Jewish Owl of the Week - Kennesaw Chabad Jewish Center

Kelsey Sternberg

Thursday, August 31, 2017 - 4:58 PM

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Full Name: Kelsey Hilah Sternberg

Hometown: Marietta, GA

Class Year: 2021

Major: Nursing

Can you tell us your favorite part about your first semester at KSU thus far? I love the independence that I have. The food is awesome too!

What do you find the most difficult aspect of being a college student? Managing my time between doing homework and taking a nap.

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you? I’m crazy. I don’t think there is ever a time when I am not saying something weird.

Do you have a favorite school subject?

Yes, it is anatomy. I love learning about the human body and how everything connects.

Who is currently your biggest role model?

Honestly, I think my brother Zach is my biggest role model. He is such a happy person pretty much all the time, and he always makes the best of any situation.

If you could have one super power, what would that be? Why?

Not going to lie, I wish I was a mermaid. But, that might just be because I have been binge watching H2O lately.

You are involved with Chabad on campus. What was your first impression of the organization? Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I love it.

What is one of your favorite Jewish traditions/holiday? My favorite tradition is being able to celebrate the Jewish holidays (and getting an excused absence in school for that).

Why would you encourage Jewish students to get involved with Chabad? It is a great way to meet a ton of nice people, and you get really awesome food every Friday night.

Favorite Jewish Food?

Chocolate covered Matza.

Josh Nooromid

Thursday, August 24, 2017 - 3:19 PM

Josh Nooromid

Full Name: Josh Nooromid

Class Year: 2020

Major: Business Management
Other: Sinai Scholars Fellow

If you could tell yourself one piece of advice coming into college, what would that be?

There are a lot of different clubs to join and different ways to spend your time. You have to make sure that you’re spending your time correctly with the best people in order to make the most of your experience. It really is what you make of it, so make the best out of your experience here.

Can you tell us an interesting fact that people would be surprised to know about you?

In high school I worked at a florist shop.

If you could pick any place in the world to travel to, where would that be, and why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would love to go to India. Although I have heard stories about how small door frames and beds are (because I am tall) in the Asia-India area, the only things I know about India is what I have been told and have seen on TV. I would love the opportunity to see it for myself.

Can you tell me your favorite part of the Jewish community on campus?

While starting out at Kennesaw last year I was a little intimidated by the tight knit community I was becoming a part of, but this is exactly what I think I like most about this community.

Why would you encourage other Jewish students to get involved with Chabad?

Rabbi and Nechami. It’s really that simple. I don’t think I’ve ever met more welcoming people. If you’re a KSU Jew and you haven’t met Rabbi and Nechami, something is wrong.

Who is your favorite Jew? And Why?

Elie Wiesel. When I was in 8^th grade, I had to read “Night”, and until this day, it has still resonated with me. He’s an inspiration to Jewish people all over the world.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I don’t want to jinx it, but I think I’ll be 30 with a great job!

What is one of your proudest moments as a Jew?

The more and more stories that I hear about a small nation (Israel) successfully throwing their weight around in a violent Middle East, my pride of being a Jew increases.

What is your favorite Jewish food?

Shawarma.

Zach Lopater

Thursday, August 17, 2017 - 5:34 PM

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Full Name: Zachary Lopater

Hometown: Manhassat, NY

Class Year: 2019

Major: Criminal Justice

Sinai Scholar

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you?

I am a very laid-back individual when I have time to be, and a hard-working, goal-oriented student/employee. I know the importance of completing a goal when one is set out to be, but I also understand that leisure time is a must and must be enjoyed.

Tell us about the most memorable part of your summer.

The most memorable part of my summer was probably my birthday. The night before August 1^st, a friend of mine who shared a birthday with me threw a party at her house for both of us, and she invited tons of people I hadn’t seen or spoken to in months/years. Getting to catch up with those guys and girls was a perfect way to end my summer.

Who is currently your biggest role model?

I’d have to say my dad is my biggest role model. He is someone who has taught me many valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today, and has supported me and inspired me in tough situations that I have had to struggle to get out of through life.

What is your favorite thing about KSU thus far?

My favorite thing about KSU is definitely The Commons. I always know I am going to have the best food whenever I swipe in, and I always leave with a full belly, and a smile on my face.

Why would you encourage other Jewish students on campus to get involved with Chabad?

Chabad has introduced a whole new aspect of my social and religious life in ways I didn’t know I was missing out on. I get to see and hang out with close friends whatever time of day or day of the week it is, and it has strengthened my connection to Judaism in a very large capacity.

What do you find the most difficult aspect of being a college student?

The most difficult thing about being a college student is trying to find balance. I have a part-time job, classes, I’m an RA(Resident Assistant), and I have a social life. Trying to maintain a balance between all of that and everything in between is tough. I like to think I am in a good position to keep a steady balance between everything that I have going on, but I know others struggle to do so.

Where do you spend most of your time on campus?

As of recently, my apartment. I like how after work and classes, I can just kick off my shoes and relax without having to drive home 45 minutes.

What has been one of your proudest Jewish moments?

My Birthright trip to Israel. I felt a resurgence to my connection with Judaism that I thought I had lost throughout the years after my Bar Mitzvah. Since this trip, I have tried to be a better Jew in every way I can, and I can say that I am a better man now than I was before because of Birthright.

What is your favorite Jewish food?

Matzah Brei. Easy question.