosing Binghamton was the Jewish environment. Once I found out there was a Chabad on Campus, that sealed the deal.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have two older sisters, Natalie (25) and Nourit (23).
What is your favorite Jewish childhood memory?
Pesach seders with the Monasheri’s are always a good time. As a Persian Sephardi, everyone at the dinner table is anxiously waiting for Dayenu: The Battle of Scallions; the annual Sephardic tradition to whip their seder-mates with oversized scallions
during the Passover classic song of “Dayenu.” At one seder, my father jokingly brought out a belt from his room to use as a more powerful device. With Dayenu, it really isn’t who wins or loses, but how you play the game - in this case, my dad definitely won.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi and ghormeh sabzi (A Persian green stew).
What is your favorite Jewish food?
Definitely gefilte fish.
What's your favorite lockdown experience?
Amidst a global pandemic, all of us surely have interesting lockdown stories. However, a year before the lockdown began, I was given a short glimpse into how lockdown would be like. Door locks in the Middle East are unique. During a trip to Israel,
I was locked in a restroom stall for almost two hours until a handyman came to unlatch the door! Thankfully that didn’t happen during this pandemic!
What do you love about Jewish life on campus?
I love how every student is supportive of each person’s religious level. No matter how much a person observes, everyone is friendly and accepting of one another.
What is your favorite Chabad experience?
Even though all Shabbats at Chabad are amazing, the first Freshman Shabbat was very memorable, with its friendly ambiance.
