What is your major, and why did you decide to pursue this degree? 
I’m a psychology major, and I decided to pursue psychology because I’m very passionate about mental health, and want to be able to improve the mental wellbeing of many people because I think that is so special and meaningful! Plus, psychology is just super interesting and fun. 

Why did you choose Binghamton University? 
I chose Binghamton largely because of the fantastic Jewish life, and also because of the pretty campus, good academic and social reputation, large selection of majors to choose from, seemingly nice people, and all at a great price! 

Where are you from? Where did you go to high school? 
I’m from New Rochelle, NY, and I went to high school at what used to be called Solomon Schechter Westchester when I was there, but is now called The Leffell School. 

What do you love about Jewish life on campus? 
I absolutely love how large, lively, supportive, and fun Jewish life is on campus. There is always an event, class, etc. happening, and there are a huge number of friendly students to talk to and possibly become friends with. And I can’t forget about the tons of delicious food provided constantly!!! 

Do you have any siblings? 
Yes, I have one older brother named Yair, who is three years older than me and graduated from Vassar College with a film degree. 

Do you have a hobby? Why do you love it? 
Two of my hobbies are baking and doing jigsaw puzzles. I spent countless weekends and evenings in middle school and high school looking up recipes for and baking all sorts of desserts like peanut butter cookies, cheesecake, cannoli cake (that was my favorite), and 
apple crumb. I just find it so relaxing, fun and satisfying to follow the steps and end up with a delicious result at the end! As for jigsaw puzzles, I’ve completed at least 6 large puzzles, ranging from 500 pieces to 2,000 pieces. This hobby is relaxing to me too, and I like that it stimulates my mind at the same time. 

What is your favorite Jewish food?
Too many to choose from! But desserts are always my favorite, and some of my favorite Jewish ones are kokosh, cheese blintzes with whipped cream, my savta’s apple cake, and my savta’s honey cake for Rosh Hashana. 

What's a quote or saying that you like? 
“Stop waiting for Friday, for summer, for someone to fall in love with you, for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now.”—anonymous based on a quote by Lucy Sutcliffe 

What is your favorite Jewish childhood memory? 
My favorite Jewish childhood memories come from all the times I spent playing with my cousins in synagogue and in our homes during the holidays when we were little, and spending time with the adult relatives as well. For many years, we did the high holidays at my grandparents’ synagogue in Brooklyn, and it was a tiny synagogue where me and my cousins would spend most of the services in the coat area eating Bissli and bamba, climbing and racing each other outside in the small grassy area, and trying to sneak up the stairs to the apartment upstairs from the synagogue. 

How do you envision yourself in twenty years? 
In twenty years, I’ll be 43, and I envision myself married with two or three kids between the ages of 5 and 12 ish, still living in the Northeast somewhere in the suburbs in a nice house, and successful in my career as a mental health counselor, clinical social worker, or something similar!! 

What is your favorite Chabad experience? 
It’s really hard to choose just one of my favorite Chabad experiences from my whole college career, but some would be the Purim carnivals, GNO cupcake wars, Rivky’s holy intimacy talks, and honestly every regular Friday night dinner might be my very favorite part, because of the beauty of the spirit of Shabbat in the room and everyone coming together in my room, which is my best chance to catch up with my friends all week! 

What makes you proud to be a Jew?
I’m proud to be Jewish because we are so incredibly strong-willed. We’ve overcome so much hatred and hardship, and nonetheless always manage to find reasons to smile, laugh, sing, dance and celebrate our Judaism all together. Also, I absolutely love the lessons that Judaism teaches related to how to find happiness, a loving marriage, connection with Hashem, a good relationship with ourselves, being kind to others, and more. There are so many strong morals that stem from Judaism such as helping others and attaching meaning to our actions, which I really love.