Featuring Noam
Traeger
What is your major, and why did you decide to pursue this degree?
I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in art. I really enjoy problem solving, challenging myself, and coming up with/executing creative ideas and I thought this would be a great way to make that my career path.
Where are you from? Where did you go to high school?
I am from West Hempstead (on Long Island) and I went to HANC High School.
What do you love about Jewish life on campus?
I love how friendly everyone is and how there are so many opportunities to be involved in Jewish life.
Do you have any siblings?
I have 2 younger siblings, one brother and one sister.
What is your favorite book? Why?
My favorite book right now is The Westing Game. I recently reread it and can't get over the plot twists and how good the book was in general. 10/10 would recommend reading it. I've read it more times than I can remember.
Do you have a hobby? Why do you love it?
My favorite hobby is making art/drawing/painting. I love experimenting with different mediums and seeing my ideas come to life. I also enjoy the freedom I have with it and how it's something that can connect with everyone.
What is your favorite Jewish food?
My favorite Jewish food is a good latke. I love a latke with a really really crispy outside and a soft inside. I especially love to have it with salsa. I've been told by some that this is a hot take but I find it delicious and that the chunkier the salsa you eat the latke with the better.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is the ribs that my grandmother makes. They are the perfect mix of sweet and savory and I always look forward to eating them when we have them on Shabbat and chagim.
If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be and why?
I would be Raisin Bran Crunch. Raisin Bran is an underrated and over hated cereal but that's besides the point. Raisin Bran in general, and especially the Crunch version, has the perfect feel good taste of the crunch from the flakes and honey-oat clusters, the flavor from the clusters, and the sweetness from the raisins. I feel like that kinda represents me in a way.
What is your favorite Jewish childhood memory?
My favorite Jewish childhood memory/memories are the chagim I spent at my grandparents house with my cousins. The time we spent in shul together was very meaningful even when I was younger and the meals we had together were always so fun. We would also play games together non stop. When we were supposed to be sleeping, we would often throw stuffed
animals over the wall that divided the two rooms we were staying in, not wanting to stop playing (sorry Mommy and Aba).
What's your favorite lockdown experience?
My one of favorite experiences from lockdown would definitely be from the first month or so of it. Since it wasn't mandatory to have our cameras on for online classes, I would be cleaning my room and reading books on the bean bag chair in my room. I still paid attention to my classes but I don't think I've ever read more or had a cleaner room in my life.
